The Passing

Likeness with Animosity

Kohana held an elven cloak as she peered into the mirror before her.

A woman she did not recognize stared back at her. She had always envisioned herself as a young girl, due to most of elves around her exceeded her age by millenniums. Her sun bleached hair rested over her shoulders and pulled into a low ponytail. Her tan skin was garbed in tight breeches, white linen tunic, and belt that hung on her hips. Thankfully, Kohana had engineered a makeshift bra herself, for the seamstress had proved difficult to persuade into making one.

She had aged in her face.

Her almond shaped green eyes held more shadows that she could remember having before she arrived in middle earth. Her hands had become callused from holding a bow, and working on the little garden she had made for herself in her spare time.

Kohana's youthful beauty had faded. It was molded and stretched, as if time had rearranged it. Her hands came up to her face, as if to trace the pattern of her change.

Her trance was interrupted by a sound behind her.

Elrond entered the girl's room. His hands were clasped behind his back in proper elvish form, and he held much concern in his face.

"Are you ready, child?" He looked into the girl's eyes.

Kohana nodded solemnly. She walked over to her bed where her traveling bag lay. The bag contained and extra change of clothing, a comb, soap, her journal, and small cloths for her monthly flows.

Being a woman sucked, especially when you were about to travel with a bunch of men that won't understand why you have to stop every few hours to relieve yourself.

Stupid elves.

Elrond ushered her out of her chamber and she continued to pace herself beside him as they walked through the corridors of the palace.

"Kohana?"

The girl looked at Elrond. He turned to her with a glimmer in his eyes.

"Try to behave yourself, girl. Do not talk unless spoken to." The elf lord paused. "Remember, these elves will despise you."

"Like I could forget." Kohana murmured. She ached at the thought of traveling will these stupid elves that would probably hate her, not speak to her, and treat her like she didn't exist.

As Kohana and Elrond arrived at the main hall of the palace the two were met by Glorfindel. The palace seemed to be deserted, as guards lined the perimeter around her.

Elrond was putting on the facade that Kohana was dangerous.

"I will prepare the Mirkwood party for departure."

'There was much to tell the Prince', Elrond thought. The elf lord nodded to Kohana and Glorfindel as he left. Kohana let out a sigh.

Glorfindel pretended he hadn't heard it. With the absence of Elrond, and the three amigos of to the side along with the rest of the guard, Glorfindel relaxed.

"You will be fine, young one." He assured the obviously nervous girl. Kohana looked at him and gave a strained sigh again.

She reached to her chest and unhooked the cross that hung around her neck. She stared at the necklace for a minute or two as the emerald and diamonds glimmered under the torch's light. Slowly she raised her head to look at the elf before her. She reached for his hands and laid the jewelry inside them. He looked at her in confusion.

"Take care of it for me." She smiled at his confusion, "I have no need of such finery in the darkness of Mirkwood."

Glorfindel nodded.

"I will return the ornament when we meet again."

Both knew there were slim chances of seeing the other again, but held onto the false hope that fate might change.

Both stood in silence in the hallway for a time.

Kohana analyzed every line, every curve of Glorfindel's face. It was if she stared at the elf long enough his form would be implanted into her brain. He reached up and found a strand of her hair.

Both where snapped into reality as Elrond returned.

"It is time, Kohana."

Kohana lifted the hood to her cloak. She followed Elrond through the doors where fate awaited to change her path once again.