Between the Lines
By penpunk
Disclaimer: The only elements of this story belonging to my mind are Kat, Tinuviel, Carandil, Luinuial, Daewen, Aelin-Brethil, and various other things that are not in Tolkien's books.
Chapter 4: No More Dresses
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In the early morning, two horses were packed and Kat and Legolas were mounted and ready to go. There travel plan was easy enough but the journey would be a long one. They would travel from Rivendell to Mirkwood using the Old Forest Road through the Misty Mountains. From there, they would ride up to Mirkwood. After a stay in Mirkwood, Legolas would escort her back to Aelin-Brethil. She also had the feeling that Legolas wasn't very happy with this. It would only be the two of them traveling together as Tinuviel would stay back in Rivendell, as was Carandil.
"Just me and hateful elf boy," thought Kat as they started riding south. "Perfect. This is great."
For most of the first day, Kat and Legolas rode side by side in silence. As the sun began to sink in the horizon, Legolas stopped his horse and dismounted. Kat found this odd. She knew elves could go for days without sleep. The journey would take forever if they stopped every night. Legolas walked over to Kat's mount and held a hand out to her.
"We will rest here tonight. You are still unwell and it would not be wise to continue down our path during the night."
Kat nodded and grabbed the proffered hand. She dismounted and straightened her riding dress. Kat had hated dresses before coming to Middle-earth. Now, she absolutely despised them. What she wouldn't give for a pair of riding pants and boots. Legolas lead the horses away to a nearby tree and tied them up for the night. He swept past her and busied himself with making a fire and preparing camp. Kat stood off to the side, not sure what to do. Obviously, Elenril would have objected to such accommodations. The other provided her with that information. Even though Elenril was an elf, she was a very strange one, acting more human than Eldar. She was disgusted by the idea of staying outdoors.
'How is that possible,' thought Kat. 'Elves are practically nature themselves.'
Kat walked around the edge of the small clearing they decided to make camp in, picking up sticks and pieces of wood to help build the fire with. She walked back over to Legolas and deposited the stack next to him. Legolas looked at her briefly, a strange unreadable look weaving itself across his face.
'Obviously Elenril is not one to help out much,' mused Kat as she walked back to the edge of the clearing, looking for more wood.
***
Legolas looked up from the still unlit fire and his eyes rested on the dark elf slowly circling him.
'It must be some illness to get Elenril off her lazy elven behind to actually do some work,' thought Legolas as he looked back down to his work. Certainly the thought of Elenril actually doing something to help him could be thought of as irrational but he had seen it with his own eyes. He couldn't help but look up once more and watch the circling figure. She was so graceful in her movements. Naturally, elves were graceful but Elenril had a certain air about her that was never present before. She bent over to pick up another stick and as she stood up straight, met his gaze. Her blue eyes burned into his before Legolas looked back down at his work.
'Get a hold of yourself,' he thought as he shook his head. 'She is but an orc in an elven shell. An ugly creature waiting to ensnare her next meal.'
***
Legolas had finally gotten the fire started and was now taking out some food from his bag. He handed Kat a cloth with a piece of elven bread and an apple in it. He also handed her a water skin. They sat in silence, eating their meal. Darkness fell quickly. Kat looked over at her companion. The fire cast dancing shadows across the planes and angles of Legolas' face. Her modern mind imagined the blonde elf in jeans and a t- shirt or a nice suit. Kat thought the images were most appealing.
Legolas reminded Kat of the male models featured in Gap ads or such. His perfectly oval face was subtly angular with the most perfect cheeks bones she had ever seen. His dark blue eyes were set off by black lashes and his dark eyebrows were shaped in the effect most pluckers wished to achieve. But it was not just the looks of Legolas that struck a chord in her. He possessed an aura around him that drew Kat in, even though he had been nothing but cruel to her. Although alien and disinterested, he had presence. He was rational and compassionate with everyone but her. Definitely not her.
Legolas finished his meal and took a swig from the water skin. He sat looking into the fire, sitting crossed legged with his elbows resting on a log behind him. Kat sat, also staring into the fire, her almost untouched meal resting on her lap. She looked back over at Legolas and saw him staring at her.
"Does the food not suit you my Lady?" said Legolas coldly, practically hissing out the last part. Kat shook her head quickly, slightly embarrassed. She picked off another piece of bread and swallowed it as loneliness began to creep into her mind. Her desire for someone to talk to was unbearable. She needed to tell someone, anyone, what happened to her. The need to converse was so intense, she felt her eyes well up with tears.
"Lady Elenril," began Legolas, casting Kat from her almost tearful fit, " since we are going to be together for several weeks, please could you explain?"
Kat looked at him with a confused expression.
"Would you have me beg?" he asked abruptly when Kat failed to answer (how did he expect her to answer him in the first place?).
"I have parchment with me; I would like to know. I think you owe me, our families, and our guests, that."
Kat knew he was talking about their former betrothal but she had no answer for Legolas. She shrugged halfheartedly, swearing at Elenril for her incomplete memory. Legolas' eyes glittered in the fire light as his lips compressed into a straight line. She shrugged again, expressing to him she had no idea what he was talking about. Apparently, she convinced him.
"As you like, Lady Elenril," he spat. "I thought that after all these many years since we had seen each other, it would have been enough to be able to deal with past questions. We could have worked out this . . . this relationship, but I see that you have not changed. I will not question you again. I just fail to understand-," he broke off and stood up, walking off towards the horses. Kat watched him stalk off.
'Damn that insufferable elf,' thought Kat as she pulled her legs into her chest and resting her head on her knees. 'When I gain my voice back, there will certainly be hell to pay. He will not be so high and mighty when I can talk back to him.'
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The days past quickly for the two elves. Most of the time, they rode in silence (Kat really didn't have much choice). The little conversation they did have was forced and always difficult, but Kat didn't blame Legolas' animosity for that. Who would want to converse with a mute person that they just happened to despise? They still stopped every night to make camp, which Kat thought completely unnecessary. She was perfectly healthy; the only thing ailing her was the lack of a voice.
About a week into their journey, as they were making camp pm the east side of the Misty Mountains, Kat and Legolas were met by a group of men from Esgaroth, traveling west. They were attracted by the fire Legolas had made and even more attached by the smell of the cooking food. As the horsemen rode up, Kat counted their number. There were six men all together with seven horses. Legolas had heard them from a ways off and already had his bow drawn. Kat, although technically an elf, was still getting used to the all the sounds her new sensitive pointed ears could pick up.
"Who are you and what is your business," boomed Legolas' melodic yet authoritative voice as the riders stopped at the edge of their camp.
"We are Lake-men and our business is to travel west, though we wish to share your fire if you allow us to," said the lead man. He was clean-shaven with shoulder length blonde hair. Kat stood up from her spot on the ground to get a better look at the group. She noticed how very attractive the man was but pushed back her protesting modern mind and put on a face of elven indifference.
"What is your name?" asked Legolas as he brought down his bow. The man dismounted from his horse and walked into the golden ring of light the fire was casting.
"I am Endir son of Endos," said the blonde man. "May I ask yours?"
"I am Legolas son of Thranduil of Mirkwood. My companion is Lady Elenril of Aelin-Brethil," Legolas motioned with his hand towards Kat's direction. Endir bowed before turning back to Legolas. "You and your men are welcome to share our fire and food."
Endir bowed and turned back to his men, still on horseback and motioned them over. They all dismounted and led their horses over to where Kat and Legolas had theirs and secured them.
The men all took a seat around the fire. Kat walked over to the fire and grabbed a loaf of elven bread warming by the fire. She took a sharp knife she found in Elenril's pack, cut the bread into eight pieces, and distributed them to the Lake-men. They all took it graciously though they eyed it strangely before cautiously taking a bite. They "other" informed Kat that humans were a bit leery around the Eldar, more so those from Rohan and Gondor. She smiled warmly at them as she sat on the opposite side of the fire. Endir kept looking over in her direction, a slight smile extending across his hansom face. It seemed he had a bit of a thing for Elenril.
Legolas was stirring the soup they were to eat while adding more ingredients to compensate for their new guests. Kat looked over at him and frowned. How on Earth were they supposed to eat soup when they had no bowls? Kat's question was answered in a matter of seconds as Legolas took out a stack of large green leaves and effortlessly weaved, shaped, and molded them into bowls.
"I'm going to ask him how he did that," mused Kat as she watched the blonde elf distribute the green bowls to the men. They all hastily finished their meals, thanking Legolas for the meal. Kat sat for a while, listening to the six men. They were speaking in a language to each other that was much different from elvish. The "other" must provide translation for any language she would encounter in Middle-earth, though she still didn't know whether or not she could speak the languages. Her thoughts were interrupted when Legolas sat close to her.
"Elenril, I apologize for not keeping you better company the last few days. Well, I guess this whole journey," said Legolas, correcting himself. He paused briefly and turned his gaze to the fire. "It's been many years since I have seen anyone from Esgaroth. I remember the last time I spent time with the Lake-men. It was a celebration for some victory or another I believe. Galarien was there with me. Anyway, the men were so drunk by the end of the night; Galarien and I had to lead them back to their camp. I had never laughed so hard at the antics and stupidity of humans before. Usually they are quite respectable, but I guess there can be exceptions."
Legolas allowed a small laugh to escape his lips before speaking again. "It's a good thing Eldar need little sleep because we were out until almost dawn rounding up the men who had run off drunk into the forest. It was a tiring night that night I must admit, though some of us didn't get any rest that night." He fell silent.
Legolas sent her a quick glance and then turned back to the fire. Kat sensed his withdrawal but didn't know why. She reached out and laid a hand on his forearm, urging him to continue his story. He sent her a dark look and jerk away. Kat withdrew her hand quickly, staring at him with confusion and embarrassment.
"It is convenient you have no memory, is it not?" said Legolas coldly. "At this point in life, I imagine there are a lot of things and people you would rather forget. Unfortunately, I have to live with my memories."
Kat looked at his fair elven face and frowned. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.
"Everything and everyone are just pawns for you. Just another way to gain the power over people that you so deeply desire. Was it all a plot Elenril? Just a way to take my body and my soul to add to your collection? I was a fool to follow it and an even bigger fool to allow myself to fall into your trap. I guess I should blame myself more than you. You didn't know what you were doing was wrong and hurtful. Heartless creatures have no conscious."
Kat, with anger and tears mixed, stood up quickly, gathered her cloak around her, and walked rapidly off into the surrounding woods. What could he possibly be talking about? What had Elenril done to this proud man that he could neither forgive of forget? At some point she had rejected him, that much Kat knew. Why though? She came to a huge tree and leaned back against it. What she would give for a shot of the strongest alcohol she could think of.
And a voice. Someone to hear her cries of frustration, anger, and loneliness. This was so different from being alone. Back home, there was always someone she could relate to. They may not be the same race or religion but they had the same concerns and fears and joys she had. Why was she here? No one knew her, no one knew Kat Wellington. No one saw beyond what they expected to see.
As she started to walk, tears began to fall. Finally, her eyes were so clouded with tears and frustration, she sank onto the ground, drew her knees and cloak to her and started to cry. She cried out of loneliness, out of desperation, and for the sheer loss of everything and everyone she once had so close to her. Now, it was gone, ripped from her cruelly in a matter of moments.
She flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder, but it seemed gentle. Strong arms turned her huddled body to their chest, wrapping around her comfortingly and protectively. A hand caressed her head, its fingers smoothing her hair as her tears poured silently, racking her body with emotion. The arms holding her tightened as she became more emotional. Kat brought her own arms around the man's back, gripping on to the soft, yet worn fabric of his tunic. As her tears subsided, she became more aware of her situation. She was in the middle of the forest, being comforted by some stranger. A stranger from Middle-earth. Eyes shut tightly, she squirmed away, and the arms released her. Keeping her back to him, she raced back to camp.
Kat dropped herself onto the ground and drew her cloak around her, ignoring the coldness of the grass around her.
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Kat woke up to the sounds of men talking. She rolled over on the cold ground and saw that everyone but herself was awake. The men from Lake Town were again sitting around the fire, talking with each other and Legolas. Endir was the first to notice that the princess of Aelin-Brethil was awake. He walked over to her and held out a hand.
"Cormamin lindua ele lle," said Endir in very awkward Elvish. Obviously he wasn't a fluent speaker of the language. "Lle anta amin tu?"
Kat smiled and nodded as she took his hand and stood. She straightened her dress and hair as she walked over to the roaring fire the men were currently gathered around. Legolas glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the fire. He obviously had not forgotten about their "conversation" the night before.
"How are you this morning Lady Elenril?" asked Endir in the common language. Kat shrugged and smiled slightly. Endir looked at her with confusion.
"Does my Lady elf not talk?"
"Lady Elenril has lost her voice," interjected Legolas. "That is actually the reason for our journey. She is going to be healed and get her voice back."
"Oh," said Endir as his eyes turned back to Kat. "That is very unfortunate."
"Yes," said Legolas with a cold stare in Kat's direction. "Most unfortunate."
"Well," continued Endir, "if you are ever in Esgaroth, feel free to seek me out. I live in the town and would love to finally be able to talk to my Lady."
Kat smiled and nodded.
Endir turned back to Legolas as the rest of the men stood up.
"I thank you for your generous hospitality," said Endir as held out a hand for Legolas to shake. Legolas, in turn, was a little shocked at the civility the humans were showing him. He took the offered hand and shook it. "There has to be something we can give you in return."
Legolas shook his head in response. "Don't worry about it."
"No, I insist."
Legolas looked over in Kat's direction.
"I need nothing in return but maybe Lady Elenril has a request to make," Legolas asked with a lifted eyebrow. Endir looked over at Kat and smiled.
"Is there anything my Lady would like?"
Kat was about to shake her head when an idea struck her. She held up a finger, urging Endir to wait for a moment. She ran quickly over to her saddle pack and pulled out the pad of parchment she was using for communication. She walked back over to the fire and grabbed a small piece of charcoal by the side of the fire. She scribbled a quick note on the pad in the common language and then handed the note to Endir. He read and a peculiar smile graced his face.
"No, really, what do you want?" asked Endir as he looked up from the parchment. Kat pointed at the pad. "Oh, you're serious?"
Kat nodded. Endir laughed as he handed the pad back to Kat.
"Promise to visit me in Lake Town and you have yourself a deal."
Kat smiled brightly and nodded. Endir laughed again as he turned and began examining his men.
"Thalir, bring me your saddle pack," said Endir to a short black haired man. The man obeyed and got his saddle pack for Endir. He opened it and drew out a pair of man's riding pants and a tunic. He handed the clothes to Kat.
"Thalir is probably the closest to your size," said Endir as he handed the pack back to the man. "Sorry I can't provide you with any boots but I hope those are good enough."
Kat nodded and walked up, planting a small kiss on Endir's cheek. The brawny man started to blush and quickly turned to his men. They all walked over to their horses and mounted them.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta," said Endir as he turned his horse towards the direction he would be traveling. He kicked off and the other horsemen followed him into the depths of the forest.
"Namaarie," said Legolas as they rode off. He turned back to Kat, the men's apparel still in her hands. He raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing. Kat turned from him and smiled slightly. No more dresses.
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Chapter four is complete! I'm having so much fun writing this! I even know what I'm doing for the sequel! (Ah! I'm obsessed) I still need a title for this! Help me out! What should I call it? Anyway, thanks for all the reviews I have gotten so far.
Bored and Highly Dangerous: Wow, thank you for the supernice review. I like reviews that ask me questions. Okay let's see:
Tolkien meant for Middle-earth to be a myth for western Europe, England and such. So there could be an "elf slut" in actuality. The myth wouldn't explain that because elves would be raised to legend status. Does that help? Besides, there's a lot more to Elenril that I have yet to reveal
Elenril means "brilliance of the stars" or something like that. I don't know, I was having fun with my copy of the simarillion.
If I could type thank you 6 million times, I would. I have never gotten 6 million cheers before. No one has ever offered to beta for me before. I'm a grammar freak so I fix my own pretty well. If you know of anyone who needs a beta, let me know. I have some strange obsession with correcting papers. I enjoy doing it, which even my English teacher finds strange. Thank you for the review!
LilOne: thanks, I'm glad you like it. By the way, thanks for the reminder. I wish I could update every week but alas. . .
Curly sue: I'm glad that no one is considering this a mary sue! I'm so happy!
Leia: Thank you! I think my mad Legolas just turned into nasty bastard Legolas. (hehe) I'll have to read about you Legolas later.
Lady Alarien: I'm glad Kat isn't considered a mary sue. That's the one thing I was afraid of. Thanks for the review!
Janet: Hehe, thanks for the review. I wrote more as in MORE!
Joanne "Jo" March: No one's ever thanked you? I always thank my reviewers. Thank you for all the nice things you said about my fic! Yeah, Kat's in a bit of a predicament, isn't she? I hope you like this chapter!
By penpunk
Disclaimer: The only elements of this story belonging to my mind are Kat, Tinuviel, Carandil, Luinuial, Daewen, Aelin-Brethil, and various other things that are not in Tolkien's books.
Chapter 4: No More Dresses
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In the early morning, two horses were packed and Kat and Legolas were mounted and ready to go. There travel plan was easy enough but the journey would be a long one. They would travel from Rivendell to Mirkwood using the Old Forest Road through the Misty Mountains. From there, they would ride up to Mirkwood. After a stay in Mirkwood, Legolas would escort her back to Aelin-Brethil. She also had the feeling that Legolas wasn't very happy with this. It would only be the two of them traveling together as Tinuviel would stay back in Rivendell, as was Carandil.
"Just me and hateful elf boy," thought Kat as they started riding south. "Perfect. This is great."
For most of the first day, Kat and Legolas rode side by side in silence. As the sun began to sink in the horizon, Legolas stopped his horse and dismounted. Kat found this odd. She knew elves could go for days without sleep. The journey would take forever if they stopped every night. Legolas walked over to Kat's mount and held a hand out to her.
"We will rest here tonight. You are still unwell and it would not be wise to continue down our path during the night."
Kat nodded and grabbed the proffered hand. She dismounted and straightened her riding dress. Kat had hated dresses before coming to Middle-earth. Now, she absolutely despised them. What she wouldn't give for a pair of riding pants and boots. Legolas lead the horses away to a nearby tree and tied them up for the night. He swept past her and busied himself with making a fire and preparing camp. Kat stood off to the side, not sure what to do. Obviously, Elenril would have objected to such accommodations. The other provided her with that information. Even though Elenril was an elf, she was a very strange one, acting more human than Eldar. She was disgusted by the idea of staying outdoors.
'How is that possible,' thought Kat. 'Elves are practically nature themselves.'
Kat walked around the edge of the small clearing they decided to make camp in, picking up sticks and pieces of wood to help build the fire with. She walked back over to Legolas and deposited the stack next to him. Legolas looked at her briefly, a strange unreadable look weaving itself across his face.
'Obviously Elenril is not one to help out much,' mused Kat as she walked back to the edge of the clearing, looking for more wood.
***
Legolas looked up from the still unlit fire and his eyes rested on the dark elf slowly circling him.
'It must be some illness to get Elenril off her lazy elven behind to actually do some work,' thought Legolas as he looked back down to his work. Certainly the thought of Elenril actually doing something to help him could be thought of as irrational but he had seen it with his own eyes. He couldn't help but look up once more and watch the circling figure. She was so graceful in her movements. Naturally, elves were graceful but Elenril had a certain air about her that was never present before. She bent over to pick up another stick and as she stood up straight, met his gaze. Her blue eyes burned into his before Legolas looked back down at his work.
'Get a hold of yourself,' he thought as he shook his head. 'She is but an orc in an elven shell. An ugly creature waiting to ensnare her next meal.'
***
Legolas had finally gotten the fire started and was now taking out some food from his bag. He handed Kat a cloth with a piece of elven bread and an apple in it. He also handed her a water skin. They sat in silence, eating their meal. Darkness fell quickly. Kat looked over at her companion. The fire cast dancing shadows across the planes and angles of Legolas' face. Her modern mind imagined the blonde elf in jeans and a t- shirt or a nice suit. Kat thought the images were most appealing.
Legolas reminded Kat of the male models featured in Gap ads or such. His perfectly oval face was subtly angular with the most perfect cheeks bones she had ever seen. His dark blue eyes were set off by black lashes and his dark eyebrows were shaped in the effect most pluckers wished to achieve. But it was not just the looks of Legolas that struck a chord in her. He possessed an aura around him that drew Kat in, even though he had been nothing but cruel to her. Although alien and disinterested, he had presence. He was rational and compassionate with everyone but her. Definitely not her.
Legolas finished his meal and took a swig from the water skin. He sat looking into the fire, sitting crossed legged with his elbows resting on a log behind him. Kat sat, also staring into the fire, her almost untouched meal resting on her lap. She looked back over at Legolas and saw him staring at her.
"Does the food not suit you my Lady?" said Legolas coldly, practically hissing out the last part. Kat shook her head quickly, slightly embarrassed. She picked off another piece of bread and swallowed it as loneliness began to creep into her mind. Her desire for someone to talk to was unbearable. She needed to tell someone, anyone, what happened to her. The need to converse was so intense, she felt her eyes well up with tears.
"Lady Elenril," began Legolas, casting Kat from her almost tearful fit, " since we are going to be together for several weeks, please could you explain?"
Kat looked at him with a confused expression.
"Would you have me beg?" he asked abruptly when Kat failed to answer (how did he expect her to answer him in the first place?).
"I have parchment with me; I would like to know. I think you owe me, our families, and our guests, that."
Kat knew he was talking about their former betrothal but she had no answer for Legolas. She shrugged halfheartedly, swearing at Elenril for her incomplete memory. Legolas' eyes glittered in the fire light as his lips compressed into a straight line. She shrugged again, expressing to him she had no idea what he was talking about. Apparently, she convinced him.
"As you like, Lady Elenril," he spat. "I thought that after all these many years since we had seen each other, it would have been enough to be able to deal with past questions. We could have worked out this . . . this relationship, but I see that you have not changed. I will not question you again. I just fail to understand-," he broke off and stood up, walking off towards the horses. Kat watched him stalk off.
'Damn that insufferable elf,' thought Kat as she pulled her legs into her chest and resting her head on her knees. 'When I gain my voice back, there will certainly be hell to pay. He will not be so high and mighty when I can talk back to him.'
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The days past quickly for the two elves. Most of the time, they rode in silence (Kat really didn't have much choice). The little conversation they did have was forced and always difficult, but Kat didn't blame Legolas' animosity for that. Who would want to converse with a mute person that they just happened to despise? They still stopped every night to make camp, which Kat thought completely unnecessary. She was perfectly healthy; the only thing ailing her was the lack of a voice.
About a week into their journey, as they were making camp pm the east side of the Misty Mountains, Kat and Legolas were met by a group of men from Esgaroth, traveling west. They were attracted by the fire Legolas had made and even more attached by the smell of the cooking food. As the horsemen rode up, Kat counted their number. There were six men all together with seven horses. Legolas had heard them from a ways off and already had his bow drawn. Kat, although technically an elf, was still getting used to the all the sounds her new sensitive pointed ears could pick up.
"Who are you and what is your business," boomed Legolas' melodic yet authoritative voice as the riders stopped at the edge of their camp.
"We are Lake-men and our business is to travel west, though we wish to share your fire if you allow us to," said the lead man. He was clean-shaven with shoulder length blonde hair. Kat stood up from her spot on the ground to get a better look at the group. She noticed how very attractive the man was but pushed back her protesting modern mind and put on a face of elven indifference.
"What is your name?" asked Legolas as he brought down his bow. The man dismounted from his horse and walked into the golden ring of light the fire was casting.
"I am Endir son of Endos," said the blonde man. "May I ask yours?"
"I am Legolas son of Thranduil of Mirkwood. My companion is Lady Elenril of Aelin-Brethil," Legolas motioned with his hand towards Kat's direction. Endir bowed before turning back to Legolas. "You and your men are welcome to share our fire and food."
Endir bowed and turned back to his men, still on horseback and motioned them over. They all dismounted and led their horses over to where Kat and Legolas had theirs and secured them.
The men all took a seat around the fire. Kat walked over to the fire and grabbed a loaf of elven bread warming by the fire. She took a sharp knife she found in Elenril's pack, cut the bread into eight pieces, and distributed them to the Lake-men. They all took it graciously though they eyed it strangely before cautiously taking a bite. They "other" informed Kat that humans were a bit leery around the Eldar, more so those from Rohan and Gondor. She smiled warmly at them as she sat on the opposite side of the fire. Endir kept looking over in her direction, a slight smile extending across his hansom face. It seemed he had a bit of a thing for Elenril.
Legolas was stirring the soup they were to eat while adding more ingredients to compensate for their new guests. Kat looked over at him and frowned. How on Earth were they supposed to eat soup when they had no bowls? Kat's question was answered in a matter of seconds as Legolas took out a stack of large green leaves and effortlessly weaved, shaped, and molded them into bowls.
"I'm going to ask him how he did that," mused Kat as she watched the blonde elf distribute the green bowls to the men. They all hastily finished their meals, thanking Legolas for the meal. Kat sat for a while, listening to the six men. They were speaking in a language to each other that was much different from elvish. The "other" must provide translation for any language she would encounter in Middle-earth, though she still didn't know whether or not she could speak the languages. Her thoughts were interrupted when Legolas sat close to her.
"Elenril, I apologize for not keeping you better company the last few days. Well, I guess this whole journey," said Legolas, correcting himself. He paused briefly and turned his gaze to the fire. "It's been many years since I have seen anyone from Esgaroth. I remember the last time I spent time with the Lake-men. It was a celebration for some victory or another I believe. Galarien was there with me. Anyway, the men were so drunk by the end of the night; Galarien and I had to lead them back to their camp. I had never laughed so hard at the antics and stupidity of humans before. Usually they are quite respectable, but I guess there can be exceptions."
Legolas allowed a small laugh to escape his lips before speaking again. "It's a good thing Eldar need little sleep because we were out until almost dawn rounding up the men who had run off drunk into the forest. It was a tiring night that night I must admit, though some of us didn't get any rest that night." He fell silent.
Legolas sent her a quick glance and then turned back to the fire. Kat sensed his withdrawal but didn't know why. She reached out and laid a hand on his forearm, urging him to continue his story. He sent her a dark look and jerk away. Kat withdrew her hand quickly, staring at him with confusion and embarrassment.
"It is convenient you have no memory, is it not?" said Legolas coldly. "At this point in life, I imagine there are a lot of things and people you would rather forget. Unfortunately, I have to live with my memories."
Kat looked at his fair elven face and frowned. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.
"Everything and everyone are just pawns for you. Just another way to gain the power over people that you so deeply desire. Was it all a plot Elenril? Just a way to take my body and my soul to add to your collection? I was a fool to follow it and an even bigger fool to allow myself to fall into your trap. I guess I should blame myself more than you. You didn't know what you were doing was wrong and hurtful. Heartless creatures have no conscious."
Kat, with anger and tears mixed, stood up quickly, gathered her cloak around her, and walked rapidly off into the surrounding woods. What could he possibly be talking about? What had Elenril done to this proud man that he could neither forgive of forget? At some point she had rejected him, that much Kat knew. Why though? She came to a huge tree and leaned back against it. What she would give for a shot of the strongest alcohol she could think of.
And a voice. Someone to hear her cries of frustration, anger, and loneliness. This was so different from being alone. Back home, there was always someone she could relate to. They may not be the same race or religion but they had the same concerns and fears and joys she had. Why was she here? No one knew her, no one knew Kat Wellington. No one saw beyond what they expected to see.
As she started to walk, tears began to fall. Finally, her eyes were so clouded with tears and frustration, she sank onto the ground, drew her knees and cloak to her and started to cry. She cried out of loneliness, out of desperation, and for the sheer loss of everything and everyone she once had so close to her. Now, it was gone, ripped from her cruelly in a matter of moments.
She flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder, but it seemed gentle. Strong arms turned her huddled body to their chest, wrapping around her comfortingly and protectively. A hand caressed her head, its fingers smoothing her hair as her tears poured silently, racking her body with emotion. The arms holding her tightened as she became more emotional. Kat brought her own arms around the man's back, gripping on to the soft, yet worn fabric of his tunic. As her tears subsided, she became more aware of her situation. She was in the middle of the forest, being comforted by some stranger. A stranger from Middle-earth. Eyes shut tightly, she squirmed away, and the arms released her. Keeping her back to him, she raced back to camp.
Kat dropped herself onto the ground and drew her cloak around her, ignoring the coldness of the grass around her.
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Kat woke up to the sounds of men talking. She rolled over on the cold ground and saw that everyone but herself was awake. The men from Lake Town were again sitting around the fire, talking with each other and Legolas. Endir was the first to notice that the princess of Aelin-Brethil was awake. He walked over to her and held out a hand.
"Cormamin lindua ele lle," said Endir in very awkward Elvish. Obviously he wasn't a fluent speaker of the language. "Lle anta amin tu?"
Kat smiled and nodded as she took his hand and stood. She straightened her dress and hair as she walked over to the roaring fire the men were currently gathered around. Legolas glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the fire. He obviously had not forgotten about their "conversation" the night before.
"How are you this morning Lady Elenril?" asked Endir in the common language. Kat shrugged and smiled slightly. Endir looked at her with confusion.
"Does my Lady elf not talk?"
"Lady Elenril has lost her voice," interjected Legolas. "That is actually the reason for our journey. She is going to be healed and get her voice back."
"Oh," said Endir as his eyes turned back to Kat. "That is very unfortunate."
"Yes," said Legolas with a cold stare in Kat's direction. "Most unfortunate."
"Well," continued Endir, "if you are ever in Esgaroth, feel free to seek me out. I live in the town and would love to finally be able to talk to my Lady."
Kat smiled and nodded.
Endir turned back to Legolas as the rest of the men stood up.
"I thank you for your generous hospitality," said Endir as held out a hand for Legolas to shake. Legolas, in turn, was a little shocked at the civility the humans were showing him. He took the offered hand and shook it. "There has to be something we can give you in return."
Legolas shook his head in response. "Don't worry about it."
"No, I insist."
Legolas looked over in Kat's direction.
"I need nothing in return but maybe Lady Elenril has a request to make," Legolas asked with a lifted eyebrow. Endir looked over at Kat and smiled.
"Is there anything my Lady would like?"
Kat was about to shake her head when an idea struck her. She held up a finger, urging Endir to wait for a moment. She ran quickly over to her saddle pack and pulled out the pad of parchment she was using for communication. She walked back over to the fire and grabbed a small piece of charcoal by the side of the fire. She scribbled a quick note on the pad in the common language and then handed the note to Endir. He read and a peculiar smile graced his face.
"No, really, what do you want?" asked Endir as he looked up from the parchment. Kat pointed at the pad. "Oh, you're serious?"
Kat nodded. Endir laughed as he handed the pad back to Kat.
"Promise to visit me in Lake Town and you have yourself a deal."
Kat smiled brightly and nodded. Endir laughed again as he turned and began examining his men.
"Thalir, bring me your saddle pack," said Endir to a short black haired man. The man obeyed and got his saddle pack for Endir. He opened it and drew out a pair of man's riding pants and a tunic. He handed the clothes to Kat.
"Thalir is probably the closest to your size," said Endir as he handed the pack back to the man. "Sorry I can't provide you with any boots but I hope those are good enough."
Kat nodded and walked up, planting a small kiss on Endir's cheek. The brawny man started to blush and quickly turned to his men. They all walked over to their horses and mounted them.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta," said Endir as he turned his horse towards the direction he would be traveling. He kicked off and the other horsemen followed him into the depths of the forest.
"Namaarie," said Legolas as they rode off. He turned back to Kat, the men's apparel still in her hands. He raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing. Kat turned from him and smiled slightly. No more dresses.
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Chapter four is complete! I'm having so much fun writing this! I even know what I'm doing for the sequel! (Ah! I'm obsessed) I still need a title for this! Help me out! What should I call it? Anyway, thanks for all the reviews I have gotten so far.
Bored and Highly Dangerous: Wow, thank you for the supernice review. I like reviews that ask me questions. Okay let's see:
Tolkien meant for Middle-earth to be a myth for western Europe, England and such. So there could be an "elf slut" in actuality. The myth wouldn't explain that because elves would be raised to legend status. Does that help? Besides, there's a lot more to Elenril that I have yet to reveal
Elenril means "brilliance of the stars" or something like that. I don't know, I was having fun with my copy of the simarillion.
If I could type thank you 6 million times, I would. I have never gotten 6 million cheers before. No one has ever offered to beta for me before. I'm a grammar freak so I fix my own pretty well. If you know of anyone who needs a beta, let me know. I have some strange obsession with correcting papers. I enjoy doing it, which even my English teacher finds strange. Thank you for the review!
LilOne: thanks, I'm glad you like it. By the way, thanks for the reminder. I wish I could update every week but alas. . .
Curly sue: I'm glad that no one is considering this a mary sue! I'm so happy!
Leia: Thank you! I think my mad Legolas just turned into nasty bastard Legolas. (hehe) I'll have to read about you Legolas later.
Lady Alarien: I'm glad Kat isn't considered a mary sue. That's the one thing I was afraid of. Thanks for the review!
Janet: Hehe, thanks for the review. I wrote more as in MORE!
Joanne "Jo" March: No one's ever thanked you? I always thank my reviewers. Thank you for all the nice things you said about my fic! Yeah, Kat's in a bit of a predicament, isn't she? I hope you like this chapter!