DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING OF LORD OF THE RINGS (sadly)! BUT I DO OWN FAY,
THE LADIES IMAYA AND SOARIA, ISARA, TECKA AND OTHER CHARACTERS THAT ARE NOT
J.R.R.TOLKIEN OR PETER JACKSON'S!!!! THANK YOU ^^
No shoutouts this chapter, okay guys? I just wanna get right to a good, quality fanfic here. But please, REVIEW!!!!!!!! You'll get ch.11 a lot sooner if your do!
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FAY'S P.O.V.
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I swallowed. WHY did I have to serve dinner tonight!? WHY!? Couldn't it have been somebody else's shift? I shouldn't have to go through this. Why make me go through this? WHY ME!?
"FAY!!" Someone screeched. I jumped as a loud shattering sound filled the room. I looked up, my eyes wide. Miss Isara was glaring at me, her hands on her hips. "For Elbereth's sake, girl! Get your head out of the clouds and pay attention! I was handing that plate to YOU!" She shrieked.
I looked down, and felt a heavy guilt weigh on my shoulders. Fragile, little pieces of glass scattered the newly washed floor. The remnants of food were splattered everywhere.
"What on Middle Earth are you so preoccupied about!? Staring at it's not going to clean it up! Get the broom and mop, girl!" Miss Isara scolded. I jumped again, startled out of my reverie.
"Yes, ma'am!" I nodded, scurrying off to find the necessary supplies.
"Honestly!" I could hear Miss Isara exclaim to anyone who was listening. "I don't know what's the matter with her! All day she's been like this- completely oblivious to everything around her!"
I hung my head in shame and embarrassment. I was a failure. I couldn't do anything right. I had no purpose. Even Miss Isara was already complaining about me!
I returned to the small pantry and began to clean the mess my illusions had caused. Someone's hand fell on my shoulder, and I started.
"Calm down, Ellewen, it is just me!" Andra assured me.
"Oh! Andra! You frightened me!" I panted, clutching my heart.
"Ellewen...why are you so nervous? Miss Isara says that you've been a mess all day! She's usually so patient but it seems as though even she has lost her temper..."
Tears sprung into the corners of my eyes. Even Andra thought I was worthless! "I'm sorry." I murmured sincerely, quickly swiping the back of my hand across my eyes.
"Oh, Ellewen! Don't cry! I just want to know what's wrong! When I first met you, you were nothing like this! You were bold and loud! Now you're fitful and self-conscious! Honestly, I only want to help you." She patted my back gently.
I sniffled. "I- I just want to go home," I admitted. "I'm sick of these games with Imaya and Soaria, I'm sick of servant duty, I'm sick of Lego..." I paused, and shook my head. "I just want to go home." I finished lamely.
She eyed me speculatively, as though she knew what I was going to say. But she did not pry. She only comforted. "Oh, Ellewen! Why did you not say this sooner? I'm sure we could get someone to escort you home and..."
"NO!" I interrupted her, breaking away from her tender embrace. I held my head in my hands, my back to her. "You don't understand! No one has ever heard of my home! I have no idea how to get back! I-I can never go home." I stammered, my breath hitching in my throat as fresh tears sprung forth.
Why was I acting so pathetically? Why couldn't I hold back the sobs that began to rack my body? Why was it, that every time I looked in the mirror now, I saw something hideous staring back at me? Andra's right; I used to be so brash and confident. I never had these problems before! Why was everything spinning and so out of control now? I was reaching out for the light, only to be swallowed up in darkness. I DID NOT WANT TO BE THIS WAY! And yet......I almost did...
"Perhaps," Andra stood up, and spoke quietly-almost hesitantly. "Perhaps you should be excused from your duties tonight." She offered.
"But..."
"I will make your excuses." She persisted, holding up her hand in a "no arguments" way. "But you shall depart to bed. Put aside these foolish ideas. You are beautiful, Ellewen, there is nothing wrong with you. And because you are so wonderful, you are my friend. Therefore, I will do everything that I can to help you get back home-one way or another." She vowed, looking me straight in the eyes very solemnly.
I knew, right then and there, that Andra would do whatever she could to help me. "Th-thank you." I stammered on my gratitude and hugged her tightly.
"No off with you. To bed." She insisted. I only nodded, too weary with grief to reply.
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NARRATOR'S P.O.V.
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Imaya and Soaria each sat at one end of the table. The entire fellowship spanned the length between them.
"How very kind of you to have us for dinner, ladies." Sam thanked them.
"Of course, Master Samwise." Soaria nodded.
"It was our pleasure." Imaya added.
Both sisters were elaborately dressed in long, flowing, pearly gowns, adorned by small, ivory circlets on their foreheads. They displayed their perfect, even teeth in small, knowing smiles. And even though they were talking to the halflings, their eyes were focused on Legolas-almost as the predator eyes her prey.
"Dinner, madams, sirs..." Andra bustled in, a tray on her shoulder. A few maids were behind her, each carrying their own assortment of food.
"Ah! Lass!" Gimli bellowed happily as he set eyes upon the familiar she- elf.
"Good evening, Master Dwarf," Andra managed a small curtsey. Straightening up, she set down an animal's leg in front of Gimli.
"Fresh meat off the bone!" Gimli cheered, digging his teeth into it excitedly.
"We heard that that was your favorite, Lord Gimli. Thusly, we had it prepared for you." Soaria beamed that horrible fake smile.
"My compliments to the chef!" Gimli growled, tearing the meat ravenously. Pippin stared at him in awe.
"Even Merry and I can't eat like that!" He breathed. Imaya and Soaria gave a small, appreciative chuckle that was obviously not heartfelt.
Andra and the other maids continued setting down plates before the foods' rightful owners, until she reached Legolas. He snatched her wrist as she began to withdraw it. She leaned down slightly to hear what he had to say.
"Where is Fay, tonight?" He questioned.
Andra swallowed. "She is indisposed, milord."
"Still!?" He gasped. "Gimli and Aragorn told me that they invited you two along with them the other day, but that you could not attend because Fay was unwell. Is it anything serious?"
Andra swallowed yet again. "I hope not, milord." She admitted. Wrong answer.
"What do you mean you HOPE not!?" He hissed, straining to keep his voice low. Imaya and Soaria were now preoccupied with Aragorn, and hadn't noticed him talking to the servant yet.
Andra sighed, and looked around cautiously, shifting on her feet as though about to exchange secret, perilous information. "Her spirit is breaking, sir," The she-elf confided. "She wishes to return home, but no one knows the way, nor have they even heard of her previous residence. She cannot remember." Andra exhaled dispiritedly.
"Yes," Legolas muttered thoughtfully, his brow deepening. "It was mentioned that she wasn't from around here... Is she all right, though?" He asked anxiously.
"I-I don't know milord. Were she an elf, she'd be near death of a broken heart." Andra avowed.
"Andra," Legolas clutched her wrist a little tighter. "Were is she?" He asked concernedly.
"She-she is down in servants' quarters. Hers is the last room on the left. It is..."
"ANDRA!" Imaya hollered brutally. "How dare you disturb the Prince of Mirkwood whilst he is trying to eat and converse..."
"My lady," Legolas interjected. "The fault was mine. I was merely requesting that my meat be cooked a slight more." He lied.
"It was not satisfactory!?" Soaria heaved. "Andra! I blame this on you! You have lost all outing privileges for the next month, do you understand me!?"
"Yes ma'am." Mumbled Andra modestly, her head bowed in acknowledgment.
"Now leave this room immediately, and you had better be sure that the Prince's meal is adequate when it is returned to him!" Imaya disciplined.
"Of course." Andra nodded, still not making eye contact as she backed out of the room with Legolas's plate in her hands.
Chatter slowly resumed at the table, and Legolas's dinner soon returned as he had ordered it. He eased into a polite conversation with the two maidens.
Aragorn could not help but observe the diplomatic, almost strained smile that his elf friend wore while the discussion carried on farther. He also noted the creases in his comrade's forehead that had not been there before Legolas's talk with Andra...
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WHEW!! There you go! I know it was short, but I wanted to get it up for you people. You've waited so long!!
**Throws self at your feet**
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! PLEASE review so that I may be inspired to continue this...
~* ElfPilot *~
No shoutouts this chapter, okay guys? I just wanna get right to a good, quality fanfic here. But please, REVIEW!!!!!!!! You'll get ch.11 a lot sooner if your do!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
FAY'S P.O.V.
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I swallowed. WHY did I have to serve dinner tonight!? WHY!? Couldn't it have been somebody else's shift? I shouldn't have to go through this. Why make me go through this? WHY ME!?
"FAY!!" Someone screeched. I jumped as a loud shattering sound filled the room. I looked up, my eyes wide. Miss Isara was glaring at me, her hands on her hips. "For Elbereth's sake, girl! Get your head out of the clouds and pay attention! I was handing that plate to YOU!" She shrieked.
I looked down, and felt a heavy guilt weigh on my shoulders. Fragile, little pieces of glass scattered the newly washed floor. The remnants of food were splattered everywhere.
"What on Middle Earth are you so preoccupied about!? Staring at it's not going to clean it up! Get the broom and mop, girl!" Miss Isara scolded. I jumped again, startled out of my reverie.
"Yes, ma'am!" I nodded, scurrying off to find the necessary supplies.
"Honestly!" I could hear Miss Isara exclaim to anyone who was listening. "I don't know what's the matter with her! All day she's been like this- completely oblivious to everything around her!"
I hung my head in shame and embarrassment. I was a failure. I couldn't do anything right. I had no purpose. Even Miss Isara was already complaining about me!
I returned to the small pantry and began to clean the mess my illusions had caused. Someone's hand fell on my shoulder, and I started.
"Calm down, Ellewen, it is just me!" Andra assured me.
"Oh! Andra! You frightened me!" I panted, clutching my heart.
"Ellewen...why are you so nervous? Miss Isara says that you've been a mess all day! She's usually so patient but it seems as though even she has lost her temper..."
Tears sprung into the corners of my eyes. Even Andra thought I was worthless! "I'm sorry." I murmured sincerely, quickly swiping the back of my hand across my eyes.
"Oh, Ellewen! Don't cry! I just want to know what's wrong! When I first met you, you were nothing like this! You were bold and loud! Now you're fitful and self-conscious! Honestly, I only want to help you." She patted my back gently.
I sniffled. "I- I just want to go home," I admitted. "I'm sick of these games with Imaya and Soaria, I'm sick of servant duty, I'm sick of Lego..." I paused, and shook my head. "I just want to go home." I finished lamely.
She eyed me speculatively, as though she knew what I was going to say. But she did not pry. She only comforted. "Oh, Ellewen! Why did you not say this sooner? I'm sure we could get someone to escort you home and..."
"NO!" I interrupted her, breaking away from her tender embrace. I held my head in my hands, my back to her. "You don't understand! No one has ever heard of my home! I have no idea how to get back! I-I can never go home." I stammered, my breath hitching in my throat as fresh tears sprung forth.
Why was I acting so pathetically? Why couldn't I hold back the sobs that began to rack my body? Why was it, that every time I looked in the mirror now, I saw something hideous staring back at me? Andra's right; I used to be so brash and confident. I never had these problems before! Why was everything spinning and so out of control now? I was reaching out for the light, only to be swallowed up in darkness. I DID NOT WANT TO BE THIS WAY! And yet......I almost did...
"Perhaps," Andra stood up, and spoke quietly-almost hesitantly. "Perhaps you should be excused from your duties tonight." She offered.
"But..."
"I will make your excuses." She persisted, holding up her hand in a "no arguments" way. "But you shall depart to bed. Put aside these foolish ideas. You are beautiful, Ellewen, there is nothing wrong with you. And because you are so wonderful, you are my friend. Therefore, I will do everything that I can to help you get back home-one way or another." She vowed, looking me straight in the eyes very solemnly.
I knew, right then and there, that Andra would do whatever she could to help me. "Th-thank you." I stammered on my gratitude and hugged her tightly.
"No off with you. To bed." She insisted. I only nodded, too weary with grief to reply.
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NARRATOR'S P.O.V.
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Imaya and Soaria each sat at one end of the table. The entire fellowship spanned the length between them.
"How very kind of you to have us for dinner, ladies." Sam thanked them.
"Of course, Master Samwise." Soaria nodded.
"It was our pleasure." Imaya added.
Both sisters were elaborately dressed in long, flowing, pearly gowns, adorned by small, ivory circlets on their foreheads. They displayed their perfect, even teeth in small, knowing smiles. And even though they were talking to the halflings, their eyes were focused on Legolas-almost as the predator eyes her prey.
"Dinner, madams, sirs..." Andra bustled in, a tray on her shoulder. A few maids were behind her, each carrying their own assortment of food.
"Ah! Lass!" Gimli bellowed happily as he set eyes upon the familiar she- elf.
"Good evening, Master Dwarf," Andra managed a small curtsey. Straightening up, she set down an animal's leg in front of Gimli.
"Fresh meat off the bone!" Gimli cheered, digging his teeth into it excitedly.
"We heard that that was your favorite, Lord Gimli. Thusly, we had it prepared for you." Soaria beamed that horrible fake smile.
"My compliments to the chef!" Gimli growled, tearing the meat ravenously. Pippin stared at him in awe.
"Even Merry and I can't eat like that!" He breathed. Imaya and Soaria gave a small, appreciative chuckle that was obviously not heartfelt.
Andra and the other maids continued setting down plates before the foods' rightful owners, until she reached Legolas. He snatched her wrist as she began to withdraw it. She leaned down slightly to hear what he had to say.
"Where is Fay, tonight?" He questioned.
Andra swallowed. "She is indisposed, milord."
"Still!?" He gasped. "Gimli and Aragorn told me that they invited you two along with them the other day, but that you could not attend because Fay was unwell. Is it anything serious?"
Andra swallowed yet again. "I hope not, milord." She admitted. Wrong answer.
"What do you mean you HOPE not!?" He hissed, straining to keep his voice low. Imaya and Soaria were now preoccupied with Aragorn, and hadn't noticed him talking to the servant yet.
Andra sighed, and looked around cautiously, shifting on her feet as though about to exchange secret, perilous information. "Her spirit is breaking, sir," The she-elf confided. "She wishes to return home, but no one knows the way, nor have they even heard of her previous residence. She cannot remember." Andra exhaled dispiritedly.
"Yes," Legolas muttered thoughtfully, his brow deepening. "It was mentioned that she wasn't from around here... Is she all right, though?" He asked anxiously.
"I-I don't know milord. Were she an elf, she'd be near death of a broken heart." Andra avowed.
"Andra," Legolas clutched her wrist a little tighter. "Were is she?" He asked concernedly.
"She-she is down in servants' quarters. Hers is the last room on the left. It is..."
"ANDRA!" Imaya hollered brutally. "How dare you disturb the Prince of Mirkwood whilst he is trying to eat and converse..."
"My lady," Legolas interjected. "The fault was mine. I was merely requesting that my meat be cooked a slight more." He lied.
"It was not satisfactory!?" Soaria heaved. "Andra! I blame this on you! You have lost all outing privileges for the next month, do you understand me!?"
"Yes ma'am." Mumbled Andra modestly, her head bowed in acknowledgment.
"Now leave this room immediately, and you had better be sure that the Prince's meal is adequate when it is returned to him!" Imaya disciplined.
"Of course." Andra nodded, still not making eye contact as she backed out of the room with Legolas's plate in her hands.
Chatter slowly resumed at the table, and Legolas's dinner soon returned as he had ordered it. He eased into a polite conversation with the two maidens.
Aragorn could not help but observe the diplomatic, almost strained smile that his elf friend wore while the discussion carried on farther. He also noted the creases in his comrade's forehead that had not been there before Legolas's talk with Andra...
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WHEW!! There you go! I know it was short, but I wanted to get it up for you people. You've waited so long!!
**Throws self at your feet**
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! PLEASE review so that I may be inspired to continue this...
~* ElfPilot *~