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. OR PETER JACKSON'S! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, my display of gratitude to my loyal reviewers *^.^* Sorry that I skipped some of you, you reviewed after I typed this part up. Sorry =(
Tap-Dancing Hobbit:: Thank you! I'm glad you think that it wasn't a horrible MS. And as for the great plot? It's about to thicken...
Culdil-Part-Elven: I'm so glad you like it!
Melodie: Here's another chapter. I hope it lives up to your expectations!
MethosMacLeod: One of my loyalist reviewers! THANK YOU!
Huckling: I fully intend to keep this thing going (until the end, anyway =)
Aarien Star: There's a reason why she's so oblivious. You'll see ~.^
HimalayanRex: I hope it wasn't too bad =(
Haldir Lives: I intend to clarify some of the MS-ishness in this chapter. There will be a lil more, but I don't think it will be as bad.
Threthiel M. Belowen: Blame the evil non-reviewers for how long it took for this fic to get up! LOL
Safiresky: I wish ~I~ could ravage the elf, LOL ^.^
Blu-Eyed-Belle: Cookies! Thanks for the little excuse, that and sweets always makes me feel better! **nibbles cookie HAPPILY**
I want AT LEAST 223 reviews before I put up chapter 13! And this chapter is going to be an evil, evil cliffhanger! Mwahahahahaha! I don't care how much of a bitch you think I am (and I am ~.^) I WILL NOT post until I have 223 reviews minimum! Hmph!
REVIEW!
FAY'S P.O.V.
I staggered through the forest. There were so many thoughts...so many emotions...too much confusion... Why did I run from Legolas? Where was I going?
Well two things were for sure: I was NOT going back to Imaya and Soaria, and I was NOT going back to the palace with Legolas.
But for some reason, I didn't feel panicked. I didn't feel scared or worried or even apprehensive. I just felt...calm. Finally, I was getting away from it all! It seemed that I had never had any trouble before Middle Earth...before Mirkwood. Leaving it behind felt...empowering, reassuring. I could go somewhere new, start over. I'd never have to see Imaya or Soaria or Legolas or Andra or ANY of them again!
I could just waltz up to a stranger and start anew; no strings attached. A great weight lifted from my shoulders as I realized that this is what my older self would have done. Just walk away from it all; let them deal with the consequences! It's not your problem anymore...
I came to the bottom of the trunk of a very strong tree and gazed up. The higher branches seemed sturdy enough, and so I began to climb. "Trees aren't that bad to sleep in." The optimistic part of me decided.
"Says who?" Retaliated my pessimistic self. "You doze off, roll over and fall off the branch...only to land on the ground with a sickening SPLAT!" It laughed. I shook the negative thoughts from my mind, and inhaled deeply instead.
The air was cool and misty. I felt so...carefree. I had to try this nature thing more often! It was really working for me!
I was tempted to start doing yoga or meditation right there in the tree, but decided that both would result in me falling from the branch. THAT would be as far from relaxing as you can get.
But as I lay there on the branch, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift. How strange, that I had sat in Mirkwood all those weeks-feeling wretched. As soon as I leave, however, I am lighthearted and cheery. I thought I was having self-esteem problems? Shouldn't =I=, of all people, know if I don't feel well about myself?
"You know, it isn't generally considered a good idea to sleep in trees if you're not an elf. You humans have a tendency to slip and break a limb."
I jumped about halfway out of my skin when I heard the voice disrupting the peaceful air. Curses! Curse the elves and their silent footsteps! Lord forbid I hear them tread through the forest!
I glanced down, and my brow furrowed in confusion. A tall, lean, and muscular man stood there. In fact, he had the same physique as Legolas (as impossible as it seemed) but different features. For one thing, he was slightly more tan (but only a little, because elves have that naturally pale skin), his cheekbones were less high, his nose was somewhat larger, and he had green eyes. But the biggest difference was his jet-black hair. Were elves supposed to have hair that dark? Sure, I had heard the elves of Rivendell had hazel colors, but BLACK!? It looked almost fake...
"Who are you!?" I called down, peering slightly between the leaves.
The elf gave a luxurious bow. "I am Lord Morier! Have I the pleasure of addressing Lady Fay, or Ellewen?" He inquired.
He smirked as my expression grew even more confused. How did he know who I was?
"I am she." I acknowledged, not sure it was the smartest thing to do.
"Would you be so kind as to descend to the ground and pleasure me with your company?" He asked. I blinked.
"Um...all right. I suppose so..."
Slowly, carefully, I moved down the tree-weaving between the stray branches. As I neared the bottom, this elf, this Morier, extended his hand for me to grasp as balance. I eyed it-uneasy. I had only just met him, and there was a growing discomfort in my stomach already.
"Is something the matter, my lady?" He questioned politely.
"Only that I am not a noble, and you should not address me as 'my lady'." I grumbled.
Quickly, before I could say another word, he swiped up my hand and gently pulled me down into his waiting arms. I was clutched in such a way that my back leaned against his arm, causing my body to tilt slightly. It was sort of like being dipped while dancing.
He gazed into my eyes. I sucked in my breath as he whispered, "But you are fairer than any pampered palace woman in my sight, and I shall treat you with such due respect."
I blinked in near-astonishment as he stood me on my feet and I adjusted. "My lord," I began, but he held up a hand to silence me.
"Please, for you, I am just Morier." He explained.
"Morier, I am a mere human, no more special than any elf. Especially not one of noble birth." I informed him.
"Human you may be, my dear, but you are MUCH more valuable than any of those twittering flocks of geese who call themselves ladies."
My jaw dropped. I agreed wholeheartedly, of course, but to actually hear someone else say it...
"Besides, you should not think so poorly of yourself. Those issues and concerns that have been bothering you lately are of no more truth than the idea that the sun rises in the west. We all know this to be a lie, just as the idea that you're ugly is a lie." He stated, as though the matter were as simple as choosing between black or white.
"Well I, I..." I stammered. "Wait a moment, how do you know I've been feeling...insecure?" I demanded, my mood swinging violently.
My hands were snatched up again, and he peered once more into my eyes. "I know everything about you, Fay McCammon. I know that you're not from around here- that you hail from America, and your ancestors came to this America on a boat from Ireland. You are fifteen, and so near in looks to a woodland elf that you are often mistaken for one. You are good friends with Andra, an elven servant of the Ladies Imaya and Soaria. You hold the affections of Legolas Greenleaf, prince and heir to the throne of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil, and you are in the debt of Aragorn, heir of Isildur, King of Gondor, and Lord Gimli of the Lonely Mountain."
My mouth hung wide. He had said it all so quickly-so swiftly, it had barely sunk in yet. When it did, however, it =sunk= and hit my gut with a weight so heavy I thought I might topple over. How...how did he know all this? Why? For what reason?
He smiled mischievously at my speechlessness, and, finally breaking that soul-piercing gaze, turned and whistled. There was a sudden sound of heavy hooves traveling in the forest. A large grey-dappled mare came galloping into view. She snorted and shook her great, shadowy mane, pawing at the dirt impatiently.
"Come, you shall depart with me on the back of Arwenamin." He stated, and, still grasping my hand in a loose -yet strong- grip, he hoisted me onto the saddle (even though I could have done so myself), mounted in front of me, and kicked the horse into a canter. As the wind picked up, I clutched his waist for a mooring point. I didn't see the coy smile that spread over his features.
Legolas, angry and kicking up dirt in the most unelvish way, marched home. That had gone wrong! So horribly, terribly wrong!
There he was, practically spilling his heart out to her, and, and...kissing her! But no! Oh no! She had to cry and run into the forest! Valar forbid that she explain herself! Stop being so hysterical so that she could hear him out!
Legolas grit his teeth in frustration and burst through the palace doors. The servants and maids all jumped aside in fright as he stormed down the hall. They each wore bewildered looks. The prince was certainly in a mood!
Legolas was just about to dash up the stairs towards his chambers, when a voice called out to him. It was Aragorn-sitting in a room on his right. The door was open, and Legolas could see Aragorn, Mithrandir, and Andra (with her ankle propped up) sitting in the large, comfortable chairs by the open fire.
"Legolas! What's wrong? Why are you stomping about so?" The ranger questioned.
"Fay! Ruddy impossible! No matter what you do, she refuses to listen to a word that you say! And then! Then she runs off into the forest, crying and wailing as though the whole world's collapsed on top of her!" Legolas growled, throwing his hands into the air exasperatedly.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE RAN OFF INTO THE FOREST!?" Andra hollered suddenly, jumping up onto her bruised and swollen foot. "You mean to tell me that I left her with you, hoping you two could settle all the conflicts, and YOU MADE IT WORSE!?" She screamed hysterically.
"I'm sorry, Andra, but I have no patience left for you women!" Legolas yelled right back, most uncharacteristically. "If she chooses to behave in such a manner, than I'll not have anything to do with her! I TRIED talking to her! I TRIED reasoning with her! If she doesn't want to hear it, than there is nothing I can do!"
"WELL YOU HAD BETTER DO SOMETHING! JUST LOOK AT THE WEATHER!"
Andra seethed, pointing a shaking hand towards the window. The whole room stilled for a moment, so that the pelting noise of rain could be heard against the glass. Night had finally descended, and the storm made for a pitch-black evening.
"I dare say that we had best go and find the lass." Gandalf suggested quietly.
"The three of you can go on the silly hunt! I am staying right here!" Legolas declared rebelliously, crossing his arms and planting his feet defiantly.
Andra scowled and waddled over to him.
Legolas suddenly felt the front of his tunic pulled forward in a tight grasp. Andra had him by the collar, yanking his neck so that their faces were only a few inches away. "Now you listen here!" She demanded, eyes blazing with anger. "I don't care if you're a simpleton or a bloody prince! You chased her off, YOU HELP US FIND HER!"
With each word, Andra gave a hearty pull of his shirt.
Legolas blinked in astonishment. That was quite the unexpected move- especially coming from Andra!
"Yes, Legolas," Aragorn spoke up again. "I'm afraid that you don't have much choice in this matter."
FAY'S P.O.V.
In a short amount of time, Morier pulled his horse to a stop in front of a small, black castle. Yes, that's right: a castle.
Granted, the building was significantly smaller than the palace of Mirkwood. It was more like a mansion, really. But it was still a large abode reserved only for the wealthy. According to his fine clothes, horse, tack, and home, Morier was wealthy.
In one swift movement, Morier dismounted and extended a hand for me. I ignored it and rolled off the horses back. What was its name? Oh yes! Arwenamin. Wait-wasn't that Elvish for something?
"What does 'Arwenamin' mean in Elvish?" I questioned.
He smiled, glad that I was speaking. I hadn't said a word the entire ride over.
"It means 'my lady'." He replied, slipping his arm through mine when he thought I wasn't looking. I didn't say anything, and merely removed my arm from his grasp- only to have him latch on again.
"Will you stop?" I growled.
He ignored my protest, sauntering through the front doors and leaving his horse waiting there for whatever servants took care of it. I felt bad the poor creature and hoped that its attendants came soon. Night was coming, throwing everything into shadows, and it was even starting to rain...
Glad to be under shelter, I rushed inside. It was incredible...or at least I'm sure that that's what I would say if I could've seen. The entire room was dark, and I could barely see what was right in front of me!
Apparently, though, Morier knew where he as going, because he led me (through what I'm sure was some hall) and into a room with a fire going in its place. He picked a torch from the wall and lit it.
This room was...well...creepy. The heads of many animals were mounted as trophies on the wall above the fire. The furniture and curtains were made of a heavy black material. No sun was able to shine in.
Maybe the sun is just scared, the humorous part of me decided. Well I couldn't really blame the large, fiery orb. Morier's home was more like a dungeon with furnishings, rather than an actual residence.
"This way," He broke the foreboding silence suddenly. "I'll show you to your room." He declared, stepping with brisk strides. He still had my arm woven through his, and I practically had to jog to keep up.
"If memory serves me correctly, you're little friend gave you an Elvish name. Right?" He turned and gazed at me questioningly.
"Yes..."
"Ellwen...wasn't it?"
"Yes..."
"That means something as well." He continued. Now I was interested.
"Does it? I thought she merely chose that name randomly." I admitted.
"She did. But in Quenya, 'ele' means elf and 'wen' means maiden. Roughly translated, it would be..."
"Elf maiden." I interrupted. He nodded.
"That doesn't fit." I wrinkled my nose unhappily. I was most certainly not an elvish maid.
He stopped walking, and turned to face me. "I know what your name should have been," He stated.
"What?" I grumbled, feeling very tired all of a sudden.
"Inwe."
I looked up at him, puzzled. "Why Inwe?"
"Well the language of your Irish ancestors was Gaelic wasn't it?" He pressed.
"Something like that." I nodded.
"Well, in this Gaelic, 'Fay' means 'elf' and 'fairy',"
My eyes grew wide. My =parents= gave me a name that meant elf!?
"So I think your name should be 'Inwe', which is Elvish for 'fairy'. You persist so strongly that you are not an elf. Than you shall be a fairy." He informed me, ending the matter.
I was a bit perplexed by the whole thing. So I had three names now? Fay, Ellewen, and Inwe.
Well I suppose that if you're going to have more than one calling, those three are lovely.
"I'm sure that you're weary now," Morier straightened up. "This is your room." He motioned towards the door behind me.
I turned to gaze at it. The door was solid wood, and had beautiful carvings in it.
Suddenly, I was pulled into a tight embrace. Morier had placed the torch into a bracket on the wall, and swept his arms around me. I blinked in surprise, but didn't move.
He leaned down and kissed my forehead tenderly. "Sleep well...my Inwe." He whispered, then let go of me, and disappeared down the hall and into the dark before I could say another word.
OK, sorry that it was short and sucked so bad. Heh heh.
As I'm sure you noticed, I got rid of those wretched symbols! **cheers!**
Also, I looked up Fay on this site called "Now we Have all got Elvish Names!" And the Elvish name for Fay was Inwe. And "Morier" is an Elvish phrase for "dark one" if that give you any clue to what Morier's role is going to be ~.^
And don't worry-Legolas isn't out of the picture just yet ~.^
And on a final note, REVIEW!
Hope you enjoyed the chap!
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