A/N:
Thanks to all those who reviewed! Jessi and I would like to remind you that we are not fictional characters...we are real people in a fictional world. This fic, basically reflects our lives and we're writing it because we like to. Although, reviews would be nice! Oh, and pay attention to the note in the end. Thanks
Enjoy!
-Jessi & Elle
Hide and Seek
Chapter 3- Of Talents and Conversations
-Elle's POV-
It's stressful isn't it, landing in an entirely different place where you have nothing in common with anyone, your only friend is unwell and therefore asleep and your nine year old cousin it too tired to talk. Summarizing that, I was bored to death, upset and slightly angry. I decided to go for a walk, hoping I'd find someone to talk to. I mean, what do say to an elf? Like "Hi, my name's Eleniel, I'm from earth!" Okay, no common ground, nothing to speak of. So, I kept walking until I heard someone singing…
Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
yéni únótimë ve rámar aldaron!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella, Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni
ómaryo airetári-lírinen.
A song that I had memorized with a special friend…I began to sing along with the next verse.
Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva?
An sí Tintallë Varda Oiolossëo
ve fanyar máryat Elentári ortanë
ar ilyë tier undulávë lumbulë;
ar sindanóriello caita mornië
i falmalinnar imbë met, ar hísië
untúpa Calaciryo míri oialë.
Sí vanwa ná, Rómello vanwa, Valimar?
Unknowingly, my voice grew louder and clearer towards the end, matching up to the voice of the singer, obviously female from the sweet soprano voice. Wow, Elves sing well. I mean, I can sing well enough but maybe if I had some training, I might be able to do better. I went further into the hallway leading into a garden that I hadn't come across before. There sat someone Aragorn fell for…undoubtedly Arwen. I mean, wow! She was wow! Nothing like Liv Tyler but something ten thousand times better!
"Who is there?" she asked, speaking softly.
"I am sorry to have disturbed you…I'll go." I said, turning around.
"No wait!" she called, I turned and entered the garden. "What is your name?"
"Eleniel, my lady" I curtsied. She smiled and took my hand.
"Nonsense! You are a guest. Adar told me about you. Ah! But you speak the tongue of elves, clearly." She led me to the stone bench where she was sitting. "Come sit by me, I was watching the stars."
"The stars are so much clearer here," I said, sighing. The night sky was clear and beautiful.
Arwen laughed lightly, hell even her laughter sounded like rippling water…damn these amazingly perfect people…wait they're not human…oops, my bad!
"Tell me, how is it that you know the tongue of elves? Even your name…" I smiled sadly at her question…a memory came up…
"It's not my real name, my lady…"
"My name is Arwen, and you are my guest!"
"Shruti eneth nîn." I said, trying to pronounce the Sindarin words correctly (My name is Shruti) . "It means 'a sweet voice '," I said, switching back to English…oops…scratch that, the common tongue. "But on my tenth birthday, my friend…he started to call me Eleniel as a present. He knew Sindarin and Quenya, even Rohirric. He taught me a little before we were parted. I haven't seen him for years now…and now…that I'm here, I don't think…" I trailed off…not being able to finish. There were too many memories of too many people. I couldn't bear it. I had to stop the tears before they came and I stopped speaking.
-Flashback-
"Findesselya vanya" he said tenderly. I raised an eyebrow. It was a perfect afternoon with the sweetest, coolest breeze and Maddy and I were sitting in the school courtyard on the last day of our being in the same school. He was trying to teach me to speak different forms of Elvish as he had tried for years
"What's that meant to be?" I asked
"I taught you a year ago, it means 'your hair is pretty'," he answered.
"Thanks" I said, swinging an arm over his shoulder.
"Is that Quenya or Sindarin?" he asked, lightheartedly.
"Quenya. NOW, will you stop testing me? It's your last day here." I said as we stood up. I hugged him; he hugged me back.
"I'll be back in the holidays" he smiled, wiping a tear off from my cheek
"I know you will. You promised."
And he never came…
-End flashback-
"Eleniel?" she called for the second time…I snapped out of my reverie
"I'm sorry, I was thinking of someone." I shivered a little, finding myself still in a nightshirt and a pair of short shorts.
Arwen smiled kindly at me, "It's the cold, I had forgotten that it does not effect us as much as it effects you, come I must get you some suitable clothing. Father will be expecting us in the hall of fire. I assume you've already eaten." I nodded. She led me away from the garden into where I noted Mili's room had been. Taking me into the opposite room, she spoke again, before opening the door.
"This the room I chose for you. Your friend's is the one next to it and the one opposite is the child's"
"Thank you, my lady." I said. She gave me a strange look.
"Should you need any help, my room is across the garden. Come now, you must get dressed in something warmer. I will wait for you out here." She said, opening the door for me and turning away.
I entered the most beautiful room I had ever seen. It was…WOW! Really, beautiful carvings and all but the sheets weren't white/baby pink like in Mili's room. My sheets were black with a blood red covers…I was in my dream room! Opening the wardrobe I found a collection of dresses, all the shades one can imagine. I picked one of a deep forest green and brown, not too fancy but beautiful all the same. Putting myself in it, and putting on a pair of soft slippers, I looked at myself in the mirror…I was totally out of place. I looked plain, as usual so it didn't affect me much. After setting my hair with my fingers, I went out of the room, to find Arwen waiting for me. She smiled, she pitied me, I could see. But I didn't want anybody's pity!
Walking into the hall of fire I saw, Jessi in a blood red gown, sitting beside Elrond. Legolas was on her other side and beside him was one of the twins with Mili asleep in his lap. I sat beside him and took Mili into my lap, thanking him softly. The Hall of Fire is one of those places where you tend to completely lose yourself in a dream. I did, or would have rather until Arwen came up and whispered, "Will you not sing for us? Like you did in the garden." I nodded but went to Jessi's side, taking Mili with me
"Jessi"
"Yeah"
"You feeling up to singing a duet with me?" I asked hoping she'd say yes
"Sure, what's the song?" she asked.
"Good question, I don't have an answer. Options being something from Phantom of the Opera, Something from Moulin Rouge, or just something out of the blue"
"Moulin Rouge" she said…so we had the same choice. "One Day I'll fly away. Satine's song."
"Brilliant!" I nodded to Arwen. Saying that Jessi and I were ready.
"Elle"
"Yeah"
"We don't have any instrumental accompaniment!" stated Jessi. Right, um…I didn't think of that. I only play the piano and the violin. I spotted a dusty white wood piano in the corner. It looked old and unused but it would work.
"Jessi, here's the plan. You stand up front and sing. I'll be at the back with the piano…I'll just do a few lines, ok? You know what I mean. I don't have a strong voice like you do…or at least I think you do. You seem like you do anyways!" Yep, I have stage fright…my rambling says it all doesn't it?
Jessi laughed, "Elle, are you sure you're ok? I'm a bit unsure about the piano, it seems like no one plays it…and I bet it's kept in a corner for a reason."
"I have a really bad case of stage fright…don't ask! What's wrong with the piano?"
"Oh! We're on!" she said, grabbing my hand and leading me up to the slight platform. I uncovered the piano, hearing a couple gasps from the audience, which I ignored, I spread my hands over the keys, almost hearing their soft music in my mind as I did so. I nodded to Jessi and started. Exactly on time she began to sing too.
"I follow the night…" she started…I joined in on the next
Can't stand the light
When will I begin to live again?
I stopped, letting Jessi continue solo
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
What more could your love do for me?
When will love be through with me?
I caught Legolas staring to Jessi in awe. Realizing that I was looking at him, he looked at me. I gave him a 'don't you dare hurt her' glare. It's amazing, how much you can say in one look. Legolas lowered his gaze. Right on cue, I Jessi and I started singing together. And we meant what we sang…I bet the entire hall knew that from the emotion in Jessi's voice. I knew I could barely be heard.
Why live life from dream to dream?
And dread the day when dreaming ends…
Not being able to do it, I left Jessi to go Solo again
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
Why live life from dream to dream?
And dread the day when dreaming…ends…Just for the ending, I raised my voice a little and I sang again…but to my surprise, Jessi wasn't singing with me
One day I'll fly away
Fly fly away…
The hall exploded into applause. Jessi curtsied. I joined her up front and did the same, following her off stage.
"That went well!" she said, when we were both outside.
"Sure did. Why weren't you with me for the last two lines?" I asked
"Because I wanted you to have at least one solo line." I made face at her statement. "Aw! Have a hug!"
"Jessi, you should be an Elf! I said looking at her properly for the first time. "You look lovely in these dresses!"
"Thanks." She said, blushing just a little…but not my compliment… I looked back to see Legolas approaching us.
"Umm…I need to go check on Mili," I said excusing myself when Legolas was just a few steps away. I went and hid behind a wall, just to make sure their conversation started well.
"You did well tonight." He said. Yeah ok, we all know that! Try something else, Captain obvious!
"Thanks" Jessi was suddenly finding the ground to be of great interest. Jessi! Look up!
"Eavesdropping, Eleniel?" I heard from behind me. I turned and bumped right into Elrohir… I could differentiate between the twins because Elrohir called me 'Eleniel' but Elladan called me 'My lady'
"Oh…I…uhhh…what I mean is…I ummm…"
"You don't have to answer that. But thank you." He said.
"I…I don't understand…you're thanking me…for what?" I asked, totally puzzled by the guy…argh damn…Elf!
"The old Piano was brought here from Lothlorien. My Mother was the only one who ever played it…until…"
I silenced him. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. Jessi told me not to but I didn't listen…I…"
"You did nothing wrong." He said, shaking me by the shoulders.
"I should go…" I said, turning away to leave before I got too emotional
"No! Wait!" I stopped in my path. Now what?
-Jessi's POV-
I keep my eyes on the ground while Legolas was talking to me. He started saying something about me being good at singing, "Thanks," I gathered up some courage and looked at him, "Although, my voice is nothing compared to the voice of elves. Your people, they have wonderful voices. I must sound like," I paused, trying to find a word that would make my point but would still make sense to him. "Like a frog!" I giggled a bit but quickly put my eyes to the floor once I saw the mirth in his eyes.
"I do not think so, I think you could easily beat many elves when it comes to singing."
I smirked a bit, "Legolas, you must need your ears checked," I looked up at him once more, "My voice is nothing special, I can hold a tune but many can. I'm nothing special."
Legolas opened his mouth to say something but I cut him off, "I'm sorry my Lord but I must take my leave. Good day," I saw the look of hurt in his eyes and face when I called him my Lord. I almost turned back around and hugged him, but I reminded myself that I can not fall in love and I did not want to risk anything. So I continued on my way around the corner leaving him behind me.
I was about to sit down on the cold floor when I saw Elle in the corner of my eye and I heard Elrohir speak. I decided to stick around and see what happened. I backed myself against the wall and listened.
"The old Piano was brought here from Lothlorien. My Mother was the only one who ever played it…until…"
Elle seemed to speak in haste. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. Jessi told me not to but I didn't listen…I…"
Crap, I hope she doesn't get in trouble.
"You did nothing wrong." Elrohir said, placing his hands on Elle's shoulders.
"I should go…" Elle said, she turned away so that her back was to him. She seemed to be walking away, but I guess Elrohir didn't want that.
"No! Wait!"
She stopped in her place.
Elrohir walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I want to make sure your ok."
Elle slowly turned around to face him; Elrohir's arm went to his side. "I'm fine,"
He shook his head, "No, I do not think so and it is not because of the piano." He paused. "What is wrong Eleniel? Will you not say anything?"
I looked down, Elrohir was right; my friend was in pain. Her voice during the song was too emotional. It was much more then a song, I knew that too, I just…hadn't had the time to talk to her. I was worried about my own troubles. I shook my head; this was it! I was not going to let my friend suffer anymore, screw my own pain! I looked down and in that moment I decided to hide all my pain – I've done it before, I can do it again. I just only hoped that my body would not suffer for my choice, like last time…
Elle didn't speak, I don't think she could if she wanted – she just shook her head.
He sighed, "I'm sorry to have troubled you Eleniel." He began to walk away from her, but stopped and turned his head to her on a side-glance. "I will brake through your barrier Eleniel," He frowned and walked away one more.
I was about to go and comfort Elle when I realized Elrohir was walking right towards me!
I whispered under my breath, "Crap," I turned to the wall and pretended to be scrubbing the walls with nothing I my hand. Man, I was sad sometimes.
Elrohir came behind me and I felt him smirk at my back, "Now unless you have become a maid and you clean using nothing, I think we have another eavesdropper."
I cursed under my breath and turned around. "Uh, no I wasn't!" I scratched the back of my head and smiled.
He laughed, "How un-lady like,"
I sighed, putting my arms at my side and straightened my back, "How's that sir?" I saluted Elrohir with my right hand and tried kept a blank face.
"Well done soldier!"
I started to smile and we both broke into fits of laughter. I leaned against the wall as I tried to catch my breath.
"Oh man, that's good, ha!"
He smiled at me, "I believe we have not had a proper introduction my lady."
I smiled and bowed a bit, "My name, my Lord, is Jessica."
He took my hand and held it to his face, "My name, Lady Jessica, is Elrohir." He kissed my hand lightly then grasped it. "I think we will have a good time together," He gently dropped my hand and I looked up at him.
"And why is that Elrohir?"
"Because, we are very much alike, you and Eleniel both." He smiled, "You two must meet my brother, the four of us could have a great time," He winked at me and laughed a bit.
"I see,"
"How about tonight?" He asked already walking off, "We shall have dinner in the garden."
I blinked blankly, "Uh, I don't know how to get there,"
I heard him laugh a bit, "I will send someone to fetch you,"
"But what about Elle's cousin?"
He stopped, thinking for a moment, "She can come to. Make sure you are all ready within the hour,"
With that, he disappeared around a corner. Man, when this guy he wanted something, he left no room for argument.
I looked around and sighed. How the hell was I suppose to find Elle in time?
"Where am I?" I looked around and leaned back against the wall, sliding down to sit on the floor. "This place is too big and confusing!"
I sat there, staring blankly at the floor for a few minutes when a maid nearly tripped over me.
I felt someone hit my leg and looked up.
"Oh my!" A maid's basket full of clothes flew out of her hands as she tried to stabilize herself.
I got up and grabbed the elf holding on to her, making sure she wouldn't fall. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Let me help you!" I bent down and started to pick up the clothes and the maid quickly joined me.
Once the clothes were all in the basket again, I stood up to apologize again. "I'm sorry my Lady!"
She blushed as she picked up the basket, "No, it was my fault my Lady,"
She started to walk away and I scrambled after her, hoping that she could tell me where to go, "No, it really was my fault." After she said nothing I continued, "Uh, I'm sorry again but could you help me,"
"Of course my Lady," She turned around and faced me, "What is it that you need,"
"Um, do you know a Lady by the name of Eleniel?"
She thought for a moment before responding, "Yes I do my Lady,"
I smiled, "Awesome. If you could, could you tell her to meet me, Jessica, in the gardens? I think she'll be in her room,"
"Of course Lady Jessica,"
"Oh please don't call me Lady," I chuckled, "For I am far from that. Oh ya, could you tell me how to get to the gardens," I blushed and listened to her instructions.
I thanked her and I began my way to the gardens.
-20 Minutes Later-
After many wrong turns and swearing I reached my destination – well at least I hoped I did.
I huffed as I sat down on a beach. "Man, that was a work out!" I relaxed and let my head roll downwards. I spent the rest of my time their alone just looking around and smelling the flowers.
Elle: Translations (for the song which is from the book...it's Galadriel's farewell song. I hope you people remember. Yes, I understand quite a bit of Elvish...and you thought I had a LIFE?
Ah! Like gold fall the leaves in the wind,
long years numberless as the wings of trees!
The years have passed like swift draughts
of the sweet mead in
lofty halls beyond the West,
beneath the Orange vaults of Varda
wherein the stars tremble
in the song of her voice, holy and queenly.
Who now shall refill the cup for me?
For now the Kindler, Varda, the Queen of the Stars, from Mount Everwhite
has uplifted her hands like clouds,
and all paths are drowned deep in shadow;
and out of a grey country darkness lies
on the foaming waves between us, and mist
covers the jewels of Calacirya forever.
Now lost, lost to those from the East is Valimar!
That's that.
Jessi and would just like to say: Thank you! We could not have done it without you! Now go review! Please!
Elle: Oh yeah, go check out Jessi's stuff on her account. She is Krillball6 on this site. She's written a load of good stuff! Also, I have a new fic up, 'Jealousy, Justice and Love' go read that. Oh, and to readers of 'Darkness has come': I know it's been ages since my last update but I'm a bit stuck on it!
Thanks! Now go review! The little button in calling...