Authoress' notes:
Jessi:
Wow. We've gotten so far! Woot! Please R&R - it'll make our day...and thanks to ArwenEvenstar83 for reviewing! -hugs- -
krillball6
Elle:
Jessi basically covered it all! Sorry it took us ages to update...but that was mostly my fault! Do review!
For any readers of 'Darkness has come': The fic's going to end soon...the ending will depend on you people. Do you want a sequel?
-Jessi's Pov-
When I woke up I was lying right beside Elladan who had his arm around me. I guess in our sleep we both wanted to, get more comfortable? I blushed but stayed where I was, I was not moving - he was so warm and he was the perfect pillow! I sighed in contempt and waited for everyone else to wake up, which took a bloody long time.
After a few minutes my mind started to wonder away from heavy breathing and snoring. I begin to think about me and how shy I was. I mean, back on Earth I was always so open – mentally and physically. Many even called me unsavoury words. You see, when I trust or really like someone I'm extremely friendly (some people say flirting but I say friendly) and I share a lot of personal info. with people. So why am I so different now? Why am I not trying to make friends? Why am I so scared?
At the end of this thought I saw Elrohir stir; somehow he and Elle woke up at the same time. I pretended to be asleep with Elladan when they got up – hay don't think badly of me, I'm sure you all do it too!
"Elrohir, do you see what I see?"
"Aye"
Muhahaha, I like freaking people out!
"They can't do that!" Elle shouted while still trying to sound quiet. She sounded like a mother yelling at her child. I heard her walking closer to me.
I lay there wondering what she was gonna do when she roughly pulled me up. I opened my eyes and blinked a few times.
"What the…?" I was so confused – wait, how did that happen?
"Jessi! What do you think you're doing!"
I looked down at her, "What do you mean?"
"What are you doing with Elladan Jessi!"
"Uhh,"
"Tis nothing Lady Eleniel," All eyes turned to Elladan. "We were merely seeking comfort in each others warmth."
Elle seemed to glare holes through his head. She turned to me, "Is this the truth?"
In any other situation I would have laughed at how much she sounded like Elrond but I was too scared at the moment. I just kinda nodded meekly.
She looked back at Elladan, "Well, just make sure this doesn't happen again!"
I sat down on the floor and Elladan joined me. Elrohir was escorting Elle out of room. I rested my back on Elladan as I strained to hear what was being said between Elle and Elrohir.
"Oh my!" I could hear her banging around in the other room, "I can't believe this! What is she trying to do?"
"I trust my brother; they were just innocently sleeping together, nothing more." I heard Elrohir say.
"Lady Jessi, do you know why Lady Elle is so upset," Elladan asked.
"Please, don't put the title in front of our names. Just call us Jessi and Elle,"
I felt Elladan nod against me. "Now, why is," He paused, "Elle so upset?"
"Well, I don't know if I should tell you," I turned around to face Elladan. "Can I trust you? Can you promise me that you will not tell a soul? Not even your brother?"
I searched his eyes; I hoped he would say yes. I needed to talk to someone about this cause if I talked to Elle she would be pushing me towards Legolas. I needed to make some friends around here and I wanted Elladan and us to be friends.
"Yes, I give you my word,"
I sighed in relief, "Well, Elle has this deranged illusion that I like Legolas and that he likes me or something like that." I hesitantly laughed. I didn't really like him – did I? "I guess she wants us to end up together or something. So I guess she thinks I'm moving on or something or ignoring my true feelings." See, I told you I open up easily.
"Like him?" he gave that confused son of Elrond look "What do you mean?"
"That I think of him as more than a friend" I answered. Middle Earth vocabulary is not sufficient to survive daily life. Elladan nodded
He looked down for a minute; I assumed he was thinking, "Well do you like Prince Legolas?"
"Well, I don't know yet. I hardly even know him! Even if I do like him, it will never work out! I mean, he's an elf, I'm a mortal!"
He nodded, "Well, you do want to play a prank of our own?"
"What kind of prank?" I eyed him.
"A long prank. One where we fool Elle and maybe get Legolas jealous." He winked at me.
"Hay, I don't Legolas to get jealous! We can't be together!" I was offended; didn't I just tell him I don't want Legolas?
"Ok, I accept that you don't want Legolas," He didn't sound like he believed me, "But we can still play a prank on him and Elle."
I sighed, "I hate deceiving people, its mean."
Elladan hung his head, wow I never knew an elf could be so sad about someone saying no to a prank. "But, it would be so fun,"
"You're like a little child," I rolled my eyes.
I don't like the fact that I would be deceiving people but it would be fun to play a prank on someone. I don't know…
"Well, I'll think about it. In the mean time, when Elle and Elrohir get back do you want go and do something?"
"Go and do something?"
"I mean, like go outside and explore or something?"
"What's with you and this word something?"
I glared. "Fine!" I sighed, "What do you guys do around here for…entertainment?"
"Well, Elrohir and I like to go riding when we can," He got up and looked out the 'window'. "It seems to be a nice day outside,"
I got up and stretched cracking my back and knuckles. Elladan gave me a disgusted look and before I could say something back a calmer Elle and Elrohir walked into the room.
I giggled a bit, "Hey Elle, you feeling better?" Before she could reply I spoke again, "Elladan thinks we should go riding,"
Elle's face lit up, "Oh, could we! I love riding!"
I smiled, "I would love too, although I don't know how,"
Elrohir came over to me, "Its ok, Elladan and I can teach you the basics,"
"Ok! Lets go," I went to open the door but Elle's voice stopped me.
"Uh, Jessi, your still wearing your dress,"
I looked down, how did I ever get comfortable in this! I shirked, "Ew! Elladan, Elrohir you stay outside while Elle and I change," I pushed them outside the room.
"Well, what are we gonna wear?"
We heard a knock at the door, "We're not letting you in!" I huffed.
Elle laughed and opened the door a crack to see who it was, "Jessi! It's the maid!"
I hurried over, "Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I thought you were,"
"Lords Elladan and Elrohir. Don't worry, I understand. Those two can be very irritating. How long have they been bothering you this morning?"
We both kinda looked at each other but Elle was the first to speak, "Well actually they just got here,"
"Ah I see. Well what are you ladies doing today?"
Elle answered again, "Well Elladan and Elrohir have invited us to go riding with them today,"
"Oh, how nice!"
"Do you think you could being us some riding gear and tunics and breeches if you could arrange them?" Wow, Elle was so smart!
The maid came in a while later with clothes and smiled before leaving. "Have a pleasant day, my ladies!" she said. Looked like a good day ahead to me!
-Elle's POV-
Once Jessi and I changed into the tunics and breeches that the maid brought us, I began to think about the previous scenario. Jessi and Elladan… Elladan and Jessi…and Ellandan and…no! Stop! No, they just didn't belong! Jessi and Legolas…now that's better! As those thoughts were running through my head, a perfect plan formed as well. Meanwhile, I sat down and began to redo Jessi's braid.
"Elle, will they let us have our own horses?" Jessi asked, turning back.
"Keep your head straight!" I said, and she obediently turned her head back to where it was. "I think they will." I answered, finishing the braid and tying it with a ribbon. Jessi jumped off the bed and began to make her way towards the door.
"Aren't you coming?" she asked seeing that I was still on the bed.
"Um…could you go on…I still need to do some stuff, I'll be right there!" I said…and she pouted.
"Aw! Come on!" she said, almost closing the door.
"I'll be there…please go on!" I begged.
"Fine!" she said reluctantly, walking out the door. Quickly, I changed and opened the door to make sure Jessi was gone. She was…so I headed off to the archery practice fields. Where else can you find a certain elf prince? Not knowing where the fields were, I stared to look for someone who could help me. While wandering on, I came across the maid who usually tended to Jessi and me. Except that this time she was doing her chores and singing at the same time. She had a beautiful voice…it held a lot of emotion like mine did, but hers was a stronger voice.
"Umm…excuse me…" I said…she gasped in surprise…I didn't know elves could be surprised!
"Sincerest apologies, my lady. I must have let my thoughts wander. What can I do you for you?" she asked, standing up and curtsying
"No…don't apologize! That was beautiful! You have a beautiful voice. What is your name?" I asked, forgetting all about my plan for a moment.
"Alassea, my lady." She said softly. "But I have heard of your own voice being quite beautiful." She said very shyly. How nice! I think I may have found my first female elf friend!
"Don't call me that, Alassea! I am like you. I have no title or wealth. Call me Eleniel and that will suffice." She nodded so I decided to continue on. "Tell me, where can I find Prince Legolas. His quarters are nearby, are they not?"
"Yes Lady Eleniel, they are. Just the next passageway actually." Said a male voice from behind me. I was about to turn around and say my thanks. But when I turned, I saw Legolas. "Now, why were you inquiring about me, my lady?" he asked
"The Lords Elladan and Elrohir, Lady Jessi and I are going riding and we were wondering if you would like to join us." I said calmly.
"Lady Jessi can ride?" he asked with a certain bit of concern. I looked at him questioningly. "She did not seem to be used to horses when she and I were riding on Arod when we found you ladies."
"No she cannot ride." I said, starting to walk towards the stables while he followed me. "But you will be teaching her how to. That's why you're coming."
"I am sorry, my lady I cannot understand what you mean by all this"
"Either you are in denial or you just haven't realized it yet." I said.
"Realized what?" he asked. Ah ha! So it was the latter.
On reaching the stables I found that Jessi, Elladan and Elrohir were waiting there. Jessi glared at me when she saw Legolas coming. She pulled me aside before I could do or say anything.
"What did you do?" she asked when we were away from the elves.
"I invited him. Poor guy…he would have been left out!" I tried my best to keep a straight face but I did burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Sorry Jessi" I continued to laugh, "T-that look on your face when you saw him" –insert insane laughter here- "That look on your face was priceless!" Jessi crossed her arms and continued to glare at me. At once I calmed down.
"Okay! Let's go!" I said, running off and pulling Jessi along. Wow! I was really hyper for the first time in ages! Poor Jessi…people who are new to me shouldn't have to see me like this.
Rivendell's stables were well kept and the horses were well groomed…or at least the best-groomed horses that I had ever seen! Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas went to their own steeds and then asked Jessi and me choose from a different section of the building. White and grey, even chestnut horses...so many to choose from. Jessi ran over to a black mare in a corner and I followed, finding another black one.
"No! I am sorry, you cannot choose them, my ladies," said the keeper of the stables.
"Why not, my lord?" asked Jessi, still looking at the black mare as she stroked it's soft coat.
"They are dark, like the servants of the dark lord. They will not let you ride them. They obey none." He said.
"Have you tried to ride them, my lord?" I asked, surprising myself my calm but cold tone.
"No, my lady but no horse of the colour has ever proved to be friendly."
"We shall see then." I said, opening the stall. Jessi raised an eyebrow at me. I rolled my eyes. I went into the stall and moved closer to the mare. She seemed to be comfortable with my presence. She came closer to me and nuzzled against my neck and I giggled a bit. I'm ticklish.
"Will you let me ride you?" I whispered softly to the mare; she snorted in response. She sensed my fear but trusted me all the same. Using the stack of hay for help, I leapt up on her back and the keeper stared at me in shock. I smiled and patter the mare on the back urging her to move forward.
"You forget, my lord that darkness is not evil." I said to the keeper.
"How so, my lady?" he asked
"Darkness can be of sorts" Jessi continued, "Of grief, of loneliness…our lives have been different from yours, good sir. We know things differently."
"You may be wiser," I said "But even the wise forget what once was. Darkness was not always thought to be evil."
"I understand, my ladies. I shall personally tend to your steeds when you return. Do have a pleasant ride," He said bowing and moving away. I looked at Jessi who was smiling happily and patting her mare.
"Wow! Nice speech, Jessi. I'm impressed...however did you come up with that? …It was so perfectly styled to fit the 'middle earth talk'" I said.
"Middle earth must be rubbing off on me." She said. "Ummm…now could someone help me? I can't ride…remember?"
Elladan and Legolas went to Jessi immediately to help.
"Does my steed have a name?" Jessi asked no one in particular.
"I do not think that any of them do, Jessi" Elladan replied.
"In that case, I'll name mine Dae." I said happily. Dae snorted in agreement.
"That means 'shadow', Eleniel. Did you know?" asked the one and only Elrohir.
"Sure I knew! It's Sindarin for 'shadow'" I looked at Jessi whose mare was being carefully controlled by Elladan. "What about you, Jessi? Surely you must have a name in mind for your own noble steed."
She laughed, "Hmmm…I think it should be Marzanna"
"A good name for a good steed!" Legolas said, leading Jessi and Marzanna out of the stall. Once we were outside the stables, Elrohir suggested that I should go with him on a different trail while Elladan, Legolas and Jessi go on an easier one so that Jessi could learn. Surprisingly enough I agreed but I didn't leave before talking to Jessi:
"Hey, you'll be okay, right? You're with both of them." I said to her.
"Go on!" she said, "I'll be fine. Now you go enjoy yourself." That was so sweet of her! I really wanted to see the harder trails and I guess she understood. See, it's always nice to have a nice friend!
"Thanks!" I said, galloping after Elrohir who was by now quite ahead of me. "Wait up!" I called to Elrohir and he halted.
"Thanks" I said catching up with him. "For waiting and for bringing me out for a ride. I don't know how I can even start to repay your hospitality. Your father had been most kind." I said.
"Always glad to be of service, Eleniel." He said. "However there is something you can do for me."
"What is that?" I asked, hoping it wouldn't be something I couldn't do.
"Answer some of my questions. Please?"
I laughed, "I will do my best" Some light conversation, eh?
"Why do you lie?" he asked, quite plainly as if it was some other everyday question.
"Lie? I never lied!" I retorted. When did I lie?
"I can see it in your eyes when you are happy. Your eyes sparkle like the brightest jewels when you are truly happy. You can't hide, Eleniel. You know you cannot. Not from me."
"Elrohir, Lord Elrohir, I don't know what you mean. I have been happy all the time I've been here." I said. I could not let him into my life. It would only make going back home harder for me. Not only that, I would affect his life as well…something I was afraid of doing.
"Very well, if you will not discuss it then I will ask you more." He said, as if it was a threat.
"Go on, ask!" I said after a moment of silence.
"The ring that you wear…are you engaged?" he asked with some amount of concern
I laughed, "As I told you previously, my lord. No, I am not. The flower is a symbol to me," I said, taking off the ring and letting him have a look at it.
"Symbol? What kind of symbol?"
"Well, not a symbol really, but my parents always thought the flower was like me in various ways. The ring was a gift to me and I won't part with it unless it's for a really good cause." I said, winding around a tree in my path. Elrohir fingered the rose on my ring and delicately traced it's pattern. What can I say? I admire roses, and their passionate beauty.
"It was a good gift." He said to me, giving the ring back. "And your necklace?"
I fingered my locket and the rose pendant. "This," I said, holding up the locket "was my grandmother's. It was given to her when she was my age."
" A family heirloom then?" he asked
"You could say so." I said, following him through a narrower downhill path. "Where are we going?"
"Not so far from here, is a place that my brother and I always come to. I thought you would want to see it." He said, turning and leaving the path behind. After some more winding turns and all we came to a small clearing with a waterfall…a small one with a rather small plunge pool and a grassy bank.
"Perfect place for a picnic, wouldn't you think?" he asked, helping me off Dae and taking out the lunch. I couldn't speak. The place was something out of a dream…
"It's…" I started…not being able to finish
"It's…" I tried again
"It's…"
"…Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
"I beg your pardon!" poor guy…he hadn't seen Mary Poppins…he was missing out on something
"So when the cat has got your tongue, there's no need for dismay, just summon up this word and then you've got a lot to say!" I sang, laughing at the same time…and laughing very loudly indeed.
"Eleniel! You-"
"Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
is something quite atrocious
if you say it loud enough
you'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" I sang…astonishing the poor elf who probably thought I was mad. Now, that was real fun!
A/n: Go review! Thanks for reading!
-Jessi and Elle
Elle: Oh, and go read some of Jessi's stuff...she's on my favourites...now go! I watched Mary Poppins when I was a kid...andI was really hyper when I wrote this...so I guess that explains somethings!
Thanks