Author's Note: Hey! Yes, I am alive! Lol, just wanted to tell you that. Oh yeah...
What I Own: The entire Faerie race (including Liana, Nevada, yadda yadda...) and other minor, minor characters
What I Do Not Own: Everything else
It's raining, it's pouring
The ocean's are storing
Water from the falling rain
While thunderclouds are roaring
~Meish Goldish
Chapter 12
The midday sun filtered through the leaves of the giant, ancient trees in the surrounding forest, creating patches of light along the forest floor that dotted a pathway through the twist of roots and exotic bushes. Small, lithe birds could be heard, chirping and singing as they flitted from branch to branch, and larger, more colorful birds cawed harshly from their perches in the higher part of the trees.
Even louder than those animals was the faint crashing of foliage in the distance. Some of the wildlife cleared at the noise, not sure if it was friend or foe that came into their jungle, and others stayed on, but hid to see what the disturbance could possibly be. It became apparent that four hooves pounding on the ground were mauling the foliage, and it was coming closer with every passing minute.
Fuintal rode harder as the forest thinned out a bit, and a hint of the palace came into view. He fought back a gasp at the breathtaking structure appearing before him, looming taller as his horse cleared the forest and got closer. The lush grass under the animal's feet was a tempting treat for the stallion, but his master urged him on until they reached the front of the magnificent building.
" Kalwa," he breathed to himself, his eyes drinking in every detail. The palace itself was an ivory color, with a vague hint of pale gold swirls in its rounded roofs. Twelve of thirteen steps that stretched at least thirty feet across led up to a set of massive arched double doors, flanked on either side by a smaller set of rounded doors. Giant white pillars were strategically placed for support, and with Fuintal's sharp elfish vision, he noticed the wispy, foreign writing etched at the base of the pillars and around the archways of the entrances. The roof was extended enough to protect the stairs from the elements; large and rounded, and about sixty feet high. For the first time in decades, Fuintal felt the massiveness of this palace, feeling very little next to it, yet completely taken away by the exquisite craftsmanship this palace must have taken.
The messenger was so consumed by his surroundings that he nearly forgot what it was he came to do, and a voice clearing its throat abruptly reminded him. He stopped his horse at the foot of the steps, and met the eyes of...a child.
" We have been expecting you," came the youthful voice." Please, take from your horse and we will see to his needs while you come inside."
Fuintal blinked in utter confusion at the little girl before him. She looked to be no more than eight years of age, a human child! Light, wispy red hair framed a small, serious face, and clear gray eyes peered up at him through the fairly long locks. She was dressed in a dark blue toga that ended a few inches before the ground, revealing clean, bare feet. Her arms were bare, as well, due to the odd toga garb that tied around one shoulder and left the other out in the open. Fuintal would have labeled her as a cute, pretty child, if not for the look in her eyes. Intelligence shone there, a deep understanding and a solemn light that he found disturbing in one so young. She stood on the fifth step up, so she didn't have to crane her neck as much to see his face.
" Well?" she continued in her childlike voice, a faint, foreign accent coloring her words." Off you go; we cannot keep the queen waiting."
Slowly, he got off his horse and patted his flank, murmuring a thanks to his companion in elfish. When a pair of hands placed themselves on the horse's neck, Fuintal turned quickly to see who was taking him away. A young boy of about twelve gave him a sharp glance with brilliant blue eyes, hands still placed on Fuintal's horse's neck. The horse, for his part, didn't seem bothered by the newcomer; in fact, he looked quite content.
" Who are you?" Fuintal asked quickly, immediately suspicious of the thin boy with pointed ears, like himself, and ear-length, wind-tousled light brown hair.
" Qadir," he replied, then gave the elf a reassuring smile." Worry not, sir Elf. Your steed will be taken to our stables just behind the castle, where he will be given water and fresh food. He'll be able to rest up for your trip back."
Fuintal stared at the boy a moment longer, not being able to decipher much expression from the bright blue eyes. Finally, he nodded, still reluctant to leave his beloved horse in the hands of a twelve year old. As the boy and horse walked in the opposite direction, Fuintal turned to the child, recalling what she had said before." How did you know I was here to see the queen?"
The child gave him a look that couldn't be mistaken for anything but exasperation, and gave a little sigh while she was at it. Fuintal fought back a grin at seeing such adult emotions come from her, as she responded," Trust me, Fuintal." He started at hearing her say his name." I know these things. Follow me." She turned and walked up the steps, not looking back to see if he was following. Figuring there was nothing he had to lose, the elf followed her, taking a moment to study her small figure. When he noticed her feet again, he asked," Where are your shoes?"
She glanced at him, and then looked down at her own feet. Shrugging delicately, she replied," I didn't feel like wearing any today. It's rather hot, and shoes would only be a hindrance."
"...A hindrance," he repeated in disbelief.
" Yes." Her eyes flashed with irritation." That is what I said."
" What is your name?"
" Why does it matter?"
It was his turn to become annoyed." You know my own, and it is only fair that I know yours."
She paused for a moment, then nodded." My name is Ariella, but my relatives call me Ara."
" Speaking of relatives, where are your parents?"
" You ask so many questions!" The child threw up her arms dramatically." Are all elves as inquisitive as you?"
Fuintal had to grin. She was quite smart for her age, and very humorous." Depends. Now...why are you here alone?"
" I was sent to greet you, and I certainly do not need my mother and father to accompany me," she sniffed.
' Why, you little upstart,' Fuintal thought to himself, now more annoyed than amused with her change in behavior.
" I am not an upstart!" Ara argued back. Caught off guard again, Fuintal did nothing but stare at her. At that moment, they reached the double doors, and the two stopped in front of them. Ara didn't spare him another glance as she raised her arm and waved her hand in front of the two doors.
Centuries of diplomatic training kept Fuintal's mouth from dropping open in surprise as the doors opened up at the young girl's will, yawning wide to reveal a hall as equally massive as the outside of it. Gathering his wits about him, he shook his head and stepped in with her." I am not even going to ask how you knew what I was thinking, nor how you just did that."
She smirked, pushing her hair out of her face." Good. I never give away my secrets, anyhow."
Ara led him through the hall, and he couldn't help but look up at the high rounded ceiling, the colorful, gorgeous tapestries hanging next to the doorway-sized windows, and the rugs that decorated the smooth floor. The windows let in the sun's rays, filtering in bright light to an amazingly empty hall.
" Where is everyone?" Fuintal found himself asking, his voice faintly echoing.
" Avoiding you."
He nearly stopped walking." Pardon me?"
" They do not wish to see the elf who has come visiting. They're afraid of the news you bring."
" I assure you, it is not that bad," Fuintal soothed.
" It's not?" In a moment of true surprise, Ara looked up at him, hope flaring in her pale gray eyes.
Fuintal smiled down at her." No, little one. Trust me," he finished, using her own words back at her. Ara narrowed her eyes at the elf, but said nothing. She led him down a hallway adorned with a long red rug with dark blue swirls along the edges, and many closed doors on either side. They came to the end of the hall, and another set of double doors that Ara opened with the same trick she'd used before. She gestured for him to go inside.
" She is just at the end of the room," Ara explained. When he went to step in, the blonde child stopped him for a moment." Fuintal? Don't ever call me ' little one' again. I'm probably older than you." With that said, she shut the door and left.
' All my life, I have never been through a situation stranger than that one.' Fuintal shook his head in amazement, before turning, his eyes seeking out the far end of the room, where he expected the queen to be. A throne sat elegantly there, draped in red and gold, yet it was...empty. Just as his brow furrowed in slight confusion, he heard a soft voice; quiet, yet full of power and agelessness.
" I hope you did not take offense to Ariella's assertiveness. She has quite a sassy nature for her age," the voice finished, laced with motherly humor.
Fuintal finally found the owner of the voice next to the large window to his right, and his breath caught at the sight of the faerie Queen.
Her back was to him at first, her gaze fixed on something outside of the window as she rested her hands on the window's sill. Even from his vantage point, he could sense the power she held, and it nearly made him uncomfortable. It was not often that one meets a woman who could lead a kingdom as successfully as she had for the thousands of years; for a moment, he was unsure of whether he should be awed or frightened.
It was when he looked deeper into her slim form that he noticed it. To normal eyes, she carried herself as was expected of royalty, but to Fuintal's vision, the posture was not as straight as it should be, the shoulders a bit more weighted by a heavy heart. It grieved him to see one so fair and influential as her to seem so melancholy, but he assumed it to be because of the attacks on her kingdom and people. Many times he had seen Lord Elrond as thus, weighed down by duty and regret over the coming war.
Fuintal bowed, even though she was not looking at him yet." Queen Emilia."
" Khoob rooz, Fuintal. Please, sit down. I believe we have much to talk about."
She lifted a hand and gestured toward the chairs near where she stood, and Fuintal approached, already used to the faeries' bizarre way of knowing his name without him speaking it. When the messenger reached his seat, he remained standing, waiting for her to be seated first. The queen turned away from the window with a small sigh, her thick, black curls shaking slightly as she walked to her chair. When she saw him still standing, she smiled." Ah, the legendary courtesy of the elves. You may sit down, Fuintal, although I appreciate your gesture." He flushed slightly under the praise, and both were seated. The Elf soon found himself under the piercing gaze of the faerie queen, and he resisted the urge to shift anxiously. It must go along with the age of wisdom, he thought, remembering yet again how Lord Elrond could do the exact same thing: make a body uncomfortable.
" Would you like a refreshment from your long journey here?"
Fuintal shook his head politely." No, thank you, my Queen. I have important news to deliver firsthand."
" News from Imladris?" she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
He nodded." Yes, my Queen."
" Is it of the party of five of my own that left here but a month ago?"' And without my permission,' Emilia mused to herself, wondering what mischief those five could be conjuring up now.
Fuintal nodded." Yes. The council meeting they...participated in agreed that the One Ring was to be destroyed, and had to be taken to Mordor to do so."
Emilia's eyes darkened slightly." I see where this is going."
Fuintal continued," The Ring bearer could not go alone, so companions were sent with him. Among the eleven are Nevada of Deimos and Princess Liana of Ciel." If Fuintal wasn't so seasoned in reading people, he would have missed the flash of displeasure in her eyes, for it there a splint second, then disappeared.
The queen paused for a long moment, pondering the situation of one of her princesses leaving on a journey she might not come back from." I see."
" The faeries Alexia of Charon, Peony of Miranda, and Diana of Saffron are guests in Lord Elrond's home until the pathway back here is clear of Orcs. They encountered a few on the way to our home, and Lord Elrond deemed it too risky to send the three back through that path until the danger subsided. I only made it here unscathed because I travel alone."
Emilia nodded." A wise choice. It heartens me to know they are safe. As for Nevada and Liana..." ' Trouble since the day they were born,' she smiled fondly." Who is it they travel with, if I might ask?"
" Certainly, my Queen." Fuintal cleared his throat." They travel with one of the Istar, an elf, a dwarf, four hobbits, and two men. The wizard is Gandalf the Grey," Emilia's smile widened," the elf is Legolas Greenleaf from the Woodland Realm; the dwarf if Gimli, son of Gloin; the four hobbits include Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Samwise Gamgee, and Frodo Baggins, the Ring bearer; and the two humans are Aragorn, son of Arathorn; and Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor."
" Such a diverse group."
" Many of them offered their services to protect the Ring bearer."
" I know of Aragorn, son of Arathorn," she continued, her voice and eyes taking on a distant look." I met the young man many years ago. He has potential."
Fuintal nodded in agreement. He knew little of the ranger, but he knew enough to know of the integrity and leadership qualities the man possessed. He would make an excellent king when his time came.
" Thank you for this information, Fuintal of Imladris," Queen Emilia smiled warmly at him, and the elf couldn't help but be besotted with her. The tales of the queen's compassion and beauty were more than true, as well as the land's beauty. Now, his people's mistrust of the faeries and their homelands appeared foolish, almost naive. There was nothing to fear from this woman and her people." You may stay as long as you like to rest up before your journey back."
He stood up with her and bowed, giving a smile back." Many thanks, Queen Emilia. I will only stay for one night, as I have to return as soon as possible, but I assure you, I will enjoy every moment of it. Your home is beautiful."
She laughed, such a musical, delighted sound." I have forgotten how flattering elves can be when they put differences behind them. I am glad to hear of it. Ariella will show you to your room, Master Fuintal."
" Thank you." As he went to walk away, he turned back, his curiosity getting the better of him." Ara told me that she might be older than myself. I wonder at this, my Queen. She looks so young."
Emilia smiled, her eyes sparkling with more laughter." We age differently than most, dear Elf. While humans and elves alike grow into their adult form rather quickly, in their twenties and thirties, our aging process is drastically slower due to our immortality. A faerie will age a year for every century that passes by." Understanding dawned in Fuintal's eyes, along with it, shock." For instance, if a faerie turns eight hundred, like Ara, she will only appear to be eight years old. One can usually tell the age of a faerie by looking at their appearance."
" It sounds more of a curse than naught," Fuintal frowned, remembering his own misgivings of Ara, and how irritated she became when he kept inquiring of her parents and her youth. It also made him realize that in the world of men, even elves, a faerie would not be given the respect he or she deserved until they were at least 1,600 years old, and even then, they would still look to be a teenager. He could only imagine how frustrating that would be.
" It can be at times, but we learn to be patient through those years," she replied, glad he understood." It is very easy to judge those with a younger appearance."
The doors opened to reveal Ariella, no longer a vexing young child in the elf's eyes, but an eight hundred year old adult tragically trapped in a child's body." Come, Fuintal, allow me to show you to your room."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The world was out to get her. She was sure of it. Nothing else could explain the torrent of rain that was currently pelting her cloak and everything else around her. And it wasn't even a light rain - no, these rain droplets were fat and heavy, especially with no wind to guide them anywhere but straight down. Nevada was able to ward off the faint chill in the air better than her comrades, but she couldn't escape the feeling of the mud sloshing around in her shoes, not to mention the sensation of being soaked to the skin despite all the clothing she was wearing.
The skies had shown the first hints of a rainstorm earlier in the day, but everyone, even Gandalf, expected it to move to the north, away from them. Well, of course they were all wrong. A few hours later, and the skies opened up to drench the company until all eleven resembled a troop of drowned rats trudging through the mud and stone of their current pathway.
So here they were, still walking, still wet, and it was still raining as heavy as it had started. Someone high up there must hate her, Nevada concluded with conviction. Or maybe it wasn't her. Maybe it was the human. Her eyes zeroed in on Aragorn a few yards ahead of her. He made his way through the mud quite ungracefully, she noted with a rueful smile, but at least he didn't complain about their current situation. Truth be told, no one really said anything since the rain had started. It was everyone to his or her own thoughts, which was okay with Nevada. Usually a bit of rain never bothered her, but this shower had the potential to turn into a storm, if those thunderclouds in the east told her anything, and that, above all else, irritated her.
She hated thunderstorms.
And apparently, she wasn't the only one. A quick glance to her right showed her Liana, whose face was just as grim and miserable as she felt, but her friend kept her mouth shut like everyone else. Liana wasn't too fond of rain or storms in general - Nevada didn't think anyone who'd lived in a desert for most of their life *would* be, either, so the two shared a common dislike of thunderstorms. The only one in the group who seemed to be remotely okay with the rain was the elf, but even his expression was one of indifference.
Nevada's thoughts were interrupted when a sudden gust of wind blew through and swept back the hood of her cloak, exposing her head to the downpour above them." Arghh!" she growled softly, fumbling to pull it over her again. Every time she managed to pull it on, it would fall back down and she would get even wetter.' I can't take much more of this!' she sighed internally.
" Having trouble, Miss Nevada?"
The faerie looked down to meet the squinted gaze of Pippin, who was walking along side of her and trying to maintain eye contact by rubbing the water out of his eyes and blinking rapidly. He didn't look like he was faring any better than she, and for a moment Nevada felt guilty for complaining to herself. To her, the air was only chilled, but it must have been a lot colder for them.
She shook her head at him." Not really, no. I'll live."
He nodded, making his wet curls slap against his forehead." Okay, Miss- whoa!!" One moment he was there, the next minute Pippin was in the air, arms and legs flailing and ready to land on his back. It was only Nevada's quick reflexes that saved him from a very muddy bath.
" Easy there, Pip!" Nevada had to laugh at his clumsiness." What did you trip over, your own feet?"
She helped him up, and he shook out his cloak, the hobbit's face going red to the tips of his ears. He mumbled something that sounded like "yes" than kept walking in embarrassment.
" Hey, don't worry about it, people fall all the time," Nev supplied. For some reason, it bothered her that he would be ashamed of himself around her, especially since they'd been on this journey together for twenty days-almost three weeks. She'd like to think that the hobbits were comfortable around her and Liana, since they were a little leery at first.
" Even you?" Pippin asked, looking up at her again.
Nevada snorted." You better believe it. Even more than me-" Nevada gestured towards Liana," is that one. Miss I-Have-Two-Left-Feet-And-Trip-Over-My-Own-Shoelaces Liana. That girl has tripped so many times-"
" Nevada, would you leave me out of this?!"
The raven-haired warrior stuck out her tongue at her friend and continued to entertain Pippin with stories of the Princesses' mishaps, but it became apparent that Pippin wasn't the only one listening. She had caught the attention of Sam, Frodo, and of all people, Legolas, who didn't hide the fact that he was amused at the tales Nevada was telling.
Liana, for her part, was torn between laughing along with them and strangling Nevada with her own cloak. Her face became increasingly redder as practically the whole Fellowship began listening, forgetting about the horrid rain and focusing on amusement at Liana's expense.
" Oh, and there was this one time when we were meeting with important delegates from Gondor-"
" Valar, make her shut up," Liana muttered, fighting to keep from covering her face in embarrassment.
Seeing this, Nev took pity on her friend and stopped, chuckling," Calm down, Liana, at least it got everyone's mind off the rain. You're too high-strung."
Liana rolled her eyes, her mood only lifting slightly at the teasing's end. The rain still had not stopped, and she wanted shelter from it more than anything. Her thoughts were so preoccupied that she didn't realize someone had joined her in her walking until they touched her shoulder.
Starting slightly, she looked up and saw Legolas, the archer elf she had known for nearly three weeks, yet hardly knew at all. He walked beside her, striding through the mud as easily as if it were a dry path. His hair was halfway pulled back, but strands of golden hair escaped from it and surrounded his pale face. He never seemed to get dirty, even in these conditions, and the thought always made her wonder why. At the moment, an amused smile graced his lips, the first time he had smiled at her, gray-blue eyes twinkling in amusement and all. While her heart skipped a slight beat at the wonderful sight, she flushed again, too." You know, all of that was spread over the course of about two thousand years, so it's not nearly as bad as you might think -"
He stopped her by raising his hand slightly, his face still mirthful." It's all right, Liana, you needn't explain," he said. His voice was soft, yet it carried over the rain clearly." It certainly lightened everyone's mood, and I am sure you have plenty of tales to tell of Nevada."
Liana laughed." That I do, but I'll save them for another day." She took a moment to study him, frowning slightly as her heart skidded another beat. She really needed to have that checked out by a healer." Did you need anything...?"
" No," he shook his head slowly.' You looked downcast, and quite miserable walking through this mud and rain. I could not leave you alone to what could only be unhappy thoughts.' He wondered on that a moment. The elf had been watching her for many days, not sure what to make of her, but he did notice that her mood changed with the weather. When the day was sunny and warm, so was her disposition; she smiled much more and had long talks with Gandalf or joked with one of the Hobbits. But when the weather was dreary, such as this day, she became recluse and observant, all under a sheath of diplomacy expected of one of her stature. She was an erratic creature, a lot like his people yet so dissimilar to them. She had the same joy tinged with sadness that elves possessed, but she displayed it more openly, and she laughed and showed affection more freely. He felt drawn to her, and was striving to figure out why.
" Legolas?" He drew away from his thoughts to find her smiling at him, amused." You were there one moment, then gone the next. I don't think I've ever seen anyone drift off into thought like you."
They shared a chuckle, then lapsed into a comfortable silence, both nearly forgetting about the rain in the presence of one another. Legolas hesitated before speaking, then met her gaze again." We have hardly spoken before this, haven't we, princess?"
She shook her head, then frowned slightly." Please, don't call me princess."
He was shocked, to say the least." I will if you wish, but may I ask why?"
" It's too formal," she admitted." And you're right, we haven't said more than ten words to each other, but I don't want our talks to be littered with formalities and titles."
Legolas watched her for an intent moment, then smiled." Your honesty is refreshing."
She opened her mouth, and then closed it, not knowing what to say in response. He was embarrassing her, but in a good way this time. She wasn't used to compliments of that sort." Thank you," was all she could think to say, and then mentally hit herself. How bland could she be? And besides, he was just being nice, nothing more. She *was* a faerie, after all.
" You're welcome."
" Aren't they cute together?" Frodo asked wistfully. He thought the couple made quite a picture despite the rain, heads bent slightly as they talked of everything and nothing. To find companionship in this weather and the circumstances was a gift.
" NO!" Nevada shouted sharply. Startled by her own shout, her expression mirroring Frodo's, she quickly followed with a softer," No. He's an Elf, for crying out loud. I don't know what Liana's thinking."
" The way I see it, Legolas came up to her," Merry added, surprising Nevada and Frodo even further, who hadn't even known he was listening." And they're just talking. I think it's great that they're getting along."
Nevada scowled." Merry, stay out of it."
" But-"
" Shut it!" Nevada made a stopping motion with her hand, then fell silent as she pensively studied the elf and her best friend. What was he doing, anyhow? She thought all elves hated faeries, and here was this one chatting up her best friend like there was no tomorrow.' He's quiet for the whole trip, and all of a sudden he's attached to her side. And he's been watching her for days.' Not that Nevada was checking - Liana could take care of herself, and wouldn't take too kindly to Nevada mothering her.' Besides, I don't mother anyone,' she grumbled to herself. She didn't trust the elf one bit-
" Shit!" Nevada jumped out of her skin when a large bolt of lightning streaked across the sky.
" Wow!" Merry and Pippin said simultaneously, their eyes fixed on the lightning." That was amazing!" Merry gushed.
" That was certainly not!" Nevada retorted, clutching her wildly beating heart. She dreaded the next flash." Rain, I can handle, but this...?"
" You're afraid of lightning?" Merry asked, confused that one as old as she could be afraid of something.
Nevada glared at him." I wouldn't be talking, short man. And I am not *afraid* it just startled me a little, that is all."
Merry kept silent, but smirked a little, showing that he didn't believe her for a minute.
Liana and Legolas were in the middle of a conversation when another lightning bolt flashed across the sky, this time accompanied with thunder. She jumped slightly at the clapping sound that rang in her ears, and looked up at the sky suspiciously.
" Liana?" Legolas asked, immediately concerned." Are you all right?"
She nodded vigorously." Fine. Just...Caught off guard. I have no love for thunderstorms."
Legolas smiled." They're not pleasant, and I suppose you are not used to them."
Surprised that he remembered, Liana looked at him." No, not really. I only experienced them in my travels."
Now it was the elf's turn to be slightly amazed." Where have you traveled?"
Liana was about to respond, when another crack of thunder made her jump out of her skin again. Now more than a little concerned, Legolas put a hand on her shoulder.
" Are you sure you are all right?" he asked softly.
She didn't know how to react to his worry. She wasn't used to being worried over by an elf, especially this particular elf." I-"
" This is the most miserable weather I have seen in decades!" Nevada's agitated voice could be heard." How do you people *live* with this?!"
Liana's lips broke into a grin." I'm not the only one afraid of storms."
Legolas raised his eyebrows, then laughed with her, astounded that the mighty Nevada could be afraid of something." Perhaps we should stop before this gets worse. The lightning could strike any one of these trees."
Liana nodded." You're right. Aragorn!" The ranger turned to look at the princess." This lightning will only endanger the rest of our journey, maybe we should stop."
He pondered over her words, frowning at the thought of stopping, but realizing she was correct. The lightning would be a problem. He looked over to Gandalf, who nodded in silent agreement. Sighing to himself, he called out," Everyone, make for the cave down yonder! We will stay there until the storm subsides!"
" Thank you!" Nevada mouthed to the sky, and the eleven made their way for the cave in the near distance. As soon as everyone was inside, they removed their wet cloaks to shake them out and proceeded to make themselves comfortable.
Frodo shook out his wet curls, seating himself on the dry floor and relishing in the feeling of not being pelted on by raindrops. His clothes were still wet, but with the fire Aragorn was building, that wouldn't be a problem for much longer. He rubbed his hands together to ward off the chill, and smiled at Pippin and Sam, who sat down next to him." This is much better than traveling in the mud."
" Indeed it is, Mister Frodo," Sam agreed, thankful for the opportunity to clean his boots and perhaps make something to eat for the lot of them." But it's hard telling when the rain will stop."
Lightning and thunder followed his sentence, and Gandalf shook his head as the beastly dark skies." It should clear up by morning, but a storm like that could do damage during the night. We'll have to be careful of any mud slides when we begin travel again."
" Great," Nevada muttered. She sat down next to Liana, who was busy untying her hair and wringing it out. Nevada grinned." Not a bad idea." Liana smiled at her friend, but kept silent, her displeasure over the storm bringing down her mood. Her eyes sought out Legolas, who was assisting Aragorn in the hunt for any source of timber in and around the cave. Liana watched him thoughtfully. The elf never seemed to get dirty, did he? Here they had trudged through the mud for hours, and all he managed to look like was radiant and...wet. She swallowed and lowered her gaze, shaking her head at the turn in her thoughts.' Foolish faerie, remember who he is,' she reminded herself fiercely.
Nevada, oblivious to anything but the unsettling feeling of wet clothes sticking to her skin, stood up to get closer to the small fire Aragorn managed to create. She sat down near him, and nearly leaped up again when a huge bolt of lightning cracked a tree not far from their cave.
Aragorn started at Nevada's movement." Anything the matter?" he asked.
" What? No. I'm fine," Nevada denied.
He looked at her skeptically, then watched as amusement as she gave a little jolt at another spear of lightning." You're frightened of the storm, aren't you?"
She narrowed her eyes at him." So what if I am?"
Much to the faerie's displeasure, Aragorn laughed, his curling black hair shaking with the movement and spraying unwanted water in her direction." I never thought I'd see the day when a faerie would be afraid of something as trivial as a lightning storm."
" It is not a trivial matter!" Nevada defended herself." Many people are afraid of storms. I'm used to rain storms, not lightning. Lightning was a dangerous thing in the jungles of my home, something that killed and brought down many trees."
Aragorn nodded with understanding, his laughter fading. He studied her while she squeezed excess water out of her black, wavy hair, and he was suddenly stricken by a feeling of remembrance again. He knew he had seen her before, but where...?
More lightning had Nevada jumping and glaring at the sky, and Aragorn had to laugh again." Careful, Nevada, you'll leap yourself right into the fire, and then where will you be?"
Surprised at his joke, Nevada laughed." Warmer than I intended."
He laughed with her, and when her amused purple eyes met his blue ones, he suddenly remembered. Nearly fifty years ago, when he met with Queen Emilia...The grinning, dark-haired faerie, who stood next to her queen's chair with her friend, who he now knew as Liana. Those laughing eyes, so happy and bright with mischief...
" You were there," he said, amazed at how little, yet how much she had changed.
" Excuse me?" Nevada paused from her hair, arms raised behind her head.
" In Miranda, with Liana and your Queen Emilia," Aragorn elaborated." I remember you. It was around fifty years ago."
Nevada's eyes regarded his thoughtfully." I thought you looked awfully familiar. Yes, I remember that day, as well."
" You were carefree then," he murmured, catching her off guard." Happy, and full of light. What happened between then and now to make you so sad?"
She opened her mouth, and then shut it, a fierce, protective look on her face. She was shutting him out." Many, many things that you would not understand, human." With that, she got up to keep her friend company.
Aragorn sighed, dispirited at her change of mood. That one was going to take a long time to get through to, and he found himself wanting to find out what made Nevada tick.
Kalwa - beautiful (elvish)
Khoob rooz - Good day
What I Own: The entire Faerie race (including Liana, Nevada, yadda yadda...) and other minor, minor characters
What I Do Not Own: Everything else
It's raining, it's pouring
The ocean's are storing
Water from the falling rain
While thunderclouds are roaring
~Meish Goldish
Chapter 12
The midday sun filtered through the leaves of the giant, ancient trees in the surrounding forest, creating patches of light along the forest floor that dotted a pathway through the twist of roots and exotic bushes. Small, lithe birds could be heard, chirping and singing as they flitted from branch to branch, and larger, more colorful birds cawed harshly from their perches in the higher part of the trees.
Even louder than those animals was the faint crashing of foliage in the distance. Some of the wildlife cleared at the noise, not sure if it was friend or foe that came into their jungle, and others stayed on, but hid to see what the disturbance could possibly be. It became apparent that four hooves pounding on the ground were mauling the foliage, and it was coming closer with every passing minute.
Fuintal rode harder as the forest thinned out a bit, and a hint of the palace came into view. He fought back a gasp at the breathtaking structure appearing before him, looming taller as his horse cleared the forest and got closer. The lush grass under the animal's feet was a tempting treat for the stallion, but his master urged him on until they reached the front of the magnificent building.
" Kalwa," he breathed to himself, his eyes drinking in every detail. The palace itself was an ivory color, with a vague hint of pale gold swirls in its rounded roofs. Twelve of thirteen steps that stretched at least thirty feet across led up to a set of massive arched double doors, flanked on either side by a smaller set of rounded doors. Giant white pillars were strategically placed for support, and with Fuintal's sharp elfish vision, he noticed the wispy, foreign writing etched at the base of the pillars and around the archways of the entrances. The roof was extended enough to protect the stairs from the elements; large and rounded, and about sixty feet high. For the first time in decades, Fuintal felt the massiveness of this palace, feeling very little next to it, yet completely taken away by the exquisite craftsmanship this palace must have taken.
The messenger was so consumed by his surroundings that he nearly forgot what it was he came to do, and a voice clearing its throat abruptly reminded him. He stopped his horse at the foot of the steps, and met the eyes of...a child.
" We have been expecting you," came the youthful voice." Please, take from your horse and we will see to his needs while you come inside."
Fuintal blinked in utter confusion at the little girl before him. She looked to be no more than eight years of age, a human child! Light, wispy red hair framed a small, serious face, and clear gray eyes peered up at him through the fairly long locks. She was dressed in a dark blue toga that ended a few inches before the ground, revealing clean, bare feet. Her arms were bare, as well, due to the odd toga garb that tied around one shoulder and left the other out in the open. Fuintal would have labeled her as a cute, pretty child, if not for the look in her eyes. Intelligence shone there, a deep understanding and a solemn light that he found disturbing in one so young. She stood on the fifth step up, so she didn't have to crane her neck as much to see his face.
" Well?" she continued in her childlike voice, a faint, foreign accent coloring her words." Off you go; we cannot keep the queen waiting."
Slowly, he got off his horse and patted his flank, murmuring a thanks to his companion in elfish. When a pair of hands placed themselves on the horse's neck, Fuintal turned quickly to see who was taking him away. A young boy of about twelve gave him a sharp glance with brilliant blue eyes, hands still placed on Fuintal's horse's neck. The horse, for his part, didn't seem bothered by the newcomer; in fact, he looked quite content.
" Who are you?" Fuintal asked quickly, immediately suspicious of the thin boy with pointed ears, like himself, and ear-length, wind-tousled light brown hair.
" Qadir," he replied, then gave the elf a reassuring smile." Worry not, sir Elf. Your steed will be taken to our stables just behind the castle, where he will be given water and fresh food. He'll be able to rest up for your trip back."
Fuintal stared at the boy a moment longer, not being able to decipher much expression from the bright blue eyes. Finally, he nodded, still reluctant to leave his beloved horse in the hands of a twelve year old. As the boy and horse walked in the opposite direction, Fuintal turned to the child, recalling what she had said before." How did you know I was here to see the queen?"
The child gave him a look that couldn't be mistaken for anything but exasperation, and gave a little sigh while she was at it. Fuintal fought back a grin at seeing such adult emotions come from her, as she responded," Trust me, Fuintal." He started at hearing her say his name." I know these things. Follow me." She turned and walked up the steps, not looking back to see if he was following. Figuring there was nothing he had to lose, the elf followed her, taking a moment to study her small figure. When he noticed her feet again, he asked," Where are your shoes?"
She glanced at him, and then looked down at her own feet. Shrugging delicately, she replied," I didn't feel like wearing any today. It's rather hot, and shoes would only be a hindrance."
"...A hindrance," he repeated in disbelief.
" Yes." Her eyes flashed with irritation." That is what I said."
" What is your name?"
" Why does it matter?"
It was his turn to become annoyed." You know my own, and it is only fair that I know yours."
She paused for a moment, then nodded." My name is Ariella, but my relatives call me Ara."
" Speaking of relatives, where are your parents?"
" You ask so many questions!" The child threw up her arms dramatically." Are all elves as inquisitive as you?"
Fuintal had to grin. She was quite smart for her age, and very humorous." Depends. Now...why are you here alone?"
" I was sent to greet you, and I certainly do not need my mother and father to accompany me," she sniffed.
' Why, you little upstart,' Fuintal thought to himself, now more annoyed than amused with her change in behavior.
" I am not an upstart!" Ara argued back. Caught off guard again, Fuintal did nothing but stare at her. At that moment, they reached the double doors, and the two stopped in front of them. Ara didn't spare him another glance as she raised her arm and waved her hand in front of the two doors.
Centuries of diplomatic training kept Fuintal's mouth from dropping open in surprise as the doors opened up at the young girl's will, yawning wide to reveal a hall as equally massive as the outside of it. Gathering his wits about him, he shook his head and stepped in with her." I am not even going to ask how you knew what I was thinking, nor how you just did that."
She smirked, pushing her hair out of her face." Good. I never give away my secrets, anyhow."
Ara led him through the hall, and he couldn't help but look up at the high rounded ceiling, the colorful, gorgeous tapestries hanging next to the doorway-sized windows, and the rugs that decorated the smooth floor. The windows let in the sun's rays, filtering in bright light to an amazingly empty hall.
" Where is everyone?" Fuintal found himself asking, his voice faintly echoing.
" Avoiding you."
He nearly stopped walking." Pardon me?"
" They do not wish to see the elf who has come visiting. They're afraid of the news you bring."
" I assure you, it is not that bad," Fuintal soothed.
" It's not?" In a moment of true surprise, Ara looked up at him, hope flaring in her pale gray eyes.
Fuintal smiled down at her." No, little one. Trust me," he finished, using her own words back at her. Ara narrowed her eyes at the elf, but said nothing. She led him down a hallway adorned with a long red rug with dark blue swirls along the edges, and many closed doors on either side. They came to the end of the hall, and another set of double doors that Ara opened with the same trick she'd used before. She gestured for him to go inside.
" She is just at the end of the room," Ara explained. When he went to step in, the blonde child stopped him for a moment." Fuintal? Don't ever call me ' little one' again. I'm probably older than you." With that said, she shut the door and left.
' All my life, I have never been through a situation stranger than that one.' Fuintal shook his head in amazement, before turning, his eyes seeking out the far end of the room, where he expected the queen to be. A throne sat elegantly there, draped in red and gold, yet it was...empty. Just as his brow furrowed in slight confusion, he heard a soft voice; quiet, yet full of power and agelessness.
" I hope you did not take offense to Ariella's assertiveness. She has quite a sassy nature for her age," the voice finished, laced with motherly humor.
Fuintal finally found the owner of the voice next to the large window to his right, and his breath caught at the sight of the faerie Queen.
Her back was to him at first, her gaze fixed on something outside of the window as she rested her hands on the window's sill. Even from his vantage point, he could sense the power she held, and it nearly made him uncomfortable. It was not often that one meets a woman who could lead a kingdom as successfully as she had for the thousands of years; for a moment, he was unsure of whether he should be awed or frightened.
It was when he looked deeper into her slim form that he noticed it. To normal eyes, she carried herself as was expected of royalty, but to Fuintal's vision, the posture was not as straight as it should be, the shoulders a bit more weighted by a heavy heart. It grieved him to see one so fair and influential as her to seem so melancholy, but he assumed it to be because of the attacks on her kingdom and people. Many times he had seen Lord Elrond as thus, weighed down by duty and regret over the coming war.
Fuintal bowed, even though she was not looking at him yet." Queen Emilia."
" Khoob rooz, Fuintal. Please, sit down. I believe we have much to talk about."
She lifted a hand and gestured toward the chairs near where she stood, and Fuintal approached, already used to the faeries' bizarre way of knowing his name without him speaking it. When the messenger reached his seat, he remained standing, waiting for her to be seated first. The queen turned away from the window with a small sigh, her thick, black curls shaking slightly as she walked to her chair. When she saw him still standing, she smiled." Ah, the legendary courtesy of the elves. You may sit down, Fuintal, although I appreciate your gesture." He flushed slightly under the praise, and both were seated. The Elf soon found himself under the piercing gaze of the faerie queen, and he resisted the urge to shift anxiously. It must go along with the age of wisdom, he thought, remembering yet again how Lord Elrond could do the exact same thing: make a body uncomfortable.
" Would you like a refreshment from your long journey here?"
Fuintal shook his head politely." No, thank you, my Queen. I have important news to deliver firsthand."
" News from Imladris?" she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
He nodded." Yes, my Queen."
" Is it of the party of five of my own that left here but a month ago?"' And without my permission,' Emilia mused to herself, wondering what mischief those five could be conjuring up now.
Fuintal nodded." Yes. The council meeting they...participated in agreed that the One Ring was to be destroyed, and had to be taken to Mordor to do so."
Emilia's eyes darkened slightly." I see where this is going."
Fuintal continued," The Ring bearer could not go alone, so companions were sent with him. Among the eleven are Nevada of Deimos and Princess Liana of Ciel." If Fuintal wasn't so seasoned in reading people, he would have missed the flash of displeasure in her eyes, for it there a splint second, then disappeared.
The queen paused for a long moment, pondering the situation of one of her princesses leaving on a journey she might not come back from." I see."
" The faeries Alexia of Charon, Peony of Miranda, and Diana of Saffron are guests in Lord Elrond's home until the pathway back here is clear of Orcs. They encountered a few on the way to our home, and Lord Elrond deemed it too risky to send the three back through that path until the danger subsided. I only made it here unscathed because I travel alone."
Emilia nodded." A wise choice. It heartens me to know they are safe. As for Nevada and Liana..." ' Trouble since the day they were born,' she smiled fondly." Who is it they travel with, if I might ask?"
" Certainly, my Queen." Fuintal cleared his throat." They travel with one of the Istar, an elf, a dwarf, four hobbits, and two men. The wizard is Gandalf the Grey," Emilia's smile widened," the elf is Legolas Greenleaf from the Woodland Realm; the dwarf if Gimli, son of Gloin; the four hobbits include Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Samwise Gamgee, and Frodo Baggins, the Ring bearer; and the two humans are Aragorn, son of Arathorn; and Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor."
" Such a diverse group."
" Many of them offered their services to protect the Ring bearer."
" I know of Aragorn, son of Arathorn," she continued, her voice and eyes taking on a distant look." I met the young man many years ago. He has potential."
Fuintal nodded in agreement. He knew little of the ranger, but he knew enough to know of the integrity and leadership qualities the man possessed. He would make an excellent king when his time came.
" Thank you for this information, Fuintal of Imladris," Queen Emilia smiled warmly at him, and the elf couldn't help but be besotted with her. The tales of the queen's compassion and beauty were more than true, as well as the land's beauty. Now, his people's mistrust of the faeries and their homelands appeared foolish, almost naive. There was nothing to fear from this woman and her people." You may stay as long as you like to rest up before your journey back."
He stood up with her and bowed, giving a smile back." Many thanks, Queen Emilia. I will only stay for one night, as I have to return as soon as possible, but I assure you, I will enjoy every moment of it. Your home is beautiful."
She laughed, such a musical, delighted sound." I have forgotten how flattering elves can be when they put differences behind them. I am glad to hear of it. Ariella will show you to your room, Master Fuintal."
" Thank you." As he went to walk away, he turned back, his curiosity getting the better of him." Ara told me that she might be older than myself. I wonder at this, my Queen. She looks so young."
Emilia smiled, her eyes sparkling with more laughter." We age differently than most, dear Elf. While humans and elves alike grow into their adult form rather quickly, in their twenties and thirties, our aging process is drastically slower due to our immortality. A faerie will age a year for every century that passes by." Understanding dawned in Fuintal's eyes, along with it, shock." For instance, if a faerie turns eight hundred, like Ara, she will only appear to be eight years old. One can usually tell the age of a faerie by looking at their appearance."
" It sounds more of a curse than naught," Fuintal frowned, remembering his own misgivings of Ara, and how irritated she became when he kept inquiring of her parents and her youth. It also made him realize that in the world of men, even elves, a faerie would not be given the respect he or she deserved until they were at least 1,600 years old, and even then, they would still look to be a teenager. He could only imagine how frustrating that would be.
" It can be at times, but we learn to be patient through those years," she replied, glad he understood." It is very easy to judge those with a younger appearance."
The doors opened to reveal Ariella, no longer a vexing young child in the elf's eyes, but an eight hundred year old adult tragically trapped in a child's body." Come, Fuintal, allow me to show you to your room."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The world was out to get her. She was sure of it. Nothing else could explain the torrent of rain that was currently pelting her cloak and everything else around her. And it wasn't even a light rain - no, these rain droplets were fat and heavy, especially with no wind to guide them anywhere but straight down. Nevada was able to ward off the faint chill in the air better than her comrades, but she couldn't escape the feeling of the mud sloshing around in her shoes, not to mention the sensation of being soaked to the skin despite all the clothing she was wearing.
The skies had shown the first hints of a rainstorm earlier in the day, but everyone, even Gandalf, expected it to move to the north, away from them. Well, of course they were all wrong. A few hours later, and the skies opened up to drench the company until all eleven resembled a troop of drowned rats trudging through the mud and stone of their current pathway.
So here they were, still walking, still wet, and it was still raining as heavy as it had started. Someone high up there must hate her, Nevada concluded with conviction. Or maybe it wasn't her. Maybe it was the human. Her eyes zeroed in on Aragorn a few yards ahead of her. He made his way through the mud quite ungracefully, she noted with a rueful smile, but at least he didn't complain about their current situation. Truth be told, no one really said anything since the rain had started. It was everyone to his or her own thoughts, which was okay with Nevada. Usually a bit of rain never bothered her, but this shower had the potential to turn into a storm, if those thunderclouds in the east told her anything, and that, above all else, irritated her.
She hated thunderstorms.
And apparently, she wasn't the only one. A quick glance to her right showed her Liana, whose face was just as grim and miserable as she felt, but her friend kept her mouth shut like everyone else. Liana wasn't too fond of rain or storms in general - Nevada didn't think anyone who'd lived in a desert for most of their life *would* be, either, so the two shared a common dislike of thunderstorms. The only one in the group who seemed to be remotely okay with the rain was the elf, but even his expression was one of indifference.
Nevada's thoughts were interrupted when a sudden gust of wind blew through and swept back the hood of her cloak, exposing her head to the downpour above them." Arghh!" she growled softly, fumbling to pull it over her again. Every time she managed to pull it on, it would fall back down and she would get even wetter.' I can't take much more of this!' she sighed internally.
" Having trouble, Miss Nevada?"
The faerie looked down to meet the squinted gaze of Pippin, who was walking along side of her and trying to maintain eye contact by rubbing the water out of his eyes and blinking rapidly. He didn't look like he was faring any better than she, and for a moment Nevada felt guilty for complaining to herself. To her, the air was only chilled, but it must have been a lot colder for them.
She shook her head at him." Not really, no. I'll live."
He nodded, making his wet curls slap against his forehead." Okay, Miss- whoa!!" One moment he was there, the next minute Pippin was in the air, arms and legs flailing and ready to land on his back. It was only Nevada's quick reflexes that saved him from a very muddy bath.
" Easy there, Pip!" Nevada had to laugh at his clumsiness." What did you trip over, your own feet?"
She helped him up, and he shook out his cloak, the hobbit's face going red to the tips of his ears. He mumbled something that sounded like "yes" than kept walking in embarrassment.
" Hey, don't worry about it, people fall all the time," Nev supplied. For some reason, it bothered her that he would be ashamed of himself around her, especially since they'd been on this journey together for twenty days-almost three weeks. She'd like to think that the hobbits were comfortable around her and Liana, since they were a little leery at first.
" Even you?" Pippin asked, looking up at her again.
Nevada snorted." You better believe it. Even more than me-" Nevada gestured towards Liana," is that one. Miss I-Have-Two-Left-Feet-And-Trip-Over-My-Own-Shoelaces Liana. That girl has tripped so many times-"
" Nevada, would you leave me out of this?!"
The raven-haired warrior stuck out her tongue at her friend and continued to entertain Pippin with stories of the Princesses' mishaps, but it became apparent that Pippin wasn't the only one listening. She had caught the attention of Sam, Frodo, and of all people, Legolas, who didn't hide the fact that he was amused at the tales Nevada was telling.
Liana, for her part, was torn between laughing along with them and strangling Nevada with her own cloak. Her face became increasingly redder as practically the whole Fellowship began listening, forgetting about the horrid rain and focusing on amusement at Liana's expense.
" Oh, and there was this one time when we were meeting with important delegates from Gondor-"
" Valar, make her shut up," Liana muttered, fighting to keep from covering her face in embarrassment.
Seeing this, Nev took pity on her friend and stopped, chuckling," Calm down, Liana, at least it got everyone's mind off the rain. You're too high-strung."
Liana rolled her eyes, her mood only lifting slightly at the teasing's end. The rain still had not stopped, and she wanted shelter from it more than anything. Her thoughts were so preoccupied that she didn't realize someone had joined her in her walking until they touched her shoulder.
Starting slightly, she looked up and saw Legolas, the archer elf she had known for nearly three weeks, yet hardly knew at all. He walked beside her, striding through the mud as easily as if it were a dry path. His hair was halfway pulled back, but strands of golden hair escaped from it and surrounded his pale face. He never seemed to get dirty, even in these conditions, and the thought always made her wonder why. At the moment, an amused smile graced his lips, the first time he had smiled at her, gray-blue eyes twinkling in amusement and all. While her heart skipped a slight beat at the wonderful sight, she flushed again, too." You know, all of that was spread over the course of about two thousand years, so it's not nearly as bad as you might think -"
He stopped her by raising his hand slightly, his face still mirthful." It's all right, Liana, you needn't explain," he said. His voice was soft, yet it carried over the rain clearly." It certainly lightened everyone's mood, and I am sure you have plenty of tales to tell of Nevada."
Liana laughed." That I do, but I'll save them for another day." She took a moment to study him, frowning slightly as her heart skidded another beat. She really needed to have that checked out by a healer." Did you need anything...?"
" No," he shook his head slowly.' You looked downcast, and quite miserable walking through this mud and rain. I could not leave you alone to what could only be unhappy thoughts.' He wondered on that a moment. The elf had been watching her for many days, not sure what to make of her, but he did notice that her mood changed with the weather. When the day was sunny and warm, so was her disposition; she smiled much more and had long talks with Gandalf or joked with one of the Hobbits. But when the weather was dreary, such as this day, she became recluse and observant, all under a sheath of diplomacy expected of one of her stature. She was an erratic creature, a lot like his people yet so dissimilar to them. She had the same joy tinged with sadness that elves possessed, but she displayed it more openly, and she laughed and showed affection more freely. He felt drawn to her, and was striving to figure out why.
" Legolas?" He drew away from his thoughts to find her smiling at him, amused." You were there one moment, then gone the next. I don't think I've ever seen anyone drift off into thought like you."
They shared a chuckle, then lapsed into a comfortable silence, both nearly forgetting about the rain in the presence of one another. Legolas hesitated before speaking, then met her gaze again." We have hardly spoken before this, haven't we, princess?"
She shook her head, then frowned slightly." Please, don't call me princess."
He was shocked, to say the least." I will if you wish, but may I ask why?"
" It's too formal," she admitted." And you're right, we haven't said more than ten words to each other, but I don't want our talks to be littered with formalities and titles."
Legolas watched her for an intent moment, then smiled." Your honesty is refreshing."
She opened her mouth, and then closed it, not knowing what to say in response. He was embarrassing her, but in a good way this time. She wasn't used to compliments of that sort." Thank you," was all she could think to say, and then mentally hit herself. How bland could she be? And besides, he was just being nice, nothing more. She *was* a faerie, after all.
" You're welcome."
" Aren't they cute together?" Frodo asked wistfully. He thought the couple made quite a picture despite the rain, heads bent slightly as they talked of everything and nothing. To find companionship in this weather and the circumstances was a gift.
" NO!" Nevada shouted sharply. Startled by her own shout, her expression mirroring Frodo's, she quickly followed with a softer," No. He's an Elf, for crying out loud. I don't know what Liana's thinking."
" The way I see it, Legolas came up to her," Merry added, surprising Nevada and Frodo even further, who hadn't even known he was listening." And they're just talking. I think it's great that they're getting along."
Nevada scowled." Merry, stay out of it."
" But-"
" Shut it!" Nevada made a stopping motion with her hand, then fell silent as she pensively studied the elf and her best friend. What was he doing, anyhow? She thought all elves hated faeries, and here was this one chatting up her best friend like there was no tomorrow.' He's quiet for the whole trip, and all of a sudden he's attached to her side. And he's been watching her for days.' Not that Nevada was checking - Liana could take care of herself, and wouldn't take too kindly to Nevada mothering her.' Besides, I don't mother anyone,' she grumbled to herself. She didn't trust the elf one bit-
" Shit!" Nevada jumped out of her skin when a large bolt of lightning streaked across the sky.
" Wow!" Merry and Pippin said simultaneously, their eyes fixed on the lightning." That was amazing!" Merry gushed.
" That was certainly not!" Nevada retorted, clutching her wildly beating heart. She dreaded the next flash." Rain, I can handle, but this...?"
" You're afraid of lightning?" Merry asked, confused that one as old as she could be afraid of something.
Nevada glared at him." I wouldn't be talking, short man. And I am not *afraid* it just startled me a little, that is all."
Merry kept silent, but smirked a little, showing that he didn't believe her for a minute.
Liana and Legolas were in the middle of a conversation when another lightning bolt flashed across the sky, this time accompanied with thunder. She jumped slightly at the clapping sound that rang in her ears, and looked up at the sky suspiciously.
" Liana?" Legolas asked, immediately concerned." Are you all right?"
She nodded vigorously." Fine. Just...Caught off guard. I have no love for thunderstorms."
Legolas smiled." They're not pleasant, and I suppose you are not used to them."
Surprised that he remembered, Liana looked at him." No, not really. I only experienced them in my travels."
Now it was the elf's turn to be slightly amazed." Where have you traveled?"
Liana was about to respond, when another crack of thunder made her jump out of her skin again. Now more than a little concerned, Legolas put a hand on her shoulder.
" Are you sure you are all right?" he asked softly.
She didn't know how to react to his worry. She wasn't used to being worried over by an elf, especially this particular elf." I-"
" This is the most miserable weather I have seen in decades!" Nevada's agitated voice could be heard." How do you people *live* with this?!"
Liana's lips broke into a grin." I'm not the only one afraid of storms."
Legolas raised his eyebrows, then laughed with her, astounded that the mighty Nevada could be afraid of something." Perhaps we should stop before this gets worse. The lightning could strike any one of these trees."
Liana nodded." You're right. Aragorn!" The ranger turned to look at the princess." This lightning will only endanger the rest of our journey, maybe we should stop."
He pondered over her words, frowning at the thought of stopping, but realizing she was correct. The lightning would be a problem. He looked over to Gandalf, who nodded in silent agreement. Sighing to himself, he called out," Everyone, make for the cave down yonder! We will stay there until the storm subsides!"
" Thank you!" Nevada mouthed to the sky, and the eleven made their way for the cave in the near distance. As soon as everyone was inside, they removed their wet cloaks to shake them out and proceeded to make themselves comfortable.
Frodo shook out his wet curls, seating himself on the dry floor and relishing in the feeling of not being pelted on by raindrops. His clothes were still wet, but with the fire Aragorn was building, that wouldn't be a problem for much longer. He rubbed his hands together to ward off the chill, and smiled at Pippin and Sam, who sat down next to him." This is much better than traveling in the mud."
" Indeed it is, Mister Frodo," Sam agreed, thankful for the opportunity to clean his boots and perhaps make something to eat for the lot of them." But it's hard telling when the rain will stop."
Lightning and thunder followed his sentence, and Gandalf shook his head as the beastly dark skies." It should clear up by morning, but a storm like that could do damage during the night. We'll have to be careful of any mud slides when we begin travel again."
" Great," Nevada muttered. She sat down next to Liana, who was busy untying her hair and wringing it out. Nevada grinned." Not a bad idea." Liana smiled at her friend, but kept silent, her displeasure over the storm bringing down her mood. Her eyes sought out Legolas, who was assisting Aragorn in the hunt for any source of timber in and around the cave. Liana watched him thoughtfully. The elf never seemed to get dirty, did he? Here they had trudged through the mud for hours, and all he managed to look like was radiant and...wet. She swallowed and lowered her gaze, shaking her head at the turn in her thoughts.' Foolish faerie, remember who he is,' she reminded herself fiercely.
Nevada, oblivious to anything but the unsettling feeling of wet clothes sticking to her skin, stood up to get closer to the small fire Aragorn managed to create. She sat down near him, and nearly leaped up again when a huge bolt of lightning cracked a tree not far from their cave.
Aragorn started at Nevada's movement." Anything the matter?" he asked.
" What? No. I'm fine," Nevada denied.
He looked at her skeptically, then watched as amusement as she gave a little jolt at another spear of lightning." You're frightened of the storm, aren't you?"
She narrowed her eyes at him." So what if I am?"
Much to the faerie's displeasure, Aragorn laughed, his curling black hair shaking with the movement and spraying unwanted water in her direction." I never thought I'd see the day when a faerie would be afraid of something as trivial as a lightning storm."
" It is not a trivial matter!" Nevada defended herself." Many people are afraid of storms. I'm used to rain storms, not lightning. Lightning was a dangerous thing in the jungles of my home, something that killed and brought down many trees."
Aragorn nodded with understanding, his laughter fading. He studied her while she squeezed excess water out of her black, wavy hair, and he was suddenly stricken by a feeling of remembrance again. He knew he had seen her before, but where...?
More lightning had Nevada jumping and glaring at the sky, and Aragorn had to laugh again." Careful, Nevada, you'll leap yourself right into the fire, and then where will you be?"
Surprised at his joke, Nevada laughed." Warmer than I intended."
He laughed with her, and when her amused purple eyes met his blue ones, he suddenly remembered. Nearly fifty years ago, when he met with Queen Emilia...The grinning, dark-haired faerie, who stood next to her queen's chair with her friend, who he now knew as Liana. Those laughing eyes, so happy and bright with mischief...
" You were there," he said, amazed at how little, yet how much she had changed.
" Excuse me?" Nevada paused from her hair, arms raised behind her head.
" In Miranda, with Liana and your Queen Emilia," Aragorn elaborated." I remember you. It was around fifty years ago."
Nevada's eyes regarded his thoughtfully." I thought you looked awfully familiar. Yes, I remember that day, as well."
" You were carefree then," he murmured, catching her off guard." Happy, and full of light. What happened between then and now to make you so sad?"
She opened her mouth, and then shut it, a fierce, protective look on her face. She was shutting him out." Many, many things that you would not understand, human." With that, she got up to keep her friend company.
Aragorn sighed, dispirited at her change of mood. That one was going to take a long time to get through to, and he found himself wanting to find out what made Nevada tick.
Kalwa - beautiful (elvish)
Khoob rooz - Good day
