The stranger introduced himself as Thranduil, Elven-king of Greenwood and the ruler over the forest into which I had been forcibly sent. Thranduil had listened to my young voice as I told him to the best of my ability what had happened and how the people of Dale, my previous home, had sent myself and my mother into the woods because they had been afraid of what I was and what I could do, that they feared I were a witch and cast me out alongside my mother for the sin of bearing me. All the while I talked I could not stop from rubbing my ears, feeling their gliding points curiously. Mama had always made me hide my ears before with hats and bonnets, so it was peculiar for me to have them so exposed.
I walked beside Thranduil with one hand gripping onto his sweeping robes, his regal cloak spread over me also as he spoke of this land and the people that lived here, telling me all sorts of wondrous things that I did not yet fully comprehend, I was still young after all but his words were fascinating and the lull of his melodious voice was more wondrous than anything else in this present moment. I remained tucked close to him as he walked, like a little bird hidden in his sleeve. He asked me questions too, about my mother and my father, however I had never known my father so I could not answer him, my eyes remaining downcast as I shrank under his rather impressive gaze. In truth, Thranduil was quite intimidating to look at, however something about that daunting and imposing façade made me feel safer, as if I could hide behind him and not need to feel endangered by the many other frightening and new things that surrounded me. My desperation for security outweighed my nervousness, and so I stayed close to his side.
Eventually as we walked several elves came rushing forwards, crying out sweetly in their own language which I could not understand, however I felt I could recognise, as if a part of it existed deep within my blood and it called to me, making me wish to learn. Thranduil was calming them, his voice terse and slightly stern as he addressed them and the elf maiden who had accidentally allowed me to escape bowed her head as the two guards with her stood tall and proud. Had I caused them to be in trouble? I did not mean for them to receive any blame, I had been the one run away so it was not their fault. I hope they do not get punished for my actions, I would feel a terribly guilt if they did. As the woman lifted her fair head crystalline eyes turned to me, narrowing slightly and I gulped, concealing myself behind the king and underneath his cloak so that I was completely concealed on all sides, ducking my head as I tightened my grip on his robes behind his legs and the slight movement caught his attention, making him frown down at me as I blinked up at him winsomely, peaking out slightly so that only he could see me. "Please do not be angry with them, mister king." I requested timidly, making his face slacken slightly as his mouth opened, searching for the words to answer before he exhaled.
"You are in no danger here, Asta Eleniel, my people are your people and you need not fear them." He counselled however as the woman tried to reach out for me I squeaked and shook my head, not liking the way she was looking at me. There were hints of disgust and irritation in her expression, making me think back to the people in Dale and how they would always look down on me, like I was a thorn in their feet. "Eleniel, go with your guardian." Thranduil tried to order and the elf maiden spoke in her own tongue, sounding a little forceful and as her fingers brushed against my arm I gasped, eyes going milky white and the sudden change made her rip back her hand in horror, crying out in alarm however Thranduil gripped his hand to my shoulder, anchoring me against him as he observed with curious fascination, watching as my eyes clouded over and became distant.
I could barely understand what I was seeing as it all came in a panicked flow, almost like the rushing water of a river, however I could make some sense of the images that played before my vision. The woman who was standing in front of me was there, shrouded in darkness as she walked by night under the crisp light of moon and stars. She met someone, another one of the angels Thranduil had said are called elves. They looked close, however the image blurred and I could not see what else happened until I was staring at their blank expressions that gazed into a timeless trance, blood soaked and there were muffled shouts in elvish that I could not understand until fire bloomed before my vision, earning a strangled cry as tears began to flow down my cheeks.
"Eleniel?" Thranduil prompted softly, lowering himself down to my height as the vision faded. I was shaking, loathing the fact that all I ever saw was death and destruction, yet as I opened my dark orbs to look at the beautiful woman before me, I could not help but feel afraid for her. I had to try and warn her somehow, but would I be believed? If I told these strangers of the things I saw in my waking dreams, would they cast me out like I were a curse or blight upon their lives? "You may speak, Eleniel. Do not be afraid." Turning my head slowly I looked into the severe face of Thranduil, however that sternness seemed to calm me, prompting me to be braver so I breathed.
"She dies." I pointed to the woman who blinked in alarm as I never once shifted my gaze from the king's. "Tonight, when she goes to see her friend. It's dark, but there was fire and blood. Lots of blood. There were screams, screams like…" I tried to find the words but it was difficult for me to explain. I simply knew that not only was the woman in danger but everyone who lived in the forest, including the birds, the animals and trees, someone was going to bring fire and burn them. "Someone attacks, but I do not know what they are." Watching me for a brief second Thranduil nodded his head before rising to his feet however he rested his hand upon my head to reassure me.
A quick exchange was given between Thranduil and the woman, the guards being ordered to do something as they hurriedly turned and disappeared. "Take her to her room, ensure that she remains safe." Thranduil ordered finally so that I would understand, pulling his hand away and started to leave me alone with this woman who now looked at me like she were afraid. Did they believe me? Where was Thranduil going? I did not want to be left alone with this stranger, she does not like me and I do not trust her. She was speaking to me insistently, reaching out and snatching at my wrist however the moment her fingers made contact I cried out, twisting away in childish terror before fleeing, Thranduil's head snapping back to see me disappear down a flight of steps. "Eleniel!"
I ignored him, wanting to run away from all of this. I wanted to go home, back to Dale where things would be familiar, where I would be able to disappear among people that I recognised. This place was too big, it was devastatingly beautiful but also daunting, as if I were constantly being watched and I loathed the feeling. The air was too thick for me to breathe and I felt like a flightless sparrow that had fallen from its nest, merely able to do nothing more than squeak and cry out helplessly until something would come along to eat me, drawn by my cries. More than anything else in the world, I wanted my mama right now so I called out for her, trying to summon her to me with my shrill voice which rang through the forest palace as I ran upon light feet, taking flight away from my supposed guardian who cried out and ran after me though she did not run particularly fast, taking dainty steps and refusing to rush as if to sacrifice her grace would be a devastating fault.
With all haste my panicked mind took me to unfamiliar paths, rushing over a bridge and between two more elf women who jumped apart, startled by my appearance before beginning to whisper, the news of the strange new child elfling having spread throughout the palace and city. Just as I ran down a winding staircase and towards another unknown place an arm swept out in front of me, someone appearing at my side and I caught a flash of clean white-gold hair and bright eyes as I was swept off my feet and captured, causing me to mewl and struggle like captured prey. "Quiet now little starling, 'tis only me." A recognisable voice spoke and I stopped, frowning as I then looked into the face of the angel that had saved me before.
He was smiling warmly and with amusement, one arm perching me off the ground as the other held me at my back, keeping me steady as our eyes locked together closely. As he glanced me over, searching for my injuries I could not help but continually stare at him, uncertain of what to do as he had me transfixed by his beauty with his lily-white skin and sculpted features softened by his kind expression. "You spring lightly like a fawn through the forest, starling, tell me what it is you run from." I blinked, startled awake before I turned my head and pointed upwards towards the one that chased me as she began to spiral downwards from the top of the stairs, light hair flaring behind her. "I see. Quite the handful, aren't you?" He teased and I blinked at him again, hardly able to think or speak. "But you need not fear us, little starling, you will be safe and loved here among our people, so do not run away from us any longer."
Slowly I nodded my head, unable to refuse his request as I remained utterly transfixed by him. He was more beautiful than I remembered, for a memory was not alive and here he was before me, breathing and warm and handling me so gently that I could not help but feel calmer in his presence. Before I knew it he was singing to me the same song I had heard from the window inside the room I had awoken in, and once again I knew instinctively that this verse was for me. I longed to know the words, to understand the meaning of the lyrics as the sound floated through me and seemingly dulled my senses into a peaceful state of mind. The gradual oncoming of drowsiness pulled at my eyes and I had neither the strength nor the inclination to fight against it. Within moments of listening to the angel's resonant voice singing this lullaby of mine, I was yawning and slumping against his shoulder where his hand came to rest upon my back to keep me safely settled upon him. With my arms wound around his neck I nuzzled into the soft material of his garb and allowed myself to drift in his arms as he easily carried me away, a soft murmur being passed to my pursuing guardian before I allowed myself to sleep deeply under the influence of the song which more and more voices began to join.
