Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with LOTR or with Tolkien's work.......The characters in this story that are of my own creation include Findecáno Súrion, Enelya Cúthalion , Tathar Míriel, and Curufinwë Tinehtelë. ( I am aware that these names may have been used in one form or another by Tolkien - what I mean is that my characters may have borrowed/altered names - anything beyond that is pure coincidence in regards to character's personalities). In other words, it is the character's personality combined with (as far as I know) a unique name that I am laying claim on.... WARNING This may turn out to be very Mary Sue-ish and I have taken liberties with the original plot and story line.

Chapter 3 - Memories

"Why can't he just believe in me?" muttered Enelya to herself. "I thought that Curu understood me - I guess not."

Enelya talked to herself all the way to her room in the palace. When she entered it, she took a critical eye to the place where she had lived all her life. The beautifully carved wooden bed took center stage in the room, displaying its maker's extraordinary carving talent. Deep greens and browns were out of place anywhere else in the palace, but in her sanctuary, they appeared natural. Beautiful flowers and leaves seemed to spill from every corner of the room, filling it with the scents of various flowers in full bloom. A small pale, delicate writing desk sat in the corner collecting dust because it was rarely used as she had anyone to write to, aside from Mirthandir. The very thought of her old friend brought tears to her eyes.

"Oh Mirthandir, what happened to you? You left me - just like everyone else I have ever cared for," Enelya bemoaned pitifully as she sat on her bed. " Never again shall your wisdom pass from your lips to my pointy ears".

Aware but uncaring that she was in a not so rare depressed mood, Enelya got off her bed and went to her closet. Pushing aside various jewel-toned dresses, she went on her knees and reached into the farthest, darkest corner of the closet. From with in the darkness, she pulled out a small bundle wrapped in sapphire cloth that bore the faint scent of lilac. Bringing the bundle out from her hiding place, Enelya went and sat at her desk. Slowly and carefully unwrapping the cloth, soon a box made from pure alabaster and mithril emerged - no matter how many times she beheld her mother's box, she was still taken aback by its beauty and elegance. Opening the box slowly, Enelya was assailed by memories and images - her mother, her father, and...........Tathar. Unwilling to fight her emotions anymore, Enelya let the tears fall freely from her eyes as she looked inside the box. Despite her blurred vision, she could see clearly what lay inside her box of secrets - her history. Her mother's jewelry, her father's wedding bands, pins and adornments, and Tathar's only gift to her - a small heart necklace made from steel.

Taking the necklace from its spot in the box, she lifted her hands and placed it around her neck with all the solemnity of a coronation ceremony or a funeral. Lifting her head, Enelya looked straight into her own eyes, deep into the mirror. While looking into the mirror, she tried to see what others saw - her mother's proud, pert nose, her father's strong chin, her grandmother's high cheekbones, and her grandfather's piercing gaze. However, all she could see was an upturned nose, a male jaw line, much too high cheekbones, and a weak, pale spirit. She couldn't see the proud spirit of her family, nor their tenacity, pride, and beauty. She could see nothing but her weaknesses and her failures. Unable to face herself in the mirror any longer, Enelya closed and rewrapped her secret box, and placed it back in its hiding place.

Willing her nightmares to stay inside the box and not linger in her head, Enelya began to pull travel clothes from their hooks and throw them on the bed at a frantic pace. After almost emptying her closet by throwing more and more clothes on the bed, Enelya finally collapsed on the floor, sobbing at the memories that the box brought her - memories that continue to haunt her after thousands of years. Memories that were rekindled by the death of another friend.

Many hours later, Enelya finished her crying and stood on shaky legs to finish packing her travel bag. Still wearing the necklace, Enelya finished packing and put back all the frivolous party dresses that she had pulled out during her fit. Walking over to a small wash bowl, she wiped her face in an attempt to disguise her hours of crying. She was also very careful to put the necklace under her tunic, so not to be seen by anyone else.

Warily, she walked over to her door and cautiously opened it, unwilling to encounter anyone in the hall. Seeing that the hall was empty, she slowly crept out into the hall, more quietly than usual, and left to go in search of food, having not eaten for some time.

Within minutes, Enelya reached the kitchens, a route that she had trod more than once in her 2,578 years. Cries of welcome greeted her as she entered the kitchens and she accepted their greetings with nothing more than a casual nod to indicate that she heard them. Quietly, she stood in the doorway as elves of various sizes returned to their work preparing yet another meal for the illustrious fellowship and the court. Looking around at them, Enelya noticed how happy they all were and how friendly they were. "If only I could have that," she thought to herself. Shaking her head for her silly thoughts, Enelya disregarded her notions of friendship and instead strode forward to steal a small piece of apple pie. Grinning like a tomcat, Enelya was shooed from the kitchen by the head cook, all the meanwhile enjoying the fruits of her labor.

Now, in a much better mood, although still not happy, she made her way towards the gardens to enjoy the bit of sunlight that streams through the trees in the afternoons. Wandering aimlessly throughout the gardens, it came as a bit of a shock to her when she walked straight into somebody - she hit the person so hard that she sent both herself and the unknown person to the ground.

"Oh I am sooooo sorry - I can't believe that I didn't see you there." Enelya rambled as she picked herself up off the ground. Her words stopped abruptly when she saw who she had run into.

"That's okay, I was lost in thought and I didn't see you anyway." Replied the man who was just now getting up and brushing myself off.

" I am very sorry Lord Estel, please forgive me," replied Enelya.

"No harm done....... call me Aragorn, Lady Enelya." Answered Aragorn who was still brushing himself off from the dust that came from the path.

"Oh I am no lady, My Lord......er I mean Aragorn, just call me Enelya," nervously said Enelya. Silence fell upon the two of them as they stood there looking at one another.

"Will you do me the honor of accompanying me through the garden?" asked Aragorn, who was wishing to get better acquainted with his new travelling companion.

"It would be my honor to do so."

The two continued to walk side by side for many hours talking about the journey thus far that the fellowship had walked. Aragorn finished recalling the story just as the sun was setting. As they were about to go their separate ways, Aragorn stopped her.

"Enelya?"

"Yes, Aragorn?"

"I know what happened with Boromir earlier."

"Oh."

"For what it's worth, I think that it is a good idea for you to come with us - there is strength in numbers. Also, I know elves, and I know from what I have heard about you, that you will do whatever it takes to accomplish our goal to destroy the ring, even if it means giving your own life."

"T-t-thank you Aragorn." Replied Enelya.

"However, I would like to see for myself what the extent of your skills are..... Would you mind having a match tomorrow morning, so I can see you in action?" Asked Aragorn a little bit uncomfortably.

"I agree."

"Then, I shall see you tomorrow morning, O Lonely One." Aragorn replied and with a bow he was gone. With his absence, he left Enelya very puzzled - who had been talking so favorably about her to him and how did he know what her name meant? Enelya knew that she would have to be wary of him because he could change her mind about not having friends. That would not be good. Not good at all.

----------------------------------------------------
Please read and review - if you don't like Mary-Sues, why are you reading this? Save yourself and me some time..........................................

P.S. Thanks a ton to Myri78 for her reviews!