Chapter 27

Followed

Jupiter's POV

Legolas and I decided to have the wedding in Mirkwood. Vardamir and the others would be going with us when we left, and I was happy about that. We left two weeks later and the second we left I had a strange feeling. I didn't want any of them to worry so I didn't say anything.

"Where have you been living these past years?" Manwendil asked.

"Lothlorien. After the Battle of the Five Armies-"

"You fought in that war?" Tindomiel asked.

I nodded.

"I wish I hadn't. I watched my friend die in that fight. I did everything I could to save him but in the end it wasn't enough. His name was Thorin. Thorin Oakenshield."

"The dwarf king?"

I nodded.

"I did not know him for very long, but he was a good friend to me. I fought alongside him and his nephews. His nephew, the current king, said he would've wanted me to have his sword. I use it today in his honor." I said.

Legolas put his arm around me and pulled me to him. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Later that night, after everyone was asleep, I wandered off. I knew she was there and I knew I had to finish this myself. When I was far enough away I took a deep breath.

"I know you're there. You might as well come out." I said.

I heard her walking towards me and I turned around.

"Why do you hate me so much, Vanmoriel? Don't tell me its because Legolas loves me. We both know there's more to it than that." I said.

She glared at me and I saw a dagger at her hip. She didn't answer me and I sighed.

"I know there's a reason. Believe me, whatever it is I will understand. I lived in hell my whole life. And if you fight me, I'll have no choice but to kill you. So think wisely."

"You know nothing of pain."

I raised my brows.

"Seriously? You saw my scars and you think I don't know about pain? Or is it that you have scars too."

She flinched.

"I thought so. I hope you don't have as many as I do. I don't know who hurt you or why, but killing me will make you just like them."

She ran forward angrily and I moved away.

"Do you really want to be like that!? I know I will never be like the parents who raised me! They beat me mercilessly. Don't become someone like that Vanmoriel!"

She ran at me again and I grabbed her. I held onto her wrist so she couldn't stab me.

"Look at me Vanmoriel!"

She looked into my eyes.

"Is this really who you want to be?" I asked.

Tears were rolling down her cheeks and she struggled against me.

"You don't have to be this way." I said.

The dagger fell from her hand. I pushed her back and reached for the dagger but she started to run back at me. She screamed and I closed my eyes. She screamed again but this time not in anger. I woke up to see a sort of silver force field. It looked like mist or smoke or something. My eyes went wide and she looked scared.

"Jupiter!?"

Vanmoriel ran off and the smoke disappeared.

"Jupiter! What are you doing out here?" Vardamir asked.

I didn't know how to answer him.

"Where did you get that dagger?"

I took it and threw it off into the distance.

"Jupiter what is going on?"

I stood up and ran back to the others. Legolas got up and I ran into his arms.

"There's something wrong with me."

"There is nothing wrong with you."

I stepped back and closed my eyes. I tried to feel what I'd been feeling when Vanmoriel ran at me. When I heard them gasp I opened my eyes. That same shield was around me. Tindomiel was smiling.

"Mother used to be able to do that."

"She did?"

I made the shield go away.

"I remember she used them to fight, protect and to entertain us as children. None of us can do it. At least not that we have seen." she said.

Legolas was looking at me in amazement.

"What?"

"I knew the moment I met you that you were extraordinary."

I smiled gratefully at Legolas and my brothers and sister.

"I still want to know where you got that dagger."

Legolas looked at me.

"What dagger?"

I sighed and scowled at my brother.

"Vanmoriel followed us and she tried to kill me. I think I scared her when I used that…well that magic. I was trying to keep her from doing something wrong. I think she was abused too." I explained.

Manwendil looked sad. I knew why he looked that way.

"You care about her."

"Yes, I always have. Forgive me."

I walked over to him and took his hands.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. Believe me."

He smiled and hugged me. I hoped for my brother's sake that she came to her senses. Legolas and I were the only ones who stayed up. I poked the fire with a stick and sighed.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing really. I was just thinking."

"Oh? About what?"

"Well, more like wondering. Wondering what could have possibly happened to Vanmoriel. I did not see any marks on her."

"Elves do not scar."

I nodded, it made sense now.

"Then why do I still have mine?"

He looked thoughtful.

"Maybe it is due to the fact you did not receive them here. Maybe your other world is more different than we thought."

I leaned against him and nodded.

"Maybe." I whispered.

We fell silent after that.

As we traveled I knew Vanmoriel was following. I wanted her to know how that my brother cared for her. Maybe then her troubled heart would be at ease. I snuck away when everyone was asleep and tried to find her.

"Vanmoriel? Please come out! I need to talk to you." I said.

I didn't have to wait long. She came out and I looked at her. I held out my hand and smiled gently.

"Come with me."

"Why?"

"You just have to trust me. If you do not, you will regret it."

She stared at me for what seemed like hours.

"Come on."

She took my hand and I led her back to camp. Everyone was still asleep.

"Why did you bring me here?"

I looked at her.

"It's not my place to say. Get some sleep and in the morning Manwendil will explain."

"What do you mean?"

I smiled at her.

"Just trust me." I said.

She sighed and laid down. I wouldn't be sleeping tonight.