Chapter 2: The company of Elves

"So lady Vanille. Tell me what Gran Pulse is like," Elrohir said. The two had finished singing in their tongue about The Great Journey. Of course, Vanille didn't understand any word they said but their voice is enough for her to be enchanted. It seemed more beautiful when she listens to it longer.

"Oh, well… it's really just like here, very nature-y unlike Cocoon," Vanille smiled and continued to look around in wonder. "Although we had our struggle to the Fal'cie, we can't deny they have provided a great deal to our life and home."

"The Fal'cie? What beings could they be?" it was Elladan's turn to be curious. He looked at his brother and the two shared the same confusion and interest.

Vanille went silent in thought. "You know, I really can't say. I mean, I don't know where to start."

Elladan laughed. "Well then, how about stories?"

That, Vanille had one. "Ok, I'll tell you one. Long ago, there was the Maker. Out of loneliness or love, one cannot tell, he created our world. With it, he created two Beings that would govern the world. He first created the Fal'cie who oversaw the comings and goings of the world. The second were humans, us. Each he gave a gift of eternity. The Fal'cie were given the eternity of life whereas the humans were bestowed the eternity of freedom." She paused, lost in her tale of her home. She cast her head down. How she missed the flowers of Oerba. "When I think about it, everything seemed like a dream…"

"Vanille?" Elrohir placed his hand on Vanille's.

She looked at him and smiled sadly. "I'm sorry. It's just really too much. I mean, I'm there and now I'm here, and Fang is gone… again, and well, just tired of everything."

"Then lift your heart at ease for our destiny is for the weary of soul," Elladan declared. He began to sing a soothing tune about home and peace, and though Vanille couldn't understand it, she felt the song pierce her heart. She would have her rest then. Maybe, this is the eternal slumber the Fal'cie promised.

The two brothers journeyed quicker while keeping their pace as even as possible to keep their new company sleeping. They past the woods quietly without any event and only stopped once to give their horses a rest. Vanille stirred on that time and got off the horse as well. Her energy quite recharged for a bit, she took the opportunity to explore again. There wasn't anything much to do and she soon found herself wandering bank to the two brothers. She still can't quite put what it is with the two. Maybe it's the part 'elven' why they looked so… different. They were very beautiful and literally glowing like fallen stars.

Her mind though was not completely lost without Fang. Where ever could her friend be?

All too soon, they mounted on their beast once more and they started again. A few hours later, Vanille could swear the two weren't the only ones singing. There was a minstrel joining with their voices. She looked around for any more 'elf'-like people but nothing past her eyes. Her ears weren't fooled yet though, and she could hear the rustling of the leaves against the wind and to their direction. She kept glancing from side to side.

Elrohir noticed this action immediately. "You have a sharp ear, should your eyes deceive you. Aye, we are being followed but worry not! They are my people and they simply want to welcome us when we arrive at Imladris."

Vanille gave a confused look. "I thought we're going to Rivendell."

Elladan laughed in spite of himself. "Imladris is Sindarin for Rivendell. It is an elvish word."

"Oh," was all Vanille could say. "You mean the language you keep using to Elrohir and the words of your songs?"

"Yes."

Moment later, they arrived at a gate with pillars of stone and tree. A tall man dressed in white robe was by the gate, flanked by a number of others. They were all raven haired, fair faced, and smiling at their arrival. The one in the front extend his arms in welcome. "You have returned!" He said warmly at the two elves approaching in their tongue.

The brothers dismounted their horse and rushed to greet their father. "Ada," they chorused affectionately. Elladan then bowed low, "Our scout had been fortunate; there are no reports of orcs in the West."

"Ada, we found someone seeking rest," Elrohir said excitedly beckoning to their new company. Elrond looked to his son's direction and saw a young lady perched on top of his son's horse, looking both nervous and amazed.

Elrond raised his brow slightly. "Have you taken interest on marrying this elleth?"

Elladan laughed at his brother's embarrassment as the other went a slight flush of misunderstanding. "Ada! Her name is Vanille, a woman worn of her journey."

"She's a mortal Ada," Elladan managed to say, deciding to help his brother's fluster. "Though yes, she is as fair as any elleth."

Elrond raised his hands in welcome. "Come stranger, welcome to Rivendell. I hope you'll find rest to our company," he shifted finally his tongue to Westron.

Vanille, deciding she was now welcome, dismounted the horse and approached carefully this man. He looked so much like the two brothers. 'This must be their eldest.' She bowed lightly. "Vanille, at your call."

The man smiled. "And I am Elrond, father of Elladan and Elrohir."

Vanille, stopped dead in her thoughts. "Wait, you are their father?" She faltered, forgetting her formality. "You don't seem old."

"We are elves, lady Vanille, untouched by time," Elrond explained. He looked at his sons expecting for any explanation. The brothers were surprised as well. Had she not known elves are immortal?


Legolas watched closely at his new guardian duty. He sighed in spite of himself. Had he not earned the title prince of Mirkwood, most swift and nimble of foot and deadly to enemies? Apparently all those centuries of work had not much changed with his father. He was still kept to minimum duty. Now, he is tasked to keep watch of this woman. Why, oh Valar high up?

Fang wasn't all too peachy keen with the predicament as well. This 'nut' prince (she still refused to adhere them as elves) won't let her escape out of his sight. She threatened to hurt him countless time but it seems this elf in unperturbed and more than willing to spar. Twice it really came to that and Fang had to control the urge to simply end him with a Ruinga. No doubt she is much stronger than him but he was quicker and light-footed that she had a hard time keeping up with him. She used more her sentinel techniques to parry any of his attack.

All in all, the elf and the Pulsian were having a really bad day.

Not so much a week has passed when the company made ready to depart. A host of elves clad in cloaks flanked their prince, mounted on some beast Fang was sure it was a kind of Lightning's Sleipnir. Suddenly Legolas approached her and shoved a beast like the one they were on. Fang simply stared at him. "You want me to ride on it?" her voice barely contained her sarcasm.

Whether Legolas noticed it or not, he seemed to ignore her. "Have you not seen a horse before? They prove to be swift in journey. We shall start our journey today."

"Took you long enough," she muttered back, knowing all too well this guy would plainly hear her. It wasn't long when she found out these people have such strong senses. Fang mounted the horse easily one sided like she always do on a wild chocobo. She didn't have much of a hard time as Legolas expected since she had her own rough rides with the yellow birds and compared to this, it is tame as she could muster.

"We shall take it slow across our borders and only then will we ride hard to the west past the Mountains and arrive to Imladris. It shall be a long road and I could only hope you could keep up," Legolas said and sighed in spite of his self. This woman shall delay their ride for at least three days until they reached Lothlorien to finally get rid of her.

As if in reply, Fang kicked lightly the horse's side. It neighed and galloped wildly out of sight. This eased Fang's tension for a bit. She had forgotten what the adrenaline rush felt and she laughed in spite of herself. Not too soon, she heard another galloped and another minute Legolas was beside her, horse sprinting fast as well.

"We are leaving them Lady Fang," he said calmly.

Fang snorted. "My point exactly. I'm going to leave this company and find Vanille."

"A friend of yours?" he inquired.

"The only one here to stick with me for the longest time. I promised to keep her safe and I intend to do that. I have to find her," she said it more to herself than to him. She needed all the more will now that she is in this foreign part of Pulse with wackos for company. "And I'll tear the sky if that is what it takes."

"The Valar would not be pleased with such oath," Legolas cautioned, though his respect for this woman elevated a bit. There is strength in her voice and he is no fool to take it for granted.

Fang looked at him hard and for a moment Legolas felt a certain power pulsating at this woman. "The Fal'Cie were not pleased with what I did as well but it didn't stop me taking them down."

"The… Fal'Cie?"

"Beings that provide us food, light, and necessity of life."

"They are the Valar then."

Fang didn't want to hear anymore. "Whatever. I'll take them down if they have Vanille. As for now," she grinned, "Let's go!" she sped faster and ran past of sight to the elves but Legolas was sharper in sight than his folk and he followed her undaunted, though many are in his thoughts. Who is she?


"And this is Erestor," Elladan finally finished introducing. Erestor bowed low to Vanille.

"A pleasure of meeting you Lady Vanille," he said. "I perceive we will meet oftentimes to brief you with the lore of this world."

Vanille smiled and made a little bow, imitating Erestor's. "Thank you. You can call me Vanille only."

They started the tour and found Vanille good company. She was so full of life and very curious about the comings and goings of Imladris that the twins could not keep Erestor away, happily explaining all the mechanism to the young lady. The brothers tried to keep the older elf from over exciting himself at such an enthusiastic student.

Elrond briefly watched them for a moment and smiled at the sight. Vanille's energy reminded him very much of Arwen's younger years, when Celebrian was still there, and everything seemed in bliss. He may have only met this young woman today but already his heart proved close to her. He never saw the brothers laughing as much as Arwen's company, if not more.

Shortly after, Glorfindel came to his company. "I am ready to depart," he said.

Elrond looked away and turned his attention to the golden haired warrior. "Pray keep Estel's journey safe from harm."

"Aye. He will be in good hands," he made a little bow and went out. As the elf warrior approached the gate, he was caught on the group of the two brothers.

"Where are you going?" Elladan asked.

"I am sent by your father to keep watch on Aragorn."

"Can we come?" Elrohir asked, joining his brother's side.

Glorfindel shooked his head. "No. You shall stay here and keep this young lady entertained."

"I believe she is occupied enough with our teacher," Elladan looked at the two, still busy with their conversation about the seasons and festivals. Elrohir remained silent though and seemed to see Glorfindel's point.

"Aragorn is heading this way so you need not worry to miss him," Glorfindel assured the older man. He looked at Vanille and bowed low. "My lady, I hope you'll enjoy their company."

Vanille turned to him and smiled sweetly. "Thank you very much, Glorfindel. I will." She turned her attention once more to Erestor.

And there, Glorfindel sped off.

Days come to pass to Vanille's stay and though much rest and peace this place provides, she could not help but worry for Fang. Twice she asked to bid leave and search for her companion but always Elrohir refused, fearing of the danger she could meet. "Can you fight should orcs attack you?" Elladan asked.

Vanille crossed her arms and tried to look intimidating. "I really can Elladan! Just take me with you when you go off hunting." This they refuse. Vanille would have loved to incinerate the ground to prove her power but she felt pitiful at the beauty unmarred in this halls. So Vanille ended stuck in Rivendell, learning their lore and customs of Middle-Earth like any Children of Illuvatar knew.


Meanwhile, on the open field, the elves camped for the night. They finally caught up with their prince and his captive after a league of swift journey with their heavy packs. They did made good progress but they were all weary with the sudden sprint. They were a bit miffed at the rash behavior their lord did, consenting to the misbehavior of the dark woman but made no comment. Their heart lightened enough at the sight of stars and instantly they were at ease. They began to sing on the open fire and happily told of the old days. Their voice blended with the wind and their ode chorused like minstrels in their lord's halls.

Legolas was with their company but he didn't felt like singing. Instead, he watched her.

He never really saw her sit properly like on the ground, always standing tall and proud like an elf warrior. But now she is, distant from them and watching silently the night sky. Her weapon was loose on her hand and her feet tucked in. If he could ignore the threat of her weapon, he was sure he could see a mere woman or elleth simply watching the sky. Curiosity to her proved greater. Legolas, sighing to himself, finally joined her.

"Is something of the matter?" he asked behind her.

Fang didn't look back and continued to watch the sky. "Looking up, I could have believed I'm back at Oerba. They are the same stars. Vanille would have loved them," she stood up again and finally faced him. "What would I gain when I join you guys? You're not looking for her."

"We are crossing lands and the likelihood of seeing your friend in this path is great," he replied.

"But my friend doesn't know these lands as well," she replied. "She doesn't know any paths."

"You shall come to Lothlorien," he continued like he didn't hear her. "And though Father never approves of them, they shall help you."

"Wait, what?" Fang asked, finally comprehending the events. "You're going to leave me there?"

"Yes."

"…Cool."

The next day, the journey was silent. Fang didn't sprint with her horse like yesterday and remained deep in thought. Legolas took no heed to her this time and sang with his company, this time about the fertile land of Arda. Of course, Fang never really caught a single understanding of what they say and shortly concluded they were possessed by some mental spirit. Not that the mental spirit is bad: their song, voice and words felt aesthetic to Fang and she could make out images of them. She enjoyed them for the most part. She particularly liked the low voices, rippling like leaves of summer.

Their journey continued and to what seemed like countless nights and days to Fang, they finally arrived at the borders of a forest thicker than Mirkwood. Its trees were silver that Fang could swore she really might be not in Gran Pulse. She remained silent though.

"This is Lothlorien," Legolas said, "We shall take our leave from here. May… the blessing of the Valar and Elbereth be on you." His company bowed to her as well.

"Uh… thanks…?" Fang replied, not knowing what could you reply. Their sentences were so old fashioned she would have laughed if not for their hospitality. They were nice, she admitted to herself. They never bind her. She had been rash as well at Vanille. She dismounted her horse and gave it back, smiling lightly. "You too. Good luck with whatever you're doing."

They depart company. Fang, alone once more, started to venture to the Golden woods.

She could tell from the very moment she put her feet on the ground and left her horse to their care, someone is watching her. She ignored the sensation though and kept walking, but not without drawing out her spear and proceeding with caution. The leaves and trees swayed in the most unusual way, though Fang couldn't quite put what is wrong with it. She walked for the first hour before finally stopping to her tracks and got ready for battle. "You better not shoot," she called loud.

As if on cue, people appeared out of the trees and surrounded her. Somehow, she felt the memory of having this in Mirkwood. "Great," she muttered under her breath, "Get advice from a nutjob and they send you to another equal crazy place." She maintained her calm mind and lowered her weapon. "Now, are you going to shoot or ask first?"

One of them asked in an inquiring tone, but in a language Fang couldn't understand, probably the same language the 'nut' people were using as well. She remained quiet. They spoke again but not in the tongue she knew. She grew frustrated. "Can anyone even understand Pulsian?"

"Do you mean Westron?" someone asked. He appeared before the flank. He was golden-haired like the rest of the group but looked more authoritative. "I am Haldir, captain of the guard of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. Speak quickly stranger, or your head will be on my name."

"Fang," she said curtly.

"Sharp name for a warrior," Haldir replied. He signaled his men to lower their weapons. "Not many here speak your tongue and only I could speak it in our group. What is your business here? We do not trust any strangers, a dark one at that."

Fang decided to leave all the discriminating assault to her skin color. "I'm looking for a friend. Thranduil sent me to see your Galadriel."

"I have no knowledge the forest of Mirkwood and Lothlorien are now in peace," Haldir commented and added more but in Sindarin to his company. They began to talk quickly, probably what was to be done with her. Fang kept her cool a little longer. Apparently, Thranduil and this Galadriel are not on the most convenient terms. So why did he sent me here?, she thought. Probably, to get rid of her and be another's responsibility. Fang now knew what she would do if they try to get hold of her: she would leave this place, summon Bahamut to the sky and look for any bright red figure dancing.

But before he or she could tell their resolve, a group of more elves ran to them. On the front was a woman and the very sight of her took her breath away. This woman is the very image of beauty and no amount of convincing would sway her. Her hair was the deepest black and shimmered brightly at the pale glimmer of the sun's ray shining in the silver trees. Her eyes were the most gray and both soft and crystal to look upon.

"Peace Haldir, she is expected in my grandmother's halls," her voice was like the ripples of water in Oerba but piercing like the crystal stasis of her last slumber. Her head turned to look at her and for a moment, Fang could not count the length of time that passed as their eyes met. The woman's eyes were wide in wonder looking at her too, like she saw a beauty to marvel as well. "You must be Oerba Yun Fang," she smiled and bowed low. "I am Arwen, son of Elrond Half-elven Lord of Imladris. Come and be at peace for the Golden Woods is fairest to look upon in these dark times."

"Is she given permission as well, my lady, to see the path to our fair city?" Haldir's voice brought Fang back to reality. It was even but Fang could tell plainly he was hiding his contempt at the thought.

"Ah, that is that matter…" Arwen trailed. "You would have to be blinded for a moment."

"Like a secret path?" Fang asked. She waved her hand disinterestedly. "Do as you wish. I have enough games. If this is what it takes to look for Vanille, then let's do this." She closed her eyes and they bound her with soft cloth. The company walked.

Fang never tripped. The ground was even in spite that they are still in the forest floor. The walk stretched for hours. They reached to a river but found no trouble for Fang to cross. She leaped easily at the prompt of its distance from each side. Her land still contained no stone. They walked. Finally, the company stopped and they lightly loosed their bind on her eyes. She opened them and the sight she saw made her breath short. This place is beautiful, like a dream and a beautiful thought of waking. They passed it slowly. There were so many… elves, Fang finally accepted, passing through the trees, stopping for a moment to watch them. Half were looking at Arwen, Fang included, and the other part looking at her curiously. The ascended a sort of stairs up to the largest and most magnificent tree. It rose and rose and for what it's worth, they reach the top and greeting them were a host of silver and gold robed elves and at the center two stood in the throne. The man had a fair and wise face, eyes gray and hair silver unlike the other Fang met. Upon his side stood a striking counter to the fairness of Arwen, golden hair glowing compared to the others. Her aura seemed more omniscient than the man. She simply watched Fang and remained silent.

They began to discuss of her, speaking in their tongue. She was given leave and freedom to wander, letting her rest her weariness and gather her thoughts. Days end on end went and by. The elves gave her food and lodging. Fang never remembered being so pampered all her life. She wasn't so hard to please with little luxuries unlike Vanille who is more into comfort so their treatment alone was heavenly.

Fang finally gave up counting the days of her stay. Everything is the same. It may be weeks, months, years, and her weariness is coming back, heightened all the more at the idleness. When will they decide to let her get away. She thought of escaping but she felt a power far deeper than her. Surely, they would help her right?

Her answer came one day when she was strolling along the forest. It was night. She passed the silver branch on her second turn when she saw Galadriel beckoning to her. She came. "Arwen shall leave here tomorrow. She shall depart to Imladris, her father's halls. I hear Elrond is keeping company of great host. I feel your friend is there."

So the next morning, Fang joined a host of elves, dark haired like Arwen about to depart. Fang mounted on her horse given by the servants and turned her attention to Arwen. "How long is the journey?"

"Two weeks," Arwen said. "We have all the time–"

"Love, I don't," Fang cut her beautiful voice. She quickly got off her horse. Arwen, curious at her actions, dismounted as well and sent her horse to her maids to shortly tend her beast. Fang offered her hand and smiled. "Do you trust me, Arwen?"

Arwen hesitated, not too sure what to make of this. Fang's composure told her to be cautious. Still… "Yes…?" she said before letting a little scream of surprise. Fang had grabbed her waist tight to her body. Arwen let a light flush of her cheeks at the proximity. What would Estel think of her predicament?

But before she could protest, Fang held her hand to her shoulder. Again. "Bahamut!"

A dragon out of nowhere appeared covering the two women. The elves hurriedly attempted to rescue their princess. They aimed their arrows but hesitated to shoot, for fear to hurt Arwen. The dragon spreads its wings. Fang mounted Bahamut, carrying her princess. "What do you intend to do?" Arwen asked, voice filled with panic, fear, and a bit of wonder. This woman could summon dragons. Dragons! Ai, Elbereth!

"I'm sorry love, but I really get worked up on pretty faces," Fang smirked and laughed in spite of herself. "We're going to Imladris flying in hours. Hold on tight," Fang's smug expression widened all the more as Arwen's grip on her waist tightened all the more, probably believing her. The beauty couldn't let go, they were already twenty feet above ground. She could go swinging to the trees for escape but the prospect of falling is simply out of question. "Arwen?"

"Hm?" she lightly asked, half shouting and whispering.

"Ever dreamed of flying?"

Arwen went silent. She did dreamt flying when she was a young elfling, carried by Ada Elrond and Amme Celebrian…


Elrohir finally managed to keep Vanille away from Erestor. The brothers had enough of history and etiquette from the scholar. Erestor would somehow teach Vanille after they are sent away. That was days ago now.

The company of elves from Mirkwood arrived late in the afternoon. There was a great exchange of courtesies and gifts and news. Elrond was there to welcome the host and warmly greeted the prince. They spoke long. Legolas never mentioned Fang.

The three were in the garden proper, yet unknown to the guests that arrived. Vanille was busy watching the flowers swaying with the wind. Elrohir was busy watching Vanille watch the flowers. Elladan… well, Elladan was watching them.

The brothers were in the middle of their singing when a great gush of wind enveloped the ever peaceful halls. Elladan got his sword ready. What is happening? Had the dark lord somehow turned the table completely and finally managed to pierce through his father's great magic?

"All right, coming through!"

A great shadow loomed in their spot and it descended from the sky. Elladan and Elrohir instantly saw it was a great beast. They pulled out their bows. Elrohir was about to shoot when Elladan cried in amazement. "Ai, Arwen!"

The dust settled. The dragon was nowhere in sight. Arwen was there, though disheveled at the great wind, still fine and well. She looked exhilarated and breathless and laughing that for a second Elladan was a bit jealous for her sister's experience. What would it have been like to fly?

Arwen wasn't alone though. In the settling cloud, a tall dark woman stood tall with spear in hand. Her hair was wild at the ride and her eyes piercing like her weapon. A long blue coat wrapped her body enough to cover her comfortably. Silence came upon them.

"Fang!" Vanille broke it and delight was in her voice.

"Took me long enough, huh?" The tall woman smirked.


A/N: Now that one is finally posted. Chapter one is checked and revised. Please let me know any errors. Feedback of any kind is appreciated :)