Chapter 3: You
"You arrival is most pleasantly expected," Elrond smiled and extended his arms in welcome.
Legolas could not help but embrace the elf lord back. In a way, this has been his second home, the only other elf-land his father approve of trade. The place brought back old childhood years. "It is good to be back. My heart rejoices and sings at the hospitality," he replied happily and summoned his own host. "My people would love to accept your offer of rest–" the rest of his words were drowned at the screams of his people and Elrond's in fear. The elves look up as darkness enveloped the land in midday.
"Arwen!" Elrond shouted not believing what he saw completely. The elves stood petrified as their Evenstar flew with the seeming night. "Follow it! I want my daughter back," the host of elves at his side rushed to follow the moving mist of black. Few aimed arrows but was quickly stopped. The sight is dark and unsteady aim could harm their beloved lady. Elrond was with their company, running as he had never ran before the War of the Ring. Legolas followed suit.
It settled in the garden. When they arrived, no one expected such a scene. Arwen was there, safe and sound on the ground, flanked by her older brothers chatting away like nothing happened. When the three-company noticed their father and Legolas they smiled. "Ada!" Arwen called delightedly at the sight of her father. She rushed to his embrace.
"You are home," Elrond said, his tone both in relief and curious. "Tell me my eyes have not yet been deceived. When did you arrive and without my knowledge?"
His daughter smiled in wonder. "I flew Ada!" her voice was full of mirth and excitement that it drowned the worry of her people and her audience. "It is childish to act so, but Ada! Like eagles of my young dreams, I soared and kissed the sky and felt the sun's warmth like no other on the ground."
"But how Arwen?" Elrond's lips tugged into a small smile. His daughter was speaking like a young elfling again.
"Fang," Arwen replied mysteriously, like it was all the answer they needed.
"You?"
Elrond's attention turned sharply at the owner of the voice. It was woman, gaping incredulously. Her hair was tussled up like his daughter. For a moment, Elrond unconsciously hugged Arwen protectively at the woman's state. She looked dangerous.
"You…?" The voice came from behind. Elrond turned around and saw his guest prince staring in disbelief as well.
"You know each other, Legolas?" Elrond inquired. His voice was finally calm. He wanted explanation.
"It did not cross my mind her business could affect ours," Legolas bowed apologetically. "She is Lady Fang. She ended in our woods. We escorted her until Lothlorien but of her later tidings we cannot say."
"I could tell you that," the woman called Fang smirked, crossing her arms. "I stayed for who knows how long until they let me leave." She turned to Arwen and bowed. "So you enjoyed riding on Bahamut?"
"Is it his name? How very kingly. Yes lady Fang, I enjoyed it well," Arwen replied. "Peace Ada, she did not mean harm. I lost my host on Lothlorien."
"I perceive there is more tale than what you tell me child," Elrond sighed. "But I shall consent. My guests," He finally turned his attention to the wood elves. "Come and rest. I shall escort you to your rooms." They left, including Arwen. She waved a little good bye to his brothers and Fang before joining her father.
"We need to talk," Fang said, grabbing Vanille's hand.
Vanille only nodded at her friend and smiled reassuringly back to her last company. "I'll catch up later with you guys. Le hannon."
"Le what?" Fang asked.
"It is Sindarin for 'thank you'," Vanille replied and they continued their way out of the garden, Vanille leading Fang.
"So… what brings Lady Fang here? Is her friend heard in the halls of Imladris?" Legolas asked when they were all alone now.
"Do you mean our Lady Vanille?" Elladan asked. "Yes, but I'm afraid the young lady is more heard in the company of my father's councilor, often swept of her feet if I have a say on the matter."
"She is a delightful company," Elrohir said, paused as if to gauge what he just said, and nodded convinced. "I have not seen Master Erestor exclaim so many words since the day I asked him the tale of Beleriand… and that is saying something."
"Yes, I remember that," Elladan mused in agreement, "Ah, but your concerns, Prince Legolas, does not concern our guest. Tell me the tale of you and Lady Fang. I see you both have quite been comfortable with each other for her to drop your title entirely."
"I believe it is more of her character," Legolas said after he encountered in vague detail what happened. "She never addressed me or my father other than our names."
"That may be as well. Lady Vanille is always strained to call us formally, and seemed much more at ease when we told her it is not so big of a deal."
"Do you know where she comes from?" Elrohir asked. "They spoke of places so foreign in tongue. Oerba… where is it?"
"That has been the primary concern of my king," Legolas looked far as if watching for Fang to come out to hear him. He took a deep breath and gestured to sit. The three Ellyn made to the bench before Legolas continued. "Our tidings in our land is grieve and the shadow ever makes it way. We are wary of folks abroad, whether in number or alone. And then she comes…" he trailed and sighed, "Ai Elbereth, our people do not know what to make of it. King Thranduil perceived her strength and would prove a reckoned enemy should she be against us. She is dangerous and with a dragon at her steed," he shook his head. "The king saw it best to be rid of her but at the same time in watch of careful daze. We need to send her somewhere there is much more power."
There was silence. Then Elladan whispered, "And your father consented to Lothlorien? Forgive me, but ah–"
Legolas waved his hand in understanding. "I know there has been strain in our land."
"With Imladris bordering the middle line," Elrohir smiled. He was nudged by the elbow by his brother.
"Well… yes. But my father recognizes the power of the place. He trusts the Galadhrim can keep her put."
"Then she takes our sister from their very eyes and rode with her dragon," Elladan shook his head. "Ai, that is much thought to consider."
Elrohir was silent as the information sank. "Brother, am I only to wander what could our mysterious Vanille capable of calling?"
"You made me worry there missy," Fang crossed her arms.
"I had that effect on people," Vanille grinned.
Fang shook her head in defeat and smiled back. "That's good to hear. Though I have to say I don't have to worry after all," she smirked. "I can see you enjoy here."
Vanille laughed off her friend's comment. She had not much changed, albeit her clothes.
"So… why is Taejin's name are you not at me side?" Fang asked. "The last thing I remember before turning into crystal was holding your hand."
Vanille shook her head as if in defeat. "I don't know either. I just woke up then found myself in endless grassland and no sign of humanity." She recounted then her journey. Fang was silent as she listened. She had no idea what to make of it.
They had finally completed their focus. Hell, she even managed to put an end to the focus giving Fal'Cie. They are not bound L'Cie's anymore.
"… and they never let me go off!" Vanille exclaimed. "I am capable of fighting but will they believe me?"
What exactly is happening?
"Fang?"
Fang stopped in her thought. "Hm?" They looked at each other, silent in communicating. Fang broke the silence as she let out a frustrated groan. "This is just completely insane, Vanille. We're not in Pulse? Then where in Atomos are we? Some distant planet?" She pushed her spear hard to the ground and shook her head in disbelief. She paced back and fro.
Vanille went silent, afraid of what will her friend consider of doing. Fang is one to trust in decisions most of the times but there are moments when desperation hits her. The last time it did, they uncannily spurred two unwitting humans to L'Cie, jeopardized thousands of people's lives then managed to kill their higher beings.
Fang stopped and let out a sigh. Vanille held her breath, knowing what was to come. "Fang?"
"Vanille, we're going back."
"Now, explain."
Arwen sighed despite of herself, whether because the rush she felt at the sky still lingers or other reason one cannot tell. "Ada," she began, "Do not blame Lady Fang. Rather, take me responsible for the affair."
"Arwen Undomiel…"
"Oh," Arwen fell silent. She knew that tone of voice anywhere. Has it really gone too far? Elrond never used her full name except in times she… ah. "Forgive me, Ada. I shall then tell the tale of our ride to Imladris in full. We are to depart today and Lady Fang asked the distance of travel here. I replied it will be a count of few days. This answer proved to be ill to her it would seem. Lady Fang beckoned to me then to dismount. I consent, not knowing what was to come. She… took hold of me and carried me to her dragon. Peace I say! Peace for everything is not grave as it seems!" Arwen held her hand up in gesture.
She stared hard at her father, measuring him if she would continue. Elrond remained passive so she continued.
"I could have escaped with my host at my call. We are still in the borders of Lorien. I could have secured myself to the trees. Yet I felt a sense of good spirit in this woman at our short meeting. She asked me if I would like to fly with her and the idea is just so beautiful and magnificent that I… forgive me Ada, I have been rash but I take no regrets to fly on Lord Bahamut's steed."
"Ai iell, it has indeed been rash. Would your host know then where their Evenstar left? Have you secured them comfort the woman who took you meant no harm? She will be ill-entertained should she comes back to your grandmother's halls."
Arwen was silent as her reckless action took a toll on her. Her father is right. "Forgive me Ada… I have not foreseen such consequences."
Elrond walked toward his daughter and kissed her brow. "The intent is well, Arwen. I shall see your companion shall not suffer most to her and your actions." He turned to her thoughtful. "Today you depart from Lothlorien? I see travel is swift in air but to be here this fast...?" he shook his head, unable to imagine the feeling.
Arwen smiled and laughed, "Ai Ada, it is hard to think so but here I am, rushed to the crown of the sky and still the sound of the wind in my ear," she gently took her father's hands and turned more seriously and determined. "She has my greatest favor Lord Elrond. The mirth she gave is indescribable. She will have my grace and the Valar."
"So be it," Elrond said before dismissing her.
"Back?" Vanille's voice faltered. She had not been expecting this. What back? Back to Pulse? How will they ever accomplish that?
"I don't know anymore," Fang went to her and clasped her friend's shoulders. "This is just… Vanile, I'm tired with all the war. We had our own, twice for that, and we're at the very center of it. It's just that… it's unfair Vanille, all of it." She removed her hold to her and walked away a few steps in frustration. "If this is some sick joke of the Orphan I'll," she didn't finish the sentence. She sighed. "Look, never mind me. Let's meet your friends instead."
Everything settled in Imladris, if only enough to alleviate the tension brought by two certain foreigners. Vanille had been an easier tension, given that she consented for an elvish change of clothes and kept most to Erestor's (and Elrond's sons if they were there) company, continuing her growing knowledge to Middle Earth. Fang's presence was anything but that.
If Legolas would have noticed, he wouldn't point it out. The two women were silent when together and strained in conversation. Fang had been alone most of the time, in the borders of Imladris, watching distantly the passing days. She didn't take part on any meals, Vanille taking it to her most of the time and once by Arwen herself. The latter took more time than usual. The prince assumed the women talked of matters; of what it is he didn't pry.
Still, he at times found himself observing Fang more often. She is still the Fang he met in Mirkwood, strong in character and proud in stance. He would often see her too arguing with Elladan and his host of elves and occasionally of Rangers, not taking her in their patrols and hunt. It amused him to an extent how would this female warrior, tired of this treatment, finally decide to take on her own hands in dealing this, much like how she fared in Mirkwood.
Then his thoughts would go to the younger lady, Vanille.
Legolas never saw the woman fight, acting more like an elleth in her learning years, always curious to the world. He did saw her as well arguing with Elrond's sons to take her but she accepts their rejection more freely. When Fang would threaten with her spear, Vanille would simply pout and tell them 'she did offer her service'. Still, they are companions and closest to themselves. He wouldn't doubt one bit the young lady is capable of fighting as well.
It was on their fifth day of stay in Imladris Legolas finished his regular council with Elrond when he was suddenly approached by Fang. "Exactly what is your problem stalking me like that?"
The tone was demanding and would there be any other for company, it could have been all too misinterpreted. Legolas frowned. This woman has definitely never recognized authority. "Lady Fang, I–"
"Have every right to that since I have been considered a potential threat and under probation to my people blah blah blah," Fang cut, imitating a nobleman's tone on a mere peasant. Legolas stiffened considerably. He would have dealt her earlier had she had not been an opposite gender, terms of conduct and all. Then she smiled. "I'm right, huh? Great. You would be an excellent proof I am quite capable of fighting."
"What?" Legolas never finished his say on the matter as Fang grabbed his hand and proceeded to the outer gardens.
Elladan did a double check on his pack. Behind him were his brother and a team of Rangers and elves ready to scout the north. The orc activity had grown dramatically. The dwarves are expected to arrive late in the afternoon and Elladan had no desire making more inconvenience to any.
"We are ready to depart, my lords," Halbarad approached, tailed by his horse.
Elladan nodded in acknowledgement and mounted gracefully his horse. Elrohir followed suite and their group. Two other rangers would follow the elf-lords to Bruinen, while the rest would divide in three more groups and cover the northern path, most likely to where the dwarves would go.
"Hold up!"
Elrohir turned and was still surprised it was Fang he heard and saw. The woman never learned to give up. Vanille had consented but–
"Prince Legolas?" Elladan was genuinely surprised. He had his notions the two had their own casual relationship but for her to practically drag the prince of Mirkwood…. He turned sideways to see Elrohir grinning. "Is something of the matter, brother?"
"Ah forgive me brother," Elrohir said as he spared a glance to Elladan. "I simply find the site of a certain Evenstar in her elfling years dragging another certain golden elf lord to let her ride Asfaloth." He dismounted his horse and met with the two. "To what we have that Prince Legolas and Lady Fang seek our company?"
Fang nudged Legolas by the elbows. Legolas stared at her hard, incredulous at the turning of events.
Halbarad bit back a smile behind his lords. This is something he wanted to watch.
"My lady, I will not be forced to act upon things unheard of," Legolas said as he turned to Fang. He is going to keep his ground no matter what.
Fang ignored him and instead smiled confidently at Elrohir. "I challenge the strength of Imladris. Mirkwood seems to not satisfy me."
Elladan finally approached the company. "Forgive me my lady but best to leave this at the next opportunity. Our time is short and we must leave immediately."
"Now brother, let us not be rash," Elrohir said, clearly enjoying Legolas' addition to the usual argument. "Lady Fang claims she is capable of fighting even in Mirkwood. I recognize the forest's dangers," he bowed to Legolas as if in apology to his wordings.
"We are pressing late," Elladan frowned. "We have no luxury of an hour to prove her strength."
Fang replied by swiftly walking to the borders of Imladris. She shot her hand up in the air. From her palm blasted a single silver energy. In an instant, a roaring sound erupted and blasted a wide radius. The mist dissolved and she was there, standing more proud than she was.
Legolas sighed, defeated. "I'm afraid you have to take her my lords. She threatened me she'll tear this gate apart if I would not utter in her stead. I will not have another burnt spot in a place I hold dear. Mirkwood is enough."
The host grew quiet. She had been rash, but the power she possessed cannot be disregarded, along with her stubborn temper.
Elrohir suddenly laughed. "Ah, ease I say. She has good intents, or my sister is ill-begotten of foresight. Come Lady Fang, have a horse you please. You shall be in my group to Bruinen. A friend of lady Vanille surely must be a great company like her."
The scouts were swift and it was fortunate Fang had her own experience in Oerba patrolling their lands from feral creatures. The brother's were inhumanely efficient of track and signs that Fang was more in tow with the two Rangers. Still, she is not a complete luggage. She fended off most of the encounters way before it turned to an open battle. Given the elf lord's deadly skill with bows and the Rangers and Fang's relentless attacks, it was easy.
Fang didn't switch to any of her roles and happily accommodated Commando. It suited enough on this simple hunt. Showing of her Saboteur and Sentinel skills is plainly prideful.
By late in the afternoon, they made such a good progress they were already heading back. Fang scoffed to herself. This is way too easy. She really had been itching to get outside and the reality of such weak creatures dismayed her.
As they finally arrived back to Imladris, Arwen was by the gate. Elrohir smiled and quickly dismounted his horse and came to greet his sister. He stopped meters away as he realized her eyes were fixed someone behind her back. Did she want to greet his older brother first? Elrohir looked back.
"Miss me?" Fang was behind him, grinning madly from ear to ear. Elrohir had to raise his brow in disbelief. Arwen came to her and warmly embraced Fang in welcome.
"You are most missed," Arwen said. She turned to Elrohir and smiled. "Well met brother Elrohir." She came to him and offered her arms in welcome.
Elrohir embraced back. Arwen smelled deeply of cloth. She was probably embroidering beforehand. "Well met indeed sister. Ah, but I feel you have more love to our new friend."
"Then I shall kiss you to show you have my devoted love," Arwen laughed back and kissed his brow. "What of news you gathered?"
"We have no new news of Estel," Elladan finally came and embraced his sister. Arwen went silent. She had been expecting any news of him. Her brother smiled reassuringly. "It is not so dark, sister. He is the best Ranger I have met. I am assured he will come out of this errand well and swift. Now here, lady Fang does not boast. She is a force indeed. I will be weary should I have to contest against her. I am glad we took her." He drifted his eyes further to Imladris and laughed. "It seems more hosts are here to welcome us."
"Master Erestor, well met!" Elrohir laughed as Erestor approached, followed closely by Vanille. Elrohir smiled and bowed. "Well met as well, Lady Vanille."
"Well met Elrohir," Erestor said.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me you're going with them," Vanille pouted at Fang. "I really wanted to go outside!"
Fang simply laughed. "You'll have your time, I'm sure missy."
Vanille's frown quickly faded. "Fine. At least you're smiling now. Let's head inside. Dinner's almost ready."
Fang looked back at her friend bemused at her words. Fang shook her head in defeat, gave her friend a light smile and joined with them.
