Yes, Ithilwen has water powers that resemble water benders heavily, a bit unoriginal, ill admit. But I love it. Even before learning of Avatar I always had an affinity for water and pretending to manipulate it. So let's call this an extension of that with a bit of avatar inspiration added. Sorry, not sorry.
Chapter Three
After Lilith had her bath she eyed the dress before her incredulously. She rarely wore dresses, as they simply weren't practical for what she did day to day. She couldn't believe that she was going to wear a dress of elven make. But she had to admit, it was the softest dress she ever held. But she snorted at the colour. Of course, Arwen had given her a light blue dress. She probably picked that one simply because it matched her eyes. But with no other option of clothing, she quickly pulled the dress on. The fit was good enough. Lilith was a touch taller than Arwen and was also a bit more muscular. All in all, it was very flattering.
Lilith picked at the foods that had been delivered along with the basin and had a quick morning meal. She wished to see how Frodo fared as soon as possible. After she was done she looked at herself quickly in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself, even if the only difference was an elven dress, and she let her hair free hoping to conceal her secret without the aid of a hood. But she looked simply elvish, it made her squirm. Even though her hair hid her ears, the rest of her looked so different. Perhaps it was because she had never stood in front of a full-length mirror before today. She looked as if she was made of water the way the dress moved around her body and her eyes refracted in the light that made it look like her eyes were pools of crystal clear liquid. Lilith sighed, she doubted she would be able to keep her elven identity hidden the way she was now. Though she would play being ignorant, and pretend to be human.
Then she remembered something. She quickly moved to her pack and pulled out a vial and tucked it away. She passed her reflection once again, ignoring it and headed out the door.
She easily remembered the way to Frodo's room. She gently pushed the door open and saw that Frodo was indeed still sleeping. He looked so peaceful, but then she noticed how his brows would scrunch together now and then. Was he having a bad dream? It was likely, from what he had just gone through. Lilith sat down beside Frodo and gently stroked his hair. Lilith pulled out the vial she had grabbed and uncorked it.
With her magic, she pulled forth some of the content. A shimmering liquid flowed out of the vial and twirled around above her finger. She ushered the water to Frodo's lips and let the water flow down his throat. This time she would have him ingest it since she didn't need to purge any poison. Hopefully, this would do the trick.
A cough sounded behind her and she twirled around to see Mithrandir standing silently behind her.
"Mithrandir," She said shocked, but quietly. "When did you get here?" She hadn't heard the wizard at all. He was stealthier than she gave him credit for.
"Just after you came in." His eyes held a twinkle of mischief. Lilith rolled her eyes and turned back to Frodo. "What did you give him?" He questioned but was not angry, purely curious. He fully trusted the lady in front of him. She was a pure soul with a pure heart. Only one so pure would have been blessed by the Valar, to begin with.
"It is very concentrated moon water that I have cultivated over a long time." She looked back to Frodo. "I have been saving it for some time now, and I felt like using a little might help Frodo."
Mithrandir nodded in understanding and pulled a chair to sit beside Ithilwen. They watched the Hobbit for a time and Lilith looked at the wizard.
"Mithrandir," Lilith began and the wizard hummed in response. "I was wondering if you would keep my identity a secret." She looked at her clenched fist that rested on her knees.
The wizard regarded the young elleth. Well, young in his eyes. She was a lot older than her appearance and more naive than she let on. He knew that she had yet to accept who she was and he, more often than not, tried to persuade her to be who she was meant to be. This time however he would give her the benefit of the doubt. Already, since being in Imladris, he has noticed a small change in her demeanour, even if she has not yet noticed. "Very well, until you are ready to share your secret I shall do as you wish, Lilith." The name felt foreign on his tongue but he would oblige her.
Lilith let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you." She smiled sweetly at him and then they both turned their attention back to the little Hobbit. Not five minutes passed and Frodo began to stir.
Lilith's eyes widened as she watched Frodo begin to awaken. She clasped her hands together happily, perhaps her moon water had worked to clean out whatever was ailing him.
"Where am I, and what is the time?" Frodo said aloud to the ceiling. Lilith smiled warmly at the little Hobbit who appeared dazed and confused.
"In the house of Elrond, and it is ten o'clock in the morning," Mithrandir said beside her. "It is the morning of October the twenty-fourth if you want to know."
"Gandalf!" cried Frodo, sitting up.
"Yes," he said, "I am here. And you are lucky to be here, too, after all the absurd things you have done since you left home." Frodo laid back, resting his still pained body.
Lilith watched from beside Mithrandir as the Hobbit looked as if he was trying to regain his bearings.
"Where's Sam?" Frodo asked. "And are the others all right?"
Sam? Lilith wondered. She hadn't been told of any other arrivals.
"Yes, they are all safe and sound," answered Gandalf. "Sam was here until I led him to his room to get some rest, about half an hour ago." Lilith frowned, she must have just missed meeting Sam.
"What happened at the Ford?" said Frodo and looked to Lilith. Frodo gave her a curious glance and then there was a faint bit of recognition in his eyes. "It all seemed so dim, somehow; and it still does."
"Yes, it would. You were beginning to fade," answered Gandalf. "The wound was overcoming you at last. A few more hours and you would have been beyond our aid. But dear Lilith came to your rescue. You have her to thank for bringing you back from the brink. But you have some strength in you, my dear hobbit! As you showed in the Barrow. That was touch and go perhaps the most dangerous moment of all. I wish you could have held out at Weathertop."
Lilith didn't know the details of what happened and she felt that it might not be her place to ask such questions.
"I wish you would tell me what happened!" Frodo said.
"All in good time! You are not supposed to talk or worry about anything today, by Elrond's orders."
"But talking would stop me thinking and wondering, which are quite as tiring," said Frodo and Lilith couldn't help but smile at the Hobbit. "I am wide awake now, and I remember so many things that want explaining. Why were you delayed? You ought to tell me that at least." Lilith's brows scrunched together. She didn't realize that Mithrandir was delayed, that wasn't like him.
"You will soon hear all you wish to know," The wizard replied, but also looked to her. "We shall have a Council, as soon as you are well enough. At the moment I will only say that I was held captive."
"Captive!" Lilith finally spoke. "Why didn't you tell me Mithrandir? Are you uninjured?"
"All is well my dear." She gave her a look and then meant that this was the end of this particular conversation. Lilith sat back in her seat and listened as the two conversed about the black riders and a certain strider that Frodo had become fond of. She learned that he was a man of the west, one of Dunedain. She was curious about him and wished to meet him. Then Mithrandir asked Frodo about the pain in his shoulder.
"I don't know,' Frodo answered. "They don't feel at all: which is an improvement, but-" Frodo made an effort, "I can move my arm again a little. Yes, it is coming back to life. It is not cold," he added, touching his left hand with his right.
"Good!" said Gandalf. "It is mending fast. You will soon be sound again. Lilith has cured you: along with the caring hand of Elrond. He has tended to you, ever since you were brought in. And Lilith gave you some healing water that finally helped you awaken from your sleep."
"Thank you, my Lady." Frodo gave her a light bow of his head. Lilith was quick to jump from her seat and wave her hands.
"No, no, Frodo, there is no need for thanks. I would like to think that others would do the same. I am just glad you are feeling better." She smiled at him, then she stood and gave them both a small bow. "I shall leave you two to talk," She went to leave but turned. "I hope to speak with you again Frodo." She gave him a heartwarming smile.
A faint redness crept onto the Hobbit's cheeks. "I believe we shall, until then my Lady." And he watched as Lilith left. Lilith bided her time in the halls of Elrond's house. But she found herself quickly in the gardens to avoid any confrontations or curious glances from others that lived here. The gardens were peaceful as she strolled passed the different types of flowering shrubs and trees. She was glad that Frodo was awake and doing remarkably well. She wanted to ask what Elrond had done to help Frodo but she was afraid that Mithrandir would tell her to go ask him herself.
"Lilith!" A voice called out to her. It was Arwen who was walking to her rather briskly.
Lilith bowed her head. "Arwen, can I help you?"
"Do you plan on attending the feast this evening?" She asked her eyes sparkling.
For her, it was normal to join a feast on occasion with humans. But a feast full of elves, made her hesitate. "I don't know." She said slowly and saw a flicker of emotion from Arwen.
"Please come, my father has been waiting to meet the one that saved Frodo." Lilith bit her lip. She did want to meet Elrond but at the same time, she was nervous. "And I would love for you to meet Aragorn."
"Aragorn?" And Lilith saw a blushing grace on her pale cheeks.
"Yes, you may have heard mention of a strider. They are the same."
Lilith nodded putting the two together. He was another person she wished to meet. It seemed like going to this feast would be a good way to get to know them. Still, she was undecided.
"I would very much enjoy your company, Lilith."
Lilith found herself stuck. She didn't want to be around copious amounts of people that were sure to question her. But at the same time, she did want to go and meet a few select people.
"Will Frodo be going?" Lilith asked.
"I believe so if Mithrandir lets him," Arwen replied. Lilith did want to see the Hobbit again.
Reluctantly, Lilith agreed to go.
"Wonderful!" Arwen said gleefully. "I shall see you this evening." And with that, the elleth headed back inside.
Lilith sighed, but couldn't help but smile at the thought of Arwen. She was very caring and went out of her way to make her feel included. More and more, she was becoming comfortable being here. She was finding herself to be rather excited about the feast. She had never attended a feast hosted by elves, so this was sure to be a new learning experience. She just hoped that she wouldn't draw too much attention to herself.
And when the time finally came for her to join the feast, her worries were quickly cast aside. Surely she was the last person anyone wanted to talk to when dwarves were here! She had never met a dwarf before and seeing them was rather exciting. She noticed that a dwarf and Frodo were talking happily to one another. And as she looked around she saw the faces of her fellow elves and the slight disdain that appeared on their faces as they regarded the dwarf. She wasn't ignorant of the fact that the two races were often at odds with one another. Though she found it laughable. Rather than holding grudges against one another, they should be banding together in an attempt to be rid of Sauron and his minions. But Lilith just shook her head. It would be a long time coming before either race would set aside their differences and ask for help from the other. Stubborn creatures.
Lilith wove her way through the elves that weren't giving her a second glance as they stared at the dwarf. So she bided her time in the corner and ate some food as she watched the feast before her. All in all, it was calm and relaxing. Soon enough the feast ended and everyone was led to the Hall of Fire, as she overheard Mithrandir call it. Lilith found herself at the back of the group and silently observed. She was content to stand back and listen to the music and watched as people began their conversations.
Suddenly, a figure appeared to her right. "Lord Elrond," Lilith said her eyes wide as she took in the full view of the infamous elf in front of her. His hair was dark and long, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey and clear, and they almost seemed to sparkle as he looked at her.
"Maegovannen Ithilwen, or perhaps I should say, Lilith." His eyes watched her knowingly. "Mithrandir has spoken of a charge that he has been looking after. It is finally good to meet you." She found Lord Elrond to be so eloquent. His voice was soft but one that could command legions.
Lilith couldn't help but feel embarrassed in his presence. "I have always wished to meet you, but I must admit that I am not the best in social settings."
His eyes looked down at the white-haired female, and he noted that she wore one of his daughter's gowns. "Arwen can be very persuasive can't she?"
Lilith laughed lightly. "Indeed, and I couldn't turn her down for everything that she had done for me. And that reminds me," She gave him a bow. "Thank you for graciously letting me reside in your halls." Elrond places a hand upon her shoulder and made her rise.
"I believe thanks are to be given to you." He began and cast a quick look at his daughter who was now standing next to Aragorn and smiling happily at him Elrond couldn't help but smile at his daughter's happiness. "She told me about how you saved not only Frodo but herself at the Ford. I am forever grateful that you were there to help my Arwen." He then gave her a small bow of his head.
Her cheeks reddened even further, and then she now could hear murmurs from the crowd that were looking at her and their Lord.
"My, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." A golden-haired elf said and laid on hand on Elrond's shoulder as he looked down at her.
"Glorfindel." Elrond chastised. Glorfindel merely smirked and looked Lilith over once again.
"I heard you saved Arwen and the little Hobbit," Glorfindel said, now his focus solely on her.
"I did, but please no more thanks, I merely did what I hoped others would do."
Glorfindel snorted. "Not many would be willing to face off the ring-wraiths."
Lilith couldn't help but chuckle. "And not many can say they faced a Balrog. I may not be the best talker, but I do know my way around a sword." Glorfindel outright laughed at her, and she couldn't help but smile at him. She had to admit that he was rather handsome, and you could see by the way he held himself that he was very confident. If she had to go into battle, perhaps she would want him to be there. After all, he did slay a balrog.
"Might I give you a tour of the gardens?" Glorfindel asked. She noticed Elrond shove his elbow into his side and heard his whisper of 'behave.' Lilith giggled to herself.
"I am quite familiar with the gardens, but I thank you for the offer."
"Ah well, maybe some other time then I shall give you a tour of the valley?"
"That sounds wonderful!" Lilith exclaimed.
"Excellent. Well, until then my lady." He gave her a graceful bow and left.
"Have a great rest of the evening Ithilwen," Elrond said and made his way back towards Frodo and an elderly-looking Hobbit.
Both Elrond and Glorfindel were being so nice to her, and then a realization hit her. They already knew she was an elf. Mithrandir had called her his charge she figured he had mentioned her to Elrond a long time ago, longer than the regular lifespan of a human. That could be centuries of all she knew. She hoped that Elrond and Glorfindel would keep quiet about her. Then again, they didn't seem like the kind of people to go around and correct people or tell them that she was an elf. Even for those few that knew, she would continue to hide her identity from everyone else. She wanted to feel mortal and in her immortal body. And she wanted to be recognized as one. The ears were a dead giveaway.
After listening and drinking some more Lilith realized what night it was. Just as she was about to leave when Arwen tapped her shoulder. "Care to join me and Aragorn, he has been looking forward to getting to know you." Lilith looked back at Aragorn and they made eye contact. He raised his cup in greeting. Lilith smiled.
"I am sorry Arwen, but I can waste this night!" She said and dashed out the doors. She left a confused-looking Arwen behind her.
And I apologize for not posting this chapter sooner. I have several chapters ready. I just lead a very busy life with 3 children. I will hopefully get chapter 4 up today as well. I'll have to set a reminder on my phone or PM me :) As always please leave a Review and follow for posting notifications.