Worlds Collide
*I do not own any characters by J.R.R. Tolkien. Any similarities to other characters are purely by perception*
Chapter 1
Lorien
Celeborn moved through Lorien quickly, almost frantically which was odd for an Elf and with everyone he passed he created in them the same urgent fear. Galadriel, his wife, his love, and his light were missing, they had been speaking just moments before and then she just vanished. It was startling and there was no locating her, through any means. Celeborn made every attempt and each was stopped, leaving him visions of nothing but the darkness; a darkness that spread throughout the world, both known and unknown. He sensed a presence far stronger than Sauron and Saruman put together, stronger then the power of the elves and just as old. It hovered with him as he moved amongst his people, it was almost frightening and it seemed to make Lorien lose its light.
"Send for the March Warden and four of his best", He ordered a messenger to rush out to the forests surrounding their home. He knew Haldir would do everything to find the Lady of the Light. He paced another unusual act until Haldir and four other elves, Rumil and Orophin amongst them came into sight. Each of them clad with their weapons; bow and arrows and the blades which made Orcs shake in fear. "Find her." He turned away, keeping his fear from showing. "I fear she has fallen to an unforeseen force that wishes to use her against us all." Haldir bowed slightly and moved out, followed by his chosen force. The urgency of Celeborn startling them all, and it wasn't long before they were even questioning where to start their search first.
Their world was growing darker still, every moment she was gone.
Aquetiri
"Don't worry, Galadriel. It will hurt a great deal, but not for long and in the end you will be a large part of a great plan." A figure moved closer, he seemed familiar in looks, but he was no Elf. His eyes were like black orbs, his skin slightly yellowing, and his face gaunt. He was a shadow of his former self, but any could tell that his former self was striking. His hair was long, silvered and scraggly, and his body showed muscles that were ravaged by starvation.
"Why me?"
"Because she will find it harder to kill you, and I am at an end. She has taken what she could, without killing me." The figure moved his hand over to skins of people, hanging from the walls. "Her family. First her mother" He moved, smiling. "Then her brothers and sisters." He licked his pencil thin lips. "Then her beloved and precious father. The hardest kill." He snickered.
"Obviously, she is the hardest kill." Galadriel showed defiance standing before her captor, her hand bound in an unbreakable magically hold.
"No, no, no. She must submit. You will remind her of the mother, and she will not want you killed. In fact, she will do everything to "save" you and that will do what I need." His smile was sickening.
"I will not allow…" She was stopped by a hand to her throat, the elongated fingers wrapped nearly all the way around. She gasped, shocked by his speed. His eyes this time glowed red.
"You will have NO choice." He raised his other hand and started to move towards her chest, but before he could an arrow stuck into his hand, emerging through the palm.
"Sorry, but we aren't finished, love." A woman with long blonde hair pulled back at the crown, dark blue eyes, and enough weapons to fight off an army stood there, her bow still at the ready for another arrow. The figure turned his head and flung Galadriel to the floor turning to attack the woman who wore men's clothes. The two fought ferociously and Galadriel found there was some measure of connection between her and the girl; a girl she'd never seen or met before, a girl not from the world of Men that she knew. She sat and watched in awe as swords clashed, she saw the girl move in ways she'd never seen before and she was mesmerized by it. Galadriel even found herself holding her breath when it seemed the woman would lose, but the woman changed her style of fighting and battled on, making Galadriel smile. She'd never been interested in the world of war, but in this instance she could feel the determination in the woman; not to kill the figure, but to protect his captive.
After time had passed Galadriel witnessed the figures weapon being taken and thrust into him, she saw the life begin to leave him and it was black. The figure moved toward her still smiling with blood trickling out of his mouth, but in that instant she saw his hand move at her chest again, the woman moved into her place, taking the touch. A scream rang out, one that combined a man and a woman, and then the world spun and went black.
Lorien
"We will begin in Rivendell. Perhaps Lord Elrond will have a greater sight of where she has been taken." Haldir's focus was on what was needed, he moved without hesitation, leaping areas that some might have to climb, followed closely by his chosen hunters. "When we find her captor we remove him." His determination was clear, but as they reached the edge of Lorien she appeared. She gasped for breath and for a moment she didn't realize where she was.
"My Lady?" Haldir moved forward, steadying her.
She backed away, "Where is she? Is she alive?"
"Who?" Haldir and the others looked around for whoever Galadriel might be speaking of.
"The woman from the tower" It was then that Galadriel blacked out and the world that was darkening started to become light once more.
The group took the Lady home, to rest and recuperates, with the attention of her people it would not take long. Within days several showed up to see her, by then she was rested and was attempting to find out anything on her savior. Elrond and Gandalf moved down towards her, Celeborn stayed close, but never interfered.
"Why am I unable to find out anything?" She was frustrated, something odd for her and strange for her people to see.
"Word from sailors who ventured to or from the West is that their world is held under a magical veil, that those who enter are subject to its curses, but they are subject to its protectors. They would not speak of these protectors though; it seemed they deem the subject rude." Gandalf watched her carefully, the time that she was gone still showed in her face, but it was slowly fading.
"And the way across the sea is closed to us." Galadriel knew, though no one else was certain. She didn't seem bothered by it though.
"How?" Elrond was concerned.
"When he came he took it from us, but with him gone the magic of their world will keep all from dying." She spoke as if someone had shown her. She seemed both certain and uncertain of what she had said, "They have a magic which allows a rebirth of the world".
"How do you know of this?" Gandalf quizzed.
"I was shown, during the blackout between there and here." She smiled serenely. "Strangely, the woman seemed familiar, though I don't know from where." She waved for Celeborn who moved away.
"Who are you sending?" Gandalf questioned, but upon looking at Elrond he could see the answer without the Lady speaking. "Haldir. Alone?"
"He needs no other." Galadriel moved away and toward a lounge created by the trees. "I have asked him to learn of their people, they are not of the world of Men, not of those we know."
"And how will we find the information we need?"
"I have asked Haldir to have her send an emissary here." Galadriel got up and moved away, leaving her guests with questions.
Celeborn returned, "She's been like that since returning. She's determined to find out if the woman is alive, and will not rest until she does." He moved closer, "It seems that the one who took her was going to use her against this woman, and the woman stopped him. My Lady said she took the brunt of whatever he planned, that before she came back home she heard two people scream. It seems that when he died his magic faded, sending her home to us."
"But you aren't sure if he's dead."
"By Galadriel's word he was run through with his own weapon."
Gandalf nodded, "If it were not for the upcoming war, I would ask for another to join your March Warden."
"No, Galadriel would refuse it. She says if she could go, she would." Celeborn left them standing there, which didn't last long as they moved away and on to where they could rest.
"Why send anyone with the war coming?" Rumil questioned his brother, who was gathering everything necessary for a trip.
"I do not question the Lady; I simply believe she has reason. For the simple fact that this woman saved her, it is enough for me." Rumil nodded. "I have turned over command to you. Do as you know best and all will be well."
"Elrond is suggesting we renew our alliance."
"Then we will do as he believes is correct." Rumil nodded at his brother's comment and moved away as his brother moved by him, his bow and arrows secured, his blade in its sheath, a bag of Lembas for the journey and a bota of water.
"How long?"
"None have gone and returned, except the Men who've sailed it. Gandalf said close to a month, but it could take longer. No matter, I will do as requested." He almost finished with 'if just to meet My Lady's protector and savior', but he thought better of it. He was unsure how his brother would take the comment. Since her return, he has been being prepared for the trip by Galadriel; her biggest request is to treat the woman with far more respect than he might give anyone else in the world of Men. She told him of her appearance, and strange attire; he couldn't recall any woman ever wearing the same attire as men.
He moved to where he saw Galadriel, who simply smiled and bowed her head for a moment, "Go with all the blessings Haldir".
"I will, My Lady." He bowed back. "I will find her, as requested and give her your message." She smiled as he moved on, heading for the sea in Osgiliath.
Aquetiri
An Asian man moved quickly behind a blonde woman wearing men's clothing, her hair swept back as she walked through the halls. "Please My Empress."
She stopped, frowning and turned to him, "You know I hate that." She turned back and smiled.
"Which is why I said it, to make you stop." He smiled as she turned her head to shoot him a glare, "You should rest."
"I'm fine; I'm not falling over or collapsing like the day after He died." She moved faster, and stopped short, entering a large doorway, usually closed off by a massive wooden door. Inside was a library, filled floor to ceiling with books of varying sizes, a large wooden table was in the center, at one end was a stack of books and at the other was a chessboard.
"I realize, but to head out, to attempt to attack the horde. It's too much. I will go, you stay."
"So I can have a heart attack waiting for you and those you take to return."
"It is what must be done at times." He bowed when she put up a hand.
"Listen, I will concede, mostly because I still feel week, but you will need at least 2 legions. Have Navarre come so I can give the order." She pulled a book from the shell, put it on the table and opened it, smiling as the man moved away.
"He's right, Alya." A woman, her hair up, brown and grey streaked, she wore an apron, her hand wrapped in it, wiping them.
"You too?"
"I worry for you, since your family…" She didn't finish, but knew Alya understood by the slight smile she showed. "You have had little time to rest. It could cost you more than energy."
"I concede, I've said it already." She chuckled. "I am trying to find the best route for the army I'm sending. If I can't join them, I will give them options." The woman turned upon hearing the comments, "Thank you, Maeve."
"For you, the world, child."
Alya shook her head, touching the area the Figure had touched, wincing slightly, 'Why wince; there's nothing there, but a memory of the event.' She turned back to the book, frustrated she yelled out, "Get me, Aron!" She drummed her fingers on the desk.
"Yes, M'Lady." A young man entered the doorway, aware she was frustrated. "You want me to translate the ancient tongue?"
"If you know then why ask?" Her lips pierced.
The young man moved in, spoken an incantation and an image of a man appeared speaking the text. The man spoke with full annunciation and when he got to a point about making explosives Alya asked a question, which stopped the translation as the man answered. It was a startling thing to see, but she'd been around Aron for so long she learned not to show her surprise.
"Can you…?"
"Already working on where to find the items, M'Lady." Aron smirked pointing to his head.
Alya smiled at the feat, she wasn't sure whether to worry that he could read her thoughts or to be happy for it. When they'd first met, she wasn't sure if he was just lucky, but over time she knew and he was forthcoming with whatever answer she needed. She never doubted him and often asked for his advice, a thing that never disappointed, even though she sometimes ignored him.
"Should His death have caused some sort of stoppage?" He was referring to the enemies they faced at odd times. So many it was impossible to conceive of a victory, so dangerous all knew what to trust and what not to trust.
"I don't know; I just know that we have a while before he can gain enough strength to return, that the dead can rest and we have enough enemies to keep us busy." She paused, "Whatever made that Bastard think of using our worst fears against us, I'll never know." She moved to the chessboard and moved a piece, taking an opposing piece from its place. "And why I ever watched so many horror movies I'll never stop kicking myself for."
"These "movies", did everyone from your world watch them?" Aron was fascinated, the family had told him everything, at least everything he wanted to learn, but he always had questions. He was the youngest wizard of his time, and before the move into the world they now inhabited he was the only wizard. He could sense all the others, and wasn't sure if he was ready to meet any of them, he would have to at some point, but not yet. "And why would someone want to be scared, for fun."
Alya laughed, "Most did and some like to watch them as an escape from the mundane or the difficult or who knows. I watched them for fun, so yes, before you say it, I'm strange." Alya moved out of the library, followed by Aron.
"I would never call you strange, M'Lady. Never." His eyes widened, the idea of insulting the beloved ruler of Aquetiri, the one who put her life on the line for her adopted people was unheard of. Had Alya been a normal ruler she would have ordered his arrest, but instead he was relieved to hear a laugh.
The Voyage
Haldir stood near the port side of the ship enjoying the breeze, the men below made the ship smell of alcohol, vomit and rotten food; he put a small piece of Lembas in his mouth, savoring the taste of home. His hair blew back, the spray making it slightly damp, his weapons still secured to him, and his cloak covering his clothes against the spray that misted the air. His eyes scanned the horizon, unsure of what to find, he'd never ventured this far west and wasn't sure if he'd find the woman alive, he just knew The Lady of the Light believed it so he must continue on.
The young ship's mate watched him, curious at his appearance and his reasons for the voyage, "Sir?"
Haldir turned to him, his face stoic.
"What are you?"
The question was startling; it was something he hadn't heard before, "An Elf…of Lothlorien. Have you never seen one before?"
The boy shook his head, "Just glimpses, but never one this close." The boy moved closer, studying the traveler. "What makes you different?"
"We don't age, not in the ways of Men. We have many differences, too many to mention." He smiled slightly.
"How old are you?" The boy moved closer still, looking for the Captain.
"Quite old." He looked back to the horizon. "You are from this land in the West?"
The boy nodded, he was observing Haldir's cloak pin. "Yes sir."
"Your leader is a woman?" He hesitated when the boy seemed to withdraw. "Why do all of your people do that?"
"We don't speak of her because we are afraid we might lose her." He whispered hoping no one else would hear.
"So she lives?" He smiled as the boy nodded. "Do you believe she will leave you?"
The boy smiled widely, "Never. It's just that evil listens to everything and it fears her." His voice became louder. "She defeated him though, some say she was fighting for the life of her ancestors."
"She's not an Elf though?"
"No…she's Pazyryk and the ancestor was there when the Evil was defeated, but she says it's not dead. She says it can't die, just lose power and that's something that will happen."
"How?" Haldir whispered, but the boy only shrugged.
"Tav! Get over here and finish yer work." The Captain yelled, walking over, "Sorry he bothered you, Sir."
"It's fine, he's intelligent for a mate."
"She makes sure we all have learn…schooling."
Haldir nodded, "You all care for her?"
"She and her family before her gave all for us, made our lives better…I'd kill or die for her, I'd walk into the middle of war unarmed if she ordered it." He paused, "It was said by her family that the father believed the best commanders led rather than order and he led, proudly. Many followed, knowing they'd die, they knew the reasons for it and did it proudly." The Captain pointed down, showing a peg where his leg had been, "Eaten off by the minion of Evil. The youngest of the family saved me; if she could have lived I would have died to make it happen."
Haldir was impressed and even more interested in meeting this woman, "Thank you, Captain."
"You going to meet her?"
"If she'll let me."
The Captain laughed, "You're like Navarre, she will."
"I'm like who?"
"Her advisor. He's an Elf, rarely seen, but a good advisor…I was gonna call him a man, but I know you and yours take offense."
"You use it in explaining gender, correct?" The Captain nodded "Then I'll have to get used to it."
The Captain bowed his head and moved back, "Oh and Master Haldir, I made the Lieutenant move below so you can have his place to sleep."
"That wasn't necessary."
"I know, just think of it as luck to have someone like Navarre on my ship."
Haldir bowed graciously and moved toward the room he was given; it wasn't much, but the offer needed to be well received. People like this didn't just make offers, or so Haldir was told, but now he wasn't so certain. He'd heard stories from two now about this ruler, and her family's fairness, now he finds that Elves aren't an unusual people to them. He sat his gear on a table, cleared for him, and sat in the makeshift hammock which swayed as the ship did. He laid back and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep quickly; images he was not used to filled his dreams. A kingdom, large and beautiful with grand ornamentation here and there, not ornate just well crafted. There was a large building in the center, it was square in appearance, but very fortified; it's base structure was simple, but once again beautiful. Within he could see people moving through the stone streets, many different types, all doing some kind of business, and within the center of the squared building was a group, training with swords and one was a woman with an elfish-like blade. She moved fluidly, but Haldir could see no more, instead he was awakened by the boat shifting violently, outside the small portal he could see massive waves crashing hard.
Moving up onto the deck, he saw the Captain struggle, the air smelled foul and the darkness that surrounded them in an odd way. "You require assistance?"
"Been through worse. Head back to sleep." The Captain worked the wheel as if this was normal, everyone else was below or scampering over the deck, tying down everything necessary. Haldir nodded and went back to the cabin the Captain supplied him with.
Aquetiri
"M'Lady? Someone is coming." Aron interrupted a meeting between Alya and her Generals.
"Someone?" Alya looked over then looked at Navarre, "Should we be worried Wizard?"
"I…I'm not sure." His eyebrows creased downward in the center, "I will try to determine."
Alya laughed, "Don't worry. Did you finish the mix?"
"Yes, yes ma'am. It's ready for the men to take." He bowed and left.
"Good. Now based off my calculations this should go off with no losses, but there are no guarantees, too many variables. Follow my father's rules and there should only…No, there should be few casualties. Don't lie to your men; just tell them that if they die it will not be in vain. We will make this our starting point, for the end of the Evil's empire."
The General's nodded and left; they were handpicked by her father, trained to the point of being exactly as they should to defend the people of the city and the country. Her brother's had as much a hand in training them as her father did, and she trusted them as if they were her brothers.
"They will do their best." Navarre spoke with a slight smile, "Don't worry."
"You "don't worry"; I will worry till they return. It's who I am. Who do you think is coming?"
Navarre thought for a moment, "Hopefully someone useful."
"Maybe an Elf?" Alya smiled knowing her advisor was eager to meet some people similar to his own. He longed to go to the Eastern shores, but refused when she offered to let him. "You should have gone. Ever since I told you about the one I met you've wanted to go."
"My responsibility is to you, AND to the people here. They've made me family, it's the least I could do." He still looked distantly.
"But they would want you to seek your own out." Alya countered, "We have survived quite a while, I'm sure we could handle a short time without your advise. Difficult to believe, I know." She giggled.
"Perhaps some day I will." He held up a hand, seeing Alya begin to comment, "I know, but it is my choice." Alya took a deep breath and gave up, walking next to her friend, entering her home.
She smiled hearing the words, but couldn't help but feel that he truly did want to leave, that he did want to seek out those that were like him, but it was his choice and she wouldn't question it further, for now. She moved into the study, where Navarre walked passed her and picked up several parchments and a quill, "Now for real work."
Alya rolled her eyes, "We think alike I so much, why…?" She hated signing things into law, she was never sure if it was something that would backfire or if her people would defy her on.
"Just read and sign them, it's painless if you do it quickly." His long fingers released the parchments in front of her. His hair was long, wavy and black, his eyes grey with a hint of blue, his frame was thin but muscular and had you not known him you would have thought he was in his 30's. He had also become so accustomed to Alya and her family that sarcasm wasn't an odd thing, in fact it came out more and more as time went on. He watched as Alya read, laughing to himself at how easily he got along with a human, but he trusted her with his life just as he'd trusted her father. It destroyed him when her father and brothers died, but he never broke, for her sake, he just made certain he was there when she did and he quietly celebrated when the Evil was beaten again by a member of her family.
"How long before he gains the ability to be…"
"Real?" He watched her nod, "About a thousand years."
"A thousand?" She now regretted her immortality; her family had accepted it when they became leaders, just like they accepted fighting for the people. Difference was they chose to train the people and bring them to a more learned society. They taught them the benefit of learning about other cultures, which came into play when the Evil took them from world to world; at least this would be their world for a bit longer than a few weeks, it might even become permanent. "So how many different allies of his do we have to annihilate?" She smirked looking away from the second to the last parchment.
"About…" He thought, counting to himself, "Individually or as a group?" He laughed.
"Smart ass"
"About 25 or 30 groups."
What was a happy moment turned sober at the words, "I prefer the sarcasm" She stuck out her tongue and listened to his laugh. It was light, but strong and it was real; a nice change from the last 5 years, after her family's death. "Thank you, Navarre."
"For what?"
"For allowing me to be something more than a leader, for letting me be relaxed." The words were met with a bow before he took up the parchments and moved out of the room. Alya looked over and saw that he'd moved his piece, which put her in line to be checked, "Damn!"
"I learn quick, do I not?"
She mouthed, 'fuck', she'd never been beaten and to be this close to loosing to a novice was unbelievable.