Oh Fudge (Part Three)
Hermione followed China and Irumi through town until they got to the woods. This didn't surprise her as Oropher was a Sindarin elf. But the woods had some kind of feeling similar to the forbidden forest, yet not as dark. She could also say that these woods could compare to neither Lothlorian or Mirkwood in her minds eye. But they weren't at all like the woods that a Muggle would find easily. Her thoughts were broken by a comment by China.
"We're almost there,"
"No blindfold?"
China stared at the girl for a few minutes. "You aren't a Dwarf. Though ... imagine yourself with a beard."
"I know my hair is bushy. "Hermione commented sulkily.
"You're the one who brought up the blindfold. We only do it to dwarfs. If you really want us to, we can make your hair look like a beard."
"Ignore her Hermione. It's Elven humor. Almost never goes over well unless expected." Irumi said, cheerfully popping out from around a tree. "It is this way, around the tree."
Hermione followed the two around the tree and into a hidden path. Actually, it was yet another hidden path as there had been a few on the way here. They soon came to a huge waterfall and the Elflings led her behind it. It was there that she saw the huge doorway. China and Irumi pushed at the doorways.
"As with Mirkwood, only the Elven Lords kinsman can enter open the gate," Irumi stated as the doors began to open.
"Try to get a Wizard or Muggle to open that, it won't ever happen," China said with a smile on her face. "It is Elven made and only allows Elves in."
"Follow us so you don't get lost," Irumi said, waving her hand to motion their guest forward.
"Yem's right. Some of the older Elves, they are like old men and women. Grumpy. You heard what Ainel said about his grandfather. It isn't just him, but others."
Hermione stepped in with them into the mountain and her eyes filled with awe. Inside was a whole bustling community of Elves. And, they dressed in the old way. Horses were bing led to and from stables. A blacksmith was working on repairing an armory. There were quite a few homes in there too.
"Most live outside in the woods. But this is the outside of the Elven Lord's palace and home. The inner part is where he lives." China said with full cheerfulness.
Hermione noticed that some of the Elves were stopping and staring. Irumi noticed this, and spoke up. "It isn't just you Hermione. China, her makeup, Goth as it is, is frowned upon. Me, I'm considered trouble with all capitals, or so some of them think. Come, follow me."
Hermione followed after the two excited Elflings as they went further into the mountain. The walls were beginning to become more elaborate and to narrow down in size.
"Lord Oropher, he used the natural cazums for most of it. The Dwarves, they did the rest. And they were paid handsomely. If there was one thing that we don't argue about, it was that dealing. We're pleased with their craftsmanship, they, the price paid."
Irumi coughed at this, which caused Hermione to look at her. Irumi noticed this. "She is right. Though I would much rather be above ground. We're Sindarin and belong with the trees. Though, for a place of safety. This is wonderful."
By this time the halls had narrowed down to that of a building. Irumi led them to a curtained doorway. She pulled the cloth back and peaked in. She went to the side and fully opened it for an elf leaving the chambers. He saw her.
"What trouble have you gotten into now this time Elfling? You know that Lord Oropher is very busy and shouldn't be bothered." He then turned towards the other two. "An Edain? I really don't want to know."
And then he was gone. China stuck her tongue out at him. Irumi glared icicles at his back, though he hadn't noticed. She turned to Hermione. "That's Ainel's grandada."
She then disappeared into the room. China motioned Hermione to follow behind them. Hermione saw that Irumi was standing in front of the desk of an Elf. That meant he must be Lord Oropher. He finished what he was doing and looked up. He noticed that Hermione was in the room with the two Elflings.
"Good afternoon Elflings." He said. "Good afternoon child of the Edain"
"Good afternoon Lord Oropher." Irumi and China said, bowing slightly as they did so.. China threw a glare at her, for a reason that Hermione didn't know. She was to awestruck with what was going on to have said anything. Lord Oropher let out a cough.
"Oh, sorry. Good afternoon, Lord Oropher." Hermione bowed slightly. The Elven Lord stared at her for a few seconds.
"I didn't mean you Edain, though that was very polite." He then turned his head towards Irumi. "Lalaith?"
"Good afternoon Grandada." When Irumi said this, Hermione's jaw dropped.
"Excuse my grandchild for not have telling you, Edain. She doesn't go around telling people she is related to two Elven Lords and a member of the Fellowship, for which I am glad of her not bragging, but ... it would be nice if she would admit it sometimes. May I ask your name,"
"Hermione ... Hermione Granger sir,"
"It is nice to meet you. Though ... I think, from the look in this one's eyes ..." Lord Oropher glanced at Irumi. " ... that we may be wishing it was under different circumstances. What have you done now elfling."
Irumi sighed and shuffled one of her feet. She then explained the situation to Lord Oropher. His eyes narrowed and he could only shake his head. And then, when Umbridge was mentioned, a glint of anger came to his eyes. When Irumi finished, he turned to China. "Qwelwen, I want you to go get Trenarn. He was just in here so he shouldn't have gone far. I want you to run."
They waited a few minutes and China came back with Trenarn. Lord Oropher then asked Irumi and her friends to step outside until he could discuss things with his chancellor. Irumi wasn't very happy about the situation. After a bit, all four were summoned back into it.
"As much as I'd like to help you with this one elfling, I will not be able to find a replacement willing to take a part in the affairs of the Edain like this one in particular. This has also turned into a political issue due to that Umbridge. Because of that, we need you to represent us to your best extent. Thus we need you to use your Elven name for this."
"But ..."
"Elfling,"
"I'll obey. What will my older brother say. He is sure to have objections."
"If he does, have him come speak to me. The situations grave. You three had best head back before it gets too late to go back to this arena place, whatever it is. That way you'll be able to get home before dark. will escort you out of the palace safely."
And with that, they found themselves following behind Trenarn. When they got to the door, he handed a sealed letter to Irumi. "This should explain all of Lord Oropher's wishes to them. You had better be on your best behavior and not be an embarrassment. I've had enough of that with my own grandson. Especially yesterday."
"Yesterday wasn't ..."
"Don't say it wasn't his fault. He wouldn't have gotten suspended from school anyways. He'll be going and getting school supplies tomorrow. And when he goes to that school, I won't have to deal with him, but someone else will. He causes his mother enough grief." Trenarn then turned and left. Irumi and China glared after him.
"He isn't the one who causes her grief," Irumi retorted.
"What was that about?"
"You don't want to know. It was about Ainel. Be thankful his Grandfather either doesn't know or refuses to speak English." China spoke up.
Author's note -
China walks onto scene. "Irumi's character was developed for many reasons. When the author planned on having tons of fandoms together, Irumi was to be the link between all of them. It then became obvious that there were too many, so she's leaving that one for herself and sliming it down. This is where Irumi's dimension traveling comes from. She isn't the only one who can do it either. You've already seen examples from the three Hobbit's in the story"
"As for the fact that she is related to a main canon character, actually, quite a few, the author has written how it is possible for her to be related in the last few chapters. And, it goes for another reason for Irumi's development. When a certain character is related to another, those who are fans of the first are less likely to want to be with the first if they know the second and are the same age. Most of the time ... it works."
"And the other reason is this. What better way to annoy Elven Lords then with a member of their own family. Legolas included. And her elvish name given to her by both Elven Lords means laughter. Well, I'll see you later."