Still winter break so I have plenty of time to write! Thanks to the people who responded to my story, Cara-D and Cat-Stat-Ave, your review totally made my day!
Same with Dd (guest)
So here's the beloved second chapter! It might seem like I'm going slowly but I like stories to take time; they're often bad when rushed. And I'm trying not to be too predictable.
And let me know if something's wacky or really working or needs explaining.
"I believe I would win this battle. I advise that you put that bow down." The cool voice brushed against Merith's skin and she searched for the voice. The canopy surrounding her had been knit tight and the light offered little help. Then, he stepped out of the brush and stood idly in front of her, blade to her face as her arrow was to his.
"Sorry my lady. I did not mean to frighten you. I just rather not have you waste your arrows." He smirked and Merith blushed yet stood defiantly.
"I practice every day in these woods. You might be surprised where my arrows end up." The man let out a deep laugh and they simultaneously let their weapons to ease. He was no elf. Yet his characteristics showed that a great and powerful strength lay within in. His scent interrupted the cloud of nectar and maple that swept around them. He smelled of work and hardship but also smelled of a bitter-sweet scent that she couldn't register. It was almost familiar in an elven way.
"Well I do believe an introduction is in order. I am called Strider."
"And I am Merith, daughter of-"
"Then I think I would like to call you Merith; I need no formalities and you seem like the type to not want them." Merith let an odd smile become of her face. His lack of respect did not seem to be meant as harmful. She did kind of like it.
"Are you still a maiden?"
"Yes I am. But I'm very independent; I do most on my own." Ok, she tried to do most on her own before her mother interferes.
He chuckled slightly. "No need to prove yourself. Yet young Merith seems lost. May I ask where you're headed?"
"I know exactly where I'm going. In fact, this is the perfect place to practice; I am quite fond of it."
"Fair enough. If that is so, do you think you could lead me to Mirkwood? Unlike you, I am not as familiar with these woods."
Merith knew he had seen behind her lies and her face lit up as she began to play along.
"Just go down that way, take a left at the third maple, and then right when you see the robins nest. Take precisely 213 steps north and then you should be there!" Merith finished with a bubbling laugh. The man's piercing gray eyes lit up as he joined in and Merith began to fully take in his features. He was rough and looked battered as if life had dealt greatly with him. His brown hair hung short and he was unshaven, but it seemed by choice. He looked like a man she would want to be with. He looked like a man she could trust.
"Well maybe we can find our way back together," he spoke. "I didn't bring my horse so may I accompany you instead?"
"Yes you may. I too have left my horse at home. But you must tell me more about yourself for my mother doesn't advise me to walk alone in the woods with strangers.
"You don't seem like a girl who would take her mother's advice, if I may dare to say."
Merith smiled. "You read people well I must say. Yet I do not, which is a quality that embarrasses me given my elven nature. So do tell."
"Story it is them."
He started down into the forest and she fell into his stride, waiting for him to speak.
"As you know, I am Strider. But my more formal name is Aragorn."
"Aragorn? As in the king of Arnor and Gondor? Oh my lord I-"
"Again, I still do not need formalities. I already get them enough. To you, I am just a common man."
Yes, a common man who helped destroy the power of the ring and now rules over mankind.
"Anyway, I wanted to escape from my kingdom and my horse lay at rest in the nearby village on the outskirts of the forest. I did not want to bother her so decided to journey the rest of my way by foot. I am a ranger by nature so it is easy for me to find my way. I shall retrieve my horse and be off tonight."
"May I ask where you're going today?"
"I am making an attempt to visit my old friend Legolas. I have not heard from him and do so wish to invite him to my wedding." He's getting married. Lovely.
"I thought I ought to do so in person, for Legolas is a special exception. I am to marry Arwen, daughter of Elrond. And although Legolas keeps his solitude, it is my hope he could rejoin the world for this. Perhaps you know her, lady Arwen?"
"Yes I have heard of her name. Yet the actual stories are lost, most woven into the past war. We do not talk about the war much; we only like to celebrate the victory."
"Maybe it is better that way." His tone had turn grim and a blanket of overbearing silence lay uncomfortably upon them. Merith looks up to his face and saw as the great lines of worry that had been etched into his face returned.
"I apologize sir; I didn't mean to make it painful for you." And Merith meant it. She felt indescribable feeling for this stranger. She did not want him to be upset. She did not want him to worry. She wanted to care for him. Maybe it was the fact that he was already taken that pulled her towards him. The pure thought of having what is not yours. And he was trusting. He understood her. Wait! What am I thinking? I hardly know this man? I can't just suddenly have feelings for every man that could bring me adventure! No Merith, this is just a silly girl thing. I've never met someone like him so I only like the idea of him. That's all. But she could see how even the mention of the war could change a man cold. No wonder Legolas was the way he is.
"It's fine, my dear Merith. Although you do owe me some of you now."
"Well my parents wish for me to be a healer, but I rather be a warrior. Basically, I want to live life on my own. I do nothing though out the days. I don't care to rush into marriage or anything else I am wanted to do. I like freedom." Merith felt like she could tell this to him too.
"You are very intriguing. In fact, would you like to accompany me to see Legolas? He might behave more civilly in front of a maiden. Although we were once great friends, I'm afraid he has let go of our connections. We have not spoken in several years. I am not sure of how he is these days. But of course, if you feel uncomfortable, I completely understand. It's just that I would think a maiden who is attached to her bow would like to meet the finest archer in Middle Earth, damaged or not. He is you prince after all."
"Yes, that would greatly please me but only for I have nothing better to do. I do not think he will be up for any archery lessons!" They both laughed once again, the vibrations bouncing into the sunlight that was approaching.
"That is very true indeed. But you are a curious elf, different from the other maidens I know. Maybe you will intrigue him. You seem to have the wind caught in your hair, as I heard him once say. Legolas used to crave adventures and the people that brought them. That thirst is still in him, I know. I could use help if my own methods fail. Even though he is a stranger to you, well, you never know…."
Merith has almost forgotten that Legolas was the heir to the throne. How dare her mother be so disrespectful to him and judge me for my behavior!
"Is something troubling you?" Strider questioned. "I must say, your emotions do show rather pointedly on your face." He chortled again and Merith began to flush.
"So I have been told. It's very much a curse. It's as if I were an open book for anyone to read. And as much as I've tried, I cannot control it. I also have a tendency to express my feelings outlook. But I am fine."
"And more curious she becomes! You are not like most elves around here are you?"
"No. And I am often reminded of it."
"Well there's nothing wrong with that. It means you are passionate. There is an uncontainable fire in your bones. I can feel it from here. You are similar to my Arwen. She would like you. In fact, would you like to come to the wedding? I would say that this long walk has made us the best of friends." He nudged her gently and she tried to smile. "And I do like a fiery personality. You should come early so you can meet Arwen. I probably have a spare invitation somewhere around here. I'll find it later. And if this journey to our dear friend works out, you might even have someone to go with. "
I seriously doubt that he will. Merith thought. But yes. There was a fire indeed. And it had been there for a very long time.
FLASHBACK TO CHILDHOOD
Merith lay laughing in the bed of flowers. "Mama! Come play with me!" she shrieked, as the flowers tickled her face. She lay, soaking in the colors and spitting out laughter.
"I'm busy Merith, please leave me alone. And get out of that dirt, you're precious hair and dress will become a mess!"
Merith whimpered towards her mother's turned back. The cradle of blossoms no longer sang, it instead moaned in sorrow. She stood up, shaking the dust of her silk gown. Then she toddled over to the river. She liked to watch the soft waves tumbled over the rocks; the fish looking up at her. Their round eyes reflected a pale blue and she longed to join them. She longed to be carried out to sea. Merith leaned over, watching to catch one. Suddenly, the cool water grabbed her breath and she fell into the silky currents.
"Mama! Help me! Please!
"I told you Merith, I'm busy!"
Merith watched desperately as her mother still stood bent over, facing away.
" Mama I'm dr-" Her screams were lost in the motion of the river as she fell down. The surface glistened, just above her reach. Her thin, childlike arms could not reach the air. She trashed, fighting the death that lay beneath her. Her eyelids fluttered shut as her body began to lose energy. The darkness has consumed her and she fell deeper into the cold.
"Are you ok, Miss?" The voice fought at her ears, trying desperately to make an entrance. Merith blinked and turned to spit out water. She heaved and found her breath again, trying to even it out to the pounding of her heart. She returned her eyes to the elf boy in front of her but found no words. His clothes were stained with water and Merith suddenly felt cold in her own wet gown.
"I saw you fall in when I was picking apples for my horse. It looked like a dreadful fall. I had to jump in." He wrapped a cloak around her as he continued. "You weren't in there for long but you should take it easy. You're Merith aren't you? That's what the lady called you anyway. I've seen you in the younger classes. I'm Legolas by the way! Do you want me to take you back to your mother?"
Merith swallowed. Where that memory had come from? She hadn't remembered who had saved her before; she only knew of the fear that day. Could it really have been him?
"And we've reached Mirkwood!" Strider shouted cheerfully. "Ready to go to Legolas' house? Or has the fair maiden changed her mind?"
Merith laughed nervously. "No, I have made a decision to go with you." And she would go. For she needed to know the truth. Maybe he wasn't a stranger after all.
Now you all know why Merith has such a strong hatred towards her mother! And her past connection to Legolas! Review please! And I'll probably post the next chapter tomorrow or Saturday by the latest. I have a lot of editing to due, sort of a perfectionist. PLEASE FOLLOW. Thanks to all the support all ready though! Fair warning, after this week, updates will become the slightest bit less frequent because of my course load and OCD editing but I'll try my best if you all truly like it! Fear Not!