Hey guys! So it's the weekend and I actually had time to write and edit this! Yay!
Thanks again to all of you out there who have been patient with my schedule. I hope it's worth it!
Though I think I lost two followers :( that was a little sad. Its ok though!
This is a longer one! I tried to get past the memory lapse as quick as possible in order to keep the story going. JUST AS A PREVIEW: This is where it all starts to move on.
"Close your eyes. 1…2…3"
Light scratched against her closed eyes, struggling to enter. Soft blankets wrapped around her skin, caressing her body. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open and the room shifted under her weary gaze until it balanced into normalcy. White curtains drifted above the windowsill, the lace intricacy dancing lightly as cool wind brushed past. The walls were painted a mellow purple and the room smelled of lavender.
The elleth's stare wandered to the man sitting still upon a chair. He had long golden hair spun down his back. His clothes fell crisp on his light skin, which had a shade differing slightly from a pearly-milk. His eyes held a crystal blue, changing quickly as water fell. They were focused intently on her own and she felt unsettled by the intensity. He looked at her as if they knew each other but she could not remember his name. Her mind still drifted between consciousness when he stood up and spoke.
"Are you awake?"
His sudden movement and words put pressure upon her and she couldn't speak. Instead, she sat up. But this too caused strain and she couldn't make it all the way up, staying in an uncomfortable position. The he elf came closer, moving quick on his feet.
"Are you ok?"
She nodded slightly, still not daring to let words slip. Her mind stayed in a calming empty state and she realized she didn't have anything to say even if she wished too. The elleth stared at him, hoping he could somehow interpret her eyes. He now stood over her, his hands out as if he wanted to touch her but was unsure.
Her eyes widened as she realized that only space lay within her memory. All she could understand were his words. Yet she didn't have any of her own.
"I know you must be confused but I am here to help you with that. My name is Legolas." He bowed and took a step back, giving her room.
"Would you like me to tell you why you are here?"
She nodded again. Why was she here? Who…who was she? That question frightened her for she did not know the answer. She wanted to push it far from her head. But it pressed against her, needing to escape. She now sat up, facing the stranger.
The elf pulled his chair next to her bed and sat down. She studied his face and saw anxiety cross over. Slowly he started to speak, his words soft and deliberate.
"I know all of this will sound foreign to you but please try to listen for it is all the…the truth."
Nod.
" You are here because you passed out on our grounds, the grounds of Rivendell. You have stayed here for only a day now, taking refuge…You don't remember this… for you slipped yesterday, falling against the hard banks of the river. Your head struck hard against the rocks and you became unconsciousness…The healers told us you would not know of anything that happened."
He paused, giving her the courtesy to take it in. The elleth only continued sitting wide-eyed in front of him, waiting for more.
"Your name is Merith Lilen. You come from a district called Merico. It was destroyed in the Great War. You came here to Rivendell to find a new home. We were told that your entire family had been destroyed with the orc attack and you were one of the only survivors. You had been traveling for a while. Does that all make sense? I know this is an enormous amount to…"
"No…wait…I think…yes! I think I remember some of this now!"
The elf's head jerked up with her words and she herself was surprised.
But the words were true. It was strange how the memories suddenly came back. They seemed to smooth into her mind with each work he spoke. She saw her family. She saw fires rise above shrieks, elves crying out to their loved ones. Then she saw herself standing in dark woods. More memories flooding her mind, all congruent with his story.
The spell had worked. Legolas smiled beneath his skin but openly looked surprised. "That's wonderful! I guess I need not to explain anymore. But if any questions arise, I am at your service. For now, I shall give you time to rest. I'm sure this must be a lot."
Yet to her, it did not feel so overbearing anymore. Everything had come back to her. She saw her mother, hair black like her own. She saw her father. She saw their faces as she ran from the orcs. She saw the paths she had travelled. The only thing that confused her was Rivendell. She remembered coming here…but she did not remember that man. Perhaps because it was a newer memory.
"Actually, could you please explain who you are? Because Rivendell is the only thing I happen to not remember…"
Legolas felt his heart drop a little. Of course she wouldn't remember him. The week they spent together was virtually gone in her sense. It would be useless to try to replay it. So instead he sighed, pulling a different story into play.
"We have met before. As I said, you were only here for a day but I had bumped into you twice in the woods. It's ok if you don't remember."
"Legolas you said? Your name right? "
He nodded.
"As in…Legolas prince of…Mirkwood?"
"No…I'm afraid you have me mistaken…" The elf lowered his eyes.
Maybe she had…but his named seemed to match up with the facts. It really didn't matter though. Now knowledge filled her head too. It was a particular feeling, having everything rush back to you at once. Her skin tingled slightly and she suddenly felt the need to get out of bed. She did not feel tired at all.
"Fair enough. Now could I please get out of this bed, I am rather awake now." She smiled, stretching her arms.
"Oh…Of course! Yes, I shall leave you to it. Do you want me to send in the maids to draw the bath? But Merith, please try to stay put."
"I'd rather do it myself, thank you. And I will." The elf bowed again and left the room. Now that he was gone, she started to wonder why he was there in the first place. Was he a healer? His clothing hadn't shone if he was. Maybe he was the one who knew her past the most and he was there for precaution. But why did he know? Perhaps the king had done a background check. Yes, that would be perfectly reasonable.
Merith now stepped out of bed, letting the long silk gown fall to her feet. The dress was the perfect length. It hit the bottom of her ankles yet the lightness felt as if it weren't on at all. She pulled at the strings, letting it now drop to her feet. Then she crossed over to the bath, filling the ivory basin with steaming water.
Slipping her body into the ripples, Merith decided to take the time to restore proper order within her head. As odd as it may seem to wake up in a strange place, it did not bother Merith. She had always been adventurous, often getting lost in her childhood. She knew she must have come to Rivendell for a reason. So there was no use sitting around like a fool.
When she stepped back out of the bath, Merith felt sure of her recover. Her mind had been settled and she now remembered her purpose here. To start a new life. She knew this was not her room but she knew these were her clothes. She knew Merith was her name. But still, the last years remained a fuzzy blank. Maybe she had spent them alone…That would make sense.
She now stood in front of the mirror, hazel eyes staring back. Long dark brown hair hung to her waist, almost shadowed enough to be mistaken as black. She decided to braid the strands into a bun, perhaps in habit something she used to do also. Then she stepped over to her closet.
The drawers contained dresses of every shade on the earth, each on made of silk. She grasped the smooth fabric in her fingers, letting it run through her touch. For some reason, it felt wrong. She stood back up, searching the drawers for a different outfit. In the third one, she came across a huntress outfit, with leggings, a long shirt, and a tunic. They all contained different shades of green. This she slipped on delightfully. The clothes hugged her body and they felt familiar. But this was expected for they were in her drawers.
After she dressed, she exited the room in a quest to find her own. As she stared down the hall, she realized she must be in the Healer's Hall. Her guess was confirmed when a horror stricken maid ran up to her.
"Lady Merith, you really should not be out of bed!" The maid was small and frail, with delicate hands held out in caution. She too had brown hair, yet hers was of a much lighter shade. She wondered if this was how all the Rivendell elves look.
Elves appearance was often determined by their home land. Their hair and their bodies were similar yet their eyes, though the same base color, varied in shade.
"I am fine, thank you. But I do not remember your name…"
"Oh!" The young elleth's face reddened with embarrassment. "Oh course you don't, I apologize. I am Melawen. I am the maiden assigned to help you." She bowed deeply.
"There is no need to bow to me, my lady. I do not think I am royalty." She knew the maid was trained to do this to all she served but to Merith, it felt much formal and uncomfortable. The maid stood up, her cheeks still flushed.
"But I do have a favor to ask, Lady Melawen. Could you help me find my room?"
The maids blush was replaced with confusion. "You do not live here, Lady Merith. Your house is outside the village…"
Well that would make sense. She was in the royal palace. And as she just said, she was not of the descendants.
"But I do think Sir Legolas had some news for you. Perhaps it was about your house." She offered a small smile. "Would you like him to escort you to…him?"
She paused in her sentence as she finally looked over the elleth's choice in clothes. Merith remained unfazed.
"Yes, that would be lovely."
The maid led her down a series of pathways and Merith had to hold her breath. White marble covered the walls as the world wove in and out. Many of the hallways were open and the infinite summer breeze stretched by. She wanted to stride off into the gardens, following the scent of the playful flowers. But Melawen's pace quickened and she chased behind. Soon she met a wooden door halfway down a darker hall.
"Here we are, Lady Merith" She bowed again and left.
Merith reached out and knocked on the door, wondering what he had to tell her. Their encounter earlier had been very short. Now that she thought about it, it was very strange that he had been there. He was not a healer…this she knew now…And why was he the one with all the knowledge? Why did she even trust him to be in her room?
But her pondering was interrupting when the door disappeared, revealing the toned blonde elf. He shared the same look as the maid has when she first saw Merith.
"Lady Merith, you should be resting." His stature straightened and he stood idle in the doorway.
"So I have been told. But I feel well rested therefore I do not think there is more resting to do." She held a smirk and the elf gave a slight chuckle. Same Merith.
"Yes. Well then. May I ask why you choose to come to my room? Do you have more questions?"
"Yes. And I hope you do not find it odd for me to be here but you were the one in my room."
He now stepped out of the doorframe, closing the entrance behind him for proper elves did not entered the rooms of the opposite gender unless illness or marriage. He started to walk down the hallways and Merith again followed.
"I seem to remember everything up until Rivendell. I remember a house but I do not remember a location…"
"Actually, you just entered two days ago. You set up a tent in the forest. Really the only people who knew you even lived here where the woodsmen, the Lord, the princess, and myself. To the rest of the town, you didn't exist. But while you were in the infirmary, your house was taken down. We decided it would be better for you to move into the palace. After all, it was pure luck that I found you after you slipped. You could have been unconscious for days. But we have plenty of spare rooms and we want to acquaint you properly into our city."
His gaze held forward, not looking at her. Should she be offended that they took down her house? Or should she be overly grateful for her new one? She thanked him anyway.
"Sir Legolas, it seems as if I really don't know anyone here. Are you sure I am welcome?"
"Of course. Lord Elrond would've had you removed if we had any suspicions."
"I see. Well I think I would like to settle somewhere. Now that my own home is gone and I have wondered for years… I think it would do right for my heart."
Legolas was glad she saw it this way. He was also glad that the process seemed to move smoothly. The Mirona had worked perfectly. Her own mind was making memories to go along with his story and she did not seem unsettled at all. It was as if the whole tale had been her own life.
"I am glad, Lady Merith. I can even help you meet the people and lands if you like."
"Thank you, Sir Legolas. That would be delightful if you have the time." She was thankful for the elf's generosity. But now she was curious.
"Sir, could you perhaps tell me more about yourself? Maybe I should start getting to know these people now, if I am to be one soon."
For some reason, the elf's face seemed to fluster. Who was he? After a small paused, he regained his calm expression and began.
"I am Legolas, as you know. Legolas Greenleaf." He saw her eyes widen when he spoke his last name. She was most likely connecting the dots now.
"Yes, that Legolas. I am sorry I didn't share that earlier in the room when you first saw me. I…I was once the prince of Mirkwood. But that title is…temporarily on hold to say…considering I'm living here right now. It is a long story and one not for a stranger. I am sorry."
She saw a glisten of pain in his eyes and wanted to comfort him in some way but she didn't know how. And that was probably good considering their short relationship. Nor did she know much more about him then everyone else did. She remembered of the fellowship but her knowledge ended there.
"You need not to apologize, I understand."
By this point in the conversation, he paused in front of an oak door. Merith had not been paying attention to her surroundings on their walk and realized they had reached her room. Legolas gave a sweeping gesture to it, welcoming her to explore.
Her hand froze, inches away from the handle. For some strange reason, she felt nervous to open the door. But she pushed past this and inched her hand forward, grasping the cold metal.
The room was perfection. Every detail seemed to be etched flawlessly into the scene. The space was purple, just as the healing room. Yet this shade was soft and playful, blossoming off the wall. It reminded her of her favorite flowers, the kind you picked in your childhood as you ran through a field. The bed sheets were cream, and they seemed to ripple across the bed. Their appearance was no short of clouds. There was also a bookshelf. Merith ran up to it, brushing her fingers along the ancient spines, breathing in the strange smell of the crippling paper.
There was also a couch, a desk, and a wide closet. Somehow the maids had already moved her clothes in. Even the nightgown she had worn now hung beside the color soaked dresses. She peered sideways where a bath stood, along with a long mirror that seemed to drip gracefully down the wall. Then she turned to face the balcony.
To this, she glided over slowly, trying to keep her elven stature. Grasping both handles, she pulled the twin doors open, the curtains flying away. Stepping out she felt the warm wind press against her face. Below she could see elven families walking along the paths. Soldiers fought in a courtyard and young maidens caressed the flowers in the garden. Children laughed while running around the water. She was in awe by the view. Never had she lived this richly.
"Oh Legolas, this…this is wonderful!" She said, turning back to the elf. He was smiling outside her room, a small laugh bubbling out of his lips. She reminded him of the elf children whenever they discovered the world that lay in front of them. It was a magical thing to watch for elves were very little surprised. The childhood of an elf was short lasting, yet ever so intriguing.
"I'm glad you find it to your liking. I'll let you enjoy it now."
The smile fell of the maidens face as she chased him out. "Wait! I can explore my room later! I'd rather become knowledgeable with these lands first!"
He gave her a cold look and she realized her tight grip on his arm.
"If that is ok with you?" She added the last part, letting go. But he didn't show any further signs of annoyance.
"Sure, Lady Merith. It would be my pleasure. And no not worry, I have nothing else to do. My stay here is more of a vacation. Yet- I may have one errand to run. My friends are to be married tomorrow. But you can come with me and meet some more people."
"So you are willing to take a stranger around for a day? You must be a very generous person indeed." She smiled at him curiously, trying to find his intentions.
"Ok, I must admit. Lord Elrond sent me to guide you. I owe him. While everybody else plans the wedding, I am at your service for anything you like. The king feels at is it is his fault that you fell on his grounds. If I hadn't been hunting that day, I don't think anyone would have found you for a while."
"Well thank you, Sir Legolas. I guess I owe you too."
He shrugged this off. Legolas was blessed with being able to control his emotions. For if he was to show any of it, she would know she was no stranger indeed.
"It is nothing, Lady Merith. Now let me show you around. And, by the way, what a lovely outfit you chose."
Legolas was happy with the day. Merith managed to keep his smile. She did have that childhood innocence once again and it was comical to watch her run up to everything, pointing excitedly. And Legolas would pretend to be surprised. Oh really? Those are flowers? She never even picked up on the playful sarcasm. Actually, she really didn't pay attention to him at all. She was too preoccupied.
After Merith had been fully amazed by every sight Rivendell had to offer, Legolas led her to the people. She shook hands with each one and offered each a name. In return they questioned her with wide eyes, curious of the stranger. Then each moved on. The adults held their questions more politely but the innocence of childhood was different.
One little elven girl found her in the gardens. Her mother stood nearby watching the exchange. The girl said her name was Ira. Merith bent down to meet her eyes and introduced herself too.
"But why do you look different? Your hair is too dark! And I haven't seen you before. Are you a bad elf? Is that why your hair is darker? Are you here to hurt us? Because I won't let that happen!"
"Ira! We don't ask-" But Merith laughed and smiled at the mother, letting her know it was ok.
"Actually, I look like all the other people in my village. We all have dark hair. And we are not evil."
"Are there more people here from your village? Are you visiting?"
"No, I am the only one from my village. And I am going to live here now."
The girl looked at her excitedly. "Does that mean that we can be friends? Because I've never had a friend from anywhere else and that would be really neat! We could pick flowers together!"
The girl shoved a wilting bunch towards her. "See?!"
Merith's grin stretched even further. The girl gave her unexpected warmth. She knew there was a reason why she always wanted kids. "Of course we can be friends." Then the child ran back to her mother, replaying the words with great animation. The mothers smiled at Merith and Merith nodded back.
"See Lady Merith, you already have made a friend today."
Merith feigned hurt as she turned to him. "Legolas, I thought we were friends too?"
"Oh of course, Lady Merith." He almost bowed again but Merith stopped him.
"Well then you might want to stop calling me 'Lady'"
"Just call me Merith"… The words replayed in his head and it startled him. Everything was repeating. But Merith, for some reason, now seemed a bit more mature...Could it be the change in her past? Maybe she accepted her terms in her memories. He was curious to find out.
He wondered if they could all make this work. It wasn't as if he had gotten into much of a relationship with her. None of them had. But he helped throw away the beginnings of her life. It had seemed right then but now she was building up upon the lies he had told her…
Legolas…It was her idea. That's all he had to remind himself.
"That's sound fine…Merith"
And she smiled back at him, oblivious to the war the raged inside his head. He was feeling very conflicted. Luckily, in the short time they'd known each other, she had never been good at reading emotions.
"Now Merith, let us go meet Lord Elrond and his daughter, Lady Arwen."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Elrond. I thank you greatly for accepting me into your home." She bowed deeply and nervously, now embarrassed by her choice in outfit. She thought it had been fun and nice fitting till she realized how formal the royal dressed.
They stood in a grand hall, dimly lit by candlelight. Lord Elrond stood in front of her, Lady Arwen by his side. Each held a grace and poise of nobility. Merith could tell they were related for they both looked and acted alike. Each held a similar stride as they both first glided towards her. Legolas stood to the left at her, having bowed too.
"It is no problem at all, Lady Merith. We welcome you with open arms." A smile set in the deep lines of aging etched into his face. He then proceeded to introduce her to Arwen. Arwen hugged her, surprising Merith. Then the king told her that her room was free of charge. But she would be expected to find a job soon for the palace would not be a permanent home if she were, in his words, "to truly become familiar with one of their people." Then he gave her some history of Rivendell, followed by her expectations as a new member. Merith nodded and agreed to all terms.
Then the other elleth spoke again.
"I know this might be a lot, but I would like to invite you to my wedding. I think it would truly help acquaint you with the elves of Rivendell. It is here, tomorrow. I'm sure Legolas can escort you?" She raised an eyebrow towards him and Merith felt as if she were being left outside of some hidden ordeal. But she returned her eyes to the lady and thanked her for the invitation.
"It would be my honor to come to the Princess' wedding. You are to marry…Aragorn right?"
"Yes." The elleth's face lit up as soon as Merith spoke his name.
Merith remembered being told tales of the forbidden love and was secretly delighted to attend the ceremony. It was the most magic of all love stories she had heard. The pieces now came together in her mind. It was so romantic. The mortal going off to war, Arwen giving up her life for him. And now were to wed!
"Well thank you so much, Lady Arwen." She smiled graciously and Arwen did the same. It almost seemed as if Arwen was excited for her to come.
"Yes, well…can I have a word with Lady Arwen? It's matter dealing with Aragorn." Merith had almost forgotten he was there. The king nodded and Legolas stepped over to Arwen, grabbing her arm and pulling her off. Merith stood awkwardly in front of the Lord, not knowing what to say next.
"Those two have been friends forever."
Merith looked up to his eyes and was frightened. Did she see remorse? Or was it longing? It looked as if the Lord would rather Arwen be with Legolas. That would make sense…But he looked so pained…
No, that couldn't be right. Merith had to remember who she was after all. She didn't know him. Or his family. She quietly excused herself but the king didn't seem to even hear. He still stared off to where Arwen and Legolas stood.
"Arwen, you must hide your feelings more. Merith may not have been able to see it but I could."
"Legolas, I'm sorry. It's just…this never has never happened before Legolas! And I feel so bad for her!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down."
"Sorry…" She crossed her arms uncomfortably.
"Arwen, you must remember that she chose this herself. She knew what was to happen."
"I know Legolas…it's just strange that's all. I'm sorry. I should have been more careful. Was it weird inviting her?"
Legolas sighed. He didn't know why he was giving her such a hard time. She really hadn't been that obvious.
"No…that was fine."
"Then why are you lecturing me, Legolas?" Arwen's eyes now turned dark and smoldering. "Why did you pull me away as if I wasn't turning it into a disaster?
Legolas glanced down in silence.
"Right…Legolas, I don't know why you have a sudden need to trash out at me but my wedding is tomorrow and I would like to leave this night in peace. So if you would please excuse me!"
She shoved past his figure, rushing to her room. Legolas wanted to call out an apology but he knew not to. Because then she would ask him why he was acting the way he was. And even he couldn't explain. Or maybe he couldn't bring himself to. Because he was losing her to him. Tomorrow would confirm that. Tomorrow would force him to face the fact that he was still alone.
He didn't know who else was out there. All of his old elven, well and mortal friends have found each other. All he had had were short flings, meaningless experiments. Legolas knew he could not force his heart to find love but it pained him. A lot pained him lately.
His father had written to him shortly upon his arrival to Rivendell. The letter was extremely polite, stating that if he didn't return to discuss things; his title would be put on hold. And this was deserved. Legolas had stayed locked up in the darkness for the last five years, doing nothing for his people. And then he left unannounced, making home somewhere else. He hadn't meant for it to be that way. As soon as he read the letter, he wanted to go back. To take it all back. But he had already promised to help. And he couldn't break anymore promises.
Merith stood in her room, not knowing what to do with the night. Tomorrow she was to attend the wedding. Of course, that would mean formal dressing. And now she was on edge, wanting desperately to make a good impression. In Merico, she didn't remember having such nice clothes. She recalled her family living a simple life. Her mother worked as a…well she could not recollect. But her mother and father went off to work and she… she watched the children of the village. Yes. It was very simple indeed. Though most elves retained great riches from their long age, she didn't think this was so for her town.
She slid over to her closet, reaching towards the dresses. Brushing several by, she pulled out a turquoise one. It was simplistically beautiful. The sleeves tied at the shoulders and there was a running stitch below the breast line. It continued to hang down where it caught at her feet. The fabric reminded her of the ocean. An ocean she had never been to but had dreamed of. It was like this sudden new life.
She searched through the closet more until she saw drawers below the outfits. Pulling one open, she spotted several pairs of shoes. Merith decided upon the golden sandals that had ribbon to vine up her ankles. She had always liked shoes like this. They reminded her of the shoes the mortals wore to dance. Laying these on the desk, she tried to locate her jewelry.
She didn't remember if she even had any. The elleth walked into the bathroom and found a silver box sitting there that she hadn't noticed before. When had that shone up? It was probably the maid's doing. Pulling it open, she found a single silver ring. It was a circle of leafed vines, each one delicate as their own. Merith gently picked it up. Was this hers? She put it on her finger anyway, gasping when it slid on perfectly. Her finger started to tingle as if the metal was remembering her skin. Though she could not remember it back. She only felt as if she should wear it. Most elves had necklaces that they kept their entire lives, a jewel to represent themselves. Yet Merith did not find one around her neck. Perhaps this was her replacement. When she had put it on, she had felt it connect with her. And she couldn't make herself take it off. It was beautiful too. All elven jewelry was. And maybe it had some hidden meeting. She could always ask Legolas later if he knew anything.
For now, she walked back out of the bathroom and lay on the bed, waiting for the hours to pass. She could pick up a book but she also couldn't make herself do that either. All she wanted to do was rest. The day had been exhausting. They had travelled around the entire kingdom of Rivendell, met over 30 elves (which were only a small portion of the guests arriving tomorrow, and now she was done.
Sighing deeply, she relaxed her arms and legs, letting herself fall upon the "clouds". Perhaps it was strange for her to be this tired as an elf. Or perhaps it was not. For now, it really did not matter.
WEDDING DAY COMING :) Haha I'm actually excited to write now. Review, Follow, or not. I won't force you to be a fantastical person!
I still can't believe I'm writing this. I have trouble sticking with things so this is good therapy :)