I know it has been quite some time. I have nothing to offer but an smile and awkward wave. :) Enjoy.
Meara looked into the entrance of the elven city with a dumbfounded look on her face. The elvish city, Caras Galadhon, was nothing like any city she'd seen before. It was an integration of man-made buildings and nature that Meara had only seen replicated in the smallest corners of her homeworld. It managed to be extravagant yet humble at the same time. Meara could understand the pride Haldir exuded as he talked endlessly about the beauty of the city. She couldn't help but agree with him as much as it pained her to do so. The city was striking, even more so than the High Fae cities she'd been to.
Guided by the scouting party, Meara tried not to gape as she was taken to the center of the city. Elves milled about here and there watching with curiosity from a distance as she passed. They must have been just as curious about her as she was of them. They all wore long robe-like gowns, had long hair and somehow exuded a soft aura around them. While some areas bustled with sounds of people speaking, the clinking of coins and moving bodies, other areas sounded purely of nature.
Haldir and his scouts led her to a large tree that had a winding staircase around it's trunk. At the base of the tree was a large pavilion with several archways that led down different roads. One archway led to the stairs at the base of the tree. An ethereal couple gracefully glided down the stairs, outfitted in similar robes of the common folk, yet still emanated a sense of nobility. On each of their heads sat silver circlets giving away their status as lord and lady.
Meara could guess who the Lady of Light referred to and she could see why. The Lady stood tall, almost a head taller than Meara, her pale skin glowed in the early morning light and her golden hair winked as if the very strands were crafted from star-light. Meara was taken aback by her beauty, so much so that she could only blink in surprise at the perfectly poised elven woman who stood before her.
"You were brought to us by magic." This was the man who spoke, drawing Meara's attention quickly. This was not the language Haldir had been speaking to her with. It seemed almost similar to old english, but it was off somehow. Thrown for a loop, Meara nodded.
"Yes," Meara tilted her head as she studied the lord. He had silver hair and gray eyes that seemed to pulse with a stern air. It almost reminded her of a packmate from her past.
He raised a brow at her when she refrained from speaking further on the subject. "Who are you and why have you been sent here? Speak quickly."
Meara squared her shoulders as she gazed at the Lord. "I am known as Meara, daughter of Conan, Heir and Enforcer to Clan Lowell. I do not know why I was sent here, but I have a strong inclination of the person behind it."
It was at that moment, Meara felt something brush against her senses.
She felt her hackles raise as the intruder, light as a soft breeze brushed against her mind, a floral scent curling around her nose. Mentally, she retreated from the intrusion and closed her mind up. Meara's eyes immediately cut to the Lady of Light. Their eyes met in an intense show of surprise and suspicion.
For a moment, silence stretched between the ruler and the trespasser.
Meara didn't have time to play a battle of wills though, not that the Lady of Light planned to do that either as she spoke her next words.
"You are not who you show us to be. You are a warrior, that much I can tell." The Lady spoke watching her curiously as she stepped forward, "There is no memory of a person transported from one realm to another. Do you have a guess as to why you have been brought here?"
Meara paused, sensing a hidden question in the Lady of Light's words, though unable to discern exactly what she was looking for. Speaking carefully, Meara chose to tell the truth, with a long winded sigh. "Where I am from, I am called a werewolf. I have two forms, the one you see before you and the form of a wolf."
Surprise seemed to flit over their faces though Meara didn't allow them to voice any thoughts on that. "As for being brought here...There are many reasons though I believe the main reason was to get me out of her way."
At their confused looks, Meara gave a rueful smile, "I have a tendency to thwart some of her plans, half the time by accident."
"And this sorceress sent you here? Merely to get you out of the way?" The Lord spoke, arching a brow in doubt.
"It's overkill, yes." Meara grew quiet, her thoughts trying to piece together a reason. By now though Conan would have told her to stop thinking too much because it would have spilled over into his subconscious and given him a headache. But the silence in her mind sent a chilling realization down her spine. "Oh..."
"You know.." The Lady spoke watching her curiously.
Meara remained silent for a moment, shoving the sense of loss and loneliness away. Taking a breath, she nodded, sensing a camaraderie amongst these people. And also they would never see another werewolf again once she found her way home, so she voiced her discovery.
"Werewolves have a mental connection with their pack, or clan, we can always sense each other. If we're in pain, feeling lonely, are angered, and even if we die, we can all feel it. While we can't necessarily speak to each other, it's a powerful tool that brings us together and helps us move as one, especially when we hunt." Meara sighed. "Since I arrived here I haven't been able to sense my pack, or the familial bond I have with my father. She may be trying to stir trouble within the pack, or she intends on this realm being the death of me."
"You don't seem too bothered by that notion." The Lord noted, a spark of amusement in his eyes.
A small shrug was Meara's response as she glanced around the pavilion they stood in and the peace that seemed to radiate from everywhere, "I've survived worse realms."
"This is not the first time you've been sent elsewhere?" Haldir spoke from his position beside her, surprise lilting his voice.
"I've had many adventures and it seems I'm about to have a new one." Meara chuckled, despite a sense of foreboding lingering deep in the pit of her stomach.
"I'm sure you have many a tale, perhaps you would like to share some of these adventures during supper." The Lord spoke, "Go and rest now, the journey here has been long and unfortunately your dress is indeed foreign to my people, rooms have been prepared for you, Lady Meara."
Bowing, Meara smiled her thanks and followed an elven maiden down an alternate path.
Meara was treated to a bath and a new dress in her rooms, which were a tad lower to the ground than the pavilion she met Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel on. To her amusement, the maidens who helped her bathe seemed to be in awe of her as they began washing her hair, unaware that she could understand them perfectly. She was content to listen to them murmur to each other for a short while before intervening.
"Oh, look at the way her hair curls when it is wet!" One spoke, massaging her fingers through the black tendrils with soap.
Meara could barely hide her amusement as the two elleths continued to put scented shampoo in her hair, making delighted remarks as her hair curled up. She had straightened it the night before to keep the curly mass manageable and had it tied back in a braid when she had been transported to the wooded outskirts. Her two hours of work were undone in a matter of moments though Meara couldn't be annoyed at the two maidens who appeared to have never seen the corkscrew curls that made up the mass of her hair.
"It's so dark too, like the night sky!" The other said gayly.
Meara couldn't help but chuckle, "You should see it when it dries, it's quite a sight."
The two elleths gasped in surprise at her eloquent use of their language.
"My Lady! We meant no disrespect!" the first pleaded, a young looking elf with large silver eyes and blonde hair that was pin straight.
"Calm yourself." Meara smiled at her, sensing that she may be older than the elf despite her looks. "You meant no harm and no disrespect was given."
After that, Mear spoke with the elleths ambially, occasionally pausing to tell them the best way to brush her hair without turning her hair into a frizzy mess. Eventually, they helped her from the wash basin, and began to pat her dry, gently squishing her curls as she directed, before helping her dress.
The dress was quite beautiful, Meara thought as she inspected the outer layer of the dress. It reminded her of the dresses the High Fae wore, glittering with some sort of fabric that seemed almost magical as the evening light bounced off of it. The color was a deep green that made Meara reminisce of the deep woods, and complimented her warm skin tone. She thought it fit her.
Much to her surprise, the two elleth helped Meara into a form of shift, then helped her into a simple bodice that was more for function than fashion-something Meara deeply appreciated. A cream colored underdress went on next, cinched around her waist with a green ribbon, the sleeves hugging her arms down to her knuckles. Amusement filled Meara as the skirt of the dress circled her feet with a noticeable amount of excess fabric. While one elleth set to hemming the front of the dress with deft fingers, the other helped her into the overdress. That too, quite humorously, gathered excessively around her ankles. Soon the front of the dress was hemmed as well, leaving Meara impressed with the two ladies sewing abilities.
Though the train dragged the floor, the elven ladies did not seem to fuss about it. The two elleth bowed to her, smiles on their faces as they bid her a goodnight. As they retreated down a winding staircase, they were soon replaced by Haldir. He blinked at her for a second, seeming to be surprised, most likely by her hair, Meara mused. He snapped out of it rather quickly though, offering an arm as he spoke.
"I've been sent to escort you to dinner."
Meara forced the teasing remark on the tip of her tongue down and nodded, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow and allowing him to guide her. As they walked to their destination, Meara, couldn't help but notice the silent eyes that followed her as she made her trek to dinner.
"Ah," Meara couldn't help but allow the amusement to spill forward.
"You seem to be entertained," Haldir observed glancing at her briefly.
"I am." Meara laughed, "I thought your lord and lady were far too trusting to simply give me a place to stay. It hadn't occurred to me that eyes would be watching me. I've seemed to have gotten soft over the past decade."
"Eyes?"
Meara gave him a rather dry look, "As in guards, watchers, sentinels."
His eyes flashed with understanding before narrowing with questions. "And how can you know that there are guards watching you?"
Rolling her eyes, Meara gave him a bored look, "Come now, Sir Haldir. I turn into a wolf. Every predator knows when they are being hunted. Or in this case, watched."
At his indignant look, Meara laughed, "Oh don't be so offended. I'm impressed, I didn't sense them immediately and frankly, I wasn't even expecting to be under lock and key. I've under-estimated your rulers due to their hospitality."
Haldir was silent, though Meara could practically drown in the pride that was radiating off of him. When he spoke next, she was a little taken aback by his question.
"Earlier you said you had 'gotten soft over the past decade'. How old are you to have lessened in skill over ten years?"
"How old do I look to you?"
A rather perturbed look appeared on Haldir's face, as if he were embarrassed to have brought the subject up. "Well, you appear human to me, though I'm not sure if you are mortal or not. My best guess is anywhere from 18 to 22 years."
Meara couldn't help the snicker that escaped her lips. "Let's go with that."
"That's not an answer," He scowled.
"Sure it is."
Before Haldir could retort, they arrived at what Meara could only call a Grand Hall. Long tables were arranged before a raised dais, where another table was set. The lord and lady were already seated at the dais. Families and groups of friends sat scattered around the tables. Meara took it all in, amazed at the serenity and smiling faces as the elven people spoke with each other. Meara was sure that this was not the entirety of the lord and lady's people, the number of people in the market far outmatched the people seated here. She wondered if eating in the grand hall was an optional attendance, as it was when the pack adopted the customs of the modern family and combined it with their werewolf traditions of eating together.
As they made their way further in, Haldir leading her toward the dais where the lord and lady sat, the soft murmur of melodious voices died down. Meara could guess that the wild curls that sprouted from her head were the cause. If it weren't for the ribbon that the two elven ladies had weaved in her braid as an extra measure of control, the curls would be thrice the size of her head and swallow her frame whole. Judging by the varying shades of blondes that either had pin straight or smooth waves, her hair was definitely an unusual sight.
Meara held her embarrassment in like a winner and held her head high with her shoulders back. Haldir led her toward the dais, where a chair awaited her beside the Lady Galadriel. A brief fluttering greeted her senses before retreating just as quickly as it came. A greeting of sorts, Meara assumed, guarding her mind once more. As she stood before the Lady, Meara gave a smile and curtsied lightly as a greeting before sitting in the seat offered to her.
A plate was set before her with a small quail, a salad and soft bread. It looked much like the meals she would have eaten back home-though lacking in the meat department. Meara gave a small smile, "Thank you for your hospitality."
Lady Galadriel returned her smile, though remained silent as they ate. The room slowly became lively once more, starting off as a soft whisper and then progressing to a volume Meara was more familiar with when it came to large gatherings. To her surprise, the chatter was barely discernible, and if she had been human the rambunctious noise of the crowd would have seemed more like a soft murmur with an echo. With her sharp hearing though it seemed more like a normal informal gathering.
Meara carefully studied the Lady next to her from the corner of her eye. In the softest whisper, Meara spoke, "This reminds me of home."
"Do your people eat like this often?" The lady gave her a knowing smile.
Meara couldn't help but smile back, her hunch answered plainly. "It used to be a tradition, though joining in a feast now has become optional."
Lord Celeborn spoke watching her from over the head of his wife, "I was not aware werewolves had traditions, though it does seem you are a vastly different werewolf then the ones that once roamed Arda."
Meara nearly choked on her own saliva. "Wait. There are werewolves here?"
Lady Galadriel looked rather amused when she nodded, "Yes, though a werewolf has not been spotted since the coming of the second age."
"And how long ago was that?" Meara shook her head, "No, I think I'd rather know what they are like."
"They are wolves of gargantuan size, with the intellect of a man. They have blood-red eyes and long fangs that protrude from their mouth." Celeborn spoke softly but succinctly, as if he had seen one in person before.
The description though had Meara thinking more of a saber-toothed tiger than a wolf. "That...is...a werewolf?"
"Yes, though it seems the werewolf we speak of is different then what you are." Lady Galadriel tilted her head watching her curiously. "You said you had another form, that of a wolf."
Meara nodded her head. "Yes, a werewolf in my world, was once human, marked by the curse of King Lycaon. He was the first werewolf from my world."
"Being a werewolf is a curse?"
"It can be." Meara shrugged, "I was born a werewolf so I don't see it that way, but for those who were forced to bear the mark, it can be seen that way."
"Are you meaning to say that it can be passed to another?" Lord Celeborn sounded alarmed as he watched her.
"It can be but it takes much effort and care to do so." Meara frowned, wondering if she should explain further. "In order for the curse to be passed, the werewolf would need to be in their wolf form and then savagely attack their victim to the near brink of death in order for the curse to take hold in the victim."
Meara felt rather than saw the alarm that penetrated the air at her explanation. She quickly continued, "It's not something that is condoned any longer, though, especially since the curse has evolved over time, now it can only be passed through a ritual and willing person. Or be passed down through birth."
"Through birth, that is how you became a werewolf." Lady Galadriel watched her curiously, "Are you different then the others who were not born, but made?"
Meara nodded, "Yes, I can change into my wolf form faster than others. And I am larger and stronger than most other wolves."
"Interesting," Lady Galadriel watched her with an intense curiosity that almost put her nerves on edge.
A lull in the conversation allowed for the slight tension to die down as Meara drank from the goblet before her, her plate empty before her. Glancing about the open air hall, Meara took in more of her surroundings, listening to the gentle roar of conversation and the music that a couple of elves were playing towards the middle of the hall. A couple of the younger looking elves had made a dancing circle and were gently swaying and twirling with the music. Meara smiled.
"Did your people do something similar?" Lady Galadriel's voice echoed in her mind, almost like how her father's voice would when he directed orders down the pack line to her. Meara snapped her gaze toward Galadriel, a connection finally snapping in the back of her mind.
"You're telepathic."
Galadriel simply smiled at her with a twinkle of mischievousness in her eye. Meara gave a small laugh but nodded, "Aye, we did something similar but it was a bit more-" Meara glanced at the elegant calm and serenity of the dance the women and men were dancing together- "brazen."
Galadriel chuckled.
"My people are a rambunctious lot," Meara continued, remembering the wild feasts from her first century, the chaotic scene of her people crashing a soiree in her third century. "It would certainly be a night to remember if a few of them were here to direct the flow of music."
Meara could only imagine the absolute chaos her friends Luka and Jules would bring with their drum beats and guitar riffs. Not only that but the two were complete enablers, especially towards humans. They'd urge any human within range and willing to keep up in drinking with them, alas the metabolism of a wolf made it near impossible for them to get drunk leaving the poor humans at an extreme disadvantage.
Feeling Galadriel in the back of her mind, Meara showed her the memory she was thinking of, to which a tinkling laugh erupted from the lady surprising both her husband and a few of the elves who were close and watching them. Meara let out her own chuckle.
"I see." Lady Galadriel laughed, "I have a strong inkling you would get along with my grandsons."
"If they are as mischievous as Luka and Jules, I'm sure the world would mourn the loss of its quiet days."
Celeborn spoke then, an amused smile on his face, "Indeed it would."
They fell into a comfortable silence, watching the other elves dance. Much to Meara's amusement, she spied Haldir amongst some of those who danced, a lovely blond elf-woman twirling around him in an elegant yet flirtatious manner. Watching them dance, Meara found it similar to one of the old dances of her time, though Haldir and this elven woman didn't have their right and left hand tied together with a scarf. There was a fluidity and strength to the way they moved, that Meara found fascinating. Even the larger group that danced in a circle reminded her of old dances from her first few centuries, though a tad more lively and soft.
It was nothing like the dances the younger wolves liked to dance with the modern music of the world, though she supposed the elves would find them more interesting than archaic or...inappropriate. If she were a few centuries younger she might have been willing to show them those said dances but with the music that was currently being played...out of place would be an understatement.
Eventually, Galadriel and Celeborn stood to join in the dancing, bright smiles on their faces as they moved in time together with the grace only an ethereal being could. The music had become more lively and the dances more quick paced. Bystanders clapped in time with a beat and Meara couldn't help but join in, humming along with the music.
"Would you like to dance, my lady?" A voice asked from her left.
Meara tilted her head at the elf who offered his hand motioning to the dance floor with his head and a sweet smile. His silver-blonde hair was swept over one shoulder as he leaned into her personal space slightly, his gray eyes dancing in the evening light as he watched her expectantly. His scent curled into her nose, an unfamiliar yet nice scent.
She gave him a sheepish smile, "I'm afraid I don't know any of the dances here though."
Surprise briefly flitted over his face as she spoke back to him in his own dialect. Now that Meara remembered, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn had spoken to her in that strange old english-esque language the entire time. Had Haldir not told them she could speak any language spoken to her?
"I will teach you, they are quite simple steps." He said as he held a hand out for her.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'll have to decline." With a small smile, she hoped he would leave it at that. She did feel bad for the look of hurt on his face and the slight embarrassment that tinged his ears red and turned his scent sour. But she wasn't here to dance, and she wasn't here to exchange pleasantries with anyone. She needed to find a way home and she needed to find out why she was sent away.
Quick Side Bar. I'm currently trying to get my life together which involves posting this story regularly along with some other things involved that don't involve fanfiction. Hopefully all will come together soon. Please review my story as it always helps me when I write and is also incredibly encouraging (whether positive or negative because that means people are reading my story)
As always, I hope you all are doing well especially during this wackadoo pandemic and that this story will bring you even just a little joy during this time of...well this time...