A series of soft groans emitted through the otherwise quietness that had come to rest within the thick forest of Fangorn, home to the last inhabitants of both Ent and Huorns. It had been previously rumoured that some foreign element had contaminated the water given to the trees to allow them to come alive. Chasing away all whom dared to enter, as if they were protecting some sort of precious treasure deep within the stiff limbs of oak. Every root that had once been seeded long ago when the Middle of the Earth was still young and possessed 'infinite' hope, was now enlaced with the hatred and despair that was plagued upon the lands.
As an overwhelming threat upon the lands that had once been a peaceful place, Saurman the esteemed dark lord wanted every corner of Middle Earth under his command, under his deathly grasp. All the while laughing maniacally while the days of it's people were trapped within a downward spiral of destruction and mayhem, corruption tainting everything he touched.
However, what the world had no knowledge of as of yet, was that there was indeed a fighting chance. Hope was far from lost as long as someone carried it's torch. A new dawn was coming, awakening from it's slumber. For deep within these trees, while most people of various species felt overwhelmed and hesitant to enter.. to another being it was forced to call these woods home. Hidden in secret by those of her kind, a spell had been cast upon both the earth and sky, trapping her within the sun's bright rays that had once cast themselves upon the ground of Fangorn.
The sunshine that shone from above, surrounded by the swirls of blue that the sky possessed this bright morning, began to succeed against the ever present battle to leak it's shining rays through the wayward branches. Illuminating down upon the soft grass and mud that made it's home upon the forest floor.
A soft bell like sound mingled pleasantly with the sounds of nature amongst the forest, consisting of the swaying of leaves within the cool morning air and the playful squawks that emitted from the small beaks of the birds that took flight above the treetops in swift blurs of color.
Despite these noises of nature, not a single movement of life stirred through the hauntingly beautiful forest as animals had long since abandoned this place for their own survival. Even the birds that danced upon it dared not to take rest within the trees.
The only life that the forest held in secret, slowly began to awaken for the first time within more than two thousand years. Showing through the beam of sunlight that consequently crossed paths with a wayward tree branch that reached halfway a crossed the old, forgotten path that had once safely led travellers through the forest.. as if it waited patiently for this moment to give the being a perch to take rest.
A shape began to form within the beam, a small tear drop delicately hovered and lightened as of a moonstone amongst the spotlight gifted from the heavens. Slowly emitting bright, rich colors of baby blue, lavender, metallic silver and aquamarine that began to spiral upon their own accord into a design that resembled that of a butterfly's wings.
They fluttered once in unison before taking flight a few inches within the air and with what was left of the magic that still resided with the teardrop, an outline of a beautiful young woman that looked to be trapped within her mid twenties twisted and twirled until her outline was finally complete. Upon the light that was birthed, radiance engulfed everything around her with color, effectively casting away what was left of the shadows that were hidden on the edges of the forest.
The young woman's face appeared when the luminous light slowly began to recede, sharp angles of her olive skin tone made up her now sleepily expression, yet it was captured in her soft cinnamon brown orbs that showed for the world to see that she held life within her, currently dancing with happiness and mischief. Midnight long, straightened hair cascaded down the back of her nude form that was only a couple of centimetres short of a pint, her bangs still framing her heart shaped face, allowing her the pleasure of feeling the texture of silk that had not receded her locks within the unknown amount of time that she laid at rest.
During of which, it heartbreakingly appeared, that the Middle Earth had erupted into absolute chaos. The truth of it being so vibrated through her bones already even if the time span of her awakening was short, she could feel the darkness was of an inescapable dark cloud upon these lands. War was pounding it's soundless drums through both the air and within each one of her senses, innocent blood was shedding and burning her nose with it's decay and sorrow.
A heartbroken sigh was released from behind the downward curve upon her lips, the emotion of pity and dismay burning coals within both her stomach and her heart. The bones of dragons and all the other Fays had now been ground into the dust that rested upon the earth, which meant that now she was a rarity that others would no doubt try to torment, use or simply gawk at. For one of the few times within her life, she felt both alone and terrified, almost giving into the impulse to attempt to put herself back into her resting state.
To distance herself from the horrifying realization that both her parents and everyone she knew and loved.. were now gone from this earth, despite having possession of the power to stretch their existence through the ages and even grant others they cared for to do so..
Her mother's smiling face that was now within the forefront of her mind, was now haunting her as she pictured her graceful, kind mother frantically running for her life after she regrouped with some other Fay. Her father, she clearly pictured, would stand strong until he took his very last breath. Fighting side by side other men so the rest of his people could get to safety, to have a chance at freedom.
Cinnamon brown orbs stung with tears that were rapidly blurring her vision, but she willed them away with all the willpower that resided within her veins. She could almost hear her mother's voice in her slightly pointed ear, scolding her playfully for crying over something that she had no control or knowledge of. Something that wouldn't be changed by the sight of her tears trailing down her cheekbones..
And what would have been a half smile, if it weren't for the sadness that was held within it, curved upon her lips in what was more of a pained grimace than anything else. What she wouldn't give to rush into her parents arms once again, to smile all the while as they scolded her for running in her faux human form should she accidentally trample over someone. To which she would reply cheekily or mock hurt that she was always very careful of where she stepped, they would sigh at how she acted as someone not of her 'standard' within their kingdom.. and they would all have a great laugh about it sometime after.
A sob escaped her lips, her body moving sharply forward with it.. only to pause when a soft jingle sounded somewhere around her. It was almost equivalent to a Fay's joyous laugh only it certainly didn't emit from her own lips. Cinnamon cast downward in complete surprise, only to widen even more when they had come to rest upon a familiar necklace that hung delicately around her neck. An aquamarine colored pendant was in the design of a tear drop, one that threatened to escape her eyes at the sight of it coming to rest gently between both of her plump breasts. A familiar 'Legolas Greenleaf' curved in the shade of royal blue on the left side of her cleavage, taunting her with the mate that she never found.
She did not quite understand how she didn't take notice of it before, but at the prolonged sight of it the previous strength to hold back her tears now gave way. It was the larimar and diamond pendant that was hand crafted by her people long ago, constructed by solid white gold. A small, genuine diamond rested upon the point while a small fay wing design was at the bottom, curving to the right ever so slightly. With it's striking blue color and swirling inclusions of silver glints, the gemstone of Larimar was held securely into place within the tear drop design. Radiating magic from where it rested upon the brightly glinting silver chain around her neck.
This was the most prized possession with the royal blood's heirlooms, the ultimate source of their power. Why would her parents leave her such an object if they thought they weren't going to die? What had come of such an act as taking this away from them all? Was it because of this that they were all gone, unable to use such powerful reserves to defend themselves? .. And what exactly was the threat that led to their downfall if they were in possession of eternal life?
What had the world come to?
She felt herself getting overwhelmed by all the questions running muck within her mind, due to her current situation and the loss of everything she knew, so much so that she almost tuned out the rustling of movement and tree branches. She landed quickly upon the tree branch closest to her, her sensitive wings fluttering frantically to conserve modesty before falling silent as she wrapped them around her to curve ever curve.
She slowly turned her head to the side, still hesitant even when she knew her body was covered underneath her wings and no longer needed to hide behind her long flowing hair that rested just a few inches below her butt. to make eye contact with a pair of huge, round eyes that were the color of amber. An Ent, she had thought with awe as she ran her eyes over the moss that covered the truck with it's spots of soft green, and it appeared to not be just any Ent. For she knew that beard well..
He bowed his head respectfully, his intelligent eyes never leaving her own as he grounded out his words pleasantly, "Your Majesty Elesia.."
The Fay known now as Elesia blinked once hesitantly before pulling her eyebrows together with both thought and confusion. When she finally had the courage to speak for the first time since waking up within this strange new world, she couldn't help but notice the slight surprise and disbelief that her low, bell like voice held. One tiny word that she didn't even know for sure that the old tree had taken note of, fell from her lips, "...Fangorn?"
Fangorn had changed from the last time that she had laid eyes upon him. It was to be expected, she supposed. To her it was only a yesterday bit to him it was an unknown amount of time that ad passed between them. He was still overwhelmingly tall compared to her size and still still despite all the time that had come to pass. His body was covered with more moss than she remembered due to old age and there was a permanent look of seriousness within his eyes, within his commanding movements, that she had not recalled him to have possession of.
How long had she truly been in slumber? What unknown events had come to pass to make the once pleasant but strict tree so.. grim? All these questions may have been what one would have come to expect when everything is suddenly so different, and yet it cause her a great deal of emotion to attempt to settle within this new time frame. For it was time that had escaped from within her grasp: dragging her home, family, friends and everything she had ever cared for with it.
"Yes Elesia, it is I. It is good to finally see your face after all this time.." His voice would have simply seemed pleasant enough to any other but her, for she caught the emotions laced within his rough voice that he still couldn't hide from her. His tone of voice was of one that made her suspect that it had everything to do with not being able to use his voice for so long and she instantly felt apologetic towards the tree that had been her friend since she was but a little baby pixie.
Elesia nodded her head gently in agreement before giving the tree a look of mischief and mock accusation, two things that have always gotten her into even more mischief and trouble. She heavily pouted her lips up at him, narrowing her eyes just a bit before speaking, "Yes, it seems it has been a while, my dear friend. Though, may I take but a mere moment to remind you that through all of the time that has passed I still despise being called 'Your Majesty', Fangorn."
She took note of the small, upward twitch upon his beard that was the only sign that he was indeed amused. Like she was, he was most likely remembering all the times that she had dared to yell at him for calling her as such and she thought she actually heard him murmur under his breath something about 'At least some things never change..'
Though the happiness within her due to her awakening was, as it always seemed to be, short lived. It gave way to the hesitancy that grew within her now, before she forced herself to try and ask him one of the questions that plagued her mind since she had awoken from her dream like state,even when a shiver of dread threatened to curve down her spine with protest.
A wince showed through her movements at not just her nervous tone of voice but the stuttering that was also present, "So.. Er, how long has it been exactly?"
Elesia cast her face downward in an effort to not reveal the emotions that shone through her orbs to the tree that always seemed to possess the ability to see right through her. Yes, it was indeed comforting to know that some things hadn't in fact changed. Thought she felt as though she owed Fangorn far more than what she could ever be able to offer him in return for carrying out the protection that her parents had entrusted him with as well as what he kept as his allegiance even after all the years that had past between them. All the same however, she knew well that she also couldn't simply stand idly and watch the world around her twist into a downward ruin. She felt as though she had to do something - anything - for even the simplest of changes had a chain reaction that always followed shortly after.
The fay forced her lips to curve upward as she stared up at the face of the tree with faux calm dominating her features, silently willing him to understand the reasoning behind what she was about to do as she allowed him to look within her orbs to catch a glimpse of her very soul.
"I thank you for your protection after all these years, my dear friend and please know that I do understand quite well why you and your kind choose not to partake within this war. Each side has hurt you so within my slumber. For this I am anguished upon your behalf and wish to be allowed to bestow a gift upon you as well as the creature resting upon this forest. My magic will grace upon your forms, stronger you shall be because of it and in return fire nor axe shall dismantle you. You shall live in peace as you only have wished, but I also ask for your forgiveness as well. For, it is I that cannot simply stand aside whilst innocent blood taints the air.. I apologize, old friend."
After the fairy magic granted her wish upon the creatures of this forest, she twisted her tiny frame in one sharp fluid movement to the left. The move effectively making her body disappear before he had the chance to respond, for she knew well that if given the chance he would try to talk her out of her decision. The old tree was left to opened gawk at the place where she had previously stood upon the branch, and after gathering his wits quickly Fangorn began to call her name, each one louder than the last as worry heavily clouded his tone.
However each one continued to fall on deaf ears as Elesia flew her small, invisible form through the woodland area that had previously kept her in captivity. The newly awakened promise of life and of a new day came in the form of her finally reaching the edge of the hauntingly dark forest, the morning bright rays gracing upon the wastelands around her. Almost as if nature itself was presenting her arrival into this new uncharted world.
The excitement that flooded her emotions to have a new chance to explore was suddenly halted by the predatory growl that sounded through the air. Elesia glanced down at her stomach with a soft pinkish color dusting her cheekbones, embarrassment now within her emotions even though she knew well that no one was around to witness this. Her conversation with Fangorn took longer than what she had previously expected and now a few thousand years of hunger now was hitting her full force.
Elesia nodded her head softly in agreement, wondering idly if the food that grew upon these lands had changed within her slumber, for she didn't like stealing from another to meet her own needs. Grudgingly pushing aside the idea of eating that now plagued her mind, she took note that she would need to try to find a wizard or sorceress willing to help her adjust within this world. ..Someone noble, kind and would at the very least attempt to not gawk at her despite the surprise he or she would undoubtedly feel upon the sight of her.
Yes, that indeed sounded like a good plan and now that it was set within her mind, the hunger began to come back with a vengeance for being cast aside in the first place. She will have to tend to it before setting out to sedate her curiosity and the intent of finding a person that fit her ideals and had powerful magic pulsing through their veins to assist her.
But it was going to be okay in the end, that she had no doubt clouding her mind. For when she found this someone maybe they can answer her questions on what threat had exactly plagued these lands with blood and destruction. After all, starting now, the hope of tomorrow will once again return to this world.
Elesia will make sure of it, even if the price of such peace was her very last breath.
...
A gasp tore free from it's previous containment behind her lips as Elesia's small body bolted upright into a sitting position from where she lay her head upon the unusually soft earth from underneath of her. Darkness surrounded her within this moment, the essence that it possessed tainting her world with sadness as she once again was plagued with a memory of her past. The day of her awakening into a world that developed new locations and faces, seeming to acquire them within the matter of time that it took for her to blink.. The day that she lost everything, mourning in private for her parents, her home and everything she ever knew.
Elesia shook her head to clear away the depression that threatened her emotions, her luscious dark hair swaying with it as she eyed her surroundings suspiciously. Cinnamon colored orbs blinked twice in an attempt to adjust them with the darkness that clouded them, only to find merely seconds afterword that she was unable to archive any result by doing so. Bewilderment tried to cast away the drowsiness within her, the awareness that was slowly setting in was assisting it just a tad, she began to slowly organize her thoughts of what she was able to last recall.. only to be interrupted by a jolt that suspiciously shook her entire world.
Her microscopic fingers clutched the earth from underneath her, the gentleness in them in contrast to what she felt pounding within her, only to take pause when she noticed that it indeed was not what she had thought it had previously been. It's soft texture than thin lines gave away to something else that did not make sense to her sleep ridden mind, a problem she had ever since her early pixie stages? She surely wasn't a morning person, far from it actually. The supposed earth was curved underneath her, almost as if -
Alighting both of her wings with a fraction of a flutter, Elesia took notice of the murky, gray walls around her were also noticeably curved, twisting upwards into a spiral underneath the luminescent glow that radiated from her wings.
Upon gazing down at her minuscule body, she took observation that she was wrapped within the clothes that had come to be her usual traveling attire when she was within her Fay form, all of which were human sized before they were magically shrunk to fit her frame perfectly. Her shirt was that of a silvery gray material that was held by two thin straps curving around her shoulders to the back, tight against her body and beneficial for giving her sensitive wings the leeway to move freely without the problem of being constricted by fabric. Her legs were covered with black traveling pants that molded her long legs, the color mimicking the leather of her flat boots there rested comfortably upon her feet. Soft, shimmering gray was the color of her knee high crochet socks that a friend had made for her, the top of her boots coming to rest just a few inches short of the personalized bow that showed on each outer side.
Her beautiful precious necklace, the last remaining object that she had of her parents as well as her race, hung delicately around her neck. The pendant hidden within the inside of her shirt, protected and cherished in secret with only one other person besides herself that had the knowledge of it's existence.
Elesia raised an eyebrow when she caught sight of the silvery gray strains of hair that she had previously laid at rest on, a look of amusement glinting within her eyes at the mere sight of them. No moisture glinted upon them, despite the humidity that she didn't doubt was resting within the air just outside of the fabric that engulfed her. A smirk began to curve upon her lips on it's own accord as she stared down at the strains of hair that had come to be familiar to her, before gently tapping the head twice for good measure to let the person know that she was indeed awake.
She had the maximum of thirty seconds to close her eyes against the blinding rays that shone from above, cheerfully bidding her good morning. It also wasn't the only one that wished to do so.
"Good morning, my dear." An amused grandfatherly voice murmured softly in greeting to her, making her gather the courage that she held captive within her veins to face the new day and the sun that graced her form with the warmth that it possessed. As she did so, the color of cinnamon began to impossibly lighten even further than before with happiness before they were allowed to close as calmed serenity engulfed her. With one fluid movement, Elesia moved from her perch on top of his locks with a smile upon her lips, grateful to the man before her that had graced her with a quiet, dark place to rest.
Sitting carefully upon the wagon seat next to him, she eyed up at his form with the smile she had upon her lips curving wider. The patient glint within his bright blue orbs twinkled softly above the bags that took rest from underneath them, laugh lines curved along his elderly expression which was framed with his silvery straight hair. The fabric that had previously confined her from the world was indeed his dark gray hat that possessed a bit more material that acted as a visor around his head, protecting him from the sun and rain with a slight crooked point at the top. His robes made up of what appeared to be a standard gray, traveling cloak - only, she could feel the protective spells enlaced within every stitch - hanging from his form in the same darkened gray that matched his hat.
"Good morning and hello to you too, Gandalf.." Elesia spoke as loudly as she possibly could for her friend to hear her greeting, as she knew it to be very easy to misinterpret what a fay was saying even without the additional noise of life that seemed to echo around them. Her orbs danced with joy as she took in the breathtakingly beautiful white horses that pulled their wagon dutifully, before looking up at the birds that soared freely through the air in playful dips and dives.
Elesia curiously adjusted her head to further analyze her surroundings, for resting on either side of them were beautiful woodland areas that smoothed into a glassland. The sun cast the warmth that it possessed upon the supposedly fresh trimmed grass around them, a pair of pale old wagon tracks guided the wheels. With a tilt of her head to the right, she studied their detail more, as she loved being surrounded by nature. Curiosity mixed with awe, flooding her emotions as she took in a part of this world that she had never been before. With only a slight pause within her movements, she made the decision to sit gently upon the shoulder of her dearest friend.
"May I inquire where it is that we are heading to, Gandalf?" She questioned from beside his right ear, her soft bell like voice jingling through the air around them with ease.
"The Shire, little one." Gandalf smiled gently down to where she used his shoulder as a perch to speak with him, something that had come as an occurrence for him to hear her tiny musical voice within the last few months. Only to have his smile widen into an amused grin when he saw the unmistakable confusion once again dominate her expression. Such curious beings, fairies turned out to be.. and maybe the most mischievous by fair of the species that he ever had come a crossed within his time upon this earth. It was amusing to say the least. He began to patiently explain as he turned his gaze back towards the road before them, "The shire is the homeland of Hobbits. A race in which I know from of previous conversations that you are not familiar with. Hobbits are commonly known as 'halflings'. Their height is around that of a human child, yet their faces are that of a adult. You see, it is my old friend's birthday tonight and I thought the party would be a wonderful experience for the both of us. As I myself haven't been here in a while."
Gandalf looked down at her form to see her nodding with a far off glint within her eyes, and knew that at least for now the famous fay curiosity was at bay. He smiled and nodded towards the road, as his eyes caught sight of the familiar small houses and hills. "The Shire.." He murmured one last time before a russle of movement rapidly approached them from the side of the trees.
Elesia shifted invisible at the spot of his shoulder, before turning her head to see a person that had to be around four feet tall coming to a halt at the small cliff beside them. He possessed dark curls of a shade of brown much like her own, and bright blue eyes that sparkled with happiness from their wide orbs upon his face. He crossed his arms in an arm of mock irritation, wearing a dark green shirt and dark brown overalls. He may be considered that of a child to human beings but to her, he was a giant.. "You're late.."
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins," Gandalf adopted a serious tone of voice in response to his accusation, as if he was gravely appalled for the child not to know this, before turning his face towards the person now introduced as Frodo Baggins, "Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.."
A smirk curved upon Elesia's lips as she stared back and forth between them, an eyebrow raising in amusement as she did so, before she moved off of his shoulder to sit upon one of the halted horse's soft manes. The air of seriousness was broken first by the upward twitch of the side of Gandalf's lips, before an expression of through amusement found it's way upon Frodo's face and with a laugh he leaped within the elder gentleman's arms for what seemed to be a much needed hug. "It's so good to see you, Gandalf."
Chuckling wholeheartedly, Gandalf embraced him before pulling back a few minutes later, "Sit my dear boy, please sit. You see, we are being rather rude.." Frodo sat beside him, the happiness that was once upon his face twisted into a look of bewilderment and confusion, looking up at the wizard who had a smile upon his lips. "You see, Frodo, I made a friend with someone very special and brought her with me. She is one of a kind you see, and is very shy while around new people.." He looked at around with a comforting air about him, and it seemed Frodo was contemplating on the idea that Gandalf had lost his sanity. After all, no one beside the two of them could be seen, yet the boy didn't speak the words upon his mind.
Gandalf lifted his right, his palm up in offering as if he fully expected someone to appear out of nowhere and shake his hand in greeting. From beside him, Frodo blinked his orbs a couple of times with confusion dominating both his emotions and thoughts, and fleetingly wondered if he should say something to gain the elder gentleman's attention. However, Gandalf seemed to not at all be bothered by what he may or may not have looked like in that very moment as he stared down upon his empty hand with a smile curving on his lips, "It will all be okay, little one. You can trust him.. I promise you this."
The silence around them seemed to lengthen from seconds to minutes, before something had begun to happen that made Frodo's eyes widen a fraction more than what they normally were. A soft gasp of surprise fell from his jaw that dropped at the mere sight of a dark material beginning to form within Gandalf's wrinkled hand, and Frodo found that he couldn't tear his gaze away from the two little leather boots that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, magic slowly unveiling to reveal a fully clothed feminine figure.
When finished, a pair of soft brown eyes stared back hesitantly at him, clearly uncomfortable in a way that Frodo imagined how a small bug would feel underneath a magnified glass. A huge eye gazing down at her in wonder, but he found that he couldn't help but do so. Her form was coiled like a snake that would protect itself if it felt threatened in any way, as the little woman before him was plagued with fight or flight instincts that pounded through both her body and mind. Above all else that caught his attention about her - it was by far the colorful, yet transparent wings attached to her back that caused him great surprise. They gave her species away, and Frodo wondered if he was simply imagining all of this.. Was his eyes deceiving him right now?
Frodo looked up at Gandalf just as the elder man opened his mouth to speak, and shock flooded him when he realized that this was indeed real.. but how could this be? He never thought that he would see a fay for himself.. never thought that one would appear after thousands of years of them being extinct.. Sadness enlaced with the shock that refused to leave him, understanding that she was the very last of her kind even before Gandalf confirmed it with his eyes, with his tone of voice and with his words. At least he had his uncle, his friends..
"May I have the pleasure to formally introduce to you Frodo - the loyal and mischievous : Elesia Fay. The very last Fay within Fay within the Middle Earth.." Gandalf's voice was soft towards the end, already having acknowledged how much of a sore subject it was for the little female. However, he purposely put emphasis on the word 'mischievous' to give Frodo fair warning that the fay before them that possessed unworldly beauty was in fact a very proud prankster.
Elesia pushed down the instincts that pulsed through her veins with adrenaline, knowing well enough that Gandalf wouldn't have wished to introduce her if he thought for a second that this young 'hobbit' would cause her harm. Besides.. didn't they already breech this subject before. Gandalf and her? About how she had to start entrusting people? The only problem she had with it was she didn't wish to get hurt.. or feel the sting that came with betrayal..
Though.. Elesia thought suddenly, If Gandalf trusted him - She cut herself off from finishing that thought, before locking her orbs with the expressively wide shade of blue that 'Frodo' possessed, and in a moved that showed both grace and pose, she crossed her right leg over her left. Her toe pointed slightly and she bowed her lower half with an air of respect within her greeting. Because.. she guessed if Gandalf trusted him so much to allow him to have knowledge of her existence.. than maybe, just maybe, this young 'hobbit' would be one of the first, few people that she let into her heart..
Only time will tell, after all.
