Ella:

I turned. There were the mountains. I'd seen them as I'd traveled with the fellowship. They would be going through Moria--just as the original fellowship did. They would not search for me elsewhere. I had to climb them, or return home. And as Rivendell never had seemed home to me... I took my first step onto the stony ground.

Legolas:

Rosriel's utter refusal of help was hard, but it wasn't until after I'd walked back to the camp that I'd realized she'd begun to run in the completely wrong direction. Was I that difficult to be around?

Still, she'd given me hope, small and fading though it may be. Perhaps Ella did care. But why then would she run? It made no sense.

Either way, help or none, I had to find her. She needed these people, whether she realized it or not. If it would make it easier for her, I would return to Mirkwood when we were closer. Or immediately.

I sighed. I needed these people, too.

Desperation

I cannot escape my thoughts. I'm trapped here, floating in the darkness, waiting for someone to come...

Why has this happened to me? What will happen next?

A Call

Together Turwethiel and I began walking back towards the camp. We had just come in sight of it when I stopped. "Turwethiel, please go on ahead."

She looked at me quizzically. "What do you mean? I thought you said you were going to come back to the camp."

I shook my head. "I know, but... I am not ready just yet." I played with my necklace. "I need some time to think, to adjust."

Turwethiel nodded. "Yes, I can certainly understand that. What shall I tell them?"

"Just that I need some time to be alone."

I watched Turwethiel walk away and then turned back to the forest. I found myself wandering, and thinking, eventually sitting down beside a small stream and staring into it's bubbling waters. How I hoped that Ella was safe! I had sent word by the band of elves whom had rescued us from the orc attack that she had been found, and now I dreaded the thought of the anguish they might feel if something terrible happened to her - again. Yet I did not want to send word to them that she had left our company, for she might come back or maybe was even on her way to visit them.

My heart lifted at the thought and I hoped that Ella would go to visit our parents. How happy that would make them! I could picture the reception in my mind... a royal welcome for a princess of the Greenwood. I was sure that our uncle, King Thranduil would host at least one feast. I wished that I could be there, then reminded myself that I did not even know what Ella's plans had been. Still, the thought was comforting and I clung to it.

I started up as I felt a hand on my shoulder, heard a voice behind me, and whirled around. I gasped. "Legolas!"

He looked apologetic. "I am sorry Rosriel, I did not mean to startle you. I thought you heard me coming." He glanced at me carefully. "Would you prefer that I leave?"

I felt a slight twinge of irritation, had not I told Turwethiel to let them know I wanted to be alone? But then, perhaps Legolas had not been with the company. The thought occured to me that perhaps he had been worried about my flight into the forest and come to find me. "No, no. I do not mind." I saw that there was still a red mark on his face, and I blushed. "Legolas, can you ever forgive me? I am so sorry! I did not mean to, I was so upset..."

He nodded. "There is nothing to forgive." He smiled, taking my hand. "I am glad that you are safe, I was afraid you might be lost."

I burst into tears. My dear cousin! I had slapped him, yelled at him in front of the whole Fellowship, and he had still worried for my safety. I flung my arms around him "No, I am not lost."

He stepped back, looking a bit confused at my outburst. "Yes well," he glanced down. "I am afraid I have an apology as well," he took a deep breath. "I suspect it was because of me that Ella left. You were right, I did say something to her, but I would not have if I had known that this is how she would react. I am sorry."

I stared. What could he mean? An idea occured, I recalled how Ella had told me of Legolas' kindess to her when she grew up in Rivendell, how treated her so gently, had taken care of her the time she had hurt her ankle. "You told her you loved her, did you not?"

He looked surprised. "How did you know?"

I smiled. "Never put it past a woman to guess when a man is in love, particularily with her sister or friend." My smile faded, "Then she does not return your affections?"

"No, she seemed most upset when I told her, and now she has left..." he trailed off. "I believe I must have displeased her greatly."

I shook my head, "I do not believe that she does not return your feelings!"

Legolas looked up, startled.

I went on, "If she felt nothing for you, she would have told you and stayed, not run off as she did. No, she must either be uncertain of her feelings or there is something holding her back and so she left."

A look of hope entered Legolas' eyes. "Will you help me search for her?"

I was hesitating, on the verge of agreeing when suddenly something held me back. I knew with a deep conviction that I could not go with Legolas. "No," I replied, gently but firmly. "I can not."

His face fell, "Very well." He turned to go, then looked back. "Are you coming back to the camp?"

I was about to follow, when once again I felt that I could not. I paused. What was this? I knew not where it came from, but in my heart, I felt a call and I could not ignore it. For whatever reason, I could not go back to the camp. I shook my head. "I will be along shortly, maybe."

Legolas looked bemused, then nodded, looking at me closely. "Do not be long."

I did not answer as he turned and slowly walked away. I waited until he was out of sight and then began walking in the opposite direction. I did not know where I was being called, but I followed the way that seemed right. It felt like a call for help, an urgent call.

Quickening my pace, I hurried on.

~ Rosriel

Where we are at...

Some people were asking where we are at. Currently, we are in Hollin, here:

Road begins climbing as it winds into the hills. Mountains are closer. 252 miles from start. 17 miles since last location.

Our route is mapped out in the "Where we are headed" on the sidebar, and so whenever I feel we've "walked" far enough or it's time to move on, I'll post our new location. 'k?

Ëarwen

I have to quit this blog. My mom says only 2, and I already have those! I am SO sorry, I really wanted to do this, but... Honor thy Father and thy Mother!
Anar kaluva tielyanna! Noro go hul, bado go Eru, mellon-nins!
Ëarwen Harethgalad

Help

Okay, I need a little help. Where is everyone, who is everyone, where are we, and so forth. Could we all just leave comments in on this post so that I (and perhaps others) could figure out who everyone is and where everyone is. Thanks!

Weakness

Food...I need food...at least a root or something...

I dragged myself through the woods. Finally, after much time, I reached a spring. But there was nothing to eat. I couldn't remember what roots were safe.

There must be a road somewhere....it's my last hope...even if the ones I'm running from find me...

With the last bit of strength I had left, I half crawled, half dragged myself into a clearing. Glancing around, I realized that there was a wide footpath or else a very narrow road running through it.

Thank the stars....

And I passed out.

Lira.....is not in a good mood

I woke up to a chilly gray sky that promised rain, and poked my head out of the tent I lay in to stare at it. I felt much improved, but still rather weak. As it turned out, one of the orcs had hit me rather hard in the side, but in the excitement of the fight, I hadn’t thought it more than a bruise, and so had been as surprised as Aniron when it broke upon later, after the fight.

No one was in sight. I craned my head farther out, and looked around for Rosriel or Ella, or Vila. Or Aniron. But I couldn’t see anyone. I sighed, and lay back, staring bleakly into space. There was nothing I hated more than not being able to move, get up, walk. I hated being dependant on others, who always forgot about me. And of all things, I hated being left alone most. It was always the secret fear that hid itself beneath everything I said, did.

And now I was alone. I always ended up alone. And Vila wasn’t even here. I wanted Vila. I didn’t want Aniron. I didn’t want him to see me being so weak and childish.

I curled up sulkily, my side suddenly hurting more. Stupid, stupid orcs!

I heard footsteps suddenly, and peeked out of the tent. It was Aniron, and he had Elladan and Elohir with him. Good, maybe they could do something about my stupid wound.

“Lira. You’re awake,” Aniron said, surprised.

I turned my head away and refused to acknowledge his existence.

“I wouldn’t have left you without telling you if you’d been awake,” Aniron said, thinking I was angry. I let him go on thinking that. It was better than for him to realize I’d been crying. I hated crying.

Elohir cleared his throat slightly, and Aniron stepped aside. The two busied about my wound, and when they were done, I felt much better. And the fact that I’d managed to wipe the tears off my face without any of them noticing also helped restore my good mood.

“Where’s Vila?” I asked Aniron.

“I haven’t seen her,” he answered, and I frowned angrily. Some sister!

“Ella, then? What about Rosriel?”

“I saw Rosriel just a little while ago. She was with a newcomer who seems to have joined our fellowship,” he answered. But he looked away while he was speaking.

“And Ella?” I pressed, suddenly suspicious.

He exchanged quick glances with Elladan and Elohir, and they shook their heads just slightly. They were hiding something from me. I tried to sit up.

“Has she been hurt?? I haven’t seen her since the orcs attacked! Has she—she isn’t—?” my voice choked up, and I couldn’t question them further.

“No, no!” Aniron assured me hastily. “She made it through the fight without any injuries. She’s quite well.”

“Then what?” I practically screamed, and Aniron grimaced.

“She’s—gone,” he said, without looking at the twins, who looked disapproving.

“What??!!!” I couldn’t have heard him right. I tried to get up.

“Hold her down!” I heard one of the twins hiss, and Aniron pushed me firmly back down, where I lay trembling.

“She left last night,” he said quietly.

“B-but w-why?” I whispered, feeling the tears coming despite myself.

He was still holding me down, and I closed my eyes and pretended he was embracing me. It helped, but I hardly hold back a snicker when I wondered what Elladan and Elohir would think if they knew what I was thinking! Or Legolas…

“I don’t know,” he said gently.

“And without bidding farewell to any of us?” Or had she bid farewell to everyone but me because they didn’t want to disturb me? The thought upset me so much I nearly burst into tears on the spot.

“She left a note for Rosriel.” He hesitated, and then added, “Rosriel is very upset as well.”

I pushed the tears back, and stared with an unfriendly look as I could manage at the twins, until they took their leave. Aniron stayed.

“I’m sorry, Lira. You’re not the only one hurt by her leaving like this.”

I pretended not to hear, and folded my arms tightly, pulling away from him. Now that the shock had faded, I was beginning to be angry at Ella. That was easier. But some of his words sank in, and I looked at him.

“Rosriel is, of course,” I said finally, and he glanced away again.

“Of course,” he agreed. He always looked away from me when he was hiding something. What this time?

“Well?” I said, and he glanced back, startled.

“You’re hiding something,” I accused him. He blinked.

“Legolas seemed quite upset as well,” he said finally.

Legolas?

I couldn’t concentrate for long on this interesting fact, though. My thoughts kept going back to the same thought—How could Ella leave like this? Aniron noticed my distraction, and sat down silently beside me. I grimaced, and he noticed that too. “Do you want me to go?” he said, starting to get up. I did and I didn’t.

“No—yes—oh just stay where you are!”

He sat back down.

“You’re angry, now,” he said, studying my face. I shifted, and turned it away from him, and he was silent.

“Not at you,” I said finally, not wanting him to misinterpret my silence.

“At her?”

“Yes.”

I was silent a moment longer, and then suddenly, words came tumbling out of me.

“I shouldn’t be this angry at her, this hurt…. I know it’s not my fault she left… I know she didn’t leave because of me… not like the others—” I cut my words off quickly. I’d said far too much.

“Do you know why she left?” I said hastily, but Aniron was not so easily distracted. “The others?” he said, a touch of hesitance in his voice, as though he knew he was entering unknown territory.

I didn’t intend to tell him anything, I meant to keep silent or change the subject, but the words just poured out of me.

“I never can keep friends for long. They always leave. They always tell me I’m crazy and their mothers don’t want them to be friends with me because I’m always leading them into trouble. It’s gotten so bad that wherever I go, no one, elf or man, girl or boy will even speak to me beyond bare politeness, and their parents are as bad. It’s the same for Vila. Our parents are ashamed of us. They sent us off to Queen Arwen in hopes we could settle down and start anew, but too many people already knew us there, and the ones who didn’t were told by those. So—that’s the real reason we joined this Fellowship. Now you know.”

I wouldn’t look at him.

“Surely, you must be exaggerating,” he said in astonishment. “I am sure there must be some willing to give you a second chance!”

“Or a third, or fourth….” I agreed, not looking at him, and trying to hide the bitter note in my voice. But he did not sound convinced when he spoke.

“You cannot convince me that all are so unkind! There must be some who think kindly of you.”

“And those are the obedient ones who obey their parents and stay away from us,” I agreed.

“But you are only two young elven maids playing pranks!”

“Who would have thought so many people would have taken offence to having their hair died the color of a rainbow?” I agreed. He couldn’t hold back his laughter.

“It started with the fireworks, I suppose,” I said thoughtfully. “And ‘borrowing’ things… and…um, yes. A lot of things. A reputation is a reputation, and it grows in telling.

“Fireworks?” he said. “No, don’t tell me, please. And kidnapping people with curly hair?”

“Oh, that was only a few times.” I brushed the reference off.

“Only a few times…” he said dryly.

I glanced over at him, saw the stifled laughter on his face, and managed a shaky laugh myself.

Ëarwen (AY-er-when) Harethgalad (HAR-eth GAL-ad)

Ëarwen stood looking uncomfortable.
"Look, I'm sorry, but we can't stay here," she said suddenly.
Turwethiel looked up, astonished. "Ëarwen!" she said, shocked.
The half-elven girl looked abashed. "I did not mean it that way," she said, glancing apologetically at Rosriel. "But I hear something, and it is headed this way."
"What 'something'?" sniffed Rosriel, trying to gain her compusure.
"I don't know, but it is not good, whatever it is," said Ëarwen.
Rosriel was now convinced that Ëarwen was only half-elven. She lacked their usual tact. 'Well, at least they ALMOST all have tact,' she muttered to herself.
"Yes, Legolas can be a bit blunt," said Ëarwen. Rosriel blushed furiously.
For being a half-elf she really had good hearing.
Turwethiel stood up, one hand still on Rosriel's shoulder.
"We must go, I am afraid," she said, "for Ëarwen's hearing is keen, and seldom wrong."
Rosriel nodded and stood also. She felt very short between the two tall warriors on either side.
She noticed that Ëarwen wore a soft blue tunic over deerskin pants, and tall deerskin boots.
Her forearms were bound with warg skins tied with leather thongs, and her creamy hair was tied behind her at the top with another leather thong. Her eyes seemed to see much more than her mouth mentioned. Rosriel also noticed that she too carried a bow and arrow, but seemed more fond of the two sticks hanging by sheaths at her sides. They were about two and a half feet long, silver, and each end was a double-edged blade. "They are called Khelehb sticks, which means Silver sticks," explained Ëarwen, noticing Rosriel's glance. "I prefer them to my bow."
"Oh," said Rosriel. "Are you related to Turwethiel?" she asked.
Ëarwen shook her head. "No, merely good friends. I am the granddaughter of Glorfindel."
Rosriel stood, shocked, then said in a rush "You mean the same elf who is said to be one of the firstborn and who prophecied that no man could kill the witchking!?"
Ëarwen nodded. "The same. He resides at Rivendell with Elrond."
Rosriel nodded. "I knew that."
"We must be off, quickly, as in 'now,'" said Ëarwen, giving Rosriel a slight shove.
With a small glare, Rosriel began walking quickly, trying to stay even with the two tall girl's strides.

Rosriel and Turwethiel

I ran after Legolas. "Legolas, wait! Let me find Rosriel. I can relate with how she is feeling better than you can," I said quietly.

Legolas stopped, thought a moment, nodded his head, and turned back to camp. Taking a deep breath I pushed on into the forest.

"Rosriel! Rosriel come back!" I went a little further to find her curled up, crying by a tree stump.
"Rosriel, don't cry so. Ella would not want it."

"Why did she leave?! It's all Legolas's fault! I just found a link to my family that I always wanted and....and...." she looked up suddenly, "....and who are you to know about such things?! You are a complete stranger!!" Rosriel's eyes flashed but still tears spilled over.

I took a deep breath and sat down next her. "Rosriel, I know that I am a stranger to you, but I do know about such things as losing family."

She looked at me now differently and sniffed, "What do you mean"

I shuffled uncomfortably. I did not want to let her know my past, it was still too real and too personal to me. "You will just have to trust me that I know. I am sure Ella had her reasons, you will just have to trust that she loves you and you will see her again someday."

"You think I will?"

"I believe so. Let's go back to camp, Legolas deserves an apology."

Rosriel cringed, but got up anyway. We began to walk back when she asked, "Are you joining our group, Turwethiel?"

"I believe so. Is that alright with you?"

Rosriel looked uncertain for a moment. After all, Turwethiel was a stranger, and a rather mysterious she-elf. But she seemed to be a skilled warrioress, and understanding of others needs. "It's fine with me," Rosriel finally said.

They continued on until they reached the camp.

(continue on whoever wants! :))