She Walks on Starlight Ch: 4

By the time the morning light had already broken through the sparse clouds and begun making their slow trek across the floor, I had already been awake for over an hour. I had woken up confused, disoriented, not to mention with the worse headache that did and still does battering against my skull.

Based upon the heat on my cheeks and around my eyes, I knew my skin was swollen. Probably red as well, along with dry tear tacks marking my face. Even now, as I lay atop the coverlets, a singular tear breaks free, sliding down my overly sensitive skin and disappearing into my hair.

“Get up Skylar,” I sigh, my command weak, even to my own ears,” and face the day.” That saying was special to me. It was what my mother would always say, whether it was when I was a child, unwilling to get up and go to school, nail a job interview, or simply stepping out of my comfort zone…She would always encourage me with that line. Get up my Skywalker and face the day. Even if I was unwilling, regardless of my fears, I had to step up and face this head on.

Once I scrounged up the courage I slid off the comforter, padding my way towards the duffle to find something to wear. I settled on a pair of black jeggings and, despite the shirt I currently wore was a tad bit wrinkled, I deemed it good enough to wear. I also snatched the pair of sketchers and some no show socks before making my way into the washroom.

I was determined to NOT have a repeat of being walked in on as I shut the wooden door behind me. I was perturbed that the water I had used to take a bath in was still filling the tub…was I responsible in dumping the h2o? And more importantly, where does a girl go to use the…the um, ladies room? I had just realize in that moment just how much I needed to go when there…My reddened eyes suddenly took notice of a slim door, nearly obscured by an overhanging curtain.

Hope spikes as I carefully peel back the fabric and open the door. YES! Just as I suspected, despite the fact that it was wooden and sunlight peeked through from the hole that rested at the bottom and the fact that no water resided in the bowl…I was beyond excited to see something remotely familiar.

Once finished with business I grabbed a bucket that was seated by the tub and proceeded to poor water down the toilet, praying that was what I was supposed to do. Alright…I pause momentarily, where does a girl wash her hands?

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I finally found myself wondering the corridors of Rivendell. The early bird happily chirped their waking call as a flock charmingly flew past the window I currently stood by. I was lost…to be honest I had no idea where I was going. Should I have waited for someone to come get me?

Too late now, I think to myself, because for no amount of money could help me find my way back to my rooms. Proceeding what feels like my fruitless trek I figured I might as well run with it…eventually someone will find me…right?

I finally manage to find a stone stairway as I attempt to make my way to the ground level. I was eager to see the beautiful countryside, not to mention the breathtaking architecture of the city. I, Skylar Walker had a front row view that many would no doubt kill for…I was going to invest in that luxury.

The sun, which was slowly making its way to greet the day, was warm against my skin as I leisurely walked down the cobbled streets. People-or, elves where already roving about. Some carried buckets in their hands, I’m assuming to collect water to either cook or bathe? Some carried metal trays of food while others attended to a few elflings.

Upon seeing the children, one of them, a braver one, suddenly came bounding down to me…it was the child I had seen yesterday! His sorrel brown hair bounded in the sweet wind as he ran straight up to me. I was never the one to be particularly fond of children…now, it’s not that I didn’t per say care for them, I just could never see myself as a mother…all that responsibility always terrified me. That this little life was completely, and obliviously dependent upon me.

The elfling didn’t stop, like I thought he would some feet away, instead he barreled into me, wrapping his tiny arms around my knees. “Nana! Nana!” He squeezes harder, his death grip somewhat surprising. “Naneth!”

Nana? Naneth? And why are the other elves staring at me so profoundly. Is it my clothes? Or perhaps the fact that I’m being attacked by mini the munchkin?
Á tulë asenyë, Nana,” he reaches up, latching onto my pant leg, attempting to pull me down to his level. Hesitantly, I comply, all the while still leery of the other elflings that I now see are slowly beginning to make their way closer…shit.

“Av-osto, Nana,” he pulls me all the way down to the point I’m sitting Indian style when the child sighs, “gi melon.” I had no idea what he said…but the words, the way he uttered them, as if reverently, I suddenly and perhaps somewhat shockingly, found myself returning this little elflings hug.

“Sky-laar?”

Startled from the voice that came from behind, I detach myself from the small child, whirling around to see Elladan. Whoa, where did he come from?
“Gi sulon, Sky-laar. Im Elrohir.”

…Elrohir? I stare, momentarily dumfounded when-Oh, that’s right…Elrond had twin boys. “Hello, Elrohir,” his name sounded odd on my tongue. “Do you know who this one belongs-” my words fall short as I turn to acknowledge the child, only to see he was gone…Along with the others. What the- Confused I silently walk in the direction I had originally seen the elflings…there was no sign of their presence, not even a whisper.

“Vuin Sky-laar?” Baffled by their sudden disappearance I hesitantly turn back to face the Elrohir, his face mimicking my own confusion, although slightly different in circumstance. “Á tulë asenyë, vuin Sky-laar.” The dark haired ellon beckons me to follow him. My mind, still puzzled from the exchange I just had I, and not seeming to have much of a choice, comply by allowing him to lead me away.

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Despite the elf occasionally glancing every once in a while in my direction, he remained quiet as the surroundings around us became more and more familiar…Ah, the house of Elrond…well, at least I found my way back, right?

Elrohir mutters something, to which I assume mean to follow him as the two of us ascend a set of stairs. From my position I could see elves walking about as the sun grew higher in the sky. I assumed many where servants for they carried load-fulls of clothing and sheets, probably carrying them away to be cleaned…however that’s done. Some…okay most I passed froze mid-step, giving me the oddest look. Some with fear, some with weariness, to which I would too if an odd alien came crashing into my home town…hmm, Roswell meets Lord of the Rings.

Who would have thunk it?

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I smelt it before I saw it…and boy in that moment my mouth salivated like there was no tomorrow. Despite the fact I had little appetite last night, this come morn more than supplied as my stomach growled with a vengeance. Upon a elven guard pushing open a set of double doors, each easily nine feet in length, I saw the most glorious sight.
A long stretch of table toppled high with various foods. Everything from treys of fruit, cheese, crackers, salads, rolls of bread…and, yes, scrambled eggs!  Buffet’s still exist! Once my eyes roam the room I see people seated atop the chairs surrounding the table. Elrond, of course, Elladan…and then two more…Arwen and Aragorn.

I’m startled upon seeing their faces…how strange to know someone, yet not know them? Only for them to not know you at all? “Sky-laar.” I turn towards Elrond, the one who acknowledged me. “Arwen.” The female ellith nods her head politely, a warm smile lighting her face. “Aragorn.” The ranger gives a small smile, his eyes studying me intently. Somewhat self-conscious from the attention I allow Elrohir to lead me to sit between him and his twin…oh boy, I can already tell I’m going to confuse one for the other.

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“Where does she hail from?” The ranger asked the Lord of Rivendell as he inclined his head towards the odd looking red headed woman. The six of them had already started preparing their plates with sustenance but Aragorn found himself unable to take his eyes from the girl…Who is she? Where does she come from? Is she friend or foe? And why is she dressed in such a provocative manner?

The elf lord raises his dark head to regard the ranger, his mouth slightly pinched as he replies,” unfortunately my son, communication is still skewed.” Elrond pauses momentarily,” but I pray with the coming weeks, and with the soon arrival of the Lady of the Wood, Sky-laar will improve in her familiarization of our way of life and perhaps with our language…only time will tell.”

Aragorn leaned his hands atop the table, unsatisfied with the elf’s answer. “I have heard news of strange contraptions that came in her possession…What are they? What purpose do they serve?” In his peripheral he sees Arwen gazing at him intently with her large grey orbs. He had no intention to scare her, but he was determined to get the facts. This was his family, his home, and he was intent on keeping them safe.

“Fear not Aragorn,” Elrond’s eyes momentarily peer over towards the female, who had paused mid-chew in order to gaze between the two conversing. “I am under the belief she is a friend.” Again the elf pauses, his eyes contemplating the ranger in such a way that suggests…Elrond knew something.


Translations:

(Nana/Naneth) Mommy/mother
(Á tulë asenyë) Come with me
(Av-osto) Don’t be afraid
(Gi melon) I love you
(Gi sulon) I greet you
(Im) I am
(Vuin) lady