What strange fate has caused me to become so deeply involved in such trouble? I yelled out in frustration, banging my fists on the tree under which I was resting. I knew that this would most likely be the end of a peaceful life in Imladris.
Minyelaire had decided to steal Tyelepoma's betrothal ring in retiliation for forbidding me to journey to Harad with.
I could not think properly, I could not eat. I barely managed to conceal my anger and my frustration before Minyelaire.
Why, oh why, by the great Valar, did the Vanimar forbid me at all? I do not serve their house, so surely they cannot hold some type of authority over me, Noldor though I may be.
I sank down on the ground, ready to sob hysterically if need be it, and thought about the very big problem I had just gotten myself into.
I looked at the forests of the Trollshaws in frustration. What now? Where shall I go to? When will this madness end?
So many questions, like the leaves scattered on the ground.
I groaned as I remembered what had happened;
"What is that -- !!"
Minyelaire smirked, showing the silver ring, and I gasped, very very shock.
"Y-you stole a ring of betrothal?" I nearly collapsed from the shock of it all.
"They took something precious from me, I shall take something precious from them in turn." Minyelaire said simply.
"But... wait..." I stopped short in my tracks, wondering if I had heard correctly, "Precious?"
Minyelaire held her breath, and changed the subject, I only quietly said,
"Sounds... reasonable." But I could still not believe Minyelaire would take something from anyone at all.
Slowly we talked about many things, and the conversation was a bit dragging, but when mention of appearance and looks came, I promptly turned my ears back on.
"But you are lovely!" I insisted. I started to say various praises in Quenya, translating into Sindarin for her. And she said something strange in Avarin.
"Translation?" I asked, curious. Suddenly, Minyelaire gathered her breath, seemingly prepared to say something big, and:
"It means... you are very precious to me. I shall take you with me to Harad beneath the stars of Twilight." She looked down, perhaps embarassed, but I felt a rush of affection for Minyelaire. I shed a single tear, touched. I hastily wiped it away, saying, "Ugh! Scenes as emotional as this move me too much."
Slowly she peered at me, and I, curious, wondered, but slowly, she sank a few inches down -- She was bowing.
In surprise, but nonetheless still touched, I put the Knife I was wielding down slowly. And she stopped short, before snapping at me,
"No... you are not going to do what I think you are, and if you are, Cease thy actions at once." She was stone-faced, "You shall not pledge thyself to me."
Bewildered, I snapped back at her, "I was not intending that at all. I was merely going to offer you a name... Loteriel."
"A name... Loteriel?" She trailed off.
"It means Maiden crowned in flowers." I said quietly.
Slowly, she spoke quietly, honourably, "I accept."
I smiled, and slowly said, in Sindarin, then Quenya, "Then you shall now be known, as Minyelaìrë "Loteriel" Shiannaféya of the Kinn-lai, Fifth Clan of the Avari."
I wondered at the dangerous days ahead to come, and I snarled as I realized I would have to wander around now, knowing that I could not return to Imladris for now.
I looked at the sky again. Twilight was dawning and I observed as the stars twinkled and shone above me. A voice suddenly rang in my ears.
There is still hope...
I gazed at the leaves of the trees.
To overcome this great problem, you must test yourself...
I whipped myself around, watching, looking, for anything that might be speaking.
Returning to the peaceful life you had will not be easy...
I was certain nobody had followed me.
But the nature of your friendship shall prevail...
I sighed.
However... you must be careful...
I put my face in my hands.
The others are out to find you...
I felt myself getting sleepier and sleepier.
And you run the risk of death, or becoming as slightly tainted as she is...
The stars suddenly pulsed brighter, and I covered my eyes at their brightness. Suddenly, I fell on the floor, sleeping, yet dreaming.
I was peering at water. Water, which had a curious reflection. It showed for a split moment, Minyelaire and I wandering in the deserts of Harad, before a single drop of Liquid fell on it, and the image gently faded away...
I woke up, dazed and confused, with a woman staring at me.
((OOC: Yes, this is another artwork by me :3 It was created using special water brushes that can be found at DeviantART. Also, the woman is fictional as well, she will only serve appear in the next chapter.))
