Princess of the Sea (COMPLETE)

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Perci swung up into the saddle of the black stallion that she had just finished saddling and securing saddlebags to. The stallion might not have been Blackjack, but he was a descendent of her first horse here in this world and each one of those descendants Perci has a special place in her heart.

The stallion's name was Hart as he had a speck of white on his forehead in the shape of a heart.

The mixture of Fae and Eldar followed her example. Perci still wore her outfit from earlier, with only a long black cloak added to it. She had on thigh high black leather boots, a leather brown skirt that had a pelt of an animal that a young centaur had gifted to her, a brown leather vest that had pouches attached that dangled around her waist, a black crop top, gold plated arm bracers, and a slightly glowing blue gold necklace that contained water from the Lake of Avalon. Her long black hair flowed down to past her waist with some piled on top of her head to keep it out of her face.

The sun was just starting to set when they crossed the bridge and headed through the forest towards the cave that would lead them to the rest of Middle Earth.

"So, Perci," and here Livi cringed. They had all been ordered to call her Perci as they travelled and had reluctantly agreed. It would take them a few to get used to it. "What is the quest that the Valar has issued to you?"

"We are going to find some Rangers," Perci said simply as she led them through the cave.

She sensed them all exchange glances behind her. "Well, then, we should head towards Imladris. Lord Elrond should know where we can find them or send a message for us to meet." Tyrion suggested.

"To Imladris it is, then. Any of you know of a safe, quick way to Imladris?" Perci asked. River moved up to ride beside her one on side with Tyrion mirroring his friend.

"We know of a way. If we may?" River asked, his deep voice causing Perci to shiver internally.

What? A girl's got needs. Its been way too long since she had such relations. But she also knew that it would be an abuse of power if she had any with those under her rule. Didn't mean that she couldn't appreciate the strong males around her from time to time.

Perci bowed her head in regards to River's question and the two moved so that they were in front of Perci. The others fell into comfortable conversation behind them.

"With this pace, we should reach Imladris in about a day and a half," Tyrion said.

"Good. I hope our dear Lord Elrond will be able to assist like you said," Perci said.

"Why do the Valar want you to contact the Rangers?" Livi asked.

Perci winked over her shoulder at the Ellon. "Patience, dear one, I can't tell you everything!"

Indeed she couldn't, or wouldn't, tell them everything. Not many, if any, outside of the Valar knew Perci's true origins and what she was. Perci didn't bring her family or world up and none have ever asked her about her past. It was easier not think about those that she left behind, those that she knew were worried about her disappearance.

Perci shook herself from her thoughts.

This was not the time for her to get lost in her thoughts. She would have time to reminisce when they returned home in a few weeks.

Perci allowed herself to relax into the sounds of nature, the clip-clops of the horses, the jingles of saddles, and the murmur of those around her.

She had chosen well for her companions, very well indeed.

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Almost two days later they were crossing a bridge and entering the courtyard of Imladris. They were greeted by several dark haired ellons and elleths, a fair majority armed, one that stood out in Perci's eyes was a pale blonde ellon whom seemed to glow more than his fellow brethren. By the slight intakes of breath that her elven companions released, they probably recognized him.

"Halt, state your name and purpose for visiting Imladris," a dark haired elf commanded, coming to stand side by side his lighter counter part. Perci dismounted, causing the elves and fae to quickly follow suit. Perci came to a stop in front of the two, ignoring the wary looks the other elves of Imladris were shooting her and the slight panic she was causing her own.

"My name is Persephone of Atlantis and Avalon, I am here to call upon the hospitality of my old friend King Elrond," Perci said clearly. She had left her title off on purpose as in her mind, she is not a queen in these lands, just a visiting lady.

It was just like home, in her mind.

Her father Poseidon was King of the Sea but that wasn't acknowledged in Olympus and the Underworld, just like her uncle Hades was King of the Dead which wasn't acknowledged on Olympus and the original Atlantis as well. Same thing would happen with Uncle Zeus. Their titles would be Lord in the other kingdoms, so Perci was under the slight misconception that it was the same in all houses of royalty.

She noticed the slight confusion at her words but the light haired elf jerked his head and a nearby servant elegantly glided into Imladris to summon the sovereign.

They did not have to wait long as footsteps echoed as her friend appeared at the top of the steps.

His face lit up at the sight of his old friend. "I could hardly believe my ears when I heard that a small force from Atlantis had arrived." He came down and reached for her hands in greeting. "Welcome, my friend, to Imladris."

Perci returned his smile with a wide one of her own. "Elrond, it has been a time since I've seen you. How are your little ones?"

"Arwen is visiting Lothlorien at the moment and Elladan and Elrohir are out with a hunting party... but come, come! You and your companions are welcome here for forever and always."

Perci bowed her head in thanks. "I thank you on behalf of my companions and I."

Elrond motioned towards the two elves that were now left at his side as the others had dispersed as their lord greeted the newcomers.

"These are two of my advisors. Erestor, my historian, and Lord Glorfindel," Elrond said. The name flicked at something in the back of her mind but not enough to where she knew whom the mysterious lord was. "And this is-"

"Perci, you may call me Perci," Perci interjected hurriedly before Elrond could spill her title. She still was kind of incognito and even though she trusted Elrond and he trusted these two, she did not know them. So she would not be trusting them on any information about her for now.

Elrond shot her a look that she returned with an eyebrow raised but he didn't comment.

"Yes, Perci, we all know how you abhor your full name in non formal settings. Now, come, I'm sure that your rooms have been prepared for your companions and yourself." He placed her hand on his arm and began to lead them deeper into the elven settlement. Perci knew he had so many questions for her and she knew that she would enjoy answering each one.

She had missed her friend, Celeborn too she missed. Hopefully she would be able to see the other elf lord soon. Elrond stopped in front of a row of doors.

"Here we are. Dinner starts in three hours, that should be enough time for you and your companions to relax and freshen up. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe Lord Glorfindel has a report for me," he bowed his head before he disappeared down the hall with Erestor and Lord Glorfindel following. Perci wasted no time in entering her room.

She was ready to wash all of the travel dust off of her.

>linebreak<

Perci finished styling her hair, having it pined over one shoulder in a shower of curls. She had on the necklace that had the water from the Lake of Avalon. A grayish purple long embellished dress, and a white flow chiffon cape. With one last look in her mirror and placing a pair of heels on, she was ready. She could only hope she made a good impression on the elves of Imladris.