First to Remember (Wattys2015)

Chapter 7

I have a bad feeling...

Peering around a corner, I stare suspiciously down both sides of the corridor. Why do I feel as if something's about to happen?

Bang bang bang. Thud.

Ah.

Yes.

I move in the direction of the noise and run over the list of things it could be. Either just some elf dropped something down a staircase...

Or...

My eyes widen in fear.

The twins.

I freeze. Maybe it's not such a good idea to go help out after all... I begin to edge back the way I came. The last thing I want is a run in with the twins.

Elladan and Elrohir.

They have become the bane of my existence, playing pranks and jokes everywhere from jumping out of broom closets to short-sheeting my bed. I have no clue as to why they have chosen me as a target, but I shall say that it is quite frustrating having to watch your back as if there was an assassin after you.

"And where are you off to, me dear Laaesse?"

"Oh yes... do tell!"

Raich.

"Um... I was just going to... my room!" I stare fearfully up at the twins as they corner me.

"Hmmm... why do you look like you're running from something?" Elrohir prods. Elladan snickers into his hand.

"Don't you two have something better to do?" I can hear my voice getting shrill.

"Hmmm... Nope!" Elrohir slings an arm around my shoulders and begins marching in the direction of the noises.

"Guys... guys I need to go..." My eyes dart fearfully between the twins, my mind fixated on their last prank... I have no wish to speak of it, only that it involved rugs.

"What are you three up to?"

"Glorfindel!" I nearly sob in relief and reach my arms out pleadingly.

"Aw..." Elladan pouts and Elrohir drops his arm from around my shoulders to grin cheekily at his superior.

"Nuthin'," he says cheekily.

I scuttle over to Glorfindel and hide behind him. "Save me," I whisper desperately.

Glorfindel narrows his eyes at the twins. "I feel as if that is not an honest statement. Be on your way, you rascals." Glorfindel shoos them away with his hands and the skip off, cackling to themselves.

"They are evil..." I mutter from behind Glorfindel, staring fearfully at their retreating backs.

Glorfindel laughs and turns to me. "Do you even know what they were up to?"

"No! That's why it's so scary!" I mutter.

Glorfindel laughs once more before putting his arm around my shoulder. "Come, I believe Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you."

Over the past weeks, Glorfindel and I have grown close. I would even say that we are friends. I still don't talk to any of the other elves, despite Glorfindel's almost constant insistence that I, "Make friends." The truth of the matter is, I don't want friends. I get a bad feeling when I even think about the concept. Glorfindel is no different. I feel immensely guilty for spending time with him... I don't know why, but the guilt can get so bad, that sometimes I am almost nauseous with it. I wish it wasn't so, for otherwise I do enjoy the walks and conversations we share.