BLAZING SKYE

LOTR Fic by the Carefreequill

Summary: Part 3 in a series beginning with the Last Seer, then The Elves of Summer. Legolas, overwhelmed by loneliness, goes on an adventure in our world. It follows chapter 53 of The Elves of Summer. It was definitely its own story…

Disclaimer: I own Skye, and a bunch of Elves I created for The Last Seer. Everything else to do with Middle Earth would belong to Tolkien. No infringement is intended.

Notes: Sindarin is in italics.

Vacation

It had been a long time since Legolas felt joy in his heart. His friends were all happy, settled down with families now. Heneeded to get away for a while. He needed a vacation from his responsibilities and the constant reminder of just how alone he was.

North, that was the direction he would take. Perhaps a walk in his old wood would ease his aching heart. Legolas traveled with urgency, as if driven to some unknown event he could neither expect nor predict, but he needed. Some great adventure or battle or treasure hunt or meeting.

Days turned into weeks and weeks filled a month before he met a single person in his journey. In the northernmost edge of Emyn Lasgalen, his old home once called Mirkwood; Legolas met an old man on the path. He was wearing brown robes and a brown cloak with a tall brown hat, similar to one that Gandalf had always worn. Legolas halted and greeted him.

"Hail traveler," Legolas said in a friendly voice. He was so happy to see another person; he was in a very cordial mood.

The rider glanced up and smirked. His long light brown beard was streaked with gray, and his eyes were piercing. He lifted a hand from his side and Legolas recognized the staff of Radagast the Brown.

"Hail to you, little Greenleaf," Radagast said.

"Master Radagast?" Legolas asked in surprise. "You yet remain in Middle Earth?"

"I had urgent business up north, and simply have not gotten around to crossing the sea as yet. What are you doing here, walking among the ghosts of the past?" Radagast asked him. "Have you no better place to be than here?"

"Indeed, I have a home in Ithilien among those of my people who remain, and our newfound friends the Avari," Legolas said.

Radagast had known this elf for a long time, and knew when something was bothering him. He was sad, sadder than he'd ever seen any Elf.

"Where is your joy?" Radagast asked.

"I lost it somewhere and was looking for it here," Legolas said with a sigh.

"You cannot cure loneliness with solitude," Radagast said seriously. "You need a woman."

Legolas rolled his eyes, "No, that is not what I need. They are trouble, and I will do just fine without that."

Radagast looked thoughtful fro a moment. He was sure his first assessment had been the correct one. "I know this princess up north…"

"NO!"

"All right, fine," Radagast said. "The next best thing I can think of is an adventure."

Legolas perked up at the very thought. "An excellent idea! What do you have in mind?"

Radagast rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His business was concluded, and he was on his way home to Valinor, but the Elf needed a friend right now, and Radagast thought a short delay could be tolerated. "Make a wish," he finally said. "What is the one adventure you would embark on if you had the choice?"

Legolas paused a moment and then he knew the perfect answer. "If I could, I would visit the world that Miranda and Jamie came from."

Radagast paused, not having expected that. Not an easy task, nor a wise one. "Name another."

"No, that is my wish," Legolas said firmly. "Whether it can be done or not, it is the one wish I carry, and I will not change it."

Radagast frowned, "Let us make camp," he said. "I must think on this."

Legolas was hopeful. Such an adventure would be the greatest journey of all. Who else from this world had ever seen it? Only the twins, and only for a short time. He wanted to explore the world and see the wonders there. What was Scottsvalley like, or Sanfrancisco? And were there other women there as rare and special as Miranda and Jamie? Legolas frowned. Was that all he wanted? Another Miranda or Jamie? How foolishly he clung to his fancies of the people from that world. Is that why no Elf had won his heart? Was it this hope for a woman born in magic from some mysterious distant land? Perhaps it was a foolish wish.

Radagast sat contemplating the fire when he finally decided what he would do. "Your wish will be granted, but there is risk in it."

"What adventure would there be without risk?" Legolas asked, trying not to look too excited.

"Your appearance will make you stand out. There are no Elves in this world," Radagast said. "Your clothes are out of place, and you will be at the mercy of anyone who learns you do not belong."

Legolas frowned, "Is there any good news?"

"I have thought of the perfect place for you to visit. It will be very like what you are used to, and you will seem less out of place," Radagast said with a sly smile.

"Where, how?" Legolas asked.

Radagast looked up at the full moon and smiled. "How about now?"

Legolas stood, "I am ready, what must I do?"

The old wizard glanced around and then frowned, "Go find me a few acorns."

Legolas took off into the wood and returned a few moments later with a handful of acorns. He handed them to Radagast and waited. The wizard closed his hands around then and muttered under his breath. His hands seemed to glow briefly, and then he gave them back.

"Plant one under the light of the moon and you will open a door to that world. To return, you must plant another under the light of the moon. You have about a dozen seeds there, spend them carefully."

"Are you going with me?" Legolas asked.

"No, I have done my part," Radagast said. "I hope you find what you are looking for there, but remember, it is not wise to stay there for very long. There is evil there, Legolas, beware."

Legolas gave his friend an understanding nod. "When I return, will I return here?"

"You can return to any place in Middle Earth you wish," Radagast said.

"If I go back, will I go to the same place?" Legolas asked.

"That part is less certain," Radagast said. "It is a big world. I will guide your first visit, after that, I will be gone."

"I understand," Legolas said. "I'm ready."

"Get your horse, and plant an acorn," Radagast said.

Legolas put his bedroll back on his saddle and then bent down and dug a small hole. He covered the seed and then stood to wait. From the small mound of earth, a light shone, and a bright portal formed. Through it, Legolas could hear laughter and singing. There was bright sunshine and lots of colorful tents and banners.

"It's amazing," Legolas said.

"Go, then," Radagast said. "And heed my words, there are no elves there save in stories."

Legolas led his horse through the portal. At last he was embarking on his own adventure. His foot stepped from the bare earth of the Emyn Lasgalen onto the soft plush grass of a field. It seemed to be cut short, looking like a blanket covering the ground. There were trees around him, and as his horse cleared the portal, it disappeared. The sun was high in the sky, and the air was filled with the smell of food and wine. His ears picked up the sounds of singing, and through the bushes he saw many brightly colored tents. He heard shouting and laughter and he followed it. He led his horse out into a bustling market. There were men and women wearing colorful gowns and tunics, obviously the finest fabrics, suggesting that this was a grand celebration, and Legolas smiled. He looked around for the castle and the village, but saw nothing but trees and countryside around the great market.

"Come hither! Sample the finest mincemeat pies in the entire realm!" one merchant shouted.

"Turkey Legs, turkey legs! Come one come all!" another was shouting.

Legolas ventured closer, and then remembered his ears. He drew his cloak up, hiding the one feature that made him stand out. He was relieved to find his attire blended in quite well as he entered the square. There was a minstrel walking amongst the vendors and he halted to look at Legolas.

"Sir, there are no horses permitted on the midway," he said. "Are you working the faire?"

Legolas furrowed his brow in confusion, "No indeed, sir. I am but visiting. Is there a stable nearby where I can leave my steed?"

The minstrel cocked a brow in surprise. If this was just a tourist, he had the best damn costume and accent he'd ever seen or heard. "How'd you get in here with a horse?"

"I came from the wood," Legolas said as he pointed.

The minstrel frowned. There was a row of port-a-potties along a tall fence just beyond the trees. The parking lot was just beyond that. Then the minstrel realized the man was having a little fun with him. "Oh, I see, sir," the minstrel said. "You are working the faire. Very good jest, I must say. Are you with the archers then?"

Legolas frowned, but decided to play along. Perhaps he could just blend in if he said yes. "Indeed, I am an accomplished archer."

"Then you need to take your horse over to the tournament grounds, just beyond the sword smith's," the minstrel said, pointing to the end of the tents. "There is a barn there, and the archers should be gathering for the demonstration which is to begin…" he looked at his wristwatch a moment and then continued. "About ten minutes, you should hurry."

Legolas nodded and went in the direction of the tournament grounds. As he passed between the vendors, he noticed that many of the shoppers were dressed quite strangely. Their clothes were… scandalously odd. Women wore pants that barely reached mid thigh and shirts that had no sleeves. He saw one woman wearing… Legolas averted his eyes and blushed. Her shirt barely covered her bosom. Men wore the strange short pants as well, and Legolas realized that these clothes were like those Jamie had worn. He was confused by the contrast of the familiar and the strange. He noticed people staring at him, and he drew his hood forward a little. Then he saw an open wood shack, and a blacksmith working at the fire. He was pounding out a blade, and Legolas searched beyond it for the stables. There, just across an open field was the barn. Beside it was row upon row of raised benches, decorated with colorful banners. Three long fences ran parallel to the seats, and there were several knights standing ready for a tournament.

Legolas was unimpressed by their colors and armor. He'd seen finer tunics in Minas Tirith and Meduseld. As he circled the grounds, he watched two knights charge along the fences with lances lowered. The clash sounded much worse than it was. Both lances shattered, and the knights passed each other. Legolas gave a disapproving snort.

"I suppose my lord can do better?" a voice said from behind him.

Legolas turned and was confronted by a young man bearing a shield and helm. "I care not for tournaments," Legolas said. "But I can say that any lance I bore would not shatter like a twig."

The young man laughed, "They are but stage weapons! A real lance could hurt someone."

Legolas was once again confused by all the contradictions. "What is the point of such a false display?"

"It's just a damned renaissance faire, mister. Don't get so into the part, you'll freak people out. You here with the archers?"

Legolas frowned at the explanation, but nodded.

"Good, you're on next, so stow your horse over there and wait by the grandstand with the others," the young man said as he pointed to the archers gathered.

Legolas took his leave and tied his horse by the others. He walked to the other archers and crossed his arms in annoyance. What was wrong with this place? The archers' attire was odd to say the least. Some wore… rangers' tunics and some wore tunics. Their bows were either very simple or oddly crafted. One had three strings on a strange roller, and another looked like a useless child's bow. The arrows were all formed of metal and bright colored feathers. One of the older archers noticed him waiting nearby and spoke.

"You're new," he said. "You going to shoot with us today?"

Legolas just gave a curt nod.

"You make the bow?" he asked. "It looks pretty authentic."

"It was made by a master craftsman," Legolas said.

The archer nodded, "Nice one. Oh, we're almost ready to start."

There was a fanfare of trumpets and a master of ceremonies announced the archery contest. The targets were placed, and the archers gathered on the field. Legolas followed.

Most of the crowd wore the strange clothes. Legolas was still trying to figure out the reason for that when the archer interrupted his thoughts.

"You stand there," he said. "That is your target, and the closest to the bull's eye go on to the next round."

Legolas nodded and waited for the call. There was a shout of ready, then aim… and then fire. Legolas released his arrow and it struck dead center. The crowd cheered, and those that hit their marks remained while the targets were carried another twenty paces. Legolas once again hit his mark dead center, leaving only him and one other archer. Upon the third round, Legolas stood victorious, and a round of cheers went up. The master of ceremonies congratulated him, and then made an announcement about another show.

Legolas turned to the other archer and just asked, "Is that it?"

"Yup," he said. "We shoot again in about two hours. Nice shot by the way."

Legolas returned to his horse, completely confounded by the place. He had no idea why, but this was absolutely not what he had expected. None of these people acted like he thought they would. Miranda's stories of her home were nothing at all like this.

"Excuse me," someone said.

Legolas turned and saw a young boy standing there. "Yes?"

"That was really cool," the boy said. "Are you going to be at the archery booth? I want to learn from you."

A tall man came over and took the boy's hand and spoke before Legolas could answer. "Sorry he bothered you. Come on, son, we're going to the other show now."

Legolas watched them retreat and just shook his head.

"First day at the faire?" a woman's voice asked.

Legolas turned to look at her and sucked in a quick breath. She was the fairest woman he'd ever seen in all his life. Her hair, which was a rich deep auburn, was long and full, but not curly. Her face fresh and young with blushing cheeks and the most brightly clear blue eyes he'd ever looked into. Her peasant's dress was crisp and clean with a white blouse, green bodice and light brown skirt that went nearly to her ankles. She wore sandals, and carried a basket of flowers. She also wore a ring of flowers around her head. Legolas felt a knot in his throat, and suddenly realized he forgot what she'd just said.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" he asked, feeling quite embarrassed by his rudeness.

"I asked you if it was your first day working the faire," she said. "You seem lost."

Legolas nodded, "I just arrived."

"Welcome then…" she paused, waiting for him to fill in the name.

"Legolas, my lady," he said, giving her a sweeping bow.

She smiled and cocked a brow at his dramatic greeting. "Well, you have the charm down. I'm Skye, just your average everyday serving wench right now. But later I'll be in the square with the choir. If you can, you should catch the show," she said with a smile.

"I would be most pleased to hear you sing, fair Skye," he said.

"Oh, please, no name jokes," she said. "My parents should be flogged for naming me that hippie name!"

"Excuse me? I meant no jest, I simply offered a compliment to your beauty," Legolas said in confusion.

"Oh, sorry, I thought you said fair skies," she said. "It's just the name, you see. My full name, and I promise you I'm not joking, is Blazing Skye Drake. My father is a little eccentric. He said it was because of the hair and the eyes."

"It is a beautiful name, and fitting," Legolas said seriously. "Where are you bound, my lady Skye. I would be pleased to escort you."

"I'm on a break," she said. "I was going to go and eat, you can join me if you want."

Legolas smiled at the invitation. "Thank you," he said, and then offered her his arm. She shyly took it and then pointed toward another group of tents.

"There," she said. "I was headed to my car."

Legolas led her in the direction she indicated, and wondered just what is a car? There was a group of people gathered there and one looked at her with angry eyes.

"Skye? Who's your friend?" a young man asked roughly.

"This is Legolas, one of the new archers," she said. "Legolas, this is Brian, one of the singers I'll be performing with later."

Legolas offered his hand, but Brian just gave him a smug look, "There are no new archers. All the staff was hired months ago. Just who the hell are you mister and what are you doing with my girl?"

Skye stepped away from Legolas with fury burning in her eyes. "I am not your girl! And I don't care what you heard about the staff, Legolas happens to be the best shot I've ever seen. This is a weekend job for three weeks," she said angrily. "I'm just glad it's almost over. You are the most arrogant, self centered chauvinist pig of a man I have ever met!"

"Yes, and my dad signs the checks," he said. "I never met this guy before."

"Lucky for him," Skye said and then grabbed Legolas' hand and dragged him through the entrance. "Come on, Legolas."

Legolas was silent, not sure what to say or do at that moment. He'd have gladly defended the lady, but she seemed to be doing a good job of defending herself. He noticed where she was leading, and he suddenly stopped and stared. There, in a great field was row after row of brightly colored… things. They all had wheels, and windows, but they were all different shapes.

"What?" she asked. "We're just going to my car. I never eat here, it's too expensive. I have a cooler in my trunk, and there's plenty for you too."

Legolas followed, still staring at all the strange things they walked between. She finally halted by a light blue small… car?

"Is this you… car?" he asked.

"Yes, this is my old Gremlin," she said. "It's old, but it's in great shape," she said as she started to lift her skirt.

Legolas eyes suddenly got huge and he spun around, "What are you doing?"

Skye laughed, "Oh, turn around already, I'm covered."

Legolas slowly turned and ventured a peek. She had pants on under her skirt, and she was searching a pocket for something. "You are dressed strangely."

"It's the costume, I know," she said. "No pockets for my car keys." She held up a small ring with a few little metal things on it and gave it a shake. Then she inserted one in her car and opened a door. "There we are," she said.

Legolas just watched as she opened a box and started removing packages. There were bottles inside as well and she gave him one. He looked at it, perplexed by the clear green material it was made of. He watched her open her bottle, and did the same. She drank, so he drank too. He felt a strange burning tickle in his mouth as the icy sweet liquid ran down his throat. The unexpected sensation made him choke.

"Hey, you alright?" Skye asked in concern.

Legolas raised a hand and nodded as he regained his composure. "Yes," he gasped. "What is this?"

"Sprite," she said in confusion. "Where exactly are you from?"

Legolas paused. He had no idea how to answer that question. Surely the truth would seem like a lie to her. It would not do to try to explain, but no lie would be adequate either. He simply didn't know enough about this world to come up with a good story. He carefully took another sip of his drink as he tried to evade the question.

"You're not working for the faire at all, are you," she said finally.

Legolas lowered his drink, "No, Skye, I am not."

"So, you are just a tourist with a good costume," she offered. "I must say it is impressive, if a bit hot looking. You should take off the cloak before you roast in this heat."

Legolas shifted nervously from foot to foot, "No, I am fine."

Skye gave him an annoyed look. "All right, I know a liar when I see one. You got me alone out here, and I don't like this game. You tell me what the hell is going on, or I am going to scream."

"You will think my truth is a lie and scream anyway," Legolas said. "I will leave."

"Oh, no," she said. "Tell me."

"I am not from around here," Legolas said. "That is the truth."

"Where then?" she asked.

"Far away," Legolas said.

Skye crossed her arms in annoyance, "Are you playing around or what? You are way too into the medieval renaissance thing. Are you from the state hospital or something? Did you forget to take your medication? Can I call someone for you?"

"I think leaving was the best idea," Legolas said. "I must get my horse." He handed her the bottle and turned back to the tents, but halted at her call.

"Drop your hood," she said. "I want a good look at your face in case I need to give the police your description."

Legolas slowly turned and studied her a moment. She was seemingly calm but he saw fear in her eyes. She took a step back and spoke with a shaky voice.

"Sorry, go ahead and go, I won't tell anyone," she said weakly.

Legolas cringed at her fear. It was not his intention to make her fear him. He raised his hands to his hood and drew it back from his head, closing his eyes as he waited for her to scream.

"Oh, my god!" Skye gasped. "That's an awesome makeup job!"

Legolas opened his eyes and looked at her in shock. "What?"

"The ears, they look real, great job," she said. "Too bad this isn't that kind of Faire."

Legolas looked at her indignantly. "I assure you they are real," he said.

"No way!" Skye said.

"See for yourself," Legolas offered.

Skye marched over to him fearlessly and reached up and touched the point of his ear. It was warm, and she gently felt it between her thumb and forefinger. She instantly released him and backed away.

"I am an Elf," he said. "That is my truth, now you may scream."

"That is impossible," she said. "There's no such thing as…"

"Not here, but where I am from it is quite common," Legolas said.

Skye frowned, and pondered the situation a moment. His appearance was strange, the ears were definitely real, and he was obviously out of place. He seemed nice enough, but that didn't mean he was. But there was something in his eyes, an honesty and a depth that she had never seen in anyone before. She didn't feel afraid of him, even though common sense told her she should.

"All right then, supposing this is true, where are you from?" she asked.

"My home is in the Forest of Northern Ithilien, in the land of Gondor in Middle Earth," Legolas said. "A wizard gave me a gift, the opportunity to see this world."

"Why come here? This world totally sucks," Skye said in annoyance. "If you are telling the truth, go home now before someone finds out who you are."

"Is it not already too late?" Legolas asked.

Skye looked into his eyes again, and the honesty she saw was still there, along with a hint of fear. "No, I will not give your secret away," she said. "I must be completely crazy, but I think I believe you. Maybe it's the romantic in me that wants to believe in fairy tales, I don't know. You just seem to be on the level."

Legolas let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Then you are not afraid of me?"

Skye paused, considering that one. Finally she decided to take a risk. "No, but you might want to go home," she said seriously. "The world is not a big faire like this. You won't be able to hide for long."

Legolas knew there was truth in that. He could not simply wander here; he knew nothing of this place. He needed a guide if he was to see this world. He was struck by an idea and suddenly he smiled.

"You could show me around," Legolas said seriously. "I need a guide, and I trust you, Lady Skye. Please, this is my wish. I do not want to run from it now."

Skye could hear the hope and desperation in his voice. She didn't know what to say. Maybe she could give him a little tour of the city and then send him on his way. What harm would there be in that?

"If I say yes, you would have to do what I say," she said.

"It is your world, I will follow your word," Legolas said.

Skye could hear the echoes of her parents warning her of the danger of trusting strangers. This wasn't just a stranger, it was a stranger that claimed to be a fictional fantasy creature from another world. Every red flag should be waving at her right now, but she just ignored them. Her life was dull and empty, and this was her chance to take a risk. Maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe he really was san Elf. Then again, the state hospital might be missing a patient form the psych ward. Oh, hell with it!

"Tonight is the last performance, then I'm done with the faire," Skye said. "You can hang out for a couple of hours, and then we'll leave."

Legolas smiled and then gave her a bow, "I thank you for your trust, gracious lady."

Skye frowned, "You're going to want to stop that. People don't act like that anymore."

"But… everyone…" Legolas stuttered.

"This is a faire, and all the people dressed in these costumes are just acting. This world is nothing like this…" Skye pointed to the field of tents in frustration. "You picked a good place to blend in, but this isn't real."

Legolas looked at her seriously, "I want to see what is real."

"You got the stomach for that?" Skye asked.

"I want to see Sanfrancisco and Scottsvalley," Legolas said. "And anything else you can show me."

"You aren't far from there now," Skye said. "I live in San Francisco, it's an hour drive."

Legolas smiled brightly, and Skye shook her head. He was in for a surprise. She didn't live in the best part of town. They ate lunch, just sandwiches, and then returned to the faire. She sang in the choir a few lively old English songs and then it was time to leave.

"I must get my horse," Legolas said.

"Uh, you can't bring a horse," she said. "There's no place for him in the city."

Legolas frowned, "I cannot leave him."

"There's a stable that boards horses about a mile down the road from here. We can see if they will take him."

Legolas rode on a path beside the road following the blue car. It wasn't long before they came to a huge stable. He followed Skye's car through the gate and they were met by a stable hand. Skye stepped out of her car and did all the talking.

"Hey, I have a horse that needs boarding," she said.

The man looked at Legolas and then his horse. He seemed impressed by the horse. "How long?"

"A couple of days," Skye said.

"It will take more than two days to see everything," Legolas said.

"A week," Skye amended.

"I have an opening," he said. "It must be paid for in advance."

Legolas took a pouch from his tunic and pulled three gold coins out of it. He handed them to the man and then gave him the reins.

"Windhoof likes carrots and apples as well as the usual grain and hay," Legolas said. He took his saddlebag off the saddle and threw it over his shoulder. "I expect him to be well cared for, and will reward you with another coin if he seems content upon my return."

The man looked at the coins with interest, and knew from the weight that they were real gold. Despite the unusual manner of the horse's owner, he accepted the money and agreed. "This will do," he said.

Skye sighed with relief, "Great, come on Legolas, lets go."

Legolas walked over to her car and looked at it curiously. Skye opened the door for him and pointed to his weapons.

"Take those off first," she said. "You can toss them in the back seat."

"My lady, you do not toss fine weapons anywhere," Legolas said.

"Well, carefully and respectfully place them in the back then," she said and then went around to the driver's seat. "Men!" she gasped as she sat down and strapped in.

Legolas put his things in the back and sat down. "I am an Elf, not a man."

"Right," Skye said. "Close the door, Elf. It's getting late. I don't want to hit traffic on the way home."

Legolas closed the door and looked around at his surroundings. It was like a fine coach that a wealthy lady may be carried in. The seat had strange pink fur covering it, and the windows were made of thick clear glass. He watched as Skye took her keys again and inserted one just below a wheel that sat in front of her. She turned it, and the car made an odd rumbling noise and started to vibrate. Legolas gripped his seat nervously, and Skye laughed at him.

"Welcome to Earth, Legolas. Buckle your seatbelt," Skye said with laughter in her eyes. She showed him her belt, and how it was fastened, and he copied her.

"I'm… nervous," Legolas admitted.

"Don't worry, I'm a good driver," Skye said. "Just relax and enjoy the scenery."

He felt the car move… backwards, and he grabbed the panel in front of him. Then they turned and went forward. Skye seemed to be using the wheel to direct the car where she wanted to go. They returned to the road and followed it through the countryside. After a while, Legolas began to relax and just watch out the windows. They traveled quickly this way, and he realized they could see much more in a few days than he would have thought. What an amazing world this was to create these… cars. He could not wait to see Sanfrancisco.