(Author's Note: This is not Sparta!)

Waking up in a strange bed in a strange land wasn't as much of a freaking out experience as one would think. Well at least not in my case. I had had the best sleep of my life. I wasn't in any kind of pain and I knew where the twins where. So I guess I deserved to have one non adrenaline issued morning wake up. Then I remembered that I had a whole wardrobe to make from scratch. This was going to take a long time and since I didn't really have anything to wear that day it felt like today was going to be a shut in day. I threw off the covers and went into the twin's bedroom. Luck be with me they were still fast asleep. The sign meant I might have a few hours to get a least a shirt or skirt done. Low and behold when I look on the table I find a already made dress. It wasn't my style. However that could be easily rearranged with pair of scissors and some needle and thread.

Two hours later I had a new shirt and pair of pants made. The shirt was made using black fabric and a sheer purple fabric overlay that came from the dress. It was fashioned into a one shoulder top. With a sleeve let, I guess you could call it. Think of it as a really long glove that ended where it would be considered an off the shoulder sleeve. The pair of pants was made from a fabric that was the closest to jean blue as I could find. I had many more ideas to use and believe me I was going to make them. Right after I check up on the twins again.

Still asleep and will be for a while it seems. I guess I could start working on one more shirt. Maybe this time I could go for a long sleeved shirt with a shot sleeve shirt design on top of it. Maybe I could stich in a swirl design in the bottom left corner too. Man! I wish this place had a computer! Then I could make a graphic tee!

(Knock, knock) "Carla, are you awake?" It was Frodo.' I wonder what he wants?'

"I am awake, Frodo. Is there something you need?"

"No, I just came to see if you were awake or not and to ask if you were adjusting well." I open the door. "Come on in we can talk."

Frodo came in and stared at my current project.

"What are you working on here?"

"It's a new shirt. I already finished one and a new pair of pants this morning."

"I can see that. It looks pretty good." He began to tug on his ear. "So how did you sleep?"

"Better now that I know the twins are safe and within arms reach."

"Good to hear."

"Is Pippin still going on about me falling asleep in a tree?"

"He and Merry. I don't think they will ever let you live it down."

"Figured. If they keep this up though they will be the ones asleep in a tree."

"That would get them to shut up about it for sure."

"At least for a few weeks then they would bring it back up again." He chuckles and then moves his hand through his hair. "Yeah. They would."

"Listen Carla I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Shoot." His eyes grow wide and I remember language gap.

"It means go ahead and say your peace, say what's on your mind. Just start talking really."

"Oh okay. I was wondering do you really miss being away from Brooklyn?"

His question struck a chord. It was just surprising to me. I mean where was he coming from?

"Yeah I miss Brooklyn. The rest of my family is back there. I miss them. Well some more than others. Actually one more than others, but still I have to get home. Why bring this up?"

"I was…I was ho-oping…I…I was hoping that you weren't miserable here. That's all. I wouldn't want you to have bad memories of this place. Especially when you have friends here that want you to be happy."

"Well thanks. Sorry if it seemed like I was snapping at you. People say that I am a bit defensive sometimes."

"Really it's not a bother."

"You're a good friend Frodo Baggins." His smile shows itself. He really is a good guy. He was just looking out for me was all. We were going to talk for a while longer when there was another knock at the door. Wonder who it could be? I open the door to find Sam at the door.

"Good morning, Carla. I was wondering if you had seen Frodo?"

"He's actually right here. Why don't you come in?"

"That won't be necessary I need to talk to him. In private."

"Oka-y. Frodo, Sam has something to talk to you about." Frodo stood up and Sam came in and ushered him outside. I close the door and wonder why Sam was being so brush with Frodo? Was someone in hurt? Naw. That couldn't be it. If it was Sam would have just told me too. Unless it was something personal, like a family member then it would be something worth privacy. Why am I even thinking about this? These people have a right to privacy and I have more important things to worry about than whatever it is they're talking about.

"Carla." Like that.

"What is it little man?"

"What are you doing?" He points to my workspace. I tell him what I was doing and then he got bored. Asking if he could see Gimli. I told him that he may not be up and it would be rude to wake him up. Then he asked if he could see Merry and Pippin. I gave him the same response. He then demanded why we couldn't just go check. My response was your sister is still asleep and I have to be here when she wakes up. His solution. He could go by himself. My solution and final word was no. Reasons were 1 he was too young to go by himself. 2 we were guests and needed to respect our hosts. 3 when Janie wakes up she may want to see them too. Lastly was 4 we can wait. Once Janie was up we can go see if the others are up as well.

He began to pout and sit on the chair clutching Barney close to his chest. I knew this would happen. He will keep it up for about thirty minutes then grow tired of pouting and start to ask again. That gave me thirty minutes of silence and time to work on the shirt some more. I start threading the needle when Janie enters the room. Eric stops his pouting and looks up at me with a clever smirk. Saying now we can go see the others. I sigh in defeat.

"Janie do you want to go see the others?"

"No. I want something to eat." Eric's frown returned. The door bursts open and Merry and Pippin enter.

"Anyone here hungry?" they say. Janie raises her hand and the Pippin picks her up.

"How would you like to have breakfast with us then little Miss?" Janie enthusiastically nods her head and Eric shouts me too! Both turn their heads to me. I could see where this was going.

"You can go. But after breakfast you have to come back here, understood?"

"We will." They say already heading out the door into the sunshine.

"You are really good with em." I hadn't seen Gimli enter with Merry and Pippin, but apparently he had and was standing by the table. "Thanks. After watching them for three years you learn some things about how to handle their moods."

"Three years now? What has happened to your mother?"

"She's alive."

"Then why can't she care for them?"

"She has to work. Can't support a large family without a job."

"Can your other siblings not watch them?"

"My eldest brother lives in another country now. My sisters have school and themselves to look after. My other brother has the same deal."

"So you care for them every day by yourself?"

"No. Not all the time. My Grandmama helps, but she also works and volunteers a lot so mostly I watch them."

"Sounds like a tough life."

"Not all the time. I'm content with it. I still have time to hang out with my friends and do things."

"Like sew?"

"This is because I like to handle my own wardrobe."

"I can see that. Can you not wear a dress like the rest of the ladies here?"

"It wouldn't be practical. I know I will have to chase after the twins at some point and practice my martial arts otherwise I will get slower and I can't fight anymore."

"Is that really a bad thing?"

"It is for me. Back home some stupid teenage boy wouldn't think twice about hurting a little kid or someone else. I have to be able to defend not just myself but the twins as well."

"I see. I do wish I could see these martial arts that you fight with."

"I only practice the moves. I never fight just for the sake of it. I was taught only fight to defend never to antagonize."

"A wise person has taught you well."

"Yeah she has."

"A woman teaches you to fight?"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, just surprising. I know not of many women who would choose that as a profession."

"It is not so strange for her. Her family has been teaching martial arts for years. Both men and women in their family are taught."

"What is your teacher's name?"

"Sally Tao."

"Tao? Strange last name."

"Not when you know her background and that's her maiden name. Her married name is Jenkins."

"Then why does she not go by?"

"It's tradition to go by the last name of Tao if they choose the family profession."

"I see. Interesting world you come from. So many strange things and cultures."

"America is like that. I mean my father's side of the family is mostly Italian. You can tell by our last name."

"By the way Carla we have been meaning to ask this. What is your last name?"

"Petrillo."

"Petrillo?"

"That is correct"

"And I thought you were from this USA?"

"It is USA stands for United States of America. Also called America."

"Oh. So America is made up of many cultures?"

"Yes. Our culture is made of many. Many people from other countries move to America."

"Must be a sight to see."

"Yeah, it can be. My father use to say that…"

"Go on."

"Never mind." I pick up my shirt and start to sew again. Gimli was going to ask about the statement, but he decided against it. Better that he did.

"Tell me, Carla. Do you think I would do well in your Brooklyn?"

"If you had me around defiantly. Alone more than the others."

"Now why is that?"

"You're a tough guy. You can handle it, but there would be things that you would need guidance on and I am the one who can help you with that."

"Why do you think the others wouldn't fair well?"

"On their own I think they wouldn't get far. You understand a bit more about what the Brooklyn way is. The others need me to explain in detail."

"I can understand that and I have seen that."

Slowing my sewing down a bit due to feeling like I had forgotten something. That's when it hit me. I had had the door open this whole time and now there is an elf in doorway. Elf in the doorway? Oh it's Legolas. I wonder what he's doing in my doorway?

"How long have you been there Legolas?"

"Not long, I was going to say something earlier. However I didn't what to ruin your conversation."

"I think we're done here. Gimli, do you have anything else to say?"

"Oh nothing is coming to mind. In fact I think I'll be going now." He chuckled the last bit almost to himself. I wonder what was so funny? He got up and left and Legolas came in.

"Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

"In a way. It's more of a request for your time."

"For what?"

"I think that while you are here you should learn how to ride a horse."

"So you want to give me a riding lesson?"

"If you have the time."

"I don't know. I mean if I do this. Who's going to watch the twins?"

"I'm sure Merry and Pippin won't mind watching them for a little while. I can ask them right now if you like." He moved out so fast that I barely had time to process what he had said. Too bad my reaction was getting tangled in fabric and falling on my face. He came back just when I had finished untangling myself from the fabric. He helped me up.

"What happened?"

"Would you believe I fell?"

"Yes."

"Then let's leave it at that. So what's the verdict?"

"They said they would. The twins really liked the idea."

"Yeah. They do seem to like hanging out with them."

"Come on. The horses are ready for us." He takes my hand and…wait a second he took my hand! My hand. Not wrist. Hand! Does this mean? No. Over thought. Over thought. Over thought. His aim was probably to grab my wrist and then lead the way on. That's what happened.

"I choose the gentlest mare to being with you. I think you will like her." We come upon a clearing where Legolas's white horse was already saddled standing next to golden coated horse.

"This is Laurë. Her name means gold in elf." The horse nudges Legolas playfully, while he rubbed her neck. I had no idea what to do.

"The first thing we need to do. Is introduce you to your horse."

"Hi Laurë."

"Not that way of introduction." Legolas said smiling.

"That's the only one I know."

"Here I will help you. First you calmly approach your horse, but don't stare him in the eye. You don't want to make yourself a predator to a horse." Both of us move toward the horse. Who stares at us without fear.

"Next you put your hand out to let her sniff it." I do as told and she sniffs my hand. I pet her nose and I think she likes it.

"Good. She has taken a liking to you. That makes things a little easier."

"Good to know."

"Now we are going to work on mounting your horse." He takes the reins of the horse and holds her steady. At least I think that is what he is doing.

"Take the reins in your left hand. Grasp hold of the horse's mane with your left hand as well." I follow the instructions. Though I hope that I am not hurting her. Seriously hair pulling hurts. I should know. Enough fights with Snooki have ended in that way.

"Next you will use your right hand to turn the left stirrup iron toward you. Put your left foot in the stirrup, parallel to the horse's side."

"Okay?"

"Grab the back of the saddle, or cantle, with your right hand. Bounce on the ball of your right foot. Push off with your right foot and put your weight on your left foot (in the stirrup), while simultaneously pulling on the saddle and the horse's neck. Balance on your hands and left foot in a standing position, then swing your right foot over the horse as you release your right hand from the saddle. Last thing you do is lower yourself gently into the saddle and put your right foot in the stirrup."

"I think I can do this." I try and almost lose my balance the first time. The second time I managed to do it. It feels weird being so high off the ground. Especially when your teacher is taller then you considerably.

"You have done well. Now I am going to lead the horse so you can get use to the movements. However you are go to be the one controlling her. To get her to move lightly kick her sides. To get her to stop pull on the reins towards you. To get her to go left or right you pull the rein that corresponds to your direction. You think you can handle all that?"

"If I can handle being in the car with Prima Donna when she had her driving permit. I can handle this." His eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"That means yes."

"Alright then." I kick her lightly and Laurë moves forward. We go like that for a while. We turn a couple times and practice stopping and going. Till Legolas felt that I was ready to go on my own. He quickly saddles his horse and rides next to us. We walk and talk for most of the time. We end it after an hour. Leading the horses back to the stables we talk.

"That was fun."

"I'm glad you like riding horses. Laurë was a good choice for you after all. A good horse helps the lesson go well."

"Helps when you have a good teacher too." He smiles at the statement.

"Thank you. Do you think that Merry and Pippin would mind watching the twins again?"

"I hope so. We can always ask them." That's when the thundering sounds of hoof beats reaches us. A group of horses were galloping towards us. Legolas moves us to the side. As the horses come to a quick stop. A handsome man sits upon the most decked out horse. So that makes me think he is the big wig of the group. That and the crown he is currently wearing.

"Legolas." He nods from his high horse.

"Father. So good to see you." Legolas gives a small bow. Wait? Father?

"And who is this person?" Okay. I can feel some hostility.

"Father this is a friend of mine. Allow me to introduce you to Persephone Carla Petrillo."

"An unusual name."

"I'm not from around here and please call me Carla."

"I could tell from your accent. It is quite…odd." Cue my eyebrow arch. Then uncue. "I will be meeting with Lord Celeborn. I would like to talk with you after I am done."

"Yes, father." His father clicks his tongue and off he went with his entourage.

"What do you think he wants to talk to you about?"

"I do not know. I'm more worried about what he and Lord Celeborn have to talk about."

"Do you think that it's something bad?"

"For the life of me I hope not." Our conversation ends there as we quicken to the stables. We handed the horses off to stable hands and headed up to the palace. Halfway there we ran into Aragorn who did not have a good look on his face.

"What troubles you Aragorn?"

"There was been another orc attack near Gondor."

"What?"

"What's a orc?" They both turn to me like I was an idiot.

"I'm from Brooklyn we don't have orcs. I think."

"An orc is an evil creature."

"That sums it up."

"They are also rather ugly, with odd skin tones and sharp teeth."

"Okay that's enough for now. Back to Aragorn."

"I have to return home to Gondor. Arwen needs me."

"I understand. May your horse carry you swiftly home." Aragorn practically ran down the stairs. Legolas went running up the stairs, yelling to me.

"Find Gimli and the hobbits! Stay with them until I return!" He was out of sight in two seconds. I do as he says and find that they were all in my room. Even Gandalf.

"What's going on? Where are the twins?"

"They are with Lady Galadriel and are fine. There have been some recent orc attacks. Some of them have gotten close to here."

"How close? Like there is a chance they could come after us?"

"They cannot enter this area. However they are attacking areas that do raise concern."

"Concern in what sense?"

"Some of us believe that a war may be upon us." Gandalf said with such seriousness that I swear caught my breath in my throat.

"We just defeated those creatures and now they have come back." Sam said in the bitterest of tones.

"War?"

"Sadly the horizons are changing towards it."

"Gandalf if war is coming up then the twins have to leave here!"

"I have told you…"

"I don't care what you said earlier! You find a way now! If it's a matter of the amount of people you can send then forget me and send the twins!" I was getting hysterical. I knew it and I couldn't stop it. My heart was racing and my mind was going numb. War. War! Why now? Why here? I felt a hand on my shoulder. Gandalf looked down upon me with eyes that were steeled with strength.

"Calm yourself. Presently there is no sense of danger here. Take refuge in that fact and that you and the twins are together here in a safe place." I didn't find any words so I nodded. Gandalf left the room along with Merry, Pippin and Sam. Frodo was the only one to stay behind with me.

"Will you be alright?"

"I-I-I'll try. I have to steady my nerves soon. I don't want the twins to notice something's wrong yet." Frodo doesn't say much. I sit down finding my legs held little strength and were practically buckling from exhaustion. Frodo moved close to me and placed a hand on mine. I didn't realize he had until the twin's arrived. I moved it quickly and went to hold the twins close.

"Carla, what's the matter?"

"Nothing little man. I just had a little scare is all. The others told me you spent some time with Lady Galadriel. What did you do?"

"She told us elf lore."

"And there were dragons, princesses and heroes."

"Sounds like you two had a ball."

"Do you think that there will be one?"

"A what?"

"A ball."

"I don't know. I think after some time there will be."

"Will you go?"

"I think we can all agree that me in a ball gown makes less sense than Donald Trump's hairdo." (I still swear that it's a piece.)

"I think you'll good in a ball gown." Janie says. I can tell already that if we had crayons she would start drawing pictures of a ballroom. Eric would probably draw the stories Lady Galadriel told them. I take them to their room and find that they did have paint supplies. Pictures and paint supplies littered in little corners of the tiny tables. Wonder why I hadn't noticed it before? I pick up some of the drawings and give them a once over. There were pictures of birds, trees and other animals.

"Frodo! Frodo!"

"What is it Janie?"

"I have a picture of you and Sam. And Gimli, Merry, Pippin and Gandalf!"

"Really? Can I see it?" Janie gathers a small pile and runs over to Frodo and starts showing off her drawings. Eric then brings his over and starts a contest over who drew the better of what. I have to remember to thank Frodo and the others for putting up with the twins and their antics. Frodo looks comfortable around the twins. Sam did say something about Hobbits normally having large families. Maybe he's just use to having kids around.

A knock came from my door and I exit the twin's room to answer. I was surprised to find Haldir there. Looking rather full of himself. Like those rich kids from the Upper East Side that you just want to hit and there was something else in his eyes. Something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Possibly curiosity? Maybe?

"Haldir, good to see you."

"The pleasure is mine. Could you step outside. King Thranduil wishes to speak with you."

"Can you hold on a second. I have to do something." I close the door quickly before he could say any word of protest. Something that I have perfected thanks to years of annoying salesmen who came knocking at our apartment door. I enter the twin's room to find that they were already drawing new pictures and Frodo was drawing with them.

"Frodo, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Of course. I'll be back."

"Hurry Frodo."

"I will." Frodo comes to my side.

"What is it?"

"Could you watch the twins for a short time? Haldir showed up and says King Thranduil wants to talk to me about something and I think it could be about what we talked about earlier. I hate asking this when you have already done a lot for me and the twins."

"No problem at all. I will watch them. You better hurry now. Never a good idea to keep a king waiting."

"Thanks Frodo. You're a saint." I leave the room and open the door to a slightly annoyed Haldir. Probably from closing the door in his face. It's a New Yorker's tradition. Closing the door in someone's face.

"We must hurry. His majesty is waiting for you in the library with the lord and lady." His walking, if you could call it that. Was fast and covered distance in shorter time than I could cover jogging. I was slightly out of breath when we reached two large decorative doors covered in carvings that were like vines crawling and growing on the doors themselves. He knocks the door twice and waits.

"Enter." The doors open and Haldir moves to the side. A cue a take as a signal to go inside. I take a quick breath and enter the room.