If this is a Dream...
Chapter three
"Morning Dawns With Colors"
By Lady Yagami-Sama
A few minutes later, Derek and Becky were making their way down a path leading to the small house that they were staying in. Becky looked around in wonder and amazement at the beauty of Lothlorien. "It's exactly like they described it!" she breathed, "Colors so fresh and poignant there are not even proper names for them!"
Derek smiled, "Yeah, that's almost exactly what Kevin said when they brought us here." He pointed ahead of them at a small, homely house, "That's where we're staying," he said.
Becky smiled, "It's lovely!"
The house was made up of two rooms, joined together by a single door in the middle wall. One room was for the boy's use, the other for the girls.
Everyone was in the girls' room, finishing up their lunch, when they entered. Becky was greeted with happy smiles and enthusiastic greetings.
"Becky! You're awake. Isn't it beautiful here?"
"You feeling better Beck? Have some lunch, it's wonderful!"
"What a pretty dress, where did you get it?"
"Wow, Becky, you look... great!"
Kevin merely smiled and waved, unable to speak around the mouthful of food.
"Well," she said, "I see you are all caught up in the mood of this place. When do we go see the Lord and Lady?"
"Right now," said an elf that had just appeared in the open doorway, "If you will follow me, friends, I will take you to them."
****
Only a few minutes later, the friends were seated on soft cushions on the floor at the feet of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. As of yet, neither had spoken, but Becky knew what was going on. Galadrial was looking into the souls of the seven strangers, just as she had done with the Fellowship. One by one she locked her gaze on each of the friends, but no one could hold it for long, even Kevin had to look away. Becky, however, found it was like looking into a mirror and seeing herself through another's eyes. She saw all her fantasies come to life, all the adventures she always dreamed of, all made into a reality in those eyes. Becky could not tear her eye away.
Finally Galadriel spoke, and her voice was unlike any they had ever heard before. It was like a hundred bells ringing in a happy melody, it was angelic.
"You are different, Rebecka," she said, and Becky was caught off guard by the abrupt statement. "You are not like your friends here," she continued, "your desires are focused on great adventures and impossible dreams, while the others focus on more practical things. You are not afraid of what might become of you here, and because of this, you are strong."
Becky bowed, "Thank you, my lady," she said, not sure what else to say.
Galadriel smiled, "Well, friends," she said, "I welcome you all to Lothlorien, you are free to stay here as long as you wish. But now let us move to more pressing matters, like how seven children of the race of men managed to approach the very boarders of our land without being spotted by one of our scouts, let alone the orcs, who have been camped on that hilltop for three nights now!"
Becky looked around uncertainly at all the elves that had gathered into the oval flet to catch a glimpse of the strangers. She was not sure if they would be able to handle the truth of their arrival here. She turned back to Galadriel and found that the Elf Queen was watching her closely. Becky cleared her throat, "My Lady, forgive me but-"
"I understand, Lady Rebecka," she interrupted, "We shall speak of this in private." She turned and spoke softly to an elf at her elbow, then stood and left the chamber.
The elf girl, Maran, stepped off the dais and approached Rebecka, "My lady bids me bring you to her chambers," she said.
Becky nodded and tried to stand, but sank down to her knees again when she tried to put pressure on her injured leg and it sent stabs of pain rushing through her body. Derek was at her side in an instant, "You ok Becky?" he asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she replied, grasping his arm for support as she stood, "My leg just got a little stiff sitting there, that's all. I'm fine, really."
She limped a few steps and nearly fell again, but Derek was there to catch her. He smiled, "Come on, I'll help you," he said and they followed Maran further into the boughs of the great tree to Galadriel's chambers.
When they got there, Derek waited outside while Becky was ushered in. As she entered, she absently noted the thinness of the doors; they obviously were not made to keep out sound. The Lady was waiting for her and smiled when she come in, "Come, Rebecka," she said, "sit and ease your pain."
"Thank you, my lady," Becky replied, sitting down carefully in the chair opposite the Elf Queen.
Galadriel gazed at her for a moment in worry, then handed her a glass of a pinkish-looking liquid, "Here," she said, "it will help with the pain, as well as the healing."
Becky took the glass, "Thank you," she said, and took an experimental sip. It was quite delicious, it tasted like sweet strawberry tea, she drank again, deeper this time.
"Well then," Galadriel began again, getting down to business, "what were you so hesitant to say in front of the others? How did you come to be here?" Becky hesitated even still; she did not want the elf to think her crazy. "I am not here to judge," she said, as if reading her thoughts, "only to help, if I can."
Becky nodded, "Well, Lady, you see," she began, "we do not really know how exactly we got here. One minute we were all talking together after school, and the next thing we remember is falling out of the sky into your land."
"So where do you come from?" Galadriel asked, straight faced but slightly confused, "How far did you travel?"
Becky decided she had no choice, if the Lady of the Golden Wood was to help them, she must tell the entire truth, no exceptions. So she launched into a tale about Tolkien and the books he wrote; The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and how crazy it was for her to he there talking to a character in a book. "So to us," she finished, "Middle Earth was just a fantasy made up by a genius writer who lived long before I was even born!"
The Lady looked surprisingly calm and collected for one being told such an impossible story, but somehow Becky had expected her to take it so. "That is a fantastic story you tell, Rebecka," she said softly, "to know the future of our world when the Evil has just barely begun. Fear not, I will not ask you what will come to be, it would upset the balance of out world and it may change the history that you seem to know." She sighed, "As for you and your friends, I am afraid I know not how to aid you in this. My wisdom is great, but even the wisest of us have our limits. Perhaps a solution will present its self in time, until then you and your friends are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish, or as fortune allows. I am sorry that I do not know how to send you home, little one." Galadriel paused, watching her strange guest with a new interest, she smiled, "But you have no desire to leave this place, do you my dear?"
Becky started and felt her cheeks burn, "You have found me out, Lady," she said, "It is true, I do not wish to leave here, not yet anyway, not after all those years I spent, longing for adventure in the Middle Earth that I so wished was real! But still I must try, for my friends' sake, if not for mine. They do not share my foolish dreaming. I must do everything in my power to find a way home, even if it means giving up the adventure that has been granted to me after a lifetime of dreaming!"
The Golden Lady smiled at the girl warmly, "You have a noble heart, Rebecka," she said, her eyes grave with wisdom, "Go now, and rest your weary bones, we shall speak again soon. I am afraid not many of our people speak your language, but if you need anything I'm sure Maran will be able to help you."
Becky stood and bowed low, she was getting used to the movement now, "I thank you, Lady, with all my heart," she said, "Your council has been of great comfort."
****
When Maran escorted her back to the terrace, she found Derek leaning against the trunk of the Mellorn tree, next to the doors of the Lady's chambers.
Becky cocked an eyebrow at him as he stepped forward to help her down the long twisting staircase. She noted the troubled look in his eyes, "You heard then?" she asked, not at all surprised.
He looked at her sideways and smiled mischievously, "I couldn't help but overhear, Beck," he replied pleadingly, "It's not my fault the doors are so thin. Besides, I think I had a right to listen, it's my problem too."
Becky waved a hand, "It is no matter," she said, sighing, she was dead tired and did not feel like discussing anything at the moment.
Derek smiled, "You're doing it again," he said.
"Doing what," Becky asked, yawning.
"Talking like them," he replied, "you don't even notice it anymore do you?"
Becky smiled weakly, "I can't help it," she said, "I just feel so at home here, I can't explain it."
"I think I understand," Derek said softly, almost to himself, "And I'm afraid of what you might decide to do if we ever get the opportunity to go home."
Becky did not answer. "Becky?" Derek said, looking down at her. But she had fallen asleep while walking, with her head on his shoulder. He smiled and shook his head, "Come on, let's get you to bed," he picked her up and carried her the rest of the way down the great tree.
****
Becky awoke with afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. She had slept nearly all day, but felt better for it. She was amazed at how nicely her wounds were healing, except for a little stiffness, she felt as good as new. But she would have those scars for life, and she was surprised that she was not sorry for them, actually she was rather proud of her scars.
She got up and dressed herself, wondering why she was not wearing what she had gone to sleep in. Walking outside, Becky found Ginny sitting by the door, enjoying the sunlight. She got up when Becky came out, "Oh good, you're up! Feeling better?" she asked sweetly.
The older girl smiled, "Yeah, I feel great!"
"You should," Ginny replied, "The Elf Lady helped you along a bit. Yeah, you got a fever last night and she came herself to help. She said something about poisoned swords and how it sometimes takes a while to for it to start working, I think she used some kind of magic on you. Oh, and this gorgeous guy came to see you this morning, Halden, I think his name was, said he'd come back later."
Becky laughed at her friend's hurried way of talking, "Thanks, Gin," she said, "Where are the others?"
Ginny shrugged, "Oh, they're around; should be coming back for lunch pretty soon. I was supposed to wait for you to get up. Oh look, there they are!"
The other five friends came strolling down the path laughing and talking merrily with each other. It seemed Middle Earth did them good.
****
After lunch Becky was forced to give them an entire account of her meeting with Galadriel and where they were exactly. They seemed to be getting used to the idea that they really were in a fantasy come true and not just dreaming. But Becky felt obligated to go over some ground rules.
"Ok, listed you guys, y'all have to remember that this isn't 21st century America. Cussing is out! They probably won't know what you're saying because most of them don't even speak our language, but the ones who do will start to ask questions if we use words that they don't know. And don't go talking about toasters and hair driers or anything they wouldn't have here, we're trying to keep a low profile so don't go flaunting the idea that we are anything but travelers from far away. Most importantly, none of you must talk about the books to these people, not even one mention of the Ring or the hobbits. We aren't supposed to know about it and I doubt if many of them even have much of a clue about it yet. And please don't do anything stupid, this is not a rave, Jess; so don't try to get drunk. It's not a party or a game, whether you like it or not, this is real and we must live it out until we can find a way to get home.
Just then there was a knock on the door and Ginny jumped up to open it. It was Halden. Becky rushed to the door, "Hullo," she said cheerfully, "Nice to see you again!"
"And you, Rebecka," he replied, melting her with his smile, "I was wondering, er, if you are not too busy, that is," he added, looking around at the six pairs of eyes watching him, "if you would like to take a walk with me."
Becky grinned and blushed, "I'd love to!" she said and led him into the room. "Everybody, this is Halden; Halden, this is everybody." She turned to her friends, "Meeting adjourned! You are in a beautiful place; go make the most of it! I am taking a walk with Halden!"
Scott leaned over and whispered to Derek, "What kind of name is Halden anyways?"
Becky heard and shot him a warning glance, "I'll be back soon," she said and left.
****
"I am relieved to see you have recovered, Rebecka," said Halden, when Becky had shut the door behind her.
She smiled, "As am I," she said, "It feels good to be up and about again, shall we go?"
The Elf nodded and led her down the path to the great city in the trees. "I hope I was not interrupting anything back there," he said presently.
"Oh, no," Becky replied, "We were just finishing up a brief council, nothing important. May I ask you something?" He nodded. "How is it that you know our language so well when so few of your people do?"
He smiled, "My brother, Haldir, taught me many years ago. As a captain, he was obligated to learn the common tongue, so I asked him to teach me. He has often wondered why I was so interested in it, it was unnatural he said, but I have always found it interesting."
"Well, I am glad that you learned it," Becky said, "or our conversations would be very dull."
He laughed, "Very true, Rebecka, I am glad I learned it as well."
Becky gazed around at the beautiful landscape and suddenly thought of something, "You know," she said, turning to her companion, "I haven't seen Haldir around lately, where is he?"
"Oh, he left yesterday with my other brothers, Rumil and Orophin, to take up watch on the northern boarders near the Nimrodel. These are evil times we live in now, we cannot leave our land unguarded, even for a moment."
"It'll get worse," Becky mumbled under her breath, wishing she could help them prepare for the War, but not daring to reveal the future.
"Did you say something, Rebecka?" Halden asked.
"Hmm? Oh, no, just thinking out loud."
"You seem to do that a lot," Halden replied with an amused smile, "I am beginning to wonder whether you are hiding something in that pretty head of yours."
Becky tensed and her heart skipped a beat, but she said nothing. Halden laughed, "Fear not, Lady," he said, "I seek not to learn your secrets, we all have them; the elves of Lothlorien are famous for them. I meant only to start a conversation, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."
She smiled at him as best she could as her terror subsided, "Think nothing of it, my good Elf," she said, taking his arm, "Perhaps they will not be secrets in time. But come, I want to see more of this enchanting land of yours!"
****
It was near sunset when the odd pair sat down in one of the lady's gardens to rest. Halden had noticed his companion was limping, though she did her best to conceal it, and suggested they sit down.
They sat in silence for a moment as Becky took in the beauty of a sunset in Lothlorien. After a while she felt Halden's eyes on her, she turned and met them, realizing for the first time what a gorgeous shade of green they were. In them she read his searching expression. She smiled, "What do you seek, my lord elf?" she asked playfully, "Surely I am not that mysterious."
He smiled back at her a little embarrassed, "Forgive me for staring, Rebecka," he said, "But there is something about you that I cannot quite figure out and it draws me to you as if it has something to do with me." Seeing the expression on her face, his eyes softened, "Forgive me," he said, releasing his eyes from hers, "I'm sure I sound foolish."
Becky, shocked, reached for his had without thinking, "No, no, of course you don't!" she said, his hand felt soft and cool in hers and it sent tingles up her arm, "I know exactly what you mean," she searched for his eyes again and he looked up to show them to her as if beckoned. "At first I thought it was only the shock from the- the battle that drew me to you, but now I realize it's something more, something bigger!" She laughed and shook her head, "Now I sound foolish," she said."
The elf squeezed her hand, "If you speak foolishness than we both do," he said gently, "But somehow I think we both speak a deeper truth than we know; I believe we were meant to meet on that battle field, though I do not yet know why."
He sighed and released her hand, "I wish I knew where you came from, Rebecka," he said, "But I have a feeling I would not know the place, even if you told me."
Becky turned her face away from his piercing eyes, she feared she could not lie to him if she continued to look at those deep green pools. "I come from far away," she said sadly, "farther away than you can imagine. I am sorry, Halden, that is all I can tell you of myself, at least for now. Maybe the time will come when I may tell you everything."
There was silence for a moment, then suddenly Becky felt cool fingers slide under her chin and lift it. When she met his eyes again she could see the sadness there, and an understanding that made her want to cry. "I do not need to know everything," he said, his voice like a soothing stream, "I am content to have you here with me, for however long you are allowed to stay. We shall be good friends by the time you leave." He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
When his lips touched her skin she wanted to scream, 'I don't want to leave, I want to stay here with you, I don't ever want to go home ever again!' But out loud she said only, "Thank you, I'd like that."
On the way back they spoke little, and when he said goodnight to her on the doorstep it took all her strength to resist the urge to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him.
As she watched him walk away, she had a sudden thought. Maybe her fair prince never existed in the books, because he never existed in this world when the fellowship passed through. Perhaps something happened to him. But what? Maybe she was there to find out.
Chapter three
"Morning Dawns With Colors"
By Lady Yagami-Sama
A few minutes later, Derek and Becky were making their way down a path leading to the small house that they were staying in. Becky looked around in wonder and amazement at the beauty of Lothlorien. "It's exactly like they described it!" she breathed, "Colors so fresh and poignant there are not even proper names for them!"
Derek smiled, "Yeah, that's almost exactly what Kevin said when they brought us here." He pointed ahead of them at a small, homely house, "That's where we're staying," he said.
Becky smiled, "It's lovely!"
The house was made up of two rooms, joined together by a single door in the middle wall. One room was for the boy's use, the other for the girls.
Everyone was in the girls' room, finishing up their lunch, when they entered. Becky was greeted with happy smiles and enthusiastic greetings.
"Becky! You're awake. Isn't it beautiful here?"
"You feeling better Beck? Have some lunch, it's wonderful!"
"What a pretty dress, where did you get it?"
"Wow, Becky, you look... great!"
Kevin merely smiled and waved, unable to speak around the mouthful of food.
"Well," she said, "I see you are all caught up in the mood of this place. When do we go see the Lord and Lady?"
"Right now," said an elf that had just appeared in the open doorway, "If you will follow me, friends, I will take you to them."
****
Only a few minutes later, the friends were seated on soft cushions on the floor at the feet of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. As of yet, neither had spoken, but Becky knew what was going on. Galadrial was looking into the souls of the seven strangers, just as she had done with the Fellowship. One by one she locked her gaze on each of the friends, but no one could hold it for long, even Kevin had to look away. Becky, however, found it was like looking into a mirror and seeing herself through another's eyes. She saw all her fantasies come to life, all the adventures she always dreamed of, all made into a reality in those eyes. Becky could not tear her eye away.
Finally Galadriel spoke, and her voice was unlike any they had ever heard before. It was like a hundred bells ringing in a happy melody, it was angelic.
"You are different, Rebecka," she said, and Becky was caught off guard by the abrupt statement. "You are not like your friends here," she continued, "your desires are focused on great adventures and impossible dreams, while the others focus on more practical things. You are not afraid of what might become of you here, and because of this, you are strong."
Becky bowed, "Thank you, my lady," she said, not sure what else to say.
Galadriel smiled, "Well, friends," she said, "I welcome you all to Lothlorien, you are free to stay here as long as you wish. But now let us move to more pressing matters, like how seven children of the race of men managed to approach the very boarders of our land without being spotted by one of our scouts, let alone the orcs, who have been camped on that hilltop for three nights now!"
Becky looked around uncertainly at all the elves that had gathered into the oval flet to catch a glimpse of the strangers. She was not sure if they would be able to handle the truth of their arrival here. She turned back to Galadriel and found that the Elf Queen was watching her closely. Becky cleared her throat, "My Lady, forgive me but-"
"I understand, Lady Rebecka," she interrupted, "We shall speak of this in private." She turned and spoke softly to an elf at her elbow, then stood and left the chamber.
The elf girl, Maran, stepped off the dais and approached Rebecka, "My lady bids me bring you to her chambers," she said.
Becky nodded and tried to stand, but sank down to her knees again when she tried to put pressure on her injured leg and it sent stabs of pain rushing through her body. Derek was at her side in an instant, "You ok Becky?" he asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she replied, grasping his arm for support as she stood, "My leg just got a little stiff sitting there, that's all. I'm fine, really."
She limped a few steps and nearly fell again, but Derek was there to catch her. He smiled, "Come on, I'll help you," he said and they followed Maran further into the boughs of the great tree to Galadriel's chambers.
When they got there, Derek waited outside while Becky was ushered in. As she entered, she absently noted the thinness of the doors; they obviously were not made to keep out sound. The Lady was waiting for her and smiled when she come in, "Come, Rebecka," she said, "sit and ease your pain."
"Thank you, my lady," Becky replied, sitting down carefully in the chair opposite the Elf Queen.
Galadriel gazed at her for a moment in worry, then handed her a glass of a pinkish-looking liquid, "Here," she said, "it will help with the pain, as well as the healing."
Becky took the glass, "Thank you," she said, and took an experimental sip. It was quite delicious, it tasted like sweet strawberry tea, she drank again, deeper this time.
"Well then," Galadriel began again, getting down to business, "what were you so hesitant to say in front of the others? How did you come to be here?" Becky hesitated even still; she did not want the elf to think her crazy. "I am not here to judge," she said, as if reading her thoughts, "only to help, if I can."
Becky nodded, "Well, Lady, you see," she began, "we do not really know how exactly we got here. One minute we were all talking together after school, and the next thing we remember is falling out of the sky into your land."
"So where do you come from?" Galadriel asked, straight faced but slightly confused, "How far did you travel?"
Becky decided she had no choice, if the Lady of the Golden Wood was to help them, she must tell the entire truth, no exceptions. So she launched into a tale about Tolkien and the books he wrote; The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and how crazy it was for her to he there talking to a character in a book. "So to us," she finished, "Middle Earth was just a fantasy made up by a genius writer who lived long before I was even born!"
The Lady looked surprisingly calm and collected for one being told such an impossible story, but somehow Becky had expected her to take it so. "That is a fantastic story you tell, Rebecka," she said softly, "to know the future of our world when the Evil has just barely begun. Fear not, I will not ask you what will come to be, it would upset the balance of out world and it may change the history that you seem to know." She sighed, "As for you and your friends, I am afraid I know not how to aid you in this. My wisdom is great, but even the wisest of us have our limits. Perhaps a solution will present its self in time, until then you and your friends are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish, or as fortune allows. I am sorry that I do not know how to send you home, little one." Galadriel paused, watching her strange guest with a new interest, she smiled, "But you have no desire to leave this place, do you my dear?"
Becky started and felt her cheeks burn, "You have found me out, Lady," she said, "It is true, I do not wish to leave here, not yet anyway, not after all those years I spent, longing for adventure in the Middle Earth that I so wished was real! But still I must try, for my friends' sake, if not for mine. They do not share my foolish dreaming. I must do everything in my power to find a way home, even if it means giving up the adventure that has been granted to me after a lifetime of dreaming!"
The Golden Lady smiled at the girl warmly, "You have a noble heart, Rebecka," she said, her eyes grave with wisdom, "Go now, and rest your weary bones, we shall speak again soon. I am afraid not many of our people speak your language, but if you need anything I'm sure Maran will be able to help you."
Becky stood and bowed low, she was getting used to the movement now, "I thank you, Lady, with all my heart," she said, "Your council has been of great comfort."
****
When Maran escorted her back to the terrace, she found Derek leaning against the trunk of the Mellorn tree, next to the doors of the Lady's chambers.
Becky cocked an eyebrow at him as he stepped forward to help her down the long twisting staircase. She noted the troubled look in his eyes, "You heard then?" she asked, not at all surprised.
He looked at her sideways and smiled mischievously, "I couldn't help but overhear, Beck," he replied pleadingly, "It's not my fault the doors are so thin. Besides, I think I had a right to listen, it's my problem too."
Becky waved a hand, "It is no matter," she said, sighing, she was dead tired and did not feel like discussing anything at the moment.
Derek smiled, "You're doing it again," he said.
"Doing what," Becky asked, yawning.
"Talking like them," he replied, "you don't even notice it anymore do you?"
Becky smiled weakly, "I can't help it," she said, "I just feel so at home here, I can't explain it."
"I think I understand," Derek said softly, almost to himself, "And I'm afraid of what you might decide to do if we ever get the opportunity to go home."
Becky did not answer. "Becky?" Derek said, looking down at her. But she had fallen asleep while walking, with her head on his shoulder. He smiled and shook his head, "Come on, let's get you to bed," he picked her up and carried her the rest of the way down the great tree.
****
Becky awoke with afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. She had slept nearly all day, but felt better for it. She was amazed at how nicely her wounds were healing, except for a little stiffness, she felt as good as new. But she would have those scars for life, and she was surprised that she was not sorry for them, actually she was rather proud of her scars.
She got up and dressed herself, wondering why she was not wearing what she had gone to sleep in. Walking outside, Becky found Ginny sitting by the door, enjoying the sunlight. She got up when Becky came out, "Oh good, you're up! Feeling better?" she asked sweetly.
The older girl smiled, "Yeah, I feel great!"
"You should," Ginny replied, "The Elf Lady helped you along a bit. Yeah, you got a fever last night and she came herself to help. She said something about poisoned swords and how it sometimes takes a while to for it to start working, I think she used some kind of magic on you. Oh, and this gorgeous guy came to see you this morning, Halden, I think his name was, said he'd come back later."
Becky laughed at her friend's hurried way of talking, "Thanks, Gin," she said, "Where are the others?"
Ginny shrugged, "Oh, they're around; should be coming back for lunch pretty soon. I was supposed to wait for you to get up. Oh look, there they are!"
The other five friends came strolling down the path laughing and talking merrily with each other. It seemed Middle Earth did them good.
****
After lunch Becky was forced to give them an entire account of her meeting with Galadriel and where they were exactly. They seemed to be getting used to the idea that they really were in a fantasy come true and not just dreaming. But Becky felt obligated to go over some ground rules.
"Ok, listed you guys, y'all have to remember that this isn't 21st century America. Cussing is out! They probably won't know what you're saying because most of them don't even speak our language, but the ones who do will start to ask questions if we use words that they don't know. And don't go talking about toasters and hair driers or anything they wouldn't have here, we're trying to keep a low profile so don't go flaunting the idea that we are anything but travelers from far away. Most importantly, none of you must talk about the books to these people, not even one mention of the Ring or the hobbits. We aren't supposed to know about it and I doubt if many of them even have much of a clue about it yet. And please don't do anything stupid, this is not a rave, Jess; so don't try to get drunk. It's not a party or a game, whether you like it or not, this is real and we must live it out until we can find a way to get home.
Just then there was a knock on the door and Ginny jumped up to open it. It was Halden. Becky rushed to the door, "Hullo," she said cheerfully, "Nice to see you again!"
"And you, Rebecka," he replied, melting her with his smile, "I was wondering, er, if you are not too busy, that is," he added, looking around at the six pairs of eyes watching him, "if you would like to take a walk with me."
Becky grinned and blushed, "I'd love to!" she said and led him into the room. "Everybody, this is Halden; Halden, this is everybody." She turned to her friends, "Meeting adjourned! You are in a beautiful place; go make the most of it! I am taking a walk with Halden!"
Scott leaned over and whispered to Derek, "What kind of name is Halden anyways?"
Becky heard and shot him a warning glance, "I'll be back soon," she said and left.
****
"I am relieved to see you have recovered, Rebecka," said Halden, when Becky had shut the door behind her.
She smiled, "As am I," she said, "It feels good to be up and about again, shall we go?"
The Elf nodded and led her down the path to the great city in the trees. "I hope I was not interrupting anything back there," he said presently.
"Oh, no," Becky replied, "We were just finishing up a brief council, nothing important. May I ask you something?" He nodded. "How is it that you know our language so well when so few of your people do?"
He smiled, "My brother, Haldir, taught me many years ago. As a captain, he was obligated to learn the common tongue, so I asked him to teach me. He has often wondered why I was so interested in it, it was unnatural he said, but I have always found it interesting."
"Well, I am glad that you learned it," Becky said, "or our conversations would be very dull."
He laughed, "Very true, Rebecka, I am glad I learned it as well."
Becky gazed around at the beautiful landscape and suddenly thought of something, "You know," she said, turning to her companion, "I haven't seen Haldir around lately, where is he?"
"Oh, he left yesterday with my other brothers, Rumil and Orophin, to take up watch on the northern boarders near the Nimrodel. These are evil times we live in now, we cannot leave our land unguarded, even for a moment."
"It'll get worse," Becky mumbled under her breath, wishing she could help them prepare for the War, but not daring to reveal the future.
"Did you say something, Rebecka?" Halden asked.
"Hmm? Oh, no, just thinking out loud."
"You seem to do that a lot," Halden replied with an amused smile, "I am beginning to wonder whether you are hiding something in that pretty head of yours."
Becky tensed and her heart skipped a beat, but she said nothing. Halden laughed, "Fear not, Lady," he said, "I seek not to learn your secrets, we all have them; the elves of Lothlorien are famous for them. I meant only to start a conversation, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."
She smiled at him as best she could as her terror subsided, "Think nothing of it, my good Elf," she said, taking his arm, "Perhaps they will not be secrets in time. But come, I want to see more of this enchanting land of yours!"
****
It was near sunset when the odd pair sat down in one of the lady's gardens to rest. Halden had noticed his companion was limping, though she did her best to conceal it, and suggested they sit down.
They sat in silence for a moment as Becky took in the beauty of a sunset in Lothlorien. After a while she felt Halden's eyes on her, she turned and met them, realizing for the first time what a gorgeous shade of green they were. In them she read his searching expression. She smiled, "What do you seek, my lord elf?" she asked playfully, "Surely I am not that mysterious."
He smiled back at her a little embarrassed, "Forgive me for staring, Rebecka," he said, "But there is something about you that I cannot quite figure out and it draws me to you as if it has something to do with me." Seeing the expression on her face, his eyes softened, "Forgive me," he said, releasing his eyes from hers, "I'm sure I sound foolish."
Becky, shocked, reached for his had without thinking, "No, no, of course you don't!" she said, his hand felt soft and cool in hers and it sent tingles up her arm, "I know exactly what you mean," she searched for his eyes again and he looked up to show them to her as if beckoned. "At first I thought it was only the shock from the- the battle that drew me to you, but now I realize it's something more, something bigger!" She laughed and shook her head, "Now I sound foolish," she said."
The elf squeezed her hand, "If you speak foolishness than we both do," he said gently, "But somehow I think we both speak a deeper truth than we know; I believe we were meant to meet on that battle field, though I do not yet know why."
He sighed and released her hand, "I wish I knew where you came from, Rebecka," he said, "But I have a feeling I would not know the place, even if you told me."
Becky turned her face away from his piercing eyes, she feared she could not lie to him if she continued to look at those deep green pools. "I come from far away," she said sadly, "farther away than you can imagine. I am sorry, Halden, that is all I can tell you of myself, at least for now. Maybe the time will come when I may tell you everything."
There was silence for a moment, then suddenly Becky felt cool fingers slide under her chin and lift it. When she met his eyes again she could see the sadness there, and an understanding that made her want to cry. "I do not need to know everything," he said, his voice like a soothing stream, "I am content to have you here with me, for however long you are allowed to stay. We shall be good friends by the time you leave." He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
When his lips touched her skin she wanted to scream, 'I don't want to leave, I want to stay here with you, I don't ever want to go home ever again!' But out loud she said only, "Thank you, I'd like that."
On the way back they spoke little, and when he said goodnight to her on the doorstep it took all her strength to resist the urge to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him.
As she watched him walk away, she had a sudden thought. Maybe her fair prince never existed in the books, because he never existed in this world when the fellowship passed through. Perhaps something happened to him. But what? Maybe she was there to find out.