Don't own Lord of The Rings. Wish it was natural history yada yada.
I'm going to start showing some dates in my story because it helps me organize my thoughts. Let me know if it seems distracting. If there are typos give it a couple of hours and Ill probably catch most of them.
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The next month passed much as the first had. The only difference being she now had a slightly wider circle of friends, since Anneth took to bringing her candy, cakes and all sorts of delicious things Nicole had never imagined. Apparently she worked in the kitchens as a baker or something. Nicole certainly had lucked out. For a while she was worried that she might get fat, but when she mentioned as much to Legolas he'd laughed at her and told her she was getting too much exercise for that to happen.
Elrohir focused on very practical things, teaching her the best way to set bones and sew stitches. He sent her out with the healers to hunt for herbs so she would learn how to find them, even though most of the plants also resided right in the garden outside the healing houses. He also focused on things she'd never done before, such as calling a spirit back into a person's body. She wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes. He used it on one of the rangers who suffered a severe blow to the head from a nasty fall. She was still in awe of it, but it worked so she shut her mouth and listened.
Glorfindel seemed to be honing in on her strengths. "You will never be as strong as most of your opponents. You must focus on speed and accuracy. You must kill with each cut." Naturally, Nicole expressed her aversion to killing and was promptly set down. "Would you rather watch as they kill your friends, and then enslave you for their lustful purposes?" OK that had been a bit harsh, but she'd gotten the point. He made her begin sparring with a metal blade, dulled for training purposes. After a few days of this she made her first trip to the healing houses… as a patient.
"Ow! God damn it!" hissed Nicole. "Do you have to wrap them so tight?!"
"If you want them to heal fast, then yes." Elrohir looked at her seriously. "You are not to stress them. You will come here instead of training for the next few days."
"Sure thing Boss" Nicole gave him a mock salute.
He looked at her coolly with narrowed eyes "…you may go" he said once she began squirming under his gaze.
"Right, Thanks" she said awkwardly as she stood and meandered out the door. She walked the halls aimlessly for an hour or so before she passed by Elrond's study. She stopped and looked back at the door with a bit of trepidation. She really wanted to speak with him again. The last time hadn't gone so well… She really hated embarrassing herself in front of people. Approaching those last few steps was difficult for her, when all she wanted to do was run the other way and keep pretending… She raised her hand to knock, but then chose to just go in. To her surprise the door opened soundlessly under her hand. She stepped inside and looked around the room. The fireplace was dark this time. She pushed the door most of the way closed behind her and approached the far door slowly. She could hear voices drifting past the door from the other room. 'He's not alone.' She thought half in relief and half in annoyance. Again, she raised her hand to knock.
"How fares your student?" came Lord Elrond's unmistakable voice.
"She is talented with the blade and learns quickly."
'Glorfindel?!' Nicole stifled a gasp. She would recognize his voice anywhere. Her cracked ribs protested the sudden intake of breath. She winced and placed a hand over the bandages covering her abdomen.
"Good" Elrond replied.
"But…" Glorfindel interjected, "her concentration is lacking at times. I have caught her off guard because her mind wanders. It is a flaw that will take years to overcome."
Elrond sighed. "I am positive we don't have years, only months."
Okay, now Nicole knew they were talking about her. Of all the times she'd passed by his door and wished for the chance to speak with him, she got to overhear a secret conversation about her faults of all things.
"How is her progress with you Elrohir?"
'The Hell?!' Was this a parent teacher's meeting or something? Now, Elrohir is in on it? No wonder he'd given her the afternoon off.
"She does very well. Her background in healing gives her much headway. Several months will be sufficient to make her a decent beginner medic if she continues as she is doing and gets as much practical experience as possible. She has a great deal of theoretical knowledge."
"Father…" came a voice very similar to Elrohir's. It was filled with discomfort.
'Oh no…' thought the now trembling elleth, 'not Elladan. He's my friend.'
There was a moment of silence and Nicole could imagine them all now looking at Elladan and waiting for him to continue.
"I can tell by your preparations that you are planning on sending Lady Nicole into danger. Is it absolutely necessary to do this? She is a very gentle person. I am not sure that it is wise to-"
"Yes" Elrond's voice was firm. "It is her purpose in coming here and she must fulfill it. It is too late now to send any other." His voice softened. "Do not worry son. She will not be alone."
Nicole felt cold dread lace out from the pit of her stomach.
"Do all of you agree that she is trustworthy? She will not jeopardize the journey?" There was a murmur of agreement. "Thank you all," he dismissed.
'Journey?' Nicole backed away from the door. 'No, no, no NO!' She threw open the outside door and sprinted away from the voices. She'd known it all along, but actually hearing it said aloud scared her out of her wits. She'd read fanfictions where people wrote themselves into the fellowship. She always laughed to herself and said she wouldn't last 5 minutes in a real battle. Why couldn't they be chauvinists and keep her locked in a tower with the other females. Was she expendable? Was that it? Did they expect her to jump in front of an arrow for Boromir, because she wasn't sure she could do it. Now she'd never, never get to have her dream. All she really wanted was a home with a garden and a loving family with a few children to dote on. She'd loved growing up in the country with her four brothers. Tears blurred her eyes and the sobs shook her frame. Without conscious thought she raced through the halls and found herself in her clearing. There were a few startled shouts at her passing, but the sight of her running to and fro was not so unusual that anyone tried to stop her. The populace around here knew by now that she was more excitable than the average elf. She collapsed in the shade of one the trees at the edge. "Ow," she murmured pathetically as she hugged her ribs and rolled to her uninjured side. She curled into a ball. The slanted light from the lowering sun elongated the shadows of the tree trunks. A warm breeze rustled the tall grass creating waves with foam crests of flowers. For the first time since coming here, the tear stricken elleth was oblivious of the beauty around her. Her mind spun out all sorts of unpleasant images of what could happen on the 'journey' she was intended for. She had a low tolerance for violence. Seeing others in pain, fear, or humiliated affected her on a visceral level. She wanted to protect them, but she was sure she wasn't strong enough. She'd mess it all up. She was no soldier who could kill and push away her feelings. Neither was she a spy who wouldn't crack under torture. Josh would never have let this happen. He would have jumped at an opportunity like this one. He'd have gone in her place. Where was he? Why couldn't he have fallen into this strange world with her?' Thoughts of him were just beneath her conscious all the time. 'Would he be proud of her for all she'd accomplished here? Would he do as she said and move on without her and be happy if…' She pushed away the thoughts. If she spent all day thinking of him she wouldn't be able to function.
"Lady Nicole?" came a familiar hesitant voice.
'Of course, now he comes.' she thought angrily through her tears. She turned her face away bitterly.
"Why are you here?" 'Ug her voice sounded bad.' She swallowed some tears and cleared her throat.
"Are you…alright?" His voice drifted slowly closer. She heard his feet crunch lightly in the grass.
'At least he's being considerate.' She thought sarcastically.
"I saw you run past." He continued, "I thought I had better follow, in case… you didn't want to be alone."
Elrond's words came back to her 'She will not be alone.' She cut her tear stained eyes up at him angrily.
"Are you in on it?!" her roughened voice accused.
Shock filled his wide cerulean eyes, "In on it…No. In on what? I… was worried." He crouched beside her and laid a warm callused hand between her shoulders where she laid on the ground. She a smelled a fresh scent, much like sea-grape trees. She'd noticed it on him before but had been unable to place it until now.
"Sending me to my death." she answered.
"What nonsense are you speaking?" Legolas sounded angry now. The warmth of his hand disappeared. She heard a rustling.
Quickly, she looked up in a panic. "Wait I'm sorry. Don't leave." She hastily turned towards his voice and pushed off the ground despite the sharp pain she felt in her side. She found herself looking into his flashing eyes. He was sitting beside her now. "Oh…" she said in surprise.
"I wasn't leaving. I'm going to stay here until you tell me what is wrong."
"…" She stared at him.
He raised his ebony eyebrows.
"I...I'm not sure where to start," she hedged.
His eyes softened. "The beginning is a good place."
"The beginning" Nicole repeated doubtfully. She sniffed. He produced a handkerchief and she let out a watery laugh as she took it. "Of course" she muttered to herself. She wiped her eyes and face to give herself some time to gather her thoughts. She trusted Legolas, but she wasn't sure she wanted to tell him everything, especially when he seemed to think it was a bad idea to associate with mortals too much. What if she told him only a few months ago she was one. She absently picked a long blade of grass, one with seeds on the end. She began plucking them off one by one.
"You know how we argued a while back…about my friend?"
Legolas nodded silently.
She glanced at him nervously. "Well, I'm more than just attached to him…a lot more."
Sadness washed over his features. "Nicole..."
"I was…we were together… at least that's the last thing I remember before I woke up just outside Rivendell. I still don't know how I came to be here instead of…"
"With Josh." He finished.
She looked up again with a sad smile. "Yes… you remembered his name."
"It would be difficult to forget," he said wryly, watching her hands.
She looked at what was left of the blade of grass in her hands. It was quickly being shredded under her fingers.
"I learned today why Elrond has asked Glorfindel and Elrohir to teach me." She sighed and tears filled her eyes once more. "Something is coming up…something really important. He's going to send me along. I am sure of it." She took a shuddering breath. "I'm afraid."
"Nicole." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him, automatically seeking the comfort he offered. "Are you sure? Perhaps it was a misunderstanding. Lord Elrond wouldn't put you in unnecessary danger."
"There is no mistake. I went to speak with him today, to question him about it. I overheard him talking with Glorfindel and the twins…It sounded like it was planned." She looked up at him. "I think he knows how I came to be here."
"I…don't know about that." He squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "But I'll speak to him for you. Maybe I can change his mind."
"What should I do?" She looked at her hands. "I can't run. I have nowhere to go." Her multicolored gaze lifted to meet his fathomless one. "I'm not sure I would run, even if I knew there was somewhere to hide."
"You would go?" Surprise washed into his eyes.
She kept looking at him sadly. "If it meant finding a way home…and helping all of you." She shivered then. Her eyes looked off to the side in memory. "I still remember those creatures that attacked me when we met."
"You protected yourself well then." He said with a touch of warmth.
"But I was terrified," She argued, "and I thought it was a nightmare. Now I will be wide awake."
He tapped the bottom of her chin with a long finger. She looked up. "Don't continue to think about that. It will not lead to anything good." She nodded against the light pressure of his finger. It was easier not to drift to unpleasant memories when you were drowning in the eyes of a wise friend.
He began humming then. His voice was interesting. One moment it was warm and ringing and the next a deep soothing timbre. She plucked at another strand of grass while she listened. After a time her posture began to wilt. She was so tired and Legolas still had her shoulder captive. She didn't want to fight the feeling of peace that his song brought her, but she did wish to stay awake and listen. It was a losing battle. Finally, her head lolled onto his shoulder as she drifted off.
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She smiled. The sun was warm today. She walked through the tunnel of sea-grape trees towards the sound of gulls. The leaves above mottled her path with light. She loved everything about this place. The insects humming, the hot sand and twigs beneath her toes. As she reached the end of the tunnel she realized she was alone on the beach. The calm waters winked at her like she remembered. Today the water was clear and calm. She wanted nothing more than to dive into it and forget…forget what? Then she noticed a boat moored just off shore where it was deeper. It was wood, and streamlined with gray sails. She could imagine pulling herself dripping onto the ship, and feeling the breeze on her face as she looked out over the horizon. As she stepped into the water she felt its coolness envelop her feet. She took a few more steps in, then dove forward, but as she moved her arms to swim, it felt wrong, like soft sheets, and why was she lying on her back?
She took a breath and blinked. She sat up slowly, staring around her in confusion. "My room" she said dumbly to herself. She swung her legs to the side of the bed and stood. She was still wearing the same outfit as yesterday. She experimentally pressed a hand against her side. The pain there was much less noticeable. 'How did I get back here?' She blinked when she saw her shoes placed neatly by her bed. Nicole usually kicked them off by the door. "Oh, no" she sat back down on the edge. 'He carried me back here…and…and tucked me in?' She sighed. 'Well that hasn't happened since I was 8 years old. He must think I'm a baby, to behave like that.' Seeing that it wasn't yet dawn she absently grabbed her bathing things. 'I'm usually a light sleeper.' As she did this she saw the gift Limel had brought her last week. It was wrapped loosely in brown cloth. She had shared some drawings with her and Faerveren several weeks ago and this was the result of her friends' imaginations. They'd told her to open it in private, but she never seemed to have the time with her busy schedule, which really only allowed for a few hours of sleep, two meals, and loads of mental and physical training.
Gingerly, she unfolded the cloth and read quickly through the note laid on top. 'A swimsuit.' Despite the sadness that still clung to her from the unfortunate events yesterday, her curiosity led her to examine the pretty lavender pile of clothing. What had her friends thought up? The light silky fabric resembled a knee length halter sun dress. It was light and would dry quickly. There was an extra layer of darker fabric sewn into the bodice and skirt, to prevent it becoming see through when wet. 'Clever' thought Nicole with a small smile, she began folding it to place it back in the corner when she realized she was supposed to be with Elrohir in the houses all day today. Anger filled her when she thought about him reporting on her behind her back. Before she could lose her nerve she removed her clothes and pulled the bathing dress over her head. She hung a long cloak around her shoulders for propriety's sake and picked up her bathing supplies on the way out the door.
She jumped into her pond and was able to clean herself well enough with the bathing-dress on. It wasn't really that tight so she was able to work the soap in everywhere necessary. As she looked up at the sky, which was now greying on the eastern horizon, she sighed. This wasn't as distracting as she'd hoped. Her mental state made it almost a chore. She pulled herself from the water and wrung out her hair in irritation. She toweled off lightly and then pulled her cloak around her shoulders. She opted to walk back to her room barefoot. She'd just started up the steps back into the main building when none other than Elladan fell into step beside her. She ignored him. He made a habit of trying to surprise her by popping up at the strangest times, usually she laughed, but today she was in no mood for it.
"Where were you off to in the woods so early in the morning?" He asked innocently.
Nicole kept her eyes forward. "Walking" she said with a flat tone.
"So do you usually take your bathing things with you when you go on early morning walks?" he teased.
"If you know what I was doing, then why did you ask?" She spared a glare at the dark head of hair walking beside her as they reached the top of the steps and moved forward into the hallways.
He continued, undeterred by her less than cheerful attitude, "There are bathing areas you know. One would think that by coming out here you want someone to see you." He smirked at her.
She stopped walking and pinned him with her glare. "Is there a point to your coming here, or are you just trying to piss me off?"
He took a step back in surprise at her harsh words. "Why are you yelling? Have I angered you somehow?"
"Why, WHY!" She hissed. "I overheard your little pow-wow with your father yesterday." She accused.
She saw him mouth the words pow-wow in confusion. At any other time the sight would have made her snort and break down laughing. But today it only fueled her anger.
She continued, "How long were you reporting to him? Are you my friend, or are you my babysitter just keeping tabs on me and following orders?"
Understanding lit his eyes, which were the same grey of the early dawn this morning. 'Damn it!' The palm of her hand itched to slap him, but she restrained herself until she could hear his explanation.
His earnest words came quickly, "I am your friend Nicole. Please, you must know I was against… whatever father plans on involving you in. "
"How much do you know?" her voice was cold.
"Know?" he said helplessly.
"About me, how I came here?" she stood as tall as she could and tried her hardest to be intimidating.
"Brother?" a melodic feminine voice drifted over them from the far end of the hall. "Here I am. Are you going to introduce us now, as you promised?" A beautiful elleth walked sedately up to stand beside him. She was nearly the same height as Nicole. Her dark hair was the same shade as Elladan's and fell in thick waves down past her waist. Her wide dark lashed eyes were gray as well. Her beauty on the surface was impressive enough even without the peacefulness and sweetness she seemed to exude without words. She wore a pale blue dress and a light silvery grey cloak. A circlet rested on her brow. She first looked at her brother with a soft smile and then turned to observe Nicole quietly.
Quite stunned and distracted from berating Elladan. Nicole dipped into a curtsy as she realized who this must be. "Lady Arwen," she greeted in consternation. 'Did she hear us just now?' As she looked at Arwen's face she couldn't tell one way or the other. She had hidden her thoughts behind a pleasant expression, much like Legolas did, only Arwen's was somehow more disarming.
"This is Lady Nicole," Elladan met her eyes in pleading as he spoke. "She has come to stay with us in recent months." Nicole fought to keep her face expressionless as she met his look as briefly as possible.
"Well met." Arwen dipped into a flawless curtsy.
It was easy to like her. Nicole thought as she echoed the words back to her. After a moment of silence which felt extremely awkward to Nicole, she spoke. "Well, sorry, I need to go change. I am very busy today, but I'll continue our conversation later. She smiled gently at Arwen and began walking away once the elleth had excused her. She shot a pointed look over her shoulder at Elladan once Arwen was no longer looking.
Once she reached her room she pulled her damp hair into a bun and changed into the robes she wore to the healing houses. There was no time for breakfast. For a second she thought of going to eat anyway, but she'd lost her appetite and was already late. Elrohir could be quite scary when she displeased him, much like his father. She scoffed and trudged her way there.
Elrohir cast an eye over her as she entered. "You're late." He stated. Go over there and check what stock we are low on." To her credit Nicole worked the entire day without talking back or questioning him about what she'd overheard yesterday. She trusted Legolas to speak with Elrond on her behalf. But besides that, the truth was she highly valued Elrohir's knowledge and was grateful to him for teaching her. She didn't want to jeopardize her place here. She was still upset though. If Elrohir noticed her unusually serious demeanor he didn't comment.
She sat down wordlessly with Faerveren and Legolas for dinner. Elladan was, not surprisingly, absent. 'He's probably avoiding me,' Nicole thought with satisfaction. With a brief nod to Legolas and Faerveren she began piling her plate with food. She'd missed breakfast and lunch and was really hungry. As she took her first bite she realized it was somewhat of an uncommon occurrence for the woodland prince to join them for dinner. Plus, she'd never seen him here without the twins also showing up. He must be worried about her. She looked up to catch his concerned glance. She smiled in reassurance, which he returned. Relief replacing his former expression.
Faerveren looked between them. "You are quiet today Nicole." She smiled at her friend easily.
Nicole nodded. "Sorry, I'm really hungry." She took a bite of potato. "I missed breakfast and lunch today."
"Oh right," commented Faerveren cutting into her own food. "I heard you went for a swim this morning." She grinned up at Nicole and took a bite of food. After swallowing she continued. "How was it?" She winked.
Nicole, smiled softly back. "Good, thank you. I wouldn't change a thing about it."
Faerveren, happy with her friend's response, continued to eat.
Legolas glanced curiously at the females during their brief conversation. He had the feeling he'd missed something, but didn't question them, for which Nicole was grateful. She didn't want to explain bathing suits to him. Before yesterday she'd have discussed the design in detail in front of the prince and laughed at his reaction. But now…it just, didn't seem proper.
August 20th
It was maybe a week before she saw Legolas again. He was simply passing down a corridor. He was walking fast and Nicole almost called out a greeting when she saw a glimpse of his expression. The barely controlled anger there shocked her into silence. Without thinking her feet carried her after him. She had some trouble keeping up. When he stopped suddenly and observed a nearby courtyard one floor below she nearly tripped trying to jump back around a corner where he wouldn't see her. She peaked back around to see him gracefully jump the railing and skid down the slanted overhang. He landed on the earth below with barely a sound. Nicole was fascinated and moved forward to see him looking up at the fountain statue of the elleth next to her willow tree. He obviously hadn't noticed her following him. She retreated quickly after that, her thoughts swirling. He was upset, and in light of his promise to speak with Elrond it did not bode well for her at all. She'd let him come to her. Now was not a good time.
August 21st
He finally did seek her out. She was running through some sword drills with Glorfindel yelling for her to go faster. Well yelling wasn't quite the right word. He was more raising his voice. She noticed a dark head of hair sitting at the periphery, but didn't turn to see who it was. Nicole didn't want her teacher to catch her unawares…again. She continued until she was panting and sweaty, which was quite some time now because she was in pretty good shape these days. She finished a set and wiped her brow warily. Then Glorfindel drew his sword and moved forward.
"Continue" he ordered. Nicole understood moved back to her starting place. This drill was a series of blocks, parries, and strikes. She resheathed her sword and waited a few heartbeats. Glorfindel lunched forward. Not at full speed, Nicole was sure, but fast enough that she barely had time to pull her sword out of the scabbard and into an angled block. It sent his sword sliding along her blade in a hiss of metal. The first time he'd ever done this she nearly peed her pants in surprise. The exercise was like a two sided kata, a form she learned and he reinforced by showing her what each move was intended to do. It was certainly a step down from a sparring match, but at least they were doing it with live blades. She hadn't gotten injured yet doing this. 'There's always a silver lining.'
After a while of this Glorfindel finally had mercy on her and gave her a small smile and a nod.
"Good enough for today," he said looking over her shoulder. He nodded "Prince Legolas"
Nicole bowed to her teacher and self-consciously tucked some strands of hair behind her ear that had escaped her bun before turning around.
"Hello" she said simply. He was wearing a white shirt today. It made a stark contrast with his hair and eyes, like obsidian and sapphire on a bed of snow. 'Poetic,' she thought, as she moved forward she began tugging her hair free of her bun.
"You are looking well" he offered a smile as he fell into step beside her.
Nicole examined his expression from the corner of her eyes while she combed out her long hair briefly with her fingers. "What's wrong?" His mask was back in place. If she hadn't seen him yesterday she wouldn't have known anything was amiss. They began climbing the steps out of the arena. She could feel Legolas' eyes on her but kept silent and continued forward. Finally he let out a sigh and offered her an arm. "I fear your reaction."
She tucked her hand into the bend of his elbow. "You spoke with him then?" She whispered. She hadn't meant to sound so pathetic, but she'd been holding out hope. She reluctantly looked up at her handsome friend.
He nodded and met her look. "We should sit." Silently, he guided her the rest of the way to her favorite courtyard, where she'd seen him yesterday. They sat on the bench under the willow tree facing the fountain of the elven lady. They watched the water flowing into the pool at the statue's feet for a few minutes before he spoke.
"I…was not able to change his mind."
"Did he explain why?" came Nicole's tired response.
Legolas hesitated. Which brought Nicole's attention quickly to his face.
"That it was necessary…"
"That isn't an explanation," said Nicole sharply.
"And that I may accompany you if I wished."
She let out a breath and turned her face away. "Oh, Legolas…you would have gone anyway."
She felt his eyes on her. "What do you mean?"
She glanced at him in alarm. "Nothing… Just that you…you are not afraid… of danger I mean."
He raised an eyebrow skeptically.
Nicole blushed at her near slip up. She leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "Thank you for everything you have done for me."
"I will go… and I will keep you safe." He announced firmly.
"I don't doubt you will do your very best." Nicole offered a small tired smile.
They lapsed into a comfortable silence.
"Who is she?" asked Nicole suddenly.
"Who?" Legolas turned his head to his shorter companion.
Nicole gestured at the statue in front of them. "Her…She is very beautiful."
Legolas examined the fountain briefly. "I believe it is in the likeness of Yavanna."
"Yavanna," repeated Nicole slowly. She looked at Legolas sheepishly. "Forgive my ignorance…but who is she exactly? My education is lacking here."
"She is the vala of earth and the giver of fruits."
Nicole pursed her lips. "Hm…so if I wished for some tropical fruit right now?"
Her friend laughed once. "You do not stay sad for long mellon, do you?"
"No. It takes too much energy." The sound of his laugh made her smile tug wider. She looked back to the statue. "So, she makes the earth fruitful?"
She saw his head nod out of the corner of her eye.
"What about children?" She met Legolas' bright gaze. "Does she give us those too?"
He blinked in surprise at the question. "Yes, I believe so."
"Ah" She fell silent and looked at the statue forlornly and then bowed her head. "I used to be a favorite of the children where I lived before…" She kicked her foot against the dirt. "I would play tag and lots of other games with them… I always let them win." Images of her nieces and nephews danced through her head. Would she see them grow up? She felt her eyes tearing up and tried to blink them away.
"You have a great fondness for children?" came Legolas quiet question.
The corners of her eyes wrinkled in a half smile. Her strange multicolored eyes settled on Legolas. "I've wanted my own for years now."
A look of compassion settled over his handsome features "With…"
"Yes" She said quickly, averting her gaze. "…but now I'm not sure…if I'll have the chance. I want to keep hoping, but…"
He placed a hand over hers. "If any elf is worthy of such a blessing, it would be you."
His flattery eased her sadness a bit and she turned her hand over to grasp his. She stood and began walking. She determinedly wiped her eyes with her other hand as she dragged her friend behind her. "I'm hungry. Enough of this serious talk. "
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Fun times! Lots of emotion. Thank you to all my reviewers and followers. I appreciate your support.
Tadah - Thanks for the informative information on your bio page. LACE…hmm I'd always thought that's how elves were different, but I didn't know there was an acronym for it. Interesting.
