A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews. For chapter 3, special thanks to go Catie and Gimli der Zwerg. Please continue to review!

Ch. 4: Interruptions

The place was positively deserted when I woke up mid-morning. I don't usually sleep late, but I guess I was just up too late. There was a tray of fruit and bread by my door, so I ate a light breakfast. I wandered around for the rest of the morning, exploring the library, and the house itself, and the gardens, and whatever else I could find. I was bored by the time I heard a bell ring. It was noon, and I assumed it was a lunch bell. It reminded me of the school bell that usually saved us from a discussion of how many times Mrs. Garby's cat had gotten sick recently. She likes to use real-world examples for her biology classes, but they get old faster than she realizes. At least she wasn't too graphic about it.
I walked back to the hall where we had eaten last night, but no one was there. I thought I was in the wrong place until a servant came out of the kitchen and told me I was in the right place, but the council had just gone long. I stood around and waited. After a few minutes, the council members came in—the Elves, Hobbits, and Dwarves I had at least met, but there were also humans—Men, I mean. They were tall and intimidating. I stood up as they came in and walked over to Gimli.
Hello, Amy. How are you this morning? He was trying to be polite, but he was distracted. We sat down where we'd been last night, but he was very quiet.
Eventually I broke the silence. Gimli, are you all right?
Yes. I'm all right, young one. I just have a lot to think on. Forgive me for not being better company.
That's OK. I don't mind not talking. I'm used to it. I was just worried about you.
Thank you. He smiled, and for some odd reason, my stomach decided to do a somersault. I don't think I am the one who deserves worry. I must have looked very confused, because he patted my hand and said, Do not worry. All will turn out wellI hope.
We finished lunch in silence, but at least the silence was companionable this time and not awkward.
When we got up to leave, Gandalf pulled me aside. Amy, could I have a word with you? I nodded, and we went back to the library. Elrond was waiting there. They explained to me as much as they could about the Ring and what it meant, then told me about the Fellowship that would accompany the Hobbit Frodo to Mordor to destroy the Ring. I didn't catch everything (history isn't my strong point), but one thing I did catch: this journey would be dangerous, and Gimli would be going with them. Neither of them failed to notice my sudden attention when they mentioned Gimli.
After he finished his tale, Gandalf asked me, Do you understand this, Amy? I know it is a lot to take in all at once.
I nodded slowly, and said, I think you'll probably have to tell me all of this again, maybe several times, before I get all of it, but I think I understand as much as I can for the moment I paused, debating with myself.
Is there something else, Amy? Elrond asked.
I suppose it might be significant. I told them about the Dwarven prophecy, hoping I wasn't revealing some ancient secret. Somehow, I remembered the words exactly, even though I'd heard it only once.
I have never heard this story. I will have to think about it. Thank you for telling us. Elrond said. I do not think any action will be taken for the next few days, at least. Rest and be at ease here. Go now, and enjoy yourself while we old men debate ancient prophecies and strange signs and occurrences. There was a smile hiding behind his eyes.
With that, I left to explore. Again.
As I was wandering, I met a dark-haired Elven woman. She was very beautiful, and had the same sense of agelessness I had seen in Elrond. There was a dark-haired man walking away from her. I was suddenly shy, but she came over to me. Hello, Amy. I am Arwen, daughter of Elrond. My father has told me of you. Will you walk with me?
I nodded, and she showed me around the grounds, including places I would never have found on my own. We made small talk, and after a while I asked her to tell me a story of the past there. She chuckled, then told me the story of Beren and Lúthien—how the Elf-maiden Lúthien had given up her immortality to marry a Man—Beren. These two were her father's great-grandparents, despite the fact that it had been many thousands of years since those days. Talking with her, I began to understand the Elves better—their sadness, especially. Their people were leaving Middle Earth, and it was lonelier than ever for those who remained.
Trying to change the subject, I asked if she was married, and Arwen grew very quiet. Finally, she responded, Perhaps one day we will speak of such things, but I would prefer not to discuss them now. Suffice it to say that I am not yet married.
We were saved from an awkward silence by the dinner bell. At Arwen's request, I sat with her at her father's table. The conversation was light, but pleasant. We carefully avoided subjects that might bring up hard feelings. I watched Gimli on and off, but the conversation kept most of my attention. After dinner, he left quickly, and I followed.
I caught up to him just outside his room. He turned.
Lady Amy. How are you? His voice was polite, but held little warmth.
I'm OK, but are you? You left so quickly.
Did you enjoy the company of the Elves?
Yes, I did, but I don't know why you're upset about it. Arwen asked me to sit with them. Is this about me, or about the fact that you don't like Elves?
Elves are not to be trusted, child. They are wise, but dangerous, even so.
Dangerous? What is that supposed to mean? I'm sure if it came to a fight, you could do just as much damage to an enemy as they could. I don't know how to fight with a sword or an axe or anything, but even I can do a lot of damage if I have to.
You? How could you fight anything? I would fear for you if ever you were attacked. His voice was growing a little softer.
I don't know—I can't fight with a weapon like you do, but I do know now to kick things. I smiled weakly.
Kick things? How can you fight by kicking? He seemed incredulous. Great. Why had I brought that up? I usually do my best not to bring up my tae kwon do.
It really only works if you're fighting somebody else who doesn't have a weapon, either. You kick and punch instead of swinging a weapon.
Like a bar fight?
Sort-of. I don't know that a lot of people actually use their feet in a bar fight, but I guess it's something like that.
Well, then, young one, I will try not to ever get in a hand-to-hand fight with you. He was smiling.
I don't think I would ever want to fight you, even for practice, anyway. I'd be in trouble! We were both laughing now.
I'm sorry I was so surly, Amy. I do not control my temper well.
I know. I was trying to contain a smile.
What—why—You little—I ought to—
Ought to what? Anyway, you'll have to catch me first! With that, I took off running, Gimli close behind. I knew my way around better than he did, and I managed to stay ahead for a couple minutes before I started to get tired. Did I mention Dwarves have really good stamina? I ducked into a little stand of trees Arwen had showed me earlier, but I wasn't quite fast enough.
Gimli had seen me, and followed me in. I had just turned around to look if he was coming, and he crashed right into me. We fell to the ground, him right on top of me. One benefit of years of tae kwon do is that I knew how to fall without getting the wind knocked out of me, but when I looked up into his eyes, I couldn't breathe anyway. I just stared up into his eyes for the longest moment.
He broke the moment, looking away and standing up, then offered me his hand. I took it and got to my feet, looking down at them, too. I was a little disappointed it had ended so quickly. I looked up, and found myself looking straight into his eyes. Neither of us broke it this time, and the moment seemed to stretch out forever. He reached out a hand and ran his fingers through the hair laying loose on my shoulders. I shivered at the touch. He moved closer. He was about to kiss me when I heard someone call my name.
Lady Amy? Are you out here? It was Glorfindel. I closed me eyes for a moment, annoyed, before moving away from Gimli and stepping out of the trees.
I'm here, Glorfindel. What is it?
There you are! We were wondering if you would like to join us in the Hall of Fire tonight.
Thank you, but perhaps another time. I'm rather tired, and I don't think I'd be able to concentrate.
Very well. Another time, then. He turned and walked away. I was hard-pressed to suppress a frustrated scream.