Entering the dining hall, I found a place near the end of row of benches and glanced up at the high table.

Ahh, there were five chairs now instead of the customary three (and occasionally four, when Aragorn was in attendance). And what a lovely picture they made. Elrond flanked on either side by his sons, Glorfindel (sigh) and Erestor. (Sometime I should talk to him. He is very quiet, has a nice smile and somehow, though I am sure he works just as hard, seems sort of overshadowed by the more glorious and blond Glorfindel).

A blessing was said, led by Elladan tonight and we all dug in. There was fresh bread and rice with some kind if delicate fruit sauce, venison, trout and spinach lightly steamed, with butter. And tea and water and fruit juice.

I was really hungry tonight and ate some of everything, even a little venison, which was still a bit gamy for my palate. It was the first time in a long time I had eaten in the hall and it was a welcome change from the bland simple food I had been eating for a couple of weeks. See, I knew exercise was just what I needed!! No more lazing around in bed for me! I even had two helpings of the rice. The sauce was really good and so was the trout. And instead of the customary fruit and cheese, there were actually fruit pastries, cherry and rhubarb I think. In honor of the twins not doubt.

And when the meal was concluded, and the high table had used their finger bowls, Lord Elrond rose (looking very, very nice in lavender and silver I might add), signaling the end of the meal. I rose with everyone else and headed off to the Hall of Fire, picking up a glass of mead on my way out. Whew...they have the BEST mead here. Light, slightly fruity, I could drink, well, I could drink a lot of it! And it had been a while since I had had any.

But I was in a celebratory mood. I had done everything right tonight, and in a little bit, I was going to be able to corner the twins and ask them about their father. And maybe, even find a way out of Rivendell. I was a very happy camper!! I had my glass of mead refilled as I went on to the Hall of Fire. Did I mention how good the mead is here?? Really really nice and light... I liked it a lot.

Entering the Hall, I saw it was pleasantly crowded, the torches were burning and the large fireplace was glowing with good cheer and all the elves were, well, they were just lovely. And Lord Elrond, and those beautiful boys of his...whoosh. And Glorfindel and Erestor. This was way better than, than TV or anything!! It had been so long since I had been here! What a dummy for staying away so long!! I found one of the few chairs available and plopped in it, careful not to spill my mead.

Pretty soon, the singing would begin and ahh, then the night would really take off. Have you heard the elves sing?? Like, in eight-part harmony?? No, no, of course you haven't, sorry. I mean, the singing...and the music!!! Well, you have no idea...okay, that's right, you don't do you?

Well anyway, I was leaning back in my chair, my feet curled around the legs. And holding my glass of mead. Luckily, an elf came by who was serving more mead from a beautiful silver ewer, shaped like, well, I am not sure...a dragon? A bird? Well, it was really lovely, just like the elf doing the pouring. Ah, that mead, my, my, it was GOOD! I shifted around in my chair some, I was actually feeling a bit warm. Which was great, because you know, it had been a brisk, chill day and I had neglected to wear my shawl, so I am glad I had forgot it, because the Hall was a little crowded, probably because the twins were back and all their friends wanted to talk to them.

Had one more glass of mead....its really good. Sometime you should try some! Really, I think you'd like it. Nice and smooth.

So, I waited for the singing to start and was just enjoying watching all the pretties go by, when the lord of the house came over. "Well hi there your lordship!" I said, feeling quite content. "Very, very good mead tonight. Excellent in fact. You should try a glass!" He was staring at me with a slightly puzzled look on his face. "Look, no coughing!" I said, swallowing some mead. "See, I am all better and you have had a nice quiet day I imagine catching your sons." I stopped a minute. "Catching UP with your sons. They seem very nice, Nice elves."

I should have realized. He was silent for so long. I looked up at him smiling broadly and yawned. "Oh pardon me. Must be the heat in here. It's nice and warm. Fire's good." My arm holding the goblet sort of drooped along the arm of my chair.

"Marie." He sounded tired. Poor elf lord. Must be all that catching of his sons he'd been doing. He gently took my goblet away and gave it to a passing server. "Come along." He glanced over his shoulder and lifted his hand slightly. Music, beautiful Elvish music began. "Oh wait, she, the she- elf is going to sing," I tugged back a little. Not possible. When he has a head of steam up, Lord Elrond is unstoppable. "You can hear her another night." Yawning, I nodded. Okay another night. I stumbled in the wake of the elf lord, smiling at the elves we passed who smiled back, some of them grinning. They were so friendly these elves!! Nice, very nice.

We got into the corridor where it was cooler and I sort of steadfastly followed along behind Elrond who was wearing a deep lavender velvet robe that flowed behind him. He was even wearing his circlet, which he so rarely does. He looks very nice in his circlet and velvet.

I yawned again as he pulled me along. As we went down a few stairs I sort of stumble-ran down them. He finally stopped and picked my up. "Oh no, no I can walk...It's just the heat. I'm just a little tired, that's all."

"You are more than a little tired Marie. You have probably eaten and drunk way more than is good for you right now, and I should have noticed but I have been a bit distracted today."

"Oh yes, those boys of yours are very distracting." I nodded, the velvet soft against my cheek. "I have not eaten in the dining hall in so long. And the food was very good."

"I shall tell Resaldil." He said with a chuckle in his voice.

We had reached my room, and he lay me on my bed. I smiled up at him and then rolled over and went to sleep before he'd pulled the blanket up.

I did not sleep for long. I awoke sweating and it was dark. I felt really sick and rushed for the bathroom barely making it to the basin. Very graphically sick. Sorry. First time that had happened to me here!! Pulling myself up, I washed my face and poured myself a glass of water....which unfortunately didn't want to stay down either.

So back to square one. My stomach in knots, I crawled back into bed, feeling all icky. I saw that goblet on the side of my bed, but figured that certainly wouldn't stay down. So I lay there the rest of the night tense, fighting nausea. I was only partially successful. Because I would get thirsty, and then, well, it wouldn't stay down. Luckily, my cough was not so bad.

Morning finally lit up the corners of my room. I only had a minor headache, which was good, and though my stomach was all edgy I actually did not feel nauseous any more. But I was sure tired. And of course, my morning coughing session began as I sat up. I leaned back against the pillows to ease the fit and then bent over to get the goblet. I slugged it back, practicing not making a face.

Wanting to clean up, I got up and went into my bathroom. Sitting on the edge of the bathing pool I sighed and looked at my feet. It would be so great to be able to take a complete bath instead of just a sponge bath. But my promise to not irritate Lord Elrond held fast and I took a sponge bath. Not in the mood for the watery sunlight, I braided my hair back and slipped back under the covers where I stayed, sleeping most of the day away.

To be frank, I hate doing that, because once you wake up you never actually feel awake and of course, last nights drinking had not helped either. When I finally awoke, I sat up and rubbed my face hard. Well, what to do? The day looked like it was almost over. There was no evidence anyone had been in my room (no food, goblets, etc.) So sighing, I got up, washed up and dressed.

Pulling a shawl around me, I went off hunting twins. I still needed to get a clue as to getting out of Rivendell.

I wandered past the main courtyard and went into the stables. Cerwal the Horse Master was there. "Have you seen either of Lord Elrond's sons today Master Cerwal?"

"Mistress Marie! Good to see you up and about! No, Neither of them have left today. They will probably be with Lord Elrond in his study."

"My thanks." I bowed slightly and left. Reluctantly. I knew I was not supposed to ride yet, but I could not wait! It would make getting out of Rivendell pretty hard if I couldn't ride! As a matter of fact, I should go ask and see when the bandages were to come off. The date seemed to change with every unwrapping.

Fluffing my hair some I saw that the doors to the elf lord's study were closed. I paused. Well, maybe he was busy. I stood there debating what I should do, when the doors opened and I stood face to face with Elladan again. "My lord," I bowed slightly, "I-" I got yanked into the study and brought before his father who was writing at his desk. Ellrohir was perched on the corner of the desk, swinging a leg and munching an apple.

"We were just talking about you Mistress Marie, " said Elladan pulling up a chair for me.

Lord Elrond looked up from his writing and then stood with a smile. "Yes, I was telling them a little of your history and-"

"And what you had to do with Hollasfar! Both of us wish we had been there for that!"

I nodded smiling. "Well, it wasn't THAT much fun," I shrugged, "But trust me, I am glad it is over. He was a bit of a nightmare for me actually especially at the end."

Both elves nodded and Elrond who had risen and was now deep into his cabinet asked innocently, "Sleep well last night?"

I paused. Was he trying to make a joke? Imagining he was, I replied archly, "Oh yes, like a baby."

"I see." He came back out with the bandages and salve. "And today you slept like a...?"

Collapsing in my chair a bit, I rubbed my face. "Well, I slept. And no I did not sleep at all last night. Sick as a dog."

"What dog was sick?" asked Elrohir, frowning.

"Ah, never mind, it is just an expression for where I am from."

Nodding, he took another bite out of his apple.

Elladan, having taken the bandages from his father, sat on a foot stool and pulled my right foot into his lap. I raised my eyebrows at this and then looked at Lord Elrond puzzled. "Elladan is a fine healer Marie. He just wanted to see what was done."

Oh good. Exhibit A. "Oh sure. And you Lord Ellrohir? Are you a healer as well?"

Shrugging, "When I have to be. I am actually much better with horses and swords."

"Ahh, the warrior in the family."

"Elladan is quite good with a bow Mistress."

"I am also quite good with a sword Elrohir. If you recall, the last time you challenged me, I---"

"Elladan, Marie's foot?"

"Yes Ada."

I noticed Elrohir grinned at the bowed head of his brother.

Elladan was as efficient as his father, and soon both feet had been gently salved and re-wrapped. They both looked healthy and pink and I said as much as he finished.

"Can't I get those off now? I really am tired of just lazing around here. I really want to go riding!"

Elladan laughed as he put the supplies away and Elrohir looked at his father.

"In a few more days Marie."

"You say that every morning," And then I stopped myself. I had promised no whining. I slumped in my chair and rubbed my face again. Well, back to Sindarin translation.

I was contemplating where I had left off with the tale of the Silmarils, when a goblet was handed to me by Elladan. I looked up at him frowning slightly and then, I swear, he did the eyebrow thing. Sighing, I took the goblet and drank it quickly.

"What was that for?" I mumbled snarkily. I had made NO promises concerning the twins.

"Just a general tonic. Ada has said you have been very sick lately."

"Mistress Marie, you are just like Estel." Elrohir chuckled. It took me a moment to remember that was Aragorn's Elvish name. I rolled my eyes and got up, Elladan solicitously putting a hand under my elbow as I straightened.

Smiling, I thanked Elladan and bowed slightly to Elrohir and Elrond and left the study.

Wandering down the corridor towards my room, I stopped a moment, and went over to a long padded bench that sat out in the lowering sun in a niche bracketed by two overgrown pots of fern. I sat on the bench and then swung up my bandaged feet. I could slightly smell the medicinal odor of the salve. I put my chin on my pulled up knees and stared at the white linen.

Then I sat up suddenly. Wait a minute! Maybe my feet WERE fine, and Lord Elrond was just saying that to keep me from riding or something.

But why would he do that if I was fine? I wasn't planning anything extreme, just a ride! Just a change in scenery! I was SO bored.

I know I had made a promise to myself regarding Lord Elrond...but he had NOT expressly forbidden me to ride, or anything else. He had just said the bandages weren't coming off today and I assumed I couldn't go riding.

I grinned to myself and hopped off the bench and rushed to my room to put on boots and get a cloak. I would go riding!!

It was a lovely evening, full of sailing clouds and some wind, but the temperature was still above freezing as all the icicles were melting and there were little streamlets of run off everywhere.

Wearing my old boots because they were more stretched out and would fit over the bandages easier, I flung my cloak over me and walked briskly down to the stables.

Only coughing a little, I got Carenloth saddled (I had graduated to a real horse now!! I mean, Carenloth was mine to ride whenever. I had been so pleased when Elrond had told me that. It was like getting my own car again!)

Waving to Cerwal as I left, I sighed happily as I clattered over the bridge and headed north down the road.

The air was brisk and dry, which made me cough some, but it was nowhere as bad as it had been before. I spurred Carenloth into a gallop and she, glad to stretch her legs too was happy to oblige.

An hour or so, I was down where the river swung slightly west, I decided to take a breather, I was thirsty and I wanted to walk a little.

Dismounting, I winced a little at my feet, which were feeling slightly abused and cold. Walking slowly to the river's edge, I let Carenloth drink and then bent and drank myself. Ooh, really cold!!

Standing and stretching, I decided to lead Carenloth by the reins and walk some. I walked a couple of miles and was just deciding to look for a boulder from which to remount, when I saw what looked to be a person laying by the rivers edge!

It was going on towards twilight and I could now see my breath in front of me when I ran over and gently pulled the person over.

It was a human female! A teenager really, still had a little acne sprinkled across her face. Her untidy brown wavy hair had been in a bun originally, but it was coming out. The poor thing looked pale and exhausted. I could see nothing else wrong with her, but why was she lying here by the river unconscious, no one else around? I even noticed one of her shoes was missing and her bare foot was muddy and cut.

Biting my lip, I shook her shoulder hard and slapped her on either cheek. Finally she moaned and moved her head back and forth. I pulled her up into a sitting position and said in Sindarin, because wahh, I did not know Westron!!, "I am Marie, who are you?"

Her eyes grew wide at me and she pulled away from me, trying to scramble away from me, obviously terrified. "Don't be afraid! Come, I can take you to Rivendell. Imladris?" I was getting a terrible feeling of deja vu here!

She looked at me, still frightened, a hand over her mouth, her eyes big above it. I held out my hand and pointed out Carenloth who had come over head lowered in inquiry. "Come, we can ride together all right?"

I tugged gently on one of her hands and she got up painfully slow and hobbled over to Carenloth. I followed behind her and bent and cupped my hands so she could mount. Once she got on, I was going to lead Carenloth to a boulder nearby so I could mount.

The minute she got on Carenloth however, she kicked the poor mare in the ribs and tried to race off. Well, that would have worked with any other horse, but Carenloth was Elvish and ostensibly mine and she was having none of it. She raced a few yards and then came to a full stop, which then flung her rider off, over her head and into a silent heap on the ground. This time when I turned her over, I saw she had a gash in her forehead and she was out like a light.

Okay, well, I needed to get this little spitfire to the House. How was I going to do that??

Thinking a few minutes, I came up with an idea.

I led Carenloth to the boulder I was going to use. I then got the unconscious girl in a fireman's hold and carried her over to Carenloth. Using the other small boulders clumped by the bigger one, I awkwardly climbed up and jumped into the saddle. I let the girl kind of drop in front of me and then, as well as I could, I held on to her and rode slowly back up the valley. The poor girl's head bobbed loosely over my arm, even though I kept trying to slide it up so it could rest against my shoulder.

But walking slowly back up to the House took a while and it was completely dark by the time I reached the bridge, and my cough was coming back as the air was very cold.

As Carenloth halted in the courtyard before the main stairs leading up to the house, the guard came running up to us and two of them carefully took the injured girl from me.

I stiffly dismounted and winced as my feet hit the cobblestones. Oooh, I was going to pay for this in the morning. The guards waited for me and I waved them on coughing. Nodding, the one holding the girl took off in a run and the other led Carenloth to the stables for which I was grateful because I did not have the energy to groom the poor dear.

I really wanted to go back to my room, but I had to find out about this girl's problems, so I tiredly trudged to Elrond's study, coughing all the way. I really wanted some tea.