A/N): howdy. Many thanks for the reviews everyone! Yes, Bella is Italian, and I can't remember who said this, but yes, I do need to not write so slow, content wise. Sorry, it's just habit. I always write about minor details, I'll attempt to work on that. I think I've already lost some reviewers (cuz they think its mary-sue, but it aint) but I've picked up some new ones as well. It balances out. Yay! So anyways….next chapter.

p.s. REVIEW!!!!!!

Disclaimer: I own Bella, Laitaan, and Novcristiel.

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       Novcristiel led Bella into a large dinning room and led her to an end of the table. Lord Elrond was seated at the opposite end with Gandalf at his right. Two guards were placed on either side of Bella as she sat down across from Elrond. A plate was placed in front of her and a wine goblet was placed as well. Bella wasn't quite sure what the food was - it looked like some sort of meat soaked in a red sauce – but whatever it was, it smelled delicious. Bella's mouth began to water and she noticed how hungry she was; she hadn't eaten since the night before. As she was about to pick up her fork, Lord Elrond spoke.

       "Now that you are cleaned and properly dressed -" Bella started to object again but shut her mouth when she saw the warning on Gandalf's face. ", we can continue our business. I have many questions which are need of an answer. Once again I pray that you answer them truthfully."

       "I'll do my best, sir," said Bella. "But if you're going to be asking me questions I should be able to ask you some as well. I think that that is only fair."

       Elrond fell silent for a moment and then answered. "Very well." He paused. "Now, my dear, I have heard how you have come here, and it is all very strange to me - and I can see that it is all very strange to you as well – But, where do you come from?"

       "I come from Nevada," Bella replied.

       Elrond shook his head. "I have not heard of this place. What region is it in?"

       "It's in America. The good ol' U.S. of A.," Bella answered back.      

       Again Elrond looked confused. "I am sorry, my dear, but I have never heard of this America either. Where is it?"

        "It's on earth," Bella replied incredulously. "You know, earth, the big round thing floating in outer space that circles the sun. The place every living creature lives on." 'Are these people completely insane?' Bella thought. "America is the most power country in the entire world and you're telling me you've never heard of it before."

       "No," Elrond replied.

       Bella rolled her eyes in exasperation. "You're kidding with me right? You have really got to be kidding me."

       "This is not a joke I'm afraid," said Gandalf.

       "Sweet Jesus," Bella exclaimed. "Where am I then?"

       "You are in Rivendell," said Elrond.

       "Well no-shit Sherlock! Where the hell is Rivendell located at?"

       "In Middle-Earth milady," Gandalf said quietly. 'Middle-Earth?! Where the fuck is Middle-Earth at?' Bella's mind screamed.

       "There is no need for raised voices," Elrond said.

       "No need?" shouted Bella as she finally let our all her frustrations. "I've been dropped off into a strange place that I have never even seen, only to be kidnapped by Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and brought to some unknown palace. And then, I was locked inside a room for ten days, denied all communication from any living things except the guard, swell company he makes, and given only two inadequate meals a day! Next, my personal style is insulted from people who have no style, I am forced to have a babysitter who watches me while I bathe, perverts, and then I am dragged in here to face two crazy old men who have never even heard of America, who tell me, 'hey! This isn't earth! This is Middle-Earth! Surprise!' I have no idea where I am, I'm scared shitless, and I want to go home and you're telling me that there is no need for raised voices? Well I'm sorry, but I feel the need to raise my voice." Bella finally finished, her voice quivering as she said the last words. She sat back down in her chair and placed her elbows on the table, she put her head in her hands and tried not to cry; her outburst had worn her out.

       Lord Elrond and Gandalf were silent for a moment. Then Bella felt a warm hand on her shoulder; she didn't bother to look up. "We did not mean to upset you," said Gandalf softly. "I understand that this is quite a shock for you my dear. But please, we must finish our business. The sooner we know more, the sooner we can begin to look for a way for you to return home; wherever that may be."

       Bella let out a small hiccup and wiped her face. "Alright," she said. "Let's just get this over with."

       With that Gandalf walked back to his seat and nodded for Elrond to continue. "Now," Elrond started, "About this machine that you were found in."

       "I believe it's my turn to ask a question," Bella interrupted.

       "Yes, indeed. Go ahead."

       "That machine that I was found in, that's my car. All of my belongings are in it. What's going to happen to it?" Bella asked.

       "I know not yet. My sons have gone through this "car" of yours and have reported some devilry-"

       "You went through my car!" Bella exclaimed.

       "Please, milady, do not get upset again," said Elrond. "We went through to see if we could find any clues to show us who you are. Elrohir, my son, has reported that it is some sort of metal animal. He looked inside to where you were found seated and he noticed a key. He turned the key and the animal viciously growled at him. He immediately turned the key back and it fell silent. Now, how is this?"

       "He turned the key to the ignition. When you turn the key the car is started. It is not an animal. It's a machine; a man-made mode of transportation. It is not harmful." Bella couldn't believe that they have never heard of cars before. At first she thought they were joking, but as she studied them she realized that they were serious as a heart attack.

       "That may be," said Elrond, "But you can never be too careful. Also, among your things we found drawings of people. They looked real, as if their souls were captured into the paper. Are you a sorceress of some kind?"

       "No!" Bella exclaimed. "I am not a witch! Those are not drawings; they're photographs, taken with a camera, a device to take photographs with. It's an electronic tool!"

       "Again I have never heard of these strange things. Are they created by man or by Elf?" Elrond asked.

        "Elf?" said Bella raising her eyebrows. "They're made by man. Elves aren't real, they're make-believe; only fairytales."

       Lord Elrond looked offended. "My dear, I believe you are mistaken. I am an Elf, and I assure you I am no fairytale."

       Bella then noticed the points on his ears. She then remembered all of the Merry Men, and Laitaan and Novcristiel having pointy ears as well. 'This is absurd,' thought Bella. 'This really cannot be.'

       "Bu…but elves are short and...and…chubby and they make cookies and toys! They're not regal and beautiful…" she said.

       Elrond was appalled. "I am quite certain that Elves are not short and fat. And neither do we make cookies nor toys. I will not tolerate such insults."

       "I apologize, but from where I come from, that's what elves do. I mean in stories, that's what elves do. Elves do no exist. No, they do not. Not real." Bella kept denying this fact to herself, but despite her best efforts she was forced to believe them; she had no other choice.

       Bella laid her head on the table. "God…I'm going insane," She murmured to herself.

      "Again, I assure you that I do exist and that I am quite real. I am just as real as you," said Elrond. "We both are coming across strange to one another, and we are just going to have to trust each other until these matters become clear."

       Bella thought this over, it was reasonable, she could think of no better solution; she was just going to have to trust them.

       "Alright," said Bella.

       "Now that that is settled, please eat your lunch; you look fatigued. We will continue our council when you are finished," said Gandalf.

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       While Bella was eating Gandalf and Elrond went to a corner to discuss Bella.

       "I have not come across anyone like her in all my days," Elrond said.

       "Yes," said Gandalf. ", she is a wonder. The things she speaks of are not even in my knowledge. I believe that she is from a different world; as if she fell into a wrinkle of time."

       "We must be wary," Elrond advised.

       "I do believe she is harmless," Gandalf replied. "She is mortal, of the species of man. In her world man may have come quite a ways; I do not think we should mistake knowledge for sorcery."

       "Still, caution is necessary. The metal animal, or "car", in which she speaks of, I think it must be destroyed. From what Elrohir has reported I do not trust that metal beast nor the contents inside. It could be a weapon created by the dark lord; strange powers are lurking about these days."

       Gandalf was thoughtful for a moment. "I will go and inspect this metal beast this evening. I will see if I find any harm." He paused. "Let the girl go until tomorrow where we shall continue our council. I will try and speak with her this afternoon and find out what I can. I believe the interrogation intimidates her. A one-on-one tactic in friendlier settings may work better."

       Elrond stared at the girl who quietly ate. "Alright," he began. "I have faith in you my old friend. But be careful."

       Gandalf gave a wry smile. "As always," he replied.

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       When Gandalf and Elrond finished their discussion they walked back over to Bella who was just finishing her meal.

       "I hope you enjoyed your lunch," Gandalf smiled.

       "Very much so," Bella said quietly. She picked up her napkin off her lap and wiped her mouth with it.

       "I'm afraid that we're going to have to finish our council tomorrow," Elrond informed. "Gandalf here will show you around since it seems that you shall be with us for quite awhile. Good afternoon." Elrond nodded towards Gandalf and Bella and then turned and made his way out of the room.

       "Now my dear," Gandalf said pleasantly. "Are you ready for a tour?"

       Bella gave a slight smile and nodded. 'He seems nice, but they always do. Don't trust him Bella, don't trust him!' her mind warned.

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(A/N): okay, how was that? I hope y'all liked it. Please review; I'll buy you all jaguars if you do. Once again, mean or negative flames will be used to warm my hot tub outside.