Changing Image
Summary: Cate has always thought herself as looking one way. What happens when she finds out that other's see her differently?
Chapter 3:
Cate awoke in a forest. She seemed to be sleeping in the middle of the clearing from her dream. However, the painting hadn't shown a cottage hidden just behind the trees. Carefully she stood up, checking for broken bones in the process. Upon finding herself to be physically okay, if not a bit mentally shaken, she made her way to the cottage. She knocked on the door while looking around the clearing. This had to be the weirdest thing that had ever happened to her. She was brought back by the door swinging open. Cate turned to see a tall man standing at the door. He was dressed in what appeared to be a tunic and breeches. It wasn't his clothes that drew her attention however. His pointed ears and long blonde hair were capturing most of it.
"Excuse me, sir," Cate said shakily. "but somehow…I know this sounds weird…but I just awoke in this clearing. Could you…that is, will you tell me where I am and perchance what I am doing here?"
"You are in the forgotten clearing." The man said as he opened the door wider. "You were brought here to learn something about yourself. Please, come in." Cate ran a hand through her hair. To learn something about herself? 'What a crock of BS!' she thought. But, upon looking around, she saw no other option. Cautiously she stepped into the cottage. To her right was a sitting room complete with a roaring fire; to her left was a staircase that presumably led to bed chambers. The blonde man led her through the sitting room to a large kitchen and dining room area. He sat down at the table and at his invitation, she sat across from him.
"As I said, you were brought here to learn something about yourself. When you have become aware of that something, you will be given the option of going home to your world. Until that time, you will live here with me and one other occupant. He is not here for the same reasons as you are, but you are both in need of…soul-searching." he paused. "You might say the fates have willed that you are here and thus you are…I must warn you, the first few days will be hard on you. You will probably spend today in shock, not believing a word I say. Tomorrow, you will search for a way home and rage against the forces that brought you here. On the third day, you will realize the awesome opportunity you have been handed and begin to get to know yourself better." He looked at her then and saw talking to her at this moment wouldn't help anything. "Come, I will show you to your room." Cate numbly followed him to the staircase. She had realized the truth to the man's words already. There had been no plumbing, no electricity…no phone or car that she had seen.
When they reached the next floor, the man led her to a room. It was right next door to another room and across from what looked to be a study or library perhaps. "There will be clothes in your closet to wear. They will more then likely be similar to mine in appearance. In an hour, I will come to get you for dinner." Cate nodded numbly and walked into her new room.
"Wait! What's your name?" she asked before he could shut the door.
"Utuseere" the blond stranger said then closed the door and walked away. Cate turned from the closed door and walked to the window. A lovely view of green, healthy trees greeted her. She tapped her fingers against the window sill then walked to her closet. If she was stuck here, she might as well act the part. Who knows what might set the nice blonde man off and turn him into some psycho? Better to play it safe and "learn" whatever it was she was to learn. Cate pulled out a dark green tunic looking long sleeve shirt along with brown…breeches (?) and a soft belt. The clothes were all very comfortable and upon stepping close to the bed she found a pair of soft shoes that she exchanged with her tennis shoes. From the waist down, she looked like David Bowie in "The Labyrinth." In fact, when she walked to the small mirror, she found her hair was fluffed out, much like the Goblin Kings. Usinga brush she found on the tiny dresser, she brushed her hair into some semblance of order.
"Well, at least I won't look completely unfortunate…" she whispered encouragement to herself. She could handle this…or maybe not. "Why am I here?" she groaned as she fell onto the bed. Half of her still thought she had bumped her head on the frame of that picture and was passed out on her bed at home where everything was normal. The other half was starting to come to grips with the fact she was in this place, this forgotten clearing. Both halves had one common thought though. How was she going to get herself out of this mess?
A/N This is chapter three of the Boromir AU version.