Fallen Chapter Thirteen

Unfair Timing

They where leaving Rivendell in two weeks. Kira had divided up the last month and a half between practicing and training with the fellowship and spending some alone time with Elladan. Most her free time she spent with Elladan. Arwen and Glorfindel had also taken to teaching her some Sindarin, which was the language they spoke. Right now she was sparing with Boromir with Nathan, Anthony and Elladan off to the side watching. She had been very pleasantly surprised to see a change in Nathan's attitude around Elladan.

Right now the three where commenting on her technique and giving her helpful pointers as she was training. Boromir came at her and swung quickly making a low arch with his sword. She dogged to the side and blocked it, but the force made her stumble backwards somewhat. She steadied herself and shook herself mentally. 'I need to get in some more sword training before we leave. I am far too weak with the weapon.' She berated herself silently.

"All right that is enough for now. I think if we keep going you'll collapse." Boromir teased smilingly.

Kira just rolled her eyes and smirked. "Well, you're the teacher, so I guess if you think it's time to stop, we should." She said trying to catch her breath.

Anthony was grinning his eyes shinning with laughter. "Well it is almost time for lunch. Come Kira I will walk you to your room to change." He offered his arm.

Kira smiled and took it. They walked together talking of what they had been doing in their free time. Seemed Anthony had made good friends with Aragorn and he had been spending most of his time either with him or Nathan.

They reached her door and Anthony paused and looked at her curiously. "Kira, may I ask you something?"

Kira turned and regarded her friend inquiringly. "Sure. Why not." She said keeping eye contact.

"Do you think we'll ever get home?" he asked biting his lip in thought. "I mean, what if this Lady Galadriel can't help us? What will happen then?"

Kira looked away for a moment. She had tried not to think too much about this possibility, but as their time in Rivendell waned she found herself thinking about the what-ifs more and more. "I don't know Anthony. I guess we'd stay here. Find somewhere to stay and live out our lives." She said quietly.

Anthony looked at her strangely for a moment. He appeared to be considering something. After a moment of silence he decided to just say it. "If you could, I mean, if we found out that we couldn't get home. I guess you'd at least be somewhat happy."

She visibly stiffened and narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms over her chest and staring him firmly in the eyes. "What do you mean by that?" she asked her voice seemed hard and dangerously low.

Anthony swallowed and thought about his words before he spoke. "I just mean, that at least then you and Elladan could be together." He said evenly. "He wouldn't die from grief over you leaving. And you wouldn't be heartbroken knowing that he was fading while you where at home."

She shook her head. "I understand what you mean Anthony, but I would not necessarily be happy staying here. Oh, I'd be happy that I'd get to be with Elladan, but what about my mother and father? They would be heartbroken as well. They would never understand where we disappeared. They probably think us dead right now." She said.

Anthony studied his friend wistfully. "It's too bad we had to come to another world for you to find your soul mate Kira. I am sorry that you two cannot stay together and I wish you could, I truly do."

"I too wish that Anthony. God, how much I wish that. Can I confess something to you?" she asked eyeing him wearily. She sighed turned slightly and opening the door. She motioned for him to enter.

He arched an eyebrow and walked into her room slowly. "What is wrong Kira? I know something is disturbing you."

She paused and paced back and forth across the room nervously. "I have been having these thoughts. A part of me doesn't want to go back Anthony. At first I dismissed it as just the thoughts of someone in love. But now I've been having them more and more often. Now it sounds more like the logical part of me wants to stay here as well. I know we have to go on this quest at least as far as Lothlorien. We have committed as much, but I'm not so sure I want to leave Middle-Earth any more." She said. Her back was too him. She was facing the closed window biting her lip uncertainly her brow furrowed.

Anthony stood there in silent disbelief. 'I never thought she felt THAT strongly about Elladan. She is actually willing to give up her world to stay with him. Well a part of her anyway.' He thought quietly. "Kira I really wish you could stay and be with the one you love. But you know that we do not belong here. It's better you not dwell on it, just make the most of what little time you have left together. I know most of our time is spent in training but other than that spend your time with him. Memorize his voice, his laugh, his smile memorize everything about him so you can keep him always in your heart."

Kira rubbed her temples absently and sighed heavily. "I don't know if I can do that. It's killing me Anthony. To think about how little time we have left together. I don't know if my heart can handle leaving Middle-Earth. He has my heart Anthony I love him with all my soul and I do not know if I can willing leave him behind." She said distractedly.

Anthony knew this was something he could not answer for her. It was something she would have to figure out on her own. But he knew he could be there for her. And she needed it. He walked slowly towards her now trembling form. He turned her so she was facing him and he saw her face with a single tearstain on her left cheek. Her eyes silently searching his, pleading. She stepped into his embrace and silently sobbed while he just rubbed her back soothingly.

She pulled away and let him wipe away her tears with his thumbs. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Have you told Elladan any of this?" he said softly pulling her head into his shoulder once more.

She sniffled and shook her head. "No I am not so sure I should. I know we really should leave and I don't want to get his hopes up or anything. I don't want him to think that I can actually stay when I really don't know if it's at all possible."

Anthony sighed and lifted her gaze with his fingers to meet his stare. "I think you need to tell him. If only to let him know that you wish you could stay if you could. He loves you very much knowing this will make him feel a little better with you leaving."

Kira shut her eyes tightly and bit her lip fearfully. "I do not know if I have it in me. I don't think I posses the courage to tell him." she admitted.

He smiled and cleared a strand of hair that was stuck to wet cheek. "Kira you have more courage than you give yourself credit for. You have adapted remarkably well since we came here. In my personal opinion I think you need to tell him."

Kira opened her eyes and smiled halfheartedly. "You are right of course. He deserves to know. I just wish it could happen that way. I large part of me truly does wish that we are unable to return. I know it would be unfair to Nathan and you. But I almost do not want to go home."

Anthony smiled and shook his head. "Come enough of these sad thoughts. I will leave you to get changed now."

Kira rolled her eyes and wiped her cheeks dry. "Alright, alright I'll hurry. And Anthony?" she asked just as he was stepping out the door.

He turned slowly and faced her. "Yes?"

"Thank you, you know. For being here." she smiled.

"Anytime Kira, you are my best friend. I will always be there when you need me. Remember that." He said and left the room closing the door behind him.

Kira changed quickly and stepped out of her room. There leaning against the wall waiting for her was Anthony. He grinned and held out his arm for her. She smirked and shook her head, taking his arm. He led her towards the dinning hall.

***

Arwen and Kira sat together in a gazebo in one of the many gardens. Arwen was telling Kira of some of the trouble her and her brother had gotten into once when they where visiting Lothlorien. Apparently they used to play many a prank on some of the higher-ranking guards.

The twins it appeared always seemed to willing take the blame for what part their sister had played. They had gotten into much trouble while there. When left to their own devises the twins where true pranksters it seemed.

Kira laughed as Arwen told her of some of the pranks they had pulled. Shaking her head with mirth.

"I never knew Elladan could be such a terror." Kira said grinning widely.

"It's usually only when they are bored and together." Arwen said. "Though Elladan seems to have calmed down considerably since meeting you."

Kira blushed and bit her lip. "Arwen? Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

"I am no longer sure I wish to go home. I know that I don't have much choice and that I should go home, but my heart is here." Kira said fiddling with her tunic.

Arwen smiled and put an arm around her. "I am glad you feel that way. And you never know, maybe Galadriel will not be able to help you. She may not be able to send you home."

Kira looked to Arwen and smiled faintly. "One can always dream." She shook her head and sighed. "I know these thoughts are selfish and unfair. They are unfair to Anthony and my brother. And what of my parents, they would always be left to wonder what happened to us." She said slowly.

Arwen nodded and hugged her friend closer. "I wish I could tell you that it's all going to be all right Kira. But you and I both know that the future is uncertain, especially in times like these. I hope you find your way and are happy whatever the outcome." She said leaning her head against Kira's.

They stayed like that for a moment Arwen just trying to be some comfort to Kira. After a moment though, Arwen let go of Kira shoulder and got up offering her her hand.

"Come I shall walk you to your room and help you change. I know you are having dinner with my brother tonight." She said barley able to hide a grin.

Kira smiled and took Arwen's hand and they walked to her room. When they got there Arwen picked out a beautiful gown. The bodice was a deep blue and the long flowing skirt was an intense red. It had a silver trim and an ornate elvish design done across the body done in silver as well matching the trim. It was so beautiful the Kira was reluctant to try it on.

But at Arwen's insistence she out it on and was now staring at her self in the mirror with her mouth gaping open. "Arwen this is far to exquisite a dress for me. I cannot wear this."

"Nonsense Kira, you look stunning. Elladan won't know how to react, all he's seen you in for the past two months is breeches and tunics." She said smiling.

"Arwen I can't, it's.."

"Kira enough. I insist you wear this. You look wonderful, despite what you think. I am sure Elladan will agree. Please Kira make me happy and just wear it, just this once." She said arching a delicate eyebrow.

"Alright, I will wear it, if you insist." Kira said frowning.

Arwen smiled and was now looking at her hair. "Now what are we to do with this mess?" she said absently as she took a long strand of her scarlet hair in her hand and ran her thumb over it. "Will you let me braid it for you?" she asked hopefully staring at Kira's face in the mirror.

Kira arched an eyebrow and cocked her head slightly to the side. "Braid how?" she asked.

"Will you let me braid it in the elvish style?" Arwen asked playing with Kira's hair. "You're going to need it away from your face, but it looks better down."

Kira nodded. "Alright, go ahead." She said uncertainly.

Arwen started slowly so Kira would calm down, she was nervous. Kira watched her carefully, just listening to Arwen hum an elven tune.

Shortly after she was finished and admiring her work. "There, I'm done. What do you think? Do you like it?" she asked looking to Kira reflection.

Kira lifted a hand and felt the braid tentatively. She smiled up to Arwen and turned, she captured the elf in an embrace and giggled. "Thank you Arwen, it's very nice. You are far to kind to me."

"It was really nothing Kira. You are my friend and besides, my brother loves you dearly, you should look your best for him." she smiled and hugged Kira back.

There was then a nock at the door. Arwen pulled back and ginned broadly. "That must be him now." She said and walked quickly to the door before Kira could stop her.

When the door opened and Elladan faced his sister a small wave of amusement crossed his features. A rather large grin came across his face when he saw Kira all dressed up with her hair braided. He shook his head and chuckled. "My dear sister, I assume this was your doing?"

Arwen smiled and arched her eyebrow a look of innocence came over her then. "I do not know what you mean Elladan." And with that she left the room. But not before she shot Kira a knowing smile.

Elladan approached Kira slowly and cupped her face in his hands. He brushed his thumbs across her lips stopping her from biting it like she was currently doing. He leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss. He pulled away and smiled loving, gazing into her eyes and leaning his forehead against hers. "Shall we go now?" he asked at length.

She lost herself for a moment in his piercing eyes. His question pulled her back into reality though. Nodding she closed her eyes for a second. "Yes, lets go." She said and opened her eyes to meet his once again.

He leaned forward and gave her one more quick kiss and took her hand. She followed him to his room where they would be dinning on his patio. He led her slowly and he draped his arm over her shoulder. She was leaning into him as she walked, she felt completely at ease and comfortable.

They got there, eventually and he opened the door and led her to the patio. He pulled out the chair for her and she sat down. A smile crossed her face as he did this.

He kissed the top of her head before moving to sit across from her. He reached across the table and took her hand in his giving it a little squeeze. "Kira I must tell you something, I am afraid that it is not happy news." He said carefully.

Kira sighed and looked down to their intertwined fingers. "What is it?" she asked quietly after a slight hesitation on her part.

"Me and my brother must go scout the forests around Rivendell before the fellowship leaves. To make sure there are no orcs lurking there. I am not sure how long we will be gone, but I know we will be back before the fellowship leaves. We have to, for Aragorn is coming with us." He said.

Kira nodded solemnly and lifted her eyes to meet his. "Do not worry my love. I understand that this must be done. When are you leaving?"

"Day after tomorrow at dawn."

She gave him a small smile. "I will miss you but at least you are coming back before we leave." She said. She was about to tell him about her thoughts on leaving Middle-Earth but she was interrupted by a small knock at his door and then an elf came in carrying a tray of food, with two glasses and a pitcher of wine.

She had lost her nerve now. She couldn't tell him, not after hearing his news. 'I will tell him either before he leaves, after he comes back, or before I leave.' She told herself resolutely. She smiled as he dismissed the elf and poured the wine into each glass.

"To the free peoples of middle earth, and to us winning this war." He said lifting his glass.

She smiled and gave a slight nod, lifting her glass as well. It make a 'clink' sound as they touched and they both took a sip.

As they ate Elladan asked her of her life back on her world, what she had liked to do in her free time. What her native France was like and what she had thought when her parents had moved them to 'the new world'.

She hadn't told him a whole lot about her world and he was making sure she did now. So he knew what kind of life she was going back to. He tried picturing her playing a game called cricket as she described it to him. Apparently it was one of her favorite games, that a something called badminton.

She tried her best to describe the rules and basic premise of each game and he would stop her at certain points to ask questions or make a comment. She smirked and shook her head. 'I can't believe they don't even have cricket here. Or badminton even.' She thought to herself. 'What kind of games do they play then?'

Soon they where both standing and looking up at the stars. Kira felt a feeling of déjà vu go through her as she remembered the last time they where standing here like this. Alone together staring at the stars. She smiled to herself at the memory.

Soon enough she felt his arms around her and she was unable to repress a chuckle. She shook her head trying to stop it. He turned her around in his arms and lifted her gaze to meet his.

He looked at her questioningly. And arched an eyebrow. "May I ask what it is you find so amusing?" he asked a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

She shook her head and got on her tiptoes and kissed him deeply. She snaked her arm around the back of his neck and the other placed on his chest. He wrapped one around her shoulders and the other around her waist. When she pulled away she heard a small barley audible moan escape him and she chuckled.

"Did that not seem familiar to you? Do you not remember the last time we stood here staring at the stars together? The same thing happened." She said staring him in his eyes.

A remembering look crossed his face and he smiled widely. "Ah, yes I do remember. And I also remember you left in quite a hurry after that kiss. It took some time before you would speak to me again did it not?" he said leaning down and brushing a light kiss on the corner of her mouth. He pulled away enough so he could lean his forehead into her shoulder. "I think I should walk you to your room now, before I loose my restraint." He said pulling away farther. She nodded and stepped away from his embrace hesitantly. "Do you wish me to escort you to your room?" he asked looking at her shaking hands.

She nodded and smiled up at him. "Yes, I would like it very much if you would walk me to my room, please."

He nodded and offered her his hand. She took it and he pulled her closer so he could put his arm around her waist. She stiffened but only a little and she relaxed almost immediately. She let him led her towards the door and he pulled away so she could leave the room first. She stopped in the hallway as he closed his door, he then placed his arm back around her and they walked to her room in silence.

***

Kira yawned as she rolled out of bed and got dressed lazily. When she opened the door, there stood Arwen ready to knock. "Come on they're leaving soon. We need t hurry if we are going to say goodbye." She said and pulled Kira's arm, she pulled towards the entrance courtyard.

"Arwen, I know how to walk can you please stop pulling me?" she said laughingly.

Arwen turned and gave her an apologetic grin. "Sorry, I just do not want to miss them."

Kira smiled and nodded. "Neither do I Arwen."

They walked quickly down the corridors and towards the courtyard. And there readying their horses where both Aragorn and Elladan. Kira walk slowly towards Elladan suddenly uncertain of what she would say. He turned however and saw her. A smile crossed his face and he closed the distance between them quickly enough.

"Melamin, I am glad you came." he said capturing her in an embrace.

She sighed heavily and closed her eyes as she embraced him back. She decided to surprise him. I wished to say farewell. She said in elvish.

He his head away and gazed smilingly at her. Since when did you speak Sindarin? He asked.

Arwen and Glorfindel have taught me, thought I am not that good yet. She answered.

Chuckled and kissed her softly. I will miss you.

As I will you.

She leaned up and kissed him again. As she pulled away she rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She smiled against him and opened her eyes again she saw Arwen and Aragorn having a similar goodbye.

"Do any of you ever stop? Come on now brothers, come up for air long enough for us to leave." Said Elrohir from behind them.

Kira looked pasted her beloved and mock glared at him. Turning back to Elladan she smiled and hugged him tight not wanting to let go. "Amin mela le." She said quietly and pulled back to cup hid cheek with her hand. "Be safe, I expect you to come back to me."

Me smiled adoringly down to her and kissed her tenderly. "I will you have no need to worry." He said before he leaned forewarned kissing her again quickly and leaning his forehead against hers.

"Come on brother we are ready, why aren't you?" Aragorn said laughingly from atop his horse. "Kira do not worry I will personally make sure he comes back to you." He said smiling.

Before he had a chance to pull away she leaned he head on his neck and embraced him. "I want to stay. I no longer wish to leave Middle-earth." She said and before he could respond she quickly kissed his cheek and walked to where Arwen stood.

He gave her a look of confusion mixed with love and longing. He smiled sadly and mounted his horse. Elladan waved to the woman he loved and followed his brothers out of Rivendell. He didn't see her wave farewell or the single tear slide it's way down her cheek.

***

Kira sat with Glofindel in the library; he was trying to teach her some more complicated elvish words and sayings. She was learning them, albeit slowly. She was distracted today, it had been five days since Elladan, Aragorn and Elrohir had gone off scouting the trails, and she missed her love terribly. She knew she should focus and try and get her mind off it. But her mind constantly wandered to her parting words, she hadn't given him time to react to her words before she walked away or her had to leave for that matter. It had been unfair to unload that information on him at that time and she knew it. But she wasn't sure she could've done it at any other time either.

Glorfindel smiled and shook his head; this was the sixth time she had drifted off into her own world today. She had been fairly distracted since Elladan had gone and had a hard time focusing on anything for extended periods of time. He was considering giving up teaching her and just handing her lessons over to Arwen or even Legolas who seemed able to make her smile no matter her mood. He waved his hand in front of her face and snapped his fingers. She snapped back to attention and gave him an apologetic smile.

"What? Oh, I am sorry Glorfindel. I must have been daydreaming, again." She added the last part a little more quietly.

He just smiled and chuckled softly. "It is alright Kira. Why don't you go find Arwen? Maybe she will have better luck holding your attention. You both are missing someone dear to you, so you have something in common. " He added.

Kira nodded. "All right I will. And I am truly sorry for being so distracted." She said as she got up and stretched, she rubbed the sleep out of her legs and smiled at her friend. "Goodbye Glorfindel and thank you for having so much patience with me."

"Of course Kira. What are friends for." he got up and clasped her shoulder before turning and walking out of the library.

Kira rubbed her arms absently and heaved a heavy sigh before making her way out the door. Having the habit off not paying attention to her surroundings she again bumped into someone. She staggered back slightly and looked down. A small smiled came across her face at the sight before her.

"Oi, why hullo Kira, long time no see. I don't think I've seen you around since, well since the council." Bilbo said as she held out her hand to help him up.

"Bilbo it is indeed a pleasure to see you again. How are you? What have you been doing since the council? How's you book coming?" she asked smilingly.

He just laughed loudly and quaked in amusement. "You have been spending far to much time with my nephew and his friends, you are beginning to sound more and more like a hobbit Lady Kira." He said shaking his head.

She smiled kindly. "I choose to take that as a complement Bilbo Baggins." She said lifting her chin up high proud fully.

He chuckled. "I am fine thank you. I have been around, mostly checking my maps and writing. And the book is coming along just fine thank you." then he gazed at her thoughtfully. "You miss him a great deal don't you." He said out of the blue.

Kira frowned and looked away a moment to gather her thoughts. "Yes, I miss Elladan very much. Before he left I told him something very important, but I didn't give him time to react." She said looking back down to the hobbit that was now regarding her curiously.

"I gather you mean that you told him you no longer wished to leave Middle- Earth." He asked.

She nodded solemnly and sighed. "Yes, I can only imagine what his thoughts are right now. I know it was unfair to tell him right before he had to leave, but I do not think I could have done it any other way. What do you think master Bilbo? Was I wrong? Should I have waited till he came back? Should I have told him sooner?" she asked studying the thoughtful hobbit before her.

Bilbo studied her for a moment then sighed. "Come Lady Kira and walk with me. It would be better if we did not discus such things here." he said.

She followed him to a bench over looking most of Rivendell. You could look out over the edge of the railing and see how Rivendell appeared to be carved directly into the cliff and how the magnificent waterfalls came from everywhere. Bilbo sat down on the bench and he patted the place next to him.

She looked to him and smiled making her way to sit next to him. She looked down the remarkably wise little man and sighed. "I know I must go on this mission, I have already committed myself and I would not back out now for I am true to my word. But after we reach Lothlorien I am unsure of how to proceed form there. For I do not wish to go home, though I must. The only things for me there are my parents and they will question me incessantly and then force me to marry someone I cannot love. I will never love after Elladan, he is my life."

Bilbo nodded and looked her in the eyes. "Why must you go home? Maybe it is no longer your home? If your heart resides here, then why must you go back? Just because you where born and raised there does not make it your home." he said slowly.

Kira looked at him a moment then gazed out in front of her. "What do you mean?" she said after some thought.

"I mean maybe this place, Middle-Earth is now your home. If you truly think you have found your soul mate in Elladan then doesn't that tell you something, that you didn't find it in your world but in this one." And with that he got up slowly and left her alone to think that over knowing she would probably need to.

Kira sat alone on that bench for some time just thinking over Bilbo's words to her. 'What if he's right? What if Middle-Earth really is my home now? Elladan is my heart and soul, if I had to come here to find him then maybe I really do belong here.' these where the kinds of thoughts flying through her head at this moment.

She was deep in thought she did not notice Arwen till she sat down next to her. Kira turned to face her friend and smiled tiredly. Arwen returned a similar smile and sighed heavily. "I miss him Kira. It's not like it's the first time he's left and I know he's going on a very dangerous quest after his return. But it never gets easier. I am not even sure he will survive this mission." She said.

Kira bit her lip and put her arm around her. "Would it put your mind at easy if I promised to keep an eye on him, at least as far as Lothlorien?"

Arwen chuckled and shook her head. "You may not believe this but that is what Elladan told Aragorn to do with you." She said laughingly. "I was there, he told Aragorn to watch you up to you arrival at the Golden wood, he asked him to keep you safe."

Kira snorted and smirked. "He didn't need to do that. I am sure I will have enough trouble trying to get Anthony and Nathan to leave me alone. I do not need their protection, I am able to look after myself." Kira said a somewhat annoyed tinge in her voice.

"Yes but Kira, you must remember that Elladan loves you and he just does not want to lose you. Though that is the main part of your leaving I don't think that has completely sunk in with him yet."

Kira squeezed her eyes shut and groaned. "I told him."

Arwen turned her head to look at Kira. "Told him what?"

"I told him about my no longer wanting to go home."

Arwen laughed then and placed her own arm around Kira. "When exactly did you tell him this?" she asked.

"Just before he left. It was unfair timing I know but it couldn't be helped." She responded.

Arwen sucked in a breath quickly. "You're right that was unfair to him. But I understand why you did that, to give him time alone to think, and for you as well." She said quietly. "Well, have you?"

"Have I what?"

"Thought about it? Are you going to stay or go home?" Arwen asked curiously.

"I no not yet. Though Bilbo did give me a lot to think about." She confessed.

"Indeed? And what knowledge did dear wise Bilbo impart on you?" the elf asked smilingly.

"He told me that maybe I should consider the possibility that my world is not truly where I belong. That if I truly think my soul resides here with Elladan that then maybe this is my home." Kira said making a vague waving gesture with her arms. "He said that just because I was born and raised someplace does not make it my home." she said staring in front of her.

Arwen smiled and hugged Kira. "He is right you know, I think you have much to think about." She said and pulled Kira up. "Come you are going to have lunch with me. You have never seen my room, have you?"

Kira shook her head 'no' and followed the elf through the hallways towards what she assumed to be the direction or Arwen's room.

***

Kira sat with Arwen on her patio, they quietly sipped on their wine and Arwen told her of some of the times her and Aragorn had spent together. Kira in turn shared her moments with Arwen. She told her of their first kiss and how she had run and avoided him for weeks after. Then of their 'encounter' in the woods on there ride with Nathan, Anthony, Elrohir and Glorfindel. She told her everything that had happened between her and Elladan since she, her brother and her best friend had come here.

Arwen sat and listened attentively. She smiled at Kira's description of 'their first kiss' though. It seemed shy and clumsy, but then again Kira was very young. She frowned when Kira told her of the fight between Nathan and Elladan on the sparing range. But smiled approvingly as Kira said.

"I told Nathan I was glad he was okay then I slapped him. I was so angry that he had said the things he had, I thought he deserved it. I was so angry I couldn't even speak to him, so I walked away with Elladan."

Of course Elrohir had told her of this exchange after it had happened and she had confronted Elladan about it. but that was before she had truly become friends with Kira, before she had gotten to know the girl. Arwen now truly believe that Kira was very deserving of her brother's love, she wished them nothing but happiness.

'Kira may be young but she is stronger than she gives herself credit for and braver. She is smart and better at archery than most humans, she is also seems to be able to adapt herself to many different situations with little difficulty.' Arwen thought to herself as Kira started telling her a story about this man back on her world who seemed intent on winning her heart. 'she is able to make friends with the greatest of ease, it is rather remarkable.' She mused.

Kira had stopped talking a few seconds ago and was now looking at Arwen with a puzzled look on her face. "Arwen?" Kira asked quietly. "Hello?" she waved her hand in front of Arwen's face then she remembered what Glorfindel had done earlier to snap her out of her thoughts. Kira waved her hand in front of her friends face again and snapped her fingers.

Arwen started and looked at Kira regretfully. "Sorry mellonamin, I was lost in thought." She confessed.

Kira shook her head chuckling to herself. "Yes, this I noticed." Kira said grinning widely at Arwen. "Should I just assume as to what you where thinking of arwenamin."

Arwen smiled. "I was actually thinking of you and my brother and how I think you belong together. I have never seen him so happy." Arwen gushed.

Kira looked away slightly and blushed. "I am happy as well Arwen. I know I am young, even by human standards, but I do love him very much."

Arwen giggled and reached across the table to squeeze her hand. "I know you are uncertain of what is to come, but I know you will find your way." Arwen said giving her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiling comfortingly.

Kira smiled back as she disengaged her hand from Arwen's and got up walking to the barrier of the patio and leaning on it. she rested her hands on it and stared out in front of her. She sighed tiredly and looked down to her hands she was fighting back tears now. She missed Elladan, she missed her family. She was still unsure about her thoughts of staying and she was scared to death of what this quest would entail, and how she might not even survive long enough for her to make up her mind.

A few tears fell down her cheeks and she felt her shoulders tremble a little. Within a second she felt Arwen's arms around her and the floodgates broke. She felt waves of confusion, pain and indecision course through her and she didn't like it. she sobbed against Arwen's shoulder and hugged her.

Arwen rubbed Kira's back and whispered soothing words in elvish. "Sssshhhh, calm Kira calm. I wish I could tell you everything will be all right, but I can't. I will not lie to you. But it is good of you to get these feelings out, do not bury them for they would eventually boil over." Arwen told her softly pulling away and walking quickly to the table to retrieve a napkin she walked back to Kira and handed it to her. "Here, use this." She said giving her a sympathetic smile.

Kira laughed but through her tears it came out as a sobbing hiccup. She took the napkin and smiled to Arwen. "God, you must think me so weak. A foolish young child." She said after a moment sniffling.

"No Kira, you are far from weak, you are no child either. Though you may be young, you are mature and responsible. Elladan wouldn't love you so much if you where nothing more than a 'foolish young child'." Arwen answered.

"Doila lle mellonamin."

Arwen sighed and hugged Kira again. "Come, we will go to the fountain and I will try to teach you some more complicated word and phrases. You can surprise Elladan once he returns." Arwen said and put her arm around Kira leading her to the door.

***

Kira sat in the library sitting on one of the couches with her feet propped up. She was reading one of the elvish books and Arwen was sitting close by should she run into something she didn't understand.

"Kira?"

"Hmmm?"

"It's been a week since they left, the fellowship is leaving in five days. Shouldn't they be back by now?" Arwen asked.

Kira looked up from the book and gave Arwen a sympathetic smile. "I am glad I am not the only one who thinks that mellonamin. But I have realized that they know how to take care of themselves. And besides, Elladan promised me he would be back so he could say farewell properly. Also Aragorn is a part of the fellowship, we cannot very well leave without him." said Kira.

Just then Pippin came rushing in. "Lady Arwen, Kira, Glorfindel sent us to find you."

"Us?" Arwen asked arching an eyebrow at him and looking behind him at the empty hallway.

Pippin looked behind him and huffed. "Well it was an us a second ago. Anyway, Glorfindel sent ME to find you two; he said that your brothers and Aragorn have been spotted. They should be here by midday." He finished and bent over slightly clutching his sides and trying to catch his breathe.

Kira and Arwen exchanged exited looks and Kira shut her book with a thud and got up quickly followed by Arwen. Kira stopped briefly to kiss the young hobbit on the cheek and then she ran out the door following Arwen.

"Arwen can you please slow down a little. Not all of us can run as fast as elves, especially in a dress." Kira panted.

Arwen turned and faced her friend. "I am sorry Kira I didn't realize I was running so fast. I am just happy, that is all. I am excited that the man I love is finally coming back and I can spend some time with him before he departs." She said smiling.

"Kira caught up and put a hand on her shoulder. "I do know how you feel you know. I am thankful I will get to spend time with Elladan before I must depart as well. But Glorfindel said in the message that they would not be here till midday. That is a few hours away, so where are we going in such a hurry?" Kira asked.

Arwen sighed and shook her head. "You are right. I do not really know where I was going. I suppose I was going to the courtyard to check and see if they would not be here sooner, perhaps Glorfindel was mistaken in his estimation?" she said hopefully.

Kira smirked and shook her head. "If there is one thing I have learned here it is that people like Glorfindel and your father are rarely wrong."

Arwen nodded and took Kira's arm. "It would not hurt to check though would it?" she said smiling. "Tula."

Kira chuckled and followed Arwen towards the courtyard where they saw that they where not the only ones waiting for the group to return. There off slightly to the side sitting under a tree where the hobbits, minus one.

It was Sam who first noticed the two women and waved them over, causing the other to turn, see them and wave them over as well. "Why hullo Lady Arwen, Lady Kira." Said Sam with a slight inclination of his head. "Are you two here to wait for Strider and the other as well?" he asked curiously. He ignored the small chuckles that got from Merry and Frodo.

Just then Pippin came rushing up. "Ah, there you two are. You left the library in quite a hurry, I had to stop and catch my breath before I could follow." He said catching his breath again; he had obviously run here from the library.

Kira smiled and patted his back lightly. "You okay Pip? You need to stop running everywhere, if you walked slowly you'd get to the same place and you would see more along the way." She said her eyes sparkling.

"Come you three sit and wait with us." Frodo said patting places in the grass beside him.

Kira looked at her dress for a moment the to Arwen and they both shrugged and sat down with the hobbits.

They sat like that for a few minutes before Pippin piped up. "Uh, Lady Kira?"

"Yes Pip?"

"Can sing us a song? That poem you told us last time was beautiful but I want to hear you sing." He said shyly.

Arwen jabbed her in the ribs playfully and decided to join the hobbits in ganging up on her. "Yes mellonamin. Sing us a song." She said smiling wickedly.

Kira narrowed her eyes and glared at her friend in mock betrayal. "The only songs I know are in French," she said slowly. "My native tongue."

"That's okay, I'm sure it'll be beautiful anyway." Said Frodo joining in.

"Yes sing for us Lady Kira, I would like to hear you sing in fench." Said Sam.

"French Sam, French. And are you sure? You wouldn't understand the words." She said trying without much success to dissuade them.

"It doesn't matter any. Please Kira, please?" Merry begged.

Soon everyone in the small group was pouting and giving her puppy-dog eyes, even Arwen.

Kira shook her head and covered her face with her hands. "Okay, okay just stop doing that." She said suppressing the urge to chuckle. "This song is called Aria. It is a children's song." She said biting her lip and trying to bring the song up from her memory.

Kira took a deep breath and began, her voice was soft and a little shaky at first for she was by no means an excellent singer, but she was okay. "Depuis que Je pourrais me rappeler, J'ai su que de enfants, par la lumiere de bougie,"

She sang slowly her voice a little more steady now as she remembered singing this with her brother at family gathering and parties. "Ont vu une ombre sur le mur et l'ont chasse toute le nuit a travers. Activement, ils ont essaye, avec toute luer force, pour l'attraper."

She sighed deeply as she thought of all the times her parents had made them sing this. "Et quand ils les la plupart comptent l'attraper, il tire le plus rapidement hors de la vue. Cette ombre ne sera jamais attrapee, dans n'importe quell piege ils s'etendant, cette ombre dans la similarite de ce monde et hier." She closed her eyes and lowered her head briefly as she finished the song. When she looked up the hobbits and Arwen where all smiling widely at her and then they started clapping and cheering.

Kira smiled shyly and blushed deeply. "I don't think it was that good, you do not have to humor me." She said.

"I cannot speak for the others but I now that I myself was not humoring you Lady Kira. I think that was beautiful, where did you learn that? What does it mean?" Sam asked.

"I learned it when I was still in France." She said. "On my world there is more than one continent and they are each divided into separate countries. And then into states or provinces." She then spent around an hour describing the basic geography of her world to the group.

When she noticed Arwen's face light up and her jump up and run towards the entrance of the courtyard, she turned slowly, if not curiously. She then got up off the ground slowly and nervously began to chew her lip. She walked gradually towards the threesome as they dismounted and said their greetings to Arwen who had attached herself to Aragorn. They where embracing each other and speaking lovingly to one another.

Kira stayed on the outskirts of the area trying to think of what to say. She was 'helped' however by the hobbits pushing her forward. "Hullo strider how was the trip? Was everything okay? Is the area safe?" Merry said tugging Kira along with him.

Kira smiled at Aragorn and gave Arwen little wink. She tried to avoid looking directly at Elladan, didn't work out all that well though for he encircled her in his arm and kissed her deeply.

When he pulled away and looked lovingly into her eyes. "We have some things to talk about you and I." He said after a moment.

She simply nodded in reply and leaned her head against his chest, "I missed you." She sighed. They stood there for a few more moments before they all heard someone clear their throat behind them.

Aragorn and Arwen pulled away but only slightly, for Aragorn still had his arm around her. Kira however only kept from jumping out of her skin thanks to the firm hold Elladan had on her. She disentangled her self enough to turn around and meet the stare of Lord Elrond.

She looked away quickly and stared at the ground in embarrassment. She knew he disapproved of her and Elladan's relationship. And a part of her agreed with him, she knew she wasn't worthy of his love. But she hurt every time they where apart. She loved him with everything in her and she still wasn't she about what she would do once they had reached Lothlorien.

Elrond broke his gaze on Kira and looked to Elladan who met his gaze without hesitation, he seemed to tighten his hold on the girl in a seemingly protective manner. He looked to Aragorn and his daughter briefly before looking to Elrohir who watched in silent curiosity. "Tula, we have much to discuss." He said and turned and walked away slowly.

Elrohir looked over to meet his twin's gaze and shrugged. "Come on, you know how he hates to be kept waiting." He said with a joking smile. He gave Kira a reassuring grin and hugged her as Elladan moved away to hand his reigns to another elf. "Don't worry about father. Hopefully he'll come around, eventually." He added. And he walked away quickly following the direction his father had just gone.

Elladan captured her in his arms again and claimed her mouth. He pulled away and searched her eyes briefly. "We will talk later?" he asked with a slight tilt of his head.

She nodded and leaned her forehead against his sighing heavily. She pulled away and gave him a quick kiss.

He stood with his arms around Kira for a moment watching as Aragorn parted himself from Arwen and looked at Elladan expectantly. They gave each other a small knowing nod and walked towards where Elrond and Elrohir had gone.

***

WHOA baby! That one BIG chapter. I'm sure you realized it must be when it took me this long to update. And okay yes, I am sorry that this will not be my last Rivendell chapter, but I PROMISE the next one is. If I had stuck with my attempt to make this my last Rivendell chapter then the thing would've been like 30 pages long, and I WAS NOT PREPARED TO DO THAT. Sorry it's just that I am really tired I wrote four pages yesterday then like five today and after all that I can't figure out a way to jam this all into my last chapter before they depart on the quest. My next chapter the one where they actually finally leave will be fairly short so I am just warning you in advance. Okay onto the other stuff.

Disclaimer: nothing lotr is mine. Kira, Nathan and Anthony are mine though. The song Aria is not mine either. It is in old English and can be found on the 'Delerium' CD ~Poem~ it was written by Bill Leeb and Katherine Blake, and preformed by the medieval babes. Okay so I fudged it, it wasn't written in the same timeline as Kira lived in but I don't know any songs from that time so just leave me alone. I was the one who translated it into French though and again sorry for lack of accents and all but my computer doesn't speak French. Sorry for any grammatical errors in the song as well.

Translations (Elvish): Tula-come, Doila lle-thank you, Mellonamin-my friend, Melamin-my love, arwenamin-my lady.

Sorry but I am not going to re-write the entire song out into the English version, so if you want to know what it means just go to the Delerium web site and look for song lyrics.

Onto the thank you's:

Spellbound: yep Nathan is sorry for his actions, but don't be to fooled he still doesn't approve of Elladan's relationship with his sister. The fountain scene was fun to write because it showed Kira was sort of scared of how Elladan would react to Nathan coming to her room, alone without anyone there to keep an eye on things. I will consider writing a Haldir or Eomer fic, though it wont be till this one is finished. *Smirk* if this was turned into a TV movie I would first drop dead from shock before they had a chance to ask who think should play my OC's. Just as long as it's not Cameron Diaz or Gweneth Paltrow I'll be pretty much okay. It's nothing against them; it's just that in my own opinion they are like the typical perfect Hollywood blondes, you know what I mean?

Mellon: thank you, I am very happy you like it and continue to come back a read/review.

MaverickGirl: I thought it was time they needed to talk alone together without Kira interfering. Glad you thought it was good. Here's the update sorry it wasn't so soon though.

Fly Without Wings: thank you.

DragonLady: Happy you liked it. Here's another chapter for you (and everyone else of course *wink*).

Corrina: I don't know for sure yet if I am going to kill her off, but I'm not saying anything either way. As for putting her parents in an accident, you're mean. You don't want me to kill Kira off, but killing her parents is okay? *Shakes her head with shame*. It's okay that you get hopeful, because I haven't made up my mind yet anyway. But I don't know weather or not it'll be a happy ending.

Tara: well okay then, here's you note. Do you like it? It's a nice little note isn't it? So yes, I guess I will keep doing them, but I just wish they didn't take so long, though it is fun sometimes, especially when your bored and want to waste time. Nathan is a nice guy; just a tiny little bit over protective of his little sister. Like I said above in my authors note, I am sorry this didn't turn out to be the last Rivendell chapter but it would've been WAY too long if I had tried to make it so.

PyroPixie: thank you happy you liked it. Sorry it took so long with the updating.

Dancingfae: fine then I'll keep doing them then *stick out tongue* Neener, neener, neener. Nathan still doesn't like the fact that Elladan and Kira are together but he is trying, he sizzle, just give it time, hint *cough* hint. How was camping, was it fun? I LOVE CAMPING!!! It's always so awesome, 'cept when it rains, even then though it can still be fun. Yep I think its funny how they keep dragging poor Kira into their 'explorations of Rivendell' and keep getting lost. I thought it was funny, but still they can only do that so many times before it becomes less believable. *Arches eyebrow watching your eating habits* wow your messy aren't you? Eh, s'okay I can be too, like if I am really hungry or something.

Nox: French is my first language. S'ok that you wonder, s'ok you asked I don't mind. Good you like Nathan its good to see him try.

Asfaloth: I thought it was time for him to start and make an effort. Glad you enjoyed it. Sorry for the wait.

Iluvien: *blush* delighted you liked it. I will try to think of a good way to end it non-tragically but no promises. Some stories are just better with sad endings. I'm happy someone likes the amount of Rivendell chapters though I sort of think I might have over done it a little. Just one more to go then we're off on the quest. Glad you don't think they're boring though. Again, he is at least making an effort though he still doesn't approve, he just wants to be on his sisters good side again and try and make sure she's at least happy.

JadedTears: Nice to hear from you again. Thank you I am happy you like my little story. Um, as to the Kira and Legolas thing. No, I don't think I am going to make him have a thing for her during the quest. They are just very close, like best friends or siblings or something. Wow, another person who liked the fountain scene. I thought the talk between Nathan and Elladan was necessary for the story to go anywhere.

Arwen: *Bows* well at least you caught up. I'm pleased you like it.

All right so there are my thank yous. Hope you all like this chapter as well, though it's a wee bit long isn't it? Please leave a review and tell me what you think. *Tosses out cookies to her reviewers. * There you guys go, what you've been waiting for. *Tosses out cookies, various pop and ice cream* to Tara, Dancingfae, Nox, MaverickGirl, and PyroPixie for their regularity and stuff. Okay that's it I think. I hope to have the next chapter up by next Tuesday or maybe Wednesday because I am going camping with a whole group of friends for the Easter weekend. Again thanks to those who reviewed hope you all review this one as well.

Namarie Aislin