Chapter seven, and I am in a better mood from the last chapter. Don't ask me why though. You know what I just noticed? The title of this story really bites. LOL. Any comments on that? Thanks for my reviewers! You guys make the story rock, so who cares if the title really blows.




My arms gripped around his waist tighter when I heard him chuckle, and he coughed away the giggles. I sighed. So what if they, including this fool in front of me, saw me at my most weakest side? The others didn't tease me as much as him. He blurted out in laughter again and I shook my head.

"It's getting old." I snapped. "Legolas, it isn't that funny."

"I'm-- I'm sorry!" He turned his head around and smirked. "It is not everyday that I get to see a woman having trouble with adjusting to a naked male before!"

I rolled my eyes. "I think you keep forgetting that I'm not an Elf. Keberiel told me about you types. You'd all go bloody frolicking around in the nude, if it wasn't for your fine taste in fabric."

"Some of the nobles in the Halls mistaken you for a very... disturbed Elf." He sighed and I felt the rope of the horse fall against my hands. "Nothing in the slightest disrespect. I would too mistake you for an Elf. But, fortunately, I'm a prince."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"A lot." Nuvun said, galloping along side of Legolas' horse. "He has that type of quality in his veins."

I raised an eyebrow. "A quality of telling races apart?" I snorted when Nuvun nodded. "That's just great."

"It isn't something to jest over." Legolas said angrily. I felt him stiffen in front of me.

"Oh yes, we must not jest the prince." I teased, rolling my eyes at Nuvun.

He grinned and glanced at Legolas. "Usquener (Smelly One)."

I laughed and laid my head back. Usually if I heard that in the common tongue, as Keberiel and Caevudor liked to state English as, I'd think it was absolutely absurd. Of course, Legolas heard it and snorted. We were only a few miles away from the house of Elrond, whatever that was, and I suppose-- from the excited squeal from Keberiel-- was a good thing.

The only thing I had a problem was the trouble it will probably cause.

Legolas told me about the male dominated society in Middle Earth. Though the Elves didn't favor which sex from which, it was still a positively none female revolution. And the council that was going to happen tomorrow was going to be the start of it all. I just couldn't wait to show my face.


We arrived in Rivendell an hour or so back, and now we were entering the homely house. Our horses were greeted by a group of young looking Elves that were going to take them to the stables, and when I jumped off the horse I was relieved to stand on such soft ground.

I turned my head around when I heard Legolas speaking in Elvish to female Elf in a dress made of fur and the sleeves made from some kind of silk. She glanced over at me and smiled.

I returned it, not quite knowing what to do, and held out my hand for her to shake. She narrowed her eyes, the smile on her face playing into a laugh.

"I do not know what you're doing right now," Her voice was deep and slow. "But I suppose I should grab your hand?"

The corner's of my mouth twitched and watched as she slowly slid her smaller hand into mine and I shook it gently. She flinched at this but shook it back and quickly pulled her hand away. Motioning for a long, narrow pathway, I followed her down it and in silence as I admired the sight around me.

"This is Rivendell?" I asked.

"Yes it is." I noticed the pride in her tone and I smiled.

"It's really different from Mirkwood, I'd say."

"Yes," She said grimly. "Mirkwood is going through its dark times. Hopefully after this.. well.. you will be explained more when my father holds his council."

"Oh, so you're Elrond's daughter?" She turned to me and smiled.

"I am Arwen Undomiel, my lady, and I do not bother exclaiming who you are." She waved her hand in the air. "Lady Lara Croft from Earth, indeed, and I've heard much about you."

"Who told you about me?" I asked, amazed at her light steps as I followed her up a set of stairs.

"Gandalf." She turned back to me again and smiled. "He is a very wise wizard. You will have a great honor in meeting him, my lady."

"I didn't know I was so popular in Middle Earth." I teased.

"Father!" Arwen cried, running off and wrapping her arms around whom I guessed was Elrond.

He smiled and released himself from his daughter's embrace, darting his eyes up at me. Wow. Talk about a stern look. I smiled, watching him walk towards me, Arwen at his side. He stopped in front of me and took me in.

"Lara Croft." I noticed how gray his eyes were. "You hold a great title at my House."

I bit my lip. "I would really like to meet this Gandalf wizard, if you don't mind."

His smile never caught his eyes. "And he would want to meet you. However, he has taken ill at our Wing. I suppose that clock you possess caused some complications."

"What?" I glanced down at my bag and turned back to Elrond, suddenly very suspicious. "If I look in here, I better find my Ring Watch exactly where I left it."

At his frown, I dug furiously into my bag and moved aside everything that was in there. And nothing. I shot my head up and stared hard at Elrond. His eyes narrowed and I threw my bag back over my back, storming off with a scowl on my face.

"She does not know the way!" I heard Arwen breath, but I continued to walk on.

"Hey, you!" I cried, getting an Elf's attention. He turned around and froze when I advanced on him. "Where is this ill wing you Elves keep?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Show me where Gandalf is." When he didn't move I shoved him a little. "Now!"

"Right this way..." He gave me an uneasy look and led me down a balcony and stopped when we reached a room carved in a set of painted leaves and people. He leaned against the door before I reached for the knob and looked frightened beyond belief. "What do you w- want?"

"I want to see this Gandalf bloke." I snapped. "Nothing else is your business--"

"Elladan."

"Right." I rolled my eyes and stepped forwards, but he blocked my way. "What are you doing?"

"I can't let you pass."

"Oh?" I crossed my arms and stuck out my tongue. "And who exactly is going to stop me, Elladan?"

"Lara!" I turned around and groaned.

"Go away Legolas." I turned back to Elladan and shoved him away from the door. I grabbed onto the knob when strong arms wrapped around my waist and flung me back. I leaned against his back and wrapped my arms under his. "Let me go Legolas, if you want your arms ripped off."

"I don't plan on doing either." His grip tightened.

I laughed, considering if I should just go ahead and break his arms now and get it over with, or just lean against him feeling helpless. I scolded myself. What are you thinking of, woman?! Oh, but his arms feel so good around me-- No. Stop thinking like that. With my teeth gritted, I grabbed onto his arms and flipped him over my back, falling with him to the ground.

He let out a scream when he hit the ground, but his arms were still around me. What the bloody hell? They weren't suppose to be around me still! Groaning, I looked up and stared at Elladan, whose arms were crossed and looking amused. I felt Legolas squirm under me.

"You're hard as a rock." I said, then remembered why I came barging towards the wing. "Now let me go."

"Legolas, you should do what the Lady says." Elladan's cheerful voice startled me. "She just might flip you again."

"O, dina, Elladan. (Be silent.)" I could feel Legolas roll his eyes. His arms slowly loosened against me and I got off of him, getting an oof of pain from Legolas, and went for the door again, but Legolas stood in front of me. "What are you trying to do, Lara?"

"Legolas, you're daring yourself too much." Elladan's said, his body walking past me and down the hall.

"I'm trying to get my Ring Watch back from that snake Gandalf." I crossed my arms. "Now, move."

"Ring Watch?" He gave me a look.

"Oh, that's right, you're father hasn't explained exactly why I'm here, has he?"

"No, he explained enough." He locked eyes with me for a moment. "Besides, I don't suspect Gandalf has.. the thing you hold with you."

"Oh, move over." I shoved him away as I did Elladan, and was glad to see the door unlocked. Flinging it open, I stepped into the brightly lit room, the candles dancing my way towards the bed that lay vacant and messy. "Where is he?"

"Excuse me?" A strange voice boomed.

I swirled around, thinking it was Legolas jesting me, and came face to face with an Old, grandfather looking man, long gray beard and hair. He wore a very dim blue set of robes and a wooden staff was gripped in his wrinkled hands.

I suddenly felt tiny under his blue gaze and I backed up. "Are you Gandalf?" My voice was very low.

"Perhaps." His eyes twinkled. "I can also be called Mithrandir.. And other names as well. Such as bloke, since you mentioned my name in that manner to one of Elrond's sons."

"Elladan is the Lord's son?" My eyes widened. "Oh well, I've done more disrespectful things since I've arrived here."

"Gandalf." Legolas entered the room, looking uncertain, his head high. "I'm sorry for the girl's disrespect and outburst. I will escort her back to her rightful place and leave you be until the council."

To both of our surprises, Gandalf laughed and laid his hand gently on my shoulder. I didn't budge, since it felt almost comforting, and said, "You know not of her rightful place yet, master Elf."

"I have no rightful place." I snapped, irritated evident in my tone. I walked towards Legolas and stopped midway in between the door, turning around to look at the wizard. "I want my Ring Watch by the end of the evening."

"Go." Legolas hissed, pushing me forwards and closing the door behind us. "You are crazy, don't you know that?"

"Why?" I turned to look at him. "Because I have things being taken from me without me knowing? Oh right, I'm crazy."

"You seem upset." When he stopped, I stopped as well and turned to regard him.

"No kidding." He went to follow me, but I put up a hand. "Don't. I will find where I will be staying on my own."

"That is impossible." He whispered.

"Nothing is impossible." I looked at him for a moment, then turned on my way to wherever.



I reluctantly bumped into Nuvun on my way to find where I was going to bed staying. I was glad I didn't run into some of the other guests here this evening, hence the Elf that I angered. I should of kept my damned mouth closed.

"Right here, milady." He moved aside the opened door and when I walked inside I gasped. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

I jumped at his touch. "Jesus Nuvun, you're as creepy as Legolas when sneaking up on people."

"Oh, so now I am sneaky?"

I turned around to look up at him, happy to see his eyes glazing happily. I thought I angered him now. I'm so glad at least one Elf isn't as stubborn as Legolas. His hand laid against the small of my back, pushing me closer to him as his arms wrapped around me tightly. I stifled a laugh when he rocked back a forth, humming to himself.

"What are you planning on?" I asked, just a tad bit annoyed. "I still need to get my back checked up on."

His nose nestled into my mass of hair, which I put up in a pony tail, and inhaled deeply. I guess I influenced him with more than I thought. I mean, I knew Nuvun had a thing for me, but now he has a thing for my hair? It turned out to be right, since he was the clever one that removed my french braid the night I wouldn't wake up.

A knock at the door startled us both from our embrace, breaking us apart. Keberiel emerged, her eyebrows high and her mouth twitching madly. Nuvun, looking pale, walked towards the door and excused himself. When he was gone, she closed the door and advanced on me.

"What are you doing, Lara?"

"What?" I swung my bag off my back, now getting a better shot at my room. It was much more beautiful than the room I stayed at in Mirkwood. This room was more lit, both by the sun setting out of my window and by the beautiful lit candles circling my large wooden bed, its silk sheets looking un touched and welcoming. I groaned, walking over to it and falling onto my stomach. "Heaven."

"You were right about your back, you know." She sat besides me on my bed, not bothering to make a dent in the fine silk.

"So, you were eavesdropping then?" I looked up at her and grinned. "It's all right. Now. Do I have to go to that awful ill wing to get my back fixed up?"

"Perhaps. Why?"

"I'm afraid I'm not as welcomed there." I smiled sheepishly at her confused gaze. "I'll tell you later."

"I will get a nurse from the wing and have her patch you up here in your chambers, if you don't mind."

I sat up when she walked towards the door. "Wait. Why not do it yourself?"

She stiffened in her place, and glanced at her feet nervously. "I have.. Things to do.."

"Oh." I raised a brow. "With Caevudor, am I correct?"

"Lara!" She gasped, backing up into the door and swinging it open. "I will see you shortly."

"Whatever." I laid back on my stomach again, letting my face snuggle up against the nice, cool bed sheets. I didn't bother to regard the door opening and the soft voice whispering to me while it removed my shirt and touched my back. I simply laid there, a smile on my face, welcoming the new feeling wrap into me and put me to sleep.


"Lara, wake up." My eyes flew open and I locked onto a pair of blue eyes.

"Good, god!" I jolted forwards, letting the silk sheets fall against my lap. "I hate it when you people do that!"

He looked at me and grinned. "Not afraid of your bareness, I'm glad to see."

I looked down at my bare chest and turned back to Legolas, my brow raised. He was teasing me! "No, actually. Perhaps I'm an Elf after all? And maybe if you stopped staring at me like that, I could get up and change into some clothes?"

"You mean, a gown." He got up and walked to the other end of the room to look at the paintings on the walls. "Keberiel sent up a lovely silk dress, picked out especially from the Evanstar."

"Excuse me?" I stood from the bed, suddenly appearing at myself in a full length mirror, amazed at how my back was completely scar free. I then turned to the silver dress on the foot of my bed, its fur stresses hanging over. "Oh my..."

"My thoughts exactly." He appeared besides me and held up the dress, his eyes never wandering from mine. "If you want, I will help you fit into it."

"Where's Keberiel?" I asked suspiciously.

"She is with Caevudor." He grinned, his brow raising. "Busy. So I am here to help you."

"Why not?"

"Turn around so I can fit you into it."

I did as he bid, watching in the mirror as Legolas came up from behind me, letting the dress linger in front of me for a moment. Even though we both were looking into the mirror, our eyes were locked on each other. We've been doing that a lot, I noticed, not helping it but it was there.

Suddenly his hands moved up and eased the gown over my head. I raised my arms, letting the long sleeves fit snuggled against my arms, the rest of the gown falling down against my figure. Legolas' hands placed themselves on my waist, gripping them and adjusting it.

"You look amazing."

Wow. I actually did look amazing. The gown was different from the gown I wore in Mirkwood. This one had more exquisite details to it. Around the waist was a silver chain, and attached to the end was a silver Ring. I lifted it up to my face to look at it more better, and gasped.

"It is for you." He told me, his arms reaching around and touching it as well. "'Tis beautiful, mellon amin."

"Oh, so now I'm your friend?" I turned around and grinned. "Well?"

"Well what?" He gave me a look.

"Are you just going to stand there, are or you going to fix my hair the way Keberiel would?"

Catching on my teasing, he laughed and led me to a chair where I sat on, while his long fingers traced around my loose hair, braiding every other strand, as some lay loose across my face. We spent the last hour or so preparing for what I was now informed in on as a ball.

"And Hobbits will be there?" I asked, following him down a set of Halls. "I can't wait to see other things besides wizards and Elves." He shot me a glance. "I like Elves." I finished lamely.

We cut a corner and I nearly walked into a man with a fuzzed beard and long black hair. He looked down at me and then back at Legolas for an answer. Or an excuse. I didn't back off and simply stared back at him. We were about the same height as each other.

"This is Lady Lara." Legolas said, grabbing my elbow and pulling me back. "Lara, this is Aragorn, child raised by Elrond."

"You aren't an Elf." I eyed him, ignoring his out stretched hand.

"And you aren't a Lady." He shot back.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Legolas cut me off. "Mankee naa lle autien, Aragorn? (Where are you going?)"

"A! Uuma dela, mellon amin. Amin anta elea he. (Ah! Don't worry, my friend. I need to see her.)"

I looked back from each person as they began talking about whoever she was. Annoyed, I slipped from Legolas' grip and walked the rest of the way down the Hall until I came upon two large, wooden doors. Inside, I could hear music playing and voices speaking. Taking a deep breath, I swung open the door and stepped inside, not expecting to see what I saw.