Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
A/N; I am very very very very very etc etc sorry for the time it has been since I last updated. I am finishing high school and had assignments and exams to do. I also broke two of my ribs at taekwondo and have been training to become a gym instructor with the injury (ouch bloody ouch) On the up side I won a young writers award for another piece I wrote (one reason I haven't updated this story) and have started writing a novel for publishing. Updates may be slow as I still have two more weeks of exams, but reviews will encourage faster updates, so review, review, review people. Make a girl happy in her time of hardship (sob, sob followed by loud sniffle). With no further babbling, welcome to chapter three!!
Chapter Three
After wondering blindly for a while, I came to the realisation that the palace proved to be more of a maze than I thought it would be. The passages seemed to fork, sweep and curve creating a labyrinth of hallways, gardens and beautiful, but empty rooms. I was beginning to tire and my stomach was growling in protest to the technicolour yawn that came upon me in the forest. The most disturbing was my body odour. You knew when you truly stank when your own smell began to bother you. My dress was torn from the fight and thick splatterings of dark blood were encrusted through the fabric and across my skin.
Admitting to myself that I was lost, I moved dreamily through the halls, then sat for a while in the courtyard with its small pond, plants and classical columns and gave myself a lecture about being a nicer person - more open hearted, less temperamental and less critical. At least if I gave it a go I would have more of a chance of not being banished from Rivendell before the week was out. I had already managed to start a possible war with the wood elves. Even though I didn't like the prince, I still hoped that I didn't cause too much damage.
"Lady Bryn." A female voice called "I have been looking all over for you." A tall elf dressed in servants garb jogged elegantly into the small garden, her hair flowing out behind her. "You were not in your room so I was sent to fetch you. I am Fianalyn. Your personal servant."
"How did you know where to find me?" I asked.
"I didn't. I have been searching every nook and cranny in the palace. It was just luck I suppose." She flashed a friendly smile that went right up to her cheerful gray eyes. "Now come. You must bathe and dress. Your presence is required on request of Lord Elrond. We mustn't keep him waiting."
I knew what this was going to be about: a slightly broken elf by the name of Legolas Greenleaf. Time to face the consequences. Time to face the firing squad.
She clasped my hand firmly and began dragging me back to my room, chattering adamantly all the way like an excited squirrel. She seemed a little flaky yet at the same time subtly displayed some form of knowledgeable intelligence. A far cry from the brainless teenyboppers from planet bubblegum found at home. I immediately took a liking to her.
After a hot bath and a generous meal, Fianalyn once again directed me through the palace to a heavy set of double doors which loomed ominously over head.
"I must leave you now." She whispered "I will be back for you later. May the stars shine brightly upon you this night my Lady."
With a slight bow she slipped quietly back down the corridor. I needed more than a bunch of shiny stars to save me from the tongue lashing that was bound to come my way after passing through those doors. I needed a miracle. But considering I was in another world, I wasn't about to discount the possibility.
Lifting my hand I paused before lightly rapping my sore knuckles on the thick surface.
"Enter." Came the kingly reply.
Pushing my way in, my eyes settled on the familiar form of the prince. He lounged loosely over one of the velvet high backed chairs, a cold cloth pressed to his newly acquired black eye. Meeting my gaze his face flushed red and he quickly averted his eyes. Gandalf and Elrond stood either side of him trying to smother their amused grins. I rolled my eyes.
"All right. I admit it. I punched him." I blurted quickly. "So what's my punishment? Hot oil? The rack? Tapestry classes?"
They were still trying to suppress their giggles and Legolas looked at each of them in turn giving them an accusing scowl.
"I knew that this was your handy work." Gandalf stated, "The fact that he was sprawled on the floor outside of your room gave proof to my suspicions. I am not going to punish you. I think a warning will suffice as I have spoken to Legolas about the incident and it seems your actions weren't entirely unprovoked, were they Master Elf?"
Gandalf turned to where the prince sat, his face now an emotionless mask. I smiled slyly at him as if to say 'I guess I won that round' and his eyes narrowed before an equally sly smile came to his lips.
"Well Master Elf. Don't you have something to say?" Gandalf prompted.
"Lady Bryn." Legolas began "I am sorry if my actions and words caused you ill feeling during our encounter in the halls this evening. I was uncivilized in my manner and I will make it my duty to make amends in the future." The 'make amends' part seemed to carry more to it than just a truce. This elf was no fool and I knew that I had chosen the wrong prince to banter with.
"Thanks princess, for those kind words. I'm touched. I really am," I put my hand over my heart dramatically, the insincerity heavy in my voice.
"And Bryn." Gandalf said. "Don't you have something to say to Master Elf?"
"There is no way I am apologizing to him!" I pointed my finger like a dagger towards the smiling elf, " Is this totally necessary? I feel like I'm back in kindergarten and I really don't want to travel down that road again" Gandalf and Elrond looked at me pointedly and my discussion with myself in the courtyard played on my mind - more open hearted, less temperamental, less critical I had promised. I rolled my eyes again.
"Fine. Okay, I'll do it." I turned to Legolas, his deep blue eyes locking with mine. For a moment my mind went blank and I stood there with my jaw flapping up and down, but no words would form. I could only imagine that I looked like a stunned gold fish. I took a deep breath to compose myself and gather my thoughts. "Okay Master Legolas..... Elf.. prince guy. I'm sorry that I insulted you, after you insulted me of course, and I apologise for knocking you out and leaving you in the hall like a cheap throw rug, despite the fact that you deserved it."
His face broke into a smile. Not a sly or smug smile, but an amazing white grin that seemed to go all the way to his eyes. "I'm touched Lady Bryn. I truly am." He mocked. "You have such a way with words."
"Now that we have settled that," Elrond cut in, severing my gaze with Legolas "As well as can be expected anyway. You may leave."
I turned around intent on walking out the door, but was halted by an urgent voice "Not you Bryn," said uncle Gandalf "Just Legolas. We have other matters to discuss with you, young one."
Finally I was going to get some answers. I had already wasted a lot of cussing on unanswered questions and my curiosity had been eating away at me ever since I had woken up in the wagon that morning.
Legolas rose from his chair and began to leave. As he strode passed he smiled, giving me a wink with his good eye.
"Take a seat" Elrond invited.
I sat myself down in the red chair that Legolas had been sitting in moments ago and waited for the two men to start talking. They seemed to be communicating silently with each other, deciding where to start. While watching the muted conversation I noticed how warm the chair was. Legolas's body heat still lingered in the fabric and the thought of being that close to him was more than a little disturbing. I was fighting a battle with myself. I couldn't deny that I found him attractive, but I also couldn't help but find him absolutely infuriating. I squirmed uncomfortably in the seat.
"Well, young Bryn. You certainly know how to cause a scene." Gandalf began "I want to take this time to explain a few things. Possibly answer a few of the questions that no doubt have been plaguing you."
"Yeah. That would be peachy wouldn't it?" I couldn't help myself. I was still running on sarcasm. It seemed that whenever I got scared or anxious I tended to break out the whip and turn to antisocial behaviour. Even when it was entirely inappropriate to do so.
"Yes, well," He cleared his throat. " I should start by saying that" He paused "I am not your true uncle. What I am is a link to your heritage."
"This isn't going to turn into a 'This is Your Life' episode is it?" I actually found the information that Gandalf was not my true uncle quite easy to swallow. When he came to visit on occasions, I always saw him as a rather quirky character I couldn't possibly be related to. It was the whole beard and towering height thing. The family resemblance just wasn't there.
"So who the hell are you then if not my uncle?"
"I am an Istari wizard, my dear. I am known by many names, Gandalf being but one."
"A wizard?" This was getting better and better. "So that is how we got here? You just pulled a Harry Potter, waved your cute little wand and bingo, were in another world?"
Gandalf seemed to puff up his chest like a pigeon at my words. He let out a sigh of breath and began stroking the end of his beard in consternation. I seemed to have offended him somehow. "That is a gross over simplification of the process young Bryn, but I suppose you could put it like that."
By this time my mind was awash with questions I wanted all answered at once, but they were coming so fast I didn't know which one to ask first. Thinking back on what had happened since arriving, the incident in the forest held my attention the most. How had I done that? I had always had reasonable strength and speed, and had never had any problems defeating opponents larger than myself, but never with the efficiency I had managed today.
"What made me pull those funky moves against those orc thingy's? I mean.... You don't just wake up one morning finding you've turned into Buffy the orc slayer and not be a little perplexed by the whole deal. That was a little too freaky for my liking Gandy."
Gandalf lowered himself slowly into a finely crafted chair, the wood creaking with his sudden weight. By his movements and the tired look on his face, I could tell that this was going to take some explaining "That is a more complex issue my dear, and one that ties in with the reason I brought you here to Middle Earth in the first place."
"Oh, god. Please don't tell me I'm some chosen thing, destined to fight the forces of evil or what-not because I don't think I could handle that kind of responsibility."
"If that were the case, young Bryn, I would be very worried indeed. The Valar certainly would have a sense of humour."
"The who?" I asked. Gandalf threw an annoyed glance in my direction and Elrond looked on with his usual passive, kingly demeanor.
Ignoring me, Gandalf continued.
"You see, I knew your mother, she was an elf from Middle Earth, and quite a powerful one at that. That is why she left you. She was called back to this world and it was against her duties to return to earth."
At Gandalfs words, all sarcasm was washed away, replaced by bitterness, anger and above all else loneliness. Why had she left? Were we not good enough for her?
All my life I had imagined what growing up with a mother would have been like. I used to pretend she was still around and whisper questions to her while lying in bed at night. But there were no answers, only the silence of darkness and a lingering feeling of abandonment that still hung around me. It wasn't as though I was asking for a Brady bunch family, but there are just some things you can't talk to a male about, even if he is your father. The news that she had disappeared into another dimension and had her reasons for leaving did not dispel the anger and sense of loss that I was feeling. I quickly blinked away the tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes and turned my attention back to Gandalf, who was regarding me with a saddened expression. There was no way I was going to let myself cry over her. Not now, not ever. I don't have a mother.
"Wait" I blurted "does that mean I'm an elf too?"
"No, not exactly. You do carry elven blood, though you do not possess the immortal life of the elves. What you do have is elven power inherited from your mother, however it seems to have manifested itself in an unusual manner. Your physical capabilities are greatly enhanced and always have been, but here the power is stronger, because Middle Earth is the place of its origin."
"Does this mean that all the time I have been winning martial arts tournaments it is because of this power?" Gandalf nodded his head "I'm a bloody cheat."
"You did not cheat. You just.... had a slight natural advantage."
"Well it's not all that natural in my world."
Gandalfs reasoning wasn't exactly comforting. I was a cheat in my world and all of the trophies I had won amounted to nothing. Although the idea of enhanced abilities wasn't all that bad.
"Exactly how much stronger is my power in Middle Earth, it's 'place of origin'?" I enquired, a smile once again forming on my lips.
Gandalf shrugged his shoulders and looked to Elrond for some aid in answering my question but it seemed that he did not have an answer either. "We have no way of knowing lady Bryn" Elrond stated "That you will have to discover for yourself."
"More importantly is why I brought you here," Gandalf continued. "Having inherited elven power your father thought it necessary to introduce you to your blood heritage, being the elves of Middle Earth."
"That's it? You brought me here because of some heritage I have little in common with?"
Gandalf smacked his lips together in thought and grunted something unintelligible before responding with a weak and breathy 'yes'.
"Then why do I have to keep the other world thing a secret if it is not a big deal?"
His eyes seemed to darken then and I had no way of knowing the full import of my words. Elrond's face was also marred with the dark concern mirrored on Gandalf's face. After what seemed a decade Gandalf seemed to shake himself of his worry, once again settling into his light airy wisdom.
"Do not concern yourself with such matters dear girl." His eyes caught and held mine meaningfully, my curiosity and fear roused to attention. "Just make sure it stays a secret."
"O..o..kay." I stuttered under his gaze.
"While you are here and have the opportunity," Gandy continued "take advantage of the warrior training offered to you. I keep my promises and this is no exception. You will be trained by the best. However many are not accustomed to seeing women in battle, so don't get hot headed. The feminist movement has not occurred in this realm and I do not want to hear stories of you gathering she-elves to burn their under garments in protest. Am I clear?"
"Oh, dead clear Gandy." I had to hold back the burst of laughter that was straining for release at the back of my throat. At home I was known as somewhat of a feminist, but it was more about self-respect and most importantly, respect in a dojang. I had no intention of turning into Germaine Greer at all and harboured absolutely no desire to do so. "No need for the dramatics, Gandy. I will be discreet in my vengeful tactics if a chauvinist gets in my way."
I winked suggestively just to annoy him and it seemed my efforts had not gone to waste. He sat stiffly in his chair, the lines of his face distorted at odd angles. It was unsettling that he would take my joking seriously. He had been around all through my childhood and was well aware of my sarcastic and cynical bantering. He had always known when to take me seriously and when to dismiss my comments, but it seemed that for some reason he had his wires crossed. I was savvy enough to join the dots and conclude that his uneasiness had something to do with my being from another world and the reason that it must be kept secret.
"I was joking" I assured. "I will be on my best behaviour."
"Be ready for training tomorrow morn. Someone will come to fetch you." Elrond stated. "You may now leave."
That was the cue I had been waiting for. According to my watch, which I will have to get rid of, it was about two in the morning and I was tired of playing 'fill in the blanks' with Gandalf. It was time for a well-earned nap. I smothered a yawn with my hand as I rose from my chair swiftly and headed straight towards the door. I waved to both uncle Gandalf and Elrond, blurting a quick goodnight before disappearing down the halls. Now, if I could only find my room.
A/N; I am very very very very very etc etc sorry for the time it has been since I last updated. I am finishing high school and had assignments and exams to do. I also broke two of my ribs at taekwondo and have been training to become a gym instructor with the injury (ouch bloody ouch) On the up side I won a young writers award for another piece I wrote (one reason I haven't updated this story) and have started writing a novel for publishing. Updates may be slow as I still have two more weeks of exams, but reviews will encourage faster updates, so review, review, review people. Make a girl happy in her time of hardship (sob, sob followed by loud sniffle). With no further babbling, welcome to chapter three!!
Chapter Three
After wondering blindly for a while, I came to the realisation that the palace proved to be more of a maze than I thought it would be. The passages seemed to fork, sweep and curve creating a labyrinth of hallways, gardens and beautiful, but empty rooms. I was beginning to tire and my stomach was growling in protest to the technicolour yawn that came upon me in the forest. The most disturbing was my body odour. You knew when you truly stank when your own smell began to bother you. My dress was torn from the fight and thick splatterings of dark blood were encrusted through the fabric and across my skin.
Admitting to myself that I was lost, I moved dreamily through the halls, then sat for a while in the courtyard with its small pond, plants and classical columns and gave myself a lecture about being a nicer person - more open hearted, less temperamental and less critical. At least if I gave it a go I would have more of a chance of not being banished from Rivendell before the week was out. I had already managed to start a possible war with the wood elves. Even though I didn't like the prince, I still hoped that I didn't cause too much damage.
"Lady Bryn." A female voice called "I have been looking all over for you." A tall elf dressed in servants garb jogged elegantly into the small garden, her hair flowing out behind her. "You were not in your room so I was sent to fetch you. I am Fianalyn. Your personal servant."
"How did you know where to find me?" I asked.
"I didn't. I have been searching every nook and cranny in the palace. It was just luck I suppose." She flashed a friendly smile that went right up to her cheerful gray eyes. "Now come. You must bathe and dress. Your presence is required on request of Lord Elrond. We mustn't keep him waiting."
I knew what this was going to be about: a slightly broken elf by the name of Legolas Greenleaf. Time to face the consequences. Time to face the firing squad.
She clasped my hand firmly and began dragging me back to my room, chattering adamantly all the way like an excited squirrel. She seemed a little flaky yet at the same time subtly displayed some form of knowledgeable intelligence. A far cry from the brainless teenyboppers from planet bubblegum found at home. I immediately took a liking to her.
After a hot bath and a generous meal, Fianalyn once again directed me through the palace to a heavy set of double doors which loomed ominously over head.
"I must leave you now." She whispered "I will be back for you later. May the stars shine brightly upon you this night my Lady."
With a slight bow she slipped quietly back down the corridor. I needed more than a bunch of shiny stars to save me from the tongue lashing that was bound to come my way after passing through those doors. I needed a miracle. But considering I was in another world, I wasn't about to discount the possibility.
Lifting my hand I paused before lightly rapping my sore knuckles on the thick surface.
"Enter." Came the kingly reply.
Pushing my way in, my eyes settled on the familiar form of the prince. He lounged loosely over one of the velvet high backed chairs, a cold cloth pressed to his newly acquired black eye. Meeting my gaze his face flushed red and he quickly averted his eyes. Gandalf and Elrond stood either side of him trying to smother their amused grins. I rolled my eyes.
"All right. I admit it. I punched him." I blurted quickly. "So what's my punishment? Hot oil? The rack? Tapestry classes?"
They were still trying to suppress their giggles and Legolas looked at each of them in turn giving them an accusing scowl.
"I knew that this was your handy work." Gandalf stated, "The fact that he was sprawled on the floor outside of your room gave proof to my suspicions. I am not going to punish you. I think a warning will suffice as I have spoken to Legolas about the incident and it seems your actions weren't entirely unprovoked, were they Master Elf?"
Gandalf turned to where the prince sat, his face now an emotionless mask. I smiled slyly at him as if to say 'I guess I won that round' and his eyes narrowed before an equally sly smile came to his lips.
"Well Master Elf. Don't you have something to say?" Gandalf prompted.
"Lady Bryn." Legolas began "I am sorry if my actions and words caused you ill feeling during our encounter in the halls this evening. I was uncivilized in my manner and I will make it my duty to make amends in the future." The 'make amends' part seemed to carry more to it than just a truce. This elf was no fool and I knew that I had chosen the wrong prince to banter with.
"Thanks princess, for those kind words. I'm touched. I really am," I put my hand over my heart dramatically, the insincerity heavy in my voice.
"And Bryn." Gandalf said. "Don't you have something to say to Master Elf?"
"There is no way I am apologizing to him!" I pointed my finger like a dagger towards the smiling elf, " Is this totally necessary? I feel like I'm back in kindergarten and I really don't want to travel down that road again" Gandalf and Elrond looked at me pointedly and my discussion with myself in the courtyard played on my mind - more open hearted, less temperamental, less critical I had promised. I rolled my eyes again.
"Fine. Okay, I'll do it." I turned to Legolas, his deep blue eyes locking with mine. For a moment my mind went blank and I stood there with my jaw flapping up and down, but no words would form. I could only imagine that I looked like a stunned gold fish. I took a deep breath to compose myself and gather my thoughts. "Okay Master Legolas..... Elf.. prince guy. I'm sorry that I insulted you, after you insulted me of course, and I apologise for knocking you out and leaving you in the hall like a cheap throw rug, despite the fact that you deserved it."
His face broke into a smile. Not a sly or smug smile, but an amazing white grin that seemed to go all the way to his eyes. "I'm touched Lady Bryn. I truly am." He mocked. "You have such a way with words."
"Now that we have settled that," Elrond cut in, severing my gaze with Legolas "As well as can be expected anyway. You may leave."
I turned around intent on walking out the door, but was halted by an urgent voice "Not you Bryn," said uncle Gandalf "Just Legolas. We have other matters to discuss with you, young one."
Finally I was going to get some answers. I had already wasted a lot of cussing on unanswered questions and my curiosity had been eating away at me ever since I had woken up in the wagon that morning.
Legolas rose from his chair and began to leave. As he strode passed he smiled, giving me a wink with his good eye.
"Take a seat" Elrond invited.
I sat myself down in the red chair that Legolas had been sitting in moments ago and waited for the two men to start talking. They seemed to be communicating silently with each other, deciding where to start. While watching the muted conversation I noticed how warm the chair was. Legolas's body heat still lingered in the fabric and the thought of being that close to him was more than a little disturbing. I was fighting a battle with myself. I couldn't deny that I found him attractive, but I also couldn't help but find him absolutely infuriating. I squirmed uncomfortably in the seat.
"Well, young Bryn. You certainly know how to cause a scene." Gandalf began "I want to take this time to explain a few things. Possibly answer a few of the questions that no doubt have been plaguing you."
"Yeah. That would be peachy wouldn't it?" I couldn't help myself. I was still running on sarcasm. It seemed that whenever I got scared or anxious I tended to break out the whip and turn to antisocial behaviour. Even when it was entirely inappropriate to do so.
"Yes, well," He cleared his throat. " I should start by saying that" He paused "I am not your true uncle. What I am is a link to your heritage."
"This isn't going to turn into a 'This is Your Life' episode is it?" I actually found the information that Gandalf was not my true uncle quite easy to swallow. When he came to visit on occasions, I always saw him as a rather quirky character I couldn't possibly be related to. It was the whole beard and towering height thing. The family resemblance just wasn't there.
"So who the hell are you then if not my uncle?"
"I am an Istari wizard, my dear. I am known by many names, Gandalf being but one."
"A wizard?" This was getting better and better. "So that is how we got here? You just pulled a Harry Potter, waved your cute little wand and bingo, were in another world?"
Gandalf seemed to puff up his chest like a pigeon at my words. He let out a sigh of breath and began stroking the end of his beard in consternation. I seemed to have offended him somehow. "That is a gross over simplification of the process young Bryn, but I suppose you could put it like that."
By this time my mind was awash with questions I wanted all answered at once, but they were coming so fast I didn't know which one to ask first. Thinking back on what had happened since arriving, the incident in the forest held my attention the most. How had I done that? I had always had reasonable strength and speed, and had never had any problems defeating opponents larger than myself, but never with the efficiency I had managed today.
"What made me pull those funky moves against those orc thingy's? I mean.... You don't just wake up one morning finding you've turned into Buffy the orc slayer and not be a little perplexed by the whole deal. That was a little too freaky for my liking Gandy."
Gandalf lowered himself slowly into a finely crafted chair, the wood creaking with his sudden weight. By his movements and the tired look on his face, I could tell that this was going to take some explaining "That is a more complex issue my dear, and one that ties in with the reason I brought you here to Middle Earth in the first place."
"Oh, god. Please don't tell me I'm some chosen thing, destined to fight the forces of evil or what-not because I don't think I could handle that kind of responsibility."
"If that were the case, young Bryn, I would be very worried indeed. The Valar certainly would have a sense of humour."
"The who?" I asked. Gandalf threw an annoyed glance in my direction and Elrond looked on with his usual passive, kingly demeanor.
Ignoring me, Gandalf continued.
"You see, I knew your mother, she was an elf from Middle Earth, and quite a powerful one at that. That is why she left you. She was called back to this world and it was against her duties to return to earth."
At Gandalfs words, all sarcasm was washed away, replaced by bitterness, anger and above all else loneliness. Why had she left? Were we not good enough for her?
All my life I had imagined what growing up with a mother would have been like. I used to pretend she was still around and whisper questions to her while lying in bed at night. But there were no answers, only the silence of darkness and a lingering feeling of abandonment that still hung around me. It wasn't as though I was asking for a Brady bunch family, but there are just some things you can't talk to a male about, even if he is your father. The news that she had disappeared into another dimension and had her reasons for leaving did not dispel the anger and sense of loss that I was feeling. I quickly blinked away the tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes and turned my attention back to Gandalf, who was regarding me with a saddened expression. There was no way I was going to let myself cry over her. Not now, not ever. I don't have a mother.
"Wait" I blurted "does that mean I'm an elf too?"
"No, not exactly. You do carry elven blood, though you do not possess the immortal life of the elves. What you do have is elven power inherited from your mother, however it seems to have manifested itself in an unusual manner. Your physical capabilities are greatly enhanced and always have been, but here the power is stronger, because Middle Earth is the place of its origin."
"Does this mean that all the time I have been winning martial arts tournaments it is because of this power?" Gandalf nodded his head "I'm a bloody cheat."
"You did not cheat. You just.... had a slight natural advantage."
"Well it's not all that natural in my world."
Gandalfs reasoning wasn't exactly comforting. I was a cheat in my world and all of the trophies I had won amounted to nothing. Although the idea of enhanced abilities wasn't all that bad.
"Exactly how much stronger is my power in Middle Earth, it's 'place of origin'?" I enquired, a smile once again forming on my lips.
Gandalf shrugged his shoulders and looked to Elrond for some aid in answering my question but it seemed that he did not have an answer either. "We have no way of knowing lady Bryn" Elrond stated "That you will have to discover for yourself."
"More importantly is why I brought you here," Gandalf continued. "Having inherited elven power your father thought it necessary to introduce you to your blood heritage, being the elves of Middle Earth."
"That's it? You brought me here because of some heritage I have little in common with?"
Gandalf smacked his lips together in thought and grunted something unintelligible before responding with a weak and breathy 'yes'.
"Then why do I have to keep the other world thing a secret if it is not a big deal?"
His eyes seemed to darken then and I had no way of knowing the full import of my words. Elrond's face was also marred with the dark concern mirrored on Gandalf's face. After what seemed a decade Gandalf seemed to shake himself of his worry, once again settling into his light airy wisdom.
"Do not concern yourself with such matters dear girl." His eyes caught and held mine meaningfully, my curiosity and fear roused to attention. "Just make sure it stays a secret."
"O..o..kay." I stuttered under his gaze.
"While you are here and have the opportunity," Gandy continued "take advantage of the warrior training offered to you. I keep my promises and this is no exception. You will be trained by the best. However many are not accustomed to seeing women in battle, so don't get hot headed. The feminist movement has not occurred in this realm and I do not want to hear stories of you gathering she-elves to burn their under garments in protest. Am I clear?"
"Oh, dead clear Gandy." I had to hold back the burst of laughter that was straining for release at the back of my throat. At home I was known as somewhat of a feminist, but it was more about self-respect and most importantly, respect in a dojang. I had no intention of turning into Germaine Greer at all and harboured absolutely no desire to do so. "No need for the dramatics, Gandy. I will be discreet in my vengeful tactics if a chauvinist gets in my way."
I winked suggestively just to annoy him and it seemed my efforts had not gone to waste. He sat stiffly in his chair, the lines of his face distorted at odd angles. It was unsettling that he would take my joking seriously. He had been around all through my childhood and was well aware of my sarcastic and cynical bantering. He had always known when to take me seriously and when to dismiss my comments, but it seemed that for some reason he had his wires crossed. I was savvy enough to join the dots and conclude that his uneasiness had something to do with my being from another world and the reason that it must be kept secret.
"I was joking" I assured. "I will be on my best behaviour."
"Be ready for training tomorrow morn. Someone will come to fetch you." Elrond stated. "You may now leave."
That was the cue I had been waiting for. According to my watch, which I will have to get rid of, it was about two in the morning and I was tired of playing 'fill in the blanks' with Gandalf. It was time for a well-earned nap. I smothered a yawn with my hand as I rose from my chair swiftly and headed straight towards the door. I waved to both uncle Gandalf and Elrond, blurting a quick goodnight before disappearing down the halls. Now, if I could only find my room.