Disclaimer: Let's just say that I'm a girl and Tolkien's a man of genius,
shall we ;)
A/N: Well, I really should keep an outline in front of me so I have an idea of what I'm doing! Last chapter went far from what I intended, but it still came out fairly well. It seemed rushed, but when you think about it, it had to be. I wanted all the action at the same possible moment so all havoc broke loose and I tried to put you on the edge of your chairs. Probably didn't work very well, but you see my point. There wasn't much time between Gandalf's fall and Elli's fall and every other little thing I threw in there. But you people seemed to like it that Elli was saved and with the Fellowship again, but not one person said a thing about Gandalf! I don't know what made me expect that any of you would though, so oh well.
Read on, I have no idea at this moment what's going to happen in this chapter, so just read and be warned. Enjoy though!
ELLI'S POV
"Gandalf. . .Caitlin, we forgot about that!"
"El, come on. I was too busy worrying about your butt falling and hittin' me on the head. It's no wonder I forgot about the wizard dude!"
"Well," Merry said, coming over to stand with the rest of us. Him and the other hobbits had kept to themselves quietly for the past couple of minutes. "What happens now?" he asked.
I looked over at him and the other hobbits faces then, and realized they were tear stained. Poor little fellows. I didn't think it was a good idea telling 'em he would come back, because I wasn't too sure he would anymore. It was rather likely he would, but then again, who knew anymore. So much had changed.
We had stopped outside of Moria, as is expected. The sun was going to set in a few hours, but Aragorn didn't rush us right away. He seemed lost in thought. I worried for a moment that he and Gandalf hadn't discussed where to go after all this, like how it was in the book. Maybe Gandalf wasn't letting anyone know, and Aragorn was clueless as to how to go about things now. But he looked more saddened, so I dismissed the thought from my head.
Instead I turned to Caitlin. "Miss me?" I asked her.
She threw my backpack at me. "Don't you ever do that to me again!" she screamed.
We started laughing then, so happy to see each other again. I walked over to where she sat on the ground and leaned over to hug her. She pulled me down into her lap, wrapping her arms around my battered, bruised and ash- covered hobbit body.
"I was so lonely, Elli," she whimpered. "I only had Legolas and the tiny munchkins to talk to. They're not bad, but I kept on having to save their butts! The only one I haven't saved yet is Sam! But Legolas solved the Door to Moria word game in elvish."
"He did what?" I asked. "You mean the Doors of Durin?"
"I guess so. The part with the squid and the big stone door in elvish. Well, Legolas figured out that it was melon and 'poof'! The door opened.
"It's Mel-lon you half wit."
"Oh, whatever."
I smiled at her stupidity.
"Legolas, round up the hobbit-lads. Gimli, help him get them up. Come ladies, we must move on. Orcs will be roaming here within the hours of nightfall. We must reach the safety of the Woods of Lothlorien."
Caitlin and I exchanged looks, and then burst into a fit of girlish giggles.
"And what is so funny, ladies?" Aragorn asked us, serious as ever.
"You just don't change, do you?" I said in-between breaths. He didn't seem to comprehend what the heck we were talking about, but smiled anyway, amused by our laughter. After we'd controlled over selves, we kept walking.
"Don't forget your pack you stupid hobbit!" Caitlin called as I started walking away. "I'm not gonna keep lugging it around for you!"
"Oh! I'd completely forgotten about that thing! I didn't miss it the entire time I was gone." I took it from her hand with a thank-you and then dropped it on the ground and opened it. Pulling the axe from my belt, I put it into the pack. I'd wrapped the small cords of rope around the blade so I wouldn't cut myself with it. Knowing my luck I would have. And the cut on the back of my arm still stung. I'd have to get it checked in Lorien.
A little ways into our walk I started humming. It had no reason or no specific tune, I just felt like humming something stupid. It must have caught on because then Caitlin started humming something and then Merry and Pippin joined us as well. No one said anything for a while because we weren't being that loud and obnoxious. Aragorn kept giving the four of us mighty strange looks from time to time, but we didn't care. I was feeling light hearted; I was with people again, people that would protect me from orcs and other creepy beings, people who were taking me into an elven refuge where a White Lady kept guard over her people. I'd be safe and cared for. I was allowed to be happy.
I was walking behind Legolas and Aragorn when suddenly the two of them stopped and I rammed my head into the back of Legolas' thigh. He didn't budge an inch, while the two of them looked around in pure concentration and ears perked at the slightest sound. I hushed our little band of humming voices and looked at Caitlin. She had the same stance as Legolas, ears straining and back straight. I didn't say anything, but took a quick peek at the faces of the other hobbits. None of us said anything. There was nothing we'd be allowed to say anyway.
"Dusk is settling Aragorn and the orcs have come out of Moria. They've picked up our trail I'm afraid," said Legolas looking a little wary. Aragorn's face was grim.
"This was expected," he murmured. "Hurry, further into the Woods of Lorien!"
I know it sounds reparatory, but we started running like some bats out of hell. I was scared, not really sure anymore how things were going to progress in this tale. And it was just my luck that at that moment, I fell.
"Stupid hobbit, I'm tired of saving you munchkins!" Caitlin complained as she scooped me up and kept running. She was good at that, with little bit of elven agility and grace. So what if she wasn't born an elf; she made a damn good one!
As she ran with me in her lithe arms, I decided to have the nerve to ask what it was she and the other two had heard. "Orcs. Screaming." She spoke in-between breaths, but I knew that wasn't a good sign that the orcs were following our scent of escape. They probably weren't very happy that the Fellowship had invaded their home and killed their pet balrog. And it's not like we were going to go to the pet store and conjure up a new one!
Then I heard them. They were surely angry. The howls and hoots that came from behind us were not promising. I tried peeking over Caitlin's shoulder, but to no avail. It had grown far too dark and the shadows cast a dark blanket over everything. I wasn't even sure anymore where we were anymore.
Caitlin was still carrying me, careful not to jostle me too much. But suddenly she tripped, and I fell head first into a jagged stone and everything went black.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I came back to consciousness with the feeling of being in someone's arms. It was a man, strong and supportive. He smelled like pine and herbs. I knew it wasn't elf, because his shirtsleeves and vest were filthy. I suddenly realized it was Aragorn who carried me like a child, snuggled into his chest and held protectively.
"Where am I?" I asked quietly. "What happened?"
"We are entering Caras Galadhon, the heart of Lothlorien. You had a nasty fall little one, and you slept many hours, all through the dreadful night. You are fine now, healed with help by the skill of these elven folk. Keep resting, you are safe and well cared for here."
"What happened to the orcs?" I asked.
"They were driven back into the hills like the beasts they are," Aragorn remarked proudly. I smiled at his words, but wondered how in the world I'd missed it all. Maybe Caitlin would be kind enough to regale me with a short and to-the-point story during a healing period. God knows I need one.
And so I rested my head on the broad chest of Aragorn, letting my eyes slip shut and my mind become at rest during the rest of the walk into Lorien.
~*~*~*~*~*~
When I woke up it was turning to dusk and all I could see were bright silver lamps glowing all around. Aragorn still carried me, my head and arms thrown gently over his shoulders. My arms were wrapped around his neck and my nose was pressed into his neck, breathing in that piney smell. I wasn't sure were we were, but it was bright and beautiful. I slowly turned my head and looked at the side of Aragorn's head. He also turned slightly to me, and pulled my back a little so he could look at me. Then, moving so he could cradle me in his arms in front of him, he whispered quietly in my ear.
"I thought you'd like to be awake when we meet the lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."
I looked up and produced a huge smile on my face. I didn't even wonder how strange this would be, or how different. I was dying to meet this woman!
I didn't have to wait long, for suddenly a huge light slowly emerged from above and two figures were in the midst of it. All I could see was the glow of silver and white light, and I was in awe until I realized I was gawking. I quickly shut my mouth and continued to stare. Slowly the beings came into focus, a noble lord and a stunning lady. Aragorn bent down and placed me on my feet at his side, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. I didn't take my eyes off of these beautiful elves, immortal, deathless, all-knowing. I looked at them and didn't want to leave the sanctuary of Lothlorien.
They descended the rest of the stairs and stopped when they'd made it to the third from the bottom. The Fellowship stood in front of these beings; most of us awake with wonder, except Legolas and Aragorn, who've been here before. They seemed to be enchanted, but subtle about it. The rest of us stared wide-eyed and open mouthed at this marvels.
"The Fellowship is far larger than it should have been," spoke the lord slowly and articulately. I guessed him to be Galadriel's husband, the noble Celeborn. "Ten that are here, and eleven set out from Rivendell. I perceive this number should have been lesser, but by chance two have been taken in for their knowledgeable insight. But tell me, where is Gandalf, for I see that he departed with you indeed, but he is not among you. I wish to speak to him."
"Gandlaf was taken in Moria by a balrog of Morgoth," Legolas retold. "He fell into an abyss by fighting his enemy, a terrible monster wreathed in shadow and flame."
Then it was Galadriel's turn to speak. "Ten are here now, yet nine there should have been . . ."
(A/N: I'm computer illiterate, and can't make it come out in italics, so this *tada!* means I'm speaking inside your head. Please don't get confused! Either that or tell me how the hell to out it in italics and I'll love you forever!)
A voice suddenly spoke inside my head. *You've come here to change our fate and alter our destiny in Middle-earth*
". . .This quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. . ."
*Our fate is changed already by your presence, and more is yet to come. . .*
Her voice inside my head was eerie, knowing she could see my thoughts, read them at her will, and speak to me without another knowing. I knew what she already told me, but it frightened me in the way she spoke it. How could she know such things? And did she know exactly what was to happen still?"
*You're fate is sealed as well Elanor, and so is Caitlin's, and I do not perceive what exactly fate will deal*
*Whoa, ok, stop that!* I silently called back to her. How did she know my real name?! No one knew that my name was Elanor! Slowly I looked up into her elven eyes, the ones that saw far into the past, deep into the future and could foretell a person's doom, and I saw that her eyes smiled at me as well as her lips. Enchanted she was indeed!
"Do not let your hearts be troubled," she continued. I kept my eyes on her, but she had turned her attention to the rest of the Fellowship. "Go now and rest, for you are all weary with sorrow and much toil." She then fixed her gaze on Frodo, and I too turned to look upon him. His eyes were filled with wonder and curiosity, but he seemed ok with the fact that this lady was extremely powerful and creepy.
I felt my eyes start to slip shut, and Aragorn's hand on my shoulder tightened. He picked me up once again, and I ever so slowly drifted back to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I awoke the next morning to the smell of flowers and to find Caitlin sitting on the edge of my bed.
"What the heck do you want now?" I asked her.
"I was told to look after you," she answered. "One of the elves here said you sleep too much, and that your body is bruised and scraped. I've basically become your nurse."
"I don't need a nurse," I answered sounding somewhat irritated.
"I know you don't, but I need to talk to you." I watched as she wrung her hands. She seemed to be nervous. "Did she speak inside your head too?"
I blinked. "You've seen the movie. Do you not remember that fact?"
"I do, but I didn't think she'd speak inside ALL of our heads, just the original ones from the movie. But did she speak inside your head? I really want to know."
I blinked again. She had to be kidding me! "How could you be that stupid?" I asked, trying not to laugh hysterically in her face. "How could you think such a thing? You knew she spoke with mind power, so what made you think she wouldn't do the same to us? We're part of the Fellowship you know."
"I know. But, I dunno. I guess I was just assuming such things. But come on, did she speak to you. What did she say?"
"Yeah, she spoke to me," I mumbled. I didn't elaborate further.
"What did she say? Come on, you can tell me. Elli, please? Elli?"
I didn't say anything. I just stared at the opposite wall. "When did people start calling me that?" I finally asked.
"Calling you what?"
"When did everyone start calling me Elli?"
It was Caitlin's turn to blink. "We've always called you Elli. It's your name."
"No, it's not."
Caitlin didn't say anything right away. "It's not? But I thought.Elli? I mean, umm . . . then what is your real name, if it's not Elli?"
I sighed softly. "My real name is Elanor, and Galadriel spoke it inside my head. She knew my real name, Caitlin, and I don't know how she knew."
Caitlin stared at me, somewhat amazed I think. "She knew that? She knew that your real name was Elanor? But no one knows that." She stopped thinking and both of us became lost in our own thoughts for a moment.
"What else do you think she knows Caitlin? If she knew my real name, do you think she knows our fate, or where we came from? Or what's happening in our own world while we're stuck here? Caitlin, how much does she know?"
"I'm not sure, Elli- I mean, El . . .can I call you Elanor?"
I thought about that for a moment. "No. Don't tell anyone about that. Keep calling me Elli."
"Ok."
I looked at her. I never realized the pointy ears so well before, or that her long straight hair had turned more red now. Heck, I hadn't seen her during most of the trip! But she was much bigger than me, but in some ways she was still the same Caitlin from our world. And in a lot of ways she wasn't. She'd definitely changed since we arrived here, and so had I.
"Come on, I think you're up for a walk, heh?" she asked.
"Sure, why not, Nurse Caitlin."
"Don't expect me to carry you! I've carried enough hobbits during this trip!"
"You promised a walk, and I intend to walk during all of it!"
"Good, now get dressed, and let's go."
I smiled as I climbed at of bed and looked up at her. "Stupid elf," I grumbled, still smiling.
"Shorty."
(A/N: Wow that was really long! I told you I wasn't sure where this was going! I didn't intend to include Galadriel until the next Chapter. Oh well, review and tell me if you enjoyed it. And yes, I knew all along that Elli's real name was indeed Elanor. I couldn't wait to pull that off! Review NOW, my lovely readers. More to come as soon as I have time!)
A/N: Well, I really should keep an outline in front of me so I have an idea of what I'm doing! Last chapter went far from what I intended, but it still came out fairly well. It seemed rushed, but when you think about it, it had to be. I wanted all the action at the same possible moment so all havoc broke loose and I tried to put you on the edge of your chairs. Probably didn't work very well, but you see my point. There wasn't much time between Gandalf's fall and Elli's fall and every other little thing I threw in there. But you people seemed to like it that Elli was saved and with the Fellowship again, but not one person said a thing about Gandalf! I don't know what made me expect that any of you would though, so oh well.
Read on, I have no idea at this moment what's going to happen in this chapter, so just read and be warned. Enjoy though!
ELLI'S POV
"Gandalf. . .Caitlin, we forgot about that!"
"El, come on. I was too busy worrying about your butt falling and hittin' me on the head. It's no wonder I forgot about the wizard dude!"
"Well," Merry said, coming over to stand with the rest of us. Him and the other hobbits had kept to themselves quietly for the past couple of minutes. "What happens now?" he asked.
I looked over at him and the other hobbits faces then, and realized they were tear stained. Poor little fellows. I didn't think it was a good idea telling 'em he would come back, because I wasn't too sure he would anymore. It was rather likely he would, but then again, who knew anymore. So much had changed.
We had stopped outside of Moria, as is expected. The sun was going to set in a few hours, but Aragorn didn't rush us right away. He seemed lost in thought. I worried for a moment that he and Gandalf hadn't discussed where to go after all this, like how it was in the book. Maybe Gandalf wasn't letting anyone know, and Aragorn was clueless as to how to go about things now. But he looked more saddened, so I dismissed the thought from my head.
Instead I turned to Caitlin. "Miss me?" I asked her.
She threw my backpack at me. "Don't you ever do that to me again!" she screamed.
We started laughing then, so happy to see each other again. I walked over to where she sat on the ground and leaned over to hug her. She pulled me down into her lap, wrapping her arms around my battered, bruised and ash- covered hobbit body.
"I was so lonely, Elli," she whimpered. "I only had Legolas and the tiny munchkins to talk to. They're not bad, but I kept on having to save their butts! The only one I haven't saved yet is Sam! But Legolas solved the Door to Moria word game in elvish."
"He did what?" I asked. "You mean the Doors of Durin?"
"I guess so. The part with the squid and the big stone door in elvish. Well, Legolas figured out that it was melon and 'poof'! The door opened.
"It's Mel-lon you half wit."
"Oh, whatever."
I smiled at her stupidity.
"Legolas, round up the hobbit-lads. Gimli, help him get them up. Come ladies, we must move on. Orcs will be roaming here within the hours of nightfall. We must reach the safety of the Woods of Lothlorien."
Caitlin and I exchanged looks, and then burst into a fit of girlish giggles.
"And what is so funny, ladies?" Aragorn asked us, serious as ever.
"You just don't change, do you?" I said in-between breaths. He didn't seem to comprehend what the heck we were talking about, but smiled anyway, amused by our laughter. After we'd controlled over selves, we kept walking.
"Don't forget your pack you stupid hobbit!" Caitlin called as I started walking away. "I'm not gonna keep lugging it around for you!"
"Oh! I'd completely forgotten about that thing! I didn't miss it the entire time I was gone." I took it from her hand with a thank-you and then dropped it on the ground and opened it. Pulling the axe from my belt, I put it into the pack. I'd wrapped the small cords of rope around the blade so I wouldn't cut myself with it. Knowing my luck I would have. And the cut on the back of my arm still stung. I'd have to get it checked in Lorien.
A little ways into our walk I started humming. It had no reason or no specific tune, I just felt like humming something stupid. It must have caught on because then Caitlin started humming something and then Merry and Pippin joined us as well. No one said anything for a while because we weren't being that loud and obnoxious. Aragorn kept giving the four of us mighty strange looks from time to time, but we didn't care. I was feeling light hearted; I was with people again, people that would protect me from orcs and other creepy beings, people who were taking me into an elven refuge where a White Lady kept guard over her people. I'd be safe and cared for. I was allowed to be happy.
I was walking behind Legolas and Aragorn when suddenly the two of them stopped and I rammed my head into the back of Legolas' thigh. He didn't budge an inch, while the two of them looked around in pure concentration and ears perked at the slightest sound. I hushed our little band of humming voices and looked at Caitlin. She had the same stance as Legolas, ears straining and back straight. I didn't say anything, but took a quick peek at the faces of the other hobbits. None of us said anything. There was nothing we'd be allowed to say anyway.
"Dusk is settling Aragorn and the orcs have come out of Moria. They've picked up our trail I'm afraid," said Legolas looking a little wary. Aragorn's face was grim.
"This was expected," he murmured. "Hurry, further into the Woods of Lorien!"
I know it sounds reparatory, but we started running like some bats out of hell. I was scared, not really sure anymore how things were going to progress in this tale. And it was just my luck that at that moment, I fell.
"Stupid hobbit, I'm tired of saving you munchkins!" Caitlin complained as she scooped me up and kept running. She was good at that, with little bit of elven agility and grace. So what if she wasn't born an elf; she made a damn good one!
As she ran with me in her lithe arms, I decided to have the nerve to ask what it was she and the other two had heard. "Orcs. Screaming." She spoke in-between breaths, but I knew that wasn't a good sign that the orcs were following our scent of escape. They probably weren't very happy that the Fellowship had invaded their home and killed their pet balrog. And it's not like we were going to go to the pet store and conjure up a new one!
Then I heard them. They were surely angry. The howls and hoots that came from behind us were not promising. I tried peeking over Caitlin's shoulder, but to no avail. It had grown far too dark and the shadows cast a dark blanket over everything. I wasn't even sure anymore where we were anymore.
Caitlin was still carrying me, careful not to jostle me too much. But suddenly she tripped, and I fell head first into a jagged stone and everything went black.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I came back to consciousness with the feeling of being in someone's arms. It was a man, strong and supportive. He smelled like pine and herbs. I knew it wasn't elf, because his shirtsleeves and vest were filthy. I suddenly realized it was Aragorn who carried me like a child, snuggled into his chest and held protectively.
"Where am I?" I asked quietly. "What happened?"
"We are entering Caras Galadhon, the heart of Lothlorien. You had a nasty fall little one, and you slept many hours, all through the dreadful night. You are fine now, healed with help by the skill of these elven folk. Keep resting, you are safe and well cared for here."
"What happened to the orcs?" I asked.
"They were driven back into the hills like the beasts they are," Aragorn remarked proudly. I smiled at his words, but wondered how in the world I'd missed it all. Maybe Caitlin would be kind enough to regale me with a short and to-the-point story during a healing period. God knows I need one.
And so I rested my head on the broad chest of Aragorn, letting my eyes slip shut and my mind become at rest during the rest of the walk into Lorien.
~*~*~*~*~*~
When I woke up it was turning to dusk and all I could see were bright silver lamps glowing all around. Aragorn still carried me, my head and arms thrown gently over his shoulders. My arms were wrapped around his neck and my nose was pressed into his neck, breathing in that piney smell. I wasn't sure were we were, but it was bright and beautiful. I slowly turned my head and looked at the side of Aragorn's head. He also turned slightly to me, and pulled my back a little so he could look at me. Then, moving so he could cradle me in his arms in front of him, he whispered quietly in my ear.
"I thought you'd like to be awake when we meet the lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."
I looked up and produced a huge smile on my face. I didn't even wonder how strange this would be, or how different. I was dying to meet this woman!
I didn't have to wait long, for suddenly a huge light slowly emerged from above and two figures were in the midst of it. All I could see was the glow of silver and white light, and I was in awe until I realized I was gawking. I quickly shut my mouth and continued to stare. Slowly the beings came into focus, a noble lord and a stunning lady. Aragorn bent down and placed me on my feet at his side, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. I didn't take my eyes off of these beautiful elves, immortal, deathless, all-knowing. I looked at them and didn't want to leave the sanctuary of Lothlorien.
They descended the rest of the stairs and stopped when they'd made it to the third from the bottom. The Fellowship stood in front of these beings; most of us awake with wonder, except Legolas and Aragorn, who've been here before. They seemed to be enchanted, but subtle about it. The rest of us stared wide-eyed and open mouthed at this marvels.
"The Fellowship is far larger than it should have been," spoke the lord slowly and articulately. I guessed him to be Galadriel's husband, the noble Celeborn. "Ten that are here, and eleven set out from Rivendell. I perceive this number should have been lesser, but by chance two have been taken in for their knowledgeable insight. But tell me, where is Gandalf, for I see that he departed with you indeed, but he is not among you. I wish to speak to him."
"Gandlaf was taken in Moria by a balrog of Morgoth," Legolas retold. "He fell into an abyss by fighting his enemy, a terrible monster wreathed in shadow and flame."
Then it was Galadriel's turn to speak. "Ten are here now, yet nine there should have been . . ."
(A/N: I'm computer illiterate, and can't make it come out in italics, so this *tada!* means I'm speaking inside your head. Please don't get confused! Either that or tell me how the hell to out it in italics and I'll love you forever!)
A voice suddenly spoke inside my head. *You've come here to change our fate and alter our destiny in Middle-earth*
". . .This quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. . ."
*Our fate is changed already by your presence, and more is yet to come. . .*
Her voice inside my head was eerie, knowing she could see my thoughts, read them at her will, and speak to me without another knowing. I knew what she already told me, but it frightened me in the way she spoke it. How could she know such things? And did she know exactly what was to happen still?"
*You're fate is sealed as well Elanor, and so is Caitlin's, and I do not perceive what exactly fate will deal*
*Whoa, ok, stop that!* I silently called back to her. How did she know my real name?! No one knew that my name was Elanor! Slowly I looked up into her elven eyes, the ones that saw far into the past, deep into the future and could foretell a person's doom, and I saw that her eyes smiled at me as well as her lips. Enchanted she was indeed!
"Do not let your hearts be troubled," she continued. I kept my eyes on her, but she had turned her attention to the rest of the Fellowship. "Go now and rest, for you are all weary with sorrow and much toil." She then fixed her gaze on Frodo, and I too turned to look upon him. His eyes were filled with wonder and curiosity, but he seemed ok with the fact that this lady was extremely powerful and creepy.
I felt my eyes start to slip shut, and Aragorn's hand on my shoulder tightened. He picked me up once again, and I ever so slowly drifted back to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I awoke the next morning to the smell of flowers and to find Caitlin sitting on the edge of my bed.
"What the heck do you want now?" I asked her.
"I was told to look after you," she answered. "One of the elves here said you sleep too much, and that your body is bruised and scraped. I've basically become your nurse."
"I don't need a nurse," I answered sounding somewhat irritated.
"I know you don't, but I need to talk to you." I watched as she wrung her hands. She seemed to be nervous. "Did she speak inside your head too?"
I blinked. "You've seen the movie. Do you not remember that fact?"
"I do, but I didn't think she'd speak inside ALL of our heads, just the original ones from the movie. But did she speak inside your head? I really want to know."
I blinked again. She had to be kidding me! "How could you be that stupid?" I asked, trying not to laugh hysterically in her face. "How could you think such a thing? You knew she spoke with mind power, so what made you think she wouldn't do the same to us? We're part of the Fellowship you know."
"I know. But, I dunno. I guess I was just assuming such things. But come on, did she speak to you. What did she say?"
"Yeah, she spoke to me," I mumbled. I didn't elaborate further.
"What did she say? Come on, you can tell me. Elli, please? Elli?"
I didn't say anything. I just stared at the opposite wall. "When did people start calling me that?" I finally asked.
"Calling you what?"
"When did everyone start calling me Elli?"
It was Caitlin's turn to blink. "We've always called you Elli. It's your name."
"No, it's not."
Caitlin didn't say anything right away. "It's not? But I thought.Elli? I mean, umm . . . then what is your real name, if it's not Elli?"
I sighed softly. "My real name is Elanor, and Galadriel spoke it inside my head. She knew my real name, Caitlin, and I don't know how she knew."
Caitlin stared at me, somewhat amazed I think. "She knew that? She knew that your real name was Elanor? But no one knows that." She stopped thinking and both of us became lost in our own thoughts for a moment.
"What else do you think she knows Caitlin? If she knew my real name, do you think she knows our fate, or where we came from? Or what's happening in our own world while we're stuck here? Caitlin, how much does she know?"
"I'm not sure, Elli- I mean, El . . .can I call you Elanor?"
I thought about that for a moment. "No. Don't tell anyone about that. Keep calling me Elli."
"Ok."
I looked at her. I never realized the pointy ears so well before, or that her long straight hair had turned more red now. Heck, I hadn't seen her during most of the trip! But she was much bigger than me, but in some ways she was still the same Caitlin from our world. And in a lot of ways she wasn't. She'd definitely changed since we arrived here, and so had I.
"Come on, I think you're up for a walk, heh?" she asked.
"Sure, why not, Nurse Caitlin."
"Don't expect me to carry you! I've carried enough hobbits during this trip!"
"You promised a walk, and I intend to walk during all of it!"
"Good, now get dressed, and let's go."
I smiled as I climbed at of bed and looked up at her. "Stupid elf," I grumbled, still smiling.
"Shorty."
(A/N: Wow that was really long! I told you I wasn't sure where this was going! I didn't intend to include Galadriel until the next Chapter. Oh well, review and tell me if you enjoyed it. And yes, I knew all along that Elli's real name was indeed Elanor. I couldn't wait to pull that off! Review NOW, my lovely readers. More to come as soon as I have time!)