Disclaimer: Well come on now! I'm not stupid and neither are you!
A/N: This chapter gets a lot more interesting, and also more dramatic. A lot of questions are asked and there are very few answers. I didn't mean for everything to turn out quite like this, but I ain't turning back now! Anyway, much thanks to my reviewer KnowInsight, who asked if Caitlin didn't like Galadriel's mind games 'cuz she likes Legolas. That's not a bad idea, and it got the ol' wheels turning for other ideas. Mucho cookies to her J! And I do hope the rest of you enjoy this chapter! I'm sure you will. Embrace Lady Idhril's drama! Read NOW!
ELLI'S POV
A few days later I found myself wandering the many gardened glades of Lothlorien. Everything was so calming, so serene, that I was lost in its tranquil beauty. I hadn't seen Caitlin since yesterday morning, but that was fine with me. She hadn't spoken about Galadriel's mind voice after out first conversation, but it had clearly worried her. I tried to think of what she could be hiding that Galadriel had probably seen, but I came up with nothing.
I had my own things to think about anyway. I started thinking about all that had changed so far in the story. The wargs and orcs that kidnapped me after Caradhras; my stabbing of the morgul blade instead of Frodo; Caitlin and myself joining the Fellowship. A lot had been altered. I remembered back to when we had first arrived here, in the muddy waters of the Marsh Land and how we met the four hobbits and Aragorn, being known then as Strider. We'd done a lot, Caitlin and I. And more was still to come. But how different would things be, how altered would the world be when Caitlin and I finally left? If we ever did leave.
As I walked I cam across Sam and Frodo. They were chatting away a mile an minute, but I wanted Sam's attention for a minute, so I stopped walking and waited as they continued walking in my direction. When they were finally right in front of me they stopped, smiling at me like the hobbit gentlemen they were.
"Hello Elli, what can we do for ye?" Sam asked. He had been the first to noticed that I had stopped when I noticed them.
"Hello Frodo, hello Sam. I just wanted to let you know, Sam that if you're interested in making elven rope I think you should ask the Lady Galadriel about it. I saw her and some of her elven women making some earlier, and it's beautiful stuff."
"Wow, thank ye kindly, Elli! I think I will do that. Thank you."
I smiled and watched as the two of them kept walking. "No problem, Sam," I whispered when they had turned a corner. 'You had said in the book you wanted to learn how, and you'll need it later anyway. I'm just helping you out,' I thought to myself.
CAITLIN'S POV
That Lady gave me the creeps.
I didn't like her in the movie and I didn't like her in real life. She really did scare the bejeezes out of me when she did that mental voice thing in my head. How did she know such things? It bothered me a lot. And Elli seemed unbothered by it. Ok, maybe not unbothered, but she wasn't freaking like I was. And how was her real name Elanor? How did Galadriel know that? Even I didn't know that!
I heard a twig snap behind me and whirled around in the blink of an eye. Legolas was wandering the gardens like I was. Just like I expected. But he wasn't exactly the person I wished to see, not after those mind games Galadriel had played on me last night and the feelings she had uncovered.
"How long have you been following me?" I asked first, rather cautiously.
"I wasn't. I came across you just now without meaning to. I am sorry to have scared you," he apologized.
I eased up a little. "Sorry. I'm just. . .I'm just a little jumpy, that's all."
"Would you care for some company on your walk, Caitlin? I am headed in that direction anyway. Shall we go that way together?"
I narrowed my eyes in question but decided that it was fine. When he got where he was going we could split ways and that would be that.
"Ok, that's fine with me. Let's go." And so we walked. "Where are you headed anyway?" I asked.
"To meet Gimli. I am to teach him how to fire an arrow correctly."
I let out a little laugh, imagining Gimli at war with a bow and a quiver of arrows. "I wish you luck then. Is he willing to be taught?"
"Not really, but I asked him to teach me to wield an axe in the fashion of a dwarf, so we agreed on this as a simple matter of trading."
"Ah, I see. It's an 'I teach you, you teach me' kinda deal."
"Exactly. Well, I am headed this way m'lady, so I shall be off. Farewell until I see you later Caitlin." And with a wave he was off.
I stood there a moment, allowing confusion the opportunity to leave me. But it didn't have enough time.
*I see your feelings and emotions are mixed*
I turned my head, causing my hair to fly into my face. Through it I saw Galadriel robed in shimmering white, staring at me.
"It's you," I whispered almost in awe.
*Love it is not, but clearly you don't hate him as you wish others to believe*
"That's my head you're messing with!" I accused. She didn't seem fazed in the least. *And what's it to you anyway,* I mind spoke back to her. *So what if I happen to have a friendship with a damned elf from another world other than mine?*
*Come with me* she smiled, and I had no choice but to follow. I was intrigued and curious. Would she make me look through the mirror? I had kind of assumed that even with all the changes she'd still make Frodo do it. But Elli had warned that we might get to do, just because of where we come from. And she also said that Sam had looked in it in the book, too. So I was all confused. But I kept assuming my own stupid ideas.
I kept following until we reached a familiar glade. I hadn't been in it before during my stay so far, but I immediately recognized the pedestal and the mirror. I gazed in wonder, wide eyes and somewhat frightened.
*Will you look into the mirror Caitlin? *
"What do you plan on scaring me with now?" I asked back.
*I plan nothing, for the mirror will reveal to you what it is you are supposed to see. I warn you though; some things are graver than others. Will you look? *
I could only nod. I stepped closer, looking at the water in the silver basin, trying to prepare myself for whatever kind of image I would see. 'Please don't let it be too mushy or lovey-dovey,' I begged.
I leaned over, at first seeing only my reflection in the clear water. But then my face became cloudy and pictures started to appear on its wavy surface. I saw Elli and myself when we first arrived in this world, and how mad I was about being dropped into muddy water. After a moment the water faltered and another picture appeared. This time I saw Legolas putting a hand on my shoulder. I couldn't make out where we were though, so I assumed we hadn't been there yet.
The picture changed suddenly and I saw a battle of the Fellowship versus the Uruk-hai. I saw the hobbits running, the White Hand of Saruman placed on the shields of those creatures. That must be the departure of the Fellowship. I saw Boromir's face, alive and well. I then saw myself running around, screaming something again and again, all panicky and such. I was with the men, and there were no hobbits around.
"Elli!" I screamed out loud in the elven glade, my eyes wide with fear as the images changed again. I couldn't tear myself away, not yet I couldn't.
The pictures changed again, and my mouth slowly dropped open. I saw two adults, clearly from my world. They were two women, dressed in black and leaning over a gravestone. They were crying and I felt myself close to tears as well. I watched as the two parents hugged one another, distraught and upset over the loss of their child. I then saw what was engraved on the headstone.
"NO!" I shrieked. I broke my gaze away from the mirror, my mind in disbelief. "That can't happen! I won't let it! No!"
*You fear for her*
I took a breath. "Of course I do! That was Elli's family! Why were they in a cemetery over Elli's gravestone? She's not dead! She's only here in this world! She's missing, that's all. They can't give up hope over her. They can't presume that she's dead!"
Tears wet my face and I tried brushing them away. Galadriel stood motionless on the other side of the mirror. I was a mess right now, my mind full of thoughts and worries and the whole nine yards. I tried to swallow my tears.
"That didn't give me any answers. That only made things worse for me," I replied angrily.
"I warned you that some of what you may see would be grave."
"You didn't mention gravestones though!"
"I asked if you'd be able to handle those images. Caitlin, things will only get harder from here as you get further and further into the story. As things change, Elli will not be able to keep you all out of harm. Not if everything changes by your presences. You are both becoming in danger. Each day it increases greatly."
"What are we supposed to do? We don't know how to get home. No one knows how we even got here!"
"There may not be a way home."
ELLI'S POV
I needed to find Caitlin. We really needed to talk.
I was worried sick, my mind full of doubts and the whole thing. I didn't know anything anymore. Too much had changed. Pretty soon I wouldn't know anymore of the story. I even doubted if we could save Boromir. Or get Gandalf back. What kind of power did the two of us have in this world anyway? Better yet, I needed to find Galadriel. She was all knowing, maybe she had answers.
*Looking for me, Elanor?*
"Geez! Don't do that to hobbits! Yes, I'm looking for you. Can you provide answers if I ask you questions?"
"It depends. Do you think the mirror will give you the answers you seek?"
I widened my eyes. "You're going to let me gaze into the mirror?"
"Follow me if you wish to." I watched as she turned her back and walked away. I gazed in mild wonder, not truly believing that this enchantress would let me do such a thing. But I finally followed, hoping against all hope that this wasn't a scheme.
Into a familiar glade she brought me, with a pedestal of white and a silver basin atop it. She walked towards it, and then turned her eyes on me as she went around to the other side and watched as I cautiously came closer. I didn't rush myself, still somewhat non believing and skeptical about all this. And what the heck would I see when I looked in it?
I stepped up a little so that I was able to look into the silver tray. I passed a still wary glance at the White Lady, but finally brought myself back to the conclusion that she's harmless. And so I looked.
At first all I saw was water, but then the water turned into moving pictures. I saw the Fellowship departing from Rivendell; I saw Gandalf fall into the abyss and also my fall in Moria. I watched as I looked at things that had already happened.
Then I saw orcs, and Merry, Pippin and myself running away in pure fear. I saw Frodo hiding from the Uruk-hai, and making his way secretly back to the shore to snatch a boat and try to go to Mordor alone. I then saw Caitlin, kneeling in tall waving grass, crying, with Legolas standing over her, a hand on her shoulder. I saw Pippin riding to Minas Tirith with Gandalf, and Merry and myself left behind in Rohan.
I watched these images, ones that seemed familiar but yet so different. They were in the book, but altered because of Caitlin and me. Nothing seemed strange or unusual, but I still didn't know if Galadriel knew of a way home.
The images finally ceased and I looked up at Galadriel. "That's it?" I asked.
*You know the tale well Elanor. There isn't much I can show you that you don't already know*
"Tell me how to get home!" I urged. "Tell me what will happen to Caitlin and me here. Does Boromir live? Does Gandalf come back? Does Faramir allow the hobbits to continue on their way or does he drag them to Gondor? Tell me! Do you know? Do you know how me and Caitlin can get home?"
*I cannot provide all answers Elanor, nor would I choose to. You have found out what it is you are supposed to know, and the rest you will find out in due time. *
~*~*~*~*~*~
I came here hoping to find answers and rest.
I felt more confused than ever. I didn't know how Caitlin felt, but I knew she'd had a meeting with Galadriel and her mirror, that it didn't go well. Caitlin and I had figured Frodo and Sam would get their turn later tonight and then we could leave in a few days.
After our talk we'd then gone our separate ways back to our rooms, and I now sat on my bed looking out into the beautiful elven refuge. Those pretty elven lamps twinkled all over the ground and in some low branches of trees. It made the world look like one big blanket of stars. But it didn't bring me any closer to feeling at peace. There were still a lot of questions and plenty of confusion to tend with.
I heard a knock on my door then, and figuring it was Caitlin I told the person to come in.
"I'm sorry to disturb you so late, lass," came the male voice, "but would you mind if I join you for a talk for just a bit?"
I looked over at the door and saw that it was Merry. I smiled at him, saying his name a few times in my head. Maybe he could make me happy, considering his name was 'merry'. I'm a sucker for word play, and it was the kind of humor that allowed me to forget a pretty bad predicament.
"Come on in little guy," I answered.
"I'm not much littler than ye are, lass!" Merry retorted.
"I know you're not," I said, turning my gaze back to look outside the window. "Why are you visiting me so late anyway, Merry?"
He clambered up to join me on the bed, sitting across from me and looking out the window as well. "I figured you could use some company. I saw you coming out of the elven glade earlier and you looked so sad, so I thought I'd visit ye later. And here I am, trying to find out what can be bothering such a strong lass as is yourself. What be bothering ye Elli?"
I kept my eyes on the glowing lamps below, but thought about what Merry just said. "I'm strong?"
"In ye head ya seem to be, for you never falter in battle and ye always seem to know what's to happen to us next."
"That's only 'cuz I've read the story in my world."
He was silent for a moment. "That's true. But ya still seem to be a strong lass. I don't know many hobbit-lasses that would stand up against what you've battled. Ye have courage, and I'm mighty glad you do."
"Oh, and why's that," I asked curiously.
"Because you give the rest of us hobbits faith."
I finally looked over at me and saw that his face carried a smile. I smiled back at him, grateful that beings such as him had hope that things wouldn't turn out bad.
"You guys aren't so bad," I said, moving myself away from the window to dangle my legs off the edge of the bed.
He came to sit next to me, our backs to the window now. "We try to be strong on this journey, but I don't think any of us guessed that it would be this hard," he told. "And every time we kinda fall behin' we look to you and realize you be a hobbit-lass, and ye keep trudging along. It pushes us to keep going."
I felt tears start to form behind my eyes, and attempted at holding them back. It didn't work, but Merry didn't seem to mind. He simply put an arm across my shoulder and hugged me.
"Ye lasses are never afraid to give a good cry. Don't worry Elli, things here will turn our for the better."
I let myself be hugged in his arms for a while until my tears subsided, grateful that I'd met such wonderful people in my life. It made seem easier to deal with all this.
A/N: Wow, I don't know how it came out like this! I hope you all enjoyed it though. And keep in mind, as of right now I don't know what's going to keep happening. So I'm asking my faithful reviewers for help! Tell me this: Do you want to see Boromir live, or should he die? Does Gandalf come back in Fangorn or in a different way, somewhere else, new and exciting? Would you guys mind a little romance, and if so, concerning whom ;)? Tell me what you people would like to see, and I'll consider your ideas. I'm fresh out right now! I ain't really sure what to do with these questions! 'Til next time readers and reviewers! I'd be happy for your help! ~Lady Idhril
A/N: This chapter gets a lot more interesting, and also more dramatic. A lot of questions are asked and there are very few answers. I didn't mean for everything to turn out quite like this, but I ain't turning back now! Anyway, much thanks to my reviewer KnowInsight, who asked if Caitlin didn't like Galadriel's mind games 'cuz she likes Legolas. That's not a bad idea, and it got the ol' wheels turning for other ideas. Mucho cookies to her J! And I do hope the rest of you enjoy this chapter! I'm sure you will. Embrace Lady Idhril's drama! Read NOW!
ELLI'S POV
A few days later I found myself wandering the many gardened glades of Lothlorien. Everything was so calming, so serene, that I was lost in its tranquil beauty. I hadn't seen Caitlin since yesterday morning, but that was fine with me. She hadn't spoken about Galadriel's mind voice after out first conversation, but it had clearly worried her. I tried to think of what she could be hiding that Galadriel had probably seen, but I came up with nothing.
I had my own things to think about anyway. I started thinking about all that had changed so far in the story. The wargs and orcs that kidnapped me after Caradhras; my stabbing of the morgul blade instead of Frodo; Caitlin and myself joining the Fellowship. A lot had been altered. I remembered back to when we had first arrived here, in the muddy waters of the Marsh Land and how we met the four hobbits and Aragorn, being known then as Strider. We'd done a lot, Caitlin and I. And more was still to come. But how different would things be, how altered would the world be when Caitlin and I finally left? If we ever did leave.
As I walked I cam across Sam and Frodo. They were chatting away a mile an minute, but I wanted Sam's attention for a minute, so I stopped walking and waited as they continued walking in my direction. When they were finally right in front of me they stopped, smiling at me like the hobbit gentlemen they were.
"Hello Elli, what can we do for ye?" Sam asked. He had been the first to noticed that I had stopped when I noticed them.
"Hello Frodo, hello Sam. I just wanted to let you know, Sam that if you're interested in making elven rope I think you should ask the Lady Galadriel about it. I saw her and some of her elven women making some earlier, and it's beautiful stuff."
"Wow, thank ye kindly, Elli! I think I will do that. Thank you."
I smiled and watched as the two of them kept walking. "No problem, Sam," I whispered when they had turned a corner. 'You had said in the book you wanted to learn how, and you'll need it later anyway. I'm just helping you out,' I thought to myself.
CAITLIN'S POV
That Lady gave me the creeps.
I didn't like her in the movie and I didn't like her in real life. She really did scare the bejeezes out of me when she did that mental voice thing in my head. How did she know such things? It bothered me a lot. And Elli seemed unbothered by it. Ok, maybe not unbothered, but she wasn't freaking like I was. And how was her real name Elanor? How did Galadriel know that? Even I didn't know that!
I heard a twig snap behind me and whirled around in the blink of an eye. Legolas was wandering the gardens like I was. Just like I expected. But he wasn't exactly the person I wished to see, not after those mind games Galadriel had played on me last night and the feelings she had uncovered.
"How long have you been following me?" I asked first, rather cautiously.
"I wasn't. I came across you just now without meaning to. I am sorry to have scared you," he apologized.
I eased up a little. "Sorry. I'm just. . .I'm just a little jumpy, that's all."
"Would you care for some company on your walk, Caitlin? I am headed in that direction anyway. Shall we go that way together?"
I narrowed my eyes in question but decided that it was fine. When he got where he was going we could split ways and that would be that.
"Ok, that's fine with me. Let's go." And so we walked. "Where are you headed anyway?" I asked.
"To meet Gimli. I am to teach him how to fire an arrow correctly."
I let out a little laugh, imagining Gimli at war with a bow and a quiver of arrows. "I wish you luck then. Is he willing to be taught?"
"Not really, but I asked him to teach me to wield an axe in the fashion of a dwarf, so we agreed on this as a simple matter of trading."
"Ah, I see. It's an 'I teach you, you teach me' kinda deal."
"Exactly. Well, I am headed this way m'lady, so I shall be off. Farewell until I see you later Caitlin." And with a wave he was off.
I stood there a moment, allowing confusion the opportunity to leave me. But it didn't have enough time.
*I see your feelings and emotions are mixed*
I turned my head, causing my hair to fly into my face. Through it I saw Galadriel robed in shimmering white, staring at me.
"It's you," I whispered almost in awe.
*Love it is not, but clearly you don't hate him as you wish others to believe*
"That's my head you're messing with!" I accused. She didn't seem fazed in the least. *And what's it to you anyway,* I mind spoke back to her. *So what if I happen to have a friendship with a damned elf from another world other than mine?*
*Come with me* she smiled, and I had no choice but to follow. I was intrigued and curious. Would she make me look through the mirror? I had kind of assumed that even with all the changes she'd still make Frodo do it. But Elli had warned that we might get to do, just because of where we come from. And she also said that Sam had looked in it in the book, too. So I was all confused. But I kept assuming my own stupid ideas.
I kept following until we reached a familiar glade. I hadn't been in it before during my stay so far, but I immediately recognized the pedestal and the mirror. I gazed in wonder, wide eyes and somewhat frightened.
*Will you look into the mirror Caitlin? *
"What do you plan on scaring me with now?" I asked back.
*I plan nothing, for the mirror will reveal to you what it is you are supposed to see. I warn you though; some things are graver than others. Will you look? *
I could only nod. I stepped closer, looking at the water in the silver basin, trying to prepare myself for whatever kind of image I would see. 'Please don't let it be too mushy or lovey-dovey,' I begged.
I leaned over, at first seeing only my reflection in the clear water. But then my face became cloudy and pictures started to appear on its wavy surface. I saw Elli and myself when we first arrived in this world, and how mad I was about being dropped into muddy water. After a moment the water faltered and another picture appeared. This time I saw Legolas putting a hand on my shoulder. I couldn't make out where we were though, so I assumed we hadn't been there yet.
The picture changed suddenly and I saw a battle of the Fellowship versus the Uruk-hai. I saw the hobbits running, the White Hand of Saruman placed on the shields of those creatures. That must be the departure of the Fellowship. I saw Boromir's face, alive and well. I then saw myself running around, screaming something again and again, all panicky and such. I was with the men, and there were no hobbits around.
"Elli!" I screamed out loud in the elven glade, my eyes wide with fear as the images changed again. I couldn't tear myself away, not yet I couldn't.
The pictures changed again, and my mouth slowly dropped open. I saw two adults, clearly from my world. They were two women, dressed in black and leaning over a gravestone. They were crying and I felt myself close to tears as well. I watched as the two parents hugged one another, distraught and upset over the loss of their child. I then saw what was engraved on the headstone.
"NO!" I shrieked. I broke my gaze away from the mirror, my mind in disbelief. "That can't happen! I won't let it! No!"
*You fear for her*
I took a breath. "Of course I do! That was Elli's family! Why were they in a cemetery over Elli's gravestone? She's not dead! She's only here in this world! She's missing, that's all. They can't give up hope over her. They can't presume that she's dead!"
Tears wet my face and I tried brushing them away. Galadriel stood motionless on the other side of the mirror. I was a mess right now, my mind full of thoughts and worries and the whole nine yards. I tried to swallow my tears.
"That didn't give me any answers. That only made things worse for me," I replied angrily.
"I warned you that some of what you may see would be grave."
"You didn't mention gravestones though!"
"I asked if you'd be able to handle those images. Caitlin, things will only get harder from here as you get further and further into the story. As things change, Elli will not be able to keep you all out of harm. Not if everything changes by your presences. You are both becoming in danger. Each day it increases greatly."
"What are we supposed to do? We don't know how to get home. No one knows how we even got here!"
"There may not be a way home."
ELLI'S POV
I needed to find Caitlin. We really needed to talk.
I was worried sick, my mind full of doubts and the whole thing. I didn't know anything anymore. Too much had changed. Pretty soon I wouldn't know anymore of the story. I even doubted if we could save Boromir. Or get Gandalf back. What kind of power did the two of us have in this world anyway? Better yet, I needed to find Galadriel. She was all knowing, maybe she had answers.
*Looking for me, Elanor?*
"Geez! Don't do that to hobbits! Yes, I'm looking for you. Can you provide answers if I ask you questions?"
"It depends. Do you think the mirror will give you the answers you seek?"
I widened my eyes. "You're going to let me gaze into the mirror?"
"Follow me if you wish to." I watched as she turned her back and walked away. I gazed in mild wonder, not truly believing that this enchantress would let me do such a thing. But I finally followed, hoping against all hope that this wasn't a scheme.
Into a familiar glade she brought me, with a pedestal of white and a silver basin atop it. She walked towards it, and then turned her eyes on me as she went around to the other side and watched as I cautiously came closer. I didn't rush myself, still somewhat non believing and skeptical about all this. And what the heck would I see when I looked in it?
I stepped up a little so that I was able to look into the silver tray. I passed a still wary glance at the White Lady, but finally brought myself back to the conclusion that she's harmless. And so I looked.
At first all I saw was water, but then the water turned into moving pictures. I saw the Fellowship departing from Rivendell; I saw Gandalf fall into the abyss and also my fall in Moria. I watched as I looked at things that had already happened.
Then I saw orcs, and Merry, Pippin and myself running away in pure fear. I saw Frodo hiding from the Uruk-hai, and making his way secretly back to the shore to snatch a boat and try to go to Mordor alone. I then saw Caitlin, kneeling in tall waving grass, crying, with Legolas standing over her, a hand on her shoulder. I saw Pippin riding to Minas Tirith with Gandalf, and Merry and myself left behind in Rohan.
I watched these images, ones that seemed familiar but yet so different. They were in the book, but altered because of Caitlin and me. Nothing seemed strange or unusual, but I still didn't know if Galadriel knew of a way home.
The images finally ceased and I looked up at Galadriel. "That's it?" I asked.
*You know the tale well Elanor. There isn't much I can show you that you don't already know*
"Tell me how to get home!" I urged. "Tell me what will happen to Caitlin and me here. Does Boromir live? Does Gandalf come back? Does Faramir allow the hobbits to continue on their way or does he drag them to Gondor? Tell me! Do you know? Do you know how me and Caitlin can get home?"
*I cannot provide all answers Elanor, nor would I choose to. You have found out what it is you are supposed to know, and the rest you will find out in due time. *
~*~*~*~*~*~
I came here hoping to find answers and rest.
I felt more confused than ever. I didn't know how Caitlin felt, but I knew she'd had a meeting with Galadriel and her mirror, that it didn't go well. Caitlin and I had figured Frodo and Sam would get their turn later tonight and then we could leave in a few days.
After our talk we'd then gone our separate ways back to our rooms, and I now sat on my bed looking out into the beautiful elven refuge. Those pretty elven lamps twinkled all over the ground and in some low branches of trees. It made the world look like one big blanket of stars. But it didn't bring me any closer to feeling at peace. There were still a lot of questions and plenty of confusion to tend with.
I heard a knock on my door then, and figuring it was Caitlin I told the person to come in.
"I'm sorry to disturb you so late, lass," came the male voice, "but would you mind if I join you for a talk for just a bit?"
I looked over at the door and saw that it was Merry. I smiled at him, saying his name a few times in my head. Maybe he could make me happy, considering his name was 'merry'. I'm a sucker for word play, and it was the kind of humor that allowed me to forget a pretty bad predicament.
"Come on in little guy," I answered.
"I'm not much littler than ye are, lass!" Merry retorted.
"I know you're not," I said, turning my gaze back to look outside the window. "Why are you visiting me so late anyway, Merry?"
He clambered up to join me on the bed, sitting across from me and looking out the window as well. "I figured you could use some company. I saw you coming out of the elven glade earlier and you looked so sad, so I thought I'd visit ye later. And here I am, trying to find out what can be bothering such a strong lass as is yourself. What be bothering ye Elli?"
I kept my eyes on the glowing lamps below, but thought about what Merry just said. "I'm strong?"
"In ye head ya seem to be, for you never falter in battle and ye always seem to know what's to happen to us next."
"That's only 'cuz I've read the story in my world."
He was silent for a moment. "That's true. But ya still seem to be a strong lass. I don't know many hobbit-lasses that would stand up against what you've battled. Ye have courage, and I'm mighty glad you do."
"Oh, and why's that," I asked curiously.
"Because you give the rest of us hobbits faith."
I finally looked over at me and saw that his face carried a smile. I smiled back at him, grateful that beings such as him had hope that things wouldn't turn out bad.
"You guys aren't so bad," I said, moving myself away from the window to dangle my legs off the edge of the bed.
He came to sit next to me, our backs to the window now. "We try to be strong on this journey, but I don't think any of us guessed that it would be this hard," he told. "And every time we kinda fall behin' we look to you and realize you be a hobbit-lass, and ye keep trudging along. It pushes us to keep going."
I felt tears start to form behind my eyes, and attempted at holding them back. It didn't work, but Merry didn't seem to mind. He simply put an arm across my shoulder and hugged me.
"Ye lasses are never afraid to give a good cry. Don't worry Elli, things here will turn our for the better."
I let myself be hugged in his arms for a while until my tears subsided, grateful that I'd met such wonderful people in my life. It made seem easier to deal with all this.
A/N: Wow, I don't know how it came out like this! I hope you all enjoyed it though. And keep in mind, as of right now I don't know what's going to keep happening. So I'm asking my faithful reviewers for help! Tell me this: Do you want to see Boromir live, or should he die? Does Gandalf come back in Fangorn or in a different way, somewhere else, new and exciting? Would you guys mind a little romance, and if so, concerning whom ;)? Tell me what you people would like to see, and I'll consider your ideas. I'm fresh out right now! I ain't really sure what to do with these questions! 'Til next time readers and reviewers! I'd be happy for your help! ~Lady Idhril