AN: So, yeah, thanks to everyone who reviewed. I know it's been, like, three months since I last updated. Sorry about that, but atleast this is pretty long.

Ryoki: Don't worry, Haldir will be back!

padawan_jinx: hehe, I've had similar experiences! Verdi didn't grab a table leg because she was too scared to think clearly; I'm trying very hard not to make her a Mary Sue, so she can't to the heroic thing everytime. Same goes for the teeth, she's not perfect so she doesn't remember all the little facts about Vampires. Also, she trusts the elves and probably wouldn't have tried to stab him with a stake anyway, but the elves wanted to reassure her.

corrina: I'm not going to give any secrets away about the romance, but I'm afraid no love triangle is in my plans. You'll have to wait and see, though...

Aislynn: Glad you didn't use your delete button, and I definitely plan on this being more adventure/humor than romance!

Claidi: I rather liked the Vampire myself...

Lady of the Squrriles: That makes much more sense, thanks. And it definitely has possibility, I was thinking about something along the same lines myself. The only thing holding me back is that I worry it'll turn too Mary Sueish, but I might be able to fix that...

saiyan-girl-cheetah: I didn't know that, do you know where I can find more information about it?

Meethrill: Anneal can handle it, he's a pretty cool elf. :)

Andray: Verdi was embarrassed as well, but the advantages of being from a different world is everything can be explained away by culture clash.

WeasleyTwinsLover1112: Glad you're enjoying! I love your name, maybe I should become WeasleyTwinsLover1113! Although I'm also obsessed with Sirius and Remus, so it should be WeasleyTwinsSiriusRemusLover!

Disclaimer: If you recognize it, it isn't mine.

Enjoy!

"English talking"
'thinking'
~Galadriel mind-speaking~
*Elvish talking*

The rest of the day had passed quickly, looking back Verdi couldn't really remember what had happened. The lack of food had muddled her brain a bit and it was all a daze. When she woke up the next morning, she felt happy and refreshed. Ready to start the new day, which was promising to be beautiful, she jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash her face. She heard a knock at the door as she made the bed and yelled, *Come in.*

Nienna entered, carrying some new clothing. *Good morning, you're looking well today.*

*Morning! I feel great! What's for breakfast?* Verdi finished making the bed.

*I don't know, I haven't been to the kitchens today.* Nienna set the clothing on the bed and closed the door. *I brought you a new outfit, try it on.*

Verdi looked at the dress Nienna held up. *Wait, no, I am not wearing another dress. I thought I was getting some real clothing!*

Nienna looked baffled, *This is real clothing, what else do you expect to wear?*

*Um, let's think. Maybe some pants, and a shirt, or better yet some shorts! It's a little hot today and it's not even midsummer yet.*

*But you are a lady.*

*So, I am not going to wear a dress everyday. How do you expect me to do anything with all that fabric holding me down? Have you ever tried to run in a skirt? It's impossible!*

*But why would you need to run? Believe me, you are quite safe here. Our guardians protect us and we have never had to flee.*

*There is a first time for everything. Now if you won't give me some real clothing, I'll wear what I wore when I came here.* Verdi turned to the dresser and searched through the drawers until she found her old clothes.

*You cannot wear that, what would people say? What would Galadriel say?* Nienna was appalled.

*I don't know and I don't care, stop being such a snob.* Verdi stomped to the bathroom and changed. When she returned she found Nienna had put the new clothing into the closet.

*Come, we must talk to Galadriel.*

The argument with Galadriel was long and trying, but in the end Verdi prevailed. A flustered Nienna was sent to the seamstress to inform the elf to make some male clothing for the girl. Verdi watched her helper leave with a smirk on her face, it was time a little disruption was created in Lothlorien. She felt the elves were becoming stale and Verdi decided it was her duty to freshen them up.

As they walked to breakfast, Galadriel was silent, a small frown on her face. Verdi didn't care, she spent the time trying to memorize the route; the sooner she learned her way around, the better. Breakfast was buffet-style, no one payed any attention as they served themselves and sat down. After a few silent minutes, Galadriel spoke up.

*I can't have someone babysit you all the time, so I hope you will stay out of trouble while you are alone. Starting tomorrow, I would like you to help in the kitchens to prepare breakfast, but other than that you are free to wander. Make sure you stay within the city, and don't bother others while they are working.*

Verdi looked at her, surprised. Galadriel's tone wasn't cold, but it was close; evidently she wasn't in a good mood this morning. Verdi didn't have anything to say in response, so she just nodded and finished her meal. After clearing her place, she returned to her room to clean her mouth the best she could. Verdi was happy to have found the room okay and decided the first thing she would do was learn the lay of the land.

Verdi spent the better part of the morning wandering around, often retracing her steps to implant the way firmly in her mind. After a while she found herself in a nice clearing, where a bunch of elflings were playing a ball game. Verdi watched them play, trying to understand the rules of the game. It looked like soccer, but there were two balls and instead of kicking the balls, they threw them. It was a fast game and the elflings seemed to be enjoying it immensely.

The elflings stopped for a break and Verdi realized they looked about her age; she had thought they were younger. Cautiously one elf approached her, at first Verdi thought it was a guy, but as the elf came closer Verdi realized she was wearing a funny dress-like outfit that enabled her to run. It didn't look very comfortable and was probably still somewhat restricting, but it was better than the dresses Verdi had been forced to wear so far.

*Hello, my name is Enelya.* The elf was a bit taller than Verdi, with long blond hair pulled back from her face in various braids. Verdi instinctively liked her, sensing a kindred soul in this outgoing elf.

*I'm Verdi.*

*I know, I saw you yesterday. Everyone is talking about you, and Anneal.* Verdi blushed at this, but Enelya seemed to be amused by yesterday's scene. *Would you like to play with us?* Enelya gestured to the group of elves on the field.

*Yes!* Verdi had been too shy to ask, but was grateful for the chance to interact with the elves. She wasn't terribly athletic, but didn't care.

As they walked towards the others, Enelya described the rules of the game. It was pretty simple and after introductions were made (Verdi promptly forgot everyone but Enelya's name) they began to play. Verdi soon realized that the elves were faster, stronger and had more stamina than her, but was determined to do her best. While the elves, predictably, made a few remarks about the weakness of humans, in general they were nice to Verdi.

After the game, the twelve elves, of which only three were female, and Verdi made their way to the kitchens to snitch some food and drink. As they sprawled out in the shade, Verdi began to learn more about the elvish way of life. The young elves were fascinated by the education system in IL as there was no formal education system in Lothlorien. Apparently, the elves learned by reading or listening to stories, yet most of their time was spent learning to fight (males), learning to cook, sew, etc. (females) and playing. They had a few chores, but it wasn't until much later that they were given real jobs. Elflings matured slowly and were expected to enjoy the process. Verdi thought this sounded wonderful, after all, if you can live forever, why rush to work?

Slowly the conversation shifted to the Anneal and the visitors from Mirkwood; Verdi learned that darkness was growing in the forest of Mirkwood and the elves were here to seek council from Galadriel and some wizard dude named Mithrandir. Apparently wizards also existed in this strange land, making Verdi wondered what lay out in the forest beyond. She shivered at the thought of all the dark, evil creatures she'd read about.

As the day progressed, some of the elves drifted away until only Enelya and two elves named Elu and Gildor were left with Verdi.

*I heard you can make music, will you play for us?* Elu asked hesitantly. Elu was a nice, soft spoken elf whom Verdi had decided was hiding a dark secret.

*Well,* Verdi hesitated, suddenly shy.

*Please, I'm so tired of listening to the same boring songs our bards play.* Gildor insisted.

*Okay, I'll be right back.* Verdi went and retrieved Lady Amber, tuning as she walked slowly back to her new friends. She knew she was pretty good, but she was always a bit anxious when playing before a new audience.

*What do you want to hear?* She asked as she stood before them, not that she would know any of their songs, but she felt she should ask anyway.

*Anything, play something fast.* Gildor said. Verdi paused for a moment, thinking, then played a short jig she'd learned from a busker in Ireland. The three thought it was great, and Verdi soon lost her anxiety, catching their enthusiasm. The elves began to dance to her songs, and more elves came to listen. Verdi didn't notice, she had fallen into her musical euphoria, thinking only about her fingers stroking the strings.

Eventually she realized the small crowd around her and stopped playing, there were almost as many elves here as there had been at dinner last night. She had never received this much attention at home, and it was unnerving. She smiled weakly and sat down.

*Why did you stop?* Asked Enelya, who was still beside her.

*Tired, where did all these people come from?* Verdi said softly.

*They heard you play; we all like to hear new stuff. Whether it be stories or music, new creations are welcome among the elves.* Enelya dropped her voice, *About the only new stuff they do welcome.*

Verdi grinned, apparently adolescents in all races felt the same way about adults. Further proof that Lothlorien deserved some ruckus. *When's dinner? Playing always makes me hungry.*

*Soon, maybe half a candlemark.* Elu said behind Verdi, making her jump.

*Don't do that!*

*Do what?*

*Sneak up on me like that!* Elu raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. Verdi rolled her eyes, about to say something else when Nienna appeared.

*Verdi, come, you must get changed for dinner.* Verdi groaned, making Enelya giggle.

*What's wrong with what I'm wearing?*

*You can't wear that to dinner, it's not appropriate. Especially with our Mirkwood kin visiting, they will be joining us for a formal dinner and you must look your best!* As Nienna led her away, Verdi rolled her eyes at Enelya once more.

A formal dinner, wonderful, just what she wanted. Verdi felt like she had been thrust back to the Middle-Ages, she had never realized how much she loved technology.

Dinner wasn't actually that bad. Nothing was required of her than sitting quietly and eating. She didn't see any of her friends, but she spotted Haldir and talked to him briefly. He was much more pleasant when he wasn't swinging arrows around or dumping innocent people into cold ponds. They parted on good terms, though Verdi concluded his arrogance never dissipated. Apparently his condition was permanent and Verdi decided he would be a better ally than foe. She also decided that he would be very fun to annoy and put him on her hit list, which also contained Galadriel and Nienna.

After dinner they were entertained by some musicians, who played both familiar and unfamiliar instruments. Verdi was fascinated by the music; though nothing fast and catchy was played, the soft, sometimes eery music was magnificent. Her fingers itched to join in, and she resolved to learn as many songs as possible before she went home.

Home. She hadn't thought much about it today, until now, and she felt a chill come over her. She was going home, eventually, she had to go home. This was a nice place to visit but... Verdi mentally shook herself. Now was not the time to get nostalgic. She made herself concentrate on the music, absorbing as much as possible.

The elves began to drift away but Verdi stayed, listening to the music. Eventually only she and the musicians remained. The food had been cleared long ago and even the kitchen staff had left for the night. As the musicians finished their song, Verdi realized she had moved closer and closer to them, now she had a front row seat. She blushed a little, but the elves smiled.

*You like the music?* One asked, setting his instrument down. It looked like a wooden flute.

*Oh yes, it's beautiful.*

*You play yourself, no? Perhaps you would play for us?* He gestured to the five elves behind him.

*I...I'm not that good and I don't have my violin with me.* She mumbled.

*Later then, and we will teach you some songs. Perhaps we can trade, song for song?*

*Oh that would be lovely!* Verdi felt like her birthday had come early.

*Good, after supper tomorrow then.* He smiled at the look on Verdi's face, *Fear not, it will be much shorter than today's meal.*

Verdi smiled, thanked him, and skipped out of the room. The musicians grinned, it was nice to find a youngster interested in music. So many today became immersed in the warrior arts that they sometimes worried about the preservation of Elvish music.

Verdi didn't feel very tired as she left and took the long way to her room. The night was clear, the stars above glittered like the forest around her and Verdi liked the way her dress slid silently across the ground. 'Even the elves couldn't hear me tonight.' She walked slowly, thinking about the music she'd heard, letting her feet take her where they willed. She didn't worry about reaching her room, it wasn't like her mom was there to chastise her for being out late. 'Independence is so nice! I can come and go as I please, with no one to bother me.'

She suddenly became aware of soft murmurs a bit deeper in the forest. Verdi stopped to listen, wondering who else was out tonight. Cautiously she took a step towards the voices, curiosity and conscience debating. 'On the one hand, I shouldn't go into the forest at night and it is none of my business who's out there. On the other hand, it might prove interesting and valuable to my quest for chaos.' Curiosity won, and Verdi slowly went into the woods, one silent step at a time. 'This is definitely a time to be grateful for the flickering lights in the trees. If it wasn't for them I'd be tripping and falling all over the place. I bet the elves didn't think how useful it would be for spies when they made this place!'

The voices, while still soft, were getting louder and Verdi realized she was moving towards a small clearing. She hesitated before moving to the very fringe of the trees and peered out. Two elves were standing in the middle of the clearing, their arms around each other. It was a breathtaking sight, the dark trees flickered with a soft light all about them, the moon, almost full, shown down upon them. Their love was obvious, it seemed to radiate around the elves, as they whispered devotions Verdi could not hear. The forest seemed to bless them, honoring the love that would last until the end of time.

With a start Verdi realized that the taller one was Haldir, the arrogance gone and replaced by affection and caring for the elf in his arms, emotions Verdi didn't think he had. She couldn't tell who the other elf was, but the colors of the clothing were different so Verdi figured she must not be a Lothlorien elf. Haldir was facing Verdi, but didn't see her — he was too entranced by his lover's gaze.

Verdi fought the urge to smirk as Haldir kissed the blond elf, whose face she still could not see. Haldir's kisses began to trail down the elf's neck and as the elf spoke lovingly to Haldir, Verdi was astonished to hear a male voice. She suddenly realized that the unknown elf was not wearing a dress, but warrior clothing similar to that worn Anneal. This blond elf was not the Vampire-turned-elf, but must be one of his party. 'Well, I guess the elves are progressive in some ways.' Verdi softly moved away, realizing the kissing was getting serious, leaving the two elves to their privacy.