Disclaimer: I don't own any of Tolkien's creations.
A/N: I'm sorry it took me so long to get this up. I went to a summer games thing for track and field. Oh, I took second place for the javelin throw! (For those of you who care.) This chapter is for lina. A lot of things happen in this chapter, so enjoy.
Chapter Six: Dreams and Falling off a Horse
The next morning Kevaline was dragged out of bed by Elrohir and ushered to the stables with all her things she had packed the night before. In truth, she hadn't planned on packing until the last minute; but when nightmares kept her up that night, she had decided to pack. She was almost asleep on her feet when they reached the stables. She let a stable hand load her gear on Clitus's back. Elrohir had made sure for her that she had her sword, bow, and a quiver full of arrows. He knew of Kevaline's rough night, having had her come to his room and then leave again. She had told him to get sleep and not worry about her.
Haldir looked at the mass of sleepy Kevaline, "What is wrong with you?"
Elrohir walked up to him, "She had nightmares all of last night. She didn't get any sleep." He watched her mount Clitus, "Let's just hope she doesn't fall asleep on Clitus's back."
Kevaline patted Clitus's neck, "Don't cause any trouble today boy, I can't handle it." Clitus snorted in response. Kirin whimpered lightly by his feet, and Clitus snorted at him.
Haldir mounted his horse and waited for Elladan, Andrew, Estel, Adam, and Elrohir to mount, "Hurry up."
When everyone was mounted, they rode out. Elrohir kept a close eye on Kevaline, afraid that she would fall asleep in the saddle. Kirin thudded beside the right front hoof of Clitus, keeping an eye out for danger. As they got farther away from Rivendell and the scenery turned into more forest, Kevaline's head drooped forward with her eyes closed. Elrohir slowed Alaquis so that he was right beside Clitus and pushed Kevaline so that she was sitting straight in the saddle again. He let her go to watch her fall backward, her back in a painful position. Kevaline moaned as Elrohir pulled her back straight again.
After a while, Elrohir went to talk to Haldir about Kevaline. As soon as he left her, she fell to the left side and fell off of Clitus, hitting the ground fairly hard. Everyone stopped their horses as they heard it. Elrohir turned back and shook his head. Kevaline moaned and opened her eyes, "What the?"
Elrohir came back to her and dismounted Alaquis, "Kevaline, you can't be falling asleep on Clitus, you'll fall off him again."
Kirin licked her face to get her to stand up. Kevaline winced and stood with the help of Elrohir.
She got back on Clitus and sighed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. . ."
Elrohir smiled, "Well, if you do it again, then I guess you're going to have to ride with me." She gave him a smile and nodded.
"You know that I'll do it again, that's why you said that!" Kevaline smiled.
Elrohir laughed as he mounted Alaquis again, "What is wrong with that?"
Haldir sighed as they started off again, "Come on, I want to get a full day's ride in." He laughed as he got moans from Adam and Andrew, "I don't hear Kevaline complaining. . ."
"That's because she is too tired to argue!" Andrew whined. He looked at Elladan, "Do you always ride like this?"
Elladan laughed, "When we go on journeys, yes, but it is not as bad as you think, you get used to it after a while. . . Isn't that right, Kevaline?"
Kevaline looked at him with a face full of distaste, "Yes, especially when you go on border patrol. Then you spend days patrolling. . ."
"You never had to go through a full turn of patrol, father always wanted you to be back so that nothing happened to you," Estel laughed.
Adam snickered, "Well Kevaline, it seems that you have been told otherwise."
Kevaline mumbled something that the elves of the group could only hear and then rode up to be with her father. Haldir laughed as Adam asked Estel what she had said. Estel shrugged his shoulders and look to Elladan for help. Kevaline looked at her father, "Father, how long will it take to get to Lothlorien?"
Haldir gazed at his daughter, "If we keep this pace up, then it will take about two weeks at the most."
Kevaline stared at him in shock, "Two weeks. . . But that would mean that we are vulnerable to attack from anything!" She looked down at Kirin. He growled as he heard Kevaline say that.
"I have no fear about being attacked daughter, we have you Elrohir and Elladan to help us along with me. . . Not to mention your newfound friend Kirin." Haldir chuckled as he glanced down at the wolf.
Elrohir came up beside Kevaline, "Are you alright?"
"Every time I leave you for a second, you seem to think something is going to happen to me," Kevaline sighed, trying to hide her worry.
Elrohir smiled, "You can't hide anything from me. I see it in your eyes that something is bothering you."
Kevaline shook her head, "I didn't realize that this trip would take two weeks just to reach Lothlorien." She looked into Elrohir's eyes, "Have you gone this road before?"
Elrohir laughed lightly, "Many of times, my sweet, my grandmother is in Lothlorien. . ."
"Well, then, I can't wait to see her. . ." Kevaline smiled.
"Oh, that won't be a problem, his grandmother is Galadriel. She is the one who summoned you to Lothlorien. She wishes to talk to you and your friends." Haldir winked at Elrohir. He urged his horse to a faster pace, going ahead of the rest of the group, "I will scout ahead."
After the two-week journey, Kevaline was about to kill her two best friends Adam and Andrew. Both had been a trouble. Kevaline couldn't take their whining when it came to riding for an entire day and only stopping for dinner and sleep. Kevaline hadn't slept in the two weeks, all because of dreams. When she realized she wasn't going to get any sleep when she tried, she had convinced her father to let her take first watch every night.
On occasions, she would get a private moment with Elrohir that was spent in his strong embrace, trying to rid herself of her dreams. He had tried to help her sleep, but it just wouldn't work.
Kevaline growled at Adam and Andrew, "If you two were any louder, I wouldn't be surprised to find that the orcs would kill you in their sleep!"
Adam growled back, "Shut up Kevaline! The only reason you don't complain is because your father is the one leading us!"
Andrew added, "Plus you haven't had sleep for the past two weeks!"
Elrohir quieted them as they rode into the woods, "Hush! Do not disturb anything in the forest!"
Haldir chuckled, "You know Kevaline will argue until she wins. . ."
Elrohir sighed, "Yes, but if those two would just keep their mouths shut, then Kevaline wouldn't be in such a bad mood." He looked at Kevaline to see that she was sagging in the saddle. She looked dead on her feet. He sighed, "Kevaline, as soon as we get to Caras Galadhon, I am going to tell grandmother to let you have some well earned rest. . ."
Kevaline's head whipped up, and she became wide awake, "No, no sleep! I don't want to relive any of it!" She shivered, "I don't ever want to fall asleep again! I never want to go back to the realm of sleep!" She almost started crying, "Don't make me! Please don't make me go back!"
Everyone stared at her, not sure of what to say. Finally, Elrohir nodded, "Alright, if you do not wish to have sleep, then I will not force you." He then sighed, talking in a whisper so that only Haldir could hear him, "What has happened to her? She used to be light hearted and willing to do anything."
"Her dreams are your answer Elrohir," Haldir answered him. When Elrohir nodded, he smiled, "Your grandmother will find out the answer."
Elladan rode up to the two, "We are almost there. Maybe Kevaline will relax some. I am afraid that she will collapse from exhaustion."
On entering the city, Haldir dismounted and nodded to everyone else, "You can dismount now."
"Finally!" Adam and Andrew yelled, startling the elves around them. They began to laugh, "No more riding!"
Kevaline dismounted and swayed, sleep threatening to overrun her. Kirin whimpered at her feet, worried for her. She smiled weakly at him, "Don't worry, I'm fine." When she took a step away from Clitus, she fell on her knees. She started to tremble as she tried to stand up. Tears formed in her eyes, "No, not now! I don't want to go to sleep!" She put her hands on the ground and let her tears fall freely.
Elrohir dismounted quickly and ran to her side, "Kev, are you alright?" He rubbed her back to soothe her, "It's alright, I am here for you. . ."
Haldir quickly ran to the two, "Come, we must take her to the lady of the wood, she will know what to do." He watched Elrohir pick Kevaline's crying form up, and started to walk away, "Elladan, Estel. . .Bring Adam and Andrew!"
On entering the chamber that Celeborn and Galadriel dwelled in, Kevaline had fallen asleep. Haldir bowed to them, "My lord and lady, I have brought you Kevaline and Andrew and Adam." He turned to his daughter's sleeping form, "I am sorry, but Kevaline has had a rough journey and has fallen asleep."
Galadriel nodded, "Thank you Haldir, thank you for bringing your daughter to me. Yes, I know of her journey. She forced herself not to sleep. It seemed that it was too much for her to handle anymore." She smiled at Elrohir, "I am glad to see you Elrohir."
Elrohir smiled in return, shifting his arms so Kevaline was more comfortable in his grip, "Yes, grandmother, I agree." He then looked down at Kevaline's face, "I think she needs a room to sleep in."
Celeborn nodded, "Of course. We will set up for your rooms. . ."
Galadriel gasped, "The poor child!" Everyone looked at her, and she then stared at Kevaline in Elrohir's grip, "Her dreams are of terror, pain, and death!"
Haldir's face turned to one of sorrow, "Please my lady, please do anything to help her!"
Galadriel stared into her grandson's eyes, seeing what he was trying to hide, "Elrohir, you shouldn't hide such good news from us!"
Elrohir quickly looked down to the floor, knowing that his grandmother had seen that he was going to marry Kevaline. He sighed, "I am sorry, I'm not sure how Kevaline will react when she finds out that you know."
Galadriel laughed lightly, "Elrohir, do not worry, she will not find out that I know until I want her to! I have a feeling that she will be the perfect one for you!"
Haldir smiled at Elrohir, "Well, I think that kills any doubt that was in my mind about it!"
Kevaline moaned in Elrohir's grip, "Mother. . ." She then turned her face into Elrohir's chest and took a big breath. Her eyes flew open as she recognized the scent of Elrohir, "Elrohir, what are you. . ." She looked around, "Where am I?"
Celeborn smiled to her, "Welcome to Lorien, Kevaline!"
"But how do you. . ." Kevaline started.
"We know of your name and of your past," Galadriel smiled at her. She nodded her head, "My dear, I know what you dream of. I wish to help you."
Kevaline grabbed Elrohir's tunic with her left hand, unsure of anything going around her, "I don't. . ."
Elrohir smiled down at her, "This is Celeborn and Galadriel, Kevaline. . ."
Elladan and Estel walked in at that moment with Andrew and Adam. All four bowed, and then Elladan stood, "It is good to see you again."
"I see you have brought Adam and Andrew with you," Galadriel smiled at them.
Adam grinned from ear to ear, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you! We have read so much about you and what you do!"
Galadriel still smiled, "I know of how you came to know me, I know you know of how I came to know you." She then extended her hands out, "But enough talk, you must need sleep after your hard journey, I know that my march warden can press people very hard when he is sent to do something."
Elrohir let Kevaline stand when she whispered to him that she could. She then turned to face Galadriel, "I don not wish to sleep. I have had enough sleep to last me for the rest of my years. . ."
Galadriel looked curiously at Kevaline, "Why the Valar has given you this special gift is beyond my reach, but you seem not to know of it."
Kevaline blinked her eyes, "What?"
"You have been given a choice by the Valar that only you can decide. But if you do not sleep, then that choice will die with your body from exhaustion. I will talk to you later about it, after you have gotten some rest." Galadriel stated, looking into Kevaline's eyes. She then looked at Elrohir, "I trust that you will make sure she rests?"
Elrohir bowed his head, "Yes Grandmother."
"Good, now make haste, we wish to talk to Adam and Andrew alone," Celeborn smiled.
Everyone but Andrew and Adam left the room. Elrohir turned to Kevaline who was yawning, "Kevaline, come on, I'll show you your room. . ."
Kevaline simply nodded, "Yes Elrohir, I think I just need to relax. . ." She turned her head to Haldir, "Well, father, this is where you live?"
"You have only seen a small portion of it. . ." Haldir smiled.
He stopped as he heard two voices calling to him, "Haldir! It is good to see you again, brother!"
Kevaline's face looked like one of shock, "Father?"
Haldir laughed as two elves walked up to him, "I would like you to meet Rumil and Orophin." Both smiled at Kevaline, and Haldir put a hand on her shoulder, "Brothers, I would like you to meet Kevaline. . ."
"What a pleasure to meet you. . ." Both bowed, smiling.
Haldir finished his sentence, "My daughter."
Rumil stopped mid-bow, "What?" He looked Kevaline in the eyes, "She can't be. . ."
"Do you remember Elizabeth?" Haldir questioned his brothers. Both nodded, "Well, this is her daughter, my daughter. . ."
Orophin smiled, "I was just going to ask why she looked like Elizabeth." He then turned to Haldir and stated in elvish, 'But then how did she come to Middle Earth? I thought Elizabeth was stuck on earth.'
Haldir answered in the same tongue, 'Somehow the portal reopened and allowed both to come through, but Elizabeth died from and orc attack. Elrohir saved Kevaline and took her back to Rivendell.'
Kevaline stood patiently, not knowing what they were saying. Her thoughts started to wander. ~I have two uncles. I wish father would have told me sooner, but this is good news. I am glad that I have more family than just father.~
Elrohir joined in on the conversation, 'I think Kevaline could do with some rest. Haldir, you know she didn't sleep the whole journey here.'
Haldir nodded, 'Yes, you are right, Elrohir, let us take Kevaline to her room. Maybe then she will get some sleep.' He turned to his daughter, "Come Kevaline, I'll show you your room."
Kevaline laid down in her bed, yawning, "Elrohir, I'm sorry about this."
Elrohir chuckled, "Don't be. There is no need to be sorry. But tomorrow Grandmother wants to see the both of us. . . That means you need to get some rest." He walked over to her bed and kissed her forehead, "Don't argue with me, I know that you need rest!" He whispered some elvish words in her ear, and in seconds she was asleep.
Elrohir closed the door behind him as he walked out. Haldir stood there with Elladan and Estel. He nodded to the three, and they sighed. Elladan was the first to speak, "I am glad she has finally fallen asleep. She was really starting to worry me brother."
Estel smiled, "But now we have gotten her to sleep, she will be alright."
"She worries me, what can be in those dreams to scare her so?" Elrohir sighed, walking down the hall with the rest. He turned to Elladan, "Is grandmother done with Adam and Andrew?"
Elladan shook his head, "No, we just went to check. They are still talking about something that we are not allowed to hear."
Haldir smiled, "Lets forget about them for a while. . ." He turned to Elrohir, "Don't stray too far from Kevaline's room incase she wakes up." He then nodded to Elladan and Estel, "I am going to meet with my brothers and go practice archery, do you two want to come?" The two nodded, and all three walked off in search of Rumil and Orophin.
Elrohir sighed and returned to Kevaline's room.
"Adam, you know a lot about this place," Galadriel smiled at him.
He nodded, "Yes, Andrew and I were the ones who taught Kevaline about this place. None of this stuff was real from where we come from."
"I know of your earth. I also know of how you got here. The portal on which you stumbled into was supposed to originally be for Kevaline. But then her mother died before she could tell her about her past, causing the portal to stay open. Kevaline has to decide of she wants to be an elf or human. Then she has to decide what to do with the life she has picked. If she picks to be human then she looses her power to understand the animals like she can now." Galadriel stated. She sighed, "Andrew, you have been patiently waiting."
Andrew jumped at the mention of his name. He smiled, "Yes, it is alright."
Celeborn chuckled, "Andrew, you seem to be distracted. . ."
"I was just thinking about the future. I'm going to be stuck here for the rest of my life. I mean, it isn't that bad, but fighting orcs and seeing death, that is what distracts me. I fear for what will happen." Andrew sighed.
Galadriel looked away from him, not looking into his eyes, "Do not fret about the future. It will come in due time." She then smiled as she turned to face both of them, "I suggest you spend as much time with Kevaline and watch over her." Both bowed and turned. They then left.
Celeborn looked at Galadriel, "What did you see?"
"I saw their death at the hands of orcs, just as Andrew feared they would die. Kevaline will be devastated. I didn't get to see her future, it was clouded in the mirror. The gods and goddesses want her to choose." Galadriel sighed.
Celeborn nodded, "She will definitely be one to watch." He smiled, "You saw as well as I did that she brought a wolf here with her. She has the power to talk, tame and understand certain animals."
Galadriel smiled, "Yes, a gift from the Valar that she has been using. She seems to take it very seriously."
Kevaline yawned and stretched in her bed, not realizing what had happened. It then hit her, "If I didn't love him so much, then I would probably beat him to a pulp!" She then noticed that her body felt rejuvenated from before. She smiled, "Maybe I should ask him to do that more often, I don't have bad dreams. . ."
She heard a knock at her door, "Kevaline, are you awake?"
She giggled, "Of course! You can enter Elrohir!" She quickly grabbed a pillow from her bed. She smiled as Elrohir opened the door and threw the pillow at him, hitting him in the face. She laughed, "I got you good hun!"
He looked startled, "Kevaline?" He then smiled and ran over to her, grabbing her in a strong hug, "I'm glad that you are back to your normal self!"
Kevaline winked at him, "I'm glad you whispered something in my ear before I could stop you." She smiled, "You might have to do that more often!"
Elrohir put his chin on her head, "Nonetheless, you are back to your normal self." He then let her go, "Would you like to go to the gardens with me?"
Kevaline kissed his cheek, "Of course! Why wouldn't I?" She put her hand over his mouth to keep him from answering, "Don't answer that. I have not been myself."
He pulled away from her, "Let's go, I'm sure we will run into your father. . ."
Kevaline thought about this, "Yes, and possibly my uncles. . ." She paused, the word sounding weird to her. She shook her head, "Yeah, maybe my uncles as well."
Elrohir glanced at her for a moment, "What is wrong?"
She stuck her tongue out at him, "I hate it when you can see that something is bothering me!" She then smiled at him, "It just feels weird to say that I have uncles."
Elrohir chuckled, "I guess it would be." He then started to walk out of the room with Kevaline following him, "You'll love it here, it is so beautiful. . ."
Kevaline took his hand in hers, "Yes, I agree with you on that one, but while I am here, do you think I could be of use? Do you think I could go on watches or patrol?"
Elrohir looked confused, "But, this is a time for us to relax. . . When we return home I am sure father will then put us on patrol. . ."
Kevaline nodded, "I guess you are right. When we get back to Rivendell Elrond will put us on border patrol."
Estel sat, his eyes closed, on a bench in one of the gardens. Kevaline smiled and quietly walked up behind him. She then tapped on his shoulder and giggled as he jumped in fright. He turned to see her and smiled, "Kevaline, so good to see you in a good mood."
Elrohir chuckled as he walked up beside her, "Yes, we are searching for Haldir and his brothers."
Estel sighed as he laid his head back again, "They are probably still in the archery range. I gave up and came here to rest. . ."
Kevaline nodded to him and grabbed Elrohir's arm, pulling him with her, "Thank you Estel!"
Haldir watched his brothers as they practiced, "At least I got them to stop asking me questions about Kevaline."
"Father!" Kevaline cried as she ran into the archery range. Haldir laughed as Rumil missed the bull's eye because of her yell.
"I am glad you are your normal self," Haldir chuckled. She ran to him and gave him a hug. "Kevaline, I wish to show my brothers how good you are at archery. . ."
Kevaline's eyes lit up in excitement, "Hand me a bow and I will show them!" Haldir nodded and handed her his bow that he was holding. She took it with deep respect and took an arrow from the place that they were stored at. She walked over in between Rumil and Orophin, "Get ready!" She fit the arrow to her bow and as soon as she was done let it fly. "Score one!" She laughed as it hit the bull's eye.
Rumil shook his head and looked again, "Pure luck, let me see you do it again." Kevaline shrugged and did as she was told, hitting the bull's eye again.
Orophin chuckled, "Well brother, are you going to ask her to do it again and see if it was luck again, or are you going to face the fact that our niece is better at archery than us?"
Rumil turned to him and spoke in elvish, 'There must be something behind it. How did she become so good if she lived on earth? She has everything perfect! Who could teach her that on earth?'
Elrohir smiled, 'She taught herself. That is what she told me. She has no flaws!'
Haldir chuckled, 'She takes after us. It is a fact. Her mother must have been proud.'
Kevaline looked confused, "Um, excuse me, I don't mean to sound rude, but what are you saying? I can't understand you." They all turned to her, and she blushed, "Never mind, continue talking, I don't mind."
Orophin chuckled, "She doesn't understand us. She has to learn elvish soon or she won't be able to live around us."
Kevaline put her hands on her hips, "Excuse me, but I heard that!"
Rumil laughed, "Well, she does take after you Haldir! I also see some of Elizabeth in her."
Kevaline dropped her hands, "You think I have some of my mother in me?"
Rumil nodded, "Oh yes, definitely." He smiled at her, "Elizabeth was very beautiful and stubborn. I remember when we found her, she refused to tell us who she was. I remember that we threatened to kill her if she would not reveal her name and why she had come, but she simply crossed her arms and yelled at us."
Kevaline smiled, "That does sound liked mom. She was always like that when I got into trouble at school. I don't know, but the teachers would never send me to the office or anything in fear of getting on her bad side." She then frowned, "Now she is gone, and I'll never see her again."
Haldir put a hand on her shoulder, trying to get her to forget about it, "Kevaline, would you like to try your hand to hand combat against one of my brothers?"
Kevaline smiled at her father, "Now which uncle wishes to fight me?" She looked at Rumil and Orophin, "Come on, which one?"
Orophin smirked, "Well, I guess I would. Haldir has told me of your fight against Elladan. I want to see you in action."
Kevaline clapped her hands together, "Great! This is wonderful! My day went from one that was horrible to one that is so great that I don't want it to end!" She looked around at the range, seeing there was no one there, "Why don't we try here?" She started stretching without permission, knowing that they wouldn't stop her.
Orophin smiled and stretched himself, "I hope I don't hurt you, you are my niece after all. . ."
Kevaline stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to chuckle, "I might be your niece, but let me tell you, I am not easily beaten!"
"But you are so young, what would you know of combat?" Orophin asked.
Kevaline smiled at her uncle, "I want to proudly state that I was feared in my entire school for my reputation for beating up all the senior guys! No one stood a chance against me until I met Elladan and Elrohir."
Haldir nodded, "Well, if you two are ready, then you may begin. . ."
Orophin lunged at Kevaline, smiling as she dodged him, "Well, maybe you are better than I thought!" He turned quickly and tried to punch Kevaline.
Kevaline saw his fist, and the memory of her fight with Elladan flashed in her head. She gasped and stumbled, letting him punch her. She couldn't get the scene out of her head, it was like she was reliving it all over again. She shook her head and tried to get her nerve back, "This is ridiculous! That was the past! This is now!"
Orophin looked at her, not sure of what to say, "Kevaline. . ."
Kevaline shook her head, finally forcing the memory to the back of her mind. She smirked, "Let's go uncle!" She charged at him, bringing her fist back to punch him. He swatted her fist aside and punched her in the stomach. She growled and countered, catching him off guard and kicking him in the stomach.
Orophin grabbed his stomach, "You recover quickly. . ." He lashed back at her, causing her to fall to the ground. He laughed, "Well, I'll admit, you have some skills, but you are still no match for me. . ."
Kevaline jumped up, her face red with anger, "Oh, is that so!" She charged at him, her fist ready to punch. He anticipated this and blocked her fist, forgetting about her legs. She kicked his legs from underneath him. She then put her foot on his stomach, pining him to the ground, "Word of advice, uncle, Don't Get Me Angry!"
Orophin laughed at her, "Well, now I see why Haldir spoke so highly of you, niece." He pushed her foot that wouldn't budge from its place on his stomach, "Now could you let me up?"
Kevaline smiled and took her foot off of him, putting her hand out for him, "You are a good opponent. . ."
"Something was bothering you during the battle, I could tell you weren't fight at your fullest. What was wrong? You started to talk to yourself. . ." Orophin started, grabbing her hand and pulling himself off the ground.
Kevaline turned away from him, "It was nothing, I was just reminded of another fight that I didn't win. I don't know why it haunts me, but lately it has been popping up in my mind. It gets harder and harder to push it away."
"It wouldn't happen to be the fight that we just had, would it?"
Kevaline turned to see Elladan leaning against a tree. She lowered her head, not wanting to admit it. She finally looked him in the eye, "So what if it was?"
Elladan sighed, "You are trying to fault yourself. You almost beat me, yet you only seem to see that you lost, not the fact that you chipped down my pride." He laughed at her confused expression, "You are a woman, you almost beat me. You chipped my pride down a few notches. I don't want to fight against you again for a fear that you will beat me."
Kevaline shook her head, "It doesn't matter! You don't understand!" She shivered, "I never thought that I could look into someone's soul when I fought. . . Mother told me about it, seeing someone's true soul when you are in the heat of battle. I didn't believe her until now. It scares me, I have seen two peoples' souls while I have battled them." She closed her eyes, "When I stared into your eyes Elladan, it scared me. I wasn't sure of anything anymore." She opened her eyes again, "I saw the deeper meaning of life!" She shook again, "I thought I had lost myself, and for a moment I had. Something took over my body. . . It felt like a warm presence, but not that of a human or elf. . . It felt more like I was being controlled by the animals that I have talked to and understood." She tried to smile, "I felt Caldin, Kirin, Alaquis, Clitus, Cleo, Yami, and Kirkelan. . . all were trying to help me, trying to soothe my scared mind and help me fight." She laughed, "It might sound funny to you guys, but I swear that is what I felt."
The archery range was quiet for two minutes before Elladan broke it, "Kevaline, I believe you. I am sorry to cause you so much pain, I didn't think it would end up like this."
Elrohir walked over to Kevaline, grabbing her in a strong hug, "Kevaline, it is not funny."
Orophin regarded her, "Could you really see into my soul?"
Kevaline nodded, "Well, sort of. It's not really seeing your life, but it's actually like seeing your motives in life. Your fighting spirit is what shows the most."
Kevaline smiled at Rumil as he stared at her, "Kevaline, are you telling me you can understand animals?" She nodded and he looked amazed, "Well, you have been given a gift from the Valar."
Kevaline smiled, "Well, yes, I guess I have. . ." Her stomach started to growl, "I'm hungry. . . When is dinner?"
Elrohir sighed, lying down in his bed, "That was an eventful dinner. . ." He was talking about what Kevaline had done in front of every elf there. She had attacked Elladan and Andrew when they had made fun of her because she was back to her normal self. She defeated Andrew with ease, but the fight with Elladan ended up with wrestling. Kevaline that night was pulled off of Elladan who was laughing too hard to defend himself.
"Ya think so?" Kevaline asked, lying down beside him, "Truthfully, I could have gone a couple more rounds with Elladan. Too bad he wouldn't fight back."
Elrohir looked at her, "So you are sleeping here tonight?"
Kevaline smiled, scooting closer to Elrohir, "Of course! What, did you think I was going to spend the night in a room that I don't even know about? I haven't explored it yet, I don't know if people could be spying on me. . ."
"Kevaline!" Elrohir sighed. Kevaline stopped and looked at him, "Your room is right beside mine. No one would dare spy on you."
"I guess you don't know Adam and Andrew very well, do you?" Kevaline laughed. She closed her eyes, "Well, wake me when you want to talk again. . . I have a feeling that my dreams are going to be peaceful." In seconds she was fast asleep.
Elrohir awoke to Kevaline sliding out of the bed. She walked over to the balcony and walked out onto it, admiring the view. Elrohir smiled and stood up, making no sound. He then quietly snuck up on her and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned her head back into him and smiled as she closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead, "Why are you up so early Kevaline?"
Kevaline didn't open her eyes, "I'm just so used to being up this early. I don't think I can sleep any longer." She sighed, "I am just supposed to relax, but my body wishes to do something, like yesterday."
Elrohir chuckled, "Well then, maybe we should go get some breakfast and then go see grandmother."
Kevaline and Elrohir stood in front of Galadriel and Celeborn. Galadriel smiled at Kevaline, "My dear, like I said yesterday, you were given a gift by the Valar. A gift that has two decisions. . ."
"What is this gift that has two decisions?" Kevaline asked, bowing her head.
"The Valar have given you a choice on whether you want to be human or an elf. . ." Galadriel stopped Kevaline from speaking, "But if you choose to be human, then you will loose your power to talk to the animals."
Kevaline gasped, "But, I want to be able to talk to the animals!" She held her head high, "Well then," She looked at Elrohir, "I choose to be an elf!" She smiled, "I want to have a long life with my friends and Elrohir and father."
Galadriel nodded, "So you have decided. That is a wonderful decision. Elrond will be joyful when he hears." She smiled at Elrohir, "I can see that Kevaline is in a much better mood."
Kevaline smiled, "Thanks to Elrohir!" She grabbed his hand in hers, "Actually, I have to thank him for everything!"
Celeborn chuckled, "So you are close to one another?"
Kevaline looked into Elrohir's eyes, "I guess we can tell them. . ."
"My dear, we already know!" Galadriel smiled. She nodded, "I hope you two have a wonderful life together!"
"But how?" Kevaline asked, confused.
Elrohir nodded, "Do not worry about that, grandmother, we will."
Kevaline looked at Elrohir, "Did you know about that?"
Elrohir shook his head, continuing to walk through the gardens, "No, I was as clueless as you." He looked her in the eye, "Do you think you made the right choice?"
Kevaline put her hand on his cheek, "My love, if I had the choice to live with you and talk to the animals or live with mortals. . . I would spare no time in choosing an immortal life." She smiled at him, "I want to be able to still talk to the animals. I never want to loose that comfort."
Estel yelled to them from his bench, "So, how did it go?"
Kevaline ran over to Estel and sat down beside him, "You are now sitting beside an elf! I had the choice to be an elf or human. I wanted to keep my power to talk to the animals."
Estel blinked, "So you had the choice to be human or an elf." Kevaline nodded, and he smiled, "Well, I am happy for you." He looked down at his feet.
Kevaline put a hand on his shoulder, "What is wrong?"
Estel sighed, "Adam and I will be leaving for Mirkwood in two days from here. We have to reach there quickly."
Kevaline smiled, "Do not worry, we will meet you back in Rivendell."
Estel chuckled, putting his hand over hers, "Just don't have the wedding without me!"
Kevaline winked, "Wouldn't think about it!" She smiled even bigger, "Where is Adam?"
"Adam is off with Andrew at the archery range. They wanted to practice with Rumil and Orophin." Estel chuckled.
Kevaline stood up and ran off, leaving Estel and Elrohir standing there. Elrohir smiled, "Well, I guess she wants to talk to them." He nodded, "I better go after her before she does something she will regret."
Kevaline walked into the archery range, "Adam!" Adam turned and so did everyone else in the clearing. She smiled, "Well, well. It seems you have gained some friends!"
"Oh, yeah!" Adam laughed, "We were just talking about your childhood. Your uncles seem very interested in it."
Rumil smiled, "You were very active while you were a child." He chuckled, "It seems you wanted Adam for something. . ."
"Uh, yeah. . ." Kevaline stated, frowning, "I wanted to talk with him. He is supposed to leave for Mirkwood in two days time."
Adam smiled, "Yup! I already know about that, why do you think I was here practicing?" He winked at Kevaline, "I'll get to see. . ."
Kevaline ran to him and put her hand over his mouth, "If you utter what you were going to say, I will stab you with my sword."
Adam froze. She took her hand from his mouth, "I forgot what I was going to say!" He then looked at Andrew, "Well, I guess that our practicing is over."
Andrew smiled, "Yeah. Kevaline always ruins our fun." He then chuckled, "Rumil and Orophin, I guess we will see you around. We have to go with Kevaline."
Kevaline turned as she felt a warm presence, "Elrohir!" Elrohir smiled, and Kevaline gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking when I ran off!"
Elrohir looked at Rumil and Orophin and stated in elvish, 'She is still young. . .'
'Yes, but you love her and plan to marry her soon.' Orophin answered back.
Kevaline shook her head, "I really need to learn elvish!" Elrohir looked back at her, and she put her hands on her hips, "I hate it when you do that!"
On the morning of Estel and Adam's departure, Kevaline got up early to see them off. She gave Adam a hug and then pulled Estel off to the side. "Estel, please, make sure Adam doesn't get hurt. I have a bad feeling."
Estel smiled and gave her a hug, "Do not worry, I will make sure he comes back to you."
Kevaline returned the hug, "I don't know what I would do without those two." She then let him go, "Now just wait a couple minutes, I want to talk to your horses."
She then walked over to the two horses, patting them on their foreheads, "Tulin, Kurick, I want to tell you two something." She lowered her voice, "I want you two to watch over Estel and Adam while you are on this journey." They shook their heads, signaling they would do their best to comply with her request. She then kissed their noses, "Good boys. Now don't get into trouble."
She then stepped away from the horses and watched Adam and Estel mount. Elrohir put his arm around her waist, giving her a sense of calmness. Estel nodded to the two of them, "Well, the next time I see you two will be back in Rivendell." Then the two horses galloped out of Lorien.
Kevaline bit her lip, "I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen to Adam."
Elrohir looked at her shocked, "And how many times have you had bad feelings about stuff?"
Kevaline shook her head, "Well, I don't know, but whenever I have a bad feeling, something does happen!"
"Give me a for instance. . ." Elrohir started.
"Well, when we got attacked by those orcs and I was hurt. . . That morning I had a bad feeling. I ignored it, and look what happened! I have learned to not ignore them!" Kevaline almost yelled. She quickly wiped a tear away as it tried to set a course down her face, "I love you Adam!"
~**~
There ya go! Chapter six has been put up. I would like it if at least four people review this chapter. I know that it isn't that good, but when I wrote this, it was about three in the morning.
Please go tell your friends about this so they will read it. Maybe I'll then put more chapters up quicker.
A/N: I'm sorry it took me so long to get this up. I went to a summer games thing for track and field. Oh, I took second place for the javelin throw! (For those of you who care.) This chapter is for lina. A lot of things happen in this chapter, so enjoy.
Chapter Six: Dreams and Falling off a Horse
The next morning Kevaline was dragged out of bed by Elrohir and ushered to the stables with all her things she had packed the night before. In truth, she hadn't planned on packing until the last minute; but when nightmares kept her up that night, she had decided to pack. She was almost asleep on her feet when they reached the stables. She let a stable hand load her gear on Clitus's back. Elrohir had made sure for her that she had her sword, bow, and a quiver full of arrows. He knew of Kevaline's rough night, having had her come to his room and then leave again. She had told him to get sleep and not worry about her.
Haldir looked at the mass of sleepy Kevaline, "What is wrong with you?"
Elrohir walked up to him, "She had nightmares all of last night. She didn't get any sleep." He watched her mount Clitus, "Let's just hope she doesn't fall asleep on Clitus's back."
Kevaline patted Clitus's neck, "Don't cause any trouble today boy, I can't handle it." Clitus snorted in response. Kirin whimpered lightly by his feet, and Clitus snorted at him.
Haldir mounted his horse and waited for Elladan, Andrew, Estel, Adam, and Elrohir to mount, "Hurry up."
When everyone was mounted, they rode out. Elrohir kept a close eye on Kevaline, afraid that she would fall asleep in the saddle. Kirin thudded beside the right front hoof of Clitus, keeping an eye out for danger. As they got farther away from Rivendell and the scenery turned into more forest, Kevaline's head drooped forward with her eyes closed. Elrohir slowed Alaquis so that he was right beside Clitus and pushed Kevaline so that she was sitting straight in the saddle again. He let her go to watch her fall backward, her back in a painful position. Kevaline moaned as Elrohir pulled her back straight again.
After a while, Elrohir went to talk to Haldir about Kevaline. As soon as he left her, she fell to the left side and fell off of Clitus, hitting the ground fairly hard. Everyone stopped their horses as they heard it. Elrohir turned back and shook his head. Kevaline moaned and opened her eyes, "What the?"
Elrohir came back to her and dismounted Alaquis, "Kevaline, you can't be falling asleep on Clitus, you'll fall off him again."
Kirin licked her face to get her to stand up. Kevaline winced and stood with the help of Elrohir.
She got back on Clitus and sighed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. . ."
Elrohir smiled, "Well, if you do it again, then I guess you're going to have to ride with me." She gave him a smile and nodded.
"You know that I'll do it again, that's why you said that!" Kevaline smiled.
Elrohir laughed as he mounted Alaquis again, "What is wrong with that?"
Haldir sighed as they started off again, "Come on, I want to get a full day's ride in." He laughed as he got moans from Adam and Andrew, "I don't hear Kevaline complaining. . ."
"That's because she is too tired to argue!" Andrew whined. He looked at Elladan, "Do you always ride like this?"
Elladan laughed, "When we go on journeys, yes, but it is not as bad as you think, you get used to it after a while. . . Isn't that right, Kevaline?"
Kevaline looked at him with a face full of distaste, "Yes, especially when you go on border patrol. Then you spend days patrolling. . ."
"You never had to go through a full turn of patrol, father always wanted you to be back so that nothing happened to you," Estel laughed.
Adam snickered, "Well Kevaline, it seems that you have been told otherwise."
Kevaline mumbled something that the elves of the group could only hear and then rode up to be with her father. Haldir laughed as Adam asked Estel what she had said. Estel shrugged his shoulders and look to Elladan for help. Kevaline looked at her father, "Father, how long will it take to get to Lothlorien?"
Haldir gazed at his daughter, "If we keep this pace up, then it will take about two weeks at the most."
Kevaline stared at him in shock, "Two weeks. . . But that would mean that we are vulnerable to attack from anything!" She looked down at Kirin. He growled as he heard Kevaline say that.
"I have no fear about being attacked daughter, we have you Elrohir and Elladan to help us along with me. . . Not to mention your newfound friend Kirin." Haldir chuckled as he glanced down at the wolf.
Elrohir came up beside Kevaline, "Are you alright?"
"Every time I leave you for a second, you seem to think something is going to happen to me," Kevaline sighed, trying to hide her worry.
Elrohir smiled, "You can't hide anything from me. I see it in your eyes that something is bothering you."
Kevaline shook her head, "I didn't realize that this trip would take two weeks just to reach Lothlorien." She looked into Elrohir's eyes, "Have you gone this road before?"
Elrohir laughed lightly, "Many of times, my sweet, my grandmother is in Lothlorien. . ."
"Well, then, I can't wait to see her. . ." Kevaline smiled.
"Oh, that won't be a problem, his grandmother is Galadriel. She is the one who summoned you to Lothlorien. She wishes to talk to you and your friends." Haldir winked at Elrohir. He urged his horse to a faster pace, going ahead of the rest of the group, "I will scout ahead."
After the two-week journey, Kevaline was about to kill her two best friends Adam and Andrew. Both had been a trouble. Kevaline couldn't take their whining when it came to riding for an entire day and only stopping for dinner and sleep. Kevaline hadn't slept in the two weeks, all because of dreams. When she realized she wasn't going to get any sleep when she tried, she had convinced her father to let her take first watch every night.
On occasions, she would get a private moment with Elrohir that was spent in his strong embrace, trying to rid herself of her dreams. He had tried to help her sleep, but it just wouldn't work.
Kevaline growled at Adam and Andrew, "If you two were any louder, I wouldn't be surprised to find that the orcs would kill you in their sleep!"
Adam growled back, "Shut up Kevaline! The only reason you don't complain is because your father is the one leading us!"
Andrew added, "Plus you haven't had sleep for the past two weeks!"
Elrohir quieted them as they rode into the woods, "Hush! Do not disturb anything in the forest!"
Haldir chuckled, "You know Kevaline will argue until she wins. . ."
Elrohir sighed, "Yes, but if those two would just keep their mouths shut, then Kevaline wouldn't be in such a bad mood." He looked at Kevaline to see that she was sagging in the saddle. She looked dead on her feet. He sighed, "Kevaline, as soon as we get to Caras Galadhon, I am going to tell grandmother to let you have some well earned rest. . ."
Kevaline's head whipped up, and she became wide awake, "No, no sleep! I don't want to relive any of it!" She shivered, "I don't ever want to fall asleep again! I never want to go back to the realm of sleep!" She almost started crying, "Don't make me! Please don't make me go back!"
Everyone stared at her, not sure of what to say. Finally, Elrohir nodded, "Alright, if you do not wish to have sleep, then I will not force you." He then sighed, talking in a whisper so that only Haldir could hear him, "What has happened to her? She used to be light hearted and willing to do anything."
"Her dreams are your answer Elrohir," Haldir answered him. When Elrohir nodded, he smiled, "Your grandmother will find out the answer."
Elladan rode up to the two, "We are almost there. Maybe Kevaline will relax some. I am afraid that she will collapse from exhaustion."
On entering the city, Haldir dismounted and nodded to everyone else, "You can dismount now."
"Finally!" Adam and Andrew yelled, startling the elves around them. They began to laugh, "No more riding!"
Kevaline dismounted and swayed, sleep threatening to overrun her. Kirin whimpered at her feet, worried for her. She smiled weakly at him, "Don't worry, I'm fine." When she took a step away from Clitus, she fell on her knees. She started to tremble as she tried to stand up. Tears formed in her eyes, "No, not now! I don't want to go to sleep!" She put her hands on the ground and let her tears fall freely.
Elrohir dismounted quickly and ran to her side, "Kev, are you alright?" He rubbed her back to soothe her, "It's alright, I am here for you. . ."
Haldir quickly ran to the two, "Come, we must take her to the lady of the wood, she will know what to do." He watched Elrohir pick Kevaline's crying form up, and started to walk away, "Elladan, Estel. . .Bring Adam and Andrew!"
On entering the chamber that Celeborn and Galadriel dwelled in, Kevaline had fallen asleep. Haldir bowed to them, "My lord and lady, I have brought you Kevaline and Andrew and Adam." He turned to his daughter's sleeping form, "I am sorry, but Kevaline has had a rough journey and has fallen asleep."
Galadriel nodded, "Thank you Haldir, thank you for bringing your daughter to me. Yes, I know of her journey. She forced herself not to sleep. It seemed that it was too much for her to handle anymore." She smiled at Elrohir, "I am glad to see you Elrohir."
Elrohir smiled in return, shifting his arms so Kevaline was more comfortable in his grip, "Yes, grandmother, I agree." He then looked down at Kevaline's face, "I think she needs a room to sleep in."
Celeborn nodded, "Of course. We will set up for your rooms. . ."
Galadriel gasped, "The poor child!" Everyone looked at her, and she then stared at Kevaline in Elrohir's grip, "Her dreams are of terror, pain, and death!"
Haldir's face turned to one of sorrow, "Please my lady, please do anything to help her!"
Galadriel stared into her grandson's eyes, seeing what he was trying to hide, "Elrohir, you shouldn't hide such good news from us!"
Elrohir quickly looked down to the floor, knowing that his grandmother had seen that he was going to marry Kevaline. He sighed, "I am sorry, I'm not sure how Kevaline will react when she finds out that you know."
Galadriel laughed lightly, "Elrohir, do not worry, she will not find out that I know until I want her to! I have a feeling that she will be the perfect one for you!"
Haldir smiled at Elrohir, "Well, I think that kills any doubt that was in my mind about it!"
Kevaline moaned in Elrohir's grip, "Mother. . ." She then turned her face into Elrohir's chest and took a big breath. Her eyes flew open as she recognized the scent of Elrohir, "Elrohir, what are you. . ." She looked around, "Where am I?"
Celeborn smiled to her, "Welcome to Lorien, Kevaline!"
"But how do you. . ." Kevaline started.
"We know of your name and of your past," Galadriel smiled at her. She nodded her head, "My dear, I know what you dream of. I wish to help you."
Kevaline grabbed Elrohir's tunic with her left hand, unsure of anything going around her, "I don't. . ."
Elrohir smiled down at her, "This is Celeborn and Galadriel, Kevaline. . ."
Elladan and Estel walked in at that moment with Andrew and Adam. All four bowed, and then Elladan stood, "It is good to see you again."
"I see you have brought Adam and Andrew with you," Galadriel smiled at them.
Adam grinned from ear to ear, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you! We have read so much about you and what you do!"
Galadriel still smiled, "I know of how you came to know me, I know you know of how I came to know you." She then extended her hands out, "But enough talk, you must need sleep after your hard journey, I know that my march warden can press people very hard when he is sent to do something."
Elrohir let Kevaline stand when she whispered to him that she could. She then turned to face Galadriel, "I don not wish to sleep. I have had enough sleep to last me for the rest of my years. . ."
Galadriel looked curiously at Kevaline, "Why the Valar has given you this special gift is beyond my reach, but you seem not to know of it."
Kevaline blinked her eyes, "What?"
"You have been given a choice by the Valar that only you can decide. But if you do not sleep, then that choice will die with your body from exhaustion. I will talk to you later about it, after you have gotten some rest." Galadriel stated, looking into Kevaline's eyes. She then looked at Elrohir, "I trust that you will make sure she rests?"
Elrohir bowed his head, "Yes Grandmother."
"Good, now make haste, we wish to talk to Adam and Andrew alone," Celeborn smiled.
Everyone but Andrew and Adam left the room. Elrohir turned to Kevaline who was yawning, "Kevaline, come on, I'll show you your room. . ."
Kevaline simply nodded, "Yes Elrohir, I think I just need to relax. . ." She turned her head to Haldir, "Well, father, this is where you live?"
"You have only seen a small portion of it. . ." Haldir smiled.
He stopped as he heard two voices calling to him, "Haldir! It is good to see you again, brother!"
Kevaline's face looked like one of shock, "Father?"
Haldir laughed as two elves walked up to him, "I would like you to meet Rumil and Orophin." Both smiled at Kevaline, and Haldir put a hand on her shoulder, "Brothers, I would like you to meet Kevaline. . ."
"What a pleasure to meet you. . ." Both bowed, smiling.
Haldir finished his sentence, "My daughter."
Rumil stopped mid-bow, "What?" He looked Kevaline in the eyes, "She can't be. . ."
"Do you remember Elizabeth?" Haldir questioned his brothers. Both nodded, "Well, this is her daughter, my daughter. . ."
Orophin smiled, "I was just going to ask why she looked like Elizabeth." He then turned to Haldir and stated in elvish, 'But then how did she come to Middle Earth? I thought Elizabeth was stuck on earth.'
Haldir answered in the same tongue, 'Somehow the portal reopened and allowed both to come through, but Elizabeth died from and orc attack. Elrohir saved Kevaline and took her back to Rivendell.'
Kevaline stood patiently, not knowing what they were saying. Her thoughts started to wander. ~I have two uncles. I wish father would have told me sooner, but this is good news. I am glad that I have more family than just father.~
Elrohir joined in on the conversation, 'I think Kevaline could do with some rest. Haldir, you know she didn't sleep the whole journey here.'
Haldir nodded, 'Yes, you are right, Elrohir, let us take Kevaline to her room. Maybe then she will get some sleep.' He turned to his daughter, "Come Kevaline, I'll show you your room."
Kevaline laid down in her bed, yawning, "Elrohir, I'm sorry about this."
Elrohir chuckled, "Don't be. There is no need to be sorry. But tomorrow Grandmother wants to see the both of us. . . That means you need to get some rest." He walked over to her bed and kissed her forehead, "Don't argue with me, I know that you need rest!" He whispered some elvish words in her ear, and in seconds she was asleep.
Elrohir closed the door behind him as he walked out. Haldir stood there with Elladan and Estel. He nodded to the three, and they sighed. Elladan was the first to speak, "I am glad she has finally fallen asleep. She was really starting to worry me brother."
Estel smiled, "But now we have gotten her to sleep, she will be alright."
"She worries me, what can be in those dreams to scare her so?" Elrohir sighed, walking down the hall with the rest. He turned to Elladan, "Is grandmother done with Adam and Andrew?"
Elladan shook his head, "No, we just went to check. They are still talking about something that we are not allowed to hear."
Haldir smiled, "Lets forget about them for a while. . ." He turned to Elrohir, "Don't stray too far from Kevaline's room incase she wakes up." He then nodded to Elladan and Estel, "I am going to meet with my brothers and go practice archery, do you two want to come?" The two nodded, and all three walked off in search of Rumil and Orophin.
Elrohir sighed and returned to Kevaline's room.
"Adam, you know a lot about this place," Galadriel smiled at him.
He nodded, "Yes, Andrew and I were the ones who taught Kevaline about this place. None of this stuff was real from where we come from."
"I know of your earth. I also know of how you got here. The portal on which you stumbled into was supposed to originally be for Kevaline. But then her mother died before she could tell her about her past, causing the portal to stay open. Kevaline has to decide of she wants to be an elf or human. Then she has to decide what to do with the life she has picked. If she picks to be human then she looses her power to understand the animals like she can now." Galadriel stated. She sighed, "Andrew, you have been patiently waiting."
Andrew jumped at the mention of his name. He smiled, "Yes, it is alright."
Celeborn chuckled, "Andrew, you seem to be distracted. . ."
"I was just thinking about the future. I'm going to be stuck here for the rest of my life. I mean, it isn't that bad, but fighting orcs and seeing death, that is what distracts me. I fear for what will happen." Andrew sighed.
Galadriel looked away from him, not looking into his eyes, "Do not fret about the future. It will come in due time." She then smiled as she turned to face both of them, "I suggest you spend as much time with Kevaline and watch over her." Both bowed and turned. They then left.
Celeborn looked at Galadriel, "What did you see?"
"I saw their death at the hands of orcs, just as Andrew feared they would die. Kevaline will be devastated. I didn't get to see her future, it was clouded in the mirror. The gods and goddesses want her to choose." Galadriel sighed.
Celeborn nodded, "She will definitely be one to watch." He smiled, "You saw as well as I did that she brought a wolf here with her. She has the power to talk, tame and understand certain animals."
Galadriel smiled, "Yes, a gift from the Valar that she has been using. She seems to take it very seriously."
Kevaline yawned and stretched in her bed, not realizing what had happened. It then hit her, "If I didn't love him so much, then I would probably beat him to a pulp!" She then noticed that her body felt rejuvenated from before. She smiled, "Maybe I should ask him to do that more often, I don't have bad dreams. . ."
She heard a knock at her door, "Kevaline, are you awake?"
She giggled, "Of course! You can enter Elrohir!" She quickly grabbed a pillow from her bed. She smiled as Elrohir opened the door and threw the pillow at him, hitting him in the face. She laughed, "I got you good hun!"
He looked startled, "Kevaline?" He then smiled and ran over to her, grabbing her in a strong hug, "I'm glad that you are back to your normal self!"
Kevaline winked at him, "I'm glad you whispered something in my ear before I could stop you." She smiled, "You might have to do that more often!"
Elrohir put his chin on her head, "Nonetheless, you are back to your normal self." He then let her go, "Would you like to go to the gardens with me?"
Kevaline kissed his cheek, "Of course! Why wouldn't I?" She put her hand over his mouth to keep him from answering, "Don't answer that. I have not been myself."
He pulled away from her, "Let's go, I'm sure we will run into your father. . ."
Kevaline thought about this, "Yes, and possibly my uncles. . ." She paused, the word sounding weird to her. She shook her head, "Yeah, maybe my uncles as well."
Elrohir glanced at her for a moment, "What is wrong?"
She stuck her tongue out at him, "I hate it when you can see that something is bothering me!" She then smiled at him, "It just feels weird to say that I have uncles."
Elrohir chuckled, "I guess it would be." He then started to walk out of the room with Kevaline following him, "You'll love it here, it is so beautiful. . ."
Kevaline took his hand in hers, "Yes, I agree with you on that one, but while I am here, do you think I could be of use? Do you think I could go on watches or patrol?"
Elrohir looked confused, "But, this is a time for us to relax. . . When we return home I am sure father will then put us on patrol. . ."
Kevaline nodded, "I guess you are right. When we get back to Rivendell Elrond will put us on border patrol."
Estel sat, his eyes closed, on a bench in one of the gardens. Kevaline smiled and quietly walked up behind him. She then tapped on his shoulder and giggled as he jumped in fright. He turned to see her and smiled, "Kevaline, so good to see you in a good mood."
Elrohir chuckled as he walked up beside her, "Yes, we are searching for Haldir and his brothers."
Estel sighed as he laid his head back again, "They are probably still in the archery range. I gave up and came here to rest. . ."
Kevaline nodded to him and grabbed Elrohir's arm, pulling him with her, "Thank you Estel!"
Haldir watched his brothers as they practiced, "At least I got them to stop asking me questions about Kevaline."
"Father!" Kevaline cried as she ran into the archery range. Haldir laughed as Rumil missed the bull's eye because of her yell.
"I am glad you are your normal self," Haldir chuckled. She ran to him and gave him a hug. "Kevaline, I wish to show my brothers how good you are at archery. . ."
Kevaline's eyes lit up in excitement, "Hand me a bow and I will show them!" Haldir nodded and handed her his bow that he was holding. She took it with deep respect and took an arrow from the place that they were stored at. She walked over in between Rumil and Orophin, "Get ready!" She fit the arrow to her bow and as soon as she was done let it fly. "Score one!" She laughed as it hit the bull's eye.
Rumil shook his head and looked again, "Pure luck, let me see you do it again." Kevaline shrugged and did as she was told, hitting the bull's eye again.
Orophin chuckled, "Well brother, are you going to ask her to do it again and see if it was luck again, or are you going to face the fact that our niece is better at archery than us?"
Rumil turned to him and spoke in elvish, 'There must be something behind it. How did she become so good if she lived on earth? She has everything perfect! Who could teach her that on earth?'
Elrohir smiled, 'She taught herself. That is what she told me. She has no flaws!'
Haldir chuckled, 'She takes after us. It is a fact. Her mother must have been proud.'
Kevaline looked confused, "Um, excuse me, I don't mean to sound rude, but what are you saying? I can't understand you." They all turned to her, and she blushed, "Never mind, continue talking, I don't mind."
Orophin chuckled, "She doesn't understand us. She has to learn elvish soon or she won't be able to live around us."
Kevaline put her hands on her hips, "Excuse me, but I heard that!"
Rumil laughed, "Well, she does take after you Haldir! I also see some of Elizabeth in her."
Kevaline dropped her hands, "You think I have some of my mother in me?"
Rumil nodded, "Oh yes, definitely." He smiled at her, "Elizabeth was very beautiful and stubborn. I remember when we found her, she refused to tell us who she was. I remember that we threatened to kill her if she would not reveal her name and why she had come, but she simply crossed her arms and yelled at us."
Kevaline smiled, "That does sound liked mom. She was always like that when I got into trouble at school. I don't know, but the teachers would never send me to the office or anything in fear of getting on her bad side." She then frowned, "Now she is gone, and I'll never see her again."
Haldir put a hand on her shoulder, trying to get her to forget about it, "Kevaline, would you like to try your hand to hand combat against one of my brothers?"
Kevaline smiled at her father, "Now which uncle wishes to fight me?" She looked at Rumil and Orophin, "Come on, which one?"
Orophin smirked, "Well, I guess I would. Haldir has told me of your fight against Elladan. I want to see you in action."
Kevaline clapped her hands together, "Great! This is wonderful! My day went from one that was horrible to one that is so great that I don't want it to end!" She looked around at the range, seeing there was no one there, "Why don't we try here?" She started stretching without permission, knowing that they wouldn't stop her.
Orophin smiled and stretched himself, "I hope I don't hurt you, you are my niece after all. . ."
Kevaline stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to chuckle, "I might be your niece, but let me tell you, I am not easily beaten!"
"But you are so young, what would you know of combat?" Orophin asked.
Kevaline smiled at her uncle, "I want to proudly state that I was feared in my entire school for my reputation for beating up all the senior guys! No one stood a chance against me until I met Elladan and Elrohir."
Haldir nodded, "Well, if you two are ready, then you may begin. . ."
Orophin lunged at Kevaline, smiling as she dodged him, "Well, maybe you are better than I thought!" He turned quickly and tried to punch Kevaline.
Kevaline saw his fist, and the memory of her fight with Elladan flashed in her head. She gasped and stumbled, letting him punch her. She couldn't get the scene out of her head, it was like she was reliving it all over again. She shook her head and tried to get her nerve back, "This is ridiculous! That was the past! This is now!"
Orophin looked at her, not sure of what to say, "Kevaline. . ."
Kevaline shook her head, finally forcing the memory to the back of her mind. She smirked, "Let's go uncle!" She charged at him, bringing her fist back to punch him. He swatted her fist aside and punched her in the stomach. She growled and countered, catching him off guard and kicking him in the stomach.
Orophin grabbed his stomach, "You recover quickly. . ." He lashed back at her, causing her to fall to the ground. He laughed, "Well, I'll admit, you have some skills, but you are still no match for me. . ."
Kevaline jumped up, her face red with anger, "Oh, is that so!" She charged at him, her fist ready to punch. He anticipated this and blocked her fist, forgetting about her legs. She kicked his legs from underneath him. She then put her foot on his stomach, pining him to the ground, "Word of advice, uncle, Don't Get Me Angry!"
Orophin laughed at her, "Well, now I see why Haldir spoke so highly of you, niece." He pushed her foot that wouldn't budge from its place on his stomach, "Now could you let me up?"
Kevaline smiled and took her foot off of him, putting her hand out for him, "You are a good opponent. . ."
"Something was bothering you during the battle, I could tell you weren't fight at your fullest. What was wrong? You started to talk to yourself. . ." Orophin started, grabbing her hand and pulling himself off the ground.
Kevaline turned away from him, "It was nothing, I was just reminded of another fight that I didn't win. I don't know why it haunts me, but lately it has been popping up in my mind. It gets harder and harder to push it away."
"It wouldn't happen to be the fight that we just had, would it?"
Kevaline turned to see Elladan leaning against a tree. She lowered her head, not wanting to admit it. She finally looked him in the eye, "So what if it was?"
Elladan sighed, "You are trying to fault yourself. You almost beat me, yet you only seem to see that you lost, not the fact that you chipped down my pride." He laughed at her confused expression, "You are a woman, you almost beat me. You chipped my pride down a few notches. I don't want to fight against you again for a fear that you will beat me."
Kevaline shook her head, "It doesn't matter! You don't understand!" She shivered, "I never thought that I could look into someone's soul when I fought. . . Mother told me about it, seeing someone's true soul when you are in the heat of battle. I didn't believe her until now. It scares me, I have seen two peoples' souls while I have battled them." She closed her eyes, "When I stared into your eyes Elladan, it scared me. I wasn't sure of anything anymore." She opened her eyes again, "I saw the deeper meaning of life!" She shook again, "I thought I had lost myself, and for a moment I had. Something took over my body. . . It felt like a warm presence, but not that of a human or elf. . . It felt more like I was being controlled by the animals that I have talked to and understood." She tried to smile, "I felt Caldin, Kirin, Alaquis, Clitus, Cleo, Yami, and Kirkelan. . . all were trying to help me, trying to soothe my scared mind and help me fight." She laughed, "It might sound funny to you guys, but I swear that is what I felt."
The archery range was quiet for two minutes before Elladan broke it, "Kevaline, I believe you. I am sorry to cause you so much pain, I didn't think it would end up like this."
Elrohir walked over to Kevaline, grabbing her in a strong hug, "Kevaline, it is not funny."
Orophin regarded her, "Could you really see into my soul?"
Kevaline nodded, "Well, sort of. It's not really seeing your life, but it's actually like seeing your motives in life. Your fighting spirit is what shows the most."
Kevaline smiled at Rumil as he stared at her, "Kevaline, are you telling me you can understand animals?" She nodded and he looked amazed, "Well, you have been given a gift from the Valar."
Kevaline smiled, "Well, yes, I guess I have. . ." Her stomach started to growl, "I'm hungry. . . When is dinner?"
Elrohir sighed, lying down in his bed, "That was an eventful dinner. . ." He was talking about what Kevaline had done in front of every elf there. She had attacked Elladan and Andrew when they had made fun of her because she was back to her normal self. She defeated Andrew with ease, but the fight with Elladan ended up with wrestling. Kevaline that night was pulled off of Elladan who was laughing too hard to defend himself.
"Ya think so?" Kevaline asked, lying down beside him, "Truthfully, I could have gone a couple more rounds with Elladan. Too bad he wouldn't fight back."
Elrohir looked at her, "So you are sleeping here tonight?"
Kevaline smiled, scooting closer to Elrohir, "Of course! What, did you think I was going to spend the night in a room that I don't even know about? I haven't explored it yet, I don't know if people could be spying on me. . ."
"Kevaline!" Elrohir sighed. Kevaline stopped and looked at him, "Your room is right beside mine. No one would dare spy on you."
"I guess you don't know Adam and Andrew very well, do you?" Kevaline laughed. She closed her eyes, "Well, wake me when you want to talk again. . . I have a feeling that my dreams are going to be peaceful." In seconds she was fast asleep.
Elrohir awoke to Kevaline sliding out of the bed. She walked over to the balcony and walked out onto it, admiring the view. Elrohir smiled and stood up, making no sound. He then quietly snuck up on her and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned her head back into him and smiled as she closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead, "Why are you up so early Kevaline?"
Kevaline didn't open her eyes, "I'm just so used to being up this early. I don't think I can sleep any longer." She sighed, "I am just supposed to relax, but my body wishes to do something, like yesterday."
Elrohir chuckled, "Well then, maybe we should go get some breakfast and then go see grandmother."
Kevaline and Elrohir stood in front of Galadriel and Celeborn. Galadriel smiled at Kevaline, "My dear, like I said yesterday, you were given a gift by the Valar. A gift that has two decisions. . ."
"What is this gift that has two decisions?" Kevaline asked, bowing her head.
"The Valar have given you a choice on whether you want to be human or an elf. . ." Galadriel stopped Kevaline from speaking, "But if you choose to be human, then you will loose your power to talk to the animals."
Kevaline gasped, "But, I want to be able to talk to the animals!" She held her head high, "Well then," She looked at Elrohir, "I choose to be an elf!" She smiled, "I want to have a long life with my friends and Elrohir and father."
Galadriel nodded, "So you have decided. That is a wonderful decision. Elrond will be joyful when he hears." She smiled at Elrohir, "I can see that Kevaline is in a much better mood."
Kevaline smiled, "Thanks to Elrohir!" She grabbed his hand in hers, "Actually, I have to thank him for everything!"
Celeborn chuckled, "So you are close to one another?"
Kevaline looked into Elrohir's eyes, "I guess we can tell them. . ."
"My dear, we already know!" Galadriel smiled. She nodded, "I hope you two have a wonderful life together!"
"But how?" Kevaline asked, confused.
Elrohir nodded, "Do not worry about that, grandmother, we will."
Kevaline looked at Elrohir, "Did you know about that?"
Elrohir shook his head, continuing to walk through the gardens, "No, I was as clueless as you." He looked her in the eye, "Do you think you made the right choice?"
Kevaline put her hand on his cheek, "My love, if I had the choice to live with you and talk to the animals or live with mortals. . . I would spare no time in choosing an immortal life." She smiled at him, "I want to be able to still talk to the animals. I never want to loose that comfort."
Estel yelled to them from his bench, "So, how did it go?"
Kevaline ran over to Estel and sat down beside him, "You are now sitting beside an elf! I had the choice to be an elf or human. I wanted to keep my power to talk to the animals."
Estel blinked, "So you had the choice to be human or an elf." Kevaline nodded, and he smiled, "Well, I am happy for you." He looked down at his feet.
Kevaline put a hand on his shoulder, "What is wrong?"
Estel sighed, "Adam and I will be leaving for Mirkwood in two days from here. We have to reach there quickly."
Kevaline smiled, "Do not worry, we will meet you back in Rivendell."
Estel chuckled, putting his hand over hers, "Just don't have the wedding without me!"
Kevaline winked, "Wouldn't think about it!" She smiled even bigger, "Where is Adam?"
"Adam is off with Andrew at the archery range. They wanted to practice with Rumil and Orophin." Estel chuckled.
Kevaline stood up and ran off, leaving Estel and Elrohir standing there. Elrohir smiled, "Well, I guess she wants to talk to them." He nodded, "I better go after her before she does something she will regret."
Kevaline walked into the archery range, "Adam!" Adam turned and so did everyone else in the clearing. She smiled, "Well, well. It seems you have gained some friends!"
"Oh, yeah!" Adam laughed, "We were just talking about your childhood. Your uncles seem very interested in it."
Rumil smiled, "You were very active while you were a child." He chuckled, "It seems you wanted Adam for something. . ."
"Uh, yeah. . ." Kevaline stated, frowning, "I wanted to talk with him. He is supposed to leave for Mirkwood in two days time."
Adam smiled, "Yup! I already know about that, why do you think I was here practicing?" He winked at Kevaline, "I'll get to see. . ."
Kevaline ran to him and put her hand over his mouth, "If you utter what you were going to say, I will stab you with my sword."
Adam froze. She took her hand from his mouth, "I forgot what I was going to say!" He then looked at Andrew, "Well, I guess that our practicing is over."
Andrew smiled, "Yeah. Kevaline always ruins our fun." He then chuckled, "Rumil and Orophin, I guess we will see you around. We have to go with Kevaline."
Kevaline turned as she felt a warm presence, "Elrohir!" Elrohir smiled, and Kevaline gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking when I ran off!"
Elrohir looked at Rumil and Orophin and stated in elvish, 'She is still young. . .'
'Yes, but you love her and plan to marry her soon.' Orophin answered back.
Kevaline shook her head, "I really need to learn elvish!" Elrohir looked back at her, and she put her hands on her hips, "I hate it when you do that!"
On the morning of Estel and Adam's departure, Kevaline got up early to see them off. She gave Adam a hug and then pulled Estel off to the side. "Estel, please, make sure Adam doesn't get hurt. I have a bad feeling."
Estel smiled and gave her a hug, "Do not worry, I will make sure he comes back to you."
Kevaline returned the hug, "I don't know what I would do without those two." She then let him go, "Now just wait a couple minutes, I want to talk to your horses."
She then walked over to the two horses, patting them on their foreheads, "Tulin, Kurick, I want to tell you two something." She lowered her voice, "I want you two to watch over Estel and Adam while you are on this journey." They shook their heads, signaling they would do their best to comply with her request. She then kissed their noses, "Good boys. Now don't get into trouble."
She then stepped away from the horses and watched Adam and Estel mount. Elrohir put his arm around her waist, giving her a sense of calmness. Estel nodded to the two of them, "Well, the next time I see you two will be back in Rivendell." Then the two horses galloped out of Lorien.
Kevaline bit her lip, "I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen to Adam."
Elrohir looked at her shocked, "And how many times have you had bad feelings about stuff?"
Kevaline shook her head, "Well, I don't know, but whenever I have a bad feeling, something does happen!"
"Give me a for instance. . ." Elrohir started.
"Well, when we got attacked by those orcs and I was hurt. . . That morning I had a bad feeling. I ignored it, and look what happened! I have learned to not ignore them!" Kevaline almost yelled. She quickly wiped a tear away as it tried to set a course down her face, "I love you Adam!"
~**~
There ya go! Chapter six has been put up. I would like it if at least four people review this chapter. I know that it isn't that good, but when I wrote this, it was about three in the morning.
Please go tell your friends about this so they will read it. Maybe I'll then put more chapters up quicker.