A/N: Lol... everyone hates me for making Legolas so mean!!! Aww.... don't feel too bad, cuz I'm actually his biggest fan, but I'm just sick of seeing him being friends with everyone. Don't worry, something will happen and.... lets just say, he'll accept Nicole for who she is. hehehe, authors privelege: I get to keep my secrets! Thanks for all the reviews! And sorry for all the bad formatting in Chapter 12... the file was really weird and it got messed up when I uploaded it. Hopefully you were able to see when Nicole was thinking and when it was narrative.

LoTR Movie Critic: I agree... Pippin is always acting so stupid. I think I'm going to start making him smarter. lol... Pippin the genius...
Sarah G: I think you are the only one who doesn't mind what I've done to Legolas... lol... Don't worry about Haldir, he's in there!
Feathers of the Wind: I use metaphors??? since when? lol... blame it on English class.
Levanna: Nicole's problem is going to be figured out in this chapter... though you will all probably hate me when you find out. I think Azza is... well, its new. I'm going to use it in one of the next chapters...

If anyone else has other names for Aragorn, let me know. And review, especially after you see what happens in this chapter. I'm pretty sure all I will get will be bad reviews.
And thanks to all the other reviewers, keep it up!!! :D you make me happy, and when I'm happy, I write!
Ok, this author's note is getting really long, so I'll get going with the story. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: it's all the property of Tolkien, except for Nicole who, dysfunctional though she is, is mine.

Home Sweet Home

Chapter Thirteen ~ Lothlorien, Where Secrets Are Revealed

The gentle sound of trickling water brought Nicole out of the trance-like state she had become stuck in. They had reached a small river and had at some point entered a forest. Nicole's brow creased: she couldn't remember anything about the journey from Moria to this place.

"Where are we?" she asked, her voice breaking and squeaking from not being used in a long time. The traveling group turned in surprise. The girl had been silent, eerily similar to the walking dead.

"We have reached the river called Nimrodel," replied Legolas, awe of the river clearly displayed in voice and face.

"Are you alright?" asked Boromir softly as they approached the water's edge. Nicole realized that he was walking with one arm around her, in a sort of protective half-hug. The gesture was comforting and Nicole was happy for the support. "You haven't said anything the entire day. Do you remember what happened?"

Remember what? I hope I didn't do anything stupid... she paused, a thought coming to the forefront. The last thing I remember is... she swallowed hard. "Gandalf," she began to say, but stopped because her voice ached and the memory was painful. She turned her face away. Nicole didn't want to cry... It's amazing how quickly you can befriend people and be terrified when you lose them... Then they were wading across the river. The cold water reached to Nicole's knees and the stream felt pure and refreshing. It helped Nicole clear her head and the constant nausea eased the tiniest bit.

It was already dark when they crossed the water so they began to set up a camp close to the river in a grove of tall trees. Or rather, they were actually going to camp in the trees, in case any Orcs came after them. Legolas climbed one of the huge trees to find a good place for the 'camp'. Suddenly his shadowy form shouted and jumped down from the tree. Three grey shadows came down after him. Legolas and the other three spoke in swift and quiet Elvish and Nicole almost couldn't catch what they were saying. It was simply an explanation of who they were, and the three people replied that they had heard them and waited. The three, Elves of Lorien, Nicole realized slowly with her sluggish brain, nodded and turned to the Company.

"I am Haldir," said one Elf. Gesturing to the other two Elves he said, "This is Rumil, and Orophin. They do not speak your speech so I must be your translator. We bring you a message from the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood: they await you." The Elves all carried weapons at the ready. It would appear that even Lorien is not safe from the troubles of Middle-Earth, Nicole mused. Eek! There you go again! Stop THINKING!!!!!!!!!!!

Gimli quickly panicked at Haldir's words. Naturally, the Dwarf didn't like the thought of going to see more Elves, much less the rulers of Lothlorien. "We should go back," he muttered.

Haldir turned his attention to the Dwarf. "You cannot go back, now that you are in the Lady's realm. Tomorrow we will take you to the city, but now you must rest. It is easy to see that you are weary from a long day. Come, let us go to the trees, for the Orcs hunt in these woods tonight."

The group split up for the night, the hobbits going with Rumil in one tree, and the others going with Orophin and Haldir to the tree from which they had first appeared. They climbed the trees with ladders thrown down for those who couldn't climb the branches. Nicole used the ladder for the first couple of feet but then switched to the branches because it was a lot more fun (Nicole's mind: Whee!!! I'm a monkey!!!). The destination which they eventually reached was a flet, or talan in Elvish, built very high and had no walls.

"Are you people sure I won't roll off?" Nicole asked, looking cautiously over the edge of the flet. It had to be at least three stories high, probably more. And it wouldn't be a very comfortable drop, because there were plenty of nice, big, wooden, hard branches to bang your head on while going down.

"Sleep in the middle," Aragorn suggested.

"Ahh... wise you are, young Jedi Knight," she replied and took one of the blankets offered to her by Orophin. Just for fun, she thanked him in Elvish: it was so funny to see his expression. Nicole lay down in the middle of the flet and quickly fell asleep with Boromir on one side and Gimli on the other.

A couple of hours later, she woke again, because she had slept enough and her back was bothering her. Nicole saw that she couldn't have slept for more than four or five hours because it was still very dark in the surrounding tree tops. She stayed still and tried not to move so that she wouldn't wake the others.

*Is that who--?* Orophin began in a whisper.

*Yes,* replied Haldir softly.

*I do not understand why--*

*The Lady knows,* Haldir replied shortly, cutting him off again. That answer seemed to satisfy Orophin. The Elves returned to the usual Elfin silence. Nicole wondered about this strange abrupt conversation. Who could they have been talking about? Whatever it was about, it had seemed secret, so Nicole waited a while before getting up. It wouldn't be a good thing to have the Elves find out that she had overheard them.

She climbed carefully to her feet, trying not to step on anyone's hand, foot or head. Nicole smiled at the two Elves in greeting and carefully climbed down the tree, about four or five branches below the flet. Nicole assumed that Legolas would be farther down or in the forest, keeping watch, because he hadn't been on the flet. She stayed where she was, leaning her back carefully against the trunk of the tree, letting her legs hang over the branch. The quiet of the forest and the solitude helped her concentrate so that she could sort out her memories.

In the darkness of the night, under the cover of leaves, Nicole relieved the memory that she had kept out of her mind for the whole day, and wept. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks and she bit her lip hard to keep from making a sound. How can it be possible? she thought, feeling alone and childlike without Gandalf's guidance. Gandalf was the strongest one, he was good, and good always wins. He was infallible.

Noises from below snapped Nicole from her thoughts. Many feet trying to travel in stealth and the quiet crunch of boot on ground reached her ears. Legolas came nimbly climbing up the branches. As he passed her, Nicole straightened herself, but there was no doubt that his Elf eyes had not missed the tears on her face. He paused for a moment in silence. Then he whispered, "Orcs" and was gone, darting up the tree to inform Haldir and Orophin.

Nicole brushed a hand across her eyes, embarrassed by what he had seen. The girl had hidden in the branches to grieve unseen, but that plan had failed. Nicole pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around herself. This time it wasn't for warmth, it was for comfort.

She stayed like that, hidden in the shadows, for a long time, until she heard the faint stirring of people above her. The scenery was beginning to lighten and the travelers began to wake up. She waited until Haldir climbed down and then followed him, although with none of his grace or speed. When she reached the lowest branch she carefully dropped to the ground, wincing as her ankle threatened to twist under her weight again. Luckily, it didn't budge and the pain from that injury was already receding. Nicole headed back towards the stream they had passed the previous night. By the time she was half-way there, the hobbits were waking.

The first light of the day shone on the moving water, giving it the appearance of flowing silver. Nicole found a part of the water that was semi-secluded and was still enough to show a reflection. It was blurry but Nicole could make out her face vaguely. A line of red about an inch and a half long ran across her jawbone. Another battle scar, and I can't even remember how I got this one, she prodded it gently with her finger. The pain came with an image: a hideous Orc attacking her and punching her in the face. Ouch... oh yeah, now I remember. She started to try to clean the wound with her fingers, but decided on a better course of action. Nicole dipped her hands into the cold water and splashed her face with the water. I can't believe how great water is... so nice and clean! The fresh water felt so good on her skin that she couldn't resist dunking her whole head in, knowing she would likely regret it later.

Feeling much more ready to face the day, Nicole walked back to their camp, her fingers quickly braiding her hair into a French-braid. The length of her hair surprised her. She tugged a thread out of her fraying sweater-sleeve and tied off her braid with it. Someone remind me to get new clothes... the grunge look is not for me. Her clothes were getting worse by the day, her jeans nearly falling to pieces, and she herself looked really bad and travel-worn.

The travelers and Elves were ready to go and Haldir was saying, "It is a law of our land that cannot see the way to the Golden Wood. I must blindfold you," he told Gimli, implying mistrust.

"I am as likely to betray you as to betray one of my fellow travelers," Gimli protested angrily. It looked as though this argument had been going on for a while. "I will not walk blind," Gimli added, emphasizing every word.

Haldir was already beginning to reply and Aragorn sighed, clearly not wanting this to go on for much longer and was impatient to move on.

"Let us all be blindfolded," he said, holding up a hand to quiet them. The Lorien Elves agreed quickly and Gimli did too, glad to see that now everyone would be treated equally. The only one not remotely accepting of this solution was Legolas, who was glaring angrily at Aragorn.

"I'm clumsy," Nicole said to no one in particular.

"The path is straight and smooth, if you do not stray from it," replied Haldir, tying blindfolds over Nicole and Boromir. Orophin had done Gimli's and Aragorn's, Legolas reluctantly did his own, and Rumil helped the hobbits.

Despite Haldir's words, Nicole wasn't feeling too sure and didn't like the idea of walking blind. "Borry?" she asked quietly. Aragorn chuckled at the ridiculous nickname but Boromir's voice answered, close on her left.

"I'm here."

"Good," she replied and put her hand out into the air for a moment before she could find Boromir's. He led her as they walked, like a big brother who knew everything, leading his little sister safely through obstacles. Nicole loved that feeling, although she would be happier if she could at least properly defend herself sometimes instead of just getting hurt.

With her eyesight gone, her other senses made up for the loss. Nicole had never known that a forest could be so full of sounds and that people made so much noise when they walked. Squirrels and birds chattered in the trees somewhere above their heads, the hobbits were shuffling along uncertainly, the Elves made no noise at all. The shade from the sun felt cool on her face and when a small breeze came along, it would chill her hair and Nicole realized that you really can get sick from going outside with wet hair (she hadn't ever believed it before). Unfortunately, without any sights to distract her, she was more aware of the nausea and had to make an effort to keep it at bay.

They spent the entire day walking blindly. I don't think these people ever tire of walking. It must be something like TV or the Internet to them. Around three or four hours after they had left, Nicole was extremely bored (as usual), and felt sure enough of her footsteps to explore a little. She let go of Boromir's hand and started walking to the right, one hand stretched out before her. Her fingertips slid across the smooth tree bark and she tried to trace the intricate pattern on the trunk. When the wind moved the trees, she could feel the tree shift under her hand, swaying. It made it seem as though the trees were just as alive as she was. She walked forward, following the sounds of the Company's footsteps. Nicole walked beside them, only off the path to the side, closer to the cover of the trees.

*Watch out!* she heard Orophin yell in warning.

Nicole's foot hit a tree root that stuck up from the ground and she was sent flying forwards. Stupid Elves don't believe me when I say I'm clumsy! Ha, now you have proof! she grumbled. Nicole hit something hard, but it luckily wasn't the ground. "What a weird tree," she commented, fingers reaching forward to examine the bark of this new tree. She felt fabric under her fingers and realized her mistake. "Oops," Nicole said, wondering which person she had hit. "Sorry, who did I walk into?"

"Didn't I say that you would not fall if you stayed on the path?" asked Haldir. If she hadn't been blindfolded, she would have seen that Haldir had an amused smile and had raised an eyebrow at the young girl.

*Yeah, uh, s-sorry abut that,* she stammered in Elvish, terrified that she might get into trouble for it. *But how am I supposed to watch out, Orophin, when I am blindfolded?* she asked loudly, not sure of where the other Elf was.

*Perhaps I should have told you earlier,* admitted Orophin from somewhere behind her. Also unknown to Nicole, he was smiling at Haldir over her head, also amused by her. *Let us continue, and do not stray from the path again,* he said to her in a serious voice.

Nicole went back to holding Boromir's hand and didn't try to explore anymore. The girl mistakenly thought that the Elves were angry with her, when in fact the Elves had just found their new source of amusement. This day seemed to be made to embarrass her in front of various Elves. What she didn't know was that this was soon to become a popular trend.

The day wore on and after a very long time, Haldir told them that they could take off the blindfolds. Geez, took them long enough. I'll be surprised if I don't remain permanently blind because of this. But her sight remained and the sights she saw were worth the day of blindness. They were surrounded by towering trees of silver bark and golden leaf. They were the mellyrn, or mallorn, Haldir explained to them. They grew only in Lothlorien. He led them south-west and soon reached the gate of the city. It was opened for them by unseen guards and they entered into the city.

Soft white lights illuminated the Elf city as night fell, showing deserted green paths leading through the trees. High above their heads, the Fellowship heard voices singing and laughing. The Elves of this fair city did not seem troubled by the threats of Mordor and that eased the Fellowship's worries. Rumil and Orophin left them to keep the watch at the northern border, while Haldir led them into the heart of the city.

"Bye!" she yelled to the retreating forms of the two Elves. "Have fun!" Then she remembered that those two didn't speak Common, so she was about to repeat the message in Elvish, but seeing another Elf come out of the trees to see who was making all the noise made her stop. Oh joy, yet another Elf who thinks I'm crazy, she commented as the Elf gave her a disapproving look and disappeared back into the trees.

Haldir walked with them to the base of a huge mallorn. A staircase wound around the trunk of the gigantic tree and was watched by two Elves dressed in the manner of an honor guard. "I leave you here," said Haldir. "I must return to the northern border of our land. There will be trouble there by now with the Orcs from Moria." He bid them farewell, directed another one of those popular disapproving Elf looks at Nicole, and left them to the two Elves.

*You may ascend the stairs,* said the Elf standing on the right side. Aragorn and Legolas led the way as the Fellowship began the long climb obediently. Nicole was about to follow them but the Elves blocked her passage. *The Lord and Lady do not wish to see you yet.*

*Fine,* she sighed and sat down on the springy ground for lack of a proper seat. Why is every Elf against me? This is not fair. What ever happened to equality??? There was silence for a few minutes, but it bored Nicole so she pestered the Elves.

*What're your names?* she asked, hoping that she wouldn't do anything stupid during this conversation.

*I am Andoril,* said the right-side Elf.

*I am Gildien,* replied the other Elf.

*We are the Stair Wardens,* they said in unison.

Nicole regarded them and raised an eyebrow. *That was completely spontaneous and unrehearsed,* she said sarcastically. *I'm Nicole. What's up?*

Gildien replied shortly, *The house of the Lord and Lady.*

*No, I meant-- oh never mind, no one ever gets anything I say,* she said in frustration. Since their faces were emotionless, Nicole couldn't tell but these Elves were also amused by the girl. It wasn't that no one ever understood the girl, rather, she never understood them.

There was a pause and then Andoril asked, *Do you not have an Elven name?*

*No,* she replied, frowning in confusion. *Why should I have an Elven name?*

Andoril was about to reply but Gildien cut him off. *You may ascend the stairs.*

That was odd, Nicole thought as she began the climb. Why should I have an Elven name? And how did they know when I could go up the stairs? These Elves are more than a little creepy. Two things soon distracted her from her thoughts.

The view was incredible and got better as she climbed higher up the tree. Every majestic mallorn had an elaborate flet-tree house kind of thing perched amongst its branches, crafted so that it didn't harm the tree and could maximize the space by adding levels. The tree houses were remarkable, fulfilling every need a city could have. Stairs wound up most of the trees and some were connected by delicate bridges or arched passageways. The architecture was amazing, but it was only one of the two things that occupied Nicole's mind.

The other thing was the nausea. Though she had finally gotten used to ignoring it, and was getting pretty good at it, it had come back and struck with a vengeance. It was impossible to ignore now. Just like the view, it increased as Nicole climbed on. Her vision varied between doubles and extreme glaring sharpness while her headache flickered between pounding her head and splitting it open.

I am just so glad that I get to meet royal Elf people when I'm perfectly healthy and well-dressed. What great luck! she thought sourly. Yeah, what bad luck. I hope I don't do anything stupid in front of them, like on my face, throw up or cough up some more blood. Wouldn't that just make the best impression? She couldn't finish her ranting because in the next second the stairs wound around their last curve.

Whatever people chose to call this place did not do it justice. It was carved of a grey wood and fitted perfectly with the mallorn, making Nicole wonder if maybe some Ancient Elf magic had grown the house out of the tree. There were lanterns hanging from the graceful, laced arches and gave the hall a soft white light. At the far end of the hall there were elegant stairs leading to two elaborate chairs carved with leaves and vines and served as thrones. Kneeling at the bottom of the stairs were eight travel-worn figures, the Fellowship, contrasting sharply with the pristine room. A few steps above them were the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood.

If you looked upon that majestic pair, all other things would fall from your mind. Lord Celeborn was tell and held himself proudly. His face was wise but could be kindly, and, though it was rare in these dark days, it would be made extremely likeable if he laughed. Though his hair was silver-white, it did not seem to be an effect of age, instead only magnifying the image of high power. Lady Galadriel stood beside him as an equal. In her presence one would feel blessed to look upon her fair looks and yet cower at the sight of the mighty queen. Golden hair fell in long waves around her shoulders and her piercing blue eyes perceived every thought. Beauty and grace were beheld in her face, as she was not enacting the part of the kind and gracious hostess. Together they created a powerful image of immortality, wisdom, and strength.

Staring at them, mouth gaping and eyes wide, Nicole missed the last stair and she fell forward, falling to her knees. She bit her lip hard, fighting the ever present, ever powerful nausea, and clumsily pulled herself to her feet. I thought I just told myself not to do anything stupid, she scolded herself, fighting back the urge to laugh at how pitiful she must look. Graceful entrance, Nicole. Her already loose braid had fallen apart when she fell and despite its unruliness it hid her blushing cheeks. Nicole kept her face down... there is no way I'm going to survive this city.

A stunned silence filled the room and each pair of eyes turned to stare at Nicole. How do I get myself out of this mess? The only solutions the Nicole's brain could come up with would only embarrass her more. The quiet was well on its way to becoming suffocating when a cough, sounding suspiciously like a stifled laugh, broke the silence. Nicole glanced up and saw Merry trying desperately to fight off the giggles while Pippin elbowed him to shut him up.

Nicole couldn't help herself. It was the perfect comment and she couldn't stop it rolling off her tongue. "Now, now, Meriadoc! It is not polite to laugh," she scolded with mock seriousness, though a grin broke out on her face. Merry smiled back, glad to be free of the tense situation for a moment, before everyone's attention was turned back to their hosts as Lady Galadriel spoke.

"Tonight, you shall sleep in peace, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Go now and rest," said the Lady and dismissed the Fellowship. They brushed past Nicole and went back down the stairs, Gimli muttering 'good luck' to her under his breath. Nicole was left alone with the two Elves and she had no idea what to do.

*Uhm, it's very--kind, of you to.. er, allow us to enter your country. I mean, land,* she said haltingly, finding it extremely hard to focus enough to make a sentence. Nicole kept her head down and stared at her feet. Ugh, my sneakers actually were white at some point in time, she noted in disgust. The laces were barely holding together and the material was a horrible shade of greyish-brown.

*Even in these times of darkness, it is a great pleasure to have royalty from distant lands visiting our woods, Princess Nicole Featherhall of Gaia,* said lord Celeborn, looking slightly amused. Even Galadriel had a small smile on her face.

Nicole hesitated for a moment before realizing that they had called her by the name and title she had invented for herself when she had first come to Middle Earth. She wasn't sure what was amusing them so much and puzzled over it. Hang on, do they...? A horrible thought had occurred to her. But how... what... is that even possible? She firmly told her brain to stop stuttering and that Galadriel was 'all-knowing' and so had figured something out.

Despite the explanation Nicole had given herself, she automatically blurted out, *How did you know?* Well, Nicole, if there was any chance at all of denying anything, I think it's safe to say that you just ruined it, she thought. Although really, what are the chances of being able to keep a secret from an Elf?

*How did we know what?* asked Galadriel innocently. But a gleam in her eye made the question seem to change into, "Is that a confession?"

*Er, well,* Nicole cleared her throat nervously. *I'm not exactly from around here, am I?*

*It would appear not,* answered Lord Celeborn, taking in Nicole's appearance and strange clothes.

*Oh... uhm,* she couldn't think of anything to say. How could you explain yourself to these Elves? Nicole knew that if they got something into their heads, they were stubborn like donkeys (no offense to Elves!) and whatever their decision, Nicole was probably doomed. My my my, aren't I the optimist? she mused. *So I guess I'll be going then,* she said sadly. She would really rather not leave Lorien, since it was a really gorgeous place. And I'll probably be leaving behind some spas that could fix my grunge look. Plus she would have to leave the Fellowship (how would Pippin deal with that? she wondered) and try to survive life in Middle Earth by herself. Well Nicole, since we're the same person, can I just say, WE'RE SCREWED! I won't last long out there... good luck to me, she grumbled gloomily.

*We are not accustomed to such incidents,* said Lord Celeborn. *However, we might allow you to stay, if you wish, if we better understood your history.* He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

*Really? Thanks,* replied Nicole gratefully, her head filling with images of spas and pillows and not having to fend for herself. *Although I should warn you now that this is going to sound completely ridiculous. It might be better to just say I'm crazy and be done with it.*

*We can make that judgment for ourselves,* Lady Galadriel assured her, a bit of ice creeping into her voice. The two Elves were switching their talking between them and changing tones and it only served to increase Nicole's headache and make her confused.

*Of course, sorry,* she hastily apologized. Nicole was finding it truly challenging to ignore the headache now and rubbed her temples absently with one hand. She began her tale with as much sense as her tired mind could muster. *My name is Nicole, but I'm not royalty or of high ranking. I'm not from a country west of here. I'm not even from this world. The world where-*

*Could you explain that?* Celeborn questioned.

*Sure,* replied Nicole. Great, now I'm getting interrogated. I hope they don't go all good-cop, bad-cop on me. *The place where I was born is called Earth, and until a short time ago--* how long have I been here? she wondered. *I lived there. But apparently I didn't belong, and I agree to that, so Germaine pulled me out and tested me--*

*Germaine?* Celeborn interrupted again.

*Yes, she works at the Magetrix. As I was saying,--*

*The Magetrix?* he asked.

Nicole bit her lip hard to prevent her from snapping at him. Stop bothering royal Elves, Nicole! It'll only get you into trouble! *It's the system that...oh, never mind, I don't even understand how it works. Let's just say that I didn't belong on Earth, and after some kind of test, the result was that this is the world where I belong. Or at least that's what they told me. They think that I'm supposed to be climbing up mountains and fighting off Orcs and dealing with it all, and I'm only... only... I can't remember, but I know I'm less than 18 years old, I think, and isn't that too young for all this marauding around? And how is this supposed to be my place when I'm allergic to it? I'm not sneezing, it's really just my head,* she paused, swaying on her feet, her balance starting to go as an effect of the headache and nausea. Since when are there stars on the insides of buildings? she wondered idly, blinking to clear her vision.

Galadriel and Celeborn glanced at each other, obviously at a loss about what to do with the somewhat psychotic girl. Celeborn poured here a glass of water from a nearby table and handed it to the young one.

As Nicole drank the water, Galadriel held a strange silent conference with Celeborn with no words being spoken. At length, Celeborn spoke. *We may offer you a choice, but to choose you must hear the whole story.*

*Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it,* Galadriel began solemnly.

Ah, the infamous Ring soliloquy, Nicole realized. I think that they think that I don't know anything about Frodo's quest. But if I tell them that I have it all memorized then they'll just kick me out faster. So she sat and half-listened, trying to take her mind off the pain. Fine, alright, I'll admit it, I'm not actually listening. If you heard it fifteen times, would you listen? It's more like I'm just staring and looking attentive when in fact I'm just falling right asleep. She fought the urge to yawn and looked up at the two Elves, wondering how old they really were. They have to be nearly five thousand years old, give or take a century. Is that old for an Elf? I don't get how they age. Are they like those really old people who just stop counting after a while?

*It was then that Isildur took up his father's sword,* continued Galadriel, and Nicole nodded to show that she was still listening.

Anyway, the point is Elves are old. Or maybe wise is a better word. Maybe graceful. Whatever. Anytime I'm around an Elf I feel like a clumsy little kid. So maybe I shouldn't stay in Lorien after all, even though it's pretty. But if I hung around the Elves maybe their smartness and un-clumsiness would rub off on me. Nicole sighed inwardly. If she ever got over whatever disease or allergy had its claws in her at the moment, then she was definitely going to have to decide what to do with her life.

*...a hobbit, by the name of Bilbo Baggins,* said Galadriel.

Ooh, time to tune in, she's almost finished, Nicole thought, returning to the present moment.

*And he left the Ring to Frodo who, by his own decision, was made the Ringbearer at the Council of Elrond,* Galadriel explained to her. *At the council eight companions were chosen to aid Frodo in his quest.*

*He must go to Mordor, to Mount Doom, and destroy the Ring of Power,* concluded Celeborn. His voice relayed the hope and trust placed in the seemingly desperate mission.

Having already read and seen this story back on Earth, this was not live-breaking news to Nicole. But she hadn't expected to hear the words and feel how heavily life depended on this and how urgent the deed was. The monumental task felt too big and too real.

*It's all so- so important,* she said quietly. *It's too big... too much for one person,* she finished feebly, feeling incredibly sorry for Frodo. *It's too much for this world. And now I'm here too.*

*We can only offer you shelter for as long as our people remain here,* Celeborn said kindly.

*It is not clear to us how you came to be here, but even if we knew, it is not in the power of Elves to send you to your home,* Galadriel added.

*Home sweet home,* sighed Nicole sadly. *It used to be there but I guess now it's here.*

Celeborn exchanged another silent conversation with Galadriel. Something was decided and it fell to the Lady to speak of it.

*Even should you return there, you would not be easily accepted back, * she said cautiously.

They were strange words and Nicole didn't like the sound of them. *What do you mean?*

Silently, Galadriel reached over to a small side table and handed a mirror to Nicole. It was small, light, and silver, with a delicate vine pattern engraved on the back. Nicole looked into the glass, half expecting her face to be green and erupting in boils, or something equally disgusting. What she saw was the exact opposite and she found it hard to recognize herself.

Stop being ridiculous. It's just that you haven't seen your reflection properly for a while and it's surprising. The firm mental voice silenced itself as Nicole looked more closely, poking her face with one finger. I've changed. Look, my cheekbones are higher. And I look so graceful and... noble. Actually, her appearance reminded her a lot of Galadriel, or Haldir, or even Legolas. Ha, wouldn't that be funny? Me, an Elf. That would be crazy. I'd drive all the other Elves mad. Hey, my hair is darker too. And... she paused, and her eyes widened in shock. Poking her eyelid proved that she wasn't dreaming. Are my eyes blue? How the hell did that happen? It's impossible!

Nicole's hands dropped to her sides and she held the mirror limply in her lap. She gaped at the Elves standing before her. Maybe they drugged me. Or put something in the water... just hallucinating... her mind was having a bit of trouble accepting this, since it was impossible. Vision swam, head pounded, and all the contents of her abdomen were trying to her out through her throat.

"What is going on? What is this?" Nicole rasped, unconsciously reverting to English, though that language was sluggish to her now. The Elves gave her blank stares and Nicole impatiently repeated herself in their language.

*We cannot be sure,* replied Lord Celeborn. *But it seems likely that when you switched worlds, you also switched race.*

Nicole's stomach dropped like a stone. *What?!* she demanded, horrified. But only my eye color changed... and maybe a few little details...

Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn came closer to her. The Lady took the mirror from Nicole's limp hands and held it up to Nicole's face at a slight angle. *May I?* asked Lord Celeborn, reaching forward, and Nicole nodded. He brushed the hair off her face with graceful fingers, tucking the strands behind her ear.

Oh my god, my EAR. Nicole couldn't understand what she was seeing. The image barely registered to her. It's pointed. Like... like...

*My dear,* Galadriel comforted her. *You are an Elf.*

*No... no!* she stammered. *It's not... no. How? But... I can't, I can't! It's too much. This is just too much...* Nicole's system completely refused this new information. She collapsed and escaped the strange sights in Lothlorien, Land of Elves.

A/N: Tada! See, it's all been explained. Now go review while I write the next chapter! ~m~