A/N: I am SO sorry, but this chapter took forever because half way through writing, I got completely lost and I had to take a few days to write out what I was going to do for the next few chapters. As it turns out, organizing stuff is actually beneficial. Thanks to all my reviewers, keep at it! Review! ~MoI~

Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any of the stories that were written by J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm not THAT good at writing, lol. Although I'm very happy to announce that I have FINALLY bought the extended FotR! Whoohoo!

Home Sweet Home

Chapter Fifteen ~ Lunch in Lothlorien

Nicole stood in front of the doorway with Ella at her side. The girl glanced apprehensively at the Elf standing beside her.

*You know, I'm actually not that hungry anymore--* Nicole began.

*Don't even try it,* Ella whispered.

Nicole had been getting more and more nervous as they had come closer to the private dining chamber, and now that Nicole was standing here, she wasn't so sure that she felt ready enough to go talk to more Elves, even if they were pretty nice and royal. It's all fine and dandy when you don't have a choice and don't have any time to consider it, but the day after you find out you're an Elf and faint... This is going to be so embarrassing. She started to fidget with her nails, but Ella grabbed her arms and glared at her.

*What? Aren't I allowed to freak out?* Nicole whispered fiercely.

*No, you can't 'freak out',* Ella shushed her, with an amused glint in her eyes.

It's the words... I have to start using normal words. No wonder nobody can understand me here. While a part of her brain was idly commenting on what was going on, another part, the really nervous part of Nicole, was formulating a new plan. Escape... very interesting... Nicole tried to look nonchalant enough so that Ella would loosen her hold. It worked and after waiting a few seconds, Nicole turned around, ready to sprint off down the corridor. If she had remembered that Ella was an Elf, she might have also remembered about those super-fast Elf reflexes. Ella grabbed her arms again and dragged her back to the doorway before Nicole could take two steps. Ella kept one hand firmly clamped on Nicole's wrist.

*I said don't try,* Ella reproached her.

Her shoulders slumped and Nicole glared at Ella. *So much for having someone on my side.*

Ella grinned at Nicole, the girl's antics never ceased to amuse her. She let go of Nicole's wrist as the doors opened and they entered the dining room.

Nicole's insides twisted around uncomfortably. The room itself was, of course, incredibly beautiful, like anything else in the Elven land. But the people inside the room were what bothered her more. She had expected just a formal lunch with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. What she was seeing was most certainly a formal lunch... except there were three other people there. Two males Elves sat beside Celeborn at the round, wooden table. Nicole recognized that one of them had to be from the same section or specialty of the Elven Army as Haldir and his brothers, since he was dressed in the same manner. An Elf woman sat beside Galadriel, and she looked up curiously when Nicole entered. The Elf who had opened the door quickly bowed and exited the room by way of a door on the other side of the room. She swallowed. Even if Ella is on my side, we're still outnumbered. Ok Nicole, you can do this, just breathe. Breathe.

She was saved the trouble of having to say, "Hi, I'm Nicole, and I'm an Elf," because Galadriel swept a graceful hand towards an empty place at the set table and invited her to sit down. Nicole gratefully sank into the seat and tried to look invisible, which worked for -0 seconds. The Elves immediately turned their attention to her and she shifted nervously. Ella remained standing by Nicole's chair, and Nicole looked up at her.

*Help?* she hissed as quietly as she could, uncomfortable with all the staring. Ella simply smiled, then nodded at the seated Elves and left the room through the same door as the Elf who had opened the door for them. Nicole was not a happy camper. Her one ally had just left her, and now she was stuck with a whole bunch of important Elves and her fate to be decided. Oh joy.

*I took the liberty of having you placed in one of our guest rooms, I trust that does not bother you,* Lady Galadriel said and Nicole hastily nodded to agree. How am I supposed to act around these people? She wondered. I'm not graceful enough. She restrained herself from making a face at the thought of trying to use all those big words.

*Do you remember what you were told last night?* Lord Celeborn asked, leaning forward.

*Yes...* Nicole replied, uncertain why she was here about a meeting that, now that she thought of it, could very likely be more about Frodo, because from their serious tone, it would seem that they were talking about it before she entered.

*Do you understand what it means?* he questioned further.

*Yes,* Nicole repeated, now fairly certain that they were talking about Frodo's quest.

*Then I am sure that you can see the urgency of this matter. It does not often happen,* he continued.

Nicole nodded this time, for a change from saying 'yes' all the time. It just seemed a bit strange to her that they would make her come to their lunch-meeting thing. Why is that Elf staring at me? Nicole thought, noticing that for the whole time, the Elf sitting beside Galadriel hadn't taken her eyes off of her. It can't be the ears... or the clothes... sadly, they ALL dress like this.

*It would appear that we have little to do in this matter,* said the Elf dressed like Haldir, his companion nodding agreement. *We must return, I am afraid. Trouble stirs once more. Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel.* The two Elves began to rise from their chairs and take their leave of them.

*Please, stay at least for the meal,* Galadriel asked.

*Nay, milady, we have already spent what time we could,* he declined politely.

Nicole watched the exchange with interest. If this was supposed to be about Frodo... why would the military-ish guys leave? Isn't this their field of expertise? Her confusion must have caught Celeborn's attention, because he quickly spoke up, mistaking what her thoughts were.

*This is Lathanir, one of the captains of the Galadhrim,* Celeborn introduced, indicating the Elf dressed like Haldir. The other one he introduced, *And this is my closest advisor, Tarcalen. This is Lady Nicole,* he concluded, introducing her to the two Elves.

*Nice to meet you,* she said, which was the most polite thing she could think of to say.

Galadriel turned Nicole's attention back to the Lady. *This is Ulanieta, the head of my staff. The Elf who brought you here, Eletarien, is one of my assistants.*

*Good morning,* she said... I'm running out of nice phrases to use... all I have left is Good Night and Please... I need language lessons!!!

*I'm sorry, Celeborn, but I really must return,* Lathanir apologized again, and after receiving a nod of agreement from Celeborn, left the room with Tarcalen in tow. Their departure did nothing to help Nicole out of her confusion.

*I suppose that if they aren't going to stay for lunch, we might as well begin,* Celeborn said and, as if they had somehow heard him, two Elves came from the back door, bringing trolleys of food with them. They began to set the table with all the dishes they carried. Most of the food was familiar to Nicole, but some was strange, or simply prepared in a different way than she was used to.

She regarded the choices in front of her with a skeptical glance. They wouldn't poison me, right? That's ridiculous. So it should be safe to eat. Nonetheless, she was hesitant about beginning her meal. The foreign foods were somewhat daunting. I would have been happy with a bucket of KFC chicken, really. Do I have to eat that pink crispy thing? One of the two Elves had placed another plate on top of the one sitting in front of her, just like everybody else at the table. It had a "pink crispy thing" on it. It might have been salmon, because the color was similar. But Nicole had never seen a salmon coated with a crispy shell, and she bit into it more slowly than the others.

"Oh my god, this is delicious!" she said quietly in Common, forgetting her setting for a moment. Her eating companions looked at her, interrupting the quiet conversation they were having. It had a conspiratorial feeling to it, but Nicole ignored it at the time.

*Oops... sorry, I forgot,* she said, her apology for not speaking Elvish. *It's very good.*

*I am pleased that you enjoy our food,* Ulanieta said to her with a smile. Again, the smile held traces of a conspiracy, but Nicole ignored it again and dug in to her food, finally filling her stomach. The Elves spoke quietly amongst themselves, so quietly that even Nicole's new Elf hearing couldn't pick it up except for a murmur and a word here of there. Besides, it wasn't as thought she was paying attention to them. For now she was happy just to eat.

Near the end of the meal, Nicole's hunger already satisfied, the Elves broke off their conversation and Galadriel spoke to her.

*Now we must discuss what shall come to happen,* the Elf Lady said.

Nicole shifted nervously in her chair. It was more than a bit confusing why she was here at a meeting that should have been about Frodo, but the key people in the discussion had left and for some reason she was here instead.

*Certainly you comprehend that taking no action will not promote progress,* Celeborn added. After taking a second to understand what exactly he had said, Nicole nodded.

*Because of this unique situation,* Galadriel continued, *you do not know of the ways of the Elves, and must be taught. In addition, it is our belief that you would have something to do rather than simply learn. Our society is not lax, but working for your part will not be too hard, and you will find it pleasant here. It is after all, your home.*

"Whoa, hold up!" Nicole exclaimed, the abrupt change of topic catching her off guard and making her switch unconsciously to Common again. She realized her mistake and continued in Elvish. *You mean that this meeting is about me?* she questioned with shock. I didn't expect to do nothing, obviously, but somebody could have told me about this and I might have gotten a chance to think about what I want to do while I'm here.

*Of course, did you think otherwise?* Lord Celeborn asked smiling.

*Well... maybe...* she admitted.

*Then let us straighten this out,* he added. *You will stay here, Lady Nicole, and Lothlorien will be your home. We do not take strangers into our woods. It has never happened that one we do not know comes to make their home here. However, you are an Elf, and you do not know the ways of the world, so we would have you stay in this land. As I understand it, Galadriel has some plans for you, though she has yet to tell you of them.*

*Indeed, I have not yet spoken of them, but now I will,* Galadriel said in response to her husband's words. *It would please me to have you become one of my assistants, as Eletarien is, and stay in my house. Do not be troubled: it is not a life of serfdom. You will be a lady, also as Eletarien, thought it is my hope that you will not be quite so impulsive as she is. Ulanieta will guide you in your first days, teaching you the proper things for a lady to know. This is an opportunity for you, Nicole.* The Lady finished with a kind smile, as though she was doing Nicole some huge favor.

*I am positive that you will pick it up quickly, my dear. We may begin after the meal is finished,* Ulanieta told her, also thinking she had done Nicole a favor.

Nicole, for her part, was having trouble controlling her jaw muscles. She needed to say something against becoming a proper lady, but she didn't think there was any way to say it without insulting them. How could they know, really? Even though Galadriel is wise and sees lots of stuff, their culture thinks like this. They think I want to be a lady. They couldn't be more wrong. It wasn't as though Nicole hadn't been the kind of girl that dreamt of being a princess and wearing poofy dresses, it's just that now when she saw how it could be, she would rather not take up the offer of having her childhood dreams come true. But Nicole was too stunned to say anything for the next few minutes, and by the time she managed to finally think of something to say ("Can I not have any opportunities?"), the dishes were cleared quickly away and Ulanieta had risen and was pulling gently on Nicole's arm, trying to get her to snap out of it.

Nicole followed the Elf numbly, barely registering what she was saying.

*It would be best for you to start with what we usually do now, since that will get you straight into the schedule. It's so much easier that way, you'll see, Migole,* Ulanieta chattered, mispronouncing Nicole's name.

*It's Nicole,* she corrected.

*Of course it is, my dear. We should see to that too. An Elven name would do you good, Lothlorien is a city of Elves, after all.* Ulanieta went on talking about different things, leading Nicole through passage after bridge after flet. Eventually they reached a room where around ten female Elves were working on some elaborate machine that wove a fine fabric. By that time, Nicole had barely gotten in a word edgewise and had discovered that Ulanieta was very direct, and got things done fast. She made introductions, but Nicole quickly forgot everyone's names, and then set the girl down at an unoccupied device, showing her which handles to twist and how to thread it so that the weave would strengthen the thin cloth. The way it worked was surprisingly easy to remember when compared to the names of the Elves.

Nicole spent the next two days following Ulanieta around, doing as she was told. It wasn't a lifestyle that suited her. And the Elves weren't making it easy for her either. It was bad enough that she had broken one of the glowing lights when trying to clean it, the delicate glass shattering as she slipped and hit the light fixture. But to add to that, the Elves didn't seem to accept her, for all her Elf qualities. This foreign Elf used strange words, phrases that none of Galadriel's ladies could comprehend, and had an odd accent. The only Elf that didn't seem to mind any of this was Ella, but Nicole didn't see her often because Ella was usually off working in the kitchens, or some other work, as punishment for acting too impulsively or accidentally breaking something, or some other incursion that had yet again annoyed Ulanieta. Nicole hadn't yet joined Ella because she was new and it wasn't expected that her first days be perfect, although with time there was no doubt that she would end up just like Ella.

Galadriel had been correct. The work wasn't hard, Nicole did learn the ways that a proper lady should behave, not that she actually put any of them into practice. Nicole remained in the same room she had woken up in earlier, although she noted with distaste that the clothing in her wardrobe was all dresses. She hadn't seen the Fellowship since the first night. The company of Gimli and Boromir, and the easy laughter of the hobbits was sorely missed. After so many days of walking, this stationary life was strange to Nicole, even though she had to admit that the pillows were a big bonus. If she were able to exercise more or practice fighting, then perhaps she wouldn't have been so annoyed. The truth was, this was not a life she wanted and from what she had seen, this was what Galadriel and Ulanieta had planned for the rest of her life. The time had come to set things straight, to get some real knowledge that would be useful to Nicole, not how to properly cross-stitch the material to give it a two-colored appearance.

Her chance came when on the morning of the third day, Ella came to see her again to tell her that she was to have breakfast with Galadriel and Celeborn.

Ok, I hadn't expected it to be quite this soon... Nicole thought, nervousness starting to creep into her stomach in the form of a sickly emptiness. I think I'd do better if I had time to make a speech. Ahem, we are gathered here today..... no. I wish to speak with you on the matter of my employment.... no. This is useless. As usual, I get to wing it because I am always so prepared for everything. Nicole finally solidified her so-called plan and consented to the dark green dress that Ella held out to her. But the second that Ella moved to do Nicole's hair, she brushed her hands away, just running a brush through it, letting the hair cover her ears. If I have to ask them today, then I might as well do it on my own terms. Which are blatantly refusing to believe that I am an Elf. Naturally.

They exited the room and Nicole was happy to see that she was able to walk beside Ella, not following her two steps behind. She had become more familiar with the tree-top passages in the past days, but hadn't been down to the floor of the forest once. Another little annoyance to add to the list. They reached the familiar doors and halted. But this time, instead of waiting for them to open, after hesitating for a moment, Nicole opened them by herself, ignoring the look of utter shock on Ella's face. Nicole walked into the room, politely greeting the rulers of the Elven land but walking straight with her head held high. If I make a strong impression, maybe they'll ignore the fact that my argument is completely weak. Seated around the table again were Celeborn's two advisors, but Ulanieta was busy checking on the other guests. Namely the Fellowship.

*Good morning, Lady Nicole,* Celeborn said graciously. He was the only one that Nicole allowed to call her 'Lady' because she was scared of him and didn't really want to make him angry by saying she wasn't a Lady. Oops... so much for that plan, I'm about to tell them that I don't want to be a Lady anymore.

*How do you find your new home?* Galadriel queried.

*Actually, that's what I came to discuss,* began Nicole, with some apprehension.

*What do you mean?*

*Well, it's not as though I do not appreciate your efforts. It's very kind of you to offer me a place in your home. But I feel that it is not a good place for me.* She paused for a second, collecting her thoughts. Ok, Nicole, this is it. Use big words, sound eloquent... sound smart! Just focus on what you're saying. Focus. For some reason, this made her thinking of sitting in the lotus position while saying 'ommm', and nearly made her go into fits of giggles, but after struggling for a second she regained her composure. *In the society of the Elves, and of the other cultures in these different lands, women are expected to stay at home. Women are to be ladies, never stepping out of line, never knowing a thing beyond politeness, stitching and managing a household. It is an honorable occupation, but it is not one that I am familiar with. In my land, women are free to do as they wish.* She cringed. Nicole wasn't sure how many people in the room knew about her origins, but it was too late now, so she forged ahead. *I am more comfortable in a life where there is more activity. I would like to learn weaponry, archery, combat skills, because I believe they will be of more use to me in the future. And, of course, some basic skills of healing, as that is often needed after combat. House work will not serve me, it will be of no use in the future. I wish to be trained.*

Silence fell. None of the Elves stirred. Somebody opened the back door to start bringing in the breakfast, but quickly backed out upon seeing the situation. Nicole was getting nervous, but refused to fidget. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Maybe I should've just ran off or something. I think my spontaneous idiotic plans are better than the ones that seem mature. Maybe they've all suddenly turned into mutes, or mimes. This comment made Nicole picture them all wearing berets, placing their hands on the empty air in front of them and discovering an invisible box. The sight of the gracious and mighty Elves dressed as mimes nearly made her start laughing again, although this time she didn't have to struggle not to giggle, because they finally spoke up. It was not who she had expected.

*Can you fight?* asked Lathanir, with no sarcasm, just pure curiosity.

*Not much, but I can try,* Nicole admitted.

Celeborn interrupted this exchange angrily. *It matters not whether she can fight, she will NOT be TRAINED.* The emphasis on the words was startling and Nicole jumped a little at the harshness.

She didn't let it put her off though, and she replied quickly, *I believe that as it concerns my life, I may make the choice for myself.* The girl really had to force her voice to keep calm. Celeborn's outburst had kick-started all of Nicole's annoyance over the past few days and it was a struggle to control her anger.

*You are merely a child, an infant in our eyes. You cannot fight. It is madness!* the Elf lord replied.

*By my standards I am nearly a woman. I can fight, it is simply a question of training!*

*I would not have you be hurt by fighting so early in your life!* Celeborn's comment was still harsh, but it finally showed Nicole that he was doing it out of concern. It was puzzling to Nicole that he would be concerned over her safety.

*Then it would aid me to know defense and avoid any harm!* A pause came after Nicole's latest statement. It was true, and the Elf now found it difficult to present another contradicting point.

*And when would harm come to you,* Galadriel's soft voice said, *while you are here in Lothlorien? I assure you that the borders are well protected. There is more than just the weapons of Elves guarding these woods. You will stay here, you will be safe.*

*I'm not staying here,* Nicole blurted out abruptly. The idea of staying in Lothlorien was absurd, even though it would be really nice and comfortable.

Galadriel raised an eyebrow at this response. *You are not?*

*I'm going with the Fellowship.* she stated matter-of-factly. It had been obvious to her all along.

*But my child, it does not concern you,* the Lady explained gently.

*Only a few days ago you told me that Middle Earth is my new home. Their quest is going to determine the fate of Middle Earth. I would not have my new home be destroyed so easily. These are the people that I have been with since my arrival, I do not intend to leave them now. I was sent to this place, in this time. What other purpose would I have? What other choice would I make? I go with the Fellowship.*

The unusual eloquence of Nicole's speech made the Elves seriously reconsider. It seemed now to them that Nicole was indeed, as she claimed, nearly a woman. It also seemed to them that she was very stubborn, and would not be easy to dissuade.

*I must take counsel for a moment,* Celeborn said, motioning to Lathanir and Tarcalen and exiting the room by yet another doorway, hidden to the left of the main entrance. They left silently, leaving Nicole to wait.

Nicole still stood facing the table, with Eletarien cowering a step or two behind her. Even though the young Elf may be impulsive, she would never dream of raising her voice against an elder Elf, Ulanieta would have her head for it. Galadriel sat at the head of the table, quietly regarding them. So Celeborn is definitely against me. Galadriel, I'm not so sure about. She doesn't seem very surprised though. It must be her psychic thing, probably warned her that I'd come in here, utterly humiliate myself, and then continue learning from Ulanieta. Damn foresight.

*It would not be too lady-like for you to sit, would it?* Galadriel asked, a glimmer of something that may have been amusement in her eyes.

*No,* Nicole muttered and blushed. Instead of walking around to the place where she had sat a few days ago, Nicole took the chair nearest to where she had been standing and perched uneasily on it's edge. Ella followed her and timidly placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, trying to comfort her. She was positive that Nicole would not get out of this un-scathed, if she knew anything about the punishments in this house.

~*MEANWHILE*~

In the small chamber connected to the dining hall, Celeborn paced uneasily while Tarcalen and Lathanir watched him.

*Is she mad? Has she lost her senses? She is only a child. She cannot fight. She will get harmed!* he ranted as he crossed the room again and again.

*Milord, if I may speak?* Tarcalen ventured, continuing after Celeborn nodded tersely. *She does not know much of the life of a warrior. I do not think she would be able to bear it.*

*The girl is very determined, I can see it. She would do well in her training,* Lathanir objected.

*That's not my point,* Tarcalen replied. *If you would show her a bit more rigorous training, perhaps she would be dissuaded.*

Celeborn stopped walking and turned slowly to Tarcalen, trying to understand what his advisor was suggesting. *Do you mean to push her hard? Too hard? So hard that... that she won't want it any more... she'll want to stay as a lady.* Realization dawned, and the brilliance of the plan was made known to the Elf lord.

*I do not believe it would fool her if we gave in to her request so readily,* Lathanir added. *She will know that something is wrong immediately. It is too suspicious.*

*Have you any other plans?*

*We could simply allow her to train,* Lathanir said. The silence of his companions made it clear that no one thought that the girl could be trained except for himself. *Or not. But we must make it seem a challenge for her. We must test her first.*

*What do you mean?* Celeborn inquired.

*Only two of us return to the dining hall. The other leaves, and enters again silently by the entrance that she used. Using stealth, he will attack, and we will judge how she fights. We will say that we base our decision upon her performance. In this manner, it shall not be so obvious.*

*You are right, Lathanir. Perhaps there is still a way to prevent her training,* Celeborn concurred. More quietly, he added, *I do not want to see her harmed. The girl reminds me of my granddaughter at times. Though I do not know her well.*

His advisors understood, however both feared that if by some chance the girl left with the Fellowship, there was no way for her to avoid harm. Not with the darkness that was creeping over the world.

~*BACK IN THE DINING HALL*~

The door opened silently and the soft sounds of rustling fabric told Nicole that they had returned. She sprang back to her feet and faced the front again as Celeborn and Tarcalen took their seats. The absence of Lathanir immediately worried her. Great, my one ally, now gone with the wind. Is there any hope left that I will win this argument? Nicole's heart sank. It appeared that she would have to endure Ulanieta after all.

*I must admit that I am not happy to find out that a young one, such as yourself, would want to learn to be a warrior,* Celeborn said. *To lose a life is grievous. To lose an immortal life is even worse. But to lose an immortal life when it is only just beginning? I must ask you to remember, Lady Nicole, that you are only a child, and that you are an Elf. Surely there are better ways to spend your time than with fighting? Is there nothing else you would choose to do?*

*My mind is made, Lord Celeborn,* Nicole replied solemnly. New rule Nicole: be perseverant, it looks like it's working!

*There is no way to dissuade you?* he asked once more. Nicole shook her head. *If that is what you wish...*

Nicole was about to start jumping up and down, because it seemed that Celeborn was about to say 'go and train'. But before she could do any thing that was so ridiculous, she felt an arm grab her around the waist, and another at her neck, trying to strangle her. Her breath caught in her throat and her body refused to react for a second as it was still in a state of shock. Recovering as quickly as possible, Nicole bent her arm and shoved her elbow as hard as she could into her attacker's gut. Bringing her arm back up, she brought it forcefully backwards, her balled fist connecting with the person's face. Stomping on their foot finally loosened the hold on her, and she managed to reach a dagger she saw hanging from a sheath at the attacker's hip. Whirling around to face whoever it was, Nicole pointed the dagger at Lathanir's throat. Her shock registered clearly on her face. But he's on my side... why would he attack me? The confusion had an undertone of hurt betrayal. Her fingers slackened in her moment of surprise and the Elf was easily able to twist the knife from her grip and once again capture her, although this time the object at her throat was not an arm, it was a nice, pointy dagger.

Gasping for air, Nicole managed to ask, *Lathanir? I don't understand...*

To her surprise, the Elf laughed and released his hold. *You did well, Lady Nicole. You will be trained.*

She gaped at him and rubbed her neck. Her mind was still digesting the fact that it had been a setup, and she only noticed what he had said a second or two later. *Trained? YES!* Her anger at the Captain of the Galadhrim momentarily forgotten, she threw her arms around him and started jumping. *Trained! Trained! Trained!* So much for being mature, and almost a woman. I'm acting like a kid. So what? I'M GONNA BE TRAINED!!!!! Nicole finally released her grip on the startled Elf and instead shoved him towards the doors. *Lead the way!* When he didn't comply, she grabbed his arm and started to drag him off into the leafy hallways. *C'mon buddy, put some spirit into it! You've got a lot to do! I want to learn how to fight with a sword, a dagger, oh, and I should learn to use the bow, 'cause that's what Elves do, and I'm an Elf. And I should learn how to use herbs and stuff to clean wounds and sicknesses, because a lot of people need some healing skills after a battle, right? I hope you can handle this job. It's a lot to teach, and not a long time either. We should get started...* her rambling could be heard as she receded from view.

The room that the girl had just left was silent. Galadriel looked very amused by Nicole's antics, and somewhat happy that the hyperactive girl would be doing something more useful with her energy. Celeborn was torn between worrying over the young girl's safety and laughing. Tarcalen was very pleased because he was completely confident that his plan would work. Ella couldn't believe what had just happened. That new girl must be either very talented or very stupid, because never had Eletarien been able to get herself out of a situation like that. The server opened the back door again, but seeing that the atmosphere was silent, left hurriedly again. One thing was for sure, something strange had happened in Lothlorien this morning.

A minute later, the birds settled around the house of the Lord and Lady took flight and nearby Elves jumped as a sound assaulted their ears. A girl's voice, incredibly loud for someone so young, rang out loudly, which was saying something because Elves have very sensitive ears. It echoed a few times as the Elves went back to whatever they were doing before the girl had disrupted their quiet lives.

*THANK YOU!!!*

A/N: I am so happy that I finally finished this chapter. It took forever and a half to write it. Review it, please! I tried to make it longer, because originally it was a lot shorter than this. I don't know how long it will take to write the next chapter, but hopefully not too long. Happy Hallowe'en! ~MoI~