Disclaimer: I don't own anything LotR. But I do own the made up characters and my friends. Shhh... don't tell them! -

Uruviel was walking ahead of us. We were in the Naith of Lothlorien, and it was night, not to mention freezing cold. Of course, I was only wearing a tank top with pants, and Megan was only in a t-shirt and shorts. We were huddled together while Uruviel strode gracefully ahead of us.

Haldir! Quel undome! she called out. Megan and I quickly ran to catch up to her, shivering still. We heard someone in the distance reply, but I didn't know what was said. Uruviel lead us on even further until I saw a lantern light. One by one other lantern lights flickered on, and soon a whole line of them was visible. I think if we hadn't been so cold Megan and I would have been more amazed at the sight. As we got closer, the faces of the wardens of Lothlorien became more visible, each one stern and alert. All of the lights but one then shut off as Uruviel stopped before it. Haldir was holding the lamp above his head so the light shone on the three of us. Megan and I were still huddled together shivering something fierce while he and Uruviel talked about something or other.

A few moments later Uruviel turned to us.

You will follow them, she said, and she turned to leave. Haldir closed the door on the lantern and turned for us to follow him, which was difficult since I couldn't feel my legs anymore.

D-d-do I st-t-ill have m-my legs? Megan asked me. I looked down and nodded. On either side of us were two other guards, bows in hand. One of the guards next to Megan removed his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders, and one did the same to me. The chattering of my teeth was probably annoying... that or they were actually being polite to us. Knowing elves, it was probably the second option. Either way Megan and I drew them close around our shoulders with relief.

The seven of us reached a large cluster of trees and climbed up to reach the talan at the top of it. It looked exactly like the one in the movie! The same silver light shone through the trees, and elven sentinels surrounded us on other neighboring talans. As soon as I reached the top I fell over, exhausted. Not falling asleep until about two in the morning and then walking around in the cold and dark for about a half hour didn't exactly do me wonders. Megan fell back against a tree branch while I just fell flat on the floor and began to doze off.

The next morning I was nudged awake by one of our escorts. He was beckoning me in elvish, so I hadn't the faintest idea was he was saying. Assuming he was saying to get up, I sat up, letting his cloak fall to the floor. It was still cold out, so I quickly wrapped it around myself again with a yelp. Megan was already up, and she too still had one of the cloaks.

You awake? I croaked sleepily. She yawned and shook her head.

Not even close, she replied just as sleepily. I looked around and didn't see Haldir anywhere. Only two of the guards remained with us.

If you both are ready we can proceed, one of them said. The silver light was still dim in the trees, but from what I could see both the elves looked extremely gorgeous. Megan and I stood up wearily and climbed down the tree with them where Haldir and Orophin were waiting. They continued leading us out of the border forests and into daylight again. I hid my eyes at the light and blinked. Megan kept hers shut, making her look like she was sleepwalking. My guard kept his arm around my shoulder as we continued on, probably to keep me from keeling over, which was what I REALLY wanted to do right then.

Okay, I still can't feel my legs, complained Megan, eyes still closed.

I can't feel anything, I said.

You're wearing pants for Christ's sake! she snapped sleepily at me.

Ya think they're very thick? I snapped back. Hell no!

Orophin turned around to face us with an odd look before looking back ahead. He suddenly came to a halt, and we almost bumped into him. My legs nearly gave out underneath me, so I had to grip my escort for support (not that I minded at all... wink wink). I looked out to my right to see a huge dome of trees in the sunlight. I squinted at the light and thought to myself, Ah ha. Caras Galadhon.' We continued on and I remembered that in order to get up to see Galadriel we had to climb huge spiraling staircases. I almost started crying.

Megan yawned as soon as we got to the base of the city. Her escort had her arm draped over his shoulders since she was almost dead on her feet. My GOD was our group quiet! The only bit of noise I heard was some singing in the trees and a few elves whispering as they saw us climb up the stairs.

Man, I thought the stairs at school were bad, I muttered to Megan, who nodded and yawned again.

We finally reached the top. Haldir and Orophin stood off to the side as Galadriel came down the steps to see us. I think I felt my mouth fall open at the sight of her. Megan just went wide-eyed and bowed her head, jerking mine down too.

I reprimanded her. I could do that on my own.

Galadriel stopped in front of us and raised both our faces. Then she smiled at us.

she said. Do not worry, you will be able to sleep after I tell you why you are here. We have been watching you two girls for quite some time now, along with many others. It was decided that you both display qualities that much resemble those of our own. I sent Uruviel to fetch you two to bring you here to live here.

I looked at Megan, who looked at me with a wide-eyed expression. Then Galadriel gave us the once over. I could feel her bright blue eyes piercing into my soul and prying into my thoughts. She was muttering to herself telepathically too. Then she stopped and smiled at me first.

I have decided that you would benefit most from being trained in elven martial skills, she told me. And looking at Megan she said, And you will join her as well.

Any fatigue I had felt before immediately left me as panic surged through me like lightening.

M-martial... I'm sorry, but I'm not that type, I stammered. I can barely run half a city block without wanting to collapse.

But Galadriel just smiled at me and rested her hand on my head briefly. She must have known something I didn't, because at that moment I felt as though she was completely off her rocker. Megan looked a bit more thrilled than I did. I just felt numb.

On our way up to our rooms Megan and I were still trying to get over what just happened to us.

Yes! We finally get to learn sword skills and how to use a bow and arrows! she cheered to herself. I whimpered in reply.

You seem more excited than I do, I said glumly.

Aw come on, she said, we get to learn to fight like they do in Helm's Deep! I always thought that part in the movie psyched you up.

It does, but I'd be scared out of my wits if I actually HAD to fight in it.

Megan groaned and slapped my shoulder a bit.

My room was at the far end of a hall while Megan's was right next to it. She went into hers and bid me a temporary farewell as I went into mine. The head of my bed was against the far wall, and something was folded on top of a small table. I looked closer and picked it up. It opened up into the same grey tunic and cloak that the wardens wore. My boots were next to the bed. I can't believe this is happening to me!' I thought. The bed looked awfully inviting to me, as I hadn't slept for more than a couple hours. Tossing back the covers I slumped into the soft mattress and fell asleep.

A.N.: w00t! I'm still trying to figure out how I'm gonna do the sword lessons. Any help would be appreciated - Please R/R!!