Katie told them all about her harrowing arrival in Mirkwood, her new friends, and how she had occupied herself during her stay in Thranduil's palace.

"And then Lalorn—" she said, and stopped. Her expression darkened, and she looked down at her hands.

The twins observed her with some concern and turned to Legolas for an explanation.

"We needn't speak of that just yet," he said gently, and continued, "It is upon that matter that I have brought a message from my father for Mithrandir. So we traveled down the elf path and over the High Pass, and arrived here three days ago."

Katie shot him a grateful look and picked up the thread of narrative again. "I've met two of the hobbits. And Húnvel! He was a bit of a surprise."

Elladan laughed. "I'm sure he was! It is strange to come back after so long, is it not?"

Katie agreed emphatically. "You leave for sixty-four years and they change everything! No, really very few things have changed here—which is surprising, and comforting."

The elves nodded in understanding. "Your time traveling has given you a bit of an idea of how elves see the passage of time," Elrohir observed. "Some things change hardly at all, and we change very little, while other people are born, grow up, get old, and die—while such a little amount of time has passed for us!"

Katie nodded and fell silent again.

000

They talked for a long time in the kitchens until Katie began to yawn.

"I think it is bedtime for young humans," Elladan said teasingly.

Katie stuck her tongue out at him, but rose. "I agree. I'll see you guys in the morning!"

They stood as well. "Would you like me to walk you to your room?" Legolas asked courteously.

"No thanks," Katie replied, "I can find my own way. 'Night!"

They bid her goodnight and remained standing until the sound of her footsteps receded down the corridor.

"What has happened to her?" Elladan asked as they took their seats again. "She has been upset by something."

Legolas nodded. "I did not want to explain too much in her presence. And it does indeed deal with my message to Mithrandir, so I think I should not speak of that to you until I have talked to him. But I can tell you in part.

"You heard Katie speak of Lalorn. She made many friends in my father's house, and Lalorn was one of the closest. He was a guard, and she spent quite a bit of time with him over a matter of three months. They became quite fond of one another.

"She was with him and three other guards in the forest in the early morning of the twentieth of June, when my father's halls were attacked by orcs from over the mountains. Katie and Lalorn's party were attacked, as well. Lalorn boosted Katie into a tree, saving her life. Two of the guards were taken and one was slain in the onslaught. Katie came down from the tree after the orcs had left, in time to witness Lalorn's death. She carried his dying words to his wife and children. I think the entire episode shocked and grieved her very much."

"I should think so!" Elladan exclaimed. "Poor child! No wonder she was upset."

Elrohir spoke up for the first time. "Not so much a child anymore, Elladan. She is little older than she was when we saw her last, but she has gained more wisdom, and more life experience. She has seen death."

Legolas nodded. "And you do not mention all that you see," he added shrewdly. "She is like to her grandmother now, is she not?"

Elrohir smiled. "She is indeed."

"You did not hear, did you," Elladan added to Legolas, "that my brother and Erestor discovered the answer to that riddle when Vivian was here?"

"No, I did not! What was it?"

Elrohir shook his head. "It is almost too fantastic to be believed, mellon-nín, and a very long story. Perhaps I shall tell it to you some other time." He stood up and stretched. "As it is, it is late, and my brother and I have just returned from a long journey, and are in need of some sleep! Good night."

000

When Katie awoke, it was still dark outside. She rolled over to go back to sleep, and then she remembered that the twins had returned. The thought had the power of snapping her entirely awake with excitement. She lay there for awhile in thought, then crawled out of bed.

I'll never get back to sleep at this rate, she thought; I might as well get up. I can always take a nap later. Maybe I could go watch the sun rise over the mountains?

She dressed and pulled back her hair by candlelight, then pulling on a warm wrap, she left the room.

The corridor was dark and silent. Many elves had stayed up late into the night, singing in the Hall of Fire, but all was quiet now. The only people awake were a few servants, and they would not be at their chores around the house for a couple of hours yet.

Katie made her way as quietly as possible to an outside door. She knew the layout of the house pretty well, and was able to find her way quite easily.

Outside, the sky was beginning to lighten to grey. Dawn was not far off, now. Katie headed toward the stables, where she knew people would be at work even this early in the morning, but the sound of footsteps brought her up short.

000

Boromir, son of Denethor, was tired but excited. It had been a long and arduous journey north, especially after he had lost his horse in the Greyflood and been forced to walk the rest of the way. It was now the one hundred and tenth day of his journey, and he was pretty well exhausted. But he had finally reached his goal: Imladris. Soon his questions would be answered and he could rest easily once more—or at least, he hoped so.

He had been met at the Ford by two elven guards (although he was certain there had been more watching him from the trees) who had asked his name and his business in Rivendell. They had allowed him to proceed with no escort. But once again, he was sure there were unseen eyes watching his every movement.

He quite understood their suspicion. Dark things were about in these days, and oft-times courtesy must give way to security.

Boromir was prepared to see and hear many strange things in the House of Elrond, but as he turned a corner into the stable yard, he stopped short, completely taken aback. He had been prepared for many things, but had never expected to see this in the elf-lord's house: a human girl.

She seemed quite as surprised at seeing him as he was at seeing her, and they both stood stock-still for a moment, staring at each other. The girl was quite definitely human, in her early twenties. She was rather pretty, with curling brown hair and vivid green eyes. In contradiction to her obvious humanity, she was dressed in an elven style. He felt her eyes take him in, as well, roaming over his features, his very travel-stained clothing, the pack on his back, and the ornate horn that hung at his side.

Boromir recovered first. "I beg your pardon, my lady," he began courteously, not knowing what her rank might be. "I did not mean to stare! I am simply surprised at the presence of a human girl in Rivendell."

"Quite understandable," she replied in a friendly manner, her accent strange and flat. But she did not move to give any explanation of her presence there.

After an expectant pause, Boromir continued. "I have come seeking counsel of Lord Elrond," he informed her. "Could you direct me to him?"

"Of course," the girl replied immediately. "Come with me. You can leave your things in the care of the stable hands; they will see to it that they are taken to your rooms."

He thanked her and followed her into the stable, where she directed him where to leave his heavy pack. Then she led him to one of the main entrances of the house.

"I am sorry we cannot greet you properly," she said courteously, "but most of the house is still abed. I will introduce you to the Chief Steward. Oh!" She stopped short. "How shall I introduce you?"

"I am Boromir, a man of the South," Boromir replied with a bow. "And what might your name be?"

The girl dropped a curtsy and replied formally, "I am Katelyn Elvellon." They continued on their way.

She did indeed introduce him to the Chief Steward, who took him to a comfortable sitting room where he was met by the Lord Elrond himself. And sot he puzzling issue of the girl Katelyn was driven from his mind for the time being.

000

Elladan was surprised to meet Katie in the stables soon after dawn.

"You are up early," he exclaimed as she came over to greet him.

"I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep, so I came out to watch the sunrise," she explained.

Elladan began to reply, then pulled up short at the sight of some bags of unfamiliar make in a corner by the tack room.

"Why, whose is this?" he asked in surprise.

"It belongs to Boromir, a man of the South," Katie rattled off. "We had a bit of a surprise meeting in the stable yard this morning. I don't know which of us was more shocked! He had come to see your father. I took him to the Chief Steward."

Elladan was startled into laughter. "We should employ you as a housemaid!" he suggested.

"The Steward said she did very well," one of the stable hands spoke up in her defense. "He said she was courteous and did just as she ought."

Katie smiled and dropped her eyes modestly. She was saved from replying by Elrohir, who entered at that moment. He greeted them all and went to get a saddle. Elladan followed him.

"Are you going somewhere?" Katie asked, leaning against one of the stalls as they saddled up. The horse inside nudged her with his nose, and she scratched his forehead absently.

"Yes, we must go take Glorfindel's position at the head of the patrols," Elrohir answered, tightening his saddle girth. "His presence is required at the council meeting."

Katie nodded; she had heard news of the council being murmured about Rivendell since she had arrived. Now that Frodo was well, it would be held as soon as possible.

"So you can't go to the council?" Katie asked.

"Afraid not. But Father will tell us anything relevant when we return," Elladan assured her.

"You two are always a law unto yourselves," Katie commented teasingly.

Elladan opened his mouth to protest, then exchanged glances with Elrohir, who shrugged. "She's right, you know," he said.

000

So Katie was deprived of the twins' company at breakfast, but passed a pleasant meal chatting with Húnvel. They went for a walk afterwards. Katie was pleased to be able to get to know a younger elf. She felt like they were peers, even though he was technically much older. It was like talking Lithorniel had been.

"So you knew my parents before they were married," Húnvel said as they paced slowly down a promenade.

"Yes. It feels very strange to admit it, but yes," Katie said with a smile. "Your mother was one of the first elves here to befriend me. I was thrilled when I found out she and your father were betrothed. Unfortunately, I wasn't around to see their wedding."

"I am sure they would have appreciated your presence," Húnvel assured her. "I have often heard the household speak of you. How my lord Elrohir smiles when they mention your name!"

Katie blushed and dropped her gaze to her feet, but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of a bell being rung silenced her.

"The Council of Elrond will soon begin," Húnvel stated as they looked in the direction of the sound. They could see nothing, but Katie knew all the important guests in Rivendell were now gathering on a porch, where weighty matters would be heard and decided.

"I hope it goes well," Katie said with sudden anxiety.

"I am sure it will," Húnvel reassured her.

TBC

AN: Well, it took me a bit longer to get it out, but when I did, the chapter was a page longer than usual! Hope you enjoy. I wrote it in an hour and a half at work, because there was nothing to do. :) Hey, little poll here, guys. How many of you actually read the authors notes and/or my answers to other people? I'm just curious.

The Reviewing Llama: See? SEE? —points— If llamas can review, so can you! lol Thanks, dear!

Princess Siara: Nope, A Knight's Tale is a movie starring Heath Ledger. It kind of puts knights and tournaments into a more modern sports context to make it more understandable.

Madd Hatter: Yep, Templeton is from Charlotte's Web—or so they tell me, anyway. I haven't read it since like, second grade, and I don't really remember a thing about it.

AlabrithGaiamoon: Yeah, I liked the vuin addition, too. :)

IwishChan: The problem with Katie waiting for a bit until the twins believe Legolas about the giant spider bit, is that I don't think they would've believed him! They both kinda had a "what the crap?" look on their faces right before Katie came in, because it sounded so preposterous. Yep, I hoped it would sound as funny on the screen as it did in my head!

theycallmemary: Your wish is my command! More Húnvel! Yep, Elrohir's a dear, ain't he? Everything's book-verse.

Saltwater: Hey, you! Long time no see! Hopefully I'll get around to reading your fic after I clean up my act and actually do my homework… The description of Thranduil comes directly from The Hobbit. It does seem odd that a treasure-obsessed elfking would have a crown made out of twigs and a little wooden stick for a scepter, but you'll have to take that one up with Tolkein! Glad you found the piece fun; that's what I'm aiming for!

Erasuithiel: So your name would be Michaela? I don't think "who is like God" would fit anybody, but "who is like God?" would, because you could point out that nobody and nothing's like God. Or so it works in my head. :) Yes, in a way she is very hobbity, isn't she? Good point. I'll have to develop that.

ElvenRyder: Well, I hope I've made up for any perceived shortness with this monstrosity! lol Actually, when single-spaced, of my chapters are the same length: three pages.

Ravens Destiny: Rowling says that "Ginny" is short for "Ginevra". It's a form of Jennifer or Guinevere. Yeah, I'll probably name my kids crazy things, too. I tell my mom I'm gonna name a daughter Beltane (pronounced Byaltena) and she just rolls her eyes. :)

Tsunami Half Elven: Welcome to the insanity that is Katie in Rivendell! Hope you enjoy your stay!

FallenTruth: I'd be honored to be in your C2! I always like publicity. :) There'll be six parts to this fic once I'm done. Thanks!

Thanks also to Fk306 and Tara! You people rock! This piece is over a hundred reviews already! —dances—

Please review! And remember: Always respect llamas. They can spit in your eye from ten feet away. ALWAYS respect llamas…