I could feel them watching me eat, so out of courtesy I offered them some of the food. Elladan nibbled a piece of toast as we chatted eagerly on. the reality of this place hadn't truly hit me yet, for which I was glad, for reality always falls short of imagined life. I was in the middle of explaining what jellybeans were, and telling of Marina's obsession with them, and the fact that she enjoyed pelting me with them nearly every lunch period.
"Here we are!" a third voice called triumphantly, I turned to look , but only glimpsed a flash of blue tunic and dark brown hair as the stranger set down his tray.
I wish I could sat that the first time I met eyes of Estel, that there was a connection, that an electricity, or vibe shot across the room, decorated with flowers and little pink bunnies.
No such luck, he turned to me and I gapped at this handsome young man with unruly brown hair and gorgeous eyes. He casually held out a hand to meet my acquaintance, and I tipped over the remainder of the tray onto the bed. This set the three into good natured laughter, but they helped me to pick up the crumbs and directed me towards the bathroom (in an adjoining room). I sighed and looked around at the beautiful chamber -high walls formed a domed ceiling inlaid with stain glass mosaic that cast a warm glimmer of color on the cool tiles of the floor and pool, which rippled invitingly, I looked over my shoulder, half expecting Rina to come barreling into me to knock me into the pool. With a wistful sigh I pulled off my sneakers, smiling at the doodles and notes my friends had left. Quickly, I stripped off my none-to-clean- shirt and pants, did a cannonball into the pool ( in honor of Selene and our summer diving competitions) and only then , submerged in the luke-warm waters, did I let my tears fall.
Nearly an hour later I waded from the pool scrubbed pink with prune looking fingers. I found a dress (ewwy) lying on a low bench with at note saying my other garments were being laundered.
Dressed and with fairly presentable hair I made my way into the maze that is Rivendell. After hopelessly wandering for awhile I entered a sun filled conservatory, inside were housed many musical instruments. I found one that most resembled my flute from back home (meaning Orlando, Florida…touristcentral, though if portals appeared every day, this place would have us beat) and hesitantly played a few notes. It sounded magical, and I spent the remainder of the afternoon racing through marches, lifting through laments, and delicately playing a few classics.
"that was bewitching, " Estel had appeared at the door. "I was looking for you earlier, Lord Elrond had asked to see you, but it shall have to wait until tomorrow." he cleared his throat, and executed a perfect formal bow, and offered me a hand, " I have also come to escort the lady to dinner, " he said with an impish smile.
We glided along corridors making small talk before stopping at ornately carved oaken doors, "here we are," he said. I squared my shoulders and muttered , half to myself, " it cant be worse than running the gauntlet." Estel once again let out rich laughter, though quickly his eyes turned serious. He pulled me into a quick embrace and whispered
"I know exactly what your going through" and something else about breathing, my mind was still reeling from the hug as we gracefully entered the dining room. I had a feeling that something was about to begin.
The dinner started smoothly, it was a small gathering that Elrond presided over. We were seated at a large circular table, which reminded me of King Arthur and his knights, which got me thinking about Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which led to a fit of giggles between the soup and salad courses. The food was excellent and the location beautiful, but halfway through the meal I found myself counting candles as they didn't have ceiling tiles ( there were 60 on the surrounding walls alone.) I was staring up at the ceiling when all of a sudden a pea hit me square in the forehead. My eyes narrowed as I looked for the culprit. Everyone was engaged in conversation, save one teenage boy with a wicked grin … Estel.
" oh, boy… this is war…" I whispered, for if there is one thing I'm good at, its pranks and prank wars. And hurling goldfish, grapes, M&M's, jellybeans, and other food like projectiles. But for now I just smiled sweetly at him and turned to Elrohir to strike up a conversation about current middle-earthen events. The rings of power had been formed and distributed, and that was part of the reason Galadriel was in Rivendell rather than her home of Lothlorien.
We talked of our recreational activities and I told him of our many rock climbing adventures.
"and then Rina wouldn't let V down until she touched the top of the wall. V was nearly ready to pummel any of us when she finished, I never seen Marina run so fast in her life!" the twin let out a light chuckle.
"You miss them , don't you?" he asked
"very much so…"I paused, "though they would Kill me if they knew I wasn't making the most of my adventure!" I grinned.
" well I'm sure Father will have a story or reason behind your journey, perhaps he will tell you in the morning?"
It was then I realized we had talked straight through Dessert, so I hurriedly saved my cake from being carted off by a sugar-snatcher it was delicious, and I had a sinking feeling elves were good at everything.
In my room, my last coherent thought before drifting off to sleep was "… Shoot! This means I'll have to learn to ride a horse."
The next morning, and the mornings after, I quickly established a routine: eat, bathe, dress, lessons, find Estel or a twin to bother, eat…and so on. One particular morning, however, Elrond called me into his study.