A Stranger In The Woods

Chapter 3: The Ride to Rivendell

Legolas looked down at the woman's arms around his waist. Her face was pressed up against his back and she was breathing evenly.

'It sure took her no time at all to fall asleep,' he thought with a little smile.

Lenwë trotted up beside him. "What do you find so amusing brother?" he asked teasingly.

Legolas shot him a dirty look and did not dignify the question with a response.

"She is rather odd, but fetching in a way- don't you agree," Lenwë continued with a grin. One of his favorite hobbies was finding ways to annoy his elder brother.

"I had not noticed," Legolas lied. Lenwë just gave him a knowing look, and rode back up front.

In truth, he found her puzzling. Nothing about her made sense, from her strange clothes to her manner of speech. She made him uneasy, a feeling he did not much care for.

Just then the city of Rivendell came into view, nestled among the trees. Legolas smiled- it was just as he remembered.

He had a sudden urge to wake the woman and show her. 'Why should I care if she sees this?' he wondered with a frown.

'Still, it is time for her to wake,' Legolas decided. He turned his body towards her- her head drooped against his chest. He shook her lightly, calling her name. Nothing happened. He said her name louder. Still nothing. Legolas frowned and shook her roughly. "Lady Bennett," he said loudly. "Katherine."

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Katie awoke suddenly, realizing someone was calling her name. She sat up quickly and realized she was still on the horse, and about to fall off.

A strong arm grasped her waist to steady her.

"It's about time you woke up," Legolas scowled down at her.

"Sorr-rry" she muttered under her breath, wondering what was so important it couldn't wait.

Legolas let go of her waist and turned back around. "Look," he nodded toward the beautiful Elven city.

Katie looked up and gasped as her eyes took in the city. 'It's even more beautiful than the movies make it out to be,' she realized in awe. She tried to take in all the sights around her and store them in her memory as they made their way down the winding paths.

It wasn't long before they rode under the arches to the entrance of the city. Immediately, Legolas dismounted and scanned his surroundings. He turned back towards her, and pulled her off the horse without asking.

Wordlessly, he set her on her feet and walked over to a group of elves, leaving her standing by herself. Katie looked around and suddenly felt lost. 'I'm surrounded by beautiful, surreal buildings, strange men and elves, and yet I am completely alone.'

The realization struck her to the core. She didn't know anyone here, and no one acted as if they wanted anything to do with her. She had daydreamed a few times what it would be like to come to Middle Earth and meet all the people, but she had never pictured it this way. Now she wished she were back home in bed, curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Lenwë touched her shoulder, bringing her out of her thoughts. "I have asked that a room be prepared for you." It took a moment for his words to sink in.

"So…they said I could stay?" Katie was half convinced they would throw her out.

Lenwë looked taken aback. "Of course they did. It is unlike elves to turn down someone in need."

"Great," Katie muttered moodily. "Now I'm a charity case." Lenwë just gave her a puzzled smile and kept talking as if he had not heard.

"I will show you to your room if you like, Lady Bennett. By the time we arrive there, I am sure they will have everything prepared for you."

Katie just shrugged and took his pre-offered arm. She noticed Legolas glancing their way as they walked past. His expression was unreadable. Before she could even blink, he had turned back around and was conversing with another elf.

'Men' Katie thought with a huff as she allowed Lenwë to lead her through the trees and buildings. 'Of course, technically, Legolas is an elf,' she rationalized.

She found that she was rather disappointed to find that elves where just as aggravating, if not more, than humans. She hoped that Elves were better the men she'd known before... Thus far, no luck. She couldn't judge the female elves... she hadn't met one yet.

Katie was still milling this over in her mind when Lenwë stopped in front of a door.

He looked at her expectantly. "This will be your room."

"Oh, thank goodness," she replied, the relief evident in her voice. Lenwë looked at her curiously. "From what I've seen, I was afraid you guys didn't believe in doors."

"Only for our private rooms," Lenwë said with a laugh. He turned to leave, and stopped. "After you are rested," he said softly "would you like me to show you around the city?"

Katie couldn't think of a reason not to. No one had told her what she was suppose to be doing, so she guessed going with Lenwë would be fine. "Sure. Come and get me whenever."

The handsome elf just smiled warmly at her and walked back down the long hall.

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A/N-

Alright- REVIEW! Let me know how I'm doing. How does everyone like Lenwë? The thought of Legolas having an equally hot brother was to hard to resist. Mmmmm…

Anyways, my thanks to my bountiful beta The Hobbit Ivy for her great work (even if this chapter DID take you a while). Haha. Seriously, I'd go crazy w/out you!

The next chapter will be up in LESS than a week- I promise. I have tried to describe Katie in chapter 4, so all you reviewers hopefully will be happy. Luv ya all-

Katie-sue