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Immac— (Your reviews always make me smile! Glad to know that you enjoy reading this story!)

The better twin— (I do too! They are so cute and humorous!)

xXx

Most people think that the fellowship left the night of the council, but that is definitely not true. Although it does not mention it in the movies, the fellowship stays in Rivendell for one wholemonthbefore setting out. And even though I know how this quest turns out, the suspense is still killing me.

I am still in bed when my thoughts suddenly take a different turn— along with a couple of flights of stairs and a spin on the merry-go-round.

I am starving. Actually, I think I've got the craves. But for what?

For the first time since I have been in Rivendell I have woken up without an audience, and I am seriously hankering after some cheesy goodness. Only problem— Middle Earth doesn't have mac n' cheese.

Oh well. When you want something done you have to do it yourself.

Getting out of the toasty blankets, I went to the chest that sat at the end of my bed. Rummaging through my belongings, I found another tunic and donned it quickly before heading to the kitchen.

xXx

"Can I help you, my lady?"

I turned around to see the head of the kitchen staff giving me a questioning glance.

"Would you mind if I tried to cook something, Lainos?"

"You are always welcome in my kitchen, Lady Rielásse."

There's that 'lady' thing again. I wish ladies could wear sweatpants and t-shirts without causing a scandal.

"Thank you. Do you mind showing me the pantry?"

And then it's two hours later... But hey? Third times a charm, right?

My arms are dusted with flour and I am pretty sure Lainos knows that I have no clue what I am doing by now. I have the basic idea of how pasta is made, but this is more of a trial and error type of experience.

Who knew making macaroni noodles from scratch would be this hard?

Realizing that I was out of eggs, I walked back into the pantry to find said ingredient. It took me a moment to locate the basket that sat two shelves above my head. Stretching my arms as high as they would go, I bounced on my tip-toes and snatched what was needed.

I sped around the corner only to bump into a solid mass and I gave a loud yelp of surprise. The basket of eggs had been squashed as I had run into another elf, and I watched in horror as the yellow fluid dripped slowly down the elf's torso. I am almost afraid to look up at their face for fear that it is Glorfindel or Erestor.

"Ehem. I believe the eggs go in the bowl and not on my chest,gwathel."

I take in a sharp breath of relief.

I suppose a teasing brother is better than one of of Adar's advisors. That would have been one awful explanation.

"Amin hiraetha, gwandor." I apologized. "I did not see you there."

Looks like I am slowly picking up the elvish language.

"That much was obvious, else I would not be wearing your ingredients." He retorted.

One of the kitchen staff handed Elladan a towel and he made quick use of it, but a faint stain could still be seen on his tunic.

"What are you cooking? It looks... interesting."

"Macaroni and cheese.', I pronounce.

Elladan's forehead creases as he tries to repeat the name of the dish; he fails horribly.

I laugh and repeat it a few more times before he finally gets it right. Making our way back to the counter space I had been working at, he watches me try once again to make the noodles. After trying three times, I finally get it right. Before I can tell him not to, he picks up one of the crescent shapes and pops it into his mouth.

Boys are such idiots.

My brother bravely swallows the chewy piece of dough, knowing that I would probably lord it over him if he gagged.

"It does not taste like anything I have had before,gwathel."

"I doubt you have had raw dough very often, Elladan. You are supposed to cook the noodles before you eat them." I raise an eyebrow in his direction.

His expression suddenly changes from a skillfully hidden grimace to a look of embarrassment.

I cut a small block of cheese and added the pieces to a pan with some milk and the finished noodles. Ten minutes later the dish is finished and I plop down on a stool with my bowl and spoon in hand to eat my creation.

Elladan watches me for a moment before grabbing an eating utensil of his own and scooping a good size bite out of my bowl.

"Hey! Hands off buddy!"

He chews slowly for a moment before swallowing— a smile spreading across his face.

"It's good!', he exclaims.

"You should not sound so surprised. If you want anymore though, you will have to get it from the pot.', I said as he tried to steal another sample, only to have him grab my bowl and shovel the rest of the food into his mouth.

"Elladan! Give it back! I didn't slave over a hot stove for nothing!', I whine as my sibling holds the bowl away from my grasp. I soon find myself chasing the crazy son of Elrond around the kitchen while the staff look on in bewildered amusement.

Why do elves have to be so fast on their feet? And why can't Elladan be more serious?I thought to myself as we ran in circles throughout the kitchen.

But then he would not be Elladan, would he?

Elrond had asked Elladan to bring me to his study, which my brother had conveniently forgotten to mention until he had finished scarfing downmyfood.

"How long ago did he send you to get me?', I ask.

Elladan only gives a nonchalant shrug.

"Probably an hour ago."

"Elladan! I don't even have time to change! And I look like the abominable snowman, I'm covered in so much flour! How could you?"

"I forgot, Rielásse. Adar will understand. And do not fret about changing. You look fine."

Going to the sink pump and rinsing of my pasty arms, I quickly dry them and run to the door only to be called back by my brother.

"What do you want now? I'm already late."

"You never told me who the abominable snowman was."

Sticking my tongue out at my brother, I stomped out of the kitchen to Elrond's study while he laughed.

xXx

"I had expected you to come sooner,ielleg. But I suppose I should have known that would not happen if I sent Elladan to the kitchens. What delayed him in speaking with you?"

"He spoke to me, Adar. He just forgot to mention that you wished to see me.', I replied.

He was sitting at his desk and he looked at me and smiled before pushing his chair out and standing up.

"Did he enjoy it?"

"Enjoy what?"

"What you made in the kitchen, of course."

Oh. How'd you know that?

Elrond rubbed his finger across the bridge of my nose before pulling his hand back to show me the white powder that dusted his thumb.

You mean I have been standing here talking to the Lord of Rivendell for ten minutes with flour on my nose?

I gave a sheepish grin.

"I made a dish that was very popular back home and Elladan enjoyed more of it than I did. He acted like a grindael who had gone for weeks without food."

Elrond gave a good hearted laugh before sitting back down behind his desk.

"While I would like to hear that story I did not request your presence to discuss starving pigs, little one.', he said as his voice took on a more serious tone. "I have asked Legolas and Aragorn to teach you how to fight before you set out on the journey. If you would like, I can arrange for you to start tomorrow morning."

"That would be fine, Adar. Is there anything else that you needed to speak with me about?"

"Nay. You may go, ielleg."

I turned to him as I was walking out the study door.

"You are different than you were portrayed in my my world. There you were always serious and stern. But here, you have a fun-loving, fatherly side and I am honored to not only see it, but experience it. I'll see you at dinner, Adar."

How come Middle Earth makes me emotional all of a sudden? Get a grip, Riley.

xXx

"Good morning, Sunbeam. Don't you look bright this morning?"

Duke is a dead dog walking for telling my brothers my nickname. I raised him, trained him, fed him, cuddled him, and he supplies my brothers with embarrassing stories to blackmail me with? What a wonderful dog. You never could say no to bacon, could you Duke?

"You two are lucky that duct tape hasn't been invented yet.', I mumbled as I pulled the blankets over my head.

"Aragorn asked that we wake you up early so you can begin your training." Elrohir replied.

"Alright, I'm up. Now what?"

"You are awake, yes. But not up."

When they were finally convinced that I was out of bed for good, they left the room so I could dress in the brown training tunic Arwen brought me last night.

When I finally walked out of the room Elladan gave a mock gasp of surprise.

"Have my eyes deceived me, or has my sister truly morphed into a beautiful elleth?"

I laugh as give him a small punch in the arm.

"Your eyes have definitely deceived you."

Elrohir smiled.

"Elladan may have been teasing but there was truth in his statement, Rielásse."

Gee thanks. I'm all choked up.

"Aren't you supposed to return the compliment?" Elladan asks teasingly.

I give a disbelieving snort.

"Alright, but you asked for it. When I see your face Elladan, I would change nothing..." The twins wait for the rest of my sentence. "Except the direction I'm walking in. Buh bye!" I took off in the direction of the archery range while Elrohir laughed loudly at his brother's expense.

Uh oh. Elladan had that look on his face.

xXx

"Block, parry, strike. Good. Now move your feet."

Why can't people just swing the sword and be done with it?

"Not your right, your left. Better. Now strike again."

Aragorn blocks my half-hearted blow with ease.

"Your not trying, Rielásse."

Because we've been at this for two hours without a single break!

"Stay here." Aragorn says as he lays his sword down and walks into the armory. My breath is coming in pants as I lean forward with my hands resting on my knees.

He soon walks back out of the building bearing another sword.

"Try using this." Aragorn tosses the sheathed weapon to me and I slowly draw it out.

"Glandúr, a blade that has seen many battles. It was the weapon Elrond used to instruct me when I first learned how to fight. It is lighter than the first blade you held, perhaps it will suit you better."

I ran my finger lightly down the shimmering blade. There was an engraving near the hilt of the sword and I studied the elvish runes but was unable to make heads or tails of it.

"Thalos ië hir nedh alsui nómë." A voice read from over my shoulder and I turned to see Legolas standing behind me. "Courage is found in unlikely places."

Aragorn smiled at his long-time friend.

"Amin hiraetha, Legolas. Uin thel na gartha dín ter taen."

The elf smiled.

"No,mellon nin.I am sorry that I disturbed your lesson."

"I do not think she will mind the interruption."

Legolas glanced in my direction.

"You haven't fatigued her too bad with your boring lessons, I hope?" He teased before swapping to his native tongue.

"Manen ná hen nävé?" He asked.

"Maer an l' yesta. Hen toina nó gwanna it inyë hwind glamog, hant." Aragorn responded.

"Hey guys? I'm not completely stupid. I can understand almost everything you just said.', I huffed.

Legolas and Aragorn burst into laughter while I rolled my eyes.

"Cometinwë,and we will begin your first lesson in archery."

I nodded and followed Legolas to a separate part of the field.

What the heck does tinwë mean anyway?I thought as Legolas handed me a bow.Doesn't matter. At least I actually know how to use a bow. Thank goodness Dad was smart enough to get me interested in Native Americans.

An arrow was placed in my hand and I quickly nocked it into place before getting into the stance Dad had taught me. Slowly drawing the string back to my lower cheek, I released it. The arrow sped towards the target and landed smack dab in the middle. Bullseye! I did a fist pump while Legolas wore an amused expression at my antics.

"Need I even ask what that gesture means?"

I shook my head.

"Nope."

He smiles and hands me another arrow.

"Since you seem to already know the basics, why not try to fire the arrow again?"

"Sure." I reply as I nock another arrow, when a hand suddenly grasps onto mine.

"I want you to fire while running."

I can't even run with scissors. How's a weapon of war any better?

I give the blonde haired elf an incredulous look.

"Isn't that dangerous?', I asked.

"What is more dangerous? Knowing how to run and defend yourself in battle, or not knowing how to fire while moving and become an easy target?" He replied with a serious glance in my direction. "War does not always follow our wishes, Rielásse. It is best to know what to do in every circumstance."

I hate it when he's right.

While it was a challenge to do as he asked, it was actually easier to learn then I had thought it would be. When Legolas was finally convinced that I could handle the archery part of fighting, he pried my hands off of the bow and laid it aside.

"Aragorn was right. You hold promise as a warrior. Now, try these."

Finding that I suddenly held twin blades, I gave him that 'are you serious?' glare and he laughed.

"Just try them,tinwë. You might find that you prefer them to any other weapon you have tried."

I sighed in defeat.

"Alright. But I can make up my own signature moves, right? I don't have be all boring?"

Legolas smirks.

"Let's see what you can do first."

And this is where I am thankful I took ballet.

I block his attack and spin around to block the second swing.

"Good. Now, what if I have you trapped in a blade lock?"

Replying to his question with actions rather than words, I push off the blades with my own as I turn.

"Well met. One last time, and then you may be excused."

The match ended with one of his blades at my throat and my own at his.

Legolas was right. I do like these better than anything else. They give me more control.

A clap sounded from the side of the field, and we quickly withdrew the knives. I turned around to see Elrond nodding approvingly at Legolas.

"You are a wonderful mentor, son of Thranduil."

Legolas bowed.

"But a mentor is only as good as his student, Lord Elrond.', he replied.

I grinned at his compliment as Elrond motioned to me to follow him. As he led me towards the dinning hall, I asked him the question that had been in the corner of my mind all day.

"Adar, what doestinwëmean?"

The Lord of Rivendell laughed.

Whatever it means, he's probably going to tell me that I'll have to find out myself.

I was correct in that aspect. I never did find out what my nickname meant that night.

xXx

Language Guide...

gwathel-sister

gwandor-brother

adar-father

ielleg-my daughter

amin hiraetha-I am sorry.

findael-pig

tinwë-sparky

Manen ná hen nävé-How has she done so far?

Maer an l' yesta. Hen toina nó gwanna it inyë hwind glamog hant.-Good for a beginner. If I were an orc she would be dead, though.

Amin hiraetha Legolas, Uin thel na gartha dín ter taen-I'm sorry Legolas, I did not mean to keep her so long.