Disclaimer: Tolkien's material is not mine.
A/N: I think that perhaps I may just make things a little interesting... But who knows. I might surprise everyone after this chapter and not carry through with it. Mwah ha ha ha!
Many thanks to...
Guest—(I hope it doesn't disappoint!)
LilactheDryad—(Yep, definitely been planning that one. As to Dr. Who, I actually started watching it. Key word being started. I'm no where near being a Whovian or whatever it is they call Dr. Who fans now. I liked it, but I'm not obsessed. )
Izzy bug—(Yes, it does. Look it up!)
It was midnight when I woke up in the small tent Cassie and I had been given for the night, and I tread lightly around my friend's bedroll as I slipped out of the makeshift structure.
Quietly making my way to the flickering campfire, I stared at the flames for a few moments before turning my attention to the stars above. I caught my breath in a mix of awe and horror.
"What are you doing out here?"
I yelped and spun around, tripping over my feet and almost falling into the fire were it not for someone catching me.
"You should be more careful.', Elladan said irritatingly.
"And you should not sneak up on people.', I retorted.
"I did not startle you on purpose. But you did not answer my question."
"I was looking at the stars. Can you let me go now? Or does personal space not exist in Arda?" He glanced down to where his hands were still wrapped around my waist. He quickly let go and took several steps back.
"Forgive me."
I gave a short nod and turned my attention back to the stars.
"The constellations aren't the same.', I whispered forlornly.
"They are as they have always been."
"To you, maybe. But not to me. I was hoping that this was some sort of complicated prank, but it's not. I'm actually here."
"You speak of being here as if it were a terrible thing', he observed.
I glared at him.
"It is when you don't know the way home. I will probably never see my family again."
I turned and ran back into the tent before he could say anything else.
"I handled that like the mature eighteen-year old that I am.', I thought sardonically as I went back to my pallet.
"Aubrey! Wake up!"
I sat up and rubbed my bleary eyes.
"Ugh, Cassie. I had the most horrible dream last night. We were stuck in Middle Earth and I had to deal with annoying elves."
"I'm glad to hear that you hold us in such high regard.', came the amused voice from outside. "If you would like something to eat before we leave you had best hurry."
"Dang it! It wasn't a dream was it?"
And with that rhetorical question, I scrambled out of the bedroll and dressed in a t-shirt and jeans before following my best friend out of the tent.
"Good morning. I trust you slept well?', Glorfindel asked. We nodded as we made our way to where the elves were eating.
"Why is everybody suddenly so polite?', Cassie whispered.
"Maybe they're morning people?', I offered.
"Elladan is not a morning person. He has been a troll since he woke up.', Elrohir piped up from several feet away.
His comment was soon followed by his brother spluttering protests from across the widespread camp.
"It's going to take forever to get used to that.', I grumbled. "Elves are bionic or something. They can hear you from a bazillion feet away."
"And you should know— you are one.', Cassie snorted derisively.
"I can't hear that good. Apart from the ears, I really have no elvish characteristics."
"Actually—', Elrohir began.
"Oh for the love of cheese! Will no one just let me be in denial?"
"Nope.', my friend grinned wickedly.
"I really want to know how you can be so lighthearted. We are in another universe for heaven's sake!"
"And we can't do anything about it, so why worry?', she replied evenly as we walked side by side. I sighed in frustration as I rubbed my forehead.
"How are you always so optimistic?', I groaned.
"Sugar. I ate my last Snicker bar this morning."
I glared at her.
"And you didn't share?', I mock-growled. "For all you know, I could be PMSing right now!"
She giggled.
"I'm pretty sure elves don't deal with that stuff, Aubrey. You could ask Glorfindel though...', she teased.
"Over my dead body would I ask Glorfindel that."
"Ask me what?"
I squealed and fell into Cassie, who laughed as my face flushed with embarrassment.
"Ask you if—" Her sentence was cut off as I shoved a piece of lembas into her mouth.
"Nothing.', I answered quickly as I gave Cassie the death glare.
Awkward!
"I see." He strode off with unearthly grace.
"You better be glad elves don't know what PMS is.', I mumbled. Cassie only grinned harder.
"We have to do what now?"
"You are to ride with the twins to Imladris. I have already sent word to their father— he is expecting you.', Glorfindel explained as if he were talking to a four-year old.
"Well he can just un-expect us. I wouldn't touch a horse with a ten foot pole."
"Do not be ridiculous.
Two minutes later I am glaring at a horse's mane.
"I can't believe you hauled me up here.', I grouched.
"I would much rather face the fury of an upset elleth than Glorfindel's temper.', Elladan chuckled.
I am terrified of horses. Point blank, they scare me to death. But that does not seem to faze Elladan any as he spurs his horse into a gallop. I lean back as far as possible until I realize how closely pressed I am to Elrohir's twin. I gave a squeak and went to scoot up in the saddle when he wrapped his arm around my waist. I went stiff.
"Stop squirming before I tie you to the horse instead. It is a short journey as long as you remain cooperative."
I nodded and gulped as the grey mare went even faster. Cassie, little showoff, is riding with Elrohir and enjoying it. I bite my lip and try not to think of how fast the ground is flying by on either side of me.
I can hear my friend chattering happily in front of us, and occasionally we hear Elrohir joining in her laughter. Elladan and I sit in stony silence, neither of us wanting to speak. And I'm okay with that. Snotty little booger. He is nice one moment, and then the next he is an absolute jerk. But if I were to be honest, he probably thinks I am the same way.
Within the hour (a horribly long hour) we reached the gates of Rivendell. I gave a weak smile as Cassie bounces excitedly at the prospect of seeing the elven city.
The sight of Rivendell was almost worth the uncomfortable ride.
"Whoa."