Disclaimer: Need I even say it? I do not own Lord of the Rings or anything associated with it. Nor do I own Cosmo magazine. But I do own this spiffy 10,000 Maniacs CD. So trouble me.
Chapter 5- Judgment Day
I'll be honest; I am not a morning person. And in all fairness, I probably should have warned the elves about this. So needless to say that when they decided to wake me the next morning, I wasn't exactly cooperative. In fact, I was anything but.
"Kate, wake up. It is time to rise. The sun is almost over the horizon," Faelon whispered while shaking me lightly.
I could not have cared less if it were almost over the horizon. In fact, I didn't care if it was anywhere near the horizon. It was summer and that meant I didn't get up until the sun was directly overhead. I would have told him so, but that required waking up enough to actually speak coherently. And since waking up was out of the picture, I simply settled for a snort and rolled away (as much as possible, what with my injured shoulder and all) from the annoying elven alarm clock.
I heard Faelon sigh and get up. I smiled to myself, only to have it wiped off my face a moment later when I realized he had moved to once again end up in front of me.
"Kate, you must wake."
"Why?" I asked, exasperated.
"Well, for one you need to eat," he stated.
"Ha! Not true. Humans can go up to a week without eating. Now let me sleep." I was not going to make this easy. I was coherent enough to argue, meaning I was thoroughly awake, meaning I was extremely irritable.
"But you're not a human, you're an elf," he announced, looking way too smug. That had to be fixed.
"You're right. I could probably go longer," I shot back.
"Would you like to find out?" Glorfindel asked, walking over to stand next to us.
"Double-teaming is unsportsmanlike," I said whilst trying to burrow deeper under the blanket. Glorfindel held up his hands and shot Faelon a sympathetic look.
"Kate, get up!"
"Never!" And in the words of Dane Cook, it was on. The rest of the elves had stopped what they were doing to watch, looking highly amused.
"If you don't get up…" Faelon threatened, glaring at me. I have to admit I was pretty intimidated; these elves and their stares. One word: creepy. But like I said, it was on and I could not back down.
"What? Gonna glare at me some more?" I sneered.
What he did next…it's practically unspeakable. Before I even realized what had happened, I was hit with a blast of cool air.
"You took my blanket," I stated incredulously.
"That's right."
"You took my blanket."
"Well, I warned you."
"You took my blanket."
"I know. You've said it three times already."
"But you took my blanket."
"I give up! You're unbelievable!"
"Me? You started this!"
"No, I did not!"
"Yes, you did!"
"No, I didn't!"
"Did!"
"Didn't!"
"Did!"
"Didn't!"
"Didn't!"
"Did!"
"Ha!" I cried and Glorfindel laughed while Faelon just pouted and said, "You're so immature."
"I could not agree with you more," Almira sneered as she came out of Glorfindel's tent, giving me the once over. "So immature."
Normally, I probably would have just let it go. But as it was, it was just after dawn and my blanket had just been stolen. Not a safe combination. "Piss off," I said, my voice low, while starting to stand.
Glorfindel, sensing the potential for a major catfight-something all males can do, God knows how-jumped in to prevent someone from getting seriously injured. "Almira, I have yet to break my fast, would you care to join me?"
"Of course, my lord." And just like that she turned on her heel, and marched towards the fire and breakfast.
Needless to say, the rest of us were stunned, especially Glorfindel, who had paled considerably with the emphasis placed on the word 'my.' "Did I just...?"
"Yes. Yes, you did," I answered, still staring after a now triumphant Almira.
"The question is: why? You wouldn't happen to be developing a taste for certain company would you, my lord?" asked Gornnir, while the other elves tried unsuccessfully to hide their snickers.
"Yes, you might want to hurry. Almira looks like she's becoming impatient," Faelon added.
"I could eat with you if you like," I offered, further shocking the surrounding elves. I really didn't want to eat breakfast watching Almira trying to glomp Glorfindel, but then again I didn't want her scarring said Balrog slayer in her attempts to glomp him. I also felt a little guilty seeing as it was my action that pushed him to be chivalrous and have the other Ellyn tease him so.
"Would you really?" The look of relief on his face was almost comical and I would have laughed if I hadn't been worried for my life. Let's face it, Almira was not going to be pleased with someone, especially me, intruding on what she thought was a private breakfast with Glorfindel.
"Yes, even if it means my imminent destruction."
"Wonderful! Shall we?" And with that Glorfindel walked off, leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open.
"Bastard," I muttered and began walking after him.
Faelon came up on my right side. "I take it that word is not complimentary."
"Not in the least."
As we reached the campfire, Glorfindel handed me some mixed berries and some sort of wafer-like substance, while Almira shot us death glares from across the fire.
"This should be enjoyable," I whispered to Faelon.
"I am not planning on finding out."
"Excuse me?" I whipped my head around to stare at him. I knew he was not going to strand me in what could have been one of the most awkward situations ever.
"I already ate. Enjoy," and with a small wave and smug smile he left me there alone. He just stranded me. I bet he would have skipped breakfast just to make me suffer. It was probably all payback because I gave him a hard time that morning. So immature.
"Bastard," I muttered for the second time in under two minutes.
"I take it that word is not complimentary," Glorfindel smirked.
"I take it you heard me earlier then. Isn't that what you're trying to tell me by repeating what Faelon said? Because if so, I really don't care."
"Did your mother not tell you that it was unseemly to call names?"
"Did your mother not tell you that it was unseemly to eavesdrop?"
He was about to reply when a particularly loud cough interrupted our banter.
"We better go join her," Glorfindel stated with a resigned sigh.
"Maybe it won't be so bad," I said, not really believing it.
Glorfindel shot me a dubious glance and took a seat across from Almira (much to her disappointment.) This left me to either take the seat next to Glorfindel, or the one near Almira. Tough choice, right? I stepped towards Glorfindel only to have Faelon reappear and take my seat.
"What the hell?" What was he doing here? He had just said he had already eaten breakfast. It was barely past dawn; I did not want to play mind games with elves.
"What?" he said as he just stared innocently back at me.
"I thought you already ate."
"I never said that."
"Excuse me?"
"I never said that," he repeated. "You must be mistaken. I have not yet broken my fast."
"You are both mistaken seeing as you are here intruding on my private breakfast with Glorfindel," Almira said haughtily.
"When did he ever say it was private?" I asked just to be obnoxious.
"Well, right after…um…shut up! He totally said so!" she said going all dramatic. You know.
"Maybe in your dreams," I replied in a singsong voice.
Glorfindel had been stuffing his face the entire time after he sat down so as to end the ordeal as soon as possible and announced through a mouthful, "I'm done," before getting up and running away to pack up his stuff for the trip back to Rivendell.
"My lord?" Almira called, but received no answer. Upon which she shot me a dirty look, got up in a huff, and stomped off to pout prettily or whatever drama queens like her do.
"What is up with people today?" I mean had everyone developed schizophrenic tendencies overnight or something? (Except for Almira, who was always psycho.)
"I do not know what you are talking about," Faelon said staring into his breakfast bowl.
"Don't start. Do not even start with me."
"What?" he asked looking up at me innocently. If he thought I was going to buy that, he was seriously mistaken. I have a little sister; I'm immune to that sort of thing.
"Come on! What was that act you just pulled? First, you say we have to eat breakfast, then you say you've eaten, then you change your mind, now you're acting like you don't even know what I'm talking about," my voice had gotten progressively louder as I got more annoyed.
"But I don't," he said avoiding my gaze.
"Unbelievable!" I huffed as I stormed off to go get my stuff. Well, actually, it was Faelon's stuff which just sucked even more because that meant I was going to have to give it back and Lord knows how awkward that whole interaction was going to be.
It was at this point, when I was trying (unsuccessfully) to fold the borrowed blanket with only one arm that Glorfindel walked over, with all his belongings neatly packed and stored on Asfaloth. What a show-off.
"How goes it?" he asked with a bemused expression.
"Wonderful, it's going well, as I'm sure you can see," I replied sarcastically. "I'm sure that when I get tired of trying, this blanket will take pity on my feeble attempts to fold it and just do it for me."
He laughed, much to my annoyance, and bent down to take the blanket from my hands. As he did so, I saw him glance at my right hand and then a confused expression appeared on his face.
"What? Did I suddenly grow a sixth finger or something?" As far as I knew there was nothing spectacular on or about my hand; just the silver ring I usually wore on my index finger.
"No, I just did not expect you to be betrothed," he replied. "Seeing as you have made no mention of it before; that and I did not think you to be of the Noldor or familiar with their customs for that matter. Though, it would explain your dark hair," he finished in a speculative tone.
"Oh, well, wait…WHAT? I'm not betrothed," I replied, my expression one of complete shock. Where had that come from?
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are," he said again, seeming a little exasperated.
"I can't believe this. Are you actually trying to argue with me? Because I can assure you I'd know whether or not I'm betrothed. Which I'm not," I added the last part after seeing the obstinate look on his face.
"Then why are you wearing a betrothal ring on your index finger?"
Oh, oh now it made sense. I should have caught on when he mentioned that bit about the Noldor. I let out a small chuckle; I had forgotten about that particular custom.
"I don't see what's so funny. Are you betrothed or not?" Glorfindel asked, looking a little confused and slightly disturbed at my sudden change of mood.
"No, I am not betrothed. This is not a betrothal ring; in fact, humans don't wear their engagement rings, or wedding rings for that matter, on their index finger at all. We-well, they-wear them on their left ring fingers." I lifted my hand again and pointed to my third finger.
"But you are wearing a ring on that finger, too," he said looking even more perplexed.
Bugger, I'd forgotten about that. "In my world, people wear as many rings as they want on any finger they want, as you can see by the multitude I'm wearing. They don't particularly mean anything, except if it's on the left ring finger and even then it might not mean anything."
"Ah, I see," then a mischievous gleam entered his eye and he whispered, "It's a good thing or Faelon might have been thoroughly disappointed."
"What are you talking about?" I really hoped he was not implying what I thought he was implying.
"He's taken a liking to you. It's obvious. Don't tell me you haven't noticed?" Of course that was what he was implying. Why should anything ever have gone my way?
"There's no way he would be interested in me. I only just fell out of the sky yesterday," I hissed in response.
Glorfindel just shrugged. "I'm only commenting on what I see."
"Keep commenting and a certain someone might be informed of a certain Elven Lord's undying passion for her; he's just too shy to tell her."
I grinned evilly, as Glorfindel blanched. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
Deciding to take me seriously, he shuddered and continued our previous conversation. "So it does not mean anything that you are wearing a ring on your left ring finger?"
"No. Even though I'm wearing a ring on that finger, people probably wouldn't expect me to be married because, well, first off I'm a little young to be married in today's culture and secondly it's not a commonplace wedding ring. Most wedding rings in my world worn by females contain some kind of diamond."
"How old are you?" The question startled me; I hadn't heard Gornnir approach from behind me. I turned to face him and noticed that the entire group had finished packing and had been listening to my explanation, including Faelon.
"How old do you think I am?" I asked, curious as to what the answer would be.
"Thirty," Gornnir stated, looking quite sure of himself.
"No, that's far too young. She's at least sixty," stated another elf I did not know. I barely managed to repress my snort and remind myself time flowed a little differently for elves. To be sixty would be ten years passed reaching maturity or adulthood as an elf.
"That's ridiculous, Ailill," chimed in another elf. "She's not more than fifty."
"I agree with Nordithen, she can't be more than fifty," said Faelon.
"And what about you, Tirithedain, Bellon, what would you say her age is?" Glorfindel asked of the two remaining elves.
"I cannot speak for Bellon, but I would say she is about forty," said Tirithedain with a smile and wink in my direction.
"As for me, I would have to agree with Ailill. She would not be on such a journey if she were not of age," Bellon replied quietly, obviously the shyer one in the group.
"And you?" I raised an eyebrow at Glorfindel.
He looked me over and stared into my eyes for a moment and then announced in a confident voice, "Forty-eight."
"Ha! You are all wrong. I'm eighteen!" Watching their eyes widen and their faces contort in shock was priceless.
"Eighteen!" cried Faelon. "But that's so young."
I shrugged. "In my world I am considered a legal adult, fully capable of living and working on my own."
"It makes sense seeing as she was a human once," Gornnir said thoughtfully. "Their lives go by much quicker."
Hearing him say it hit me and I felt my smile fade: I was never going to die. I mean logically I knew this when I realized I changed species, but it was still depressing to know I would outlive my entire family and all my friends. Not like I'd ever see them again, I reminded myself which only served to depress me even more and I felt tears gather in my eyes.
"What is the matter, Kate? Are you well?" asked Tirithedain, looking quite worried.
I was not very good with showcasing my emotions and never had been. I hated crying in front of people, even my family. I felt embarrassed and just wanted to escape. "I'm fine," I managed to choke out. "I should get my stuff. I'm sure you all want to get back to Rivendell and your friends and families before the next century. You don't need me holding you up." With a self-deprecating laugh I turned my back and bent to retrieve my stuff, missing once again the look that passed between the elves behind my back.
I heard Glorfindel cough a little, and then say "She's right. Let's move out. I want to reach Rivendell before nightfall."
We spent most of the day walking in silence, all of us except Almira who droned on and on about something, what exactly I don't remember because I completely tuned her out. She had once again managed to bum a ride with Glorfindel, this time without the dramatic fainting episode. She had just shown up at Glorfindel's horse. I pity him, I really do, but the look on his face was priceless. It was one of absolute resignation and dejection. It was also hilarious.
Thinking about it brought a smile to my face, one that did not go unnoticed.
"What are you smiling about? Is there something I'm missing? If so, I would appreciate being informed because, so far, today's trip has been painfully (and here he shot a dark glance at Almira) boring," Tirithedain said, coming to walk next to me on my right with Bellon coming to walk on my left.
"You would have to be blind and deaf to miss what has me smiling." I nodded my head in the direction of Almira and Glorfindel.
"Ah, I see. Yes, Glorfindel's predicament is quite entertaining."
"I think he would rather face another Balrog than be forced to endure her company for much longer," Bellon chimed in.
"We could rescue him," I suggested halfheartedly.
"No, I absolutely forbid it. I'm enjoying this far too much," said Nordithen.
"You would," I said.
"I know, that's why I just said so," he replied looking confused.
"Never mind," I sighed, "it's an Earth thing."
At that moment, we rounded a bend and Rivendell came into view. I noticed we had been steadily gaining in elevation for about the past hour, and it was definitely worth it. The view was spectacular from where we were standing.
"It's lovely." I had stopped to stare down into the valley and Tirithedain, Bellon, and Nordithen stopped with me.
"It should only be a few hours now, we just have to descend into the valley and then we'll be home," Bellon said, gazing in reverence upon his home.
"I cannot believe I am actually going to be in Rivendell. This is unreal." I knew I must have looked kind of silly, with my mouth slightly open, and my eyes beginning to glaze over in awe, but if I had known that my companions at that time found it oddly endearing I would have been floored. As it was, I figured they just thought I was an idiot, a sentimental one but an idiot never the less. Especially seeing as how everyone had now stopped and was looking at us (alright, Almira was glaring, but then when was she ever not?).
"Nice view, eh?" What was I, Canadian? I paused to give a nervous chuckle. "Right then, shall we?" And with that, I started forward. The elves around me just kind of shrugged, managing at the same time to somehow look graceful doing it, while Almira ever so predictably rolled her eyes.
The descent into the valley was rather uneventful, thank God. I really didn't think I was up to facing any more Orcs. I was extremely aware of how lucky I had been the first time around. I had been petrified I was going to be killed and didn't hold out any hope I wouldn't be if put in the same situation all over again.
Even if the surrounding landscape was beautiful, continuous walking is just boring. I turned to Nordithen, Tirithedain, and Bellon who were still walking near me and asked in what could be termed an annoyingly perky voice, "So any of you chaps married? We all know I'm not, but what about you?"
They looked kind of startled for a second, probably due to the general nature of the question and the word 'chaps' and then Nordithen and Tirithedain had begun smiling at Bellon who was actually blushing.
"Neither I, nor Tirithedain are married, but Bellon here happens to have just recently been betrothed," replied Nordithen, still wearing a wide smile.
Tirithedain leaned towards me confidentially with a mischievous gleam in his eye, lowering his voice a little, but not enough so that he couldn't be heard by Nordithen and Bellon. "We are not quite sure how he did it though. I always thought I would be married first. I am more intelligent, more handsome, more -"
"Of an arse?" Bellon supplied, raising one eyebrow.
"Do not let him bother you so. After all he is quite an arse," Nordithen said helpfully.
"Hey!" cried Tirithedain, but Nordithen just ignored him.
"But you have to admit," Nordithen continued, "it was quite a shock for us when we found out you were courting. You were always the more reserved one out of the three of us."
"Not to mention you barely ever talked about Maerwen beforehand," Tirithedain commented, apparently recovered from being doubly insulted.
"Is that her name? Maerwen? What is she like?" I asked quickly before Nordithen and Tirithedain could continue.
Bellon got a dreamy look on his face, the kind people truly in love get that just makes you want to shake them, and stated quietly, "She is…she is my heart's desire realized." Then he blushed quite profusely as Nordithen and Tirithedain stopped walking and started gagging loudly.
"Oh shut up, you two! I thought it was lovely, Bellon," I said with a small smile as he and I kept walking. And then seeing as we were now in front of them, I raised my voice just a little so Nordithen and Tirithedain would be sure to hear me and said, "Besides those two are probably just jealous: Firstly, that they have no one to say such lovely things to and secondly, because they probably could not come up with something so lovely to say." I winked, knowing this was bound to cause some kind of objection.
"Now, wait just a moment. We are not jealous." Although it was Tirithedain speaking, both had identical looks of indignation plastered on their faces.
"I agree. We are only sixty-five. It's not like we should be in some kind of hurry," Nordithen stated while Tirithedain just nodded his assent.
"It's weird to hear someone who looks thirty-three say he's sixty-five. For me, sixty-five means arthritic joints, gray hair, and grandchildren. Not people who look like they could run ten miles and not break a sweat." And it was true; I was having a really hard time getting my mind around the fact that these guys were old enough to get the senior discount at movie theaters. Of course, it was easier with them than Glorfindel, who was older than me by millennia, several of them, and who should look like the Crypt keeper not someone capable of being a model for Ralph Lauren.
"How are you dealing with that? Being immortal, I mean," asked Bellon bluntly, though not unkindly.
"I think I am still somewhat in shock. It's not really something I can feel, or that I really notice, like my improved senses. I think it won't hit me for awhile. I mean it might start to sink in when I'm like fifty years old and don't have any wrinkles or gray hair."
"Are you happy about it?" asked Tirithedain inquiringly. "You will never grow old; never have to worry about being sick. It seems to me that most mortals are envious of this and desire it, yet you seem reluctant to even acknowledge it, much less accept it."
We walked in silence for a moment, while I tried to figure out how to answer that question and they waited patiently for my answer.
"That's because…because it's not exactly something I would have chosen necessarily, if allowed such an opportunity."
"You mean you do not want or would not want to be immortal?" asked Nordithen, Bellon and Tirithedain's faces echoing the shock I heard in his voice.
"Yes," I said simply, but before I could elaborate further, Glorfindel had stopped his horse. He and Almira dismounted and walked through the gate into Rivendell and stopped in the courtyard beyond.
As I passed under the archway, I could not help feeling a small sense of dread enter its way into my mind. What if Lord Elrond would not believe us? Would he kill us? But my train of thought was interrupted when Bellon put a hand on my shoulder. "Go," he said. "Lord Glorfindel is waiting for you." As I turned to go, his voice stopped me, "Kate?"
"Yes," I answered, a little bewildered.
"Do not fear. Lord Elrond is a kind and understanding ruler. He will not harm you."
"Thanks," I said, only a tad less nervous. As I was walking towards Glorfindel, I passed by Faelon, who gave me a small smile which I returned (granted a little uneasily) before focusing my attention on Almira who was glaring at me.
"What?" I snapped, coming to walk next to her as we followed Glorfindel across the courtyard and down a hallway.
"If you had not been flirting with those elves today, we could have been focusing on what we were going to tell Lord Elrond," she hissed, switching back to English I supposed.
"That's rich coming from the girl who forced herself on Lord Glorfindel… well, technically, his horse." I smirked, poor Asfaloth.
Almira just huffed and said, "I wasn't feeling well."
"That's what they all say." Almira didn't respond and I grinned, relishing in the feel of being able to have the last word, until I realized why she didn't respond. Glorfindel had stopped and was waiting outside of what I presumed to be Lord Elrond's office, or study, seeing as that's probably what they call it here.
We paused outside his door, and Glorfindel looked at us. "Are you ready?" he asked.
Almira and I looked at each other. "As ready as we'll ever be," I replied.
With a short nod, he turned, knocked, and upon hearing a muffled, "Enter," opened the door and ushered us inside, following directly and closing the door behind him.
Elrond looked up from his paperwork and if he was surprised to see Glorfindel accompanied by two seemingly mortal young women he certainly did not say so, merely raised a hand gesturing to the two seats in front of his desk and said, "Please, sit down."
The first thing I noticed was his eyes. They were the color of a storm-filled sky and just as intense (and no his eyebrows were not that scary.) In them was displayed an intimidating amount of wisdom and strength, tempered by an immeasurable amount of kindness. His hair was dark brown, a token of his Noldorin ancestry. His face, though fair, bore the distinctive marks of hardship; the way his mouth was set in a firm line, as though smiling were rare and something not to be wasted. This was Lord Elrond, the elf who had faced immense hardship, who fought in the First Alliance, ruler of one of the most powerful Elven cities, and who was now faced with the problem of helping to try and solve what should be done about the ring he could not convince Isildur to destroy.
Almira and I took the two aforementioned seats while Glorfindel grabbed a spare and moved it in front of Lord Elrond's desk. When we were all settled, Elrond turned to Glorfindel and simply quirked an eyebrow. Glorfindel hastily cleared his throat. "My Lord, may I introduce the Ladies Kate and Almira."
"Actually," I said hastily, "it's just Kate. I'm not a Lady or anything like that." I shot a pointed glance at Almira, but she just ignored me. For all I knew she could have been of the nobility, but I doubted it.
Lord Elrond nodded his head, and said in a quietly authoritative voice, "I have never seen elves with such coloring or clothing. Tell me, where do you hail from?"
The three of us cast uneasy glances at each other. I took a deep a breath and began, "I cannot speak for Almira, but it all started when I was leaving my home to head to a party. On the way out, I paused and looked up at the night sky and said, 'I wish to escape.' Next thing I knew I was waking up here. Shortly after that Lord Glorfindel found us and we began our journey here."
Lord Elrond turned his expectant gaze to Almira. "I'm afraid my tale is infinitely more tragic." She paused here for dramatic effect, her eyes filling with tears. "I have been a servant to my evil stepmother and my two stepsisters ever since my father died. When I had finally had enough of their abuse-which was a lot, more than anyone should have to bear-I ran away. As I was fleeing for my life I got lost in the woods and happened upon a witch, though I did not know her as one at the time. She gave me an apple and I stupidly ate it, not even realizing it was poisoned. The last thing I remember is feeling very tired. I must have passed out, because when I woke up I was here."
"What? No fairy godmother?" I sneered. This resulted in me being glared at by her royal highness.
"That still does not explain exactly where you are from." Lord Elrond looked at me expectantly, obviously sensing Almira was full of shit.
I repeated the explanation I had given Glorfindel the day before about our world and Tolkien's writings.
Lord Elrond quietly sat staring blankly at the papers on his desk for a few moments before he raised his head and looked me straight in the eye. "So you both know of the council I am going to hold and what is to come from it?"
"Yes," Almira answered. I just nodded, fidgeting nervously under his intense stare.
He sighed. "In that case, I believe you should both be there."
"I don't know…" I was stunned. I mean, this was THE Council of Elrond. Who wouldn't want to go, aside from the girls who considered Cosmopolitan great literature? But our going could seriously mess something up. I had tuned out while I was thinking this over and hadn't been paying attention to what was being said around me. Therefore, I missed the part where Almira signed us both up.
"Wait, what? We shouldn't-" but it was too late, Almira cut me off. "You'll have to excuse her, Lord Elrond; she's not quite all there right now. The pain in her shoulder is making her delirious. As I said we would be deeply honored to attend the council. When will it be held?" I just sighed. It's not like she can even spell 'delirious' anyway.
"The council will take place in three days' time. I will send someone for you the morning of to lead you there, as the meeting is supposed to be secret. However, time permitting, I would like to speak with you again beforehand to learn more about your world. Not to mention, I am sure you have questions of your own that you would like answered," Lord Elrond stated gravely. "Elwen will take you to your rooms in the guest quarters so that you may wash before supper."
At this last statement, an elleth who could put Calvin Klein models to shame opened the door with a smile and beckoned us out into the hallway. Just as I was about to leave, Lord Elrond stopped me. "How did you injure your shoulder?" he asked looking concerned.
"We were attacked and I tackled an Orc." I was a little surprised he asked.
"She saved Faelon's life," Glorfindel added quietly.
"It's really not that big a deal. I'm sure someone else would have done it, if not me."
"But they did not, you did. And that is quite impressive," Lord Elrond stated with a small smile. I squeaked a, "thanks," and then fled the room, leaving Lord Glorfindel and Lord Elrond to discuss whatever it was they needed to discuss in private.
Elwen led us down a fairly straightforward set of passageways. However, I could just see the wheels turning in Almira's mind (despite how small it is) as to how she could get properly lost, thereby necessitating being rescued by someone who would conveniently turn out to be Legolas. I pitied anything that was male and moved within Imladris.
The first room we stopped at was designated as mine. I opened the door and went absolutely still. The room was amazing! It was twice the size of my room at home, with a sitting area that had a bookshelf and fireplace. I walked through the doorway into the bedroom which had a balcony and overlooked beautifully-kept gardens. The bed was huge and bedecked with sumptuous burgundy and cream linens. There was a fireplace and on the left of the fireplace was a door that led to the bathroom, which was sparkling. I let out a little squeak of pure ecstasy and flopped onto the bed.
"I take it this room meets with your approval," Elwen said with a smile, leaning on the door frame.
"If by that you mean represents a dream come true, then yes."
"If you need anything I will be by to check on you a little later to lead you to dinner, so you can let me know then."
"Thanks, but I should be fine."
"Until then," she said and left, shutting the door on the way out.
I rolled over, relishing in the feel of a bed that was far too large for just one person. I snuggled under the covers, feeling sleep tugging at the corners of my mind. Yeah, this definitely was not so bad.
A/N: I would like to thank my beta, MuseDePandora, for helping me with this story. Cheers to you for being on top of the grammar! I'd also like to acknowledge my parents (especially my dad) who have helped edit this story and encouraged me in all my writing endeavors. I love you guys! Can you believe it? Five chapters already down!
