Disclaimer: I don't own the Lord of the Rings or anything related to it. Nor do I own C.S. Lewis' Narnia series or anything pertaining to it. And I definitely don't own Jessica Simpson's song. Whew, long list this time.
Chapter 7- Have I told you lately?
I was startled awake by a shake and a rather loud, "Kate!"
"What? What is it?" Completely disoriented I tried to sit up and was prevented from doing so easily by a sharp stab of pain in my shoulder. "Ouch," I mumbled, rubbing my shoulder.
"Why are you on the floor?" Glorfindel inquired gently, helping me to sit up.
"Why are you in my room?" I snapped irritably, trying to avoid answering the question.
Glorfindel shot me a withering look, causing me to lower my gaze to the floor. But he continued in the same gentle voice, lifting my chin with two fingers, "I am here because you did not come to the morning meal, which aroused my suspicions since Elwen was supposed to fetch you. When I questioned her about it she said that she had tried knocking and received no answer. When she entered your room she did not see you, I can only assume it was because you were on the floor. Upon hearing of your supposed disappearance I was slightly concerned. However, I figured you might just have needed some time to yourself. But when the noon meal came and went, and still there was no sign of you, I became quite worried and decided to search for you which brought me to your room." He dropped his hand from my chin.
"Oh," I said in a small voice, feeling like a complete jerk.
"I have answered your question will you not do the same for me?" he pleaded quietly.
I nodded. "Last night, when I returned to my room I readied myself for bed and decided to take in Rivendell at night from my balcony. It was just so beautiful and I wanted to share it with someone…but-" I broke off for a moment as I felt my throat tighten up and my eyes fill with tears. I looked away, out of my open balcony doors and took a few deep breaths. I felt him take my hand and I was comforted. I sighed and continued, "But there was no one. I was all alone. And it was just too much." I turned to look him straight in the eye. "I don't want to do this alone, Glorfindel. And I'm scared that I won't survive without my family and friends." I saw his eyes widen at my quiet declaration. "I have lost everyone and everything I ever loved or valued. All my hopes and dreams, my plans for the future, none of it matters now. I'm not even human anymore," I said with a bitter laugh. "I'm still Kate, yes, but what does that mean? There are so many things that have been radically changed and so much I've lost in such a short amount of time that I just can't comprehend it. And I'm afraid that when it finally sinks in, it will be too much for me to bear. And last night was just the beginning. If I succumb to this, if it consumes me…I just, I just don't know." My voice broke and I turned my face away quickly again. I was embarrassed; I had a hard time being so candid. But at the same time I knew I needed this, this chance to voice my fears and seek reassurance.
And I think Glorfindel sensed this because he took my face in his hands and gently angled my face towards his, brushing away a few of my errant tears with his thumbs. Upon meeting his gaze I was surprised to see a slight sheen of moisture there. "When I was reborn I felt exactly as you do now. I felt lost and out of touch. So much had changed in the years after my death. Having to live with the memories of my last moments and the knowledge that most of my family and friends had died, that my beloved city had been destroyed was pure torture. I know all too well the suffocating feeling of loneliness. And for a long time I suffered in silence because I was too afraid too open up and confide in someone. They all saw me as some sort of hero, so brave and strong, and I was afraid to disappoint them. So I did as you are doing now: I kept up a brave front for the rest of the world, but on the inside I was absolutely terrified. How was I expected to live in a place so different from what I had lost? It was an honor for me to be reborn, but I could not see it that way. Why should I want to live in a world without my family or friends? I was bitter and resentful, and soon tired of the double-life I was forcing myself to lead. I began to fade." This time my eyes widened. He smiled slightly at this and continued, "It was at this point that Elrond came to me. He pointed out that he and the members of his house were concerned about me. They could sense my unhappiness, but had been reluctant to interfere thinking I would come to terms with it on my own, but now that my life was in jeopardy the need for intervention was dire." He paused for a moment, no doubt recalling the scene in his mind, and then continued dryly, "Needless to say that upon learning my emotions were so obvious and my efforts at concealing them had failed me, I was frustrated and forced to admit I needed help. I laid bare all my deepest emotion and fears that day and it was as if a great weight had been lifted. Later I realized that though I may never completely get over what happened I could accept it and learn to live with it. I have and my life is much better for it. I know it will be hard to try and do this, and it took me many months to accomplish, but you can do it. The pain will always be there, but it does not have to consume you. I make you this promise- that I will always be here to listen should you need. I have come to care for you greatly as a friend, and I am even starting to think of you as if you were my younger sister. Therefore you must understand I could not bear to lose you, especially if it is within my power to prevent it." Then with an impish grin he added, "Besides who would protect me from Almira?"
I laughed lightly. "I would not call what I've done to you protection where Almira is concerned." After a moment, I grew serious again. "Thank you," I whispered sincerely, not trusting my voice. He just nodded, then rose and helped me to my feet.
"I say it is time for you to change and get something to eat." Right then my stomach grumbled, causing both of us to laugh. "I see your stomach agrees with me. I will wait outside until you are ready."
I remained standing there until the click of the door shook me into action and I proceeded to wash and change quickly.
When I stepped outside, I saw him conversing with Legolas, who upon seeing me, bowed and said, "I am glad to see you are well. We were all quite worried about you."
"Your concern is greatly appreciated, though I feel horrid for making everyone worry." When had my speech started becoming so formal?
"Don't," was Glorfindel's answer and Legolas just nodded in agreement. "Now I was thinking that you should probably get some more suitable clothes before the council."
"What? Earth clothes not good enough for you elves?" I teased. "Or perhaps they are too good?"
"You speak of that which you do not know," Glorfindel replied, ruffling my hair.
"Although the same could be said of you Glorfindel, as I am fairly sure you have never worn clothes from Kate's world," Legolas supplied.
"His highness has a point," I said not glaring in Glorfindel's direction long enough to smile at Legolas.
"Please, just Legolas. I am not too fond of titles."
"Then you and Kate have something in common," Glorfindel interjected while rolling his eyes.
"You know, keep rolling your eyes and they might get stuck that way," I said with mock seriousness.
"Really?" Glorfindel asked concern etched on his face, his hand unconsciously moving to rest near his eyes.
I couldn't keep a straight face. I burst into laughter.
"Kate? Kate, this is not funny. I do not want my eyes to stay like that forever." He had his arms crossed and looked mildly alarmed. Legolas also looked a tad worried.
"Glorfindel," I gasped in some air and tried to continue, "They won't…they won't get stuck that way. It is just something mothers in my world tell their children so they won't make faces."
"Not funny," he said, now looking completely affronted.
"Yes it was," I said while wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes. "Someday you will look back at this and laugh."
"Doubtful, very doubtful."
"Lies."
"Are you calling me a liar?"
"Are you denying it?"
"Are we ever going to leave this hallway?" Legolas cut in.
At once, Glorfindel's attitude changed. "Forgive me, Kate. I had forgotten you have not eaten."
"There is no need to be so concerned. It's not like I'm going to die." At the mention of death I heard Glorfindel's sharp intake of breath. "Sorry," I apologized quickly.
I saw Legolas looking at us strangely and open his mouth to say something, but before he got the chance, Glorfindel took my elbow and started walking. "Shall we be going?"
Legolas just raised an eyebrow and came to walk on my left.
"By the way, I made you an appointment to see the seamstresses today, so you can have at least one dress to wear to the council," Glorfindel stated.
"Bah. Jeans are so much more comfortable. Besides, shouldn't I be wearing clothes from my world to further my claim? I mean, if I'm dressed like an elf from this world are they really going to believe I'm not?" I countered.
"Nice try. But word of you and your companion has already spread throughout Imladris. Not to mention most of the people that will be at the council saw you in your Earth clothes at dinner the first night you were here."
"Besides your coloring would also convince them," added Legolas.
"I know not all elves have blond hair. My brown hair cannot be that odd," I argued.
"Yes, but brown eyes? Very few people have brown eyes, especially elves."
Seeing as I had nothing to say to that, I just started grumbling about Middle Earth's lack of diversity. Glorfindel and Legolas just chose to ignore me, with the former smiling indulgently.
We headed to the kitchens as no food was being served in the main hall since it was not a specific meal time. Once there we found we were not the only ones trying to take advantage of the cook's hospitality. We entered on a lively discussion taking place between four hobbits; which, ever so predictably, quieted the minute our presence was obvious.
"Ah! Lady Kate, how good to see you. I trust you are well?" Bilbo asked, eagerly waving me over to the seat next to him.
"I am now, thank you for inquiring. I am sorry to have missed our meeting," I apologized as I moved to take my seat. But before I could, Legolas had pulled it out for me.
"Thanks," I said awkwardly while sitting. He nodded and sat himself next to me.
"You aren't used to it are you?" Bilbo asked speculatively, gesturing with his hand. "All the formality I mean."
"No I'm not. It's not really done in my world. It's considered outdated. Whether or not a man does something like that depends on him and how he was raised. It's nice but not something I necessarily expect, therefore I always forget about all the customs in place," I responded.
"That's odd," one of the hobbits stated.
"Pip!" another hobbit I was assuming was Merry exclaimed.
"What? It is," Pippin stated defensively.
Bilbo and the last hobbit, who I assumed was Sam (seeing as Frodo would not be well enough to be up yet) looked on with bemused expressions, though Sam's had a touch of the disapproving.
"Allow me to introduce my companions. The hobbit on my left is Samwise Gamgee (a short nod complete with blush); across from him is Peregrin Took-"
"Pippin for short," said hobbit interrupted, smiling widely.
"And next to him is Meriadoc Brandybuck, or Merry for short," Bilbo continued, unfazed by Pippin's remark. Merry also gave me a short nod and small smile.
"Good hobbits, this is the Lady Kate and his highness Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. I trust you have already met Lord Glorfindel."
"Yes, though I must say it was not under the most pleasant of circumstances," Glorfindel added placing a plate of food in front of me. I whispered thanks and then dug in greedily.
"It is strange company I find myself surrounded by these days: a girl from a distant world, royalty, elves, and dwarves" Pippin said enthusiastically.
"I was thinking the same thing," I said between mouthfuls.
"As was I. We do not get many visitors in the realm of Mirkwood, traveling is far too dangerous-"
But whatever else he had been about to say was lost as Almira pushed her way into the conversation. "Then I am so glad you made it here safely! I do not know what I would have done had you been injured!" she cried dramatically.
"The answer is nothing, seeing as you: 1) would have been absolutely NOWHERE near where he was and 2) would never even have met the guy. I mean how upset could you be?" I said tersely. I saw everyone's eyes widen perceptibly at my answer. Almira stepped forward, a dangerous gleam in her eye and I straightened up in my chair, meeting her gaze head-on.
To keep something from happening, Legolas jumped in. "Your concern is greatly appreciated my Lady. I and my party were fortunate enough to have had an uneventful journey and arrived safely."
"Little did you know what you'd be walking into. I'm guessing you'd almost rather that you'd been captured by a man-eating spider," I muttered darkly, "Although there really is not that much of a difference between them; except, of course, for the number of legs and general appearance."
"Well, it's time for us to go, Kate," Glorfindel said quickly, emitting a nervous laugh. "You have that appointment to get to. We will see you all at dinner." That being said, he grabbed me and propelled me out of my seat and out the door leaving behind four very bewildered hobbits, and a very disappointed prince at being left with such a furious elleth.
After a few turns down various hallways, Glorfindel stopped and turned to face me. "What was that all about? Is everything alright with you?"
"I'm fine," I sighed. "I'm just a little tired and I lost my patience with her."
"Would you prefer to rest? I can reschedule your appointment for tomorrow," he said, looking at me worriedly.
"I'll be fine. I'm not made of glass. If you are going to incessantly worry over me then I regret confiding in you," I snapped and instantly regretted it.
"I'm sorry-" he began, recoiling from me.
I held up my hand, silencing him. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I don't know what has gotten into me. I've taken my frustration out on you and you don't deserve that. You have been so considerate and I feel wretched for snapping at you. Forgive me?" I said softly.
He nodded. "Of course," he said just as softly. He began walking again, an odd sort of tension settling between us.
We walked the rest of the way to the seamstresses in silence. They had been awaiting our arrival expectantly, because once there I was swept away and poked and prodded for the next hour. When I emerged from the dressing room, I didn't see Glorfindel anywhere. I decided to just wander around rather than stay in that room and be endlessly questioned on the fashions from my world, which is what had been happening to me for the past hour while being measured for my gowns.
I meandered around the hallways, until I reached a garden I had never seen before (which wasn't saying much seeing as I had only been inn Rivendell for a day and a half). I wandered into it slowly. It was so quiet and serene, I felt guilty; like I was trespassing on someone's private sanctuary; but not enough to keep me from going further. It was gorgeous. There were little waterfalls, and fishponds, beautiful weeping willows, luscious flowerbeds, and numerous pathways.
I elected upon one of these and began to explore. As I went deeper into the garden, I had the distinct feeling I was leaving the city proper behind. I was surrounded by lush vegetation which was sporadically broken up by small arbors and benches. Every now and then another path would veer off from mine, but I continued along the main one, anxiously anticipating what lay at the end.
And I was not disappointed, for what I found was a statue; nothing grandiose or spectacular, but expressive and slightly mysterious, befitting of a garden such as this. There were several benches on the perimeter of the space, so it could be viewed from all angles. It was in the form of an elleth, and she was amazing. It reminded me of the statues from the Chronicles of Narnia. They weren't really statues at all. A little magic and they would regain their humanity right in front of your eyes. I stood there feeling that I could do such a thing to this elleth if only I knew the right words or had such a power. She was tall and regal, dressed in flowing robes, hair blown back by an invisible wind. But it was her face, and the expression resting there, that had me captivated. Her facial features were stoic and trying for the appearance of calm, but her eyes betrayed her. In them there was such passion and longing, yet it was tempered by obvious anguish and fear.
I positioned myself on the bench directly in front of her. I sat there for hours, only aware of my growing sadness as I studied the statue's eyes.
"Making a habit of missing meals are we?"
The amused masculine voice startled me, and I stood quickly, whirling to face the intruder.
"Forgive me. I did not mean to startle you. I thought you would hear my approach. I did not realize how deeply you were concentrating."
"It's alright your highness, no harm done."
"Simply Legolas," he said lightly.
"Ah, yes. I forgot about our mutual disregard of titles," I said with a small smile, but it quickly faded.
"What troubles you?" he said slowly coming to stand in front of me and looking deeply into my eyes. I took a step back focusing my eyes straight ahead (which, based on his height, happened to be the center of his chest) effectively inhibiting his probing gaze. "You fear you will fade," he stated his tone slightly alarmed at the thought.
I glanced at him sharply. Had he heard my conversation with Glorfindel that morning? However, even if he did he couldn't call me on it because then he would have to admit he had been eavesdropping. "No. It's nothing. I am fine," I said firmly, in an attempt to try to fool not only him, but myself as well.
He did not answer, his silence implying he knew I was lying. "What are you doing here so late?" he asked after a moment.
"I came here after my appointment with the seamstresses and have been here ever since."
"It is hard to leave this garden. There is something in the air here that draws you in, captivates you," he said lightly, his tone revealing nothing as I just gazed at him curiously. Then a quick change of subject, "Did you know that statue is of Lúthien?"
"I did not," I replied, his statement catching my interest, though his first comment remained in the back of my mind.
"Do you know her tale?"
I was not sure how much Legolas knew. Granted, he knew I was not from this world, but I didn't know if he had been told about my rather extensive knowledge concerning the history and future of Middle-Earth. "I know the basics, though I have never heard the full tale." True enough.
"Then perhaps while you stay here you shall. I would tell you, except I am ashamed to say I do not have the entire lay memorized and it is something you would want to here in its entirety."
"I see."
"Would you care to walk with me? I have a desire to relax in the garden a bit before retiring."
"I would, thank you."
We spent the next hour or so exchanging tales of our homeland, friends and family, childhood memories-the normal things people discuss when first getting to know one another. And this was how I spent the next two days before the council. Breakfast in the morning in the main hall with Glorfindel (who had been called away from the seamstresses by business), then until lunch I stayed with the seamstresses being fitted for a new wardrobe, a small lunch with Bilbo, then I had the afternoons to myself (which I generally spent in the library), dinner in the main hall with Glorfindel and everyone else, then my evening walk with Legolas until retiring (seeing as the Hall of Fire was not used every night). This changed the night before the council when Lord Elrond held another large dinner, this time his sons and Frodo were present, as well as Aragorn. It was an interesting dinner. Almira was slightly distracted by Aragorn (understandable, he is very attractive for a human), which did nothing to endear her to Arwen. However, Glorfindel and I found it fairly amusing how overjoyed Legolas was at his good fortune, only to have it crushed, when Almira, receiving the death glare to end all death glares from Arwen, promptly switched her attentions back to Legolas. It was priceless, as was her song choice and dedication. She chose another Jessica Simpson song, 'With You,' and poor Legolas' embarrassment last time paled in comparison to what he experienced then seeing as Almira had decided to sing in English.
This is why I arose with great trepidation to prepare for breakfast with Glorfindel on the day of the council, sure that it would not be as enjoyable as the previous night. The safety of my routine effectively destroyed (save for breakfast) seeing as most of the day would be spent listening to people discuss something I knew the beginning, middle and end to.
As I was staring at the dress on my bed in dismay, wondering how in the world I was going to get it on by myself, there was a knock at my door.
"Come in," I called not moving from my position. So I was pleasantly surprised and greatly relieved when I heard Elwen's voice a moment later.
"I came by at the suggestion of Lord Glorfindel to help you dress."
"Wonderful," I said dryly. "Remind me to thank him later."
"I take it you are not looking forward to this?"
"It's a beautiful gown, don't get me wrong," I said while reverently running my hand over the fabric. "I'm just not used to clothing like this and it signifies another important change for me."
She nodded understanding and sympathy in her eyes. "Are you ready?"
I sighed, "As I'll ever be."
When I was completely dressed, and deemed presentable I had to admit the dress was quite comfortable, more so than I expected. It didn't hurt that it was also rather flattering, though it felt weird to be dressed in such a way. It was fairly medieval looking, with the cut away sleeves that were long and almost reached the floor, revealing long sleeves that extended past my wrist. It was lilac and had full skirts. Basically I felt like I was going to Prom in the thirteenth century. "I feel ridiculous," I muttered, anxious over what people would think.
"You look lovely," Elwen said smiling at my discomfort.
"Thanks," I said.
"Now, I must go and prepare the Lady Almira." She sighed heavily. "That elleth is so demanding! I will be lucky if she is ready by the time of the council."
"You have my sympathies, and my gratitude. Thank you for helping me this morn."
"You are welcome." She turned to leave, and then quickly turned back. "I almost forgot! Lord Glorfindel asked for you to meet him at his study."
"Oh, right. Thanks and good luck with her ladyship."
"I'm going to need it." Laughing I parted ways with Elwen and made for Glorfindel's study. Upon arriving knocked, and received a muffled "Enter." However, on opening the door I did not see him. "Glorfindel?"
A moment later he appeared out from under his desk saying, "Sorry, I dropped a paper." Then a small, "Whoa," when he really looked at me.
"What?" I asked, feeling awkward for the third or fourth time since arriving in Imladris.
"You just look so different dressed like an elf," he said still seeming a little stunned.
"I think I'll take that as a compliment," I said sitting down in a chair opposite his, feeling slightly relieved.
"You should." But before anything else was said, the door was quickly opened and Legolas and the twins appeared quickly shutting the door.
"Good morning," they said in unison, as if their entrance were the most normal thing in the world. They nodded first at me, then Glorfindel, and then quickly back at me in a classic example of a comical double-take.
"Who is this?" said one of the twins impishly, raising an eyebrow and looking expectantly at Glorfindel.
"You don't sound particularly enthused about said morning," he replied wryly, shuffling through papers on his desk, avoiding their question and giving me a wink.
"It's hard to be enthused about anything when you are trying to escape from a certain lady we all know but don't really love," Legolas said dispiritedly while flopping down into one of the many chairs in the room.
"I take it they have met Almira then?" Glorfindel asked needlessly.
"So then this must be the Lady Kate," said the other twin, coming over and retrieving my hand and bowing over it. "I am the Lord Elrohir."
"And I am the Lord Elladan," said other twin proclaimed, taking my hand from his twin and lightly brushing his lips over my hand with a glance at Glorfindel, who smiled blandly in response.
"I am inclined to agree with Legolas," I said, laughing lightly at the twins antics.
"You aren't enthused either?" asked Elladan (and the only way I could tell them apart is that they were wearing non-matching tunics).
"I'm afraid I'm not. Not really. I have a horrid feeling that Almira is going to either spend the entire council drooling all over Legolas or participating in ways she shouldn't. Either way results in nausea or annoyance for me."
"It could be worse. You could be Legolas," Elrohir said.
"You are enjoying this way too much," his highness said a tad bitterly.
"True. Do you have more paperwork to finish or can we go to breakfast?" All of us turned our gaze upon Glorfindel expectantly at Elrohir's question.
"I am done. I hate guard reports. They are dull and obnoxiously tedious," he stated while rising and offering me his arm to escort me out of his office and towards the main hall.
"But necessary," I amended.
"Perhaps," he reluctantly agreed.
We entered the main hall and proceeded to the table arrayed with food (it was served buffet style in the morning and afternoon due to people's varying schedules) and filled our plates. Glorfindel spotted Erestor sitting at one of the tables, and we made to join him.
"Good morning," he greeted us cheerily.
"Good?" Legolas questioned, staring at his food moodily.
"How can your morning already not be good?" he asked.
"Well, the reason has red hair and green eyes-"
"Say no more. I heard her speech this morning."
"Speech?" I asked confused, pausing in my meal as did Glorfindel, though the twins kept eating despite the smiles growing on their faces.
Legolas groaned and buried his head in his hands, while Erestor smiled and explained, "Being the gentleman that he is, Legolas offered to escort Almira to breakfast. She then proceeded to express her gratitude to him."
"And anyone within one mile," Elladan added. "She's quite loud."
"Wait. If you were supposed to escort her to breakfast, how did you end up in my office?" Glorfindel asked looking curiously at Legolas.
"Erestor told us of the need for rescue plans last night when we were discussing the goings on in Imladris. We simply implemented one this morning," Elrohir explained, another impish grin present on his face which I was coming to recognize as one of their trademark smiles.
At that moment, we were joined by Nordithen, Tirithedain, and an elf that looked familiar but I couldn't quite place. "Mind if we join you?" Tirithedain inquired cheerfully; several "Not at alls" and "Of course not's" had them seated at our table but a moment later.
"Lady Kate, allow me to introduce Ailill. He was with us when we first came upon you, though I do not believe you were formally introduced," Nordithen said.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Ailill said kindly.
"The pleasure is all mine," I replied.
"It would be. I mean you don't honestly believe they care about you do you?" Almira sneered in English.
"That's funny coming from you," I replied coolly while the rest of our table looked on in confusion.
"What language are they speaking?" I heard Elrohir ask of Legolas.
"It is English, my lord, the language of our homeland," Almira said silkily.
"I seem to have lost my appetite," I said, not so subtly eyeing Almira. "If you will excuse me I am going to take my leave." I stood, the ellyn making to rise as I did but I was too annoyed to notice.
I walked quickly into the hallway, heading for the nearest garden. I threw myself down on the first bench I came to once there, exhaling harshly in frustration, throwing my arm over my eyes.
"I take it what she said was not kind?"
I lifted my arm to glance at the Elvin prince standing at the entrance to the garden and replied, "Not even close. It sucks that the only person from my world happens to be a complete twit that hates me for no apparent reason other than that I happen to be female and draw breath."
"I wondered about that. It doesn't help that she happens to have aligned herself with some of the most obnoxiously pompous elleth in Imladris. It also doesn't help that Glorfindel is so close to you. In fact, I believe they are envious of his interest in you," he explained while coming to sit on the ground next to the bench I was sprawled on.
"That's ridiculous!" I exclaimed, sitting up on my elbows. "He is like my brother. They are turning this into something it's not."
"Relax," he said soothingly. "Most people in Imladris don't pay them any heed."
"Bah." I flopped back down onto the bench.
"Interesting response," said Elladan, entering the garden with his twin, Glorfindel, and Erestor.
"Are you ready to attend the Council?" asked Glorfindel, looking at me intently.
"I suppose," I said trying to stand gracefully, the dress making it difficult. "Bloody dress, so bloody difficult" I muttered.
Legolas, who had risen without a problem, was smiling down at me. "Yes, but it looks lovely," he stated matter-of-factly while pulling me to my feet.
"Thanks," I replied while blushing lightly.
"I agree. Though I was quite surprised when I first saw you this morn," Erestor said tactfully diverting the attention from the prince's compliment, "Which is why I would request the honor to escort you to the council. It would be quite nice to arrive at the council with the most beautiful attendee on my arm. Shall you oblige this old counselor?" he asked, plastering a ridiculously pitiful and hopeful expression on his face. He reminded me of someone's grandfather in that moment (minus the wrinkles), trying to compliment his young granddaughter and put her at ease. The comparison made me smile and respond, "How could I refuse?" He extended his arm and I took it still smiling broadly, and he led me from the garden towards the council; Glorfindel coming to stand on my left, the twins and Legolas behind us.
"So, Lady Kate-"
"Just Kate," I interrupted only to be surprised when Glorfindel and Legolas said it with me in unison.
"Right," said Elladan slowly. "Kate. You know what will be discussed at this council, do you not?"
"Uh, well yes," I replied slowly, unsure where he was going with this. However, before he could question me further, Legolas spoke up, "You do?"
"She does," said Elrohir. "It's fascinating really. In her world the history and events of our world are stories anyone can read."
"Is that so?" Legolas said in a tight voice, and I could feel his gaze on me.
Suddenly a single clear bell rang out. But by that time we had reached the place where the council was being held. We were some of the first people to arrive. Erestor escorted me to my seat, which was situated between him and Glorfindel. Legolas was on the other side of Glorfindel and took his seat quickly, preventing me from being able to speak with him. The twins were seated next to their father and slightly behind him. They proceeded to their seats more solemnly than I had seen them up to that point. And it was odd to realize that none of them knew what was going to happen. I at least had that to keep me from being anxious, however my worry over Almira more than made up for the lapse. Speaking of her highness, she was seated across from me near Aragorn and was glaring at me. I sighed and looked at the rest of the people present. On the other side of Erestor to my right, were three empty seats, which I assumed belonged to Bilbo, Frodo, and Gandalf. Thinking of the hobbits made me think of the one in hiding, and I began looking around intently to see if I could spot him. However I had no such luck, he was hidden too well.
"Who are you looking for?" Glorfindel whispered into my ear, startling me.
"Galdor," I lied, forgetting I should not know who he was.
"He is next to Legolas," Glorfindel answered. "It is slightly disturbing thinking about how much you know."
"Try being me," I said wryly. I once again began looking around. I had been curious about what Galdor looked like (seeing as he was from the Grey Havens), though I should have known: he had blond hair and light eyes (blue) like ninety-five percent of the elvin population. The only people I had met so far with dark hair was Elrond's family and Erestor, though they all had light eyes.
Next to Galdor were the dwarves who had entered a few minutes after us. I recognized Glóin who smiled at me when he caught me looking at him. I returned his smile, and continued on until I reached Aragorn (Boromir was still not present). He was staring off into space, with a grim expression on his face. Feeling my gaze on him, he looked up and met my stare. He gave a small, absentminded smile which I returned. Our gaze was broken when a body passed between us; a body that I realized belonged to Boromir. He was tall, only a few inches shorter than the ellyn I knew. He was also quite handsome with dark hair and grey eyes. The man looked slightly disturbed and on edge. I could understand that. Hell, I knew what was coming and I was still slightly nervous. Not to mention I knew at least half the people present personally, poor Boromir did not even have that.
A few moments after Boromir entered, Gandalf and the two hobbits appeared at the entrance to our meeting place. Lord Elrond stood and introduced them to those present. Upon reaching me (and the same happened for Almira) I received several curious stares from those present that did not know me.
Once the introductions were finished, talk began about events in the wide world like I knew would happen. However seeing as Tolkien did not go into detail, I listened attentively. It was then Glóin's turn to speak as the discussion moved to the dwarves' plight. Thankfully, neither I nor Almira were called on to tell our tale, which I thought a wise admission seeing as it could raise unnecessary questions at the moment. I began to tune out as I already knew most of what was being said. I was only half-listening, not paying much attention to Lord Elrond or Boromir. However that changed with Gandalf's solemn command to a certain hobbit: "Bring out the Ring, Frodo!"
This was it. I had always been curious as to whether or not you could really feel its presence. He placed it on the stand, and it took me a moment to place the odd sensation I was feeling. It was nothing amazingly obvious, rather a small sense of disquiet in the back of your mind that wasn't wholly disturbing but that prevented you from relaxing fully. I didn't like it.
Apparently neither did Boromir, who voiced his confusion and concern which led to his whole interaction with Aragorn, followed by Bilbo's impromptu rhyme, and then for Bilbo's tale eventually. This I listened to attentively as well. Not because I did not know what he was going to say, but because he was just such an engaging speaker and I had always loved The Hobbit as a child. My mom would sit in the hallway between my sister's room and mine and read the story out loud to us at bedtime. Thinking of my mom brought with it a sharp stab off dread, but I ruthlessly shoved it aside. 'Better not to think about that' I told myself. I focused in on the council again to distract myself. But it was no use, I started zoning out again flooded with memories of my past life on Earth. I was suddenly drawn out of my memories once again due to Gandalf. However his voice and manner were much different this time. He was speaking the Black Speech and the effect was astounding, I and the other elves were forced to cover our ears as the sky darkened and the others trembled.
"Never before has any voice dared to utter words of that tongue in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey," said Elrond, as the shadow passed and our company breathed once more.
Gandalf responded, but I was not really listening. I was still recovering from the effect the Black Speech had had on me. It was amazing and uncomfortable. As an elf, my emotions seemed intensified and I wasn't exactly prepared for this. I began to calm and drifted in and out of listening to the conversation. But when Bilbo offered to take the Ring to Mt. Doom and was refuted only to demand a break or names of those who might go, I found I was almost holding my breath in anticipation, praying Almira would not volunteer. Luckily she seemed to busy glaring at Boromir to notice what exactly was happening. I should have known she would dislike him for no reason. Classic. He seemed to be trying to ignore her intense stare and was looking everywhere but at her. He noticed my gaze and I gave him a small smile before looking expectantly in Frodo's direction, trying to be as discreet as possible. There was a tense silence over the entire council as everyone sat with downcast eyes. And then I heard the small voice I had been waiting for: "I will take the Ring, though I do not the way."
As Elrond spoke with him, I was looking to see where Sam was going to appear from. "But you won't send him off alone surely, Master?" cried Sam, popping out from his hiding spot in the corner. I had been staring into the bushes around the porch and had completely missed him. "I should have known," I whispered, "Blasted movie."
"What?" Glorfindel asked me quietly.
"Nothing," I responded quickly.
"So I take it you knew he was here. Figures," Glorfindel said, ignoring my lie.
Our small conversation ended in time for me to hear Sam mutter, "A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!" Which caused me to chuckle quietly, I loved that line.
We were dismissed after Elrond announced that Scouts would be sent to gather information and those to go with Frodo and Sam would be decided upon in time.
As it was close to dinnertime, Glorfindel, Erestor, Legolas, the twins and I decided to adjourn to a nearby garden instead of walking all the way back to our rooms. When we were seated in a gazebo, Glorfindel asked, "How much of what was said did you know already?"
I felt the expectant weight of everyone's gaze as I replied, "Practically all of it. I did not know the specifics of some of the events in Middle Earth prior to Glóin's speech, but I knew just about everything else, and exactly what order it would happen in." I fidgeted self-consciously as they all stared at me in disbelief and something close to awe.
"That is quite discomforting," said Erestor, looking at some point over my head. Focusing back on me, he asked, "Is the same true of Lady Almira?"
"Probably, though it is doubtful she would admit it if she did. Seeing as she wants to fit in as much as possible."
Elladan just scoffed at that. "So you know who will be chosen to go with Frodo and Sam then, yes?" asked Elrohir, ignoring Elladan for the moment.
"I do," I said quietly, working to keep my gaze from sliding to Legolas, my hands still nervously fidgeting with my gown.
"Do not fret," Glorfindel said gently, stilling my fingers with his hands. "We will not ask you to tell us of the future."
"Though, admittedly it is tempting," said Elladan, an impish grin growing on his face. "Can you tell us who we will wed? Will Legolas succumb to Almira's charm and fall passionately in love with her?"
There was laughter at the scowl that graced Legolas' face, and Erestor responded to it saying, "I do not think one need know the future to guess the answer to that question."
I had stopped chuckling, feeling bad for Legolas, and answered, "I do not know such personal details for most people. However, I know the back story of say Galadriel and Celeborn, Beren and Lúthien, and other such famous couples. I also know the fates of those who accompany Frodo and Sam, but it really just depends on who was in the story because then the readers get attached to them and want to know their fate, and so Tolkien understanding this would write about it. He also had several family trees, so that would show such things like who someone married, but very few explanations as to how. For example, no one knows the name of Legolas' mother or anything about her, but we do know his father and grandfather's name because they played important roles in history and consequently were incorporated by Tolkien."
At this declaration Legolas was gazing at me intently. "Did you know about me before you came here?"
His question caught me slightly off guard. "Yes," I answered slowly.
"How does Tolkien know about Middle Earth?" Glorfindel asked, forestalling more questions from Legolas.
"I'm not really sure. Some people believe that he wrote Middle Earth as a pre-history to my Earth. Therefore any records from Middle Earth that existed maybe came into his possession somehow and he wrote a story about it. Or maybe he was an elf that had not sailed over the sea and after enough time had passed decided to write about Middle Earth in its entirety, knowing by that time no one would believe it to be anymore than a fairytale. And if that is the case, I'm not really so much from another world as another time. Or he could be a mortal man that made the entire thing up and this is a very elaborate dream I'm having while lying in a hospital with a coma I sustained passing out in my world or I've gone completely mad and lost touch with reality."
"What do you believe?" asked Erestor, eyeing me curiously along with everyone else.
"I believe that this is far too real to be a dream. At least I hope so. I do not particularly like the idea that I might be in a hospital somewhere unconscious or gone crazy. As to how Tolkien discovered Middle Earth I really have no idea, but I believe that it is sort of a pre-Earth and I might have somehow time-traveled back to it. Though how I got here and whether or not I will ever get back remains a mystery." As always, thinking of my world made me sad, and I fell into silence. A somber and contemplative mood descended on our group as we all sat thinking on all we had learned that day, both inside the council and out.
Suddenly the dinner bell rang startling us all and causing us to jump. We laughed slightly at our reactions, rising without words and proceeding to the evening meal. Dinner passed quickly, however I noticed Legolas was avoiding me in conversation. And I knew why. I decided to retire early right after dinner, bidding goodnight to Glorfindel and making plans for the morrow before taking my leave.
I had just placed my hand on the doorknob to my room, when a voice from behind me said, "Abandoning me to walk by myself, are you?"
His voice startled me, causing me to whirl around with a gasp. "Why do you always have to sneak up on me?" I asked in a tight voice, my annoyance at being surprised seeping through.
"Why didn't you tell me that you know what you know?" he challenged, moving from the shadowy corner where he was leaning against the wall to stand in front of me. This action caused him to enter into the torchlight from the sconce on the wall. Needless to say, his facial expression was slightly intimidating seeing as he seemed to be fairly angry at my omission.
"It didn't exactly come up as I recall. It's not really something you can just throw out into a conversation," I tried to explain, knowing it was a sort of a weak reason.
"Didn't come up?" he echoed, still looking quite peeved. "We talked at length about your world, your family, and your interests. As well as mine." His voice had a slight edge to it now. "And as I recall, reading was a mutual interest we shared. You'd think that that might have been a good time to slip in an 'Oh by the way Legolas, I happened to read a book, several actually, all about your world. It even mentioned you, and your forefathers. Fancy that?'" And here he emitted a bitter chuckle that upset people tend to do about something even if it is not particularly funny.
I sighed. "I'm sorry. I honestly can't say why I didn't just tell you. I suppose I was nervous."
"Oh, but you had no problem telling everyone else?" he asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow.
"I didn't tell the twins," I stated defensively, "Erestor did."
"Oh! A whole two people," he responded sarcastically.
"Why are you so angry?" I asked, honestly perplexed.
At this, he looked down and emitted a self-deprecating laugh. "I suppose I just figured that an elleth whom I had been spending so much time with would have deigned to tell me something so important." There was a slightly defeated look on his face and a somber air about him that I didn't quite understand. But before I could call him on it, he asked in a demanding tone, "You said you were nervous, why?"
Bugger, I thought he had missed that. I cleared my throat, slightly nervous now as well. "Because…because I didn't want it to seem too contrived." His brows knitted together, a confused expression coming to settle on his face as he opened his mouth to as if to speak. But before he could, I hurried on with my explanation, growing more and more embarrassed. "I didn't want it to seem like I had sought you out just because of whom you were or your status. Then you might think I was just trying to get you to notice me because I was interested in your title. And I couldn't mention that I always liked your character and wished I could meet you to see what you were really like. I mean the movies made you come off a little dumb, which was annoying. I mean they basically made you into just an attractive hero for the fangirls to drool over."
I was blushing now, and I'm sure he noticed, but he wasn't inclined to take pity on me. "You don't think I'm attractive in real life?"
"Uh, well, yes, I mean no-(another raise of the eyebrow), but yes, of course. I mean not of course, but- Oh god, this is so embarrassing…" I was struggling and he was enjoying it. I could tell because the corners of his mouth were starting to twitch.
As he started to laugh, I buried my face in my hands. "You're horrid. I hope you know that," I muttered.
"So, I've been told," he said smiling mischievously.
"I take it this means you forgive me?" I asked hopefully.
"I suppose," he said dramatically. "But only if you consent to walk with me. Such a night should not be wasted." And I did, relaxing in his presence though we did not converse as much that night.
The next few days passed slowly; yet there was a definite level of discernable tension with the dismissal of the first wave of scouts. However, I wasn't quite as on edge as everyone else for the obvious reasons. But I should have been. Little did I know what fate had in store for me. Why can't I ever see these things coming?
