Disclaimer: I do not own J.R.R. Tolkien's wonderful creation or Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema's decent adaptation.

Chapter 8- Would you rather…?

"How would you feel about learning to wield a sword?" Glorfindel asked me suddenly at breakfast a day after the council had taken place.

"Seriously?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course," he responded.

"I'd love to. But why do you ask? I mean, where did this come from?" I was honestly curious because swordplay was not something most ellith learned, though it was open to them.

"Well, we were talking the other day and you expressed a desire to travel and if you insist on going out into the wide world you should know how to defend yourself. Besides it will give you something to do instead of constantly reading, though your desire to read as much as possible on elven lore has Erestor practically ecstatic. Furthermore, now that your shoulder has healed we have no reason not to begin now."

"A good point; will you be teaching me?"

"Yes. If you are finished eating we can begin now."

I nodded as I took my last bite and rose to leave, following Glorfindel out of the hall. It was fairly early, seeing as he liked to be up by the sun's first light and I had nothing better to do than be up that early anyway. He followed me to my room and waited for me to change into some loose-fitting pants and a tunic that I had requested from the seamstresses. They were slightly surprised by my request to make them loose-fitting toward the ankle and were quite taken with the idea of yoga pants (which is how I described them).

It was a long walk to the training fields and as we neared it, my excitement and nervousness grew. We entered the weapons room on the edge of the field and Glorfindel picked up a sword and handed it to me, saying "That should do." He then proceeded to lead me to one of the empty fields. As we were walking I was studying my newly borrowed blade. The scabbard was rather elaborate. It had beautiful floral patterns and designs similar to Celtic knots on it. There was a name inscribed on it but I did not recognize it. The hilt was also rather elaborate. The pommel was round (but not spherical) and had what looked like a Celtic shield knot on it, which seemed quite odd as this was a Middle-Earth sword. The cross guard contained two emeralds at each end within an oval shape. I unsheathed it slightly to look at the blade. It was a longsword, similar to what the knights of the medieval world used in our world, double-edged and exceptionally beautiful. It was about three feet long and a couple pounds. It was fairly narrow and relatively thin with beautiful engravings and floral designs on it, though I couldn't read the words because they were in a strange form of elvish, what I assumed to be Quenya.

"Glorfindel, what does this inscription mean?"

"I give this sword to one who has given me everything. May it protect you when I cannot," he said solemnly without turning around.

"You did not even look at it! How could you know that's what it says? Whose sword is this anyway?" I asked in astonishment.

"It belongs to my wife, Eruanna," he said quietly causing me to stop dead in my tracks.

"YOUR WIFE?" I yelped.

He stopped, and sighing turned to face me. "Yes, my wife."

I immediately looked to his right index finger and sure enough he was wearing a gold band. He followed my gaze and asked, "Did you not notice this before?"

"I did, I just did not make the connection. I'm used to wedding rings being worn on the left hand, and though I know of your traditions it's hard to break eighteen years of getting used to one school of thought."

He nodded. "Now the first thing you need to know about sword fighting is-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa…just hang on a minute," I interrupted. "Aren't you going to tell me who she is? What her name is? Where she is?" Then a thought occurred to me. She could have passed during the Fall of Gondolin. After all, not much is known about Glorfindel's life (as evidenced by my lack of knowledge concerning his wife). I felt slightly callous. I did not mean to bring up unpleasant or painful memories. With this in mind I said quickly, "Of course you don't have to. I should not be so impulsive. I did not mean to pry and hope I did not offend you."

Sensing my unease, he stepped forward and placed his hands on my shoulder. "Do not fear. You did not offend me. It is simply a long story and if you want to begin learning to defend yourself today it will have to wait. I am willing to tell you of her though. You have more in common than you know." There was a peculiar tone to his voice that gave me pause. But seeing as he would tell me of her at a later date I was fine with letting it go and beginning my lessons.

"Fair enough. Shall we?" I asked, gesturing for him to begin which he did by first showing me the proper way to draw the sword from its' sheath. He let me practice a couple of times before I had it down pretty well and then moved on.

"Alright, the first thing you need to know is how to hold the sword. Now," he walked towards me and adjusted my hands on the hilt so that my right hand was above my left when gripping the sword, "this is the proper way to hold it. It can be wielded single-handedly but you have neither the strength nor skill to do so yet."

The morning continued in much the same way with Glorfindel teaching me the basics of swordplay: the proper stance, defensive positions, thrusting, parrying, slicing, cutting, etc. Various elves had come and gone while we were practicing. It was during one of those slow exercises that the bell for lunch rang out across the city.

"That should be enough for today. You did well. You should be fairly proficient by-" but he cut off his sentence, a flustered look coming over his face.

"By…?" I asked, wondering what was wrong with him.

"You should be decent by the end of this month. Sorry I…never mind, it's not important," he said still looking slightly uneasy.

"Is everything alright?"

"Of course," he said quickly with a plastered on smile. "Tonight we can discuss our past lives if you wish. I do not often talk about it with people: 1) Because there is a lot to cover and 2) Because it can be rather depressing. However you have come about as close to being reborn as anyone can and I think it will be more relevant to you. Besides I would also like to here more of your life as a mortal." I sensed he was changing the topic to prevent me from asking questions, but I ignored it.

"Yes, that should be fine. Where and when shall we meet?"

"Well, I assume you will want to bathe, I know I do. Plus, I have some paper work to finish. How about after the evening meal? We can go to my favorite garden. It is rather secluded and quite beautiful."

"That sounds good."

"Until then," he said with a slight bow, which I returned with a curtsey.

"Until then," I said as we parted.

I ran into Legolas (literally) in the corridor on the way to the section of the housing area where guests stayed.

"Good afternoon," he announced cheerfully while steadying me.

"You are in an awfully good mood," I said, finding my footing.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be? It is a beautiful day; I am surrounded by friends-"

"You haven't seen Almira all day have you?" I asked suspiciously.

"No!" he said enthusiastically.

"I figured."

"And the same was true of you until just now. Where have you been? Hiding again?" he teased.

"Actually I was at the training fields with Glorfindel. He is teaching me how to use a sword," I explained.

"Is that so?" he queried, an odd look on his face.

"What?" I asked, seriously hoping he was not going to give me some reason why I shouldn't be learning it. Even though it was open to females, some did not participate because there was slight discrimination against it. But that was mainly the elitist females who thought it unladylike and preferred to be pampered and worried over. Most ellith learned archery instead of the sword. And some did both, which is something I was considering trying to do.

"I was just thinking that you might also be interested in learning archery then," he responded as if reading my mind.

"Really?" I asked eagerly.

"Of course. I could teach you," he offered. "I am not the best but-" he began humbly, but I cut him off.

"But you are one of the best," I said confidently despite the fact I'd never seen him do anything involving a bow and arrow.

"And you know this how?" he asked, obviously amused.

"Well, I don't really I suppose. But you were portrayed as fairly amazing in the books and movies," I said.

"Really? That's rather flattering. But why was I in the books?" he asked.

Oh no, danger zone. "Uh, you…ummm…Well look at the time! I have got to go. I smell horrid and need to bathe. I'm sure my presence is just offensive," I rambled, then dashed around him and into my room, practically slamming the door.

That was not good. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I would have to be more careful in the future. Shaking my head I entered my bathroom to clean up. As I was putting on a beautiful red dress there was a knock at my door. "One moment," I yelled.

I finished quickly and called for the person to enter. "Hello Elwen," I said cheerfully, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"No, no. Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you and I was sent to retrieve you," she said.

"Oh. Well, lead the way," I said, hurriedly slipping on matching red slippers.

We walked briskly toward Lord Elrond's office making small talk along the way about the various bits of gossip floating around Rivendell and had a good laugh at the parts that explained Glorfindel's close relationship with me as a torrid love affair. We reached his door, which is where Elwen left me. I knocked and was bid enter.

"My lord, you wanted to speak with me?" I asked and took one of the seats in front of his desk that he motioned for me to take.

"I did. It involves the quest. Almira has requested to go-"

"WHAT?" I could not believe it, though I honestly should not have been so surprised. I mean this was Almira we were talking about.

He sighed and passed a hand across his forehead before continuing. "I know, I know. But I have agreed to let her go."

This time I was far too shocked to even voice my disbelief. When I finally recovered a little I said before thinking, "Are you crazy?" At his direct gaze I blushed and began to apologize but he waved it away.

"You have a right to ask. I have been questioning my sanity ever since I agreed to it just a little before now. I had absolutely no intention of choosing her to go, the thought did not even cross my mind until about two hours ago when she asked. I cannot exactly explain what prompted me to say yes other than a general feeling that this might have been meant to happen. It made me wonder if that was not the reason you were sent here. You both show up just a few days before the council with comprehensive knowledge of our world. It just seems a little too coincidental."

I did not like where this was going, but before I could come up with a way to question him about just what he meant by 'you' he had begun speaking again. "When Glorfindel came by my study to drop off some documents I told him of it and asked for his advice. He said he had been having similar thoughts as of late, not so much about Almira, but more about you. He suggested I name you as a member of the group being sent to destroy the ring, and I did." At the look on my face, he held up a hand and continued quickly, "Now let me explain why. Firstly, you will be able to keep an eye on Almira. There is more to her than meets the eye. And I feel that we are all greatly underestimating her character. Secondly, I believe it would benefit the other members greatly to have someone there who knows how things are supposed to happen, and Glorfindel agrees, because then you can prevent Almira from interfering and make sure things are going as they should."

"My lord, allow me then to correct the first mistake. There are only supposed to be nine members. I, nor Almira, belong on this quest. Our very presence could change the events to come. I mean who knows how much our being here has already changed things," I stated trying to keep calm and remain rational. It was a huge temptation to be invited on the quest, but I could not do it. I could ruin the entire future by changing something without even realizing it.

"I knew that you would not be very supportive of this idea but I ask that you consider it carefully. Have you not wondered what your purpose is here?" he asked, looking at me expectantly.

"Sure I've wondered how I ended up here and why. But I honestly don't think it was because of the quest. I thought it was just a fluke, a freak accident. Not destiny," I responded becoming uncomfortable. "I cannot go on this quest."

"You must. You have been chosen. To refuse would be dishonorable and rude," he stated in a stern voice. "However, you are not bound to journey the entire way, only as far as you will or can," he added in a softer voice.

"You are forcing me?" I asked incredulously.

"Glorfindel and I feel it is for the best," he explained seemingly apologetically.

"Unbelievable," I breathed as I surged to my feet.

"Try to understand-"

"Try to understand? Try to understand? Why should I? You have not given my words any thought," I responded shortly and walked out of his study. I was shocked and angry. As I stormed down the hallway I realized I was a little more than angry. I was infuriated. And Glorfindel was going to hear about it.

I threw the door open to his study and exclaimed "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?"

"So he told you?" He leaned back in his chair resignedly.

"You know the answer to that," I said bitterly.

He nodded his head and sighed heavily. "What do you want me to say? I believe you are meant to go on this quest and I am not sorry I helped make you a part of it."

"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?"

"You know that's not it," he said quietly, but I could tell he was getting angry, his jaw was tense and it was evident in his tone of voice.

"OH SURE KATE, JOIN THE QUEST. RACE TO YOUR DEATH!"

"You are being ridiculous. Why are you so against this?" he said his voice tight and steadily rising in volume.

"One of the reasons I was told I was chosen is because of my knowledge concerning the future. Why will none of you believe me when I tell you I am not meant to go on this quest? It is supposed to be nine walkers for nine riders. No more, no less." I replied trying to rein in my temper.

"WHY ARE YOU BEING SO STUBBORN?" he exploded, standing quickly from his chair.

"BECAUSE," I cried my attempts at calm quickly abandoned, "I WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN ANY OF TOLKIEN'S WRITINGS, IF THIS IS A HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH YOU WOULD THINK THAT I WOULD BE MENTIONED AS A MEMBER OF THE FELLOWSHIP WITH ALL THE OTHERS IF I HAD BEEN MADE PART OF IT."

"Would it not follow that your membership COULD NOT be recorded because you were not meant to know about your arrival in Middle-Earth.? I mean, you had no idea you were going to come here did you? You would think that there would be records of a mysterious girl from another time making it here, wouldn't you? Unless of course it was purposefully left out so she would not know what was to come seeing as that would prevent her from trying not to come and changing her destiny," he responded in a tight voice.

I had nothing to say to that. He sighed again, and walked over to place his hands on my shoulders, "I have confidence you will be able to do this."

With a frustrated noise, I disengaged myself from his grasp and walked further into his office. "Even if I was meant to go I will probably just wind up dead," I said dejectedly.

"You do not know that," he said gently.

"Oh, sure just because I have a chance to survive does not mean I will," I stated exasperatedly, "Besides that's easy for you to say. You have millennia of experience on your side concerning self-defense. I, on the other hand, barely know how to handle a sword."

"But you are learning," he responded. "By the time you leave you will be fairly proficient at the sword."

"And the bow as well." I whirled around to see Legolas and the twins in the doorway.

"It's not nice to eavesdrop," I said evenly.

"Considering you were both yelling, it was not really eavesdropping," said Elladan, who I learned was slightly taller, making it easier to tell them apart.

"Bloody elves," I muttered, slightly embarrassed.

Smiling Elrohir said, "I agree with Glorfindel that you belong on this quest. The other members can only benefit from having you there. They should not be left entirely at the mercy of Almira. You can prevent her from interfering overly much and make sure things are going as they ought."

"You speak of what you do not know." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. Looking at each of them in turn, I said carefully, "Certain things are going to happen, bad things, things that I cannot prevent. How do you think that is going to make them feel- knowing that I knew and did nothing to stop it? And I can't tell them why it had to happen because that would give away the future. And you can say they won't be angry at me, but the truth is they are going to end up resenting me, or worse pitying me."

"Perhaps, but if things don't go as they should? Are you willing to risk that?" asked Glorfindel.

"But you have no idea how I got here. What if others know of my presence or Almira's, like Sauron or Saruman? What if we are captured and our knowledge thereby falls into the wrong hands? Are you willing to risk that?" I countered.

"Yes, if it could mean the destruction of the ring," he responded evenly.

"You are so sure," I said wearily, sinking into one of the chairs in his study.

"I have to be," he said, just as tiredly if not more so. "The same evil ruined things for me nearly 6,000 years ago; and then Isilduir failed us, condemning us to have to endure such evil for that much longer. Once again we have the chance to destroy it and I want to see it done. But I am not meant to go, you are."

"You are trying to guilt me into going on this quest aren't you?" I asked.

"Is it working?"

"Maybe," I sighed, running my hands through my hair. "I don't like this one bit. Oh god, I'm going on a quest with Almira," I groaned dropping my head into my hands.

"I think it will be infinitely worse for me," Legolas said grimly.

"At least she doesn't hate you," I argued.

"No she just throws herself at me constantly."

"Only because she thinks your pretty," I smirked and Legolas just rolled his eyes.

"I am afraid you are both going to suffer and for that you have my eternal gratitude," Glorfindel said. "I am also thankful seeing as that means she will no longer be anywhere near me."

"Lucky you," I said sarcastically.

"So true," he said smiling.

"Have any other members been named?" I asked, wondering if all the members had been chosen or not.

"Myself, you, Almira, Gimli, Sam, Frodo, Aragorn and Boromir are the ones named so far I believe. Lord Elrond is still deciding on the last two members," Legolas answered then looked at me inquisitively. "You know who they are?" he asked despite the irrelevance of such a question.

"Of course," I answered. "But I am not going to tell you." He just nodded at this, having assumed I would reply in such a way.

"Oh come on!" exclaimed Elladan, obviously not making the same assumption.

"Why ever not?" asked Elrohir, seemingly slightly affronted.

"Because you have no business knowing who they are," I replied resolutely.

"She has a point," Glorfindel agreed, obviously enjoying the twins' frustration.

"You know," Elladan stated, staring incredulously at Glorfindel.

"No," Glorfindel admitted, "but I am sure I will get it out of her later."

"He has a point," I said partly to annoy the twins and partly because it was probably true.

"How unfair," Elrohir pronounced.

"Ridiculous," announced Elladan.

"Oh don't be such elflings," Glorfindel teased, then turning to me he said, "Come, let us go to dinner. I am famished seeing as I missed lunch."

"Me too."

We proceeded to dinner quietly, the twins still sulking a bit. But by the time we were seated at the head table they were back to their usual crafty selves.

"Once again you have managed to miss a meeting with me, milady. It is not like an elf to be so absent-minded. Whatever am I going to do with you?" asked Bilbo humorously once I was seated.

"Oh dear, I am terribly sorry. I had taken a bath after my training this morning and was then called to a meeting with Lord Elrond," I explained, wondering where my short-term memory had gone.

"Training?"

"Yes, Lord Glorfindel is teaching me to wield a sword."

"And tomorrow she will begin to learn archery," Legolas said joining in our conversation.

"I'm assuming this is because you are going on the quest?" Bilbo raised an eyebrow while looking at me.

"Primarily," I responded, grimacing slightly at the mention of my impending journey. "Though I would have wanted to learn regardless of going on the quest or not."

"I figured," he stated approvingly.

Noticing my grimace Legolas said considerately, "You will be fine. Do not worry so."

"That doesn't mean much coming from an elven warrior with an overabundance of experience," I said dryly though I did manage a smile so he would know I was grateful for his attempt at lessening my fears.

"I had to try," he said, with a small shrug of the shoulder returning my smile.

"And I am grateful," I said, "though still nervous. I have never done anything like this."

"You never know," said Bilbo. "You might end up enjoying it more than you thought you would. It is a grim business undoubtedly, but you will still get to see a great deal of Middle-Earth. Plus, your actions will be remembered forever through written word and song."

"No they won't," I said quietly. "My presence and anything to do with me cannot be recorded. Imagine what would happen if I find out about my journey through time before I came here. I would probably go insane," I said, slightly disturbed at the idea.

"I have been thinking about that," said Glorfindel entering the conversation. "Why not take an elvish name? That way if you were mentioned somewhere no one in your world would ever know it was you."

"An elvish name? Like what?" I asked, intrigued by the idea.

"Well, what does your name mean?"

"Pure or purity" I said trying in vain not to blush at the variety of meanings that one word held.

He smiled at my vague embarrassment. "Rodwen would be the equivalent in Sindarin I believe."

"Rodwen," I said, testing it out. "I think that will do quite nicely."

"It fits you," Legolas said, smiling encouragingly.

"I agree," said Bilbo enthusiastically.

"Thanks," I said quietly, not sure how I felt about this latest change. This was my name. I knew they were not going to completely stop using Kate, but still-it just felt odd.

The food was brought in then and the rest of dinner passed uneventfully. Almira hit on Legolas, the twins were whispering about something, Aragorn and Arwen kept staring at each other when the other was not looking; all in all it was the usual dinner scene. At the end of which I found myself being escorted by Legolas to the garden we frequented during our evening walks. Glorfindel had been summoned by Lord Elrond right before he finished dinner, but promised to find me once he was done speaking with him so we could talk.

"You were unusually quiet at dinner," Legolas began when we had reached the garden.

His voice startled me out of my thoughts seeing as we had been walking in silence up to that point. "I have a lot of things on my mind," I replied distantly, as we started down a nearby path.

"Would you care to speak of them?"

I dropped my arm from his and walked a little ways away to stand in front of a statue close by, my back to him. "I do not know where to start," I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "And don't you dare say the beginning," I said quickly, looking over my shoulder and pointing an accusing finger in his direction.

"I won't," he said smiling, and then more seriously, "What is it that weighs heaviest on your mind?"

"I suppose I am just struggling with how much in my life is changing in such a short time. For example, I would never learn how to use a sword unless for enjoyment in my world; our weaponry has advanced far beyond archery and swordplay. And my name...it is just something that is so fundamental in identifying a person and I know that I will still be the same person no matter what name I bear. But Kate was mine; it was how I identified myself. Besides it was given to me by my parents so I suppose it just has sentimental value."

He came to stand next to me, staring at the statue as I was, arms crossed over his chest, like me. "You won't stop being Kate. And I am sure you will still use it and be called Kate by your friends. But when on the quest you should probably go by Rodwen to protect your identity in case the wrong people do know of your presence here. It can also prevent against unwanted or unnecessary questions-which is the more likely situation. Kate is not a name common to our world as I'm sure you know." He sighed and turned to face me, causing me to turn and look at him, tears in my eyes, which I'm sure he noticed. I was so emotional these days, but that's always how it is. Once you start crying sometimes you just can't stop. He gave a small, self-deprecating laugh looking at a point off to the left. "I am not very good at this, offering wise words and sage advice. But," and his gaze connected with mine, "I am here if you need me, for whatever reason."

"Thank you," I said softly, my voice a whisper, holding back my tears.

He just waved it aside, gruffly asking "The quest also weighs heavily on your mind, does it not?"

"It does. I am just so afraid that this could blowup in our faces. I mean if certain things don't go as planned I am expected to fix them. And I am terrified that if they do go wrong I won't be able to do it, to make it happen. I mean if you knew what could go wrong or what has to happen…"

"I do not necessarily agree that such a heavy burden should be placed solely on your shoulders," he began slowly, "or that you should be held responsible for ensuring things happen a certain way. No one on this earth can see all ends, not even you. Just because it does not happen a certain way, does not mean it will not happen at all. If a certain outcome is meant to come about it will, despite how we go about getting there."

I smiled. "Those seem like pretty wise words to me."

"Why thank you," he said grinning. He offered me his arm and we began walking again in a comfortable silence.

As before, it was he who broke it. "I am nervous about the quest as well. I have not traveled from Eryn Lasgalen that often, nor have I gone very far. And every time it has been to something relatively similar- Lothlórien or Imladris. I do not know what will be expected of me or what is to come. I cannot say which is worse: knowing what is to come or not knowing."

"Ignorance is bliss, or so they say," I commented dryly. "But that never seemed to alleviate my fears of the unknown. Knowing what is to come at least allows for preparation of some sort, as much as is possible anyway. But if you do not know what is to come you have nothing specific to worry over or fear necessarily. I, myself, find them equally vexing."

"I am inclined to agree."

"Are you afraid you will fail the Fellowship at some crucial moment?" I asked.

"I suppose. As you said, it is nothing really specific I fear, just anxiety about what is to come and if I will be able to overcome it."

"Do you fear temptation? Is that what you allude to when you say you do not know if you will be able to overcome it?" I glanced at him, when I felt him tense. "Forgive me if it was too personal of a question to ask."

"No, it is not that, not between us. I just did not expect you to ask that or be so perceptive." He sighed. "I do fear the temptation from the Ring. It is not my greatest concern, but it does give me pause."

I squeezed his arm, "Me too." At my admission he looked down at me and smiled before turning his gaze forward again and we were both left to our own quiet contemplation of the contents of our minds.

It was several moments later when I realized he had led me to a part of the garden we had never walked through before together, though it seemed familiar. This prompted me to ask, "Where are we?"

"We are in my favorite section of this particular garden," he said without elaborating further as I expected. There was another statue in the center of the clearing with several paths ending at the edges of the clearing and several benches encircling it. Then it clicked. "This is almost exactly the same as the area with the statue of Lúthien."

"Of course, for this is the statue of Beren." I once again drew away from him and walked to the front of the statue, for we had entered from behind. The sculpture was as detailed as that of Lúthien: clothes and hair caught in an invisible breeze, the same look of longing, love, and fear present in the eyes. But there was something different in his stance and his gaze-the absence of anguish. Instead there was a sort of grim determination, in the set of the shoulders, the hard line of his mouth, and the eyes. He lacked the anguish that comes from waiting and being unable to do anything present in the gaze of Lúthien.

"Why this place?" I asked, still gazing intently upon the statue.

"Because I admire him, everything he did…and why he did it. It was not out of greed or want of power, but because of his love for her. It was one of my favorite lays to hear as a child." With an impish grin he added, "It also did not hurt that there was plenty of action and adventure as well. However it was not until much later I appreciated the romance in the story," he finished in a softer voice.

I turned to look up at him as he was once again standing next to me. The slightly wistful tone in his voice made me curious, prompting me to ask, "Have you ever been in love?"

His gaze whipped to mine before deliberately looking ahead once more. Obviously surprised, he blinked once, twice, and then stated slowly, "I thought I was once." He lowered his head, toe scuffing at the ground, and let out a light laugh. "More than once actually, I have never been very lucky in love."

I nodded. I had felt the same way at times. "Do you draw a distinction between loving someone and being in love?"

"I suppose, though I have never been that specific. I just knew that I could not spend the rest of my eternal life with that person, therefore how deep of a love could it have been? The end of a relationship always makes you question the nature and shape of love, and more importantly whether or not you even know what it is," he explained wryly.

"Yes, elven marriage does seem infinitely more daunting than human marriage, especially than marriage in my world."

"How so? I know it is not as permanent or complex as an elven bond, but what else?"

"That's basically it. Not as much is at stake so to speak, so it is not as intimidating a decision. In my world there is such a thing as divorce, where you legally end your marriage with a person and become single again, capable of marrying someone else. This leads people, in some instances, to jump into marriage without the same caution or consideration that goes into an elven marriage or human marriage here, unless humans have divorce here. I do not know."

"They don't. It is a baffling concept."

"And slightly disheartening. Though people change and fall out of love. Better to end it than live out the rest of your life miserable." Almost as an afterthought I added, "My parents were divorced."

"Really? What was it like?" He gestured to a bench and we moved to sit down facing the statue.

"Well they didn't live together so I grew up without the presence of both my parents for sixteen of the eighteen years of my existence. It was hard. My father lived hundreds of miles away, which is not as daunting as it would be here because our transportation allowed for that distance to be traversed in a matter of hours. But it was tough having to split time between the two of them, because to be with one meant to be without the other. Plus our education meant we had to be stationary for the majority of a year. We went to school where my mother lived and stayed with her for that majority, meaning we only saw my father on breaks and when we weren't in school. He missed out on so much and it sucked not getting to see or speak with him every day. We were fortunate our parents got along so well after the divorce, which is not the case in most divorces."

"Did either of your parents remarry?"

"My father. We were also lucky in that regard. My stepmother was a very good woman, with our best interests at heart."

"Your childhood was so very different from mine. I cannot imagine what it would be like to go months without seeing either of my parents."

"It was not the ideal situation. But every cloud has a silver lining, and this one's was that it made me appreciate my time with them more and really try to spend as much time with them as possible. Often times it seems kids would take their parents for granted and it made me slightly angry how little they valued them. Of course my parents also encouraged us to speak with them on anything and everything and didn't rule with an iron will."

"My parents and I were fairly close as well, though I was never as close with my father as I would have liked. He was always so busy with political matters." He sighed, pausing over his disappointment then asked, "Do you have any siblings?"

"Yes, one, a younger sister. Her name is Jessie."

"That's right, you mentioned her before. I have a younger sister as well. She is not near to me in age, though we still managed to be very close. I must confess that I doted on her more often than my parents probably liked, for fear I would spoil her."

"How old is she?" I was quite curious seeing as nothing of this sort was known about Legolas in my world.

"She is 43."

"It is still so weird to hear the word 'young' associated with ages upwards of forty." Curious, I asked, "You said you weren't close in age-how much of a difference are we talking about here?"

"About 3053 years," he stated quietly, almost uneasily, as if he were embarrassed by his age or what others would think. Of course my reaction did not help.

"3053 YEARS? But that would make you, like…3096 years old!" I stated incredulously sitting bolt upright on the bench.

"You seem greatly surprised," he said equably.

"Of course I'm surprised! You seem so young and that's just so old."

"Then I will not even tell you my exact age," Glorfindel said good-naturedly into the clearing.

His sudden appearance caused both of us to jump, to which he merely raised an eyebrow.

"It does seem to give her quite a shock," Legolas stated dryly.

"It would for you too if you had once been mortal and no one ever lived that long. Immortality is a hard concept to grasp." Deciding I did not want to get too serious or depressed as I often did thinking about immortality and what it meant for me, I turned to Glorfindel with an inquisitive gaze. "What is your age?"

"Guess," he said. "I am interested to see what you will say, whether you will be as far off as I was, relatively speaking."

"Alright. Let's see…5,832."

"Close, but incorrect. I am 6,156. Not counting the years I was in the Halls of Waiting, of course." He grimaced slightly at the memory of his death.

I felt awkward. I did not know what to say to try and lighten the mood. Thankfully Legolas figured out something to say before I could make things worse by making an attempt to comfort him. "See? 3,096 years is not that bad compared to 6, 156."

"Oh, please! You are both older than dirt and it's unsettling," I hid a smile at the indignant looks on their faces.

"I do not think I appreciate that," Legolas said, looking slightly affronted.

"Me either," Glorfindel stated, though I could tell he was not really offended.

"Forgive me," I said, trying not to smile too much, "It's just a phrase in my world. But you must understand that though to you there might be a big difference, for someone who has known very few people that live beyond the age of ninety, they are both old."

Legolas just made a noncommittal noise. "Why does your age seem to bother you so?" I asked gently, not wanting to upset him.

He looked at Glorfindel uneasily, but Glorfindel only raised an eyebrow. Legolas just sighed and explained, "Because most elves are married by now and have children. And I have done neither. It makes one feel a little peculiar to be one of the few single ellyn in Mirkwood." He sighed again, even deeper this time and continued, "It doesn't help that I am a prince and have ellith constantly throwing themselves at me." He dipped his chin a little, and said very softly, "It is very hard to find someone sincere." And here he pinned me with a gaze I did not understand.

"You should not worry so," said Glorfindel kindly, commanding our attention and forcing us to break our gaze. "I was the same way. It is hard to be patient, but patient you must be. You simply have not found the right elleth yet. But when you do you will know and appreciate it that much more."

"This would be my fate. One of the most impatient elves on the planet when it comes to love and I am resigned to wait Eru knows how long to find a mate," he said despairingly, setting his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands.

I patted him lightly on the back and smiled sympathetically. "I am afraid I have no wise words or sage advice for you my friend." He laughed at my use of his words and said lightly, "It could be worse I suppose. I could have been destined for Almira."

We all had to laugh at that, because unfortunately Almira really did believe they were destined for each other. "All this talk about finding a mate and love reminds me that you owe me a story Glorfindel," I said with mock sternness.

"So I do," he said simply.

"I should take my leave," Legolas said, beginning to stand and preparing to leave. But Glorfindel lifted a hand, staying him, and said, "You can stay if you wish." Wryly he added, "I am sure you are curious but far too polite to ask." Legolas just nodded sheepishly. "Then sit," Glorfindel commanded, though not unkindly.

He began to tell us of his wife, beginning with her description. She was tall, with blond hair and green eyes, and golden skin. Legolas furrowed his brow at that, and asked, "Where does she hail from?" I was quite curious as well. The first part sounded pretty normal for an elf, except for the green eyes and slight tan. However I was not prepared for Glorfindel's answer. "She was from Earth," he responded quietly, pinning me with an intense gaze.

I felt my eyes widen and my mind just went blank. Someone else from my world was here. I could not believe it. "How…when…?" Those were the only two words I could manage to get out. My breath caught in my throat. Legolas gazed at me, obviously concerned.

"As is the case for you also, we have no idea how she came here. But as to when, a hunting party came upon them outside of Gondolin. They were brought to the city, deemed harmless, and allowed to stay and live in the city."

"They?" I asked picking up on the plural pronoun.

"Yes, like you she was not alone when she came here. Her companion was a male, dark hair and blue eyes. He was also from your world, though his appearance would lead you to believe otherwise." Here an affectionate grin spread across his face and he turned his head to the side as if looking into the past. "Eruanna often referred to him as Gary Stu. He never particularly liked it."

My startled gasp had Glorfindel staring at me as well. "Gary Stu is a nickname for male characters in a story that are too perfect. It's the male equivalent of Almira basically," I explained to Legolas, seeing as Glorfindel was already nodding his head in agreement. "Poor woman," I added wryly. This led me to another question. "Did she change species as well?"

"Yes. She also became an elf."

"This is so bizarre," I said, shaking my head in disbelief. "What was her given name?"

"Anna Cloyed," he replied.

"Sounds Celtic, which would explain the symbolism on the sword."

"Are there any others?" Legolas asked, ignoring my previous statement for the moment, turning his gaze to Glorfindel.

"Only one other that I know of," Glorfindel responded. "Haldir's wife."

"That's it. This is just too coincidental. I can't believe it," I stated incredulously.

"You don't really have much of a choice. However, if you need proof they are both residing in Lothlórien," Glorfindel said.

"What is your wife doing there?" I asked.

"Like you she has a considerable amount of knowledge concerning the future and thought it would be for the best if she were not here during the forming of the Fellowship as she had the feeling she might interfere and somehow be made part of it." I stuck my tongue out at his smug look. "Though I miss her greatly," he said softly looking in the direction of Lothlórien.

"Would you mind telling us more about her and your life before?" I asked just as softly.

"Not at all," he responded. He then launched into a detailed description of his life, before and after Eruanna entered it, detailing his duty as Head of the House of the Golden Flower and one of the Chief Lieutenants of King Turgon's forces, his death and rebirth, his reunion with his wife, and life up until now.

By the end of it, I was too impressed to speak. All of the beautiful and painful moments in his life only served to make me admire him more; and I had a feeling Legolas was experiencing the same thing.

"I have told you of my past as was agreed upon. Are you willing to speak of yours?" His gaze was gentle, and I nodded while drawing in a deep and steadying breath. "Do you have something specific in mind?" I asked because I had no idea where to start.

"What was it like being mortal? I heard the comment you made about how this is not something you would choose. Would you prefer being mortal to immortal?" After asking me this, Glorfindel sat down in front of the bench where Legolas and I were sitting.

Both of them stared at me intently, patiently waiting, while I chose my words carefully. "Being mortal was…well, it just was. It's not like we had a choice or there was anything other than being mortal. And because of this, because you never knew how much time you had left, if you would die twenty years later, or twenty minutes later, it made you want to live life to the fullest. There was no escaping death, eventually it would come, and that thought alone could be terrifying. But if you succumbed to that fear, and some do, you forget how to live, which is a terrible fate. You have to take things as they come and deal with them to the best of your ability. It is said that 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger.' It is kind of a central theme of mortality, really."

"And your preference?" Legolas gently urged.

"It is hard to say. Mortality is what I know, what I am used to. Because you have so little time to live, you learn to appreciate things more. You take time to stop and smell the roses as they say; whereas if you are immortal, you have forever to smell the same roses. Why worry? There is not the same drive to experience as much as possible in as little time as possible. And I fear it will lessen, this zest for life that only someone who will one day lose it can have. However, immortality opens up so many possibilities. It is so tantalizing to mortals because it offers us what we can never have more of: time. And in a way perhaps it will increase that ambition to experience and explore what life as to offer because you now have the time to do so much more. Not to mention I never have to worry about being sick again, which is something I am sure I will not miss," I added with an attempt at lightening the mood a little, this was a tough subject for me.

"Approximately how long would you have lived as a mortal?" Glorfindel asked.

"It's tough to say. With modern medicine, we have more cures for more diseases and can heal injuries better therefore people are living longer. The average for most people is around low to mid-seventies I believe."

"It is hard to imagine growing old and becoming weak, just waiting for death," Legolas said solemnly.

"And most of the time you just put it out of your mind. Why worry over it? It is not something you can control. It is the natural way of things. It is easier for me to imagine that than living forever. And seeing as all you have ever known is immortality you would have a hard time imagining the aging process."

"Yes but why prefer mortality? Knowing you will die, being susceptible to disease-why is this better in your mind?" Glorfindel asked.

"It is not so much that it is better. But it is what I know. Becoming an elf is a rather radical change that would have necessitated serious thought had I been given a choice about becoming immortal. The idea of immortality was debated in my world. Would it be ethical to pursue a way for us to live forever? And I thought not because we were not meant to. To defy nature is a risky business. Besides I was not sure I wanted to live forever, forced to endure an ever-changing world while I remained the same. It seemed depressing. Plus, my entire family is mortal. Accepting immortality is accepting parting with them forever." I looked down at my hands in my lap, and added softly, "Not an easy thing to do."

Legolas took one of my hands and gave it a slight squeeze. I looked up at him and gave him a grateful smile.

From there Glorfindel directed the conversation into easier channels concerning my world-from the different styles of clothing, to the diversity of the human race, modern technology, etc. We spent the night discussing the differences and similarities of my time and theirs.

As the sky began to lighten, the conversation once again returned to Glorfindel's wife and Haldir's. "Do you think there is some kind of connection between the three of us? I mean the fact that we all ended up here is way too coincidental."

"It is rather strange that you should make it here at all, let alone two others. However, perhaps you will find out the answer to your question in time," Glorfindel stated mysteriously.

"You know something I don't," I said suspiciously.

"I know a great many things you don't, but that's not the point. You will find out in due time what I am speaking of."

I rolled my eyes. "Careful-they may get stuck that way," Legolas warned me. Glorfindel just sulked as Legolas and I chuckled at the memory.

As our laughter died down, I did my best to stifle a yawn, but it was no use. They both noticed. "I suggest we catch a few hours of sleep before the sun is too high in the sky," Glorfindel said, "You need your rest. These have been very trying times for you."

"We should not have kept you up with our questions," Legolas said apologetically, pulling me to my feet, as he stood. Glorfindel rose as well, and we began to proceed towards our rooms.

"You know I have pulled all-nighters before," I said, not really annoyed. How could I be? It was touching how they looked after me.

"All-nighters," Glorfindel mused, "Interesting way to phrase it. But that's really irrelevant. You need your rest especially since you have to continue your sword training tomorrow."

"We will also begin your archery lessons tomorrow as well," Legolas stated.

"I am never going to survive," I groaned. "I have muscles sore that I did not even know I had."

He laughed at that. "Come now! It cannot be that bad," said Legolas at the displeased expression on my face.

"Once again this comes from the warrior with a couple thousand years of practice behind him," I replied sarcastically.

"Forgive my insensitivity," he said good-naturedly. "I promise it will not be so bad," he finished a little more sincerely.

"I'm holding you to it," I replied poking a finger into his arm, and trying to come off as stern.

"Of course, milady," he stopped and bowed gallantly and a bit dramatically. I just smiled, and used his title to get even. "Good night your highness."

He just laughed and crossed to his room. "Good night Kate," he called over his shoulder, as we entered our respective rooms. It was then I realized two things: 1) Glorfindel had disappeared before we reached our rooms and neither of us had noticed and 2) Legolas and I had not relinquished physical contact (whether it was him holding my hand it the garden or me taking his arm on the walk to our rooms) for the entire night.

"Oh bugger," I said out loud. This cannot be good.