Unafraid Of You

Ch.6 Someone Special

She walked as quickly as she could down the hallway to Elrond' study without knocking anyone over in the process. This had to be it. Why else would he want to see her alone in his study if not for that one reason? She stopped where she stood and took his note out of her jeans pocket and read it through one more time.

Stephanie,

I must see you in my study as soon as you are able. There is something that we must discuss and someone is here to see you. I hope you come quickly and with haste. This is a matter of importance.

Sincerely,

Elrond

There was nothing more to it. This had to be about Galadriel's letter. Her heart threatening to burst from her chest was not helping the nervous feeling that spread throughout her body like a poison that refused to leave the body. She arrived at Elrond's study and suddenly felt like she wanted to turn back. But there was no turning back, not now. Slowly she turned the doorknob and poked her head in, searching for Elrond's stoic and calm face.

Elrond looked up from his desk and offered her a smile, it was forced, she could tell, but a smile none the less and it did help to calm her somewhat.

"I got your note and came as soon as I could. What's going on?"

Elrond nodded his head to the corner of the room where a dark figure stood with a hooded cloak pulled up over their head to hide their face from view. "I have someone that you might want to see."

Stephanie took a step closer to the figure, trying to see past the dark hood. "Who are you? Why don't you say something?"

The figure pulled her hood back and stood there, gazing at Stephanie with glittering eyes. "Hey Steph."

"No flipping way! This is so not happening!" Stephanie covered her mouth with her hand and stared at the girl in front of her. "You aren't really here."

"Yes, actually I am. I know it's a shocker, but I am here nonetheless," she took a step towards Stephanie and touched her shoulder. "See, I'm real. Not a ghost."

Stephanie lost all control of herself and threw her arms around the girl. "I have missed you so much Courtney! Oh my God! You're really here!"

Tear after tear fell from both pairs of eyes as they embraced each other for what seemed like an eternity. Courtney held on tight, not wanting her friend to evaporate before her eyes. It was so unbelievable that she was here and that she was back with her best friend.

Elrond watched the tearful reunion with a smile. It was good to see two such lonely hearts joined together again in the bond of friendship. It was rare to see such a bond between two people. He cleared his throat and smiled at them both. He looked at Stephanie who was wiping away her tears and laughing at the same time.

"I guess you want an explanation as to how your friend got here?"

Stephanie nodded her head and sat down on the couch next to Courtney, still not believing that she was reunited with he friend. "That would be nice. Who brought her here and how?"

Elrond sat down across from them in a chair and poured them all glasses of wine. It was greatly accepted. Wine suddenly sounded really good after such a meeting. "Well why don't you ask Courtney. I'm sure she could better explain it than I could."

Courtney turned to face Stephanie on the couch. "It started with a dream."

"A dream?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow in question. That was weird.

"Yeah, a dream. I saw some elf woman dressed all in white. She spoke to me in the elvish language. I was surprise that I understood her. Anyways, she told me that I was needed. When I asked her where and why, she just smiled and held out her hand to me. She told me that everything would be alright and that I didn't belong on Earth. She said it wasn't where my destiny was. When I woke up, I didn't recognize where I was at all. I ended up in Mirkwood under the care of King Thranduil and his son Legolas. They took care of me and after a month or two I was called away to travel to Lothlorien to see Lady Galadriel. She told me where to find you and here I am."

Stephanie listened intently to every word. "Wow, what a story. So you've been here all this time? Why didn't you ever write to me?"

"I didn't know that you were here until I had talked to Galadriel about two weeks ago. I was so excited to see you. I missed you so much," Courtney felt a tear fall down her cheek. It never failed. Whenever she thought she was done crying, one more tear had to fall.

"We're with each other again now so don't cry anymore. Now, my next question is, what about Allison? Where is she?" Stephanie watched Courtney and Elrond exchanged concerned faces.

Elrond stood up and began to pace back and forth. "We think she was sent to Gondor."

"Huh? What did you say? What the heck is that?" Stephanie heard Courtney laughing and couldn't help but join in.

"Don't you remember the movies? Gondor is the kingdom that Aragorn is king of. We think that is where Allison is," Courtney stood up and stretched, her legs cramped from having them folded under her for such a long time.

Stephanie followed her actions. "Well, are we going to go get her? We can't just leave her there. I'm sure she's freaking out at this very minute."

Elrond turned a worried gaze to Stephanie. "Freaking out? Why would she do that?"

Courtney and Stephanie looked at each other and laughed. "It's one of those things about Allison that make her Allison. She freaks out over EVERYTHING. No exaggeration."

Stephanie laughed harder. "It's the truth Elrond. Wait until you meet her. I'm sure she'll find something around here to get worked up about!"

Elrond shook his head and laughed. "Well I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on so go get yourselves something to eat and enjoy each other's company."

Both girls walked towards the study doors and began to walk out. Stephanie touched Courtney's arm and told her to wait a minute. "Elrond?"

"Yes?"

"Any word from Galadriel, other than Courtney I mean?" Stephanie looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Elrond shook his head, unable to hide the disappointment in his eyes. "No, nothing yet. But she will answer pen-neth."

Stephanie smiled and thanked him then led Courtney to the kitchens to see if they could teach the cooks how to make pizza and maybe they could find something close to ranch dressing to go with it.

Ch.7 Playing Matchmaker

"Where are we going Steph? I don't think I like this blindfolding thing," Courtney waved her hand out in front of her to feel where she was going.

Stephanie laughed. "Blindfolds are fun and can serve a purpose."

Courtney sighed. "The last time you blindfolded me was on my birthday and we ended up at Chuckie Cheese's and couldn't get in because we weren't 18 or older."

"That was so stupid. Completely messed with our plans. Well I can tell you that we aren't going to Chuckie Cheese's. We're going to see someone," Stephanie laughed to herself as Courtney proceeded to go on and on about how unfair this was.

Courtney stopped walking and crossed her arms. "Come on, take this dumb thing off of me. It's driving me crazy!"

"Oh shut up and quit being such a cry baby. We're almost there," Smiling, she walked them through the house until they got to the sitting room. Stephanie smiled at the twins and put a finger to her mouth to tell them to keep quiet. "Stay here Courtney. I'll be right back and don't you dare touch that blindfold or I'll make more deadlines for your stories."

"You're so mean," Courtney laughed.

Stephanie walked over to the other side of the room and kissed Elladan sweetly on the lips and hugged Elrohir.

Elrohir eyed the blindfolded girl. "Who is that?"

"Someone very special to me. She's practically my sister in every way and I wanted you to meet her," Stephanie smiled at him and turned her gaze to Elladan. "You've already met her."

Elladan nodded his head. "Yes, I have. She's a very sweet girl, funny too."

"Why did you blindfold her? That seems a little cruel," Elrohir smiled at the smirk on Steph's face.

Stephanie couldn't hold in her laughter. "I'll have to tell you a story about Courtney and blindfold's sometime. It's pretty funny. I blindfolded her because she hates it and I like to annoy her sometimes."

Elrohir hugged her. "Alright, I'll go save her and un-blindfold her."

Stephanie grabbed Elladan's hand as they watched Elrohir walk to the other end of the room. "I think he'll like her. What do you think?"

Elladan nodded his head at them. "I think they'll end up as more than just friends' meleth-nin."

Stephanie smiled and laid her head against his shoulder. "I hope so."

Elrohir stood in front of her and just stared at her. Her hair was short, about shoulder length and curly. She was medium height, a little taller than Steph. He watched his brother and Steph walk out of the room and finally felt like he could breathe. Slowly he reached out to pull down the blindfold.

Courtney felt that someone was close. She knew it wasn't Steph. If it was, she would be able to smell her perfume. What she smelled was pine and sandalwood mixed with cinnamon. She felt two strong hands on either side of her face, lying against the cloth of the blindfold. She reached up and touched the hands that so gently held her face.

"Who are you?"

Elrohir smiled. "Shall I remove your blindfold so you may see?"

Courtney laughed. "Please! I hate blindfolds!"

He carefully untied the knot in the back. As he untied it, he took in her scent. She smelled like vanilla and water lilies. Careful not to snag her hair, he untied the knot and let the soft cloth fall to the floor. Two blue-grey eyes stared back at him, glittering as she smiled up at him.

Elrohir stared at her. Quickly, he turned his gaze to the floor, embarrassed for staring. "I am sorry my lady. I didn't mean to stare."

Courtney shook her head. "It's no big deal. Don't worry about it. Please, call me Courtney. I don't like formalities."

"I am – "

"…Elrohir. Yes, I know all about you," Courtney smiled at his mild surprise.

Elrohir grabbed her hand and kissed it softly. "How do you know me?"

Courtney let her smile fade somewhat. "It's a long story. But it's a pleasure to meet you. Steph has said so many things about you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Elrohir stood up and let her hand fall to her side.

Courtney couldn't take her eyes off of him. He was amazing and that was putting it lightly. "I feel so out of place here, though I have noticed that Steph has learned to fit right in, boyfriend and all."

Elrohir laughed at her comment. "Yes, she and my brother have been together for about a month now. They really do like each other and it does my heart great joy to see them so happy."

"I'm glad that she finally found someone that she can love and who will love her back," Courtney smiled. It was then that the chimes sounded for dinner.

"Well, it looks like dinner will be served. May I escort you?" Elrohir held out his arm to her.

"I would like that very much, thank you," She looped her arm through his and together they walked to dinner, hearts beating faster than ever.

Ch.8 Something More

It had been a month since Courtney had arrived in Rivendell and she was already feeling like another member of the family, just like what Steph had become. It felt good to be with Steph and to be able to talk and joke around with her again. It was like winning the lottery. It was such a good feeling.

"So, what do you think of him?"

Courtney blushed. "He's nice."

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Is that all the better you can do? Come on, tell me what you really think of him!"

"I like him. He's very sweet and kind, and he's easy to talk to," Courtney turned back to her stitching. The maids had been trying to teach her and Steph how to stitch and so far, Steph was having all the luck and all Courtney got was pricked and bloodied fingers.

"Has he tried to kiss you yet?" Stephanie watched her friends blush deepen to a deep crimson color. "You're blushing even more! He kissed you?"

Courtney looked around and shot her friend an ice cold glare. "Would you keep it down! And no, he hasn't tried yet."

Stephanie laughed. "I'm sure he will soon enough. Ow!" She shook her finger and then stuck it in her mouth.

"It's my job to get pricked, remember?" Both girls laughed and it was at that moment that Elrohir walked in.

"Good morning you two. Having fun with the stitching yet?" Elrohir dodged a playful punch in the arm from Steph and laughed.

Courtney threw down her stitching and crossed her arms over her chest. "This is the most ridiculous thing ever! I'm so done with this craziness!"

Elrohir picked up the stitching cloth and handed it back to her. "Here, don't give up on it. A few pricks shouldn't stop you from learning."

"I hate sewing. I'd rather be outside doing something than sitting inside trying to do this!" She sat her stitching on the table and looked over at Stephanie. "I'm going to go for a walk, do you want to come?"

Stephanie shook her head. "No, thank you. Elladan should be here soon. We're going to go see the horses today."

Elrohir held out his hand to Courtney. "May I accompany you on your walk?"

"Of course you can if you promise to behave while we're out," Courtney accepted his hand and he pulled her up out of her chair. They stood rather close for a brief moment then backed up a few steps to collect themselves. Stephanie laughed at this to herself and watched the soon to be couple walk out of the sitting room, arm in arm.

It was so peaceful. How could one place hold so much calmness and peace? It was enchanting and magical. "I've never been anywhere like this before. It's amazing."

Elrohir smiled at her gently and took a good look around. "This was my mother's favorite place to come and be alone. I used to visit her here as a child when I had no lessons. I always preferred the company of my mother rather than my father."

"How come? Did you and your father not get along or what?" Courtney let her arms fall to her side as they continued their lazy walk among the trees and flowers of the royal garden.

"My mother was always open for compassion and I felt that I could relate to her better. I did go to my father, sometimes, but it was mostly my mother that I favored above anyone," Elrohir looked at the girl next to him, trying to figure out how he had gotten so lucky as to become friends with her and have her so close to him now.

Courtney felt his eyes on her and felt butterflies in her stomach. What was he doing to her? "I don't think I really favored one parent over the other. I went to both of them equally as much. I suppose I did talk to my mom about more things than my dad, but my dad taught me so much as well through other ways."

Elrohir let his hand lightly touch hers. "You miss your family a lot, don't you?"

"I do, but I can get over it. I'll be okay, I hope," She felt her hand being held and squeezed the larger hand that held hers so softly.

"I like having you here Courtney. Everything in my life has changed for the better because you showed up. I feel like a really big hypocrite right now saying this," Elrohir laughed at himself.

Courtney looked at him, puzzled. "What makes you a hypocrite?"

Elrohir led her to a stone bench surrounded by daisies and daffodils and sat her down. He sat down next to her and held her hands in his. "I told Elladan, before you got here, that I thought he was making a mistake by falling in love with Stephanie."

"What? Why? They're so cute together," Courtney searched his eyes, almost losing herself in them.

"Elladan and I are half-elven. That means that when the time comes, we must choose to live among the elves and stay immortal and sail to Valinor, or we choose to live among the men and die as mortals. I was afraid that if he fell in love with Steph that he would choose to live as a mortal and I would lose him forever. I couldn't bear that. I love my brother and as twins we share a special bond. But now I see that when you love someone, everything else in the world just falls into the abyss and nothing else matters but the love that you bear for that person," Elrohir let out a breath of relief at saying that. It was like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

She squeezed his hands and brought a hand up to lift his chin to look at her. "You don't know what it means to me that you feel that way. If I'm reading this the right way, can I say that you're confessing love for me?"

Elrohir rested his forehead against hers. Their lips were inches apart. He could feel her breath against his lips. "You would be right in assuming that. I've never felt this way before about anyone and it almost scares me, but I know everything is okay, as long as you're here with me."

"I'm here now Elrohir. Right here, right now," she looked away from his eyes to his lips and pressed her lips to his in a soft touch. Elrohir closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations coursing throughout his body and mind. He lightly nipped at her bottom lip before slipping his tongue between her lips, begging for entrance. She greatly accepted his kiss, drowning in the mere feel of it. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his around her waist, holding her close and tight against his body.

Courtney was the first to pull away, her lungs screaming for air but her lips wanting more of Elrohir's kiss. "That was amazing."

Elrohir laughed and held her face in his hands. "I'm glad that I have that affect on you meleth, now we need to get going before Elladan and Steph send out a search party to find us."

"Before we go, can I ask you something?"

Elrohir looked at her and smiled. "Of course. Ask me anything you want."

Courtney smiled hesitantly. "Do you love me? It may be a little early to ask this but, could you love me? Will you love me?"

"What on Middle-Earth would make you ask me that? Of course I love you! I just admitted it to you and what was that kiss if not a small sign of my love?" Elrohir held her hands tighter, afraid that she might pull away from him. She felt too good against him to lose her now. They fit together perfectly in one another's embrace. That was too much too give up.

"I just wanted to know. I would hate to get into something like this and end up being the one broken hearted," She stood up from the bench and pulled Elrohir up with her. "I'm tired of always being left behind like I have no feelings."

Elrohir hugged her close. "You have had your heart broken before?"

Courtney closed her eyes tightly, trying to block out the images of the faces that she had fallen in love with, but had been brushed aside for someone new. "Yes."

"How could anyone want to break the heart of someone so kind and pure of soul? I would do anything for you. I would walk to the ends of the Earth if it meant that I could be with you. Please don't ever doubt my feelings for you. They would never falter," Elrohir pushed her away somewhat to look into her blue eyes, swimming with unshed tears. He kissed away each tear that proceeded to fall until all of her tears were spent. "Please don't cry anymore. I'm not like the others. This I promise you."

Courtney smiled then laughed. "Thank you so much. Amin mela lle Elrohir."

"Amin mela lle anor-nin," Elrohir took her by the hand and together they walked back to the palace where they were greeted by smiling faces and open arms.

Dinner was a pleasant time. Everyone was engaged in polite conversation, unless you were the twins who were poking fun at anyone that would allow them to do it. Stephanie looked around the table. A few months ago, so many of these faces would have been strangers to her, but now that she knew them, they gave her comfort.

Courtney kept her eyes on her plate most of the time. It was awkward to be sitting at a dinner table with people that she didn't know. It was good that she was next to Stephanie or else she might have gone mad with uneasiness.

"Are you alright Court. You look a little pale," Steph looked at her friend concerned.

Courtney forced a fake smile. "I'm fine Steph. I guess the food isn't agreeing with me tonight." She knew she was lying through her teeth, but she didn't want her friend to worry too much over her.

Stephanie gave Courtney a stern look. "Don't give me that! You're nervous, I can see it. You need to just relax and enjoy the conversation around you."

"Easier said than done Steph. You've had almost a year now to get used to this while I've only had a few months," Courtney looked back down at her plate and pushed the food around with her fork.

Elrohir happened to glance next to him at Courtney, to see how she was doing. He saw her uneasiness and became worried. "What's wrong meleth?"

"I'm fine Elrohir. I'm just not used to having so many pairs of eyes staring at me, that's all," she felt trapped. Just then, Lindir, the head minstrel, announced that music and dancing would now take place in the ballroom. Courtney heaved a heavy sigh of relief and accepted Elrohir's hand to help her out of her chair.

He smiled at her and looked her up and down. She was stunning tonight. Her hair was in a pile of curls at the top of her head, a few curls hanging down by her lightly tanned face. Her dress was a dark blue color and fitted to her figure perfectly, accenting her curves in all the right places. The sleeves were long and the neckline came down just low enough to show the curve of her chest.

"Is there something that interests you my lord?"

Elrohir laughed at her proper tone and played along. "I was just admiring your beautiful dress my lady. I apologize if my looking was not to your liking."

Courtney walked up closer to him and covered his lips with hers, in public! They stood there, locked in a heated kiss until she broke it, smiling triumphantly. "You are more than welcome to look meleth-nin. I am dressed this way only for you."

Still recovering from the initial shock, Elrohir smiled at her. "You amaze me more and more with each passing day. How do you do it?"

"Easy, I use my wit and charm," Courtney laughed.

"Both of which you have none of!" Stephanie laughed as Courtney stuck out her tongue.

Elrond walked up to them laughing, Elladan following closely behind. "If you two are done with your banter, can we go into the ballroom now and let the music and dancing commence?"

Courtney smiled slyly at Stephanie. "Do you remember prom?"

Stephanie nodded her head. "Heck yeah! But we aren't going to dance like THAT are we? I mean, we don't have the music for it."

"I wish we had that music. We'd really get the party started then!" She laughed and Stephanie laughed with her.

Elladan smiled, a little lost. "Am I better off not knowing?"

Stephanie kissed his cheek and held his hand. "It's just one of those memories that will forever be etched in my brain causing me nightmares at night."

"Hey! That was the best night ever and you helped to make it a nightmare," Courtney looped her arm through Elrohir's and let him lead her to the ballroom where the night would really start to kick in.

The night moved on as if it was a dream. All night Courtney and Stephanie danced and laughed with each other and the other elves around them. The music stopped and everyone's attention turned to Lindir, who addressed the crowd.

"My lords and ladies, we will now finish out the night with singing songs and telling stories. Would anyone like to sing us a song?" Lindir looked around the room. His eyes rested on someone and he smiled. "Courtney? Stephanie? Why don't you two sing us a song?"

Courtney looked at Stephanie nervously. "Do we sing?"

"I guess we do now," Stephanie smiled nervously.

"Steph! The only singing I do is when I'm in the shower or with you driving in your car blaring Britney Spears!" Courtney felt her heart begin to race. Singing in public was not a strong suit of hers.

Stephanie gave her a comforting smile. "Let's just sing a song and get it over with. Soon it will all just be a bad dream."

Courtney rolled her eyes. "Yeah, a bad dream come true."

"What will you sing for us?" Elrond looked from one girl to the other, smiling.

Courtney said the first song that happened to come across her mind. "It's called The Prayer. I hope you enjoy it.

Courtney:

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise in times when we don't know. Let this be our prayer when we lose our way. Lead us to a place. Guide us with your grace to a place where we'll be safe.

Stephanie:Courtney:

La luce che tu dai I pray we'll find your light

Nel cuore restera And hold it in our hearts

A ricordarci che When stars go out each night

Eterna stella sei oh…

Nella mia preghier Let this be our prayer

Quanta feda c'eWhen shadows fill our day

Lead us to a palceGuide us with your grace

Both:

Give us faith so we'll be safe.

Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza.

Un mondo di guistizia e di speranza.

Ognuno diala mano a vicino.

Simbolo di pace, di fraternita.

Stephanie:Courtney:

La forza che ci daWe ask that life be kind

E desidero cheAnd watch us from above

Orguno trave amore We hope each soul will find

Interno ed entro se another soul to love

Both:

Let this be our prayer

Courtney:

Let this be our prayer

Stephanie:

Just like every child.

Courtney:

Just like every child.

Both:

Need to find a place. Guide is with your grace. Give us faith so we'll be safe.

Nella fed ache. Ha accesso in noi. Sento che ci salvera.

They both held the last note until their lungs screamed for air to breathe. No one in the room moved or even breathed loud. All eyes were kept fixed on the two young girls that had sung so beautifully.

"Where did that come from?" Courtney looked at Stephanie with wide eyes. Even she was surprised at how well their voices seemed to blend together.

Stephanie gave her an equally surprised stare. "I have no idea but it kicked butt!"

Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another, shocked. Not once had the girls ever said anything to them about singing.

Elrond smiled and finally managed to speak. "That was incredible. What was that language that you spoke?"

"It was Italian. Did you like it?" Courtney looked at him with wide hopeful eyes.

"I loved it. It was very touching. I've never heard anything like it," Elrond kissed the forehead of each girl.

Stephanie laughed nervously. "Well, I think I've had enough for one night."

Courtney nodded her head. "Same here. That took everything out of me."

"Thank you for gracing us with your beautiful voices my ladies," Lindir bowed to them. Both girls curtsied back and thanked Elrond for the wonderful time.

Elladan grabbed Stephanie's hand. "Come with me."

"Where to?" Stephanie smiled at Courtney. "I will see you tomorrow morning."

Courtney nodded her head and waved. "Have fun!"