I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Thank you to…

Diamond North Took for the favorites add, alert and lovely comment :)
ArwenEvenstar also for a lovely comment and alert (ha-ha it really dawned on me writing this chapter how weird this story really was…. But I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I've decided my chapters are too short. So I'll keep them to around 1000 words from now on.

Oh. and anything in italics is the animals talking.

Chapter Four

The days had gone quickly for Dasha. She would explore the prairie to find the best grazing and she discovered (much to her own relief) a lovely little stream but kept clear of the forest and the mountains behind her but kept well clear of them.

For two nights after her forest calling the mountains shrieked and made terrible noises, things would move and scamper over the hills in the darkness, convincing her there were creatures about; but by day there was nothing to be seen and she concluded that the snarling creatures roamed only at night. They were gone by the third night and Dasha thought that maybe they had been searching for something they hadn't found and retreated back to their dreadful mountains.

On the fourth day of her arrival Dasha grazed up the Southern end of the prairie, lonely as she had been for days but content. She had accepted of the fact she was stuck in the body of a horse but she would never get used to the idea.

A masculine smell drifted her way. Dasha's head shot up and relief flowed through her body as she spotted the form of a human. She was saved!

A moment later as she looked closer she noticed he was dressed in very strange clothing and with those infamous platinum blond locks she knew she was looking at Legolas.

So it was true.

Dasha stood very still, her mind racing as he approached, ears pricked and intently picking up every movement. He didn't give her any eye contact and stopped ten meters away. Sitting himself in the long grass under the shade of a small tree he pulled out a hunk of half whittled wood and began humming a tune she didn't recognize.

Dasha had loved horses once – when she had been about eleven. She had researched, saved and longed for a horse all at same time, so she realized after about five minutes of complete ignorance on his part that he was trying to suck her in... intrigue her enough so that she would come closer and let curiosity get the better of her.

Two could play this game!

She walked towards him and became so close she could hear his quiet breathing. Dasha rubbed her side on the tree vigorously. Then squealed happily and dashed away as a barrage of leaves tumbled down on the elves head.

He gave an amused cry and leapt up pulling the leaves from his pristine hair-do. Legolas flashed a look in her direction and obviously wanted more interaction, which Dasha responded to turning her rump to him and nibbling at the grass uninterestedly.

More then anything else in the world she wanted to talk to him, or to anyone, for four days without a word uttered was hard – even for a naturally quiet girl like herself was horrible. But she knew her mouth wouldn't make the words and if she tried out would come an assortment of whinnies, snorts, neighs and squeals.

Dasha took a few steps away from the elf to the forest.

Dasha is that you? Dasha shyed away from the forest in utter shock.

Is that you? A male voice came from the forest.

It – It is me! But she wasn't speaking English!

Come further in. Legolas will see me if I come out. Dasha hesitated then walked further into the forest and around the side of the tree.

The wolf!

She swerved away and frantically galloped for the prairie.

Wait……Please Dasha wait, it's TOM.

Hesitantly she slowed and cringed as she turned around. Yes, it was the same wolf who had attacked and wounded her but there was an intelligence shinning in his eyes and now that she thought about it, even his voice sounded the same, if not a little deeper.

Dasha looked at him carefully, trying very very hard not to be afraid.

He was bigger then the wolves in programs and in pictures back home - grey but with quite a lot more black to him then most wolves had. Tom now had pointed furry ears a long snout and a black shiny nose. He looked kind enough, but Dasha had seen his claws out and a snarling mouth full of razor teeth and she backed way, made suddenly aware that they were out in the open with Legolas able too see them.

He sensed her distrust.

Look, I'm sorry for the first day Dash – it's just that I was so hungry, and I couldn't stop myself. I just went, well -wild. I had no idea it was you! Believe me, I'm just as surprised your a horse as you are surprised I'm a wolf. It's unbelieveable. All of this is out of control.

His voice calmed her and she believed his explanation.

Tom, I've been so lonely. And I'm frightened. What's happening here?

All she wanted to do was to fall into his arms and have him sooth her – but it wasn't going happen. For obvious reasons.

We're in middle earth. I know it sounds stupid, but I've got it all figured out. We fell into middle earth while we were watching the movie, and, somehow, came back as animals.

How did you know it was me? Me in this body I mean.

She had so much to ask him, but kept forgetting most of the questions she had been forming her head for days now – too overwhelmed by what he was telling her and her happiness of being able to communicate, even if she wasn't speaking human words. Just being close to him made her feel invincible. He was somewhat like a security blanket to Dasha, no one could calm her or make her feel loved more then he. He made her safe, he understood, he loved and he listened. Tom was really the only one apart from Rachel and her parents that she could speak to without stumbling over her words and making her feel self-conscious.

I've been watching you for two days now, especially at night. I see better at night. Dasha. Have you seen Rachel at all? Do you have any idea where she is?

Dasha shook her head a little, loosening her mane, trying to keep herself from worrying. I haven't seen her since we fell.

Tom moaned, Listen Dasha, I think I can speak to Legolas; I can talk in English to myself. Have you tried?

She hadn't but she knew it was hopeless. Over the last few days she had come to know she couldn't speak in the same tongue as she had on earth.

I can't Tom.

Tom said nothing and instead brushed past Dasha and very slowly started to walk to Legolas, trying his best to look non-imposing. But Legolas responded by positioning an arrow on his bow.

Stop looking like your stalking him.

Well walk with me then, Tom growled

Dasha trotted quickly over and followed him towards Legolas before he stopped shortly in front of the uncertain, flighty elf.

"Hi. I am Tom, and this Dasha. We need your help."

Dasha snorted in amusement. The elves' facial expression was enough to make anyone laugh in the most serious of moments.