Hobbits Notes: 4 reviews for chapter 8, where we kinda sorta somewhat get a few clues as to whats going on.


He was in a park. Nikola was sure of that. In a park by the lake with pigeons. What pretty creatures! He loved the graceful arcs they flew in, the delicate hop to used to walk. And the cooing sound they made was soothing. Nikola smiled to find a crust of bread in his hand. He broke a piece off and tossed it to the birds and listened and to them coo in thanks. He closed his eyes and listened rapturously to the serene sound. The autumn wind blowing through golden leaves, the water of the pond lapping softly.. the vibrant musical laugh of a womans voice. She was alarmingly close. Nikola turned to see Helen. A much younger Helen, though she seemed not to age.

Still she was unmistakably younger. Her blond curls danced about her face, and the fire in her eyes blazed of innocence rather than the world weary wisdom they held now. And she laughed. Nikola wacked his brains but could not remember the last time he heard His Helen laugh so freely. Then he remembered he couldnt recall anything before the last 24 hours and gave up.

"Nikola! Give it back!" Helen laughed as the younger version of himself danced ahead, holding a book just out of her reach.

"Nut until I get a kizz." he grinned smugly.

"Nikola please. I need to study." Helen persisted

"Zen you had bettar hurry upe und kizz me!" he smiled, still keeping just out of her reach.

"Im serious Nikola" Helen insisted, though her delighted laughter would suggest otherwise.

"Zo am I" Nikola returned. "A kizz for ze book."

Helen stopped laughing and looked at him with a dangerous light in her eyes. "Nikola, if you don't hand that book back right now, I'll scare the pigeons away so that they never come back."

"You vouldnt!" Nikola paled in shock and horror.

"Try me" Helen challenged. She had a serious face and a determined pose. Nikola sighed and handed back the book.

"Vould you really Helen? Zcare avay ze pigeons?"

Helen smiled and stepped carefully up to him. she pressed her lips to his cheek in a soft kiss then stepped back, poised to run.

"No" she admitted and took off across the park at a fast run.

Nikola grinned and gave chase.

He had lost sight of her and wondred for a moment if she had left the park, but Helen had actually doubled back. she jumped out suddenly from behind the tree and tackled him to the ground. they rolled in the grass for a little bit, until he got the upperhand and began a tickle fight.

One day he vowed. One day she would love him back