DISCLAIMER: I no own anything of Tolkien related. LOTR or LOTR worlds etc. Nor the songs "Days Go By" by Dirty Vegas and "Reunited" By Peaches and Herb.

NO BETA! I NO USE BETA OKIE? But it is pretty good that you can make sense of it yourself. I know my PUNCTUATION IS BAD. If you would like to help me, PLEASE PM ME with a link to help me out. Please only review what you think of the story. :]

Sorry about this chapter. It's slow and it is long. This just happens to dive into the relationship that Gandalf and Elena share. So sorry if you think that Gandalf is OOC. I'm pretty bad into getting into thought patterns lol.

This is strictly POV only- First it is Elena, then Layla, then Elena again.

Since it is POV, there will be FRAGMENTS! After all, people's thoughts don't normally form complete, essay form thoughts. That'd be just weird. Lulz. You know the drill.

There might be some OOC, but hey it's a fanfic right? It's okay to tweek personalities here and there.

I know my fic is long, but yeah… sorry for the extreme slowness and longness…

Please enjoy Eff My Life!

Chapter 5: I'm Cool Once You Get To Know Me…

Let me tell you… lemme tell you…

A real bath… not some quick rinse with a piece of cloth soaked in a river, but A REAL BATH!

It is… FUCKING… AMAZING!

"Woooooooooooooooooooo!" I splash around in it.

I hold my breath, and my nostrils together, I dunk myself and come back up. I

"This feels so goooooooooood!" Damn! All these oils and herbs that Elrond let me use… my skin is exfoliated, my hair is clean and I feel as though I have lost ten years and ten pounds… only because I feel as though that's how much dirt, oil, and skin flakes have come off.

I haven't had a decent bath like this since Bree, and even then, that was shit compared to this!

I calm myself down and take a deep breath again, and I just sink into the tub.

I just lay there… it's really very peaceful… sounds are blocked, the water is all over me surrounding me in comfort… I open my eyes underwater, and they don't hurt. Friendly oils and herbs… I know that's a tagline for this sort of thing… 'no tears' elven herbs and oils. I couldn't help but pft to that underwater…

I hear footsteps coming into the bath chambers. I come out of the water and put my head and hands on the rim of the tub.

"Elena? You have been in there for over an hour. Come out and put your clothes on. I have laid out some old dresses for you to pick out when you're ready."

I heard Arwen yelling from the little room that is before the bathing chamber. It's like, Arwen's private bathroom up in here. Vanity room and then tub area. I like that floor plan.

"Sorry Arwen! It's just been the best bath I've ever had during my travels!" Must… not… swear… its fan-fucking-tastic! That's what I want to say…

I hear a soft laughter from her side of the room, but it echoed to me. "That is quite alright, Elena. I understand. Father said that you may have your meeting with him tomorrow. He knows the hardships from your travels from Gandalf."

"Yes! I can have peace and relaxation…" When I first got here, Lord Elrond, looked up at me up and down and he gave me a nod of his head. Gandalf teasing me nodded in agreement and waved a hand in front of his face making it look like he thought I stunk… I just playfully glared at him and blamed him for my poor hygiene.

Lord Elrond had actually asked Arwen to look after me. I was surprised really, thinking that I was going to be accompanied by some other random elf-person. I have no idea really… maybe because I was with Gandalf that I'm somebody special? Or maybe she is a spy for her ada!

Dun dun duuuuuuun!

I come out of the tub and grabbed for what felt like a towel, because well, I guess it is, but it doesn't look like one… oh how the elves live. I grab for two. One for my hair, and the other to dry the rest of my body. Once that was done, I wrapped the long towel around me and proceeded to dry my hair.

"How long have you been traveling with Gandalf?" She asked through the room. I got closer to it in the middle of drying.

"For about a month and half I suppose and I never had a decent bath!" I continue to towel dry my hair, and funny thing is… it's already almost dry… this thing really absorbs water no doubt about it. I grabbed for a new bandage and tied it around my arm where my injury was. It wasn't so bad really. Gushed at first, but now its already clot. Hooray.

I hear her soft laughter again. Once I was done drying my hair, which is completely dry now, I go and see her. She shows me two dresses.

Yay… dresses… must… not… show… pickiness…

"Oh wow! They are beautiful, Lady Arwen. Are you sure I can wear them?" I was really taken aback though. Such feminine dresses with embroider edges of line/curved designs. I don't even care for the color of the other dress, but I pay attention to the dark blue one. It's really quite simple and dashing. Long fitting sleeves with bell cuffs. One of my favorites. Makes my hands look prettier if you ask me. I pay attention to these details since I absolutely love to dress up in Lolita cosplays.

"Of course you can. The seamstresses have all but gone home to be with their families. I do believe this blue dress will fit you nicely. And how did you get your hair to be blue? I see you have some grouped hair lines underneath the surface." Ahh yes… I raise up my hair from the sides to expose some of my blue streaks. They are about half an inch away from the scalp now, but they still look nice.

"This I got back home. My mom's friend did it for me. It's uh… intense dying of your hair you know? Kinda like with clothes…" With bleach and hair dye… chemicals that I don't think even discovered in this world…

"That's quite unique. I really do love it. I can sense that the blue shades are to your favor?" How can you not. I smile at her and she hands me the blue dress.

She is very beautiful. On the surface, any male would fall to her feet. She's really nice and ladylike… shit I'll never because I'm… you guessed it…

Uh-mazing!

"Thank you so much. I really do appreciate this. Do you mind if I wash my clothes tomorrow? I seriously need to just, take a break…" I don't want to work hard right now. I want to play hard or you know….sleep hard!

"Oh Elena. One of the caretakers of this house will see to it. Please don't worry. I know you have had a very long and hard journey, so please relax." She pats my back. "I'll be waiting outside as you get into this dress. After that, I will show you to your room."

"Thank you." Such grace… elves have grace… I have some… or not… ehhhhh…

You know, it's pretty easy to get into this dress. I just put it over my head, and the opening is pretty wide, so no need for tying or zipping… but fudge popsicles…. My imperfections are showing a bit…

It's tight around my tummy… stupid little poochy pouch… at least I can breath and, I bend down to pretend I'm sitting, and yes! I can sit… I can assume Arwen has a flat stomach… lucky…

I slip on what seems to be like ballet flat shoes. Dark blue simple shoes. They sort of feel like, a good hug for my feet. Hella comfortable. Love it! I wonder if she'll let me have'em…

I look at the length of this dress. It's quite slimming, but I do the twirl test… I feel like a princess… I haven't felt that in about two decades… kiss my ass media award ceremonies!

I found my wristlet pouchy bag still attached to my shoulder strap. That thing has been with me through everything. I have only used my mp3 player twice to listen to some songs that have always comforted me. I don't know how much juice I have left in that thing. Nor in my phone. Those have been off since I've been here. I wish I could recharge those things, but I'm really limited… plus I found my sunglasses in there too. They're a sportsy kind that reflect the person's face on the outside, but you can't see my eyes. Gandalf always said not to wear them in case somebody will see me and ask me too many questions…

But the sun is soooooo bright… stupid sun… my eyes… they suffer!

Anyway… I haul it over my shoulder and it rests on the opposite side. Even though my credit cards, cash, membership cards, and my ID are practically useless, but… I'm paranoid someone might steal this bag! You never know when I'm ready to go home, I can show up anywhere, so I gotta haves mi ID!

I come out and meet Arwen in the hallway. We chat about a few things, Rivendell and murals that we pass by. I asked her if she had seen someone named Layla. I give her description to her and Arwen just shakes her head.

"I'm afraid I haven't. No one has. Otherwise, news would have spread all over Rivendell that if a stranger had been through our parts, everyone would have heard about it."

I believe it. During of times of war, people would want to know who would enter in your territory. I already knew that Layla wouldn't be here anyway. I feel empty without her… seriously though… like an empty link. I already knew the answer to my question. And that's scary that I already knew…

Where could she be?

"Were you two separated on a travel? Who is she to you?" We had halted outside. It had just begun to get dark outside, and we are overlooking a beautiful view being shown under moonlight displaying all the flowers that have went to sleep, and I hear the waterfalls and it puts me at ease…

"She is a very good friend of mine. So good, that we have been called sisters even. I never had a sister, and we had grown up together since our adolescent time, and difficult to separate us, until now anyway." I smile and I start to reminisce about all of our dumbass times together. "Something forced us to be a part."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I do hope you find your friend. If she is as strong as you are, I'm sure she has found her way." She smiled a sympathetic one and laid her hand on my upper back. "May I know what drove the two of you apart?"

Shit… only one way to get out of this.

"Only if I have approval from your father. It's kind of a heavy subject to talk about…" I rub the back of my head nervous of her reaction. She takes back her hand and looks at me.

"I understand. I know in due time I will come to know about it." Tell that to any nosy person back where I live and they would give your such a hard time until your fess up.

"Thanks."

"I do want to ask you something." Uh oh… I turn my body to face her and lean on the stone rail. I move my head up in a way to say 'go on'.

"Since you have been here, you have only spoken in Westron. Yet, you haven't said a word in our native tongue. Why is that?" Double shit. Okay… truth will set me free… not all of it. I try to press my hair against my ears, pretending to look like I'm fixing it.

"I honestly don't know it. I can tell you more if I speak with your father first along with Gandalf. I just need him to hear this and I'd rather not say it twice… I don't mind if you're there though. If anything, it would be nice if more people know about me." I worry though, how she would react to someone like me…

"That sounds fair. My father and Gandalf are now resting. It can wait till tomorrow, I'm sure." She starts to extend her hand to express that we should keep walking. I start to follow her and it wasn't a long trip thankfully. I am sleepy. "Thank you so much for understanding Arwen. I won't do anything bad or weird or stupid! I promise!" I show my excitement a little.

"It's quite alright. I wouldn't want to talk about my burdens more than once in a short time." She stifled a giggle. These are your chambers. There is a nightgown ready for you to wear. I had a very nice time with you. It has been a pleasure meeting you and I hope to spend more time with you. I have never met an elf with so much energy quite like you other than my siblings."

Aw gee golly wiz! She's so nice… and my mom said royalty would never like me. Arwen is pretty cool though.

"Likewise Lady Arwen. Thank you and to your father of course for letting me stay here and for your hospitality. Seriously thank you so much." I slightly bowed to her and she placed a hand on my shoulder and I met eye to eye with her. "It is certainly no trouble at all. As from one elleth to another, we have to help each other in these dire times of darkness. And of course, any friend of Gandalf's is a friend to the house of my father. Until morning, I will see thee again. Have a goodnight." She smiled to me and I watch her leave.

Such grace. Like any other elf, she has this glow… damn elves are so magical…

I don't even think I have that glow… I'm not graceful… and ha… I know I don't walk with refined skills…

Meh, I can do it at work, because the motivation is that I'm paid to be professional… Right now, here in Middle-Earth, I just don't give a rat's ass.

I walk over to the window and really soak in the night view of this city… the architecture is definitely not what I'm used to back home. It is so much more creative, daring, bold… again, I suck at descriptions, but this how I feel. I'm speechless!

I yawn, but I wonder where Gandalf is. I feel weird not saying goodnight to him. Plus I bet he's talking to Lord Elrond too… not sleeping.

Damn… I wanna know what they are talking about now...

But I'm so damn tired though… this is going to be the most comfortable sleep I will have since being here in this country!

"This is best night ever." I slip off the dress and take off my flats and wear this long nightgown… and jump into bed… it's like a cloud! I snuggle into the pillow and drape the beautiful blanket over me…its only one blanket and I feel so warm and toasty.

Layla, I hope you are safe out there, wherever you are. Wherever that white light took you better be an amazing place. I'm doing okay in Rivendell. Goodnight.

I erected from my bed with urgency.

"Elena?" I said aloud. I heard her. I swear to all goodness I heard her.

I have that feeling in my mind and in my chest… it just washes over me with relief and content, but why?

I was just lying down in my bed resting when I had a headache and Haldir wanted to me rest. We had just finished having an evening picnic by one of the platforms during a break from one of his patrols. He walked me back to my room and suggested that I needed to lie down for a while and then he left.

He's so very sweet. So different from the men back home, but then again, Haldir is an elf.

I get off my bed, fixed up my yellow dress, and I rush through the halls heading straight towards my temporary guardians.

I arrived to the area where audiences wait for their presence. I asked a random elf-guard that I request the Lady of Light's presence and he leaves. After waiting for some time, I see that beautiful enchanting glow through the doors and ever the goddess that she is steps out slowly with the elf-guard behind her. She sees my worry face and signals me to come forward up the steps. I rush up the stairs and I give her a look of panic. She places her hand on my upper back and guides me through her doors to speak in private.

"Tell me Layla. What troubles you so? I sense that you have felt quite an energy right through you and have been expecting you." Maybe she felt it too?

It is possible. It is rather not a presence, but as if it were a message.

She spoke to me in my mind. We walk through the halls and come to an area outside with Lord Celeborn waiting with a tray of tea already set out.

"Good evening Lord Celeborn. How are you?" He points to a chair to show me where I can sit. I take a seat on the chair and Lady Galadriel sits next to her husband.

I take a deep breath and just dive right into it. "The weirdest thing. I'm lying down and then I feel this sensation in my mind and in my heart. I felt her. A message maybe? That Elena is okay. But why did I feel this? I know how I felt when I felt it, but why? I haven't seen her for a month and a half, but all of a sudden, I know for a FACT that she is fine. She is actually in Rivendell! Why do I know this!?" I started to get my blood pumped and accidently raise my voice, but not on the level of rude. I put my arms on the table and my plastered on it.

I feel on of them stroke my hair gently. "It seems that it is definitely a message. I sensed a presence of something, that I do not know of, but it is the same sentiment that when I would send my minute conversations to Lord Elrond, but it was not directed to me, but it did intrude our realm. She thinks of you, Layla. This is perhaps the first time the message has actually been through to you. Perhaps because she has entered Imaldris, the enhancements of magic among the elves and earth have greatly aided her."

I slowly started to lift my head and I see their smiles. Lord Celeborn hands me a cup of tea and smiles. "This, everything that you see and experience here, is I can imagine, all very new to you. Though we do not know of your fate, we can aid you as much as we can for as long as you want. Please think of Lothlorien as your home."

Lord Celeborn… he can be pretty paternal when he wants to me.

"Thank you. I really do appreciate everything you both have done for me. Honestly, this has been the most amazing experience I have had in my life, with the exception of missing Elena. I have found such peace, an appreciation for nature, such a sense of community and I don't have to worry about such trivial things like I did back home. As a human, I can't feel all of these feelings that I'm having right now as an elf, and it is certainly out of this world." I smile and I hold both of their hands. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you."

"And of course you thank us for letting you meet Marchwarden Haldir? Hmm?" I immediately blush. Lord Celeborn certainly can still tease a person. "Oh yes, our beloved Marchwarden… his work has not been decreasing, but I do see more of a smile on his face which hasn't happened in centuries." Lady Galadriel smiled, but then she has turned serious with worry. "If there is a time, if your destiny does come to an end and the opportunity to leave rises, would you come to leave us then? It is something to think about." She grasps my hand, but I just relax and smile.

I would miss my family, my friends, and technology! And sugar, but…

"I wouldn't leave Haldir. I won't leave him…" And I meant it.

I've been only dating him for a couple of weeks, but such a connection is established… such an attachment… He doesn't make me forget about my home or what or whom I'm missing… it's just… I can't picture my future without him… I just… I will cry, brood, even seem like I lost it at times, but I feel as though I really will if I lost Haldir…

The Lady before me smiles, but still seems to be feeling some anxiety as if she doesn't wholly trust my answer, but she accepts it for now. "I don't even know if Marchwarden Haldir feels the same way as I feel about him. I-" Lord Celeborn raises his hand to intercept me.

"Don't worry, Child. You both have only started your courtship. We only ask because you are from another world and we do not know if there will be way for you to return. In the mean time while you are here, keep developing your abilities, not only as an elf, but to take the time to discover what you really can do beyond that of an elf." He shifts in his seat and adjusts his robes. "We worry about our people and that includes you." He gives me a warmish smile… only because he is still so serious.

"I understand. Thank you again. I will be the best damn elf ever!" I quickly cover my mouth. "Sorry! Sorry! I'll be the best elf ever!" Lord Celeborn rolls his eyes but chuckles. I turn to see Lady Galadriel's expression and just happily shrugs. "At least so far that is the worst thing you have said since my lecture to you."Oh can the Lady of Light really lecture… I let go of my mouth and take a sip of my tea.

Oh. Rose tea with a hint of lemon? Hm… I guess it tastes good wherever I go.

"Now, it seems as though your spirits have been lifted up, why don't you have an archery lesson. You should go practice by yourself for a while. It may possibly help clear your head for a while."

I sighed. More work to do. Plus I can tell that Lady Galadriel sounds insistent in her voice. "Alright then." I got up from my chair and I embraced them both. "Thank you for listening to me."

"Not at all, Layla. Even our spirits need to relieve some burden for our minds to be set free. Come to us any time." Lady of the Light… she is way too awesome.

"Thank you. I'll probably go to bed once I'm done with practice and had a bath. I'll you both again soon!" I walk away and wave.

I rush over to the archery area. This how I practice my swift steps. I feel so nimble and light right now. I had to pick up my dress a bit so my legs really have the freedom. I can feel all the elves eyes' around me as I run on the paths. I couldn't help but to sing the tune to James Bond.

Hmph. I'm not sure, but I think a stick or a branch just slapped my stomach. Oh well.

It's really sad that I'm used to this… just feeling things make an impact on me but no pain at all.

I arrive to the archery plains and I carefully catch my breath.

"Fancy seeing you here tonight, Lady Layla." I whip around to see the owner of the voice. I pft and put a hand on my hip.

"Oh, I wouldn't say I was a lady. I back talk, swear, spit, belch, and have the worst informal speech ever spoken by elf, and you still call me a lady?"

The elf before me walks closer and enters my personal space. "You'll always be a lady in my eyes because even a proper lady gives a proper elf a challenge everyday and it makes it worthwhile." I blush.

"Oh Haldir…" He leans down and kisses me. Don't you just love it when your significant other surprises you after work? Least, his brothers have been giving him some more time off since he's been dating me. I better spend some more time with the three of them plus with some friends I have made on the side.

So delicious… and sweet.

We break apart from the kiss and he smiles. "What brings you here to the archery fields? I thought you had taken ill tonight." He cups my face and examines me. I just smile and I remove his hands from my face. I then told him about my sudden feeling of Elena and how I know for a fact that she is doing alright and in Rivendell, though I omit to him the conversation I had about my feelings for him.

"By Eru. Do you believe that she has become like you? Perhaps as a representation of our Creator?"

"That's the thing. I have no idea. It is the weirdest thing though. I know she is fine. I know she is doing okay. But that's ALL I know of her."

And holy shit! Considering the date today… she'll be coming here very soon!

That is if she joins the Fellowship… I have no idea if she really will though. Being with the Fellowship is a really dangerous mission! To go or not to go…

Well, if she isn't here in Lothlorien with the Fellowship, that just hopefully means she is staying in Rivendell with Lord Elrond… Now I know she isn't alone.

"Now I just wonder if I'll see her again. There is no way for her to communicate with me at an instant."

"There is always a way. Now that you know your friend Elena is doing just fine, let us hope that with time, we may figure out on what we can do next. You can relax your worries now." He brings me into a full embrace. It feels so good to be in the arms of the one you love…

Love?

Shit…

"Please do not take this in offense Elena. I am sure you are whole-heartedly a good person or half-elven as you are now, but in the consideration of my people, of all of Imaldris, I cannot have this evil stay here!"

"Lord Elrond, please! She is in control of what is inside her. Please believe in her for she is on the side of good, on the side of Middle-Earth."

Here we go.

It is the morning of the next day. After I had the best sleep I ever had since Gandalf and I left Bree, this is what I get into.

We just finished having a mini meeting with Lord Elrond. Gandalf and I have told him everything, from first being trapped at Isengard at the top of the Orthanc to having feelings of Morgoth in me, how we were being chased by the Nazgul and how it affected my eyes. Arwen is hiding somewhere in another room listening to everything. Lord Elrond said that she doesn't need to hear her conversation, but I promised her that she would learn the truth. Might as well, since well, the entire world is at stake here.

And I'm assuming it's because of little ole me.

"Lord Elrond. Please. I'm not on some murderous rampage. I know you don't want me here. I bet no one wants me anywhere near them once they find out I have energy belonging to you-know-who, but I'm not a full elf as you can see! Remember my ears!" I showed my ears to him in the beginning of the conversation and he was taken aback. Then I told him that I was from another world, and he was very surprised. Then Gandalf takes over on how he found me and what Saruman had said… I showed him my tattoo that's on my back by holding the bottom of where it ended on my dress and he looked down… then Lord Elrond flipped out.

Oh if I can only see Arwen's reactions that she had been nice and standing next to the very person who holds the Dark Lord Morgoth's energy…

I see him pacing back and forth in the room where we are talking. He is really pissed off…

"Lord Elrond please, even if you were to banish her from Imaldris, she is still a threat to the entire world, and the power she has will not discriminate." Gandalf begins to speak in the softest of whispers, "If the Dark Lord Sauron somehow gets a hold of her, how do we know that he won't target the Undying Lands? Or even unleash Morgoth from the void?"

Lord Elrond stalks over to a window and lays his hands on the sill. He takes one hand and rubs his forehead and breaths out a heavy sigh.

Oh shit now I'm scared… I'm scared of myself… Gandalf made me think… eeeeeee…. I'm getting goosebumps on my arms!

I raise my head and try to stand as tall as I could in my posture. Trying to appear authoritative, respected, that he should hear me out. I take a deep breath, but what was planned in my head, didn't not go so well in the real world.

Right when I breathed out, I started slouching my shoulders, hunching my back and I have a face on of panic and desperation. I see Lord Elrond turns around because of my heavy sigh.

"Lord Elrond. I completely understand, but please know something about me." I clap my hands together as if praying, but it shows emphasis in my words. I start to tear up and I can sense my voice will crack. "I am terrified. Beyond belief I am terrified. One minute, I was with my friends, at an event, like any other day. I did my work for the day, I went to a gathering, and when I thought I was about to go home, to my sanctuary, me and my friend were stripped away in mere minutes! Minutes! Everything that we have ever known, worked hard for, and loved were out of our grasp." Lord Elrond sees me take my hands and turn them into fists and trembling. "I have no secret connections, as far as I know, to this world. No reason for me to be here… until I got snatched away from my home. I'm not even in the same world as my family." I think I'm getting through to him. His eyes start to look sad or even pitying me. A tear still rolls down my face because, I am hurt. I am scared. I feel useless and a complete burden.

"Please. I just need help. If you want me to leave, I will leave, because I understand your fear. Even more so because you know what else is coming to your realm." Good I sparked something. He raised his eyebrows and his eyes wide again. His body now faces me and holds his hands together. Yep, you know I'm talking about The One Ring. "But please, don't drive me away just yet. If you really want me out, I will leave, just, let me better prepare myself to adapt to Middle-Earth and to find my friend, but I can't do it without your help and with your help at least, I can be less of a burden on Gandalf or whoever I end up traveling with, because Gandalf doesn't have too." I sighed and I really let him have it. Gandalf laid a hand on my shoulder almost as if he's sending me assurance that he wouldn't leave me alone. I smiled at him then I looked back at Lord Elrond as I was pleading, but with a bargaining chip.

"I know you have the gift of foresight. I know what ails you and who is waiting for you in the Undying Lands. I know a few things that will happen to 'the ring'," I did the air quotes, "and it's going to happen anyway whether you kick me out or let me stay. You know it's all up to the ringbearer… and even your foresight cannot see everything…" I gulped at that last part. I just basically said that I see shit that he can't.

Lord Elrond just stared at me and he rubbed his eyes. After what felt like hours, but it was really only seconds cause I'm impatient, he nods slowly. He puts his hands down to his sides, and has the look on his face of firm authority.

"I see. I understand then. You may remain here until I see fit for you to leave, but do not share your bad luck onto us. This burden is for you alone, but I will help you in any way I can. With the exception of the Nazgul, you have had no other negative consequence follow you nor did I sense anything follow you."

I was too excited by his decision that I accidently looked like I was about to pounce on him for a hug, but I held myself back. "Seriously! Thank you! Thank you! Before arriving to Middle-Earth, I never walked for more than four hours in a day, but here I am walking for days at a time, and even riding a horse! I have never done that before! I am completely new to this and you are just… Lord Elrond you are amazing… you really are kind. I promise you won't regret your decision! I promise! I am not a freak. I was normal before, but I will do all I can to help you too. Thank you!" I was too excited and I wanted to keep blabbering on about nothing until Gandalf put both of his hands on my shoulders.

"Now now. Calm down. You heard Lord Elrond, he is allowing you to stay here, but please, do not vex him so much to later come to regret your stay here." I looked up at him and he smiled at me, but also moved his chin toward my direction signaling his emphasis.

"Right. Sorry. I was, well. I just didn't-" I interrupted myself by closing my eyes and took a quick breath. I turned to Lord Elrond. "Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart and I'm sorry for blabbering on. I know you have other things to attend to. I know things will be difficult for you and you will have to make the hardest decisions, but please know, that things will happen for a reason. I came here with Gandalf for a reason, and I strongly believe you are supposed to help me and I am definitely going to help you."

Lord Elrond, thanks so much. I see his face make a crooked smile as if he wants to say something…

"You had mentioned that you can see things as well when concerning the Ringbearer. What do you know of him now at this time?" I guess he's known about its coming. I remember he would have difficulties of seeing anything to do with The One Ring, but I guess when it concerns Rivendell, he'll know when it's coming.

"Well, concerning today's date, he's arriving tomorrow, being chased by the Nazgul… you should keep your river in mind. And also where the hobbit will reside so that he may heal. He was stabbed by that Morgul Blade. He's really close to being one of them." I rubbed the back of my neck, remembering that I couldn't do anything about protecting him at that time. I just see Gandalf crossing his arms and he nods.

"Alright then. I must prepare my mind and my healing room. I have also heard from Gandalf that you would like to have some basic training to prepare yourself in case of battle. It may begin sometime soon." His smile went away and went back to his strict face. He looked at Gandalf. "If you have taken guardianship of her, which I am very surprised, she is to follow you then. Please relax while you both can while you are here." He sighs and walks up to me and puts a hand on my head. He makes eye contact with me and says, "I formally welcome you to Rivendell, Elena." He smiles and shakes his head, then makes his leave.

"That went better than I expected." I hear Gandalf laugh to himself.

I let out such a sigh that I didn't even realize that I was holding my breath. "I thought my bosses back home were scary, but this is the first time I have ever been so intimidated in my life! He's definitely a lot more awesome than many many of my bosses that I've had before… and I had a lot of different kinds of bosses." I posted myself against a windowsill and looked out to the city. Gandalf took the rail next to me and stared out as well.

"Lord Elrond trusts me even though I'm quite rebellious myself into doing things that I think are best, but I believe that even his intuition is telling him that he needs to have faith in us. Go on now. I know you would like to clear things with Lady Arwen. I know she will have plenty of questions now." I guess both Gandalf and Lord Elrond already knew that she out waiting. Everyone and well, also not everyone… I guess everyone who should know and whom I want should know… well… should know.

"Thanks Gandalf. What are you going to do?"

"I think I will try to speak to Lord Elrond later today about what we can teach you and what are our plans should be."

I just nod my head. "Ah, the teachers begin to create the lesson plan for the student." I roll my eyes. Ugh, I hated school with a passion. Socially I was cool or whatever. Average, but everyone knew me. Learning was amazing, homework I didn't care too much about cause I'd just do it, but fuck tests, fuck reports, fuck talking to you community and interviews bullshit… fuck I hated that part of school…

"Alright. While my exquisite masters and teachers, I will go frolic my merry way while I still can." I started walking away and I can hear my dear old "granddad" make the sound 'ehhhhhh' and I picture him just swatting me away with his hand. With my elf ear, I can actually hear his footsteps walking away clear as day. I did a quick test and covered my elf ear and tried to listen with my human ear. I can hear but baaaaaaaaaaarely…

I walked off and I left the room where I was in talking to the two grown-ups, and I see Arwen down the hall looking at the Shards of Narsil.

"Lady Arwen?"

She didn't turn around. I couldn't see her face.

"I guess you heard everything. I know you asked me last night, but I didn't want to frighten you before I had talked with your father. It's like with my situation, I wanted to, I guess, have his blessing to even be here before I told you everything."

"What do you want your destiny to be here in Middle-Earth?" She asked without facing me.

"What?" I was shocked by the question.

"What do you want to do while you are here? As you said, in your world, you done or experienced anything like this. Ever."

"Well, I would love to go home. Go back to everything that I have ever learned, known, and loved. So I just need to finish what I need to do here, whatever it is, and hopefully have an opportunity to go home. That's all I want to do. But I am so scared. I was nervous when I moved out, I was scared about my new work, taking care of myself without counting on my family, but this is nothing. Absolutely nothing compared to my experience back home. I never thought I would do anything, and now I have to learn to defend myself with a sword or a bow and arrow. Things I didn't have learn at home, but here I have to have a chance to survive."

She sighs heavily.

"Are you scared of me Lady Arwen? Do you not want to be friends with me anymore? I would understand, because of what I inherited when I first came into this world. It terrifies me so much, and if it wasn't for luck that I appeared before Gandalf, I would be absolutely lost, and probably had been much… much more worse off."

She turns around and smiles at me, but I can still see the slight worry in her eyes.

"Hmm, let's see if we can do anything with your hair. You just have it in a ponytail on which is alright, but you aren't starting your training yet. I will brush your hair and make you look very nice." She walks off and I just smile and give a little fist pump to myself. Yes… she's still my homie.

"Days go by and I still think of you.
Days when I couldn't live my life without you."

I sigh. Being ditched here on Middle-Earth is not so bad really. I'm hanging out in Rivendell by the waterfall eating an apple and I can still have an emo song in my heart and in my voice.

Today is the day that Frodo wakes. And I cannot wait to meet him. I haven't met the other hobbits yet, hiding myself away in my room, or here on this rock near the waterfall. If I cover my right eye now and use my left elven eye to see far away. I look down at one of the balconies that Imaldris has to offer, and I see the four hobbits rejoicing together.

"You guys are just too cute. I swear…" They are just too cute, that I could just put them in a little bottle, put them on my keychain, and put them on the zipper of my messenger bag back home. I start thinking of another song to sing:

"Reunited and it feels so good. Reunited cause we understood, there's one perfect fit, and sugar, this one is it, we both are so excited cause we're reunited, hey, heeeeeeeeey…" I giggle as right now I do feel silly. With the song in my head and covering my human eye, I start moving my shoulders up and down alternatively and I move my torso and my neck to the grove of the song.

"So this is where you are hiding." I hear that smooth talking voice. I whip my head around and see who the intruder is on my secret spot.

"Jeeze Glorfindel! You scared me! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I see him in his tanish brown tunic outfit with a quiver on his back and a bow in one hand.

"My apologies Lady Elena. I didn't not mean to startle you." He snickers.

"At least you can help me up then. It's time for me to join them down below and to finally introduce myself." I outstretch my hand and he takes it pulling me up. "And what did I tell you about calling me 'Lady'? You picked up that habit when you first arrived with the hobbits. You know I ain't no lady." We start walking down the dirt bath, and I'm picking up my dress a bit. I'm wearing a shiny metallic gray dress with silver embroidery at the hems with my favorite sleeves of bell design by my hand. The servants who do my laundry are probably pretty pissed right now. I chuckle a bit to myself.

"I had to call you that because you are an elleth of importance. It is a title given to those who hold great power." Oh yeah… I talked to him about it, but he seems to be okay with it. Still nervous at times, but I guess like Arwen, he's getting used to me.

"So why have you decided to avoid the hobbits until now?" He questioned me.

"Well, I guess since they have been through so much, and just like me, those hobbits lived a very peaceful life before that thing into their lives. They farmed, ate food, took care of each other, ate food, go to the pub, ate food, sang and danced, and ate food… and now they had to endure so many things that weren't familiar to them and are scary. If I just came into the picture right then and there, it would have been too much for them. I think anyway. Plus, I just kept on missing opportunities to properly introduce myself to the other three hobbits. Right now is a good time as any. Maybe Frodo can help me out since I've technically met him already."

Glorfindel nodded as if agreeing with me. "It is true. When I encountered them, Frodo was very close to crossing over to the darkness. The hobbits were terrified for him and Estel almost seemed helpless since his healing capabilities weren't enough to heal Frodo. But now they are healed and happy with their reunion." We approached to the bottom of the path and heading towards the platforms. Wandering through the hallways I see that they are empty.

We started to approach the white stone platform outside while the hobbits are having their reunion. Things have started to calm down and I started to hide behind Glorfindel. He's so nice to me… awwww…. Because he understood of my shyness and he lead me to the hobbits.

He interrupted their conversations and laughter and they all became serious and a little nervous.

"No need to be alarmed everyone. I have only brought you someone to meet. She is hiding right behind me." This is so embarrassing… I swear. I'm twenty eight and the executive assistant to a CEO and I have to meet and greet new people practically every week and when you show me someone new in Middle-Earth, I get all stupid weird…

"Who is that I must meet?" Eek! That was Frodo's voice!

"Yes! Who is it that is needing to meet Mr. Frodo?" Oh Samwise.

"Does she bring anything to eat with her?" Gawd damn it Pippin… I just shake my head.

"How come she is hiding right behind you?" Keen eyes Merry…

"Time to come out. And don't be shy. According to the age of the Race of Men, you are that of an adult already." I start to slowly come out fixing my hair while I was still behind him. Then I fully reveal myself holding my hands together at my waist trying to look presentable. My eyes are looking at Frodo.

"Hello Everyone. I am-"

"Elena?" Frodo stepped forward closer to me. He was behind his friends and he started to move in between them.

I can only smile. He remembers me. I was afraid he wouldn't…

"Yes Frodo. It's me." I instantly feel that connection to him. We're binded to something evil, and yet, it brings us together. I kneel down and he walks into my outstretched arms.

I whispered into his ear. "I told you I'd see you again."

I can feel him smile and he holds me tighter. "You were right. I'm glad to finally meet you."

We release from each other's embrace and I stood up. Frodo turns around and he does the introduction for me.

"All of you. This is Elena. She is the woman I've told you about when I enter the dark realm when I put on the ring."

And they were all wide eyed. I guess he talked about me. I guess you could say they were pretty stunned…

This is going to be fun.