Disclamer: I own nothing in this magical world created by the master Tolkien except for a few characters.

She started running only to find herself falling into darkness. When she finally woke up, everything was out of place; out of balance. She was lost and on uncharted territory. She was out of this world, and desperately trying to find a way home. As young Maeve Kai would soon realise, things are never that simple.

AU story with possible AragornXOC way down the line.

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Prologue

All I remember is falling. I don't know how it all started or why, and I can't recall much from that fateful day. Everything happened so quickly.

It started out like any other Sunday. Pancake day. The only breakfast aside from half burned toasts that my father can make. It is the only day in the week my father does not have to be at work at 7 in the morning, and he makes sure to spend that little free time with me. Between juggling two jobs and taking care of an eleven year old, my father has little to no time to himself. Yet, I never hear him complain. He makes sure I want for nothing, even though I am aware life for us is a little harder than most people I know. That is why, when I told him I wanted to start gymnastics three years ago, he picked up another shift at work just to make it happen. Knowing all the sacrifices my father makes for me, I strive to become the best in everything I do if only to alleviate the weight and burden my father carries with him ever since my mother left us. I try, but of course, no one is perfect.

That being said, friends of mine invited me to spend the day at the zoo with them. Since I am usually busy with school, gymnastics, and chores I never really have time to spend on such activities. For once, I wanted that. And at breakfast, that's what I told my father. Of course, he did not agree. After all, he works extra hours in order to pay for my biweekly gymnastics classes which so happen to be on Wednesdays and Sundays. Arguing ensued, insults were thrown, words I will forever regret were shouted at him.

Since we do not own a car, I always walk to get to the gym. I never minded, but maybe, had we owned a car, none of this would have happened. That day, I left home late and angry. I rushed to tie my shoelaces; I grabbed my purple jacket as I dashed out the front door, slipping my arms into the sleeves as I started running. I took a different path than I usually do, a shortcut through a desolate park. I urged myself forward and ran as fast as I could for as long as I could. Until I fell that is.

And what a fall it was.

I felt it all; the gripping fear you experience when you drop suddenly as the ground beneath your feet just gives way; the adrenaline that rushes through your veins when you realise that nothing holds you to safety; the wind whipping through your hair like a hurricane, tangling it beyond repair. I felt it all as I fell through shadow and water.

And then... Darkness.