Hey, guys! Take two! I have no idea what happened with my first attempt at posting this. Anyway, this is my first piece of writing that I am actually sharing in a long time. I am always open to constructive criticism and any ideas you may have, but please avoid flaming my writing; it really discourages me. On the other hand, reviews and hearing what you like about the story and what you think could be better encourages me, so please review. I am undecided on whether there will be any romance yet, but I will let you know where the story is going when I can. This story will follow the movies very closely, but I hope you find some enjoyment!
"Where am I?" I asked, my eyes straining to lock onto something in the darkness.
"You are in Middle Earth, child," a woman's voice said.
"Middle Earth? Why? What is going on?" I asked.
"You will help bring peace to this land. That is your job, is it not?" she asked.
"Who are you? How do you know of me?" I asked.
"My name is Galadriel," she said.
"And I assume you know who I am," I said.
"Yes. You are Namrata Sultana," she said.
"Who will I be protecting this world from?" I asked.
"It is quite the story. Are you prepared to hear it? Once you are connected to this task, you may not return to the world you once knew," she said.
"There is conflict, is there not? Innocents being slain?" I asked.
"Very much so," she said.
"Then it is my duty to help however I can, or I am not the princess of Vijaya," I said.
"Very well. It began with the forging of the great rings. Three were given to the elves. Immortal, wisest, and fairest of all beings. Seven to the dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of men."
"Men?" I asked. "There are men in this world?"
"Yes. Every species have males," she said.
"I have never seen a man before," I said.
"Then this will be quite the experience for you, little one," she said. "The men, above all else, desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived. For another ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master ring to control all others and into this ring, he poured all his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life. One ring to rule them all. One by one the free lands of Middle Earth fell to the power of the ring. But there were some who resisted. A last alliance of Elves and Men marched against the armies of Mordor. And on the slopes of Mount Doom, they fought for the freedom of Middle Earth. Victory was near, but the power of the ring could not be undone. It was in this moment that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword. Sauron, the enemy of the free peoples of Middle Earth,was defeated. The ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of men are easily corrupted."
"My mother used to say the same things," I said. "She said they did not deserve my help."
"And yet you help them," Galadriel said.
"There are innocents dying, children. I cannot stand by," I said.
"Very noble. The ring of power has a will of its own. It betrayed Isildur to his some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend, legend became myth, and for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer. The ring came to a creature, Gollum, who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there it consumed him. The ring brought to Gollum unnatural long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a nameless fear. And the ring of power perceived. Its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum. But something happened then that the ring did not intend; it was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable. A Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins of the Shire."
"What is a Hobbit?" I asked.
"It is a small man," she explained. "For the time will soon come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all."
"And where do I fit into all of this?" I asked.
"You must figure out your duty in Middle Earth on your own. I will send you to the home of Lord Elrond, an Elf. He will be holding a council on what is to be done with the ring. It is there that your path will become clear," she said.
"When do I start?" I asked.
"Now," she said.
Suddenly, the blackness exploded into blinding white light. My eyes focused, and I saw that I was in a bed with a ceiling of vines over me. I sat up, and a female voice said, "My lady! Do not strain yourself!"
"Who are you?" I asked.
"My name is Chandra, my lady. You have been placed in my care," she said.
"You are a healer?" I asked.
"Yes, my lady," she said.
"This is Lord Elrond's home, correct?" I asked.
Chandra looked shocked as she forced out, "Yes, my lady."
"I must speak with him immediately," I said, climbing out of bed.
"My lady, you have just woken up from a three day slumber! You must rest!" Chandra said.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond. It is urgent," I said.
"Lord Elrond is in with his council at the moment. They would not take kindly to a woman interrupting them," she said.
"What does me being a woman have to do with anything?" I asked.
"It is simply the way things are, my lady," she said.
I scoffed and said, "Men and their silly rules. Take me to Lord Elrond and his council immediately. I was sent by Lady Galadriel, and I will be delayed no longer."
"Yes, my lady," she said. I followed her to a large set of deep brown, wooden doors. I immediately entered as Chandra stood back, watching me nervously.
"What is the meaning of this?" a man at the front of the room in an elegant chair surrounded by greenery said. He had long, black hair and pointed ears. His eyes were dark and harsh, and his mouth was set in a thin line.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond. It is urgent," I said.
"You're speaking with him," the man said. "Who are you?"
"My name is Namrata Sultana, princess of Vijaya. I was sent by Lady Galadriel. She spoke of the war over the ring of power, and I am here to assist in any way I am able. I wish to be included in the council that will decide the fate of the ring," I said.
"I have never heard of this land of Vijaya. Is it far from here?" Elrond asked.
"I am not certain. Lady Galadriel plucked me from my home and brought me here," I said.
"Very well. You will be alerted when the council is set to meet," Elrond said. Many of the other men in the room looked to him in shock. "Until then, please enjoy yourself around my home. Welcome to Rivendell."