I can't say that I know the reasons behind the actions of the universe. Hell, I can't even say that I know anything about the universe. But this- this was no mistake. I know my purpose now. I know my reason for being here. And if it hurts me, so be it. If it kills me, so be it. But I swear, I will die before allowing anyone to use the power of the ring and I will die before I allow a thing to harm it's bearer.

When I awake, I am in a forest bathed in light. My head feels like a thousand fish are swimming inside it, a place entirely too small for them. They push against the very edges of my skull and threaten to break it. I hold my head to keep them inside. They bring me a pain I know I haven't felt in a long time. They bring me feeling; I know I haven't felt this in a long time.

I sit up and look around. Am I dreaming? I think incredulously. There is birdsong in the distance and the sounds of woodland critters surround me. I hear them approaching me. They came from all over. Deer, blue jays, goats, wolves, butterflies, rats, rabbits- one of every creature who dwelled in the forest encircled me.

I was more curious than afraid. I had never seen so many animals in one place. They seem so comfortable with me, almost as if expecting me. I look back to them, waiting for them to do something. The deer steps forward and lays its head in my lap. I stroke the deer in awe. Slowly, the other creatures step forward, rub them against my back, lick my face and shoulder, clearly signs of friendship. I am like a long lost friend. Who am I?

There are other sounds, sounds like footfalls. The animals looked up in fear and scatter, all in their due directions. I sit there in wonder until I hear it. Creatures speaking to one another with words I recognized but could not place.

I stood cautiously and started walking, only now realizing that I am in a place I didn't know with no knowledge of how I got there. I am also dressed in strange clothing, a leather white and black corset, black leather bracers, white leather pants and knee high black boots. I had a black cape made of the lightest material I'd ever felt. At my hip is a sheathed, skinny sword. I couldn't explain anything. What was going on?

I walk toward the speaking people, trying to make meaning out of their sounds. I came to the edge of a man-made road. There were 4, one of man and three of…very short man. I remember that I used to know all of the forest. I do not remember these yet. I become very still and listen to the talking men.

"What becomes of Frodo? Where has she taken him?" one asks. I do not know these words; they are not of the forest. My clothing matches some of theirs and I feel as if I have something to do with them. They still speak to one another, but their sounds hold no meaning to me so I pay them no heed. I silently make my way back fifteen steps and follow the road to where it takes them. It leads to a house the color of clouds and people with skin with only slightly more color. There is one with brown hair with ears who are pointed. I feel a pain in my head. A memory:

Elrond laughs and I pet the child Arwen. We are in his home; it gleams like stars. His other two are newly grown up and his wife is still lovely. They are all beautiful. Elves always are. My domain lies with less perfection, a more natural setting, a more comforting setting for me. I am important. I am needed. I feel it, there is danger in my domain. I run-

I awake. I am inside the house watched over by faces I knew in another life. One of them smiles at me and pets my hair. I know not who he was, but I know he has not changed since we last met. He says a word and I know it was my name, was who I used to be.

"Selda Arda."