Title: The Road Unknown

Author's note: As if of now (15), This story will be rewritten for my own personal reasons.

Welcome to the second part of my Installment. If you had not read the first one Second Chance at Another Life, then you will most like be confused. I do recommend reading the first installment before the second one. This is a 'girl fall into Middle Earth' story, typical right? If you don't like those types of story, then do not continue with either stories. If you want to give my story a chance, then by all means. Additionally, this story alone is a 10thwalker and possibly (LegolasXOC), just a fair warning.

I will be following along closely with the movies but with a few things from the book. It has been awhile since I've read them. Take note that since my character is thrown into this story, then the original will not be precisely the same. Some things will change. So if you purist, take note of that. Overall I will remain respectful to the overall story. Through Amelia's POV, I hope to make you feel the direness of the situation. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

There are additional notes for the reviewers from the last chapters of Second Chance at Another Life!

Rated: M - There might be adult themes, I am still a bit unsure if I want to add any lemons or lime but there will be indicated. Outside of that it will be considered rated T. No foul language but detail violence. You will be warn ahead of time if either adult theme or detail violence will be in the chapters.

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Block Letters: Nalana's thoughts (Read second chance at another life to understand)

"Italic letters": The elvish language because I am to lazy to research that fable language.

Italic letters: Sauron's voice

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Declaim: As you should probably know that I am not Tolkien. I do not own the LOTR, although I wish I did, but I don't. So I am declaim for all chapters!

Summary: Amelia Nelson, that was the name I once called myself. The more I've come to accept my second life, the less I yearn for my old life. My future was uncertain, that alone gave me comfort. My death was not set in stone, at least not yet. Everything had changed and I felt in my heart. The growing darkness that whispers the name of a dark lord. Sauron. Darkness has descended until I shook with fear of it. The time has come and I could no longer turn away. The one ring had been found... (Amelia POV)

Epilogue

Amelia Nelson, that was the name I once called myself. Fate had decided to grant me a new life in Middle Earth after my tragic death. The more I've come to accept my second life, the less I yearn for my old life. Much has changed in these last thirty-nine years. I have changed. Before I was damsel in distress under Lord Elrond's care, then I changed my life around. Through determination and many years of hard work, I was granted the title of Apprentice Healer.

I thought how I use to be when I first arrived. I was hardly a warrior in those days, very clumsy and quick to fail. Overtime with the will of my faithful companions Glorfindel and Aragorn, I became a rather skilled archer and duelist. No longer have I dreamt of Legolas whilst I remained in Nalana's protection. Nalana's voice lingered in my mind until my task was finished. My future was uncertain, that alone gave me comfort. My death was not set in stone, at least not yet.

Everything had changed and I felt in my heart. The growing darkness that whispers the name of a dark lord. Sauron. Darkness has descended until I shook with fear of it. The time has come and I could no longer turn away. The one ring had been found...

Chapter 1

Bree

Echoes of my horse's hooves slam into the moist dirt erupted into my ears. Nero, my black horse bred from my former horse Nerra, rode hard toward the small town of Bree. A hood covered my pale face as I felt the ends of my cloak flap against the crisp wind. The moon was high and the sky was darkened. Shadows lingered in the forest. The days grew darker with evil. Nero and I had to move like shadows through the world to avoid the Nine. Their screeches echoed through out the forest.

They are close…

I shivered to the thought as I heard the screeches from the Nine that rode on the main road. My eyes took in glimpses of their shadowy figures through the small gaps between the trees. The red irises of their horses travel with unblinking eyes. I remained off the road. My heart clenched painful as fear grew in my stomach. When the nine disappeared from my sight, I breath with ease and urged Nero to gallop faster to Bree.

The hobbits named Frodo and Sam were in grave danger with those things lingered and hunted their every move. I was late and I knew it. When no word came from Gandalf, my stomach grew with fear. More fear for Aragorn who left for Bree one day prior to my arrival to Rivendell. Anger grew in my chest for he did not warn me of his departure nor did he wait for my return…. I remembered it well…

…. I nocked my arrow to my bow. Extended it to my cheek and loving the resistance in my arm. Nothing seemed more important than archery. Aimed diligently at the marker before I released it to its destination. A hiss sound rang in my ears as my arrow flew in the air and struck dead center. Pride grew in my chest with every target. I loved it more than duel. Something about the hunt made it worthwhile. But this wasn't hunting. I wasn't in the forest, sought solitude to track down my heart's desire. No, I was in Lord Elrond's training courtyard. Once I was finished all my arrows, I sighed proudly. All of my arrows were broken within one another. This brought a chuckle from a stranger behind me.

I turned and found Elladan clapping. He smiled as he approached and placed his hand behind his back, "Well my dear Amelia, you out-done yourself. That is…. certainly interesting."

I smiled back and then chuckled for I couldn't help myself. He was light-heart but also quick to temper when given a reason. A larger smile broke on my face as I rushed to his arms. I embraced him tightly.

I've had been busy of late, dealing with packs of orcs that entered Lord Elrond's land. I rode with a small fleet of warriors to an easy victory but the hunt lasted for nearly a week. We chased them across the Hidden Pass before cornering them. I was a respected archer and apprentice healer. With every victory, I became adroit in archery, healing and duel skills. Though my healing ability can not match Lord Elrond's in only thirty nine years. I still had a long way to go.

In time I earned the respect from the people of Rivendell and then the one that meant most important to me, Lord Elrond's respect. During this last decades, Lord Elrond included me in important tasks and councils. There will never be a day when Lord Elrond looked at me as if I was his daughter. That alone was good enough for me. This made me proud and pushed myself to achieve higher goals. Days and nights, I worked overtime for my heart's desire. I was no longer just the Lady of Rivendell but also gained the title warrior of Rivendell. I was equipped with a specialty made bow that showed my status as an advanced archer.

I returned from my hunting party that morning. Lord Elrond had been busy in his office and the twins, Arwen or Aragon were nowhere to be found. Therefore, I wanted to practice my archery.

I heard strange whispers amongst Lord Elrond's people. Desperately I wanted information but remained patient. Impulsiveness never had proven useful. As an adult, my action reflected Rivendell. If I can even call myself that. Compare to most elves that were beyond thousand years old, I barely hit the tender age of fifty-five.

I pulled away from Elladan and quickly eyed the target. "Well, it wasn't what I meant to do, but it looks like I'll need more arrows at my disposal. Care to walk with me to the armory, Elladan?" I asked. He nodded and allowed me to lead. He probably suspected that I want information.

As we walked around the courtyard, several elves spotted us and offered 'good afternoon' to us. We would nod back in acknowledgement. The armory wasn't far from the training courtyard. Silently we reached to the armory and I immediately closed the door. This information was for no one else's ears. Quickly I turned to face Elladan and whispered eagerly, "What news do you have Elladan?"

Whatever smile he had, it fell instantly. Elladan sighed and rubbed his neck. For a moment, he refused to make eye contact. Then he faced me somberly, "The one ring has been found."

I inhaled quickly as my thoughts became troubled. For all the worries that could have caused Lord Elrond's household, it just had to be the one ring. Deep down I had hoped that I would have more time. I barely became a apprentice healer and advanced archer. There was still some much I needed to improve in. The awful revelation that Nalana once told me decades ago still burned into my mind.

All things must come to an end

Elladan continued, "Father said Gandalf discovered the ring in the Shire in the hands of a hobbit..." Elladan murmured quickly.

Hobbits he said. I never had seen a hobbit before.

Small creatures

Elladan continued, "There is more grave news Amelia, there hasn't been word from Gandalf. He sent word before he disappeared that Frodo and his companion Sam would be in Bree. The nine are searching for the ring. Aragon went to Bree no more than a fortnight ago."

I snapped to him, "You let him go alone into the wilderness with those….things?! Why didn't you tell me?" I scolded and quickly grabbed what I needed and went for the door. Fear grew in my stomach and rose to my chest. There was no way Aragorn was going to handle this alone. Swiftly I ran out of the armory with Elladan on my tail. He called for me but I ignored him. Aragorn was alone in the wilderness with the Nine on the loose. What if he were to run into them? What then? I knew he was a skilled warrior but even the best could still fall. With the one ring and those Nine horseman, anything horrible was possible. Not a risk I was willing to take.

I sped to the horses and immediately snatched Nero. Luckily I left my cloak on his back. Swiftly, I wrapped the cloak around my shoulder. Without a saddle, I mounted him with ease. Elladan finally reached the courtyard and I noticed the fear in his eyes when I was mounted. Before he uttered a word, I spoke with authority "I will go to Bree and assist Aragorn. Please... Elladan. Do not worry your father."

"Amelia…" He tried to reason but I wouldn't give him a chance. I whispered into Nero's ear and urged him to ride. Without a second thought, I left Rivendell and raced to Bree. Darkness overlaid the land. In the past, I dreamt of dark shadows. Now the truth will come out like a bucket of ice-cold water. Dark days were coming…

Now I raced to Bree and dodge the Nine successfully. They were not after me and I avoided their path. No problem. I hoped Elladan would not utter a word to Lord Elrond. But I was damned if I allowed Aragorn to face this evil alone.

Aragorn waits… we must hurry, before Nine find him

The well-protected town of Bree came to view as rain suddenly began to fell. Thunder rolled above with angry black clouds. My breath past through my lips as fog. Nero came to a halt when I found the stables. A boy approached me and took the reins. I dismounted the horse as the boy waited for payment. From the pouch on my hip, I paid him two silver coins that brought a large smile on his lips. I turned away and looked hesitantly and walked down the main lane, wondered where Aragorn would be.

The Prancing Pony

My eyes fell upon the sign above the door and I made way to the Prancing Pony. I tightened the hood over my face. It would be best if the men did not know I was a woman… an elf no less. The rain came down hard on me as my boots were now covered in overly moist mud. I groaned for they were new boots too! Gifts from the Lady! I pouted.

I entered the Inn as the sounds of loud chatter and laughter filled my sensitive ears. Swiftly, I pulled the cowl tighter around my face when curious eyes stared at me. When I met the Inn Keeper's gaze he simply froze and gave me a hesitant nod. My eyes searched the place until I came across a hooded figure in the back of the Inn. I smiled victoriously. Aragorn kept his head down with his hand wrapped around his mug.

I approached him and avoid anyone in my path. He must have sensed me for he looked up at me and met my gaze. A frown formed on his stern expression when I sat across from him. A tight line developed on his lips. Whether or not he was happy to see me, I kept my eyes defiantly on his.

"I knew you were foolish enough to come." He murmured in elvish, his voice thick with irritation and contempt.

I was unfazed by his sentence and smiled. "Of course as I knew you were foolish enough to come here alone."

We stared down each other down and then instantly, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Does Lord Elrond know you came?"

I sighed as I tried to forget that little piece. "No, I am here on my own accord and I am staying until this is finished. I have a charge."

Aragorn nodded for he knew the meaning behind my words. I looked away and waited. Time had past and night grew darker. It's been at least three hours. My eyes glanced up at the cloaked man across from me. Aragorn sat quietly and smoked his pipe in peace. The tavern was loud with drunken men who told idle stories. A burning fire radiated heat from the large fireplace. In my hand, there was a mug of ale. It was rather weak in my opinion. I did prefer the elvish wine to this weak brew. None of the less, I sipped it slowly. Some of the folks here stared in our directions with either curiosity or fear. They simply knew whether it was subconscious or not that we were dangerous folk. I for one never considered myself dangerous like Aragorn. He called himself Strider around this part of the world and I never revealed my name for most people ignored me as I did them. If ever pulled into a conversation Aragorn would take the reins and left my identity a secret.

I too was cloaked in a dark robe with the cowl over my head. We gave off the feeling of wilder folk. I've learned these gentle folk didn't care much for cloaked strangers. However, it would be best not to reveal my she-elf looks to these lonely men. Dressed in leather trousers that fitted my legs to my hips and a skirt on top that reached to my calves. Brown belt strapped around my hips that held two sheath on either side with elvish daggers. My brown boots reached to my calves and also had a sheath with small knives. My top was well-fitted off-blue leather with long tight sleeves. On the tabletop was my bow and quiver.

With a sigh, I looked to Aragorn and asked silently, "Are you sure they'll be here?"

Aragorn pulled out his pipe and blow out some smoke to his left, careful to allow the smoke into my face. "They will be. Be patient Amelia."

I pursed my lips and waited. Suddenly, my sensitive ears picked up light footsteps. My eyes immediately glanced over my shoulder to the front door. Out of the pouring rain, four small Halflings approached the bar, covered in wet cloaks. This surprised me; I expected no more than two hobbits here. The other two must of stumbled with them by chance. I asked in elvish, "Is that them?"

Aragorn glanced over my shoulder in the same direction that I looked in. I turned my head to him as I waited for confirmation. His eyes scanned them carefully as his pupils narrowed on the front one, "Indeed, do not draw attention. We do not want to reveal ourselves yet. Wait."

I pursed my lips and kept my eyes from them. Curiosity brewed in my chest but Aragorn did not want them to notice us yet. So, I'll behave. My eyes stared at the ale before me and I lost the desire to drink. I pushed away the mug and carefully listened to their conversation…

"Good evening little master. What could I do for you? If you're looking for accommodation, we got a nice cozy hobbit size rooms available. Always proud to cater to the little fork, mister…" The barkeeper voice trailed off.

"Underhill." I heard one of the small ones said. His voice was a bit unsure and swift. That can only assume that's not his real name. A smirk developed on my lips that grabbed Aragorn's attention. I knew he couldn't hear from that distance. "My name is Underhill."

"Underhill…" The Barkeeper repeated…

"We are friends of Gandalf the Grey, can you tell him we've arrived?"

"Gandalf? Hm… Gandalf. Oh! Yes! I remember, elderly chap. Great long beard and pointed hat." The barkeep described him with enthusiasm and then became solemn; "I haven't seen him in six months."

Curiosity drew my head to the side and glance at the hobbits from the corner of my eye. The four hobbits huddled together as I heard one said, "What do we do now?"

"Has something caught your interest?" Aragorn spoke up in a low voice, just enough for me to hear. I turned back to him and shook my head side to side.

"No" I replied, "They know not where Gandalf is."

Aragorn nodded his head in comprehension and his eyes momentarily bounced to the hobbits that found themselves a table not far from us. He turned himself so his back would lean against the wooden wall and watched from beneath his cloak. I kept my head low and then I watched from the corner of my eye. I was drawn to the dark brunette one, who I assumed was Frodo Baggins. The other three, I did not know. There's nothing truly physical about him that would hold my attention but I guest it was his calm demeanor. While the larger hobbit next to him who Frodo called Sam seemed nervous. The other two blonde hobbits went up stairs with their packs and returned from upstairs and ordered themselves ale. They were definitely out of their limits and did not blend well in this environment.

My eyes jumped to the drinking hobbits. They were eager for the pint drink which forced my lips to lift up. Interesting, I thought to myself. If anything, I found these hobbits to be amusing except for Frodo who remained serious and cautious. Suddenly, one of them left the table and went to the bar. Immediately he started up a conversation with some humans who laughed at his comments. Then I heard Sam whispered into Frodo's ear, "Those two have done nothing but stared at you since we arrived."

Observant, he was. I looked at the larger one with curiosity. His shaggy dirty blond hair was matted on his rounded voice and had a cautious yet gentle gaze. The hobbit's hands were rough from work whereas Frodo's were rather soft. For a moment, the one called Sam caught my eyes and flushed a light red. He dropped his eyes swiftly and hesitantly looked back to only look away again. My eyes jumped back to Frodo who asked the barkeep, "Who are they, near the fire."

The barkeeper bent down to Frodo's level, gingerly carried another's food in either hand. His eyes jumped in the direction that Frodo directed. Into our direction. The barkeeper swallowed hard as I saw anxiety in his eyes. "The one against the wall is one of them Rangers. Around here he calls himself called Strider. The other one I know not. Dangerous folks they are wondering in the wilds."

I breath with ease when the barkeeper was unfamiliar with me. I looked away toward Aragorn who stared intently at Frodo. "Will they trust us." I suddenly asked under my breath.

With a glance in my direction, Aragorn answered, "No, they will not. We are mere stranger to them."

I expected no less and pursed my lips. It was our duty to bring them to Rivendell without a scuffle or drawing any attention to ourselves, especially from the Nine. We must travel through the shadows and nothing but silence. Deep in thought, my fingers trace the rough design of the table. Things were not what I expected them to be. With every fiber, I hoped I was ready and strong enough to deal with the situation. From a young girl raised in the ghetto of my world and changed into a warrior in this world, all I had was hope. My other hand rubbed my cheek as I sighed deeply when I heard a loud yell. Aragorn jumped in surprise as I looked over my shoulder.

Frodo was on the ground in the middle of the tavern. Suddenly, my eyes caught a golden object twirling in the air and fell back down. The ring slipped itself onto Frodo's finger. Within seconds, Frodo disappeared from my sight and alarm shot through me. Swiftly I jumped onto my feet, pushed back the chair over. My eyes hastily searched for him with no prevail. I snapped my head to Aragorn who was also searching for Frodo, "Where is he?"

Aragorn did not meet my gaze and ignored my question. A sudden seriousness grew on his face as he swiftly turned to me with urgency, "The Ring. Amelia they will come. The shadows will offer us no help this night."

My heart dropped to my stomach and swelled with fear. I swallowed hard for we have been compromised. The thought of those wraiths charged through Bree gave me a chill. My hands clenched tightly, "We must find him."

"I will, you must divert them before they arrive." His voice was low and urgent. I did not need direct orders to know what he wanted. Swiftly I nodded my head in comprehension and quietly disappeared behind several men who searched for the missing hobbit.

I silently went upstairs while Aragorn dealt with the hobbits. My feet barely made a sound to my weight. There were two hallways on either side and I searched for the hobbit room that the barkeeper mentioned. There was only one hobbit room at the end of the second hall. It was far away from Aragorn's room that was down the other hall. I listened for anyone nearby as I pick the locked and snuck in. Six small beds on either side of the room with the hobbit's small packs on top. Swiftly, I set to work.

I faked the sleeping hobbits. An old trick my sister use to do back in my home world. As I worked on the last bed, I heard from outside of the door was Aragorn's heavyset feet with another's light steps as they walked down the other hall. Our door suddenly opened and then closed. Things have not gone according to plan. With a sigh, I finished the last bed. I grabbed their packs and left the hobbit's room. Silently I closed the door and looked to the side when I heard soft footsteps climbed up the staircase. Into the corridor were three hobbits armed with household objects and approached Aragorn's room.

I walked straight toward the other hall. My footsteps were silent and undetected by the three remaining hobbits. Then, Sam turned and inhaled in fear. All of them suddenly turned to me as their mouth's dropped in shock. Before they could say a word, I brought my finger to my lips to shush them. Swiftly, I grabbed the larger hobbit's cloak and dragged him to our room. I opened the door with my free hand and shoved him in when he tried to shake me off.

"Let go!" He yelled before he fell to the floor and Frodo ran to his side. Aragorn had his sword readied and stealth his sword when he saw me.

I held the door open as the last two hobbits stared at me with uncertainty. Their 'weapons' would do no good against me. My eyebrow rose as I waited patiently for them to go in. When they made no move, I frown and ordered in a low and harsh voice, "In, now."

Without a second to spare, they rushed into the room. The four hobbits reunited near the beds as I went to stand next to Aragorn. He said in a low voice, "You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo, they are coming."

"They will be here soon." I said under my breath more to Aragorn than the hobbits. There was a warning in my voice that was inspired by my own fear of what's to come. Aragorn nodded and blocked the door with a chair tilted against the door knob. After the room was sealed and dark, the only light came from the moon that was full in the sky. I pulled back my cowl to reveal myself to the hobbits.

The smallest hobbit's mouth dropped slowly, dumbfounded and his eyes widened to my appearance. Suddenly he stated in surprise, "You're a girl." He turned to the other blond and whisper softly, "Merry, she a girl…"

"Pippin!" Merry scolded as he looked at him with reprimanded eyes, "She's an elf, she can hear you." The Merry whispered harshly to Pippin. Their eyes turned to me and were glued with fascination. No doubt my ears were the center of their attention.

I rolled my eyes and sighed loudly. Aragorn approached me and I said to him, "How observant."

I went to the ledge of the window and sat in the chair. My eyes watched the outside with caution as I waited for the Nine to arrive. It wouldn't be long. I past them earlier in the day, probably in a hour or two. "What's you're name?" Frodo asked out loud to both Aragorn and I.

I turned my eyes to him without so much averted my face. My eyebrow rose and I pursed my lips. "I am Amelia of Rivendell."

I stated flatly and left out the lady part. That would only bring more question that I was simply not in the mood to answer. My nerves were shot due to the sudden change of plans. Aragorn and I hoped to speak with them in private and avoid any incident. Well, that was officially out the window and now we must be cautious. I looked away from Frodo and back outside. Aragorn approached me from behind and brought another chair. I whispered to him, careful not to alarm the hobbits, "There are almost here, I can feel it."

Aragorn leaned back into his chair and sighed heavily. I was very grateful that I listened to my instinct and helped Aragorn through this ordeal. Now with four little hobbit and the nine on their way… Things were bound to get dicey. "You should get some sleep, we will not leave this night." Aragorn said to the hobbits in a low voice.

The hobbits were uncertain except for the smallest one name Pippin that fell fast to sleep first. Merry followed not long after. When I heard their soft snores, I couldn't help but smirk. Pippin slept talk about food and Old Toby. I shook my head and grin larger as I kept my eyes on the entrance of Bree. Sam struggled to stay awake. He must have been leery of us but tiredness got the best of him. Frodo remained awake and he stared non-observantly at the floor. I wondered what was going through his head.

We waited. Seconds felt like hours. My chest grew heavy and my stomach unsettled. It was hard to breath under such tension. No more than half an hour later, I caught glimpses of shadowy figures and red eyes in the forest beyond the border. My hands clenched the armrest with fear for I had to do a double take. When I heard the screeches, I straighten my back and clenched my jaw tightly. Aragorn's hand suddenly squeezed my shoulder to calm me. Instantly I turned my eyes to him and I noticed the calmness in his gaze. I swallowed hard and looked back at the front gates with a frown. The nine suddenly burst through the gate, smashing the door keeper to his death. My hand swiftly grabbed Aragorn's to find comfort.

The Nine were here.

To be continued...

Well, what do you think? I made it extra long just for you, yep you right there, that reading this. I know theres a gap between this story and the last but all will be revealed, brahaha. But please, be honest. Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a review!

-Amelia's clothing is similar to Tauriel's from the Hobbit 2, except it's a light blue -FYI-

Reviews from the last two chapters of Second Chance at Another Life

Roxygirl: Goodness, I never realized how violent you can be. I know I left you with a large cliff hanger but you can't blame a person for wanting you to be sucked in, lol. There will probably be cliff hangers in this story, so brace yourself! Thank you for the review, ;)

ellenfp: I know I ended the last story soon but to be honest I never meant for it to be that long. It was just a prologue of my character adjusting to Middle Earth before the whole LOTR gig. I read too many stories when girl falling into Middle Earth and thrown straight into the war with little experience and somehow manages to survive. No offense to anyone but I think with any kind of training, it requires more than just a couple months. With Amelia she had 39 years to prepare. So I am glad your enjoying my story :D. You make me feel so fluffy!

piccolover22: Thank you for the review, I don't want to ruin the story but for Frodo it will remain canon.

lotrisawesome cookie: Well you must not hate me that much. I know I ended it fast but to only bring the next faze of the story. I hope you start loving me again with this sequel!

DeLacus: Thank you for you kind words. I'll try not to disappoint you in this story!

Until next time!