AN/

Well how do you guys like it so far? I'm not a little growly snot that I was when I started writing OIABM so this not only shows how I've matured in my writing but as a person. Read, review and enjoy.

Once on a blue moon

Chapter two

I've always been a heavy sleeper, one time I slept through a storm that uprooted a tree only twenty feet from my bedroom window. But for some reason it was the softest sounds that drew me from the thick clouds that surrounded my sleeping mind. This time it was the sound of a horse pawing at hard packed dirt and stones. The soft clicking sound it made just before the horse snorted drew me from my sleep and when I opened my eyes I was surprised to see not just a dense forest cover but what looked like a city woven into the thinned out foliage.

Groaning I went to stretch only to whack what had been supporting me in my sleep. The poor elf yelped and rubbed his sore shoulder as I blushed from embarrassment. I had accidently hit Legolas rather hard in the shoulder with my elbow. "I'm sorry!"

He laughed it off as he rubbed his shoulder then slid gracefully off Vanmoriel's back then held up his good arm to help me down. I slid down right into his arms I quickly moved back bumping into Vanmoriel's side and she snorted at me. Legolas chuckled and then took a few steps back "The others already left, they figured I could handle myself if you decided to cause any trouble. They also said that you were my responsibility since they wanted to leave you for all the creepy crawlies to find."

I snorted shaking my head "I probably don't taste good to creepy crawlies and anything on two legs would get a big surprise if they tried anything… I might be small but I'm a vicious little thing"

Legolas seemed to think I was joking because he laughed. I glared at him then poked him in the chest "Don't laugh, I'm tougher than I look… you guys just caught me off guard."

Legolas gave me a yeah right look and turned "Pardon me if I don't believe you. An Orc can take down even a well trained grown adult male with a barrage of weapons. Unless you are hiding a weapon in those little pouches attached to your pants I don't see you surviving very long"

I growled and reached down pulling out my pocket knife, when I opened it the blade was four inchs long. Legolas was startled to see the blade but after a moment of looking it over he snorted "Though I'm amazed that you were hiding this in one of your pockets it is cheaply made and probably would not last very long. Come along I need to get to a meeting with Lord Elrond you can come with me and we'll see about acquiring you an escort back to your village."

I nodded and he turned to lead the way to Lord Elrond, once his back was turned I started to chew on my lower lip, a nervous habit that I had acquired in my youth. What was I going to tell Elrond, that I come from another world where this world was just a book or a movie? Perhaps I could say I don't remember the village I was from… but that wouldn't explain my strange attire. With the threat of the ring he probably won't accept anything but the truth. Perhaps a diluted version, just tell him that I'm from another world, don't know how I got here and have no clue how to get back. So far I don't believe I've given away that I know anyone here. Perhaps Gandalf could help me find a way home. The path to Elrond's library was beautiful. There were flowers everywhere and the architecture was beautiful everything looks so flawless. Everything was so open it almost felt like you were outdoors even when you are inside. The airy design made it feel even cooler than the outdoors though.

We finally came to a large door with ordinate carvings on it. The detail almost took my breath away. Legolas knocked on the door and even though I didn't hear anything he opened the door and proceeded to walk in. I stood waiting for a moment before following him in, I was expecting only Legolas and Elrond but instead there were four people. It was easy to tell Gandalf in the crowd he was a tall old man in light gray robes with ice blue eyes that seem to see through your soul. A beautiful man with long brown hair and silver eyes with a small diadem perched on his head was easily recognizable as Lord Elrond. I already knew Legolas so I turned to figuring out who the fourth member of the group was. He looked really scruffy and looked in need of a good hot shower, a brush and a good haircut. If I took an educated guess I would say Aragorn because of the scruff, dirt and dark clothing. It appeared that I had interrupted something because everyone was staring at me.

I blushed and started to back out of the room "I'm sorry if I am interrupting. I can come back later"

Lord Elrond looked curious about who I was but Gandalf just smiled and walked towards me "Nonsense child we needed a break from our discussion, I do not believe that Lord Elrond nor I know you, perhaps you could introduce yourself and tell us what brings you here"

I looked to Legolas for a moment and he gave me an encouraging nod… great, that's oh so helpful, he could of at least helped with the introduction… but no idiot elfboy wants to let me do all the talking… taking a deep calming breath I drew on my 6 years of leadership experience as well as my four years of college and speaking experience, the words 'they are just another audience' kept repeating in my head, it was my mantra.

"I'm Alana Wood and what brings me here is the fact that I need help getting home. Legolas ran across me in the forest and said Lord Elrond might be able to help me get home, though I don't believe he understands the extent of that request. I actually don't know how I'm going to get home, I don't live anywhere near here and it isn't a simple boat or horse ride to my home"

Now everyone was watching me with a curious look, even Legolas seemed curious as to what I had to say. This time it was Lord Elrond who spoke "what do you mean miss Wood how far away do you live and how did you get here"

I shrugged my shoulders and slumped a little, I was getting to the part I didn't understand how to explain "I really don't know how to explain that… I mean one minute I was sitting on the hood of my car watching the blue moon in the middle of the night, the next minute I was sitting out in the middle of the forest. If I have to take a guess I would say I'm from another realm or the future or a parallel universe… I really don't know for sure, all I know is that I'm not from here… anywhere here"

The silence seemed to last forever before Gandalf made a humming noise "How very interesting my dear, although I don't know what a car or its hood is but the concept that you come from another world is intriguing. It would explain your rather unique clothing choice and your accent."

I blushed and nodded "Yeah, well this isn't a typical outfit from my home… this is actually what our military wears, its really old and comfortable so I tend to wear it at night."

The all nodded and the elves seemed to recognize the usefulness of the camo pattern in the pants. "To my knowledge I don't know of any way to pass between realms, perhaps one of the many elders might have heard something. For now you can stay in my home"

I smiled and gave a slight bow "Thank you Lord Elrond I appreciate your hospitality"

He smiled and I blushed "Thank you for your time Lord Elrond… Um I would thank you as well but I didn't catch your name"

Gandalf laughed and the sound filled the large room like a warm summer breeze "I am sorry my dear, we were all being so rude asking for you to introduce yourself yet not giving you the same courtesy. I am Gandalf the Grey, of course you guessed that he is Lord Elrond. You already know Legolas and the silent man sitting in the corner is Aragorn"

I smiled at each of them "It is a pleasure meeting you Gandalf, and I would say the same to you Aragorn but you haven't said a word"

I heard a low chuckle from him but he still didn't say anything. "Perhaps I should leave so you can resume your conversation, my problem will not get resolved today. If you could point me towards somewhere I can get a bite to eat I would really appreciate it, I'm really hungry"

Gandalf chuckled and approached me "Of course my dear I'll escort you to the kitchens while Legolas talks to Lord Elrond, perhaps Aragorn would accompany us it is about lunchtime and unlike the elves we require periodic times to rest especially an old man such as myself"

I laughed shaking my head at Gandalf going on about how old he is. I looked over at Aragorn and smiled "Perhaps you might venture to say a word or two to me"

Aragorn just grunted but Gandalf and Legolas started laughing. Gandalf placed a warm hand between my shoulder blades and lead me out the door, Aragorn followed just a few steps behind us. We walked down a long corridor but this time Gandalf filled the silence with questions. "So explain what a car is and its hood, I am rather curious as to what could be large enough for you to lie on and watch the stars."

I chewed on my lower lip for a second trying to decide how to explain what a car is to these medieval people. "Well… hum… it's a large metal contraption that people ride in like a carriage that is self propelled. The hood is what covers the engine it just a large metal sheet. It is hard to fully explain it, I just drive one, if it broke down I would not know anything more about it then how to change one of the wheels"

Gandalf hummed a few times nodding "A strange concept this car… I have a hard time imagining this thing, perhaps you can draw us a picture sometime."

I brightened at the idea of getting to draw again, I loved drawing things though typically I'm not as good at drawing things without a reference but it would still be fun to get the chance to draw here, maybe I could get enough paper to sketch out the scenery. "That would be great Gandalf I love drawing, I don't get a lot of time to do it at home any more, I am always so busy going to school or looking for a job."

Aragon had crept closer sometime while I was talking about the car "You attend school? You seem to old to be still in school"

I smiled at him laughing slightly "Yes I'm twenty three, I attend College… um…. College is where you learn how to do your job like a doctor… um… healer. People don't do apprenticeships any more we go to college to learn our trades and skills"

He nodded appearing to understand "So what trade are you training for?"

I sighed "Nothing in particular, I am undecided. I just take general classes, math, sciences, art… I haven't found a trade that really fits my interests."

Gandalf patted my shoulder in comfort apparently hearing the disappointment in my voice. Aragorn smiled "What are your interests?"

I smiled "Languages, Arts, Combat, Weapons, Animals… things like that, it's a bit sporadic to find a job that would encompass a few of those task, my time is ruled by businesses not much outdoors things. I could join the military but up until recently I had obligations that kept me at home"

Aragorn nodded "What kind of weapons and combat training do you have?"

I smiled "None that you would probably know here, it is mostly hand to hand combat and I know how to use a Bow and a Bo one you know the bows and arrows the other is a long wooden stick."

Aragorn seemed a bit confused but he nodded anyways "its like fighting with a staff but the stick is thinner then most walking staffs. I want to learn how to use a sword but there hasn't been an opening in the more advanced weapons class yet."

Gandalf smiled "I am a master at staff fighting and Legolas is very skilled with a bow. Perhaps while you are here we can keep your skills from dulling, it would be interesting to practice with someone who has learned a different form of the same fighting."

I smiled and nodded to Gandalf I had been working with a Bo for almost 8 years and even though I'm really skilled with it someone Gandalf's age would easily give me a run for my money. And to get tips on my archery from Legolas would be awesome, I actually only picked up that hobby about two years ago and it really is only a hobby.

Aragon cleared his throat and I turned to him "If you wish I could give you some lessons with the sword, in our world if you get to hand to hand combat you will not survive and a staff or Bo as you call it could be a bit difficult to carry around all the time"

I smiled at the grungy man who I knew would be a king one day and he was offering to give me sword fighting lessons. It would be a great way to kill some time until I found a way home "I would appreciate that Aragorn. Thank you"

He nodded and we soon came upon the kitchens, my stomach gave a loud rumble of appreciation when I smelled the wonderful food that a few elvin cooks were making. Aragorn said a few words in the strange language to the cooks and soon they were placing three plates filled with food on a small table. "What language are you speaking? It sounds beautiful"

"Sindarin, it is the elves language, perhaps we can add a few language lessons into your training, if you are going to reside here for any length of time it might be useful"

I perked up and nodded "That would be wonderful thank you, I hope I'm not here too long but language and sword fighting lessons would be wonderful ways to pass the time that I am here"

We finished eating quickly and Gandalf got up brushing some crumbs from his beard. "I need to get back to council with Lord Elrond. Perhaps Aragorn can introduce you to Arwen before returning to the council. We have much to plan for the upcoming meeting."

I felt short standing by this man he had to be at least 6ft 6inchs to my 5ft 4inchs. I had to nearly run to keep up with him and I wondered how the poor hobbits had kept up with him, I could easily see why he would be called Strider. He seemed to realize my short stature after a few moments and slowed down so I only had to power walk to keep up with him. Good thing I had taken some exercise classes in college I was now fit enough to keep up a decent power walk for hours if needs be. "So who is Arwen?"

Aragorn steps stuttered for a brief second and I caught his eye for a second and I could see how dear Arwen was to him "She is Lord Elrond's daughter, an elf maiden who will be very helpful in getting you settled in"

I chuckled softly and shook my head "I would probably be more comfortable with a male elf than a female, I've never been overly feminine. I don't wear dresses and I would rather wrestle in the mud with a few males than sit and gossip in a dress"

He chuckled and nodded "I'll make sure Arwen knows, I'll also tell her about the weapons training so she will know to find you suitable clothing."

I smiled thanking him. Soon we came to a beautiful garden and I saw a woman sitting among the flowers. She must have heard our entry because she turned and smiled warmly "Hello Estel I hope you are doing well? And who is this unique young woman that accompanies you"

Aragorn quickly introduced us and in Sindarin explained about me, where I came from and my preferences in clothing and companions. After they said a few more things Aragorn turned quickly saying goodbye to me then leaving to return to the council. I sighed turning to Arwen and nodded "Hello Arwen I'm Alana it is a pleasure to meet you"

She nodded and smiled "I am unfamiliar with the name Alana what is its meaning?"

I knew that my name had multiple meanings and that was why my mother named me what she had "It has multiple meanings depending on what language you base it off of. Its gaelic meaning is Little Rock but its Hawaiian meaning is Awakening. I was born in Hawaii but am of Gaelic decent so the name worked for both."

She smiled and nodded "The name seems to fit you well in our language you would be called either Pîngond which means little rock or Echui which means Awakening"

I smile and nod "Both are beautiful names though I'm more partial to Echui, Pîngond is a bit of a mouthful"

Arwen laughed and nodded "Well if you are going to learn Sindarin we should refer to you as Echui when speaking. But perhaps that should be saved for later, I met you are tired and would enjoy a hot bath and a change of clothing before we gather for dinner"

I smiled and followed Arwen down another hallway and she opened another beautifully carved door, the bedroom was again integrated with the outdoors. A large open balcony was only a few feet away from the large bed, there was a wardrob and a small table with a mirror sitting in a corner. Arwen left me in the room to explore while she went to get someone to bring me a bath, heated water, soaps and a dress to change into. Though I wasn't happy about the dress she told me that she would find some breeches, shirts and boots in my size as soon as she could as long as during the evening meal I would wear a dress. I reluctantly agreed but was happy that I would only have to wear the dresses for a short time before bed.

I quickly washed the grime of the past day off of my skin and quickly washed my hair before getting out of the cooling bath water. Just as I was pulling the beautiful sky blue dress over my head there was a knock on my door. I called for the person to enter and Arwen and three other elvin maidens came in carrying piles of clothing. There were beautiful dresses and soft slippers for evening meals but what caught my attention were the soft leather boots, breaches and shirts. There were about six sets of each in various shades of browns though they had apparently found some light blue tunics for me to wear. I had only briefly mentioned that blue was my favorite color but apparently Arwen had remembered.

The three elves put the close away as Arwen sat me down in front of the mirror and helped me to pull up my hair in the same fashion that the other elf females were wearing. "You look beautiful Echui, come Aragorn and Legolas are going to escort us to the evening meal, I think they will be amazed at how nice you look when not wearing your strange clothing from your world."

I laughed and nodded following her out into the hallway, though no matter what clothing I dressed in I will never hold a candle to all the beautiful elf maidens that were surrounding me. I was shocked to see how nicely Aragorn had cleaned up, apparently he had taken my mental advice because his hair had been trimmed up and was pulled back in a low tail at the base of his neck. He had bathed and had put on clean clothing. Even Legolas had changed and was in a very elegant outfit and had his own diadem on to show that he was a prince of Mirkwood, though I wasn't supposed to know that so I didn't mention my knowledge "Well look at you both, you clean up nicely Aragorn, and Legolas I think you look better in your riding clothing this uptight look is a bit off with your nicely tanned skin"

Aragorn laughed while I noticed a slight blush on Legolas' cheeks "You clean up nicely yourself Alana, it was hard to imagine you as a female in your strange breaches and tunic"

I snort "Get use to it, Arwen found me plenty of breaches and tunics, you'll only have the pleasure of seeing me in a dress during the evening meal"

Legolas smiled and offered me his arm, I looked over noticing that Arwen and Aragorn had already started towards the dinning hall arm in arm. I sighed and took his arm. Arwen looked over her shoulder smiling "Hurry up Echui, don't dawdle to long poking fun at Legolas"

Aragorn and Legolas got puzzled looks on their faces at the name but it was Legolas who asked the question "Why did she call you Echui?"

I chuckled softly "She asked me what my name meant, Alana means both Awakening, Echui and little rock Pîngond I preferred the sound of Echui."

Legolas smiled and nodded "Both names seem to fit you from what we know of you. Gandalf said that he was going to practice staff fighting with you and also said that you knew archery, apparently I was volunteered to practice the bow with you, though I don't mind I was surprised that you knew how to use a bow and arrow after calling Daugion's arrow a sharp pointy stick"

I laughed and nodded "bit of an inside joke between me and an old friend."

He smiled and nodded "Perhaps we can get together tomorrow morning to see how advanced your archery is."

I nod "I only took up the bow about two years ago and I'm not use to the longbow. We have things called Compound bows they are about half the size of a long bow and use a lever system using cables and pulley to increase the power for faster delivery."

He seemed intrigued by the idea "Perhaps you could draw a picture of this compound bow like Gandalf said you would of the car, maybe we can recreate it for you but until then I'll help you learn how to use a longbow"

I quickly thanked him because we had just approached the large room being used as a dinning hall. There were so many people there, people of all races. I could easily pick out the dwarfs, they had secluded themselves in one corner. The elves were mingling with everyone but the dwarves. Humans were sticking together barely talking to anyone else. And of course the hobbits were already drinking and gawking at the elves. I only counted four. An elderly hobbit I easly took as Bilbo was quietly watching the proceedings, two lively hobbits were drinking and talking to everyone who came within earshot while the forth was quietly sitting staring at his drink with sadness in his eyes and kept looking towards the door, it was easy to tell he would rather be sitting at Frodo's side.

I could hear a few Elves calling for Legolas so I smiled and released his arm "I will see you later Legolas, go talk to your friends. Thank you for escorting me to the dinning hall"

He smiled and bowed before walking over to his friends. I looked around the room my eyes settling on Aragorn who was busy talking to Lord Elrond, I finally decided to sit beside the hobbits. The human men were eyeing me and I refused to sit and be eye candy to a bunch of medieval slobs. So I sat down next to Sam and smiled at the young hobbit "Why the long face, I thought you were a hobbit not a horse"

Sam looked up and I got a half smile from him, if he hadn't been so upset he probably would have laughed. "I'm worried for a friend of mine M'lady"

I nod and sigh "I'm sure he will be fine soon, you should really eat something instead of picking at your plate day in and day out. I thought hobbits ate multiple meals a day, more so then a human or an elf"

Sam nodded and seemed to see me for the first time "And what are you, you are pretty enough to be an elf but all the elves I have seen are much taller than you."

I snorted and shook my head "I'm just a human, but thank you for the complement. I'm Alana Wood 100 percent human thank you very much and I'm not short… just vertically challenged"

This time I did get a laugh from the sad hobbit. "I'm Samwise Gamgee and it's a pleasure to meet you Lady Alana"

I shook my head poking him on the nose "Just Alana Sam, I'm just a normal person just like you"

Sam nodded and started eating I looked up to see Lord Elrond giving me an approving nod. The two hyper hobbits came stumbling over, when they were about to interrupt Sam's eating I grabbed each of them and smiled "And who are you two lovely hobbit gentlemen"

Pippin and Merry quickly introduced themselves and started to tell me of their adventure to Rivendell from the shire and I avidly listened, the movies had left a lot out. Soon the dinner was over and Lord Elrond stood up. "Welcome to Rivendell, this is the first time in many years that representatives from the dwarves, hobbits and humans have convened on my home. We will be holding a council in four days to decide the fate of the ring, until then please rest and enjoy the hospitality of elves."

I knew that the council would be held soon but in four days, amazingly I should be here. I would probably never be invited but it was still intriguing to be here when it was convened. Soon the guests were trickling out I stayed until my eyes started to droop and I finally got up walking towards the direction that I believed my room was. After twenty minutes of wandering I was good and lost. I sat down closing my eyes trying to remember which way I came and where my room was. I was startled to feel a hand resting on my shoulder and my eyes popped open to find Legolas knelt in front of me. "Are you alright Echui?"

I smiled sleepily at him nodding "I just got lost this place is huge"

He smiled and stood up offering a hand to help me up. "Come on I'll show you where your room is, then you can get some sleep."

I actually hadn't been to far from my room only a few hallways away so when we arrived at my room I smiled gratefully at the elf prince. "Thank you Legolas, I'll see you in the morning for my archery practice"

He nodded then bowed slightly before turning and walking down the hall towards where I guessed his room was. I quickly entered my room, shedding the beautiful dress and falling into the soft bed falling asleep only seconds after my head hit the pillow.

AN Alright please read and review and tell me if you like it. Thanks!