Thanks for the awesome reviews SleepyHeather, SheWolf, and OnlyMe. The encouragement is very much appreciated :) Oh, and I'm not making up the strange language.

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"Caras Galadhon. The heart of elvendon on earth. Realm of the lord Celeborn and Galadrial, lady of light." Haldir spoke with a smile on his face.

We began approaching to even mightier tree's than the one's before with a mystical glow around them. It was such a beautiful sight that I forgot to blink and my mouth hung open in awe. There was a soft voice singing as it traveled through the air and I couldn't quite catch the words, but it brought peace to my mind. This was truly a haven for me. I wondered what these tree's were called, they were absolutely stunning. There were pathways build all around them with high platforms and elves walking up and down the trails so gracefully. My bare feet curled with the soft soil underneath. This was perhaps the fairest forest in all of Middle Earth, I couldn't imagine anything else more beautiful. I was tempted to just touch one of the tree's. I slowed down trying to stay behind the group so I could marvel at the place. My fingers brushed against the smooth surface of the bark and I breathed a sigh of relief. I caught Haldir staring at me from behind but said nothing.

The elves took care of this place so well I began to wonder if they held Dryad powers themselves. I had to learn their secret so Fangorn can flourish so beautifully like this place someday. I smiled at that thought, my friends and family would've been so happy.

I pushed the thought away immediately, I couldn't dwell on the past for too long. I had already suffered from the loss, but now it was time to move on and think of the future.

Leaves fell on the top of my long wavy hair. One had a rich forest green color that blended with my own hair color. I noticed many leaves were falling from the forest, but it wasn't even spring yet....

I looked over to the small hobbits and pitied how they can't see this beautiful place. I wanted to snatch their folds right off their eyes just so they could take a small glance.

"Cormamin lindua ele lle." (My heart sings to see thee) I placed my hand over my heart and watched the tree's hoping they could hear me. Nothing, I frowned in disappointment.

"Lle quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie?" (You speak elvish?) I turned around sharply when I caught Haldir's voice.

"I didn't know it was elvish." I replied.

A faint smile formed on his lips, "So, you really are lost."

"I'm sorry, there's many things I'm not familiar from this world it seems." I answered.

"I could say the same about you."

I laughed softly, "I told you who I am."

"Yes, I remember quite well. But, I didn't catch your name."

"Sinoe."

"Ah, just like Sinoe the Dryad from the War of the Last Alliance as rumors say?"

"Not rumors. My grandmother knew her quite well."

I could still see the doubt in his expression. I didn't blame him, the mystery of my kind were probably only spoken in childrens' tales among these lands.

"Only Lady Galadriel can tell for certain." He said.

"Who is she?" I asked.

"You'll see."

We rose up a pathway built around a tree approaching a palace of some sort with a mystical aura around it. Haldir halted us in front of it and I couldn't look away from the place since it was so marvelous.

Then I saw her. She walked slowly down the path watching us closely. She glowed so bright that I squinted at first with my eyes. Her hair so long and smooth like silk flowing around her and skin so fair. Her eyes so bright and tempting if anyone dared to look at her. She moved with ease as her white dress trailed behind her.

I was gaping at her as if I just saw an angel fall from the sky. She was the most beautiful and fairest elf I had ever seen before.

The elf next to her spoke, "The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Eight there are here yet nine set from Rivendell. Tell me where is Gandalf?"

"He is fallen into shadow." Galadriel spoke with a soft and silky voice. Her voice gave chills but was music to my ears.

"He was taken by a Balrog of Morgof. For we were needlessly into the net of Moria." Said Legolas.

"Needless is none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full powers."

She inspected every one of us in the eye. When she looked into mine I felt her searching my mind for my intentions. Images flashed before me of a great forest and more Dryad's swarming around me. It wasn't Fangorn, but another mysterious place. Then I saw myself watching the tree's from this very forest trying to do something but then the images immediately stopped. I shook my head, these must have been illusions. Dryad's only lived in Fangorn and they were all dead except me.

"You have another accompanying you in the fellowship?" Asked Galadriel.

Aragorn stepped forward, "My lady, we have not met her before we came into Lorien."

She smiled, "Of course, the last Dryad of Fangorn has finally come."

I gasped a little at how she knew this, she must have been reading my mind. I caught the others staring at me too, even Haldir's shocked expression. Well, at least they now knew I wasn't lying after all.

"What now becomes of this fellowship?" Asked the elf to her right.

Galadriel's gaze wavered back to the others. "This quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail. Yet hope remains while the company is true. Go now and rest, for you will sleep in in peace--" Her eyes stopped at the one hobbit who never spoke. She paused for a few moments and the hobbit seemed to appear a bit frightened. She then smiled and lead us back down the path.

We stopped at a resting ground and everyone began to unpack their belongings. Galadriel walked towards me and I stood frozen just watching her. She placed her hand on my shoulder with a smile.

"I thank you for coming since I doubted you. Tomorrow we shall speak about the matters at hand." She said.

I tried to find words to speak but the only thing I could say was, "Alright."

"You are truly brave to set forth among these lands Sinoe. Dryad's hardly ever depart from their own home."

I swallowed hard, "H-how do you know everything... can you tell me why my powers have gone?"

She simply smiled, "Go and rest." I watched her depart from us gracefully through the forest.

Haldir walked behind her but then stopped short when he saw me.

"I don't usually greet trespassers so well, my apologies for doubting you Lady Sinoe." He said.

I gave him a smile, "That's quite alright. It's truly understandable."

"Perhaps in time we shall we acquainted under different circumstances."

"That would be fine."

He nodded then walked off where Galadriel had gone. I walked over to a tent where the hobbits lay and found a spot to lie on.

Pippin walked over to me, "So, you are really a Dryad? Say, you're quite the surprise miss."

"It's not a surprise when I already told you." I said.

"Aye, but what I mean is I didn't know Dryad's existed. Those were all fairy tales you see?"

"Yes, we have always been hidden from this world. And now that I wonder about it, I don't know why."

"Maybe it's because of that damn ring." Said Sam.

I looked over at him, "What are you talking about?"

"What ring? You must be joking! Doesn't the ring of fire ring any bells? One ring to rule them all as they call it?" Said Merry.

I laughed, "Ask me anything about tree's and it will ring some bells."

"Looks like we've got some explaining to do." Said Pippin.

So they told me everything, from Sauron's intentions to destroy the entire world and to search his one ring. They even told me their fellowship was on a quest to destroy the ring once and for all. I realized this all made sense, those vile creatures that destroyed everyone I knew were puppets of the dark lord himself trying to diminish and corrupt every living thing. I felt anger rise within me but quickly pushed it away, I had to remain calm. Anger would only cause me more pain.

"Don't you need the ring to destroy it?" I asked.

"Aye, we already have it." Answered Pippin.

I saw the one hobbit who never spoke leave from us. Sam got up and followed him.

"He doesn't like to talk much does he?" I asked.

"Nay, he carries a heavy burden, the ring itself." Said Merry.

I stared at where he had gone outside. So, this little hobbit was on a mission to save middle earth? With just eight people? He must be very courageous to carry the weight of the entire world on him.

"Why not just destroy the ring with a sharp blade?"

"It's not that simple my lady, he has to walk into the heart of the enemy and destroy it in Mount Doom." Said Pippin.

"Well, I say we call it a night. Me and Pippin over there got a long journey ahead of us." Merry said.

Sam came back in with a worried look across his face. He didn't say anything but went back to his resting spot.

I wondered where the other hobbit was, but shrugged it off and decided to sleep. My body was tired from the long walk. I laid my head on the soft pillow wondering about what just happened. The worry over my loss of powers seemed to fade and I suspected Galadriel had something to do with it. She had planned something for me, I just didn't know what. Perhaps the tree's needed aid? Or was the vision I just saw part of my future?

I heard the hobbits snoring peacefully. But questions kept racing through my mind and I tried shrugging them off. Yet, they kept coming as I lay anxiously for the day to come so I could speak with Galadriel.

Just as my mind grew tired of thinking, I heard a hobbit rush in. He appeared frightened and curled on the bed shaking a little.

"Are you alright?" I whispered to him.

He glanced at me quickly then lowered his gaze, "I'm fine." He said. Two words was all he said to me. I frowned, the hobbit was a strange fellow.

Eventually I managed to fall asleep but not before I heard small sniffles coming from the hobbit.

My eyes shot open wide with a strange feeling. Something was... different... I could feel everything. I sat up quickly and felt so much energy radiate through me. I wanted to jump so high I could touch the tree tops. I hadn't felt this much power before, the forest was rich and grand it was difficult taking it all in.

I stood and walked out to greet the forest. I laughed and extended my arms to the tree's. I was so happy that my powers had returned and I could finally feel this forest. Some of the tree's branches lowered and brushed against my skin. It tangled through my hair and all around me, they could sense how happy I was. The plants on the ground clung to my skin as well. I never felt so alive in all my life.

"Lirimaer." (Lovely ones) I said. The tree's branched curled under and rose me up.

"Hey wait! We want a ride too!" Cried Pippin.

I stared back with a huge smile on my face, "Well then, come on!"

Pippin, Merry, and Sam ran towards the branches and I made the tree's extend their branches for them. The other hobbit stared back with a smile but I could sense sadness in his eyes.

"Come on Frodo, don't be frightened!" Sam exclaimed.

So, that was his name? "It's alright, they won't hurt you." I reassured.

He walked slowly and the branches extended to him. They lifted him up with the rest of us and we lay there laughing. We had quite a view of the forest and it took my breath away once more.

Sam held onto the branches tightly "They won't drop us, will they?"

"No, I won't let them." I smiled.

"Say, can you make tree's walk?" Pippin asked.

I chuckled softly, "No, but I can make them do this...!"

The tree's began moving their branches up and down as we swung back and forth with our arms raised. We cried out with laughter at the wild ride. Elves were staring at us in shock and confusion as the tree's caused quite some noise through the forest.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Sam cried.

I mentally told the tree's to stop and to lower us back on the ground. Sam couldn't keep his balance and fell so we all laughed.

"What was that?" I turned and saw Legolas with a confused expression. Aragorn, the dwarf, and the other man walked slowly behind him staring at me with shock.

Pippin placed his hand on me, "See here, the magnificent tree lady!" He laughed.

Off in the distance Haldir walked over to us with the same confused expression. "I knew those wild tree's had something to do with you."

"I didn't intend to disturb anyone." I replied.

"Don't fret, come now breakfast is ready."

He led us through the forest and directed the others to rise up a platform. Then he pulled me off to the side. "Lady Galadriel wishes to speak with you."

I followed him back wondering where I was going. "Do you know what she wants from me?" I asked Haldir. We stopped at a small clearing with bushes surrounding the place. It was a rather private area so no one would watch us. "I'm not quite sure myself." He replied.

I spotted Galadriel waiting with her back turned from me.

"Nae saian luume'." (It has been too long.) She said and turned around to face me.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She smiled, "I had to know exactly what your intentions were before I could trust you using your own powers."

"So, you took them from me?"

"These are dark times Sinoe. I just prevented your mind from using them. You have already witnessed the cruelty of Sauron among your own people, I have to be cautious."

I fidgeted a little. "Yes, something terrible did happen. But my mother taught me not to dwell on the past for too long. She said, it wouldn't solve anything."

She smiled, "Your mother sounds like a wise women. But the past can teach us to better ourselves as well. Dryad's can be a fragile and sensitive race."

"Time makes us fragile. When we stick too close to home we don't know anything but our own surroundings. I didn't even know Sauron or the one ring existed till the hobbits told me."

She extended her hand to me and I walked closer to her. "Your kind has been a secret far too long. Only the High Elves remember your people and it's capabilities, the rest of Middle Earth knows you from children tales." She led me to a fountain and I peered back at my own reflection from the water. Emerald eyes and pale skin greeted back at me with long wavy forest green hair that extended all the way down to my waist. There was a small scar next to my right eye and I remembered the night I got it. Those monsters had tried to kill me with there blades only to narrowly miss my own eye. The bloody wound had healed within a day, but a small mark remained to always remind me of that night.

I looked back up at Galadriel. "We hid ourselves from the rest of the world, but I don't know why."

"Long ago Dryad's were allied with the Elves. They had taught us the powers of nourishing forests, like these Mallorn tree's." She placed her hand on a tree bark. "Especially the Sinoe from 'The Years of the Tree' in the First Age."

"Yes, I've heard of her and that the Elves were interested in nature just as we are."

"Indeed, our alliance remained close with the Dryad's throughout the first age. They aided us in battle with the forest at their side. She helped us so greatly.... But, it changed in the second age when Sauron came into power." She peered off in the distance as sadness crept through her eyes. "The Invasion of Eriador changed everything. Sauron at the peak of his powers captured elves and corrupted them. In time, they became the very monsters who killed those you knew, the orcs."

I gasped, a pure race such as the elves seemed unlikely to be corrupted. "But I've heard of how strong the elves will power can be. Stories made all of you seem so glorious."

She smiled, "There is a dark past among us as well. Sinoe from the First Age was captured and tortured. When her will broke, it killed her since your kinds other half dwells from a tree. So as two souls become entirely different it destroyed her when the other half wasn't corrupted as well."

"I thought she sailed to the Undying Lands to start anew?"

"No, she was tortured inside the very gates of Mordor along with her companions from the one elves she trusted. In time word spread among your kind the corruption of the elves, how we were deceiving creatures and had allied with the dark lord. So Dryad's remained hidden from the rest of the world full of betrayal."

I was confused, "That can't be, I have never heard of such stories before."

"The Dryad's grew apart in two groups. One diminished in the forests of Mirkwood, the other into Fangorn. Those in Mirkwood remembered the elves as a corrupted race by their own will, the others from Fangorn believed it was all Sauron's corruption and hid from the world in fear that the dominion of the dark lord will spread."

"No one told me about the dark lord."

"You are still young Sinoe. It was mere children tales that you mother taught you about the elves. We are not so perfect, our kind can be corrupted."

"I didn't know there were more Dryad's. I came looking for the elves to help me understand what had happened in Fangorn, I had no comfort in knowing I was the last of my kind." I was relieved to know that there were others out there like me. But I didn't know where this Mirkwood was.

Galadriel smiled but it quickly faded. "Your kind is no longer a secret as it once was. The powerful wizard Saruman, a puppet of Sauron, had discovered your kind and plans to use them for the destruction of the elves."

"We would never do such a thing. We value life in every form, not just plants and tree's."

She lowered her hand to the fountains water urging me to look at it. "I want to show you something."

I was hesitant at first, but then I looked down. The water rippled and I caught a man in a white cloak uttering some words in a strange language I couldn't understand. His hands wavered as he chanted a spell over and over again. The image then switched to a forest not much different than here. Elves were running in all directions. I saw Dryads grouped together and the whole forest came alive. Tree's and plants grew wild and destroyed every elf in its path. The world had gone mad and bodies lay everywhere tormented in pain. The Dryad's had attacked the elves from within their own home.

I looked away in shock. This couldn't be possible, my kind would never do such a thing.

"The wizard Saruman has discovered a spell that can easily corrupt a Dryad's mind with two parts of their souls together. He will use Sauron's orcs to get the Dryad's out of hiding so he can chant the spell. You see Sinoe, even the most peaceful creatures of Middle Earth can be corrupted."

"No, he can't do this! There has to be a way to stop him!" I cried.

Galadriel placed her hand on my shoulder gently. "Dryad's have forgotten the full potential of their powers. All one can do is manipulate the few tree's and plants around it. But, if you bring a whole army together, they can control the whole forest, even create plants and tree's. Saruman knows of this power and will try to use Dryad's against the elves since Sauron never could."

"What can I do?"

"Your kind cannot defeat Sauron's army alone without knowing of this power. I have sent a message to the elves of Mirkwood warning them of their powers if used with evil. All that's left is for them to ally once more with the elves, and only you can do that."

"You want me to deliver a message?"

"Yes, tell them this is a urgent request. They cannot dwell on the past for any longer."

"I will." I had to, Sauron's army couldn't destroy my kind any longer, let alone corrupt them.

"Haldir and his men will accompany you to the forest of Mirkwood. I trust him with my life he will bring you there in one piece." She said with a smile.

I glanced back and noticed Haldir watched everything that had happened. His expression was a bit surprised since I doubted he knew what Galadriel had planned for him.

"I would be honored, my lady." He bowed slightly to Galadriel.

She gave me a silver cloak. "What's this for?" I asked.

"When hope is lost, let the Cloak of Eryn protect you from all dangers." She said.

It felt soft and smooth within my fingertips. I suspected this cloak was a shield of some sort.

"Sauron's army is approaching Mirkwood. Danger will be close on your journey." Galadriel said.

"I will save my people, Galadriel." I assured.

She smiled, "I won't doubt you ever again. Go now and dine with the others."

Just as I turned Galadriel stopped me, "There is one more thing that I ask a small favor from you."

"Anything." I answered.

Galadrial paused for a long moment thinking of what she was about to say. "When the one ring is destroyed, so is the power of Nenya." She showed me her ring, it was carved in diamonds. "The time of the elves is over, I will lose my powers and sail to the Undying Lands. My time has come to diminish and remain Galadriel. The Mallorn tree's of Lorien are dying and will perish once I'm gone, Sinoe from the First Age helped me create them. All I ask is in your capabilities to ensure they remain this way. It would bring me some comfort when I depart from these lands."

So, that's why so many leaves were falling. I couldn't imagine how a forest such as this would become all but a memory in the end. "Of course, I would love to."

She smiled, "Thank you."

I gave her a reassuring smile, "And I thank you my lady for telling me everything." I walked over to Haldir as he lead me to where the others were dining.

"It's not very often Lady Galadriel thanks someone." He said.

"I suppose, but now I understand so much more from this world thanks to her." I replied.

"Well, now we have a long journey to worry about." Haldir reminded as he lead me up a platform and I could smell the rich food coming closer.

Things were changing in this world indeed. In honor of my friends and family I will try and save the remaining Dryad's left alive.

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