Chapter 4: Feels Like I've Come Home

~This chapter is named after Feels Like Coming Home- Jetta.~

Begin:

There is a nurse standing near my bed. She's fiddling with the intravenous infusion machine, which is pumping fluids into my veins. I croak out a moan, wanting to get her attention. She looks down at me with surprise, "Oh dear, you're awake! That's good news. My name is Fiona and I'm your nurse. You're in the hospital right now. You've been out a few hours. Your mom had an ambulance take you straight to the ER, and they admitted you for head trauma. Seems like you had a pretty bad fall. Here, look at my light. Good. Now follow my finger. Ok, can you squeeze my hands? Can you tell me your name?"

I do as I'm told, squeaking out replies as necessary. She assesses me quickly and then makes her way toward the door, "I'll call your mom. We just sent her down to the Café so she could get something to eat. You aren't in critical condition or anything, so we'll probably discharge you this afternoon."

I don't reply, and she leaves me to myself. Looking down at myself, I notice the hospital gown and the id bands on my wrist. I feel so dehumanized in this get-up. I sit up, looking for something to drink. The nurse must have left me this water, because it's on the table near me with a straw. I sip the cool liquid thirstily. I feel like I've been out for days.

And then I remember. My dreams, the ring, the Eldar, my other family…

I look around the room frantically, as if I would be able to see them in them somewhere here with me. The dream was so real. I felt like I was there. I could feel things, hear things, and interact with the people there. But parts of it are… fuzzy.

Mom bursts into the room, "Annie! They told me you would wake up eventually, but I never expected it to be so soon. Are you feeling ok? Do you need anything, cupcake?"

She scurries around the room, fixing my blankets and touching me lightly at every opportunity. It's like she's afraid I'm not really here.

"I'm fine, Mom. I just want to go home."

XXXXX

I have officially been discharged. And now I'm in the passenger seat of my mom's Land Rover. She has been knit-picking me all afternoon. She went as far as trying to buckle me up, but I shooed her away.

"What do you want to eat for supper?"

I look over at Mom, she's facing forward so she can see the road. I shrug in response, "I don't care. Salmon is fine."

Mom nods, "Alright, salmon and couscous? We can do that. Is there a movie you want me to see? We can watch one tonight."

I'm surprised by her willingness to watch a movie with me. Usually she's too tired to watch anything with me. And she knows I love films. I always have a good recommendation for her. I smile to myself, knowing she is probably exhausted and just wants to spend more time with me after that scare in the kitchen. "We could watch Austenland. You would really like that one."

"Austenland? What's that about?"

Searching my brain for an explanation that doesn't sound completely foolish, I resort to an answer, "It's about this woman who is obsessed with Jane Austen. She spends her life savings to go to this place where they have actors pretend like they are in a Jane Austen novel. She gets to be part of the book in a way, I guess. It's really funny. And it went to a few film festivals."

Mom seems content with that option, "That sounds interesting. Did you show me a trailer like that a few weeks ago?"

"Yeah."

"Ok, lets do that one."

Silence fills the car, and Mom doesn't say anything for a while, "So, have you heard anything from Cosette? Is she coming here for the weekend?"

My parents are divorced. They have been for a long time. But recently, my younger sister moved to live with my dad. She got sick of putting up with my step-dad, who has a bit of a temper. Peter isn't a bad guy, but his personality definitely clashes with my sibling's. It made for a stressful environment, and she couldn't handle it anymore. Not to mention the difficulty she was having at her new high school. As a freshman, she hadn't transitioned well. So there were a lot of reasons for her to want to move.

Now, my sister goes to a new high school near Walla Walla, Washington. She lives with my dad and has more independence, what with her own car and new friends. She's happier there, away from Peter.

I don't really blame her. I've had my difficulties with Peter too. But I love my mom too much not to visit. I can tolerate Peter, if it means I get to spend time with my mom. But thankfully, I'm usually away at college, Northwestern University.

You see, college is in Kirland, and mom lives in Seattle. So we're really just kind of spread all over the state. But I don't mind driving, even if it is raining cats and dogs. I would travel forever to get to my mom. I love her more than life itself! Not that a 20 minute drive is that bad, between Kirkland and Seattle. It's driving from that area of the state to Walla Walla that worries me. Cosette isn't a confident or safe driver yet, so I'm not really sure what my mom expects. She can't drive five hours on her own right now. Especially in the pouring rain.

We're home now, and Mom pulls up to the driveway of our two-story suburban home. She scrambles out of the car as soon as it's in park. "No, stay there. I need to help you out!"

XXXXX

We're sitting on the couch in the living room now. I finished my salmon a few minutes ago, and now I have my sketchbook in hand. I'm barely watching the movie, but mom is enraptured by it. She keeps asking me questions, trying to make me spoil the ending for her. She doesn't like surprises.

Peter already retreated to the master bedroom, so we're left in peace. I laugh with her when appropriate, and answer her questions with brief remarks. But my attention is really on my drawings. Right now I'm focused on drawing my bedroom in Imladris. It seemed like a fitting place to start, seeing as I spent so much time there the last few centuries. Or… how Annewyn spent so much time there.

It is strange to separate myself from the Elven lady Annewyn. Her life just seems so congruent with my own. And the realistic-ness of my dream is hard to ignore.

The movie finishes more quickly than I expected, and mom yawns. "Well, I think I'm going to go to bed. What are you going to do? Stay up longer?"

I look down at my drawing, knowing that sleep will bring me back to this place. "No, I think I'll go to bed now."

She presses a kiss to my forehead, and I squeeze her small frame into a hug. Releasing my mom, I say, "I love you, Mama Bear."

"I love you too, Annie. You come and get me if you need anything. Night night."

I wander into my room and flip on the light switch, looking at the space with new eyes. The drawings on the wall seem so eerily similar to what I experienced in my dream, that I wonder if I was drawing them from memory rather than imagination. Adding the new drawing of my room to the collection, I step back to look at the images as a whole. I have drawn many objects and scenic views, but no people. I decide then that Arwen and Elrond need to be added to my collection. It only seems right that they would be the first people I draw from this realm… my family.

I sit down at my desk and begin drawing, forgetting all about my plans for sleep. And as I am finishing up my drawing of Elrond, I feel my eyelids start to grow heavy. My head bobs a bit as sleep lingers close to me. And then, as if I no longer have control over my limbs, my head rests softly on the wood table. And I'm soon fast asleep.

I awaken to find myself staring up at Nimrodelle. She is shaking me softly. "Wake up, my lady! It's morning. You should be up by now."

I yawn and sit up in response. She tosses a gown in my direction and it lands at the foot of my bed. The motion awakens me a bit, and I look at Nimrodelle more critically.

Wait… am I really back here? It worked! Oh my god! I'm back!

I leap up out of bed and wrap my arms around Nimrodelle, "It is so good to see you, Nimrodelle! I thought I might never come back here!"

As soon as I release her, Nimrodelle shoots me a concerned look, "Are you feeling well, Lady Annewyn?"

But realization seems to hit her, and her mouth forms a slight 'O', "Ohhh, I understand. You were in that other world, weren't you? Elrond had explained to the staff your special situation. But I must admit, I didn't quite get his meaning."

I smile back at her, "Yes, I am here now. And it is a surprise to me. How have things been?"

Nimrodelle looks me over, "You have only been asleep a few hours, my lady. You have not missed anything."

Relieved, I nod in recognition. Then, I grab for my gown and begin changing. Nimrodelle helps me into the new, royal purple gown. It looks a bit less elaborate than other gowns, but it is still regal. The gown just seems more like a functional piece of clothing, rather than a statement of rank.

Nimrodelle explains the gown to me, "Lord Elrond asked that you be dressed in a style that was more casual. I am not sure why exactly, but I believe there is someone you are meant to meet with."

As soon as I was presentable, Nimrodelle led me out of the room and through the weaving corridors of Imladris. We met Elrond at the base of a long flight of stairs, leading out to the edge of the palace-like structure. I noticed that this portion of the palace was very open, and most of the nature surrounding us was visible here.

Elrond met me with an embrace, "Annewyn, my child. I am glad you have returned to us."

I return the hug and step back to look up at him, "As am I, Father."

It is a weird feeling for me to call him this, but the words please him immensely. "Come! There are those I wish for you to meet."

Following him down more flights of stairs, I forget completely about Nimrodelle's presence and focus on Elrond. Nimrodelle must have excused herself earlier because we are alone now. "Who am I meeting?"

Elrond smiled broadly, "Your future companions, Annewyn. The fellowship deserves an introduction to their newest member."

My heartbeat quickens at the idea of meeting the people who will brave the dangers of this world with me. What if they don't like me? What if I am too weak for them? Will they have to pick up my slack? Will they resent me?

But all of my thoughts are pushed away when I see the fellowship at the base of another level of the palace. We are outdoors, surrounded by a vast garden of various trees and plants. But the center of this level is covered in cobblestone, and the fellowship has gathered here. They are intermingling amongst themselves quietly, and my eyes sweep over them.

There are two men amongst them, one seeming older than the other, and stalkier. The other carries himself in a regal manner, but he has the appearance of a vagabond. There are also three small creatures with them. They look almost like children, but I can tell with further inspection that they are much older than children. There is also a short, browny man with a full beard. He is taller than the four small men, but he is still significantly smaller than the rest of the company. And then there is the man I saw in the dining hall last night. He is the only one of the Eldar among them, and he looks up immediately upon hearing our approach.

Elrond interrupted their individual conversations, "Good morning, my friends. I have brought my daughter, Annewyn, to meet with you all. She will be accompanying you on your journey."

For some reason, I felt the need to courtesy. Giving into the urge, I gave into my instincts and let myself bow towards them. The men in front of me did not find this action strange. They began offering their own welcomes towards, but they all spoke at once and over each other. A disorganized jumble of hellos met my ears, and I laughed in response.

Elrond tried to calm down the company, "One at a time! I am glad of your enthusiasm in welcoming my daughter into your fellowship, but we must go about this more cordially."

The fellowship were silent, as each member patiently awaited their turn for introduction. Elrond motioned toward the larger man in the company, "Boromir, this is my daughter."

Boromir saluted me in a formal fashion, "Lady Annewyn, I am pleased to hear you will be accompanying us on this quest. And I commend you for your bravery."

I nod in thanks, and the next man steps forward. He bowed low before me, but in the most kingly fashion I had ever seen, "My Lady, I am Aragorn. Elrond has told me of your memory, and it pains me to know you no longer remember me. But there will be plenty of time to fill in the gaps on our journey. I cannot promise your safety, but I will do all that I can to protect you."

I look over the man before me, "We have met before, Lord Aragorn?"

Aragorn chuckles slightly, "I am no Lord, my lady. But yes, I have a long history with your family."

I nod, accepting his brief explanation. But I am fascinated by the way he intermingles the common tongue with the language of the Eldar. This man must have spent a lot of time with my kin. Perhaps with my own family? I will have to ask him privately.

The next man stepped forward, but he was very small. His height did not fool me, though. The small man exclaimed enthusiastically, "I am Peregrin Took of the Shire. And you may call me Pippin. I'm pleased to meet you, my lady!"

Another small man took over, "And I am Merry. We are hobbits, my lady- Shire Folk. You may not remember this, what with your sleeping for so long and all."

I smile down at them, "Thank you, Merry and Pippin. I am grateful for your warmth, and for your explanation. I admit that I had not known what to make of you until you stated this. Forgive my memory."

"We would not fault you for that, my lady. You are far too fair to be meaning any offense to us. I am Samwise Gamgee. And this is Mr. Frodo Baggins."

I look over the next two hobbits, "I see, it is nice to meet you Samwise… Frodo." I reach my hand out to shake the hands of the four hobbits. And when Ir each my hand out to Frodo, he seems to be the only one who hesitates a bit.

"Mr. Frodo Baggins? You need not fear me, kind sir." I try to reassure him.

Frodo smiles up at me, "Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to seem skittish. My journey has been a long one, and I am eager for it to come to an end."

The regal man, Aragorn, steps in to explain, "Frodo is our ring bearer, my lady. He carries the weight himself, and it takes a toll on him."

I look down at the hobbit in concern. Crouching down to meet his eye level, I look squarely at Frodo, "I will do what I can to help you with this heavy burden, Mr. Frodo."

Fodo nods, "Thank you, my lady. But Frodo is fine. I have no need for formalities, as a humble hobbit."

I smile, "Of course, Frodo."

Still in a crouched position near Frodo, I hear a man clear his through roughly next to me. I turn my head to see the short, bulky man with the large beard observing me. I do not correct my stance, choosing instead to stay at eye level with this man. "I am Gimli, son of Gloin. Should you ever need my assistance, fair lady, I am the dwarf for the job!"

I let out a short laugh, "I believe you, Gimli. You say you are a dwarf? Forgive me, but your race escapes my memory as well."

"Never fear, my lady! Our axes are sharp and our iron brawn! You may rely on my honor as a Dwarf!"

Gimli seems to be done with his introduction, as he does not continue speaking. But I hesitate to stand up from my position, because I know who is next. Despite my efforts to prolong my meeting with this next fellowship member, a gentle male voice interrupts the silence, "My lady."

Not looking up at the Elf to Gimli's right, I stand up straight. When I finally do meet his steel blue eyes, his expression is soft. My heart betrays me, and beats faster. I will it to stay silent, afraid the Elf can somehow hear my heart beating. "I am Legolas, son of Thranduil in the Woodland Realm." He hesitates slightly, "Do you remember me, my lady?"

My eyes sweep over his figure, soaking in the site of him. I wrack my brain for an explanation. Why do I feel so nervous? Do I know him? I don't recognize him- apart from the dining hall. He clearly knows me… but I just… don't. I manage to squeak out, "I am not sure."

Legolas' eyes sadden at my response. But he continues, "Do not think too much of it. We will begin again."

I can only manage a nod, my eyes glued to his.

Elrond took my silence as an opportunity to continue speaking, "Where is Gandalf now?"

Legolas' eyes do not leave mine as he answers my father, "Mithrandir is speaking with the lady Galadriel, my lord."

"Of course. Thank you, Legolas. Annewyn, I would like you to stay with the fellowship throughout the day. They will be weapons training and I do not want you to miss out."

I tear my eyes from Legolas to look up at my father, "Weapons?"

"Yes, my lady. We must prepare. The journey will be long and full of unknown dangers," Legolas answers me.

"But when do we leave?"

Elrond sends me a small smile, "It is good you are eager, Annewyn. But the fellowship will not depart until December the 25th. You need time to prepare for such a journey."

"And what weapons are you referring to? Have I done this before?"

Elrond nods, "Legolas taught you archery before you left us. You have spent many months training with him."

My eyes dart to Legolas, who is searching my face for some sign of recognition. But all I fear is a nervous panic. I shake my head in disbelief, "I can't shoot arrows. That just doesn't happen."

Legolas' brows knit together, "Nay, my lady. You are very skilled."

Now I'm frustrated, "But that is… insane! I've never done anything so aggressive in my life!"

Elrond responds, "This is another life, my daughter. You may not remember, but it is so."

I fall silent, unsure how to respond to him. Legolas seeks to reassure me, "I am a good teacher, my lady. Should you have forgotten, you will learn quickly."

Feeling completely defeated, I can't help but stare up at Legolas with wide eyes. I do not know how this weapons training will go, and I am afraid. But it's strange because I am not afraid of the weapons themselves. I am afraid of spending more time with Legolas. He scares me. Not in an impending sense of doom sort of way, but in a nervous fright sort of way. And I'm not sure why.