Title: The Road Unknown

Author's note: This Chapter has been rewritten

Block Letters: Nalana's thoughts

"Italic letters": The elvish language.

Italic letters: Sauron's voice

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Declaim:

Chapter 4

No Relief

The empty pit feeling grew larger without redemption. The darkness grew, the shadows moved. Evil lurked behind the trees with mocking laughter. The bitter taste of betrayal lingered on my tongue, no confidence, only violation. That was the burden that Gandalf carried when he arrived to Rivendell on the eagle. Saruman… the white wizard that once accused me of lying about my arrival had betrayed us. His treachery was laden with broken promise and his destruction would be swift and hard, if all fails.

There was no relief when Glorfindel arrived with Aragorn and the hobbits. Surely it could have lightened the overcast of fear but nothing. All that has been feared had finally came to the light and ensured the threat that grew in Mordor. The pressure was confined in a bottle, readied to explode with horrific consequences. It was too fast. Everything escalated with no hope of decrease. Lord Elrond remained in council with Gandalf for nearly two days. The once warm sun rose over the mountain seemed to loose it's effect.

I took solace in the love that Arwen and Aragorn had. It was the warmest feeling that I hoped to find in these dark times. It radiated with beauty and light. Almost envious. I watched from a distance balcony, high above where Arwen and Aragorn walked around the garden. There was no doubt that Arwen was completely relieved when he arrived several days ago. A sweet smile grew on my mouth but it fell as I thought about the heavy choice that Arwen would have to make. There was always that disagreement between her father and Arwen. Arwen argued to remain in Middle-Earth with Aragon as a mortal. I knew Arwen was divided by her love for Aragon and her Father's wishes. As hard he pushed me to sail, Lord Elrond went far beyond with Arwen. His fear to loose the ones he loves most.

I sighed forlornly and turned away. Quickly I walked away and headed to my chambers. My thoughts had been twisted with dark images. Frodo had healed fully but he'll carry that pain for all his life. The blade would hunt him until his end. The ring had everyone on the edge. It'll be better when Frodo finally woke up; I hoped a fool's hope.

I returned to my chambers and sighed deeply as I approached a bowl of water. My delicate fingers sunk into the water to splash my face. The fresh water helped somewhat. Swiftly I turned to my armoire to change into my daywear. At the base I saw my riding boots that were almost ruined from mud and other grime from Bree. Thankfully, Lady Ethel was superior with stains.

I changed from the nightwear to a long silver dress that was adorned with gold trimming. At my vanity, I brushed out the tangles in my hair. Blue eyes stared back, but they were full of distress. Peace will be over soon. I've waited many years for this to come but now it was here, I wanted the peaceful times back. As a warrior or how Lord Elrond said, I was a hunter. I frowned to that memory of our dispute. Either way I contributed my skills for the side of good. I'll do what was needed but at the same time I was scared of the road unknown. I sighed harshly and turned away. Why was I so fearful? I'll be a fool if I wasn't. Was the uncertain death? No, after my many years, death did not worry me. Or so I told myself. Then a knock came to my door.

Surprised, I gave the messenger permission to enter. Nessa, my personal handmaid entered with a solemn face as she murmured, "Lord Elrond requests your presence in his quarters, my lady."

I remained quiet for a moment to the news. Honestly, I had no desire to see Lord Elrond but I could not simply refuse. Nessa walked further into the room as she mustered a small smile. Nessa knew all there was to know about me. Ever since I told her that I would not travel to the Grey Havens with the people, she grew sad. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, I could see through the transparent wall.

"Let me help you with your hair, Amelia." Nessa offered gently, as I nodded. Might as well spend time with her when I have the moment. Nessa gently placed a hand on my shoulder and pushed me to the chair in front of my vanity. As she brushed through my hair, her natural smile grew on her lips. "I wish you would travel to the Grey Havens with us."

I solemnly closed my eyes and sighed deeply. Not this again. As gently as I could beneath the pressure of frustration wearing it ugly head, I muttered. "You know I can not."

I watched through the mirror as she pursed her lips into a thin line. Her eyebrows furrowed sorrowfully and her voice was barely a whisper, "I know."

After she braided my hair elegantly, she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder which I gently clasped my hand on hers. "Do not be sad for me, Nessa. All things have a purpose. I had a good life here with you and our people."

Slightly I frown for I sounded like Nalana's clone. She smiled through the mirror before she placed a kiss on my crown before leaving my room. Alone again in my room, I looked back at my reflection. It was sometimes tiresome to be two people at once. A warrior of Rivendell and a Lady of Rivendell. For now, I'll present herself as the Lady of Rivendell. An elleth of beauty, grace and diplomacy whereas the warrior of Rivendell was clever, fast and determined.

I left my room and walked gracefully toward Lord Elrond's quarters. Leaves on the ground moved with the crisp wind that passed by. I observed the garden that I walked by. It was once Celebrian's private garden that was planted next to her children's chambers. Lord Elrond had more than once expressed that he wanted me to greet his wife in the Grey Havens. Celebrain a woman with superior beauty and grace. It was now opened to all who desired to visit. As I past by, I notice a small elder hobbit whom I assumed was Bilbo that I met several weeks prior.

With a smile, I took a detour to him. He dunked his head down toward his book that he was writing in with his feet swings gently. As I grew closer, I uttered to break the silence, "Hello Bilbo."

He slightly jumped; surprised for not picking up my soft footsteps which only made my grin grow wider. At least, my quiet walking had improved. He laughed as he looked up at me, "Oh my dear Amelia!"

He struggled to get off the bench and he walked stiffly to me. I bent down to a crunch to welcome a warm hug. His tiny arms barely wrap around my waist. My eyes jumped to his book that was left on the bench. Curious, I inquired, "What are you writing?"

Biblo pulled away from me and looked over his shoulder at the book and then back to me. He smiled and chuckled nervously, "Oh just a story. Its not quite yet ready for reading."

His bashfulness seemed to increase since I've met him. He fidgeted with his hands as he went back to the bench. I stood up as his eyes remained on me. With a gentle smile I said, "Well, when it is ready. I would love to read it."

Bilbo smiled widely and chuckled, "I'll inform you when that day comes."

I smiled and nodded my head as a way to bow before I said, "I must be going. Thank you for your company."

With that, I continued on my route to Lord Elrond's quarters.

"You requested for me my lord." I said diplomatically, voice stressed for the anger that remained raw from our previous conversation. I broke all silence that impregnated into the room. Only the distant sounds of the rushing water from the waterfall could be heard. My mouth tight and my throat sore. Through the profession exterior, I hoped for a better resolution.

Lord Elrond stood nearby his desk with his back toward me to gaze out at the landscape. When he gave me permission to enter, he turned to me instantly with an expected expression. I felt his eyes studied me as if he wondered if I was still fuming. My mask was on and with that came my walls. He lifted a single eyebrow to my upright demeanor.

In his eyes, I noticed the strained look that swelled. It never occurred to me that our last conversation also weighted heavily on his weary mind. Immediately, I felt shameful for he carried much on his shoulders but… there must be a better way around this. I slightly decreased my intense gaze to bring forth a gentler look. Through it all, I desired to be on good terms with my father.

As I waited for his reasons, I observed him as he observed me. There was an authority demeanor about him that demanded respect. Lord Elrond was not one to tolerate any dishonored actions. Most people viewed him to be uptight and rarely saw his lighthearted and caring side. However, I knew better especially when he let his guard down around me.

Next to him, to my utter surprise was Gandalf the Grey. During his short stay, I never had a chance to greet him or offer any of my concerns for his wellbeing. Gandalf was one to never stay in one place. His Grey fizzy beard reached to his stomach and long hair laden on his shoulders like a scarf. Wrinkles were embedded into his ivory skin. He wore his usual grey robe and always had his staff handy. When he turned to look at me, he smiled as his eyes light up, "My dear Amelia, your beauty would take the breath from me."

I smiled gently at him for it's been twenty years since that last time I saw him. He was not one for flattery, but spoke with honesty. Deep down, I had a soft spot for the witty wizard. His was kind but cunning personality that always intrigued me. Not only that but, he had a different way of thinking. I always enjoyed being in his presences. Swiftly I clasped my hands over his withered, hard working hands, "Thank you Gandalf, its good to see you again. I was quite worried when you were suddenly…. delayed."

"Worry not, my dear." He said but his eyes betrayed the meaning of his sentence. The smile he offered was forced which only made me assume the situation was graver than what the gossip led on. This alone made me worry more but I did not push in the presence of Lord Elrond. The betrayal of Saruman had shaken him.

I frowned but my attention was advert to Lord Elrond when he took a step closer to me. His robes trailed lightly behind him. Instantly I release Gandalf from my grasp and turned to Lord Elrond. He began, "Amelia, I summoned you here, with confidence that you are aware of the current events?"

I arched an eyebrow to his tone. It was too passive to be considered real, the true indenty of his feeling remained hidden beneath that calm exterior. I nodded my head to his question and replied, "Yes, I am aware you called for a council." My voice was tight, much to my dismay for I attempted to push bacll all the emotions and remained mechanical. My eyes jumped to Gandalf who shifted from foot to foot. Slowly I returned my attention to Lord Elrond again and in quires curiously, "What must be done my lord? Is there something you wish for me to do?"

In a instant, his demeanor changed. The slightest smile tugged on the corners of his lips and he said, "Always ready." He chuckled softly to himself as I saw his eyes swelled with pride. A rare gaze that instantly melted my resolve. "I've called for council with all of the free people of Middle Earth. Then it will be decided amongst them. I do expect you there and ready."

Surprised by this turned an event, my eyebrows rose as I took a step back. This was unlike anything I ever encountered. All the councils that Lord Elrond involved me were only concerning with Rivendell and it suburbs. Now I will attend to a council that involve all free folk of Middle Earth. My heart swelled with pride for that accomplishment, if I could even called it that. It simply meant I was trusted. There I would be able to wager in my opinion on the future of this world.

However this was a strange twist. I half expected Lord Elrond to forbid me from going. His determination to have me sail to the Grey Havens with Arwen, were almost unshaken. Perhaps he finally accepted my fate. After these longs years, maybe had come to terms with it as I have. With a swift nod of my head, I agreed. "Yes, I'll be there as you wish."

A smile grew on his lips as he approached me and placed his hands on my shoulders. Softly he squeezed me encouragingly. His eyes softened dramatically. "My dear Amelia, my dearest child." He began with a soft tone. Distantly, I heard Gandalf's feet walk away from us, to offer privacy. "You have changed in these past three decades."

"Almost four." I softly jested, to lighten the mood, which by the way, worked. The memory of our last discussion almost diminished. No matter how intense things got, I could never be angry with him for too long.

Lord Elrond smiled and nodded his head. Instantly he pulled away from me to turn toward the window. With a sigh, he turn to me again and said, "People from distance lands will arrive in due time. You will join the council but no further."

Instantly, my smile fell and I blinked. No further? Had he changed the tables again?… Without so much of a warning. Was there more to this that Lord Elrond refused to lead on. My eyes narrowed suspiciously and my hands clenched unintentionally into a tight fist. I hardened myself as I inquired with a tight voice, "No further? I do not understand what you mean?"

I tested him in hopes to gain more knowledge. He became cautious before he approached me with a his hands behind his back. Straightened his posture as he looked down at me from his height. For a moment, his mouth formed into a tight line before answered firmly, "The fate of the world depends on the One Ring. The council was summoned to discuss the threat from Mordor. If indeed the One Ring leaves Rivendell, you will not follow."

It was a demand rather than a request. One that had me grow even more suspicious and alert to his every word. I examined his statement carefully, looked for clues and turns. I was no fool, I knew of Lord Elrond's gift of sight. There must of have been a reason for his warning. Carefully, I inquired with a controlled voice, "You have the gift of sight, have you seen something?"

Lord Elrond ignored my question and turned away from me to approach the window again. His silence alone, gave me the answer.

Patience with him, Amelia. The time has almost come

Whatever patience I had was long since been gone. Lord Elrond turned the tables too many times for me to even comprehend. If the council was his way of appeasing me, than he was in for a rude awakening. My lips pursed together as I sighed deeply and closed my eyes solemnly. As I suspected, my time to fulfill a long overdue task has almost arrived. I opened my eyes with sheer determination as I stated firmly, "If my task was to carry the ring or help destroy it, then I will go. I will not ignore my calling." I stated firmly.

Lord Elrond must have heard my defiant resolve for he turned to me abruptly with his eyes narrowing and his eyebrows furrowed deeply, "The Grey Havens is your calling."

"I can not …" I begin, my voice rising into a shrill when Lord Elrond abruptly cut in.

"There will be no further discussion." He utter, immediately ended the conversation with no hope to continue.

My mouth dropped as my eyes stared deeply in shock. He truly lived in denial. He knew for many years that I would have a task to complete whether it involved the ring or not. The fact he viewed me as a daughter clouded his judgment. He feared to loose Arwen and held onto me tightly. If something were to happen to Arwen, I could never replace her. I slowly shook my head as I started in a soft whisper that dripped with a plead, "Please…"

"Amelia" He immediately cut in sternly, "You are excused."

I pursed my lips tightly, my eyes hardening and my anger fueled my determination. I bit my lip as I noticed that Gandalf had returned from the other corner and shot me a careful gaze. I heed his warning, and with every fiber I strive to not allow my temper to flare. Whenever the topics that involve my task, Lord Elrond was impossible. I said in a controlled voice and stared boldly at Lord Elrond, "I do have a duty to fulfill and I will complete no matter the consequences."

Truly I loved Lord Elrond like a father but something he was just a stubborn as I was. I turned from him and left his chambers before he could say another word.

The following day, I felt a strange shift in world. I felt evil growing in the East. Day by day, I was burdened with the darkness. At night I was haunted by dark shadows. The darkness grew in my mind as it did in the East. I felt the world's suffering. Ever fiber in my being, I begged it to end. I needed it to end it. The council will arrive in time. Anticipation grew greatly in my chest until I felt I was shaking with fear.

"Amelia?"

My thought came to a abrupt stop and I snapped out of my daze. Blinked once or twice, I swiftly turned and found Aragorn on the staircase leading onto the balcony where we've had deep conversation in the past. It was an unconscious decision to come here. As if it was natural to be on this balcony and wait on Aragorn to arrive. Aragorn took the last step and entered on the balcony. He nodded his head to respectfully greet me as he offered a smile. "Lord Elrond informed me you'd be joining the council."

I watched him approached the rail to stand next to me. Sighed deeply, I turned to lean my forearms on the rail as I watched the sunset over the mountain. But the former calm feeling no longer applied. The wind tugged at my loose strands and the helm of my dress. I murmured in a diplomatic voice, "Yes, it was truly an honor."

Aragorn gave me an curious arched brow, marred with concern and doubt. "Do you not wish to attend the council?"

I furrowed my eyebrows to his question. I wondered that as well. My hoped of Aragorn not sensing my distress was clearly ignored. A small part of me wished to attend but another part wanted to remain in the protective walls of my room. I sighed deeply and said, "Of course I want to attend."

"Your voice is not convincing." He countered with an eyebrow lifted curiously and he turned his body toward me as I straighten my back to a standing position. As he crossed his arms, he waited for my answers.

I sighed for I never could lie to Aragon. I moved away from the rail to take a few steps to the side. The beautiful view of Rivendell was before me. As I gather my escaping thoughts, I turned to him. "Don't misunderstand." I began in a soft voice that was barely above a whisper. "I do truly want to attend but something has me on the edge."

I looked away to stare non-observantly at the ground. Not realized that Aragorn walked toward me until I looked up at him. The uncertainty weighted on my mind and I continued in dejected voice, "I've waited for so long to be released of obligations. I can never truly enjoy this life without knowing when I will be called to Nalana's will."

I stopped and turned away to take a few steps away from Aragorn. My fingers fidgeted nervously and I continued with an uncertain voice, "Lord Elrond wishes to send me to the Grey Havens. But if Nalana wishes me follow the ring, then I must."

I turned back to Aragorn who listened intently to me. I shrugged dejectedly as I inquired, "Do you understand?"

I heard Aragorn sighed inwardly as he approached me. His eyes stared into mine with understanding. With a soft reply, "He loves you like a daughter."

I sighed forlornly to that. Of course, I knew this but that could not change everything. There were some things that Lord Elrond could not control. "I know and I love him like a father, but running is not the answer."

I shook my head. The corners of his lips turned upward as he said, "You are brave woman, Amelia, braver than most men."

I smiled to that compliment for I knew Aragorn would never sugarcoat the truth. As I took a step closer to him, I stated gently, "You are dear friend of mine Aragorn, that I treasure deeply.

A smile fully developed on his lips as he nodded his head and said, "As are you, my friend."

I placed a ginger hand on his shoulder and promised, "As long as I can, I follow you wherever you go. If you are ever in need, call for me and I will come."

He nodded his head in appreciation that only earned him a wider smile from me. I removed my hands as I inquired curiously, "Where is Arwen?"

Aragon smiled, "She accompanying Frodo."

Surprised, I asked in as stunned voice "Has he awakened? I would like to see him."

Aragon waved his hand in a gesture for me to lead the way to his room. "After you."

We went to the house of healing. There on a large long bed was a pale hobbit. Dark bags were beneath his eyes from his ordeal. Weak and small, Frodo cringed when he shifted in the bed. Dark shaggy hair matted on his small face. Awaken no more than several hours ago, Frodo smiled and spoke with another hobbit that I instantly recognized to be Sam.

Arwen sat in a chair, across from the large hobbit. She listened to their conversation and spoke when she wanted to add her opinion. Then her head snapped to the doorway were Aragon and I stood. Frodo's eyes followed Arwen as he saw us too..

I stepped in with a kind smile, "Hello Frodo, I am glad to see you are well."

Frodo smiled shyly as he said, "Thank you, my lady. How long have I been resting?"

I furrowed my eyebrows in thought as I brought my forefinger to my mouth and 'hmm' softly. "I believe almost a week. You were almost beyond our aid."

"I am sure thankful you recovered well." Sam chimed in, his voice uplifted. Never before had I seen Sam so happy. From the beginning he was wary of Aragorn and I. But now I see that he had relaxed.

"Gandalf and Lord Elrond said you helped me." Frodo said, his voice full of gratitude. "Thank you."

"She sure did." Sam vouched as he hesitantly glanced at me from the corner of his eye but swiftly looked away with a blush on his cheeks.

"Your welcome. But Lord Elrond was able to remove the poison." I gave credit to Lord Elrond as I tired not to think of him at the moment. Before the conversation continued, I notice Frodo struggled to stay awake from he was still very weak. "You ought rest. We'll speak again later."

With that, Arwen and Aragon left with me as Sam remained at Frodo as his loyal friend. I walked alongside of Aragon and Arwen. Arwen was the first to speak up, "Frodo seems to be recovering well."

"Yes, I am thankful for that. He is quite resilient for such a small thing." I spoke up, acknowledging the small hobbit's willpower. I was aware of the power of the one ring. As I thought about the ring, I began utterly cautious for I remembered that dark voice in my mind.

"He had to carry a heavy burden." Aragon chimed in softly, forced me to snap out of my thoughts.

"Indeed. The council has been on you mind, has it not Aragon" Arwen said as she looked at Aragon. I looked at Aragorn for I never realized whether or not if the council had affect him. Now I saw the hesitation in his eyes.

Aragon nodded, his mouth formed a thin line, "They'll arrive in time."

Who were they, I wondered. Lord Elrond never did specify whom. However he did said those of Free Land of Middle Earth. So did that mean elves, human, hobbits and dwarves? It never occurred to me to what I must expect. I looked at Aragorn with curiosity, "Who has been summoned?"

"Men of Gondor, Dwarves and elves of Mirkwood." He stated knowingly as he voice remained soft.

Mirkwood, I thought as my chest became tight and my eyes widened slightly. Oh please no. I pursed her lips anxiously as I looked away to divert their inquisitive eyes. Please, I hope he will not come. My heart still held hope that he had once dreamt of me as I did of him. Somewhere behind well-guarded walls, I hid the longing to seek him out. Acting nonchalant, I asked, "Do you know particularly who's coming."

Aragon looked at me inquisitively before he thought for a moment, "Not all, but the Steward of Gondor's son and Legolas of the Woodland Realm will answer to Lord Elrond's call."

I felt Aragon's curious gazed but I kept my face straight. None of my emotion will show on my face. It became hard to breathe beneath the pressure of anxiety. Suddenly, I said, "I think I'll return to chambers. Thank you for the walk Aragon and Arwen."

I smiled gently as she walked away from their curious gaze. Once I rounded the corner and out of their sight, I stepped faster to my chambers. As always, other elves said good evening, but I paid not mind to them. My swift exit had drawn inquired gaze from other elves. When my door came to view, I quickly opened my door and walked in. Immediately, I closed the door and placed my back against the door. Sighed deeply to calm myself.

Why did I act so...strange? I wondered. It was just one elf. So what if I dreamt of him long before I met him. That didn't matter. It shouldn't matter. But it did. That hope swelled again to my dismay.

Anxiety filled my stomach as I thought about the upcoming council. This council will bring many across the lands to Lord Elrond's court. Even him, I winced as I pictured him in my mind. Quickly I shook my head. Biting my lips nervously. Now I couldn't seem to get him off my mind. It really hit me. He, Legolas of Mirkwood, would come to Rivendell.

To be continued...

Another chapter down and more to go! Geesh, can you guess what's in the next chapter? lol. Thank you for reading and be sure to leave a review!

Reviews from the last chapter

ellenfp: Thank you for your review! I am happy you find it too. All you guys keep this story going! I'm very happy that you don't feel like Amelia is an insert. That was my mine motive for this story or the Tenthwalker kind of looses it meaning. As for the Legomance, well it certainly will not be a fairytale. It will have hardships and many bumps. So beware, for I will try to tug your heart!

piccolover22: Thank you for you review. To answer your question, it a mixture of things. Amelia has been in Middle Earth for Thirty-nine without knowing what happen to her family or to be able to purse her old dreams. She worries over Frodo and Lord Elrond refuses to accept her fate because he loves her as a daughter. He pushes for her to sail but Amelia won't. She also fears the unknown. Its just a mixture of things. I hope that helped.

DeLacus: Thank you for your review. You always have something nice to say about my writing. I truly appreciate it!

bntjammer: Thank you for your review. I'm trying to punch out as many chapters before I have to move. Blah, I'm looking forward to traveling over many states. Anyways, thank you!

Thank you again for the reviews, followers and favorite! You all make me feel so fluffy and swishy inside! Until next time!