- Chapter 5 -

Her insides turned cold, and she felt like her stomach dropped out of her completely. Her face paled and for a very long moment, no one spoke or moved. The sound of the river behind them was the only noise but her heart was pounding in her ears again. Her mouth went dry as his words slowly sank in.

"Tell me," he said suddenly, making her snap out of her cold trance. "What is your name?"

"Um..." she said stupidly and then she composed herself as best as she could. "Shyloh. My name is Shyloh Elizabeth Hanson."

"Shyloh," he repeated slowly. "Not a name from Middle-earth, but fitting, given the circumstances."

"She told me you would have answers," Shyloh blurted, suddenly remembering her conversation with her mother. "My mom, that is. I mean...my adopted mom."

The word 'adopted' floated off her tongue like a horrible swear word and she could hardly believe she'd just said it out loud. An awful feeling of betrayal stabbed at her and guilt followed quickly after. They were words she never thought would come from her own mouth.

"Your mortal mother, was the only mother you ever knew," Elrond said gently, as if he understood the battle that had just fired up within her soul. "You did not betray her just now."

She jerked her head in a nod, briefly wondering how he knew what she'd been thinking.

"Ada," Elrohir began, confusion forming around his words. "I do not think she is the only one here who does not understand."

Elrond nodded solemnly and turned towards his sons. "There is much to be discussed but now is not the time for it. You have had a long journey and no doubt so has Shyloh. There will be time for talk later but for now, Lindir will show you your room," Elrond turned to look at her. "And you can rest and recover from your journey. I promise, there will be plenty of time after to talk."

"She hit her head after falling from her horse and should have it looked over. I am afraid my skills are not quite like yours." Glorfindel's voice seemed very formal as he spoke, and Elrond nodded.

"I will see to it then."

She didn't argue and couldn't bring herself to pull her eyes from him. Only when another elf stepped forward did she realize he'd been standing there the whole time, silently in the background waiting.

She blinked up at him and he gestured for her to follow him, and reluctantly, she cast one last look at her three companions before she allowed herself to be shepherded away. Their eyes followed her until she was out of view and suddenly, she felt very much alone and afraid. She followed Lindir quietly.

He was tall, like the other elves she'd met. He wore a circlet of silver upon his brow, too, and was ridiculously handsome, something she deemed should have been a crime. Tall, angel faced, and long hair seemed the best way to sum up elves in her opinion, or at least, the ones she'd met so far. He eyed her up curiously at first, taking in her ragged appearance and strange clothes but he didn't say anything as they walked slowly through the open halls. She'd never felt more out of place in her entire life except for that one time in eighth grade when her best friend Shelly made her sing with her in the talent show.

She twisted her fingers together nervously and it seemed to take forever to reach their destination. They passed more halls and wide, spacious rooms, open gardens that were so breathtaking she gazed at them in wonder, and paths that led in so many different directions she lost track of where they were.

Finally, at long last, Lindir turned to her with a soft smile on his beautiful face.

"Your rooms my Lady," he said, gesturing towards an open door in front of them. "A maid will be in shortly to see to you. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything."

She stared at the grand door in surprise, and he waited patiently for her to step inside the room. He followed behind her and she almost let out a gasp. It was like no room she'd ever seen before. Soft, white sheer curtains floated softly in the warm breeze over an open terrace. The room was huge, almost bigger than her parents' entire house. Various chairs and soft, comfortable looking couches sat around a huge fireplace, and she had no problem imagining herself curled up in the pile of fluffy pillows with a good book in front of a roaring fire.

How comfortable and elegant it all looked. Lanterns adorned the walls, and a desk occupied a corner, a small table in another, and various other decorative pieces of furniture embellished the space; carved so delicately out of a dark, rich wood.

"This is my room?" she asked, not realizing how creaky her voice had become.

"Yes," Lindir replied with a gentle smile. "Dinner will be brought to you in a little while. If you will excuse me."

He placed his hand on his chest and bowed to her before gently closing the door behind him. She turned back towards the room and her hands came up to cover her mouth in shock. There had to be a mistake. A girl like her certainly did not deserve a suite like this.

Peering into another room, she found one of the most elaborate and comfortable looking beds she'd ever seen. The white sheets draped over the sides of the bed and pooled on the floor in waves that it looked like something out of a home magazine. Thick, fluffy pillows rested against a white carved headboard, and she longed to curl herself on top of the bed and sleep for days.

Not daring to touch anything for fear of making it dirty, she walked to the other room, and she found the deepest, most incredible tub she'd ever seen in her life. Longing clutched at her insides, and she hurried over to it, gaping as she did. Various bottles adorned the shelves next to it, filled with soaps and sweet-smelling fragrances.

She grabbed a couple of the towels off the shelf and dumped them next to the tub. She tackled her boots next, feeling guilty about the dried dirt that fell off of them onto the impeccably clean floor. Her sweatshirt on the other hand proved to be more difficult to remove and it was only through gritting her teeth that she was able to pull it over her head. Her black tank top underneath was much cleaner though, and now that she had a mirror, she looked at herself for the first time.

The person staring back at her was hauntingly strange. She still looked much like herself, with her round bright blue eyes, high cheekbones and dimples that were set in an oval shaped face. Her hair was solid white and in the light of the room it stuck out a brilliant shade even through it was messy and twisted into a sloppy bun. However, it almost matched her pale creamy skin, and she thought if she got any paler, she'd turn invisible. She touched a stray strand by her ear with a frown on her face. Her hair had been pretty before but now...now it just made her look like an old woman minus the age and wrinkles.

Her eyes had dark circles under them, indicating a serious lack of sleep and her lips were severely chapped. She had always been skinny even though she had some muscle built up from working on the farm so much, but Mack never had any problem comparing her to being as scrawny as a rail fence. Her chest was small but clearly visible under the tank top, but what stuck out the most to her aside from her hair, were her ears. Trembling fingers brushed the edges of the unfamiliar tips and that was the icing on the cake for her. She couldn't take staring at her face anymore.

Swallowing hard, she looked at the rest of her. Her left shoulder looked alright from the front but when she turned around to look, she almost gasped. Black and blue bruising peppered her backside, making her look like a half rotten corpse.

"Good job, Shy," she muttered to herself. Pulling her tank off so she was just in her sports bra showed the rest of her backside. Aside from a few scrapes and minor bruises, it didn't look nearly as bad as her shoulder. She did happen to bruise easily though, and upon examining the rest of herself she had some purple bruises on her arms, too.

She was so absorbed in checking out her shoulder she missed the knock on the door and a startled gasp made her jump violently. Spinning around, she came face to face with a tall, brown-haired elf-maiden. Her face looked stricken as she started at Shyloh, and she immediately felt embarrassed and shy.

"Goodness child," the elf said, clearly startled. "Are you in need of a healer?"

Shyloh blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Your shoulder my Lady, does it need healing?"

"Oh," Shyloh sputtered. "No, it's fine, just sore."

"I see. My name is Élane," the elf said, giving her a little bow. "I will be at your service should you need anything. I have brought you fresh clothes as well. May I help you with your bath? Perhaps your hair?"

Shyloh felt her face redden at the thought of a complete stranger helping her bathe like she was a little child and immediately brushed the offer aside.

"No thank you," she said, shifting uncomfortably. "I think I can manage."

"As you wish my Lady," she said with a bow of her head. "I will take your clothes for you, so they can be cleaned when you are done changing. I'll be back for them shortly."

And just as quickly as she came, she left, leaving Shyloh standing there utterly speechless.

"Thank you," she said quietly to the empty room and then she turned back to the tub.

She ran the water as hot as she dared and then stripped out of the rest of her clothes, kicking them aside with her foot into a pile. She pulled the hairband out of her hair and let it fall in a tangled heap down her back. The only thing she still wore, was the necklace she never took off. Given to her on her sixteenth birthday, it had the tiny square birthstones of each member of her family. Two rubies for her parents' July birthdays were the larger of the four and hung in the middle, while a sapphire for Mack's September birthday and a white diamond for her April birthday sat on either side. Her family.

She stepped into the tub and sank to the bottom slowly, letting her muscles and body adjust to the heat. The water stung the scrapes on her knees, but she paid it no mind. Instantly she felt the tension in her muscles leave her. A satisfied sigh escaped her lips and she allowed herself to soak in the hot water for a bit before dunking her head underneath the surface. She held her breath for as long as possible, letting her head soak before coming up for air. She let out a strangled cry when she surfaced, startled by the sudden reappearance of Élane in the doorway.

Seriously, she thought angrily to herself, doesn't this woman knock?

"Sorry," she sputtered as she wiped the water from her face. "You scared me."

"My apologies my Lady," she said with a bow. "Do you need any assistance? I was informed you might not know which bottles are for your hair." She gestured to the fancy bottles next to the tub.

"Oh," Shyloh said, her face flaming red. "No, I'm afraid I don't know."

"Not to worry," Élane said, crossing the room silently. Shyloh felt her face redden even more and she curled herself up under the bubbles, feeling very much embarrassed by her nakedness.

The elf didn't seem to mind though, as she started to pass a bottle to Shyloh. She stopped mid reach however, and glancing at the matted hair on Shyloh's head, her face grimaced.

"If I may?" she asked gently and Shyloh sighed in defeat, too tired to argue. She nodded, and the elf's grimace turned into a light smile.

As Élane helped wash her hair, Shyloh couldn't help but choke back tears. While the elf's hands were gentle and she didn't pull on her hair as she washed the blood and dirt out, being especially careful of the bump above her left ear, Shyloh was suddenly overwhelmed. God, did she miss her mother. She felt tears threaten to escape but she bit her lip as hard as she could until she tasted blood, determined not to breakdown until she was sure she was alone.

Élane looked down sadly at the poor she-elf in the tub before her. Her head was hung low, and her eyes were strained as if she were trying not to cry. She worked the dried blood loose from her scalp as gently as possible, trying to not irritate the skin around the injury. When she was satisfied, the elleth still hadn't moved or said anything; her eyes staring blankly into the now dirtied water around her.

"Use this to wash yourself with," Élane said, handing the girl a washcloth doused heavily in sweet smelling soap. As if snapping out of her daze, the elleth blinked and took the cloth and proceeded to wash her face first as Élane poured fresh water over her hair.

Holding up an oversized white towel, she helped the eleth out of the tub and wrapped her up in it. With another towel, she wrapped her clean hair.

"Thank you," she muttered quietly as she pulled the towel around her shoulders more firmly.

"You are very welcome," Élane said gently. "I will help you get dressed; you should not strain that shoulder any more than you have too. And then I will brush out your hair."

"Okay."

The gown Élane presented her with was fancier than anything Shyloh had ever worn except maybe at her cousin's wedding. It was only a nightdress, but it was too long for her, and she had to raise it up to walk so she didn't trip. It was white with a wide neckline and was soft as butter on her tender skin. The sleeves were too long and Élane had to roll them back a little before she put a deep blue robe over it and tied it around her small waist.

"I will give the seamstresses your measurements, so your clothes fit you more properly. But for tonight, it will have to make do. Sit down over here, and I will brush out your hair."

Shyloh did as she was told and sat in front of a mirror. Élane reached into one of the drawers and produced a soft bristled hairbrush. Letting the towel fall from her head, her damp hair dangled halfway down her back and Shyloh let the woman work out the tangles. She couldn't bear to look at herself, so she stared at the top of the vanity in front of her instead. As Élane's hands gently worked out the knots, she felt her eyes grow heavy.

"I have never seen hair as white as yours before," Élane offered, her eyes gazing upon the white layers with wonder. "Even though silver is not uncommon in Lothlorien or even in the Woodland Realm. Do you hail from either of those lands?"

Shyloh frowned. "No," she said, pressing her lips together firmly.

Sensing the elleth's sorrows, Élane asked no more questions but instead simply offered her the company of her presence. When she finished with her hair, she gave her a smile, but it was filled with pity. Shyloh met her eyes in the mirror and once again thanked her. Her hair air dried and fell down her back; the natural waves bouncing back to life much to Shyloh's annoyance.

"I'll bring your supper shortly," Élane said, gathering up Shyloh's dirty clothes from off the floor and with a small bow and another smile, she left Shyloh alone.

She heaved a heavy sigh once she heard the door close and reached up to run her own fingers through her hair. It felt good to have it down off of her head, and it greatly reduced the tension on her tender scalp, but it still didn't look right. Her fingers grazed the spot on the back of her head, feeling the large lump that was there.

Shaking her head and squeezing her eyes closed, she couldn't stand to look at her strange reflection anymore, so she got up and moved to the other room. At some point, someone must have been in to start the fire, unless Élane had done it herself, and the heat drew her closer to the hearth. It must have been early spring, and even though the weather wasn't too cold, there was still a chill to the air and the floor was cold under her bare feet.

She pulled a blanket off the back of a chair and wrapped it around her shoulders before snuggling into a deep armchair next to the fire. It wasn't dark yet but as the fire roared in front of her, she sighed deeply and closed her eyes. Without even meaning to she was fast asleep, not even hearing the knock on her door moments later announcing the arrival of her dinner, and awful images of decapitated heads rolling towards her filled her dark dreams.

The grass was dry underneath her fingers tonight. She wasn't lying flat on her back like she had been the last time, but she stretched her legs out in front of her, relishing the fact that they didn't ache for the moment. Her fingers dug themselves between the deep blades of grass around her as if it were the silky mane of her horse.

Mom sighed next to her. She'd just finished telling Shyloh all about the Valinor and the Undying Lands, how elves came to be and the long life she was blessed with.

Immortality. The word dug itself into the deep places of her brain. Immortality was something for vampires and she almost chuckled at the thought.

Honestly though, it was a lot of information and Shyloh had to backtrack her mother as she spoke just so she could process all the information she was being given. It was confusing and she doubted she'd remember any of it when she woke up.

She shook her head, still confused.

"But that doesn't answer my question," she sighed. "How did I end up on earth? We're talking thousands of years between the time I was supposedly 'born' and how old I actually am."

"Time moves very differently on Earth than it does here. In mortal years, you are only 23 years old. Here, your spirit is much older."

"And here I thought I looked too young for my age. That explains the white hair." She couldn't help the bitterness that clung to each word as she talked, and mom gave her a long look.

"The white hair you were born with, actually. It turned to a light shade of blond the older you got but if you recall your baby pictures, it almost looked like you didn't have any."

Shyloh let out a bark of a laugh. "Mack used to pick on me. He said I was half albino."

"Your brother could be a pain, but he always loved you."

"He used to tell me I was adopted," she said, then she snorted. "I guess he was right."

"I know sweetie," she said, reaching out and squeezing her hand tightly. "You were born for this world. I know you will be okay. Even if it doesn't seem like it right now."

They were quiet for a little while, both watching the stars intently when Shyloh pouted.

"You're avoiding my question."

Mom laughed softly and Shyloh's heart ached. Oh, how she'd longed to hear her mother's laugh again. It was like music to her ears.

"Yes, I suppose I am."

Shyloh waited.

"Many years ago, a mortal woman whose name has long been forgotten – or perhaps was never known to begin with – had a vision. In her vision she spoke of a proud and fierce warrior born of the race of men and elves that would be destined for great things. The child would be born on the fourth rain of spring under the full moon, and she would be marked by her loyalty, bravery, and willing heart. Her deeds would be great, and she would become a protector of both her people.

"She would come from the line of Elros, the first King of Numénor. His fourth born, Atanalcar, married a she-elf named Nessa. When they learned of the prophecy, they feared for their unborn child's life. Mercenaries were sent to hunt them down, so they decided to run. Nessa could not take Atanalcar with her to Valinor, nor would she leave him behind, so in secret they sailed into the east. Because Nessa was full elf, and because Atanalcar was half-elven, the child would be blessed with immortality. They knew they had to go into hiding, so they continued to travel east until they came to what is known today as the Old Forest.

"They were found out though, and like the prophecy foretold, their daughter was born on the fourth rain of spring under the full moon. It was a hard labor and it left Nessa weakened; she was unable to travel. Orcs attacked that very night and Atanalcar fought them off as long as he could before he was overcome and slain. Nessa prayed to the Valar, begging her newborn to be spared. She sacrificed her life by casting herself between the deadly blows and her child. The Valar knew that the child was meant for great deeds and had to be saved, so they sent the child's spirit to another world where she would be safe until it was time to return her to her homeland.

"Your fea (spirit) was sent to Earth and that was when we found you in the woods. We raised you as our own and the rest you know. So, there you have it; a snipped version I admit but given the fact we don't have a lot of time left I believe I covered all the important bits."

Shyloh sat in stunned silence. No way. No way was she this prophesied child. She was quiet for so long that her mother sighed.

"I don't think I've ever heard you so speechless before," Mom mused with a hint of a smile.

Shyloh shook her head. "There has to be a mistake. I am not that girl."

"Humans are fragile beings. We wanted a daughter and knew that we were so blessed when we found you. But there was a catch. Because you did not belong in our world, if we took you as our own to raise, the condition was that should you be called home we would not remember you until after our own passing," Mom explained with a hint of sadness. "They knew we would love you with all of our hearts and thought they were doing us a favor by sparing us the pain of losing you until we were able to understand and be at peace with it."

"Doesn't seem fair though. We were a family. You're always supposed to remember your family."

Mom leaned over then and touched the necklace around Shyloh's neck.

"That is why we gave you this," she said. "So you would always remember us even if we could not remember you until after our time came."

Shyloh's hand instinctively touched the necklace. It felt heavier than normal but now there was no denying it was priceless.

"Will these dreams stop?" Shyloh asked, her voice suddenly filled with worry.

"Yes, eventually they will stop. I am not supposed to be here you know. But this is, after all, your mind."

The ground shifted and Shyloh squeezed her eyes closed.

"I still have questions."

"Yes," Mom agreed, "but I think we covered a lot tonight, don't you?"

No amount of time was ever enough to spend with her mother and she hated having to go back. It was so unfair.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to act. I don't know what I am supposed to do."

"One day at a time sweetie," Mom said with an encouraging smile. "You will come into yourself, you just have to be patient. All good things to those who wait."

Shyloh pressed her lips together and squeezed her mom's hand tightly.

"I don't want to forget you. Any of you."

"You won't. I promise you that."

"Please stay with me."

"I am always here, in your heart. But now it's time to go back. You will be alright. Trust Elrond, follow your heart, and always be brave and true to you."

Another shift and Shyloh felt herself falling backwards. She tried to grip her mothers fingers tighter but the slender hand slid out from hers too easily and once again, darkness plagued her.