Mellon1: I can do that for you, so by reading this you would say you got the email right? I'm glad you liked that chapter, let me know what you think of this one.

Aislin2: That was a great review, in fact I'm using a part of it in the chapter, you'll see. So you like it when I have things in Scott's point of view? Thanks you've actually helped me think of some more things to put into this chapter, now it won't be so short! But as for Aidian, well read on for that…

MaverickGirl: Instead of Dog Pile, it's Elf Pile, plus a dwarf, lol! I picture that those herbal drinks would have to taste nasty, or that Aragorn would make sure it tasted like that, like a doctor.

BlahBlah: I know the cuddling was great! I took that from torturing my best friends. Except they kind of tickle me and don't let me win.. evil guys, anyway, I'm updating I'm updating, tells those orcs to get away from the computer! No!!! Don't eat the keyboard!!!

Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: Those are very good questions, but I'll leave that to the story to hopefully answer some of them. Can't answer them all then the air of mystery would be gone.

Willow Myst: Love your name! You're on the update list! And I'm glad that you are liking the story, you're making me blush.

Annakas: Thank you, I'm trying not to let this be a common Mary Sue story. I'm glad you like how I portray the elves, it's very encouraging to hear great comments like that.

Bossen12787: Thank you, hope this is soon enough.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

That's why this was all wrong. Shantel stared up at the confused Aidian. He reached down to help her up but she shrunk back from him. A hurt look crossed his face and he stepped back.

"I'll get one of your friends," Aidian said sadly and turned to walk off. Shantel shook her head realizing this wasn't his fault and unfair to him. Maybe she should give him a chance, there was no way back home. No! What was she thinking, Scott was at home, most likely worried sick about her and here she was thinking of another guy. But he was nice guy and she felt bad for hurting his feelings.

"Aidian wait!" Shantel cried out to him and stretched a hand out. He turned slowly and walked back closing his hand on hers. He pulled Shantel up and they looked at each other in the eyes before Aidian spoke.

"I never knew a kiss was that powerful," he whispered. They kissed? Shantel couldn't even remember, that's how powerful of a force her memories were to her. It blocked out the entire world momentarily.

"Me neither," Shantel replied, still amazed. Everything was starting to get really hot and she took a breath.

"Shall we go back inside?" Aidian stepped back and offered an arm.

"Yeah." Inside the temperature seemed to go up ten degree's. Not really paying attention, Shantel started to fan herself and leaned on the wall.

"I'll get you a drink," Shantel nodded and Aidian disappeared leaving her alone.

"May I have this dance?" Looking to the left, Shantel saw one of the men that was listening to her tell her story earlier. Smiling a little to be polite, she nodded and was whisked off into the dance floor. Her partner kept changing faces, and when time seemed to be right for Shantel to rest, another guy would be there ready to take her hand. The room started to tilt and she leaned onto the dance partner for support and breathing seemed to get a little harder.

"Are you all right?" It echoed to Shantel's ears. That dang question again, she thought. Standing up, the dance partner stood back to give her some room as she swayed on her feet. Pushing his hand away a sigh escaped her lips.

"I'm fine." Then in a twirl the room spun and Shantel lay on the floor unconscious, every one sitting stood up in alarm making their way over to her. Aragorn and Elrohir were the closest to her and touched Shantel's forehead to find it warm. She lay on her back, legs tucked under her, one escaping the folds of her dress.

"What happened?" Aidian came into the crowd and knelt down next to Shantel.

"I believe she fainted," Aragorn said calmly. "Did you two do anything?" Aidian's face flushed. "I see." Slipping an arm under Shantel's head he was ready to lift her up when her eye lids fluttered open.

There were people, standing all around her, looking down at her. She smiled while the thought, just like in a movie, crossed her mind. Three of the people she recognized, well two people and one elf, she corrected. Their mouths were moving but no sound was coming out.

"Shantel?" Wait was that in her head? "Are you all…"

"Don't you dare ask me that question, it should be outlawed I've heard it so much," Shantel found that her mouth was speaking with out her brain telling it to.

"I'm taking you to your room," Aragorn lifted Shantel up and started to carry her.

"I can walk, it's okay," Shantel protested coming more aware of her surroundings. The only one following was Elrohir. "I remember Aragorn, I remember it all."

"Remember why you fainted?" Aragorn asked.

"No, my past," Shantel said. "Those herbs you gave me helped greatly." Aragorn's lip quirked which Shantel saw.

"What? What's so funny?"

"I simply gave you a chamomile tea, with some old roots in them," Aragorn said smiling.

"You evil!" Shantel lightly hit his chest while it rumbled with laughter. Elrohir was laughing as well. "That tasted nasty!"

"It was the roots I assure you," Aragorn said.

"I guess you don't need to be hit on the head," Elrohir laughed.

"Come here you so I can hit you," Shantel reached an arm out then stopped seeing her left hand.

"My ring! Where is it?" She struggled to get out of Aragorn's arms, but in response he held her tighter.

"Stop before you hurt yourself," He scolded.

"But my ring," Shantel looked around tears in her eyes. She finally remember hers past but she can't remember what happened, it was so frustrating! As they entered Shantel's room a figure watched from around the corner and then looked at an object in his hand. The ring that fell off of Shantel's finger when she fainted.

"Shantel, get some rest, I'll have everyone keep an eye out for the ring," Aragorn said putting Shantel down in the bed.

"But Aragorn," Shantel tried.

"Hush now," he said. "Rest now, you'll feel better in the morning." Shantel crossed her arms and watched Aragorn leave with Elladan and Elrohir. Counting to ten, she slipped out of bed and tip toed out peeking around the door. All clear! Heading back to the hall, she got in and saw that people were starting to clear out. Edging in, Shantel got on her hands and knee's looking for her lost ring. Many excuse me, and pardon me, were heard as people started to trip over the girl. Coming face to face with another pair of shoes, she went to go around, when they stepped in her path. A few moment of this dance, Shantel was going to just turn around, when another pair of boots joined. Wait make that two boots joined. Slowly looking up, she saw that it was Aragorn and two elves.

"Hi guys," Shantel sat on her knee's and waved.

"You're suppose to be in bed?" Elladan said.

"What am I to you a child?" Shantel huffed. "Wait you two ignore that?" She pointed at the elves, then moved to Aragorn. "I am not your child."

"No, but I will treat you as such if you act as such," Aragorn grabbed Shantel's arms pulling the girl to her feet. She let herself be pulled up, tried to slip out of his grasp, but with two elves flanking that was near impossible. Back at her room, Shantel tried to sneak out again but found that Elladan and Elrohir were placed as guards.

"Santa rejects," Shantel said out loud.

"We heard that!" Elrohir yelled through the door at which Shantel stuck her tongue out at. Pouting for a moment, she got an idea. Pulling the sheets from the bed, she wound them till it resembled a thick rope. Opening the door quietly she sneaked up behind Elrohir.

"We can hear you Shantel," Elrohir started, then fell not prepared for Shantel to jump on him. Elladan saw Shantel wrestling with his brother, who was wearing a sheet? Wait, now she had him wrapped in the sheet.

"Brother, will you stop staring and held me," Elrohir scolded breaking Elladan from his reverie. Jumping in Elladan ended up getting his feet caught in the folds, though he would never admit that if you asked him, while Shantel took off running down the hall like a mad woman, screaming victory. Regrouping, and untangling, the elves, ran after her, while Aragorn stepped from his room, rubbing his eyes.

"Wha's goin on?" He asked sleeply then saw Shantel running towards him. Stretching an arm out, he easily caught her while she wailed her disappointment. Seeing the elves running up behind her, he looked at the sheet they were holding.

"What were you planning to do?" Aragorn asked eying the sheet.

"She attacked us…"

"Actually she attacked you dear brother," Elladan cut in.

"Well I could have handled it if you didn't trip on the sheet," Elrohir shot back.

"I didn't trip, was merely trying to distract her," Elladan crossed his arms.

"Dear brother…" While the argument went on back and forth, Shantel watched with her arms crossed as Aragorn rubbed his eyes.

"Enough!" He shouted, stopping both the elves from arguing. "Run and get me the following." As he listed off several ingredients and told the two they knew how to prepare it, Aragorn flipped Shantel over his shoulder. Taking her back to her room, Aragorn deposited the pouting girl on the bed.

"Shantel, why do you fight me so?" She shrugged. "Do you not believe me when I say I will do everything I can to find the ring?"

"I do, I just, I feel so guilty, from loosing my memory, and…"

"That wasn't your fault," Aragorn told her. Elladan and Elrohir came in with a steaming mug.

"That's not more of your fake remedy is it?" Shantel eyed it cautiously.

"Nay," Aragorn laughed. "This will simply help you sleep." Shantel closed her mouth tightly. "Please do not have me force you to drink this." Her mouth stayed closed. With a sigh, Aragorn reached over, and closed Shantel's nose. Her eyes widened and cheeks puffed in and out until…

"Be ready brother," Elladan held the drink. Shantel opened her mouth, but they were not ready for what came next. Her teeth were clenched together making a slight hissing as she breathed through them.

"Enough of this," Elrohir pushed Aragorn aside and started to tickled Shantel's sides. She fell back laughing. Aragorn caught Shantel in his lap while Elladan poured the contents down her throat. Once done, they stepped back, letting her go.

"You guys are evil," Shantel said but with a small smile on her face. Flopping down she tried to stay awake, but her eye lids were just being too stubborn and kept closing on her, until she could no longer keep them open.

"Finally," Elladan breathed.

"I think she's out for the rest of the night," Aragorn said in a yawn. "Go get some sleep, she won't get up anymore tonight." All breathed a sigh of relief. Leaving Shantel the rest of the night was peaceful, the sun was starting its rising circle, weaving patterns through the tree leaves on the walls of buildings. This stirred Shantel from her slumber, and she rolled over for a moment before she remembered what the guys did to her. Jumping out of bed wasn't a good idea, head rush. Reaching out for something to grab, Shantel felt a pair of hands help steady her and helped her sit down.

"Feeling more rested?" Shantel looked up surprised that Aidian was in her room.

"I," Shantel shook her head. "What are you doing in here?"

"Watching you," Aidian said. "You mumble in your sleep, did you know that?" Of course she did, Scott would joke with her about it. Once he had her thinking she told him what his birthday present was.

"Yes, but no one can understand what I say," Shantel replied.

"I can," Aidian said.

"No way," Shantel's eyes were wide. "What did I say?"

"Well it went a little something like: Unmff, enfrr err." Shantel threw a pillow at Aidian who ducked. "That was pretty much it.

"Also, I think I have something that belong to you," Aidian reached into his pockets and pulled out Shantel's ring. She reached for it but he held it up high out of her reach.

"Tell me, what does this ring mean to you?" He was serious and wanted answers. Shantel took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.

"It was given to me by my husband to be," Shantel said softly. "I would have told you sooner but in a battle, I got hit on the head and momentarily lost part of my memory." Aidian was silent, so Shantel went on. "Slowly they have been coming back and hit me full force the night you kissed me."

"Is he in this place you call home that you do not know how to return to?" She nodded. "I believe that I have overstepped my boundaries and will return this to you," he put the ring on a table by the bed. "And never bother you again." He turned to walk out the room, but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

"You're not a bother," Shantel said. "I really do like you, you're a really nice guy and, this may not have gone the way you wanted, but I really don't want you to go."

"Do you realize that you said really three times?" Aidian gently touched Shantel's cheek.

"Yes, but that's the way I am some times." Her eyes were locked onto his and he was moving closer. Knowing that she should move away, for Scott, for him, but she didn't. Her feet felt rooted and there was a pull of something that she had been missing for a long time. The touch of another, the kind caress, of some one putting there arms about you and never wanting to let go. Not realizing that her eyes were closed, Shantel opened them looking into Aidian's.

"I can't," She shook her head, a heavy weight in her heart. "I'm sorry." His shoulders sagged, but he still looked at her in that caring way.

"It is good to know that you are honorable enough to keep to your memory," Aidian said and kissed Shantel on the forehead. "Though realize, that's all it could ever be." He left at that time and she stood there, staring at the door wishing in a way that he would come back, but he didn't, he was gone.

~*~

Closing the door behind him, Scott tossed his car keys on the small coffee table and ran a hand through his now wet hair. It was raining outside and he decided of course that he wouldn't need an umbrella. Going inside his room, the book was sitting on the bed, propped open from the last place he stopped reading. Once he thought about trying to get a message to Shantel and wrote on a few pages ahead that he loved and missed her, but it didn't seem to get through. Instead it made the new passages harder to read.

"Let's see what trouble she's getting herself into now," Scott said as he sat down. The last part he read on was entering Gondor but didn't get to the feast yet. Reading down to where she went outside with Aidian, the door bell rang. Putting the book down, he went to the door. Nick was standing there, holding Chinese take out.

"Thought you could use some food," Nick said. Scott stepped aside letting his friend in. "So any good news yet?"

"Well, Shantel is getting really cuddly with this Aidian guy," Scott said a little negative.

"I wouldn't worry," Nick said getting plates from the kitchen. "Watch, bang her memory is going to come back in such a flash she'll probably fall over."

"Well let me get the book and we'll see," Scott said, and grabbed the book from his room. He took the time to read, then quietly passed the book to Nick. As Nick finished he put the book down and let out a breath.

"What are you going to do now, that she can't come home?" Nick asked quietly.

"What?"

"She can't come home," Nick said. "There is no way, Gandalf doesn't have the power to do so, maybe the Valar but they don't usually interfere."

"Well they should," Scott cut in. "Shantel doesn't belong there and they know it, but they do nothing!" Scott put his head in his hands and they sat there for a moment, in the quiet, in the silence. Nick got up and turned on the radio, needing some noise.

Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
When I want you in my arms
When I want you and all your charms
Whenever I want you all I have to do is
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream

"Isn't that just a true fact now," Scott said. "It seems that is the only time I will ever have Shantel to myself again, in dreams." Nick sat back down next to his friend, not too sure on what to say, and could only offer his company. The book was sitting open on the coffee table.

When I feel blue in the night
And I need you to hold me tight
Whenever I want you all I have to do is
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam.

~*~

Hearing lyrics to a song she knew, Shantel turned around for a moment. Finding no source for the music, she hugged herself and closed her eyes listening to the song.

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine
Anytime, night or day
Only trouble is, gee whiz
I'm dreaming my life away

I need you so that I could die
I love you so and that is why
When ever I want you, all I have to do is

Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam