Chapter Sixteen
She was falling deeper and deeper into unconsciousness. She couldn't stop herself. Come to thinking about it, she didn't want to stop herself. She was just floating down, occasionally landing gently in a field of green grass. Though there were a few times when she would have nightmare. But every dream that came always left her falling down some more. Then after a long time of falling she began to wonder vaguely if she was going to have any more dreams. For they seemed like dreams and this was the real world. Suddenly she landed again. This time in murky brown swamp. There in front of her stood a great robed man. He held a heavy sword in his hands. She couldn't make out his features because of the cloak but something deep inside the part of her mind that had traveled with her told her that this man meant her no good.
Who are you? She asked knowing that she had merely thought the question and that this stranger would not be able to respond. But strangely, only then did it seem to notice her. It slowly lowered its sword and then let it rest with the tip at her chin. Katya's breath had gone very shallow. What does it matter if I die? I have no one anymore. I can't get home and if I did then destruction would continue to haunt me till I die so why wait for the day when I have the perfect chance right now? And besides, who would care if I live or die? Vera and Dad are back home and they probably think I'm already dead. And I have nobody here. A slight memory touched her mind as if maybe there was someone who cared about her...but then it was gone.
The tip of the sword pressed at her chin, reminding her of the trouble that was at present. Should she even try to escape? Maybe there was a reason and she just could not find it. Maybe that was possible but why waste her energy on someone she couldn't remember?
The sword had begun to draw a slight bit of blood. It didn't matter what she decided; it was too late. Or so she thought. Just as she had finally lost all hope, a radiant light appeared all around her and every thing. She feel, hear, taste, smell, as well as see this light. It was glorious. The robed man fell from her side, whatever happened to next was beyond Katya's range of sight. Actually, Katya could see hardly anything in this light. Then out of the light stepped three people. As the light dimmed, Katya looked around her and saw no sign of the man. Thank you. She thought. She then began to examine the people in front of her. They all three held there hands aloft in the air. One was a man with long white hair. He was wearing a long white robe and leaned a gnarled staff. On his hand he wore a gold ring with a flaming red stone on it. The second had dark hair and he reminded her of someone. He wore a silver robe with silver, gold, and blue embroidery. On his finger rested a gold band with a blue stone that shone with power. The third, however, was the one who interested Katya the most. It was a woman and she had long gold hair. She was clad in pure white with the exception of a gold circlet on her head that was in the shape of intertwined leaves, a similar belt that loosely clung to her waist, and a silver ring on her finger that had a white gem on it that was like a flickering star.
My Lady and Lords, tell me what brings you here? Katya you are in great need of healing. You do not know who we are and you dearly wish to but we cannot tell you. The woman said. But I can tell you a few things as we work. And as she said this her eyes were kind. You are ill Katya. And we, the three elvish Ringbearers are going to try and help you. I cannot tell you our names but I believe you know someone that can. You just don't remember that he exists. Then they came over to her and put her dreaming mind to sleep.
In her dream over dream, Katya saw many strange things. Many people came to her and spoke to her. They also showed her parts of their history.
The first to do this was a creature that was strange to her.
"Hi." Katya spun around. There in front of her was a short little man. Actually, he looked more like a little boy. "Who are you? What are you? What do you want from me?" He just laughed. It was a cheerful laugh and full of surprises. "My name is Frodo Baggins and I am a Hobbit. I just wanted to wish you good luck. And also to tell you that your journey must succeed. If you leave your path, if you start letting yourself care about that thing which you carry then danger beyond your imagination shall befall. I will speak no more about it. Farewell!" then flying past her came brief moments in which she saw bits and pieces of Frodo's past.
Many more came and went. A woman named Celebrian, a man who's name she recognized as someone was named Elrohir, and many more. Katya noticed that they all seemed to be elves except the one Hobbit.
Finally there was silence for some time. Then she saw floating towards her a young man. He looked to be not much older than she was. He looked strangely familiar. He came nearer and said not a word. She realized that he must be a vision. Then when he almost right in front of her, she saw quite clearly who he looked like. "Aragorn?" And he was gone.
"Katya? Katya? Dear Valar! She's awake! She must have come! It must have been Galadriel!" Katya looked at the man who was talking and realized that she was not asleep. The man in front of her was tall and wore blond hair long. He reminded her of the woman in her dreams. "ExÉexcuse me." She stuttered. He looked down at her expectantly. "UmÉwho are you andÉwhere am I?" The man looked away from her. He nodded. "My name is Celeborn and you are in Lothlorien. All will be explained when you are better." Why does it always seem like I must wait for every thing that I want explained? Katya wondered. Now though there are some people who I think would like to see you and I am sure you would like to see in return." Katya turned to where Celeborn was indicating. There, running up to her was Elladan, Aragorn, and some one she did not recognize. "Estel! Elladan!" She cried out joyously. She was very happy to see them. After a few minutes Celeborn and the other elf whose name she found out from Aragorn was Haldir left them to talk.