A Different Life

Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of its characters. They rightfully belong to the genius of all writers J. R. R. Tolkein.

Bliss: Well, something unusual has just recently come to my attention that I would like to address to everyone.

Elrond: ::sighs:: And she speaks again…

Bliss: ::rolls eyes:: Yes. I have received a very long review, in which I thank you, from Gwyn and she/he has a very detailed description of a Mary-Sue. I have written quote by quote 'NOT A MARY SUE' in my summary and she/he begs to differ. I have read your review and might I say I am very interested in what you have to say.

Glorfindel: ::raises a brow:: Interesting? In writing? Please…go on.

Bliss: ::grins proudly:: Thank you. Anyways, I would recommend everyone who reads this story to check out his/her review and maybe it could help you out in future references. Thank you Gwyn for informing me about your point of view in this story about Renee being a Mary-Sue, but I think I have rated this story Not a Mary Sue for a reason. Sure, she has met a few of the main characters in the books and she finds them irresistibly charming, but what other girl wouldn't? They are elves after all and even if she did end up in Middle Earth, it doesn't mean she wanted to or that she knew she would. I didn't want to make her seem like she was perfect and I definitely did not want to make her isolated or punk for there are too many of them out there already. I plan on doing a few different things than other writers who write Mary-Sue's do and that is how I plan on using more 'original ideas' in my story. I didn't want to single you out on purpose, but your review was just too good to pass up. It is very knowledgeable and I know it would help out other writers who are seeking trustful information. So I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention and please send some more reviews like your last. I love the criticism.

Elrond: Well that seems to be a new record.

Elladan: Indeed. It is very interesting how she speaks in just one breath as well.

Bliss: ::blushes and smiles sheepishly:: What can I say? It is one of my many talents.

Elrond: ::snorts:: Talent? I would call that unimaginable to--

Glorfindel: ::interrupting:: Talent! He would call that unimaginable talent! I have to say I haven't seen something that…special…for years.

Elladan: ::raising brow at conversation:: Yes. Well, I believe we should get to the story now. Bliss does not own LOTR or any of its characters. They rightfully belong to the genius of all writers J. R. R. Tolkein. Enjoy the story.

Bliss: ::cups chin and bobs head:: You're good…

Chapter Six

Introductions

"Mellonin…" Renee's eyes widened as she saw him stand and she wondered who was standing behind her. Was it someone she knew? She had to meet this person, no matter what. And so she turned her head around and her eyes grew wide with disbelief…

It was unbelievable! Her eyes must have been deceiving her for sure! She couldn't believe what stood right in front of her. It was an elderly man dressed in long grey robes and a wooden stick in his right hand and a pipe in his left. His face was pale and wrinkled and light green eyes protruded from under grey bushy brows. He walked with a stiff limp and his creased forehead gave Renee the chills. She felt like she was soon going to have a seizure.

"It must be him…" she barely whispered under her breath while gripping the edge of the bench she was seated on. It had to be him. It must be Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey. She remembered reading about him in the books and he seemed just like Tolkein's descriptions; tall, old, strong, intelligent, wise, great, superior…and the list goes on. Well whatever description there was for Gandalf, he made her feel very uncomfortable. She knew that if anyone could figure out about her life, it would be him. Him or Elrond. She bet he already knew that she was from another world. Which reminded her she needed to be on her way soon.

"Please have a seat Mithrandir." Glorfindel said as he gestured to the bench. It was him. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, it was him! What could she do now? He was sure to figure her out soon. "Let me introduce you to my dear friend Renee from—"New York! I am from a small town way north of here. Many people have not heard of it. It is nice to meet you Mithrandir," she interrupted as fast as she could. She did not mean to be inconsiderate, but it was urgent. Glorfindel probably would have told him that he did not know where she was from and that would have rose great suspicion. She definitely didn't need Gandalf sniffing in her business.

"Yes, New York," Glorfindel cast his eyes upon Renee for a split second before returning them to Gandalf and he smiled while gesturing for Gandalf to sit. "Please join us for some lunch." Gandalf glanced at Renee pointedly before walking around her and taking a seat next to Glorfindel. Great. Now he could see her every move. She needed to get away from him.

"I shall just sit and enjoy conversation. I had already eaten my lunch." Glorfindel nodded his head in understanding and then took another forkful from his entrée.

"Well, I suppose your companion is feeling much better than he did yesterday?" Glorfindel spoke after finishing his meal while raising his brow at Gandalf. Gandalf sighed and shook his head mockingly.

"I have no idea. It was very foolish of him to take on the whole pack by himself, but he is used to it after all. He thrives for adventure." Renee's ears perked up as soon as she heard what their conversation was about. Who were they speaking about? Gandalf did not come by himself? She did NOT need this. Knowing Gandalf it was someone she knew of. It had to be. Gandalf didn't travel with other people in the books. At least she didn't think so.

"Yes, well this time he wasn't so lucky as to leave without a scratch." Glorfindel voiced with disapproval. Who had a scratch?! Renee was getting bored, not to mention curious to know who this man was. Maybe she could ask Glorfindel later. She needed to get going soon anyways if she wanted to make it to Elrond's house in time. As she became lost in her own thoughts she was suddenly asked a question and she had realized the conversation had changed to her.

"Umm…I…what was the question again?" Glorfindel cleared his throat and repeated the question so she could hear him.

"Mithrandir had inquired how you came upon the area in which I found you." Renee froze. What was she supposed to say now? Oh jeez, another lie. She didn't know how much longer she could do this for. Just once more, that's all it'll take. She'll mess up real bad and they'll figure out that she's not one of them. This had to be good.

"Oh, well I was…running…from uh…orcs. I had lost them in the woods a few miles back and… I just kept running until I couldn't anymore. I just ended up in a plain full of flowers. It was actually quite beautiful." She lied through her teeth as she smiled like a maniac. If they believed this, then she would definitely consider them stupid.

"Hmm…interesting." Gandalf stated while sticking his pipe into his mouth and taking a puff. He was staring at her with narrowed eyes, as if he was trying to read her mind and Renee cowered under his heavy gaze. She was going to get caught, she knew it. Somehow she needed to get out of there. It was definitely time to go.

"Yeah well Glorfindel, don't you think it's time to go see the rest of Rivendell? I still have to meet with Elrond later today." She attempted to remind Glorfindel and he glanced up at the sun before nodding at Renee and sharing a few other words with Gandalf.

"You are welcome to join us Mithrandir. We are enjoying the sights of Rivendell." Gandalf took another puff from his pipe and shook his head.

"No, no, I must meet with Elrond momentarily. We have much business to discuss. And so I shall leave you two to your little escapade." Gandalf rose from his seat on the bench and bowed his head at Glorfindel and then Renee. "It's been a pleasure."

"Nice meeting you too." Renee remarked and she smiled as she watched him leave towards Elrond's house. Hopefully she wouldn't be meeting up with him anytime soon. If things continue like they are now then she will surely be given away. She had to be careful.

"Well then, let us be on our way." Glorfindel stood from his seat and picked up his tray, waiting for Renee to do the same. Realizing this, she did as well and together they walked over to the counter and handed their trays to the chef who began to clean them off. And then they were on their way again.

Renee glanced over at the market she had seen before and she wondered if they had anything worth having. Maybe a souvenir. Of course she had no money, so there was no way she would be able to. She felt uncomfortable just having Glorfindel pay for everything already. And then to have Elrond give her a place to stay with food and clothes and people serving her. It was just too much. She could have wished for all of this, but she didn't. She enjoyed doing things herself, but it wasn't that way. She would just have to deal with it. There was no other solution.

"Glorfindel, that market over there, what do they sell?" Glorfindel averted his gaze to the market area in which Renee was gesturing to and he smiled while glancing back down at her.

"They sell all sorts of goods. Would you like to look around there?" Renee smiled and nodded her head, but then remembered that she didn't exactly want him to pay for her things. Well, she could always just check it out. He turned around and began to walk towards the market and she followed behind him, taking in everything. As they reached the market, they came in contact with many other elves and Renee stared at them as they passed by her. Some were holding items in their hands while others were behind the counters to their shops. It was amazing to see how this race prospered and survived. She loved it.

They walked by the different outlets that sold all sorts of different things. Some had clothing where as others had jewelry and Renee gaped at some of the objects these elves were peddling. The most unbelievable fact was that all of these goods were hand crafted and hand made. It was extraordinary. As they began to walk further, they came to a few blacksmith shops and then other shops for weaving. The last shop on the block was a huge library and Renee's eyes widened in joy. She loved the library! She was just about to run inside until she remembered that she was only here to look. A sigh escaped her lips as she looked upon the library longingly and Glorfindel must have seen it for he pushed her forward and gestured to it.

"Go on. I can tell like you like books. I see it in your eyes." Renee smiled, but shook her head. At least he acknowledged that fact.

"No thanks. If I go in there I'll want to get the whole shop. I'd better not."

"Nonsense. If you would like a book I will purchase it for you. Call it a gift."

"No, really, you've done enough. I'm in debt to you anyways. You saved my life." Glorfindel sighed, knowing that he was not going to win and he shrugged.

"Alright then, it is your decision." Renee smiled and then quickly took him by the hand and pulled him towards the other side of the market. It was time for her to go see Elrond anyways. But first, she wanted to know something from him. As they exited the market and began to walk towards Elrond's house, Renee started to ask her questions.

"Glorfindel, when you were speaking with Mithrandir, you mentioned a companion of his? Who exactly were you talking about?" Glorfindel rose his brow at her sudden curiosity and a slight smile rose to his lips.

"Why do you ask?" Renee shrugged while shaking her head.

"Just out of curiosity." She replied while raising her brows, waiting for an answer. Glorfindel cracked a smile as he looked at her expression. Just looking at her made him want to chuckle. Clever girl.

"Well, you have most likely never heard of him. He is known for his extraordinary skill in battle and I admire him greatly. He is…" He stopped mid-sentence as he glanced forward and Renee wondered why he had stopped. Maybe there was something interesting in front of him. "Ah, what a coincidence. Here he is now, up and about." Renee knitted her forehead confusedly as she swore she heard that this man was attacked by orcs. What was he doing up already? She spun her head to look forward and what she saw almost made her heart skip a beat. Was it really who she thought it was? No, it couldn't have been, could it? She was just about to ask Glorfindel what his name was until he did for her…

A/N: Sorry to hang you guys like that. I had just created another story and was quite busy with that as well as work and home life. You all know how it is! Well here's another update and cliffie! This time I shall write faster and get this updated sooner than what I did now. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Till the next one…

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