Yeppieee!!! Finally, eh?? LoL. Well, I've been working pretty hard on
this. It's really, really, really long. But don't get your hopes up,
because I think it's extremely boring. I use one word to describe this
chapter: Informational.
Yep. *Sigh*. Well, the next chapter will be more interesting. I hope. ;)
§ here are some words §: represents the phrases that I couldn't find in elvish, but they are suppose to be spoken in elvish.
¤ here are some words ¤: represents translations of elvish phrases that I could find.
Confused yet? LoL. _______________________________________________________________________
~*Chapter 5: The Quest Unfolds*~
Kenzie yawned for what seemed like the billionth time. Hey, you would be tired too if you had been taken from your room at one in the morning, thrown rather violently into another world, almost killed by a demon, and find that you are probably going to have to help save this new world.
Kenzie sighed, 'But isn't that always the case?' she asked herself. 'You would think, after three years of battling evil that I would be use to this whole thing by now.'
"Is something the matter?" Legolas asked, leaning forward to look at her.
Kenzie shook her head, "No, I'm just tired. I've had a long night," she then looked around and grimaced when she saw the bright sun.
"And a long morning it would seem." She finished.
The elf nodded, "You must be exhausted. We are about an hour's ride from Rivendell, if you would like to rest." He informed her.
Kenzie sighed again, "That sounds really appealing, but I don't think I could sleep." She whispered.
Legolas licked his lips and then sat back straight again, deciding not to persuade her into doing something she did not wish to do.
Kenzie looked down at her hands as they continued forward, wishing that she would just fall asleep and wake up, finding that everything that had happened would just be a dream. She looked up at the sky and silently cursed Brian for doing this to her.
Why her?
But then again, she was a Charmed One, so that was a useless question.
***
Katlin sighed as she ran her hands over her face. Waking up and NOT finding Kenzie in the house really scared her. She had to find out what had happened to her little sister. Well, two hours of yelling for their *supposed* whitelighter had yielded shit. Katlin was so frustrated that she could have screamed!!!
Kennedy crossed her arms and leaned back into the chair that she was sitting in, a scowl on her face.
"I hope that you don't love Brian that much." She mumbled.
Katlin looked over at her, "Why?" she asked.
She then winced. 'Did I really need to ask that?'
"Because when and if he ever shows up, I'm going to kill him." The middle sister replied, anger dripping from her voice.
Katlin let out a deep breath and buried her face in her hands once again. She wasn't so sure that Kennedy was going to get the chance to kill Brian because she was going to do it first.
Suddenly, a faint sound could be heard from the hallway. A sound that mimicked light bells being chimed. (A/N: I know that sounds really corny, but I couldn't think of anything else to describe the sound of someone orbing. :D)
Katlin and Kennedy looked up at each other and then turned their heads to look toward the sound. Bright white and blue lights swirled around in front of the staircase. And then, surprisingly, a piece of paper floated out of the swirling lights. The lights then disappeared and the paper floated gracefully to the floor, gently landing on the hard wood boards.
Katlin and Kennedy looked at each other, confusion evident.
"Paper." Kennedy said, holding out her hand.
The piece of paper that landed glowed blue and swirled into lights, then the same swirling lights appeared in Kennedy's outstretched palm, forming into the paper.
Kennedy scanned through it quickly and her eyes widened.
Katlin suddenly became very nervous.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It's a note from Brian." Kennedy breathed and then looked up at her sister, her eyes even wider than before.
Katlin reached forward and plucked the note from Kennedy's hands. Taking a deep breath, she looked down and began to read Brian's familiar hand- writing.
*Katlin and Kennedy,
I know that you have been calling me all morning. It pains me that I can not answer your calls. You were right about everything. The Elders told me to not let you know about the Innocent, but things have taken a turn for the worse. They told me to take Kenzie to Middle Earth. I know this is all very confusing, but I will explain everything in due time. I know that you are both very angry and so is Kenzie, but understand, I did this to stay with you three. If I wouldn't have done what they asked, I would have been taken away by the Elders. Please forgive me.
I have to go to Kenzie now in Rivendell and speak with Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Grey. Please trust me that I will be back in due time to explain everything and take you to Kenzie.
Brian*
Katlin sat the paper down on her knees and heaved a great sigh.
"Once again, the Elders put us against each other and force us to do things against our will." Kennedy stated.
Katlin rubbed her temples thoughtfully. She didn't know what they were going to have to do, but now she only prayed that Kenzie would be all right.
~*~*~*~
"Kenzie....."
Kenzie blinked several times, bringing herself out of her trance that she had somehow slipped into.
She turned and looked at Legolas.
"We have reached Rivendell." He whispered and looked out in front of them.
Kenzie's gaze followed the elf's and her eyes widened. The beauty of the elven city was beyond words. The haven of the Elves seemed to be craved right out of the cliffs. The sun basked off of every inch and made the city glow stunningly.
"Oh my God." She whispered, letting her eyes take in every single detail of every single thing.
"Welcome to the house of Elrond, Kenzie." Legolas stated.
"Oh man, the movie does not do this place justice." She whispered. Legolas heard this and looked at her, confused as to what a 'movie' was. But he decided to let it go and ask another time. Now, he needed to get to Gandalf the Grey and Lord Elrond quickly to relay his message and present Kenzie.
Legolas turned back to his guards, "Khila amin. ¤Follow me.¤" he stated and then coaxed his horse into a swift gallop.
The other two followed the Prince as he galloped into the city. After passing through the entrance arch, Legolas halted his horse in the front court yard. He dismounted from his steed quickly and turned back for Kenzie. But much to his surprise, she had already dismounted and stood by his side.
Kenzie smirked at the elf. Hey, just because she was a women, who happened to be constantly occupied by the threat of demons, didn't mean that she never had ridden a horse before. Okay, well, she had always had trouble with the getting on thing, but getting off was a snap.
"Prince Legolas!" a soft, angelic voice called.
Kenzie's eyes looked toward the entrance to the hallways of Rivendell. A woman, most likely an elven woman, floated gracefully down the stairs towards them. The first thing Kenzie took notice of was how beautiful this woman was. Her hair was fairly long, longer than Legolas', jet black as night, and slightly crimped. It was quite a contrast to her pale skin that looked as smooth as milk and set out her crystal blue eyes and full red lips. The features looked very familiar to Kenzie and she smiled as she also noted the woman's thin, fine-featured face that could only resemble Liv Tyler.
"Arwen." Kenzie said underneath her breath, her smile growing.
"Lady Arwen, cormamin lindua ele lle. ¤My heart sings to see thee.¤" Legolas replied, bowing slightly.
Arwen smiled, "Mae govannen ¤well met¤, Legolas. My father and Gandalf have been greatly anticipating your arrival." She started as the two began to walk toward the entrance to Rivendell's halls.
Kenzie, not wanting to be left behind and not knowing what else to do, followed behind as the two talked.
"I trust that your journey was a pleasant one?" Arwen asked.
Legolas nodded, "It was very uneventful, yes."
Kenzie had to smile; it sounded as if this disappointed him.
"I did come upon Lady Kenzie however." He added.
That was when Arwen turned to look at Kenzie. She seemed to be sizing her up, trying to undercover something.
"Mani marte henna? ¤What happened to her?¤" Arwen inquired.
"§ She was being attack by a creature of some sorts; one that resembled an orc when I came upon her in the woods. §" Legolas answered, watching Arwen study his companion.
Kenzie did not flinch. She knew that Arwen was trying to figure out if she was to be trusted. After Legolas had replied to whatever question she asked, Arwen smiled. Kenzie, in relief and gladness, returned the gesture.
"By the looks of your arm, you were hurt." Arwen stated, her smile fading slightly.
Kenzie looked down at her bandaged right arm. She frowned slightly and then looked back up, "Yeah, but Legolas took pretty good care of it." She replied.
Arwen's smile returned, "It looks that way. My father should take a look at it nonetheless once time allows. Until then, I wish that you would accompany Legolas and I to see my father and Gandalf."
Kenzie nodded.
"Good." The elven maiden replied and then turned back to Legolas as they continued down the hall.
"What news do you bring from the Woodland realm?" Arwen asked.
Legolas sighed, "The dark cloud of Mordor nears. I feel it everyday. I fear there are things worse than spiders lurking in our woods. Gollum escaped our clutches several days ago. My father sent myself here to inform Gandalf and try to redeem ourselves for our mistake."
Arwen laid a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder, "Showing kindness to someone who has not seen such is no mistake, Legolas."
The elven Prince nodded.
Kenzie listened to their conversation intently, trying to pick up on anything that might help her later. So engrossed she was in the conversation, that she failed to notice that they had reached the end of a hallway, turned a corner and now stood in front of a large pair of wooden doors.
"My father and Gandalf remain inside." Arwen whispered.
The voice was so soft that if Kenzie had not been behind her, she would not have heard the statement.
"What do they converse about?" Legolas asked.
Arwen licked her lips and looked around carefully, "Several mornings ago I brought a hobbit here. He had been badly wounded and was in need of my father's healing skills."
"What ailed him?"
"He was stabbed by a Morgul blade two days before."
Kenzie watched Legolas' eyes go wide with shock, "I did not know that the Nine were a broad once again."
Arwen nodded, "Gandalf says that they had crossed the river Isen midsummer's eve."
Legolas' face turned from shock to confusion, "Why do they hunt a small hobbit?" he asked.
Arwen took a deep breath, "This is no ordinary hobbit, mellonamin ¤my friend¤. He carries the 'One'. The Ring of Power forged by Sauron thousands of years before our births."
Kenzie's eyes widen at the mention of this. Arwen had just confirmed her suspicions that the "Changer" was after the Ring.
"Oh my God," she breathed.
Arwen and Legolas turned to the woman.
"You know of the One Ring?" Legolas asked.
Kenzie looked from Legolas to Arwen. She sighed.
"It's too complicated to explain several times and I know I'll have to tell Gandalf and Lord Elrond what's going on so, you'll learn in good time." She replied.
Arwen nodded, "She is right. And we must see my father and Gandalf now."
With that, she turned and knocked on one of the large wooden doors.
"Tula! ¤Come!¤" a commanding, clear voice called from behind the doors.
Arwen pushed the door opened and swept into the room, Legolas and Kenzie following.
"Ada, ¤father¤ Prince Legolas has arrived and with him comes a very interesting guest." Arwen announced as the trio stopped in the middle of the room.
Kenzie looked around with her eyes, taking in the scenery around her. The room seemed to be a study of some sorts. All of the walls were lined with tall, broad bookshelves, stacked full of colorfully bound books. There were many beautiful paintings and tapestries hanging throughout the room as well. The room was very open, as well were all of the rooms in Rivendell Kenzie guessed. The bright sunlight filtered in and shone down upon two men. One looked very much younger than the other and sat behind a great mahogany looking desk. His long dark hair resembled Arwen's, but it was not crimped like hers nor as long. It fell very straight about his shoulders, much like Legolas'. His eyes were a deep brown, almost black, and held only regalness. His features were very defined, especially his high check bones.
The other man, however, was quite different. Dressed in a long gray robe, along with a gray pointy hat, he screamed 'Wizard!'. He stared at her with blue eyes filled with amusement and curiosity. His silver beard was just as long as his silver hair. He sat in a chair across and off to the right from the first man and looked at Legolas and Kenzie as if something that he had been wanting to happen just did.
"Lord Elrond, it is a pleasure to be welcomed into your house once again." Legolas stated as he bowed.
The first man with the dark hair bowed his head, "It is as much pleasure for us to house the crown Prince of Mirkwood once more."
"Legolas, who is this interesting guest that the Daughter of Lord Elrond speaks of?" the other, who Kenzie could only assume was Gandalf, asked.
Legolas looked to Kenzie, offering her the chance to answer the question herself if she wished.
And that's exactly what Kenzie wanted to do.
"My name is Kenzie O'Neil." She stated.
"Where do you hail from, my lady?" Lord Elrond asked.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and looked from Legolas to Gandalf and Elrond,
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"You would be surprised Kenzie." A familiar voice stated.
Suddenly, little blue and white balls of lights began to whirl beside Elrond's desk. And of course, it was none other than Brian that emerged from the lights.
And while everyone except Kenzie (and Gandalf, though Kenzie didn't think to notice) gaped in wonder at the Whitelighter, she glared with all her might.
"Gandalf knew of your coming and the quest that you will take." Brian stated, looking very apologetically at her.
Kenzie clenched her teeth, "I'm glad that someone does."
Gandalf stood and walked over to Brian, shaking his hand, "It is good to see you again." The old wizard stated with a smile.
Brian nodded, "It is good to see you, Gandalf."
"I am sorry to interrupt, Gandalf. But I would like to know what is going on." Elrond stated, irritation evident in his voice.
Gandalf turned to Lord Elrond, his smile not fading, "I am sorry, Lord Elrond. But this lady is going to be very important in the destruction of the Ring of Power."
Lord Elrond looked at Kenzie with interested confusion. Legolas also looked at the young witch with a perplexed expression. Kenzie took a less dignified approach.
"I'm going to what!?" she cried.
Brian cringed, but the old wizard chuckled.
"I think that the young lady knows as much as our elvish friends, Brian." Gandalf stated.
"Your damn straight." Kenzie mumbled, crossing her arms.
Legolas looked at her and arched an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes.
Mental note number 1: Elves have really good hearing, so watch what you say.
"Maybe you should sit down, Kenzie, and explain to us who you are?" Lord Elrond suggested.
Kenzie sighed again and sat in the chair next to where Gandalf had been sitting.
Legolas and Arwen looked at each other and, together, turned to leave the room.
"Wait," Gandalf said suddenly.
The two young elves turned back to the wizard.
"It would be best, I think, if you two would stay. At least find out a little about our new friend." Gandalf stated.
Legolas and Arwen nodded, turning back to the room. Arwen proceeded to take her seat in a chair slightly off to her father's left, while Legolas leaned against the wall next to the bookcase off to Kenzie's left. (A/N: If anyone is thoroughly confused, they are in the room that Elrond and Gandalf were standing in when they were talking about the Ring and such in the movie. Hope that helps. ;D)
Kenzie sat up straight in her chair, shooting daggers at Brian with her eyes. The Whitelighter would not meet her gaze as he walked over and stood by Gandalf's chair. The wizard sat down in his chair once again and smiled over at Kenzie.
"I would love to hear about your powers, my dear." He stated. Kenzie suddenly felt a little foolish. Here she was, in a strange supposed- fiction world, about to tell them that she was a witch with great powers.
Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be so far fetched for them, but still. Back home she had to keep her heritage a secret for fear of being burned alive.
She sighed and looked down at her hands folded in her lap.
"Long ago, a prophecy was made in my world that stated that three sisters would be born with great powers; great enough to destroy all evil in our world. They would be known as the 'Charmed Ones'. My sisters and I are these witches.
"We each have different powers; Katlin, the oldest of us, has the ability to see future events by touching objects. She can also move things with her mind. Kennedy has a power that we call orbing. That's what Brian did. She can move herself from one place to another. She can do the same thing with objects; being able to bring them to her just by calling their names." She continued.
"And what is your power?" Arwen asked.
Kenzie took a deep breath, "I can stop time and explode objects by moving my hands."
She looked up from her hands and gazed around at all of them in turn. She could not tell what the elves thought by looking at them. All three had blank expressions; hiding their true thoughts about the matter.
Gandalf, however, wore a bright smile.
"It is refreshing to meet a young woman who just might be more powerful than I." the wizard stated with a chuckle.
Kenzie couldn't help but smile at him. He truly was a great man with a good soul. She could see it in his bright blue eyes. And looking at him, she suddenly felt safe. Deep inside, Kenzie realized that Gandalf was the grandfather that she wished she could have had.
"How do you battle this evil in your world? You must have some other help beside your powers." Elrond asked, placing his chin in his hand.
Kenzie looked to the older elf and thought a moment.
"Well," she started, picking her words carefully, "We have this book that helps us, you see. It's called 'The Book of Shadows'. It's been past down our family line for generations. It contains all kinds of demons and beings that past witches have encountered or known of. It explains their powers and purposes. And for the demons, it contains potions and spells to vanquish them."
"And you have battle many of these demons?" Legolas asked.
"Oh yeah. Trust me. They seek us out on a regular basis." Kenzie replied.
"Very interesting." Elrond stated.
"The girls also have Elders who basically alert them on evil activity and help me on how to guide them." Brian stated.
"These Elders were contacted by me when I found that Sauruman had summoned a demon from their realm. I asked them to send help, to balance out what he had done. Therefore, I can only assume, that they sent one of their best; one of the 'Charmed Ones'." Gandalf added, smiling over at Kenzie as he finished.
"So, the demon being here will change the future of our world; shifting balance to evil?" Elrond asked.
"Yes. That's why I brought Kenzie. She knows the future of the Ring and will be able to counter-act the demon; Sauron and Sauruman will not have an advantage against the Free People of Middle Earth." Brian answered.
Kenzie sat in her seat, soaking in the information just as Arwen, Elrond, and Legolas were. Everything was starting to make a lot more sense. And the more she heard, the less angry she became at Brian. He was right. Gandalf had asked for help and she was it.
"Well," Elrond said at last, "it would seem that Kenzie and her sisters will sit on the high council."
Kenzie snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at the Lord elf with wide eyes.
"Yes, Lord Elrond. If you will permit it, of course." Gandalf replied.
Elrond smiled at the young witch, "I share in your sentiment, Gandalf. I believe that this young Lady has a larger part to play than she thinks."
"You have no idea." Kenzie replied.
"Perhaps she would like to rest, Ada. She is injured and must be very wary from her journey." Arwen suggested, reading the restlessness in Kenzie's face.
Elrond studied Kenzie, "Very well. It could also be possible for you to find her some proper attire." He suggested.
For the first time since her arrival in Middle Earth, Kenzie took notice to her clothes. Her face reflected that of a deer caught in headlights.
"Oh my God, I'm in my pajamas." She whispered.
Brian bit back a laugh and shook his head as the other members of the room looked on in confusion.
Arwen stood, "Come, Kenzie. I'll show you to a room and get you settled."
"I'll come with you." Legolas stated.
He wished to know where Arwen was taking Kenzie; for future reference. The Prince of Mirkwood was very interested in Kenzie's story and wished to speak more about it with her. He had so many questions to ask her about her powers and her world.
"Just one moment, Legolas. Lord Elrond and I would like a few words with you." Gandalf called.
Legolas stopped and frowned inwardly as he watched Arwen and Kenzie exit the room.
He turned back to the older elf, wizard, and Whitelighter.
"As you wish." He stated.
"I would like to go get Kennedy and Katlin. I also need to fill them in on what is going on." Brian said.
"Very well. And thank you again, Brian. For all your help." Gandalf stated, standing and shaking the younger man's hand.
Brian nodded as he released the wizard's hand, and then disappeared in a vast group of swirling blue and white lights.
"Have a seat, Legolas." Elrond stated.
Legolas sat down in the chair that Kenzie had occupied and tried to hide his disappointment. This was going to be a long day.
_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you to all of you who have reviewed!! You are truly awesome people.
~*Trista*~
Yep. *Sigh*. Well, the next chapter will be more interesting. I hope. ;)
§ here are some words §: represents the phrases that I couldn't find in elvish, but they are suppose to be spoken in elvish.
¤ here are some words ¤: represents translations of elvish phrases that I could find.
Confused yet? LoL. _______________________________________________________________________
~*Chapter 5: The Quest Unfolds*~
Kenzie yawned for what seemed like the billionth time. Hey, you would be tired too if you had been taken from your room at one in the morning, thrown rather violently into another world, almost killed by a demon, and find that you are probably going to have to help save this new world.
Kenzie sighed, 'But isn't that always the case?' she asked herself. 'You would think, after three years of battling evil that I would be use to this whole thing by now.'
"Is something the matter?" Legolas asked, leaning forward to look at her.
Kenzie shook her head, "No, I'm just tired. I've had a long night," she then looked around and grimaced when she saw the bright sun.
"And a long morning it would seem." She finished.
The elf nodded, "You must be exhausted. We are about an hour's ride from Rivendell, if you would like to rest." He informed her.
Kenzie sighed again, "That sounds really appealing, but I don't think I could sleep." She whispered.
Legolas licked his lips and then sat back straight again, deciding not to persuade her into doing something she did not wish to do.
Kenzie looked down at her hands as they continued forward, wishing that she would just fall asleep and wake up, finding that everything that had happened would just be a dream. She looked up at the sky and silently cursed Brian for doing this to her.
Why her?
But then again, she was a Charmed One, so that was a useless question.
***
Katlin sighed as she ran her hands over her face. Waking up and NOT finding Kenzie in the house really scared her. She had to find out what had happened to her little sister. Well, two hours of yelling for their *supposed* whitelighter had yielded shit. Katlin was so frustrated that she could have screamed!!!
Kennedy crossed her arms and leaned back into the chair that she was sitting in, a scowl on her face.
"I hope that you don't love Brian that much." She mumbled.
Katlin looked over at her, "Why?" she asked.
She then winced. 'Did I really need to ask that?'
"Because when and if he ever shows up, I'm going to kill him." The middle sister replied, anger dripping from her voice.
Katlin let out a deep breath and buried her face in her hands once again. She wasn't so sure that Kennedy was going to get the chance to kill Brian because she was going to do it first.
Suddenly, a faint sound could be heard from the hallway. A sound that mimicked light bells being chimed. (A/N: I know that sounds really corny, but I couldn't think of anything else to describe the sound of someone orbing. :D)
Katlin and Kennedy looked up at each other and then turned their heads to look toward the sound. Bright white and blue lights swirled around in front of the staircase. And then, surprisingly, a piece of paper floated out of the swirling lights. The lights then disappeared and the paper floated gracefully to the floor, gently landing on the hard wood boards.
Katlin and Kennedy looked at each other, confusion evident.
"Paper." Kennedy said, holding out her hand.
The piece of paper that landed glowed blue and swirled into lights, then the same swirling lights appeared in Kennedy's outstretched palm, forming into the paper.
Kennedy scanned through it quickly and her eyes widened.
Katlin suddenly became very nervous.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It's a note from Brian." Kennedy breathed and then looked up at her sister, her eyes even wider than before.
Katlin reached forward and plucked the note from Kennedy's hands. Taking a deep breath, she looked down and began to read Brian's familiar hand- writing.
*Katlin and Kennedy,
I know that you have been calling me all morning. It pains me that I can not answer your calls. You were right about everything. The Elders told me to not let you know about the Innocent, but things have taken a turn for the worse. They told me to take Kenzie to Middle Earth. I know this is all very confusing, but I will explain everything in due time. I know that you are both very angry and so is Kenzie, but understand, I did this to stay with you three. If I wouldn't have done what they asked, I would have been taken away by the Elders. Please forgive me.
I have to go to Kenzie now in Rivendell and speak with Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Grey. Please trust me that I will be back in due time to explain everything and take you to Kenzie.
Brian*
Katlin sat the paper down on her knees and heaved a great sigh.
"Once again, the Elders put us against each other and force us to do things against our will." Kennedy stated.
Katlin rubbed her temples thoughtfully. She didn't know what they were going to have to do, but now she only prayed that Kenzie would be all right.
~*~*~*~
"Kenzie....."
Kenzie blinked several times, bringing herself out of her trance that she had somehow slipped into.
She turned and looked at Legolas.
"We have reached Rivendell." He whispered and looked out in front of them.
Kenzie's gaze followed the elf's and her eyes widened. The beauty of the elven city was beyond words. The haven of the Elves seemed to be craved right out of the cliffs. The sun basked off of every inch and made the city glow stunningly.
"Oh my God." She whispered, letting her eyes take in every single detail of every single thing.
"Welcome to the house of Elrond, Kenzie." Legolas stated.
"Oh man, the movie does not do this place justice." She whispered. Legolas heard this and looked at her, confused as to what a 'movie' was. But he decided to let it go and ask another time. Now, he needed to get to Gandalf the Grey and Lord Elrond quickly to relay his message and present Kenzie.
Legolas turned back to his guards, "Khila amin. ¤Follow me.¤" he stated and then coaxed his horse into a swift gallop.
The other two followed the Prince as he galloped into the city. After passing through the entrance arch, Legolas halted his horse in the front court yard. He dismounted from his steed quickly and turned back for Kenzie. But much to his surprise, she had already dismounted and stood by his side.
Kenzie smirked at the elf. Hey, just because she was a women, who happened to be constantly occupied by the threat of demons, didn't mean that she never had ridden a horse before. Okay, well, she had always had trouble with the getting on thing, but getting off was a snap.
"Prince Legolas!" a soft, angelic voice called.
Kenzie's eyes looked toward the entrance to the hallways of Rivendell. A woman, most likely an elven woman, floated gracefully down the stairs towards them. The first thing Kenzie took notice of was how beautiful this woman was. Her hair was fairly long, longer than Legolas', jet black as night, and slightly crimped. It was quite a contrast to her pale skin that looked as smooth as milk and set out her crystal blue eyes and full red lips. The features looked very familiar to Kenzie and she smiled as she also noted the woman's thin, fine-featured face that could only resemble Liv Tyler.
"Arwen." Kenzie said underneath her breath, her smile growing.
"Lady Arwen, cormamin lindua ele lle. ¤My heart sings to see thee.¤" Legolas replied, bowing slightly.
Arwen smiled, "Mae govannen ¤well met¤, Legolas. My father and Gandalf have been greatly anticipating your arrival." She started as the two began to walk toward the entrance to Rivendell's halls.
Kenzie, not wanting to be left behind and not knowing what else to do, followed behind as the two talked.
"I trust that your journey was a pleasant one?" Arwen asked.
Legolas nodded, "It was very uneventful, yes."
Kenzie had to smile; it sounded as if this disappointed him.
"I did come upon Lady Kenzie however." He added.
That was when Arwen turned to look at Kenzie. She seemed to be sizing her up, trying to undercover something.
"Mani marte henna? ¤What happened to her?¤" Arwen inquired.
"§ She was being attack by a creature of some sorts; one that resembled an orc when I came upon her in the woods. §" Legolas answered, watching Arwen study his companion.
Kenzie did not flinch. She knew that Arwen was trying to figure out if she was to be trusted. After Legolas had replied to whatever question she asked, Arwen smiled. Kenzie, in relief and gladness, returned the gesture.
"By the looks of your arm, you were hurt." Arwen stated, her smile fading slightly.
Kenzie looked down at her bandaged right arm. She frowned slightly and then looked back up, "Yeah, but Legolas took pretty good care of it." She replied.
Arwen's smile returned, "It looks that way. My father should take a look at it nonetheless once time allows. Until then, I wish that you would accompany Legolas and I to see my father and Gandalf."
Kenzie nodded.
"Good." The elven maiden replied and then turned back to Legolas as they continued down the hall.
"What news do you bring from the Woodland realm?" Arwen asked.
Legolas sighed, "The dark cloud of Mordor nears. I feel it everyday. I fear there are things worse than spiders lurking in our woods. Gollum escaped our clutches several days ago. My father sent myself here to inform Gandalf and try to redeem ourselves for our mistake."
Arwen laid a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder, "Showing kindness to someone who has not seen such is no mistake, Legolas."
The elven Prince nodded.
Kenzie listened to their conversation intently, trying to pick up on anything that might help her later. So engrossed she was in the conversation, that she failed to notice that they had reached the end of a hallway, turned a corner and now stood in front of a large pair of wooden doors.
"My father and Gandalf remain inside." Arwen whispered.
The voice was so soft that if Kenzie had not been behind her, she would not have heard the statement.
"What do they converse about?" Legolas asked.
Arwen licked her lips and looked around carefully, "Several mornings ago I brought a hobbit here. He had been badly wounded and was in need of my father's healing skills."
"What ailed him?"
"He was stabbed by a Morgul blade two days before."
Kenzie watched Legolas' eyes go wide with shock, "I did not know that the Nine were a broad once again."
Arwen nodded, "Gandalf says that they had crossed the river Isen midsummer's eve."
Legolas' face turned from shock to confusion, "Why do they hunt a small hobbit?" he asked.
Arwen took a deep breath, "This is no ordinary hobbit, mellonamin ¤my friend¤. He carries the 'One'. The Ring of Power forged by Sauron thousands of years before our births."
Kenzie's eyes widen at the mention of this. Arwen had just confirmed her suspicions that the "Changer" was after the Ring.
"Oh my God," she breathed.
Arwen and Legolas turned to the woman.
"You know of the One Ring?" Legolas asked.
Kenzie looked from Legolas to Arwen. She sighed.
"It's too complicated to explain several times and I know I'll have to tell Gandalf and Lord Elrond what's going on so, you'll learn in good time." She replied.
Arwen nodded, "She is right. And we must see my father and Gandalf now."
With that, she turned and knocked on one of the large wooden doors.
"Tula! ¤Come!¤" a commanding, clear voice called from behind the doors.
Arwen pushed the door opened and swept into the room, Legolas and Kenzie following.
"Ada, ¤father¤ Prince Legolas has arrived and with him comes a very interesting guest." Arwen announced as the trio stopped in the middle of the room.
Kenzie looked around with her eyes, taking in the scenery around her. The room seemed to be a study of some sorts. All of the walls were lined with tall, broad bookshelves, stacked full of colorfully bound books. There were many beautiful paintings and tapestries hanging throughout the room as well. The room was very open, as well were all of the rooms in Rivendell Kenzie guessed. The bright sunlight filtered in and shone down upon two men. One looked very much younger than the other and sat behind a great mahogany looking desk. His long dark hair resembled Arwen's, but it was not crimped like hers nor as long. It fell very straight about his shoulders, much like Legolas'. His eyes were a deep brown, almost black, and held only regalness. His features were very defined, especially his high check bones.
The other man, however, was quite different. Dressed in a long gray robe, along with a gray pointy hat, he screamed 'Wizard!'. He stared at her with blue eyes filled with amusement and curiosity. His silver beard was just as long as his silver hair. He sat in a chair across and off to the right from the first man and looked at Legolas and Kenzie as if something that he had been wanting to happen just did.
"Lord Elrond, it is a pleasure to be welcomed into your house once again." Legolas stated as he bowed.
The first man with the dark hair bowed his head, "It is as much pleasure for us to house the crown Prince of Mirkwood once more."
"Legolas, who is this interesting guest that the Daughter of Lord Elrond speaks of?" the other, who Kenzie could only assume was Gandalf, asked.
Legolas looked to Kenzie, offering her the chance to answer the question herself if she wished.
And that's exactly what Kenzie wanted to do.
"My name is Kenzie O'Neil." She stated.
"Where do you hail from, my lady?" Lord Elrond asked.
Kenzie bit her lower lip and looked from Legolas to Gandalf and Elrond,
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"You would be surprised Kenzie." A familiar voice stated.
Suddenly, little blue and white balls of lights began to whirl beside Elrond's desk. And of course, it was none other than Brian that emerged from the lights.
And while everyone except Kenzie (and Gandalf, though Kenzie didn't think to notice) gaped in wonder at the Whitelighter, she glared with all her might.
"Gandalf knew of your coming and the quest that you will take." Brian stated, looking very apologetically at her.
Kenzie clenched her teeth, "I'm glad that someone does."
Gandalf stood and walked over to Brian, shaking his hand, "It is good to see you again." The old wizard stated with a smile.
Brian nodded, "It is good to see you, Gandalf."
"I am sorry to interrupt, Gandalf. But I would like to know what is going on." Elrond stated, irritation evident in his voice.
Gandalf turned to Lord Elrond, his smile not fading, "I am sorry, Lord Elrond. But this lady is going to be very important in the destruction of the Ring of Power."
Lord Elrond looked at Kenzie with interested confusion. Legolas also looked at the young witch with a perplexed expression. Kenzie took a less dignified approach.
"I'm going to what!?" she cried.
Brian cringed, but the old wizard chuckled.
"I think that the young lady knows as much as our elvish friends, Brian." Gandalf stated.
"Your damn straight." Kenzie mumbled, crossing her arms.
Legolas looked at her and arched an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes.
Mental note number 1: Elves have really good hearing, so watch what you say.
"Maybe you should sit down, Kenzie, and explain to us who you are?" Lord Elrond suggested.
Kenzie sighed again and sat in the chair next to where Gandalf had been sitting.
Legolas and Arwen looked at each other and, together, turned to leave the room.
"Wait," Gandalf said suddenly.
The two young elves turned back to the wizard.
"It would be best, I think, if you two would stay. At least find out a little about our new friend." Gandalf stated.
Legolas and Arwen nodded, turning back to the room. Arwen proceeded to take her seat in a chair slightly off to her father's left, while Legolas leaned against the wall next to the bookcase off to Kenzie's left. (A/N: If anyone is thoroughly confused, they are in the room that Elrond and Gandalf were standing in when they were talking about the Ring and such in the movie. Hope that helps. ;D)
Kenzie sat up straight in her chair, shooting daggers at Brian with her eyes. The Whitelighter would not meet her gaze as he walked over and stood by Gandalf's chair. The wizard sat down in his chair once again and smiled over at Kenzie.
"I would love to hear about your powers, my dear." He stated. Kenzie suddenly felt a little foolish. Here she was, in a strange supposed- fiction world, about to tell them that she was a witch with great powers.
Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be so far fetched for them, but still. Back home she had to keep her heritage a secret for fear of being burned alive.
She sighed and looked down at her hands folded in her lap.
"Long ago, a prophecy was made in my world that stated that three sisters would be born with great powers; great enough to destroy all evil in our world. They would be known as the 'Charmed Ones'. My sisters and I are these witches.
"We each have different powers; Katlin, the oldest of us, has the ability to see future events by touching objects. She can also move things with her mind. Kennedy has a power that we call orbing. That's what Brian did. She can move herself from one place to another. She can do the same thing with objects; being able to bring them to her just by calling their names." She continued.
"And what is your power?" Arwen asked.
Kenzie took a deep breath, "I can stop time and explode objects by moving my hands."
She looked up from her hands and gazed around at all of them in turn. She could not tell what the elves thought by looking at them. All three had blank expressions; hiding their true thoughts about the matter.
Gandalf, however, wore a bright smile.
"It is refreshing to meet a young woman who just might be more powerful than I." the wizard stated with a chuckle.
Kenzie couldn't help but smile at him. He truly was a great man with a good soul. She could see it in his bright blue eyes. And looking at him, she suddenly felt safe. Deep inside, Kenzie realized that Gandalf was the grandfather that she wished she could have had.
"How do you battle this evil in your world? You must have some other help beside your powers." Elrond asked, placing his chin in his hand.
Kenzie looked to the older elf and thought a moment.
"Well," she started, picking her words carefully, "We have this book that helps us, you see. It's called 'The Book of Shadows'. It's been past down our family line for generations. It contains all kinds of demons and beings that past witches have encountered or known of. It explains their powers and purposes. And for the demons, it contains potions and spells to vanquish them."
"And you have battle many of these demons?" Legolas asked.
"Oh yeah. Trust me. They seek us out on a regular basis." Kenzie replied.
"Very interesting." Elrond stated.
"The girls also have Elders who basically alert them on evil activity and help me on how to guide them." Brian stated.
"These Elders were contacted by me when I found that Sauruman had summoned a demon from their realm. I asked them to send help, to balance out what he had done. Therefore, I can only assume, that they sent one of their best; one of the 'Charmed Ones'." Gandalf added, smiling over at Kenzie as he finished.
"So, the demon being here will change the future of our world; shifting balance to evil?" Elrond asked.
"Yes. That's why I brought Kenzie. She knows the future of the Ring and will be able to counter-act the demon; Sauron and Sauruman will not have an advantage against the Free People of Middle Earth." Brian answered.
Kenzie sat in her seat, soaking in the information just as Arwen, Elrond, and Legolas were. Everything was starting to make a lot more sense. And the more she heard, the less angry she became at Brian. He was right. Gandalf had asked for help and she was it.
"Well," Elrond said at last, "it would seem that Kenzie and her sisters will sit on the high council."
Kenzie snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at the Lord elf with wide eyes.
"Yes, Lord Elrond. If you will permit it, of course." Gandalf replied.
Elrond smiled at the young witch, "I share in your sentiment, Gandalf. I believe that this young Lady has a larger part to play than she thinks."
"You have no idea." Kenzie replied.
"Perhaps she would like to rest, Ada. She is injured and must be very wary from her journey." Arwen suggested, reading the restlessness in Kenzie's face.
Elrond studied Kenzie, "Very well. It could also be possible for you to find her some proper attire." He suggested.
For the first time since her arrival in Middle Earth, Kenzie took notice to her clothes. Her face reflected that of a deer caught in headlights.
"Oh my God, I'm in my pajamas." She whispered.
Brian bit back a laugh and shook his head as the other members of the room looked on in confusion.
Arwen stood, "Come, Kenzie. I'll show you to a room and get you settled."
"I'll come with you." Legolas stated.
He wished to know where Arwen was taking Kenzie; for future reference. The Prince of Mirkwood was very interested in Kenzie's story and wished to speak more about it with her. He had so many questions to ask her about her powers and her world.
"Just one moment, Legolas. Lord Elrond and I would like a few words with you." Gandalf called.
Legolas stopped and frowned inwardly as he watched Arwen and Kenzie exit the room.
He turned back to the older elf, wizard, and Whitelighter.
"As you wish." He stated.
"I would like to go get Kennedy and Katlin. I also need to fill them in on what is going on." Brian said.
"Very well. And thank you again, Brian. For all your help." Gandalf stated, standing and shaking the younger man's hand.
Brian nodded as he released the wizard's hand, and then disappeared in a vast group of swirling blue and white lights.
"Have a seat, Legolas." Elrond stated.
Legolas sat down in the chair that Kenzie had occupied and tried to hide his disappointment. This was going to be a long day.
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Thank you to all of you who have reviewed!! You are truly awesome people.
~*Trista*~