As A Dream

Written by: Kbartlez

Disclaimer/ I do not own Tolkien's characters. I do however own this stories race of wood nymphs.

Author's note:

I would like to thank my reviewers. Although some of you didn't have very positive things to say, I thank you none the less.

Ms. Unknown: Yes to all of your questions. My story does take place after the War of the Ring. I thought that would be the best place to start.

Nilimade: I'm so glad you took time to review all that time ago. I hope you're still reading this story. Either way thank you for your review.

Marpessa and Ivy: I'm very sorry you feel that way. I've decided to lay low with the French, if that makes you two feel any better. You're right, French just doesn't seem to fit very well in Middle earth, but I really love that language. I'll leave my names but leave out the French from here on out. But as to the requests to quit my story, I'm sorry I just can't. I did have a little bit of writers block, but now it has cleared and I plan on finishing this story.

Thanks again to all of you for your reviews. Now back to the story…

Kbartlez

The Dream and The Quest

Surrounded by wildflowers, Rire felt like she was in a dream. Looking down at her soft blue dress, and then looking back at the flowers she decided it was a dream. The bouquet in her hands was filled with all her favorite flowers and tied with a simple leather thong. Rire glanced a round, searching for some meaning in all this beauty. A voice resounded in her head

"Rire. It is I who have brought you here. I'm sure you must wonder why." Came the voice. It sounded female, but had such power that she couldn't be sure. She turned and gasped. A beautiful woman stood there, clad in white and silver. A beautiful circlet of mithril graced her forehead and her hair cascaded in golden white waves down her shoulders and back.

"Galadriel!" Rire whispered. She was filled with awe. Grasping her bouquet she was half tempted to kneel.

"No Rire, that won't be necessary. For now, listening is pertinent. Your time is limited. Follow me."

Galadriel led the way to a small clearing. In the clearing stood a man. He was dressed in simple clothing, but nothing could disguise her beloved. Dropping her bouquet in haste, she ran to the man and threw her arms about his neck.

"Char!" she almost couldn't say it.

When the man turned into her embrace she saw that it wasn't Char. It was Legolas. But it was also Char. Rire was so confused. She backed away from the man, as a confused look crossed his face as well.

"I can see you are confused. But really it is simple. Char is your love, Legolas has killed him. You hate and love Char, just as you will hate and love Legolas"

Hate and love? What was this about love. Rire felt no love for the elvish prince, she only felt contempt and a will to seek revenge. Standing she glared at Char/Legolas. Walking past Galadriel, she looked for a way out. A door stood solemnly daring her to leave, so she did. She gathered her skirts and walked towards it… A voice stopped her.

"Rire. I give you one last piece of advice. This wisdom has given you a glance into your future. Take heed child and test the waters before you dive in, there is danger there." With that the world around her began to fade.

"Rire?"

"Rire? It's time to wake. Get up child!"

Rire sat up with a start and gasped for air, as if she'd been underwater the whole night.

"What is wrong child. You look as pale and bread flour!" Rire's maid dashed around the room opening curtains and filling her bath with warm water.

"Now. Get up, get ready for the day. Your father must speak with you as soon as noon. Remember, oday you are to go the courts for citizenship. Hurry now!" with those last words her maid left.

Rire rose and looked out her window. Gone were the tree tops, only to be replaced with white walls of stone. Rire glared at them and spun on her heels. She must be ready before noon.

"Good morning my daughter. Today you make me the proudest father in all of the white city. No human nor any wood nymph has had a daughter as beautiful as you. Now turn let me look at you."

Rire rolled her eyes and spun a bit for her father. He had purchased this gown for her a month ago in preparation for this day. It was a simple sage green, but was elegantly embroidered in gold. Twisting runes and shapes that spoke of beauty and grace twisted around the bodice and over the sleeves. A matching pair of gold slippers had been purchased along with a simple gold ringlet for her hair. Her handmaiden had insisted on taming her locks but to almost no avail. She had only succeeded in taming the sides which were twisted back into a small braid at the back of her head. On top of her mass of curls was the gold ringlet, creating an almost halo for her head.

"Oh Rire," Her father took her into his arms and kissed her forehead, "I Love you."

"I love you to papa." She whispered. Today she would leave him forever, even if he didn't know it. Into her simple bag she had packed traveling clothes and food provisions. Instead of going to the great hall she would leave this city forever, never to return to her father, or her friends.

She kissed her father's cheek and went to the door. Waving, she parted, pretending to go the great hall but instead she turned down an alley and slipped out the great gates. Her quest had begun…