Something Special

Author: Lil-Hellraiser

Disclaimer: I own THIS story but not the ORIGINAL story…I think you know what I mean.

Author's note: GOD I AM SO FREAKING SORRY THAT IT'S BEEN SO LONG! School's just been a drag these days, you know? Everyone's been through that before…*BANGS HEAD ON WALL*. I wont go that long without updating again, promise!

All right, you little sugerboogers! Here's chapter four! Nice and long, just for you!

***

Elrond and Gandalf led me down a pretty spiffy looking hallway to an office of some kind. I was in awe for a moment there. There were gold trinkets lining the walls, paintings that glowed with glory, and there was a little balcony surrounding the room that had a butt-load of bookshelves and books. I was led to a beautifully carved wooden chair and sat in it eagerly, wanting to find out what was going on here. All I could figure was that I was in Rivendell. Or Imaldris. Or whatever.

Gandalf leaned on his staff behind Elrond as the said elf sat in a nice red puffy chair thing. He leaned in slightly, seeming to ponder and hesitate his question. Finally, he decided.

"My lady, from where do you hail?"

I nearly choked. Already he wanted to know the important stuff? Whatever happened to the 'Who are you?' question, or the lovely 'What are you doing here?' . ANYTHING but this.

"Um…" I glanced over at the wizard who studied me intently and expectantly. I sighed. "You see…" I waved my hands a bit, trying to find the words, but Elrond stopped my hand with his own. I couldn't see what was so important about my hand.

"Where did you find this?" He asked sternly. I glanced down at my hand. Oh, the ring! THAT was a very answerable question.

"I didn't find this." I said defiantly. "It was a gift."

"A gift."

"Yes."

"Who on Midde Earth would trust you with such a valuable possession?" I recoiled my hand like it had been burned. Trust me? What the hell?

"My mom and dad." I said sharply. "It was a present for my birthday." The elf opened his mouth once more. "I don't know where they got it." I said, sparing him the breath. He nodded and leaned back in the cozy looking chair, studying my ring. What was wrong with him? It was as if he'd seen it before…as if HE didn't have his own goddamn ring…I looked at his fingers. Sure enough there were many rings on them, but one in particular caught my attention.

"Where did you find that?" I asked him, motioning to his golden ring. He raised his eyebrows.

"I do not think it's any of your concern as to where I obtain my items." If I hadn't respected him so much, I probably would have hit him. So I had to answer his question as if my life depended on it, but he got to brush mine away with an ostrich feather? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

"It is plenty my concern." I said hotly, "Because that ring belongs to a friend of mine." He snapped his head up and Gandalf almost fell from his staff.

"What?"

"That ring is my friend's." I said, staring at the gold ring with the humungo blue stone. Chase's ring…

"Are you certain?" He asked, staring straight into my bright cinnamon eyes.

"Quite." I replied icily. Elrond sighed. Gandalf hobbled over.

"If I may, milady, I believe I should inquire as to where you have come from."

I frowned. "It's very complicating."

"We can figure out the details later on."

"It will take a lot of time to explain…"

"We have time." I snorted at how ironic that sounded. Both the people in front of me were thousands of years old. I sighed, and told them everything. Right from the beginning. Just to bore them. And by beginning, I don't mean the beginning of chapter one, I mean the beginning.

"It was a sunny April day when I was born, on the nineteenth, I might add. Anyway, I was told that I already had a full head of nice fuzzy thick hair, which usually never happens because…" And off I went. Just to spite them. I could tell that by the time I had gone through my first decade of life that they were getting VERY sleepy and tired. I hurried. I got to an interesting part soon enough.

"When I was thirteen, my parents got really sick…no one knew what caused it. My dad was with a cane, and he was fairly young. My mom was always tired and coughing violently. The doctors couldn't really find anything wrong, but we all knew that their health was deteriorating.

"On the day before my birthday, my parents were still weak and stuff, but they gave me my birthday present, which was this ring. It was a sort of thank you for taking care of them all the time they were sick." I frowned. "In fact, I don't know why they didn't give it to me on my birthday. That's what's weird. Anyhow, they gave this ring, and later in the night, I found them dead." I paused to regain a shaky breath. "In the end, I never ever took the ring off, and shortly after, I learned my best friend had a ring just like yours, given to him by his mom and dad. What's stranger is that he said that after getting his ring, he suddenly recovered from a horrible accident he was in."

Elrond put his hand to his mouth, nodding me on. "It's just that, it felt like we were made for the rings, not the other way round. Then I moved in with my aunt and uncle, who treated me like shit." I pretended to not notice their raised eyebrows. "I was their little maid, for them and their dog. I hardly had any time for myself, and when I did it was usually when I sneaked out. On night, they went too far. My uncle hit me a few times and my aunt set her dog on me. That's where I got that." I pointed to my bandaged leg. "I left and was going through a forest when…when this thing jumped out at me."

"What sort of thing?" Gandalf asked.

"I dunno…black, bulky, smelly, yellow eyes, fangs…growled…"

"Orcs." Gandalf muttered. I frowned.

"Orcs? In Nebraska? Please." Elrond cocked his head.

"Nebraska? I have not heard of such a place." Did I mention that I had gone through my whole life not mentioning anything about where or when I was born? Heh heh.

"Explain please." Gandalf said.

I sighed and told them about Nebraska, the United States, everything except the year. Their eyes got bigger and bigger with each description.

"And what is the year?"

"Em…2004, I believe."

"So you are from the past?" I raised my brow.

"The past? Why, what year is it now?"

"2937, my lady." My mind reeled. Whoa, that's weird. Maybe I went into the future? No, no. Everything looked so old and strange…maybe in the future something scary destroys all artificial intelligence. But then why was everything in reference to the Lord of the Rings? In the future I was not.

"No, I am not…"I breathed. "I am from Earth."

"You mean Middle Earth."

"No, Earth. Lord Elrond, right before that orc attacked me, a strange power made it back off. The same thing happened so I could get away from my aunt's mutt. I ran to a secluded area and begged anyone or anything to take me away from my horrible home…from all my pain. And I woke up in flowers in Middle-Earth."

"Are you suggesting that you have traveled through dimensions?" Gandalf asked. I nodded.

"You could say that." They all sighed.

"We will find a way for you to get home soon." I sat up straight.

"WHAT? Have you heard NOTHING I have been telling you? Home is hell! I'm not going back there and you can't make me!" I nearly shouted in desperation. My tone softened. "Please don't send me back, please…I won't be welcome their anymore."

I knew from my friends that Elrond had taken Aragorn in when his father died, so I was hoping to hit a sensitive nerve now. "Although, if I stay here on Middle Earth, I won't have anywhere to go…I just hope no one mistakes my foreign ways as an act of offense…my lord." I bowed my head, using my acting talents for once. "You and Gandalf here are the only one's who know of my past. There are many close friends who don't know as much as you do."

I could tell Elrond was doing some heavy thinking. I KNEW he had spare rooms in his freaking palace, I SAW like fifty of them on the way to his office. He didn't have to adopt me or anything, just grant me a roof over my head and some food so that I could start off my life on a clean slate. He cleared his throat.

"Lady Jolie, I offer my condolences…it would be an honor to have someone who has torn through the fabrics of space and time living in my palace." I smiled at me gently. Bingo.

"You are very generous, my Lord." I said, nodding my head gratefully. As an afterthought, I added, "Do I get a name?"

"A name?" He seemed surprised. "What do you mean?"

"Well, usually, I read…er…hear about people getting little nicknames and things when they visit elven dwellings." He studied me carefully, then smiled.

"What about Aurenàrë?" He asked, searching my face for signs of dislike. I let it roll off my tongue. "Aurenàrë…what's it mean?"

"Dayflame." Gandalf answered chuckling. "Because of her hair, I presume?" He asked Elrond. The elf nodded and I stood excitedly.

"Thank you, my lord. I shall never forget your generosity." A knock on the door sounded and a woman burst in. Her hair was a light brown and her eyes were a bright blue. She wore a pretty blue gown on her body and her smile was genuine. I liked her from that moment on.

"Hello." She said politely, curtsying. "I am Gilraen, mother of Estel." My heart leaped. Aragorn's mother! Damn, I was freaking lucky today.

"Jolie Timbers." I said curtsying as best as I could in a hospital gown. I reddened. "Em…you wouldn't happen to know where I can find more suitable clothes…would you?" I asked. The woman laughed, a lovely sound.

"Oh, of course! My lord, if you wouldn't mind…?"

"Go right ahead." Elrond waved her away. "We were quite finished. I will be seeing you both at dinner tonight." Gilraen nodded and headed out of the room, myself in tow. Me and her made small talk through the winding corridors, finally reaching a grand brown door. Opening it, I took in the sight of a large room furnished with a little loveseat looking bench deal, a beautiful canopy bed, some chairs, a nightstand, and a fireplace. There was a wardrobe in the corner, and another door, presumably to a kind of washroom. A full-length mirror was next to the fireplace, and my backpack was resting with my sword on the floor.

"This is more than I deserve." I said to Gilraen, smiling. She smiled back, padded across the fur-covered floor, and opened the wardrobe. Immediately, something small launched itself at her skirts. She laughed and picked up the something, which was Aragorn. I grinned. Who would have thought Aragorn was this rowdy?

"Estel, why do you take to surprising me like that?" She asked playfully. They played a little mother to son game for a while, and then she shooed him out the door so we could dress me.

"He is adorable." I said as soon as he left. Gilraen nodded happily.

"He reminds me of…" She trailed off and her expression saddened slightly. I felt my heart reach out to her. She had lost the love of her life only a few years ago and now her son reminded her of him every day. It must have been horribly difficult. Shaking her head, she pulled out small white boots, a golden circlet and a light yellow gown. I almost gasped when I saw it. It was made of silky material that would flow down to my feet in light layers, like a sundress. There were sleeves down to my wrists that were see-through and hung down low, which I fell in love with. The dress itself was embroidered with little red gems around the slightly low collar that matched my red hair.

"Oh, Gilraen…not this one…I wouldn't do it justice."

"Oh, go on, you know you want to!" She teased and helped me remove my hospital gown. I was incredibly embarrassed that she insisted on undressing me, but she didn't seem to mind and fitted me with new undergarments as well, me blushing the entire time. On went the dress, hugging my curves slightly, then the boots. After brushing out my long red hair, Gilraen braided back a few small locks and tied them discreetly, leaving the rest of my hair down. She placed the circlet atop my head and sighed.

"You look wonderful." She told me, leading me to the mirror. I gasped when I saw my reflection. I DID look great…and that was saying something, considering I usually went through about five outfits before school every day.

"Thank you, Gilraen." I hugged her. Then I looked at her. "Do you have a nickname?"

The slightly older woman shook her head. "Who gave you one?"

"Lord Elrond. I asked for one."

"What is it?"

"Aurenàrë." I said. "Dayflame." I added, though I was sure she must have already known that. She tousled my hair.

"It suits you." She agreed.

"Lòmë-lìrë." I said suddenly. She smiled. "What?"

"Nightsong." I repeated. "When you laugh, it's pretty. So I thought of Nightsong. Hope you don't mind."

Gilraen hugged me. "Of course not. Outside with you now, I need to go find my son. You're not staying cooped up inside on a gorgeous day like today." I laughed. We were already fast friends.

***

I had managed to find my way outside, seeing that Glorfindel dude once more. I guessed I really was in Middle Earth, if all this crud was happening. I welcomed it with open arms now. Going back to my old life was NOT worth all this.

I found my way into the gardens and to my utter delight, I found a small harp. It was gold and the strings were perfectly tuned. It didn't look like anyone was using it, so I plucked at the strings a few times and began a nice song.

"I follow the night…

Can't stand the light…

When will I begin

To live again?

One day I'll fly away…

Leave all this to yesterday.

What more could-"

"Ahem." A cough. I whirled around to see a handsome blonde elf watching me with interest. He had around shoulder length blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, sharply pointed ears, high cheekbones, everything an elf should have. This one was HOT. No other word to describe him. I blushed.

"Hello…"I said, my eyes downcast. He wouldn't stop staring. It was unnerving.

"I see you have discovered my instrument." He said, walking soundlessly over to me. His silver robes billowed out behind him in the breeze. My heart almost stopped beating. "And I am honored that a lovely maiden such as you has graced it with your voice." I was no longer nervous; hell, anyone who complimented me had my full attention.

"Thank you." I said, and handed it to him. He plucked a few strings and smiled. "What might your name be, milady?"

"J-Jolie Timbers." I stuttered. His smile grew larger.

"Legolas Greenleaf of the Woodland Realms. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." I held out my hand to him, and he kissed it…for a little longer than necessary. I almost died. THE Legolas Greenleaf? He looked way better now than in the movies. Not even Orlando Bloom did him justice. Eyes twinkling, he pushed the instrument back into my hands. "It sounded better when you played it," He said, guiding me over to a bench by some roses. "Please sing me a song." I blushed as red as my hair, not sure that I really wanted to, but when his eyes met mine I felt my fears diminish.

"Ba dheas an lá go oíche…
Na glórtha binne i mo thaobh…
'S aoibhneas i gach áit gan gruaim…
Áthas ar mo chroí go deo…
He-a-ro…
He-a-o-ro.

Ma shiúlaim ó na laetha beo…
An ghrian 's an ghealach ar mo chúl…
Nil uaim ach smaointe ó mo shaoil…
Deora ar mo chroí go brón…
He-a-ro…
He-a-ro…
He-a-o-ro."

I ended the song and looked up to find him staring again. "That was beautiful." He said truthfully, staring into my eyes. I smiled. "Thanks, its taken loads of practice to sing this well." He smiled at me again. I stood, preparing to leave when he suddenly stood with me. He seemed to be going in the opposite direction as me, and we soon were sidestepping right in front of each other over and over again.

"We have to stop meeting like this." I joked, and stepped to my right, giving him room to pass. He didn't though, still in front of me.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were doing that on purpose…" I said suspiciously. He suddenly chuckled. "You intrigue me, Lady Jolie." He said. I wrinkled my nose. "What is it?"

"Please don't bother with the 'Lady'." I insisted. "Jolie is fine by me, if you don't mind." Legolas chuckled again. "Nay, I do not mind at all…Jolie." He tested the name. He seemed to like the way it rolled off his tongue.

"I am also Aurenàrë." I added. "Courtesy of Lord Elrond." He grinned. "It is a good name for you."

"Thanks, Lord Elrond, is very gracious…I didn't even think he'd give the time of day to a human like me, just showing up like this."

A gust of wind blew some of my hair into my face and he brushed it back behind my ear, yet suddenly faltering. Quick as the eye could see, his hand was removed and he held out his arm.

"If I am to call you Jolie, you must call me Legolas, my proper name. Allow me to escort you back inside…it looks as if it may rain again." Sure enough, the sky was darkening slightly, whereas only ten minutes ago the sky had been clear. I accepted his little invite and allowed him to take me inside. Perhaps Middle Earth wasn't so bad anymore.

***

Legolas' P.O.V.

Legolas wondered, for this elf seemed young, looking no older than eighteen, and he had lived on Middle Earth long enough to know an elf when he saw one. Her voice, her face, everything about her made him enjoy her company more and more. After exchanged words, he was almost positive that she was of elven origin, until she said:

"Thanks, Lord Elrond, is very gracious…I didn't even think he'd give the time of day to a human like me, just showing up like this."

A human?

A gust of wind blew her red hair about her and he quickly reached over to push it back, searching for her ears. Then Legolas was abashed, for he glimpsed the innocence in her eyes and the shell form of her small ear; yet from that hour he knew he loved Jolie Timbers, the Aurenàrë of Imaldris.

***

YES. Seven pages, ALL FOR YOU. It's 2 am and I'm tired…me going to sleep now…please don't kill me for making Legolas love her already, I had planned this ever since the beginning…plus when I read that Aragorn loved Arwen from the hour that they met, I couldn't help but get inspired! It's so freaking romantic…I had better get a shit-load of reviews, man! This took forever! Well, yeah…please?