To Manwathiel, I know that these chapters are short. But that's why I update so often. Almost, like, everyday. Or, every other day. I hope that you like the frequency though!

Okay, there might be some confusion in this chapter at the end, but I'll explain... And if I don't explain it enough, review and I'll answer questions in the next chapter.

Forewarning, it is going to get pretty actiony (I know that's not a word, but oh well...) soon. Like, in the next two chapters.

I don't know how long this is going to last you guys, but I will probably start a new LOTR fanfic if you would like me two. I just need a few plot bunnies to get me started. I usually let my imagination take it from there.

Disclaimer: I don't own the LOTR books, movies, etc. I only own Tari. She is MINE! Ask before you use her (as in, her personality and character. It you use her name in a different character, well, there's nothing I can do about it, and I won't try to).

Chapter 15

The Switch

"Ada, what's wrong with mama?" Estellia asked Legolas as he tucked her into bed. Tala hadn't been seen for the rest of the day, since his encounter with her.

Legolas forced a smile. "She probably just needs some time to herself, estel nin." (my hope)

Estellia tugged the silken sheets closer, and hugged her doll tighter. "Why would she need time ada? Doesn't she love you?"

Legolas did not answer her, for he could find none.

"Vaer. Elladan and Elrohir are taking me to camp tomorrow." (fine) she said, rapidly changing the subject, much to the relief of her father.

Legolas smiled. "Aye, I know. Will you promise to be careful?"

She nodded. "When have you ever known me not to?"

"Promise to listen to them?"

"They'll leave me out there if I don't." she laughed.

"And if something bad happens, what do you do?"

Estellia's eyebrows knitted together. She shrugged. "You never asked me that scenario before." she said, her adult-like grammar shining through.

He kissed her forehead. "I know... But if something happens, don't stay to try and fight. I want you to run as fast as you can. I want you to hide, and I want you to stay there until help comes. Do you understand?"

She laughed lightly. "Aye, adar, I do. But nothing like that shall happen! We aren't even going to go any farther than the Bruinen Ford for Valar's sake."

"Forgive me for wanting to protect my only daughter..." he teased, tickling her under her chin. She giggled and writhed away from his hands.

"Good night my little one. Elei velui." (sweet dreams)

"'Night ada..." she said, rolling over to fall asleep.

Legolas returned to his chambers. He did not light the candles, preferring to sit in the darkness on the edge of his bed, staring out the window at the waterfalls and forest. He made a promise to himself that he would apologize to Tala tomorrow, and stop trying to 'get close' to her. It obviously made her uncomfortable and angry. But what if Tala wasn't there tomorrow?

Tala was lying on a chaise longue in the library, staring at the painting opposite of her. The painting was of Tariathon. Her brown eyes seemed to bore into her own, as though the artist had captured their alluring proportions. She was dressed in a long layered gown of snow-white silks. A diamond mithril circlet was upon her brow, and her hair cascaded around her like a golden river. Her lips were turned up in a half smile.

Tala had been staring at this painting since she had run from Legolas. She had been thinking about a life here in Rivendell, about taking the place of the she-elf in the painting. In her heart, Tala knew the truth. She could never replace Tari. Not in a million years; even if she could live that long.

Sleep tugged at her eyes, beckoning her to slip away from her worries in the waking world. Tala yawned and closed her sore eyes. Immediately, she was asleep, and taken from her nightmares to that same beach far, far away.

The waves crept up the sand to where she stood, but did not reach her. The sand was warm beneath her feet, and the sunset was the same as it had been in the memory she had shared with Legolas. Tala could almost smell the salt on the air...

"You like it here, don't you?" asked a soft, and gentle voice.

Tala whirled around to find her face to face with the she-elf from the painting she had fallen asleep in front. Tari smiled at her, warmly. "I've seen through your eyes since the moment you were born, Atalantawen. I've been inside of you all your life, but you just didn't know it. I've seen all your triumphs, and all your failings. Felt your fear, and tried to calm your soul's sadness." she beckoned Tala to walk with her along the shore. The wind was softly blowing, causing Tari's white dress to flutter elegantly. "You've watched over my daughter too. Never once did you show the slightest bit of anger toward her. You told her stories, you tucked her in at night. You played a mother, even though you didn't have to. And Estellia isn't any the wiser that you aren't really me. But, that will change soon."

Tala, who had been listening intently suddenly stopped. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Tari stopped as well, and turned to look at the mortal. "You've been through so much Tala... Too much. More than anyone should ever have to cope with. I have suffered too. If there is one person who shares your fears and sorrow, it is I. Though I only spent half of the time you've lived with Arya, I can assure you that I know the pain you feel. And I want to give you the eternal peace that you find when you stand here on the Sea's shore. The Valar have granted me leave of my own body again. This means that you can live happily here, and never have to fear or worry again."

Tala gaped at her. Was this a dream? Well, yes, it was, but was Tari telling the truth? "I'll never have to go back to Arya? To Mordor? I can stay here? Among the Valar?"

Tari nodded. "Yes. The good thing about those that hold an elf reincarnate spirit, is that when it is time for the elf to have their body back, they get to spend the rest of their unending days with the Valar."

Tala couldn't help it, she was too happy not to. She embraced Tari. She had never embraced anyone besides her own mother, and Estellia, but the awkwardness was overridden by her utter joy. The joy of knowing that she wouldn't have to face any more despair in her life, thanks to this she-elf. "Thank you!" she gasped.

Tari hugged her back. "Go on..." She said, gesturing behind her. Tala turned to look and saw her mother standing there. Her same mother; happy, and holding out her arms to her for an embrace. This gift was beyond anything she could ask... And by the time she had finished crying and embracing her mother, when she turned around to thank Tari again, she was gone...

I hope I didn't confuse you too much with how this happened. Tari has pleaded with the Valar to let her come back again. And asked that Atalantawen be granted amnesty for past actions, and be able to live among the Valar for putting up with Arya for so long, and suffering so much. They agreed, and now Tari has her own body again. Not Tala's, but her original body. So basically, Tala goes 'poof', and is replaced with Tari. Though, Tari still has all of her, and Tala's memories. Okay, don't forget to review! I hope this was long enough...