Disclaimer: I, TrekQueen, will not receive anything in return for this work and I give all credit of Star Trek and Lord of the Rings to The Great Bird of the Galaxy and The Great Wizard of Middle Earth.

Author's Note: I wanted to say thank you once again to everyone who reviewed. I really appreciate it. I also have to apologize that I didn't get this chapter out sooner. I've also decided to let you know that this is also taking place after or in the late sixth season of TNG due to some information that is to be revealed in this chapter. This is also a bit more light hearted than the other chapters.

I would also like to tell everyone to ignore any negative comments lacking creative critiques of my story that you may come across. Some people have nothing better to do than cause trouble for others because they themselves lack what those whom they attack have. I have reported it to as well so do not go through the trouble. Now, on with the story…

Chapter Three: A New Search and New Friends

Riker exhaled heavily and ran his hand over his hair as he looked down upon the still body of L'Etar. The quick rescue had turned into a larger predicament than expected and now no one knew where Spock was. Neither the Enterprise or the shuttle had received signals from another source and with the death of the only other known witness they were left with nothing. Crusher quietly put her instruments away in her med-kit but stopped as she noticed someone approaching. Lord Elrond stopped at the foot of the bed and looked down upon them.

"Commander Riker, we should speak in private immediately," he said softly to him.

Riker looked at him confused and surprised since he addressed him by his formal title that he had purposefully not said to the lord. He began to think something strange was going on and there was a lot more to this world than he realized. Without a word he stood to follow Lord Elrond to a nearby balcony. He motioned for Crusher to remain until he returned. As soon as they were alone, Lord Elrond turned to him.

"I understand the nature of your visit to our lands," he began. "There is no need for distrust or not telling of your important errand."

"What do you know about my 'errands'?" Riker asked carefully.

"I know about your ship," Elrond said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I must also tell you that I am knowledgeable of your traveling in the stars and the means of which you traverse the universe."

"How do you know about that?" Riker said, becoming very on edge that they might get into trouble.

"We Elves know about the worlds beyond ours here," Elrond said. "Here, we have stories of a land where we, the Elves, live which is beyond the reach of man in the West. Elves will feel the need to leave these lands eventually and travel to the outer reaches of this world. The truth of the story is this… we were brought here by another race whose name may be different for your people. We call them the Valar and we will return to the West to remain there forever more where they had once begun."

"Let me get this straight," Riker questioned. "You understand warp capability? And use it?"

"Yes," Elrond said. "The Valar are an ancient race who had a hand in the creation and development of races across the galaxy. We were one of the chosen few who remain and know the truth."

"I know about them," Riker responded, nodding his head as he realized what Elrond was talking about. Not many months before, Captain Picard's old mentor Professor Galen had given them information upon his demise that sent the crew on a chase across the quadrant with the Klingons and Cardassians for pieces of a puzzle that ended with a message from a humanoid being claiming to be part of the creators of life in the universe. He then felt a bit of anger rise inside of him as he realized much more. "Why didn't you help him then if you have as great of technology as we do?"

"We live a simple life in Imladris as do the other Elves in other realms," Lord Elrond explained. "We choose not to use it but we do have an small fleet for times of need."

"Why didn't you say all this before?" Riker said rather annoyed and made sure Lord Elrond noticed.

"We could not trust you fully until we understood all that has been occurring here," he said. "We are in a dark time now. One of the lower Valar with strong powers and evil within him has risen from the Shadows to try and destroy this world. He may try to deceive us through many means."

"And why should I trust you?" Riker said carefully. "How do I know you are not tricking us? And you simply are just a gifted telepath?"

"Oh, but I am able to read your thoughts," Elrond said matter-of-factly. "I have the ability of foresight and knew of your impending arrival but I did not know your intentions. After much consideration and observation have I decided to speak with you on this matter. Though, it is quite curious about the people you have come to save. They appear in likeness to Elves I know of one who would have been able to help you and explain these similarities but he has… fallen." Lord Elrond's silvery gray eyes darkened for a moment, as he seemed to ponder events that only few knew then refocused on Riker.

Riker understood Lord Elrond meant the pointed ears but was not quite sure of whom he spoke that could have made the situation so much easier.

"I don't understand it either but we will leave you in peace once we find everyone we came to find," he explained. "Could you take us to the wreckage and debris field so that we can find out more about what happened?"

"Of course," Lord Elrond said. "You may also contact your Captain since there is no need to worry about lack of knowledge on our part. I will also see to it that your companions are welcome to wander freely in these parts."

The stunning news brought to Captain Picard was indeed shocking and the loss of so many of the people on board the escape pod was greatly troubling due to the fact that Spock's own pod may have had problems upon entry. Lord Elrond kept his word and the crew was let to roam around the forest in search for anything the Elves may have missed or any other people that may have survived the crash.

To everyone's surprise, Worf had become quick friends with Lord Glorfindel who had handily disarmed him earlier in the day. The warrior hearts of each brought the telling of stories about battles and honor as well as the art and mastery of weapons and martial arts. After a very mischievous, and an obviously planned, argument between Elladan and Elrohir was vocalized on whether Worf could possibly better the Balrog-slayer in a fighting match, a last minute competition was announced between the Klingon and elf.

Riker chuckled to himself as he watched Worf prepare on one side of the fighting ring with LaForge and Data by his side and Lord Glorfindel on the other with Erestor whispering things to the golden haired warrior. The twins Elladan and Elrohir stood nearby with smug expressions on their faces at the success their little incident had created and incited the growing crowd more with shouts for their favorite of the match. Crusher stood nearby in case someone was injured. Riker normally would not have allowed such an event on a mission as important as this but he realized that some of Worf's pride might have still been hurt. The stress and tension earlier in the day needed to be released.

The two competitors stepped into the ring to begin. Worf had brought his bat'leth down from his quarters on the ship and Lord Glorfindel sported a long curved blade. The elves curiously studied Worf's weapon from the sidelines since they did not have something quite like it but they did not get a long look at it for the two began their rally as Worf swung his blade into action.

Riker was mostly paying attention to the fight until he noticed an image behind the two fighters. Speaking with one of the twin brothers was a elegant female elf with dark flowing tresses and pale skin. However, her deep blue eyes flashed with wisdom and truth despite the seeming youth of her age. Her face suddenly contorted into shock in response to something Elrohir said and she chastised him as he laughed uproariously to himself. She left as suddenly as she appeared, mixing behind the crowd.

Without a moment to lose, Riker began to follow her path. Her face danced inside his mind, which he hoped would not fade so that he may find her at once and have it forever imprinted in his mind. Her beauty was unmatchable by any of the other elves he had met in his short stay in Imladris. Now far away from the distant cheers, Riker noticed a flash of pale white fabric whip behind a building. He followed quietly and found the female elf admiring a rose garden. He approached her cautiously but she seemed to have heard him in his quiet advance. She looked around curiously to see who had followed her but softened when she saw his face.

"How may I be of service to you, Commander?" she said breathlessly. "Have you become lost? Shall I lead you somewhere?"

"No, but I feel I am lost," he said as he strode up to her, feeling his lady-killer charm taking over. "Without your lovely presence to help guide me. Since you know my name, may I know yours, sweet lady?"

She smiled calmly but did not blush at his remarks nor did she push away his hand that had taken hers. He bent down to kiss her hand but upon rising he was bothered with the lack of a greater response from her.

"I am the Lady Arwen," she said. "My father is Lord Elrond whom you are now acquainted with."

"He never mentioned you, though I can understand he would like to protect such a lovely daughter from strangers," he said, coming closer to her and leaning against the wall behind her.

"He needs not worry about me, Commander," Arwen said. "I am no mere elfling to be cared for."

"That I can see," Riker grinned as he leaned his face in close to hers.

Arwen moved aside, absolutely silent and giggled as she noticed Riker slightly lose his balance as he realized she had moved when he opened his eyes.

"Commander, I must tell you that my heart belongs to another," she said. "I have promised myself to him and will give myself to no other but him."

"I see," he said with a sigh that he would not be able to get to know her better. "I apologize for my behavior, Lady Arwen."

With his words he departed, a small scowl on his face with a hint of frustration. He came back to the practice ring and found Lord Glorfindel had just won the match against Worf. The crowd was dispersing and the Elladan was smiling triumphantly that he had won the bet. It would be best for him to return to the Enterprise to let Captain Picard know of the progress and finds they had made on the surface.