" we have discovered an ancient prophecy about a league of great magicians, perhaps you might call them witches, these mortals knew their gifts were powerful - so powerful that they could change the course of the world. They also knew that these gifts would be wasted in a mortals lifetime, so they cast a spell. This spell removed the magic from their bodies, so that it would be a timeless thing. But it also said that the power would return in living form , in a time of great need for two nations. This power could only be wielded in full capacity within a union of the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. One would be sent as a messenger, and this one would be the leader of those who are to come. You. (Brittany would like to add a note at this point: "were you on crack when you wrote this … Me. Leader. Yep, definitely on something.")

" groovy?" I said weakly.

He barreled on, talking about trainings councils, seers, orcs, elves, rings…the list went on and on. I suppose my eyes had glazed over ,or something, for the elf lord abruptly stopped, and kindly sent me on my way. Dazed, I walked the halls of Rivendell until I finally found my turn and ran SMACK! Into someone.

"easy there, mellon nin" Estel said, " I didn't expect anyone to be coming along the corridor, typically my brothers and I use it to escape boring delegations. I was planning on going out into the forest, but if you would like, I can get a picnic lunch packed for the two of us."

"that would be great, " I smiled, and my stomach rumbled - betrayed again by my enormous appetite.

A few minutes passed as we hurriedly gathered together the requisite items : sandwich, apples, chocolate cake, a blanket, a few books and an odd assortment of 'elvish things,' that Estel packed, assuring me of his intent to teach me about them. I had my doubts, remembering the time Selene had convinced me that a Frisbee was ,indeed, a plate and then proceeded to serve me from the 4th of July barbecue onto one. Later that day it was embarrassing to be asked by Marina's younger brother why there were refried beans inside it.

We walked into the glorious sunshine and I once again marveled at Rivendell's brilliance.

"I know the perfect place," and with that, we trekked off into the woods, weaving between tree branched and dancing over fallen leaves. We abruptly halted at a small pool with a waterfall cascading in one corner. We plopped down our stuff, spread the blanket, and began to devour the lunch; talking all the while.

"that was delicious." I said, falling back to look at the clouds.

"I agree," and he let out a self-satisfied burp, and fell to the ground next to me. We lay like that for a while each thinking our own thoughts.

" Look, it's the Black Pearl!" I suddenly exclaimed. At Estel's inquisitive look I explained, " my friend Rina used to try to find pirate ships in the clouds. She was convinced that one would come to life , sail down and rescue her one day." I let out a mirthless laugh , "not exactly your typical Knight-on-a-white-horse story."

" and you? What did you imagine?" I found myself paralyzed by a pair of brilliant blue eyes.

" I um…say Estel, how old are you ?"

" I am around 37—but my people, the people of the north, reach their maturity much later than other humans…so I guess it's comparable to being 17."

"no reason." we lapsed into silence for a minute before I rolled over and poked him.

"You're it!"

What ensued was a chase through out the forest. I had found an excellent hiding place within the roots of an ancient, majestic tree. I had forgotten that Estel was an excellent tracker which is why I found myself slung upside down over his shoulder.

"Let Me Down! I'll…" I scrambled to think of a suitable threat " I'll send my flying monkey's on you !" all this earned was a hearty chuckle.

" Let. Me. Down!" I was laughing, but his shoulder was digging uncomfortably into my hip.

"as you wish" I found myself flying through the air, and sputtering for air while soaking wet.

I swam over to the bank where a certain teenage boy was doubled over laughing, and gave him a big hug, effectively wetting him. But that wasn't enough, so I gave him a shove, and he grabbed my wrist, so I found myself hurtling into the water again.

"You. Will. Pay!" and began an all out water fight - splashing, dunking, buckets. "thank goodness we don't have super soakers," I thought.

We soon tired of that, and crawled out onto the bank to dry our sopping wet clothes and bodies. Luckily eleven tunics and breeches dry fairly quickly, so within fifteen minutes I was only slightly damp. Estel had picked up one of the "elvish things," but on closer inspection I found it resembled a … "Frisbee." I announced and grabbed it from him. He stood obediently, and walked a few paces away. I threw it, testing my skills, and we started an easy game of catch.

"I bet you can't do this!" Estel threw it under one leg. I caught it one-handed and threw it from behind my back.

"close your mouth, you're gaping" I teased. The tricks became more elaborate, and I gradually switched my throw to Kat's "ubër special" one, where it was near impossible to catch, because the disked simply seemed to hover in front of the catchee, and move right when they tried to catch it. Defies the laws of motion, I know, but it has something to do with how you grip the disk. Gradually our game turned to a me: catch, throw. Him: miss, run to retrieve, throw temper tantrum, throw Frisbee. After the 16th or so miss, we called the game quits.

" I should throw you in the water again for that."

"What? Just because you can't catch?" I asked innocently. It was then I noticed the sun setting, "looks like I'll have to take a rain-check on that one pal, we'd better head back.:" so we gathered the stuff and traipsed onward.

Over dinner that night I found out my training schedule: every waking minute. Too bad elven hearing picks up under-the-breath mutterings.

"Fear not lady Brittany we shall be instructing you in the healing arts" Elladan grinned cheekily , as I let out a sigh of relief - the twins knew the escape routes out of the castle better than everyone, surely they would help me out.

" I shall be testing you and discovering the nature of your power, as well as scrying for the impact this will have on Middle Earth." Elrond began and Galadriel finished.

"Mithrandir will be here in two weeks time, perhaps he will provide some answers for us." Arwen cut the tension gently.

The next morning I was told to make things explode.

"Alright!" but this was easier said than done.

"cup the energy in your hand, feel the concentration of power, decide on a target - that flower pot there - now give it a nudge in that direction and release the magic." I did as he said and watched as a ball of sparks hurtled from my hands - perhaps not so gently - and blew up the flower pot. It continued and exploded out the wall.

" Cool! I'm an exploding werewolf! Boom!" I turned to Elrond to give him a high five. Instead of the impeccably groomed elf-lord I was used to, the elf standing next to me had tangled hair, disheveled clothes, and a fine layer of dust covering him, he also had a slightly dangerous look in his eyes. " My study. You just blew a hole in the wall of my study."

"umm… I thought you wanted a window there?"

"I think lessons are over for today, go find Elrohir- I hope you display the same," he cleared his throat, "aptitude for healing ." with that, he stomped out the door. I shrugged, and headed out the wall, into the sunny day. I found myself wandering familiar paths until I was standing at the waters edge

" a little voice inside my head said,

don't look back

you can

never look back"

" ah, Brittany. What an unexpected guest,"

Estel fell to the ground next to me

" Holy flying Batman! What are you doing? Trying to scare the bejebus from me?"

"Well, you would have heard my approach, had you not been mimicking the sounds of a dying orc."

"I was singing! You dare insult Don Henley or the Ataris?"

" No need to get defensive , I was not insulting your precious musicians" He made a quick gesture with his hands, and helped me to stand up. I found myself pinned with my arms behind my back with two elf lords shooting identical accusatory glares at me.

" you skipped lessons again" Elladan said

"third time this week," said the other, with a mock-stern look in my direction. Estel, who was holding my arms, began to laugh

" what do you think we should do with her?" the twins began to circle closer.

"there's only one punishment suitable for this kind of transgression," the other nodded solemnly.

" tickle her."

"Guys! giggle Stop! gasp Please! continual laughter ! "

We began our march back to Rivendell and straight to the healing room, we lost Estel along the way, for he claimed to be allergic to all that is indoors… he really didn't want to be roped into playing 'victim' for my lessons. The only people who need help were those with minor lacerations. The twins taught to mix a salve to put on the cuts and burns. I was allowed to leave only after I was covered in balm and had accidentally spilled the half-congealed elixir on Elladan's tunic.

I wondered the halls attempting to find my room when I overheard two laundry maids talking.

"Just think. in two weeks time, there's going to be a ball!".

"Yes, a famous adventurer is coming- I cannot wait to hear his tales," a wistful voice added

"gorgeous dresses, handsome princes, dancing, music," the first voice barreled on, but my mind was stuck on one word: Dancing. I cannot dance- rather any attempt at doing so results in me looking line the energizer bunny on happy pills having a technological meltdown- to put it bluntly- I am a Spaz! Which is why Estel found me later, hiding in the libraryattempting to learn to dance from book diagrams.

"Argh! How hard can it be! Three steps and a frikken twirl!" I attempted it again, and ended up resembling a pretzel.

" It's hopeless. Maybe I should just break a leg. Or climb a tree and refuse to comedown. I could be a political statement. Do elves vote anyways? Nah, they'd probably move the dance to the tree tops. They'd be good at that to. Stupid Elves why so they have to be good at everything- Especially dancing!" a stream of fire shot from my fingers, incineration the book.

"whoops" I said

"I wish I could do that - imagine how many boring history books I wouldn't have to read." A wry voice quipped from the corner. I whipped around to see Estel leaning against a bookshelf with an amused smile playing about his lips.

" You weren't supposed to see that. I'm supposed to learn element training later."

"Fear not, your secret is safe with me. Was I not supposed to see that rant as well?"

"just because you are possibly one of those dashing princes who has been dancing since birth, doesn't give you the right to insult me!" I stamped my foot, temper boiling.

" I can help you learn, ya' know, teach you the steps if you want," I looked at him, and saw him fiddling with a dagger.

" put the dagger down " I instructed and he, bewildered at the sudden change of topic, obeyed. I proceeded to run over and hug him.

" You. Are. A. Life. Saver!" I said , "I promise never ever to play any pranks on you and to teach you to throw a Frisbee!"

"Umm…I can't breathe." it was then I realized I was still hugging him- I let him go quickly and blushed he cocked his head at me and asked the million dollar question, "Do you really think I'm handsome?"

"well…" I trailed off," don't flatter yourself, but around the castle you are considered 'Hott' with a capital 'H'"

'that was awkward,' I thought , certain that my face was resembling a fire engine

" I never knew any person to look so much like a cherry." and with that comment we laughed it off.

So the days flowed by in a routine that left either Elrond, Elladan, or Elrohir threatening my life, as the serving staff shook their heads resignedly as they went to clean up the latest broken crockery, torn clothes, or demolished walls. I had developed some aptitude at dancing, meaning, 9 times out of 10, I stayed on my feet and did not cause bodily harm to Estel. This day in particular was not going well, as he seemed short-tempered and I was distracted - so after several frustrated squabbles he stormed off and I was left to my own devices. I wandered around until I found the beautiful music room again.

Everything was identical to the way I left it - soft sunlight streaming through the open windows and creating dancing shadows upon my light green gown. The flute was lying in nearly the same place, so I picked it up to play- first running quickly through scales as a warm-up and then settling into a wordless tune. I couldn't remember the name, but it was some Celtic harp piece that Marmee ( Marina's mom) had given me the sheet music two weeks BTP (before the portal.) Before I noticed, the light had grown dimmer and the shadows longer, it was time to return to dinner. I smoothed my skirt and mournfully put the instrument away as I hurried down the corridors to dine.

I entered just as the elves were beginning to sit down, and unobtrusively grabbed a seat at a half-empty table. Impulsively, I looked up at the head table – Erestor was animatedly carrying on a conversation with one of the as Elrond chuckled idly at something Glorfindal said. Estel was staring vacantly into space, but when a well shot grape hit him in the nose, he glowered. I resisted the urge to go up and talk to him, remembering his parting words to me were " You're just a good for nothing girl who doesn't know her left from her right!" I winced again, recalling the decibel level of his tirade.

"are you well, M'lady?" the elf sitting across from me questioned kindly.

"yes, thank you , just recalling a painful incident with a Kabob" I replied, gesturing to the meal set before us. The elf laughed pleasantly.

" I should me greatly interested in hearing this tale. My name is Rumil by the way."

" Brittany," and the evening passed pleasantly. Eventually we retired to the large balcony and spent time simply staring at the stars as Rumil told me the story of Ithullian. Later, he bade me farewell and I noticed his lingering gaze as he preformed the customary "kiss on the hand." Rather than return inside, I stood wondering at the stars and barely noticed the tall form standing next to me.

"they are beautiful, aren't they?" Estel asked.

"all the more beautiful when enjoyed alone " I responded pointedly.

" I would make peace with you " his voice was haltingly earnest.

" with me? A simple girl? No, good sir, I think not. I thank you for your ability to put up with my immature character and frivolity, and for accommodating my lessons into your busy day, however shall mow remove that burden from your life." I marched off, fighting the tears fell like glittering stars, and wandered aimlessly throughout the garden for hours, returning to my rooms in the moon's light.

"Darn it!" my key fell to the floor, and I heard the clink of metal on metal - 'hm, that's odd. ' as bent down my fingers brushed something that felt uncommonly like - a flute. A short investigation led me to the tag, which simply read "sorry." Darn that Estel, I thought though a smile tugged at my features.

The next few days passed in a flurry and I was able to avoid my certain-to-be-awkward encounter with Estel. It was the day of the ball, and rather than lessons, Elrond had imprisoned me with…

"Good Gods! Do you never brush your hair!" Teeryana, My personal groom for the day, had woken with an unceremonious bowl of icy cold water over my head, and had proceeded to throw me - flailing arms and all- into a scalding bath in which she scrubbed me raw.

" you have hair like a horse!" she growled when I yelped as she removes a particularly tangled knot.

"perhaps , it would be better if I was a horse, then , perhaps I would be fed on a regular basis!" my stomach rumbled, punctuation this point.

" you will eat after your hair is manageable, for the onslaught of stylists, seamstress and etiquette instructions has not truly begun." I sank lower in my seat, Knowing this battle was not to be won.

A short while later there was a knock on the door, and I found myself virtually strapped into a chair as various elves attacked my feet (which no one would see!) an etiquette coach instructed me on the 15 odd years of lessons I had missed while living in a cave with my barbarian, cannibalistic parents. This coupled with the fact I was rationed a glass of orange juice and half a Danish for breakfast, did not bode well for my mood, which was, to say the least, stormy.

Noontime came and went with a plaintive whine of my neglected stomach. My torturers of the moment had began to panic, as the ball began in nearly two hours. I contemplated of the stylist species. Those thoughts were quenched when my mind moved on to suicide, and all forms of creative death. I had read in a book about an assassin who killed solely with a hairpin. Tempting idea. Just then, a pin jammed into my skull, surely stopping only when it hit the cranium.

"do that one more time and ill shove it up your ass" I muttered darkly. There was a slight pause in the conversation around me as all shot reprimanding looks in my direction. A millennia later, the stepped back, exhausted, and Teeryana stepped forward.

"we are finished."

I stood and looked into the mirror,

"Not bad guys… but you forgot one thing. I'm still in my underpants!"

Once again, there was twitter, and they unearthed the most beautiful gown known to man. It almost made those hours of confinement worth it, almost. I trailed a hand down the silky skirt, and was once again, unceremoniously shoved , squeezed , and fitted into a gown. It fit perfectly, the gown seemed to trap all the fire of the sunset into a bold of cloth. A fitted bodice with off the shoulder straps flowed effortlessly into a billowing skirt that ended in a slight train. I quickly rushed to my belongings and found the necklace that I had taken from Marmees's shop - the mysterious one- a gold chain furnished with a single tear shaped pendent the color of amber.

"lets go"

the ball had begun when I entered, though the host family and honored guest had not yet arrived. I made small talk and successfully danced a waltz before everyone paused and the late arrivals were announced.

I craned my neck to get a look at Mithrandir, but could only make out the commanding presence of a wise old man.

"who is that human-child on the dance floor , in the fire colored dress?" he leaned to ask Elrond.

"that is Lady Brittany, the one I wrote to you about, she will play a role in out future, and us in hers, for our fates are intertwined as inexplicably as the four elements," Mithrandir settled back to watch his new pupil.

I cautiously made my way over to Estel, overly aware of my swept up hair and painted face. The amulet on my chest trembled slightly, betraying my nervous heart. I tugged his sleeve casually," I was wondering if I might have this dance?"

" I'm sorry M'lady, I was look... B, it is you !" and he quickly handed off his cup as we made our way onto the dance floor. The song was of a slower tempo, and I was acutely aware of our close proximity- his arm stiffly encircling my back and my head nearly laid on his shoulder.

"I wanted to apologize." I began 'damn it! Why does my mouth feel so dry!' I thought "I was rude to not accept your apology and I procrastinated in thanking you for the beautiful flute."

he mumbled something along the lines of "anything for one as beautiful as you."

"what did you say?" I inquired, he blushed and replied.

"I said, What a beautiful pair of shoes," he motioned to my well worn boots

" I couldn't stand the slippers they gave me – high heels are a safety hazard." we laughed. All the stiffness taken out of our conversation,

"now that that's over, can we please get some food! Evil demons have kept me locked up all day with nothing to eat as they preformed various tortures on me."

"why don't we just leave?" once again, we snuck off and grabbed a picnic to take to the hidden clearing by the waterfall. After eating and chatting a bit. The sweet notes of a song wafted over from the ball

"may I have this dance?" Estel swept into an elegant bow. I curtsied, and we danced, I was aware of nothing but the clouds under my feet and Estel's smiling face. I suddenly realized we had stopped dancing, but when Estel bent down to kiss me , I realized that not dancing wasn't such a bad thing. The night passed as a happy blur as we talked about our lives, our pasts and futures. As the first rays of dawn peaked over the horizon Estel delivered me to my room with one last kiss. I feel into bed thinking my life was perfect.

My bliss was short lived ,however, because a few short hours later a loud, relentless knock was pounding upon my door.

"Holy Flying Batman, GO AWAY!"

"Lord Elrond requests your presence in his study in one hour's time" a timid voice responded.

"Shit!" I bolted from bed, grabbed some clothes and ran to the bathroom where I hurriedly stripped and din a cannon ball into the water.

"fr-eeeee-zing!" I quickly finished cleaning, toweled off and changed, grabbed a comb and attempted to tame my hair, i ended up pulling it into a simple ponytail with a leftover ribbon and grabbed an apple on my way out the door. Par for the norm, I barreled into someone.

"Crap!" I exclaimed, rubbing my head distractedly, "I'm really sorry, but I'm really late and Elrond will be mad and..." I trained off breathlessly as my assailant let out a rich laugh. Estel. Of course. It had to be him, seeing me in full disheveled and panic mode.

"Since it appears I will not be able to persuade you to accompany me to breakfast, allow me to escort you to Ada's study," He offered an arm I gratefully accepted.

"How can you look so pulled together, awake, and hot this early in the morning?" I grouched.

"Easily mellon nin, I did not go to sleep." he replied.

"crazy. Plain crazy. I don't suppose elves make coffee do they?" he shook his head no, I continued.

"Why! Why, Valar, did you send me to this caffeine-forsaken place! No coke, pepsi, or coffee!" just as I reached full blown rant stage Estel kissed me, effectively cutting off any thought or sound. It was a distraction I could get used to however. We reached the unmarked door and Estel knocked, and we entered. Mithrandir and Elrond were seated in deep discussion, though they abruptly stopped when we entered.