When I returned to the world again, however much later it was, I didn't even bother opening my eyes. I lay in a comfortable bed, with the pain of my injured legs pulsing through me, and just listened. I could hear, with odd clarity, night birds and insects chirping and crying their individual sounds. I could hear a soft breeze, and assumed the window was open, because I could feel it as well. I also picked up the sounds of whispers. I recognized the voices of Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian, King Thranduil, and Queen Tarellethiel, but there were four other voices that I didn't recognize. They all spoke in whispers and in a language, I didn't understand.

I lay listening to their whispers for a long time. Resisting every urge to sigh, or move, or even twitch. I didn't open my eyes, I didn't want them to swarm me and question me. I didn't want to think about what Legolas said, but the longer I laid there, no matter how still I was, the greater my need for the young elf grew. I don't know what he did or how he did it, I just know that he made me feel calm. And calm was what I needed right then…and some food, because I was starving.

"One does not normally hold one's breath, unless said someone is awake." An elderly man's voice suddenly said loudly, and in English. The whispering stopped and the swishing of clothes, indicated that the one that'd spoken was making his way to me. I let out the sigh I'd been holding for a very long time and finally opened my eyes.

An elderly man with a long white beard, long wavy gray hair, and a set of very impressive eyebrows sat on the bed beside me. There was a soft smile on his lips and a kind look in his stormy-gray eyes. He had many wrinkles, especially by his eyes, as if he'd spent his younger days causing mischief and laughing at its results. "And how are you this evening, my dark mystery?" His eyes twinkled with light, love, kindness, and a deal of mischief.

I smiled at him, unable to hold in a chuckle. His antics were a sweet attempt at making me feel comfortable. "I've been better and more knowledgeable."

He nodded. "Indeed, as have I. But here we are, both with questions and both in need of answers. Do you think it at all possible that we might help each other out?"

I stared at him for a while. I had no doubt that he wanted to know as much about me as he could, he seemed like the type that needed information to survive. If he was indeed someone like that, he'd have at least some of the answers I needed, in which case, we could help each other out. Except for one thing…what I needed at that moment wasn't answers. Granted, I did want them, but not just then. Just then I wanted food and comfort, the latter of which, I found came in the form of Legolas.

"I will answer questions, if you'll do me a favor first."

He nodded. "I will if I can, child."

I looked him square in the eye. "I need Legolas." I deliberately did not look to the king or queen. If my guess was right, and they were his parents, then they might not like my new dependence on him. Nor would they like him being woken at whatever time of night it was, especially if he'd gotten himself sick by helping me with his strange glow.

The elderly man raised an eyebrow at me. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes drew together as he smiled. "You are right, Elrond. She has formed a dependence upon young Greenleaf."

"That is not a good thing!" King Thranduil snapped. "For either of them. Legolas extended himself too much! He needs to sleep, not extend himself more!"

I looked at the beautiful elven man and shrugged. "Fine. Don't get him, let him sleep." They all stared at me in shock, even three elves and the old man that I had yet to be introduced to. Lord Elrond looked wary, like he could read my mind and knew where I was going. "I will answer no questions. I will eat nothing. I will not heal. And I can promise at least one panic attack every hour."

With that and all my attitude, I turned my head away from the elderly stranger and the room full of supposed-fictional creatures and closed my eyes again. I had enough to think and worry about without arguing with the king. He…No, I am not going to think of it. I am going to sleep, because that seems to be the only way to not think about what in the hell was going on around me.

There was silence. Then the many in the room began to talk in the language they had before. My name as well as Legolas' was mentioned. I did not listen to the argument. I drowned out their words and focused on the sounds around me. The rustling of dresses and robes as they moved. The curtains moving softly in the breeze. The animals and insects outside. The faint sound of music that could be heard far in the distance, a flute. Then I picked up the soft sound of voices, six different people, undoubtedly elves. They were speaking English and seemed to be arguing as well.

Focusing more, I began to catch words.

"—beyond foolish." A female voice. It was a light alto and sounded more than a little scornful.

"Meril, Las knew what he was going." This time a male. Sounded young, younger than Legolas and the twins I met earlier, but not childish. He sounded like he was reaching the end of puberty and was nearing young adulthood. Meril was obviously the girl that'd been speaking before.

"Did he? Sounds to me like he was just following his foolish heart and the appeal of his eyes." Meril retorted, her scorn was now very obvious.

"I agree with Oron, Meril. You are being harsh and Las did know what he was doing." This was the voice of Lady Arwen, the beyond beautiful she-elf.

"Can you all stop speaking as if I were not here?" Legolas' voice asked.

"Yes, his body's here, but his head isn't." Joked the voice of one of Lord Elrond's twins. I had yet to hear them individually, so could not distinguish whose voice was whose.

"Oh, shut up, Ro!" The distinct sound of a pillow being thrown followed that along with laughter.

A hand on my shoulder made my focus suddenly zoom back to my room. I quickly scanned the ignored memories of what had happened, but all I found was elvish argument, at least I assumed elvish because I didn't understand the language and they were all elves…except the old man, of course.

I was about to open my eyes and look to who was touching me, when someone spoke. "Poor dear. She has lost much." The pity in Queen Tarellethiel's voice made me cringe internally.

"Do not give up hope just yet, Tare." Lord Elrond answered. "She is strong, you can see it in her eyes. She will pull through, yet."

"I have never heard of someone like her." The elderly man said. "To have the ability that she does."

"She told Legolas that it was both a blessing and a curse." King Thranduil stated, no emotion whatsoever in his voice.

The old man chuckled. "Most gifts are. They would not be worth themselves if they were not."

There was silence for a moment. Then Lord Elrond spoke again. "Now is not the time to speak on this. We will find out what we can in the morning. And, yes, Thranduil, Legolas will be there. He deserves answers as much as we do and she will be more willing if he is."

There was more silence. "I wish I could disagree, however, I must admit you are right. However much I dislike what he may have accidentally created, there is no denying there is something there."

"Come, my love." The queen said softly. "Come to bed with me. The day has made me weary and I would not go alone."

The door opened and the sound of five people leaving the room followed, along with various forms of 'good night'. I remained still and silent as the remaining three moved about the room. "What are her chances, El?" Lady Celebrian's soft voice suddenly asked. I felt the blankets being pulled back and someone begin removing my bandages.

"I do not know, my love. She is strong, much more than she knows. However…I fear the Valar's plan for her." I did my level best to resist the urge to hiss as the cold air suddenly made the sting in my legs more prominent.

"Speak your mind, Elrond." The elderly man said. "Speak not in riddles or vague fears."

"Oh, as if you are one to speak so, Mithrandir." Lord Elrond answered. "You are the most confusing and vague creature I have ever had the misfortune of trying to converse with."

The three chuckled. "There is no denying your love for riddles, Mithrandir." Lady Celebrian said sweetly.

"No, my dear, there isn't. However, that doesn't mean Elrond should keep his thoughts to himself."

A soft hand began to smear something on my stinging legs and this time I could not resist the hiss of pain and involuntary twitch as the stings grew. Lord Elrond's voice said something soothing in elvish. I relaxed as the pain numbed. My mind began to drift away from the conversation in that dark room. Before I heard the end, before I found out what Lord Elrond was saying, I lost myself to a dreamland I rarely saw.

I blinked at the light around me, surprised. Last, I remembered I was in that dark room in Lord Elrond's House, listening to the arguments of elves and their friends. The bright light faded and I found myself in a beautiful city. It was pure white and seemed to glow with the light of the sun. Elegant elves of all types were moving about the perfect city making little to no noise. Each looked happy and calm, at peace and in love. I watched in awe, vaguely aware of the soft music that filled the air.

I jumped when a hand was laid on my shoulder. I turned and found myself looking at a beautiful male elf, who looked so much like Thranduil I wouldn't be surprised if they were brothers. He wore a simple black tunic and leggings with boots to match. He smiled at me.

"Greetings, dear one." He said in a melodiously beautiful voice. "You have questions that can be answered. Come, I will take you." He offered his elbow and with a strange amount of calmness, I took it.

He led me through the city as easily as if he'd been the one that built it. "I am called Oropher, dearest."

"Éponine."

He chuckled. "Yes, I know."

I couldn't help my blush as he looked at me. He was beautiful and elegant and perfect. He reminded me of Legolas and Thranduil, even with the little I know of them, except more. He seemed as though it was them that resembled him and he was better, greater, and all around more than they were.

We walked until we finally stopped at a beautiful walled off villa. The iron gates were beautifully made and ivy covered the beautiful stone walls. We stopped at the gates. Oropher said something in elegant elvish and the gates swung open. We walked into a beautiful garden. There was a beautiful but small lake. Willow trees sat along its banks, their silvery leaves sweeping the pure blue waters. There were pale and elegant flowers adorning the soft sweet-smelling grass. Birdsong filled the air, accompanying the soft music well.

Oropher led me deeper into the garden, around the small lake to a very old weeping willow tree. A beautiful lady with silvery hair and wearing a silvery-gray dress sat at the base of the willow. She sat, gazing over the soft water.

"My Lady Estë." Oropher bowed.

"Go and fetch my sister, Kingling." Came the gentlest reply of the sweetest soprano I'd ever heard.

"Of course, my lady." He bowed again and left.

I was left standing alone with the beautiful woman. "Come and sit, child. My sisters shall be here soon."

I stepped forward hesitantly and sat beside the lake. We sat in silence and despite all the strangeness around me, I felt peaceful and calm. I was content to sit at that lake for eternity. It was not so, for after a time, minutes or hours I could not tell, I heard the arrival of three others.

I turned and two more beautiful women stepped forward. One was dressed in a beautiful dark, silken gown. She had white hair and was pale as alabaster. Over her gown, she wore a gray cloak. The hood was pulled over her head, but I could see the glint of a tear in her eye.

"I am called Nienna, dear one. Welcome, my sisters and I have much to speak with you on."

I smiled and nodded to her. The other stepped forward with a smile. She had bright golden hair and a rich velvet, wine-colored dress. Compared to the others, she looked like a sun in the night sky. "I am Vairë." Her voice was stern and all-knowing. "My sister speaks true, there is much to be said."

She turned to Oropher. "Go, Kingling. Your wife awaits you at home. We will call when she is ready to return."

Oropher bowed to them each in return. Then cast a smile my direction. "Be strong and have faith, dear one. You have much to live and fight for, do not give up until you are certain you can die with your actions." Then he winked. "And let me know how it goes with that beautiful lad you've met."

He departed leaving me totally confused. Vairë chuckled. "Pay our dear Kingling no mind. He means well, but nothing will make sense just yet."

Nienna and Vairë sat down beside us. "Speak, dear one." Nienna said softly. "You have questions and we have answers."

I looked between the three of them. "Legolas, Lord Elrond, King Thranduil—" I paused. "They're elves." It wasn't a question but Vairë nodded. I started to speak again, but stopped, then started again. "I don't even know what to ask. I'm so confused. I have no idea what's going on…at all!"

Vairë exchanged looks with the other two. "Perhaps we should explain everything, then." I nodded. Vairë took a deep breath and shifted so she was comfortable. "Well, you, dear, live on a planet called Earth. The humans on Earth believe they are the only inhabitable planet in their universe full of planets." I nodded again. "Well, they are wrong." I nodded for a third time, this was obviously true.

"The universe is full of planets with all forms of life. Great Beings make and keep an eye on these planets. Some of us have more than one planet that we watch and aid." She smiled at me. "We, the Valar, watch over Earth and Arda, among others. Sometimes, there are great people and creatures that are born on one planet, that will do a different well. When this happens, if we all agree, we will move that creation to the place that it is needed. It is easiest to place a death scene around the creation we are moving for the good of those around and gift them with a new body to enable them to grow in a different or better way than they were before."

I nodded slowly, digesting this. "So, I was born on Earth, but I would do a different planet some good?"

Estë looked at me with a soft laugh. "Oh, dearest. You won't just do Arda some good, you will do it an infinity of good. You will grow and become greater on Arda, and you will help more than your fair share of people, important people."

I looked at Vairë. She nodded. "Yes, dear one. You are destined for Arda. Your time there will not be short, nor will it be easy, but it will be greater and stronger for you."

"But Jullian? And my mom?"

The three exchanged sad looks, this time Nienna answered. "Dear one," she said softly, "You have indeed died. Your death will cause both pain, but they will move on. Your mother will return to France and your brother will travel the world as he has always wanted. They will morn you, but move on with their lives as well."

I couldn't help the pang of hurt that stole into my heart. I felt expendable, like I was only ever in the way. "There's no going back." I said softly and got nods. "What am I supposed to do on Arda?"

The three exchanged looks again. "It will not be easy, you will change, in a way that you did not know was possible. It will frighten you and make you feel weaker, but you will grow for it—" Vairë stopped and smiled. "You will feel weaker, but be stronger. You will awake in this new world and thrive as only you can. Live, love, and learn, dear one. All that needs to happen will and has already begun."

I looked down and noticed my legs. Lifting the hem of my dress, I noticed they were perfectly smooth, but felt strange. "Wha—"

"Your legs will heal," Nienna cut in, "but they will never be the same. You must learn to make your way without the ability to fight."

I looked at her. My eyes began to burn. I felt as if someone had dug my heart out with a dull spoon and left it in my throat, restricting my breathing ability. "But—"

Vairë leveled me with a stern stare. "Do not scorn the gifts you have been given. Your legs haven't the strength to carry a fighter. You have other beautiful talents to use to your advantage."

I nodded weakly. "Of course," I answered softly, "I am sorry."

Estë smiled at me. "Do well in the new life we have granted and we will believe such words."

Then the three stood and I automatically followed. First, Nienna stepped forward. "As we have said, dear one, you shall do well, however, your live will not be without pain or struggle. If ever you need guidance or help, call upon me. I shall always be of service to you. Go, live well. Always look to the light and never turn away from a reason to smile. Find your reason to fight the evils of the world and you shall be forever stronger for it." She kissed my forehead gently. "Grief is a part of life, but never bear it alone. And never forget, courage is found in the most unlikely of places." She clasped a simple silver-white chain around my neck. "Wear this and you wear the protection of the Valier. Be strong and be blessed. Farewell, bainpen-nin, we look to your coming at the Gray Port." She turned and left the garden. With her words, I felt as if the world had been lifted off my shoulders.

Next, Vairë stepped forward. "You are an elf now, dear one. Your memory will forever be strong and impeccable, but your need for order will fade, just give it time." She took my face in her hands and gazed at me with the love of a king mother, reminding me vaguely of Queen Tarellethiel. "If you find yourself in death, yet you feel your task is unfinished, I grant you the ability to return to Arda from my husband's halls, but I give you this ability to use once, and no more. Everyone has their time, even you. Go and do well in this world and I look forward to seeing you again." She kissed my forehead gently, then placed a small round pendant, a woven web of pure moonlight, at the end of Nienna's chain. "May the blessing of the Valar go with you, bainpen-nin." She too left the garden, leaving me warm and calm. This was a lot, but I felt very loved, simply by looking in her eyes,

Lastly, Estë took my hands. She guided me to the lake. She pointed to the clear blue water and a vision appeared. It was of me, laying in the bed in the House of Lord Elrond. Legolas stood beside it with five others and Lord Elrond. They seemed to be talking. I took the time to study myself, completely surprised at my new look. I still had my dark hair, as long or longer than it had ever been, but now instead of being just dark brown, it was an ebony raven. It lay around my head like an inky halo of ebony waves. My eyes were as big as they ever were, with long dark eyelashes. My skin was still olive, but my face was free of any blemishes or acne. I looked taller, but not by much and I looked all legs. My body shape was as thin and unfeminine as it had always been if not more so, because I was injured.

"My husband is the Master of Dreams, Visions and Desires and I, the Lady of Healing. There is much you can gain and will need from both of us." She turned to me. "You will find great trial in the new weakness of your legs and the fading of your orderliness. I will listen to any prayer you send to me. My husband will be open to send you any help that you need, should you ask, as well. My sisters have spoken all that need be said. You can always grow and always will." She clipped a length of silver-white chain on Vairë's woven pendant. At the end hung a pale crystal that glowed with the soft blue-ish light of the moon. "Never underestimate the strength and healing of tears, especially ones shed for the pure and everlasting love of another. Bless you, bainpen-nin, we watch and wait for your return." She kissed my head as the others had and with a smile left me in the garden on my own.

The sun began to set, but I felt so peaceful, I stood where I'd been left with nothing on my mind. I only pulled away, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Come, dear one. Now is not your time to be lost in the peace and light of Valinor." I turned and caught Oropher's smile. "Your time will come, just as all the rest, but not yet."

He took my hand and wrapped it around his elbow. He led me out of the garden and into the city. Not the pure whiteness of it was pale and cast a blue-ish glow about everything. There was laughter and bright music playing. I could hear singing and the tapping of dancing feet, but Oropher took me nowhere near the source of the noise.

"If we were to stop and observe the play of a carefree elf, we would never return you to your place." He led me away to a simple but elegant mansion. "Here, I live with my wife, awaiting the return of my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. You will rest here for tonight and tomorrow, find yourself returned to your new home."

He led me inside and we were greeted by a beautiful she-elf with beautiful silvery-white hair and emerald green eyes. "My wife, Nanethiel."

"A pleasure to meet you, dear one. Welcome to our home." She smiled warmly and the ever-present calm seemed to grow with the warmth of her smile. She took my hand and led me to a simple room that was pure and white. "I would offer food, but the deliciousness of it would keep you here. Now, sleep, young one, and I hope to see you on these shores again, at a later time."

I smiled and thanked her. And without a thought from my always busy and nervous mind, I sank down on the soft white bed and fell into sleep without a problem. My dreams were of love, kindness, and joy and I made a mental note to myself to thank Estë's husband when I was more awake.

I wanted to thank everybody for their reviews. I'm sorry if I went off a bit hard about the Mary-sue thing. All your reviews helped and I'm trying to keep her from being a Mary-sue. I hope you see how I'm preventing this in this chapter. I hope you'll also see when it sounds a bit in her favor, being as she's the main-character of a romantic-adventure and it's from her point of view. I've also been thinking, when it gets further in, I might do some lemons. I'd like to know opinions on that.

I know I'm asking a lot, but I'm wondering: should I change the time-frame as well? I feel like the story's too close to the Lord of the Rings.

Again, thank you all for you're support, and I hope that you like what I'm doing.

-MaNY1001