Chapter 4

The only indication I'm going in the right direction is the ever growing, overwhelming, tug pulling me forward. I've been riding for a few hours now and the sun has broken the horizon. The guys must be up by now.

I wonder how they're taking things. I imagine the moment of peace one has upon waking before they realise anything is wrong. Legolas will notice first that I'm missing. I imagine him searching left and right for any sign of me. Then he'd notice his sword is gone as well. Or maybe Aragorn would call out that the horses are gone. Gimli will just make some kind of joke about me just being off looking for some warm water to bathe in to lighten their moods.

I sigh. They're likely all angry that I've left them unattended and without a quick mode of travel. Legolas and Aragorn could probably run longer than most, but poor Gimli would have to work twice as hard to keep up with them. With all the armour and axes he carries, it'd be tiring.

There's a pond in the distance. It's unlikely the guys will catch up with me now, so I decide to stop and let Arod have a break and bit to drink. I stand and stroke his white hair along his neck. You're only coming as far as is safe. He neighs in what seems like protest making me laugh.

When Arod seems content, I pull myself back up and we start running again. The ride is smooth and the intelligent creature beneath me seems to know where I want to go. It leaves me with nothing to do but think. As strange as this place has been, I think if I get the choice, I'll choose to remain here.

I'll visit Gimli's home in the Glittering Caves. I'll visit Arwen and Aragorn -if Aragorn still wants to see me- in Arnor. I'll return to Rivendell and thank Elrond again for his hospitality and guidance. I'll meet the hobbits I've heard them speak so much about. I'll learn Elvish… Sindarin, I think he called it. I'll travel with Legolas and get to know him better. See where he is from. Learn what his father is like. What about his mother? A warmth spreads through me at the thought of getting to know him. Think about something else.

Gimli dribbling his drink down his beard is the first thing to distract me. He might be a little rough around the edges, but he's got a special place in my heart. Throughout this whole journey nothing has fazed him. If it has, it's been but a moment, before he is trying to lighten the mood again. The friendship between him and Legolas is a sight to see too. It seems so unnatural but so right at the same time. Mountains appear ahead in the distance when I look up. Still quite a ways to go.

Aragorn also holds a special place in my heart. He's been nothing but kind to me since the beginning. His presence has been steady and comforting. It's easy to see why his people look up to and follow him. I wonder what made him that way though? So thorough and level-headed. How many battles such as this has he faced? I'm glad he has Arwen. He deserves someone gentle but strong like her. The mountains are still far away but now I can see a darkness hanging over them. Uneasiness settles in my stomach. Happy thoughts.

My thoughts drift back to seeing Legolas for the first time. He was beautiful, literally glowing., but his expression was so unreadable. Most of his expressions were unreadable, well at least until I spent more time around him. Even thought his initial distrust of me was annoying, I realise now it came from a place of caring for his friends. He's incredibly loyal. The connection him and Aragorn share is breathtaking, it even seems Aragorn can understand what Legolas speaks in Sindarin. I swear he spoke in a language I didn't understand just to irk me, well at least at the beginning he did.

After that night he braided my hair for the first time it seemed like his focus shifted to seeing the different ways he could make me flustered. Like adjusting my shooting stance rather than just instructing me on what to do. A flush and heat rush over my body. Or tucking the cloth around the stone in my palm. A tingle ghosts my palm and I clench the fabric in my left hand. The tingle spreads along my back and outer thighs as I remember riding with him for the first time. He felt so stable pressed against my back.

He also pushed me to learn to protect myself, thought it was never more than I could handle. He just seemed to know. He was patient with me while I shared my history with Richard. Thought I think it angered him a bit. It's hard to tell, he's never showed much anger toward me. The flush returns to my cheeks when I remember his jealously at the inn, then the sweet way he carried me to bed when I drank too much. He felt so strong then, like I weighed nothing.

God, I can't believe I went and attacked him. But I did end up learning more about his abilities then, that he hadn't shared before. And falling asleep on his shoulder was nice. A small smile graces my lips. His fresh, woody sent will be burned in my memory forever, it was so soothing.

I'm pulled out of my musings by the moon rising over the mountains on the horizon. Where did the day go? I don't want to sleep outside on my own, but I don't have the stamina that Legolas or Aragorn have, and I'll need to be my best for tomorrow. I'll likely make it to Mordor by mid afternoon tomorrow at the latest. If I remember correctly, it's just on the other side of where the mountains lay.

I don't bother with a fire, not wanting to draw attention to myself if there's anything out there. They'd made it sound like we've been lucky that nothing had attacked us so far. I curl up against the base of a tree near where I've tied Arod up and try to find sleep. It's hard to come by as I'm scared in the darkness and shivering in the cold, but I manage to catch a few short hours.

When I wake, I force a few nibbles of the last of my bread, then offer some to my companion. He rejects it in favour of munching on the long unkempt grass around us. Fine. I stuff the leftovers back in my pack and tie it to his side.

"The last little bit of our journey buddy. Just get me past those mountains and you're free to go." I give him a few pats then pull myself up on to his back. We waste no time and take off in a run. All things considered, it's a beautiful day. The sun is out occasionally hidden by a few clouds, not too hot and not too cold. The sight of the dark mountains still sends a chill down my spine though.

The time passes entirely too quickly and drags on so slowly all at once. Where did the day go? The sun has passed over my head and now sits behind me somewhere. I slide off the horse and grab my pack. He nudges me with his head and I try to give him a smile.

"Thanks for the help." I say giving him a few scratches. "Now you get back to safety." I say looking back through the valley between the mountains we just crossed. "Go on now!" I say patting his behind. He takes off running. I watch him until I'm alone.

Slowly, I turn back toward the dark, dead lands. Mordor. It's hard to breath through the oppressing feeling lingering in the air. The pull in my chest has also become overbearing. I couldn't take a step in the opposite direction even if I wanted to.

I check to make sure the daggers Aragorn gave me are still on my sides. Then I make sure Legolas' sword is still secure on my hip. Finally, I stash my pack in the last of the green grass. Hopefully I'll be coming back for you soon. I square my shoulders and take a few steps toward the crumbled tower far off in the distance. I climb my way through all the broken rock and past the ruined gate.

There's so much destruction here. I wonder what it looked like before, or during, their journey with the hobbits. Everything is all so quiet, so still. I almost wonder if I'm even in the right place. I'm just about to turn back when the ground starts to rumble. I look down as stones and rubble start to bounce around. I catch a glimpse of just how far I've walked from the place I'd left my pack; I'd never make it back safely if the ground decided to give.

A crack forms and spreads around me creating an oval runway kind of shape. I struggle to keep my footing as the small platform rises me up into the air. That squishes any chance of retreat I had. It's like I'm standing on a small flat top mountain of my own. The sky grows darker, and the wind picks up, whipping the tendrils of hair around that have fallen loose from Legolas' last braid. Birds caw and circle ominously above me.

The familiar black smoke I've seen so many times now starts swirling around a small distance in front of me. The metal of my hand piece starts heating up, but the fabric of the cloth is protecting my palm from the worst of it.

'Give it to me.' I hear the voice in my head. This time it presents itself in all its sinister intentions, no disguising itself as my own voice, or falsehoods of protecting me from my friends. I raise my hand to look at the stone in my palm.

It's hypnotizing. The edges are glowing a vibrant red-ish brown that look like there's so much dept to them. The centre line that gives it the cat's eye name is glowing a fiery yellow. It almost looks alive. I stare at it wide eyed. 'GIVE IT TO ME!' the voice booms through my head.

"If you want it come take it!" I yell trying to be heard over the wind whipping around me. The pull shifts from my chest to my palm and grows immeasurably stronger. It's so intense I almost fall forward. I shift a foot in front of me and brace myself. Fire around the smoke in front of me grows bright, and I bring my right hand up to shield my eyes. It's not enough and I have to squint as well.

Whatever is causing the pull snaps and I fall back, not prepared for the sudden change. I catch myself on my elbows just before my head would've made contact with the ground. The platform is cool to the touch and the chill seeps through the clothes covering my back. I flip my palm over and inspect the stone. It's gone dark grey and dull white. I run my thumb over it and it's cold to the touch. It's shallow and lifeless, and I'm glad it can't burn me anymore.

Chanting in a language I don't understand pulls me back to my surroundings and I hurry to my feet wanting to be prepared for whatever comes next. The form in front of me changes, shrinking to the size of the stone I hold, except the colours are reversed now. Fire forms the edges while a black slit forms in the centre, like an eye. The changing continues and I watch as the figure grows ever so slowly.

A rumbling and shaking pulls my attention away for the time being, and to my right where a fissure opens up in the ground. I watch, horrified, as disfigured grey and purple creatures crawl out from the gash. There aren't many for now but from the sounds of the awful screeching there's hundreds of them down there.

The first few jerkily sniff around then run in my direction. I take a small step back but freeze when my heel hangs over the edge and causes a stone to break off and crumble to the ground. I step forward to the edge in front of me and peer down, watching as they start to scale the wall of my platform.

I return to the middle and grab my daggers. I don't think as I drive them forward and into the chest of the first creature. It dies almost instantly, and I get my first good look at it's blood red eyes. It also has pointed jagged ears and long razor sharp teeth. I shake my head to shake myself out of it. I need to focus.

I give the dagger a hard jerk and the body slips from the blade, and over the edge. I watch as it takes out another one on its way down. I try to push back the urge to vomit when I notice the black blood staining my blade.

I don't have much time to think about it though as two more pull themselves up over the ledge. I look between them as they get their bearings. I raise and cross my daggers then slash down in an X as hard as I can. Both beings stagger before falling backwards from the platform.

A wave of dizziness comes over me as I realize I just took four lives. Well, 3 and one by happenstance. I try to take deep breaths to steady myself. I have a moment of peace and quickly look to my left. The stone size figure has only just doubled in size. I don't question its slow progression; just grateful I only have to deal with whatever these things are for now. I need a plan though. Sauron, or whatever this being is now, won't stay lifeless forever.

Waves of these undead looking creatures keep coming but as long as I don't have more than a few at a time I find I can manage them. I can feel myself growing tired though. They seem to be never ending.

I breath heavily as look to the sky trying to get some idea of how long I've been doing this. Dried blood splatter pulls at the skin on my face and the strands of my hair where it's hardened. I chance a glance over the edge of my platform and the pile of bodies below has me choking. I back away so they're out of sight and swallow thickly. I'm beginning to regret leaving the others behind. I'm going to need years of therapy after this.

The fiery figure has grown almost as tall as I am, and I don't know how much time I have left before I have to come up with a plan for that. The heat is intense and sweat drips down my face, liquifying some of the blood again. I raise my wrist to wipe at my brow; some of the wet mixture smears across my temple.

I hear a deafening screech and then arms wrap around me just above my elbows. It severely limits my movements. I thrash around and try to throw them off me, but their grip is unbreakable. I let out a frustrated cry and throw my head back as hard as I can. I hear a sickening crack and warm liquid runs down my back. I want to vomit but it lets go and my arms are free again.

I spin quickly and stab with both blades. It staggers back freeing itself of the blades as it topples over the edge to the ground below. My head and vision swim and pain radiates from the back of my head where I made contact. I'm slow to recover and am grabbed again from behind. I struggle. I don't think I'll be able to stay standing if I try my last move again though.

The black centre of the flame starts flickering and both of us freeze in our struggle. A tall slender black figure starts flashing into existence. Dread drops heavy in my stomach. I'm out of time. There's a whistle of something flying through the air and then I'm jerked to the side. I manage to catch my balance but the thing holding me isn't so lucky.

I turn to watch as it falls, an arrow embedded in the side of its head. An arrow? I whip my head up and scan the lands. Back where I'd originally come from Legolas is standing there, arrow notched, with Aragorn and Gimli. I almost cry at the sight, first with relief that I'm not alone anymore, then with despair that I couldn't end this before they arrived and save them having to live through this evil again.

There's a scream and a gust of wind that blows incredibly stronger and hotter. The force of it knocks me to the ground of my dirty platform and the shrieking from the fissure intensifies. Hundreds of beings start to crawl frantically from the hole and head toward me.

The three men pull out their weapons and start running. Legolas takes out the first ones with his arrows until they're close enough to start fighting with their swords and axes. A few slip past them and make it up to me but I take them out quickly with renewed hope.

The flickering intensifies and I turn to focus on the black figure before me, having to trust that the guys will give me the time I need up here. I can't really get down to help them anyways.

The whispering never stops, just grows louder and louder until a fully formed being appears in front of the eye of fire. It is all black, covered in black armour. Its helmet is large with spikes on top, and it covers its entire head aside from space for its eyes and mouth. Its eyes are the only part that stand out as they glow with actual fire and I'm both mesmerized and terrified by it.

I stand and wait for it to make its first move as I have no way of getting to it. I tighten my grip on the handles of my daggers just as it charges forward. It soars through the air, and I raise my blades. It flies over me, just to my left, and cuts my upper arm on the way by. I ignore the pain, quickly crossing the daggers and pulling them apart. The only damage I do is causing some of the black smoke making up its body to swirl out of place momentarily.

"What the…" How am I supposed to do any damage if this thing is made of smoke? I drop to the ground to dodge it as it makes another pass at me. I look at the daggers in my hands. They're too short. It has to be too close to me for these to even potentially be useful. I stand and throw them to the ground before grabbing the blade I took from Legolas. Better. It gives me some reach.

When the figure makes its third pass at me, I swing the sword up and it jerks in response as if to avoid the blade. Strange. I take a quick look over the edge to check on the three men below. Too many are coming now, and I can see them getting overwhelmed.

I search again for a way down to help but there's nothing. Out of the corner of my eye I see two horses. Gandalf and Lord Elrond waste no time dismounting and taking out some of the creatures below. Gandalf is quick and efficient, but Lord Elrond is hypnotizing. He's so graceful and practiced he makes fighting look like an effortless dance. Legolas is momentarily distracted by their arrival and doesn't notice the creature a little bigger than the others, but no less horrifying, come up behind him.

"Legolas!" I scream trying to warn him in time, but I'm too late and the creature clubs the back of his head, and he falls to the ground. "No!" I watch stunned as one of the most invincible people I know gets taken out.

The wind gets taken out of me as I'm hit and knocked to the ground by a force from my left side. The impact makes me roll a few feet before coming to a stop at the edge of the platform. My whole body feels as though it's on fire from that one single touch. I want to scream in pain, but no sound comes out.

Through blurry, unfocused eyes, I watch as Lord Elrond masterfully takes out the creatures through a combination of spins and slashes. Gimli swings his heavy axe wildly taking out circles of them with a single swing before he moves onto another group. Aragorn silently and swiftly take the creatures out one by one. As a human with a single sword, you think he'd be slower but he's just as efficient as the others. Gandalf moves to a spot that's been cleared and puts his staff to the ground. I can see him whisper something but can't hear any of the words. He slams the end of his staff down and tiny little white lights shine from all the horrible creatures below. The light grows until almost all at once the creatures explode and shrieks fill the air.

My ears start ringing and I roll to my back trying to get away from the noise. A black spot in the sky catches my attention and I reach for Legolas sword. I pull it in front of me just in time to make the black figure change course again. Think. Focus. I try to concentrate through the pain and ringing. It has to have a weak spot. I groan as the cut on my arm sears. How would I disguise a weak spot? Realization dawns on me. Make it fascinating… I look at the stone in my hand. Or terrifying… I look at the figure's fiery eyes.

It lines up to charge down at me again. I lay still until it's built up enough momentum that it'll be too late to change course, then grab Legolas' sword again. I hold it in front of me and aim for the figures glowing eyes. The blade slides through the fire of its right eye.

"This ends now, you've caused enough destruction!" I scream with all the anger and frustration and trauma and pain built up inside me. I hold the blade still and strong against the force being exerted against me.

The smoke starts to sizzle and lose shape, blowing away. My arms tremble but I push through the exhaustion of fighting for what feels like hours. I keep my eyes focused on the figure above me but I can see in my peripheral vision the floating fiery eye Sauron came from start to thin out until it extinguishes completely.

The smoke of Sauron's body disperses, starting at the edges and working its way inward. The shriek it makes is other worldly. If I make it out of this, I am settling down somewhere it's always quiet. Just an orange light remains at the tip of my blade but the force against me is still incredibly powerful.

The air above us almost looks like its moving; like on a hot day how the edges of buildings or the pavement of the roads seem to be melting, rippling. A rift in the sky opens and the light is forced upwards. I almost throw the blade with it at the sudden loss of resistance but manage instead to direct it to fall beside me. The orange light is swallowed by the rift before it seals itself up again like nothing happened.

The burning pain disappears from my body but the cut on my arm is still searing and I'm exhausted. All my muscles are trembling, but I manage to roll to my side. The last thing I see is Gandalf sink to his knees before everything goes black.

…

…

I turn in a circle looking around me. I'm in an empty space full of darkness. I look down but there's no floor holding me up. I'm not falling though? My brow knits in confusion and I take an experimental step forward. My body moves through the space but nothing around me changes. I look around again hoping for some sort of sign about which way I should go.

"Hello!?" I call out. There's a slight echo as my voice travels, but I get no response. Whatever this place is, is odd. It isn't uncomfortable or numb per say, there's just an… absence, of feeling, of anything. No sound, no wind, no light, but I can still hear, breath, see.

I decide to just travel in the direction I'm facing. Time passes strangely here. It feels as though I've been travelling mere minutes, but also endless days, and with no sun or moon, I can't be sure. I never tire though, and the scenery never changes.

Eventually the nothingness turns into apprehension. I'm antsy to find something, anything, anyone. I'm not lonely, but I don't like being alone here. Periodically I call out, but I never get an answer. There is no one to hear me wherever this is.

I come to the conclusion it must be some sort of in-between. If I were alive on Earth or Middle-Earth my senses would be sensing things, and if I were dead there would be other ghosts floating around with me. This brings an odd sense of solace to me, and the antsy-ness disappears. I continue walking.

"Agoreg vae." It's distant, and muffled, and in a language I don't understand, but it's the first thing I've heard in who knows how long.

"Echuio." The voice is familiar, but the owner is just out of reach. It stirs the beginnings of a deep longing sensation. I yearn to hear more of it, but everything is silent once more.

I continue walking, never growing tired, but longing to hear the voice again settles heavy in my stomach. I wish I had called out when the voice was speaking to me, but I was to enthralled to do anything other than listen. It's a long while, or maybe a short while that feels long, before I hear anything again.

"Man cerig?" The voice is clearer this time. It's deep and pleasing and soothing. The longing temporarily disappears and is replaced by pleasant warmth.

"Tolo, gavano ven." It's almost musical. I wait, desperate for more words that I can't understand. This time, when nothing else comes, intense hunger not for the voice, but for whom the voice belongs to overwhelms me. I just want to be where they are. It's like there's a string tied to something inside me and it's being pulled relentlessly. I will myself to follow it.

I take a deep, slow breath. Fresh pine fills my senses. Pine? I crack my eyes open and immediately close them again. It's so bright. I try again and light overwhelms my vision for a moment. Beautiful golds, whites, and creams come into focus. I can feel the breeze on my cheeks and the soft fibres of the blanket covering me.

"Le echuia!" I hear the voice again and the heaviness weighing me down disappears. I close my eyes and smile, content and committing the sound to memory in case I never get to hear it again.

"Do not leave me again." The voice sounds pained. This is not the sound I want to hear. Soft fingertips ghost my temple, and a thumb smooths my wrinkled brow. They caress down my cheek bone, across my jaw, and cradle my chin. A pleasant tingle is left in their wake.

"An ngell nîn." A thumb caresses my bottom lip.

I smile and open my eyes. Legolas sits, leaning forward and looking down at me. The sun shines behind him causing a warm glow to halo him. My smile fades as I notice the worried expression on his face and barley visible purple bruises shadowing his eyes.

"I've been so worried." I search his eyes, words failing me. "You've been gone from us for 7 suns." I've been gone? A week? I try to sit and Legolas helps me to an upright position against the headboard before turning to the side table. He brings a cup of water to my mouth and tips it back gently for me to drink from. The cool water is a blessing in my dry mouth.

"What," my voice is hoarse, and I try to clear my throat. "What happened?"

"Let me gather the others. Then we may discuss." He pulls back but I stop him with a hand on his wrist.

"Wait." I say roughly. "I'd like to dress and go to them." I say hopefully. He hesitates before nodding once. He pulls back the bedding and helps me lift my legs over the edge of the bed. He makes sure I'm stable then walks over to a chair across from my bed and grabs a light flowy dress made of light lavender fabric.

He places it beside us and takes my hands, gently pulling until I'm standing upright. I turn on unsteady legs and pull my hair over my shoulder. His fingers deftly untie the strings at the back of my neck. It tickles slightly as his knuckles graze the skin there.

He moves down to the tie at the small of my back and repeats his movements. The touches cause a warm flush to rush over me. The tie comes loose, and I bring a hand to my chest to stop the dress from falling off. His hands rest on my shoulders and he waits for me to drop my hand.

I lower it in front of myself and he carefully slides the fabric down my arms. Once it's free from my wrists, it pools quietly on the floor around my feet. I'm fully covered in old fashioned combinations underwear, but this still feels incredibly intimate; I've worn basically head to toe clothing for most of my stay here.

"Raise your arms." He instructs quietly breaking me from my thoughts as he grabs the dress from the bed. I left my hands above my head. The sides of his hands graze the sides of my arms, ribs, stomach, as he lowers the dress over me. He ties a matching lavender corset belt around mt waist lightly, then helps me step out of the dress on the floor.

I wait as he picks it up and places it on the chair he got this dress from. I move towards the door and he's at my side in an instant, linking our arms. I look up at him curiously only to get a tight smile in response. What happened? He's always been careful with me but he's treating me as if I'm glass now.

He doesn't let go or rush me as we slowly make our way to the nearest sitting room. Lord Elrond, Gandalf, and Gimli are sitting quietly talking amongst themselves. All three stand as we enter.

"It's good to see ya movin' again lass." Gimli is the first to come over and hug me around my waist. I wrap the arm Legolas isn't holding hostage around him. He smiles up at me and I return it. He steps back and sits in his seat again. I watch as he grabs his mug and raises it in a celebratory cheer to me. A small giggle escapes my lips.

"I am pleased to see you're feeling better my dear." Gandalf stays where he is but bows his head to me. I do my best to bow back to him but can only manage a small nod.

"Welcome back." Lord Elrond steps forward and clasps my hand in both of his. I meet his kind eyes and gentle smile. "Please sit, I'm sure you have many questions." I nod and he and Legolas help me to a chair. I've only been standing for a few minutes but I'm already tired and greatly appreciate the seat.

"What happened?" I ask once everyone is settled.

"You defeated Sauron, or this version of him lassie." Gimli says proudly. Gandalf side eyes him and I hold back a laugh at his exasperation.

"How?" I ask for clarification.

"What is the last thing you remember?" Lord Elrond asks. I take a moment to think.

"I was fighting some horrible looking creatures-"

"Orcs." Gimli supplies, tipping his mug to me.

"-orcs." I say cringing at the memory. "Then Legolas, Gimli, and…" I look around the table and room in panic. "Where's Aragorn?"

"He returned to Arnor on the fourth day." Legolas says beside me. I nod once. "I promised we'd visit once you are well enough."

"You three showed up… but the orcs were becoming too much. You…" I look at Legolas, panic renewed, as the image of a giant orc striking him floods my mind. My breathing quickens and my throat tightens. Legolas cups my cheek with his palm. I focus on watching his chest and let the rise and fall of his breathing, proof that he's alright, calm me. I push the image from my mind.

"It took quiet a toll, but I used light magic to destroy each and everyone of them. Thought, we couldn't get to you to offer aid." Gandalf redirects us.

"There was an orange light. It was pulled from my stone." I inspect the piece still decorating my hand. "And it was on the end of your blade."

"A physical manifestation of Sauron's fëa, his soul." Lord Elrond explains.

"It was so small." I whisper. An image of Gandalf on his knees floods my mind. "Is it over now? You were on your knees before I passed out, are you alright?"

"That was relief my dear. It's over now." Gandalf's deep voice assures.

"How do you know?" I ask, anxiety creeping back in. Legolas grabs my hand in my lap. I need to get a grip.

"On Legolas and Gimli's first journey I experienced something similar. However, I was sent back to Middle-Earth with a mission. Sauron is being delt with by the God's now." It's quiet while everyone reflects on Gandalf's words.

"So, what happened to me? Where… was I?" I ask hesitantly.

"Your hröa, your body, was here. We returned you to Rivendell. Lady Galadriel met us and helped me heal you. Sauron managed a wound to your arm inflicting a dark curse. Galadriel lifted the poison while I healed your other injuries. You still did not wake." Lord Elrond says gravely.

"Lady Galadriel said you were in an iâ of some sort." Legolas tenses beside me.

"Iâ?" I prompt no one in particular.

"A void. In between life and death, in between your home and Middle-Earth. She informed us there was no more she could do. You were to remain there until you chose to live, and where you were to do it." Lord Elrond tells me gently. I almost died.

"I hear a voice, words I didn't understand." I say and look to Legolas. His face is tight.

"Legolas never left your side, speaking to you and caring for you while you slept." I can hear the interested smile in Gandalf's voice, but I can't blush at his words. It's clear how painful the last week has been for Legolas.

"I'm sorry." I whisper.

"Sí il mael." A small laugh escapes me, and I shake my head.

"Thank you. I would have wandered forever if it weren't for your speaking to me. Before… there was nothing, but then your voice was so familiar. I longed to get back to it. I followed the pull just before coming to." I'm surprised when I see a faint blush grace his cheeks for the first time.

"Come, you should rest some more." Legolas stands.

"Wait. One more question." He pauses and I turn to Lord Elrond and Gandalf, both wait for me to continue. "Does this mean this is my home now? I can't go back to Earth?" I ask curiously. They share a look before Lord Elrond speaks.

"We believe so." I'm happy to find the answer doesn't bother me like I thought it might. I nod and rise to follow Legolas. He tucks my hand in the bend of his elbow and then covers it with his free one. We slowly make our way back down the hall and he helps me onto the bed again.

"Wait." I say when he turns to leave. "Rest with me." He hesitates before laying atop the blankets beside me. I tuck myself against his side not wasting any extra time I've been given with him.

"Where would you like to go once you've recovered?" He asks combing his fingers through my hair.

"I'd like to see Gimli's home and visit Aragorn and Arwen again. Oh, and meet the hobbits you've all mentioned so much. And I'd like to see your home."

"Then we shall visit Aragorn and Arwen first, the hobbits next, then Gimli and the Glittering Caves. We'll end in Greenwood." He says laying out a plan for us.

I'm not sure where any of those places are but I don't care, I'll follow him anywhere.

Notes:

Agoreg vae – you did well

Echuio – wake up

Man cerig? – What are you doing?

Tolo, gavano ven – come, join us

Le echuia – you're awake

An ngell nin – please/for my joy

Iâ – void

Sí il mael – all is well now