A.N: Revised(14) More scenes, more dialogues.

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Declaim!

In five days time, true to Lord Elrond's words, the traveller named Gandalf the Grey arrived to Rivendell. I gazed from a high balcony, above the entrance where Gandalf galloped on a chestnut horse. The sunlight at his back and the wind against him. He came to an abrupt halt when Lindir walked down a curved staircase followed by two other elves. Graciously, Lindir received Gandalf and with a gesture of his hand, the two other elves approached Gandalf's horse and led the beast to the stables.

From a distance, I heard little hushes of welcome. The wizard's face was covered beneath that strange grey almost blue pointed hat and he carried closely a brown wooden-like staff. His grey robe trailed behind him as he walked. This wizard must have been someone of great importance, judged by how the elves rushed to his assistance. He appeared friendly enough, though I haven't officially met him. Lindir turned toward the staircase with Gandalf at his side. They walked slowly and spoke as they entered into Rivendell. They disappeared beneath the balcony that I stood on and the further they got, the less I heard. I assumed Lindir led him to Lord Elrond's office. It might be best if I joined them, I thought.

Hope filled me for I thought of him as my ticket way back to Stockton.

"That's Gandalf the Grey, the wandering wizard." I heard from behind. I turned swiftly and found Aragorn behind me between two pillars. How long was he there? My senses had increased but I must have not been aware of my surroundings. He smiled gently as he approached the edge and leaned against the rail. In these last five days, I found myself seeking his company. Aragorn was easier to talk to considering he was closer to my age, to say the least. He was different from most men I knew. He did not lie to get what he wanted or waste words on flattery. Honor was his armor and strength was his sword. Too many men lack to reach his potential. If only there were more men like him, I thought to myself. Wait… did he call this Gandalf a wizard? I guess he'd fit the stereotype. So did that mean he could cast spells and such?

"Do you know him well?" I inquired after a short time of silence and I looked at him as I waited for an answer. I mimicked his position and leaned my back against the rail.

Aragorn nodded without a word or glance. A slightest smile grew on his lips and then it faded quickly followed by a composed face. "Yes. For many years I have been a friend of Gandalf the Grey. He's is good man." He spoke with fondness for this Gandalf. I noticed the gleam in his eyes when he smiled softly, "He speaks in riddles."

I raised my eyebrows in curiosity. Never in my life have I met someone who spoke in riddles. A strange image came to my mind of an older and heavily wrinkled man that spoke in riddles. Awkward thought and so I shook my head to erase that image. Gently, I pried for more information, "Why would Lord Elrond ask for his help?"

Wrong question. This immediately grabbed Aragorn's attentions as he furrowed his eyebrows in interest. He straightened and gave me his full attention. How could I get out of this one? Sure I enjoyed Aragorn's company but I'm already an outcast even if he or the others didn't want to admit it. Even Lord Elrond stared at me with a strange gaze. It was hard enough to be in a bizarre land and worse to be so different from the others. My speech and movement didn't match to theirs. What's worse I was born a human and now I'm an elf. I preferred not to see that odd look in Aragon's eyes. Honestly, I wished for Aragorn's friendship and I didn't want that to go away by my situation. I didn't want to risk it.

"What makes you think Lord Elrond needed his help? Is there something amiss?" Aragorn asked with a soft voice as he watched me carefully.

I pursed my lips as my throat became tight. My mind scrambled for an excuse but Aragorn wouldn't take the bait. He was much too smart and intuitive for his own good. By the way he stared at me, he'll spot it immediately. Sighed in defeat, I turned away but I'll be as honest as I can be. "Lord Elrond sent for Gandalf on my behave."

" I see." Aragorn said softly as I felt his eyes burning into my skull. Anticipation grew in my chest as I waited for the questions. The more questions he asked the more likely I'll slip up. "Lord Elrond would send for him if it was dire."

I made no verbal reply but I nodded my head. Aragorn did not push for more as he turned toward the rail and rested his forearm on the ledge. Guilt grew in my chest for I knew he wanted more but he wouldn't push. I was thankful but sorrowful for I wanted to tell him but I simply couldn't. Once the truth was out, all will change and I knew it. Tension grew in my chest as I clenched my hands and pursed my lips. Sighing, I finally said, "I should go and meet him."

I started to walk away from him, anxious to put distance between us. Suddenly, I felt a callous hand on my upper arm. I looked over at Aragorn who held me back gently. "He'll send for you."

Aragorn released me when I nodded my head. I expected him to question me more but he took his leave. He disappeared around the corner and I assumed he'd look for Arwen. Sighed inwardly as I stared where Aragorn left. Perhaps I'll wait in my room until Lord Elrond sent for me. As I walked down a staircase, I entered into a garden where I first met Arwen. There wasn't much point in rushing so; I strolled across a small bridge. I followed the path through the mass of green and then up a flight of stairs. I crossed paths with an intersection that led to Lord Elrond's office.

That door looked more inviting than it ought to be. I bit my lip thoughtfully, contemplated about eavesdropping. It was no secret that majority of their conversation would be about me. After all, it could't hurt. I might learn about Gandalf and why Lord Elrond sent for him particularly. I took a step closer toward the door. Just a few minutes, no one will know.

No, that was wrong and very disrespectful after all the help Lord Elrond gave me.

My conscious whispered in the back of my mind with reason. Pursed my lips and I fidgeted with my hands. Its tempting. Slowly, I took another step closer, ignoring the warning of my conscious. I glanced both ways too see any elf was near by but not a single sound warned me off. Just two minutes, I bargained with myself. Gingerly I leaned close to the door and listened intently to the voices inside.

"Strange indeed….." I heard a different voice. It was elderly like and raspy. I assumed it was Gandalf's voice. "How long ago?"

"No more than a week ago."…

Engrossed into the conversation, I was nearly holding my breath. Then I heard a soft voice from behind said in a stern tone, "Eavesdropping is frown upon in Rivendell, My lady."

I froze with a breath stuck in my throat. Great, I got caught for eavesdropping! Out all the crimes I could have committed, I chose this one. I should have listened to my conscious. I rose up and turned toward the source of the sound. Mentally kicked myself for not being aware of my surroundings. In front of me was a tall elf, at least a full head taller than me and undoubtably handsome. I did not recognize him and judged by his traveling clothes, I assumed he just arrived to Rivendell. Did he arrive alone or with others, I wondered. He had long brown hair with small braids on either side of his head. Blue eyes stared into mine with a curious but questioning gaze. His hands were clasped behind his back as he held an upright posture.

Before I could explain myself, he nodded his head to the side followed by a wave of his hand. My eyes followed his hand and he pointed toward the garden. I knew what he wanted and so I followed his directions like a guilty child. This stranger tailed me from a distance. Once I was in the heart of the garden, I stopped and turned to him. I assumed he forced me here to be out of Lord Elrond's hearing. Waited for further instructions, the stranger spoke up and commanded, "Please have a seat."

I looked over to find a stone bench and I did what he wanted. This was strange, who was this elf? Better yet, was he going to rad me out or sentence me for a punishment? His stern look faded gently as he sat next to me, " I rather not disturb Lord Elrond's meeting. You must be Lady Amelia that lingered in the Hidden Past. I didn't realize your were a beautiful maiden."

I dropped my eyes as I felt heat on my cheeks followed by a suppressed smile. His demeanor changed completely to light-hearted which helped me to relax slightly. I looked at him again as he smiled at me. Embarrassed for he must have seen my blushing. Even though I was in trouble, I abruptly asked, "Who are you?"

He continued to smile as he answered, " I am Elladan, son of Lord Elrond."

I looked at him as I came to realization. I should have known, he looked like Lord Elrond. "And Arwen's brother. Well it's a pleasure to meet you." I said, tried to be friendly and diplomatic. I couldn't help but smile shyly as I continued, "If you are Lord Elrond's son why haven't I seen you?"

"My father had my brother and I traveling with company on…. important business." He answered carefully which made me think there was more to it. I guess it wasn't my business. Arwen never mentioned not have only one brother but two. It did explain why there weren't many guards here, at least the ones I remembered from my rescue. I briefly remembered a male elf with shimmering golden hair and he was nowhere to be found. Also the rude one, which I rather avoid.

"Who is your brother?" I continued to ask; hopefully he'll forget about my crimes.

The corner of his lips lifted as he answered, "Elrohir son of Elrond." He held respect for his brother when he named him.

"Well lady Amelia, typically, I would have brought you to my father for eavesdropping but I'll let it be…" He said with a soft voice as he smiled cheekily. Again I couldn't help but smile back as I turned away shyly. This kind of attention was new to me and I was definitely was not use to it. "But." Elladan continued with a firmer voice as I turned to him again, "No more eavesdropping, understood."

I felt heat rise to my cheek again but this time was for being caught, No words came to my lip so I nodded instead. That smile never left his face as he rose from the bench. His eyes stayed on me as I remained where I was. "I'll take me leave, my lady."

He bowed his head, still smiling and he turned away. His walk was graceful with his hands behind his back. Swiftly he crossed the garden and before he left my sight, he turned toward me again. With a last smile, Elladan left. I pursed my lips and exhaled a deep breath. What on earth was that about?! I acted like a fool when someone smiled at me. Never before I acted such a way with anyone. Elladan was kind and handsome but I knew it was no more than attraction that would probably fade. I wondered if Elrohir was handsome like Elladan. I shook my head to be rid of those thoughts. Why did I think on such things? Perhaps its best I return to my room and behave. Before I moved, I heard soft footsteps from behind and before I knew it, a hand tapped on my shoulder.

Swiftly I turned and found a towering older man. He stood before me with a glint in his eyes which made me wondered what was on his mind. Since he was in front of me, I looked at him closely. A long grey beard reached to his belly along with long grey hair. His face was heavy with winkles but his eyes shone he was young at heart. Bushy heavyset eyebrows lay on top of his grey eyes. His grey robe seemed to be withering and possibly need to be washed. I immediately knew him to be Gandalf the Grey, the wandering wizard. Strange title but I guess it fitted.

"Hello my dear." He started with a raspy voice as he eyebrows rose with expectations. My eyebrows rose with confusion and when I said nothing he continued, "Will you not offer an old man to sit."

Blinking as I blushed and instantly scooted over, "Here, sit…eh, sir." I mumbled as Gandalf slowly sat down. He seemed to struggle with his withered body and he moaned when found a comfortable position. My eyes watched carefully as I waited for his reasons to sit next to me. As I waited, he pulled out his pipe and began to smoke.

Gandalf inhaled through the pipe and exhaled several smoky rings that rose up into the air. I watched with amazement for I never seen anything like that before. To my surprise, Gandalf blow out a ship that sailed through the ring before it faded away. A smile grew on my lips as I looked at him and waited for more. Instead Gandalf pulled out the tip of the pipe from his mouth. He sighed as the remaining smoke blow out from his nostrils. A content smile grew on his lips as he relaxed. Suddenly he looked at me with a steady gaze, "Its good to relax your senses every once a while."

I looked away for nothing here could relax my senses or should I say my constants thoughts. This Gandalf was certainly an entertainer but what could he possibly know about my dilemma. As kind as this wizard was, I felt compelled to seek solitude. Being patronized wasn't my idea of relaxing my senses. Then Gandalf spoke again but with a knowingly tone, "Much weights heavy on your mind, my dear. Perhaps you consider sharing your burdens."

Abruptly I snapped my head to Gandalf with a bewildered expression. Lord Elrond must of already told him about me, why waste time? I hardly knew this person and already I'm expected to share my load? At least Lord Elrond should be here with us. "You didn't even ask who I am and already you ask about my burdens. No doubt Lord Elrond already informed you about me but I was not informed about you."

"Lord Elrond indeed told me, however you're the stranger and your presence here has a reason as many things do. I prefer to hear your story." Gandalf's voice deepened with each word as his eyebrows furrowed. There was no sign of anger in his tone but none of the less, was stern. He continued gingerly, "The name I belong to is Gandalf the Grey."

Sighed inwardly as I averted my eyes away, I've never considered I might have a purpose here and if I did what could I possibly do here. Other than finding a way home, there was no real resolution. I suppose I should spill my guts to this Gandalf and so I commented, "Very well. Obviously Lord Elrond and Aragorn trusts you, so will I." I looked at him with confidences and made myself comfortable on the stone bench. "I am Amelia Olivia Nelson and I was born in Sacramento, California of the United States."

I paused and waited for inquires and declaration of my hometown not existing. Instead Gandalf remained quiet and waited patiently for me to continue. My voice got softer as I confessed. "I don't know how I got here. Nothing here makes any sense. I… I woke up at the bottom of a pond and I believe I… was dead. I was whiter than a corpse."

I stopped to purse my lips. This was sounding stranger and stranger for my ears. My eyes dropped to me hands as I remembered pale white fingers and now they were fair skin with noticeable blue veins coursing through my wrist. "What's worse." I started and I turned to him, "I was… human. And now, I'm an elf."

Paused to breath deeply to avoid my emotions overwhelming, I continued and confessed, "My memories are unclear. I have visions, flashbacks... some I don't believe are mine."

I waited for his response but he remained silent as he furrowed his eyebrows curiously. He released a soft 'hmm' as he looked away thoughtfully. Then he spoke up, "Indeed strange. In all my days, I've never met anyone who woke up in a pond." He stated slowly and hearing it from his lips made me realize how crazy I am. He continued, "Although, there is something odd about you."

That's exactly every teenage girl wanted to hear. I sighed in defeat for I hoped for more than 'something odd about you'. He continued knowingly without averting his gaze, "You are indeed not from here. Your essence is different and distance."

My essence? I thought as I asked perplexed, "I don't understand."

"Neither do I, my dear. I can't explain how you got here but I wager you have a purpose." He said softly as he looked at me thoughtfully. I stared at him as I wondered what could he possibly be thinking. "There is more at play here."

That last statement he said more to himself. I waited for him to explain but he offered no explanation. Then I asked him a question that laid heavy on my mind, "Can I ever go back?"

Gandalf looked at me as his eyes soften dramatically. What might be seconds felt like hours. Anticipation grew in my chest as I swallowed hard. Every fiber in my being hoped for a way out. I weight his answer heavily. I mentally begged for the answer that I sought for. Gandalf sighed deeply before he answered, "I don't know. You came here what I might expect, under extraordinary circumstances. There might be no way for you to return home."

My heart dropped as despair filled me. Quickly I looked away as I felt whatever hope I had diminished before me. Salty tear brimmed in my eyes and I tried to hide my disappointed face. I did not fit here and now I was stuck as a stranger in the lands. I had no family or real friends. Arwen and Aragorn had been gracious but could I call them friends? Would they aid me if I needed or continued to simply treat me as a guest in Lord Elrond's home? My family wasn't perfect but they were my family. I would never get to tell my sister that I am sorry. I had nothing here: no roots, no titles, or even owned anything. This body wasn't even mine. I felt a tear escape from the corner of my eyes and dropped to my hand.

A gentle hand came on my shoulder as I snapped back to reality. I almost forgot Gandalf was here and I felt embarrassed to be crying in front of him. Immediately I sucked it up and save my tears for another time. I forced my heart to harden and swiftly wiped my tears away.

"Don't despair young one. All things have a reason and you must trust that you have a reason to be here." He said gently as he place his hand on my chin and turned my head toward him. "You must have been given a second chance."

He smiled warmly at me as I tried to return that smile. Then suddenly his eyes averted as if he had an epiphany. He was deep in thought and abruptly; Gandalf rose from the bench with haste. He started to rush out of the garden and left me bewildered by his movements. It took me several minutes to realize he was leaving. Astonished by his actions, I jumped to my feet and I followed in pursuit. Wait, was that it? Wasn't he supposed to help me? I wondered as I followed him to the edge of the garden. "Wait, please! Where are you going?"

When he heard me he stopped and turned to me, "There are questions that need to be answered." He stated breathlessly as he turned again and started to walk away. I followed closely and still confused. What questions? Gandalf continued, "You arrival may tilt fate, if you haven't already."

He stopped in his tracks, as did I. Swiftly he turned and looked at me steadily, "Understand Amelia, you being here can change everything good or… for worse."

With that, Gandalf hastily left me in the garden and this time I did not follow. My mind thought heavily on what he said. How could I change the fate of this world? No answers came to me, only more questions. I had no strength to move, it's as if a large burden pressed against my shoulders. I leaned against a nearby pillar and sunk to the floor. I brought my knees to my chest and hugged myself. I, alone, could only give myself comfort. I didn't want to be held responsible for the fate of others. Being here was not my choice and I already felt guilt for whatever will happen to those of Middle Earth. I just want to go back….

To be continued...

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