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

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No Return

Tap….Tap….Tap

The water from the roof fell over the edge into droplet and dripped to the ground. The sound was in rhythm as if it was a drum for music. That's all I heard in my room, was the constant tap from this morning's dew. I even calculated the time between each breaks. My days have darkened since Gandalf's hasty departure. Come to think, I can't even recall when he left. My days have been a blur. I estimated two weeks but I could be wrong. It could be more or less, I no longer cared. I stopped tracking my days when Gandalf left for it no longer mattered. All my hopes lied with Gandalf who assumed my return home was impossible. Gandalf insisted I had a purpose here but I saw no purpose, only loneliness. Food had lost it taste, company lost it comfort and the sun lost it warmth.

Over the week, Arwen attempted to appease me but nothing prevailed. I told her time and time again, not to worry over me. Surely I hurt her when. Our studies had continued but I lacked the interest. Since then, Elladan would visit me and occasionally coax me out of my personal prison. Elrohir later introduced himself under better circumstance than I did with Elladan. They told me their stories and I would listened half-heartedly. At night, I sought for the solace of the balcony that oversaw the mountains and there Aragorn would approach me. He confronted me a week ago, about my situation. I was surprised Lord Elrond informed him and the twins. Which was fine, I hated to lie.

Lord Elrond ordered a small group of his closest companions and introduced my situation to all. It hit me that he too, believe Gandalf about my never-to-return. None of the less, Lord Elrond was strict not to allow the news to continue outside of Rivendell. Curious eyes fell upon me but I tried to ignore them.

Emptiness filled me followed by depression. I yearned for what I didn't have: my mother. It been days since I fallen asleep and walked on the lonely path where the faceless ghosts sulked around me. Haunted by the past, not my favorite pastime. I sighed inwardly and got off my bed to approach the vanity. Like it had these past few weeks, my reflection revealed a stranger. I missed myself and who I was. I knew who I wanted to be. My dreams were to be a doctor and bring life to the world. What could I do here? The medicine was different as well as the types of sicknesses.

My mind wondered to my sister. I remember briefly that we ended things badly. We had an argument over…. Her boyfriend, yes that was it. We were too different, I was one-woman army whereas she wanted to be a housewife. I guess, I wanted her to be like me and I got angry with her. Sighed in defeat as I sat on the edge of the bed. How I wished I could tell her I was sorry. If only... I wished I had someone...

In time

I jumped off the bed, panic-strickened and searched frantically for that voice. It was familiar. I heard it before, in my dreams and it sounded like a woman, a astral woman. Suddenly to my surprise, a knock came to my door. I snapped my head to the direction and was astonished I didn't hear their approach. Curious I opened the door to find Elladan behind it with an impish smile. No wonder why I couldn't hear him. He has many centuries of practice at being very stealthy. And that smile he had, it made me wonder what he had up his sleeve. I sighed with irritation and said with a empty voice, "Not today, Elladan."

I was about to close the door when he prevented it with his strong forearm. Elladan was more stubborn for his own good. If it was Elrohir, he would take the hint and leave but not Elladan. He just smiled and ignore my comment, "Come now, you've been glooming through these halls long enough."

I flushed with frustration and clenched my fist into a tight ball. "I have not." I lied like a child who stole a cookie. I sighed, "Just not today, please."

He ignored my glooming demeanor and his never-failing-smile remained, "My dear Amelia, you have been alone in your room long enough. Come into the light."

It was no longer a request, it was a demand. Ever since I met Elladan, he's been constant friend even when I didn't want him too. He would appear in the absolute 'perfect' times especially when I wanted to lock myself in my room. He knew when to come and force me out. I sighed loudly and rested my head on the doorframe. With Elladan, this argument could go on for hours.

Perhaps, he was right, I have locked myself away for these past few days but I simply could not hope anymore. Now since I was an elf, I rarely sleep and that gave me plenty of time to think. Pursed my lips in thoughts and nodded my head. Perhaps I should leave my very own prison and make the best of the day. Complied, I came out of my room and found the fresh wind. "Very well. What do you want to do then?"

He smiled and nodded his head to the side. When he didn't give me an answer, I grew suspicious. We passed through the garden to a very long hall with displays of swords and other weaponry. This path was foreign to me, for only soldiers and their commanders came through here. Why would Elladan bring me here?

We came to the farthest reaches of Rivendell to an open plane meant for training grounds. This courtyard had several targets and stuffed dummies scattered far across the land. The distance was blinding and what's worse, soldiers were able to shot their arrows across such distance. Wait, did Elladan bring me here to train? Anything physical wasn't my best skill. I was more intellectual than fighter. Elladan brought me closer to the archery area where my eyes came across three familiar faces. There stood a great distance from their targets were Aragorn, Elrohir and Arwen. They nocked their arrows to the bows and aimed diligently at their targets. Then swoosh and bull's eye! My mouth dropped for all hit dead center.

Arwen turned her head toward me and smiled warmly that reached to her eyes. Never before had I seen her dress in what appeared to be traveling or leather armor attire. Her blue skirt covered her trouser and she wore a tight leather vest to protect her mid body. Hair pulled back tightly to train freely without the worry of her hair breezed to her face. Black gloves covered her delicate fingers that held her bow firmly.

"You came." She said with utter amazement as she smiled wider and loosen from her defense stance. I blushed before she embraced me in a tight hug. "I knew Elladan could draw you out. Come." Her hand reached for mine and led me to where Aragorn and Elrohir continued to aim at their target.

"Would you like to practice archery?" Elladan suddenly asked with a hopeful smile. Without my reply, he reached for Arwen's bow, who willingly gave it up. Elladan offered the bow to me with an encouraging smile, "It's a good way to relief stress."

He hinted with a impish smile and back away from me. I stood uncertain for I did not know how to do archery. My muscles weren't exactly buff to say the least. Elladan gave me a thin arrow, which I hesitantly took. I glanced at Elrohir who shot his last arrow and I attempted to mimic his stance. I positioned myself somewhat awkwardly because there was a large gap between my legs. Elrohir was in fact, much taller than me with longer legs. Biting my lip, I looked over my shoulder at him again but he watched me with a cocked eyebrow. There went my only visual aid and what worse, Elrohir suppressed a smile.

Elladan regarded me with a sympathetic gaze and sighed.

"Here." He approached and stood behind me to position me in the proper stance. "Keep your arm high and breathe." He said gently as he moved my feet closer together. When he tapped my thigh, I would shift it to the side. Once my arrow was nocked, he kept his hands on mine and pointed at the target with the other, "Aim with two eyes and make your mark."

When I nodded, he pulled away and watched me carefully as my small arms trembled from the tight resistances. The arrowhead quivered in my view but I focused my eyes on the distance target. Momentarily I became unfocused and the arrowhead fell, much to my dismay. I angrily held the arrow in place and I heard a muffled chuckled from Elladan. Once the arrow in place, I aimed for the target.

"Breathe Amelia." Aragorn uttered. I took a deep breath and release my arrow. It flew across the plane, narrowly marking it target to only dived head first to the ground.

"You have the potential if you were to nurture your skills." A melody voice voice came from behind and instantly I remembered it from my rescue. The one who I almost believed fell from the heavens.

When I turned, there stood Glorfindel dressed in a dark blue leather armor with silver trimming. Golden hair shimmered against the bright sunlight as his strands waved gently in the wind. Towered over me with a full head, or maybe two. Last time I saw him, he was with helmet but now, I saw hit angelic face that almost made me swoon. His blue sharp eyes gazed at me gently and his lips curved into a smile.

This was the first time I've seen him since my rescue. I did recall Elladan mentioned he and a company of elves were gone during my first few days of my arrival. Even after two weeks, Elladan still refused to tell me why he left. And since his arrival, I locked myself in my room and which was why I never bumped into Glorfindel before.

Glorfindel smiled pleasantly at Aragorn as he did a slight bow in respect and greeted the others in elvish. Suddenly Glorfindel looked at me with soft eyes that were curious and spoke to me in elvish. Heat rose to my cheek for I could not understand him. Glorfindel kept a straight face but I noticed the confusion in his eyes and then he spoke in the common tongue, "My Lady, I hope your are well."

I flushed even more but not because he was forced to use the common tongue with me but he stared at me and spoke with his alluring voice. Attraction, get over yourself! I mentally scolded myself as I attempted to act normal, "I am..er.. feeling well, thank you for asking."

A delicate smile came to his face as he inquired, "Have you had much experience with the bow?"

His questions were innocent and there was no trace of contempt but I felt irritation in my chest for not being able to impress him with any wonderful skill. I was simply too useless, "Unfortunately no."

Glorfindel's smile never faltered, nor did his eyes grew with judgement. "Worry not, my lady. We have many fine archers here willing to educate you in the art of Archery."

My fingers began to fidget more and more. His eyes dropped from me to the bow in my hands, "Although," Glorfindel began with an eyebrow cocked and reached for my bow, "This bow is much to large for you. I will have the blacksmith might make you a bow that will match you, my lady."

I opened my mouth to protest, "Oh, that's not necessary."

Glorfindel's eyes jumped to me and smiled gently which made me melt. "Its very much is necessary. One must protect itself in these parts of the middle-earth."

I bite my lip when an elf maiden rounded a pillar and walked gracefully to us. Glorfindel turned when his sensitive ears picked up the light scuffle of the maid's feet. Her hands were clasped in front of her body and her long blond hair was pulled back. I recognized her to be Lady Raniel, a humble maidservant. She stopped before us and bowed. "My lords and ladies, forgive me for interrupting. Lord Elrond requests lady Amelia, Lord Aragorn and his sons and daughter's presence."

Elrohir spoke up in formal tone with a rather smoothly voice, "Thank you, dear lady. We will not keep him waiting."

She smiled bashfully at Elrohir as she spared a hesitantly glance at him. Her cheeks redden slightly before she bow one last time and disappeared from where she came. I hoped I didn't act like her when Glorfindel smiled at me. Glorfindel turned to us and returned the bow to Arwen before he bowed his head, "I will return my post. Good day."

I wanted to protest again about the bow, but I find myself not able to speak. A sudden urge to run and hide filled me. He turned and made his way back to his post. His movements were swift and elegant, and it didn't help much when my eye wondered a little low. Swiftly, I turned away before I was caught gawking at him.

"Well brother," Elladan began in his jesting tone and crossed his arms, "It would seem Lady Raniel took a shine to you."

Arwen smiled as she reached for Aragorn's hand and said, "As many ladies have before."

I smiled toothily as I couldn't help but giggle and I joined in, "And what was all the smoldering in you voice?"

"What smoldering? I was being friendly." Elrohir explained in a defensive tone.

"Maybe little too friendly brother." Arwen concluded with a smile and then became serious, "We ought to see father. He is expecting."

"Yes, indeed." Elrohir exasperated as he led the way first, desperate to end this conversation. I smiled, as I knew Elladan would not drop that conversation too quickly.

Elladan looked at me with a side-glance and leaned to my level to whisper, "We'll pick that discussion later."

I smiled when Elrohir was already at the exit of the courtyard and he turned abruptly, "No you will not, brother."

The look Elladan gave told me otherwise as I followed him to Lord Elrond's office. My ears picked up Aragorn's feet that ever softly shuffled on the ground. My eyes shifted to where Glorfindel had disappeared and I bit my lip. Perhaps this world could offer more than I thought.

We walked into Lord Elrond's office, filed into a crescent line around Lord Elrond's desk. It's been several days since I've seen Lord Elrond, for he remained isolated in his study. No doubt tried to find a solution for my problem. I wondered if this summon was regarding me. In the corner, at the ledge was Lord Elrond who stared at the landscape. His hands were behind his back. When he turned, he regarded us seriously and the others bowed respectfully. I followed Elladan's movements awkwardly. I'll never get used to all these formalities.

Lord Elrond nodded his head in return and once we all offered our undivided attention, he began in wise and deep tone. "I called you here because I summoned for a council on Amelia's behalf. I believe you should be present."

Straight to the point without a 'hello', that certainly was the first. I folded my arms as he spoke like I wasn't present. I sighed when he finally looked at me and spoke with a softer voice, "You will explain your arrival here. There's much uncertainty and so, you will need to be articulate."

"When will the council take place?" Elladan asked in a deeper tone than I ever heard from him. When it came to serious matters, his gentle side was pushed to the side.

I swallowed hard as my eyes bounced from Elladan to Lord Elrond who leaned back from us. "Momentarily." Lord Elrond said solely before he turned to me, "Mithrandir and I believe it would be wise to seek out others of my kin."

All my blood rushed out of my face within seconds. I am suppose to speak to the others about how I came here? What more mortifying thing was there when others get to judge me on my out-comings. I internally groaned and barely whispered meekly, "Didn't you tell them?"

"Indeed, but they want to see you for themselves. We never came across someone who traveled from another world and we don't know what dangers you may have brought." He informed as he turned away with his hands behind. "We'll need to be sure."

"Who are they?" I investigated.

He looked at me with a steady gaze and answered, "They are overseers of Middle-Earth... Guardians."

"Why did you bring them here?" I asked confused. I knew my presence was strange but if these 'overseers' were called here because of me, then perhaps this situation was much more graver than I thought.

"Mithrandir was unable to shed light on your… dilemma." He said carefully. "whether it was your intention or not, you are a stranger to these lands and your stay may be, in fact, permanent. From here, we must decide your future."

I swallowed hard, even though he wasn't harsh, his word hit me like bag of bricks. It was brutally true how he said it. And now, I am to stand in front of wise and know it all people. They would decide my fate? In what way, I wondered. I pursed my lips as I felt Elladan's hand on my shoulder to comfort me. I was curious and yet terrified of the verdict. Were these people cruel or gentle?

"Come." Lord Elrond gestured toward the door and I sulked after him.

I stood on an open balcony in front of a long table, alone and frightened. The sun was high in the sky and shined down a bright warm light over my body. Pillars surrounded the balcony with greenery at the base. Over to my right was a ledge that overview the grand landscape of mountains with trees and small waterfalls. Whatever courage I had before, melted by the gaze of the ones Lord Elrond called the Guardians of Middle-Earth.

Arwen and Aragorn sat at the table, patient and expecting. Across from them was Elrohir and Elladan's never-failing smile. Gandalf sat near Aragon with a gentle encouraging smile and at the end was a man dressed in white. He looked very much like Gandalf but white, very white. Unlike the others, his face was stern and eyes were cautious. His stare made me uncomfortable. Lord Elrond stood afar gazed over the company. And then there was the fairest one, true to her title, Lady Galadriel stood on the other side with the most graceful posture and clothed in the most beautiful white dress. Her golden hair shimmered unlike any other under the bright sun. Her blue eyes lingered on me as if she scanned for something. It was as if I was the defendant and they were the judges.

My fingers fidgeted, my stomach twisted and no matter what thoughts came to mind, nothing will articulate what needed to be said. Either I was guilty or innocent. I swallowed hard when Gandalf broke the silence with his gently tone, "Breathe, my dear. If you are any bluer, you'll surely collapse."

My eyes jumped to the old wizard, surprised for I held my breathed without realizing it. When I exhaled all my pended air, Saruman sighed deeply and shifted in his chair. He cleared his throat, which caught my attention. His eyes bored in to mine, slightly became impatient and in inquired in his deep voice that dripped with mild interest. "Tell us, young one. Where does your tale begin."

Slightly trembling beneath his sharpened and observant eyes. I swallowed a large lump in my throat as I opened my mouth to respond, "... In... in-in a pond." I stuttered nervously as my eyes ran across all their faces. Small gestures of confusion crossed their expressions but Saruman's hands clenched tightly on the table until his purple veins edged out from his fair skin. As my fingernails bit into the palms of my hands, I heard in my head a soft and reassuring voice, "No need to fear."

Surprised, I glanced around the balcony in search of this new voice. When I looked to Galadriel, I felt suddenly connected to her. As though we were in one mind and she pried through my hidden crypts of my memories. Her eyes never shifted but her blue eyes were penatrating and yet... comforting. Softly all the nerves and anxiety flushed out from my system. Composed myself with a self-assured expression, I looked to Saruman confidently but my voice still wavered beneath his gaze, "I am not from here."

"Indeed." Saruman uttered, unimpressed and his patience withering. He leaned forward slightly and asked slowly, "Can you elaborate?"

With a deep sigh, I began softly. "I am from California of the United States which is not from here but in another world. I don't remember much but I believe… I died and I woke up here."

That's absurd!" Saruman scoffed in disbelief, his voice rang with authority and spite. He waved his hand to dismiss the idea of my death and reasoned with logic, "You simply lost your memory."

All the blood ran from my face followed by a pink shade that grazed my cheeks. The accusation had me boiling with irritation and I clenched my hands tightly until I trembled beneath the pressure. It was absolutely modifying to be accused of such lies... As if I imagined the whole story for some sick child's game. It was rare for me to be so angry but this Saruman the White, got beneath my skin. "Calm yourself child."

Instantly before I could do anything rash or allow my mouth to ran away wit spiteful words, I breathed carefully. Waited for all my anger to simmer down but Saruman never broke his gaze from me. Lady Galadriel draw closer to the table, walked with utter grace. Her entire entity lit up like a beacon in the night. Softly she uttered into the silence, "Let her speak."

My hands loosened but the throbbing pain lingered in the palm of my hand. This time I avoided eye contract with Saruman and shifted my gaze to a friendlier set of eyes. Elladan came into my view, who regarded me with seriousness but encouragement. I began again in a whisper but my voice strengthened, "I woke up at the bottom of a pond with no memory of how I got there or where I was. I believe I was dead, and I was... human before and now I am an elf."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment from my confession. It sounded absolutely ridiculous even in my own ears, and no doubt Saruman would disbelief any if not all that I say here today. My eyes shifted to Gandalf who sighed heavy and then on to Aragorn who looked away deep in thought. The others were confused, if not surprised by my story. Lord Elrond eyes never shifted but remained guarded as he silently thought to himself. It wasn't until I felt the prolong gaze of Lady Galadriel that I shifted my eyes to her. Slowly she tilted her head, examined me closely and even feel her in my head. Those blue eyes pierced through my guarded ones and whispered strange things.

The silence grew, accompanied by tension and uncertainty. None had dared uttered a word to my dilemma, for all were at a loss. I fidgeted nervously with my fingers, hated this silence. Suddenly, Lady Galadriel broke the silence with an awed voice that dripped with belief, "You fell into darkness and then into a light."

My lips parted in surprised for I never mentioned my walk in the void. It left my utterly exposed but all the companions here, looked to her. They yearned for an explanation. When Lady Galadriel paused, her eyes never blinked but only widened with realization. "I believe what you say to be true. Your soul is distant, possessed a body that once belonged to another..."

My eyebrows furrowed as I regarded her strangely for she spoke in odd riddles. This body... I looked down at my hands, once belonged to another? I knew it wasn't mine, so then, I was right. But... how was that possible? Lady Galadriel continued to introduce the bitter truth, "Never before had a soul traveled from afar to take a host in these lands. The eclipse of the moons must open a passage through time and space."

The eclipse? I remember, there was an eclipse in the sky that night. It was bright and slightly blue outlined by a deep red that glowed like a beacon in the night. It was unlike anything that I've seen before. A black hole, I reasoned. My eyes dropped from hers to the table, deep in thought. There was no end to this confusion. I was dead before, I am most sure about that... then how could I survive?

Slowly, I drawn up my eyes to met the fairest ones. When I found my courage, I asked in a strained whisper. "I don't understand."

Lady Galadriel composed herself, rid all surprised expressioned behind an careful face. She drew nearer toward me with her dress trailed on the stone path. With a firmer tone, the lady said confidently, "Fate had be kind to you, Amelia Nelson. Eru must have a purpose that neither of us can see. Your past is unknown and your future is a mystery."

I sighed deeply to myself, not satisfied with that answer for I hoped to end my endless confusion. With a deep sigh, I glanced away and forgetting all those who were before me and walked around the table deep in thought. Softly I said more to myself, "None of this makes sense."

"There is much uncertainty in the past age." Gandalf spoke up with his raspy voice. I looked at him from the corner of my eyes, realizing I was closer to him than I was before. When I looked back down at the stone floor, I listened to him carefully, "What is certain is that your body was abandoned in the pond in which your soul found."

I frown for this was getting much too weird for my liking. Someone else died, so I could have a second chance? How was that right? Who was this person that I managed to possess without reason? The scars on this body held a tale of their own, in which, refused to share with me. How old was this person when she died? Would she forgive me for possessing her body? I bite my lip with all uncertain questions that will never be answered by the council. Guilt filled me and then I heard, "Do not weight the dead on your mind, young one."

Hesitantly I looked up at Lady Galadriel who regarded me with a assured nod. I came closer to the table and stood behind Elladan and inquired to Lady Galadriel with a pleading voice, "What must I do now?"

"That remains to be unseen. You have to make a choice." Lady Galadriel's firm voice shook my very thoughts until my skin was overflown with goosebumps. "You were given a new life for you've lost your old. There is no return."

My lips parted for the last sentence was directed at my final hopes which crumbled at my feet. When I dropped my eyes to the table where I stared non-observantly, my heart felt heavy. Then it was decided. My old life was gone and now, I was certain there was no return to be forever lost in another realm. During this new life, I will live with the regret of never making amends with my sister or save my mother from the darkness. I glanced around to those who watched my carefully. Slowly I past by Saruman who regarded me with caution but acceptance. The distrust grew in his orbs but I paid no mind to that and swiftly looked to Lord Elrond who straightened. Whatever the future held, I would embrace it for there was no return.

The night sky came quickly after the council was dismissed. I remained on the balcony alone, over seeing the land as the darkness cascaded swiftly. My mind turned with thoughts on the past, present and of my future. My eyes dropped to my hands, stared at the design lines on my palms. The very fact that I existed in another... was unnerving. I sighed in defeat as I looked up at the stars in hope for a sign when I heard from behind.

"Not with Arwen?" Lord Elrond inquired in a soft tone as he came to stand next to me. Swallowing hard as I glanced up at him with a shy look to only to be regarded with a curious one. Sighing inwardly, I looked away forlorn as he continued. "Elves do not have the bitter taste of mortality."

Frowning, my eyebrows knitted together in confusion as I tried to understand where he was taking this. When I glanced up at him, the corners of his mouth curved upwards. Blinked in surprise when he looked up to the sky and continued, "Time was given to you."

I pursed my lips into a tight line as I tilted my head. "And what do I do with this new founded time?" I asked, sought out guidance.

"The doors off Rivendell will always be opened to you. You are welcome to stay here, if that's what you wish." Lord Elrond offered, brought down his gaze to stare at my awed gaze. My lips parted for my heart warmed up in ways I thought it never could. It was as if I was no longer staring at the Lord of Rivendell but a kind and compassionate being. "A room will be made for you in time."

"I have a room." I protested, confused and shook my head.

"Yes, in the guest quarters but you will have a chamber of your own." He explained as a smile edged into his lips as I stared dumbfounded. "Come, the hour is late."

To be continued