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

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Sweet Dreams

Home was where the heart lies... The shattered pieces plagued cruel temptation. The temptation of my desires. The shadow void between life and death was unpredictable. Its been hours since I've fallen into my dreams. I stood over my slumbering body, as a detached soul. It made no sense, as I stared at my elven self, confused of the true meaning. I watched as my chest rose and fell slowly, the eyes cracked open. When I turned away to observe my transparent surroundings, the walls of my room rapidly faded into a open park.

The world around me shifted from one scenery to another with fog circling the area. My bare feet stood on cement, which I followed toward a dark path that led to a dirty and nasty pond. Why did I feel like I've been here before? That I've walked this path? A warning struck my heart as I neared the pond. The details of grass and moss sharpened on the surface of the water. In the mist of the molded greenery, floated a body. A lifeless young woman, paled and cold. Frown, almost petrified to the realization that human was me.

No... That's not possible! My heart clenched for I choked on my own fear. Swiftly I turned away filled with grief to be confronted by three dark shadows. Entities of cruelty and malice that converted into three concealed figures. Monsters, that what they were. The monsters that murdered me. No... I wanted to scream, run and anything but I was left powerless and bounded by my own horror. The light within me weakened until I collapsed to be only caught by them. They drag me by my limped forearms.

My heart constricted with fear for I couldn't move, I couldn't scream. Every fiber in my being urged to move, at least my fingers but nothing. Closer and closer I got toward the pond where the dead waited. What was happening? Someone hear me! I stared at the pond upside down where lost souls reached out with black hands. They called for me... No! Before I knew it, I was pushed into the pond and dragged deeper into the darkness where souls bounded me in the oblivion. My lungs burned, my eyes widened in fear as my head became hazy. I couldn't breathe! I couldn't move my arms! I couldn't move my legs! I am dying! Someone, please hear me!

Calm yourself

"Amelia!" A voice came to me from the darkness of the deep depths of the pond. It was urgent and full of worry. I couldn't find the voice! The water was drowning me! "Amelia!" It shouted again. I tried to scream when I saw, beneath the pond, two black arms coming toward me. I couldn't move! I couldn't breathe! Someone hear me!

Suddenly, my eyes shot opened and panicked stricken, I shot up from my bed. Screamed when two hands constrained my wrist and prevent me from attacking wildly. My legs kicked, struggled until the blanket that covered me flew off. The darkness held me down against my will. Terrified and shaken, the shapes in my room dissolved into my room in Rivendell. I cautiously looked around my surroundings and I thought I was in the pond but I was in my room. I searched for those three monster in every corner of my room. My chest lifted and fell rapidly as droplets of sweat fell down my forehead.

"Amelia?" That came again and darted my eyes at the figure in front of me. I blinked away the tears that blurred the shapes but my vision sharpened. Before me, completely concerned was Lord Elrond and the twins behind him. Lord Elrond sat on the edge of my bed with his hands clasped around my wrist for security. Shaken by the dream, it took me moments to register that this was reality. "Amelia?"

I heard him whisper very tenderly that had my lip quiver. Still terrified, I rapidly yelled between breathes, "There were... were monsters... faces... Held me down!"

Lord Elrond eyebrows frowned dramatically, tried to understand my rambling. His eyes bounced from eye to eye, scanned me for comprehension, "They what?"

My eyes became blurred again with salty tears. The tears ran down my redden cheeks as I couldn't help but sob. Without a second thought, I leaned toward Lord Elrond and rested my cheek against his shoulder. He let go of my arms and allowed me to cry on his fine clothing. Gently, he wrapped his arms around me, as I could no longer hold back the tears anymore. I heard him sigh as he brushed my hair with his fingers, "It was just a dream. You are safe now."

He said in a tender voice that he would use toward a grieving child. My hands clenched tightly onto his clothes, feared he would disappear. The dark shadows lingered in my mind. Those three monsters haunted, laughed and mocked me. My body continued to shake in fear, I couldn't calm down. As my sobs came to a slow halt, Lord Elrond gently pulled me away from his shoulder. My cheeks were puffed with redness and my skin was wet from my warm tears.

When I had no tears left to spare, my body became severely sore and almost limp. Lord Elrond raked his fingers through my hair and tucked several strands behind my pointed ear. "Look at me, young one."

Hesitantly, I drawn up my weary eyes to meet his steady ones. "Pray tell, what dreams plagued you this night?"

With a hard swallowed, I calm my breathing and wiped away my lingering tears with the back of my hands. Sniffed swiftly followed by a long and hard sigh. I wished to not think about that dream, or the monsters. It was a realization, a brutal one that I wished I never figured out. My lower lip quivered as I attempted to keep my emotion at bay and I stuttered sorrowfully, "I was murdered. It wasn't a dream. It was a memory."

I sniffed again and wiped away the any tears that escaped from my eyes. My lips trembled follow by a suppressed sob. With a desperate attempt to control myself but no prevail. Elladan retrieved a handkerchief for me. I could barely smile at his kind gesture as I cleaned my face. Lord Elrond nodded his head in comprehension, "It seems your human memories will come to you in time, most likely in your dreams."

I listened vaguely with my head pounding from my sudden rush of fear. Slowly, I calmed myself and I drawn up my eyes to meet his. Weakly, I inquired. "How did you know to come?"

Lord Elrond rose from the bed, but remained at my side. As his concern eyes took in my disarray appearance, he answered carefully, "You were screaming. Elladan was the first to come to your aid and tried to wake you from your slumber. When you did not respond, I came."

I dropped my eyes to my hands shyly and nodded. "Thank you."

I felt a soft hand beneath my chin, directed my head to look up. Lord Elrond's eyes became tender as if he were a father to a daughter. Slowly, he knelt down to match my eye level. "Don't let these memories weight you down. What has happened is in the past. You can only look to the future. In time, your wounds will mend."

With that, he rose and brush his hand through my hair once more. "Rest Amelia."

I shook my head, defiantly but more terrified if anything, "I don't wish to sleep."

"I will stay by your side, my dear Amelia." Elladan uttered softly, his voice mixed with concern and determination. He came to my side and sat at the edge of the bed. Instantly, he took my hand and smiled gently at me. "Rest, I will be here when you wake up."

"As will I." Elrohir offered, he went to the chair in the corner and sat himself and watched with protective gaze. My eyes bounced between the twins, as my heart swelled with unknown emotion. An affection, I cared deeply for both as if they were my brothers. The corners of my lips tilted upward as I leaned back and rested against the pillow and waited for slumber to claim me.

Later in the day, I avoided almost everyone. My screams from my dream had alerted most with concern and worry. I would simply nod and give a simple answer to calm others. It bothered me to have my issues lying on my sleeve for all to see. Sighed, I walk to Lord Elrond's office after Nessa came to me for a summons. I rounded the corner and knocked on the door. When I was given permission, I entered in the room to find Lord Elrond at his desk, reading a document in his language. His eyes glanced up and he moved away from his paperwork to give me his full attention, "Amelia, I thank you for coming swiftly."

"Of course." I answered in a diplomatic voice as I mustered a smile.

When I came closer to his desk, I waited for his reasons. I imagined it was something to do with my situation or maybe of last night. But instead, I was regarded with a cautious eye, that examined me closely. Too closely that made me shift uncomfortably. Lord Elrond leaned into his chair and clasped his hands on his lap. He began in a knowing voice, "No need to pretend that everything is well. I know better, Amelia."

Instantly, my smile fell along with my mask followed by a deep sigh. It was mortifying that others heard my scream. It shown weakness. Others offered their concerns and I knew they meant well, but that was my business! I shifted slightly and composed myself, and inquired with a tight voice, "You wanted to see me?"

A change of subject was needed and thankfully, Lord Elrond did not push the issue. He rose from the chair without a sound and he rounded the desk gracefully. When he stood in front of me, he started again in a softer tone, "I will not pretend that your dreams do not bother you. If you do not wish to speak of it then we will not."

"I do not want to speak of it." I said swiftly and maybe a little too sharp, but Lord Elrond took no offense. It was not my intention to be that direct but my fears will not haunt me or allow my dreams cause havoc on my life. However his hands twitched slightly as if he was not happy with my response. With a deep sigh, Lord Elrond turned away.

"Very well." He retorted, complied but not satisfied. As he went to the balcony toward the landscape view, Lord Elrond clasped his hands behind his back and continued formally, "Yes I called you here. I wish to speak to you about your future."

"My future?" I questioned bewildered by the topic as I arched an eyebrow and stared at his backside suspiciously. What future did he have in mind? I hoped nothing to do with arrangements. This world was too much like the medieval times of my world where women were married off before they were considered 'too old'. Truly, I hoped they did not believe in that sort of thing, especially since they could live thousands of years.

"Yes." He turned to me and answered firmly, "If you wish to stay here, then I will offer you a place amongst us. My only conditions are you will spend much of your time studying. Studying our history, our language and how to defend yourself. You will need to survive in Middle-Earth. Its very important that we keep your… past hidden from unfriendly ears."

Relief filled me for a moment for I thought he would bring up the 'm' word. My mind shifted to his conditions. True they were doable, since I was forced to live here and now its my duty to convince others that I belong in Middle-Earth. With deep sigh, I nodded my head and agreed, "That sounds... reasonable."

"Indeed." A small smile came onto his lips as he approached me. "Hence forth, you are no long Amelia from Sacramento, California of the United States. You are now Lady Amelia of Rivendell."

That was when it truly hit me... my lips parted in shock for reality sunk in. This was my home now and who I was... was no longer relevant. My eyes fell from his and my heart swelled with remorse... but not for this chance of a new life but I mourned for my old self. It was as if.. I was saying goodbye to a long time friend. With a hard swallow, I swiftly turned away from Lord Elrond and tried to breathe deeply. I wrapped my arms around my body in hopes to comfort myself. Shut my eyes, hoped to blank out for a moment and allow myself to keep calm.

Suddenly I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and Lord Elrond voice said gently, "In time you will find your place amongst us." He tried to comfort me in the only way he knew. I opened my eyes and tried to believe him. Where will I find my place here? Lord Elrond removed his hand from my shoulder and continued, "Until then you will study and you'll become an apprentice of a practice with permission."

Translation: The terms were to adapt to their culture and find my place amongst them. Well, easier said than done. I sighed deeply and ran my hand through my long and thick locks. "I understand."

Lord Elrond turned to me and eyed my closely, expected to find a mask or wall but there was nothing. I did not hid from the truth but accepted it. He sighed and said in a soft tone, "You may come to like your new life here."

Never before did I think of it that way. It was a new realization that washed me with refreshing water. I smiled gently with new hope, "I hope so."

Lord Elrond's eyes jumped from me to the door, and without warning, there a knock on the door. Goodness, his hearing was good! Lord Elrond uttered the permission to enter. When I looked over my shoulder, there in the threshold was Glorfindel. My heart tugged with feelings that I never encountered before. I had the overwhelming desire to hide or giggle like a schoolgirl, I was not entirely sure but both would undoubtable make me a fool. Glorfindel's hair shimmered against the bright sun that illuminated through the door. Gently Glorfindel closed the door without a sound and took a few steps toward Lord Elrond. His blue eyes took in the atmosphere. Swiftly, I looked away blushing before I think of things that I probably shouldn't.

Lord Elrond took a step closer and said, "Glorfindel, I trust you already met our newest addition to Rivendell?"

"Yes, Lord Elrond." Glorfindel said with a respectable voice, as he stood tall with a strong posture. His eyes moved from Lord Elrond to mine. With a smile, he inquired, "Lady Amelia," He tilted his head in a slight bow and my mouth went dry, "I believe your choice to remain in Rivendell was fine decision."

I smiled awkwardly and hated when I'm forced to bow my head and attempted to be diplomatic especially in front of him. "I believe so."

"I had asked you here, Glorfindel." Lord Elrond spoke up, moving the conversation back on track, "I wish you take Amelia under your wing. Teach her to use the bow."

My eyes widen, my head snapped to Lord Elrond as all the blood rushed out from my face. Oh dear, athletic actives and me never meshed well and now, I am to embarrass myself in front of Glorfindel. What was more mortifying than that?! That would not make me desirable, that would make me a fool! I blinked back to reality and spoke with an uncertain voice, "Are you sure?... I mean..."

"I'm sure," Lord Elrond spoke up sternly, cut me off. "All must know how to defend oneself in these parts of the world. I am not asking you to join the guard but I am asking you to comply and learn to use the bow if ever needed."

I immediately closed my mouth and moaned internally. "Fine."

"Of course, Lord Elrond. I will see it done." Glorfindel complied.

I knew I was would hate this. The bow in my hands was the bow that Glorfindel had made for me. It was my size… kind of. The bow was long with beautiful design embedded into it. The craftsmanship was unmatched, that was for sure. Despite the beauty, I still hated it. I've already injured my arm, got slapped by the string and what was worst Elladan and Elrohir found my agony humorous. Of course, they stayed a good distance from me, if I so desired to make them my targets. Not to mention that Glorfindel was probably not impressed with my lovely skills. Sighed again, I attempted grab another arrow from my quiver. I reached over my shoulder and found difficult to grab one single arrow from the quiver.

A snicker came from the back corner where the twins watched with much amusement. I huffed angrily as I clenched my hands tightly with frustration and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. Without a thought, I turned hastily at them full blown furious and vengeful. I shouted an oath, "Elrohir! You just wait! I'll have you running for you life!"

"Lady Amelia, it is not I who is laughing at you." He said calmly, shook his head and not offended by my accusation. Instead he looked to the side at his twin brother with a frown.

My eyes jumped to Elladan who tried to muffle a laugh with his hand. Even though he attempted to cough as a way to cover his chuckle, his shoulder shook from suppressed laughter. He tried to keep a straight face and avoid any eye-contact with me. Out all the people, I mentally scolded as I pursed my lips into a tight line. Before I could make my threats, I felt two hands on my shoulders, rotated me away from the twins and uttered with patience, "My lady, ignore them and focus on the task at hand."

When I heard Glorfindel soft voice, my anger suddenly melted away as I looked up at his gentle face, dumbfounded. With a swallowed, I nodded my head and retuned my attention back to the target. This time I reached fast for the arrow and with success. I nocked the bow and pulled back the arrow close to my cheek. I tried not to get slapped again, as my eyes narrowed at the far distance. Behind me I heard Glorfindel's voice, "Relax, you are too tense."

He came behind me, placed a soft hand on my elbow, redirected it up higher and the other over my hand. With every fiber, I hoped he did not hear my heart beating faster than a racing horse. His proximity did not help clear my head. Before I knew it, he backed away, much to my disappointment. "Good, now focus and see your target. Nothing is more important than that target." Glorfindel spoke as he came around to my side. "When the moment is right, release."

When the moment was right, I repeated in my mind. My eyes focused on the target as I eyed like a cat would to a mouse. Breathe, I said to myself and I ignored Elladan's comments. Relax myself and breathe through my mouth. Then I released the bow. It swooshed through the air, faster than I can comprehend and I heard a distance thud. To my surprise, the arrow hit dead center. My mouth dropped with astonishment.

"Very good, my lady. You are a natural." Glorfindel praised me as he looked approvingly at the target. "Good, now again."

I smiled as I felt pride swelled in my chest. In the back, I heard the twin cheering me on. Maybe I wouldn't chase them down. I shook my head; I reached for another arrow as I moved to the side to aim at another target. Arrow after arrow, I practiced. My archery did need practice, I admitted that to myself but three out of a quiver of arrows were bull's eyes. I came to my last one which, I eyed the target carefully and stretched back the arrow to my cheek. The target was much farther and for a moment, I doubted myself.

"Breathe..." Glorfindel whispered gently from a distance but it was loud enough for me to hear. As I aimed diligently, I inhaled through my nose and exhaled through my mouth. I released my finally arrow into the calm winds with a hopefully heart. Listened to it shoosh and then... THUD! The corner of my lip tilted up for I hit it dead center. I smiled wider, surprised myself as I turned to Glorfindel for approval. His gaze met mine as he nodded his head and said, "You have potential, my lady. Now, you will practice, day after day until your ready for the next step."

He moved around me to start collecting the arrow but I found myself perplexed. I pushed myself out from my daze and followed Glorfindel out to the field and collect all my fallen arrows from the ground. Most of them were head straight into the dirt while others where embedded into trees. Curious, I inquired. "What is the next step, exactly?"

Glorfindel turned to me after he pulled out the last arrow from the target and answered, "Another weapon of your choice. Many find a dagger more useful and direct."

Pursed my lips and I asked "What did you choose?"

Glorfindel looked to me, "I chose a sword. I find a dagger are useful for an agile warriors but I fight with strength and tact."

When he answered, my mind wondered to images of Glorfindel fighting with a large weapon and the very thought had me swooning with admiration. Glorfindel was more than just looks, he had heart and a joyful one. His strength was carried with him through his muscles and demeanor. An adroit warrior that instantly grasped my respect. I bite my lip as I turned away from him and I inquired again, "How long do you think it will take for me to become good… like you?"

When I had the courage to glance at him, Glorfindel approached me with hand full of arrows. He sighed as he thought deeply about my question. He rounded me to my back to replace all my arrows into my quiver and answered with honesty, "Not for several years. All good things take time."

Sighed in disappointment and my shoulders drooped. I replaced the arrows that I collected back into my quiver and turned to him, and stood rather closely. I had hoped to become a good archer sooner. Perhaps one day, I'll impress him with my adroit skills. This surprised me, I hated it at first but now I grew to like it. Just a little. Glorfindel noticed my frown and smiled, "Do not let your heart be discouraged. I have no doubt you'll be a fine archer."

I met his blue eyes with uncertainty but I slowly believed him. A small smile came to my lips as I had something to look forward to. Glorfindel swiftly grabbed my hand and pecked it gently, "Well then, my lady until tomorrow."

With that my lessons where finished. I watched Glorfindel collect his weapons and retreated back to armory. I glanced down at my bow... the gift from Glorfindel. My fingers past by the indented designed, amazed by the craftsmanship. I bit my lip as I suppressed a smile. Slowly I made my way to my room to dress from supper tonight. When I attended to supper, Lord Elrond had offered me a seat at his table, beside Arwen. A place amongst them every day for meals. If only I had someone to sit next to, a person who held my heart. As my heart ached, I felt a strange connection... As if someone was waiting for me.

That night, I fell into a deep slumber...

I walked in the void, where my soul lingered in between life and death. This was different, much different this time. I was in the mist of a forest with a thick fog hovered over the ground and up the tree branches. It rotated, blocked out everything from outside. This land was surreal beyond my imagination. The trees were tall and old with thick roots that curved and twisted. I walked down a narrow path, wore nothing by a white dress. My bare feet felt the soft moist ground, which I found rather odd. My toes dug into the soil, felt the dirt between my toes. Never before have I felt the land around me in this void, except when I was pushed into he pond.

Curious, I looked to the fog that rotated in the distance... As I approached it, I wondered if it was a barrier or some kind of wall that would not allow me to pass through. As I neared it, the fog was so thick that I could not see anything beyond it. Slowly I inched out my hand, my fingers drawing near and near to the barrier when I heard a snap from behind, "Stop."

Gasped in surprise, I swiftly turned to find a figure in the mist. Fear jumped to my throat for I suspected it to be a monster to haunt me... but it was wasn't a monster, no... it took shape of a man. I pulled away from the barrier and slowly approached the man. The fog cleared away from him to reveal that he was not man but an elf. The stranger made no movement or sign that he was aware my approach. I stared at him, analyzed him carefully. He kept him back to me and never turned to acknowledge me. Nothing about him made me believe that he was cruel or had any blackness in his heart. But I realized that he had blonde hair that was pulled back on the top of his head. The clothing was greenish, different than anything I've seen and he was tall, much taller than me.

Despite the fact that I did not know this elf, I felt strangely comfortable with him. Not worried that he could taunt me... no, he wouldn't. I knew he wouldn't. Where did this confidence came from, I did not know. However I wished he would turn but never did. My heart beat faster without reason and the emotions swelled with tenderness. "You came." He suddenly uttered in the silence but still did not turn, "But I can not stay. I must return."

Return? Return to where? Before I could question him, he abruptly walked into the fog. My eyes widened in fear. Fear that I wouldn't see him again or know who he was. I tried to call out to him but my voice made no sound. Swiftly I went after him, feared that I would be too late. I searched wildly in the forest for this stranger, behind every tree and plant. There was nothing, he was gone. Disappointment filled me and my shoulders drooped.

Suddenly I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze in place as my eyes widened in surprise. I relaxed into his hands, my emotions swelled in my chest when I heard a soft whisper, "Its not safe here. There are deep secrets. Leave. You need to wake."

My eyes open to the morning sunrise. Blinked in surprise as I swiftly rose from my bed, searched for the stranger. To my disappointment, I was alone in my room. Moaned and I dug my face into the pillow. Why was I dreaming of an elf? I didn't even see his face or knew his name. However he resembled to someone I knew.

Glorfindel.

To be continue

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