A/N: Shout out to the rest of my followers! R&R, lovelies!


~The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.~

Aragorn watched Rosa sleep, she looked peaceful unlike the other nights. Normally she was tense, thrashing about on the ground. Her words were always muffled, but he could tell that she carried a ghost with her. A past that she struggled to break away from. He understood the feeling. Aragorn didn't wish to wake her when she'd finally found rest, but they needed to get going. He brushed the hair out of her eyes before taking ahold of her arm. "Aislinn," he said softly, not wanting to startle her. He shook her gently.

"Mmmmh," she groaned, swiping a hand out to push him away.

"Aislinn, you need to wake up," he urged.

"Nuh uh, Johnathan, I donwanna." She stretched her arms out above her and rolled onto her stomach, "Five mor minues" she grumbled, her words muffled within the makeshift pillow.

Aragorn froze. His mind wondered who this Johnathan was, but it was clear that she was close to this person. He closed his eyes, turning away. He would pretend that he did not hear.

Rosa's eyes fluttered open, settling on the space between Aragorn's shoulders, "hmm?"

Strider cleared his throat, "We need to leave."

Rosa nodded drowsily, struggling to her feet as the blanket pooled around her ankles. She tied her bedroll together, sliding it into place within the straps of her bag. Aragorn was nearly finished packing everything else up when Rosa had fully awakened. He nodded to her, and she thought his expression was odd, but she couldn't quite place the emotion.

They were trudging east through the gloomy overgrown forest, to Rivendell, he told her. Rosa's expression displayed how much she didn't appreciate traveling in this weather wearing a dress; it restricted her in ways that she was not used to. The corset hugged her curves tightly, the thick material of the dress did, however, keep her warmer than the silky blouse that she had been wearing. The only practical thing she seemed to be wearing was the boots that Strider had gotten.

"Where are you taking us?" Frodo asked meekly. Rosa turned to watch him, as he walked behind her, flanked by his other hobbit friends. Aragorn was leading the way. He hadn't looked at her since they left and Rosa couldn't help but feel she had done something wrong. Was he upset with me for something I did at the tavern?

"Into the wilds," Aragorn responded dryly.

Rosa smirked to herself, shaking her head as she glanced back at the hobbits. She felt like the odd man out, neither with the hobbits or Aragorn. Instead she observed both, as she tried to remember the way that the story went. She was fairly familiar with the movies, but it had been ages since she'd read the books. In fact, she wasn't even certain she had ever finished reading them.

"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?" Rosa overheard Merry whispering to Frodo. Both looked disgruntled at the thought. She figured that they didn't trust her either, but it was much easier to overlook her - she wasn't nearly as intimidating as Aragorn.

"We've no choice but to trust them," Fordo responded resolutely.

Sam leaned forward, "but where is he leading us?"

Aragorn stopped and looked back at Sam, "To Rivendell, Master Gamgee...to the house of Elrond."

Sam grew excited. "Did you hear that, Bill?" he asked the horse by his side, "Rivendell! We're going to see the Elves!"

Rosa walked silently, lost in thought. Aragorn cast a glance at Rosa, she had never been so quiet before. He watched her worriedly, not once did she hum that entire day, or the next to follow.

As their group walked through the moors, the hobbits stopped to open their knapsacks. Rosa felt her own stomach rumble, but she kept walking, a smile ghosting her lips at the familiar situation.

"Gentleman, we do not stop until nightfall," Aragorn told them.

"What about breakfast?" Pippin asked.

"You've already had it."

It was all Rosa could do to keep from laughing aloud at what she knew was to come.

"We've had one, yes...but what about second breakfast?"

Arargorn stared at Pippin blankly, then turned and walked away, shaking his head.

"I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip." Merry said.

"What about Elvenses, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Supper….he knows about them, doesn't he?"

"I wouldn't count on it," Merry said.

After being thoroughly amused with the situation Rosa walked faster to catch up with Aragoron, she got there in time to see him throw the second apple.

"Pippin!" she heard Merry say, exasperated.

Rosa started giggling.

XXX

Rosa laid down on her bedroll, thinking of her dream. Peredhil...me? A half-elf? She scoffed, If I thought I was crazy before... She watched Strider walking away and she looked at the hobbits to see them laying out their bedrolls and opening their knapsacks. She took this moment to sneak off and have some privacy. She slipped the sleeves of the dress over her shoulders letting it fall to the ground. When she tried to untie the corset she ended up getting the strings hopelessly knotted. Damn it, she groaned. She gave up fighting the knots and pulled her pants on, stuffing the dress into her bag. She was in the process of buttoning her shirt when she heard raised voices.

She froze at the sound of Frodo yelling, "Put it out, you fools! Put it out!"

Rosa jumped up. Shit! How could I forget this part?

"Quickly, come." She grabbed the hobbits and shoved them up the steps. Silently, she cursed herself for not having anything other than her gun. She wasn't exactly certain if it would penetrate armor, but some form of weapon was better than none. She heard the shriek of the Ringwraiths behind them and urged the hobbits forward faster. They neared the edge of the mountain, but she wanted as much distance between them and the Ringwraiths as she could get.

"Go faster!" Rosa stood in front of the hobbits. "Frodo, protect the ring," She knelt down to their level, "be brave little hobbits, we'll make it through this. Strider will come."

One by one the Ringwraiths appear, brandishing their gleaming swords. They stepped towards Rosa and the hobbits, she glared at the darkness under the hood of the Ringwraith in the middle; the Witch King.

"Aragorn!" she yelled. She hoped he would get here soon. If Aragorn doesn't get his badass self over here and kick some Nazgul ass soon, then I'm done for.

"Back, you devils!" Sam said charging at the Nazgul. It disarmed him swiftly and knocked him back. He landed against the stone, falling unconscious. Rosa took a deep breath and ran for his sword, doing a somersault between two of the wraiths. She swung her leg out and knocked one to the ground. She looked up at the sky briefly, thanking her father and the military for teaching her to defend herself. Three other wraiths turned towards her while the last made his way to Frodo.

"Shit." Rosa said, she was in way over her head. She watched Frodo slip the ring onto his finger.

"No!" Rosa dodged the swings of the Ringwraiths' blades, trying her best to not drop the sword in her hand when she blocked. She heard Frodo groan in pain and saw the Witch King's blade in him. Seconds later Aragorn was there and helped Rosa fight them off, he used his torch to set one on fire, causing it to flee while it screeched in pain.

Aragorn tossed Rosa the torch and she set the charging Ringwraith on fire before dodging it and watching it fall over the edge. Strider continued fighting the last one before it turned and ran, fearful of the flames.

Sam rushed over to Frodo. "Mr. Frodo." Aragorn knelt in front of them and inspected the wicked blade. "Help him, Strider" Sam said, panicking for his friend.

"He's been stabbed by a Morgul blade," Aragorn said, disgusted. Almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth the blade melts, vanishing into thin air like smoke. He tossed the hilt down, and it clattered against the stone.

Picking Frodo up, they rushed from the summit. Aragorn carried Frodo and Rosa kept pace beside them. Merry, Pip, and Sam had to run to keep up.

"Do something!" Sam said.

"This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine." Aragorn picked up the pace, "Hurry!"

"We're six days from Rivendell," Sam shouted.

"Hold on, Frodo." Aragorn said.

"He'll never make it!"

Rosa stayed silent, she felt useless. This is my job, I'm a doctor and I have no idea how to help him.

Frodo mumbled feverishly, "Gandalf...Gandalf?"

XXX

"Is he going to die?" Pippin asked. Rosa shot him a disapproving look and Pippin sat back on his haunches, looking properly admonished. Aragorn needed to focus, and she needed to do...something to help.

"No. He is passing into the shadow world, he will soon become a wraith like them."

The shriek of a distant ringwraith broke through the silent air. Rosa shivered, a cold line of fear crawling up her spine. Could the Ringwraiths even be killed?

"They're close." Merry said nervously.

Frodo gasped in pain and Rosa's attention snapped back to him.

"Sam, do you know of the Athelas plant?" Aragorn asked.

"Athelas?" Sam asked, confused, he had never heard of it.

Aragorn thought for a second, and turned back to him. "Kingsfoil."

"Kingsfoil." Sam echoed, confusion evident. "Aye, it's a weed."

"It may help to slow the poison, hurry!"

Aragorn and Sam hurriedly searched the forest for kingsfoil, and Rosa stayed by Frodo's side wiping his brow with a wet cloth. The most she could do was try to make him comfortable, and the thought made her chest hurt. "You'll be alright, Frodo. Just hold on." She gave him a sad smile. I know you'll be okay.

Rosa heard the sound of a horse and saw Strider return with an elf, after a few seconds she recognized her as Arwen.

"Frodo, im Arwen. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan nan galad." (I am Arwen, I've come to help you. Hear my voice...come back to the light.) Frodo's eyes fell shut. "Frodo?"

"Who is she?" Pippin whispered to the other hobbits.

Sam whispered back, "She's an elf."

"He's fading...he's not going to last. We must get him to my father." Aragorn lifted Frodo and placed him on the horse. "I have been searching for you for two days," she said, "There are five wraiths behind you, where the other four are I do not know."

"Dartho guin Beriain. Rych le ad tolthathon." (Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses for you.)

"Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im." (I'm the faster rider; I will take him.)

"Andelu i ven." (The road is too dangerous.)

Arwen looked at Frodo on the horse, "Frodo fîr. Ae athradon i hîr, tûr gwaith nîn beriatha hon." (If I can get across the river the power of my people will protect him.)

"Be iest lîn." (As you wish.)

Arwen placed her hand on Aragorns, looking deep into his eyes. Rosa turned away suddenly, feeling as though she were spying on something she ought not to see.

"I do not fear them," she heard Arwen say. Strider watched as Arwen mounted her horse, he did not want her in danger.

"Arwen, ride hard...don't look back."

Arwen looked down at Aragorn one last time, "Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim!" (Run fast, Asfaloth, run fast!)

"What are you doing?" Sam asked, panicked, "Those wraiths are still out there!"

Rosa watched silently as Asfaloth sprung away, bearing Arwen and Frodo into the night.

XXX

As they continued trudging through the dank forest Rosa tried to conceal her impatience with the situation. They had been walking forever and still had another whole day of it before they would reach Rivendell. As much as she didn't like horses, she would rather ride one than keep walking, Not that I even know how to, she said to herself. Moments later, almost as if to prove her thoughts false, and different elf rode up with four horses. Rosa, too concerned at the sight of horses didn't even glance at the elf on the horse, she breathed deeply and tried to keep calm.

"Aaye, mellon." (Hail, friend.) the elf said to Strider, who smiled in recognition. Rosa watched the horses intently, as the words passed between Strider and the stranger, too quickly for her to catch any of it. Strider helped the hobbits each mount a horse, then mounted one himself. When he turned towards her she immediately took a large step back, "No, that's okay. I'll pass. Besides...there are only four horses and there are five of us. I-I'll just walk," she rambled, staring at the horses, her eyes widening briefly.

Aragorn blinked at her, "You cannot just walk," he turned and looked at the horses then back at her, "You'll just have to ride with one of the hobbits." Rosa gulped looking at them, they looked unsteady enough on the horses by themselves, she shook her head. "No...no I can't."

The elf watched the interaction with a stone face he could tell the girl was afraid, she hides it well. Wordlessly he guided his horse over to her and scooped her up, Rosa gave an undignified yelp and squirmed as he set her in front of him on the horse. She tensed and immediately tried to distance herself from the head of the horse. She wiggled back until she felt her thighs pressed against the elf's legs and her back against his chest, she gave a small squeak and scooted forward. The elf looked over to see Aragorn quietly chuckling.

The elf leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "Uuma dela." (Don't worry.) He had a deep voice, it was smooth and pleasant. Rosa calmed, somehow recognizing the meaning even though she didn't know the words. They rode at a slow pace until the hobbits seemed to get their barring then they picked up the speed. Rosa, terrified, pressed against the Elf, one hand reaching back and desperately clutching his pants just above his knee. Sensing her panic he took one hand off the reign and encircled her waist, Rosa's other hand gripped the arm around her. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to go to a happy place.

XXX

Rosa hesitantly opened one eye, the other followed quickly. She gasped looking around in awe. This is Rivendell?! Holy crap!

She felt something shift slightly and she realized she was still clinging to the elf for dear life. Shocked at herself, she let go and got as far away from him as she could without falling off the horse. He gracefully dismounted and moments later she felt his hands around her waist, lifting her off the horse and onto the ground. He did it with such ease, as if she weighed no more than a feather.

Rosa looked up at him for the first time. He was tall, with long pale blonde hair, parts of it pulled back and braided. She looked into his eyes, they seemed to change color, they were grey at first but when the light hit them just right they looked almost blue. He wore a long shimmery cloak and had pale green pants tucked into fine, brown boots. She could see the collar of a white shirt, his clothing all seemed very fancy compared to what Aragorn was wearing, and much cleaner. She sucked in a breath. He is gorgeous.

Aragorn walked up beside her and she nearly jumped. "This is my friend, Legolas," he said, introducing her to him.

Legolas bowed respectfully, "Legolas Greenleaf."

Aragorn turned back to Legolas and said, "This is Aislinn, she-

"Actually," Rosa said, looking down at her hands feeling guilty, "that's not my name. I-I mean it is, just not my first name." She looked up at them slowly, giving a weak smile. "My name is Rosalva Aislinn D'Ambrosio," she said, adding her last name because Legolas did.

Legolas stared at her, his face masking all emotion and Aragorn just nodded, not seeming at all displeased with her for not telling him her real name. Legolas took a step forward, "I have never heard that name before." He hadn't actually asked a question but Rosa felt the need to explain.

"It's Italian," she said before realizing that he would have no idea what that meant, "uh, it means rose of dawn."

"Aragorn," Strider said.

"What?" Rosa asked, confused.

"My name," he explained, "it is Aragorn."

Rosa smiled. "Oh. I know," she said, receiving a raised eyebrow from Aragorn and Legolas's masked remained firmly in place, she panicked, "uh, so, where to now?" She said, hoping they would take the bait.

"I'd imagine that you would like a real bed, warm food, a bath maybe?" Aragorn said, teasingly.

She glanced down at herself and was mortified. She had just met Legolas and she was covered in dirt, her clothing was torn and she didn't even want to imagine what her hair looked like.

"Well you don't look so fantastic yourself." She said smiled playfully, hoping to cover her embarrassment. Rosa heard the hobbits snickering behind them. Aragorn chuckled and lead them up the steps where he spoke quickly to some more elves. Rosa stood back, trying to make herself scarce. She felt like a grimy nobody with all these elves around her. They looked so perfect, not a single hair out of place, she watched them pass by, hair flowing behind them, and wanted to reach out and touch it. Each held a sort of regal beauty, and were so graceful as they moved, as if they were gliding and not really walking. A female elf walked towards Rosa and smiled slightly at her, then guided her down a few halls and to a room.

When they entered the room the first thing Rosa noticed was the bed and she wanted to just collapse on it but when she turned her head and every part of her nearly bounced with joy, a bath. The elf quickly prepared the bath for her, then helped her untangle the string of the corset. Rosa gave her a smile, "Thank you." She wasn't sure if the elf understood but right now the bath was far more important to her than the barrier of language. She slipped her pants off of her hips and pulled the rest of her clothing off as quickly as she could before sinking her body into the bath. A blissful sigh escaped her lips, "God, this is amaaaaaazing," she said, drawing out the word as her body became completely submerged in the warmth of it.

Rosa lost track of the time as she soaked in the water. She heard the sound of a door opening and saw the same elf returned with something in her hands, probably clothes, she thought to herself. Well, guess it's time to get out. She pulled a towel snug around her dripping body and walked to the bed. Laid out was a beautiful dark blue dress, she brushed her fingers against the silky material, it was softer than silk yet still looked the same. Rosa looked at the elf gratefully and then realized that she didn't even know her name, "I'm Rosa," she said hesitantly, "What's your name?"

"Valainistima." Rosa blinked at her.

"Uh, Vala-Valanestima?" Rosa had totally butchered it.

The elvish girl just smiled, "You can call me Vala."

"Thank you, Vala. The dress is beautiful."

Once Vala had helped Rosa put on all the proper undergarments she pulled the dress down over her head and laced it up the back. It clung to her curves, flowing down her body and pooling at her feet. Vala sat her in a chair and began brushing her hair. Rosa closed her eyes, feeling blissfully relaxed. When Vala was done she brought Rosa to the mirror. Rosa gasped, twirling from side to side. She had never worn anything this beautiful before. The dress was simple but Rosa could tell it was much better quality than anything she would have bought back home. Her hair tumbled down her back in soft curls and stopped near her waist, it had grown much faster in the past weeks. Vala had pulled small sections back into intricate braids, keeping the hair from falling in Rosa's eyes.

A soft knock on the door startled Rosa out of her trance, the door opened and Aragorn stepped inside.

"Lord Elrond wishes to speak with-

Aragorn stopped dead in his tracks, "Ed' i'ear ar' elenea!" (By the sea and stars!) he cleared his throat, "Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you." Rosa looked at him, tilting her head to the side wondering what he had said. She turned to Vala, who just smiled knowingly, she knew what Aragorn had said and why, yet Rosa seemed completely unaware.

Rosa followed Aragorn to a room where Elrond was, feeling like an animal at the zoo. Every elf that passed by had stopped and stared at her, they must not see humans very often. By the time they actually reached him Rosa had lost count of the stares she had received and how many different halls they had walked through. What she didn't realize at the time was why they were staring at her.

Rosa was staring at the ground in front of her feet when Lord Elrond turned from Aragorn and began to address her, "Rosalva, Aragorn tells me you are not from this world."

"Yes," she said softly. He nodded but Rosa felt that he didn't entirely believe her.

Lord Elrond smiled at her, "Welcome to Imladris."

XXX

Aragorn, Elrond and Rosa walked quietly until they entered a great hall where many people were seated. She spotted the hobbits immediately and smiled, glad to see friendly faces that weren't elves, she was tired of being stared at. Merry and Pippin ran over to her and hugged her. She saw Sam and Frodo talking happily. She was glad to see him all right, even though she knew it would turn out this way. She sighed inwardly, What if I change things? She followed them to where they had been gathering food on their plates, happy to finally be able to eat their fill.

She felt her stomach rumbled and blushed, knowing that elves had keener senses, great...they probably all heard that. She filled her plate without getting too much, not wanting to seem piggish.

"This is delicious," she said to no one in general.

"I'm glad you find our food as pleasing," she heard a honeyed voice say, "As we find you." She turned around and looked to her left and then right. There stood Elrond's twins, Elladan and Elrohir. Oh, boy.

Elladan and Elrohir stood before her, identical in every manner. The stood tall, and proud, their long dark hair cascading down their backs, braided in a similar fashion to Elrond's hair. She looked into their grey eyes, they held a mischievous quality, and suddenly felt nervous.

"Hello," she said, still staring at them.

"Mae govannen, I am Elladan," (Well met) the one on the left said, "And I am Elrohir," said the one on the right.

"Rosa," she said holding out her hand. Elladan took it and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, "Saesa omentien lle." Elrohir did the same, "Pleasure meeting you," he said, translating for Elladan. I was going for a handshake, she thought to herself before remembering that Middle Earth was like renaissance times, I guess chivalry isn't dead, just in another universe.

After the meal Rosa wandered around until she found herself outside in one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen.

"Wow, this would put the botanical gardens to shame." Rosa walked down the paths and turned in circles just staring. Rosa took a step to the left turning one last time before she found herself walking right into someone.

Rosa made a noise of discomfort and stepped backwards, nearly tripping over her dress, "Oh goodness, I'm sorry." She looked up and found herself staring at a man who looked like Boromir from the movies, but he was larger, more muscular than him. He also looked younger, and slightly more handsome, but the similarities were still there. The hair was still the same golden brown color and his eyes, Rosa realized, were hazel. Woah...

Rosa looked down at her feet as she stepped back again, feeling a little too close for comfort. When she looked up again the man had a half smile on his lips.

"It is no trouble, I should have paid more attention to where I was walking. I suppose I was too busy admiring the beauty in front of me."

Rosa smiled, thinking that he too enjoyed the garden, not knowing that he had actually meant her.

"I am Boromir." he said, bowing to her.

"My name is Rosa," she said smiling at him. They continued walking, together, until they had made their way back to the great hall, there they parted ways and Rosa began walking the halls, attempting to find her room.

XXX

I am soooo lost, she groaned to herself. She had been wandering the halls for nearly an hour and had seen all sorts of people, elves, men, even dwarves. What the hell is going on around here? Rosa sighed, "I'm hopeless."

"May I be of assistance?"

Rosa jumped, "Oh sweet Mary mother of God," she yelped. When she turned she saw Legolas standing there.

"I did not mean to startle you," Legolas said, stepping towards her. Rosa unconsciously stepped back, "It's fine," she said watching Legolas warily, "I-I'm lost," she admitted, hanging her head in shame.

"It's this way."

Rosa looked up, "What?"'

"Your room," Legolas said before turning and walking away. Rosa sprung forward, following quickly behind him, almost walking into him when he slowed.

"Thank you," she said when they reached her room.

"Ta nae amin saesa, farewell." (It was my pleasure)

Rosa turned and walked into her room, I wish they would stop speaking to me in a language I don't even understand, maybe I should start speaking to them in Italian and see if they like it. When Rosa looked up she saw Aragorn and Elrond standing in front of her.

XXX

"Estel, I wish to speak to her alone." (Hope) Aragorn bowed respectfully and left the room. Elrond walked around Rosa, looking her over before speaking again.

"You are a peredhil, a halfling. Half elf, half human," he said this, matter-of-factly, not asking her if it were true. "Yet, your human half is not of this world, it does not mix well with your elvish blood; it fights for dominance. You will have to choose."

"Choose what?"

"A side. You cannot remain both. You can choose to become fully human, however, that does not mean you will be like others. Your life will be much longer, and you will age slower, but you will still grow old and die. Or," he said now in front of her again, "you may choose to become an elf, as I have done. You will not age, nor die of any disease, only a blade or loss of the will to live will end you."

Rosa was stunned, "Wh-what? Why? When do I have to decide?"

He gave her a necklace, that let out a soft light, "Take this, you will have six months to decide. When then end of you allotted time is up the transformation will begin, if you still wear this necklace then you shall become an edhel, an elf. Should you take this off before that time, then your human half will prevail and you shall remain human for the rest of your life."

Rosa swallowed loudly, well that's very...final. No pressure, right? She hooked the necklace around her neck and she heard a small noise emit from it.

"This chain will never break," Elrond said, "the only one who can remove it is you." And with that Elrond walked out of the room leaving Rosa alone with her thoughts.


A/N: Please review, I would love to know what you all think of the story so far, love it? hate it? Tellllllll meeeee :)