Disclaimer: I own nothing of LOTR, any of P!nk's songs or of Avicii's. Get it? Got it? Good. Leave me alone lawyers.

I DO NOT HAVE A BETA. No beta! I made this so it makes sense. I created this fic out of pure enjoyment. I really and seriously hope you all do enjoy it though.

There is swearing. You are warned.

This chapter is still in Rivendell. Just to read about some time that the Elena and some of the Fellowship are up two during this time before they embark on the jouney. Sorry for the OOCness. Lol sorry I think I made this chapter a little too long. XP

POV as follows: Elena, Aragorn, Arwen, Elena

Please review about correcting me on grammar, spelling, punctuation etc. If you would like please PM only if you would like to send me links to better my writing, you may but only through PM!

I hope you enjoy and review!

Chapter 8: Things I Do To Pass The Time…

Oh this has been on helluva week and a half… the only good part of it now is that I finally got to meet Bilbo. He was definitely getting up there in age, and he is slower now, but we had a good chat. Frodo set up one afternoon, just the three of us, and I listened to Bilbo speak of his times when he traveled around and when he confronted the dragon. He told it to me as if I was but a tiny young hobbit child. I couldn't help but smile. Frodo told him of what happened during and after the council and Bilbo couldn't believe the behavior of the elves of how they were treating me. He apologized for them to me. I told him not to worry about it and we dropped the subject. I hate to be reminded that already no one likes me here, but hey, when you have haters, usually it means you are on their minds. And I thrive in it. At least I know no one will hurt me here.

But that was the only good day of meeting someone new.

It's been about ten days since the Council of Elrond, and I feel like I'm living out a stupid ass high school drama. Who knew that elves being so wise and gentle can take that tone and still become the bullies of Rivendell High.

I walk through the halls and of course news had spread to what I am. They can't harm me at all, which probably is because both Gandalf and Lord Elrond are looking out for me, but that doesn't stop the drama of it all. I get the glares, the sneers, the eye rollings, and such when I'm seen. Some elves even turn around and go the other direction when they see me. I just sigh and shake my head. Sometimes I'll even say, "This is not a good start for me either you know!"

But alas, no one really understands me. When I can't sleep, which is probably going to happen for a long time, I go for walks around Rivendell. I bumped into Boromir once, and he just basically called me an evil witch. I tried to plead with him that I'm not here to do any harm nor do I ever intend to. But after trying to tell him that I'm just a scaredy cat, he says, "I shall not listen to such nonsense. Be gone from my sight, Witch!"

As I saw him walk away from me, all I could say was, "I'm not a witch…" I pouted.

I don't have anything against witches. Matter of fact, everything and anyone can kill you with just about everything and anything… but I know I'm not a witch. I don't have powers or I'm not in tune with a god or… wait. Right… the dark lord thing… does that actually count? It's only his energy… maaaaaaaaaaaaan!

I've been a pretty tough cookie most of my life when it comes to bullying like that. I never had any harsh physical things happen like food thrown, pigs blood Carrie movie shit, but you know, the shunning and sneers and false gossip about me, but whatever. That carries from school to your new workplace because when you are a woman trying to go for the top, a lot of men and of course women, will become your haters and shun you there too if you don't know how to play your cards right.

Those and cat bar fights, are the only things I have going for me when it comes to being thick skinned.

Nothing to do with magic, swords, bows and arrows, knives, and killing… I've never killed anything before except for bugs! And it's really hard to kill spiders… I hate spiders!

After that night tiny confrontational night with Boromir, I decided to go see Gandalf the next morning. When you go through some bullying, it's important to talk it out with someone to help you out with your feelings.

He saw my face as I entered his room. He was wearing his usual grey wizardly robes, sitting in his chair smoking his pipeweed. Seemed like he was reading something as he put down his parchment on his desk next to him.

"Oh Elena. Did you have another day of taunts and sneers and glares?" He asked. He used his hand to instruct me to sit on the bed adjacent to him. "Yeah. It was rough. All the glares and avoidance is really pissing me off, and it's nothing I can't handle. I have you, Arwen, the hobbits including Bilbo, Aragorn, Glorfindel, Lord Elrond, and yeah. It's like you guys are my fellowship." He smiled and I chuckled a bit. "I just wish I could make them understand that I'm okay to talk to, hang out with, and just be you know… I'm not the plague or anything! I can be in close proximity to someone."

He just keeps up with his pipeweed and nods his head. "This is a very difficult time. You are being shunned by the very beings that can shed light upon you and guide you to good, but they also do not accept you for you carry energy that is many years beyond your lifetime that almost tore down this land. They do not know of what you will become." I see him adjust in his seat a bit so he turns his posture fully to me. "Tell me Elena, have you been sleeping? Under your eyes, the color is starting to darken."

I look down and at my lap and stare at the color of the dress that I'm wearing today. A soft velvet grey color and silver embroidery trims along the edges with of course, my signature fave bell sleeve cuffs at the wrist area. I feel magical with this style.

"Barely. I try to sleep, but it just doesn't kick in. I've been feeling restless ever since… that one night. I just don't know what's going on anymore inside of me. I think it may be because of the Ring, and the included paranoia that the Eye of Sauron is basically keeping an eye on us." I shake my head and let out a breath.

"You will need more sleep and be up to par on your physical stature before we embark on this journey. I will need your mind clear of stress." He said matter of factly! Gawd! It's like doing PE… fuck PE… but I guess I would've taken it more seriously if I knew I was going to be transported to another world!

"Yeah yeah I know that. I hate all this walking and running and running and walking. I just wanna sleep and research on how to get home and find Layla. I don't even want to go to Mordor." I'm pretty damn stubborn. I want my car, I want to be in my apartment, I just wanna go to work, see my family and friends, hang out at the clubs, hit the raves… "I want my life back. I didn't do anything wrong. I was a good girl Gandalf. I didn't need any saving nor did I want to try to save a world. I barely got a hold of mine… I'm just a city girl barely making way in her life… On the plus side though, being in another world is the best way to get away from your ex-husband." I ran my hand through my hair.

"Your ex-husband?" Uh-oh… I just let some personal information out. He seems interested. "Yeah. I left my ex-husband about a year and a half ago."

"Elena, I didn't know you were married. What do you mean your ex-husband? Help me understand." Here we go. "Long story short, ex attached to a title of your significant other means you are no longer with them. I had a husband, he wanted to be with another woman, and when that didn't work out in his favor, he wanted to come back to me. I told him no. We were only married for two years, and I knew we got married too young." Gandalf seemed like he pondered. Knowing this type of society, being married in your early 20s is ideal among regular humans, but hey, I thought I was in love. "In my world being 24 and married, it's either too early or just the right age to be married. I thought I had found the one man who was right for me, but it turns out, he wasn't. Before he found the other woman though, we already started to drift apart. He thought he could change me, control my behavior… basically he would be mad when I didn't do what I was told. We had lots of fun going through courtship, so we thought being married was the next step. Then after he had his affair, that's when he realized how important I was to him, but I didn't budge. I left him. He tries to contact me asking for a second chance, but I refuse him. I need someone better who already knows I am important and valued."

"Quite the story Elena. I know you have learned much about yourself in the end and your value. That man didn't know what to do with himself once he had lost both of the women in his life. Your heart is strong. I'm sure you will find the right person for you, but choose carefully this time. You are not immortal." He nods slowly, taking another puff from his pipe.

"Thank God for that. I don't want to be. If I was the only immortal out of my social circle, I would have to see my family and friends die and that would be heartbreaking indeed. Might even lose the appreciation for life." That's how I felt anyway.

He puts his pipe on his desk and takes both my hands into his and says in his Granddad voice to me. "Now you will do as I say. You will be strong. You will get stronger. You will learn how to fight and defend yourself. You will build your stamina, endurance, strength, anything that will help you to endure these harsh conditions that we will face on this journey. You will need to keep up with everything. This time, I cannot wait for you. I will make sure you use every last bit of yourself to stay alive." He then places his hand on my cheek…

So this is the feeling of a caring grandfather… my grandparents died when I was a toddler, so I don't really know the feeling.

"You will be fine. Aragorn and I will be there to help you when we see you are in turmoil of if you are simply just… stuck." I just smile. He retracts his hand and I just nod. "Thanks Gandalf. I knew I could talk to you about anything."

"You may come to me anytime. About your training, Aragorn and Glorfindel will teach you the ways of the sword, and Aragorn may teach you the skill in archery. At first, I had thought of the Mirkwood Prince, but then I started to remember his behavior during the council when he interacted with you." Ha ha… yeeeeeeeeeeaaah…

"Ha, yeah, he's a no go. He hates my guts through and through. Before he found out what I was, he was all nice… and then bam! Shunning as if I was a dwarf." I shrug and shake my head. "I'm not looking forward to this Granddad, but I will do my best!" I did like a muscle man pose, showing off what little biceps I have…

"That's way to be. I'm proud of you. You are quite the unordinary young woman, but you are gradually growing, and before you say you haven't, yes you are. I'm telling you this right now, you are growing into a more mature adult." Eek, that's not good.

"Aw jeeze… I'll never grow up! I just learn when to be serious." I just stick my tongue out in jest and we share a light laugh.

After some more chatting, Gandalf told me to go find Aragorn and Glorfindel to talk about my training that will start soon. I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to that… NOT!

I was walking down the halls and I was merrily skipping down the halls, spinning in my dress feeling the magic of wearing something so feminine singing the song, "So What?" by P!nk.

"I guess I just lost my husband,

I don't know where he went.

So I'm gonna drink my money

I'm not gonna pay his rent, NOPE!

I got a brand new attitude

And I'm gonna wear it tonight.

I'm gonna get in trouble,

I wanna start a f-"

"Oooff!" I bumped into something and fell to the floor and not the lady like way. Flat on my ass with my hands keeping me upright, but my legs are spread open. If it wasn't for this dress covering me up, this moment could look a lot worse. "Hey, sorry about that I didn't know where I was going." I started to take my hands and clap them together to relieve some of the pain and check if I had any scrapes on them.

"I would rather this would never happen again, so please pay attention to where you are going, Witch!"

I looked up from where I was and I gulped and I quickly turned onto bitch mode. "Prince Legolas. I apologize. Next time, don't be too careless yourself if you think there is a 'witch' nearby." I said as I stood back on my two feet. "And confound it, I am not a witch! I'm somebody with a stroke of bad luck ever since I first came to Middle-Earth. If Gandalf, Lord Elrond, Aragorn, Arwen, the hobbits trust me, why can't you?!" I'm so tired of this high school shunning drama bullshit. I purposely didn't mention Gimli since well, they aren't BFFs yet…

"You are reserved for evil and for evil only. You may have been lying this entire time and have bewitched everyone into thinking you are this victim. I will make sure you don't betray us all once we depart from Rivendell." This elf can be scary. He's putting his guard up and he is maaaaaaaaaaaad…

"Come on, Legolas! I'm not evil at all! Please understand and don't shun me away. I didn't do anything that you have said. I just want help so that I can move forward on my own. And yes, I will be going with you all on this mission, as much as I don't want to, but I just want to protect all of you now! I want to do everything that I can to protect you and the others." I really do. I mean isn't that what a good seer does? Know the future, tries to guide it toward good or whatever…

Maybe even save Boromir…

"I cannot trust you. With you being a witch, you may have cast a spell to fawn over you. Perhaps that is why your husband had left you. Your spell upon him was broken and he was set free." I gasped… Did he hear me talking to Gandalf? Was it the song? Either way, I took it personally and I violently shoved him into a wall, but it didn't hurt him.

"How dare you! Don't you dare say things when you full well don't know anything!" I yelled at him. I practically did give it away that I had a husband once. I'm so retarded. God, he just looked at me with anger and as if I had the audacity to do what I did. "Good day, Your Majesty. With that tongue, you are no hero!" And I stuck out my tongue. "How dare you treat me this way?! Have you no manners, Witch?!"

"Damn it my name is Elena! For the last time I'm not a witch!"

And then I just walked off. You know, for the least talkative member of the fellowship, he can be a real ass.

Then I just started singing a different chorus a little louder so that this Sindarian elf and the other elves of this city can hear. Luckly it didn't have to be very loud since they all had their super elven hearing!

"So, so what?

I'm still a rock star

I got my rock moves

And I don't need you!

And guess what!

I'm having more fun

Now that we're done

I'm gonna show you tonight

I'm alright

I'm just fine…" and I started to fade out into that last word… Alone once again…

I start to skip over to the platform Gandalf mentioned to me about and I finally found some more sanctuary among so good people.

"Hey guys. How goes it?" I arrived as they were talking near a rail overlooking a very nice view. They turned around and greeted me and I quickly forget my foul mood from the Greenwood Prince.

"How has it been since the council?" Glorfindel asked. Of course he knows how everyone else is treating me. He crossed his arms. "Oh well you know, the whispers, the avoidance, so its good ole fashion shunning if you ask me." I plopped a hand on my hip.

"So then how are you fairing over all of this?" Aragorn asked me with his worried eyes.

"I'm okay actually. I've been through this sort of thing before, well who hasn't back in my world. You'll always have someone not liking you, but yeah. It's no big deal really. I try to convince whoever I bump into before they walk away, but they just won't listen. It's been some random elf walking by, Boromir, and I just bumped into Legolas." I hissed while I said the last name on my list.

"Not the nicest one so far?" Aragorn asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. He just said something really mean, and I took it personally. Don't worry about it."

"I'll have to speak with him about it then. I'm sure he'll listen to me." I raise my hand in protest. "No. It's fine. He won't listen to reason right now just like the other elves in this kingdom. I believe they will come around on their own. I'm sure of it. And I have to be the one to convince them."

"You are very sure of yourself, Elena." Glorfindel smiled to me. "I'm not sure of myself at all. I'm only sure of my faith in others." They both nodded their heads in agreement.

"Now let us talk about what you will be doing about your physical capabilities. You must go change since from what Gandalf has said to us about you traveling together, you will need a lot… and I do mean this in a very heartwarming way, but you need a lot of training."

Shit… I sulk, pout, and roll my eyes and I drag my feet walking away. "Wear something light Elena!" I heard Glorfindel's light hearted voice. "Don't forget to wear your traveling boots!" Aragorn… already so fatherly. He'll make a great dad.

It has been quite the time training this young woman. I'm starting to believe that she has the mindset of a grown woman and that of an adolescent. It's quite heartwarming and frustrating to see her this way.

"Keep climbing the hill Elena! You haven't reached the top just yet." I couldn't help but laugh at her. I see her struggling, heaving breaths, sweating lines on the sides of her face… she is not used to it. It's as though she rarely does labor chores or even steps outside of her home. What is home to her, I do wonder.

"I'm trying, Estel! Let me focus!" This has been going on for about two weeks now and she is getting better. Before she would need to pant in between words just to yell at me. I can see Glorfindel is being rather obnoxious to her by demonstrating that he can do these things second nature while the both of us, and anyone else looking outside, can see her as if she will faint from all this activity.

"Freaking Aye, Glorfindel! Do you mind?! I'm in training here! Quit showing off!" I see the elf only laughing and offering her a hand to help her up, but she waves it off and then gets on all fours. "Do not give up Elena, you are surely almost there. Think of me as a guide and your reward." Oh? Do I sense a bit of flirtation from him?

"As long as punching you is the reward then awesome!" They shared light humor. Possibly not flirtation, but a connectivity of a friendship. They do get along very well.

I see her trudging more through the dirt and the sun's rays beating down on her. She is getting very tired, but we have only been at this for hours. She must be strong if we are to conquer long distances. She would need to build strength if she were to carry a sword and possibly a shield as well. I do worry for her, and since I do, I must protect her. She is very admirable to how she resists both the energy within her and the Ring of Power. I see her coughing at times, and though she tries to hide it, I do see a sprinkle of blood on it as she tries to wipe it on her darker clothing.

I must train her hard. We do not know what to expect on this journey. I fear it will bring darkness to us, but I know, where there is hope, there is light.

"Estel, can we please take a break?" I hear her yelling from the top of the hill. Good she made it. She does deserve a rest. I'm at the bottom of this hill, but she will need to work for it. Before, I would allow Glorfindel to carry her down, but this time, all on her own. "Only if you can trudge this hill back down on your own. Watch your footing, and for today, take your time, then you may rest!" I hear her complain and I laugh to myself. Glorfindel also shares in this humor and he watches her carefully to make sure she does not fall forward.

"How can you stand to be near her knowing of what she holds within her?" I felt another presence walk next to me. I already know who this is. The very elf who is in complete avoidance of her and grinds his teeth a little whenever I speak of her.

I turn to him, he's full of anxiety and anger in his expression. His blue eyes hide nothing of his feelings and I sense tremendous uneasiness. "Legolas, my friend, look at her." He turns his attention out onto the hill where Glorfindel and Elena are halfway down the tall hill. You can see Elena struggling, fearing of the invisible force wanting her to make her fall down, but she moves her arms and body to create an utmost ungraceful balance to keep her from falling.

"Does she really seem that she wants to do any harm to us or to Middle-Earth?" We continue to stare off looking at the pair on the hill.

"It may be a trick to make herself seem innocent. Even Glorfindel is sharing her presence with ease, which I find questioning. I'm afraid he has been spellbounded." I can tell he shakes his head.

"He is not fully at ease my friend and no he is not bewitched or anywhere close to it. Like you, he is fully aware and conscience of what is within her. He tells me that his chest feels heavy and at times feels faint, but he believes that she is here to do good, and that she can conquer this dark energy. At least, Gandalf, Lord Elrond, Arwen, the hobbits, even Gimli," Legolas does a frustrating sigh at the name of the dwarf, "know that she is not here to bring darkness. She is a victim in all of this and she wants to prove to herself and us that she can do more than just complain and cry. She doesn't want to be on this journey either, but she knows now that she cannot stay here. All I can do for her is offer my protection. She is quite the peculiar woman as well. I've never seen a woman like her of such oddity, but it is quite charming if you chisel your way through her walls." I couldn't help but smile. I turn to Legolas and he turns to me. "Legolas my dear friend, I know I do not have that sensitivity of sensing power and magic since I am not elf, but I believe in her. She will do good."

"Estel, I have not seen you speak with such kindness and care about someone, not since Lady Arwen. If you strongly believe that she is to do good, then I will treat her with more respect." We hear sounds of discomfort coming from the hill and Elena had fallen and started to roll for a little bit until Glorfindel stopped her path. Legolas and I hear not so graceful words.

"Fucking shit! That hurt! Gawd damn it! I am so tired of this! I just want to lie down!" We see her pouting as she is sitting on the ground with dirt on her face. "She can be very uncivilized, but she is rather kind, gentle, and sweet. You should see her with Frodo and the other hobbits." I mentioned but more trying to defend her. She almost appears motherly, sisterly, just an older female family figure when she is with them. "Would you like to come with me and encourage her? She has told me how you have mentioned her previous husband a fortnight ago." He was very harsh and Elena told me the story of what had happened. Very despicable of her husband to do that…

Legolas only shakes his head. "I cannot. I am not ready to accept her, though I will no longer bring ill will to her, but I cannot just bring myself so easily and be as if no evil is within her. I still sense it, and possibly I'll be able to adjust as Glorfindel has." He turns around and walk away. Knowing that he is still within earshot, I continue to speak and Elena comes up running, limping, but running. "Was that the Mirkwood prince?" She was panting and tried to look over my shoulder.

"Yes it was. He was letting me know that I should speak with Lord Elrond sometime today after your training." Her posture fell and her face almost seemed disappointed.

"I guess he still hates me right? I don't blame him though. I just oughta kick his ass for talkin' shit about my ex-marriage!" I laugh. She knows she doesn't have a chance, but she doesn't show any fear when threatening a prince. I wonder if Legolas had heard it.

Glorfindel comes up behind her a little later letting us know that he needed to back on a scouting mission. Elena had a different disappointed look on her face only because I know she'll be missing one of her only elven friends, besides Arwen. "Promise you'll miss me?" She pouted playfully.

"It never occurred to me to even think of you." She took it as good humor and lightly elbowed him in the chest and he pretended to be in pain. "You take care of yourself then." I said to him. "Thank you, Estel. I wish you the best of luck in training this uncouth young she-demon." The elf then ruffles her hair and they bid their farewells. "Come back soon!" She yelled to him and waved and he waved, not turning around running to his party.

"He'll be back, don't you worry." I put a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah I know. It's just… it's more nerve wracking. In my world, we have devices that at the simple touch of your fingers, you can communicate with someone almost anywhere in the world if they had a device of their own on the other end. Here, it's like, I start to miss them already because I can't send a message to them that they can receive quickly and easily." She sighs with sadness and smile on her face.

I spin her around and I start pushing her towards the concrete platform area that had a bench and wooden model swords. "No more training for today. I'm so tired…" She whines. "Can't we just stop for today?"

I shake my head and pick up one of them and toss them to her. She catches it pretty quickly, so her reflexes are still alert. I pick up the other and then I take my stance. "This will be the first lesson to handling a sword. Practice these exercises and once you are successful, we shall move onto footwork. Your training days from now on will not only be focusing on your physical endurance, but now to combat. Next, we can try archery." She groans and I happen to smile. I don't know if I like this sort of power… but in the mean time, I will enjoy it. Perhaps this is a fatherly/brother feeling as well.

I take a peek from the balcony of where I stand watching Elena and Aragorn practice her swordsmanship. It is quite the sight to see if you were to ask me. It is not every day that you see a woman practicing for physical combat. I muster a slight giggle.

"Arwen, what has your attention that brightens up your beautiful face." I turn around from where I stand and I see my father walking toward me and I point down to the ground from the balcony. "She is practicing the way of the sword with him." He already knew who I was referring to and he came to the edge and saw most of the practice with me.

"Ow! Estel! That hurt! Can't I just go back to doing some stabbing moves!? I don't want to learn how to parry today. I'm so tired!" We see her just be sloppy as Aragorn tries hard to correct her footing and rhythm. It's as if they are having a contest of who can yell the loudest. "Elena! Please pay attention as we do not have too much time to focus on rest right now. We now have less than two months for you to be at least basic ready for start of the journey." I can tell she just rolls her eyes and they continue parrying, but slower. I can see that Aragorn adjusted his speed so she can see where he is going, but she still trips and falls and Aragorn is quickly to help her back up.

"She is very clumsy. I almost regret to see her leave when the time comes. I don't know if she really will have the strength within herself to survive out there." My father looks worried as he looks down and smooth out his robes. "Oh Ada, I know she will be fine. I even believe that she will somehow change things around for herself. I know she will. She has the strong desire to do so."

"I don't even know for sure if she is able to conquer this evil within her. This is Morgoth's energy that we are all sensing here in Imaldris, and she must leave, but she is someone so young. Extremely young." I can see his worry is very much open to me now.

"I worry for her too Ada. She has become such a dear friend to me. It has taken her some time, but she has accepted that she must leave, and she will go with the Ringbearer. I will miss her so much and always worry for her safety." He brings me to an embrace. "It is very selfish of your ada to be somewhat happy that it is her leaving and not you. We shall continue to spend time with her and help her in any way that we can."

"It's alright Ada. I love you as well." I smiled into his embrace. He lets me go and we continue to watch from the balcony. "She will need much work." My father said and we kept the laughter silent to ourselves.

Arwen took me to the bathing room that I used when I first arrived to Rivendell. I love this room. Besides the kitchen, my bedroom, this is like, definitely in my top three. I'm starting to really like baths. I splash around a little with my hands soaking in all the oils, including medicinal ones, into my skin.

I have been at this for over a fucking month! I'm barely getting the hang of this and Aragorn said I get to be upgraded to a real fucking sword this week and on to practice real battle stuff. He said I would need to learn how to use a shield since he and Gandalf agree that I should focus on staying alive and only attack when absolutely necessary.

I had just finished another lesson with Aragorn today and Gandalf supervised… not the first time. "Oh! Elena, be careful of where you swing your sword! Elena! Watch your feet! Elena! Don't look at me like that; I'm trying to help you." I couldn't help but snicker as I try to imitate Gandalf in a horrible impersonation voice. Aragorn says I'm doing better, but I know it's not going to ever be enough. I cannot be some amazing badass shieldmaiden like Eowyn in two months!

I bring up my hands through the water and I see the blisters appearing on the cushiony part below the fingers, just above the palms. Even using the fingerless gloves that Aragorn let me have, they aren't enough if you never held a sword before. A few a ripped open and sting like hell. I look at my arms and my legs and I see the purple bruises, and on my stomach too! Drag…

No wonder it's so painful to move around. I get whacked many times by Aragorn, and I don't blame him. That's how many times I could've been killed really if it were a real battle. This is so terrifying… I look back to my hands which are very tender, a little bloody on the insides, but they're getting cleaned at least. The medicine does sting like heck, but I'm just that kind of masochist… even during massages- if it doesn't hurt, it's not working- weird I know. Ugh, I just noticed abrasions on my knuckles and forearms too. My skin is drying… I need the lotion on my skin or else I get the… not hose, but more whackings… and next time, its real swords, so it may be slicing.

I slowly hang onto the rims of the tub and I pull myself up and limp over to where a robe was hanging on a wall close by. " Ow ow ow ow ow ow..." I said with every mixed sliding step and actual step. I finally reach it and I feel the pain of stretching out my arms. I grabbed another cloth towel and I start to dry my hair, and of course, magic cloth or amazing material, my hair is quickly drying as towel absorbs almost all of the water. "I wish I had this towel back home. Would save me a lot of time." I said to myself. Every girl could use this. I had to be careful though. Some of my blisters are still open, but I won't wrap them just yet. I want them to dry out and then put bandages on.

I walk into the mini room and I see Arwen waiting for me with a new dress. I love it… she knows by now that blue is forever my favorite color. She saw my legs that were exposed at the ends of the robes and she shook her head. Hey I'm embarrassed too. My legs are hairy as hell. "I don't know how you do it Elena. So much pain during your sword practice. Perhaps I should talk to Aragorn to see if he would take it easy on you." Oh she didn't say anything about it.

I went behind a dressing screen and took off my robe and I slipped on a band to hold my boobs, not the greatest bra, but it holds. "No way! I have to learn the realities of battle. I know it's the only way I'll learn. I know I'll be battles, for that I am sure, but right now, my mind hasn't realized how real this will be."

I hear her sigh, "But you are scared and yell every time he attacks you. I only worry for you."

I slip the dress over my head and I smooth it out on my body. Oooooo! Not bell sleeves today, but slim sleeves that has a triangle end leading to my middle finger. It's the style that you can slip a ring on your middle ringer. Sweet. Very Victorian and elegant. Cobalt blue color with silver flowered embroidery, on the edges of the hem. I come out and I point to my stomach. Her dresses are starting to fit me better… YEEESSSSSSSSSSS! I turn my attention back to the conversation.

"I know you do. I hate getting hurt. I stumble, I'm in pain, my blisters on my hands are killing me, the bruises are practically taking over my skin color and hella hurt, and the soreness of it all… I feel so stiff. I'm always scared of everything, but I just can't let it stop me from trying. I'm going to be leaving Rivendell with the Fellowship, and I have to learn how to defend myself if not attack." I shrug and shake my head.

Arwen and I keep chatting throughout the halls, me calming her about getting my ass handed during practice, what she does on her free time in Rivendell, and she asked me how I was handling the energy.

"It gets tough at times. I feel this constant weight, I see the eye in my dreams sometimes trying to persuade me to accept the power, but I tell him I don't need it. I don't need this power at all. I don't want to be immortal anyway, even though a lot of people back in my world, they would absolutely want it."

"If it weren't for this power, but you could be immortal, would you take it?" She asked

"Nope. Not at all. Don't get me wrong, I'm hella scared of losing time on things I want to do, growing old, withering, and death, but I don't think it would be nice to be the only one immortal and then see your family and friends die. Plus I don't think their offspring would want to be friends with a weirdo like me." I giggled and so did Arwen.

"You are a peculiar girl, that is set in stone, but to hold a friendship with you, I would never get tired of it." She smiled and shook her head slowly.

"That very sweet of you. It really does assure me that it is okay to still be who I am, though I don't care who really tells me to stop." I said haughty tone. "No one can stop this one from expressing her true feelings! And neither should you Arwen." You know what the funny thing is, I taught her how to high five. Of course she only does it with me because no one else gets it. "After all, I know your of your decision to be with Aragorn. That's why we sort of think alike." I winked at her.

"Of course. I knew you knew this information already because you are a little bit of a seer."

"Just a little bit. I just wish I can know what would happen to me. I mean, with this energy in me, if I accidently do accept this, if were to go berserk, that's when I would get killed, right?" I did a nervous chuckle.

We didn't say anything after that. She yawned and embraced me and whispered goodnight and "Don't lose yourself." And I nodded. She let me go and held my cheek with her hand. It's so smooth. I almost feel like as if she was a mom giving advice to her adult child. "I won't. I refuse to give in. I can use all the help I can get. You know I'm not from around here." I grinned.

We bid each other a goodnight and I walk myself to my room and she gave me a roll of bandages to wrap my hands in. My blisters are almost dried and good for me to put these suckers on for the night. Aragorn said I can take the day off tomorrow. Woo hoo!

But on my way to my room, my vision got a little blurry, probably because I'm exhausted and I bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't see where I was going." I rubbed my nose a little bit to rub away a little pain I had.

"Don't touch me, Witch." Such a deep and dark voice was heard. My vision readjusts and I see the owner of the voice. I see a very irritated and tired Boromir. I know Lord Elrond has been sending out him, Legolas, Aragorn, on scouting missions, especially Aragorn because of his connection to the Dunadain.

I just sighed and looked at his angry face. I just give up. I can't get through to him. "Boromir. Please don't die. Please don't be controlled by the Ring of Power. I'll miss you if you do. I really would." He was taken aback, so shocked by my ambiguous prediction of his fate.

"Witchcraft! You she-devil, what are you saying?!" He gets closer to me and I just gulped and I'm stuck.

"You seem very kind, and considering that I know what will happen, if you continue on this p-p-path." He's so pissed and I'm fucking scared. "I don't want to see you die. We may not have had a great first impression, b-b-but I care about you. You are a part of the Fellowship now and I don't want to see anything bad happen to you!" I whispered very loudly and raspy. I don't want anyone to wake up and see this.

"A witch that sees the future… As you said, I did cut my myself on the night I first arrived here." He's starting to ponder things and calming down… "Somehow, you are controlling things." He's backing away from me. "But how can I truly put forth my trust into something that carries evil?"

I sorta huffed a bit. "I'm not a something Son of Gondor! I'm a woman, stuck in a world I am most unfamiliar with. I'm away from everything I have ever known and ridiculously terrified. I am scared beyond belief every day. I have elves shunning me and I don't want you shunning me like they do even if Lady Arwen and Lord Elrond accept me. I have been suffering each day since I have arrived in Middle-Earth and the fear of a being wanting to take over me, is… again, terrifying and violating." I laid out all my cards on how I truly feel. "Please believe me that I do not even know how to activate anything, but I get all the negative effects." Then I really look him in the eye. "Please Boromir, this Ring of Power brings death, and if you continue to think the way you do, it will bring you to your death." Then a giant bold move that I'm not sure if I'm going to regret it or not

"Faramir wouldn't want you to die…"

His energy starts to rise again and looks at me wide eyed and it puts me back up to the wall. "How do you know of my brother!? Answer me!" He yells at me to my face and I flinch.

"Boromir! Enough!"

"Elena, over here!"

I whip my head to see down the hall the owner of those voices. "Aragorn! Frodo!" I jog it over there and I quickly stand behind them. "Boromir, I see that you are tired. Please rest for the night." Aragorn had said. Boromir glared at the three of us and he walked away. "Conniving Witch." I heard him whisper.

Once he walked away, I let out a huge breath I didn't even realized I was holding. "He is one scary guy." The both of them turned to me. "Elena, you have to be careful with him. He believes you will bring great evil." Aragorn said. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" Frodo asked. I just shook my head.

"Thanks for coming to my rescue though. I don't blame him being scared. I technically do hold great evil. Not sure of when it will be brought out." I shrugged. No one said anything.

"I will bid you a goodnight right now then. I need to rest after training you and tomorrow I am needed again for more scouting. Glorfindel will help you in your achery while I am away once your hands heal a little." He smiles and ruffles my hair a bit. "Yes father dearest. Have fun on your scouting mission." I just rolled my eyes. Whatever! I'm such a kid here, it's almost frustrating… then again… even the hobbits are older than me I think…

I'm like a big kid on the inside.

As Frodo and I see him walk away, he asks me, "Do you fear him?" I knew who he meant.

"Nah. He's just scared and worried for his people. He doesn't have a real grasp and realization that men cannot handle or control the ring. He does want to see this through."

"Still makes me very anxious to be around him. His eye is for certain on the Ring." I just nodded. "This is very true. Come on. I'll walk you to your room." I offered him.

"A lady walking a gentlehobbit to his room? I should be the one to walk you to your room." He corked his eyebrow with a half smile. I just stared down at him. "Well, I'm not a normal lady remember? Plus, there are times when the woman proposes to the man for marriage as well. That's how far women can fully express themselves in my world. It's all gender roles that we can take on Master Hobbit." I winked at him. He blushed a little. "No Frodo, I'm not asking you to marry me." I just rolled my eyes and smiled.

"That's good. I wouldn't know how to turn you down." Ha, this hobbit… "But it's alright. I'm thinking about going for a walk. I haven't been sleeping very well, and sometimes staring at the stares lulls me enough to go back to my room and sleep." I grabbed his hand. "Let's do it together this time. I've been having the worse luck trying to sleep with you know, the dark lord not so far from us." I shrugged and we walked.

I lead him to an open circular platform area. The moon is now shining on us and we sat down on a long bench.

"What were you like before you came to Middle-Earth?" Hmm… a sudden question. I looked at his face. I guess it is something to talk about to try to get tired to and head on to slumberland…

"Hm… I was just an average woman, really. I have a family, I had an education most of my life, and I had to work for a living. And what I work in is I worked for a business owner and I was his assistant." I'm really just a Plain Jane. "But I'll tell you a secret. I did have a husband for a little bit, but I left him. You see, in my world, if you were married by law, you can also leave your significant other by law." His eyes brightened as if I told him some gossip. "Why did you leave your husband?" And so I told him the same story I told Gandalf not so long ago. "We married a little young, we started to drift apart, he found another woman, I found out, and then he just magically thought everything would be okay after he left her. He found out how important I was after he committed adultery. That was about a couple of years ago now I think."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Was it very painful?" I nodded my head. In the end it was. I started to really miss him after I left him. I started to wrap my hands in the bandages that Arwen gave me. Frodo then took it and helped me with it. I decided to keep talking.

"Yeah it was. I thought he was the love of my life. I tried to talk things out with him, but he decided to talk to another woman instead. He wasn't ready for marriage yet, but he married me anyway. But what can you do. So after I left him, I had started to live on my own, I went to work, and at certain times of the month or year, I would attend a music festival along with some friends."

That's when he asked me what kind of music it is… oh man… it was really hard to describe dubstep, EDM, drum 'n' bass… and other stuff. He just shrugged and gave up trying to understand. "You really have to be there for you to understand. Even people who have never heard of it have a hard time. "Tell you what, I'll just sing it to you, and you can try to sing it to a rhythm that will fit it." Since we all know that when this kind of music has lyrics, it's usually repetitive. Only these music genres… fuck you Pop music for saying the stupid shit over and over. It doesn't work for you.

"I have wondered what your singing would be like since you have no proper etiquette in your speech." He laughed. "Frodo, you tease. Hush up now. In advance I do apologize if my singing sucks and the melody sounds weird. I'll play the song for you some other time." He raised his eyebrows at me wondering how I would 'play' it for him, but he just shrugged it off. I don't just want to use my mp3 player all the time. I haven't turned it on for months! I would like to save as much juice as possible.

Once he properly wrapped my bandages on each of my hands and tied it, I then wrapped my arm around my shoulders and brought him closer to my embrace. I tried to make myself a tiny bit theatrical with the words. I'll let you guys imagine it.

"Looking up there's, always sky

Rest your head, I'll take you high

We won't fade into darkness

Won't let you fade into darkness

Why worry now

You'll be safe

Hold my hand, just in case (I hold Frodo's hand and he makes eye contact with me now so I'm serenading hime now.)

And we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

No we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

And we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

No we won't fade into darkness

This world can seem cold and gray

But you and I are here today (I use my finger to point to him and I.)

And we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

Nothing to fear but fear itself

We'll be ok just keep the faith (I get up and then I went down one knee and I put his hands in between mine in the prayer position.)

And we won't fade into darkness

"We won't fade into darkness…" And I did a quick twirl letting my dress flow and when I faced him again, I bowed.

"Elena, you certainly do have a lovely voice." Sweet. I made Frodo smile.

"Why thank you Master Frodo. I do try to entertain." I kneeled down before him and I looked straight into his eyes. His smile then turned into a questioning look. "Frodo. Please remember this song and remember me, us. Don't you ever fade into darkness. If you won't, I won't either. This journey is a difficult one. You are the only one who can do this Frodo, and I wholeheartedly believe in you that you will destroy this Ring. I have my moments where I can resist it as good as you, but I still have times where I just want to take it from you. But as long as I see you resisting it, it gives me the motivation to always do the right thing. I will be with you if not physically, but always spiritually. Plus, as we know, the two times you put the Ring on, I appeared where you are in the shadows until you take it off."

I see Frodo nod and then got super serious and anxious. "Elena, will I succeed in destroying this evil?" I can't say yes because it might give him too much confidence that he will, but it's not a not either because he really can do it. I just looked at him in the eye and said, "You have to Frodo. If not for Middle-Earth, then for me. If not for me, then for Middle-Earth. If that Ring isn't destroyed, I cannot be set free and Middle-Earth will never be at peace. I will help you as much as I can." I smiled and he stood up and gave me a really big hug.

"I will do it Elena. I will. I'm just so fearful of what is to come." He let go of me and then I stood up as well. "So am I Frodo. I'm right there along with you. At least you were born in this world. I'm from a whole different one." I chuckled and so did he. "You are fitting in nicely. I was always the peculiar hobbit along with Bilbo back at the shire. I think we have been getting along just fine."

Frodo yawned and stretched his arms. "Thank you for singing me the song Elena. I will treasure those words. Are you going to sleep now?" He asked me.

I shook my head. "Nah, not yet. I'm not sleepy. Plus, my chest feels heavy I think for being too close to the Ring right now." He looked worried and used his hand to put it on his chest. "Don't worry Frodo. This is something to get used to since we will be traveling together." I smiled the best I could. I've been breathing heavily and slowly, but I keep a steady rhythm. He just nodded. "Please sleep soon Elena. I do not want you to collapse all because you were spending time with me."

"Pish posh, don't you fret. I'll be fine. Go on. Have yourself a good night." He waves me off and I wave back.

I sit back down on the bench we were just at and I look up into the stars. Jeeze, there really are a million of them. So beautiful. I started to sing a random verse.

"And we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness

No we won't fade into darkness

This world can seem cold and gray

But you and I are here today

And we won't fade into darkness

Fade into darkness…"

"I don't want to fade into the darkness… please… I don't want to fade…" I did a small wish to whatever is out there to help give me strength to not only to Frodo, but for myself as well.

I started to shiver…

I breathe a little heavier and I start to have another coughing fit. I quickly cover my mouth and I started to feel dizzy. After my fit and looked at my hand.

Blood… again… how much blood do I really lose? I need to see Gandalf. He makes a relief potion that will help me ease this chest pain, and then I go to sleep quickly afterwards.

"Gandalf…" I start to get up slowly.

Instead of walking, I drag my feet. "Come on… you can do it Elena." I feel so disoriented now… shit… I try to shake my head to keep me focused and out of the blur.

"Fuck this…" I found a wall to lean on and I slid down to the floor. I have no idea where I am, and so I decided to shut my eyes.

"I will take you to Gandalf." That was the last thing I heard. I felt like someone was carrying me bridal style before passing out.