With a gasping breath Percia woke, jerking upwards into a sitting position. All around her deep blues, purples and blacks swirled in an ever-changing mural. Dots of bright light flashed every now and again, looking suspiciously like stars. For a long moment she wondered if she was travelling between worlds once more, only she lacked the distinct sensation of vertigo. Which begged the question? Where was she and what had happened?
A twinge in her midsection stopped those thoughts.
Oh. That's right. The stinger of a Manticore had run her through.
Had she died? Was this the land of the dead for Middle Earth?
"Close," a deep voice answered her, though she's pretty sure she hadn't said anything out loud. "This is the realm between the living and the dead."
Turning to where the voice came from she found three tall men standing there, all of them regal in stature with power flowing off of them. They reminded her greatly of the gods back home, which likely meant…
"Are you the Valar? The gods of Middle Earth," she asked cautiously, as she slowly stood up. It would not do to anger them at their first meeting. She'd done that enough in her own world.
"Indeed we are, young hero," the same voice answered. Now that her eyes had acclimated she noted the man, god, whatever, was fairly handsome with very pale skin and long ink black hair. His eyes were a dull grey, reminding her strongly of her Uncle Hades, especially dressed in the flowing black robes. "I am Mandos, Lord of the Dead. These are my brothers, Ulmo, Lord of Water." He motioned to the tall male on the left who looked far more tan, with pale sliver hair and bright blue eyes, his face kind and welcoming. A lot like her father had been, before Trent had come along. "And Aule, Lord of Matter and Master of Crafts, he is also known as Mahal by those you travel with." Here he motioned to his right to the male who was slightly more bulky than the others with slate grey hair and golden eyes. His skin was far lighter than Ulmo but nowhere as pale as Mandos. His expression was neutral, though something told her he was anxious.
"Hi." She managed a half-hearted wave. "I'm pretty sure you know who I am. Uh… How much trouble am I in? And could we maybe postpone punishment until after I finish my quest?"
"You just got run through and all you can think about is the quest you just died on," Aule asked incredulously.
"Well, one, it's a very important quest as my brother's life is on the line," she drawled sassily unable to help herself. "And two, he said this is the realm between the dead and living, so technically I'm not dead yet. In fact I'm willing to make a deal if this is the whole 'you're about to cross over' speech," she added helpfully.
"Oh?" Mandos raised a brow at her, his face rigid but she knew he was amused.
"Yup. You let me go back and finish my quest, save my brother and I will let you take my soul the very second I send Kora back through the portal," she offered. "No fuss, no muss."
The three beings shared looks much like she'd seen some of her godly relatives do when around her. She can't help it if she confused the immortal beings. You'd think after so long in existence a mere mortal wouldn't ruffle them.
Feminine laughter interrupted the gathering. Looking towards the sound Percia found two more gods, or goddesses in this case.
"I don't think any have ever made my husband such an offer before," the first woman spoke moving to stand by Mandos. She was also tall and extremely beautiful, with hair that seemed the shift colors constantly and lovely hazel eyes that also shifted in color. Much like Mandos she also sported paler skin than the others.
"Indeed," her friend agreed, just as beautiful as the first woman, with hair a deep brown like rich earth and eyes as green as spring grass. Her skin had a wonderful healthy glow of someone who enjoyed the outdoors. Both were dressed in a fashion similar to what she saw of the Elvin maids in Rivendell. "She even managed to surprise my husband, quite a feat. You are more than we hoped for young Percia."
"Um, thank you ma'am," she replied shyly figuring she'd best be polite. While she doubted her father would care, Lady Amphitrite would likely be displeased if she did not show manners.
"I am Yavanna dear, Lady of Earth and Giver of Fruits and this is Vaire, the Weaver."
"Like the Fates?"
"Similar dear, though I do not know the future, only the present and the past," she advised sweetly. "I merely record events as they occur."
"So…" Percia shifted a bit in the silence, not really sure what was going on. "About that deal?"
Aule snorted and Ulmo chuckled heartily while Mandos just sighed, giving her a slightly fond look. "While I appreciate your sense of fairness, you are not in fact dying. You are merely unconscious as the water heals you."
"Right." Here she looked directly at Ulmo. "Thank you. For letting me keep my ability to use water," she clarified at his slightly confused look. "I'm not sure what I would have done without it."
The god bowed his head in acknowledgement. "The water is just as much a part of you as it is me. I would never take such a gift from one as worthy as yourself." His grin grew when she blushed at the compliment.
"Can we please get to the point of this meeting," Aule barked impatiently.
"For one who created his children from stone you hold as little patience as they do," Yavanna chided playfully poking him in the shoulder lightly. "Calm, my husband, it is not just your children who face the up-coming trials."
"You are right my love." The god sighed heavily. "Forgive me."
Yavanna simply leaned in and kissed his cheek, grinning at the pout he wore.
"Yes, we would like to speak to you of the future events," Mandos stated bringing the conversation back on track. "You're appearance in our world has allowed for changes to be made. Normally we would not be able to interfere, but you present us with an opportunity we cannot pass up."
"I… don't know how helpful I'll be but I'll do what I can," Percia declared softly. "However, I cannot by any means leave my quest unfinished. The lives of those I love and those my family protect are too important for me to forsake my duty."
"Spoken like a true Princess," Vaire mussed approvingly. "We would never ask you to put aside you mission. Your world is just as important as our own. However, we must now ask you to help both."
"In the coming days Dwarves, Men and Elves will face much death and destruction," Mandos continued. "We ask that for the time you are in our world, you assist them not only with fighting but with healing the wounded as well. In the original time line, prior to your arrival, many lives were slotted to travel to my halls, but with your help we can stop that."
Percia stood silently for a moment her mind going over everything she knew of this world. "It's not just Smaug you're worried about." She knew a lot of people thought she wasn't smart, especially her fellow campers, but Percia was fairly intelligent she just felt no need to flaunt it like some she knew. Then again she'd always found the element of surprise to be helpful. "Azog. He chased us to Beorn's, but then he stopped. He wasn't with the ones at the river, another was leading them… so where was he? He's planning an attack isn't he," she clarified looking from each Vala for an answer.
"He plans to wipe out the line of Durin once and for all," Aule admitted unhappily. "Thorin, Fili and Kili are the last of the true line of Durin, the strongest of my children. While the Dwarves would eventually prosper without them, they will not thrive as they could have. We need you to prepare them for war."
Percia's mind raced with all of the possibilities. A war was brewing and no one else had any idea, at least not on the good guys' team. Did she put off her quest until it was done? There was no guarantee she would survive such a battle. But could she leave them to fight this alone? Or did she send Kora back and stay in this world? What should she do?
"You do not have to make your final decision now child, nor are we telling you to choose our world over your own," Mandos assured her. "We will stand by whatever decision you make. Our biggest hope is for you to warn and prepare those who need to know, as well as aiding those who will be harmed by Smaug."
"No matter what, you will have our Blessing and our thanks," Yavanna added kindly.
Ulmo stepped forward gently taking her face in his hands and kissing her brow. A rush of power flowed through her like a rushing river. "Though your offensive and defensive abilities with water are more than formidable, your healing abilities need a small boost for the approaching trials. Go now, and know that you are truly a child of water, in this world as well as your own."
"Above all, child," Mandos spoke cryptically, his voice echoing through the room. "Remember who and what you are."
Before she could ask for any clarification her vision faded to black.