We were gathered in a close group at the edge of the forest, having left the troll cave behind. Gandalf had wandered a little ways away and was scanning the plains, looking for something. Waiting a little impatiently, we checked weapons and gear, and made sure the ponies were ready to go. Gandalf soon returned, seeming much more collected than he had when he left. "I think we will have to head for the south entrance, down by the fording of the river. It is further away, but the ponies will not fit on the hidden path and I trust you do not want to leave them behind."

Thorin was still scowling at the thought of going to the elves, but he nodded reluctantly, bowing to the wizard's knowledge. "Very well, lead on and we will follow." Looking like a man who had just swallowed mud, he stalked over to his mount and saddled up, glaring at the rest of us while we did the same. I couldn't help snorting quietly at his stubbornness before I moved forward to follow Gandalf in restrained excitement. We stayed among the trees, following the curve of the land as it sloped gently down towards the river.

It was midday before we reached the water, and I viewed the crossing with relief. It was wide but shallow, the river not even as high as our mounts knees. We passed over it with ease, taking care to watch out lest we slip on the loose rocks bordering the water. Scrambling up the other side, we moved into the trees bordering our destination. The journey under cover was brief, and the forest soon thinned out to reveal a sight that left me breathless. I stopped with a gasp, Luna rumbling in pleasure at the wonder before us. Thorin turned to me grumpily to see my reaction, his frown deepening at the look of joyful pain on my face.

"What's wrong?" he asked shortly.

"Wrong?" I choked. My confusion left me when I lifted a shaking hand to swipe away a tear I had not felt fall. "Nothing," I breathed. "It looks like home, almost. I never thought I would see such a thing again." The others around me smiled in understanding, but Thorin grimaced, whether in distaste I didn't know, his usual scowl quickly replacing a flash of pain in his eyes. I wondered at the flicker of emotion before passing it off as him missing his own home.

"Let's just get this over with," he growled, spurring his mount after Gandalf. The wizard led the way into the valley, and I spent the time walking to feast my eyes on the almost familiar sights. The architecture was strikingly similar to that of my own people, and I felt a sense of peace knowing that even worlds away something was still the same.

We were partway down the hill when the singing started. I could hear it filtering through the trees, the silly melody irritating the dwarves. I really couldn't blame them, considering the words that I understood seemed to primarily be making fun of us. The rest was pure nonsense, and I rolled my eyes at their silliness, wondering if they were all right in the head. I caught a few glimpses of them and snorted in exasperation. "High elves," I muttered, the term sounding more like a curse than anything. They might not have been, strictly speaking, but they sure reminded me of my distant kin with their annoying ways.

Thorin glanced over at me, the first trace of amusement gracing his features. "What did I tell you? Nothing like you."

"That's for sure. They're far too much like some other elves I know. The high elves are my kin, distantly, but while we're not enemies we don't get along either. They're irritating, but harmless I expect." A few of the company chuckled at my displeasure. Passing at last into a courtyard, we were greeted by the overly cheerful elves and ushered off towards a warm meal while the ponies and Gandalf's horse were taken to the stables. Luna chose to follow me, and the sight of us earned me more than a few curious glances. I sighed, knowing I would be the target of questions I hadn't had to answer for many years once again.

We had entered an open air pavilion when we were welcomed by the master of the town. The dark haired elf strode towards Gandalf with a broad smile, his solemn features smoothing out in happiness.

"Mithrandir, welcome! What brings you here my friend?"

Gandalf seemed to relax in the presence of the elf and spoke cheerily of our journey. "Lord Elrond, how good to see you! I hope this is a good time. We are just stopping through on our way to the misty mountains." He turned slightly, indicating the rest of us with a wave of his hand. "This is Thorin and his company, along with the lady Alanta and master Bilbo of the shire." The dwarf stepped forward, offering a slight bow and a polite smile. Bilbo and I followed his example before stepping back to rejoin the company. Elrond offered no further questions, instead leading us over to tables laden with food and drink which the dwarves greeted with enthusiastic praise despite themselves.

In no time we were seated and feasting in comfort, the knowledge that we were safe here allowing us to relax. Most of the company was seated together nearby, laughing and chatting together as they ate. Lord Elrond had requested a few of us join him at his own table, and I found myself sitting beside Thorin, with Gandalf facing us at the elven lord's side. Bilbo had decided to sit with the others and I watched him in mild envy as he gorged himself on food in peace. I had all sorts of questions to look forward to from the way Elrond was currently examining me, and it left me feeling slightly disconcerted.

Now that we were seated, Elrond wasted no time in beginning the rather mild interrogation. "In all my years here I have never met one such as you, Lady Alanta. Where do you hail from?"

I shifted uncomfortably, disliking the formal title bestowed upon me. "No lady my lord, just Alanta." I paused, looking to Thorin uncertainly as I thought how to explain the unusual circumstances surrounding my appearance in this world. He merely nodded in encouragement, offering me his silent support. Reassured, I continued. "Seventy years ago I lived in another world. My life was a series of constant battles, for I was one of the guardians of the land, sort of like Gandalf here I suppose. That all ended when my parents were killed." I stopped shortly, holding back the rise of grief at old memories. I was surprised when Thorin placed a strong hand on my arm, and took comfort in the soft touch.

"I am sorry for your loss," Elrond intoned solemnly.

I nodded in appreciation. "My sister was affected differently than I was. While I channeled my anger into more rigorous training, she lost control of her abilities. As a result, a portal that should have sent me to my home city instead sent me here. Though, looking back it may not have been her at all..."

"I'm not sure I understand," Elrond said confusedly. Gandalf also was looking curious, while Thorin nodded knowingly, recalling the talk we had about my mysterious dream.

"Well, a few days after my arrival I fell asleep. My dreams that night were unlike any I had ever experienced, for I do not have the gift of foresight. This was all some other being's plan. I was visited by my goddess, and it was she that explained to me that I had been brought here for a purpose. She presented me to some of the gods and goddesses of this place, entrusting me to their care. I am now certain that no matter my sister's intentions, the gods brought me here." Gandalf's eyes had widened, and Elrond looked suitably impressed by my revelation. The two of them grew thoughtful, pondering the meaning behind it all.

"This is unprecedented," Elrond muttered at last. Gandalf remained silent. He had taken out his pipe, a gesture I had grown accustomed to seeing when he had a problem to consider. Leaving him to his thoughts, I turned to the elven lord again.

"This has never happened before?"

"No," he said shortly. "Not in all my years, nor in Gandalf's if his silence is anything to go by." The wizard still said nothing, merely nodding in agreement. "Well, that's settled," he said decisively.

"I'm sorry, but what's settled?" I eyed him with confusion, trying to figure out what part of that discussion had been in question.

"You are blessed by the gods," he explained. "You have the support of all here in whatever you need." His words brought relief, though a part of me had expected no less. It was nice to have my hopes confirmed however. Thorin too looked as if a weight had been lifted from him, his frown lessening slightly. The rest of the meal was spent in more casual conversation, as I found out a little about our hosts while at the same time telling a few stories of my own for Gandalf's and the elves benefit.

A night spent in a soft bed left the company feeling much better about their surroundings. We all took the elves cheerful jesting in stride, some of the more outgoing dwarves going as far as to joke with them. Fili and Kili especially seemed ready to make friends with some of the young males around us, and I laughed at the look on Thorin's face at their ease in doing so. We all separated off into groups after a light breakfast, each of us eager to explore our surroundings, or simply relax in the sun. I wandered off on my own, not noticing Thorin trailing after me at a distance.

I had taken a few turns between buildings when I was accosted by two identical grinning faces. Despite how vastly different they looked from myself, I couldn't help the instant feeling of familiarity the two young men instilled in me. They were Talon and Taren in my mind, and my answering smile was instantaneous. The two took the smile as enough encouragement to take my arms and lead me off down the hall, offering introductions as they swept me away.

"Fair lady, allow us to introduce ourselves," they cried, offering slight bows mid stride. The one on my left spoke first. "I'm Elladan." "And I'm Elrohir," his twin offered from my right. "Our father thought you might like a tour," they continued together. I laughed at the way they managed to speak in sync, giving them my name along with my thanks.

"Alanta, at your service, and I'd love that tour." Allowing myself to be pulled gently along, I listened to their steady commentary as they showed me the library and some of the gardens, as well as the kitchens.

"Perhaps your brooding friend would like to see the forges?" they asked with a mischievous grin.

"What brooding friend?" I looked around in confusion, for I had thought we were alone. I shook my head when I caught a glimpse of Thorin farther back down the hall we had come through. He tried to appear nonchalant, while at the same time glaring impressively at the twins. I marched up to him, both escorts trailing after me, and raised a brow in question. "Thorin, were you following me? Or did you just get lost again?" I tried not to sound accusatory, even throwing in a mild joke, but apparently he forgot his humor that morning.

"What are you doing hanging around with these scoundrels?" he growled, jabbing a finger in their direction.

"They reminded me of some old friends," I smiled softly. "I once knew a set of twins just like them, we practically grew up together. Those boys were my best friends, and later we became guardians together."

"Friends huh?" Thorin had a suspicious glint in his eye and my brow furrowed as I struggled to come to the point he was trying to make. I got it when the two elves began sniggering and nudging one another, and gasped with a mixture on laughter and annoyance.

"Yes, friends," I snorted at last. "Lighten up Thorin, a girl can have friends and not have it mean anything you know. After all, you're my friend." I ignored the meaningful glances the twins were now shooting back and forth, smiling when the dwarf sighed in defeat.

"I'm sorry," he grunted. I didn't have time to respond before he had strode off in the direction we came. Once he had gone I turned back to the brothers, offering them an apologetic smile.

"He likes you," they said impishly.

"Nonsense, I've lived with him for seventy years, I think I would know."

They simply nodded knowingly. "Of course."

"He's a friend," I said firmly. "You can wipe those smirks off your faces now, cheeky things." They obligingly listened to me, leading me along once more and offering no further comments, but I was now suitably distracted by unfamiliar thoughts. Could they be right? I shook my head. There was no way I was that blind.

I had said farewell to the twins, leaving to go partake in lunch with my friends after a fun filled morning. Promising to meet up with them again later, I thought on all they had shown me, and looked forward to seeing the training yards they promised to take me to. Lunch was a casual affair, everyone sitting about where they wanted with a plate and listening to the gentle music being played with varying degrees of amusement. The dwarves were of the opinion that elven music was dull, opting for a livelier tune, and to my chagrin I agreed with them. It wasn't long before Bofur was up on his feet, his strong baritone cutting through the air with a rich sound. The elves stopped playing in shock, looking scandalized by the bar room tune Bofur had chosen to belt out.

In no time, food was flying as the dwarves alternately cheered and sang along with the cheery Bofur. Well used to their antics, I found myself joining in the singing while I expertly dodged the tidbits sailing through the air. Even Thorin was smiling broadly, relaxed in the presence of his trusted companions. Little Bilbo looked resigned to another show like the one he had experienced his first time meeting us, and I chuckled when his foot began to tap in time despite his misgivings. The song ended with a flourish, leaving our audience sighing in relief which quickly turned to pleasure as the dwarves began aiding with clean up. They refrained from shocking the elves further, passing the plates carefully from hand to hand before getting out of the way to let their hosts finish the job.

"Where are you off to now?" Fili and Kili called to me as I made my way down one of the many paths. I was following the directions given me by the twins and I paused as I got an idea.

"I met Lord Elrond's sons this morning. They offered to show me the training yards this afternoon. Care to come with? I think you'd really get along, they're a lot like you." The boys exchanged a quick glance before nodding eagerly. I was amused to note that some of the others trailed after them as well, following along as I led the way.

We made it to our destination quickly and were greeted by the smiling brothers, Fili and Kili exclaiming in delight at the sight of the identical, mischievous grins. They rushed to introduce themselves.

"Fili and Kili at your service," they said together brightly.

My two new friends looked equally excited. "Elladan and Elrohir at yours," they responded simultaneously. Some of the dwarves groaned.

"Not another pair of troublemakers," Dwalin sighed, causing the others to laugh in spite of themselves. It was clear the four brothers, though of two races that harbored lasting prejudice, were kindred spirits. These four would get along just fine. Already they were discussing weapons, the twins eagerly showing the dwarven brothers their swords and bows. Fili and Kili brought out their own weapons for comparison, and so began a small competition of sorts as each tried to outdo the other. The older dwarves sat back to watch, placing bets on the winner of the impromptu sparring match.

Due to Fili's lack of prowess with a bow, they had settled for starting with a sword fight. Weapons clashed as they fought two on two, the elves natural speed being countered by the strength of the dwarves. Back and forth they went in a deadly dance that would have been fatal several times if they weren't being careful not to harm one another. As it was, they would still bear several scratches and bruises by morning. A draw was finally called when it became apparent after several minutes that neither side was making headway. Panting heavily they drew apart, bowing in appreciation of each others skills.

A couple of other elves had joined the audience, and stood forward to greet the others cordially at the ending of the battle. Introductions flowed around before Fili and Kili turned to me expectantly.

"Auntie, you should take a turn. Show them which elves are better," they chimed up, grinning unrepentantly at my reproachful scowl. When the twins offered agreement, I relented, drawing out my staff.

"Very well, but who shall I fight?"

"Perhaps I could be of service?" a gentle voice called from behind. I turned to face the soft spoken male. He was fair of face, with chestnut hair and deep brown eyes. "Lindir, my lady," he offered with a smile. I was pleased to see he was armed with a similar weapon to my own, though mine was a little more heavily decorated. The twins muttered among themselves and I caught a hint of worry, whether for myself or their kin I didn't know. Putting it aside, I bowed to my sparring partner.

"Alanta, my lord," I happily returned the greeting. Setting myself into a ready position, I waited for him to make the first move. He came quickly, and I immediately realized the twins worry must have been for me. The elf was fast, but not impossibly so. I found myself grinning at this new challenge, thinking their worry misplaced. I met his attack forcefully, our staves hitting together with a clack that jarred our arms. His eyes widened slightly in apprehension as he reevaluated me as an adversary. Moving faster, I dodged a swipe from the left before offering one of my own, which was blocked once again. We danced around the space, searching for an opening, and I smiled inwardly when Lindir's eyes flashed in triumph as he backed me towards a wall. I let him think the battle was over before swirling my weapon in a flashy figure eight that forced him to hurriedly back off. Taking the opportunity, I threw myself into a tight roll, springing to my feet to face him. He was now against the same wall, and I moved my staff to cover his, the tip reaching his neck.

The small crowd cheered at my victory, Lindir offering me an admiring bow which I returned. We moved off the training ground, and I rolled my eyes as I watched coins change hands from elf to dwarf, my companions apparently having won money over me. Bets settled, small groups of dwarves and elves moved into the vacated space to train together, and I sat back to watch and relax.

After a few days rest it seemed all of us were eager to move on, not wishing to get too comfortable for fear of abandoning the quest altogether. Thorin and Gandalf had come to the agreement that we would be leaving in two more days, once we had gathered supplies. We had decided to leave the ponies in the safety of Rivendell, with the wizard voicing concern that the road ahead would be too dangerous for the mounts. I shared his opinion, despite knowing nothing of the road ahead. I had been glad to hear that our mounts would stay in the safety of the valley, feeling that they had earned a rest after almost being eaten by trolls. I continued my wanderings in this time, taking in all of the sights I could to draw later into the sketchbook I kept of all the places I visited.

The day before we left Gandalf approached me, looking slightly unsettled. "It seems there are others here who wish to meet you," he stated, indicating that I should follow him. I tagged along behind as he strode in a direction I had only been once before, the path we were on leading towards an overlook of the entire valley.

"Is there a problem? I thought we had the support of those here and yet you seem worried." I frowned, stopping when he turned abruptly to face me.

"Not all are as quick to trust as Elrond or I," he began. "The head of my order has seen fit to show up here, questioning my decisions and this company." He shook his head in annoyance. "I believe he will try and convince us to forgo the journey, but for what purpose I cannot imagine. Fear has made him cautious of late."

I took in his warning, but gave him a reassuring smile. "Nothing is going to get in our way," I said in determination. "After all, we have the gods on our side." My light jest put a small smile back on his face, and he led the way once again to the terrace. I was utterly unprepared for the being that came into sight, and I stopped short as the breath rushed from my lungs. "Elune," I breathed reverently, taking in the white clothed form standing with her back to us. She glowed with an unearthly light, reminding me instantly of my goddess. It was only her darker hair that gave her away, a pale blond instead of the silver of Elune. I was nearly brought to my knees as I took in the power radiating from her as she turned and bestowed a tiny smile upon us. Her eyes were full of mystery, their shining blue depths holding the secrets of an age.

"Lady Galadriel," Gandalf greeted her warmly before turning to the other two standing nearby. Lord Elrond I knew, the dark haired elf gazing solemnly at me, but the other was an unknown. I was startled to find myself harboring an instant dislike of the man. He stood tall and forbidding, clothed in white and white of hair, with only a few streaks of black threading his mane. I did not like his eyes, they were cold and calculating, and utterly unlike Gandalf who despite his constant secrecy, was warm and caring. I hurried to introduce myself, hiding my distrust of the man behind a mask of polite indifference.

"Lord Elrond," I offered the elf a quick greeting before turning to the others. "Lady Galadriel, Alanta at your service," I bowed deeply, starting slightly when she answered not out loud but inside my head.

"Welcome child, I have heard much of your exploits. It is good to finally meet you." Her smile widened at my surprise.

"Can you hear my thoughts?"

"I see and hear much. We will talk more later. Gandalf would introduce the last member of our gathering." I turned to face Gandalf now, waiting for him to give me the name of his fellow wizard.

"Alanta, this is Saruman the White, the head of my order. Saruman, the Lady Alanta." I offered him a bow, which he returned slightly as he eyed me with undisguised curiosity. I was surprised then when he didn't question me, instead turning to the discussion Gandalf had predicted. I mused that he seemed the type to focus on the larger picture, passing over those things that didn't suit his purpose. As much as I disliked the feeling, I was grateful that he deemed me uninteresting. I felt any answer I gave him would be analyzed far beyond what the others had cared to do, and was pleased not to be scrutinized for my usefulness.

"I do not think this journey of yours wise," he began, his deep voice radiating certainty in his opinion. He continued some rant about unnecessary risks, all his focus on Gandalf and I tuned him out. It was not important to me to hear his opinion, for I would be going on regardless of what happened. I had a duty to perform after all. I took a moment now to wonder at what reason he would have to dissuade the grey wizard. What purpose would it serve to let the dragon live, other than to possibly save a few lives.

Lady Galadriel's voice echoed in my head once more. "You don't trust him." I winced slightly at her words, not wishing to give offense, but honor bound to tell the truth. She sensed the unspoken agreement and continued. "You have been blessed, and yours will be a hard road, but I see you are determined to see it out. There are those who will stand in your way. Do not forget your purpose, and you will see it through. Most especially, do not hesitate to give aid to all, for some that might seem like an enemy could turn into a most powerful ally." The mixture of encouragement and warning had a calming influence on me, and I gave her a grateful smile as I thought over her words.

I was drawn back to the conversation suddenly when Saruman decided at last to address me. "And you, what is your purpose on this quest? I did not think to see an elf, even one so strange, closely allied with the dwarves."

I was hesitant to give him all the information, still distrustful of him, so I kept my explanation brief. "I was brought here to stem the tide of evil in this world," I said simply. "I start with the dragon." His brows raised at my confident answer.

"Indeed, and you think to defeat him with only your small group of dwarves?"

I grew quickly annoyed by the infuriating tone in which he voiced the question, my gaze hardening to a malicious smirk. "Of course. This will not be the first dragon I have killed by far. I know my business, and I have never lost a fight. Rest assured master wizard, this quest will not fail." I measured Saruman's calculating frown against the smile of approval coming from the others. Galadriel was practically beaming, and she spoke aloud at last, her voice chiming like bells.

"She is blessed by the gods. We would do well to leave this mission in her hands, for fate has placed it in her path."

Saruman nodded, deferring to the wise elf to my great relief. Everyone stood, our meeting apparently over. "Luck go with you, Lady Alanta," he said simply before following Elrond away to talk of other matters. I sensed that Gandalf wanted a minute alone with the lady, so I politely excused myself, citing a need to finish packing. As I was walking away, I felt the brush of another presence in my mind one last time.

"May your road be blessed, Daughter of the Forest. We will meet again one day." I smiled to hear the name Tom Bombadil had given me fall from her lips, walking back towards my friends with hope in my heart.

It was with heavy hearts that we left the comforts of Rivendell behind the next morning, the cloudy sky echoing our dismal feelings. Many goodbyes were shouted back and forth, Fili and Kili promising to put aside rooms in Erebor for their new friends to visit once we had succeeded. I had been tempted to laugh when the twins begged their father to allow them to come with us, Elrond's look of strained patience mirroring Thorin's horror at the thought of the pranks those four would get up to. Taking pity on the dwarf, their father had refused, instead telling them they were needed in ranger patrols around the Shire. Thorin had given him a grateful look before turning to lead the company out of the valley.

Slowly we trudged up the steep trail leading north east, looking back only once before heading out into the wild. Bilbo gave a longing glance behind, straightening his shoulders when Thorin called for him to keep up, his sunny nature lessening slightly in favor of a need to prove himself. I just smiled encouragingly, patting him on the back and walking at his side. We traveled now into the unknown, our fate lying still unseen beyond mountains and forests, over the horizon.

Author's note: Well. I have no idea why that chapter was so hard to write, but there we are anyways. I went with a curious mix of book and movie, twisting to suit my purpose, and I hope it was enjoyable. I wanted the meeting with Elrond's elves to be in high contrast to that of Thranduil's, so it is a lot friendlier than the movie scene. I also loved the idea of his sons becoming buddies with Fili and Kili, it just seemed so perfect. For those who may have been hoping for a little Radagast fear not, I'm not cutting him out of the story he just needed to be elsewhere for the moment. The romance may be getting closer to coming to fruition, how exciting is that! I have big plans for it which include some more build up, but we may be coming to a head in a chapter or two. I'm quite happy with how the white council scene turned out considering the changes I had to make, I think our warrior girl and Galadriel are going to be good friends. Next chapter we're going to be seeing some goblins, and a few interesting changes to those scenes. Hope everyone enjoyed this segment and thanks for reading! See you all next chapter!