Intoxicated

by LegolasGreenleafLove

Her head pounded and her eyes were strained by the bright light as a forest came into focus. Nine pairs of eyes peered at her form that lay splayed out on the ground before them. Not knowing whether she was friend or foe, their weapons were unsheathed. Melody gulped and then giggled to herself. She was in Lord of the Rings, in clubbing attire, and intoxicated. Slow-burn Legolas/OC

12. Chapter 12

Intoxicated Chapter 12

Melody blanched at the sight of the elf who was to escort her. A flurry of nervousness rose within her belly and she stood uneasily on wobbly legs. Such a simple thing seemed a daunting task to the woman and she didn't know if she would be sick or faint in the presence of Lady Galadriel. The same questions kept multiplying throughout her brain, almost taunting her with their endless void of nothingness, and simultaneously she feared the worst outcomes that her mind conjured would persist as an actuality.

Legolas cast her a sympathetic glance as she made to take the arm of the elf, his brows creasing minutely with what could have been concern. She looked back at him, desperately trying to decipher what his countenance was hiding, however, at once his walls were rebuilt, and with it, the composed stone of his face marked her efforts futile. With an almost invisible bow of his head, Melody turned her gaze from his and began to follow the elf who had softly touched her elbow.

Linking arms, the pair walked in a dreadful silence. It was excruciating and nausea swept over her in several waves. Her face was surely stark white as she could feel the lack of blood flow and the chilling wind wafting over her cheeks. She didn't know what disturbed her more, the upcoming conversation or the fact that Legolas knew what was to be said. His expression had been so…condoling and sensitive. Yet, he had offered no reprieve to the tumultuous bewilderment that flowed freely through her veins.

She recalled their first meeting instantly and remembered the hardened and accusatory stare that had fixated upon her being. So deadly and grave were the icy eyes that watched her every move. Unwavering and lacking any hint of sincerity. He had continued to view her in such a way for weeks as they traveled through vast lands. Even when she asked for his name, the unyielding glare was ever-present, causing her cautiousness to increase tenfold if she encountered him. Similarly, when they had argued outside of Moria, his pity was never allowed to see the light of day.

It is not fear that I see, it is knowledge.

Melody shuddered as she remembered his chilling words. Her emotions at that point had been flaming and frustrated beyond reckoning. His bold statement had rendered her voiceless and awash with confusion and irritation. However, now she viewed this in a new light. She had not thought about the actual meaning behind their argument and the conversation began to flow back in.

Why is it that you and I are the only ones affected?

Another shiver bolted down her spine. She had recognized the darkness of Moria long before they reached the mystifying stone doors. There was no reason for her to harbor such disquieting feelings that rattled her so intensely. It was unlike any fear she had experienced. Both terrifying but almost familiar. She shuddered again, thinking back to the first vision and the children's flaming bodies, their obsidian eyes commanding her to enter the formidable cavern of stone. Legolas was right, in part, she did know that they were supposed to go into the mines. However, something told her that his meaning differed from hers. Whatever he knew was not supposed to be known to her.

Until now.

She assumed that the contents of this meeting with Galadriel would cover what Legolas and Gandalf had discreetly hidden. Melody didn't know whether to be frightened or wishful for the hidden secrets that were about to be uncovered. One part of her rejoiced as the suffering she endured could very well come to an end, but the other side argued on the contrary.

Melody understood well enough that the elven Prince was stubborn. She had discerned that quality well enough by the number of times he had offered to take watch even when Aragorn demanded that he rest. His feelings toward her should not have been swayed so easily unless it was by a greater force of persuasion. Something far more meaningful than her being from a different world. It was evident in his actions, which disconcerted her greatly. Never in a million years would gifted gowns and glasses of wine enter the equation unless provoked by some insurmountable realization. Even though his niceties were far more pleasant than his former attitude, she could not abort the disquiet that it kindled.

If you wish to talk after your meeting, come and find me.

Her stomach plummeted. The words had left his tongue in such a soft undertone it was almost a whisper. He knew. He definitely knew the entirety of her purpose. Why else would he have extended his efforts so far past his previous demeanor? Melody had to shake her head a bit, so confounded by the day's events and even more anxious about what was to come.

Truthfully, she had never felt so much distress in her life. On earth, she lived vicariously through others and seldom focused her attention on her own issues. Tristan's problems always cast a shadow upon hers. This, however, was not his fault, but hers alone. She never wanted to talk about the deeper and darker parts of her mind, the secrets she locked far away in the most secluded chamber she could muster. To her immense consternation, she could not evade the predicaments so openly splayed before her eyes, and the others that clawed their way through her veil of self-preservation were laggardly surfacing—

"My Lady, we have arrived."

Snapping out of her reverie, Melody feebly regarded the elf who had escorted her and found herself amidst a clearing between several trees. Scant beams of moonlight filtered throughout the area, rendering any stone or rock incandescent beneath its influence. Placed at the center was a small basin that rested upon a shaft of rock. It was empty, but the bowl gleamed a mighty silver as if it was a newly polished blade.

Then, Melody saw her.

Lady Galadriel was unlike any being she had crossed paths with in Middle Earth. To gaze upon her beauty and strength was almost painful and she resisted the urge to tear her eyes away out of reverence. Her body was outlined by a blinding brightness, so utterly serene and powerful she seemed, yet, elegance became her. Golden tresses fairer than any precious metal or jewel cascaded in rivulets down to her waist and lying pristinely at her temple was a shining circlet. The dress she adorned could have been perceived as plain, but Melody swore it also glittered under the prestige of its wearer.

But it was more so her eyes that spoke of the unyielding authority and grace of the Lady. Seas of the deepest and most tempestuous blue bore into Melody's own, she could feel her thoughts being picked through, her mind rattled by the intensity of the elf. It was utterly terrifying and she repressed her desire to flee immediately.

"Welcome, Melody daughter of distant lands," The chords of her voice flowed immaculately smooth, even more so than Miriel's, "I can feel that your coming has wrought much toil upon your soul, has it not?"

With the blood in her veins chilled, Melody fumbled with her response. The mere presence of Galadriel was so overbearing and she steeled herself to find something to say.

"Y-yes…" She stuttered, adamantly observing the Lady's gradual movements across the clearing, their eyes still locked. When the piercing irises shifted away, the woman released a breath she didn't know she had been holding.

"You seek answers," She began, still circling the lush grassland, "Answers to questions that Mithrandir failed to provide."

Apprehension churned inside of her stomach as she struggled to speak, "I do, my Lady. It has all been very…confusing lately. I don't understand why I have been sent here."

Several moments passed, and Melody feared that Galadriel wouldn't even respond. With every ticking second, she felt too many emotions crashing and bubbling toward the forefront of her mind. She wondered if this was due to the Lady's influence, but such thoughts were halted and somewhat confirmed with her next statement.

Finally standing next to the block of stone under the waterless basin, she examined Melody again with her gaze almost adrift.

"The weight of many burdens lie upon your shoulders, but there is one that you shall not bear," She said with a hint of sympathy, "I know of your feelings regarding Mithrandir's passing."

As if dealing with the remorse on her own was not enough, to hear it fall from the Galadriel's was almost too much. Melody's knees wobbled, threatening to buckle beneath her, and a tremor so fierce struck her core. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, recalling the grievous moments and her unquenchable desire to do anything to save the wizard.

"All I can say is that his fate was intended," she continued which earned a bewildered expression from the woman, "For he would not have led your company through Moria aimlessly. He knew better than many the festering evils of Khazad-Dum."

Melody choked on a sob, failing to still her crumbling composure, "But I could have done something! When he was facing the Balrog I—" She abated her speech, taking a shuddering breath.

"I just froze, cowardly." The words felt like tar on her tongue and she wished herself elsewhere, the utter humiliation was far too extreme. Pronouncing the deed aloud seemed even worse than thinking about it endlessly.

However, to her surprise, Galadriel came a few steps closer, "Do not despair, Melody. The ancient beast was a greater foe than any save Mithrandir could best. He understood that as well as other matters that piqued his interest."

The earnest nature of her voice was not unnoticed by the woman, but the last part of her declaration drew Melody's brows together.

Galadriel then stood taller than Melody every thought someone could, in a very imposing manner, but gentleness remained in her gaze, "He spoke to me of your arrival and the visions you received. They were quite unsettling I assume?"

Shrinking back slightly, Melody replied, averting her eyes, "Yes, I-I don't know where those came from." The woman found some courage to return her visage to the Lady, "I was hoping maybe you could help me make some sense of it."

Another silence ensued, and in Melody's opinion, it seemed Galadriel had been sifting through her mind again. So calculating, yet kind was her aura.

"I can see in your mind what has befallen. And now that we have met at last, the purpose is clear to me."

Melody stilled, wrenching her hands together at the mention of the one word that could cure and curse her all at once. Her purpose.

"What is clear?" She ventured, timidly.

"The visions that were passed unto you could be defined by many as foresight. But to call it by that name would be a grave mistake," Galadriel revealed cryptically.

"Well, if it's not the future, then what did I see?" Melody asked, befuddled.

The Lady's eyes again fixated upon hers, making her feel nauseous. This time was different from before, yes, Melody knew she was peering into her thoughts, but Galadriel searched for something deeper amid the cacophony of her mind.

"It was very real to you…You could feel every breeze and stroke of the wind. Sunlight streaming upon your face and the moon's chill hardening your bones…The fire swaddling your soul…" At the mention of this, Melody winced. She relived the visions all over again and saw the pained expression of the elf who carried her through the woods as well as the children who burned.

At last, Galadriel continued, much to Melody's appeasement, "There are no previous accounts of this within our world, except for one that was deemed untrustworthy by many and passed into legend. You became someone else in the visions if I am not mistaken?"

Melody paled and gave a slight nod, speaking quietly, "Another elf called me Vanya…"

If it hadn't been for the almost imperceptible tilt of Galadriel's head, Melody would have thought her confused as well, "Then the rumor must be true. And I do not solely take your word for it, but it is also proven by the mystery of your fea. Translated into the common tongue, this means soul. Mithrandir explained its' quality was unlike those of your kind and now that I sense it for myself, I can only agree with his reasoning."

Even though it wasn't cold, Melody still shivered at Galadriel's revelation. However, her curiosity shrouded the grimness of the Lady's words, "Is there something wrong with my soul? And what ended up happening? I mean, to the other person who experienced what I have."

Calmly and with a small smile, Galadriel strode even closer than before, "Nay, child, quite the opposite. Your fea burns brightly and fiercely. So much so that the wandering eye could not bear to gaze upon it." Melody was both relieved and skeptical of this fact, but she did not have time to ponder on it before she saw the Lady's expression dim, "And as for the other being, it is said she sailed into the West. Driven by madness and grief into the soothing arms of the sea to seek refuge in its' undulating embrace. At some point, all of elf-kind will endure the same fate, but instead, they would be led by longing rather than a loss of sanity."

The distant look on Galadriel's features explained to Melody that this topic was troublesome and she found herself wanting to ask more about what happened when an elf sailed, but she returned her thoughts to the subject at hand.

"You said 'she'…was this elf, Vanya?"

Without turning her head to the woman, the Lady spoke, "Yes, she was an elf of the Woodland Realm. One of many esteemed protectors of King Thranduil and Queen Almariel."

Melody froze. She recalled the conversations with Legolas at once, prying through her head to find something related to what was being uncovered to her. However, she came up short, so she faced Galadriel again.

"So…Legolas knew her?" The question fell from her lips almost silently.

A slightly amused quirk of the Lady's mouth did nothing to ease the tension, but she answered nonetheless, "Only briefly did the Prince treat with Vanya. He was a mere elfling when they met and yet the events that ensued during her pledge to stave off the evils that threatened the royal family were very troublesome."

The discord in Galadriel's tone was undeniable, but Melody was too eager to discover the connection.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

At once, the Lady released a somber breath and shook her head, "I feel it is not my place to discuss such matters and I would not idly ask Legolas either. It was quite devastating for him, I believe."

Melody looked to the floor, embarrassed, but also a bit frustrated. She understood that Legolas' past was his own to reveal, but if it would help her gain answers to her muddled life she would like to know.

She attempted another question, "But what does this have to do with me? I understand I've been having visions about Vanya, but I'm missing the connection?"

Galadriel stared at her fixedly, and smooth conviction deepened her voice, "You fail to notice that which is already inside of you, child. As I said before, Vanya too encountered visions that greatly faltered her steps. The things she divulged were bewildering and the subject of them was seldomly grasped by the minds of her kin. Their nature was…outlandish."

Melody blinked, worry creasing on her forehead, "What did she see?"

The Lady offered her a knowing smile, "I think you know well what she saw."

Her first reaction was to ask something else. How could she know what Vanya would have seen? She could not see into the minds of others and this game of riddles was beginning to irritate the woman. However, her agitation ceased with the complete comprehension of Galadriel's former statement. She named the visions Vanya acquired as outlandish and seldomly grasped. Melody considered both descriptions carefully. What could persist as outlandish in this place?

Then it dawned on her.

Eyes flashing, she faced Galadriel, "She saw my world…But how?! How could she have seen my life? What was so important about me?"

Amid her discontent, Melody tightened the already white-knuckled fists at her sides. This was crazy, so ludicrous! It was as if every new speck of information created a thousand more mysteries.

Cautiously, Galadriel answered the perplexed woman, "To that, I cannot answer fully. The will of the Valar can be perceived as strange, but they do not idly interfere. They must have seen something in both you and Vanya that moved them to take action."

Barely able to grasp the situation, Melody shook her head woefully, "But she—Vanya—she's gone. Was her purpose forgotten?"

"It seems it was fulfilled, for you stand before me in this hour of darkness."

Running a hand through her hair, Melody closed her eyes while trying to process everything. To her consternation, this did nothing, but the prospect of it was comforting. She had been sent here by an elf who had visions about her. Her. Melody Garner, a business major from Philadelphia who only knew about Middle Earth because her best friend raved about the series of movies. It was preposterous and must be a mistake.

But she continued on, her thirst for a better explanation was overpowering even amidst the cumbersome thoughts, "Her purpose was to bring me here? A woman from a different world who is barely versed in the ways of this place? I can hardly see the benefit for both myself and Middle Earth."

Galadriel pressed on, harboring an almost reprimanding speech, "Insecurity will be of no aid to you, Melody. To discover the meaning behind this, you must trust in yourself as Vanya has done. She endured both criticism of the mind and from others. Perseverance was what helped her to succeed."

Melody scoffed, "Succeed? Succeed at what? Tearing me away from my friends and family? From a life that I enjoyed? Did Vanya ever think about what I wanted to do?"

Even after hearing Melody's outburst of anger, Galadriel remained stolid, "It seems she sacrificed much to obey the commands of the Valar, as do us all."

The woman's hardened features suddenly softened. It wasn't derived from the agonizing homesickness, no, it was from pity. She thought of Frodo and the quest. How the whole Fellowship had been torn from their homes to embark on a journey so that the rest of the world could live in peace. Melody felt sick, her previous words had been so selfish and lacking sympathy for the people who had taken her in. Even though she was aggrieved by her presence in this world, she could not deny the unalterable fact that she was there. If it was not by her own will, it did not matter.

The Lady's surely sensed the inner turmoil ravaging the woman. She placed her hands over the clenched knot of fingers which loosened at once.

"You must ready yourself for the tribulations ahead."

Melody's eyes stung again, unable to sway the emotion swelling within, "What if I can't handle much more?"

To this, Galadriel faintly smiled and stroked her hands, "You have a radiant fea, Melody. Many cannot sense it, but for higher beings such as myself, I am able to apprehend its' power. Use this knowledge to your advantage and place your trust in those around you. Vanya did not have companions to lean upon during her trials."

She couldn't come up with a response. It was still so addling to her that she was chosen to come to Middle Earth. Could she find it within herself to open up and trust the others as they had accepted her? Besides the altercation with Legolas, everyone had been pleasant enough. However, she always assumed their graces were dependent upon the situation. A girl from another world suddenly appears and knows about the quest. Obviously, they would have to bring her along, but the question was, did they actually view her as an asset? Someone they could call a friend? Truthfully, Melody understood her efforts weren't the best. For she had only a few conversations with the hobbits and spoke to Gandalf only if he asked her about her visions. With disappointment, Melody realized she had pushed them away. Even if the fellowship had been close-knit for weeks, she barely tried to earn their comradery.

But clarity reentered her mind. Their concern regarding her injury and the blatant joy that washed their faces free of the dishevelment from days prior when she arrived at supper. Merry and Pippin's enthusiastic remarks about her dress and Gimli's humorous statement saying she appeared too elf-like. Even Aragorn and Boromir had seemed lightened by her presence.

The dress suits you very well, Melody.

Her cheeks colored a bit. If Legolas could find it within his heart to accept her, she could try to do better by all of them. She wondered what might have happened concerning Vanya and his past, but it was irrelevant at this moment. No doubt, it was serious, but his sincerity was what actually mattered.

Galadriel released her hands and drew away slowly, "I would ask a favor of you know, Melody. You can decline if you wish, but the mirror could offer you some insight."

The woman watched as the ethereal being walked toward the short pillar and gleaming basin. A new sense filtered through Melody as she came closer to the mirror, her belly twisted and a foreboding chill spiked her body. She didn't know whether this was by her doing or the magical ambiance of the mirror itself.

The Lady produced a small pitcher which had already been filled with water. Gracefully, she began to empty its contents into the bowl. None of the liquid was spared and it mystifyingly lacked ripples and waves when being poured. Melody tentatively stepped toward it and glanced up at Galadriel.

"What will I see?"

It was after completely draining the pitcher that the Lady replied, "Things that were, things that are, and some things that may or may not come to pass."

Melody swallowed thickly and tried her best to suppress the fear that echoed in her soul. Did she want to see her possible future? Would it even give her answers?

Presumably, her own curiosity got the best of her, so she inched again to the basin and let her eyes gaze upon its surface. All was tranquil and she thought for a moment that nothing would happen and this attempt at looking for solace was in vain.

Then her vision went dark.

She stood in a dimly lit bookstore and immediately knew where she was. Melody had only reached the tender age of eighteen at this point and she had scurried around to find the elusive book her grandmother Elaine had requested. Tracing row after row of dilapidated covers, her eyes had scanned each one until excitement burst onto her face.

"Found it!" She had exclaimed, all but skipping over to the front desk. Her grandmother took the book from her and glanced up with a warm smile.

"Thank you, dear, I'm afraid my old eyes aren't as keen as they used to be," Elaine had said, flipping through the slightly tarnished pages, "Ah, yes, this is the one. Now, will you fetch my tote from the storage room? I need to mend some of these pages so Mr. Rockwell doesn't throw a fit!"

With a sharp nod, Melody had quickly retreated to the back of the store. While examining the clutter and chaos of the room, she had narrowed her gaze to find the elusive bag. After a few more moments of inspection, she finally discovered it amidst a few books that were far too damaged to sell.

Her curiosity had bested her, so Melody surveyed the scant pages and loose leaflets. Brows knitting in confusion at the strange script, she dismissed the oddity and realized she had probably been gone too long, so she stuffed the papers at her side and hurried back to her grandmother.

A sigh of relief left Elaine's lips at the sight of the woman, "Thank you, Melody. I'd be lost without your help."

With a grin, Melody watched as Elaine retrieved her tools and began mending the spine of the book. The older woman's hands worked efficiently and without any tremors, smoothing the harsh lines created by age. Melody had then decided to view the strange papers she had found, and with increasing confusion, she lifted them to her grandmother.

"What are these, grandma?" She had asked, looking again at the random assortment.

Elaine froze and for the first time in her young life, Melody saw her hands tremble. Her face had paled.

"W-where did you find those, dear?" The shakiness of her voice had scared Melody, but she was more so bewildered.

"In the storage room next to your bag," She had answered simply, "What do they say—"

The pages had been wrenched from her hands, and Elaine scanned them worriedly and frantically.

"Is everything okay?" Melody had been terribly concerned about the state of her grandmother. Sheer terror was reflected in the old woman's features, and after she had furiously turned all of the pages, she had set them aside and regarded her granddaughter.

With a tight smile, she nodded, "Yes, dear, all is well. I just didn't know those were still here."

A distant look had befallen Elaine, and Melody had felt anxiety brimming inside of her. She had been thinking about something dire, and to Melody's dismay, it seemed her grandmother would not reveal exactly what.

The scene changed. It was the night before their first day of senior year. Melody and Tristan were dazedly sprawled on the couch, cracking open another beer. She had snuggled into the blanket that had fallen to her ankles and sipped on the refreshing drink with a wobbly smile. Warmth surrounded her body and mind. She was so very content listening to the faint songs that played on his speaker.

"Have you thought about where you wanna go after college?" Tristan had asked and the woman stilled. Taking another long draw of her beverage, she racked her brain for a quick answer.

"Not really, I mean Philly has always been good to me so I figured I'd just stay here. Work at the bookstore. Someone's gotta keep it in business," Her nonchalant statement was hardly believed by her friend. He had cast her a sideways glance full of incredulity.

"Come on, Mel. The bookstore? We've spent the last four years dreaming of this day and what else is out there, aren't you even a little curious?" He attempted, sighing and swirling the bottle in his hand.

She had faced him warily, "You are the one who has been waiting to get out of here, not me. I can't leave, Tristan, you know that."

She could see the lines of frustration forming above his brow, and then it dissipated as he gazed back at her understandingly, "Yeah, I get why you don't want to leave. But you gotta part with your past at some point. It'll do you no good to wallow here." The bitterness at the end of his words was undeniable.

"Wallow?" She echoed, "I'm not going to wallow here. This city is huge and there are a lot of opportunities that I could end up missing out on if I leave."

He shook his head, "But imagine the ones you'll miss out on if you stay. I don't want to fight, Mel, I'm just looking out for you. Elaine wouldn't have wanted-"

"I don't need you to look out for me," She had snapped, "I'm perfectly fine where I am."

He had let out a huff of laughter, "Obviously."

Melody had turned her gaze to the bottle resting in her lap crestfallen, "Maybe someday I will be able to go, but after what happened I just need more time."

Tristan turned to face her gravely, "I have a feeling you don't have much time to decide."

The scene changed. She found herself again walking toward her flat. Slick streets threatened to betray her steps as she waltzed drunkenly past the stoplight. The bright lights of the truck engulfed her vision and she was stuck and immobile.

However, this time a figure emerged. An elf, no doubt, for the pointed ears did little to hide that. But what unnerved her was the blinding similarity of this being. She looked exactly like her…

The scene changed. Melody was thrown back into Middle Earth, but she did not recognize this place.

It was a beach of some sort, and someone was hastily pushing a small boat toward the ebbing shore. The sky was overcast and looked as if it was about to storm, but the unknown being pressed onward. Grappling with the ropes and untying them with trembling hands, the wooden object was finally released into the water.

At last, they turned around. Again, it was the same figure from the night Melody was transported to Arda, but now the attributes were even more chilling. They were identical, down to the last detail, save the pointed ears.

She had tears in her eyes and regarded the sharp cliffs with unease. So much longing and pain was pooling in her gaze. Then, bowing her head, the elf scrubbed at her face and regained her composure. Head tilted toward the sky, she sighed contently. And with that breath, it seemed she would be at peace.

"Namárië."

The scene changed. She was in Lothlorien now, witnessing some sort of argument between Aragorn and Boromir. They appeared troubled by the conversation and Aragorn tiredly ran a hand through his hair.

"She cannot continue with us. It is folly!" Boromir declared, "We are already burdened by the loss of the wizard. We should not allow a woman to further our troubles."

"Do you think I have not considered this? I understand her contributions have not been many, but Gandalf said—" Aragorn was cut short.

"Gandalf is gone, Aragorn," Boromir said finitely, "Whatever wisdom he hoped to gain from her is fruitless now. Can you not see this?"

Silence ensued and it seemed Aragorn was carefully mulling over the Gondorian's revelation. He glanced away and thought deeply.

"I will speak with her when she wakes."

The scene changed. A bloody sunrise peeked over the horizon in a myriad of burning hues. The same one from Melody's first vision. Burgeoning over the swaying hills, it rose slowly and angrily flamed the land it touched. Many would think it alluring, but they would mistake its malice for beauty.

The familiar house stood in the center and fire derived from the sun above licked at it incessantly. A gaggle of charred flowers once bearing vivid shades of violet and cream disintegrated before her eyes. To her relief, the children were nowhere to be seen. However, an even more frightening and painful image surfaced.

Her grandmother slammed her fists upon the windows of the house, screaming and pleading for help. Eyes ablaze, she yelled with all her might to Melody.

"Please don't take her, Vanya!" The words echoed for an age.

The scene changed…

Everything was black and grey. Plumes of thick smoke engulfed the world in a desolate manner. Ash and dust littered the earth and crackled beneath her feet. The sky showed not the slightest beam of light nor the faintest tendril of clarity. It was suffocating, there was no breathable air. Evil had persisted and the land bore the remnants of a great and terrible war.

Melody tore away from the mirror at once, gasping for air and falling to the ground. Her cheeks were wet with fresh tears and she drew in several shuddering breaths to calm herself. She forgot where she was for a moment, so entranced by the agonizing images instilled into her brain. Blinking and refocusing on the clearing of trees, she finally found herself able to face Galadriel who wore an impassive expression.

"I know what you saw," She announced eerily.

Melody's heart rattled within her chest and she grimaced against the influx of images spitting throughout her mind.

She regained her composure slightly, still trying to catch her breath, "Vanya…she looked like me."

"Yes," The Lady started, stepping away from the mirror, "As I said you harbor many similarities to her, your appearances are hardly surprising. However, this is not all that troubles you?"

Swallowing thickly, Melody tried to think about what didn't trouble her about what she had seen. Her grandmother, firstly, was a shocking sight. She didn't understand why Elaine had been the subject of many visions. How was she part of this? Her death had been excruciating and was the defining factor of Melody's introverted qualities. But the memory of the strange papers was important for some reason, she understood that well enough.

The woman lifted her head to meet the Lady's unwavering countenance, "My grandmother had something to do with this."

Galadriel nodded slowly, "She did. I only know of her because of what the mirror has bestowed upon you, but it does seem she was entwined with this world in some way," The Lady paused for a moment, "The pages you beheld were forged in Sindarin, an elven language. Although, they revealed very little to me in regards to the subject at hand."

Melody sighed in desperation. That was not the answer she had hoped for. Galadriel knew just as much as she did concerning Elaine's involvement. Sifting through everything else that didn't include her grandmother, she pressed further in hope of gaining a shrivel of clarity.

Defeatedly, Melody spoke, "The Fellowship will leave me behind. I'm sure that's what Aragorn wanted to talk to me about and he would be right to do so."

Galadriel's head tilted, "You believe that to be true? Yes, they plan to continue on without you but I do not deem it wise. For the mirror showed us both what would come to pass should you remain here."

At once, the blackened skies reentered Melody's brain, her grandmother's wailing against the flaming house. Would the world be doomed if she did not go on with them? What sense was there in that? She was useless to them unless this great power Galadriel spoke of was somehow unleashed from inside of her. And if it was, she wondered fearfully, what would it look like?

The Lady must have again sensed her turmoil, so she came closer to the woman, "You must recognize your worth from within, Melody. Do not allow the darkness of your past to prevail against the good that remains. You will find a way to sway their minds."

Numbly, Melody looked up at the elf. Her words were true and rang clear in her ears. Something shifted then, amidst the clearing of trees, but only for a moment. It was as if peace trickled into the deep fissures of her mind. Lifting her chin a little higher, Melody nodded in recognition of Galadriel's proclamation.

With an encouraging smile, the Lady once again placed her fingers over Melody's, "Now, child, after such a journey and the ailments that have befallen you, I bid you to rest and think on what we have shared. Let the grace of this woodland ease your heart."

After she had released her fingers, Melody turned to the path she had come from, but not before the most important question could be forgotten.

"My Lady?"

Galadriel met her gaze solemnly.

"Will I ever be able to go home?" She asked.

The downturn of the Lady's eyes disclosed the answer before she spoke, "I am afraid not. If there is no explanation for the powers behind your arrival, then I fear there is no path that leads to your return."

Her throat closed and she fought the onslaught of tears brimming at her eyelids. There was no hope. The only shred of perseverance she had been able to conjure was based upon the fact that there may be a way to get back to Earth.

But Galadriel immediately steadied her wave of anguish, "Do not allow dismay and doubt to cloud your heart. Cling to whom or what you must and find rest, Melody. The days that follow will be nothing short of trying."

Melody bit her trembling lip and shakily inhaled, "Thank you, my Lady."

Somehow she would get through this. She willed herself to find anything to cling onto as Galadriel had advised, but what was there to hold? Her future was to live out her days in this war-torn world. How could she find peace in that?

The depressing thoughts continued to swirl and Melody had a horrific headache. The route of their conversation was all but expected, but before she turned back to the path that led her to the small clearing Galadriel stopped her with her lips drawn upward.

"He awaits you near where the feast was held. Look to the surrounding trees once your mind has settled."

A/N: This was the longest chapter I have ever written. I hope you guys enjoyed it and I also hope I did an okay job depicting Galadriel. She was a really tough character to write haha. Also, if anyone is confused about the images in the mirror please let me know! I will try to answer everything without giving too much of the story away, I was writing this chapter while sick so I can understand how some of it might seem muddy (but there are some things that are meant to be read that way).

Anyways, I will try to have the next chapter up as soon as I can but in the meantime let me know what you thought about this one! As always, thank you for reading and I'll see you guys in the next chapter:)