A/N: Hello Mah ppl! Ok, I just wanted to point out, that the movie never
happened…not in mah story n e ways! ( And I didn't mean to add the second
chap yet…lol…it wasn't even finished…my comp screwed up! ::glares at
computer::. Ok I know it's a lil slow in the beginning, but Legolas does
make his appearance, so bear with me! ( Thanx! Legolas would that you too,
that is if I ever feel like walking over to my bed and untying him! ;)
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I don't own nuffin! Sep for Nevethiriel, Nevduliniel, and everyone that is not mentioned in da boox! I own Legolas too, I made him tell me that last night ;)…lol…Enjoy!
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Fantasy World
The year is 2002.
18-year-old Ami Morris slumped down lazily on her bed after yet another
uninspiring day of school.
Thoughts of graduation and her life after it, coursed through her mind as she laid her head back, and let out a heavy sigh.
She couldn't wait! And she had everything planned out.
As soon as graduation was over, she was going to pack up everything she owned into her silver VW Jetta, and move away from this boring little town.
Ami smiled and sat up.
She reached over and unzipped her school bag, pulling out J.R.R Tolkiens 'The Silmarillion' book.
She loved Tolkien's books, and all the characters and fantasy creatures that he created.
When Ami would read his books, she would find herself being pulled into that fantasy world, and her heart ached to really dwell there.
Away from her family, away from her school, and away from all her disloyal friends.
Well, all but one.
However, Natalia had graduated from high school a year before Ami, and was already in collage.
They did their best to keep in touch, but it was fading, and Ami hated it.
That friendship was one of the only things that kept Ami going each day, but now, it was only Tolkien.
Ami heard raised voices coming through her closed door. Her parents fought constantly, and she could tell that they were on the brink of separation.
Ami let out another long sigh as she opened the book, and began to read about the Elves.
Ami loved the Elves.
She knew that if she had a choice of being any thing in Middle-earth, it would be an Elf.
They were enchanting, beautiful creatures, full of wisdom and age.
Ami marveled at their elegant grace.
She wished she could be as light footed at they.
Then maybe she wouldn't have had to quite all her dancing classes.
Those were Ami's last thoughts, before she left this world, and was pulled into Middle-earth.
Ami read all evening, finding herself enable to leave, until at last she fell into a peaceful sleep.
~*~*~*~
*Beep Beep Beep*
Ami's alarm clock beeped loudly, piercing the dark room with its annoying squawk.
Ami groaned and quickly slapped the snooze button.
She sat up and threw a hateful glare at her clock.
She had been dreaming such beautiful dreams of Elves.
Dancing, laughing, and being merry for no reason really, other than that they were happy creatures.
Ami stood up lazily and stretched.
She smiled when she saw the open book lying next to the spot where she had been sleeping.
"I wonder why?" She mumbled as she closed the book and set it on the nightstand beside her bed.
She wanted so much to read more, but knew she must refrain from it when she remembered that her car was in the shop, and that she would have to walk to school.
Since her parents lacked in the subject of 'Daughter'.
At least they were going to be human enough to pick the car up for her, so she wouldn't have to walk there to get it herself.
Ami sighed as she trudged into the bathroom to get ready for school.
Today was her last real day of school, and tomorrow she graduated.
She smiled as she jumped into the steaming shower.
The sooner she graduated, the sooner she was free.
And she couldn't wait.
Ami quickly showered, then jumped out.
She walked into her room and picked up her outfit for the day that she had laid out the morning before.
She slipped on the knee length, jean skirt that frayed on the ends.
Then slipped on the red, fitted shirt to match.
She then turned and examined herself in the full-length mirror.
She smiled satisfied, the outfit did a marvelous job at showing off her slim figure nicely.
"Not bad." She mumbled as she turned and walked into her bathroom to do her hair and make-up.
She stood in front of the mirror as she dried her long, dark brown hair with a towel, scrunching the curly ends to make them seem more lively, and bouncy.
She then pulled it back into a high ponytail.
She quickly applied light make-up when she saw that she was going to be late if she didn't hurry.
She ran out of the bathroom, and slipped on her knee high, red leather boots, then turned to examine herself in the mirror one last time, before grabbing her school bag and running out the door.
She was halfway down the stairs, when she groaned and ran back up.
She burst into her room, and grabbed her book off the nightstand, and then she ran back down the stairs.
"Bye mom!" She yelled, even though she knew she wasn't going to get a response.
She grabbed an apple off the dining room table, before running out the screen door, and starting her ten-minute walk to school.
When she was finished with her apple, she genially discarded the core over her shoulder, and crossed her arms about her chest, hugging 'The Silmarillion' book tightly.
She thought of reading it on her way, but then she remembered that the last time she did that, she had taken a wrong turn, and by the time she looked up, she had no idea of where she was.
So, instead she decided to let her mind drift and think about what it would be like to be an Elf in Middle-earth.
Before she knew it, she was at the school.
She took in a deep breath before walking into the end of school, and the beginning of her new life.
~*~*~*~
School was going by smoothly, Ami didn't talk to anyone, and no one talked to Ami.
Ami wasn't popular, by choice.
Yes, she was very beautiful, and all the guys in school dreamed to "get with her". But Ami preferred to keep to herself and read.
So that labeled her, by everyone, a freak, or something like that.
She didn't quite understand it, but she would just shrug her shoulders and ignore everyone right back.
When the bell finally rang on the last period, students ran out of their class rooms, screaming and rejoicing on the last day of school.
Ami walked quickly to her locker to clear it all out.
When she dialed in the combination, her door popped open, revealing a red crimson rose hanging from one of the hooks inside.
Ami smiled.
Okay, so not all school traditions were that bad.
Every year since junior high, on the last day of school, every girl's locker would contain a beautiful rose inside from an unnamed provider.
They all figured it was from the teachers, but Ami liked to imagine it was from her secret love.
Ami rolled her eyes at herself, and finished cleaning out her locker.
~*~*~*~
Ami made sure to smile sweetly and nod at those who passed and acknowledged her existence as she made her way down the main hall, and out the two big exit doors.
She let out a huge breath that she didn't know she was holding.
It felt like she had been holding it since the beginning of the school year.
She smiled lightly to herself as she walked.
She was once again hugging her book with the rose, and her mind started to once again drift.
She was so far away in her thoughts, that she didn't notice the old lady walking down the sidewalk in front of her.
She was aged with snow-white hair, and a kind face that held a pair of piercing, crystal blue eyes.
Her back was hunched over, and she used a walking cane.
She had her crystal eyes fixed on Ami, and the book she held in her arms.
She saw the look Ami carried on her face, and smiled.
When Ami was walking by her the lady moved over quickly and bumped into her causing Ami to drop her book and rose, forcing her back into reality.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Ami exasperated as she stooped to pick up her book and rose.
"It's ok dear." The old lady smiled.
"I'm afraid I didn't see you." Ami smiled as she stood and hugged the book and rose once again.
"No indeed, for I do not believe it is easy to see someone when you are not even in this world." The old lady said in an old English accent with a light laugh.
Ami blushed as she realized that the old lady was referring to her daydreaming.
"The Silmarillion?" The old lady asked as she reached out for the book.
Ami reluctantly handed it to her.
"You like Tolkien and the Elves then?" She asked, smiling kindly at Ami as she flipped through the book.
Ami's face lit up.
She loved talking about Tolkien and his books.
"Oh yes! I love it! The Elves are so beautiful and enchanting, I wish I were one in Middle-earth, instead of being…here." Ami made a little face at her last comment.
The old lady chuckled softly.
She handed the book back to Ami, and then looked at her thoughtfully.
"What is your name dear?" She said at length.
Ami looked up at her and thought 'What could it hurt?'
"Ami Morris, mam." She replied with a smile.
The old lady nodded her head.
"Well, Ami Morris, I believe I have something for you that you might like…" She said as she began to rummage through her little bag that hung from her arm.
"Ah, here we go!" She said as she pulled out a little, red velvet pouch and handed it to Ami with a smile.
Ami took it, and found it slightly heavy in her palm.
She gently untied the golden strings and opened the pouch.
She tilted the little bag, until what it held came rolling out into her palm.
It was a gold ring.
Ami looked up at the old lady questionably.
"This ring is uh, in the likeness, I guess you could say, of the One Ring." She explained.
Ami's eyes widened.
She loved the Lord of The Rings trilogy the best of all Tolkien's books.
"THE One Ring?" She finally croaked.
The old lady laughed at her expression. "I said it was in the likeness of it, not that it WAS it." Ami nodded as she examined the fine gold band.
It looked like any normal wedding ring, though it was uncommonly heavy, but Ami just shrugged.
"Anyone could buy a gold wedding band and claim it to be 'In the likeness of the One Ring'" Ami stated as she slipped the ring back into it's pouch.
The old lady smiled despite Ami's accusation.
"Perhaps you are right, but are you so faithless as not to believe a kind old lady when she says that this is no ordinary ring?" She said as she continued to smile.
Ami thought as her eyes searched the old ladies face.
She had been more then kind to her, and Ami knew that she had no real reason to distrust her, but could she really?
"Well,…" She said at length. "What do you want for it?"
The old ladies face lit up in pure surprise.
"My dear no! I do not mean for you to buy it from me!" She began to laugh at Ami's expression.
"No, no! I want to give it to you."
Ami looked down at the pouch in her palm, then back up at the old lady.
"B-but why?" Ami stammered she wasn't used to anyone being truly nice to her.
"Well, you seem qualified." The old lady said with a sparkle in her crystal clear eyes.
"Oh, so what do I do with it? I mean, what makes it 'unordinary'?" Ami asked as she once again removed the ring from its pouch to examine it.
"Ah, that's the fun of it! Here…" She said and handed Ami a little white card.
Ami took it and saw that it had the most beautiful silver writing on it.
She studied it closer. It was indeed written in a beautiful language she didn't know, yet it drew her.
"What language is this? French?"
The old lady let out a full-hearted chuckle.
"No! Indeed, it is the language that of the Elvish script!" She smiled broadly.
Ami's face lit up.
"Elvish?! I am learning Elvish! I found a book once at Barns and Nobles and just had to buy it!" Ami found herself getting excited.
"Ah! Then you might already know how to pronounce it?" Ami looked at it closely and then nodded.
"Perfect! Now, here is what you do…" The old lady started with instructions and Ami leaned forward to listen intently.
"When you are ready and alone, you chant this spell over the ring, then you just simply slip it on."
Ami looked at her with a little smirk.
"What? Will I disappear or something?" The old lady laughed at her joke.
"No, no. You will simply have to see for yourself."
Ami raised an eyebrow, but knew that that was all the old lady was going to tell her.
"Ok, thanks." She said, sticking the ring back into its pouch tying its golden strings.
"Your quite welcome! Now remember to use it wisely, for it will only work once." The old lady said with a gleam in her piercing eyes.
"Well then how will I know when to use it?" Ami asked as she crossed her arms. She knew there had to be a catch.
The old lady continued to smile at her.
"Oh, you'll know. Trust me." Ami smiled. For some reason she knew she did trust her.
"Well! The day is late, and I must be heading home again." The old lady said as she began to walk by Ami.
"Oh, but wait!" Ami said before the old lady could walk away.
"Yes dear?" She turned back to Ami with a smile.
"Please let me give you something in return!" Ami pleaded.
The old lady was about to protest, but the look on Ami's face told her that she would not give in, so the old lady smiled and let her eyes scan Ami.
They stopped at the red crimson rose she held in her hands.
Her eyes met Ami's.
"I've always been very fond of roses." She said.
Ami looked down at the red rose, and then smiled.
She reached out and handed the rose to the kind old lady.
The old lady took it with a grateful smile on her face.
"Good day young Ami, I pray all your dreams come true." She offered a kind graze of her hand on Ami's cheek.
Ami felt tears well up in her eyes at the touch. This stranger was more motherly to her then her very own.
Ami turned away and began to walk.
'Maybe I'll be able to see her again…' Her mind thought.
'…What was her name?' Ami spun around to ask, but gasped when she saw the old lady was gone.
Ami let her bright green eyes, that now held a sparkle, scan her surroundings for the kind old lady, but she was gone.
Ami smiled.
"I feel like Cinderella." She mumbled to herself as she turned to continue walking.
Then she stopped and looked up into the sky.
"Thank you Ferry God Mother!" She joked to herself. She chuckled lightly at herself and started to skip slightly faster to get home.
She couldn't wait to call Natalia and tell her all that happened.
~*~*~*~
Ami opened the heavy door to her house, only to have raised voices welcome her.
She rolled her eyes. When would her parents grow up and stop fighting?
Ami closed the door and noticed that the shouting stopped when she had done so.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise.
'Well, if that is all that I had to do to get them to shut up, I shoulda done it sooner!' She thought to herself as she began to climb the steps to her bedroom.
She was halfway up when her father appeared at the bottom of the steps.
"Ami dear, your mother and I would like to have a word with you." He said softly.
'Ami dear? Since when did he ever address me with more then just child? Maybe they are finally going to stop fighting!' Ami felt herself become a little excited, but made sure to hide it from her outside.
"Uh, ok. Just let me put my bag in my room." She said as she began to climb the steps once more.
She quickly threw her bag and book on the bed as a smile crept on her lips.
Could they finally be becoming a real family? Were her parents going to try to get along for the sake of their daughter?
She jogged down the steps two at a time, and ran into the kitchen, skidding to a stop in front of her parents as she tried to catch her breathe from her run.
She couldn't help but let the smile form on her lips as she looked at them both.
"Honey, you better sit." Her mother informed.
'Oh, honey now is it?' Ami thought to herself as she pulled a chair up to the bar that connected to the sink.
"So, what's up?" She asked as she drummed her manicured fingernails on the bar.
"Uh well, oh before I forget…here." Her mom handed her a piece of paper with Natalia's name on it.
"She called. She's on her way down, she took a brake to come and see you graduate." Her mother smiled.
"Really? Great! This day just keeps getting better and better!" Ami's smile was from ear to ear, and her parents exchanged nervous glances.
"So when did she call? When will she be here?" Ami asked quickly. She couldn't believe that all this wonderful stuff was happening to her today.
"Um, she should be here soon, but honey…we really need to talk to you before she gets here." Her mom looked so nervous that Ami calmed herself a little.
How hard could it be to tell your daughter that you decided to grow up? Well, considering her parents would rather slit their wrists then lose their pride…Okay, so it was hard.
"Ok, so shoot." She said as she rested her chin in her palms.
"Um, well this isn't easy for us to tell you…" Her father started.
'Yeah, I know, just say it…common…' Ami thought mentally, and couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips.
But what they told her next was something that Ami did not expect.
"We want you to know, that we still love each other…but it's just not going to work out. Do you understand?" Her mother asked.
Ami heart stopped beating.
'What? I don't understand!' She wanted to scream out.
Her breath came quickly and the room started to spin.
'No, this is NOT happening!'
"What?" She finally croaked out.
"What me and your mother are trying to tell you is uh…we are getting a divorce." Her father said slowly.
"A d-what?" Ami couldn't believe this was happening to her. They weren't supposed to separate! They were supposed to try and make it work out…for her sake!
"Honey, we know this must be hard for you, but it's hard for us too." Her mother said softly. Ami just stared at her blankly. She felt her eyes start to sting from the tears that were coming, but she did her best to fight them off.
"But we do still love each other." Her father added.
Ami turned her gaze to him a cold stare came next.
"Bull shit." She said quietly under her breath, but loud enough for her parents to hear.
"Excuse me young lady?" Her father said as her mother gasped in shock.
"BULL SHIT!!!" Ami yelled at them again.
Her fathers face was of pure shock, and her mother looked as though she was going to cry.
"If you loved each other you would try to make it work! If you loved ME, you would try!" Ami yelled as she stood from her seat. She didn't try to stop the tears now, she didn't care if they fell.
"That is enough!" Her fathers voice was stern, but Ami ignored it.
She spun around on her heals and started to walk away.
"Where do you think you are going?" Her father did nothing to hide the anger in his voice, and that only fueled Ami's anger. She spun back around and glared at him.
"To my room, God, anywhere away from…from you! You make me sick! Both of you! You guys are supposed to be the grownups, the responsible ones. You know Natalia was the one to bring me to school every morning before I could drive. She was the one that was there for my past three birthdays!…" Ami was crying now her body shook with the sobs that escaped, but she knew she had their attention, so she had to get this off her chest.
"…You know, today, I got more love and attention out of a stranger then I have from the both of you in my entire life time! Your not parents, you've never been there for me, you've never expressed in any way that you love me! Let alone each other. And…I hate you! So go ahead! Separate! I don't fucking care! Because as soon as I graduate tomorrow, I'm out of here. So take a good long look at your 'daughter' because as soon as I walk out that door tomorrow, it will be the last time I ever do." And with that she spun around again and ran up the stairs, slamming her door shut. She slid to the floor as her whole body shook with the sobs that overtook her.
~*~*~*~
Ami cried on the floor for what seemed like forever, though it had really only been an hour.
She finally felt that she had no more tears to cry, so she just sat with her back against the door, in her fantasy world, it was the only place that made her happy now.
The sound of the outside door opening and closing down stairs brought her back. She heard her mom talking to someone, but she didn't care to listen who it was.
She let out a shaky breath as she stood up.
She walked over to her school bag and rummaged through the front pocket.
She pulled out the little red velvet pouch and the little white card that the old lady had given her today.
'When you are ready and alone, you chant this spell over the ring, then you just simply slip it on.'
The old ladies words went through Ami's head.
She sniffled as she shrugged. Now was as good a time as any.
She looked at the little card a little harder to read it.
After a little while of this she finally believed she could pronounce it.
"Ok, here goes nothin." She picked up her Silmarillian book as she took in a deep breath, and began to read it out loud over the ring.
"Mella panta tangwa ama poldora, tanka harwar lova handasse." She let out a long breath, and then began to move the ring towards her finger as she held the book so close to her.
At that time, footsteps could be heard on the steps.
Ami's door began to open. With the thought that it was her parents, Ami quickly slipped it on her pointer finger.
Ami gasped when she saw who came through the door.
"Natalia!" She yelled.
Natalia smiled and ran towards Ami, but in that instant, time seemed to slow.
And as soon as Natalia grabbed hold of Ami the whole world seemed to stop, but only for an instant, then it slowly started to change right before Ami's eyes.
Her eyes widened as she saw her room transform, no more posters, no more bed, but trees, grass and flowers.
She gasped when Natalia all of a sudden disappeared and was no longer in her grasp.
Her hair grew past her behind, and her ears stretched up into a delicate point.
Ami blinked one more slow blink before time sped back up and Ami fell on her back in the softest green grass she had ever felt.
Ami was gasping and looking around wildly.
She was no longer in her room, oh no, she was definitely not in Kansas anymore.
She was in one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen.
Tall trees, countless exotic flowers that Ami didn't even know what half of them were, water fountains with statues of women in long dresses, holding either a basket of flowers, or just dancing.
Ami stood up slowly.
"Holy…." Was all she could mumble out of her mouth that was now glued to the ground.
She felt the cool grass sliding through her toes, and she couldn't help but smile and run her foot over it more.
It felt like soft silk.
Then the thought of 'Wait a minute, I can actually feel the grass, that means I have no shoes on my feet! Aw damn!' ran through her head and caused her to look down.
When she did this, it drew a gasp from her as she saw the beautiful dress she was wearing.
"What the hell?" She said as she began to twirl and hold it up, making sure it was real.
It was a sliver blue, and it went down snuggly fitted on her waist, then spilled out to the ground.
The sleeves went to her wrists, and a point went out to her middle finger, and then poured down, almost touching the ground itself.
Ami quickly looked up and ran to one of the water fountains.
As she did this, she couldn't help feeling that she felt so light on her feet, like she could run for days on end, and never tire.
When she got to the fountain she peered into the crystal water, earning yet another gasp.
Her dark brown hair was definitely longer then before, and wait, her ears…
She ran her fingers along her ears all the way up to the point, her eyes widened, she felt it.
"Oh my God! I…I'm a…an Elf!" She practically yelled out.
"Oh my God, oh my God!" She began to say over and over again.
"I can't believe it!" A smile spread across her face, and she began to dance. Round and around in circles.
'What the hell?' She stopped dancing.
'Since when have I ever gotten the urge to burst into song and dance?!' Then remembering what she now was she started to laugh, a full-hearted laugh.
And did it ever feel good.
She then began to dance again and sing songs she didn't even know, the words just came to her.
After a while of this she stopped and took in a deep breath.
"Thank you Ferry God Mother!" She yelled up to the sky, and then started laughing.
She walked over to the spot where she had 'entered' and saw her book sitting on a stone bench.
She smiled and picked it up.
She sat down and took in another deep breath.
Damn, it smelled so good here.
She closed her eyes and just soaked in the moment.
Then a voice interrupted her. It was soft, but strong, quiet but loud, and very musical.
"Nevethiriel!" It called. Ami slowly opened her eyes, she was scared it had all been a dream and she would be back in her room, crying.
But the warm sun greeted her face and she smiled, then she heard the voice again.
"Neveth! Nevethiriel?" It was getting closer, and the thought quickly flashed through Ami's mind to hide, but for some reason she couldn't move, she was drawn to the voice.
Then she saw a figure of a man, well…he was slightly taller then a man, he had long dark hair, that was braded partially back, and seemed to wear some sort of crown upon his brow.
Ami could tell he was an Elf, and one of great importance.
"Nev--!" He began to call again, but stopped when he saw Ami sitting there.
He smiled and began to walk over to her.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! I should have known you would be found here. You always did love this garden. That's why me and your mother named you as such, we knew you would grow to love flowers." He said, as he got closer to her. "And grow up to be as beautiful as one yourself!"
Ami looked back over her shoulder to see who the hell this guy was talking to.
Her eyes widened when she realized he was talking to HER!
"Uh…Hi?" She said as he came and sat beside her.
"So…"He started as he looked off into the distance.
"What does it feel like to be home?" He looked at her with a kind smile.
Ami saw so much love and compassion in his eyes that she couldn't help but smile herself.
"Ah, I have truly missed that smile!" He said, and grazed her cheek softly with his hand.
At that movement Ami's eyes widened and she jumped back.
This movement seemed to startle the Elf.
"What is wrong? Did I hurt you dear child?" He said as he stood to meet her, but Ami shrunk back.
"Who are you?!" She said keeping her distance.
She didn't spend 5 years fighting off all the sickos in her school, just to travel to Middle-earth and get harassed by some Elvish perv! Besides, he was waaaay to old for her.
His face was of pure shock and he tried to take another step towards her, but she jumped back again.
"What is wrong with you child?" He said with concern clearly in his deep voice.
"Who are you? And where am I?" She asked again.
Worry crossed his wise face, but he let out a long sigh.
"Oh, by the Valer! Have you really been gone that long?" He asked, and she raised a questioning eyebrow.
"You are in Rivendell child, I am Lord of Rivendell…" He began but the gaping look on her face stopped him.
"Neveth, are you sure you are well?"
"Ri…Rivendell?! I'm in Rivendell?!" She finally blurted out.
The Elf nodded his head.
She looked around she couldn't believe it! It was exactly what she imagined!
Then all that the man had said registered in her head and he eyes darted back to him.
"Lord of Rivendell? Th-that means y-your…Elrond?!" She stuttered out.
His face seemed to soften at her recognition of him.
"Yes, but most often known to you as Adar." He smiled kindly.
"A-adar? But that's the Elvish word for…Father." Ami couldn't believe it.
"I'm the daughter of Elrond halfelven?!" She sunk down into the stone bench again.
He sat down beside her.
"Neveth, are you absolutely sure you don't need to see the healer?" He asked as he placed his hands on hers.
Her gaze met his.
"Neveth? Why are you calling me Neveth?" She asked.
"Because that is your name. Nevethiriel. Neveth for short." He spoke as if he were explaining something to a child.
Ami couldn't quite take this all in. She just knew it was a dream!
She reached down and began to pinch her arms.
Elrond looked at her confused, and worried.
"Neveth! Please! You are truly frightening me!" He said as he placed his hands on hers to still them.
Ami looked up at him with a sparkle in her deep green eyes.
"I felt that! That means I'm not dreaming! That means I'm really here! In Middle-earth! In Rivendell!" She said as she stood up quickly.
Her book fell from her lap and landed on the grass.
Elrond bent down and picked it up.
"I guess you have been away that long, and I guess being ill as you were would cause a portion of your memory to vanish." He said as he placed the book beside him where she had been sitting.
Ami peeled her eyes from her surroundings to look at him.
"Huh? Oh, um, yeah. I guess your right." She picked up the book and took her place again.
"El…er…Adar, What exactly do you mean by 'ill'?" Ami asked, getting really curious about the figure she now had to play, and maybe this "sickness" could be used to her advantage.
Elrond's dark, but soft eyes scanned her for a second.
"You were very ill. We were uncertain what caused it and still are. I had to send you to your grandmother for I had nothing left to do. You have been gone for 200 years…" His gaze lowered to the soft grass, and for some reason Ami's heart went out to him.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She said as she found her hands very interesting to look at.
His head rose at her remark.
"Neveth, why do you apologize to me?" He asked slowly.
"Oh, uh, well, it just seems like I brought you a lot of pain or something." Ami felt nervous. She knew she wasn't speaking in proper English. Yes, she had realized a long time ago that she had an English accent, but she was also certain that Elves just don't go around saying 'Hey dude, what's up?!'
"Brought me pain? Dear child, the only thing that brought me the pain was seeing you in pain! But now you are back my dear Neveth, and my heart truly beats now." He said as he cupped her face in his hands.
At this touch however, Ami did not pull away, she couldn't. There was so much warmth and love in his touch. Like a real father should. Ami had never experienced it before.
Tears began to well in her eyes.
She smiled at him.
"It's good to be home." She finally breathed out.
He smiled and kissed her forehead softly.
At that time, an Elf maiden came walking through the gardens to where they were.
She cleared her throat softly.
"Um, excuse me my lord, but perhaps I can show Nevethiriel around and refresh her memory?" She said in a musical voice.
Ami looked up at this new approach.
Her eyes widened when she saw her.
She was tall, with long golden blonde hair, and bright eyes.
The Elf smirked slightly at Ami.
"Ah, Nevduliniel! I'm sure you are happy to have your best friend back?" Elrond said smiling kindly at the Elf.
Nevduliniel smiled at him.
"Yes my lord, very happy." Ami just kept staring at her in disbelief.
"Ah then, I will leave you two to catch up with each other." He stood up, pulling Ami along with him.
Her book fell once again.
Elrond bent down and picked it up again. This time he read the cover.
"The Silmarillian?" He asked. Ami quickly took the book from him.
"Uh, yeah, I uh, got it from wherever I just came from?" Ami fumbled with her words.
She was almost certain that Galadriel was her grandmother, as since she is Arwen's, but she didn't want to just blurt out that she got it from Lothlorien when she had no idea.
"Oh, alright. I'll see you at dinner then. Good day." He nodded at Nevduliniel, and she bowed low.
When he was finally out of sight Ami burst out and hugged Nevduliniel.
"Oh my God Nat! I can't believe you're here too!" She said through her laughs.
Natalia laughed with her.
"You better be glad I know you well enough to know some of this damn stuff! I almost panicked when you disappeared from my sight and then all of a sudden I sprouted pointy ears!" She pointed out her ears.
"I donno, pointy ears kinda suite you!" Ami smiled and Natalia shoved her.
"So, Nevethiriel huh? Princess of Rivendell! Ami! It's your dream come true!" Natalia said giving Ami another hug.
"Oh I know! I can hardly believe it!" She pulled away and smiled.
"Hey! Lets go! I'm dying to explore this place! Common!" She began to pull Natalia with her.
They walked through all of Rivendell, just talking and memorizing where what was.
Ami told Natalia about her parents, and Natalia understood, but Ami couldn't cry about it now. She wouldn't cry about it.
They were walking around the entrance to Rivendell, when a rider came through the gates.
Ami and Natalia sank down behind a bush to see who it was.
Ami gasped when she saw him.
He was a rider, dressed in the casual riding clothes of the Elves, with a dark green tunic, and light green leggings. He had a brown cape on, and a quiver full of arrows strapped to his back, with a long bow to go with it.
He had long blonde hair that was braided back partially as if to keep it from falling in his fine featured face.
"Whoa! Ami, why didn't you tell me that Elves could be so damn fine?" Natalia said in a loud whisper.
Ami didn't say anything.
The Elves beauty captured her. Oh yes, she believed she was going to enjoy her stay here in Rivendell immensely.
The rider rode out of their sight and Ami found herself breathing again.
She turned to Natalia and Smiled.
"I love Tolkien!" She said and Natalia laughed at her.
"Common, lets go." They began to talk again, as they walked along the stone walkway.
They were walking past the stables when all of a sudden a middle aged looking Elf came walking up to them.
"Nevduliniel, we need you inside now." She said sternly.
Natalia flashed Ami a scared look.
Ami gave her a reassuring smile.
"Um, ok, coming."
"Now!" She said loudly before strolling off back the way she came.
"Uh, I guess I better go, they aren't gonna eat me or anything are they?" Natalia had to ask, just to make sure.
Ami laughed at her friend.
"No, but you better go before you lose her." Ami gestured to the rapidly fading figure of the lady.
"Right, Bye Aim's, I'll see you, latter." She gave Ami one more quick hug before turning and running after the lady.
Ami closed her eyes and took in another deep breath.
"Oh, I can't believe I'm really here!" She said out loud.
A horses loud neighing brought Ami back, scaring her half to death.
She jumped forward slightly, catching her toe on one of the rocks, casing her to fall on her hands and knee's.
"Oh for crying out loud!" She yelled at herself.
"An Elf, and yet I still can't manage to keep my balance!" She said as she hit one of the stones with her fist in aggravation.
She heard someone chuckle softly behind her.
She didn't turn around until she heard a very musical voice speak to her.
"Mae govannen, Arwenamin." It said beautifully.
Ami slowly turned her head and blushed slightly.
There stood the rider that her and Natalia had seen earlier that day.
He now had his hands crossed across his broad chest and was leaning slightly on the opening of the stable door.
He smiled at her.
"Uh, Hi." She said as she quickly stood up and brushed herself off.
'What a great first impression Ami.' She thought mentally to herself.
"I see you still haven't found a way to tame those toes of yours little Neveth." He said with another chuckle.
'Oh great! So he does know me! But who is he?'
"Uh yeah, um…who are you?" She asked slowly.
Amusement crossed his handsome face for a mere second.
"You have forgotten me already little one?" He asked as he began to walk towards her.
Ami felt her heart skip a beat.
"Um, well, s-since my uh, illness, I've suffered a slight loss of memory." She stuttered, hoping it made some sense to him.
He smiled again, causing Ami's knees to quiver.
'What an awesome smile!' She thought.
"I see…" He said and crossed his arms once again.
"I am Legolas prince of Mirkwood, son of Thurendil, King of Mirkwood." He said, as if it were something he was used to saying, and was tired of saying it.
Ami's eyes widened.
"Oh my…" Was all that could come out.
"Is something wrong Neveth? Do you not remember me now?" He asked with a slight smirk.
"Your Legolas?! You were always my favorite Elf!" She yelled.
"What?" He asked, his eyebrows narrowing in confusion.
"I mean, the way that Tolkien described you was so elegant and beautiful, but your ten times more beautiful in real life! Oh! Um…I mean…" Ami could feel her face turning bright red, but Legolas only laughed at her. His laugh was heavenly.
"Little Neveth, it is good to see that no illness could stop you from still amusing me." Ami laughed nervously. Just how well did she know this Elf?
"Well, I must go now, I need to freshen up before dinner, but I shall see you then little one." He gently kissed Ami on her forehead before turning and leaving in quick steps.
Ami sighed and watched the Elf's backside, as he walked away, with a dreamy look.
"Damn, he is fine!" She said with a girlish giggle.
"I gotta go tell Nat!" She said then quickly ran off to tell her friend about the handsome Elf.
Disclaimer: I don't own nuffin! Sep for Nevethiriel, Nevduliniel, and everyone that is not mentioned in da boox! I own Legolas too, I made him tell me that last night ;)…lol…Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy World
The year is 2002.
18-year-old Ami Morris slumped down lazily on her bed after yet another
uninspiring day of school.
Thoughts of graduation and her life after it, coursed through her mind as she laid her head back, and let out a heavy sigh.
She couldn't wait! And she had everything planned out.
As soon as graduation was over, she was going to pack up everything she owned into her silver VW Jetta, and move away from this boring little town.
Ami smiled and sat up.
She reached over and unzipped her school bag, pulling out J.R.R Tolkiens 'The Silmarillion' book.
She loved Tolkien's books, and all the characters and fantasy creatures that he created.
When Ami would read his books, she would find herself being pulled into that fantasy world, and her heart ached to really dwell there.
Away from her family, away from her school, and away from all her disloyal friends.
Well, all but one.
However, Natalia had graduated from high school a year before Ami, and was already in collage.
They did their best to keep in touch, but it was fading, and Ami hated it.
That friendship was one of the only things that kept Ami going each day, but now, it was only Tolkien.
Ami heard raised voices coming through her closed door. Her parents fought constantly, and she could tell that they were on the brink of separation.
Ami let out another long sigh as she opened the book, and began to read about the Elves.
Ami loved the Elves.
She knew that if she had a choice of being any thing in Middle-earth, it would be an Elf.
They were enchanting, beautiful creatures, full of wisdom and age.
Ami marveled at their elegant grace.
She wished she could be as light footed at they.
Then maybe she wouldn't have had to quite all her dancing classes.
Those were Ami's last thoughts, before she left this world, and was pulled into Middle-earth.
Ami read all evening, finding herself enable to leave, until at last she fell into a peaceful sleep.
~*~*~*~
*Beep Beep Beep*
Ami's alarm clock beeped loudly, piercing the dark room with its annoying squawk.
Ami groaned and quickly slapped the snooze button.
She sat up and threw a hateful glare at her clock.
She had been dreaming such beautiful dreams of Elves.
Dancing, laughing, and being merry for no reason really, other than that they were happy creatures.
Ami stood up lazily and stretched.
She smiled when she saw the open book lying next to the spot where she had been sleeping.
"I wonder why?" She mumbled as she closed the book and set it on the nightstand beside her bed.
She wanted so much to read more, but knew she must refrain from it when she remembered that her car was in the shop, and that she would have to walk to school.
Since her parents lacked in the subject of 'Daughter'.
At least they were going to be human enough to pick the car up for her, so she wouldn't have to walk there to get it herself.
Ami sighed as she trudged into the bathroom to get ready for school.
Today was her last real day of school, and tomorrow she graduated.
She smiled as she jumped into the steaming shower.
The sooner she graduated, the sooner she was free.
And she couldn't wait.
Ami quickly showered, then jumped out.
She walked into her room and picked up her outfit for the day that she had laid out the morning before.
She slipped on the knee length, jean skirt that frayed on the ends.
Then slipped on the red, fitted shirt to match.
She then turned and examined herself in the full-length mirror.
She smiled satisfied, the outfit did a marvelous job at showing off her slim figure nicely.
"Not bad." She mumbled as she turned and walked into her bathroom to do her hair and make-up.
She stood in front of the mirror as she dried her long, dark brown hair with a towel, scrunching the curly ends to make them seem more lively, and bouncy.
She then pulled it back into a high ponytail.
She quickly applied light make-up when she saw that she was going to be late if she didn't hurry.
She ran out of the bathroom, and slipped on her knee high, red leather boots, then turned to examine herself in the mirror one last time, before grabbing her school bag and running out the door.
She was halfway down the stairs, when she groaned and ran back up.
She burst into her room, and grabbed her book off the nightstand, and then she ran back down the stairs.
"Bye mom!" She yelled, even though she knew she wasn't going to get a response.
She grabbed an apple off the dining room table, before running out the screen door, and starting her ten-minute walk to school.
When she was finished with her apple, she genially discarded the core over her shoulder, and crossed her arms about her chest, hugging 'The Silmarillion' book tightly.
She thought of reading it on her way, but then she remembered that the last time she did that, she had taken a wrong turn, and by the time she looked up, she had no idea of where she was.
So, instead she decided to let her mind drift and think about what it would be like to be an Elf in Middle-earth.
Before she knew it, she was at the school.
She took in a deep breath before walking into the end of school, and the beginning of her new life.
~*~*~*~
School was going by smoothly, Ami didn't talk to anyone, and no one talked to Ami.
Ami wasn't popular, by choice.
Yes, she was very beautiful, and all the guys in school dreamed to "get with her". But Ami preferred to keep to herself and read.
So that labeled her, by everyone, a freak, or something like that.
She didn't quite understand it, but she would just shrug her shoulders and ignore everyone right back.
When the bell finally rang on the last period, students ran out of their class rooms, screaming and rejoicing on the last day of school.
Ami walked quickly to her locker to clear it all out.
When she dialed in the combination, her door popped open, revealing a red crimson rose hanging from one of the hooks inside.
Ami smiled.
Okay, so not all school traditions were that bad.
Every year since junior high, on the last day of school, every girl's locker would contain a beautiful rose inside from an unnamed provider.
They all figured it was from the teachers, but Ami liked to imagine it was from her secret love.
Ami rolled her eyes at herself, and finished cleaning out her locker.
~*~*~*~
Ami made sure to smile sweetly and nod at those who passed and acknowledged her existence as she made her way down the main hall, and out the two big exit doors.
She let out a huge breath that she didn't know she was holding.
It felt like she had been holding it since the beginning of the school year.
She smiled lightly to herself as she walked.
She was once again hugging her book with the rose, and her mind started to once again drift.
She was so far away in her thoughts, that she didn't notice the old lady walking down the sidewalk in front of her.
She was aged with snow-white hair, and a kind face that held a pair of piercing, crystal blue eyes.
Her back was hunched over, and she used a walking cane.
She had her crystal eyes fixed on Ami, and the book she held in her arms.
She saw the look Ami carried on her face, and smiled.
When Ami was walking by her the lady moved over quickly and bumped into her causing Ami to drop her book and rose, forcing her back into reality.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Ami exasperated as she stooped to pick up her book and rose.
"It's ok dear." The old lady smiled.
"I'm afraid I didn't see you." Ami smiled as she stood and hugged the book and rose once again.
"No indeed, for I do not believe it is easy to see someone when you are not even in this world." The old lady said in an old English accent with a light laugh.
Ami blushed as she realized that the old lady was referring to her daydreaming.
"The Silmarillion?" The old lady asked as she reached out for the book.
Ami reluctantly handed it to her.
"You like Tolkien and the Elves then?" She asked, smiling kindly at Ami as she flipped through the book.
Ami's face lit up.
She loved talking about Tolkien and his books.
"Oh yes! I love it! The Elves are so beautiful and enchanting, I wish I were one in Middle-earth, instead of being…here." Ami made a little face at her last comment.
The old lady chuckled softly.
She handed the book back to Ami, and then looked at her thoughtfully.
"What is your name dear?" She said at length.
Ami looked up at her and thought 'What could it hurt?'
"Ami Morris, mam." She replied with a smile.
The old lady nodded her head.
"Well, Ami Morris, I believe I have something for you that you might like…" She said as she began to rummage through her little bag that hung from her arm.
"Ah, here we go!" She said as she pulled out a little, red velvet pouch and handed it to Ami with a smile.
Ami took it, and found it slightly heavy in her palm.
She gently untied the golden strings and opened the pouch.
She tilted the little bag, until what it held came rolling out into her palm.
It was a gold ring.
Ami looked up at the old lady questionably.
"This ring is uh, in the likeness, I guess you could say, of the One Ring." She explained.
Ami's eyes widened.
She loved the Lord of The Rings trilogy the best of all Tolkien's books.
"THE One Ring?" She finally croaked.
The old lady laughed at her expression. "I said it was in the likeness of it, not that it WAS it." Ami nodded as she examined the fine gold band.
It looked like any normal wedding ring, though it was uncommonly heavy, but Ami just shrugged.
"Anyone could buy a gold wedding band and claim it to be 'In the likeness of the One Ring'" Ami stated as she slipped the ring back into it's pouch.
The old lady smiled despite Ami's accusation.
"Perhaps you are right, but are you so faithless as not to believe a kind old lady when she says that this is no ordinary ring?" She said as she continued to smile.
Ami thought as her eyes searched the old ladies face.
She had been more then kind to her, and Ami knew that she had no real reason to distrust her, but could she really?
"Well,…" She said at length. "What do you want for it?"
The old ladies face lit up in pure surprise.
"My dear no! I do not mean for you to buy it from me!" She began to laugh at Ami's expression.
"No, no! I want to give it to you."
Ami looked down at the pouch in her palm, then back up at the old lady.
"B-but why?" Ami stammered she wasn't used to anyone being truly nice to her.
"Well, you seem qualified." The old lady said with a sparkle in her crystal clear eyes.
"Oh, so what do I do with it? I mean, what makes it 'unordinary'?" Ami asked as she once again removed the ring from its pouch to examine it.
"Ah, that's the fun of it! Here…" She said and handed Ami a little white card.
Ami took it and saw that it had the most beautiful silver writing on it.
She studied it closer. It was indeed written in a beautiful language she didn't know, yet it drew her.
"What language is this? French?"
The old lady let out a full-hearted chuckle.
"No! Indeed, it is the language that of the Elvish script!" She smiled broadly.
Ami's face lit up.
"Elvish?! I am learning Elvish! I found a book once at Barns and Nobles and just had to buy it!" Ami found herself getting excited.
"Ah! Then you might already know how to pronounce it?" Ami looked at it closely and then nodded.
"Perfect! Now, here is what you do…" The old lady started with instructions and Ami leaned forward to listen intently.
"When you are ready and alone, you chant this spell over the ring, then you just simply slip it on."
Ami looked at her with a little smirk.
"What? Will I disappear or something?" The old lady laughed at her joke.
"No, no. You will simply have to see for yourself."
Ami raised an eyebrow, but knew that that was all the old lady was going to tell her.
"Ok, thanks." She said, sticking the ring back into its pouch tying its golden strings.
"Your quite welcome! Now remember to use it wisely, for it will only work once." The old lady said with a gleam in her piercing eyes.
"Well then how will I know when to use it?" Ami asked as she crossed her arms. She knew there had to be a catch.
The old lady continued to smile at her.
"Oh, you'll know. Trust me." Ami smiled. For some reason she knew she did trust her.
"Well! The day is late, and I must be heading home again." The old lady said as she began to walk by Ami.
"Oh, but wait!" Ami said before the old lady could walk away.
"Yes dear?" She turned back to Ami with a smile.
"Please let me give you something in return!" Ami pleaded.
The old lady was about to protest, but the look on Ami's face told her that she would not give in, so the old lady smiled and let her eyes scan Ami.
They stopped at the red crimson rose she held in her hands.
Her eyes met Ami's.
"I've always been very fond of roses." She said.
Ami looked down at the red rose, and then smiled.
She reached out and handed the rose to the kind old lady.
The old lady took it with a grateful smile on her face.
"Good day young Ami, I pray all your dreams come true." She offered a kind graze of her hand on Ami's cheek.
Ami felt tears well up in her eyes at the touch. This stranger was more motherly to her then her very own.
Ami turned away and began to walk.
'Maybe I'll be able to see her again…' Her mind thought.
'…What was her name?' Ami spun around to ask, but gasped when she saw the old lady was gone.
Ami let her bright green eyes, that now held a sparkle, scan her surroundings for the kind old lady, but she was gone.
Ami smiled.
"I feel like Cinderella." She mumbled to herself as she turned to continue walking.
Then she stopped and looked up into the sky.
"Thank you Ferry God Mother!" She joked to herself. She chuckled lightly at herself and started to skip slightly faster to get home.
She couldn't wait to call Natalia and tell her all that happened.
~*~*~*~
Ami opened the heavy door to her house, only to have raised voices welcome her.
She rolled her eyes. When would her parents grow up and stop fighting?
Ami closed the door and noticed that the shouting stopped when she had done so.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise.
'Well, if that is all that I had to do to get them to shut up, I shoulda done it sooner!' She thought to herself as she began to climb the steps to her bedroom.
She was halfway up when her father appeared at the bottom of the steps.
"Ami dear, your mother and I would like to have a word with you." He said softly.
'Ami dear? Since when did he ever address me with more then just child? Maybe they are finally going to stop fighting!' Ami felt herself become a little excited, but made sure to hide it from her outside.
"Uh, ok. Just let me put my bag in my room." She said as she began to climb the steps once more.
She quickly threw her bag and book on the bed as a smile crept on her lips.
Could they finally be becoming a real family? Were her parents going to try to get along for the sake of their daughter?
She jogged down the steps two at a time, and ran into the kitchen, skidding to a stop in front of her parents as she tried to catch her breathe from her run.
She couldn't help but let the smile form on her lips as she looked at them both.
"Honey, you better sit." Her mother informed.
'Oh, honey now is it?' Ami thought to herself as she pulled a chair up to the bar that connected to the sink.
"So, what's up?" She asked as she drummed her manicured fingernails on the bar.
"Uh well, oh before I forget…here." Her mom handed her a piece of paper with Natalia's name on it.
"She called. She's on her way down, she took a brake to come and see you graduate." Her mother smiled.
"Really? Great! This day just keeps getting better and better!" Ami's smile was from ear to ear, and her parents exchanged nervous glances.
"So when did she call? When will she be here?" Ami asked quickly. She couldn't believe that all this wonderful stuff was happening to her today.
"Um, she should be here soon, but honey…we really need to talk to you before she gets here." Her mom looked so nervous that Ami calmed herself a little.
How hard could it be to tell your daughter that you decided to grow up? Well, considering her parents would rather slit their wrists then lose their pride…Okay, so it was hard.
"Ok, so shoot." She said as she rested her chin in her palms.
"Um, well this isn't easy for us to tell you…" Her father started.
'Yeah, I know, just say it…common…' Ami thought mentally, and couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips.
But what they told her next was something that Ami did not expect.
"We want you to know, that we still love each other…but it's just not going to work out. Do you understand?" Her mother asked.
Ami heart stopped beating.
'What? I don't understand!' She wanted to scream out.
Her breath came quickly and the room started to spin.
'No, this is NOT happening!'
"What?" She finally croaked out.
"What me and your mother are trying to tell you is uh…we are getting a divorce." Her father said slowly.
"A d-what?" Ami couldn't believe this was happening to her. They weren't supposed to separate! They were supposed to try and make it work out…for her sake!
"Honey, we know this must be hard for you, but it's hard for us too." Her mother said softly. Ami just stared at her blankly. She felt her eyes start to sting from the tears that were coming, but she did her best to fight them off.
"But we do still love each other." Her father added.
Ami turned her gaze to him a cold stare came next.
"Bull shit." She said quietly under her breath, but loud enough for her parents to hear.
"Excuse me young lady?" Her father said as her mother gasped in shock.
"BULL SHIT!!!" Ami yelled at them again.
Her fathers face was of pure shock, and her mother looked as though she was going to cry.
"If you loved each other you would try to make it work! If you loved ME, you would try!" Ami yelled as she stood from her seat. She didn't try to stop the tears now, she didn't care if they fell.
"That is enough!" Her fathers voice was stern, but Ami ignored it.
She spun around on her heals and started to walk away.
"Where do you think you are going?" Her father did nothing to hide the anger in his voice, and that only fueled Ami's anger. She spun back around and glared at him.
"To my room, God, anywhere away from…from you! You make me sick! Both of you! You guys are supposed to be the grownups, the responsible ones. You know Natalia was the one to bring me to school every morning before I could drive. She was the one that was there for my past three birthdays!…" Ami was crying now her body shook with the sobs that escaped, but she knew she had their attention, so she had to get this off her chest.
"…You know, today, I got more love and attention out of a stranger then I have from the both of you in my entire life time! Your not parents, you've never been there for me, you've never expressed in any way that you love me! Let alone each other. And…I hate you! So go ahead! Separate! I don't fucking care! Because as soon as I graduate tomorrow, I'm out of here. So take a good long look at your 'daughter' because as soon as I walk out that door tomorrow, it will be the last time I ever do." And with that she spun around again and ran up the stairs, slamming her door shut. She slid to the floor as her whole body shook with the sobs that overtook her.
~*~*~*~
Ami cried on the floor for what seemed like forever, though it had really only been an hour.
She finally felt that she had no more tears to cry, so she just sat with her back against the door, in her fantasy world, it was the only place that made her happy now.
The sound of the outside door opening and closing down stairs brought her back. She heard her mom talking to someone, but she didn't care to listen who it was.
She let out a shaky breath as she stood up.
She walked over to her school bag and rummaged through the front pocket.
She pulled out the little red velvet pouch and the little white card that the old lady had given her today.
'When you are ready and alone, you chant this spell over the ring, then you just simply slip it on.'
The old ladies words went through Ami's head.
She sniffled as she shrugged. Now was as good a time as any.
She looked at the little card a little harder to read it.
After a little while of this she finally believed she could pronounce it.
"Ok, here goes nothin." She picked up her Silmarillian book as she took in a deep breath, and began to read it out loud over the ring.
"Mella panta tangwa ama poldora, tanka harwar lova handasse." She let out a long breath, and then began to move the ring towards her finger as she held the book so close to her.
At that time, footsteps could be heard on the steps.
Ami's door began to open. With the thought that it was her parents, Ami quickly slipped it on her pointer finger.
Ami gasped when she saw who came through the door.
"Natalia!" She yelled.
Natalia smiled and ran towards Ami, but in that instant, time seemed to slow.
And as soon as Natalia grabbed hold of Ami the whole world seemed to stop, but only for an instant, then it slowly started to change right before Ami's eyes.
Her eyes widened as she saw her room transform, no more posters, no more bed, but trees, grass and flowers.
She gasped when Natalia all of a sudden disappeared and was no longer in her grasp.
Her hair grew past her behind, and her ears stretched up into a delicate point.
Ami blinked one more slow blink before time sped back up and Ami fell on her back in the softest green grass she had ever felt.
Ami was gasping and looking around wildly.
She was no longer in her room, oh no, she was definitely not in Kansas anymore.
She was in one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen.
Tall trees, countless exotic flowers that Ami didn't even know what half of them were, water fountains with statues of women in long dresses, holding either a basket of flowers, or just dancing.
Ami stood up slowly.
"Holy…." Was all she could mumble out of her mouth that was now glued to the ground.
She felt the cool grass sliding through her toes, and she couldn't help but smile and run her foot over it more.
It felt like soft silk.
Then the thought of 'Wait a minute, I can actually feel the grass, that means I have no shoes on my feet! Aw damn!' ran through her head and caused her to look down.
When she did this, it drew a gasp from her as she saw the beautiful dress she was wearing.
"What the hell?" She said as she began to twirl and hold it up, making sure it was real.
It was a sliver blue, and it went down snuggly fitted on her waist, then spilled out to the ground.
The sleeves went to her wrists, and a point went out to her middle finger, and then poured down, almost touching the ground itself.
Ami quickly looked up and ran to one of the water fountains.
As she did this, she couldn't help feeling that she felt so light on her feet, like she could run for days on end, and never tire.
When she got to the fountain she peered into the crystal water, earning yet another gasp.
Her dark brown hair was definitely longer then before, and wait, her ears…
She ran her fingers along her ears all the way up to the point, her eyes widened, she felt it.
"Oh my God! I…I'm a…an Elf!" She practically yelled out.
"Oh my God, oh my God!" She began to say over and over again.
"I can't believe it!" A smile spread across her face, and she began to dance. Round and around in circles.
'What the hell?' She stopped dancing.
'Since when have I ever gotten the urge to burst into song and dance?!' Then remembering what she now was she started to laugh, a full-hearted laugh.
And did it ever feel good.
She then began to dance again and sing songs she didn't even know, the words just came to her.
After a while of this she stopped and took in a deep breath.
"Thank you Ferry God Mother!" She yelled up to the sky, and then started laughing.
She walked over to the spot where she had 'entered' and saw her book sitting on a stone bench.
She smiled and picked it up.
She sat down and took in another deep breath.
Damn, it smelled so good here.
She closed her eyes and just soaked in the moment.
Then a voice interrupted her. It was soft, but strong, quiet but loud, and very musical.
"Nevethiriel!" It called. Ami slowly opened her eyes, she was scared it had all been a dream and she would be back in her room, crying.
But the warm sun greeted her face and she smiled, then she heard the voice again.
"Neveth! Nevethiriel?" It was getting closer, and the thought quickly flashed through Ami's mind to hide, but for some reason she couldn't move, she was drawn to the voice.
Then she saw a figure of a man, well…he was slightly taller then a man, he had long dark hair, that was braded partially back, and seemed to wear some sort of crown upon his brow.
Ami could tell he was an Elf, and one of great importance.
"Nev--!" He began to call again, but stopped when he saw Ami sitting there.
He smiled and began to walk over to her.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! I should have known you would be found here. You always did love this garden. That's why me and your mother named you as such, we knew you would grow to love flowers." He said, as he got closer to her. "And grow up to be as beautiful as one yourself!"
Ami looked back over her shoulder to see who the hell this guy was talking to.
Her eyes widened when she realized he was talking to HER!
"Uh…Hi?" She said as he came and sat beside her.
"So…"He started as he looked off into the distance.
"What does it feel like to be home?" He looked at her with a kind smile.
Ami saw so much love and compassion in his eyes that she couldn't help but smile herself.
"Ah, I have truly missed that smile!" He said, and grazed her cheek softly with his hand.
At that movement Ami's eyes widened and she jumped back.
This movement seemed to startle the Elf.
"What is wrong? Did I hurt you dear child?" He said as he stood to meet her, but Ami shrunk back.
"Who are you?!" She said keeping her distance.
She didn't spend 5 years fighting off all the sickos in her school, just to travel to Middle-earth and get harassed by some Elvish perv! Besides, he was waaaay to old for her.
His face was of pure shock and he tried to take another step towards her, but she jumped back again.
"What is wrong with you child?" He said with concern clearly in his deep voice.
"Who are you? And where am I?" She asked again.
Worry crossed his wise face, but he let out a long sigh.
"Oh, by the Valer! Have you really been gone that long?" He asked, and she raised a questioning eyebrow.
"You are in Rivendell child, I am Lord of Rivendell…" He began but the gaping look on her face stopped him.
"Neveth, are you sure you are well?"
"Ri…Rivendell?! I'm in Rivendell?!" She finally blurted out.
The Elf nodded his head.
She looked around she couldn't believe it! It was exactly what she imagined!
Then all that the man had said registered in her head and he eyes darted back to him.
"Lord of Rivendell? Th-that means y-your…Elrond?!" She stuttered out.
His face seemed to soften at her recognition of him.
"Yes, but most often known to you as Adar." He smiled kindly.
"A-adar? But that's the Elvish word for…Father." Ami couldn't believe it.
"I'm the daughter of Elrond halfelven?!" She sunk down into the stone bench again.
He sat down beside her.
"Neveth, are you absolutely sure you don't need to see the healer?" He asked as he placed his hands on hers.
Her gaze met his.
"Neveth? Why are you calling me Neveth?" She asked.
"Because that is your name. Nevethiriel. Neveth for short." He spoke as if he were explaining something to a child.
Ami couldn't quite take this all in. She just knew it was a dream!
She reached down and began to pinch her arms.
Elrond looked at her confused, and worried.
"Neveth! Please! You are truly frightening me!" He said as he placed his hands on hers to still them.
Ami looked up at him with a sparkle in her deep green eyes.
"I felt that! That means I'm not dreaming! That means I'm really here! In Middle-earth! In Rivendell!" She said as she stood up quickly.
Her book fell from her lap and landed on the grass.
Elrond bent down and picked it up.
"I guess you have been away that long, and I guess being ill as you were would cause a portion of your memory to vanish." He said as he placed the book beside him where she had been sitting.
Ami peeled her eyes from her surroundings to look at him.
"Huh? Oh, um, yeah. I guess your right." She picked up the book and took her place again.
"El…er…Adar, What exactly do you mean by 'ill'?" Ami asked, getting really curious about the figure she now had to play, and maybe this "sickness" could be used to her advantage.
Elrond's dark, but soft eyes scanned her for a second.
"You were very ill. We were uncertain what caused it and still are. I had to send you to your grandmother for I had nothing left to do. You have been gone for 200 years…" His gaze lowered to the soft grass, and for some reason Ami's heart went out to him.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She said as she found her hands very interesting to look at.
His head rose at her remark.
"Neveth, why do you apologize to me?" He asked slowly.
"Oh, uh, well, it just seems like I brought you a lot of pain or something." Ami felt nervous. She knew she wasn't speaking in proper English. Yes, she had realized a long time ago that she had an English accent, but she was also certain that Elves just don't go around saying 'Hey dude, what's up?!'
"Brought me pain? Dear child, the only thing that brought me the pain was seeing you in pain! But now you are back my dear Neveth, and my heart truly beats now." He said as he cupped her face in his hands.
At this touch however, Ami did not pull away, she couldn't. There was so much warmth and love in his touch. Like a real father should. Ami had never experienced it before.
Tears began to well in her eyes.
She smiled at him.
"It's good to be home." She finally breathed out.
He smiled and kissed her forehead softly.
At that time, an Elf maiden came walking through the gardens to where they were.
She cleared her throat softly.
"Um, excuse me my lord, but perhaps I can show Nevethiriel around and refresh her memory?" She said in a musical voice.
Ami looked up at this new approach.
Her eyes widened when she saw her.
She was tall, with long golden blonde hair, and bright eyes.
The Elf smirked slightly at Ami.
"Ah, Nevduliniel! I'm sure you are happy to have your best friend back?" Elrond said smiling kindly at the Elf.
Nevduliniel smiled at him.
"Yes my lord, very happy." Ami just kept staring at her in disbelief.
"Ah then, I will leave you two to catch up with each other." He stood up, pulling Ami along with him.
Her book fell once again.
Elrond bent down and picked it up again. This time he read the cover.
"The Silmarillian?" He asked. Ami quickly took the book from him.
"Uh, yeah, I uh, got it from wherever I just came from?" Ami fumbled with her words.
She was almost certain that Galadriel was her grandmother, as since she is Arwen's, but she didn't want to just blurt out that she got it from Lothlorien when she had no idea.
"Oh, alright. I'll see you at dinner then. Good day." He nodded at Nevduliniel, and she bowed low.
When he was finally out of sight Ami burst out and hugged Nevduliniel.
"Oh my God Nat! I can't believe you're here too!" She said through her laughs.
Natalia laughed with her.
"You better be glad I know you well enough to know some of this damn stuff! I almost panicked when you disappeared from my sight and then all of a sudden I sprouted pointy ears!" She pointed out her ears.
"I donno, pointy ears kinda suite you!" Ami smiled and Natalia shoved her.
"So, Nevethiriel huh? Princess of Rivendell! Ami! It's your dream come true!" Natalia said giving Ami another hug.
"Oh I know! I can hardly believe it!" She pulled away and smiled.
"Hey! Lets go! I'm dying to explore this place! Common!" She began to pull Natalia with her.
They walked through all of Rivendell, just talking and memorizing where what was.
Ami told Natalia about her parents, and Natalia understood, but Ami couldn't cry about it now. She wouldn't cry about it.
They were walking around the entrance to Rivendell, when a rider came through the gates.
Ami and Natalia sank down behind a bush to see who it was.
Ami gasped when she saw him.
He was a rider, dressed in the casual riding clothes of the Elves, with a dark green tunic, and light green leggings. He had a brown cape on, and a quiver full of arrows strapped to his back, with a long bow to go with it.
He had long blonde hair that was braided back partially as if to keep it from falling in his fine featured face.
"Whoa! Ami, why didn't you tell me that Elves could be so damn fine?" Natalia said in a loud whisper.
Ami didn't say anything.
The Elves beauty captured her. Oh yes, she believed she was going to enjoy her stay here in Rivendell immensely.
The rider rode out of their sight and Ami found herself breathing again.
She turned to Natalia and Smiled.
"I love Tolkien!" She said and Natalia laughed at her.
"Common, lets go." They began to talk again, as they walked along the stone walkway.
They were walking past the stables when all of a sudden a middle aged looking Elf came walking up to them.
"Nevduliniel, we need you inside now." She said sternly.
Natalia flashed Ami a scared look.
Ami gave her a reassuring smile.
"Um, ok, coming."
"Now!" She said loudly before strolling off back the way she came.
"Uh, I guess I better go, they aren't gonna eat me or anything are they?" Natalia had to ask, just to make sure.
Ami laughed at her friend.
"No, but you better go before you lose her." Ami gestured to the rapidly fading figure of the lady.
"Right, Bye Aim's, I'll see you, latter." She gave Ami one more quick hug before turning and running after the lady.
Ami closed her eyes and took in another deep breath.
"Oh, I can't believe I'm really here!" She said out loud.
A horses loud neighing brought Ami back, scaring her half to death.
She jumped forward slightly, catching her toe on one of the rocks, casing her to fall on her hands and knee's.
"Oh for crying out loud!" She yelled at herself.
"An Elf, and yet I still can't manage to keep my balance!" She said as she hit one of the stones with her fist in aggravation.
She heard someone chuckle softly behind her.
She didn't turn around until she heard a very musical voice speak to her.
"Mae govannen, Arwenamin." It said beautifully.
Ami slowly turned her head and blushed slightly.
There stood the rider that her and Natalia had seen earlier that day.
He now had his hands crossed across his broad chest and was leaning slightly on the opening of the stable door.
He smiled at her.
"Uh, Hi." She said as she quickly stood up and brushed herself off.
'What a great first impression Ami.' She thought mentally to herself.
"I see you still haven't found a way to tame those toes of yours little Neveth." He said with another chuckle.
'Oh great! So he does know me! But who is he?'
"Uh yeah, um…who are you?" She asked slowly.
Amusement crossed his handsome face for a mere second.
"You have forgotten me already little one?" He asked as he began to walk towards her.
Ami felt her heart skip a beat.
"Um, well, s-since my uh, illness, I've suffered a slight loss of memory." She stuttered, hoping it made some sense to him.
He smiled again, causing Ami's knees to quiver.
'What an awesome smile!' She thought.
"I see…" He said and crossed his arms once again.
"I am Legolas prince of Mirkwood, son of Thurendil, King of Mirkwood." He said, as if it were something he was used to saying, and was tired of saying it.
Ami's eyes widened.
"Oh my…" Was all that could come out.
"Is something wrong Neveth? Do you not remember me now?" He asked with a slight smirk.
"Your Legolas?! You were always my favorite Elf!" She yelled.
"What?" He asked, his eyebrows narrowing in confusion.
"I mean, the way that Tolkien described you was so elegant and beautiful, but your ten times more beautiful in real life! Oh! Um…I mean…" Ami could feel her face turning bright red, but Legolas only laughed at her. His laugh was heavenly.
"Little Neveth, it is good to see that no illness could stop you from still amusing me." Ami laughed nervously. Just how well did she know this Elf?
"Well, I must go now, I need to freshen up before dinner, but I shall see you then little one." He gently kissed Ami on her forehead before turning and leaving in quick steps.
Ami sighed and watched the Elf's backside, as he walked away, with a dreamy look.
"Damn, he is fine!" She said with a girlish giggle.
"I gotta go tell Nat!" She said then quickly ran off to tell her friend about the handsome Elf.