Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Love Across the Ages (#876)
Author: Krystallin
Chapters: 6

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Alternate Universe (AU)
Description: Joanna is pulled across time to an age when myths were made and legendary heroes stalked the earth. Perhaps love truly can surpass the boundaries of time and space.
Published: 29 Apr 2004
Updated: 29 Apr 2004
Warnings: Minor harsh language
Type: Romance
Characters: Glorfindel;OFC


Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

A/N: Yes indeed, not a NC-17!!! Gasp. I know, I am fainting. Are you?
I wish to say heartfelt thanks to ErlineEsq, who advised me on the translations. And also Devaeriel; though this bday fic is for her, she badgered me so much that she received previews of it as it was written and offered her suggestions and corrections in the usage of Tolkien's works and references. Thank you also to Miriel, for her ever helpful pointer as a beta.

Obviously I lay no claim to any references of Tolkien, or his work, and, I have taken liberties with his characters and setting. This fiction itself however, is copyright to me in the production of it and in the development of plot, and my original character.

Translations of Sindarin:
Yrch = "Orcs"
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Chapter 1

Glorfindel fed the fire more twigs and inhaled the aromatic scent that wafted upward from the herbs that crisped lembas and root vegetables into a culinary delight. He smiled appreciatively and leaned back against the bole of a large cedarwood. He was only several days from Rivendell, and so far he had encountered little trouble. For the moment, the lands surrounding the elvish sanctuary were clear of marauding orcs. He had spotted one or two rangers but had not approached them, as they had seemed bent on errands. He sighed and breathed in the air, feeling with all his senses outward. It seemed peaceful, but Glorfindel was too much the warrior to fully relax, unless he was within the confines of Rivendell, where others might take some of the burden of protection.

He sensed no threat. The food was ready. Lazily, but with the innate grace and beauty of his kind, he moved forward and knelt by the fire, lifting the pan from its bed and placing a folded insulated wrap beneath it. He brought it back to his seat by the tree. Sitting cross-legged, he placed it upon a small, flat topped rock and began to eat. It was a nice change from the dry ration of lembas, Glorfindel had felt unable to have such a fire and meal farther out in the reaches.

He finished his meal quickly, and economically, then placed the pan to the side, to take to the cheery brook nearby to wash. Checking again on his horse, he patted the mare’s white neck with a few murmured words of Elvish and walked around the circumference of his camp checking the surrounds. Just because he was in friendly territory, it did not mean he should dispense with the need for watchfulness.

He returned to the fire and knelt to cover the flames, so that the remaining embers could be brought to life for the morning's meal and then as suddenly paused, his back tense, all senses alert.

By the Valar, there had been NOTHING nearby! And then in that instant he heard a strange pop, coupled with a voice muttering something that did not sound pleasant. It was distorted and to his ear truncated, though truly, when one listened, it was a corrupted form of the language spoken by man.

The voice fell silent and Glorfindel know beyond a doubt that whoever had entered the glen had stopped and seen him. The quality of silence was... he tilted his head, all senses alert… shock and fear. It rolled off the person behind him. His senses picked up the peculiar scent that only a human woman had.

He stood up slowly and spun to face the intruder, wrapping his power around him. He knew he glowed, he made no effort to dampen it. The girl stepped back with a gasp, covering her eyes, but whether it was from seeing him, or the large, purple bruise that seemed to be developing rapidly on the side of her forehead, he did not know.

He sensed bewilderment then, and yet he frowned, surely... why would he sense the feelings of a human?

She was tall for one of their females, almost of elvish height. As she stepped back with her eyes fixed on him, he noted that she moved with the fluid grace of a warrior, one could not mistake such poise, and Glorfindel was a warrior of renown.

He frowned at her and she flinched, then straightened with a show of defiance and tossed her head. Her eyes met his, though the fear in them could not be hidden.

"What are you doing here?" He asked. Her mouth dropped open and she seemed stunned. Glorfindel frowned. "Answer me stranger. What do you do here?"

Joanna was unable to move, not only had she suddenly found herself here, with the beginnings of a thumping headache, but also caught in disbelief, as this stranger's voice wrapped around her. It was light and musical, with a lilt that seemed to mesmerize her, she felt all her defences crumble, to be replaced by a peculiar kind of wonder and peace. If she wanted to be fanciful, it was almost as if she were coming home.

Kind of freaky really. Yet something told her that this was a man to be feared. But then again, only by an enemy. She didn’t think she wanted to be his enemy. She thought that perhaps he would not harm her unless he had good cause.

Man? No not a man. Her breath caught in her throat at the glow that emanated from him. It had to be some sort of chemical, or a trick of the fading light glimmering through the trees. Yet, no man glowed like that. And he was impossibly beautiful, far too beautiful. He had a strong face, with noble lines; a chiselled jaw, straight nose, and his eyes, so blue within blue, that they bored into her with an intensity of life that no human could possibly emulate.

"No. It was not possible."

Her eyes moved to his hair, noting the long gold of it, the sides braided and tucked behind his ears. It would be the envy of any woman, and then her mind registered what her eyes saw as she gazed at his ears.

She could not contain a gasp, definitely NOT a man. She blurted. “An elf! NO!"

"I am glad you know your races." Glorfindel said quietly, with the slightest twist of his lips, which she supposed was humour. He studied her still, his hand on his sword. "What do you do here?" He asked the question again, though slightly gentler in the face of her obvious fear and bewilderment. He was beginning to suspect what may have happened; it was not unheard of, well at least in theory. He had overheard Gandalf and Radagast discussing it during a rare rest in Rivendell. He had paused to listen, and they had invited him to sit with them. A lively discussion had ensued and Gandalf had worn a sly smile, suggesting he knew more than he was disclosing.

"I don’t know." Her face was white. For a moment her eyes crossed, and instinctively Glorfindel leapt forward and caught her as she staggered. His nostrils flared as the contact sent a shockwave though him. It made him uneasy, did she have elvish blood somewhere in her ancestry? It was the only explanation he could think of. But which ancestry? She showed no indication of feeling anything out of the ordinary in his touch. He guided her to a rock where she almost fell rather than sat.

"Where am I?" She asked and rubbed her head again, her eyes clouded with pain.

Again he was rocked by the emotion she exuded, and the question could even have been construed as a statement. She knew, or suspected where she was. By the Valar, what did this mean?

Her clothing was strange, yet she did carry a sword, though it was of an odd make. Long and with a slight curve, with a cylindrical cross guard, which sported dragons, though they were crudely carved. She was dressed in breeches and a strange crossed over shirt, from which he could see another beneath. Perhaps not unusual dress, but the fabric was of a strange weave, and his nose detected scents upon it that were unfamiliar, though they seemed embedded within the fabric, a part of it.

"You are in Middle Earth." He said, watching her closely.

She was silent, staring at him. He was not sure if it was just glazed shock and pain from that large bruise on her temple, or whether she was just stunned by his words. Then her eyes widened in fear and wonder. She swallowed quickly.

"Middle Earth? But… that is just a story." She whispered. "It cannot be possible."

"Perhaps it is." Glorfindel said. He moved to where he had been sitting and took up his pan moving to the little brook nearby and scooping up water. He tipped it over the fire and then raked the ashes to cool. He packed up his gear into the saddlebag, murmuring to his mount with an apology for so little rest. He then turned to the watching woman.

"We will be on our way. I cannot answer your questions m'lady. But I have no doubt Mithrandir may be able to. He resides at Rivendell these last few weeks, and I believe he is still there.

Her mouth dropped open and she looked pale. "Mithrandir? Rivendell?"

"Indeed." Glorfindel looked at her curiously as he held out his hand to her. "You seem to be somewhat familiar with such names?"

"I don’t know. It isn't possible." She said in a small voice and looked at his proffered hand.

"If you will mount my lady, it is still several days travel to Rivendell."

She nodded and took his hand. This time the feeling was stronger and Glorfindel almost flinched, barely stilling such an undisciplined reaction in time. But the woman's eyes flew to his and in that instant, as her eyes met his, the mutual acknowledgement rocked him. But she said nothing, just mounted and Glorfindel mounted behind her, almost reluctantly, for once his calm demeanour shaken.

He brought his arms around her waist and took up the reins. She was warm against him. Despite himself, Glorfindel found himself intrigued by the mystery of this strange woman.

*****************************

Joanna had long passed wonder and gone into shock, moving on automation, she took the man’s… no elf’s! hand as he helped her mount.

He felt real enough though, as his body pressed against hers when he reached for the reins, though she could tell he barely used them, having some other type of affinity for the beautiful animal beneath them. And she could smell a light, spicy scent that carried none of the ripeness of most men she knew. She liked it. She liked him, oh hell, who was she kidding. The ma… elf… she emphasised in her mind, was gorgeous. If this was not a dream, then Tolkien had not done them justice.

She swallowed and some of her fear began to be replaced by anger at this cruel, practical joke.

Tolkien, Middle earth, surely this was an actor and she was in some kind of reality TV show. But it could not be real, definitely not. And well, but, everything looked too real. She had managed to look closely at his ears, there was no way they were latex and glue!

Ok, so no reality TV show then. But in that case, it had to be a dream, that bastard of a fellow trainee knocked her out. Richard was always trying to bully her, he had made it his personal mission to hinder and belittle her since she had turned down his request for a date.

Bastard. God if only she could humiliate him as much as he enjoyed humiliating her. Thing was, he had at least ten years experience on her and he did not hold back, but he only really laid into her if they were alone in the dojo. Joanna had taken to staying later, and training to try to improve her skills. He had found out and this evening, he had turned up with a smirk on his handsome face, but with cold eyes, challenging her to spar with him.

She had refused, but he had come at her anyway and she had been forced to defend herself if she had not wanted several large bruises on her arms and body.

She hated him. And somehow, she ended up here, dreaming. She hoped the bastard was frightened to see her lying still and very pale. Maybe he would be scared if he thought he had killed her. She bet that this elf could give him a hiding though. After all, surely with that glow he was old and... she frowned... it meant he had walked beneath the trees of light. Though she could not remember what they were called. So it meant he was old, because that light had been dimmed in some way. And then she remembered Morgoth had poisoned them.

But it was all just a dream wasn't it? Not real. How the hell had she ended up here? Middle Earth was just a world in the imagination of an old Linguistics Professor right?

She half turned her head towards the elf, absently wondered if she too would glow, being in his sphere of influence. She glanced down at her arm, she didn’t. She looked up at him and he met her eyes with a certain gentle wisdom, the suspicion now dampened.

“What is your name?” She asked.

He smiled then and even if his glow did not touch her, the warmth of his smile did. She held her breath, mesmerised by the beauty and light in his face. She imagined it must be what angels looked like.

“Glorfindel.”

“The Balrog slayer!” Joanna blurted in shock, her eyes wide. She saw the elf stiffen and his eyes harden briefly, looking at her intently.

“How do you know that?”

“I...” Joanna shrank back, feeling a trace of fear but then she straightened. She would show no fear, she was a modern woman, not some medieval damsel. “I read it.”

“Where would you have gotten a copy of our elvish chronicles?”

“I… it’s easily accessible. Anyone can buy the books in a shop.”

“A shop? As in a stall? One of those human market places?”

“Yes.” Joanna said uncertainly. “I.. but not here. Not here.” She finished lamely.

Glorfindel stared down at her in disbelief and a hint of consternation. “Then where m’lady? That such tales should be common knowledge and bandied in books in a market stall?”

“ …I think I am not in my world… This is, in my world, this whole place is a fantasy, it is just words in a book, written by a man called Tolkien."

Glorfindel looked at her and his eyes were troubled though still hard. “Tolkien.” He repeated, sounding out the unfamiliar name. “I do not know.” He finally admitted. “Mayhap Mithrandir will.”

Joanna sighed and rubbed her forehead, feeling her headache grow worse. She must have been knocked out, because it now felt like someone was using her head as an anvil.

She closed her eyes and sighed, creasing her brow in an attempt to erase it.

She gasped as coolness flowed across her brow, the pain melted in the wake of that wave, to then be replaced by a gentle heat that soothed her. She sighed with relief and opened her eyes. For a moment all seemed so much clearer, everything focused, her mind alert. She turned and looked at Glorfindel

"Thank you. I… I didn’t know you were a healer, I had read..." She stopped, realising that she might say something that he would not know. It hit home to her then, how careful she had to be, she didn't even know 'when' she was here, particularly if the tales were true and this was the ancient past.

Glorfindel gave her a sharp, curious look, but merely said. "I am many things m'lady, not only a warrior protector of Rivendell. I doubt that your books captured much information about me. He looked down at her and she was again mesmerised by the light and beauty in his gaze.

Then she dragged her own eyes from his and looked back in the direction they headed. She thought she heard something and the hairs prickled on the back of her neck.

"Glorfindel." She said. She turned to look at him, but she need not have said anything. Glorfindel's body was tense, and the look of alertness on his face, and the flaring of his nostrils, along with the sudden glacial look in his eyes, told her he knew more about the noise than she did.

"Yrch!" He said shortly and drew his sword.

"Fuck." Joanna swore and fumbled with hers, unfamiliar with drawing it on a horse.

"What is a fuck?"

"Ahh never mind." Joanna said and blushed. "I can't fight on horseback."

"They are bigger and stronger than you, I cannot let you down."

"Then I think you had better whisper to your horse and get the hell out of here."

He didn't waste any further words but urged the mare into blurred speed. Joanna squeaked and clutched hard onto the pommel, knowing but still not expecting the burst of speed from an elf steed.

"They can travel only at night." He called in her ear as he pressed her low against the saddle, his body shielding hers. She was acutely conscious of his presence. How did he speak so clearly when she could barely hear or see anything aside from a rush of wind like a tornado in her ears, and the blurring of landscape as it passed beneath the silver hooves of his mare? Yet each of his words was crystal clear, almost like a picture in her mind.

She shook her head and closed her eyes, feeling almost nauseous from the speed of their flight. "How long can she sustain this?" She asked faintly, sure he would not be able to hear her over the roar of their passage.

"We can get enough speed to make time. But I have contacted Rivendell."

How? Then she stopped the word that formed. Of course, he was a high elf, a Noldar. He was strong and he had foresight.

"We have the gift of mindspeech. I have been in contact with them the last week." He said.

Joanna was rocked. She had not spoken her thought aloud. Yet, such an inward exclamation must have communicated itself to Glorfindel. For she felt him suck in his breath sharply, and murmur a word in strange tongue, his voice filled with wonder. He urged the horse faster in a language that was music to her ears and was obviously of the same speech as that single word he had uttered.

"Sindarin." She thought, "But oh god, it's beautiful and also, strangely familiar." Those who spoke it in the movies, though it was lovely, could not have possibly portrayed the true exquisiteness of the language, for they did not have the voice of an elf, this elf.

She closed her eyes then and swallowed, feeling her stomach jolt, the mare had not let up. She stilled the bile that rose in her throat. But, a subtle release of tension in his body above her told her that they had, for the moment, outrun their hunters. The horse slowed and Joanna sucked in a deep breath, gasping for air.

She felt Glorfindel straighten and followed suit. They were still cantering, but the edge of speed was now gone.

"We made many miles m'lady." Glorfindel said, his voice quiet. "Soon we shall be joined with my kindred, they await us only a few miles along."

Joanna nodded and closed her eyes, willing her pulse to quieten.

"May I have your name?" Glorfindel asked again, politely. She looked at him. Was that humour she heard in his voice?

"Joanna."

"Jehanna.' Glorfindel said the name and Joanna shivered, liking the way her name sounded on his lips. He pronounced it with a soft J and a silent h, which added a unique, sylphlike quality to it. She did not correct his pronunciation. Maybe she would adopt it when she returned… if she returned. If she even could.

It was then that she realised she had trashed the idea of this being a dream. It was all too real even down to the returning throbbing of her headache, her parched throat and the rapid jerking of her heart as her pulse pounded in a combination of fear and excitement. And she was conscious that he would smell her sweat of fear and exertion. After all, she had been training before she found herself here. It must offend this beautiful being that sat behind her, she did not even think he could sweat. Certainly she detected no scent from him to indicate thus.

Finally her heart slowed and it was then, as the adrenalin drained from her, that she felt her eyelids drooping in sudden weariness. She leaned back and rested her head against Glorfindel's chest. He didn't move at her action and eventually as the horse continued to move smoothly, lulling her, she could not help her eyes closing as she fell into an exhausted sleep.

*******************************

It was the sound of angels' voices that woke Joanna from a deep slumber. Night covered the glen upon which she lay, the stars winked through the leaves of the trees that surrounded them. She was pillowed on a soft bed of grass, and the music was sweeping through her nerves, soothing, and joyful, and full of a magic that no human could possibly vocalise.

She stretched and opened her eyes, she felt refreshed and her headache completely gone, in fact she felt more alert than she had for weeks.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes, and then they widened at the sight of so many beautiful beings gathered together. It made her eyes water at the beauty. They were dancing, and their voices were light. She could smell food, its delectable scent making her aware of how hungry she was.

Then Glorfindel was in front of her and she gaped. He had changed. He no longer wore the muted forest colours of hunting dress; instead he was garbed in a beautiful white tunic, threaded with silver embroidery. His hair was combed smooth, and braided along the sides and he was… well, she could not describe the way his eyes made her knees go weak. And that glow, it haloed him, emphasising the planes of his jaw, shadowed his high cheekbones. His brow could only be called noble, and he had full lips, that were firm, yet they were curved in a beautiful smile. He looked more relaxed, and lighter somehow, less grim. She swallowed and then she noticed that he carried her food upon a plate, balanced in one hand, and over his other arm a length of silver grey material. She looked at it and then at him with a quizzical gaze.

"You are hungry. And I also brought you a change of clothes." He placed the plate down upon a nearby flat rock and then held out the cloth; it was a long dress, stunning in its flowing folds. She looked at it dubiously.

"But it is a dress."

"Yes. It is." Glorfindel cocked his head looking at her quizzically.

"I can't travel in a dress. It's impractical."

"We are on the outskirts of Rivendell. And it is customary for elvish women to wear dresses in our city."

Joanna felt irritation then. Maybe it was another world, but she was not some subservient woman only here to look pretty, even if what he held made her long to touch it and feel its softness on her skin.

"I am not an elf." She stated flatly. "And where I come from, women can wear what they like."

"It is customary." Glorfindel said firmly.

"Why not give me hunting garb instead?"

Glorfindel's brow creased in puzzlement as he said, "But forgive me milady, it has been my experience that most people would like to appear before the Master of Rivendell in presentable clothes. After all, have I not changed?"

"Yes you have, but you are wearing a tunic. Not a stupid dress." Joanna said and folded her arms scowling.

Glorfindel was at a loss, and it was assuagement to Joanna's ego that she had succeeded in flustering this immaculate and perfect being.

"Then if that is your wish so be it. You are welcome to present yourself in the clothes you wear."

He bowed to her and turned, walking away with the dress draped over his arm.

Joanna watched him go with chagrin. She was beginning to regret her stubbornness, even at the point where he walked away. She felt filthy. She looked at the food and sighed, the smells were too much, and she grabbed the plate and began to eat quickly. The food tasted even better than it smelt and she had to stop, despite her hunger to savour the complex flavours.

They certainly knew how to prepare travel food. She was surprised to see herself finished, but she felt satisfyingly full. She looked around, there was no sign of Glorfindel. And, as she watched the dancing elves, and listened to the music, and looked upon the beauty of their faces, including the graceful figures of some women in dresses, she regretted not accepting Glorfindel's offer of clothing. Anything would be preferable to the uncomfortably hot and sticky clothing she now wore. She shifted and tucked her feet under her, feeling her irritation grow. How rude. He should have known it had just been stubborn pride. Why didn’t he insist? She felt herself growing more and more angry. Typical. Even a male elf acted the same as a human male. Completely oblivious to what a girl wanted. He should have known that if he had pressed harder she would have caved in and taken the dress. Really, he was as fallible as a human male, despite his Ken doll looks. Damn the blond bimbo of an elf, how dare he look so elegant, calm and cool, when she felt like a grubby street urchin, with a dirty face, messy hair and clothes that fairly reeked of day old sweat?

Yet still she felt a stubborn embarrassment and pride that she should have to call him back. She bit her lip, furious as she stewed in a quandary of her own making.

Damn blond bimbo! Gah! Lost in her thoughts she didn’t register his return until she saw a shadow move away from the corner of her eye. She turned and then saw a folded pile of cloth beside her. It was the grey dress.

Damn, he moved softly. She gritted her teeth but this time swallowed her pride and looked around for somewhere where she could wash and change into the dratted dress. Besides she supposed, even if she would look like a horse clodhopping in finery too delicate for her, at least she would be clean and semi presentable, and she was woman enough that she wanted to look halfway decent in a strange city, or rather make that a strange world.

She knew deep down, that this was not a dream. It was for real, and it was a terrifying thought that had her emotions spiralling in a panic.

She looked up startled as a musical voice laughed softly. "Come Jehanna, I will take you to the lake where you might bathe in private."

Joanna met the deep blue gaze of an elvish woman. The pure, delicate beauty of the lady struck her. She blinked. Good lord, how could she possibly compare to people such as these? She felt even more the clumsy outsider as she stood awkwardly, clutching the dress to her and followed the elf. The woman moved silently, her feet seemed to barely touch the ground. Joanna heard her own feet breaking twigs and winced with each loud sound.

Joanna was a confident, modern woman. But next to this elf, she felt as if she were a child, following an elder. And it was not the best feeling in the world.

They emerged upon a grassy bank, which was screened by trees and falling vines. The elf stopped and turned to her. "Here you may bathe in perfect safety. We have elvish guards posted nearby, but none will intrude upon you."

Joanna nodded gratefully and smiled. The elf returned her smile and walked away disappearing back the way they had come with a deft quietness that made it seem as if she simply disappeared. Joanna turned and contemplated the water. It was going to be freezing, but she shrugged and started undressing. Cold was preferable to how she was feeling right now.

She plunged into the water biting back a cry at the coldness of it, but gritted her teeth and moved out to the deeper part, moving quickly till she adjusted. Then she started to rub herself hard, removing all trace of grime and sweat. With a grunted gasp at the shock of cold water she dunked her head, rinsing her hair vigorously.

When she emerged she shivered in the cool air, but she realised that whilst she had bathed, they must have come and placed towels next to the dress. She looked around quickly then dashed out the water and ran to the pile. Quickly she unfolded it and wrapped it around her, rubbing briskly, and then donned the gown. She looked around for her clothes, but found that they had disappeared. She scowled and then stood, irresolute. What now? She didn’t think she could find her way back.

There was movement and then her blond rescuer emerged. "I have come to escort you back to our camp. We ride at dawn. The sun rises even now."

She looked at him suspiciously. Was his face slightly pink? She didn’t think elves blushed. It had to be the light.

"I am ready." She said and stopped. He was staring at her, and there was an odd light in his eyes. "What?" She snapped, then bit her lip as he just raised an eyebrow at her tone.

"You look beautiful in that gown."

She flushed, not expecting the compliment and her fingers clutched the dress. "Too fine for me. I couldn't possibly compare to those women." She waved her hand in the general direction of where she thought the camp might be. "I am not good in dresses, I trip over the hems all the time, and well…"

She faltered as she looked at his eyes and flushed again. He shook his head. "You look beautiful Jehanna. Why not accept such praise? Shall we head back my lady? We have a horse for you of course. You will no longer have to ride with me."

She didn't know what the sharp stab was that filled her. Was it disappointment? Her emotions rioted in a medley of contradictions. There was something about this elf that threw her composure completely out the window, making her resemble a gauche, clumsy imbecile.

Conversely, she began to grow irritated at the being beside her. It just wasn't fair. It was his fault, why did he have to be so perfect?

"Good. I hated being a burden for your mount."

"You were no burden." His voice was amused.

She looked at him sharply, feeling as if he was laughing at her. "Is something funny Glorfindel?"

"Not at all Jehanna. I look forward to you arriving in Rivendell."

Joanna frowned and chewed her lip, not sure what to make of that statement.

The horse they brought for her took her breath away. She was a beautiful bay mare and she seemed to instantly take to Joanna, butting her muzzle against her and snuffling in her hair. Joanna giggled at the tickle along her neck.

"Her name is Vanya Aini, it means beautiful spirit."

"And she is beautiful!" Joanna sighed and stroked her velvet neck. The mare's mane was like silk, its inky black hair slid across her skin.

"If you will mount my lady. Do you need help?"

"No." Joanna said firmly and mounted smoothly, despite the dress. It wasn't as impractical as she had thought, though it hung in elegant folds, it was split in the middle into voluminous pants that allowed her to sit astride as saddle. She settled into it and looked at Glorfindel. "I am ready."

He smiled at her, and the cavalcade trooped off.


Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

Translations of Sindarin:
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Chapter 2

They travelled for a day, yet it seemed shorter, Joanna felt peace and happiness, how could one not when one is surrounded by elves, whose light and laughter were the very essence of joy? The darkness of all time was dispelled by such a race. In Joanna's own time such light was gone. Her thoughts turned bitter, it was a sad day when the elves departed to the West.

"And Glorfindel would, or rather will be one of them." She did not know where that thought came from, but it saddened her. Why it saddened her, she didn't know.

They approached massive walls, and Joanna sucked in her breath at the beauty of the carvings upon it, Rivendell. Again, Tolkien had not done it justice, she doubted anyone could with words. The sheer magnificence stopped her breath, and then the gates opened and they walked through.

It was heaven; it was like no place on earth. Joanna felt tears block her throat, and form hard behind her eyes. Oh why had none of this existed in her world, to remind men of what was beautiful in life?

She could not contain a sniffle and reached up surreptitiously, to wipe her nose, wishing for a tissue.

Glorfindel, next to her, looked at her curiously and with a gentle insight handed her a handkerchief. She held it to her nose and looked at him. He smiled at her, and the very beauty of his smile, and the understanding in his gaze, undid her, as nothing else would have. She choked.

"God Glorfindel, it's so... oh god it's so beautiful. What have we lost?"

She blew her nose regretting that she had to soil the beautiful linen of the handkerchief. She balled it in her fist and steeled herself. She would not show weakness, she would not appear before the Master of Rivendell with a red nose and swollen eyes.

The city was in eternal autumn, leaves fell softly to the ground, and the scent of flowers perfumed the air. There was an air of tranquillity, peace and joy, but also a peculiar regret. It filled her, and she was loathe to keep hold of her resentment, feeling it drain from her.

Then a tall man in a purple robe approached, his dark hair held back by a simple band. He moved with authority and grace, his face chiselled, yet calm. His eyes were wise, and ancient. Joanna had no choice but to drop her gaze before that of Elrond, Master of Rivendell, for he could be none other.

"Jehanna, you are welcome to Rivendell. We have much to speak of, do we not Mithrandir?"

Joanna lifted her head and turned her gaze to a tall man beside Elrond. Impossibly tall, but his face reassured her, it was old, craggy, but it had wisdom stamped on it. It had to be Mithrandir or as was more commonly used, Gandalf.

"This is indeed an interesting turn of events Elrond. I must take Joanna aside and talk to her. It is unheard of, it is… amazing." The wizard said, his eyes alight with interest and curiosity.

Elrond nodded and then turned to Glorfindel. "We must talk warden." His eyes were troubled.

Glorfindel nodded and turned to Joanna. "Go with Mithrandir, for he is the one you need to speak too. I shall come to you later."

Joanna nodded, looking at the elf before her. His gaze was disturbed and he seemed preoccupied. Something had passed between Elrond and he. Joanna stilled her curiosity and turned to Mithrandir, who held out a weathered hand toward her.

"Come Joanna. We need to talk."

She wondered how the wizard knew to say her name as she did, and not as the elves pronounced it. Damn she hoped he would have answers, for the elves seemed completely at a loss.

The wizard led her to a stone bench and sat her down. She stared at him as he pulled a pipe, filling it thoughtfully and then sat next to her, sucking on the long stem with a distant gaze.

"Well now, this is a turn of events my girl. I had never thought to see it happen again."

"Again?" Joanna was startled

"Yes, the last time we had a visitor from the far future was a good few years ago now.

Joanna looked at him in wonder. "Tolkien?"

"Aye indeed. Tolkien." The wizard puffed thoughtfully, then looked at her from beneath beetled brows. "How did you end up here?"

"I don’t know. I… one minute I was sparring and the b… ahh the man I was sparring with was giving me a hiding." She touched her head and winced, though it no longer hurt. His gaze studied her but he stayed silent, listening. "And the next minute I am waking up at Glorfindel's camp site."

"Interesting. Tell me about your parents, your family."

"What has that to do with anything?" Joanna asked sharply.

"It has much to do with everything."

"I don’t know about them. I was adopted." She said it shortly. "Obviously I was not wanted, so I never bothered to find out about them."

"I see." Suddenly he leaned forward and peered into her eyes, then reaching up to take her hand, studied it minutely. She frowned and would have pulled away, but he held her with a stronger grip then expected. Finally, he sat back and his eyes were speculative as he looked at her.

"You carry the trace of them."

"What?" She asked blankly.

"You carry elvish blood Joanna." And he began to point out tiny similarities, the length of her fingers, the way her ears turned up with the barest hint of points. She blushed, she had always hated her ears. He pointed out her fine features and arched eyebrows that she had never had to pluck.

"And finally, you have rarely tripped or fallen have you Joanna? And are you not proficient at hand eye coordination activities?"

"Yes. But that hardly means…"

"And have you always had the feeling that there is something more? Do you love the land and nature? Do you sometimes fancy you can feel it?"

Joanna stopped and stared at him. Then she burst out. "But this world is not my world!"

"But it is Joanna. It is."

She felt dizzy and clutched the bench. "No, it would be in our history. Nothing in the books tell of elves, it is all fantasy and myth. I mean I sort of suspected, and I had read that some theorised it is, oh I don’t know."

"What do you think history is?" The wizard's eyes were amused as he regarded her over his pipe. He removed it from his mouth and continued. "Tolkien came to this world Joanna. He was a regular visitor, and he moved through time. Yes he saw events unfold, both now, in the future and the past. It is complicated and I do not fully understand it myself. Only one with foresight can have any inkling of how this might be, and mine is negligible at best. I also suspect that he was of Istari descent. Not all the elves will go west, and some peredhel will chose a mortal life. I cannot say more, I do not know more, but I am certain you are one of the descendants of those whom stayed. Your blood has been diluted, but it is there nevertheless.

"I am nothing like these beautiful beings!" Joanna's voice was trembling.

"You have rarely been ill have you Joanna? Growing up, you seemed resistant to many of the diseases other children had? You did not injure yourself when you fell? How old are you?"

"Twenty nine."

"And yet you look twenty."

"That is different, lots of people look younger than their age. It's called moisturiser and cosmetics and face-lifts. I am fit, I …."

"It is the elvish magic in your blood that opened the gate to this world, that called to your distant kindred in a time of need. It pulled you here, though only the Valar know why." He shook his head gently. "Now, our main concern is to get you back. For you have arrived in dangerous times, and to be frank, I cannot devote the time to your safety. I have other obligations away from Rivendell. We must find a way immediately to send you back, failing that, you must stay here until we find a resolution."

"I don’t need to be babysat." Joanna snapped. "And…" She hesitated not sure how to say she was not sure if she wanted to go back. Her thoughts turned to the beautiful blond elf that even now was in council with Elrond and confusion again reigned. She did not think she wanted to leave just yet. She wanted to know more, she wanted to see, and she wanted… she stopped unable to finish that thought.

"I am sorry, but you cannot stay here Joanna." Joanna started and looked at the two approaching elves. Elrond was the one who spoke, with a peculiar regret. "You must return. Danger walks close, and soon there will be companions arriving." She sat up straight and looked at the Master of Rivendell and beside him stood Glorfindel, looking solemn and grim. Her eyes fixed on the golden lord's features and she felt a sharp stab of pain. His own eyes were without expression, she could tell nothing of his thoughts, yet she fancied she saw a hint of pain, fiercely hidden.

Then as suddenly his head lifted up, and Glorfindel gasped, his gaze wide and unseeing. "I must go."

Elrond nodded his face too filled with consternation. "Go now, he cannot fall into their hands. IT must not!"

And then Glorfindel was gone. She heard the beating of hooves and saw a flash of white arrow out the gates.

"Where is he going?" She felt a sharp stab of fear for the elf, her heart leaping hard in her chest.

"He goes to save the Ringbearer." Elrond nodded to her and turned, walking away as if deep in thought.

Joanna's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to exclaim but Mithrandir's hand fell on her arm. "You must say nothing." He said softly. "You can say nothing. You must allow events to follow their path."

"I… " Joanna bit her lip and stared at the wizard.

"So now you see why you must return Joanna. You cannot stay here, it is too dangerous for everyone." Mithrandir repeated.

"Then how?" She whispered in defeat, feeling a sudden loss. She was not sure if it was that she had to leave this beautiful place to return to her own, mundane existence, or the fact that she would no longer look on the beautiful, arrogant, insufferable golden being that had come to her aid.

She was worse than a little girl with a crush. She bit her lip. "What must I do?"

"We will need Glorfindel's aid, and that of the elves. I believe fear and panic ignited your magical response to escape, but I do not think we can recreate that. We need someone with powerful magic, and the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower will be enough, for he was there, mayhap his presence also enabled you to gate, for where he moves, power truly does gather."

Joanna nodded and swallowed. "Will I be returned back to the point at which I left?"

Mithrandir nodded.

"Great, so I will continue to have my ass kicked by that bas… by Richard."

"We will see what we can do about that." His eyes twinkled.

Joanna couldn't suppress a grin. "Imagine his face if Glorfindel appears beside me and gives him a walloping?"

"I do not think that Glorfindel would be averse to doing that somehow Joanna. But it may not be in the way you expect."

She looked at him sharply and her heart leapt into her throat. But he was gazing out at the distance with a small frown on his brow. "I don’t think he would mind doing that at all."

Joanna swallowed, her heart in her throat and her pulse raced. She turned her eyes toward the direction she saw the elf leave, and wondered. She knew what was to happen, but it did not stop her fearing that perhaps Tolkien had taken liberty with events. The nine were formidable and they had all the power of the dark behind them. Glorfindel, though powerful, was just a lone elf.

She gnawed her lip, feeling overwhelmed and helpless. The wizard was right, what could she do here, besides distract them all from their task? Or let slip her knowledge of events and then, somehow with such a slip, change the outcome? Perhaps even change something so subtle, but enough that Sauron would win? With a heavy heart she turned to the wizard who watched her with an understanding and sympathetic gaze.

"Very well. I guess we had better go as soon as is possible."

"Yes, if all things go well, a council will be held, they cannot be diverted from the task at hand. So you see, it has to be this way Joanna. But still, you will have some days to rest here. I should imagine it will take time for Glorfindel to find Frodo and his companions." The wizard's face was worried. Joanna bit her tongue on the verge of saying something. She knew how long. Nine days. And then, that would be it. Unless there were delays. Then a thought occurred to her.

"But doesn't Glorfindel sit in council meetings? You said we will need him." A few more days then. She thought. But how could she be so confused over a man, who was not even a man? Hell, he wasn't human. And, she had only met him a few days ago. Yet now, she longed to see him. And also, she would now have to bear the brunt of knowing how much beauty there could be, or had been in her world, and yet return to her mundane existence, as if nothing had ever happened to change her life.

"It shall not be for some days yet Joanna. I do not know when Glorfindel will return, or in what manner."

Joanna sighed and nodded. Her stomach rumbled. And she pressed her hands against her stomach. It seemed paltry, but other urgent needs arose.

"Ahh… Mithrandir? Where do I go if I need to go to the loo?"

"The what?" The wizard looked perplexed.

'The.. ahh…" Joanna searched her mind for an archaic word. "The privy?"

"Oh! Ahh yes." He cleared his throat and showed her where to go, his face slightly pink. When she had returned he said. "They will be serving dinner soon Joanna. I believe they have a room for you, I will take you there so that you might wash and freshen up."

"Thanks. I need it."

Mithrandir gave a slight smile and guided her towards a distant building that was as stunningly worked and carved as the rest of the city.

She discovered another dress laid upon the bed. It was worked even more elaborately and she realised it was more a court dress, rather than the travelling dress she now wore. She sat on the bed and fingered the material wonderingly, then bit her lip in regret. She wanted Glorfindel to see her in this new finery, but he would not. The elf was out there in the wilds, possibly facing nine black riders and death, no matter what the professor wrote, and well, she did not know why she should feel like this, or why the mere thought of that elf should make her pulse jump hard against her skin.

She let the fabric fall to her lap and stared out at the beautiful landscape, not really seeing it, but only a handsome face that tugged unfamiliar chords of feeling within her.

She shrugged then. Why was she so worried? Goodness, she was in a world most people dreamed of, with an adventure that no one would believe, and she was worried by the fact that a pretty elf was not able to see her in a dress?

"Way to go Joanna, for shallowness and stupidity."

She shrugged and stood up looking around for where she might bathe. There was the sound of water in the next room and she went toward the sound curiously. She gave a deep sigh of bliss when she saw a living pool of water, fed by underground springs. She stripped dreamily and stepped in sighing at the feel of silken water flowing over her skin with a slinky caress. She lay back and smiled, enjoying the rare opportunity to relax.

Then she opened her eyes in sudden surprise. Why was she not feeling the temperature? She brought her hand up to her forehead, it was dry, no sweat. But she could see the steam rising from the surface of the pool. By all rights she should be sweating. She swallowed, feeling trepidation rise.

Oh god, what if Mithrandir was right? Bloody hell, this was surely not happening, it couldn't possibly be true. This was way too weird.

She climbed out hurriedly, looking back at the pool as if it were something dangerous and then donned the finery. Standing still a moment she looked around then found a brush. Undoing her hair, she combed it out, letting it fall straight to her shoulders. She would have liked to braid it the way she had seen several elves do, but it was beyond her skill. She had never been one to play with her hair in styles, and she had no sisters to do it for her.

She sighed and then put the brush down, deciding to leave her hair as is. She sat back down on the bed, at a loss as to what to do next.

The polite knocking on her door saved her however. She called permission to enter and stared at the two, identical dark haired elves who entered. They were smiling, and their eyes were alike in warmth and humour. By the stamp of the Master of Rivendell's features on their face, she surmised they were the twin sons of Elrond.

"Greetings Jehanna. Father asked us to meet you and escort you to dinner."

She could not help staring, then wenched her eyes away, unable to escape the sudden familiarity of them. Especially the one on the right, who was also wearing the traces of a puzzled frown as he cocked his head and looked at her.

The other bowed. "I am Elrohir, and this is my brother Elladan. We are the sons of Elrond. It is a pleasure to meet you Jehanna, and I have to admit, you are of great curiosity to us."

"Thanks, I think." She said and smiled, aware of how flat her vowels and speech sounded. Then she blushed, as her stomach growled loudly.

"You have a strange accent, but it is interesting." Elladan said. He smiled and bowed too, a mirror image of his brother. "Come, we will take you to dinner Jehanna."

"Thank you." She stood up and moved forward, liking the way the fabric of her dress swirled around her ankles, yet was not too heavy that it felt cumbersome on her frame.

Then she stopped as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her eyes widened. "Is that me?" She blurted, then flushed, feeling foolish, but unable to tear her eyes away from what she saw.

She looked so different. Her eyes appeared larger, and against the elegant lines of the dress, her skin looked so much paler, and her hair, it seemed richer somehow, and it fell softly to her shoulder blades. She raised her hands to the planes of her face, was it slimmer? Her cheekbones more pronounced? Had her eyes always been that rich brown? Hardly Elvish, but she reached up and tucked her hair behind her ears. Here, in this dress, in this place, she looked at her ears. They did have the suggestion of tips. Her hands caught her gaze, she did have long fingers, and they did move with a certain grace that she had never noticed before. Somehow being here made her acutely conscious of all her body movements. She was tall too, the dress only enhanced her height.

She let her hand fall again and turned to the two brothers, her eyes wide. They stood watching her in surprise and curiosity at her behaviour.

"Is something wrong Jehanna?" Elrohir asked.

"No. I…" She could not put her feelings into words.

"You are truly beautiful Jehanna." Elladan smiled at her, and she could not help but smile back at his unspoken understanding. She liked him. He held out his arm. She took it bemusedly and they escorted her from the room.

********************************

When Joanna had read Frodo's and Bilbo's accounts of supping at Rivendell, she had visualised it, she had heard the music in her mind, the joyous laughter that a room full of elves could produce, but she could have never described the reality of such an event. It was like one of those dreams, where one floated through a fairyland of light. It ached her heart to think that such as this would eventually disappear, and the earth would be poorer for it. Perhaps if the elves had stayed, then humanity would have been less inclined to fall to the dark ages. Perhaps humanity would have been less inclined to war and famine, perhaps the elves would have reminded humans of what was good, but then again, perhaps they would have been slaughtered out of envy, greed and blind ignorance by those they would be trying to serve.

The building where they ate was light and airy, a cool breeze fluttered through the pillars, the water was sweet and clear, flowing down one's throat with refreshing lightness and warmth. With every sip of the brew she felt refreshed, warmed and tranquil. The food was of fruit, small skewers of flavoursome meat and all manner of roots, yet it filled her as few meals had, but without the bloated feel one would have gained from a large plate. And then, as they sat upon soft pillows, she felt tiredness overwhelm her as music played and soft Elvish voices lifted up in both joyous and poignant ballads. Sindarin flowed through her, wrapping her mind with teasing familiarity, she felt that if she listened hard enough, she could almost understand what the words meant. Elladan and Elrohir sat beside her, and Elladan was translating the words softly, in a singing voice that lulled her as much as the musicians.

Then his voice stopped and she opened her eyes suddenly as another presence sat down beside them.

"My Lord Elrond!" She stuttered and sat up straight with wide eyes. But he was genial, and smiled at her gently, his face seemed less stern, though the signs of worry were still evident.

"Hello Jehanna. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I have no words to describe how wonderful it is here. If only we had such in my time, your people are a race that could even now teach us much, the earth was darker, when you le…" She stopped.

"When we left. Yes." Elrond said softly, a note of regret in his voice. "But we know that the time of men is coming, even now our power wanes. In the height of our age, this place would be an eternal summer, yet now it is eternal autumn. But all things must pass, even elves."

"But not all will leave." She said softly and looked at him.

"No. Not all will leave." Elrond's voice was sad and Jehanna bit her lip, remembering that his daughter would stay, as would his sons beside her. She held her tongue, on the verge of saying such. He looked at her though, and she saw the knowledge in his eyes.

"Yes, some will stay and some will marry mortals, which is where you come in Jehanna. There is no doubt you carry our blood within you."

"I… " Jehanna swallowed and slid her eyes to the twins who were listening intently, but seemed to show no surprise.

"I know Mithrandir said so…"

"You do. And if you will permit, I would like to test you, and perform a small form of magic so that we may ascertain from whom your lineage descends."

Joanna swallowed and her eyes widened. "You can do that without DNA Testing?"

"DNA testing?" Elrond's brow frowned in puzzlement.

"It's a form of testing now done in my world, where blood is taken and studied, the make up of it, of us all are by genes in a chained molecule. The structure of such chains, which can be examined with the aid of a lens that focuses and magnifies the tiniest particle a thousand and more times, can be compared to another's blood and if they match, then paternity or maternity is determined."

"It sounds wondrous magic."

"It is not magic, it is science. The science of machinery and tools."

"To us, to those of this world it would appear as magic, as much as our ways would appear magical to you Jehanna. But, the test is of similar principle to an extent, yet we do not draw blood. We study the particles that make us as we are, melding it with spirit and the memory of our deepest consciousness.

"Oh." Joanna didn’t wish to reveal her ignorance and admit that she had no idea what he meant, but suddenly she felt the desire to know. She looked at Elrond who was watching her. "I will take the test."

The Lord of Rivendell smiled then and nodded. "You should rest soon, it has been a long day. We shall do such things in the morning."

Joanna nodded and swallowed suddenly nervous, but then a hand squeezed hers and she looked at Elladan gratefully. The elf's eyes were warm. "It does not hurt Jehanna."

"I did not think it would Elladan." She replied.

He nodded, squeezed her hand again lightly and stood. "Do you wish to retire now?"

Joanna fought a yawn but nodded. He smiled and escorted her back to her quarters, leaving Elrohir deep in discussion with his father.

"Goodnight Jehanna, may the Valar watch over you."

"Thank you." Joanna smiled at Elladan and entered her room, closing the door behind her. She stumbled to the bed, amazed at the exhaustion that enveloped her. She barely managed to slide the dress off before she fell onto the soft divan, sinking into a deep sleep.

The next morning, it was the sweet sound of birds, and the musical flow of Sindarin, that heralded Joanna's walking. Yet she was awake, suddenly completely, but without that sudden alarm that usually accompanied abrupt awakenings. It was a beautiful feeling and she smiled, feeling at peace as a pleasant lassitude and sense of wellness permeated her.

She turned her head and her eyes widened. Elrond sat beside her bed, and his face was pensive as he studied her, with a certain sadness, and yet a peculiar contentment.

She sat up and stretched, looking at him. He merely said. "It is time, if you feel ready?"

"I do." She smiled, truly believing that and swung her legs off the edge of the bed. Elrond stood. "You have some day clothes besides you on that chair, please meet me in the library, and my study."

"I will." Joanna said and smiled. Not that she knew where the library was.


Chapter 3 - Chapter 3

Translations of Sindarin:
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Chapter 3

It was lunchtime when she emerged from Elrond's study, feeling wrung out as never before. It had not hurt, but the concentration, and the sensation of elvish magic passing through her, and the intense meeting of minds had shaken her. She made her way to a stone bench and sank on it, closing her eyes a moment to gather herself.

The revelations had had been astounding and the subsequent discussion had only added to her awe and bewilderment.

She was Elladan's grand daughter many times removed.

Looking at Elrond's face she had been hit by the stricken expression upon it, and was even more so glad she had never mentioned Arwen's fate, for the Master of Rivendell knew now, for certain, that he would lose one son, Elladan. She dare not say that he would also lose the other son.

She rubbed her temples and sighed, and then looked up as a body sat next to her, the quality of silence made her turn towards the Elladan. The elf opened his mouth to speak. "I…" For once he was lost for words.

Joanna gave an uncertain laugh. "Yeah. It's strange. Two days ago, I did not even know that such as this existed for real, and now, I find I am an integral part of it, part elvish, or peredhel, as you call it, and…" Her voice trailed off and she swallowed, swearing softly. "Damn. This is unbelievable shit."

"What is shit?" Elladan said.

Joanna shook her head. "It doesn't matter Elladan. You really don’t need to know." She said wryly. "I'm sorry, I just cannot call you grandfather. You look younger than me."

"I don’t want you to!" The elf actually looked horrified at the thought and Joanna smiled.

"Then I won't."

They fell silent and Joanna closed her eyes listening to the melody of the land around her, she was starting to already feel in tune with the ebb and flow of nature. She sighed softly.

"It is a good thing, to be an elf." Elladan said softly, his voice pensive.

Joanna opened her eyes and looked at him. With sudden insight she said softly. "And with what you know now?"

Elladan was silent, his gaze distant, his face troubled. "I do not know Jehanna."

"What if…" She stopped then continued softly. "My very existence might have a bearing on you now. What have I done?"

Elladan turned to her and smiled. She looked away quickly and down at her hands, realising they had clenched into fists.

His hand reached out and rested on hers. "You have done nothing Joanna, whether you be here or not, it is, will be my decision to make. One cannot choose falsely, the fate of a peredhel."

"But now that you have seen the consequences of your choice…"

"You will understand Jehanna, when it becomes your time to choose."

"I… what? Choose? Me?" Joanna looked up at him in shock.

Elladan just smiled and then looked up at the approach of another. It was Elrond. The younger elf stood and bowed to his father, before clasping him on the shoulder and turning to Joanna. "I will leave you with Elrond. He will be able to explain further Jehanna."

Elladan walked away and Joanna saw Elrohir approach and touch his twin's arm. Elrond sat down and was silent, but she felt his presence acutely. One could not ignore the Master of Rivendell.

Finally he spoke. "So you are of my blood Jehanna. I both rejoice and weep. Rejoice that my line continues, that I can look upon you, and know that my blood is in you, and that you are one of my beloved descendants. I weep that it must mean the sacrifice of one of my sons to a mortal life."

"I did not wish to bring you pain milord. I do not even how I came to be here. I… it is a shock to me, to learn this about my past and myself. I was adopted, I never knew my true parents."

"That saddens me, for we cannot know what happened." Elrond sighed and then looked at her. "You have lived a mortal life." Elrond fell silent and then he looked at her and she was shocked to see a deep sadness in his eyes. "And you can continue to live a mortal life, if you so choose."

"If… I don't understand milord."

"Call me Elrond." The elf fell silent. "As a peredhel, and because you are now here, you possess the life of the Eldar, yet only whilst I remain in Middle Earth. When I do go west, there is a decision that my children must make; to either stay, and become mortal, or go into the West with their kindred." He paused and then continued softly. "I know now what choice Elladan will make."

Joanna was silent, biting her lip. She could not tell him. Her hands twisted and instead she asked. "And now I must make the choice? Though I come from the future, from a land where elves do not reside. A world where I was born mortal. How can it work? How can I choose to go back? What would happen Elrond, if I chose to become elfkind, yet I do not belong in this time? Would I be sent back as an elf? To live forever whilst all those around me die? Or would the choice be taken from me?"

"I do not know child. I truly do not know. This matter is unique." Then the Master of Rivendell stood up decisively and smiled at her, holding out his hand. "But enough of this talk now. It is a time to rejoice for one of our young have returned, and I wish to show you what is your heritage Jehanna. Come."

Joanna smiled, feeling her mood lighten and she stood up, taking his arm.

The next few days passed in a blur, and if there were odd moments of sadness, they were eclipsed by the delight Joanna felt in everything Elvish. Her wonder and awe as she saw for herself their skill, and their beauty. Each day a desire grew in her, to live this life, to learn it, and her own world seemed ever more drab, and dreary, so dark and full of pain. Some part of her knew it was purely the city of Rivendell, that outside, dark forces moved, and that the blond elf, whom she was missing more every day, was out there in the thick of it, in danger, yet still the yearning persisted.

It was on the ninth day of her arrival in Rivendell, when her thoughts had turned more and more towards Glorfindel, wondering if he was safe, that she began to grow restless. Her attention often wandered, and Elrond had finally murmured something in Elvish and left her to her own thoughts. She now sat upon a stone seat and let her mind wander.

Even though she knew Glorfindel would be safe, or at least, had read that he returned safely, she still could not stop the worry slowly gnawing at her. Such thoughts disturbed her; it was all very well fantasising about him, and she had enough, that her friends teased her mercilessly. But now she had met him and to know that he was real, and to know that he was vulnerable to arrows and swords, that fate had changed with her very arrival, hell yes, it did worry her.

Glorfindel was so much more than what was said about him, and he was still a mystery. There was a hardness to him, and she could not deny that it excited her, but she also knew that he had within him that joy of life, that light that not only filled him and shone outward, but that she knew coloured all around him. Would it shine in her world? Could she even ask it to?

She snorted then and gripped her hands together. Who was she kidding? She couldn’t stay here, and he sure as hell could not come back with her.

That turned her mind to the choice. One she had never, in her wildest dreams thought she would have to make. It was the stuff of fairytales, and fairytales just did not happen to people like Joanna.

Startled calls for Elrond made her jump up and run towards the gate in time to see a group of elves descend upon a white horse. Her heart jumped into her throat. It was Glorfindel's horse but he was not on her! Panic clutched her chest, threatening to choke her, and then she saw the bundle upon the mare's back as it began to topple. The elves caught the burden and rushed it to the house of healing. She saw Elrond walk into the house with calm urgency and shut the door behind him.

Joanna stood undecided, biting her lip, and yet something urged her to follow Elrond. She approached slowly, hesitated with her hand upon the door, then, taking a deep breath stepped in. She could not explain the call, she shut the door behind her and stood watching her many times grandfather work his skill upon Frodo.

On feet that did not seem her own she moved towards the bed, trembling at the sight of the frail hobbit, so waxy he looked, his eyes rolled back and nearly white, his face drawn in lines of horror and suffering. She averted her eyes from the glint of gold around his neck. With faltering steps she moved around to the other side of the bed and knelt, looking at Elrond. His eyes were unfocused, his entire attention caught up in his task as his lips moved soundlessly, yet she could hear the echo of him within her mind and the room. She took up Frodo's hand, flinching at the icy limpness of it, and then reached out and lay a hand upon Elrond's, as it rested on the hobbit's forehead.

The Master of Rivendell's eyes flew open in shock, focusing on her. She smiled silently. It felt natural to do this, she closed her eyes and allowed Elrond to use her strength and vitality and joined with him, lending him all the healing desire that filled her, that seemed to have awakened here in Rivendell.

*********************************

Glorfindel sighed wearily as he led the remaining hobbits into the safe haven of Rivendell. Showing them to his rooms, he allowed the weary travellers to rest, gesturing for the other elves to care for them and made haste towards Elrond. His news could not wait, the nine, and thus Sauron knew Frodo had the ring.

And he needed to know if the ringbearer had survived. Had to know. The use of magic upon the Ford of Bruinen, had let him deal with the filth of Sauron, but still so much hinged upon the small being, whom Glorfindel could foresee, shaking the world with small, furry footed feet.

Then he stopped and his eyes widened as Joanna stepped out from the house of healing. He could not help but be amazed and a feeling, one he thought he would never feel again, welled up in his heart. She was beautiful. She looked different, her hair hung long and straight, the thick, dark strands reached her mid back and was held back by a thin circlet of plated metal. Long graceful folds of deep burgundy fell to her feet, trimmed with silver. His eyes moved to her face, noting her arched eyebrows, her ears, now revealed by her hair pulled back behind her ears, showed just the faintest hint of points.

For the first time in many years Glorfindel was stunned. He had not foreseen this. Had not foreseen such… she was Elvish. As Elvish as he, no matter the human blood mixed within her. His heart thumped and he swallowed, rooted to the ground.

And it hit him then, as his mind registered what she wore, what it said about her lineage.

Then she saw him, and the joy that spread across her face, unbidden, and unknowing made him gasp and his heart lurch peculiarly in a way he had not felt since... he stopped as another revelation shook him, since… Idril.

She was running to him with unabashed exuberance and flung herself into his arms wounding them around his neck. "You are safe!!" And then she blushed and stepped back in confusion.

She was still human enough to colour then, but Glorfindel did not mind. In fact he found it entrancing upon her features.

"Yes." He sighed wearily. "The ringbearer?"

"He is recovered." She smiled at him and her eyes were alight with a peculiar joy. “Grandfather was able to save him."

Glorfindel blinked, taking a moment to register that by grandfather she meant Elrond.

"Grandfather?"

"I am Elladan's granddaughter many times removed." Her voice was filled with wonder.

Glorfindel was rocked, knowing instantly what it meant, and he thought of Elrond, his heart aching for his friend, for he knew that Elrond's offspring would stay. He could foresee the love between Arwen and Aragorn and thus Elrond's daughter's most likely choice. And now, here was living evidence of Elladan's decision. Elrohir would not leave his brother.

"I am amazed." He said quietly and looked at her. "You look beautiful Jehanna."

None of the elves said the variation of her name the way this one did, and as it rolled from his tongue she shivered. Her blush deepened and she lowered her eyes, her fingers nervously fingering the elegant folds of her dress. "Thank you Glorfy… Glorfindel."

He politely declined to comment on her slip, as she flushed again. Yet strangely he did not mind that she seemed to have shortened his name within her mind. It warmed him.

"I must see Elrond." He said.

"Of course. He is with Frodo and Mithrandir."

Glorfindel smiled and moved away, feeling a strange reluctance to leave her presence. He was conscious of her eyes, fixed on his back as he walked to the building that housed the hobbit.

The next few days were a flurry of activity and Joanna found herself almost forgotten and at a loss as to what to do next. Glorfindel often visited her, but he was distracted, his face troubled. She so wanted to tell him what she knew was to happen, but she couldn't, and it galled her. But with each visit, and each piece of knowledge they shared about each other, she felt herself grow more and more aware of him, until he was constantly in her thoughts.

Thus, today, she sat upon a stone bench, trailing her fingers in a pond that eddied into a water garden from the river Bruinen. She stared pensively at her wavering reflection as the water rippled through it. She still marvelled at how she had changed, and even now, her thoughts dwelled more and more upon what would happen, she would be returning soon, and her heart ached.

They were in the council, deciding the fate of the ring. Her gaze was troubled as her thoughts moved onward. At least she knew Glorfindel would not be fighting in the coming battles, but he would be leaving to go west and thus be gone forever.

She was not sure if she would be too. Was she ready to give up everything in her life? She had friends, she had people who cared for her. They would worry, they would mourn, thinking she had disappeared, most likely murdered with her body dumped in some deserted back lot.

She bit her lip, feeling herself torn. And what would happen? Would she continue to live an elvish life? If she made the choice, and she suspected that perhaps she already had, on a deeper level, if she returned, would it still be as it was? In the modern world, the entire globe had been explored. There was no West, at least not in the sense of Middle Earth, or if it was, it was hidden in another realm. But even so, would she be doomed to live forever? She would live a fugitive way of life, moving location when whispers began to circulate about her youthfulness. She would live to see those she loved dying around her. She would keep herself distant, afraid to love, knowing that she could not tell them the truth.

And yet, she felt a duty and obligation to her life in the mundane. And truly, would she be happy in the West? It was a vague nebulous location, she had no idea what awaited her there. Tolkien had always been vague about what it was, what it meant. And she was not a true elf, she did, in reality only have a trace amount of such lineage.

Would her choice even work, if she made such a one?

She shook her head feeling confusion reign. There was murmuring however, which distracted her thoughts and she looked up to see a group of men, elves, dwarves and hobbits emerge from the place where Elrond's council had sat. The elves looked worried, she noted the men with them, unable to still her curiosity. So here they were, all in the flesh. Her eyes moved to Aragorn, but he did not approach her, instead he moved off and she saw a tall dark haired elvish woman in the distance, Arwen. She turned her gaze to the other man and sucked in her breath. His gaze was focused on her and he approached her with a curious and familiar look on his face, one men, no matter where they were, seemed to adopt when approaching a woman. She knew she would provide an intriguing question to him. She looked human, but wore elvish clothes. He really was quite handsome close up. Not as beautiful as Glorfindel, but still very attractive, besides she was a modern red-blooded girl. Hardly as if she was attached, why not flirt a little?

The man smiled. "Hello. I am Boromir of Gondor."

She sucked in her breath and then smiled. "Hi. I'm Joanna."

His face creased, as he looked at her. "Your accent and speech is strange m'lady. You do not then reside here?"

"No, I am…" She paused. "…visiting." She finished lamely.

"I see." She saw him studying her and knew that glint. It was the glint of interest. "You appear human m'lady."

"I am human Sir Boromir, but I do have elvish blood within me."

Boromir grinned and sat down. "Indeed, and beautiful as well. But I do not think you need the elvish blood to be beautiful."

Joanna blushed. Well one thing for this place, a girl could never have a complex about the way she looked. Everyone seemed to be complimenting her. Perhaps modern men could learn something from these people.

"Thank you." She felt at a loss of what to say. And therein lay the problem. She knew this man, well, she knew his fate and meeting him made it less of a story, and more a reality. This man was going to become a pincushion, all for the sake of that small ring. She felt a strange ache in her heart as she looked into his clear and noble eyes. He truly wanted to help his people and it was that desire that was exploited. Yet his interest in her was evident, who was she to deny him this small source of enjoyment, knowing what he had endured with his father, and what he will endure upon the journey ahead?

Why did she have to meet these people? She could never look at Tolkien's works again with this knowledge. She almost wished it was a dream, that these people were just imaginations, but they were as real as she, hell, she was a part of them as were all humans in her world. All doubt had now been erased. It was far too vivid and logical to be a dream.

“May I ask why you visited milady?” He smiled at her and she felt her own interest quicken. She smiled back.

“It is more an accident than anything else. But I met Glorfindel upon the road, and he escorted me here. It is a very long tale.”

“I am not going anywhere just yet Joanna.” His lips formed her name strangely. “That is a name I have not heard before.”

"It is common where I come from.” Joanna smiled.

Boromir laughed, a full, genuine laugh that warmed his face, crinkled his face and lit his eyes. “You are determined to be mysterious.”

“It is not by choice Sir Boromir.”

“Just Boromir Joanna, just Boromir.”

"I am not even sure as to where to start Boromir." She smiled at him as he bent his head towards her to pay attention.

"How about the beginning?"

She laughed and choosing her words carefully began to weave a semi true, though embroidered tale.


Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

Translations of Sindarin:
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Chapter 4

Glorfindel rubbed his hand across his brow wearily as he emerged from another conference with Elrond, and the elves that had come from both Mirkwood and Lothlorien.

He stopped, an unfamiliar surge of something akin to jealousy shocked its way through his system as he saw Joanna in conversation with the human from Gondor. He studied them, noting the way she smiled up at him, tilting her head, and from Boromir's posture, it was evident he found Joanna very attractive.

What troubled Glorfindel the most was the fact that he should feel such a strong emotion regarding her. He shook his head, yet found himself moving towards the couple.

"Jehanna, Boromir. I see you have made each others' acquaintance."

"We have Glorfindel." Boromir smiled warmly at the woman and Glorfindel had to again hide the sudden feeling that surged through him.

It was petty, and he was almost ashamed, but for the first time in his life, Glorfindel exaggerated the truth. "Jehanna, I must speak to you regarding our travels within the next few days. Your people will be worried about your absence."

Joanna looked at him startled, then gave an uncertain smile. "Very well Glorfindel." She stood up and then impulsively leaned forward to touch his arm. She smiled at him. "It was a pleasure to meet you Boromir. May you have all the luck of the Valar watching over you, and may your journey be blessed."

She almost choked on the last words, knowing that his journey would be far from such. She swallowed then, feeling a strong surge of emotion, which she subdued suddenly, in some way sensing the abrupt stiffening of Glorfindel's body in response to her thoughts.

"The pleasure was all mine milady." The man actually looked slightly pink and Joanna smiled, letting him see that she did consider him an attractive man and perhaps if circumstances had been different she would have gladly flirted further with him. His look was surprised, then turned regretful, and a wry smile graced his handsome features. He nodded to her and took the back of her hand, kissing it, as if she truly were a lady. She smiled again and murmured a soft farewell before turning and walking away from him, to fall in beside Glorfindel. She was conscious of the man's gaze on her back.

She gave the elf a puzzled frown. "Is something wrong Glorfindel?"

He was silent a moment, his face thoughtful in its repose. "Why were you suddenly so distressed when you said goodbye to him?"

Joanna stopped and looked at him, her eyes wide. "How did you know that?"

Glorfindel looked at her soberly. "I sensed it."

"But how could you do that?"

"I don’t know Jehanna."

Joanna looked away then and picked a flower from a nearby bush, fingering the soft petals absently and bringing the bloom to her nose, inhaling the sweet scent. "When do we go?"

"The sooner the better, events are moving fast, and we are all in danger."

Joanna nodded and then as suddenly rubbed her face, feeling her distress rise. Then she felt Glorfindel's arm on her elbow as he guided her to her room and sat her down upon the divan.

"What is it Jehanna?" His voice, soft, sympathetic and understanding, made her no longer able to hold back the sudden tears. So perhaps she was not so elf that she could not cry. She sucked in her breath as Glorfindel's hand reached out and he gently wiped away her tears with a thumb. "Jehanna?"

She rose her gaze to meet his; unable to bear the concern in them, that seemed to wash over her, along with another, gentler emotion that she was suddenly unable to face. "He is going to die! It is going to take him and he is going to die!" The words were wrenched from her. "Oh god, how can you stand it Glorfindel? Knowing what will happen, and yet having to say nothing, but let fate take its hand? It's not fair, why would I be here? If I could prevent it…" She covered her face with her hands.

"But you cannot. You can only prepare for it Jehanna. Every action has a consequence, and sometimes, things must happen in order for events to move forward. You were not sent here to right wrongs, or change fates. Only the Valar know why, or if that not be the case, it could perhaps be your fate, to learn about this, to bring back just a bit of our light to humanity."

"And god do we need it." She said bitterly. "Glorfindel, you cannot know just how bitter our history has been. There have been so many wars. There has been so much pain and suffering caused by the cruelty of men. Hell we have even created biological weapons to wipe out entire races. We have hunted species to extinction. We have logged our beautiful virgin forests that have been there ages, to build fires to fuel our engines in order to strip the land even further. It is Saruman only on a global scale. It is the orcs, ravaging the land..."

The words poured forth and she knew she was revealing too much. She met his gaze again, and his answering expression was agonised but tender.

"It is a lesson men must learn no matter how many eons it takes my Jehanna, and no matter how much the world may suffer."

"And I must return to that drab, dreary world when there is so much for me here, even the promise of perfection, and a chance to live forever. So many seek that elixir in my world, and here it is given me, on a platter, for me to choose."

"Thus it is your choice, it is who you are, you can no more fight that than the forces of nature."

"We seek to bend the forces of nature to our will and in the process destroy it."

"Nothing can destroy Nature, it always finds its way to rebirth Jehanna. Trust in that if nothing else. But everything must pass, including the elves. Thus we return west.

"At what cost?" Joanna wiped her eyes and then smiled tremulously. "I'm sorry Glorfindel. You don't need this, not with what is happening, and what will happen."

"We are prepared as much as we can be Jehanna. Do not fear for us, or for me."

She dropped her gaze from his then, but sucked in her breath as he tilted her chin upwards with one finger. "You ARE concerned about what happens to me." His voice was full of wonder.

She could not lie, but nodded. "Yes." Her voice came cracked.

"Don't be."

"I can't help it."

Glorfindel sighed and then his voice was soft. "Perhaps it is the way of the Valar." He spoke almost to himself, then looked at the woman beside him. He could not fully give his heart, for he knew he would lose her to her world, and he could not tie himself again, for this time, he would have nothing to bind him to life, for his duty would have ended, with the elves' retreat from Middle Earth. "But who am I to turn the tides of fate." He murmured then, for he knew that as inexorable as the tides, was his growing feeling for this woman, though the future of them together was unclear.

His hand moved to cup her cheek and Joanna raised her eyes to his. Glorfindel leaned in and without conscious thought placed his lips gently upon hers. He pulled away and then looked at her with a troubled gaze. "I have no foresight of this."

Joanna closed her eyes, feeling her body thrum at the touch of his lips on hers, a feather light caress, but there was nothing subtle about the sensations that coursed through her at his touch. She sighed and opened her eyes to meet his. And then infinite sadness filled her and she swallowed against a thick throat as she saw the answer in his eyes.

"I must return." She said it softly.

"And I must help you." His voice was calm, but she would never forget the brief flash of pain and grief within his gaze.

*******************************

Joanna could not describe her feelings, they had all gathered to see the companions off on their quest, and looking at them all, Joanna had felt a sense of wonder and dread, knowing what they would encounter. And yet, seeing them was surreal. She met Boromir’s gaze and smiled warmly as he looked at her with an almost wistful look. But, she could only meet his eyes for so long before she had to look away as a terrible sadness filled her.

Finally the company left and she was alone with the elves and giving a silent farewell. She turned to Glorfindel and knew that the goodbyes weren't over. The last few weeks had been remarkable and though she had only known him less than a week, for he had been absent for a lot of the time, the thought of returning without seeing his beautiful face ever again, tore at her.

She could not understand how something like this could happen so quickly. Surely, it was all just part of the glamour of being here, in an unusual place. Dare she trust her feelings?

Elrond approached them and his face was regretful. "Jehanna, you and Glorfindel must set out as soon as possible, for it will no longer be safe for you here. The ring is abroad and the dark forces will be moving throughout Middle Earth. Even Rivendell will not be completely safe."

Joanna nodded, her eyes moving instinctively to Glorfindel, but his face was calm, showing no expression aside from the slightest tightness of his jaw, so infinitesimal that many would miss it. Not Joanna however.

"I think perhaps it is best if just I and Joanna continue back to where we met. The smaller group we are, the least likely we are to attract attention."

"But also an easier target." Elrond said sternly. "I do not wish to lose a granddaughter, no matter how distant."

That raised a lump in Joanna's throat and she had to look away, swallowing the sudden tears.

"I will let no harm come to Jehanna."

Glorfindel's quiet words were full of conviction and they made Joanna's heart leap into her throat as her eyes flew to his face. However, he was not looking at her, but rather, with a steady gaze, at Elrond. Something seemed to pass between them, too quick for Joanna to catch, but Elrond nodded, though his gaze was thoughtful and worried.

"So be it Glorfindel."

The blond elf nodded and turned to Joanna. "We leave tomorrow morning Jehanna."

She was not sure whether she heard pain in his voice, or whether it was her imagination. But she nodded, feeling her heart grow heavy.


The next morning dawned clear; the morning sun cast its golden rays across the still and hushed landscape, bathing the buildings and vegetation of Rivendell in gilded, autumn splendour. Light heralded the early song of the birds as they stretched their wings from their slumber and lifted their heads to thrum their throats in an ode to another day. The crisp morning air filled Joanna as she rose, yawning and stretched, her mind alert.

Then she remembered, and the beauty of the morning paled against the sudden darkness and sadness that welled up within her. Today was the day she was going back. She swallowed then, feeling tears prick the back of her eyes.

Glorfindel, this was the last time she would see that golden elf, the being that caused her whole body to thrum to its own internal rhythm. The being whose lips she could still feel pressed against hers in tentative passion, but which promised so much more, if only the tresses would be unleashed.

She shivered. If only… she stopped that thought. She knew in her heart of hearts where her choice lay. She did not belong here, no matter how much she wished it, and she could only bring danger to those she was beginning to care for.

Beginning? No, she was kidding herself. She already cared for them, more than she had ever thought possible. Which was why she had to leave them, leave Glorfindel. Her heart caught. It was impossible that in such a short time she had grown to love him. She could admit that now, she did love him, but it could not happen. It was impossible.

The object of her thoughts approached, once more dressed in hunting garb, and looking as magnificent dressed in the humble gear as he did in his lordly robes. Joanna herself had dressed with a now practised ease, whilst lost in her thoughts, and she too was attired against the early morning in typical elvish hunting garb, a cloak over her shoulder and her own clothing in a pack upon her back. She carried by her side an elvish blade; given the choice of such a blade to her cheaply brought katana, it had not taken a genius to work out which blade she should take. Needless to say, her other blade was tucked away along her back and the new sword belted with pride at her waist.

Two horses were led forward as Glorfindel approached, his face sober as he looked at her. “And so now we begin to say our farewells Jehanna.” He hesitated on her name and she wondered what he had been about to say before he had corrected himself.

“Yes.”

They looked at each other silently, then Glorfindel said softly. "The day continues its pace in time Jehanna, we must mount." He looked away and mounted his mare gracefully. Joanna followed suit and they rode out the gates. Joanna could not resist turning in her saddle for one last look at Rivendell, feeling regret and pain rise. "Goodbye Grandfather. I shall never forget you." She gasped as both Elrond and Elladan responded in her mind with regret and sadness, and an abiding love. Tears welled up in her throat and she could not stop them trickling down her face. She turned back to look ahead into the wood before them, conscious of Glorfindel's sympathetic gaze. She flinched slightly and then relaxed meeting his eyes with her own anguished ones as he lay a hand lightly on her arm.

She nodded and smiled tremulously. "I will be fine l… Glorfindel."

"I know." He said with a peculiar certainty and they continued forward in comfortable silence.

For the next day and a half, they encountered no trouble, and together, alone, they talked about any and all things. With every hour Joanna felt herself fall hopelessly for the elf she rode with and the glances he gave her, the way their eyes locked, and the deep grief that she sensed when they talked of her return told him he too felt the same. It was bittersweet; it was heartbreaking, yet uplifting and joyful that they finally acknowledged what lay between them. Then, the night before the day whereby they knew they would reach the place of their beginning, they held each other tightly, no longer able to deny the tie between them. Together they breathed of each other, shared each other's bodies, joined their souls into one and wept that they should be parted so soon, and so hard. But then there was hope, that perhaps in the far distant future, they would meet. For he would not die, though he would go west. He talked of it to her; the possibilities that he would live forever and he knew when she lived. He could return for her, bring her home with him. Perhaps they were not completely lost. They talked of their wishes, their hopes, but as morning dawned, the reality of their parting grew darker and again they wept, desperately joining, consummating and melding their love with the desperation of lovers soon to be torn apart for eons.

Thus they rode to their point of meeting, and a deep silence was between them, the shoulders of their horses touched, and their calves rubbed together as they rode close. They were approaching the campsite. Glorfindel looked at Joanna as the signs of tread indicated the presence of the orcs, their footprints stayed long upon the earth, as their very presence befouled it.

"And so the moment approaches melathamin."

"Yes." Joanna's voice was husky, and barely intelligible as it thrust past her closed throat. "Glorfindel." She said then, and her voice was filled with pain as she looked at him, their horses halting in the clearing. "This is it." Her voice hitched and she felt great tears flow down her face.

"My Jehanna." He brought his horse close to her, and leaned forward to trace her face with a light, loving finger. Joanna closed her eyes; her lips parted with the surge of love and desire that rushed through her. She felt his lips touch hers and she groaned, half sobbing as she let drop the reins and coiled her arms around his neck, parting her lips, and desiring more. The elf deepened the kiss; she could feel the heat of their love wrapping around them.

"Glorfindel... oh god my love, I can… I cannot… I have made my choice, I must…"

And it was then that they heart the harsh grunts of beasts in the foliage, the roar of attack and suddenly their horses were dancing in fear, and they were torn apart. Joanna gasped, and screamed as she felt cruel hands pull her from the saddle. She fell, crying out Glorfindel's name as her hands groped for her sword. She did not know, could never say how she drew it, but her sword was in her hand and she hewed at her attacker, almost sobbing with fear at the foul breath as it flowed into her face, and the hot splash of blood as it fell across her hand. She staggered back, aghast at the hideous being before her, her sword was black with orc blood, and the beast's head was tilted impossible back, his head half severed.

She glanced around and saw Glorfindel besieged; they had gone for him, drawn to his light, to his heritage, their hatred strong and their fear deep. They sought to slay the one of whom they knew, to their deepest being, was their epitome, and thus they hated to see what they once were. In their minds was destruction of such knowledge and memory.

"Glorfindel!" She screamed his name, feeling panic and fear explode within her as she leapt forward, her mind a haze, wanting to move to his defence but then she felt a surge rush through her, and a shot of power that made her stagger. With horror she realised just what had happened, what was happening. She had created a portal.

She could not move as the vortex that swelled around her gained momentum and force, the gravity pulling her back away from her love. She reached forward vainly, struggling, but her body was immobilised by time. The last thing she saw was Glorfindel's anguished face as his gaze turned to her, one hand reached out towards her, utter grief in his eyes as he realised what was happening, and the raised, ugly sword above him as the orcs took advantage of his distraction.

"Behind... GLORFINDEL!" But she was unable to see, did not know if he even heard her, for the vortex sucked her into its maelstrom of force and she was helpless against its tide.


Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

Translations of Sindarin:
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Chapter 5

Joanna felt the cry of anguish falling from her lips as she stumbled, returned to her world. The gate closed, mending as if the tear in time had never occurred. Her arms were outstretched, her eyes blind to all else as her mind was filled with the terrible image of Glorfindel receding from her, the orc sword raised above his head as he turned to her, the look in his eyes as she was torn from him. It was her fault! She had caused this and now he was dead, and then she had distracted him, and he was DEAD! She felt a keen loss, a wailing deep in her mind as something shattered and her heart turned to dull ice. It filled her and she almost sank, ready to die from the grief that was white-hot agony within her. But then, she saw Richard.

Richard's face was white as he staggered back, his mouth gaping like a fish to see Joanna standing before him. She felt a savage surge of triumph that melded with her grief, causing her mind to explode with hatred, rage and a deep pain. She grinned at him with feral menace. Here was someone/something she could hurt. She could not defend her love from death, for she had truly lost him. She had nothing to live for, she needed revenge and here was the man she could exact it upon. She did not care if she faced the death penalty, it was preferable to knowing that her love was dead, and there would be no return. To live forever, without him was not an option. She hoisted her elvish blade, baring her teeth. She knew she looked outlandish, dressed in her hunting gear, with her hair braided elvish fashion. She didn't care. It was enough to see the bewildered shock on his face. Only the Valar knew what he was thinking at that moment, to have seen her disappear and then reappear as she now was, in the split second when he had knocked her down.

"Try that again Richard, you sodding bastard." She hissed, "This blade isn't dulled, and I am not going to let you bully me ever again you pathetic wimp. Just because I refused to go out with you? You are a coward. But I am ready to face you. No more will you abuse me. I know what love is, and now I have lost it. There is nothing to live for but to see you dead on the end of my sword!"

His face went flat with rage. "Then face it, because I have only been playing with you Joanna. Nobody damn well fucks with me, and you made one big mistake when you said no. This time I am not going to hold back. Love? You have no meaning of it."

"You have no idea Richard. How could you, human filth? I think it was not a mistake, but what the fates decree slime. So bring it on." Her eyes blazed. She had a heritage that far surpassed this worm. She hissed and held her blade en-guard, watching him alertly and circling his position.

He snarled and suddenly he was on her, his blade moving faster than she had ever seen or even thought him capable of. She was able to block many of his strikes, though some glanced through her manoeuvres to land hard bruises upon her limbs, and one particularly hard knock numbed her thumb so that she felt her wrist weaken. She gritted her teeth though, managing to get one or two of her own strikes in at him, but they were negligible at best. She was at a disadvantage, and even her rage and grief was not enough to carry her against this attack. Then so be it! She would die by his sword and join her lover in death, but god, Richard would pay as he killed her. She was losing this fight, and from his feral grin, he knew it.

Yet still, despite her resolve, fear filled her. He was serious and this time, she knew he would kill her. There was a wild look in his eyes and as her rage died, as grief slowly took over that rage, she sobbed, stumbling backwards as he slammed his full body weight into her. Her sword went skidding across the mat to fall in a clatter upon the wooden floor at its edge. She was unable to prevent overbalancing, though she managed to break her fall, rolling to the side barely in time to avoid the down swing slash of his blade. She heard the heavy thump of the edge of it into the mat. Her fear and the beginnings of panic gripped her but she knew if she gated, she would only see her lover dead, his beautiful eyes staring up at the sky as the orcs violated his corpse, the light within him extinguished forever, and it was her fault.

Richard was not going to stop; he was honestly trying to kill her. She welcomed the thought of death.

Yet still, something within her rebelled that she would give up so easily, let this bastard win. In her mind, he was no better than those beasts, so what if he were human? He was a monster. She moved to pull herself up, but she also knew that she would not be quick enough to avoid his next strike, she had severely strained her elbow in the fall and her hand had now gone completely numb. Her breath caught in her throat, she could feel her pulse hammer as she turned to try to block the next, down swinging slash of his blade with her arm. But then the sound of metal on metal rang through the room and she looked up with a rush of relief that ended in a sob that turned into disbelief and a dizzying, paralysing joy.

Glorfindel stood there, his sword raised, blocking Richard's blade and moving lazily in circles, leading the man's blade away from Joanna. Yet the grace of him belied the dazzling speed of his movements. Joanna crawled away from the combatants watching in a daze as Glorfindel circled Richard like a cat with his prey. Against the beautiful blond warrior, Richard looked like a squat, swarthy mongrel.

He was alive!

This time it was Richard who had fear in his eyes; his mouth was slack and his face ashen in the face of this stranger.

Joanna felt a sudden surge of triumph and exultation as she watched, her fear draining from her to be replaced by savage satisfaction, mixed with her wonder and elation that her love was alive.

"Methinks that milady does not deserve such treatment, human dog." Glorfindel's voice was beautiful, soft, and menacing, with an edge of coldness that lapped the dojo with ice. Joanna shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, but watched avidly, her aching body forgotten in the face of this tableau.

Oh god, her love was alive! She felt warmth return to her body, melting the ice that encased her heart. Her Glorfindel was alive!

"Lady?" Richard sneered.

Glorfindel just smiled then said again, softly, but who would have known that such a beautiful voice could carry so much danger? Joanna felt the love suffocate her. "Care to pit yourself against a master, rather than one whom is not equal in skill? How good are you truly?"

Joanna could not contain a hysterical laugh as Glorfindel allowed light to leak from him in a gentle glow and he flicked his hair back over his shoulder, blatantly revealing his sharp, pointed ears. But it was his stance, the grace of his movements and his confidence that screamed warrior far more than his strange appearance that showed itself to the man before him. "You will not harm melathamin. Such filth as you are not fit to lay one hand upon my melethrilamin."

"Freak!" Richard hissed and leapt at him, his sword arching in fast, complex patterns. Glorfindel blocked them effortlessly looking almost bored as he danced on his feet. Beside him, Richard was clumsy, his movements slow. Then, quick as lightning the elf moved in and with a few thrusts and sharp parries, had Richard against the wall of the dojo and disarmed, and his sword pressed against the man's throat. Joanna saw the tiniest trickle of blood from where the edge pressed. Richard's eyes widened and rolled in sudden fear, his face paling even further.

"You are not even a challenge. Yrch fight better than you." Glorfindel said in disgust and stepped away. He grabbed Richard's arm, throwing him hard across the mat. For a slender body he had much strength and Richard slammed into the opposite wall to slide down to the ground, groaning and reaching up to finger the tiny nick on his neck.

"Touch Jehanna again human and I will make sure you will not live to see another day." Glorfindel said calmly and this time made no attempt to hide his glow, letting it shine forth in all its glory.

Richard stood up slowly, his eyes turning to Joanna in hatred and then to Glorfindel with a twisted leer on his lips, though his face was sickly in the golden light of the elf.

"I heard she likes freaks. What better one than you? What happened to your ears? Mother crop them as a baby? Or were you just born deformed? What's with the Halloween glow?" Richard laughed harshly, though Joanna heard the faintest of trembles in it. He said harshly. "I am well rid of the stuck up bitch anyway." He spat on the floor and left the dojo quickly. Despite his show of bravado, Joanna could see that his shoulders were tense, and his jaw was clenched, in what she knew was fear.

The door slammed behind the man and Joanna sagged onto a bench feeling reaction set in and felt the peculiar heave of her chest in aftershock. She lifted a trembling hand to her face and winced, as pain shot through her arm. She tried to flex her fingers and groaned.

And then a familiar presence was kneeling before her and Glorfindel had taken her arm and was murmuring softly, light glowing from his fingertips. She felt the pain ebb and gave a sob of relief, raising her eyes to meet the elf's. Looking at him, she allowed her love to show, the admission that she wanted him with all her body and soul.

"Glorfindel… but how? Oh god, my love, my love!" She could not contain her hands as they wrapped around him and she covered his face in kisses. "Oh god, you are alive! I saw the orc; I saw his sword above you and you were looking at me. Oh god my darling. I thought I had killed you! I was ready to die. Oh god I wanted to give up my life to escape the pain…" Her breath came in ragged sobs as she clung to him.

"I heard you melamin. I heard your last words and he was the first to die upon my sword. As you can see, I am alive."

"Oh God." She could not stop her trembling.

"It is not my time to die Jehanna, it was not then, and it is not now. I knew I would be with you in the end, I did not know how, but I knew, though to see you taken from me, almost caused me to break."

And when Joanna had calmed, and she lay in his arms, feeling again the comfort and essence of his love she was finally able to ask the question that came to her. A question asked in wonder, joy and trepidation. "Does this mean you are now mortal?" She held her breath in fear of the answer.

Glorfindel smiled. "No Jehanna. I am not mortal."

"Then how? I… but I chose to stay, to come back. I am mortal, aren't I! How can you be here for me? Only to watch me grow old and die?"

"The Valar are allowing you your choice again. I did not ask why they granted my request, but am simply grateful that you have been given the opportunity. For it was not your choice to be sent back in time, to be sent to Middle Earth. And thus also, you were taken from me before your choice, remember my love? You were on the verge of saying it when we were attacked, and then the vortex opened and you were pulled back. It is only fair that you be allowed to choose now. And also, in my mind, the normal laws of Elrond's children does not apply to you. You were neither here, nor there, for your fate belonged in this world and time. And yet, you were also exposed to our magic in Rivendell which had made you grow, and brought out your abilities as an elf, thus allowing you the choice whilst Elrond yet dwelled there. You are simply, unique my Jehanna. Personally I think the Valar just did not know what to do, and got sick of my doggedness, and so they allowed you the choice."

"I don't understand, but how… what are you doing here? I mean… how?"

"I waited for you melamin."

"You…" Joanna felt her mouth drop open in shock as she whispered. "You waited? You waited thousands of years for me? Here?"

"For you to be born, for this moment in time, yes Jehanna. I returned from the West for you. To bring you home with me, and if you will not, then I will reside here. I must say it has proven interesting. I returned on the eve of your birth and have watched you since." He smiled. "The world is not as dark as you had described. There is much beauty still in this world, and in humanity."

"But…" Joanna stared at him unable to absorb what he was saying.

"Do not try to understand it my Jehanna, for I have not done so, only that it has happened, and I am now here, with you. And the Valar have granted my request to allow you the choice of returning with me."

"But why… oh god Glorfindel. So long for you!"

"What is time to an elf?" He said simply, though she could see the memory of pain and grief in his gaze, the endless sorrow he had felt, as he had to wait. It arrowed through her and she sobbed, impulsively wrapping her arms around his neck and letting her tears soak into his shoulder.

"Oh god Glorfindel. I will go anywhere with you. I would go with you into the West. I would go with you to hell rather than lose you again."

"Jehanna." Glorfindel's voice was vibrant with joy. "Hell is not a pleasant place, I have been there. Melathamin, now we are complete."

"Forever my Glorfy."

"And forever it will be my Jehanna."


Chapter 6 - Epilogue

Translations of Sindarin:
Melathamin = "My Love"
Meleth - "Love"
Melethrilamin - "My Lover"
hervess nin - "My Wife"

Epilogue

Glorfindel looked at his mate as they stood upon the wharf, on a deserted beach and looking out to the West. It was a magical night, the beach was deserted, and the moon hung full and heavy, shedding its silver light upon the dark sea, highlighting a path that stretched forever.

Their path to the Havens.

Glorfindel said softly. "It is time hervess nin."

"I am ready." Jehanna said firmly, her face clear and calm. She had said her farewells to all that she cared for several days ago. She felt an exultation at the freedom and peace ahead.

They both looked out as a mist rolled across the endless water and then suddenly a ship was there, its timbers creaking gently. A plank extended and a slender figure moved towards them. Glorfindel moved forward and clasped the being's arm, murmuring his welcome. He turned and held out his hand to Jehanna who stepped forward with a high head and a beautiful smile. She took his hand unhesitatingly as they stepped onto the plank and aboard the elvish ship.

"Say goodbye to Middle Earth Jehanna."

"I said my goodbyes already meleth. She turned her back to the shore and looked out West. "I am ready to face the future with you."

Glorfindel chuckled and they stood on the prow looking out to the horizon. He pulled her closer to him by sliding an arm around her waist and lay his cheek upon the crown of her head. She sighed, turning her head and lifting her face up to his.

"I love you Glorfindel."

"And I love you Jehanna."

His head lowered and their lips touched with the binding of eternity.

The End.
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