A Second Chance

Chapter 22

"We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz!"

"Will you please stop singing that song!"

"Oh.. you're no fun Zippy. I need something to doooo..."

"Whatever you do, no singing."

Carl chuckled. "Do you really want her to go crazy, Zippy?"

Miri shook her head. "Emma. We are almost there. Control yourself."

"But... this is how I keep control!" Emma whined, "How much longer?"

"About an hour," Carl said.

Emma scowled. "Remind me. Don't go on two week trips with a bunch of party poopers."

Zippy groaned. "Tell her to be quiet!"

"I am afraid I have no control over the situation, Zippy," Carl sighed.

Zippy scowled and rode ahead, muttering sullenly. All was silent for a few precious minutes.

"Let it go, let it go! I am one with the wind and skyyyy! Let it go! Let it gooo! They'll never see me cryyyy!"

"WILL YOU BE QUIET!" Zippy hollered.

oOo

Emma's eyes nearly bugged out of her head when Rivendell came into sight. Her mouth formed an 'o. Her mind went into overload.

In other words, it was the most beautiful place she had ever seen.

The trees surrounded a beautiful dell. A River flowed by, and marble buildings lay nestled together. Beautiful statues and gardens were strewn throughout. A large waterfall cascaded down the far side and Emma tried very hard not to squeal.

She snapped out of her daze and noticed the others had progressed up the path. She urged her horse into a brisk trot. They reached the large entrance hall and were greeted by an elf. He was tall and had long brown hair. A very cheerful and slightly mischievous grin was on his face.

"Vedui' il'er!" the elf said in a cheerful voice. "What brings you to Rivendell? And all the way from the Greenwood nonetheless!"

"Indeed!"

Emma's head snapped down to the voice that had come from near her left foot and she almost fell off of her saddle.

The elf, who was an exact mirror image of the elf in front of them, grinned broadly up at her, offering his hand, "Elrohir at you service."

"I'm Elladen!" the elf in front of them said petulantly, "In case you wanted to know," he muttered.

Emma giggled and allowed Elrohir to help her down from her saddle. Zippy and Carl hopped off and Zippy walked over to Miri and helped her off of her horse.

"First things first. Are there any tips on telling you two apart?" Emma said.

"I am afraid not," Elrohir said morosely. "Even Ada gets us mixed up."

Elladen grinned, "It's quite fun to mix him up though."

Elrohir nodded vigorously. "Do you wish to see the Lord Elrond? He said that he was available, if you so wished."

Emma's eyes widened, "How... how..."

Carl smiled sympathetically, "Yes, she would."

Miri slid next to Emma, whose mind was still being blown. "Lord Elrond has the gift of foresight."

Emma stared blankly for several minutes before exclaiming rather loudly, "OHHHHH! I get it now!"

"We're going to go over here," Carl called over.