A Second Chance

Prologue

Hearing someone call her name, Belladonna Rose Baggins-Took woke with a start. Her leaf-green eyes examined her surroundings, trying to work out where she was. Bella fell asleep in her chair on the deck of the boat to the Undying Lands, and woke in a strange place. "Frodo?" she called, confused when she heard how strong her voice sounded. "Frodo, are you here, lad?"

"No, my child, he is not here" a rich female voice spoke. Looking towards the direction of the sound, Bella was shocked when she saw the Lady Yavanna, standing tall in a green dress. with an arm around her creator's waist was the Lady's husband, Lord Mahal. Quickly standing, she curtsied, her waist-length auburn ('auburn? it was white not too long ago') hair falling over her face as she spoke. "Lady Yavanna, Lord Mahal. May I inquire as to where I am?"

"My dear child, it is quite simple. You passed in your sleep. 131 is an astonishing age for a Hobbit to reach, and the length of your life was not entirely due to the One Ring's effect." Yavanna spoke, a gentle smile gracing her face.

"Eru has granted permission for you to relive a majority of your life, if you wish. You would be sent back to the day after your 30th birthday, with a list of, ah, suggestions, as it were. My lady wife and I also plan to bless you, should you accept to go back and take this chance." Bella looked at Mahal as he spoke, noting his broad build with an intricately braided brown beard. He reminded her of Thorin a little, with his seemingly effortless aura of power.

"My Lord Mahal," Bella spoke, "I understand why Lady Yavanna is here, as I am a hobbit. However, I am afraid that I do not understand why you are here. I mean no disrespect my lord, and I would love to hear more about your offer if you would tell me." Bella looked down as she finished speaking, in order to show respect for the creator of her friends.

The Baggins-Took felt a breeze as a new figure appeared. Looking up, she saw the Lord Manwë. Bella curtsied deeply, before Manwë spoke. "Rise, Child of Yavanna, for I am here to explain, as well as offer my blessing." Bella rose, looking at the King of the Valar.

"Should you choose to accept this task, you will have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Mahal is here both in his right with you being a Dwarf Friend, and because your actions may save many of his people. I am here as is my place when a second chance at life is given. You will be attempting to change the fate of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, as well as the Fellowship. You will have our blessings should you accept." Manwë explained.

Now, Bella spoke up. "What will your blessings do, my Lords and Lady?"

Yavanna decided to explain here. "My blessing will allow you to talk to animals and plants, as well as give you minimal control over plants. The control over plants will enable you to speed up their growth, as well as allow you to send a message to the elves. My husband's blessing will enhance your strength, as well as give you stone sense. Finally, the Lord Manwë's blessing will allow you to summon a wind, as well as call his eagles to you. Tell me, my child, do you accept your task?"

"Yes, my lady and lords. I will do anything to spare the Fellowship the need to journey across Middle-Earth, and none of the company deserved to die."