For an hour or two I kept on walking through the streets, avoiding the crowds as best as I could. Finally I came upon the old abandoned park. No one ever comes here, not even your common muggers and rapists. So many stories say that it's haunted. I find it peaceful so I come here to collect my thoughts.

I opened the squeaky gate and walked in, closing it behind me. I smiled, strolling along the old cracked path that was once a nice red bricked colouring, now it's grey with darkness. My gloved hand traced the old wall next to it, going over old drawings and cracks that still remained on it. Finally I came to my favourite spot. The old fountain. To this day the water still runs clear as day and makes the old structure look beautiful (pic)

I sat my bag down and sat on the edge. I began to think about what to do from here. I could play my violin for money? Or find a job? The harder I work the faster I can get a place of my own...

Suddenly a snowflake landed on my nose. I huffed a blew it away. Dang it! Every time I go in thinking mode a light coldness comes around the atmosphere...it's a reaaaaaal good thing no ones around here.

"Brrr! My it's quite chilly don't you think?"

I spoke to soon...

I daringly looked up and was surprised to see a tall man in grey robes with a long beard and a staff too. Is he a cosplayer?

"May I sit? My tired feet are getting the best of me" he politely asked. I nervously wrung my hands "u-um if you want to sir" I shyly spoke. He let out a sigh as he sat down "ooooh that's lovely, i thought you'd be at your home residence miss Erica but you were not, it took me a while to find you" he chuckled.

I raised my eyebrow in wonder. He was looking for me?

"I ended up finding your little trail of frost and find you here, your a very tricky one to come by..."

"Uuuum I don't mean to interrupt but who are you and why were you looking for me?" I quickly interjected.

"Why I am Gandalf the grey! And Gandalf means me!" He proclaimed.

......Gandalf......surely this man was joking. He seemed to see my doubt so he lifted his hat and I saw his staff glow. I gasped lightly, finding that I was really looking at the kind face of THE Gandalf the grey! I knew him from the Hobbit movies and books! How in the world is he here!?

"I...wha...I mean..." I stuttered. Gandalf laughed "I know, quite a shock isn't it? You know dimensional travelling is quite an interesting thing, not to mention this....world of yours, but I must say I do prefer middle earth better wouldn't you agree?" He asked

I cleared my throat "we, um yes I think so myself sir" I said.

"Erica my dear! call me Gandalf if you please! Sir makes me sound too old" he chuckled. I let a small smile stretch my face.

"Now I suppose your wondering how I know whom you are, and why I am here" he asked with a wink. I nodded so he began to explain how he ended up here after finding a magical source that was elsewhere other than his own world. He found out it was me and tracked me down obviously.

"I wonder my dear, if you'd be interested in joining in on an adventure with me and some companions?" He suddenly asked.

"Me?" I asked pointing to myself. He nodded. "You may be able to handle your gift better if you accompany me. I shall personally aid you! That is if you accept?" He asked. I looked at my gloved hands then to the surroundings around me. I had nothing left in this world except for myself. I don't need to be here....could this be a new beginning for me?

After a few moments I made up my mind.

"I accept your offer Gandalf" I said with a smile. Gandalf gave me a Kurt nod "you chose well my dear. Let us be off then!" He proclaimed standing up slowly "ooooh these old bones are getting the best of me" he chuckled. I giggled softly and helped him stand straight "ah! Much better, many thanks! Now! Off we go!" He said walking towards the gardens. I picked up my stuff and followed him. We waked through the little forest towards the parks secret gardens.

He me to a vine covered wall and started feeling it "ooooh where is it? I know it's here. Erica! Help me find the door will you?" He asked.

"O-oh! Of course!" I stuttered feeling around for a door. My hands felt scratchy wood "I found it I think" I called. He quickly came over and smiled "you have a keen eye my dear. Move aside please" he said. I moved out the way as he tapped his staff against the door and stepped back. He looked at me "there's no turning back my dear. Once you walk through that door, there is no possible way for you to return" he warned. I held my head high "I want this Gandalf" I spoke seriously. He smiled with a twinkle in his eyes and motioned for me to open the door.

With a tight grip on my bag strap, I turned the brass knob and opened the door to a bright white light....