Chapter 2

My eyes opened and I looked up at an unfamiliar ceiling, reminding me that this wasn't a dream. I was really in Middle Earth in the Elven city of Rivendell. I sat up and looked around at the room that was more like a luxury suit at a high end hotel. I sat up in the bed for a few minutes and I heard a knock on the door. "Yes?"

The door opened up and it was the elf who escorted me to my room last night. Penneth if I remember right. "Good morning, Samantha. I hope I did not wake you."

I smiled at her and shook my head, "No, it's okay, I was already up."

She nodded and gave me a small smile back. She was very calm and graceful. I've assumed that all elves are like that. "I am here to help you get ready for the day. I have drawn a bath for you and require your measurements for a gown. I will also have your current clothing sent off to be washed."

I looked down at my clothes, they were the only thing I had that was from my home. As long as I got them back, I wouldn't mind them being washed. I was probably a stinky mess as well and needed a bath… but having someone help me? Never had that before…

I nodded and stood up. Penneth led me to a bathroom and motioned for me to get into the tub. She wasn't turning around and watched me expectantly. "Umm… do you mind turning around?"

Penneth smiled in understanding and turned around to give me privacy as I undressed. I took off the hoodie and pants and underwear and hopped into the tub. There were bubbles and the water was room temperature as I slid into the water. "Okay, I'm good."

The elf turned back around and reached for a bar of soap. She lathered her hands and began to scrub my head. It felt weird to have someone wash my hair, but at the same time, she did it so gently I couldn't help but relax. This was nothing like going to a salon, I can say that much. When Penneth was done washing my hair she allowed me to scrub the rest of my body on my own.

I had the feeling nudity didn't bother her, though it was extremely embarrassing for me. It reminded me of middle school gym class. When I rinsed off she gave me a thin cloth robe to wear. After I put it on she looked me up and down. "Oh my, I was told you were a young lady, though I see now you are much more mature. May I ask how old you are?" She reached for a ribbon that I assumed was to take my measurements.

I was confused for a second but then I realized my hoodie probably had hid all of my curves. I had always looked younger than my age. On my 16th birthday I was mistaken for a 12 year old. And even now people tell me I can pass for 15. Usually it was the boobs and butt that gave it away. "I'm 20. I have a baby face, so I'm not surprised you thought I was younger."

She motioned for me to raise my arms, "I see. Lord Elrond and the Prince will be surprised. I'm sure they thought you were only a babe." She stated as she finished measuring.

"Well compared to you all I am, aren't I?" I questioned.

"Yes, though you are Human and not an elf, so at the age of 20 you are most definitely a Lady." She reached toward the door and turned to me, "I will take you back to your room and I will be back shortly with a gown for you. After that we shall fetch you something to eat."

I nodded and was lead back to my room where I spend my time looking through a book I found. I had no idea what any of the words said, but the pictures were pretty cool. Pretty sure it was all about weaponry and armor, because that's what all the pictures were of.

Half an hour later I heard a knock and Penneth entered with a beautiful blue dress in tow. I usually didn't wear dresses, but man was it pretty. I stood, ready to get out of this robe. I'm glad I had some help to get dressed. I would never be able to get all the ties on my own. After the dress was put on I was given a pair of soft leather shoes. I walked in front of a mirror that hung on the wall and took a look at myself. The dress was elegant but simple. It was a blue color that really brought out my eyes and made my already light skin seem lighter. My shoulder length red hair was still a little damp, but it was beginning to show some of its natural lift and curl.

Penneth smiled, "I thought you would look good in this dress. The blue really brings out your eyes. It compliments your hair as well. I have not seen many humans with this shade of red."

I touched my hair and nodded, "Thank you, it is pretty rare from where I am from as well."

She nodded, "I take it you must be hungry? I will take you to the dining hall where you can eat."

The thought of food made me focus on the empty feeling in my stomach. "Food sounds amazing right now." I stated as I followed her out of the room and through several corridors. I looked around and was even more amazed by the scenery than when I arrived. I didn't think I could ever get used to the beauty here.

The dining hall was large and several elves sat at tables full of food. I noticed there was no meat, only fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and bread. I sat down at one of the tables and Penneth sat across from me as I began to grab some food before shoving it into my face. "You must have been very hungry." Penneth said with a grin.

I only nodded and focused on eating. The last thing I had was a lunchable and yogurt. Not that they would know what those are, but it wasn't much. Once I had eaten most of the grapes in front of me, along with the carrots and cheese and bread, I looked up and studied my surroundings more.

As I looked around I noticed a familiar elf walk into the dining hall. Legolas. We made eye contact and I waved, offering a smile in greeting. His eyes sparked with surprise before walking toward me and my companion. "Hello, Lady Samantha." He greeted before sitting down a few feet away from me.

I waved my hand at him dismissively, "Don't do that, just call me Samantha. And Hello to you too, Prince." I knew I had called him by his first name last night, but I didn't know how the other elves would perceive it if I showed such disrespect. I didn't want to become hated.

The corners of his lips perked up, "Alright, Samantha, I expect you slept well?"

Other than crying myself to sleep, yes. "Yes, the bed was very comfy and Penneth has been a great help." I gave the lady elf a smile and a nod, which she returned.

Legolas nodded and looked at me seriously, "Lord Elrond requests your presence. I should also let you know that a man named Mithrandir is here as well. He arrived during the night and has heard about your sudden appearance. It makes him curious."

I gave a short laugh and looked him in the eye, "Believe me, I'm more curious and confused than anyone else here." Okay, that might not be true, but I was as clueless as a puppy. My mind settled on the name he said, Mithrandir. The name was so familiar and yet I couldn't place it. It was frustrating that I couldn't remember some main key points of the story.

~3rd Person POV~

When Legolas entered the dining hall, he was surprised to see Samantha in a beautiful blue dress. Unlike when he first met her, he could tell now that she was much more mature than he first thought. The dress hugged her middle and flowed loosely below the waste. He was almost embarrassed he didn't notice before.

He looked down to his side at the girl walking next to him. When he had mentioned Mithrandir there was a sort of spark in her eyes. As if the name struck a chord within her. Could she possibly know the Wizard? Although, she had had the same look upon her face when he first introduced himself. He was certain he had never met her before. He had never seen a human with such a rich red color to their hair. He was sure he would remember it if he had seen it. The red he usually saw in the few humans who had red hair was light, as if the red color had been mixed with blonde. But Samantha's shade was a darker and rich color. He only saw it in dwarves. Out of all species in Middle Earth, dwarves were the most likely to have red hair too.

The two reached Elrond's study and Legolas gave a quick knock before entering. They were greeted by the sight of Elrond sitting behind his desk and Gandalf, holding his pipe. He was pacing the room and turned to see the door open. Samantha couldn't help but wonder what it was that Gandalf was smoking. Could it be tobacco or something else?

The wizard blew out a few smoke rings while studying the young woman in the doorway. Gandalf smiled at the girl, "Hello, my dear. Thank you for escorting her Legolas, it is time to have a chat, privately. Much to discuss."

Legolas nodded and bowed before looking down at Samantha and closing the door behind her, leaving the three in the room alone. Samantha gave a wave, "Hello… What's up?"

Gandalf and Elrond shared a glance before Elrond motioned her to a chair. She sat down and looked at the two expectantly. She felt like a child who had been brought to the principal's office to be scolded. Gandal began, "Samantha, could you tell us how you came to be in the forest last night? The prince tells us you remember nothing and were traveling with nothing but the clothes on your back." He placed the pipe back into his mouth as he leaned against Elrond's desk, waiting for her response.

Samantha looked down and sighed, "I don't know. I was getting ready for bed and fell asleep. When I woke up I was in the middle of the forest. I don't remember anything in between the two."

"And where is your home?" Elrond questioned. "Perhaps you traveled from Bree?"

This was something she didn't really know how to answer. Her home wasn't anywhere they could take her. After a few moments of silence, Gandalf gave her a small gentle smile, "You can trust us, young one."

She looked into his eyes and she felt like she could trust the old man. She thought what the hell and said, "Well, my home isn't anywhere you have heard off."

"What do you mean?" Lord Elrond asked, leaning forward in his chair.

She looked down, "I mean, where I come from, none of this is real. Both of you don't exist. You are characters in a book."

Silence fell over the room before Elrond asked, "And you have read these books?"

She thought for a second and she could honestly answer no. The books were a mystery to her, she had only seen the films. She would have loved to read the books if not for the school library banning them for some stupid reason. She could tell them she had seen the movies, but how would she explain a movie? They weren't even invented yet. So instead she went with what was the more simple answer. "Yes."

Elrond nodded, "So you are telling us that you know what future events will occur? What the outcome of everything will be?"

Before Samantha could say anything Gandalf raised a hand and looked at his old friend, "Now Elrond, we do not need to know the outcome. If what she says is true, we should not know. It could influence us to make choices that are most unwise."

"You're in luck then," Samantha stated, "I can hardly remember anything about this world to begin with. It's like the more I try and remember what happens the more I lose. I know that there are dark times and horrible things are going to happen, but past that, everything is fuzzy."

Gandalf's face became grim. He thought back to when he was talking to Saruman. The White Wizard's words rung in his head,

"I have seen many things. A new presence grows nearer to this world. A girl who holds information both of us could only wish to know. She holds the future, locked away in her mind, only I hold the key."

The Wizard looked at the woman before him, knowing the girl Saruman spoke of was in front of him. He had no doubt what she told them was the truth. He raised his hand and pointed to her for emphasis, "You must not tell anyone of what you know or where you are from. Keep the information about your home minimal."

Samantha could only nod. Her body had sunken into the chair more from the Wizards serious tone of voice. It was like if she told anyone he would murder her. "I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"And I hold you to it." Gandalf told her. "Now go on and explore. Lord Elrond and I have much to discuss about the days to come."

Samantha nodded and left, a sinking feeling settling into her stomach. The was Gandalf looked at her, it was as if she was in some kind of danger or something. It was easy enough to not tell anyone about what she was supposed to know, because she didn't remember it. So, if she couldn't remember, why would she be in danger?

Back in Elrond's study, Gandalf had taken the seat Samantha had left open. The two sat in silence for several minutes before Elrond broke it. "Something troubles you, Mithrandir. What do you know that I do not?"

"I have told you how Saruman betrayed us." Elrond nodded. "I did not mention the way he let himself be found out. He started telling me of Sauron's plans. Sauron knows a hobbit has the ring, and he spoke of a girl who knows our future, but doesn't remember. I do believe, Lord Elrond, that Samantha is that girl."

"If she is the girl Saurman spoke of, then she is as much a key to winning this war as the One Ring."

Gandalf nodded, inhaling from the pipe and spoke as he exhaled, "Yes. I have had some time to ponder this on my return trip. I believe that she may have to join on the journey to destroy the ring."

Elrond's head shot up, "You can not be serious, Mithrandir. Putting the ring and her in the same place is the last thing we should do. And just look at her. She is not trained to fight, certainly she would die."

"She will be protected by myself and anyone who is brave enough to join our cause. She will be trained, I will see to it that she is able to defend herself." He looked at Elrond seriously, "If Sauron gets the ring, we know it is over. If he gets his hands on Samantha, chances are he will in short order have the ring. Placing them together will be easier to protect them."

"But why not leave her here? She would be safe."

Gandalf shook his head, "You know as well as I do that the magic protecting this Sanctuary is fading. And your people are leaving to travel west. She may very well end up here alone. And leaving her here would be even more reason for Sauron to attack here needlessly."

Elrond sighed. "There is no arguing with you. If you think it best I will put my trust in you."

"Thank you, my friend."

"I only hope you know what you are doing."

A/N - Hello again everyone! I hope you liked the chapter. Kind of a filler chapter, but next time Samantha meets the hobbits and Gimli and everyone goes to the Council. I'm looking forward to writing it!

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Bu-Bye~!