- Chapter 6 -

Golden sunlight crept into Shyloh's closed eyelids. The first thing she noticed; was how warm she was. The second thing she noticed was the sudden achiness of her body. Stretching her legs out slowly, she groaned at the stiffness in her muscles. When she finally managed to open her eyes, it took her a while to understand where she was. The room was unfamiliar and so were the sheets she was curled up in. The white curtains dusted the stone floor as a gentle, warm breeze floated through the open room. Opposite the end of her bed, a fire crackled in the fireplace.

She pulled herself up onto her elbow, suddenly realizing where she was. Hadn't she fallen asleep in a chair in the sitting room? So... how had she ended up in bed?

"I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up," a soft voice said behind her, and she jumped. Twisting around, she came face to face with none other than Lord Elrond. He sat in the chair next to her bed, one leg crossed casually over the other, his hands clasped together in his lap. He still wore brown robes of various shades, but she noticed he no longer wore the band of silver upon his head.

"How long have you been there?" she asked, then she realized she probably sounded rude, but he made no mention of it.

"I have sat with you for three days now," he said.

Her face fell. Three days?

"You mean...I've been asleep for three days?"

He dipped his head in a nod, but his blank expression remained imprinted on his face.

"You needed the rest and recovery time, though I wish you would have eaten something before you fell asleep. Lord Glorfindel and my sons were sure to mention your lack of appetite during your travels together."

She gave him a guilty look then opened her mouth to say something, but she had no words, so she laid back down and stared at the ceiling. The face of the headless orc filled her mind suddenly and she shivered.

"I was dreaming of orcs," she mumbled but he heard her clearly and frowned.

"Yes," he said, his eyes clouding over a bit. "Your dreams were very haunting the last few days. I put you in a dreamless sleep so you could rest properly without the nightmares."

She fell silent and her bottom lip trembled. It hadn't been completely dreamless. The entire time she'd spent sitting with her mom came easily to mind.

"I will not pretend to know what you are going through, but I do understand what it is like to lose those you love. And I will tell you, they never truly leave us even though they may not be here in the physical world."

She bit her lip and then shook her head. "They're in a completely different world." Her voice cracked as she spoke. "And they will never even remember me. Like I never existed."

Tears finally, at long last, spilled down her cheeks and she buried her face in the white pillows. All of her heartache and pain flooded to the surface as it hit her like a wrecking ball. She wrapped her arms around herself and cried for the first time all week.

She'd never go home. She'd never see her father or brother again. She'd never say goodbye to her aunt or uncle, who had been there for her more than anyone after her mother's death. She'd probably never see Boss again either.

The farm.

Her friends.

The scholarship she'd received for nursing school was gone; her college days were over and so was her dream of being a nurse.

The camping trips she'd taken with Dad and Mack were over. But now that she thought of it, she'd had enough of camping this last week to last a lifetime.

All of her sorrows and troubles were laid out before her, flashing through her mind like a deck of cards as she cried. Even her real parents, whom she had never known, were gone; their faces as invisible to her like air.

Loneliness settled in.

She felt the bed sink down a little behind her and a gentle hand rested on her shoulder but that hardly registered with her as she cried until she couldn't anymore.

Shyloh had no idea how long she'd laid there crying, but Elrond never left her side. He didn't speak or offer her words of comfort because there was simply nothing he could say to make her feel better. Grief was something that had to be tended to with care and respect. She needed her time to grieve the loss of the only life and family she'd ever known and silently he wondered how the Valar could have been so cruel, to rip her away from that life. Yet, at the same time he was thankful to have his brother's son's daughter home. The loss of his brother, who had chosen a mortal life so long ago, had become a dull ache in his memory.

Her depression sunk itself into the very pits of her soul, but she ate her breakfast under the watchful eye of Elrond. She drank the herbal tea he made for her, advising that it would help with the aches and pains. It had an interesting smell and flavor to it, but she decided she didn't care. She barely tasted what she ate anyway and even though she felt silly eating in front of him, her empty stomach was no longer complaining.

He was quiet as he watched her and moved about the room until she broke the silence.

"Did you know my mother well? My – my real mother I mean."

Elrond was quiet as he dug deep into his memory. "No, I'm sad to say I did not know her very well. I only met her once before she and my nephew were wed but it was very brief."

Shyloh bit her lip. She knew what she wanted to ask, but somehow, she felt like she was betraying her mom by asking. Then again... what could it hurt?

"What did she look like?"

He was thoughtful and then he gave her a small smile.

"Exactly like you," he said simply. "Except your eyes; those are your fathers. Bright blue like the ocean."

She felt a little comforted by that news.

"Now," Elrond said as he stood up and looked down at her. "Why don't you change, and we will go for a walk outside. Then, you can tell me all about the dreams with your mother."

Shyloh went still and she gave him a wary look.

"You know about those?" she asked.

He nodded and said, "You talked quite a bit in your sleep the last couple of days."

"I did?"

He nodded again just as Élane came in as if she'd been summoned.

"I'll meet you outside in the garden." With that, he left the room, closing the door softly behind him as he went.

Confusion nudged at her insides, but she didn't have time to ponder it because Élane was already drawing her a bath and ushering her into the other room.

The hot water helped nudge away the built-up tension in her muscles as she soaked until the water grew cold. She didn't need Élane's help washing this time, but the elf grew impatient while Shyloh brushed out her hair, so she let the other woman take over as she sat there quietly like a doll. Her mind floated to her childhood when her mother had done the same thing after a bath, and she had to bite her lip to distract herself from the painful memories.

Élane helped her into a flowy blue gown with silver trim that was longer in the back than the front, and Shyloh gaped at it. The bell sleeves draped downwards and were a shimmering shade of beaded silver and it had a wide neckline, exposing her collarbone. She felt it was way too fancy but Élane ensured her it was a casual dress and Shyloh couldn't help but wonder what the fancy dresses looked like. She felt very much out of place in it. She eyed her Muck boots that had been tucked away in her closet, but they certainly wouldn't go very well with this kind of outfit.

Élane pulled the front of her hair back into a small braid and pinned it to the back of her head so it was out of her face.

"Thank you, Élane," Shyloh said, glancing at herself in the mirror quickly. She felt her grateful smile falter at the sight of her reflection. She hardly knew the girl she saw staring back at her. Many of her facial features were the same but yet she felt like she was staring at a stranger. She didn't know if that was ever going to be something she could get used to or not.

Figuring she'd left Elrond waiting long enough, Élane pointed her in the right direction but after seeing Shyloh's confused look as she stared at the halls outside her room, she happily showed her the way herself.

"This place is so...," Shyloh waved her hands around, gesturing to the buildings and gardens around her, "Big. How do you find your way around here?"

Élane smiled. "I have spent many years wandering these halls and know them very well. Do not worry, you will grow accustomed to them now that you are on the mend, and I would be happy to show you around if you liked."

"I'd like that very much," said Shyloh. In truth, she didn't want to be shown around. She wanted to find the nearest exit and take the first train out of here.

Just then, a young boy came bounding around the corner at full speed, nearly colliding with them. He would have made contact, but he skidded to a halt just in time. He was no more than five or six years old, and he stared up at her with wide blue eyes. His wavy brown hair was already past his narrow chin and in his hands, he held a small bow.

"Estel!" hissed Élane. "You must not run in the halls."

His eyes were frozen on Shyloh's, and it was only when Élane hissed his name again did he seem to snap out of his trance.

"My apologies Lady Élane," he said, composing himself suddenly and looking slightly abashed. "I am late for my lessons and did not want to keep Lord Glorfindel waiting."

Shyloh grinned down at him. He looked up at Élane with big, owlish eyes and the elf's stern look softened.

"You are forgiven," Élane said and then turned to Shyloh. "My Lady Shyloh, this is young Estel. Estel, I would like you to meet Lady Shyloh, Lord Elrond's niece. I trust you will be on your best behavior and do your best to make her feel welcomed. That includes not running her over. She has had a long journey and is still recovering."

Estel placed his hand over his heart and bowed at Shyloh, smiling brilliantly up at her. "My Lady, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have been looking forward to meeting you, but they said you were not well enough yet. I am very glad to see you are doing better."

Shyloh blinked down at him, completely surprised by his politeness that it made her sputter a reply. "Thank – thank you. It's nice to meet you too."

He beamed again. "I must be going, or Lord Glorfindel will really be mad." With another bow he took off down the path and Shyloh watched him until he was out of sight. There was something about him that reminded her of the way Mack used to smile when he was little. It had that same mischievous edge to it that always got him out of trouble when he did something wrong.

"My Lady? Are you well?" Élane touched her elbow with a worried frown and Shyloh blinked up at her; attempting to compose herself as quickly as Estel had only a moment ago.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said with the best smile she could muster. Élane didn't look convinced. "He just reminded me of my brother, that's all."

Élane still didn't look fully convinced so before the elf could change her mind about leading Shyloh to the gardens instead of back to her room, Shyloh walked on confidently.

"He isn't an elf," Shyloh stated, referring to Estel and Élane hesitated. "But he lives here too?"

Élane nodded. "Yes, he and his mother reside here permanently. They are very much loved by all of us."

Shyloh could tell that Élane didn't want to say any more on the subject and they continued their walk silently. Before long, they turned onto another path and Shyloh found herself in the most beautiful garden she'd ever seen. Rivendell – from what she had seen already – was an incredible sight to behold in general but this garden just seemed to flow with peace and tranquility. Elrond was already there, sitting on a stone bench but he wasn't alone. A strange looking old man with a long gray beard and pointy hat sat across from Elrond on another bench. He was hunched over in his seat, and she wondered for a moment if maybe the old man was ill. His long gray robes were travel worn and as he spoke Elrond's expression turned serious.

Shyloh was just about to tell Élane that she could go wait somewhere else, not wanting to interrupt their private conversation when the old man turned in his seat; his steel gray eyes locking straight onto her. Her footsteps faltered at his piercing gaze, and she felt herself go a little numb as a jolt went through her. Something about this old man was odd and the lines on his face showed age and wisdom, yet there seemed to be something more to him than just the old man facade.

Then he smiled.

The smile broke the tension of his intense gaze, illuminating his once serious face and she felt herself relax just a little. When he stood up, he was no longer hunched over and old looking but he was still tall.

Seriously, was everyone around here taller than her? she wondered.

Elrond stood next and smiled at her also. She felt a little uncomfortable as they both looked at her; these two tall, strangely powerful beings before her were intimidating to say the least.

Élane took her leave silently before Shyloh could even tell her thank you, and she shifted awkwardly where she stood.

"I'm sorry if I kept you waiting," she said to Elrond, breaking the silence of the garden as she came to stand in front of them.

"Not at all," Elrond said simply. "You are right on time actually. Shyloh, I would like to you meet Gandalf the Gray, or as he is known in other parts of the world: Mithrandir. He is one of the five wizards that reside in Middle-earth."

A wizard? Seriously, how much weirder could this place get? There was no such thing as wizards, she thought to herself. Then again why am I not surprised? I didn't think elves existed either so...

"Mae g'ovannen, my Lady," said Gandalf and he gave her a low bow. She didn't know if she should curtsy or not, so she just dipped her head a little awkwardly. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Lord Elrond was just telling me a little about your interesting tale. I admit, I am curious."

He didn't tell her what he was curious about, so she just said, "It's nice to meet you too. Can't say I've ever met a wizard before."

He smiled and looked at her under his bushy eyebrows. "Interesting indeed. Yet there are many folks in this world as well that have neither seen a wizard nor met one, although my tasks have taken me far and wide during my time here, I admit there is still much to see and many to meet."

"I have invited Gandalf to join us this morning. Something tells me it would be hard to be rid of him so easily, seeing as how he has only just arrived." Elrond gave Gandalf a subtle look, but the old man just shrugged sheepishly.

"I had a feeling Rivendell was where I needed to be at the moment, and it just so happens I was passing through the area. Convenient if I do say so myself."

"Convenient indeed," Elrond said with a small smile, then he held out his arm towards Shyloh. "Come and have a seat, and we will talk."

Shyloh was exhausted by the time she finished telling her tale to Elrond and Gandalf. They listened very carefully, speaking only when necessary and she was glad they kept their comments and questions to a bare minimum while she spoke because once she started talking it just all came flooding out. Their questions and comments came at the end when she could finally take a breath, but she couldn't help but feel like she sounded absolutely crazy. Stuff like this obviously didn't happen in Middle-earth or on Earth. Nothing about it was normal at all.

They ate their noonday meal in the garden at a small table and hours later they were finally finished. The only thing she could think about was going back to her room and sleeping. Her voice was hoarse – even more so than it usually was – from all the talking.

"The Valar have their reasons no doubt, for doing what they did," Gandalf said as he sat back in his chair. "Even if it might not make sense to us at the moment."

"Your adjustment to this life will not come without its struggles, but I am willing to help you and prepare you in any way I can." Elrond's eyes met hers and she knew he meant it.

"What am I supposed to do now?" she wondered, and Elrond looked thoughtful. "If they brought me back, what am I supposed to prepare for?"

"One day at a time is all we can focus on right now. Even the wisest cannot see the ends of all things," Elrond said gently so she accepted that answer for now. "I think we've covered enough for today. You should go and rest. I will make sure supper is brought to your room, and more tea."

Shyloh had no problem leaving the two of them in the garden, and she didn't look back as she left.

What a long day, she thought as she turned a corner, feeling her aches slowly start to return. The tea Elrond had her drink at the noonday meal had helped but now that evening was upon them, she could feel it starting to wear off.

Following a path that she thought looked familiar, she walked down the length of the hall but was obviously lost. Large terraces and open hallways that weren't familiar passed her by and she wondered if she shouldn't turn around and try to retrace her steps.

Well, if I'm going to be staying here what better way to find your way than to get lost while finding it? She almost chuckled at herself when she rounded a corner, nearly running headfirst into another person. She jumped backwards, completely startled and then she felt foolish for not watching where she'd been going.

"I'm so sorry," she sputtered and quickly composed herself.

"Not to worry my Lady," said the woman. "Are you alright? I hope I didn't startle you too much."

Shyloh blinked and then shook her head. "No, no I'm fine. I wasn't watching where I was going."

The woman smiled. "Are you headed somewhere? You looked like you were searching for something."

Shyloh sighed and cringed. "I'm lost, actually. I was just wandering around hoping my room would magically appear."

"This house is fairly vast, I will admit. May I show you the way? Or would you like to wander some more?" The woman's words were light, and a smile played at the corner of her mouth.

At odds with herself about which choice to make, there was the sound of feet running on the smooth stone floor behind the other woman that caught their attention.

"Mother," Estel's beaming face appeared before them, and when he caught sight of Shyloh he straightened and gave a little bow. "My lady."

Shyloh laughed lightly and grimaced a little at the formality of his words. "Please, just call me Shyloh."

Estel's smile widened, "As you wish!"

"Running again," the other lady tusked but his smile didn't falter. "And what has you so excited this evening dear child?"

"The Lords Elrohir and Elladan are taking me into the woods tomorrow to start teaching me about the plants. Lord Glorfindel believes I am ready. We get to stay out there for two days!"

A pained look crossed the young woman's eyes at this news, but she mustered a smile regardless. "If Lord Glorfindel believes you are ready then I am sure that you are."

Satisfied with his mother's answer, he looked between both women. "Where are you walking to?"

"Well, I was lost," admitted Shyloh. "Your mother was kind enough to offer to show me the way back to my room and if it isn't too much trouble, I'd really appreciate it."

"No trouble at all," the woman smiled. "I'd be happy to. Estel, won't you come along? Or do you have somewhere else you needed to run off to?"

Hearing the reprimand in his mother's voice, Estel's expression sobered up and he tagged along quietly, leading the way back towards Shyloh's rooms.

"My name is Gilraen, by the way. How are you fairing, if I may ask? I understand that you have had a hard journey over the last week."

She looked at Gilraen. The woman was just a little taller than her by about two inches. Her long, soft brown hair was pulled over her shoulder into a simple braid. Her face was pretty, and she was slightly more rounded around the edges than Shyloh, filling out her dress in all the right places compared to her. Her chocolate brown eyes followed her son's footsteps ahead.

Shyloh let out a long, steady breath. She hadn't really had much chance to settle in, technically. Everything had happened so fast her head was still spinning.

"Ah," Gilraen said with an understanding tone. "No need to say anything, I think I already know."

Shyloh grimaced. "Is it that obvious?"

Gilraen gave her a knowing look. "My son and I have lived here for a few years ourselves, but I remember well our first few days clearly. It was overwhelming for us too."

"One day at a time, right?"

"I am afraid that is all we can do," Gilraen agreed, then looked thoughtfully at her son up ahead. "My son seems to know you already though."

"We met earlier this morning. I don't think I ever met a young boy as polite as he is, and I've worked with a lot of children back home."

Gilraen looked happy by this. "Thank you. He takes after his father that way. Always a little gentleman. Have you any children?"

Shyloh shook her head. "No. I wanted to be a pediatric nurse so I could work with kids."

A frown creased Gilraen's forehead. "I am afraid I don't know what that is."

"You know, a nurse, like someone who fixes you're when you're sick."

"I am afraid I only know them as healers."

Shyloh bit her lip as they walked in silence for a little bit before Gilraen turned to her again.

"If you don't mind me saying, you are not like most elves I have met," she said, and Shyloh began fidgeting with her fingers.

She wasn't sure how much other people were supposed to know about her history. Gilraen seemed friendly enough, but her story was very odd, and she hardly believed it herself when she'd spoken it out loud to Gandalf and Elrond only a short while ago. Something told her that most people would consider her crazy.

"I'm afraid I grew up far, far away from here," she said, trying not to sound too cryptic. "Things were very different there."

Gilraen pondered this for a moment and nodded thoughtfully. "I know what it is like to miss home," she said eventually but then she stopped walking and Shyloh realized they were outside her door.

"I wish I could say I'll remember how we got here, but I probably won't. Thank you," said Shyloh.

"It was no problem at all. I hope we get the chance to speak again."

"So do I."

"Good evening, Shyloh," Estel said, giving her another smile. "Perhaps we will see you in the morning before I go?"

Shyloh smiled back, surprised by the invite. "Sure! I look forward to it."

Mother and son left then hand in hand and as they walked away Estel began talking excitedly about his lessons tomorrow and a tiny pang of sadness tugged at Shyloh. She loved kids but now that she realized that part of her life would never come to pass, sadness crept back into her chest.

She snapped herself out of her pity fest by turning towards her door and stepped inside. The fires had already been tended too and there on the small table was a silver tray with her supper. Realizing just how hungry she was, she made a beeline straight for it but moved it so she could eat in front of the fireplace.

Touching the necklace against her collarbone, she sank back in her couch and pulled her knees up to her chest, once again succumbing to loneliness and grief.