Elsa rose the next morning just before the sun did. She went to her mirror and looked at herself for a few moments. Her fingers raked through her bright hair as she pondered how she had ever gotten such a color. As her hair lifted, she could see her pointed ears. Quickly, she dropped her hair back down, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
Oh, all the names she had been called because of those wretched ears! And she had nothing to show for them. Was she elven or human?
Her hand clutched the gold chain around her neck. She usually hid it under her neckline of her dress, but not when she was nervous. When she was nervous, she clung to the small charm as if it was the only truth she knew. Her heart beat faster. Who was she?
The gentle wind blew through her window and caressed her face. Elsa was brought out of her reverie and she bound her hair at the nape of her neck, careful to cover her ears.
She quietly left her room and headed for the gardens. She was simply strolling along when she heard hushed voices. Elsa winced as a small twig snapped under her weight. The voices grew silent. Elsa did not move and did not breathe. Her ears strained to hear anything.
Silence.
Suddenly, a rough hand reached from behind, grabbed Elsa's wrist, and spun her around.
Elsa found herself face to face with a huge man. He had long, brown hair and hard brown eyes. Their hostility alarmed Elsa. He was roughly shaven and Elsa could have even said he was handsome, if she had not feared for her life.
The man's eyes softened just a bit when he realized it was only Elsa. "Arwen!" he called.
A rustling of the bushes caused Elsa to turn and then before her eyes stood the Lady of Rivendell.
Elsa bowed her head and curtsied. She did not want to get in trouble for not paying the Lady the proper respect due to her.
Arwen smiled when she saw it was only her visitor. "It's all right. Please, we are friends."
Elsa looked up and smiled into Arwen's friendly face.
"I do not believe I ever caught your name."
Elsa felt foolish. "I am Elsa, my lady."
"Elsa," Arwen reached out and laid her hand on Elsa's shoulder, "call me Arwen. Is everything all right?"
"Oh, yes! I just could sleep no longer, is all. I only came for a walk. I did not mean to intrude on you and…and…"
"He is Aragorn. The only mortal here, save yourself. You need not fear him."
Elsa turned to see the man again but he was gone. She turned back to Arwen confused. "How did he…"
Arwen smiled. "We have a lot to share, Elsa. Come with me."
Elsa followed. "How is it Aragorn came to be here if he is mortal?"
Arwen spoke as she walked. "My father brought him here when he was but a babe. He grew up here. He's practically elvish himself."
"Other elves don't mind?"
"He fits in perfectly. There's nothing to mind."
Arwen led Elsa under a beautiful, large willow tree. The two women sat.
Elsa gathered her courage and asked, "Would you mind if I asked for your life story?"
Arwen hesitated. "I would not normally do such a thing to just anybody, and a mortal at that. But I feel as though I can trust you. So, very well. I have lived in Rivendell my whole life. I was still naïve when I met Aragorn. But we fell in love and I matured. He had left a long time ago and only returned shortly before you came. It has not been pleasant- trying to be true to my heart and my people at the same time. There are many that disapprove of our relationship, and they would be more so if they knew we were in love. When he finally came home, he told me…"
Elsa looked straight into Arwen's eyes so that she would know she was listening.
Arwen composed herself and continued. "Aragorn told me my father had died while they were away. I am now the Lady of Rivendell. And I want you to feel welcome for any length of time. Some may not like your presence, but you should not worry about them. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
Elsa shook her head, quite satisfied with the new information she'd gained.
"Now, I might ask for your story. Why are you here?"
"I've never known who my real parents are. I was found in the woods near here as a baby. My parents moved us far away and I've been longing since I can remember to find out where I really belong. I have no past and no clue to it. I mean no disrespect, my lady, but that is all I can bear to share for the moment."
Arwen looked compassionately into Elsa's eyes for a moment, trying to decipher the hurt she read in her eyes. "You feel like you do not belong anywhere."
"Yes," Elsa said quietly.
"Feel so no longer. Rivendell is your home, at least for the time being. Help yourself to whatever you need and please do not hesitate to ask me for anything."
Elsa rose from her place and hugged Arwen. "I can't thank you enough for being my friend."
so? thanx 4 all reviews!