Disclaimer: As everyone knows, I own nothing!

Midnight-Insomniac1532 – I'm glad you like the story.

LalaithoftheBruinen – I'm happy you have been enjoying the story so far. And thanks for the suggestion! I didn't even realize that I had it set to block anonymous reviews. I now have the block off. Thanks again! 

Just2spooky  - Thanks. The next chapter will probably be out shortly. I am about a third of the way done with it. However, I cannot say when for sure, for college and work takes up a lot up my time.

Estelbain – Thanks! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Before I am quiet, I would like to thanks Phoenix for all the help she gave me and still is giving me.

Now, I hope you all enjoy the chapter!

-Lady Healer

Chapter 3: Many meetings and truth revealed.

Why didn't he punish her? Lillian wondered, her hunger forgotten as her thoughts raced. She had broken the rules, more than once. Yet, this strange noble didn't hit her or even yell. She stared at the spot where Elrohir had stood just minutes earlier, confused about his actions.
He was different and not just because of his ears either. He ignored her mistakes; he brought her food and encouraged her to eat. He even allowed her to speak freely. No noble had ever done that. Why did he?
A grumble from her stomach drew Lillian out of her thought. Alarmed, she scanned the room for people. Finding herself alone, she breathed a sigh of relief. If no one was around, she could not be punished for her error. After a quick glare at her stomach, Lillian's eyes focused on the tray of food.
It was wrong for a servant to eat food given by a noble. They were punished if they did. Back in her blood father's home, the nobles enjoyed tormenting the servants with their twisted humor. They would offer a servant food and if the servant accepted the food, they were beaten until near death. But if the servant declined the food they were locked in the dungeons for a week to starve.
The only way out of that situation was to go unnoticed by the nobles. That in it's self was not an easy task, for the aristocrats often looked for reasons to punish those below them. And if they could not find a reason they often made up one, using the servants as a way to curb their own boredom.
Yet, this new noble seemed different. He projected of aura of kindness and sincerity. One she has not seen since her foster father. But the Father of her heart was not a noble, just a simple man of simple ideals. From her hazy memories, Lillian could recall that her foster father did things because it was the right thing to do. But she learned later that nobles did not have the same attitude. They were greedy, uncaring, and only wanted more power.
Except, for her mother's family. Rena and Liz, her only friends, whose families had served hers since before her grandfather was but a child himself, told her. It was her mother that was the true heiress to the throne of Rolian. Her blood father-a lower ranking noble-had married into the royal family. She was told that when everyone first met Kalin, that he seemed to be a sweet, caring person. It was only after the marriage and the mysterious deaths of the king and queen that his true colors showed through.
Her mother's father, King Thildern, didn't want his daughter burdened with the duties of ruling, and gave the mantle of power to his new son in law. The next month, the King and Queen were found dead. They were both old and it had been assumed that they died in their sleep. However, once Kalin started ruling with a marked lack of concern for his wife's grief, the people began to wonder at the death of their beloved Monarchs.
By that time, it was too late. The new king had already placed his allies in the position to stop any rebellion. Anyone who questioned Kalin's rule or took a stand against him was killed on the spot.
Shaking her head to free it of the past, Lillian focused on the food. Perhaps, this once, she would risk the punishment of her actions. She was hungry and a week of starvation would kill her anyway. Slowly, wincing at the pain in her stomach, she sat up and the covers fell down.
Lillian's eyes widened in shock at the clothes she was wearing. It was beautiful. An elegant white nightgown with silver embroidery stitched along the round neckline. Lillian was almost positive that it was made out of silk. But why would nobles waste such material on a servant?
Once more Lillian shook her head, deciding to ponder it later. Reaching out towards the tray of food, the young woman didn't notice the three beings that silently walked through the door as she brought the tray to her lap. She cursed herself, when the goblet of water fell to the floor, because of her shaking hands. She just hoped she wouldn't be punished to harshly.
Elrohir started to step forward when a hand on his arm stopped him. Elrohir looked at his father, the question showing clearly in his eyes. Elrond just shook his head in reply. The elf lord motioned to the side of the room. Taking the subtle suggestion, the trio moved to the left side of the room away from the doorway, and watched the lady.
She had just gotten the tray onto her lap and quickly devoured the food. Her tensed back and shoulders and the darting glances at the entranceway told of fear. It saddened the trio to see that she was so afraid of the rules that her old 'lord' had set that she feared to be caught eating.
Elrohir understood now why his father had stopped him from helping her. Had she realized there was someone else in the room she wouldn't have touched the food. In fact, he was sure if they had entered the room a second later, that she would have spotted them. If that had happened, he was sure that she would have let herself starve. And that knowledge hurt.
With the last of the food gone, Lillian glanced at the door again, fear darkening her eyes to a to a midnight blue. She wasn't sure what these nobles were going to do to her, she just prayed that the punishment wouldn't be too harsh.
She was tired. Her body was still weak from the wound she inflicted on herself. That was another thing she didn't understand. Why did they waste the time and effort to save her? She started to return the tray to the table, when two hands took the tray from her. Looking up in alarm she locked glazes with the elf from before.
"Here, let me help, Lady Lillian." Elrohir whispered softly as he took the tray from her and set it onto the table. Closing her eyes and bowing her head, she cursed her error again. Why didn't she hear him come in?
Sorrowful eyes studied her. She was waiting to be hit. Gently, taking her left hand, ignoring the way she tensed, he placed a light kiss upon it and said, "I hope you enjoyed your meal, Lady Lillian. But I see your water was spilled. And as you must thirst after such a hearty meal, I shall go get you more."
Lillian's eyes snapped open, reverting to a storming gray. Why was this noble so nice? Noble don't do such things for servants.
Elrohir kissed her hand again before he bent down and picked up the fallen goblet, setting it on the tray. Gently smiling at Lillian Elrohir said, "I will be back, my Lady, with your water." And with that he left the room. Nodding to his father at his pointed glaze, Elrohir knew what he wanted.
She watched him leave and was more confused then she was before. He was so insistent about doing the works of servants. He knew she was a servant and yet he waited on her. He seemed to act nothing like the nobles back home. Of all the rules she had broken thus far, she had received no punishment. She wasn't sure how she was meant to act around him and it scared her.
"Hello, Lady Lillian." A different voice said to her right. Lillian head snapped to the side, staring at the two figures in shock. Why didn't she hear them come in? How long had they been there? The one who spoke was a 'man' who looked similar to Elrohir, with chestnut hair and brown eyes.
'Perhaps a brother?' was the thought that came to Lillian frozen mind. The stranger had a golden circlet upon his brow and wore a light gray robe with white embroidery throughout with a midnight blue over robe. Like Elrohir the stranger had fair skin and a youthful appearance. But the powerful aura that surrounded him projected not only kindness but also years of wisdom. It gave the impression that he was older then he looked. The other stranger was an elderly man with a long gray hair and beard. The old man wore a simple gray robe and leaned heavily upon a staff.
"Lady Lillian, allow me to introduce ourselves." The seemly younger person said, waking Lillian from her shock. Mentally cursing herself she cast her eyes to her hands. "My name is Elrond Halfelvin. I'm am the Lord of Rivendell." Lillian's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. That was Elrohir's father!? But he looked so young! Elrond smiled at the lady's reaction.
Motioning towards the wizard he continued, "This is Gandalf the Gray." Walking towards the young lady, the Elven lord asked, "My lady, would it be all right if I asked you a few questions?"
Her eyes clouded in confusion and shock. He was asking permission to question her? He was a noble. A high raking one at that! He didn't need her consent to question her! So why was he asking? Keeping her head bowed, she nodded.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, sorrow touched his soul. The girl was hurt deeply; it would take time before she will opened up to anyone. No matter how kind they were. Opening his eyes, Elrond continued.
"Thank you. However, at any point, if you do not wish to answer, you don't have too. And you may ask any question you might have as well." For what had to be the fourteenth time that day, Lillian felt shock enter her system. Why were the nobles here so different from the ones at home? Why would they care about some lowly servant's feelings? Was this some cruel trick? Or were they really this kind? They seemed sincere…
Elrond waited a couple seconds to let Lillian adjust, before asking, "Where do you hail from, Lady Lillian?"
"Rolian" Lillian replied quietly.
After a quick glanced at Elrond, Gandalf said, "Rolian? Don't you mean Rohan?"
"No. I mean Rolian." Lillian answered softly, confusion plainly in her voice. "I never heard of Rohan before."
The elven lord pondered that answer before acting on a hunch. "Have you ever heard of Middle-Earth?"
"No," was her scared reply.
Nodding his head slightly, he asked, "What was your world called, Lady Lillian?"
Her world? Confusion clouded her eyes again, but she answered quickly.
"Lindreal."
"Well then, my child, " Elrond said gently, "you are no longer in your world. You are in the lands of Middle-Earth."
Lillian looked up in shock, not realizing that she had locked glazes with the elven Lord. She was in another world? But how? What would happen to her now? She couldn't go home, even if she wanted too. But the thought of everything that was familiar being gone and replaced by the unfamiliar scared her.
He could see the fear in her eyes, as could Gandalf.
"If you cannot send me back," Lillian asked, shaking, "what will you do with me?"
"You will be a guest of course," Elrond soothed. "You shall stay here in Rivendell as long as necessary."
Elrohir entered then, humming a merry tune, and holding a large pitcher of cool water. He filled a new goblet and took out a pouch of herbs.
"This will help with the pain, my Lady." He showed her a small vile of brownish powder. "Add these to your drink in the evening," he flashed a handful of crumpled leaves, "and it will allow you better sleep. But this," he pulled a blooming rose from behind his back, "will make you fall in love with me."
In the background, Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "It has to be the human in him."
"Or," Gandalf interrupted, "it could be his way of socializing the girl." He turned from his old friend and looked at the bed's blushing occupant. "She has long lived with no positive attention, and here, she will be subject to intense curiosity."
"Regardless, of his intent," the elf lord strode over to the bed. "The Lady has had a trying evening. She must rest and recover."
"Oh, you never let me have any fun," Elrohir whined. One stern glare later: "Very well." He added the appropriate herbs to Lillian's water, and handed to her. "Drink now, and sleep well."
Still confused about these strange noble's actions, Lillian nodded. She didn't understand why they wasted such things on her, but had a feeling that they were not taking no for an answer. And slowly, she drank. After the last drop was gone, Lillian could feel her eyes become heavy and the world faded into darkness.

Three days later.

Walking down the halls, Elrohir hummed a merry tune, holding two trays in his hands. Today, his father agreed that Lillian was well enough for small walks, and Elrohir decided to show her around after they had their breakfast. And today will be the first day they would dine together.
Lillian was afraid to eat in front of a noble, because of the maxims she had ingrained into her. Elrohir understood this. But he was determined to help her overcome that fear. The first day after she had woke up, he just brought her food and left, allowing her to eat alone. But yesterday, he did not. A small smile graced Elrohir's lips as he recalled the day before events.
~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~
"Good morning, Lady Lillian." Elrohir said cheerfully as he sat the tray of food across of Lillian's lap.
Keeping her head bowed, Lillian replied, "Thank you, Lord Elrohir." From the corner of her eyes she watched the strange 'man'; her hands remain resting on the bed. She was waiting for him to leave. Elrohir knew she still feared eating before a noble, but he decided today he was going to help break that fear. Pulling a chair to her bedside, he gracefully plopped sat.
"It is all right, Lillian. You are allowed to eat in anyone's presence here."
Lillian shook her head slowly, her hands staying where they were. She still didn't understand this noble. She didn't understand why he was doing this or what his motives were. But she wasn't going to taking chance by breaking the rules she had know thus far in her life.
Elrohir could see the fear and mistrust in her eyes and it saddened him, but knew she would react this way. It was understandable. In her past she was given no reason to trust nobles.
A slight smile crossed his lips. He'll just have to prove that he was nothing like those nobles, and he had a good idea on how to do that. Picking up the spoon Elrohir dipped it into the porridge. And, mimicking an up and down pattern, brought it to Lillian's lips cooing, "Open up, horsey coming through."
His childish speech was so unexpected and so bizarre that Lillian opened her mouth to laugh...only to have the spoon shoved in. She almost choked. Instead, she puffed her cheeks, put both hands over her pursed lips, and concentrated on swallowing.
"Too hot?" her tormentor asked.
If she hadn't known he would try the spoon trick again, she would have scolded Elrohir. Instead, she regained her breath, and then promptly turned her face away.
Elrohir smiled slightly. Her healing had begun. He saw it in her eyes. How they took on the hue of an approaching storm as a spark of anger showed through.
She had wanted to snap at him. And at that moment he thought she would have if he didn't have another spoonful ready. Slapping the hand that held the spoon lightly, Elrohir continued with his charade.
"Bad horsey. You made Lady Lillian mad. Back to the sables with you."
Lillian's lips twitched. She didn't understand this noble. But with every passing moment he reminded her more of a little child and little by little her fear of him was fading.
Elrohir's smile grew at the twitch of her lips as he set the spoon down and picked up an apple slice to hold at her lips.
"Perhaps little birdie would make Lady Lillian feel better." Her lips twitched, but the girl kept her mouth shut. Pouting, Elrohir continued, "Little birdie just wants to help. Let birdie help. Birdie not like horsey. Birdie will be good."
He watched the muscles in her throat jump. She was trying not to laugh, and succeeding. The most natural action the children of Iluvatar were capable of, and she controlled it. If he had not known the circumstances of her reserved nature, he would have thought her the best-trained warrior in Middle-earth.
"Lady Lillian no like birdie? Birdie sad." Elrohir continued cooing, fighting back the urge to laugh, himself. "Birdie just wanted to help" Elrohir made a diving motion with his hand snatching up a small piece of toast. Waving it in front her in facing in flying motions, saying. "Birdie found mousey. Mousey wanted to give you gift. So, good birdie brought nice mousey, which brought you gift. Lady Lillian like nice mousey gift, yes? Birdie was right to bring mousey? Please say birdie did well. Birdie wants to be good."
"Please, Lord Elrohir," she exclaimed her face still turned. "Do not act so! You are a grown man of Blood, not a child."
"But I am not a grown man, I am an Elf with countless millennia ahead of me." He picked up the spoon again. "So horsey will be here until the food grows cold."
"An Elf?" Lillian questioned, confusion coloring her voice. It was harder to see him as a noble as the minutes passed.
"Ah... There are no elves in your old world, are there?" Elrohir asked as he set the food back on the tray. At Lillian's nod, he continued, "I, my brother, and my father, are all Elves, though is some human blood in our line." Elrohir raised the spoon to her lips once more, continuing his explanation. "Elves are an immortal race. We do not grow old, we do not become ill. In fact there is only two ways we can die, or a fatal wound or grief."
"But how can griephm!" He put the spoon in her mouth again. As she swallowed, with less fanfare than last time, he gathered his words.
"Elves feel, more, than most humans do. Sometimes when we lose a lover or relation, we stop eating, or find other ways to destroy ourselves."
'Like me,' thought Lillian. Still thinking, she didn't even notice when Elrohir shoved more porridge into her mouth.

~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~

Walking into Lillian's room, Elrohir called out cheerfully, "Good morning, Lady Lillian!" Groaning, Lillian threw the blankets over her head. Ever since, yesterday's events, she had started to become her own person.
Lillian didn't really trust him. But after his childish antics yesterday, she stopped fearing him. But only him. Around anyone else she reverted back to the timid, scared girl she was when she first came to this world.
After setting the trays on the table, Elrohir walked to the bed, pulling the blankets off, saying, "No, time to hide today! Its time to get up. We have a lot to do." Ignoring her intelligible mumble, Elrohir scooped her into his arms, effectively waking her.
She buried her head in her hands. "Please, Lord Elrohir. Do not trouble yourself."
"Trouble?" Elrohir repeated, while walking toward the table. "It is no trouble. I quite enjoy carrying such a lovely lady around."
"My Lord," she almost whined. "Do you not have more important duties as the son of the regional Lord?"
"None that Elladan cannot perform," he sang smugly. Lillian groaned as Elrohir sat her in a chair. Grinning, Elrohir sat in his own seat and said; "Now I suggest we eat up. Father, finally consented that you were healed enough to be walking around and I plan on giving you a tour of my home."
Lillian looked up, her eyes locking with those of Elrohir's in shock and fear, before bowing her head and dropping her eyes to the table in shame. Though, Elrohir was different from the nobles from home. He was still a noble. And servants are not to meet their eyes. Sighing, Elrohir said soothingly, "It is all right Lillian. No one here will hurt you. The rules you use to know don't exist here." Tipping her chin upward he looked in her eyes, slightly disappointed that she kept her glazed on the table, "And you can meet my eyes if you so wish."
Lillian's eyes went wide. No matter how many kind things Elrohir did for her, she was still surprised.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Three hours later.

His home was beautiful. Lillian had not seen anything like it before in her life. Rivendell was very different from her old home. The city itself truly blended with its surroundings; as if it had been here for ages and would always remain so.
'And it very well could ,' Lillian reflected. 'It's inhabits are immortal creatures.'
That was another concept that she had trouble grasping. Back in her world there had been no immortal beings. People lived and people died, that was the way of life. The one all encompassing law. Not even the King could escape it, yet these elves did.
No, they could die, Elrohir had explained that. But … the thought of living forever without aging or illnesses still sent her mind reeling. She couldn't image living such a life. Yes, the prospect was appealing, the thought of having the time to do everything one wanted too, but in the end it seemed like a curse to her. To be the same while everything else changed around them. Lillian didn't understand how they could live such a life without becoming bitter.
And yet, from what she as seen, the elves did manage to do just that. They seemed to be happy, caring souls baring many years of wisdom. Though, in Elrohir's case, retaining a childishness even into the adult years.
That was another topic that Lillian was curious about. How old was Elrohir? And how do elves age? Did they reach a point where they stopped aging? How long do the elves stay children?
But she would not question Elrohir. It was not her place to do so. Back home, questioning a noble was punishable by death. This place may not have the same restrictions of her world did, but she didn't know where these new boundaries lay.
Elrohir smiled at Lillian's reaction to his home. He could tell that she was amazed by the sparkle in her eyes. She was slowly becoming less timid, and more sure as the days progressed. Three days were not enough to heal a lifetime of pain, but it was a start.
The first time they meet she was afraid of doing anything for fear of punishment. Now, after much coaxing, she started to come out of the shell. She wasn't as afraid to talk to him; but she still chose to remain in silence most of the time. He could see a curious gleam in her eyes now. Lillian's emotion showed clearly in her eyes. But she kept her questions unspoken.
She was healing, but it would take more then him to reassure her that she could be herself. Looking out towards the garden Elrohir saw two hobbits walking towards them and idea struck him. Walking towards the hobbits, he called out to them.
"Good morning Masters Merry and Pippin. How are you this fair day?"
"Good morning, Lord Elrohir. We're heading inside to see if we get some second breakfast." Replied one of the hobbits happily. He jerked his companion around to look at Lillian, exclaiming, "Look, Merry. It the girl we found outside of Rivendell."
"I know, Pippin." The other hobbit said, before he turned to Lillian and bowed. "Hello miss. I am Meriadoc Brandybuck, but please called me Merry. The diminutive orc to by right is Peregin Took…"
"Call me Pippin," he said hitting Merry in the head. "What's your name."
"Lillian." She answered softly as her thoughts raced. Hobbits? What was a Hobbit? How many races existed in this strange world?
Elrohir could see the confusion in her eyes and explained, "Hobbits are an agricultural people from the West. They are also known as halflings or shire-folk." Turning to the hobbits he continued to explain. "Lady Lillian is not from this world. She is from a land called Lindreal. She is still adjusting to the cultural differences." Seeing Pippin was about to ask a question, Elrohir interrupted, "And no, we do not know how to return her to her world yet." Pippin looked up at Elrohir in surprise.
"How did you know I was going to ask that?" Shrugging, Elrohir smiled.
"A hunch." Turning his attention back to Lillian, Pippin exclaimed, "You can have second breakfast with us! We can tell you all about Hobbits and the Shire!"
Lillian was overwhelmed. Ever since she had arrived in this world she had been confused. Nothing was the same here and all the contradictions were giving her a headache. She didn't know what to make of these Hobbits, though they seemed friendly. But appearances could be deceiving…
Head slightly bowed, Lillian stared at her hands. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act, but they were waiting for a reply. But… What to say?
"What is a second breakfast?" Lillian questioned softly.
Pippin stared at her in horror, "You don't know about second breakfast?" At Lillian shook her head no he continued, "What about elevenses?" Again Lillian shook her head, more confused then before. "Luncheon?"
"No." Lillian replied. If it was possible, more shock entered Pippin face as he continued questioning.
"Afternoon tea?" Lillian, again, shook her head.
"Dinner? Supper?"
Shaking her head, Lillian explained, "No. Back home I only had one meal a day."
The three males stared at her, and again, Elrohir felt anger towards those responsible for her suffering. But before he could think farther on it, Pippin exclaimed,
"Merry, she doesn't know how to eat! How can one live on one meal a day?"
"I don't know Pip." Stepping towards Lillian, Merry requested, "Allow us to introduce you to Hobbit culture."
Not wanting to upset these beings, Lillian nodded.
"Great. Off to the kitchens we go." Pippin exclaimed, before asking, "Um ... where are the kitchens?"
Smiling Elrohir smiled, "I can lead you there."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Several hours later, a smiling Elrohir carried a sleeping Lillian back to her room. The hobbits were a great help in her healing. Their fun loving personalities allowed her to relax. He also noticed when she discovered that neither held the title 'lord' that she to talked more eagerly. She would need to spend more time with them.
Entering her room, Elrohir laid her down on the bed before existing the room to call a maid. Standing outside the room he waited patently while the maid prepared Lillian for bed. After a couple of minutes the maid left the room, giving the OK to enter.
As he reentered the room, he smiled at the sleeping figure dressed in white. She must have been exhausted. But he half expected that. For she had a tiring day and was still recovering from her past wound.
Tomorrow, she would dine with everyone else at breakfast. She was scared of doing so, he saw it in her eyes when she told him, but she would be all right. No one here would hurt her. And deep inside her there laid a strength that had long since been buried. He could feel it. Elrohir just was not sure how to bring it out.
Gently, he tucked the sleeping woman in with a kiss on the forehead and a whispered, "Goodnight."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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