Black and Blue
Chapter Two
Alright! Here is the second chapter. Hope ya'll liked the last one!
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Legolas Greenleaf tightened his hood as he rode his horse through the rain.
It had been two years since he had left his home of Mirkwood, and now he was returning to it. The War of the Ring had ended, but Legolas had decided to remain in Rivendell for some time, enjoying the company of the Fellowship and the wedding of his friend, Aragorn, to the daughter of Elrond. After he had decided to leave, the Fellowship made arrangements to meet back in Rivendell in a few months. But, Legolas had to say, he was glad to be going home.
He smiled and patted his wet horse on the head. "As you are as well, Voronwer," he said. The horse simply neighed in response and Legolas turned his eyes back to the road. He frowned when he spotted something lying in the ditch. He slowed the horse down and jumped off, rushing over to it. His eyes widened when he realized that it was a human. He bent down and turned the body over. It was a girl, no older than 17, and she was badly beaten. "By the Valor," he muttered. "She's alive." He lifted her into his arms effortlessly and carried her back to his horse. He looked at her face, his eyes taking in all the cuts and bruises. *What happened to you?,* he wondered as he carefully lifted her into the saddle and climbed up after her. "Noro liem," he said to the horse, and it raced off.
Legolas cradled the girl against his chest, praying that he would make it to Mirkwood in time. He sighed with relief when he spotted the gates of the Elven kingdom. "Open the gates!," he yelled as he approached. A guard looked over the gate, then turned to the others. "It's Prince Legolas! Open the gates!," he yelled. The gates quickly opened and Legolas rode in. Upon reaching the steps of the palace, he jumped off and pulled the girl with him. He left the horse for the stable boys and bounded up the stairs, throwing the doors open. Servants and soldiers looked at the dripping elf as he marched in. "Prince Legolas," a soldier said, bowing to him. "Welcome back, milord." Legolas ignored his welcome. "Where is my father?," he demanded. "This girl needs healing at once."
The soldier took one look at the girl and yelled for someone to fetch the healer. Legolas lifted his head as his father approached, robe billowing behind him. "My son," he said. "What is all the commotion?" Legolas bowed his head. "Ada, I came across this wounded girl. She needs healing." Thranduil took one look at the girl and nodded. "Fetch the healers," he ordered, moving towards the healing room. "They've already been sent for, milord." A she-elf dressed in white hurried up to them. She was Jeera, the healer of Mirkwood. "Milord, how can I be of service?" He motioned to the girl. Jeera nodded. "Bring her in." She opened the door to the healing room and Legolas carried the girl in. He laid her on one of the beds, wiping her black hair out of her face. It didn't escape him that she was very beautiful. *And yet so familair somehow...*
"Milord Legolas, you will have to leave in order for me to heal her," Jeera said softly. Legolas shook his head as he stared at the girl's face. "Milord, you can do no more." His father pulled him away. "Come, my son," he said. "She will be fine, but we must let Jeera work." Legolas reluctantly agreed, stealing one last look at the girl before the door was shut. He turned to see his father with a smile on his face. "Always you return home with surprises, Legolas," he said and Legolas laughed, embracing his father. "And what a precious one you delivered this day." Legolas frowned and looked at the door. "She will be fine, my son. Jeera is the best healer in Mirkwood." Legolas nodded. "Come, let us fetch you some dry clothes and warm food. It has been a long and strenous journey." Legolas nodded and with one last look at the door, followed his father away.
Legolas was told that the girl had been taken to one of the guest rooms. She had been healed, her life saved, but she had still not woken up. He stood outside her door now, his mind contemplating entering or not. He cursed himself. Why was he so drawn to this girl? She seemed no more than an average human girl...yet there was something different about her. Something that sparked Legolas' interest. Finally reaching his decision, he turned the handle and slowly pushed open the door. Silently walking into the room, he glanced around as he shut the door behind him.
The room the girl had been placed in was one of the palace's finest. The balcony overlooked the whole kingdom, and the sunrise could always be seen. Little sunlight was seen in the room now, for the drapes were drawn shut. Legolas' eyes traveled around the room, taking in the bureau and vanity; the loveseat and paintings that adorned the walls; the stone hearth where a fire burned and the large four-poster bed by the balcony. His eyes stopped on the bed. The girl rested in the center, practically swallowed by the large bed. Legolas quietly walked towards it and stood on the side, staring down at the sleeping beauty. Her raven hair was spread out on her pillow. The bruises that once marred her beautiful face were almost gone, barely able to be seen. Her right wrist had been bound tightly. He learned that it had been broken, as if someone had squeezed it until the bones snapped. Along with her wrist, she had three cracked ribs.
It had been a horrific beating.
Legolas watched as her chest rose and fell slowly and he smiled. She was a lovely creature...her beauty could match any elf maiden's. He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He smiled at her as he stroked her cheek. "No one will harm you again, Lirimaer," he whispered.
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Thranduil stood before the hearth in his study, gazing at the burning logs. The young girl Legolas had rescued from the storm was much more than she appeared. He stirred the logs as he remembered what Jeera had reported.
*Flashback*
"The young girl had taken quite a beating, milord," Jeera said as she wiped her hands on a towel. Thranduil nodded as he looked at the girl, who now slumbered in one of the guest rooms. "Yes, that she did, Jeera. But, once again, your renowned skills saved another life." The healer smiled softly. "I do the best I can, milord." Thranduil nodded and turned to leave, but Jeera stopped him. "King Thranduil, there is one more thing," she said. The king looked at her, waiting. "The girl bears the mark of the Edain." Thranduil stared at her. "The Edain? Jeera, are you certain?" The healer nodded and motioned towards the sleeping girl. "I discovered it on her stomach, milord. See for yourself."
Thranduil went to the bed and watched as Jeera pulled back the covers and unbuttoned the middle of the girl's sleeping gown. He caught his breath when he saw that the healer spoke the truth. The girl bore the mark of the Edain; born only to those who belonged to line of Elrond, ruler of Rivendell. *A human bears the mark of an Elvin line?,* the king thought. *How is this possible? Unless....* He snapped his gaze to the girl's face. *It cannot be...* The king straightened and stared at nothing in particular. "I must summon Gandalf the White," he murmured. "This matter must be meet with urgency." Jeera nodded and tucked the covers back in place around the girl's slim figure. "Your work is appreciated, Jeera. I thank you." The healer bowed. "'Twas my pleasure, milord." *End of flashback*
Questions ran through Thranduil's mind; questions that needed to be answered. He turned at the sound of his study door being opened. Legolas walked in and stood next to his father. "Ada, I am told that you have sent for Gandalf in concern with the girl," he said. Thranduil glanced at him. "Is this true?" The king nodded. "Yes, my son, it is." Legolas turned to the fire, the flames illuminating his skin. "What is so special about this girl....that Gandalf must be summoned?" Thranduil turned to his son. "The girl bears the mark of Edain; the mark of Lord Elrond." Legolas' head snapped to his father. "But she is human." Thranduil smiled softly. "Which is why Gandalf's expertise is needed."
"Then allow the expertise to take effect," a voice from the doorway said.
Both elves turned towards the voice to see Gandalf standing just inside the study. The wizard allowed a small smile to grace his face. His face was framed with long, white hair, and his long beard matched it in color. His white robe swished as he walked towards them, and his white staff echoed through the room as it tapped the floor with his every step.
Thranduil grinned and embraced the old man, both laughing joyously. "My dear friend," the elf said. "It does my heart good to see you." Gandalf pulled back and clutched the man's shoulder. "Thranduil, my old friend...how good it is to see you." The wizard turned to Legolas and they clutched each other's shoulders. "Legolas Greenleaf...it has not been long at all." The prince smiled. "It does me good to see you again, Gandalf." The wizard nodded and turned to Thranduil. "What is this urgent matter you needed assistance on, my friend?" The king looked at him. "Legolas brought with him a wounded girl when he arrived back in Mirkwood, three days past." Gandalf grinned. "Always the hero, aren't we, young elf?" Legolas returned his grin. "Jeera healed the girl, who had suffered a horrific beating," Thranduil continued. "That was when she discovered that the girl bore the mark of Edain." Gandalf's eyebrows arched. "The mark? By the Valor..."
Thranduil nodded. "Gandalf, I believe this girl may be Elrond's youngest daughter." Legolas frowned at him. "Lord Elrond has another daughter other than Arwen?" Gandalf nodded. "Yes, she was born many years after Arwen," he said. Legolas looked at him. "Why has none of them mentioned her?" Thranduil sighed. "For it is painful for them to. You see, Legolas, 17 years ago, Celebrian gave birth to her fourth child. A surprise gift, she was, the apple of Elrond's eye. However, when she was only a young elfling, nothing more than a child, she was stolen from Rivendell in the night. Elrond was distraught and for weeks afterwards, they searched for the child, but she was never found." Legolas nodded.
"A month later, a young elf maiden approached Elrond, admitting that she had taken the child. She claimed that she was approached by an elderly woman. The woman told her that great harm would come to the child is she was not taken away from Rivendell...away from Middle Earth," Gandalf said. "The elf maiden made an alliance with the woman and agreed to bring the child to her in exchange for protection against Elrond, as well as a very generous compensation. The woman agreed. It was never proven if the maiden's story was true...Elrond banished her from Rivendell for her trechery. The child was never found." Legolas nodded again, absorbing it all. Gandalf turned to Thranduil. "It could be that the woman took the child to some other world...and now, in some way, she has returned." Legolas looked at them. "The girl resembled Lady Arwen, in almost every way," he said. "I swore that I had seen her somewhere before....now I realize that she reminded me of Arwen." Gandalf nodded. "I would like to speak with this girl. Has she awakened?"
As if answering his question, a scream erupted from somewhere in the palace. With only a quick glance at each other, the three of them rushed out of the study and towards the scream.
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Kimberly had awoken with a soft groan. She cracked open her eyes and frowned. *Where am I?* She propped herself up on her elbows, surprised to feel little pain at all, considering what all had happened. *Hold on...I was hit by a car...* She looked around, frowning at her surroundings. She was lying in the middle of a large bed in a beautiful room. She looked down and saw that she wasn't in her jeans and shirt anymore. *Where did this nightgown come from?* "What's going on?," she whispered. She shot up in bed when someone walked into the room, carrying towels and bedding. The woman made eye contact with Kimberly and her eyes widened, as did Kimberly's when she saw that the woman's ears were pointed. She couldn't stop the scream that erupted from her mouth. Soon after, the woman's scream echoed her own.
Kimberly stopped screaming when three men burst through the door. The woman stopped screaming and looked at the men, before speaking another language and hurrying from the room. Kimberly's eyes widened when she saw that two of them also had pointed ears. *What's going on?* The oldest of the men smiled. "By the Valor...she looks just like Elrond and Arwen..." Kimberly frowned, her heart beating against her chest erratically. As if sensing her panic, the middle aged man smiled at her. "Do not fear, milady," he said softly. "You will not be harmed here." Kimberly stared at him, slowly calming down. There was something in the man's tone of voice that was soothing...calming.
The man smiled again. "We mean you no harm. My son brought you here when he came across you, unconscious, by the side of the road." Kimberly frowned. *By the street?* She looked up at the youngest of the men and her breath caught. *Whoa...* The son was hott. He had long, white hair, much like his father's, with two braids at the sides. He had to be at least 6'0", with a muscular form that was easily seen through his green....tunic? *Oookay...* And he had the most piercing blue eyes Kimberly had ever seen....eyes that were on her. She snapped back to reality when she realized the middle aged man was asking her something. "What?," she asked. "I asked for your name, milady." *Milady?,* she thought. *Are these guys, like, really old fashioned or what?* "Kimberly," she said. "Kimberly Sullivan." The man smiled. "A lovely name, that is...I am King Thranduil of Mirkwood. This is Gandalf the White," he said, motioning to the oldest man. "And this is my son, Legolas." The young elf bowed his head. "Milady."
She stared at him a moment and she quickly looked away when a small smile graced his face. She looked at Thranduil. "What's Mirkwood?," she asked. "It is an Elven city, Lady Kimberly," he answered. Her eyes widened. "Elven?" *Elves...pointy ears...oh my soul, where am I? What happened?* "Yes. Welcome to Middle-Earth," the king said. Kimberly stared at them, unsure of what to say. Finally, the old man-Gandalf-spoke. "Now that I see her for myself, I know there is no mistake," he said. "This is the daughter of Elrond and Celebrian." Kimberly didn't pay attention to what was being said. She was too busy trying to think things through. Elves. Mirkwood. Middle-Earth.
Kimberly knew she wasn't crazy...at least, she thought she wasn't. But she couldn't believe what was happening either. *Okay...I pissed of Roger...he beat me....I found out that I'm not even their daughter, run out into the storm, run into the street, a car is heading towards me, and then....what? What happened after that?,* she thought. *How did I get hit by a car in 2004, on Earth, in Ohio, and then wake up in Middle-Earth....thousands of years in the past, if I'm guessing right?* Feeling eyes on her, she looked up to see Legolas once again staring at her, his blue eyes penetrating. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She looked up when Gandalf addressed her. "A miracle, you are, my dear," he said, smiling. Kimberly frowned. "I don't understand." The old man laughed. "You will soon enough." Thranduil turned to her. "I will have someone come to cloth you, milady," he said as the three of them moved out of the room. "After you are ready, someone will escort you to my study. Then, perhaps you will come to understand everything that has happened." He nodded and followed Gandalf out of the room, motioning for Legolas to follow. With a slight nod of his head in farwell, he followed the others out, closing the door behind him.
Kimberly sat staring at the door, confusion etched on her face. "I have so gone nuts." A knock on her door caught her attention and she said, "Come in." She was greeted with the sheepish face of an elf-maiden- the elf maiden that had startled her earlier. "Milday," she said softly, closing the door behind her. "My name is Belelmithial. King Thranduil sent me to help you clean up." Kimberly smiled softly. "Yeah...and please, call me Kimberly." The elf maiden smiled and nodded. "As you wish, milady...er...Kimberly." Kimberly grinned. "Belelmithial, I have got to apologize for screaming at you a little bit ago...I was just startled." Belemithial waved a hand as she came towards her. "Oh, no need to worry about that," she said. "King Thranduil explained that you've never seen an elf before and were quite frightened." Kimberly nodded. The elf maiden drew back the covers and held out a hand.
Kimberly took it and climbed to her feet. She gasped when she stood up and her knees nearly buckled under her. Belelmithial grabbed onto her arms to keep her from collapsing onto the floor. "Whoa, my legs are really weak," Kimberly said, bringing herself to sit on the bed. The elf nodded. "You've been unconscious for at least three days. Just give it a few minutes." She turned and walked into a separate room and Kimberly soon heard water being poured. *Three days?,* she thought. *I've been passed out for three days?* She looked down and saw her wrist encased in a type of cast. *Man, what happened?* The elf soon returned and helped Kimberly to her feet. "I've poured a hot bath for you, Kimberly. I wasn't sure what kind of oils you preferred to use, though." Kimberly held onto the elf as they walked to the bathroom. "I don't really use oils," she said. Roger had always told her that using them would only make it easier for her to get knocked up. At the thought of Roger, Kimberly shuddered. Most of her bruises may be gone, but some wounds would never heal.
"Well, you'll use them now," Belelmithail said, helping Kimberly out of her sleeping gown. "They'll relax you." Kimberly winced and touched her ribs. They were still very sore. "They will also help to soothe your injuries." She froze when she spotted the small mark on Kimberly's stomach. "So it is true...By the sea and stars." Kimberly frowned and looked down at her flat stomach, running her finger over the mark. "What? This? I was born with it." The elf nodded. "Aye, milady, that you were. Don't fret, it will all be explained soon. Now, into the tub with you. I'll be just in the other room. Come on out when you are done." And with that, the elf maiden left, closing the door behind her. Kimberly slowly sank into the hot water, wincing when it first touched her skin. Soon she relaxed and reached for one of the bottles that Belelmithial had set out for her. Sniffing it and instantly loving the scent, she poured some in the water. Gently running a cloth over her skin, she sighed, relishing the feel of the water.
Not wanting to keep the elf maiden waiting for long, she quickly washed her long black hair and got out of the tub, wrapping a fluffy white towel around her slim frame and opening the door. Belelmithial stood before the now-made bed and she turned at the sound of the door opening. "Oh, Kimberly, there was no need to rush. Prince Legolas will not arrive for some time." Kimberly felt her heart speed up at the mention of the elf's name. "Prince Legolas?" The elf maiden nodded. "Aye, he'll be escorting you to the study. Now, come, let's get you dressed." She held up a long, flowing purple gown with flared out sleeves that reached to the waist. Kimberly smiled. "I'm capable of dressing myself, ya know." The elf maiden smiled. "My orders were to assist you. King Thranduil does not want you injuring yourself." She approached Kimberly with the dress and held out some undergarments. Kimberly gratefully accepted them and put them on. Removing the towel, Belelmithial helped her pull the gown over her head. It clung to her slender curves and the neckline was concealing, which Kimberly was thankful for, since she hardly had anything to reveal to anyone. "Well, aren't you a picture," Belelmithial said softly. *She looks just like her sister,* she thought, shaking her head. Kimberly blushed and thanked her. The elf motioned to the vanity. "Now for your hair." Kimberly sat as the elf maiden pulled her hair back, leaving a few whisps to curl around her face. "There now. All finished," Belelmithial said, smiling at her work. Kimberly smiled as well. "Thank you. It looks beautiful." The elf maiden laughed. "It already was. I just gave it a new look." They shared a laugh and Kimberly slipped on a pair of shoes-which seemed more like slippers to her. She was ready.
Now all she had to do was wait.
Legolas hesitated outside of Kimberly's room. He was very anxious to see the dark haired beauty again, but he was still amazed that she was the daughter of Elrond. When he was in Rivendell, he had noticed that Elrond's eyes held dark shadows-as had Arwen's. He had simply assumed that it was dread of the the ring being found.
Oh, how wrong he had been.
Finally working up the nerve, he raised his hand and rapped at the door. At the muffled reply, he entered the room. He saw no sign of Kimberly until he noticed that the balcony doors were open, the drapes blowing in the wind. Standing a the railing was Kimberly, her back to him. She turned around and Legolas could swear he was in the presence of an angel. She was beautiful. The gown she wore revealed her slender figure and the hair that framed her face brought out her cheekbones. She smiled softly and Legolas felt his heart speed up. "You don't like it?," she asked, looking down at the dress. Shaking himself out of his daze, he smiled and walked up to her. "It is lovely," he said, brushing his lips over her knuckles. "As is it's wearer." Kimberly blushed. "Thank you..." Holding out his arm, he smiled at her. "Shall we?" The brunette smiled and took his arm. They left the room and started down the hallway.
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Alrighty, here it is! The next chapter. I hope everybody liked it. Oh, and just for a note, Belelmithial is my friend Beth's name is Elvish. I needed a name, so I took hers. lol. Thanks, Beth! I miss ya, girlie! Please read and review!!
Chapter Two
Alright! Here is the second chapter. Hope ya'll liked the last one!
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Legolas Greenleaf tightened his hood as he rode his horse through the rain.
It had been two years since he had left his home of Mirkwood, and now he was returning to it. The War of the Ring had ended, but Legolas had decided to remain in Rivendell for some time, enjoying the company of the Fellowship and the wedding of his friend, Aragorn, to the daughter of Elrond. After he had decided to leave, the Fellowship made arrangements to meet back in Rivendell in a few months. But, Legolas had to say, he was glad to be going home.
He smiled and patted his wet horse on the head. "As you are as well, Voronwer," he said. The horse simply neighed in response and Legolas turned his eyes back to the road. He frowned when he spotted something lying in the ditch. He slowed the horse down and jumped off, rushing over to it. His eyes widened when he realized that it was a human. He bent down and turned the body over. It was a girl, no older than 17, and she was badly beaten. "By the Valor," he muttered. "She's alive." He lifted her into his arms effortlessly and carried her back to his horse. He looked at her face, his eyes taking in all the cuts and bruises. *What happened to you?,* he wondered as he carefully lifted her into the saddle and climbed up after her. "Noro liem," he said to the horse, and it raced off.
Legolas cradled the girl against his chest, praying that he would make it to Mirkwood in time. He sighed with relief when he spotted the gates of the Elven kingdom. "Open the gates!," he yelled as he approached. A guard looked over the gate, then turned to the others. "It's Prince Legolas! Open the gates!," he yelled. The gates quickly opened and Legolas rode in. Upon reaching the steps of the palace, he jumped off and pulled the girl with him. He left the horse for the stable boys and bounded up the stairs, throwing the doors open. Servants and soldiers looked at the dripping elf as he marched in. "Prince Legolas," a soldier said, bowing to him. "Welcome back, milord." Legolas ignored his welcome. "Where is my father?," he demanded. "This girl needs healing at once."
The soldier took one look at the girl and yelled for someone to fetch the healer. Legolas lifted his head as his father approached, robe billowing behind him. "My son," he said. "What is all the commotion?" Legolas bowed his head. "Ada, I came across this wounded girl. She needs healing." Thranduil took one look at the girl and nodded. "Fetch the healers," he ordered, moving towards the healing room. "They've already been sent for, milord." A she-elf dressed in white hurried up to them. She was Jeera, the healer of Mirkwood. "Milord, how can I be of service?" He motioned to the girl. Jeera nodded. "Bring her in." She opened the door to the healing room and Legolas carried the girl in. He laid her on one of the beds, wiping her black hair out of her face. It didn't escape him that she was very beautiful. *And yet so familair somehow...*
"Milord Legolas, you will have to leave in order for me to heal her," Jeera said softly. Legolas shook his head as he stared at the girl's face. "Milord, you can do no more." His father pulled him away. "Come, my son," he said. "She will be fine, but we must let Jeera work." Legolas reluctantly agreed, stealing one last look at the girl before the door was shut. He turned to see his father with a smile on his face. "Always you return home with surprises, Legolas," he said and Legolas laughed, embracing his father. "And what a precious one you delivered this day." Legolas frowned and looked at the door. "She will be fine, my son. Jeera is the best healer in Mirkwood." Legolas nodded. "Come, let us fetch you some dry clothes and warm food. It has been a long and strenous journey." Legolas nodded and with one last look at the door, followed his father away.
Legolas was told that the girl had been taken to one of the guest rooms. She had been healed, her life saved, but she had still not woken up. He stood outside her door now, his mind contemplating entering or not. He cursed himself. Why was he so drawn to this girl? She seemed no more than an average human girl...yet there was something different about her. Something that sparked Legolas' interest. Finally reaching his decision, he turned the handle and slowly pushed open the door. Silently walking into the room, he glanced around as he shut the door behind him.
The room the girl had been placed in was one of the palace's finest. The balcony overlooked the whole kingdom, and the sunrise could always be seen. Little sunlight was seen in the room now, for the drapes were drawn shut. Legolas' eyes traveled around the room, taking in the bureau and vanity; the loveseat and paintings that adorned the walls; the stone hearth where a fire burned and the large four-poster bed by the balcony. His eyes stopped on the bed. The girl rested in the center, practically swallowed by the large bed. Legolas quietly walked towards it and stood on the side, staring down at the sleeping beauty. Her raven hair was spread out on her pillow. The bruises that once marred her beautiful face were almost gone, barely able to be seen. Her right wrist had been bound tightly. He learned that it had been broken, as if someone had squeezed it until the bones snapped. Along with her wrist, she had three cracked ribs.
It had been a horrific beating.
Legolas watched as her chest rose and fell slowly and he smiled. She was a lovely creature...her beauty could match any elf maiden's. He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He smiled at her as he stroked her cheek. "No one will harm you again, Lirimaer," he whispered.
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Thranduil stood before the hearth in his study, gazing at the burning logs. The young girl Legolas had rescued from the storm was much more than she appeared. He stirred the logs as he remembered what Jeera had reported.
*Flashback*
"The young girl had taken quite a beating, milord," Jeera said as she wiped her hands on a towel. Thranduil nodded as he looked at the girl, who now slumbered in one of the guest rooms. "Yes, that she did, Jeera. But, once again, your renowned skills saved another life." The healer smiled softly. "I do the best I can, milord." Thranduil nodded and turned to leave, but Jeera stopped him. "King Thranduil, there is one more thing," she said. The king looked at her, waiting. "The girl bears the mark of the Edain." Thranduil stared at her. "The Edain? Jeera, are you certain?" The healer nodded and motioned towards the sleeping girl. "I discovered it on her stomach, milord. See for yourself."
Thranduil went to the bed and watched as Jeera pulled back the covers and unbuttoned the middle of the girl's sleeping gown. He caught his breath when he saw that the healer spoke the truth. The girl bore the mark of the Edain; born only to those who belonged to line of Elrond, ruler of Rivendell. *A human bears the mark of an Elvin line?,* the king thought. *How is this possible? Unless....* He snapped his gaze to the girl's face. *It cannot be...* The king straightened and stared at nothing in particular. "I must summon Gandalf the White," he murmured. "This matter must be meet with urgency." Jeera nodded and tucked the covers back in place around the girl's slim figure. "Your work is appreciated, Jeera. I thank you." The healer bowed. "'Twas my pleasure, milord." *End of flashback*
Questions ran through Thranduil's mind; questions that needed to be answered. He turned at the sound of his study door being opened. Legolas walked in and stood next to his father. "Ada, I am told that you have sent for Gandalf in concern with the girl," he said. Thranduil glanced at him. "Is this true?" The king nodded. "Yes, my son, it is." Legolas turned to the fire, the flames illuminating his skin. "What is so special about this girl....that Gandalf must be summoned?" Thranduil turned to his son. "The girl bears the mark of Edain; the mark of Lord Elrond." Legolas' head snapped to his father. "But she is human." Thranduil smiled softly. "Which is why Gandalf's expertise is needed."
"Then allow the expertise to take effect," a voice from the doorway said.
Both elves turned towards the voice to see Gandalf standing just inside the study. The wizard allowed a small smile to grace his face. His face was framed with long, white hair, and his long beard matched it in color. His white robe swished as he walked towards them, and his white staff echoed through the room as it tapped the floor with his every step.
Thranduil grinned and embraced the old man, both laughing joyously. "My dear friend," the elf said. "It does my heart good to see you." Gandalf pulled back and clutched the man's shoulder. "Thranduil, my old friend...how good it is to see you." The wizard turned to Legolas and they clutched each other's shoulders. "Legolas Greenleaf...it has not been long at all." The prince smiled. "It does me good to see you again, Gandalf." The wizard nodded and turned to Thranduil. "What is this urgent matter you needed assistance on, my friend?" The king looked at him. "Legolas brought with him a wounded girl when he arrived back in Mirkwood, three days past." Gandalf grinned. "Always the hero, aren't we, young elf?" Legolas returned his grin. "Jeera healed the girl, who had suffered a horrific beating," Thranduil continued. "That was when she discovered that the girl bore the mark of Edain." Gandalf's eyebrows arched. "The mark? By the Valor..."
Thranduil nodded. "Gandalf, I believe this girl may be Elrond's youngest daughter." Legolas frowned at him. "Lord Elrond has another daughter other than Arwen?" Gandalf nodded. "Yes, she was born many years after Arwen," he said. Legolas looked at him. "Why has none of them mentioned her?" Thranduil sighed. "For it is painful for them to. You see, Legolas, 17 years ago, Celebrian gave birth to her fourth child. A surprise gift, she was, the apple of Elrond's eye. However, when she was only a young elfling, nothing more than a child, she was stolen from Rivendell in the night. Elrond was distraught and for weeks afterwards, they searched for the child, but she was never found." Legolas nodded.
"A month later, a young elf maiden approached Elrond, admitting that she had taken the child. She claimed that she was approached by an elderly woman. The woman told her that great harm would come to the child is she was not taken away from Rivendell...away from Middle Earth," Gandalf said. "The elf maiden made an alliance with the woman and agreed to bring the child to her in exchange for protection against Elrond, as well as a very generous compensation. The woman agreed. It was never proven if the maiden's story was true...Elrond banished her from Rivendell for her trechery. The child was never found." Legolas nodded again, absorbing it all. Gandalf turned to Thranduil. "It could be that the woman took the child to some other world...and now, in some way, she has returned." Legolas looked at them. "The girl resembled Lady Arwen, in almost every way," he said. "I swore that I had seen her somewhere before....now I realize that she reminded me of Arwen." Gandalf nodded. "I would like to speak with this girl. Has she awakened?"
As if answering his question, a scream erupted from somewhere in the palace. With only a quick glance at each other, the three of them rushed out of the study and towards the scream.
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Kimberly had awoken with a soft groan. She cracked open her eyes and frowned. *Where am I?* She propped herself up on her elbows, surprised to feel little pain at all, considering what all had happened. *Hold on...I was hit by a car...* She looked around, frowning at her surroundings. She was lying in the middle of a large bed in a beautiful room. She looked down and saw that she wasn't in her jeans and shirt anymore. *Where did this nightgown come from?* "What's going on?," she whispered. She shot up in bed when someone walked into the room, carrying towels and bedding. The woman made eye contact with Kimberly and her eyes widened, as did Kimberly's when she saw that the woman's ears were pointed. She couldn't stop the scream that erupted from her mouth. Soon after, the woman's scream echoed her own.
Kimberly stopped screaming when three men burst through the door. The woman stopped screaming and looked at the men, before speaking another language and hurrying from the room. Kimberly's eyes widened when she saw that two of them also had pointed ears. *What's going on?* The oldest of the men smiled. "By the Valor...she looks just like Elrond and Arwen..." Kimberly frowned, her heart beating against her chest erratically. As if sensing her panic, the middle aged man smiled at her. "Do not fear, milady," he said softly. "You will not be harmed here." Kimberly stared at him, slowly calming down. There was something in the man's tone of voice that was soothing...calming.
The man smiled again. "We mean you no harm. My son brought you here when he came across you, unconscious, by the side of the road." Kimberly frowned. *By the street?* She looked up at the youngest of the men and her breath caught. *Whoa...* The son was hott. He had long, white hair, much like his father's, with two braids at the sides. He had to be at least 6'0", with a muscular form that was easily seen through his green....tunic? *Oookay...* And he had the most piercing blue eyes Kimberly had ever seen....eyes that were on her. She snapped back to reality when she realized the middle aged man was asking her something. "What?," she asked. "I asked for your name, milady." *Milady?,* she thought. *Are these guys, like, really old fashioned or what?* "Kimberly," she said. "Kimberly Sullivan." The man smiled. "A lovely name, that is...I am King Thranduil of Mirkwood. This is Gandalf the White," he said, motioning to the oldest man. "And this is my son, Legolas." The young elf bowed his head. "Milady."
She stared at him a moment and she quickly looked away when a small smile graced his face. She looked at Thranduil. "What's Mirkwood?," she asked. "It is an Elven city, Lady Kimberly," he answered. Her eyes widened. "Elven?" *Elves...pointy ears...oh my soul, where am I? What happened?* "Yes. Welcome to Middle-Earth," the king said. Kimberly stared at them, unsure of what to say. Finally, the old man-Gandalf-spoke. "Now that I see her for myself, I know there is no mistake," he said. "This is the daughter of Elrond and Celebrian." Kimberly didn't pay attention to what was being said. She was too busy trying to think things through. Elves. Mirkwood. Middle-Earth.
Kimberly knew she wasn't crazy...at least, she thought she wasn't. But she couldn't believe what was happening either. *Okay...I pissed of Roger...he beat me....I found out that I'm not even their daughter, run out into the storm, run into the street, a car is heading towards me, and then....what? What happened after that?,* she thought. *How did I get hit by a car in 2004, on Earth, in Ohio, and then wake up in Middle-Earth....thousands of years in the past, if I'm guessing right?* Feeling eyes on her, she looked up to see Legolas once again staring at her, his blue eyes penetrating. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She looked up when Gandalf addressed her. "A miracle, you are, my dear," he said, smiling. Kimberly frowned. "I don't understand." The old man laughed. "You will soon enough." Thranduil turned to her. "I will have someone come to cloth you, milady," he said as the three of them moved out of the room. "After you are ready, someone will escort you to my study. Then, perhaps you will come to understand everything that has happened." He nodded and followed Gandalf out of the room, motioning for Legolas to follow. With a slight nod of his head in farwell, he followed the others out, closing the door behind him.
Kimberly sat staring at the door, confusion etched on her face. "I have so gone nuts." A knock on her door caught her attention and she said, "Come in." She was greeted with the sheepish face of an elf-maiden- the elf maiden that had startled her earlier. "Milday," she said softly, closing the door behind her. "My name is Belelmithial. King Thranduil sent me to help you clean up." Kimberly smiled softly. "Yeah...and please, call me Kimberly." The elf maiden smiled and nodded. "As you wish, milady...er...Kimberly." Kimberly grinned. "Belelmithial, I have got to apologize for screaming at you a little bit ago...I was just startled." Belemithial waved a hand as she came towards her. "Oh, no need to worry about that," she said. "King Thranduil explained that you've never seen an elf before and were quite frightened." Kimberly nodded. The elf maiden drew back the covers and held out a hand.
Kimberly took it and climbed to her feet. She gasped when she stood up and her knees nearly buckled under her. Belelmithial grabbed onto her arms to keep her from collapsing onto the floor. "Whoa, my legs are really weak," Kimberly said, bringing herself to sit on the bed. The elf nodded. "You've been unconscious for at least three days. Just give it a few minutes." She turned and walked into a separate room and Kimberly soon heard water being poured. *Three days?,* she thought. *I've been passed out for three days?* She looked down and saw her wrist encased in a type of cast. *Man, what happened?* The elf soon returned and helped Kimberly to her feet. "I've poured a hot bath for you, Kimberly. I wasn't sure what kind of oils you preferred to use, though." Kimberly held onto the elf as they walked to the bathroom. "I don't really use oils," she said. Roger had always told her that using them would only make it easier for her to get knocked up. At the thought of Roger, Kimberly shuddered. Most of her bruises may be gone, but some wounds would never heal.
"Well, you'll use them now," Belelmithail said, helping Kimberly out of her sleeping gown. "They'll relax you." Kimberly winced and touched her ribs. They were still very sore. "They will also help to soothe your injuries." She froze when she spotted the small mark on Kimberly's stomach. "So it is true...By the sea and stars." Kimberly frowned and looked down at her flat stomach, running her finger over the mark. "What? This? I was born with it." The elf nodded. "Aye, milady, that you were. Don't fret, it will all be explained soon. Now, into the tub with you. I'll be just in the other room. Come on out when you are done." And with that, the elf maiden left, closing the door behind her. Kimberly slowly sank into the hot water, wincing when it first touched her skin. Soon she relaxed and reached for one of the bottles that Belelmithial had set out for her. Sniffing it and instantly loving the scent, she poured some in the water. Gently running a cloth over her skin, she sighed, relishing the feel of the water.
Not wanting to keep the elf maiden waiting for long, she quickly washed her long black hair and got out of the tub, wrapping a fluffy white towel around her slim frame and opening the door. Belelmithial stood before the now-made bed and she turned at the sound of the door opening. "Oh, Kimberly, there was no need to rush. Prince Legolas will not arrive for some time." Kimberly felt her heart speed up at the mention of the elf's name. "Prince Legolas?" The elf maiden nodded. "Aye, he'll be escorting you to the study. Now, come, let's get you dressed." She held up a long, flowing purple gown with flared out sleeves that reached to the waist. Kimberly smiled. "I'm capable of dressing myself, ya know." The elf maiden smiled. "My orders were to assist you. King Thranduil does not want you injuring yourself." She approached Kimberly with the dress and held out some undergarments. Kimberly gratefully accepted them and put them on. Removing the towel, Belelmithial helped her pull the gown over her head. It clung to her slender curves and the neckline was concealing, which Kimberly was thankful for, since she hardly had anything to reveal to anyone. "Well, aren't you a picture," Belelmithial said softly. *She looks just like her sister,* she thought, shaking her head. Kimberly blushed and thanked her. The elf motioned to the vanity. "Now for your hair." Kimberly sat as the elf maiden pulled her hair back, leaving a few whisps to curl around her face. "There now. All finished," Belelmithial said, smiling at her work. Kimberly smiled as well. "Thank you. It looks beautiful." The elf maiden laughed. "It already was. I just gave it a new look." They shared a laugh and Kimberly slipped on a pair of shoes-which seemed more like slippers to her. She was ready.
Now all she had to do was wait.
Legolas hesitated outside of Kimberly's room. He was very anxious to see the dark haired beauty again, but he was still amazed that she was the daughter of Elrond. When he was in Rivendell, he had noticed that Elrond's eyes held dark shadows-as had Arwen's. He had simply assumed that it was dread of the the ring being found.
Oh, how wrong he had been.
Finally working up the nerve, he raised his hand and rapped at the door. At the muffled reply, he entered the room. He saw no sign of Kimberly until he noticed that the balcony doors were open, the drapes blowing in the wind. Standing a the railing was Kimberly, her back to him. She turned around and Legolas could swear he was in the presence of an angel. She was beautiful. The gown she wore revealed her slender figure and the hair that framed her face brought out her cheekbones. She smiled softly and Legolas felt his heart speed up. "You don't like it?," she asked, looking down at the dress. Shaking himself out of his daze, he smiled and walked up to her. "It is lovely," he said, brushing his lips over her knuckles. "As is it's wearer." Kimberly blushed. "Thank you..." Holding out his arm, he smiled at her. "Shall we?" The brunette smiled and took his arm. They left the room and started down the hallway.
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Alrighty, here it is! The next chapter. I hope everybody liked it. Oh, and just for a note, Belelmithial is my friend Beth's name is Elvish. I needed a name, so I took hers. lol. Thanks, Beth! I miss ya, girlie! Please read and review!!