Disclaimer: I own only Sulwen and Margaret.
Sulwen stopped at a pair of large, oak doors. " This is the Dining Hall," she said to Margaret who was standing beside her, " This is where all of your meal will be served."
" Is that where Glorfindel and Lord Elrond are?" questioned the little girl.
" Yes," said Sulwen, " Now go on in or youll be late."
Margaret stepped in front of Sulwen and entered the hall. She was amazed to see many elves chatting and eating with one another. Tables were all spread out before them, holding more food than Margaret had ever seen in one place. In the center of the room, up on a dias, was a long table. At the head of it sat Elrond, and next to him, Glorfindel. Many other elves were seated around that table. Margaret stared for a moment before Sulwen ushered her over to Glorfindel.
" Ah, there you are," said Glorfindel with a smile. He stood up and pulled out a chair for her beside himself. Margaret climbed up on the high chair, and was shocked to see all the food before her.
" Make sure you eat up, now," said Glorfindel, " The healer said you were a little on the thin side."
Margaret just nodded, still surprised that she could eat as much as she wanted.
" How are you liking Imladris?" asked Elrond.
Margaret looked up at him. She noticed that many other elves around the table had stopped what they were doing and looking at her. " It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen," she said enthusiastically.
Elrond smiled at her, " I am glad you like it. Margaret, these are my two sons, Elladan and Elrohir."
He pointed to two elves seated on his other side. Margaret noticed that they looked alike. Both had dark hair and dark eyes. They both smiled identical smiles at her. Margaret smiled back shyly.
" After you eat, we will go and talk in my study," said Elrond.
Margaret nodded at him, and began to eat the greatest meal she had ever had.
" Take a seat," said Elrond to Margaret. She did as she was told, and sat in a comfortable. blue chair. Elrond sat across from her, behind his desk. Next to her, Glorfindel had also taken a seat.
She looked around the study for a few moments, taking in what she saw. Elronds study was filled with shelves of books. His desk was littered with papers and feathers with points at the end. Margaret thought they looked like quills. He had a fireplace on one of the walls. Unlike all the rooms she had seen so far, Margaret noticed that this one was enclosed all the way around. There were no windows, but just a single door that lead outside.
" So tell me," said Elrond at last, " Where are you from?"
"New York," said Margaret.
" New York? " asked Elrond
Margaret noticed that Glorfindel and Elrond were staring at her with a puzzled expression.
" I do not believe I have ever heard of New York," said Elrond, " Why dont you describe it to us."
" Well," said Margaret, " There are lots of buildings and people. These buildings are taller than the trees! Most of the buildings are factories. Some people own cars. There are lots of cars, too. I worked at a threading factory. It was hard to find money, so I had to work when I turned five. Im seven now, did you know?"
" No," said Elrond with a sad smile, " I did not. Now, what of your parents?"
Margaret stared at Elrond, horrified. 'Ma!' she screamed to herself, "I have nearly forgotten! How could I have forgotten!' She felt tears stinging her eyes. She had forgotten all about her mother in the time she spent in Imladris.
" Margaret," said Elrond gently," What about your parents?"
" My Ma died," she said quietly, " She died and I went to the orphanage."
" And your father?"
" I dont have one," she said again, this time the tears fell.
" Alright," Elrond soothed, " We have had enough questions for today. Margaret, would you like to stay in Imladris for a while? You can get your education, and live here for a time."
Margaret just nodded, not knowing what other option there was.
" Come," said Glorfindel, " I will walk you back to your room."
"What do you make of this, Elrond?" asked Glorfindel, " You know there is no such thing as New York. I have no idea what a car is, nor a factory."
" I think she is making it up," said Elrond, " Perhaps something has happened to her, and she wishes to hide her true past."
Glorfindel had taken Margaret to her room. After calming her down, he had went in search of his friend. He and Elrond needed to talk. The childs story had puzzled him, for none of it made sense.
" So, now what?" asked Glorfindel.
" Now, we do what we said we would. We raise her and give her an education. When she turns the right age, we will let her decide what she wants to do."
As Elrond and Glorfindel planned out the next few years, Margaret silently cried herself to sleep. The days to come would be a challenge, but she would get through it.
A/N: Probably not the best chapter, sorry. Next few chapters are just going to be bits and pieces about Margaret growing up. Then, it will start up again when she has to make her decision. Either that, or I will just skip to the day she turns sixteen. Next chapter should be up within a week.: )
Replies:
aknightofni: Margaret certainly lived a hard life. Im glad to say thank you for such wonderful reviews!You certainly give me the confidence that this story is going alright.
Alagdelothiel: Thank you! I know that girl-goes-to-ME can and are overdone. I wanted to write something that would be different, and Im glad you like it.