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The Dark Witch: Wow, that last chapter was fun. I hope you all liked it. Anyway, it's time for chapter 2!
Elrond: *Clears his throat*
The Dark Witch: *Looks over at him* What?
Elrond: You forgot to mention something in the first chapter.
The Dark Witch: *Blinks* Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot to mention that I do not own SM or LOTR. I wish I did, though! Now, on with the chapter!
*…* = Telepathic thought
"…" = Regular talking
'…' = Talking in Elvish
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Previously-
With a soft tug on the reins and a soft nudge with her knees, they rode out of the grove together, toward Rivendell, expecting to arrive there by noon.
~Shadows and Destiny~
~Chapter 2-The Lord Elrond~
Hotaru arrived at the city's gates an hour after Aragorn and the Hobbits. The city seemed enormous and beautiful with an ethereal glow surrounding it. "Well, Angel, we're finally here." Hotaru patted Angel's neck as she scanned the area, looking for anyone who could direct her to the Lord Elrond.
'Hello, can I help you?' Hotaru turned to see an Elf next to her. He was tall, had fair skin, blonde hair, and green eyes, all characteristics that most of the Elven shared, making them all seem to look alike. She didn't understand what he had said for he spoke in Elvish. Hotaru looked at him in confusion and shook her head.
The Elf must have understood her body movements because he suddenly smiled. "Hello, can I help you?" He repeated in the language of man.
Hotaru was slightly annoyed. He purposely spoke in his own tongue to confuse her. "Yes," she said, letting some of her annoyance ring in her voice. "I'm looking for the Lord Elrond. I was told that he lived here. I need to talk to him."
"About?"
Hotaru's face reddened in frustration. "That is none of your concern. My business is only for Elrond's ears."
The Elf frowned at her comment, but didn't push more on the subject. "Yes, he does live here. Come, I will take you to him." He motioned for her to follow.
Hotaru stayed on top of her horse, more annoyed with him then she had ever been with an elf. How could he expect her to "follow" him when it is clearly seen that she has a horse that needs to be taken care of before its rider. That moral has been taught to her over the years to always take care of the horse before its rider can take care of himself or in this case, herself.
When he realized she wasn't following him, he turned around; no emotion was on his face. "Well, are you coming?"
"What about my horse?"
"Leave your mare here. He will be properly taken care of."
Hotaru nodded and hopped off her horse and just as the elf had said, another elf, that looked like he could be the other's twin, suddenly walked up from who knows where and took a hold Angel's reins. "Don't worry, My Lady, I'll make sure that he is properly looked after." He had said this with a smile and a pat on Angel's neck. Hotaru nodded in thanks. Then she followed the first elf, who was still waiting for her.
He led her into a beautiful castle, outside as well as in, with flowers growing everywhere. Many Elves walked around, going about their business. Only a few of them noticed her.
Those few that noticed her made Hotaru nervous. Some of them smiled big heart-warming smiles that reached their eyes while others gave her a look of utter hatred. She did not know why their reactions toward her were so, but it did make her wonder.
She just frowned and continued following the Elf. The Elf led her into what appeared to be a conference hall. The room was simple, white walls, silver carpet, and a large deep red polished circular table with matching chairs.
"Hey, I thought you were taking me to Lord Elrond?"
He looked at her. "I am. You wait here. He will be here shortly." With that said he turned around and walked out of the room.
"Jerk," Hotaru muttered underneath her breath. He didn't even say good-bye or give her enough time to say thank you, but she pushed it aside, telling herself that is not why she was here. She sat down to wait in one of the chairs.
The chair she was on was cold. Memories of her past life came back to her. She was sitting in a big chair with toys and stuffed animals surrounding her, the sparkle of the crystal chalice, her father's evil laugh.
Fortunately for her, she didn't have to wait long. An Elf, who stood tall and solid, slowly walked into the room, pulling her out of her memories.
Hotaru quickly stood up. "Are you the Lord Elrond?"
"Yes," he said and motioned for her to sit back down while he took his place standing by a window. "Now, I understand you wish to see me under business that is only for my ears alone?"
"Yes, My Lord," Hotaru said with a nod.
He looked into her purple eyes as if searching for something. Whatever he found in them made him smile "It will only be fitting to start your tale by giving me your name since you already know mine."
"Oh! Sorry, my name is Hotaru Tomoe and I'm here at the bidding of my queen." Hotaru slightly blushed from not remembering proper manners in front of the Elven lord.
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Hint: Her queen was also part of her past life. I bet you all don't know who she is! Hehe.
Don't forget to review!!