DISCLAIMER: I do not own the fabulous works of the Lord of the Rings. If I did do you think I'd be writing this? Anything you recognize as Tolkien's or of Tamora Pierce (I highly recommend that you read her books!) is not mine. All I own is Vaitya.

A/N: I love the hobbits in this chapter.

Matrixelf: I changed my writing style? I hope it's for the better. Thanks for reviewing!

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Chapter 5: The first dinner in Rivendell

We reached Rivendell without any incident only to find that Frodo was alive but unconscious. He was struck with a Morgal blade. A deadly weapon that turns the injured one into a ringwraith like form. Sam was especial happy to know that Frodo would make it. My jaw is in the process of healing. I received a nasty cut from the attack which is now bandaged.

I had started to teach the hobbits sign language when we left Bree. Pippin, actually, is the best at it. They are all progressing nicely if I do say so myself.

Being surrounded by elves is overwhelming. I recognize some of what they are saying but do not make conversation with them unless they talk to me first. Let's just say I am more then a little uncomfortable around them. I prefer to spend my time between Strider, the hobbits, the newly found Gandalf the Gray, Bilbo, and my Deor. Right now Strider is helping translate signs to Merry and Pippin in the courtyard. It is easier to do so then having to write out what I am saying then showing them the sign for it.

"What color is your hair?" a sign they have just learned.

"Brown!" Merry and Pippin chorus together.

"Good! You are getting the hang of it!"

"She said were getting better!" Merry repeated to no one in particular.

Gandalf and Bilbo joined our group just as some dwarves, men, and more elves come into the yard. I nervously pull on my hair letting some of it hang in front of my face, hiding me from view. I'm not very good with strangers if you hadn't noticed. Through my hair I see the men descend from their horses looking curiously around the place while the dwarves slowing march up the stairs throwing mistrustful glances around them. We rarely get dwarves in Bree or anyone of any race except hobbits and men really. The new elves are a different story then the men. They don't get off their horses they swoop off. It is as if they are in a hurry, which is weird for elves. They have all the time in the world, I mean they can't die from old age or anything.

When they come in Strider goes over to them with a huge smile on his face. The head blonde greets him, not that that description is any good because almost all elves are blonde, with a brotherly hug complete with a manly thump on the back. They converse softly in elvish as the others take their horses to the stable. I hear my name along with the rest, feeling the elf's eyes on me. I try to shake the eerie feeling as the hobbits' demand for more signs.

I continue, "I am hungry. Do you wish to go eat?"

"YES!" They chant with Pippin the more enthusiastically of the two.

They jump to their feet making me laugh at their eagerness. Again I feel his eyes on me as I get to my feet letting the hobbits' lead me to the kitchen.

AT DINNER THAT NIGHT

I am full for our earlier raiding of the kitchen though I still have room for dessert. I am, thankfully, sitting next to Sam across from Merry and Pippin. Deor is asleep on my lap under the table while Frodo was given the honor of sitting closer to Elrond. They tell Sam about the arrival of the men and dwarves. I listen and occasionally add in some detail as I sneak Deor some bits of green from my plate. I coo at him when he licks my hand in a thank you gesture. The hobbits keep talking but I notice that the conversation around us has ceased. I look up to see the elf along with many of the men giving me bewildered stares. My back goes up as a blush stains my cheeks. I quickly grab my mint tea trying to hide my flush.

"Good day Milady," a man says to me.

I nod to him in greeting.

"Where are you from Milady?" he asked me clearly waiting for a response.

By now the hobbits were paying attention just in time to save me. Well more so Sam saved me.

"Bree. She is from Bree," he said as I nod in earnest.

"Oh, what part of Bree Milady?"

I turn to Sam just as he answers for me, "She works at the Prancing Pony."

My smile is abruptly turned into a frown as the elf asks what everyone is wondering, "Why will you let other speak for you?"

"Because I can't."

Pippin and Merry translated this for them.

"Can't?" He questioned.

Merry answered this time, "She doesn't speak. She can't."

The hobbits had taken on a protective air about them. I couldn't help but grin at their behavior. We had surprisingly become friends in our short time of knowing each other. It is very comforting to know this.

"Can't or won't?" the annoying elf said.

The wind started to stir up as I did. This often happened when I am angry. People's hair and clothing started to spin trying to break free.

"Can't," I mouth glaring at him as I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Vaitya. Calm yourself. No one will be able to get their hair out of the knots," Strider said.

"Oh no. Their precious hair."

I stood picking up Deor pushing away from the table. The men gasp at the sudden appearance of my deer. The elves had more control over their features though shock was written in their eyes. I send my tablemates another glare before leaving the room but not before I hear Strider ask what was said to make me upset. Let's see everyone has a small mind. That's all, no big deal right?

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