A/N: Just a quick note before I let you read this chapter, thank you so much to my two loyal reviewers, AquiliusDivine & The White Masque for your fair comments. The White Masque, I will soon write a flashback to see what Laura is like, and of Gwen in Bree. I will write the best I can for you those who enjoy my story. I swear to you know it will not be a mary sue as this will have a twist later on. Gwen is nothing special; she is a simple elf with a heart of gold, nothing more. She won't have any special weapons, as previous people like to think. She has a rusty sword for now anyway. I will not read bad criticism as it takes a lot of courage to post ones story.
And about the Elvish used, a mix of Sindarin and Quenya. I used a very good site as it's the best site for Elvish I know. That is how I know Laura is Galadhwen in the Sindarin tounge.) I do not own The Lord of the Rings, none of the characters expect for Gwen & Laura, until future reference. Correct me if I am wrong in any facts.
This chapter is dedicated to three people. One, who loves me very much, Rich, two my best friend Laura and to AquiliusDivine, may she continue knowing Draco and Hermione!
It only took two more days to reach the Elven Refuge. To Laura, it was even more beautiful to see in the real world, well as real as it was to Laura. Everything was in such detail, every flower seemed more exquisite than the next, even to the paintings delicately placed on the walls. They passed the gardens and Laura could smell the sweet aroma of the many flowers. She heard the rushing waterfalls all around, an almost, familiar sound to her.
As they were lead to the chambers of Lord Elrond, they passed the statue carrying the shards of Narzil. To Laura, the maiden looked sad indeed, as if she was trying to give them back to their rightful owner…Aragorn did not look at it but kept his face away. As it was dark, many of the candles were lit and they shone brightly onto the many books Elrond possessed. He was standing beside his grand chair and looked much grander to Laura than she could imagine. "I welcome you home, Galadhwen, daughter of Beriadan" he spoke in rather, a solemn tone of voice. She politely bowed her head, remembering her manners. "I knew your father well child, it is only right you have come home". He said this all in Elvish and Laura frantically looked at Aragorn for translation. "You do not understand your own tounge?" he asked. Laura then spoke more of Gwen than ever, "my Lord, forgive me but I was brought up by a mortal, the only language I know of is the Westron tounge". Elrond seemed to understand and sighed. "Tis a shame you do not know your parents language. You will have to be taught then. It is late, you will be shown to your living quarters". Elrond bowed a farewell. She whispered a goodnight to Aragorn and was lead away by another Elf. He opened the door for her and bid her a goodnight also. The room was very large and as always, beautiful. Light wooden pillars, with marble floor, a wide circle bed with a silk, light blue duvet. A table, mirror and a wardrobe dressed the room. She walked out onto the balcony, a vast forest of flowers and trees lay below her, waterfalls cascaded into dark pools of water and the great snow-capped mountains laid beyond her. Laura sighed gently…she was no longer home and it seemed she was not going back for a long time.
Laura soon woke to hear a birds call in the distant land of Rivendell. Getting up, she noticed an old man, glad in grey sitting next to the bed. He had knowing-eyes and a weary smile. She recognised him as Gandalf the Grey. "I welcome you to Middle Earth, Laura", his voice soothed her fears and she was glad he accepted her so lightly. Laura caught a smell of breakfast, her eyes laid upon a tray of bread, jam and what looked like tea. "Ah, yes. I thought you might be hungry", the old wizard explained. "Aragorn told me of your story, he has gone to find my two young hobbits in Bree…ah, but then you would know of this, wouldn't you?" Laura turned to see Gandalf give her a questioning look. Trying to choose her words carefully, Laura spoke to the wizard, "the ring's tale is set in three books, master Gandalf. "If you ask me of anything, Frodos' safety or Middle Earths' for that matter, all you need do is ask". She then picked up some bread and started buttering it. The old wizard nodded, taking in her knowledge. "Then you must know of the council that will soon take place my child. I asked Lord Elrond for your presence", he calmly told her. Laura suddenly felt confused again.
"Why must I be at the council? I am no one important" she tried to explain.
"My child, you know our future, it is only right that you be there. This may be fate, not even a great Elf could explain your presence here, but it is of importance". Laura raised an eyebrow at Gandalf, "I cannot fight master Gandalf, and there are many wandering orcs". The old wizard nodded at this, "then you shall learn my good lass, you shall learn".
Laura was told to dress in some suitable clothes by Gandalf, and to meet her new tutor in the north gardens. This was a chance to explore her room a little. At the back was a bathroom, a simple yet elaborate bath, along with a large mirror domineering the room. Opening her wardrobe, Laura gasped a little. Many, beautiful and close-to-detail dresses lay inside, all of different colours, reds, purples, blues, greens and white nightgowns. She had to go through many lovely gowns, trying to find a dress she could fight in. A light tapping at her door, made Laura hold fear again, wondering whom it could be. A tall Elven maiden entered with long raven locks and piercing blue eyes. She moved with grace and as if she was on air. Laura recognised her as Arwen, daughter of Elrond. She smiled, "My father told me of your being here. I am Arwen Undomiel". Noticing she was rummaging through the wardrobe, Arwen walked towards it and picked out a green and blue dress, with long white sleeves. "Ah, this was my training dress, tis suitable for moving fast in it and is light as a feather", the maiden smiled at Laura and handed it to her. "Hannon e lle", Laura said, remembering the Elvish phrase for thank you. Arwen looked a little confused at this, "my father said you cannot speak out tounge, as you raised by mortals", she questioned.
"Aragorn taught me a little", Laura covered up and Arwen smiled again.
"Ah yes, he would have. Well, I must be attended to my studies. I shall sit with you at dinner tonight, wear a gown remember. Namárië" (farewell). Arwen bowed her head a little and left the room, her purple gown still trailing the floor.