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I know that it's been a WHILE since my last update and I sincerely apologize. Here's a quick recap for ya:

Ondraya: The main character. We know that she is the lost daughter of Lord Elrohir, but she doesn't. Galadriel has sent her on a trip to Rivendell, where we hope she will discover this fact. In the meantime, the slave master she was sold to, Dagrius, hunts her.

Imeron: The witty, sometimes stupid, gambling addict who tags along with Ondra and Haldir.

Dagrius: Ondra's former master who's still after her.

Traven: Dagrius's right hand man; helping Dagrius get Ondra back

Gannon: The man who collects Dagrius's elven slaves for him.

Fionan: The guard at Rivendell who assists Haldir and smarts off to Ondra constantly.

Ondraya is in Rivendell. There was a welcoming celebration for Legolas, who was visiting. After this celebration, on her way to her rooms, Ondraya was assaulted by Traven and we will pick up there. Enjoy!


"Ondraya? Ondraya? Ondra, you need to wake up now."

I could hear the small voice calling from somewhere outside the depths of my mind. I groaned. I didn't want to get up! If I wanted to be awake, didn't this idiot think I would be?

"Go away…" I groaned, pulling the soft covers up over my face.

A hand pulled the covers away again. "Ondraya," Haldir said solemnly. "Listen. We need to know what happened. Who were those men and why were they attacking you?"

My mind blanked for a moment as my thoughts raced. I could not possibly begin to explain to Haldir about my years with Dagrius and the horrors that I had seen. It was far too…personal. But what could I say?

My defenses flew up. "How should I know, Haldir? You think that I understand what goes on in criminals' minds?"

He looked me over with a cool, calculating gaze. I glared back at him defiantly.

"I do not know what goes on in your mind, Ondraya, so I could not even begin to fathom whether or not you understand the actions of criminals."

I scowled. "Get out, Haldir. Just get out."

He stood slowly, never releasing me from his scrutiny. I crossed my arms, feeling more and more cross by the minute.

"If that is what you wish, then."

He strode from the room, his dark robes swirling with foreboding. The door closed behind him and I grumbled.

"Stupid elves. Always trying to seem all-knowing and interrogating everyone."

I turned my sight towards the balcony doors. It was beautiful outside. The sun cast a golden hue on everything that it touched, and I could tell that it was nearing evening. Now muttering about having wasted what was probably a beautiful day in bed, I slipped my feet over the side. As soon as they touched the floor, my body nearly collapsed. I had lost quite a bit of blood, I supposed. My wrist was carefully and tightly wrapped with a strange material that managed to be both soft and firm at once.

"Damn Traven. I swear, the next time that I get a hold of him…"

I gingerly made my way towards the armoire. Opening it, I found several elegant dresses hanging neatly. "Of course."

It would only have been far easier to work my way into a tunic and breeches instead of wriggling, jumping and shimmying my way into a complicated frock.

I chose the simplest one that I could find. It was olive green in color and had silver trim along the neck, sleeves, and waist. It pulled over my head and I carefully slipped my tender arm through one of the large bell sleeves. That accomplished, I sat in front of the vanity and attempted to brush my hair. I had to do it with my weaker hand, as my strongest was the broken one. If it was possible, my long, black hair looked even worse after I brushed it. Shrugging, I donned soft, silver slippers and left my room.

Rivendell was quiet; everyone was probably down at dinner. My stomach rumbled at the thought, but I forced myself to ignore it. I was in no mood to socialize with anyone. Everyone would want to know about last night's incident with Traven; if they hadn't heard already, they would be pestering me with questions about all of the scratches on my face from the shattered glass.

I sighed. Somehow, I had managed to get myself to the garden. Small bees buzzed contentedly from flower to flower, satisfied that they were nearing the completion of another long day's work. I scowled. Why couldn't my life be so simple? Bees knew their job, they knew how to do it, and they knew where to go to do it. I was not so fortunate.

I had thought that I had escaped Dagrius. It had never once occurred to me that it had been far too easy. After years and years of failed escape attempts, I had simply walked out. I should have known that he had let me go. He had allowed me to leave so that he could play a game of cat and mouse with me. He took pleasure in knowing that I feared being returned to him.

Suddenly I wondered. Did he know about the small mission that the Lady Galadriel had sent me on? Did he know that it was on her orders that I was here in Rivendell? Did he know why she sent me here?

I scowled again. If he knew why, then he knew more than I did. Haldir had told me not to question the lady's orders, but I was wary. After the strange visions that I had seen in her water basin, how could I not have doubts? I knew that one of the visions, one with a town with twin waterfalls in the background, referred to Rivendell, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I had no idea what any of the other strange visions meant, how they could possibly have anything to do with me, or what I was supposed to do here in Rivendell to obtain these answers.

I sighed. The sun was sinking down, behind the horizon, and the world was preparing itself to rest. I had had more than enough rest, however, and continued down the pathways of the garden.

"I had a feeling that I would find you out here," A wise voice stated suddenly.

I turned sharply, ignoring the protests of my body, and found Lord Elrond there, calm and steady, as usual.

"Good evening, my Lord," I murmured, feeling awkward about the situation. Why was he looking for me?

"How are you feeling?" He inquired.

"I…I am better. My wrist is still fragile, and the scratches from the glass have not gone yet, but I am otherwise fine."

"Yes, your friends were worried when they heard the news."

"My friends?" My eyebrows were knit in confusion.

"Yes. Imeron, Lord Haldir, Prince Legolas…"

"Lord Haldir did not seem entirely concerned with me, my Lord. He only… wait. Did you say that Prince Legolas knows?" A strange feeling of heat was starting to rise up my face. Was I…was I blushing? I glowered at myself and hoped that Lord Elrond would not notice in the growing darkness.

"Yes. The prince was most upset that he was not able to aid in the situation." Lord Elrond replied smoothly.

I felt myself relax slightly. "Yes...yes, he is probably just upset that the criminals got away."

"Perhaps," Lord Elrond agreed. Did I detect amusement in his tone? "I spoke with Lord Haldir," He continued, easily changing the subject. "He tells me that it was on Lady Galadriel's orders that you came to Rivendell."

"Ah, yes," I replied, hesitant and unsure as to where the conversation was going.

"The Lady is a wise woman. There is no doubt that her reasons for sending you here are good and kind, even if you do not know them." He seemed to read my mind.

"But, my Lord, I…" The words rolled out of my mouth, but I quickly caught them.

"No, please. What were you going to say?" He encouraged, guiding me towards a seat in the garden.

I sat gratefully and sighed. "It…it is just that…I do not understand. Why can't she tell me why she sent me?"

Lord Elrond's face gazed kindly back at me, and his voice was soothing as he responded, "Sometimes, it is not the Lady's choice. Sometimes the Valar have specific wishes, and we must adhere to them, no matter how it makes us feel. But I can promise you, my dear, that everything always works out. The Valar are not the sort to leave matters unsettled."

"I suppose. That hardly explains the strange things that I saw in the lady's mirror, though."

"Ah, you saw into the Lady Galadriel's mirror. You are a privileged individual indeed, then." He exclaimed softly.

"I sure don't feel that way," I grumbled.

He chuckled softly. "Your answers will come, all in good time. Meanwhile, however, I would recommend that you enjoy Rivendell. Am I correct in saying that you have never been here before?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

He paused a moment, looking me over. "Tell me, where were you born? Do you have a sister?"

I froze. What could I say?

Tell him, something inside of me urged. Just tell him everything. He can send the armies of Rivendell to apprehend Dagrius, and you will be rid of the slave driver forever! No, I thought. I couldn't tell him. Dagrius was my problem, and my battle to fight.

Yes! My second self urged again, you know that you have been dying to get rid of the problem. Seize the opportunity!

"Ondraya?" Lord Elrond questioned, placing a hand on my shoulder. "My dear, are you alright?"

Tell him…

"Yes, I… I am fine."

"Are you sure?" He pushed.

Tell him…

"Yes. I…it's just…it's that…" I drew a deep breath. "I don't know."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I…I do not know where or when I was born. I have never met my parents or any family members. I cannot remember a time before…" Another deep breath. "…Before I was a young woman and trying to make my way in the world."

A look of perplexity crossed his face. "How strange…" He murmured. "I could have sworn that we had met before…"

My eyebrows shot up. "You could?"

He nodded gravely. "Yes. Your face is not in my memory, but your spirit..."

"My…spirit?" I repeated, now unsure and skeptical. "What does that mean?"

"I am not entirely sure," He admitted solemnly. "You seem so familiar to me."

"Oh." I slumped, crestfallen.

"Do not give up, my dear," He urged delicately. "You will find your answers, someday." There was a moment of quiet. "I hope that until then, you enjoy your life. Trust me," He was starting to smile slightly. "When the Valar choose to reveal truths to you, you will wish that life were not so complicated, and that you could return to the simple time that you are enjoying now."

I did not say anything, only stared at my feet disappointedly.

"Sometimes," He continued, "The truth bears a great burden. Ondraya," He gently took my chin in his hand and turned my face towards him. "I can see that you are strong enough to face whatever demons may come your way."

"Alone." I snorted, before I could stop myself.

"No," He admonished. "You do not have to be alone. You simply have to allow others in. There are many, already, who are simply waiting for you to open the doors to your heart."

I was silent again.

"Think about it," He smiled and stood. "Good night, my dear. Pleasant dreams to you."

"Yeah, you too." I mumbled, as he disappeared into the night.


I rose the next morning to a persistent knocking on my door.

"Ondraya! Ondra! Come on, get up! You haven't eaten in hours and it's breakfast!" Imeron hollered through the thick, solid wood.

I squeezed my eyes shut and groaned. "Go away, Imeron!"

"Miss Ondraya, we were sent by Lord Elrond to retrieve you. I really must insist that you get out of bed." Fionan declared.

"Ugh, fine. Give me a moment."

I rolled out from under the covers and stumbled sleepily to the armoire. Pulling out the first dress that my hand touched, I quickly tried to manage my way into it. That accomplished, I opened the door.

Imeron cracked up. "You look ridiculous! Your hair is so crazy!" He began to howl with laughter. I glared at him and Fionan sighed.

"Come, Ondraya, sit down. I will attempt to fix your hair for you." He ushered me to the vanity.

"I am not a small child, Fionan." I muttered.

He picked up a brush and began to detangle my long, thick hair. "Then, Miss Ondraya, you should not act like one."

I opened my mouth to shoot back a bitter retort, but then thought better of it. Lord Elrond had told me that I had to be more accepting of people. I supposed that I had to start with Fionan.

I sat quietly as he worked with my hair, braiding it in the elven fashion. Imeron entertained himself by going through every single drawer in the room and opening every door he could find.

"There," Fionan proclaimed when he had finished. "I did my best, but really, I have never seen such poor hair in my…"

"Thank you," I interrupted him, trying to ignore the surprise on his face. "I could not brush my hair because of my wrist. It's still somewhat tender…" I trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

"Well," He replied, gathering his composure back from the shock. "You're welcome."

"Hey!" Imeron, completely oblivious to what had just happened, turned around from a small box on top of the table next to my bed. "Did you know that you had jewelry in here, Ondraya? Is it yours?"

I stood up and looked over his shoulder into the box. Indeed, there were several beautiful necklaces inside. "I…no. They're not. I didn't even know they were in here."

"You should put one on!" He smiled, pleased with himself for the brilliant idea.

"I...what? No…no. I have never worn one before, I don't think it would be such a good…"

"You've never worn one?" Fionan repeated incredulously.

"No. I have an awful tendency to break things and I don't know what I would do if I ever broke one of those…"

"Nonsense!" Imeron smiled more. "They were obviously left in here as a gift for you!"

Fionan nodded. "Yes, I believe Lord Elrond would be insulted if you didn't wear one."

"But…I…"

Imeron draped one around my neck and clasped it behind me. "Tada!"

"Yes, that will do. It matches your dress very well." Fionan nodded.

I turned to look in the mirror. Fionan was right. The silver chain and flower beautifully complimented the deep blue dress I was wearing.

"Now come," Fionan demanded. "We are going to be late for breakfast if you two do not hurry." He brushed out of the room and began down the hallway.

Imeron hummed and followed him. I fell in step behind the pair.

"We'll take the shortcut," Fionan announced suddenly, veering from the hallway and stepping outside.

We made our way between the stables as Fionan greeted various workers. We were nearly to the dining hall when I heard a sound that made me stop in my tracks.

Barking. Dogs were barking, just like they had in one of those visions. My mind raced. The vision was the one with the crying woman. She had been standing by a window, and I had heard the sounds of dogs through it.

These dogs sounded exactly the same!

Quickly, I ran towards the noise. Just around the corner were four or five dogs, lounging. Two of them were playing, barking at one another. All were white, with black or brown spots.

I stood there a moment, unsure what to do now. What did this mean? Could it just be a strange coincidence?

No. It was too coincidental that the Lady would send me to Rivendell, where my visions seemed to take place, only to have me stumble upon dogs like those in the visions.

One of them came to me suddenly, sniffing. I froze. I had never been around dogs before. What was I supposed to do? Maybe if I stood perfectly still, he would go away…

It was not my luck. Two more trotted over and joined the first in sniffing me all over. After what seemed like eons of sniffing, I felt a long, cold tongue on my hand. He was licking me!

"No!" I whispered, shaking my hand away. "Go away, doggy!"

One of the dogs started to bark at me and I jumped. He was wagging his tail, his tongue hanging lazily out of the side of his mouth. He released another bark and I jumped again. The first one, who had stopped licking, was pushing his head under my hand. Quickly I snapped my hands up. "No! Shh! Shoo, doggies!" The third clawed gently at my skirts, whining and gazing up at me with soulful, blue eyes.

Now all of the dogs were gathered around me, trying to see what their friends were making the commotion about. There was much sniffing and barking, and every tail was wagging. Most were whining as they tried to shove the others aside so that they could get to me.

Hesitantly, I lowered my hand and patted a head once or twice. The tail wagged harder. I bent over slightly, extending my other hand, cautiously, to another dog. I pet him and he began to lick my face happily. They were all trying for my attention now. I smiled, and a small laugh escaped my lips.

"Wow," Someone behind me laughed slightly. "They are always friendly, but they are really craving your attention, aren't they?"

I spun around. "Oh…I…are these your dogs? I'm sorry…I…I heard them barking and my curiosity got the better of me…I have never seen dogs before…" I was doing my best to remain as polite as I knew how to be.

The man smiled. Being that he was an elf, it was hard to tell how old he was, but he seemed to be more mature. Had he been human, I might have thought him to be in his mid-thirties.

"Don't worry. They are not mine, but it is ok. I am just surprised to see the dogs take to someone so quickly."

I squirmed slightly under his gaze. A few of the dogs trotted over to him, and he pet their heads absently.

"What is your name?" He asked.

"Ondraya, sir."

"Well then, Ondraya, it is nice to meet you. I am Elladen."

"Ondra! There you are! We've been looking all over for you!" Imeron exclaimed as he rounded the corner suddenly. The dogs all turned their heads to look at him. Fionan was right behind him.

"Lord Elladen," He gave a small bow. "Good morning. How are you?"

"I am well, Fionan, and you?" Elladen replied casually. He did not seem perturbed in the least, only happy.

"I…am well," Fionan answered, his eyes shifting from Lord Elladen to me and back again. "Everything here is…copasetic?"

"O yes, yes," Lord Elladen nodded. "I was simply introducing the young lady to the dogs. My brother will be pleased to hear that someone shares his interest in them."

"Yes, I'm sure," Fionan agreed. He looked towards me again. "Well, we are actually late for breakfast now, Ondraya, we should be going."

"Uh, yes, well… Have a good day then, Lord Elladen." I managed my best curtsey and quickly followed Fionan and Imeron towards breakfast.

When I looked back, Lord Elladen was gone, and the dogs were lounging once more.


Note: I decided to make the dogs Dalmatians because they are the same size as the dogs I pictured in my head, and because they were bred to hunt and work with horses. I'm sure they don't have them in Middle Earth, but they worked well for the story, so they're staying  Tee hee

Hope you liked it! Please review!

Elfpilot