Disclaimer - I do not own Lord of the Rings. (Not gonna put this in every chapter. Just this one!)

A/N - Hello everyone! I've reworked this story a LOT, at least with the first 7 chapters having MAJOR reconstruction and 8-10 being minor changes. I want to continue writing it and I find that writing in 3rd person is the easiest and most enjoyable for me to write. So I have rewritten all the portions that were in 1st person. The story has remained the same, with maybe a few more details thrown in than before. I hope you continue to love this story as much as I do. Thank you!

Chapter 1

The door to a small studio apartment opened. A young woman entered and locked the door behind her. She was thankful to be home and away from her soul crushing job as a cashier. It wasn't exactly what she expected to do with her life. When she was younger she had grand ideas of becoming a teacher. Helping young people to learn about the world and what they could do to make it better. She even had aspirations of a loving family. Though, her dating life was nothing to be desired. Sex was the only thing on men's minds. Oh, how she wished she learned that sooner.

Her keys clattered against the counter as she dropped them, not caring where they landed. 'Another day, another dollar,' she thought with a sigh. She was content with her life here, but she hated being so alone. After high school, her friends kept in contact for a few months, but contact slowly dwindled to nothing. Maybe a like or two on Facebook posts. When they did talk, it was like they were completely different people. Her mother did her best to console her, telling her that's what happens when people grow up. They grow apart.

She wouldn't mind growing apart from her friends if she could ever manage to keep a new one. Coworkers would have a get together and parties for all sorts of things, but she was never invited. Her mannerisms were generally quiet around others. She would be so nervous to act foolishly that she wouldn't act at all. Giving the impression that she was never interested to begin with. While she was sum what aware of this, she was stubborn. 'If they don't like me for me, then screw 'em!' she would think. She never stopped to think about how she was acting wasn't the real her at all.

The first thing she did every night after work was get into more comfortable clothing. Removing her khakis and blue button up shirt, she opted for black leggings, and a dark red hoodie that was two sizes too big for her. She didn't mind though, it was soft and conformable. Removing the wretched contraption known as a 'bra' was also a must. So restrictive, and after a long day, she didn't need that kind of negativity. Going to the bathroom she looked into the mirror, taking in her red hair that had been put into a short ponytail. She released her hair and gave it a thorough brushing, when she was done she could see the natural curls start to lift. She really did like her hair, it matched her light blue eyes in a way that just made sense.

Retiring to the couch, she grabbed her laptop that had not moved from its spot on the cushion. The good thing about no roommates is no one touches your stuff. A few clicks later and she was watching some YouTube videos. At the time she was binging on one of her favorite series, 'Will It?' by Good Mythical Morning. As she listened to the sounds of Rhet and Link eating questionable food, she held her phone, occasionally looking up to see a part she wanted to see for the millionth time.

She browsed her phone and her eyes hovered over the text message icon. She rarely got texts from anyone. With not too many friends and a family who didn't even use smart phones, it was a surprise that made her heart skip a beat in excitement when she did get one. Sometimes she wished she could be like the girls she knew in high school. A huge circle of friends and loved ones to help and support you. But, she would push that thought aside, for all she knew they were now just as lonely as she was.

After a time of scrolling through Facebook and laughing at Link's outbursts, her phone buzzed and the text app got a notification. That familiar excited feeling was there in an instant, but just as quickly as it came, it left when she saw who it was from. Jacob.

She read the simple text that only said, 'Yo.' Did he not know any other way to say hello?

After a moment of thinking whether or not to respond, she opened the message and sent a simple one word response. 'no.'

She didn't want to continue with his games or get caught up in any drama. He already caused enough havoc in her life and she didn't want more. She remembered her collage roommate at the time telling her, 'Have fun! See where it goes, maybe he's the one for you! Never know unless you try!' Naomi was kind, but very naïve. Though, so was she, because she took Naomi's advice. It ended up being one of the decisions she regretted most in life.

Now, she was content with just sailing through life, and she would wait for that magical someone to find her. Her mother was disappointed in this, but she just didn't have the emotional fortitude to deal with all the sex crazed maniacs when all she wanted was someone who would spend time with her and get to know her. It was because of this she decided to delete all dating apps from her phone several months back. All it ever got her was heartbreak, awkward dates, and unsavory pictures.

Heaving a sigh she dropped her phone on the floor next to her. Life had become dull. While she was content with her simple existence, there wasn't any motivator for her to do anything. It was just, go to work, make money, pay bills. She needed a hobby. She knew she could pick up one of the many books she owned, or even draw or paint. Even do a puzzle. But, that took energy, energy that she didn't feel she had after a long day.

After a short time her stomach began to rumble and the fridge called out to her. She heeded the call and rummaged through her fridge, deciding on a lunch-able and some yogurt. Cooking wasn't in the cards tonight. Perhaps tomorrow she would fry some potatoes since it was her day off. She grabbed what she needed and walked back to her spot on the couch as something caught her eye. Her parents copy of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Last they had visited they had forgotten it and said she could keep it. Since it had been a long time since she watched it, she decided to start the first movie before sitting back down and munching on her food.

She loved these movies. The world it was set in was so mystical and as someone who grew up playing Dungeons and Dragons it was nostalgic as well. Soon her food was finished and she laid down to watch Frodo and the other hobbits run from the wraiths. 'That would be so terrifying.' she thought, thankful nothing like this actually existed. She knew she would die in that situation. While she liked to think if faced with that kind of danger she would fight, she knew she would be petrified instead. 'I would die.'

The movie went on and on and she felt herself becoming more and more tired. She looked at the clock, 'It's only 8? Work tired me out more than I thought.' She moved the laptop off the couch as well as her garbage from the food she ate, and laid down to watch the rest of the movie. She probably would fall asleep by the end and she knew it. And that was fine, sleeping on the couch was comfortable enough. Just as the company made it into Lothlorien, she could no longer keep her eyes open and let sleep take her.

A chilling breeze brushed against her bare face. Why was it so cold? She reached down to try and grab at the blanket she always had at the other end of the couch when it suddenly occurred to her, 'I didn't open my window...' Her eyes shot open and instead of being greeted by the white ceiling of her apartment, she was met with a glorious night sky filled to the brim with stars.

She had never woken up so fast in her life. She was standing up in an instant, taking in her surroundings. Her home was full of pine trees, these were not pine trees. They were enormous and she couldn't help but look up at them in awe. The dense forest was full of them and she knew she had to be miles from home. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach as her brain worked itself into overdrive to try and figure out how she got there. 'Was I kidnapped? No, I'm not that heavy of a sleeper. Did I sleep walk? Did I sleep DRIVE?! Oh hell no, that wouldn't make sense either!' After several minutes of trying to rationalize it all she settled on one. "I'm dreaming." She said to herself, "I must be."

Yes, dreaming makes sense. 'Now that I know I'm dreaming, I should be able to fly or something.' She jumped up to try and sore into the air, but just like in real life, she landed right back on the ground. She tried a few more times before giving up. 'So... I'm not... dreaming?'

Several more confusing moments passed and she decided she might as well walk around to try and find something or someone. She didn't want to spend all night out in the middle of nowhere. She did her best to try and keep her thoughts positive. Thinking about how she was probably not that far from home. How she would stumble across a road and flag down a car for help. She would be able to call her mom and tell her about this crazy adventure!

As her walk continued she wished she had on socks or shoes. While there were not pine needles stabbing her like back home. She did step on the occasional rock or branch. Thankfully no injuries so far. She also found herself wishing for her bra. While her and her bra didn't always get along, she didn't enjoy them swinging free on this trek. It would make her feel more secure. The brief thought popped into her head of how she wished her breasts were a few cup sizes smaller. Then the situation would be better.

After an hour or so she came to a small clearing. The breaks in the tree canopy were larger and she could see much more of the sky. It was breathtaking. It was like all the air pollution and light pollution was gone. Almost like one of those fancy telescope pictures. For some reason that was the straw that broke the camels back. She knew she couldn't be anywhere near home. Suddenly she felt so small and helpless against the trees. She wanted to go home. Her feet hurt, she was tired, she was cold and she was scared. Her body sunk down onto the ground as tears began to form in her eyes.

She cried silently for a few minutes but knowing no one was around, just let it all out. She needed this right now. She could think more about her situation once she had cried out all the stress. Her arms wrapped around herself as she cried into her knees.

She didn't know how long she had stayed like that before she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. The shock of feeling another person made her shout in surprise and she was on her feet and whirled around to see a tall man. She rubbed her face of her tears before giving him a once over. He was indeed tall, almost a foot taller than herself she thought. He looked like someone right out of a larping group, bow and all. The most pronounced thing she noticed was his hair, it shined in the moonlight.

"I'm sorry for frightening you, are you alright?" His voice was rich and smooth. He looked at her with a hint of curiosity. When him and his companions where traveling near by they had all wondered why they could hear a woman crying. Against his companions wishes he ventured off into the woods alone to find the source. His curiosity had gotten the better of him. He didn't know what he was expecting, definitely not someone clothed so strangely.

She took in his words and took a moment to answer, though it wasn't an answer, "Where an I?" This man looked strikingly familiar though she couldn't place her finger on it. She didn't remember knowing anyone in a larping group.

He thought it strange that she did not know where she was. "You are outside the realm of Imladris. How have you wandered this far on your own is unknown to me. From where do you hail?"

She was going to tell him no, that she had no idea how she got here, but then he would think she is just crazy! Before she said anything though a word he said stuck out to her, 'Imladris? …like in the movie?' She forced herself to answer, even though it was plain in her eyes that she was internally panicking, "I- I don't know how I got here."

The man could see the sincerity in her eyes. She was like a lost and frightened child. She was indeed very young, and unarmed, with no supplies. This prompted his next question, "What are you wearing?" It was indeed a peculiar outfit. It didn't give her any support in this environment, the girl wasn't even wearing shoes!

She watched his eyes look down at her curiously and suddenly she felt very self conscious. It was cold and she wasn't wearing a bra... she crossed her arms across her chest and looked down at herself, pretending to ponder over the question. "This is normal."

His delicate brow arched in amusement, "It is normal to walk through the woods with no supplies? Or even shoes?"

'Shit, he's got me there.'

"...Well, no," she answered.

He continued, "Very odd to find you out here all alone. Orcs have been spotted in these lands, a human girl would stand no chance. Very reckless."

She felt her cheeks grow warm from frustration. This wasn't her fault! The worry of sounding crazy to him left as she gave a short rant in frustration, "This isn't my fault! Look, last I remember is falling asleep at home, now I'm here and I don't know how."

He eyed her with an expression she couldn't read. Did she make him mad? Did he now think she was crazy? Was he going to leave her here to deal with orcs on her own? If they were out here she didn't want to deal with them at all. She remembered what they looked like and the thought of actually seeing one sent a not too friendly chill down her spin.

They stood in silence as the man thought things over in his mind. She was defenseless and obviously had no training in battle. She never even took notice of the hand he held on the hilt of his sword when they first started talking. A warrior would asses for danger first, and while he had no intentions of harming her, he had to defend himself if necessary. And, if what she said was true, the manner of her arrival was one that might be worth looking into. He had a feeling in his gut that told him this girl was important.

He had made up his mind.

"I will bring you to Imladris. When we arrive, I will hand you over to Lord Elrond. He will see to it that you are taken care of."

"Um... thank you..." She didn't know his name, but she was thankful that she was being helped and that she was no longer alone, but the way he said that in such a monotone voice made her nervous. Would Elrond think she was a threat? That kind of "taken care" of? The kind where she would be given a bed and a hot meal?

He bowed his head, "Legolas. I will escort you the remainder of the way to Imladris." Legolas could see the shock on her face plain as day. Perhaps she knew of him and was shocked to be in his presence? It wouldn't be the first time.

Her eyes went straight to his ears. Blinking a few times she looked at the pointed tips and she didn't think she would be able to handle anymore tonight. She was really in Middle Earth. This was Legolas, THE Legolas. A character from a freaking book was standing right in front of her! She had to be dreaming. She had to be.

Legolas waved a hand in front of her face and it was enough to take her out of her panicked mind, "Oh, um, I'm Samantha... Nice to meet you."

The elf spoke some more but Samantha's mind was a mile away. They started walking back in the direction of his party and all she could think about was the movie. She had fallen asleep watching it but now, it was all a blur. She could remember the first bit of the movie, but beyond that, nothing. She could no longer tell if something she thought of happened in the movie, or if it was just something that her mind made up. It was like a small pool. The more you dig at the bottom, the cloudier the water gets. And at that moment, her memory was foggy and incomplete.

She looked at Legolas as he led her through the forest. He certainly looked... similar, to Orlando Bloom, but the elf before her was much more... angelic. He moved with a grace she had never seen. His whole being demanded notice. She wondered if that was because he was a prince. Or at least she thought he was a prince.

How was she going to get home, she wondered. Would Gandalf be able to help her? What if he didn't believe her? Gandalf was indeed wise, she only hoped he could make something out of this mess.

After a while the two came upon two other elves on horses. Samantha watched as they gave a greeting to Legolas in Elvish and looked at her with suspicion. Legolas spoke to them in his own language, telling them she would accompany them the rest of the way. He needn't say more than that at the moment. Legolas walked up to his horse and gracefully mounted it, he looked down at her and held out his hand.

She had never ridden a horse before, this was new. Uncertainly, she grabbed his hand and he helped her get seated on the saddle in front of him. It was very nerve wracking at first trying to stop herself from falling. And almost right away she felt a pain on her backside she had never felt before.

After several hours of riding the sun began to rise and they came to a shallow river and began to cross. A weird shiver ran up her spin and she felt Legolas chuckle in amusement, "It is the old elvish magic you sense. It has long since protected these lands."

Samantha only nodded, not really sure of what to say. Only another hour or so later they came upon a marvelous and enchanted looking city. Samantha didn't think she had ever seen anything so beautiful. The three rode into a small courtyard of sorts and dismounted. Legolas leaped off and quickly turned to help her off the horse. She much appreciated it, just jumping off would have been very difficult for her. She thanked him and now that she could see his face in the light she could say that his face was only very slightly like Orlando's. They could have been brother's. The biggest difference was the eyes, they were much more intense, guarded. Though, he put on a friendly mask. His features were much more defined as well, sharp but sleek, rugged yet elegant.

As the other elves took the horses, Legolas motioned her to follow him. She couldn't help but marvel at the architecture. It was so elegant and magical. She was sure the movie put it to shame. After several twists and turns Legolas spoke, "I must announce my presence to Lord Elrond, at the same time, I will let him know of you."

She nodded, nervous but happy to not be in the forest alone anymore. "Thank you, Legolas."

It wasn't long after that that they reached Elrond's study, Legolas knocked on the door a few times and they could hear a voice call out to them to come in.

Legolas walked in and bowed to the Lord. Samantha, now knowing what to really do, did the same. "Lord Elrond, I assume I do not make an intrusion."

"Not at all, Prince of the Woodland Realm, we have been expecting you." Samantha looked at Elrond. Long raven black hair and his piercing eyes studied her. "Who is this young one?"

"I'm Samantha, Lord Elrond."

Legolas looked to the side and sensing Elrond's question, answered. "We found her in the woods not far from the here. If I had not helped her she would have surely died. I brought her here to find shelter, and so you might help her. She has no memory of how she got here either."

Samantha frowned. He had to say it all in Elvish. She hoped he didn't mention how much she had been crying. How embarrassing.

Elrond seemed to think for a moment and nodded. "If you do not think her to be a threat, Legolas, I will certainly have a room set up for her." He shifted his gaze toward her, "We will speak of your predicament later. For now, rest."

Samantha only nodded. She didn't want to think about that chat. She was afraid of what things could happen or what would be said. For now, she agreed, rest was most important.

It would mean a lot to me if you reviewed and tell me what you think and/or favorite and follow this story.

Bu-Bye~!

Edited: 5-8-2020
Edited: 8-20-2020
Edited:12-31-2020