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They followed Gandalf down into the valley, and the deeper they went the more beautiful everything seemed. Even some of the dwarves that were more prone to hate elves, such as Dawlin, stared around as if they weren't quite believing what they were seeing.

'Mithrandir!' A voice called as they entered a courtyard area. The company looked up and saw a man with long brown hair walk down some steps. Daisy realised that the man had pointed ears and widened her eyes.

'It's quite shocking really,' Bilbo said to her, looking off at the Elf in some sort of dreamy stare. 'You never think that a living being could have such elegance.' He caught Fili and Kili hiding their smirks. 'I just really like elves.' Bilbo muttered, embarrassed causing Fili and Kili to laugh harder.

'Quiet' Thorin ordered.

'My Lord Elrond is not here,' The brown haired Elf told Gandalf but then a long horn sounded much like the one they had heard in the little cave. They turned to see dozens of Elves riding horses coming straight for them.

'Form ranks!' Daisy was once more pulled into the centre of the group, grasping the cloth on her arm more tightly so it didn't fall off. Once they had been surrounded by what seemed like an army, an Elf near Gandalf called out to him.

'Gandalf!'

'Lord Elrond!' The Elves around them were staring down Thorin, as if they knew who he was.

'Strange, for Orcs to come so close to our borders.' Elrond said, jumping off his horse after speaking in a language Daisy didn't understand.

'That may have been us,' Gandalf said. 'One of our own was injured near the hidden pass, so the wound does not get infected-'

'Mithrandir, I would heal anyone of your companions without a second thought. Please, show them to me and I shall take them to my healers.' Daisy suddenly realised they were talking about her, and was overcome with fear as the dwarves parted so Elrond could see her.

'This, Lord Elrond, is Daisy.' Then Gandalf whispered something in Elrond's ear, causing the Elf to raise his eyebrows and look at her.

'Come, Lady Daisy, my healers will tend to you.' Daisy looked widly around at Bilbo, Fili and Kili who looked reluctant to letting her go.

'How do we know she will be safe?' Thorin voiced. Thorin? Daisy thought.

'You do not, so you will have to trust me. Or if you do not trust me, trust Gandalf Thorin son of Thrain so of Thror, King under the Mountain.' The dwarves were about to protest but Gandalf spoke up.

'Would you rather Daisy bled to death here with you, or was healed in a room not that far from this very spot and joined you for dinner?' No one had an answer to that and before she could speak an Elf had swept her off up some stairs. She cast one last look back at the company and saw them all staring at her, anxiously.

As they entered a building which had no windows, only empty spaces in the walls looking out across the valley, Daisy noticed that the Elf leading her was a woman. She was wearing a terribly beautiful dress, a silver head piece and moved in a manner that almost looked as if she was floating. If they ever found out why she was in Middle Earth then Daisy hoped she would be allowed to stay in Rivendell, it was just so…peaceful. Magical almost. No, it was definitely magical. They entered a room that looked almost like the Roman Baths from one of Daisy's school books.

'Welcome, Lady Daisy, to the healing houses of Rivendell.' The Elf said. She led Daisy to a majestic looking bed and sat her down. 'Tell me dear, how did you do this?'

'I-I um,' Daisy, although in awe of the Elves, was….scared of them.

'There is no need to be scared Daisy. No harm shall come to you here.' The Elf smiled at her. 'My name is Talla and I will not hurt you' Talla took the cloth that had substituted as a bandage off her arm and Daisy grimaced at the sight.

'Is everything alright?' Lord Elrond strode in, followed by Gandalf. Talla rose.

'The wound seems to be infected my Lord Elrond' She spoke sweetly.

'Thank you, dear Talla.' Elrond turned to Daisy and knelt down beside her, take her arm in his hands.

'I shall heal you, Daisy.' He told her while he set to work. 'Gandalf tells me you have a story that needs to be told.'

'A story that will be left until after dinner,' Gandalf advised.

'Of course. Though I hear you have had quite a tough journey from the Shire.' Elrond said, looking up at her. 'You need not fear us Daisy.' He looked deep into her eyes. 'There is something you keep from the others, I can see it.'

'I-' Daisy began but Elrond smiled at her.

'You do not need to explain yourself to me. Gandalf informs me you had an encounter with some trolls and that you may have hurt your ribs. Please, if you would allow me-'Lord Elrond, perhaps it would be wise to heal Daisy after you've heard her story, after dinner'

'Why Mithrandir, strange things must have happened of late for you to be so insistent.' Elrond said, amused. 'Talla, if you would bathe Daisy and then bring her to dinner. If her ribs need attending to then please do what you can.' Talla nodded as Elrond left. Daisy stared down at her arm in surprise, for there was only a faint scar now left.

'He is a skilled healer' Talla explained upon seeing Daisy's confused face. 'Now, let's get you washed. You must be in need of a nice clean after spending so much time with the dwarves.'

Daisy froze in horror when she realised that she'd have to get undressed, and go in a bath- the very last place she wanted to be-in front of an Elf she barely knew. She'd only registered that Talla was helping her out of her dress when she felt the breeze on her shoulders. Daisy jumped back in fright.

'Daisy, your dignity is quite safe here, I will not look.' Talla assured her. 'I'm only helping you-Oh!' Talla looked to Daisy's bare shoulders and to her horror, Daisy realised she'd seen her cuts. 'What happened?'

Daisy looked away guiltily.

'I-I'd rather not say.' She said, taking a step back. Talla looked at her.

'While I will not pretend I'm not curious, I will not push you. I see that you are scared, and that even Mithrandir seemed wary. I will be back with some clothes when you are finished.' She nodded and left. Daisy wondered if she'd offended her, but she just wasn't ready to have people touch her. Daisy knew she needed to forget, to let go of her past, but she just couldn't do it.

Which is why she was stuck on the edge of the bath, which was more of a pool, with memories flying around her head. Knowing that she needed to wash before Talla came back she resorted to sitting on the side and washing herself over with a cloth, only to let out a gasp when she did anything that moved her ribs.

'Why did I ever do this to myself?' She sobbed as she took in her appearance in the reflection of the water. She was muddy, though she couldn't deter some mud from bruises, and little cuts and scars that she'd acquired.

Daisy wanted to scrub it all off, to let it all go. Which is why she looked at the water and thought that if she just stayed under long enough then everything would go away…..

'No!' Daisy cried, appalled at her own thoughts. 'I need to forget. I want to forget. Let me forget, please.' She rocked back and forth and felt something being put around her shoulders, covering her body.

'I had heard of girls in the race of men harm themselves. The cause was usually low self esteem, abuse, emotion.' Daisy looked up and to her horror Lord Elrond was sitting opposite her. I was naked, he saw me naked oh god. Elrond seemed to read her mind. 'I do not see anything I don't want to. You are in no foul position Daisy, just be calm.'

'C-can you help me?' Daisy asked. Elrond looked at her.

'If you choose to tell me what has happened. Gandalf had told me your tale was a tale of woe, that you appeared from nowhere, having come from your own world.' Elrond said. There was no doubt in his voice, not a hint of sarcasm. 'I need you to tell me everything Daisy.'

Without question or hesitation, Daisy did. And by the end of her tale Elrond looked at her gravely.

'I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like. But we must look to a more pressing matter, why have you been sent here? But that is much more pressing and I feel that your dwarven friends will start to despair if you are absent for too long. If you so wish I can heal your ribs now.'

'Please, heal them,' Daisy said, tears running down her cheeks. 'They quite hurt.'

'You are going to have to let me-'

'Just do what you have to.' Daisy grimaced, and tried not to flinch when felt Elrond's hands on her rib cage.

'I will have Talla bandage you up.' Elrond said. 'Daisy, I will help you in anyway I can. The water is not deep.' And with that he was gone.

Daisy felt more confident after her talk with Elrond, and his words about the water seemed to reassure her slightly.

She didn't know how she'd done it, or if she'd done it at all, but by the time Talla returned Daisy had managed to clean herself.

'Lord Elrond told me to bandage your ribs. May I?' Talla asked and Daisy nodded. Somehow Elrond had given her courage that she did not have before, and she felt a little more certain about herself.

It was only when Daisy was dressed and ready to go to dinner that she realised her dress was not hers. In fact it wasn't even another of Bilbo's mothers. It was elven, and beautiful.

'I-I can't wear this' Daisy stammered.

'And why not?' Talla asked, confused.

'It's too pretty,' Daisy smiled sadly and Talla put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

'And are you not a pretty girl? Come, we must go.'

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Daisy stepped onto to the balcony just in time to hear Ori saying: 'I don't like green food.'

Talla lead her to the table where Elrond, Gandalf, Thorin, Bilbo and Balin sat.

'My Lord Elrond,' Talla said as an Elf helped Daisy to sit.

'Thank you.' Thorin said suddenly, earning confused looks from everyone. 'For helping.' Talla smiled at the dwarf and left.

'Are you alright?' Bilbo asked her.

'Yes thank you.' Daisy replied. 'I don't know where your mother's dresses are, Talla gave me this one.'

'We'll worry about that later' Bilbo said, waving his hand. 'What matters is that you eat something.'

'This is Orcrist.' Elrond was saying, holding up Thorin's sword. Daisy saw Bilbo look down at the Elven sword Gandalf had given him.

'I wouldn't bother laddie.' Balin told him. 'Swords are named for the great deeds they do in battle.'

'What are you saying, my sword hasn't seen battle?' Bilbo said, trying to stand up for his sword.

'I'm not really sure it is a sword.' Balin titled his head to the side as Bilbo looked at him confused. 'More of a letter opener really.' Daisy let out a small laugh before covering her mouth with her hands. Bilbo shrugged his shoulders and turned to Daisy.

'That's the first time I've heard you laugh like you mean it.' He said cheerfully. 'Even if it was about me. Now eat.' He said in his father-like voice. 'And I know you didn't eat anything last night with the trolls because Ori said you waited for me to come back. And I'm sorry I never did.'

'Oh Bilbo, that wasn't your fault.' Daisy felt bad.

'It only won't be my fault if you eat.' Daisy nodded and looked at the dishes around her. They seemed to be full of leafy dishes, and Daisy picked up an assortment.

'And what were you doing on the Great East Road?' Elrond asked deeply, eyebrow raised. Thorin looked like he was going to murder Gandalf if he said anything. Elrond caught Daisy eye and subtly gestured towards the food, which did not go unnoticed by Gandalf or Thorin. Gandalf said something Elrond in the language no one understood and Thorin stared at her. It wasn't a cold stare, it was almost confused. But he'd sensed he'd let his guard down and looked away.

Daisy sighed and picked up some of the lettuce, or what she thought was lettuce, from her plate. Bilbo nudged her encouragingly and she took small bites, just like Ori had suggested.

'Those Orcs we slew near the Hidden Pass, they were not there for any reason. They were hunting you.' Elrond said as he took a sip of his wine. 'You mentioned you were on the Great East Road, I do not know if this has escaped your knowledge Mithrandir but there are rumours that Azog the Defiler has returned.'

'That's impossible' Thorin spat, causing Daisy to jump. 'That filth died of his wounds long ago.'

'I'm afraid I was aware of these rumours, as you have put them.' Gandalf admitted.

'You knew?! And you did not think to warn me?' Thorin shouted, causing some of the dwarves to look over.

'I did not want to cause unnecessary panic' Gandalf said calmly.

'Am I missing something?' Bilbo asked, eyes darting between Gandalf and Thorin. Thorin looked at him, but it was Balin who spoke.

'When we fought for the dwarf kingdom of Moria, after the fall of Erebor, Azog the Defiler was the leader of our enemy. The Pale Orc as he is often known had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began by beheading Thror. Thorin defended himself against the Pale Orc with nothing but an Oak shield, and wounded him severely. It was thought that Azog died of his wounds.' Balin narrowed his eyes at Gandalf. 'It would seem not.'

'Indeed, and now he is hunting your party intent on killing you, Thorin Oakenshield.' Elrond said, eyeing up the Dwarf. 'I think it would be wise to remain here until things have passed.'

'That could be weeks. We don't have weeks.' Thorin shot back and Elrond looked vaguely amused.

'And why, master dwarf, can you not spend weeks here in Rivendell?' He asked. Daisy realised what he was doing. Thorin was intent on not telling Elrond about their quest, and Elrond was tricking him into doing it.

'It's no concern of yours.'

'Thorin, I think it would be wise.' Gandalf said, but Thorin snapped.

'If you breath a word wizard, then-'

'Then what? You will not get far with Azog on your heels without Mithrandir to guide you.'

'Are you saying we are incapable-'

'Thorin please!' Gandalf cried. 'Show some respect towards the people who have housed you and offered you their food and protection.' Thorin huffed and glared around the table.

'You need to stay here to recover your strength, and it will be at least a week before Daisy here is ready to travel.' Elrond explained. Daisy almost choked on her food.

Gandalf said something in the strange language and Elrond's eyes widened in surprise.

'I see.' Elrond said, looking at Thorin. 'Perhaps it would be wise if Daisy and I were to take a stroll.' Elrond gestured for Daisy to get up and follow him.

'Where are you taking her?' Thorin asked.

'It would seem, Thorin Oakenshield, that that is no longer your concern.' Elrond replied and left the balcony.

'I think you better go with him Daisy,' Gandalf murmured and she nodded, leaving the table to follow Elrond.

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'So Thorin Oakenshield agreed to take you to Rivendell?' Elrond asked as they walked around the gardens.

'Yes. He did not seem too pleased about it.' Daisy recalled, tracing her fingers over a pattern on a statue.

'He is a dwarf, they are proud.' Elrond explained. 'Mithrandir said that at first the dwarves did not believe your story.'

'No you they did not' Daisy said, a little sad at that memory.

'But they seemed to warm up to you? Especially after the trolls?'

'Yes..' Daisy said slowly, unsure where Elrond was heading with this.

'I think that Thorin Oakenshield rarely shows his true emotions. He may have warmed up to you quite a lot more than you think.' Daisy thought for a moment.

'I hardly think so; he refused to tell me anything unless I told him my story.'

'There are strange things is this world. I feel that you may be leaving Rivendell with them, not only because they are all fond of you, but because the reason you are here has something to do with their quest.'

Daisy stopped admiring flowers and took Elrond's words into consideration.

'Why? What can I bring to their quest?'

'There are many things a lady can bring. Warmth, comfort, love.' Elrond said, walking a few paces in front of her.

'I hardly see how they are relevant to defeating that dragon.' Daisy questioned.

'So you do know something?'

'Only because I told him some of my story.'

'I know that more than one of those dwarves carry proud hearts, hearts that once they are set on something, they will not change. Which can be disastrous on a quest such as this. If they are not made to realise their mistakes they will fail, and I believe this is why you are here.'

'What can I do to change their minds?'

'Dear Daisy, you can soften their hearts, and maybe even steal them.' Daisy wasn't sure she knew what he meant, but Lord Elrond had proved to be helpful so she trusted him.

'I-I am dead in my world, aren't I?' Daisy asked, timidly.

'Yes, I believe you are.'

'I asked Gandalf, Mithrandir, if I can die here. As I'm already dead, can I die again?' she told him.

'Yes. Yes you can, for this is your life now. Your world. If this quest does not claim your life then you will continue to live in Middle Earth until death finally claims you. I will leave you to your thoughts.' Elrond left her standing in the middle of the garden, deep in thought.

She looked up to see the figure of Thorin Oakenshield disappearing from the edge of the balcony.

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Ok, I know what you're thinking, this isn't the middle of the week!

But I finished my work and decided to treat you.

And I'm also kinda worried that people will stop reading if I leave the time between updates too long. But I'm gonna have to leave a couple days for a bit, do you think that's fine?

Thanks for reading yet again.