Hello Everyone!
Sorry this is a few days later than I wanted, but you know the usual life events interfered with my fan fiction writing. But here is the next chapter! Its a little shorter than my norm but I should have the next one up rather quickly, since I already have half of it written.
This chapter has a huge clue to Lina's past and future in it so pay attention!
Chapter 8: Withheld Information
Not long after, we returned to the house since Legolas had an afternoon meeting with Lord Elrond to attend and I had elvish to practice with Arwen. I reached my room, put the flower in the vase with my rose, and smiled. It's so strange to have some care that is not required to. Although I feel cared for by the family of Elrond, it could be because they found me and took me in. Legolas cares for me without knowing my full story. It saddens me that in two short days the Mirkwood prince would be gone. I would hardly see him tomorrow since, like today, it will consist of councils for the realm representatives. But the last day was for relaxation and beauty appreciation. Perhaps we could walk to the waterfall and go swimming. If I recall correctly, Mirkwood doesn't have rivers or lakes large enough to swim. Maybe he would like to do that? I'll have to ask Arwen or even Friel if I see her.
After a long afternoon of conjugating verbs, I was thankful for the dinner break. It was almost silent as I ate with Elrond's family. It was uncanny but I didn't say anything to spark conversation either. I was still trying to figure out my plans for tomorrow. My thoughts also wondered to what was wrong with Elrohir earlier today. In all honesty, it seemed since the start of the festival that he's been acting weird.
It was nice to have Arwen quiet and not pestering about Legolas but it also unnerved me even more so. Everyone ate in silence not even Lord Elrond spoke.
"Why is everyone so quiet?"
"Lost in thought." It was almost unison. They all looked at each other and laughed.
"Just thinking of how boring council is going to be tomorrow..." Dan said shaking his head.
"You are going to council?"
"Both of us and Arwen are attending as representatives of the host city. Although, why we are required to attend when we do not have a vote..." Elrohir mumbled.
"So I'll be all by myself tomorrow because I'm sure Friel will be there as well..." I said crossing my arms to pout. I hate being on my own; with so many people here that should be a crime. Not one of my new friends could be spared to save me from a day of nothing but elvish practice and boredom.
I was walking through the halls bored out of my mind. True to my dismay, the council meetings had taken all morning. I had to sat in the gardens staring at the clouds passing by. I spoke to Arwen briefly, at their mid-day break and she said it was interesting to hear of the other realms. She also announced she was leaving for Lothlorien when Haldir and Alywen returned. She missed her grandparents dearly. She often told me stories of the golden wood and the Lord and Lady that dwelled there. I had the images from Peter Jackson's world, but I knew it would be unreal in its true form. The afternoon was much the same. I sat in the library and worked on my elvish writing. It was almost legible as Arwen put it. After a few more decades I should be a pro at it!
Later that night after dinner, Lord Elrond summoned me to his study. Usually the servant can tell me of the nature of the summon but he was clueless saying that the Lord only wished to speak to me privately.
I entered the dimly lit room and saw him standing by his fireplace.
"My Lord"
"Sit my dear, we have much to discuss." I sat and suddenly got nervous. Very rarely did he summon me alone.
"Has Arwen spoken to you of her travel plans?"
"Yes, she is to journey to Lothlorien with their company at the end of the festival."
"Indeed, and I would like you to go with her."
"I get to go to the Golden Woods!?"
"The Lady Galadriel has expressed a desire to meet you. Perhaps she could unravel your past more and find your purpose."
"The Lady wishes to meet you?"
"Yes, she sent a letter with Haldir concerning your unusual arrival. I had contacted her mentally about you before but she did not say much other than the Valar sent you here for a reason."
"Wow, I'm going to meet the Galadriel. I wonder how beautiful she really is?"
"Her beauty shines bright indeed but she is wise and powerful as well."
"Do you really think she'll have answers?"
"She may or may not. However, Your story is just beginning."
"9 months and no answers."
"Elves are immortal my dear. It may be centuries before we get any clue..." He stopped mid-sentence and went to his bookshelf before pulling out a book. He sat it on his desk and it fell open, revealing a leather pouch.
"I am a fool. We had the biggest clue this whole time and I thought nothing of it." He opened the pouch and dumped its contents onto his hand. He held the object up revealing a silver ring with a sapphire set in it. It looked very familiar to me but couldn't place from where. He looked at it closely before sitting it down.
"Mithril, something you said didn't exist in your world correct?"
"We had gold, silver, platinum and many other precious metals but no mithril to my knowledge why?"
"This ring was on a chain around your neck when my sons brought you to me." I reached over and picked up the ring. When I touched it, my memories came back full force. The pain. The anger. The loss. The willingness to die. I dropped the ring to the floor as tears fell down my cheeks. I was no longer in a haze of memories, knowing only facts. Memories flashed quickly starting with waking up in a hospital bed after the car accident. Everything was crystal clear from the moment my parents died. Leaving me just this ring. I remember seeing the attorney hand me the chain holding it.
"They left me this. My parents, they died when I was young. All they left me was this ring."
"Your memories?"
"It is no longer a fog of facts. I remember everything."
"I am sorry Lina, had I known this would happen..."
"I just need a moment." I rose my hand to silence him. The memories finally slowed to finished on the day I came to middle earth. As I looked at the tombstone: Rebecca and Joseph.
"My parents' names were Rebecca and Joseph. What we the elven equivalents?"
"Buriwen and Anessan"
"Do you know... Did you know them?"
"Those are names common in Lothlorien. Perhaps the lady can help you once you are there." I sat back in my chair and picked up the ring again and looked at it. It was truly beautiful. As I slide it onto the ring finger on my right hand, I felt a surge of warmth stretch up my arm to fill my whole body. I felt relief.
"I feel warm, like all the loss in my life is gone." I said closing my eyes enjoying the sensation.
"It is a feeling I hope you get to keep. Remember, you are always welcome here should your path take you elsewhere." Elrond said looking up at me smiling.
"I didn't expect this when I came tonight. I was honestly scared what you wished to speak to me about."
"I never meant to instill fear in you. That is reserved for my sons only. I only merit respect from those who stay in my house"
"I know but I cannot help it. Old habits die hard. All my foster parents did most of the time was scold me. I never knew the true meaning of someone caring."
"I hope I have showed that. I know my status can be intimidating but I have treated you like my daughter."
"You have and I am thankful." We paused and looked at each other with smiles.
"I have already discussed this with Haldir and he agreed to wait a week or so before leaving to give you time to unwind from the festival and ready for the trip. You are not custom to such long journeys and need more practice at riding. Perhaps my sons will take you out tomorrow for a longer ride. Lorien is a week's journey but may take longer with an inexperienced rider." Elrond said looking down at a sheet of paper.
"I was actually hoping to spend the day with Legolas since he is to return to Mirkwood the day after tomorrow."
"Perhaps he would be willing to go riding with you then. He seems very fond of you."
"Not you too…" I said looking at the floor hiding my blush.
"I cannot deny what is in front of me. He has not taken to an elleth in centuries like he has with you."
"We are just friends!"
"All courtships start off as friendship." He said with a sly grin.
"Ugh!" I threw up my arms and left the study fuming. I took the long way through the corridors to my room to blow off the steam.
There you have it! Sorry its so short but I couldn't combine it with the next chapter with out it being a 4000 word chapter! I know my attention span is not that long so I cant expect my readers to have a longer one.
Remember I LOVE Reviews! So leave me one! What do you think about this ring business?