Chapter 2

Samantha's eyes flickered open and they settled on the unfamiliar ceiling. This wasn't a dream. She sat up in bed and looked around the room. The room Elrond had let her stay in for the time being. She had hoped that when she woke up, she would be back home and in her own bed. 'I really am in Middle Earth,' she thought to herself. It was still so hard to believe.

After several minutes of being alone with her thoughts, there was a knock on the door. "Yes?" She called out, not knowing who would be knocking.

The door opened and Penneth entered. An elf of extraordinary beauty, as they all were. Her hair was a lovely chestnut brown and her eyes were like honey. She gave the human a gentle smile, "Good morning, Samantha. I hope I did not wake you."

Samantha held up a hand and smiled in return, "Oh, no! You're fine, I was already up actually."

Penneth smiled at the human girl, "I am here to help you prepare for the day. I have drawn a bath for you and require your measurements for a gown. I will also have your clothes sent off to be washed."

She looked down at her clothing and realized that these clothes were all she had left of her home. She supposed it was alright for them to be washed, as long as she got them back. She also thought about the bath. A bath sounded unbelievably nice after the night she had wandering through the woods. But having help? She wasn't a child...

Samantha nodded and Penneth lead her through a few halls to a bathroom of sorts. Penneth motioned to the tub and looked at Samantha expectantly. An awkward silence soon fell over them and Samantha quietly asked, "Umm... do you mind turning around?"

Penneth smiled in understanding and nodded. She turned to give the girl some privacy. Once Samantha knew she couldn't see her, she stripped off her clothing and hopped into the tub. The water was slightly warm and there were some bubbles. 'Elves are fancy,' she thought. She had expected just plain water, but this water smelled of lavender. "Alright, I'm good. Thanks."

The elf turned back around and reached for a bar of soap to lather her hands before scrubbing Samantha's hair. Samantha could tell she had done this many times before. She was skilled and maybe it was just because of her own lack of physical contact, but it felt so refreshing to have this. This touch was like going to a salon, only better.

Once Penneth was satisfied with her work she wrung our her short red hair and handed Samantha a different bar of soap for her body before turning and giving her a little more privacy.

Samantha began to scrub herself. She had a feeling that Penneth had no issues at all with nudity, though for her it was a little embarrassing to be seen undressed by someone so lovely. Once Samantha said she was done Penneth gave Samantha a bucket of clean water to rinse and a thin robe before turning back around. She stood and dumped the bucket over herself before wringing her hair and using her hands to squeegee off most of the water. When she put the robe on, it was a little too thin for her liking but it would do. It was decent enough to go back to her room in.

When given the go ahead, Penneth turned around and looked her up and down with a little surprise. "Oh my, I was told you were barely a young-ling, though I see now you are much more mature. May I ask how many years you have lived?" Penneth had Samantha hold her arms out in a T formation so she could take her measurements.

Samantha thought for a second, how young did they think she was? It was true her hoodie had hidden all of her curves, and she had always looked young for her age. When she was 16 she had been mistaken for a 12 year old, and she had also worn baggy clothing at the time. She also hated to wear makeup. When she wore clothing that was actually her size or just a little too small you could see the natural curves of her body that screamed yes, she is indeed a woman. "I'm 20. I have a baby face, so I'm not surprised you thought I was young. Happens all the time, really."

"I see. Lord Elrond and the Prince will be surprised. I'm sure they thought you were only a babe." she said as she measured her hips.

"Well, compared to you all I am, right?"

"Most everyone is compared to an elf, but you are human, not an elf. At the age of 20 you are most definitely a lady. And you will have a gown most befitting of one with such beautiful hair." Samantha felt her cheeks redden from the compliment. She had always been complimented for her hair, but coming from an elf just hit different. Penneth smiled at her innocent reaction, "I will take you back to your room and I will be back shortly with a gown for you. After that we shall fetch you something to eat."

Samantha's stomach cried at the sound of food and the two women laughed. It had been a long time since she ate and she couldn't wait for food. She would be happy with a glass of water and a slice of bread.

Penneth lead her back to her room where she was left to her own devises. Samantha decided to explore the room since last night she had just fallen right to sleep in hopes of waking up back home. She wandered over to the small book shelf and grabbed one and decided to flip through it. While she had no idea what the elvish words said, she could assume it spoke about different weapons and armor, since that is what the incredible detailed pictures were of.

It didn't take long for Penneth to come back with a beautiful blue dress in tow. Samantha usually didn't wear dresses, but this dress was so pretty she would feel rude refusing it. Penneth helped her get into the dress, as well as educating her about what women in this world wore as undergarments. When the dress was being put on she was very happy she had Penneth there to help her. The back of the dress had delicate and intricate knots and had to be tied. The neck was low cut and swooped in a gentle arch with dark navy blue on the hem. The rest of the dress was a brilliant blue, the sleeves flowed down to her knees and the same navy bordered the sleeves. Lastly, a beaded belt accessory sat across her waist.

When Samantha looked into the mirror she was shocked at how good she looked in the dress. Her eyes popped and the blue made a beautiful contrast to her hair and skin.

Penneth looked as well and smiled, "Yes, I thought this dress would suit you well. Beautiful indeed." The elf looked fondly at the dress, it was one of her own creation and she was happy to see if fit so well with someone.

Samantha smiled and laughed a little bit, "Thank you, it's beautiful."

The elf grabbed for a brush and began to comb through Samantha's hair. "Your hair truly is beautiful, I have never seen a human with such a rich shade of red."

Samantha twirled a slowly drying curl in her hand, thinking of her mother fawning over her hair. "Yeah, it can be pretty rare where I come from too."

Once Penneth was done brushing her hair she walked toward the door, "Now, I do believe you must be hungry. Let us hurry before your stomach eats itself."

"Yas," Samantha said in exaggerated excitement that made the elf laugh.

They walked and once again Samantha was admiring the beauty of Rivendell. She doubted she would ever get used to the beauty of this place. The dining hall was also beautiful. High arched ceilings and open door ways leading out into several gardens. This place could have been a 5 star hotel in the German countryside.

Penneth guided her to a table currently unoccupied where there was still food set out. Samantha took notice that there was no meat, only fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and bread. She was content with this though, she loved most everything on the table and dug in as soon as her butt touched the seat. Grabbing a few rolls of bread and cheese, and munching on some grapes in between.

Penneth watched in amusement as the human ate. "You must have been very hungry."

She finished the bite of food in her mouth and laughed a little, "Yeah... just a little." That yogurt and lunch-able didn't hold her over for long.

Samantha began to eat slower now and looked around at her surroundings more. The other tables in the hall had some elves seated at them, and they were wrapped up in their own conversations. When she looked toward one doorway, she saw a familiar face. She waved in greeting to the prince as he approached.

Legolas had been coming in search of food of his own and wasn't expecting to see Samantha again so soon. He was in for a shock when he noticed her attire. He had thought her to be very young, but now he mentally kicked himself for not noticing her... assets. He walked closer and greeted the two women as he sat to join them, "Hello, Lady Samantha." He put just a touch of emphasis on the word 'lady'.

The woman held up a hand and waved dismissively, "No need for that. Just Samantha. And, hello to you too, Prince." She opted for using his title instead of his first name, he wasn't sure how other elves would perceive it. Would they think it rude? She just got here and didn't want any trouble.

Legolas grabbed a few pieces of cheese and took a bite. He loved his cheese. Once his mouth was free he gave her a small smile, "Alright, Samantha, I expect you slept well?"

'Other than crying myself to sleep, yes.'

"Yes, the bed was very comfy and Penneth has been a great help both last night and today." She gave the elf a nod in thanks, which she returned.

He nodded and after a few more bites he gave the woman a more serious look. "It is fortunate I happened upon you. Elrond wants an audience with you soon. And Gandalf will be there as well. Your sudden appearance has peaked his curiosity."

Samantha only nodded as she felt that rock settle in her stomach. She could only imagine what was going to happen. What would they say? And most important, could Gandalf help her get home?

The three ate in pleasant silence, though Samantha was full of worry but did her best to hide it. Once they had their fill, Legolas began to lead Samantha back to Lord Elrond's study.

He looked down to his side at the girl walking next to him. When he had mentioned Gandalf there was a sort of spark in her eyes. As if the name struck a chord within her. Could she possibly know the Wizard? Although, she had had the same look upon her face when he first introduced himself. He was certain he had never met her before. He had never seen a human with such a rich red color to their hair. He was sure he would remember it if he had seen it. The red he usually saw in the few humans who had red hair was light, as if the red color had been mixed with blonde. But Samantha's shade was a darker and rich color. He only saw it in dwarves. Out of all species in Middle Earth, dwarves were the most likely to have red hair.

The two reached Elrond's study and Legolas gave a quick knock before entering. They were greeted by the sight of Elrond sitting behind his desk and Gandalf, holding his pipe. He was pacing the room and turned to see the door open. Samantha couldn't help but wonder what it was that Gandalf was smoking. Could it be tobacco or... something else?

The wizard blew out a few smoke rings while studying the young woman in the doorway. Gandalf smiled at the girl, "Hello, my dear. Thank you for escorting her Master Legolas, it is time to have a chat, privately. Much to discuss."

Legolas nodded and bowed before looking down at Samantha and closing the door behind her, leaving the three in the room alone.

Awkward silence filled the room and Samantha gave a wave, "Hello… What's up?"

'Why did you say that? Stupid!' She groaned internally.

Gandalf and Elrond shared a glance over the odd wording before Elrond motioned her to a chair. She sat down and looked at the two expectantly. She felt like a child who had been brought to the principal's office to be scolded. Gandalf began, "Samantha, could you tell us how you came to be in the forest last night? Legolas tells us you remember nothing and were traveling with nothing but the clothes on your back." He placed the pipe back into his mouth as he leaned against Elrond's desk, waiting for her response.

Samantha looked down and sighed, "I don't know. I was getting ready for bed and fell asleep. When I woke up I was in the middle of the forest. I don't remember anything in between the two."

"And where is your home?" Elrond questioned. "Perhaps you traveled from Bree?"

This was something she didn't really know how to answer. Her home wasn't anywhere they could take her. After a few moments of silence, Gandalf gave her a small gentle smile, "You can trust us, young one."

She looked into his eyes and she felt like she could trust the old man. She thought what the hell and said, "Well, my home isn't anywhere you have heard off."

"What do you mean?" Lord Elrond asked, leaning forward in his chair. In all his long years there was hardly a place he had not either heard of or traveled to.

She looked down, "I mean, where I come from, none of this is real. Both of you don't exist. You are characters in a book."

Silence fell over the room. Elrond looked at her very skeptically before he asked, "And you have read these books?"

She thought for a second and she could honestly answer no. The books were mostly a mystery to her, she had only seen the films and read portions of the books. She would have loved to read the books if not for the school library banning them for some stupid reason. She could tell them she had seen the movies, but how would she explain a movie? They weren't even invented yet. So, instead she went with what was the more simple answer. "Yes."

Elrond nodded slowly trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, "So, you are telling us that you know what future events will occur? What the outcome of everything will be?"

Before Samantha could say anything Gandalf raised a hand and looked at his old friend, "Now, Elrond, we do not need to know the outcome. If what she says is true, we should not know. It could influence us to make choices that are most unwise."

"You're in luck then," Samantha stated grabbing their attention, "I can hardly remember anything about this world to begin with. It's like the more I try and remember what happens the more I lose. I know that there are dark times and horrible things are going to happen, but past that, everything is fuzzy."

Gandalf's face became grim. He thought back to when he was talking to Saruman. The White Wizard's words rung clear in his mind,

"I have seen many things. A new presence grows nearer to this world. A girl who holds information both of us could only wish to know. She holds the past, present and future, locked away in her mind, only I hold the key."

The Wizard looked at the woman before him, knowing the girl Saruman spoke of was in front of him. He had no doubt what she told them was the truth. He raised his hand and pointed to her for emphasis, "You must not tell anyone of what you know or where you are from. Keep the information about your home minimal."

Samantha could only nod. Her body had sunken into the chair more from the Wizards serious tone of voice. It was like if she told anyone he would murder her. "I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"And I hold you to it." Gandalf told her. "Now, go on. Lord Elrond and I have much to discuss about the days to come."

Samantha nodded and left. She felt like now wasn't the time to ask how she could get back home. A sinking feeling settling into her stomach. The way Gandalf looked at her, it was as if she was in some kind of danger or something. It was easy enough to not tell anyone about what she was supposed to know, because she didn't remember it. So, if she couldn't remember, why would she be in danger?

Back in Elrond's study, Gandalf had taken the seat Samantha had left open. The two sat in silence for several minutes before Elrond broke it. "Something troubles you, Mithrandir. What do you know that I do not?"

"I have told you how Saruman betrayed us." Elrond nodded. "I did not mention the way he let himself be found out. He started telling me of Sauron's plans. Sauron knows a hobbit has the ring, and he spoke of a girl who knows our future, but doesn't remember. I do believe, Lord Elrond, that Samantha is that girl."

Elrond looked a little surprised. "If she is the girl Saurman spoke of, then she is as much a key to winning this war as the One Ring."

Gandalf nodded, inhaling from the pipe and spoke as he exhaled, "Yes. I have had some time to ponder this on my return trip. I believe that she may have to join on the journey to destroy the ring."

Elrond's head shot up, "You can not be serious, Mithrandir. Putting the ring and her in the same place is the last thing we should do. And just look at her. She is not trained to fight, certainly she would die."

"She will be protected by myself and anyone who is brave enough to join our cause. She will be trained, I will see to it that she is able to defend herself." He looked at Elrond seriously, "If Sauron gets the ring, we know it is over. If he gets his hands on Samantha, chances are he will in short order have the ring. Placing them together will be easier to protect them."

"But why not leave her here? She would be safe."

Gandalf shook his head, "You know as well as I do that the magic protecting this sanctuary fading and your people are leaving to travel west. She may very well end up here alone. And leaving her here would be even more reason for Sauron to attack here needlessly."

Elrond sighed. "There is no arguing with you. If you think it best I will put my trust in you."

"Thank you, my friend."

"I only hope you know what you are doing."

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Edited: 5-8-2020
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