Chapter 1: The Arrival of Perfection
In the land where reality met fantasy, where the ordinary mingled with the unimaginable, there was a young woman named Evelyn Hartford. To say that she was beautiful would be an understatement bordering on sacrilege; it was a bit like calling the ocean "wet" or the sun "bright." No, Evelyn was not merely beautiful—she was resplendent, an alabaster vision of poise, with flowing, chestnut hair that cascaded like rivers down her back and eyes the colour of forest moss after fresh rain. She was from Earth, but her beauty was of a quality that made her seem as if she had stepped from the pages of a myth herself.
She possessed all the talents that one could possibly envy in a mortal girl, though she would never boast of them, for Evelyn was as humble as she was brilliant. Her days back on Earth had been filled with artistic pursuits; she painted as naturally as birds sang, each brushstroke a new symphony of colour and form. Musically inclined as well, she played the violin with a haunting grace, the notes drifting from her fingers as effortlessly as her own breath. As for intelligence, it had always been remarked that she possessed a mind as sharp as a whetted sword, with a wit that, some said, could rival the poets of old. And yet she was gentle, a soft-spoken woman whose laughter seemed crafted by some tender hand for the delight of others.
Her life in Earth was, unsurprisingly, a gallery of opportunities and admirers. Strangers turned as she passed, entranced by her unassuming allure, and even the most casual acquaintance would speak her praises. Yet, for all the glamour that surrounded her, Evelyn felt the yawning ache of something missing, something beyond the fleeting, shallow enchantments of her everyday world.
And then, one brisk autumn day, that world changed. It began simply enough; she had ventured into a local bookshop, drawn by a curious feeling she couldn't quite name. There, tucked away in a corner, she found an old, leather-bound tome, worn but whispering of secrets. Without so much as a thought, she opened it, and in an instant—one heartbeat, a mere blink—she was no longer standing among dusty shelves and leather armchairs. She was… elsewhere.
When Evelyn's vision cleared, she found herself in a land unlike any other, a place of verdant woods and distant mountains, of a sky too blue, of a world too perfect to be true. It was Middle Earth. And as she took in her surroundings, she knew, deep within her, that she had been brought here for a purpose.
Already, she could see the heads turning, the elves emerging from the trees with an air of wary curiosity, their expressions softening as they beheld her beauty. It was as if the whole of Middle Earth had been holding its breath, waiting for her. Evelyn Hartford was here at last, and though she did not yet know it, her presence would set the course of legends, leaving an indelible mark upon the hearts of many.
Though Evelyn's tale seemed bound for greatness, her arrival did not pass unnoticed. It was no mere luck that she found herself in Middle-earth; the stars themselves had guided her, and she was brought directly to the house of Lord Elrond. Arwen had foreseen this moment, a vision of a girl who would change the course of many lives. So when Evelyn appeared before her that crisp autumn day, Arwen knew at once—this was the one.
Nearby, half-hidden behind a row of ferns and clearly occupied with a bit of leftover honeycomb, was an elf maiden named Lothrinna. Lothrinna was quite unlike the willowy, ethereal figures that graced the golden woods of Lothlórien or the halls of Rivendell. Round-faced and cheerful, she wore a patchwork of smudges from a morning spent sampling confections, her fingertips dusted with sugar that sparkled faintly under the dappled light. Though she was an elf, and thus bore the beauty of her kin, her fondness for sweets had softened her figure and left her with an endearing, slightly plump appearance—a rarity in her kind.
Lothrinna gazed at Evelyn, eyes wide with astonishment and a hint of curiosity. Was this stranger a sorceress, a goddess, some fabled being come to dwell amongst them? Her long hair, the cascade of shimmering chestnut waves, the soft, perfect glow of her skin… Evelyn hardly seemed mortal. Lothrinna could not quite bring herself to bow, but she couldn't look away, either. A half-smile played at her lips, crumbs and all, as she stared, entirely entranced.
"Lothrinna," came a gentle, slightly bemused voice from behind her. Arwen, poised and serene, had approached her youngest companion quietly, but even the quietest steps often went unnoticed by Lothrinna, particularly when she was lost in her thoughts (or her sweets). Arwen had known Lothrinna for centuries, a young elf by immortal standards, but with a past marked by loss. Orcs had taken her family many years ago, and since then, Arwen had kept Lothrinna close as a maid and companion. Though kind-hearted and loyal, Lothrinna had always been more prone to accidents and blunders than the rest of Rivendell combined, a fact that her slightly rounder shape and sugar-sticky fingers only emphasised.
"Lothrinna, dear," Arwen said softly, a smile flickering at the corners of her mouth. "Perhaps you might wipe the honey from your cheek before meeting our guest?"
Lothrinna's face flushed a deep shade of pink as she scrambled to brush away the sticky remnants of honey with her sleeve. "Oh—yes, my lady! Quite right," she stammered, offering Arwen an apologetic grin.
Evelyn, who had just emerged from a tangle of vines and wildflowers, looked around, taking in Rivendell's splendour with quiet awe. Her expression was a mix of wonder and calm, a serene appreciation as if she belonged there already, her beauty a natural fit to Rivendell's immortal grace. Arwen approached her, her radiance as delicate and wise as starlight.
"Welcome to Rivendell," Arwen said, her voice as gentle as a breeze over water. "It is an honour to greet you, Evelyn Hartford. We sense that you have come a long way, and I am certain your journey must have been bewildering."
Evelyn met her gaze, a warm, grateful smile spreading across her lips. "Thank you, Lady Arwen," she replied, her voice soft and musical, like bells carried on a distant wind. "I hardly know what happened, only that I opened a book… and now I am here, in this beautiful place. I—I've read tales of Middle Earth, but to stand within it, to see it with my own eyes, is beyond words."
Arwen inclined her head, her smile gentle and knowing. "You are most welcome, Evelyn. Rivendell is a sanctuary, and so, too, may it be for you. We shall see that you have everything you need to feel at home."
She gestured toward Lothrinna, who was standing off to the side, fidgeting with her sleeves and trying not to look as flustered as she felt.
"This is Lothrinna, a dear friend and maid," Arwen continued. "She will show you to your quarters while I go to inform my father of your arrival."
Lothrinna looked up, her face lighting with a shy smile as she bobbed an uncertain, but enthusiastic curtsey. "It is an honour to meet you, Lady Evelyn," she said, her voice full of genuine warmth. "If you would be so kind as to follow me, I'll take you to your chambers."
Evelyn nodded graciously, though her attention flickered to Lothrinna's sticky fingers and slightly crumpled gown. She couldn't help but find the elf maid endearing in her peculiar way.
Arwen turned to Lothrinna, her eyes kind. "Lothrinna, see to it that Lady Evelyn is comfortable. And… perhaps a few of the honey cakes for her?"
Lothrinna's eyes brightened at the mention of cakes, though she quickly composed herself, glancing back at Evelyn with a shy smile. "Oh yes, we have the finest honey cakes in all of Middle Earth! I daresay you'll love them."
With that, Arwen departed with a graceful nod, leaving Evelyn and Lothrinna standing together in the quiet glow of the elven city.
"Shall we?" Lothrinna asked, her voice filled with a certain hopeful eagerness. And so, Evelyn followed, her elegant form drifting after Lothrinna as they wound through the arches of Rivendell, the sounds of an elven song in the distance, and the soft scent of honey cakes lacing the air.
Evelyn could scarcely believe her eyes. Arwen. The Lady Arwen herself, graceful and radiant, had stood before her just moments ago, welcoming her as though she belonged here in Rivendell, amidst the enchanting beauty of Middle Earth. A strange thrill stirred in Evelyn's chest as she remembered watching *The Lord of the Rings* in theatres as a child, her grandmother's hand resting warmly on her shoulder. She had loved those films, the tales of courage and friendship, though she'd never seen herself as a part of them.
Now, as an adult, Evelyn was captivated by Tolkien's works, though she had always imagined herself as more at home in the modern world, with its comforts and conveniences. Yet standing in Rivendell, she could almost see herself fitting into its serene halls, living among the elves, as timeless and flawless as she had always been told she was. She could picture it so clearly—days spent in idyllic beauty, surrounded by beings whose grace and elegance matched her own. Yes, she could settle here; she could belong here.
And yet, as her gaze turned to her guide, her fantasy wavered just a little. Lothrinna, the elf maid leading her, was unlike any elf Evelyn had ever imagined. For one thing, she was not slender, ethereal, or otherworldly in the way Evelyn had always envisioned elves. No, Lothrinna had a softness about her—a gentle roundness that was almost shocking among such graceful beings. She was noticeably shorter, too, her feet light yet prone to the occasional misstep. Evelyn found herself staring, a flicker of confusion passing over her delicate features.
"I thought…" she began delicately, her tone laced with a curious innocence, "that elves were supposed to be… well, beautiful and slender." She tilted her head, watching Lothrinna with a hint of bemusement. "How is it that you… well, how did you end up so… different?"
Lothrinna, caught off guard by Evelyn's bluntness, stumbled slightly on the uneven stone path. But she quickly righted herself, her face warming with a polite, if slightly embarrassed, smile.
"Oh," she laughed, an unguarded, bubbly sound, her cheeks flushing. "I suppose I am a bit different from the rest. You see… I've always had a fondness for sweets," she said, her fingers tracing the faint, powdered sugar still clinging to her sleeves. "Cakes, pastries, honeycomb… anything sweet. And for some reason," she added with a faint shrug, "I am one of the few elves who actually… well… gain weight."
Evelyn raised a finely arched eyebrow, a flicker of sympathy coloring her otherwise perfect expression. How unfortunate, she thought, to be an elf—one of the most graceful and revered beings in all of Middle Earth—and yet to be burdened with such peculiar luck. She could hardly imagine what it would be like to bear the fate of Lothrinna, her quiet existence filled with stumbles and sweets, standing in stark contrast to Evelyn's image of elegance.
Still, Evelyn offered a gentle smile, the faintest hint of pity lingering at its edges. "Well," she said softly, her voice dipped in sympathy, "I suppose everyone has their own… strengths. I'm sure you have yours too, Lothrinna."
Lothrinna's eyes sparkled with something undefinable, a tiny glimmer of resilience beneath the blush in her cheeks. She nodded, her smile growing a little more genuine. "Yes, I suppose I do," she replied, her tone warm, if a bit uncertain. And with that, she resumed leading Evelyn through Rivendell, her step light yet steady.
As they walked, Evelyn glanced at the immaculate gardens, the ancient architecture, and the endless beauty that surrounded her. It was all she'd ever dreamed of. She, Evelyn Hartford, belonged here. And yet, in the corner of her mind, an image of Lothrinna lingered—a chubby, unassuming elf maid with sugar-sticky fingers and a heart quietly woven into the world around her.
The news of Evelyn's arrival reached Lord Elrond swiftly, delivered by his daughter, Arwen. She spoke of the human girl she had seen in a vision—a figure of singular beauty, a stranger destined for some unknown purpose. Arwen was convinced that Evelyn's presence in Middle Earth was no accident, a conviction Elrond respected, though he could not yet see what this mortal girl might contribute. What, after all, could a young woman from a distant world offer in these darkening days? Still, he trusted in Arwen's foresight; she had been blessed with a gift of rare clarity, and her visions had seldom led them astray.
Gandalf, seated comfortably in Elrond's chambers, listened thoughtfully, a spark of curiosity in his wise eyes. "If she is as remarkable as Arwen believes, perhaps we should meet this Evelyn ourselves, and see what role she might play," he mused. The old wizard glanced at Elrond, his gaze turning serious. "And I must admit," he added, "I am intrigued. If she is to be involved in our affairs, her arrival could be of great significance."
Elrond nodded in agreement. "Very well. Arwen," he said, turning to his daughter, "bring Evelyn to us. We shall see her with our own eyes."
Arwen inclined her head gracefully. "I'll send Lothrinna to fetch her."
When Arwen arrived at Evelyn's chambers, she found the young woman already transformed, standing in front of a large mirror and admiring her reflection. Lothrinna, whose cheeks were rosy from the exertion of helping Evelyn dress, hovered nearby, a bundle of pins and ribbons clutched in her hands. She had been fussing over the folds of the gown, marveling at how naturally Evelyn fit the flowing elven fabric, her grace seeming almost inhuman.
Arwen smiled at them both. "Evelyn, you are a vision. My father and Gandalf wish to meet you."
Evelyn beamed, gathering her skirts with a light touch. "I am honored."
Arwen turned to Lothrinna. "Please escort Lady Evelyn to my father's chambers."
Lothrinna's eyes widened. "Oh—yes, of course, my lady!" she stammered, a little flustered, but she quickly composed herself and motioned for Evelyn to follow.
As they walked through Rivendell's winding corridors, Lothrinna glanced at Evelyn, her admiration evident. "You wear the gown as if you were born to it," she murmured, a touch of wistfulness in her voice.
Evelyn offered a kind smile, though her gaze lingered on Lothrinna's slightly wrinkled attire and the sugar dust still clinging to her fingers. "Thank you, Lothrinna. I'm lucky to have someone as thoughtful as you to help."
At last, they arrived at Elrond's chambers. Lothrinna paused outside the door, trying to collect herself, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath and knocked.
"Enter," came Lord Elrond's smooth voice.
She opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for Evelyn to follow. Lord Elrond and Gandalf stood before them, both imposing and regal, their eyes appraising as they took in Evelyn's flawless form. Evelyn dipped into a graceful curtsey, her poise a picture of elegance.
Elrond's gaze shifted briefly to Lothrinna, who, feeling their eyes upon her, grew so flustered that she dropped the small handkerchief she had been nervously holding. She bent to retrieve it, but in her haste, she caught her foot on the edge of a rug and promptly tumbled forward, landing with an undignified thud on her knees. The sound echoed in the quiet room, and Lothrinna's face flushed a deep, mortified crimson.
Evelyn glanced down, a faintly bemused smile twitching at her lips. "Are you all right, Lothrinna?" she asked a hint of amusement in her tone.
Lothrinna scrambled to her feet, brushing her skirts with clumsy, mortified hands. "Yes—yes, I'm fine, thank you," she stammered, ducking her head, too embarrassed to meet anyone's gaze.
Gandalf chuckled softly, the sound warm but not unkind. "A bit of cheer never hurt a solemn occasion," he remarked, his eyes twinkling as he regarded Lothrinna with gentle humour.
Elrond's face softened slightly, though he quickly turned his attention to Evelyn. "Lady Evelyn," he began, his voice formal and even, "we are pleased to welcome you to Rivendell."
Evelyn nodded gracefully. "Thank you, Lord Elrond. I am honored to be here and will do whatever I can to be of aid."
Her words rang with sincerity, her presence exuding a natural confidence that left no doubt of her strength of character. Elrond and Gandalf exchanged a glance, both clearly impressed.
Meanwhile, Lothrinna stood a little ways behind, carefully edging away from the rug that had tripped her. She bit her lip, embarrassed but unable to resist a smile as Gandalf caught her eye and offered her a conspiratorial wink.
Though she hadn't made the most dignified entrance, she felt a strange comfort—an unexpected warmth—in Gandalf's gentle regard. It reminded her that perhaps, just perhaps, even here in the presence of such important figures, there might be a place for someone like her.
Evelyn's first meeting with Lord Elrond and Gandalf had gone well enough—at least for her. She stood tall, with grace as if she belonged in Rivendell all along, answering Elrond's questions about her world, her upbringing, and her sudden arrival with a natural poise that even the elves could appreciate. Lothrinna, meanwhile, stood nearby, clearly attempting to be invisible after her embarrassing stumble.
The meeting was nearly at an end when Gandalf addressed Evelyn with a warm smile. "It is no small thing to be brought here from a world so different from ours, Evelyn. I trust you will find Rivendell to be a place of peace and reflection, though our times are troubled."
Evelyn inclined her head gracefully. "I am already enchanted by the beauty of this place, and by all of you," she said, glancing meaningfully at Lord Elrond and Gandalf. "I will do all I can to aid in any way you see fit."
Lord Elrond's expression was thoughtful, his eyes observing her keenly. "There may indeed be a purpose in your arrival, Evelyn. Arwen's visions are rare, but when they do come, they are not to be taken lightly." He paused, then added, "For now, Lothrinna will attend to your needs. She is well acquainted with our ways and can guide you through Rivendell."
At the mention of her name, Lothrinna straightened up, a bit surprised. She managed an awkward curtsy. "Of course, my lord," she said, her voice soft. Her cheeks flushed as she realized Evelyn's attention was on her again.
"Lothrinna," Gandalf said kindly, "will you take Lady Evelyn to the gardens? I think she might enjoy the view of Rivendell from the terraces."
"Oh—yes!" Lothrinna nodded enthusiastically. "Right this way, Lady Evelyn."
As they made their way down Rivendell's winding paths, Evelyn was mesmerized by the surroundings: the trees arching above like cathedral vaults, the sound of water flowing over stones, the scent of autumn in the air. She barely noticed Lothrinna, whose soft voice was describing the history of Rivendell as they walked.
"It is truly remarkable," Evelyn murmured. "A place like this—it's everything I imagined, and more." She paused, glancing at Lothrinna. "You know, I am surprised that you were chosen as my guide, Lothrinna. I thought all elves were as… elegant as Lord Elrond and Arwen."
Lothrinna's steps faltered, her cheeks reddening, but she quickly regained her composure. "I… well, I am not quite the same as others here," she admitted with a shy smile. "I suppose I enjoy Rivendell's sweets more than most," she added, a bit sheepishly, her fingers nervously brushing over the folds of her dress. "Most elves can eat anything they like without… change, but I seem to be a little different."
Evelyn's gaze lingered on her, a glimmer of sympathy in her eyes. "That must be difficult," she said kindly, though there was a hint of pity in her voice. "To be an elf and yet not entirely fit in with them."
Lothrinna managed a small, polite smile, though the words stung more than she would ever admit. "Oh, I don't mind," she said, brushing it off. "There are worse things to love than sweets, don't you think?" She gave a soft, self-conscious laugh. "Besides, Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen have always been kind to me, even if I'm not as graceful as the others."
Evelyn was about to respond when a flicker of movement caught her eye. Several elven warriors had come into view, including one who seemed to glow like sunlight itself: Legolas. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She'd seen his likeness in the films, yes, but standing there in person, he was every bit as striking as she had imagined—perhaps more. He had the aura of someone wise and agile, yet there was a warmth to his gaze as he spoke with his companions.
"Is that… Legolas?" Evelyn whispered, her tone laced with awe.
Lothrinna followed her gaze, her smile brightening. "Yes, that's Legolas. He visits Rivendell often. My cousin Galion serves in his father's court," she said proudly, though her voice softened. "He's truly one of the finest elves I know."
Evelyn's gaze remained fixed on Legolas, who had noticed them and offered a courteous nod. Her heart raced, but she managed a composed nod in return. Just as he looked away, she realized with horror that Lothrinna had somehow managed to spill a small sachet of powdered sugar she'd been carrying.
The powder cascaded over her robes, leaving a fine dusting across the front of her dress. Lothrinna gasped, frantically trying to brush it off, only to smear it further. To make matters worse, a breeze swept up, sending the sugar scattering around her like a strange, sweet-smelling snow.
"Oh no!" Lothrinna whispered, mortified, but then—quite unexpectedly—she began to laugh, her giggles soft and contagious, filling the air with warmth.
Evelyn watched as Lothrinna tried to dust herself off, a hint of exasperation crossing her face. Here was an elf—an *elf*, of all things—who couldn't even manage to keep her robes clean. And yet, somehow, she'd managed to catch the attention of *Legolas*. The thought unsettled Evelyn; she was the newcomer, the one who should have captivated him. But Legolas's brief, warm smile at Lothrinna lingered in her mind.
Suppressing a sigh, Evelyn turned to Lothrinna. "Perhaps you could take me back to my chambers. I'd rather… not be seen too much right now."
Lothrinna nodded, entirely missing the hint of disdain in Evelyn's voice. "Of course, Lady Evelyn. It's been a long day, I'm sure."
As they walked back through the winding paths of Rivendell, Evelyn couldn't resist her curiosity. "You seem to know a lot about Legolas," she commented, feigning casual interest. "Have you spent much time around him?"
Lothrinna's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Not personally, no, but he's been around often these past years. He joins the twins—Elladan and Elrohir—and Aragorn on quests and patrols. Sometimes even the Rangers of the North. He's always so focused on his duties," she continued a wistful tone in her voice. "He rarely stays for long, though. Always comes back and then rides out again. I admire that."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "And you watch them ride out, do you?"
Lothrinna's cheeks reddened. "I… well, yes, sometimes," she admitted, laughing a little. "It must be something to ride with such freedom. I've tried to learn myself, but…" She trailed off, her smile fading slightly. "I'm afraid I haven't much skill with horses. I always seem to lose my balance."
Evelyn smirked, an almost pitying expression crossing her face. "Well, it may not be for everyone, after all. Not everyone is… built for adventure." Her voice held a gentle, almost patronizing tone as if she were explaining a simple truth.
Lothrinna's smile remained, though it had dimmed somewhat, and she nodded politely. "Oh, I suppose you're right. I'm just here to help those who are," she replied softly.
They walked in silence for a moment before Evelyn, struck by a sudden thought, turned to Lothrinna with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "You know, I think I'd like to learn to ride. I'm sure I could manage it," she added, with a slight laugh. "I imagine I wouldn't have much trouble staying on."
Lothrinna's eyes brightened again. "Of course! I could inquire for you. It's not an easy task to learn, though—I've tried a few times, and I, well… let's just say I spent more time in the dirt than in the saddle."
Evelyn chuckled, casting a sidelong glance at her. "Perhaps the horses find it a little difficult, hmm? You must be… quite a challenge for them."
Lothrinna gave a soft, almost self-deprecating laugh, choosing not to take offense. "Oh, yes. It's quite the sight, I'm sure. But I suppose everyone has their talents," she replied good-naturedly, though her gaze dropped slightly as if accepting that perhaps her role was to simply remain in the background.
As they neared Evelyn's chambers, Evelyn found herself already plotting out her next steps. She would learn to ride, she decided, and do so with elegance and ease. After all, she thought, what better way to distinguish herself here in Rivendell than by mastering something this clumsy elf maiden had failed to do?
But as she glanced back at Lothrinna, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a faint, almost unfamiliar pang of discomfort. Lothrinna's unassuming manner, her endless cheerfulness—even in the face of Evelyn's veiled barbs—made her seem all the more genuine. It was irritating, in a way Evelyn couldn't quite place.
"Thank you, Lothrinna," she said at last, her voice softer than she intended.
Lothrinna smiled warmly. "It's truly my pleasure, Lady Evelyn. Please let me know if there's anything else you need."
As Evelyn entered her chambers, she found herself wondering why, despite everything, Lothrinna's simple, unassuming kindness had left an impression on her. But she quickly brushed it off, turning her thoughts back to more important matters—like impressing the elves and perhaps catching the attention of a certain elven prince.
a/n: This is my first story, and I'm a bit nervous about it! It would mean so much to me if you could share your thoughts. Should I continue writing, or is it time to hang up my pen for good?