Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Ancient Languages (#1458)
Author: Imlosiel
Chapters: 5

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Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: A woman trapped in an unfamiliar land struggles to find her way home. But where is home?
Published: 21 Dec 2004
Updated: 18 Jun 2005
Warnings:
Type: Romance
Characters: Glorfindel


Chapter 1 - A Rainy Day

Ancient Languages

By Imlosiel


Author's Note: This is a girl-falls-into-Middle-earth story, but it is very different from the norm. I hope you enjoy it and please review!


Chapter I: A Rainy Day


It was a Tuesday morning, the sky was black, and the earth seemed to tremble with the mighty rumbling of the thunder. The rain was coming down in sheets, and the wind whipped the trees around like they were twigs. Lyla pulled her coat more closely around herself, trying to ward off the chill. Of all days for her car to be in the shop! The one day she had to walk to work was the day of one of the worst storms Fort Collins had seen in months.

A strong gust of wind whipped around her and inverted her umbrella, making it look like a wayward tepee. She rolled her eyes and swore under her breath. Could anything else go wrong? She reached into her bag and grabbed the newspaper that lay on top of her books. She held it over her head and made a run for the campus. Fortunately, it was only two blocks away.

By the time she reached the campus and entered the communications building, she and the newspaper were drenched. She went into the restroom, ignoring the looks she received from a group of students, and stood in front of the mirror. Her mascara had run, forming dark half circles under her eyes, and her hair and clothes were soaked. She shook her head, and her mouth curved into a wry smile.

I look like a cross between a drowned rat and a deformed raccoon, she thought.

She snatched one of the paper towels from the dispenser and wiped the mascara off of her face. She lifted a wet lock of dark hair and sighed. There wasn’t much that she could do about her hair and clothes, so she just decided to head to class before she was late. She entered the classroom with ten seconds to spare. The students looked at her with wide eyes, and a few began to snicker. She plunked her bag on the desk and looked at the room full of college students.

“Miss Sanderson, what happened to you?” one student asked between giggles.

Lyla pursed her lips and gave the class one of her most menacing glares. The snickers ceased and the room silenced, for Lyla Sanderson was not a professor to tangle with. She was fair and generally kind, but one did not cross her and expect to come away unscathed.

“This is what a drowned rat looks like, Mike. A poor drowned rat that got caught in the rain without a car and an umbrella to keep her dry. I would think you would know that, being a Zoology major and all,” she said, her eyes alight with amusement.

The class laughed, and Mike turned a vivid shade of red before a smile crossed his face. Lyla grinned at him as she removed her books from her bag. She hooked up the classroom computer and pulled down the projector screen. She picked up the switcher and started the slide show. Her students stared at the screen with bored expressions. She sighed. She really couldn’t blame them. It was a three hour class, and Latin was not the most entertaining subject to most people; it took a true language nerd to really appreciate it. A nerd like her.

“All right, let’s get to it. Make sure you take good notes because your final is Thursday.”

A loud groan filled the room, and Lyla smothered a smile. Her finals were notoriously difficult, but she had yet to fail any student that she had ever taught. She raised an eyebrow at the group of moaning students.

“Now, none of that. As long as you study, you will do well on the test. And, perhaps, if you are lucky, I might give you a few extra points for class participation.”

She began the lecture, and she could not remember the last time she had had so many students answering and asking questions. They must really want those extra points.

When the lecture ended, the students tore out of the room, relieved looks on their faces. A few waved at her as they left. She smiled at them and quickly gathered her books. She had an hour for lunch, and then she was off to teach a two hour Greek lecture and a one hour German lecture after that. Then, it was back home for another exciting evening of running on the treadmill, microwave dinners, and translating ancient languages. She rolled her eyes. She really needed to get out more.

***

After her last lecture, Lyla trudged back to her small apartment. She changed into sweats, fed her fish, and popped a Salisbury steak dinner into the microwave. She started running on her treadmill, but the phone rang not two minutes into her workout. She went for the phone, tripping over the couch as she did so. She answered the phone and was greeted by her friend, Shana.

“Lyla! I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to answer,” Shana said.

Lyla smiled. “And how did you know that I was home?”

“Because you are always home.”

“Well, it is a school night.” Lyla slapped her hand to her forehead. What am I, a teenager?

“What are you, thirteen? Did Mommy tell you to go to bed yet?”

“Oh, you are hilarious.”

Shana laughed. “I try.” There was a short pause. “Lyla, the reason I’m calling is that I wanted to know if you wanted to come out with me and Doug tonight. He has a friend—”

Lyla cut her off. “No, thanks. I’d rather not. I have a lot to do tonight. I have to finish the students’ finals, and I have more to translate from this ancient book I’ve been working on.”

“Lyla, you’ve got to stop doing this,” Shana said, her voice stern. “It’s been two years.”

“I know how long it’s been!” Lyla snapped. “You don’t have to remind me.”

Shana sighed. “I’m worried about you. It has been two years since Jared, and you haven’t dated anybody since. You’re twenty-seven years old, Lyla, and it’s time you moved on.”

“I’m not ready, and I don’t know if I ever will be ready. Considering what happened, I would think that you would understand that. Forgive me if I have a rather tremendous lack of trust in the male species.”

“I do understand! I was the one who comforted you and stayed with you when you couldn’t stop crying. My husband was the one who beat Jared to within an inch of his life for hurting you like he did. Remember?”

Lyla worried her lower lip and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“I know. Just promise me one thing. Promise me that you won’t swear off men forever. You are too pretty and too intelligent to be alone.”

Lyla smiled. “I can’t promise that.”

“At least think about it. Please.”

“All right. And, Shana?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Talk to you later, girl.”

“Bye.”

Lyla hung up the phone and sighed. Shana was a good friend to her, and she wished that she could honor her friend’s request, but she knew that she couldn’t. She had been too hurt by Jared’s betrayal, and her heart had been hardened against love. She would not fall prey to love’s lies again.

She grabbed her TV dinner from the microwave and flipped on the television. After several minutes of channel surfing, she finally settled on the History Channel. There was nothing else but Baywatch on anyway, and Baywatch was not exactly something she enjoyed. She took a bite of her Salisbury steak, and she had to force herself to swallow.

You would think that after all of these years and after all of this modern technology, that someone could make a decent TV dinner!

She picked at her food for a moment longer before tossing it in the garbage. It was just too disgusting to finish. She decided to forgo the remainder of her workout and to work on her translating instead. She removed the book from its spot on the bookshelf. She studied the cover of the book and fingered its elegant design. The cover was made of a smooth dark green leather with golden scroll inlays. The most interesting part of the cover’s design was the raised symbol in its center. The symbol seemed to be Celtic in nature, yet it was somehow different. She smiled as she ran her hand over the symbol. Her father had given her this book when she had reached eighteen. It had been in his family for ages, and it was his most prized possession. She had been so honored when he had entrusted it to her. No one had ever been sure of the strange language inside of the book, and she was determined to translate it. It would be a way for her to honor her father’s memory. Her father’s lineage had always been a mystery of sorts, and her dream was to one day read this book with her mother, and to learn more about where her beloved father had come from.

She pulled out her notes and began the task of translating once again. She had made only slight progress with the odd language, but she was determined, and she wasn’t about to give up. She worked long into the night, before finally crawling into bed in the wee hours of the morning.

***

Thursday finally rolled around, and she could feel the gloom in the air as she entered the classroom. She had never seen a more forlorn group of students in her life. She smiled at them.

“Don’t worry. You’ll do fine. I have every confidence in each of you.”

A few students groaned as she passed out the tests. After she handed out the final test, she returned to her desk at the front of the room and looked at the students.

“You have two hours to complete this test. Please bring your test to me when you are finished. After you turn it in, you are free to leave. Good luck.”

The students began, and soon the only sounds in the room were the occasional sigh and the sound of scratching pencils on paper. Lyla began grading the finals from some of her other classes while she waited for this class to finish. One by one, the students finished their tests and brought them to her. Some appeared happy with their performance, others dejected, and some nervous and uncertain. She thanked each of them as they left, and wished them all a wonderful summer break. Soon, the last test was handed in, and Lyla was furiously grading away. She had to get these grades in today, for she had made plans to vacation alone at her uncle’s cabin, and she was leaving tomorrow.

She turned in the grades right before the office closed. She smiled. All of her students had passed. Some barely squeaked by, but everyone passed, and that was all that mattered. She strode out of the building, smiling and eager for her vacation. She sorely needed one.


Chapter 2 - Testing the Waters

Chapter II: Testing the Waters


The drive to her uncle’s cabin was a long one. It was, after all, in the middle of nowhere, and that made it all that much more appealing. She sped along the old dirt road that led to the cabin, and she grinned as it came into view. She parked beside the small building and got out of her car. She put her hands in the air and spun around like a child. An entire week of peace and quiet! She sighed in relief, feeling the cares of her life fade away for a short time. Her uncle had always said that this place contained great magic. Of course, he was thought to be the crazy member of the family, but Lyla thought that he was right about this place. Any place that could help her forget her problems, even if only for a short while, was magic in her eyes.

She grabbed her small blue suitcase out of the backseat and walked into the cabin. She looked around and smiled slightly. The place was a little run down, but to her, it was heaven. She set her suitcase on the floor of the bedroom, and flopped onto the mattress. It was a bit dusty, but she didn’t mind. She was tired, and the mattress was incredibly soft. She closed her eyes and drifted off into one of the best nights of sleep that she had had in a long time.

***

Early the next morning, Lyla awoke to the feel of the warm sun on her face and to the rich smell of the forest. She stretched like a cat, and absently wondered if Shana would remember to feed her fish while she was away. She crawled out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Within moments, she was dressed and ready for breakfast. She searched through the food that she had brought with her, and she grabbed a granola bar. She grabbed her book and notes, and began her task of translating once again. Even though she was on vacation, this book was one thing that she could not leave behind.

She worked until noon, and she grinned as she looked at the progress she had made. She was on the verge of a major breakthrough. She could feel it. She didn’t know why, but this place helped her to think more clearly. One particular phrase stood out to her, but she could not determine what it meant or how to pronounce it. She ran the phrase over and over in her mind, but it was still a mystery to her. She set the book down and walked to the lake. Perhaps a swim will help to clear my mind.

She removed her jeans and shirt, revealing her dark blue bikini. She dove into the water and shuddered as she surfaced. The water was freezing, but refreshing. The phrase kept running through her mind, and she spoke it aloud.

Telo, govado ven, ae han aníral. Avo ‘osto nad. Garo estel ned nin. Telo na nin.

The language felt strange as it rolled off her tongue, and she did not think she had pronounced it correctly. She began to swim back to the shore, but her watch slipped off of her wrist and fell into the depths of the lake. She rolled her eyes and dove after it. She went down for what seemed like forever until she finally reached her watch. It had been caught in a plant, and as she reached for it, her arm was ensnared by the plant as well. She struggled to free herself, but it seemed that the more she struggled, the tighter the plant became. She began to panic, for she was running out of air. She began to fade in and out of consciousness, but at the last second, the plant released her, and she darted to the surface.

She broke the surface of the water and gasped for air. Her lungs felt like they were on fire, and her arms ached from swimming. Using the last of her strength, she swam to the shore, and hoisted herself onto the bank. She lay there for several minutes, just gasping in air and thanking God for miracle of land. She could feel her strength beginning to return, and she shakily sat up. She looked at her wrist and swore. It was raw and bleeding, and, to top it all off, she hadn’t even retrieved her watch. She stood up with every intention of grabbing her clothes and returning to the cabin, but her clothes were no where to be found. She swore again, more vilely than before.

Who in the world would have stolen my clothes? she wondered.

She headed for the cabin, studying the trees as she passed. Something was different about these trees. They were fuller, lusher, and more beautiful than she remembered them being. She walked into the small clearing where the cabin was supposed to be, but instead, all she found was more trees.

“What the….”

But she did not get to finish her sentence, for a strange man appeared in front of her. Her eyes widened as she looked at him. He had long, partially braided blonde hair, and he was dressed like an escapee from a Robin Hood movie. He also had a rather menacing looking bow with an even more menacing looking arrow pointed straight at her.

“Daro!” the strange man said.

Lyla stared at him. What in the world did he just say? She looked at his bow and snorted quietly. It was probably fake. It doesn’t matter. Maybe he has a cell phone. “Excuse me. Do you have a cell phone I could borrow? I’m a bit lost.”

The man looked at her like she had lost her mind. He was also looking her up and down with a rather stunned expression on his face. She looked down and realized that she was still wearing only her bikini. But why should it matter? Almost every woman in this day and age wore one.

“What? Haven’t you ever seen a bikini before, Robin Hood?”

“Man ce? Man gen carel sí?” he asked, as he moved closer to her.

Lyla withdrew slightly. Okay. This man is starting to scare me. She gave him an awkward smile as she withdrew further.

“I’m going to leave now. You just stay here and have fun with your bow and arrow.”

She turned and began to run away from him, but several more, nearly identical, men appeared before her. She withdrew from them and tried to run another way, but they were everywhere, surrounding her. They began to talk to each other again in that strange language of theirs’, and they kept moving toward her. She began to panic, for in this day and age, a woman usually ended up missing when something like this happened.

“If you come another step closer, I’m going to scream!” Oh that’s smart, Lyla. Who’s going to hear you, except for more of these crazy men?

Two of the men approached her and began to take her arms, but she hit them both and tried to run again. Two more came forward and latched onto her arms, holding them in an iron death grip. She shouted and struggled as they began dragging her away.

“Let me go, you psychos! I have friends who will be looking for me. Big, strong friends that know people with really big guns. Now, let me go!”

But they would not listen. Well, she was not going to make it easy for them. She kept shouting for help and struggling against them, making them drag her along. They walked for what seemed like miles, and Lyla froze as they slowed. A magnificent marble city with ornate buildings and bridges stood before her. Lush trees surrounded the city, and several exquisite waterfalls flowed in the background. There was only one word that she could use to describe this place: beautiful.

Where in the world am I? If this is Colorado, it’s a part of it I’ve certainly never seen.

She felt her arms being released, and she glanced up at her captors. They were looking at her oddly, as if they were expecting her to return to screaming at any moment. She rolled her eyes. Well, I don’t think they’re going to hurt me. They would’ve done so by now.

“Don’t worry, boys. I promise to behave.”

They looked at her in confusion, but they appeared to be satisfied with her response. One of them removed his cloak and handed it to her. They appeared to be disturbed by her bathing suit, and, to be honest, she was tired of the scrutiny, so she took the cloak without question and wrapped it around her shoulders. They led her into the city, their hands never leaving the hilt of their swords.

Many more people that resembled her captors stared at her and her entourage as they passed. She shook her head. I’m stuck in a city full of beautiful weird people. Lucky me. Most of the guards separated from the group, leaving only two with her. Maybe I can make a break for it. As if reading her thoughts, the two remaining men tightened their grips on their swords. They led her to a small room and locked her inside. She looked around the room and sighed. The furnishings in the room were comprised of a chair, a small table, and a lantern of some sort. She sat on the chair and rested her forehead on her palm.

This has got to be a dream. Either that or I am losing my mind. She pinched her arm and gave a soft yelp. Well, it’s not a dream, so I must be going insane. Great.

She heard the door being unlocked, and she bolted from the chair as the door began to open. A woman entered the room, a garment in her hand. Lyla looked past her, and saw one of the men standing there, his hand on the hilt of his sword. So much for that escape theory. The guard closed and locked the door behind the girl, and Lyla watched her as she approached. The woman stared at her with open curiosity, and Lyla could not help but smile. She had never known that she was so fascinating before. The girl handed Lyla the dress she was holding and smiled.

“Thanks,” Lyla mumbled.

The girl gave her a puzzled look, and Lyla sighed. It was terribly frustrating being in a situation where communication was nearly impossible. Lyla studied the girl, and her eyes widened as she saw the girl’s delicately pointed ears. Come to think of it, all of the people she had encountered had had pointed ears. She had just been too upset to notice it earlier. She walked closer to the girl and gently tugged on her ear. The woman looked at her like she was crazy and slowly backed away. Lyla smiled, pointed to her own ear, and shrugged.

“Sorry about that.”

The girl smiled and knocked on the door. She left the room, and the guard locked the door behind her. Lyla looked at the blue gown that the girl had given her. Not exactly my style, but it’s better than walking around in this bikini. She removed the guard’s cloak and slipped the dress on over her bikini. She returned to the chair and sighed. How am I going to get out of this mess?

***

Gaerlin waited until the woman had sufficient time to change, before he opened the door. She glanced up, and he motioned for her to follow him. She stepped into the hall, and he studied her appearance. She looked more presentable now. What she had been wearing before had been quite inappropriate.

He led her down the hallway toward Lord Erestor’s office. He stopped before the large door and knocked. Lord Erestor called for him to enter, and he ushered the maiden inside. He stopped before Lord Erestor and bowed.

“My lord, we found this woman on the outskirts of Rivendell. She was rather difficult when we brought her back to the city. None of us were able to speak with her, for she speaks a language that we do not understand.”

Erestor looked at the woman for a moment before returning his attention to Gaerlin. “Thank you, Gaerlin. I will deal with her.”

Gaerlin bowed again and left the room. Erestor eyed the maiden warily. Who was she? Was she a servant of the enemy? He glared at her, trying his best to intimidate her. However, she did not seem intimidated. In fact, she seemed rather amused. He arched an arrogant brow at her.

“Who are you? What were you doing on the outskirts of Rivendell?” he asked in Sindarin.

She gave him an odd look and began speaking in a language that he had never before heard. He knew that she could see that he did not understand her.

“Do you speak the Common Tongue?” he asked in flawless Westron.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion, and shrugged. He sighed. He was not accomplishing anything. He motioned to his assistant, Celin.

“Celin, find Elhael. Perhaps he can speak to her.”

Celin nodded and left to find the scribe. Elhael was learned in all of the languages of Middle-earth. If anyone could speak with her, he could. Several uncomfortable moments passed before Elhael arrived. Erestor motioned him forward.

“Elhael, this woman speaks a language that we do not understand, and she knows none of our languages. Perhaps you could speak with her?”

Elhael nodded. “I shall attempt to, my lord.”

He turned to the woman and began speaking to her in Westron, and she began speaking to him in her strange language. Elhael next attempted to speak to her in the language of Rohan, and she began speaking in what seemed to be another language. They continued in this banter for several moments, each trying different languages, and each accomplishing nothing. If Erestor had not been so frustrated, he would have found them rather amusing. Elhael turned and shook his head.

“I cannot understand her, my lord. I have tried every language that I know, and I have had no success. I apologize.”

Erestor sighed. “Thank you for your assistance, Elhael. Kindly send Gaerlin in when you leave.”

Elhael bowed and left the room. Erestor studied the maiden. Her arms were crossed, and she looked quite frustrated. Not that he could blame her, for he was as frustrated as she was. He glanced up as Gaerlin entered the room.

“Gaerlin, take this woman to a chamber and make sure that she does not leave. I do not want her wandering around Rivendell, especially since we do not know who she is. She must remain there until Lord Elrond decides what shall be done about her.”

“Yes, my lord.” Gaerlin motioned to the woman and led her out of the room. Erestor sighed. He would have to inform Lord Elrond of her presence immediately.

***

Translations:

Telo, govado ven, ae han aníral. Avo ‘osto nad. Garo estel ned nin. Telo na nin. — Come, join us, if you desire it. Do not be afraid. Have trust in me. Come with me.

Daro! — Halt!

Man ce? Man gen carel sí? — Who are you? What are you doing here?


Chapter 3 - Meetings

Chapter III: Meetings


Lyla sat on the bed and sighed. She had been stuck in this room for two days, and she was bored to tears. The room was lovely, with elegant furnishings and gossamer curtains, but she had nothing to occupy herself with. The only time she ever saw anyone was when they brought her food. She sighed. She was dying for someone to speak with. Even when the girl brought her food, she never spoke to Lyla. She sighed again. What did it matter anyway? Although their language seemed familiar to her, she could not understand these people, and they could not understand her. How did I get here?

Lyla rose and walked over to the ornate wardrobe in the corner of the room. She supposed she could occupy herself by trying on the immense amount of clothing that had been given to her, but that was not particularly appealing. I’ll save that for when I’m really desperate. She sat on the floor and started going through the bottom of the wardrobe. Sandals, undergarments, a book, belts…. Wait a minute, a book? She snatched up the book and hugged it like it was a priceless possession. She sat at her small vanity and opened the leather-bound book. Her eyes widened as she read the language inside.

This is the same language that I was trying to translate from my father’s book! Perhaps if I can finish translating this language, I will be able to speak to these people, and they can help me find my way home.

She searched the room for paper and a pen, but she came up empty-handed. She spun around as the door opened, and the girl brought in her food. Lyla ran up to her and grabbed her hands. She swore that the girl jumped three feet, but she was too excited to care. She released the girl’s hands and began making writing motions with her own hands, hoping that the girl would understand what she wanted. The girl stared at her for a moment before she smiled. She nodded and left the room. Lyla crossed her fingers and hoped that the girl would bring her what she had asked for.

An hour passed, and the girl had not returned. Lyla sighed and lay back on the bed. I suppose I’ll have to attempt to translate it in my head. Her mouth curved into a wry smile. Doesn’t bode well.

She jumped up as the door suddenly opened, and the girl walked back into the room. She smiled and handed Lyla several pieces of parchment, an ink well, and a quill pen. Lyla grinned at her.

“Thanks.”

The woman gave her an awkward smile and nodded. She turned and left the room, leaving Lyla to her translating. Lyla looked at the supplies and smiled. A little different than I had imagined, but they’ll do the job just fine. She sat on her bed and began the tedious task of attempting to decipher the language once again.

***

Elrond sat back in his chair and listened as Erestor told him of the woman that the sentinels had found on the outskirts of Rivendell.

“We have been unable to obtain any information from her, Lord Elrond,” Erestor said. “I have placed her in a room under guard.”

Elrond nodded. “A wise decision. Has Elhael been able to decipher any of her language?”

“No. He has had no success.”

Elrond sighed. “Please have her brought to me, Erestor. I wish to attempt to speak with her.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Erestor stepped outside the room and told the guard to have the woman brought to the study. Several moments passed, and the guard returned with the girl. He bowed before Elrond and quickly departed.

Elrond leaned forward and rested his hands on the desk. He motioned for the woman to sit in the chair opposite him. She took the proffered chair and looked at him, and expectant look on her face.

***

Lyla sighed as the guard, once again, led her down the maze of hallways. Who am I being sent to now? Another person that I can’t understand and who can’t understand me? She was tired of being unable to communicate with anyone, and these meetings were unnerving and frustrating.

The guard stopped before a large, ornate door, and Lyla found herself meeting the piercing gaze of a rather imposing figure. He was different than the man that stood on his right; he was more regal, yet he seemed far less arrogant than the man she had met previously. He motioned for her to sit in the chair opposite him, which she did. He studied her for a minute before beginning to speak in that same strange language. Lyla bit her lip and tried to restrain herself from screaming in frustration.

He continued to speak for a moment longer, but then he stopped and gave her an odd look. Lyla raised a brow at him. What is he thinking? He’s probably going to send me to the dungeon, knowing my luck. The man suddenly smiled at her and pointed to himself.

“Elrond,” he said.

Lyla’s eyes widened. Was he actually trying to tell her his name?

“Elrond,” he repeated.

She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face. At last, communication! No matter how small this step was, it was still better than nothing. She nodded and pointed to herself.

“Lyla,” she said.

The man smiled and pointed to the man from her previous meeting. “Erestor,” he said.

She nodded. Perhaps things were looking up.

***

Elrond smiled as the woman told him her name. At last, he had been able to obtain some information. He frowned slightly. Her name was odd, unlike anything that he had ever heard before. He studied the woman for a moment. She was strange and her language was even stranger, but he did not feel that she was a danger to them. He glanced at Erestor.

“Erestor, send for Elhael. I wish to speak with him.”

Elrond continued to try to speak with Lyla until Elhael arrived. He motioned for Elhael to come forward, and Elhael bowed low as he neared. Elrond smiled at Lyla and pointed to Elhael.

“Elhael,” he said.

She nodded in understanding, and Elrond looked at Elhael.

“Elhael, this is Lyla. We have been able to establish some communication using the manner that I demonstrated. I want you to continue to attempt to speak with her and to learn her language.”

Elhael nodded. “Yes, my lord.”

Elrond turned to Erestor. “She will no longer be confined to her room. She may go wherever in the city that she desires, but she is not to leave the city. Please inform the guards of this.”

Erestor nodded, and Elrond returned his attention to Lyla. He pointed to her and then to the balcony, where he made a sweeping motion with his hand.

“You may go wherever in the city that you like, Lady Lyla.”

A slight frown momentarily crossed her face, but then she smiled and nodded. He motioned to Elhael and extended his arm to the door. She rose and moved to follow Elhael, but she stopped. She picked up a book from Elrond’s desk and pointed to it. His eyes widened, and he looked at Elhael.

“I do believe that she wishes to go to the library, Elhael. Please escort her there.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Lyla smiled and followed Elhael out of the room. Elrond looked up at Erestor, and he had to restrain himself from smiling. Erestor did not look pleased at his decision to allow Lyla to wander the city unguarded.

“I do not believe she is a threat, Erestor. With time, I believe that she will be able to communicate with us, and I see no purpose in keeping her locked in her room until that time.”

Erestor nodded, and Elrond picked up the book from his desk. He fingered it and thought about Lyla. He hoped that he was correct about her, and that she truly was no threat.


Chapter 4 - Lessons

Chapter IV: Lessons


Lyla followed Elhael down the hall, a huge smile on her face. At last, she had been able to communicate with someone, and, more importantly, she was finally released from her room. That, in itself, was a miracle. She had begun to think that they were going to let her rot in that room.

They continued walking until Elhael stopped before an immense doorway. He gave her an awkward smile and led her inside. Lyla’s mouth dropped open as she looked at the sight before her. The library was beautiful with exquisite marble columns and lavish tapestries throughout. The shelves were lines with more books than she had ever seen at the Fort Collins library, or any library, for that matter. Elegant tables and chairs filled the room, and she saw several other men and women working in the library as well. She glanced over at Elhael and smiled at his amused expression. She lifted her hands in an exaggerated shrug, and he laughed softly.

She walked toward the shelves and began browsing the endless number of books, Elhael following close behind. She selected several and carried them over to one of the tables. She sat down and Elhael sat across from her, a curious expression on his face. She watched him for a minute, and then she picked up one of the books and pointed to it.

“Book,” she said.

He smiled and repeated the word. He pointed to the book as well.

“Parf,” he said.

“Parf,” she repeated.

They both grinned and continued on in this practice for a long while, each saying a word in their own language, and each repeating it in the others’. Lyla grinned. Things were definitely looking up.

***

Elhael glanced at Lyla as they walked away from the library. It had been a profitable day, for they had each learned some of the others’ language. He smiled at her.

“Are you hungry, Lyla?” he asked, motioning to his mouth.

She grinned and nodded. He smiled and continued to walk, but she grabbed his arm. He looked at her, and he frowned as she pointed to his pants.

“Pants,” she said in her language, and motioned to herself.

He could not keep the shock from his face. Was she actually asking for pants? It was so rare that women wore them that he thought he had misunderstood her. He pointed to his pants and then to her.

“You want pants for clothing?” he asked.

She nodded, and he raised an eyebrow. “Very well,” he said, as he nodded. He made an eating motion again. “Do you wish to eat first?”

She shook her head. She pointed to his pants again and gave him a pleading smile. He could not help but grin at her expression. Perhaps women wore such things where she was from. He nodded and led her to the seamstresses.

The seamstresses greeted him warmly, but their shock was evident when he requested shirts and pants for Lyla. But they agreed to make them, and Lyla grinned when he nodded to her, telling her that they agreed. It was well past the evening meal when they left the seamstresses, so they went to the kitchen and ate a small meal there.

When they were finished, Elhael escorted Lyla back to her room. He paused before the door and smiled at her.

“Rest well,” he said.

She smiled. “Garo bost vaer,” she repeated.

He smiled and gave her a slight bow. “Until tomorrow, Lyla.”

“Abarad, Elhael.”

She smiled at him and entered her room, closing the door behind her. He smiled as he walked down the hall. It had been a very good day.

***

Lyla sat on her bed and looked at the package that lay before her. The seamstresses had finally finished her clothes, and Elhael had brought them to her before he had to leave for his meeting. She opened the parcel and found three shirts, three pairs of pants, and several belts. There was even a pair of black leather boots. She smiled. I have officially entered Heaven.

She quickly removed the dress she had been wearing and put on one of the pant outfits. She could not keep from sighing as she fingered the material. It was thin and soft, and it felt wonderful on. Not to mention, it was so much more comfortable than a dress.

She sighed. Elhael was meeting with Lord Elrond, and he would be unavailable to help her with translating today. She grinned. Now that she was wearing pants she could do something that she had been unable to do in a dress: go for a run.

***

Lyla ran around the courtyard and watched the people as she passed. Elves, Elhael had called them. She had always thought that Elves were nothing but a fairy tale, but now that she was here, she didn’t know what she believed anymore. Many of the Elves stared at her as she ran by, and she frowned. What are they staring at? Haven’t they ever seen a woman jog before?

She continued to run, but gasped as an Elf darted out from one of the side buildings. He was directly in front of her, and she was not going to be able to stop in time.

***

Glorfindel walked quickly down the hall, his arms laden with scrolls. He had much work to do, enough to keep him occupied well into the night. He walked into the courtyard, and, much to his surprise and ire, he felt someone run into him, knocking him to the ground. He looked up and saw a woman staring down at him, shock written on her face.

She said something to him in an unfamiliar language, and she reached out to help him up. However, he was far to upset with her to accept her assistance. He was also embarrassed that a woman had knocked him down. He was the Balrog Slayer, after all. He waved her hand away, and he jumped to his feet. He looked her over, his eyes filled with contempt.

“You should learn to be more cautious,” he said in annoyance.

Her eyes widened for a moment, but then they quickly narrowed. She crossed her arms and glared at him. She said something in that language again, rolled her eyes, and ran away. He stared after her for a moment. He had thought she was running to her room, but it appeared that she was running around the courtyard. He had never seen her before, and he assumed that she must be the woman that had recently been brought to Rivendell. She glanced at him from across the courtyard, and she gave him an arrogant wave. His eyes narrowed, and he turned away from her. He gathered up his scrolls and continued on. I do not have time for this.

***

Lyla lay in her bed and stared up at the ceiling. It was late, but she couldn’t sleep. She was missing her home and her family, and that was keeping her awake. She sat up and glanced around the room. What wouldn’t I do for a television about now?

She looked over at the nightstand and saw a book and her notes sitting on top. She sighed. She couldn’t bring herself to open that book and try to translate more. She loved that she was beginning to learn the Elven language, but she was tired and needed a rest from it. She rose from her bed and changed out of her nightgown. Perhaps a walk will do me some good.

She left her room and ambled down the corridor. When she reached the garden, she smiled and took a deep breath. The air smelled so sweet; it was almost intoxicating. She looked around in amazement. The sky was dark, yet there was so much light, for the Elves seemed to glow. Several Elves were singing, and the enchanting melody floated throughout the garden. Lyla smiled as she listened. The music was beautiful, so ethereal and gentle. She had never heard anything quite like it. She sat on a bench and continued to listen, and she grinned as she realized that she could understand a few of the words.

Lyla looked up at the night sky and smiled. She loved the night. She felt some sort of connection with it. She had always been the night and Jared had always been the day in their relationship. He had always been outgoing, and he had tended to look on the brighter side of things, and no matter where he was, he had always seemed to shine. She, on the other hand, was more quiet and reserved. She tended to look more on the darker side of things, more of the “glass is half-empty” mentality. Maybe that is why he…no! No, I am not even going to allow myself to think about him. She crossed her arms and frowned. He had caused her nothing but pain, and she was not going to blame herself for his betrayal.

She had every intention of continuing to brood, but the music broke into her thoughts. She sighed and allowed the music to soothe her troubled spirit, and her eyelids began to feel heavy. She lay back on the bench and closed her eyes. I’ll only rest my eyes for a few minutes before I go back to my room. But her body had other plans, and it was not long before Lyla drifted off to sleep.

She awoke to the feel of a gentle hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw a lovely maiden smiling down at her in amusement. Lyla could feel the heat rise into her face, and she gave the Elven woman a sheepish grin. She quickly sat up and rose to her feet.

“The music was lovely,” she said.

The maiden gave her an awkward smile, and Lyla sighed. She nodded to the maiden, and then hurried back to her room. As she crawled back into bed, she wondered if she would ever truly understand these people, and, more importantly, she wondered if she would ever see her home again.


Chapter 5 - Breaking Barriers

Chapter V: Breaking Barriers


Several weeks passed, and Elhael had worked with Lyla nearly every day. She was learning Sindarin quickly, and she was now able to form small sentences. He had been learning her language as well, and his progress was the same as hers was. He smiled at her.

“You are doing well, Lyla,” he said in Sindarin.

She appeared to be concentrating for a moment before she smiled. “Thank you.”

“What do you think of Rivendell?”

“It is love.” She shook her head. “Lovely.”

He grinned. He could see her frustration, and he understood it. He felt the same when he said the wrong word in her language. “Do not worry. You truly are doing well.”

“I am lost, Elhael.”

“I know. But I am here to help you, so you need not worry.”

She nodded, and he smiled. “Shall we continue?”

She nodded her consent, and they continued their tutoring of one another.

***

Glorfindel walked through the courtyard, heading for his study. As always, he had much work to accomplish. He glanced around and saw Elhael sitting with that strange woman. He frowned. He had not seen her since the day she had knocked him down. Were all people of the race of Men so clumsy? He sighed. It did not matter. His behavior toward her was uncalled for. She had tried to help him up, and he had been rather rude to her. I should apologize.

He strode over to them, and they glanced up as he approached. Elhael rose and bowed low.

“My lord, how may I be of service?” Elhael asked.

“I have something to say to the lady,” Glorfindel said, as he looked at her. She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Mae govannen,” she said.

Glorfindel’s brows rose. So she did understand their language. “My lady, I came to apologize to you. I ask your forgiveness for my behavior towards you. I realize that what happened was unintentional, and I apologize.”

She raised her hands and motioned for him to stop. She looked at Elhael, a pleading look on her face. Elhael smiled.

“My lord, Lyla is only learning our language. She did not understand most of what you said.”

Glorfindel frowned. “I see.” He turned to her again. “I apologize.”

She nodded. “So do I. It was a… mistake.”

He smiled. “Think no more of it. Good day.”

“Good day.”

Glorfindel nodded to Elhael and continued on his way. He arrived at his study and sat at his desk. He leaned back in his chair and thought about the woman. Lyla. What an odd name. He frowned. He was curious about her. Who was she? Where had she come from? He sighed. He would question Elhael about her later.

***

Lyla looked at Elhael and frowned. “Elhael, who was he?”

He smiled. “That was Lord Glorfindel. He is a very important Elven lord in Rivendell.”

Lyla closed her eyes and shook her head. “Of course. I would have to run over someone important,” she said, switching to English.

Elhael’s brows furrowed in concentration. “Run over?”

“I was running, and I knocked him over. He wasn’t happy.”

He laughed. “I would not think he would be. You will find it….” He paused, fumbling for a word.

“Amusing?” she finished for him.

“Yes. You will find it amusing someday.”

“I don’t know about that, but at least he isn’t angry anymore.”

“Do not worry about it anymore, Lyla.”

She smiled. “I won’t. Let’s continue, Elhael. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of being unable to communicate.”

He grinned. “I grow tired of it as well.”

She laughed, and they continued their tutoring well into the evening. When she returned to her room for the night, she couldn’t help but smile. She was breaking through the barriers of this language, and that excited her. She hoped that she would soon be able to speak it fluently, and that she would be able to properly communicate with these people.

***

Several more weeks passed, and Lyla had become fluent in Sindarin. She didn’t know every word, but she was able to carry on conversations with very little trouble. She paced the floor of her room and sighed. Elhael would be arriving soon, and he would be escorting her to a meeting with Lord Elrond. This would be the first meeting she had had with him since she had learned to speak the Elven language.

She sat at her small desk and fingered the drawing she had made. It was a rough drawing of the symbol from the book she had been translating in her world. She knew that the book had something to do with how she arrived in this land. She sighed. She hoped that Lord Elrond would recognize the symbol, and that he would be able to find the book for her. She stiffened as she heard a knock at the door. She opened the door, and found Elhael standing on her doorstep. He smiled at her.

“It is time, Lyla. Are you prepared?” he asked.

She nodded and let out a shaky breath. “Yes. I am ready.”

She followed Elhael down the hall, and she tried to calm her nerves as she did so. To her surprise, Elhael reached over and gently squeezed her hand. She looked up at him, and he smiled at her.

“Do not worry, Lyla. Everything will be fine.”

She gave him an uncertain smile, and they continued to walk down the hallway. They soon stopped before the door to Lord Elrond’s study. Elhael led her inside, and she, once again, found herself facing Lord Elrond. Elrond smiled and motioned for her to take a seat, which she did. He leaned forward and rested his clasped hands on the desk. A moment of silence passed between them before Elrond finally spoke.

“Elhael tells me that you have become fluent in our language,” he said.

She nodded. “Yes. Elhael was a great help to me.”

“I am pleased.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I have several questions for you, Lady Lyla.”

“Please call me ‘Lyla’, and I have several questions for you as well.”

He nodded. “Where are you from, Lyla?”

“America. I am a teacher of languages there.”

Elrond frowned. “I have never heard of this ‘America’. Where is this place?”

She sighed. “A long way from here,” she whispered.

“How did you arrive here?”

“I do not know. I was hoping you could help me find that out.”

“What do you remember?”

Lyla was silent for a moment, thinking back over that day at her uncle’s cabin. Her memories of the day were somewhat unclear. It felt like parts of that day were missing from her memory. But she would tell Elrond what she did remember. Perhaps he would be able to help her.

“I had a book, a book that was written in Sindarin. I was attempting to translate it. I went swimming at the lake, and, the next thing I knew, I ended up here.”

“You had this book with you at the lake?”

“No, I had left it at my house.” She reached into the waistband of her dress and retrieved her drawing. She handed it to him. “This was a symbol that was on the cover of the book. Do you recognize it?”

Elrond studied the drawing for a long moment before he responded. “I do not know this symbol, but I am certain that it is Elven in nature.” He looked up at her. “I will search for this symbol and this book. Perhaps then we can determine how you arrived here.”

Lyla smiled. “Thank you.”

“Of course, my dear.”

“There is one more thing, Lord Elrond. I would like to return to the lake. Perhaps I will remember more while I am there.”

“Of course. However, I would like someone to accompany you.”

She grinned. “I would insist upon it.”

He laughed. “You may go wherever you like.”

“Thank you.”

“Good day, Lyla.”

“Good day, Lord Elrond.”

Lyla rose, and she and Elhael departed. Elhael glanced over at her as they walked down the hall.

“That was a successful meeting,” he said.

“Yes. I hope Lord Elrond can find that book.” She smiled. “I would like to go to the lake. Would you care to join me?”

He smiled. “I would love to.”

Elhael sighed as they began walking. He hoped that Lord Elrond would find the book, for he knew that it would make Lyla happy. But there was only one problem: he did not want her to leave.
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