Tolkien reader inserts/one shots

A Different Kind of Medicine (Lord Elrond x modern!fem reader)

Jogging was your time to de-stress and relax. Ever since you started med school, it had become your time to yourself, away from studying. True, while you ran you would often go through the facts in your brain, but you were away from the pressures of the dorm room and the university.

Never in your wildest dreams did you think that you'd jog right into another world. But that's exactly what happened. You'd decided to change your usual jogging path that day. One moment, you were moving down the path and the next, you found yourself in the most beautiful place you'd ever seen. A place you'd come to learn that was called Imladris or Rivendell. That was where you met Elrond.

After some initial confusion from both you and the residents of Rivendell, you were taken to see the ruler of the land. Lord Elrond had listened intently with no interruptions as you explained how you'd ended up there. "I need to get back home," you said, "I have an exam in two days." Elrond's brows furrowed, but he nodded and promised to do everything in his power to return you to your world.

You smiled softly at the memory of your arrival in Rivendell. That had been more than six months ago. Despite Elrond's best efforts, he had not been able to find a way to get you home. Instead, he offered to teach you the elven ways of healing and you eagerly accepted. It may not have been exactly what you wanted, but at least you'd be able to use your hands for medicine. Just a different kind of medicine.

Elrond was a wonderful teacher and he thought you were a very bright student. In truth, Elrond began to see you as more than just a student. You constantly surprised him with your willingness to learn. Your kindness and compassion for others were things that impressed the elf. He found himself growing very fond of you. Fonder perhaps that he should have, especially for such an old elf.

"Wait, so this weed can draw poisons out of the body?" you suddenly asked, causing Elrond to bring his attention back to you. He glanced down at the book in front of you to see what weed you were talking about. "Oh yes. You would be surprised to learn how many plants in Middle Earth have healing properties, even those regarded as weeds." You smiled and hummed softly. "I'll never look a weed the same way again."

You let out a yawn and Elrond laughed. "Perhaps a break is in order. It will do your mind no good if you are too exhausted to read more." You nodded. "Sounds great. To be honest, I'm starving anyway," you replied with a giggle. Elrond shook his head fondly. "Well suppertime well be upon us soon. How about our daily stroll through the gardens until then?" You agreed immediately.

You loved learning everything that Elrond had to teach you, but your favorite part of the day were your walks with him. While you walked, the two of you learned new things about each other and Elrond looked more at peace. "Do you like it here, Lady Y/N?" You laughed softly. No matter how many times you asked him, he still called you "lady". "Yes I do. It's peaceful. And the company isn't too bad either," you quipped.

Elrond let out a chuckle and shook his head. "Thank you, Lord Elrond," you said suddenly, "Thank you for giving me a place to stay and teaching me." Elrond wrapped your arm around his before patting your hand. "It was the least I could do for you. You were lost and confused. I could not leave you." You smiled. "Still, it was a kind thing to do. Plus, you listen to me rambling on about everything, even things you don't understand."

"I must admit that I enjoy your ramblings, as you call them." It grew silent between you for several minutes. Elrond glanced at you and saw that you had gotten lost in thought. He was about to ask you what you were thinking about when Lindir appeared. "Forgive the intrusion, my lord, but there is a matter that requires your attention before supper." Elrond gave a nod and dropped your arm.

Lindir left and Elrond moved to follow. "Lord Elrond?" He stopped and looked at you. You opened your mouth to say something, but stopped. Instead, you let out a small, nervous laugh. "Never mind. I guess I'll see you at dinner." He left and you sighed. You had been so close to telling him how you felt, but of course you chickened out.

You developed a thing for the elf shortly after your arrival in Rivendell. He was intelligent and sweet, something you looked for in a man. He was a strong leader who put the needs of his people first. He had drawn you in and you had grown to love him. Telling him was a completely different story. You couldn't quite pluck up the courage. How could you tell an elf, an immortal being, that you loved him?

Your mind was still racing when you sat down with Elrond at dinner. You barely said a word as you ate. Then, you excused yourself, leaving a very confused Elrond behind. He exchanged a glance with Lindir, who looked just as perplexed as he did. "Perhaps you should go after her, my lord. I am certain she would prefer your company to being alone," Lindir suggested shyly. "And why do you think that?" Lindir looked away. "Because you are attracted to her. I would say that you love her, my lord."

Elrond stared at his steward for a moment. Elrond thought he'd hid his feelings well, elves usually did, but apparently he was wrong. Part of him felt a little guilty. He had not loved anyone in the way he did you since his wife died. That was why he hadn't confessed it to you. But Lindir was right. Elrond did love you. Elrond got up and followed the direction you'd gone in.

It didn't take him long to find you. You were in your favorite place, the balcony outside the library. You loved to stand there and stare up at the night sky. "The stars shine brighter here," was what you always said. "Are you alright?" Elrond asked, making you jump a little. You smiled sadly at him and replied, "I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind."

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" You shook your head. "I don't think you can this time, but thanks." Elrond reached over and rested a hand on one of yours. "Whatever I can do that is within my power, I will do. You are...important to me." You placed your other hand on top of his. "You're important to me too," you admitted.

You glanced up at him and found his dark eyes already on you. Using every ounce of courage you had, you leaned in and kissed his cheek. Then, you turned away to look back up at the stars. Leaning your head on Elrond's shoulder, you sighed happily.