Lieve had been staying in the captain's home for three weeks when there was a stop in the correspondence with the captain. She did not know what to make of it. For a whole week she had no news of him. Getting increasingly worried, there was not much she could do but continue her days as before, hoping he was alright. Then, finally on the ninth day, she received a letter.
Dearest Lieve,
I am so very sorry that I have not sent you anything, you have had no word from me..nothing!! I am fine..Lucky to be alive but I'm still here. The reason I have been so quiet is because I and a group I was with, we took a wrong turn and we have been lost in the deepest and darkest places in Moria for days! I have just now got out and I found myself outside Lórien! Also if it was not for one elf...well..it is because of her I am writing you this letter! She actually saved me from the brink of death! She is such a good elf..so kind and caring..oh the amount of hours we just talked and talked.. Anyway..by the time you get this I will be resting at the Twenty-First Hall..So I am only a few days ride from you..I will try to get back as quick as i can.
Missing you dearly,
Captain ---
Her relief was so great when she read the letter through. Then she read it again. She had made few acquaintances among the elves in the homestead and even fewer friends. Elves were such mysterious and secretive creatures, she felt she would never understand them. Yet she felt such gratitude to the elf that had saved her captain's life.
A day or two later she received news that her brother Dalgaroth had been hurt in a battle and was lying gravely injured. She dropped everything and rushed to his side, caring for him until there was no more danger of his dying. She told him where she was staying and with who, explaining the situation as best she could and hoping Dalgaroth would believe her. Dalgaroth looked at her in concern. 'I know the man,' he said. 'He is an honourable captain, but Lieve, he is in love with that elf,' he told her. Lieve was shocked. How could this be? The captain loved her! Dalgaroth nodded wearily, still injured, though mending well. 'I know it to be so, he has told us of her and their love in the regiment.' She was devastated but knew not what to do about this shocking news. When he could walk again, she left to return to the elven homestead.
The captain had still not arrived home. She wished he would return quickly so she could speak with him, but on the third day after her return home, her father arrived on the doorstep with two of his employees. Seizing her, they forced her onto a horse and rode home to Bree. Her father had her examined by a doctor immediately, not to determine if she were healthy, but to determine whether she was still pure. It was one of the most humiliating experiences she had ever undergone in her life. Upon arriving home, he gave her the most severe beating he ever had. He knew exactly where to hurt her without it showing. Only the bruises were testimony to his cruelty and he took care to put them where they could easily be covered up by clothing. She hated him more than ever.
