*Disclaimer* I do not own LOTR
Lauren grabbed onto the reigns tighter as she sped the horse underneath her into a faster canter. Her coach, standing in the middle of the ring, was shouting instructions as Lauren was cantering around the outside of the arena.
"Go around once more then start making figure eights to work on your lead changes."
Nodding in affirmation, Lauren started to get her body in the position for a circle. As she came through the middle, she threw her weight to the other side and pushed the horse in the other direction. Lauren did this a few more times before her coach told her to go cool-off the horse in the woods out back.
She loved taking the horse on the trails through the woods behind the ranch, even if the woods were only about 5 acres or so. Lauren wrapped the reins around the horn of the saddle so she could fix her light brown hair, that was the only bad thing about windy days, some way or another her hair would manage to fly in front of her face. As she was guiding the horse up the trail, she felt a strong gust of wind push her and the horse back. In an attempt to shield her eyes from the debris, she raised her free hand to guard her eyes as her horse fidgeted and whinnied. When Lauren opened her green eyes she was in a dense forest, she was 100% positive that the forest behind the stables was not this dense, moreover, where were all the piles of wood and the houses that edged the small forest?
"Oh, no, this does not seem good. What do you think boy?"
Lauren leaned forward to stroke the horse's neck. Her horse sniffed the air and seemed to take a deep breath and let it out in a frustrated sigh.
Great, even the horse doesn't know where we are. Now I am in charge of the horse considering I have no idea where we are but it sure as hell ain't home.
As Lauren was figuring out what she should do, she saw a white horse dart in and out of trees with a small person on it that looked vaguely familiar. However, the nine black riders following him were even more familiar.
"Lord of the Rings… really? Maybe they're just actors reenacting the skit. Hopefully they can help me."
She kicked the horse with her spurs to catch up to them. Of course, she had no problem catching up, her horse just loved a chase and her horse wasn't a pony either, that'd be a huge understatement. When she caught up to them two of the black riders looked back and shrieked. Her horse feinted to the left, away from the riders, in fear. Thinking quickly Lauren pushed her horse forward so she was even with whom she had to assume was Frodo, or the person reenacting Frodo.
"Frodo Baggins?"
The person looked over at Lauren with weary eyes. Eyes that had seen true pain; this was not a reenactment. Lauren had to think quickly.
"Hurry, we must cross the water!"
The hobbit just looked at her with a dazed look. Lauren knew that Frodo would get across in time but the horse he was on looked like it was about to collapse. Lauren made her horse sidestep closer to Frodo then she grabbed and hauled him onto her horse. Feeling like a cowgirl in western, she spurred her horse even more, calling out to the horse as a cowboy would.
"Heya! Faster Sundance, faster!"
The horse was used to this command from lessons and started to gallop faster. Although it was cruel of her, Lauren completely forgot about the other horse when she noticed that the black riders were actually gaining. They had copied Lauren and spurred their horses into a gallop as well. When Lauren noticed their increased speed, she cursed in Japanese and started to weave in and out of the trees.
Cake, just like at the rodeo.
Sundance was cutting around the trees as if they were barrels and somehow they managed to gain speed on their adversaries. Finally, they reached the water and Lauren squeezed with her legs to let her horse know that he was to cross the water. After crossing the water, she took a chance at turning her head and noticed that the black riders were being washed away down the river.
Thanks Lord Elrond and Gandalf.
Lauren was not quite sure where Rivendell was exactly, which was a big problem, the books really weren't specific. Sundance was out of breath and sweating so Lauren brought him down to a slow walk, the immediate threat was gone and they could relax for the moment. It wasn't long before a group of elves came up to her, weapons at the ready. Lauren held up her hands in defense.
"This is the Ring bearer; he was stabbed by a Morgul blade and needs the assistance of Lord Elrond. If you wish it I will remain here but I ask that I be allowed to walk my horse back down the path to help him cool off, you may accompany me if you so choose."
The elves quickly took Frodo from Lauren and only two elves remained behind with her. She smiled at them and bowed from her waist.
"My name is Lauren, may I ask your names?"
"I am called Nendur and this is Elyadon. You mentioned walking your horse?"
Lauren nodded in affirmation.
"If it is alright, he cools off quicker if he walks around slowly. Would you fine Elves care to join me?"
The elves followed Lauren back down to the river and they went up and down the path a few more times before Sundance's breathing was stable.
"I thank you very much for letting me tend to my horse. I know you have been with me this whole time but you don't happen to know what will become of me by any chance do you?"
Elyadon looked up at Lauren with a smile, she just had that effect on people.
"Lord Elrond is not cruel, although he will most likely want to discuss with you why you were so close to our lands. We will wait for a message from him."
Lauren nodded as she dismounted. It was fair that Elrond would want to know why a human was by his borders. She will tell him the truth, it really couldn't hurt, but she just wouldn't tell him that this world is just a story in her world, plus her clothing kind of made her stick out. She doubted that Aragorn would be wearing jeans anytime soon.
If I even meet Galadriel then I think I should tell her everything… she might know even now. Valar help me if that is the case.
After a moment of thinking she began to take the saddle off her horse, it wasn't fair that the heavy saddle remain on him when he wasn't being ridden. She plopped the saddle off to the side and began running her fingers through the damp fur where the saddle was. Sundance looked back and lightly nudged Lauren in what she assumed was thanks. Lauren smiled, ever since they came here Sundance seemed to be happier and he listened to her more; Lauren wasn't complaining.
A few minutes passed and, in a silent rustle of leaves, another elf appeared with news from Lord Elrond. He didn't speak in Common and eyed Lauren with suspicion. As they spoke, Lauren put the saddle back on Sundance but she didn't tighten the girth all the way.
"What does Lord Elrond wish me to do?"
"Against most wishes, he has welcomed you to our city and says that you are to be properly fed and clothed… as well as your horse. He thanks you for coming to the aid of the halfling."
Sundance seemed be offended by the remark about being properly dressed and he stopped his foot to show it. Lauren placed her hand on Sundance's neck to try to calm him down.
"Very well then, should we leave before it gets to dark? No wood is safe in these times anymore I fear."
The group left to the city and, as she was told, Sundance was given food, drink, and a stable. After making sure that everything was in order with Sundance's provisions the elves led Lauren to her room where a tray of food and a bath was waiting, as well as a few articles of clothing.
Once the Elven men left, Lauren took off her clothes and stepped into the bath. It felt nice and it relaxed her muscles. She noticed what seemed to be shampoo in a small vial next to the bath so she lathered her hair with it and finished washing. Once she was dried, Lauren looked at the clothes, they certainly weren't her normal style but, when in Rome.
After dressing in the gown, Lauren slowly opened her door and peeked out the door. She wasn't quite sure what do to. Feeling brave, she opened the door fully and stepped out into the hallway as she took a bite of an apple. She started to slowly walk down the hallway looking at the building and absorbing everything she could. She was so wrapped up in the ceiling's intricate architecture that she didn't notice that the hallway had opened up into something like a living room. The brightness of the ceiling drew her attention to her surroundings.
The hallway wasn't this bright… oh, well not being in the hallway anymore would explain that.
Lauren laughed to herself but it was stopped short when she realized she wasn't alone. There, sitting alone against the wall was Aragorn himself. Lauren let her jaw go slack for a moment as she processed this new information. Yes, she knew she was in Middle Earth, but Aragorn. He was future King of Gondor, and he was just plain awesome. She bowed low before him and blushed.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion my Lord, it seems my mind was elsewhere and I have made myself lost."
Aragorn smiled warmly at her as he lifted himself from his sitting position and walked over to her. Lauren realized that she was still as short as she was back in her old home. Well that was a downer make no mistake about that.
"It is quite alright; these halls are somewhat like a maze and are quite something to look at. Were you the one who helped my friend earlier?"
Lauren blushed as she looked down at her feet.
"Yes my Lord. How does the Halfling fair?"
Aragorn eyed her slightly, he didn't want to be rude but he had heard that she knew what ailed Frodo. She was most definitely not around when Frodo was wounded, however she seemed honest enough, he would ask her outright.
"He is on the mend, how is it you knew what ailed him?"
Lauren cursed in her head. How on Earth was she going to patch this up? Oh she got herself into a pretty pickle, yes she did. Just when Lauren was going to make up some story Lord Elrond walked around the corner and called out to them.
"Hello my friends; Aragorn I see you have meet Lauren."
A look of shock flickered though Lauren's eyes. How did he know her name? Then again, this was Elrond she was talking about, she shouldn't question the breadth his knowledge.
"Lord Elrond, I will answer any and all questions you have to the best of my knowledge and thank you for your hospitality, it is much appreciated."
Lauren bowed deeply before him and Elrond let out a small laugh.
"For a human who does not know our ways you seem to be versed in the way of politeness. Now come, we will go to more private quarters to discuss the matter at hand. Estel, you are more than welcome to join us if you wish."
Aragorn shook his head and mentioned that he wanted to check on how Frodo was doing. As Lauren was led away by Elrond, she smiled.
They are nice; maybe things won't be so bad.
When they entered what seemed to be Elrond's study the Elf motioned for Lauren to sit as he prepared tea.
"Please, Lauren, tell me about yourself."
Lauren gulped, she could tell he was really asking why she was here; she wasn't that dense. Well she was going to hold true to what she said before and tell him the truth.
"To be honest Lord Elrond, I'm not sure how I came to be here. I was walking my horse through the forest behind the ranch when all of a sudden there was this great gust of wind and when I opened my eyes, I was in your Wood. When I saw Frodo, I couldn't let him ride alone, especially with those black riders behind him. They are quite scarier in person than I imagined. I also thank you for disposing of them when we crossed the river; I'm not sure how much my horse could take at that pace with two riders. I'm thankful that the brute is large."
Elrond nodded to himself as he sipped his tea. He handed over the second cup to Lauren once she was done. Lauren sniffed at the tea then took a sip. The tea was sweet, just how Lauren liked it, or anything for that matter.
"You are not from here or any land that I know of. They way you speak gives you away and I have heard that your clothes are odd as one of the sentinels put it. What is your purpose here?"
Lauren took another sip then stared into the cup; she was at a loss with this question.
"I'm not sure Lord Elrond, I was hoping maybe you or Lady Galadriel had seen something and knew what it was I was supposed to do. Maybe I have already played my part? From what I know Frodo's horse was not supposed to tire until they were passed the river."
Elrond was sure that this girl was from another place, one that was never heard of on Middle Earth and she just confirmed it. She knew about the Ring and Frodo, which meant that she probably knew about the council that he wanted to hold two days from now.
"You have seen what will happen?"
Lauren shook her head.
"No, where I came from, this place, this world, was all part of a story that was considered to be fictional. My being here might have changed things. I already mentioned the horse, I wish I could be certain with my knowledge but I'm afraid to tell you. Telling you might sway your current actions which would change other's actions which might change the final outcome of this war."
Elrond was pleasantly surprised that such a young girl had such incite. It was a shame that she wasn't from this world, she would have made a fine advisor.
"Relax child, you have nothing to fear. For now be at peace for the things you know have not yet come to pass. Come, I will give you a tour so you won't get lost again and for now you may call Rivendell your home, as long as it is still here."
Lauren was escorted around Rivendell and she tried her best to memorize where things were. She was usually very good with this sort of thing but she was in a kind of culture shock right now, what with all the elves in their fancy clothes, speaking their lovely language walking, about their breathtaking gardens that surrounded an even more beautiful city.
When the tour was over Elrond brought Lauren to the Dining Hall were they found Aragorn sitting at one of the tables eating dinner. Lauren looked up at Elrond with a question in her eyes, he nodded. So he also thought Aragorn should know the details about her.
"Hello Lord Aragorn, how was your afternoon? Last we talked you were about to ask me a question?"
Aragorn smiled, this girl was easy to talk to however it seemed she already knew much about him and his journey.
"My afternoon was fine thank you. I was going to ask how it was you know Frodo."
Lauren smiled back and took a seat across from Aragorn when he motioned for her to sit.
"I don't know him, personally at least. I'm not from here, if you didn't already guess. Where I come from this world is fictional."
Lauren told Aragorn the same story that she told Elrond, who left to go to his room to turn in for the night once he saw that Lauren was alright being alone with Aragorn.
"So you just showed up as Frodo's horse was tiring out. I don't know what to make of that. Maybe it was fate?"
"Fate? Fate would tear me from me home? It did lead me to Frodo when he was in trouble, so I suppose it was indeed fate."
Her anger flared for just a brief moment but it was quenched when she realized to whom she was talking.
"I am terribly sorry Aragorn; it still hasn't set firmly into my mind that I won't be able to return home, as far as I'm concerned. I had just finished college too; all those years and money gone to waste."
Aragorn looked at the girl in front of him with sympathy. He wasn't sure what college was but the girl seemed so distressed that it was beginning to make him distressed.
"Everything will be alright, I sorry I upset you so, it was not my intention. Maybe you were brought here to guide us; maybe you are here to make sure that what happens here follows what you know about Middle Earth. I will not ask you to share your knowledge unless you are willing. If you don't mind me asking though, what is a college?"
After all of that Lauren couldn't help but laugh and she didn't care if Aragorn thought her crazy. Everyone needs a bit a crazy in their life. It takes the edge off the sanity. After Lauren got herself back under control she explained the concept of college and what her major and minor were. Luckily, Aragorn is a smart cookie and he quickly caught onto the concept.
"Why does that knowledge not apply here? Especially psychology, that sounds like it could become useful in any situation you face. As for speech pathology, I've never heard of something like that. Learning about how people speak. I guess that is something similar to a linguist but you help people with problems in that area. If I live through this war I would love to sit with you and discuss the possibility of you teaching others who are willing to learn what you know."
Lauren was taken aback by Aragorn's confession. He wanted her to help? Well, that came from left field. However this was Aragorn we were speaking about, she'd follow the man anywhere. She thought she was attracted to this man from the movie and book but actually meeting him in person was a completely different ball game. The man radiated an air of leadership and confidence, but he was a Dúnedain after all.
"Yes, I would love to share what I know."
Lauren placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulders; the man had much to worry about between Arwen, Frodo, the Ring, Gondor, and Sauron. It was no wonder the man didn't break down in hysterics already. Lauren didn't know if she could handle the pressure if she were in his shoes.
"I will not tell you all I know just yet but I will tell you this so your mind may find some resemblance of peace. From what I've read and seen, you will achieve great things and find minimal sorrow when things have come to a complete end. For now, I must attempt to find my room and sleep. Tomorrow I want to try to find one of the elves that came to me when Frodo and I crossed the river and ask if he will teach me sword techniques or archery."
Aragorn smiled as Lauren got up, chivalry dictated he rise as well but he took it one-step further.
"I can save you the trouble of looking around all of Rivendell for the elves, I could help you. Sleep on it, but, for now, allow me to guide you back to your quarters."
The smile on Lauren's face brought a smile to her eyes as she accepted Aragorn's arm. As she was led down the hall, she looked at him as a child would look at their father.
"Thank you Aragorn, for all you've done. Your offer means a lot to me and I would have asked you first but I figured that you might have important business to do with Lord Elrond tomorrow."
The Ranger shook his head and laughed slightly.
"You of all people should know that we have free time until Frodo awakens. Lord Elrond has called for a council of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, they should be arriving soon, and hopefully Frodo will be awake by then."
Aragorn looked at Lauren with a question in his eye that he did not wish to ask. Lauren was pleasantly surprised that he didn't just outright ask her. Getting used to this new treatment from men was going to take a while, not that Lauren was complaining.
"Don't worry Aragorn, if what I've seen comes to pass then Frodo will awaken about a day before the council is to be held."
Lauren bowed to Aragorn as she entered her room and wished him a good night. She turned around to find nightclothes; they certainly weren't what she'd refer to as pajamas, sitting at the foot of her bed. Suddenly feeling very tired Lauren hurried out of her borrowed gown and into the nightdress. She licked her lips as she looked around the room for something to wash her mouth with, she'd be damned if she didn't brush her teeth. Lauren walked over to where she took her bath earlier and found that there was a small beige cloth with some kind of paste next to it. The paste was white and looked like toothpaste, but looks can be deceiving. Lauren dabbed her finger in it and gingerly put it to her tongue. It tasted minty, what else could it be? With that resolve, Lauren put the paste on the cloth, whipped her teeth down with it and rinsed with the cup of water that was next to it. It occurred to her that all her needs were being met and she had no idea who was doing this for her. If she ever found the Elf responsible, she would have to give them her sincere thanks.
Feeling refreshed, Lauren crawled into the bed and found it to be comfortable. She guessed that just because they didn't have electric or central air conditioning they didn't find a way to make beds comfortable. That would be like saying they didn't know how to cook a proper meal, which was a lie. She and Aragorn had just shared a meal not two hours ago and it was one of the best meals Lauren had in a long time. Then again these are the Elves we're talking about; they've had many years to perfect things. With thoughts of elves and food on her mind, Lauren went to sleep.
The rays of sun fell upon Lauren and the light played shadows behind her eyelids, awaking her slowly. When she was fully awake, Lauren stretched and yawned. Never before had she felt so rested, leave it to her to rest in an almost completely strange realm. Regardless, Lauren got dressed in the new gown that was hanging over her partition and she walked out of her room. Lauren remembered how she got to her room from the dining hall but getting to the dining hall from her room was going to take a moment. As soon as she got the vague idea of where she was going in her head, she set out down the hall.
A few moments later Lauren walked into the dining hall and was greeted by Aragorn and Elrond. She bowed good morning to them and looked at the new person that was sitting with them. Gandalf, his presence was like that of Aragorn's or Elrond's, maybe even more impressive. If everyone she met was like this then there was going to be some serious damage to her ego.
"It is a pleasure to finally make you acquaintance. Would I be correct in assuming that Lord Elrond and Lord Aragorn have filled you in on a few details?"
Gandalf smiled and Lauren was suddenly reminded of a grandfatherly figure.
"Yes, we were just discussing that matter. I am curious though, what do you plan to do with your time here?"
Aragorn and Elrond seemed curious as well but they kept quiet and waited for Lauren to talk.
"I know I really won't be able to help in any major way. I don't know how to fight, if I wielded a sword I'd most likely hurt my companion or myself before I could even scratch the enemy. Thankfully, Aragorn has offered to help me learn the way of the sword and bow. I will do whatever is asked of me though."
Elrond and Gandalf looked at each other and if Lauren didn't know any better she'd assume that they were speaking to each other through their minds… unless that was a minor detail that Tolkien left out of his books. After a brief moment, Elrond looked at Lauren with a serious look.
"That would seem wise especially in times such as these. When do you plan to start her training, Aragorn?"
Aragorn leaned forward slightly indicating that he knew he was spoken to. A look of deep thought was set on his face and Lauren wondered what he could possibly be thinking about.
"I was thinking we would start with swords and concentrate on that, a bow is only good for long range and if the enemy is not taken down and comes in close range the bow will become useless."
Lauren nodded slightly but she remembered Legolas using his arrows as close range weapons during one of the battles.
"That is very true Lord Aragorn, but the arrows can be used for defense. Where I come from there are, oh how do I explain this, disciplined men whom you might call a warrior but they are much more than that. We call them monks and they are skilled men in martial arts and protecting their temples."
The three men were listening to every word but the terms were new to them. Lauren tried to explain some more.
"Martial arts is a way of life, you use it in everything you do. It helps create an inner peace. It's a form of fighting that utilizes one's own body as a weapon. If you would?"
Lauren motioned for Aragorn to rise and she instructed him to stand in front of her.
"Now attack me, don't give me that look. If you have a problem fighting a woman then I'm afraid you'd not fair so well where I come from. Women fight dirtier then the men; we pull hair, bite, scratch and all sorts of what you might call unladylike things. Pretend I'm an Orc and attack, no weapons though."
Aragorn was reluctant at first but the determination in Lauren's eyes quelled the doubt and he grabbed at her wrist. When he had it, he held fast and Lauren smiled slightly as she slowly started to spread her feet apart.
"Normally in this situation the first thing you do is ask the attacker to let go. If that doesn't work you go to the next thing."
Lauren used her free hand and lightly flicked it across Aragorn's wrist as she simultaneously pushed her captured hand forward and tapped Aragorn's chest then thrust it up and held it at his chin. She still had Aragorn's hand in her own and she slightly pulled it down. The shock in his eyes made Lauren want to smile but she resisted.
"That is just a basic maneuver in martial arts. If I didn't know you and we met on the road and attacked me I would not hold back and most likely resort to using my nails and such."
She released Aragorn and, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Gandalf and Elrond were smiling. What she wouldn't give to know what they were thinking.
"I guess what I was trying to get at is, don't think of me as some helpless female. I am quite capable of taking care of myself if the enemy were unarmed. If the enemy happens to have a sword, well that's where you come in my friend."
Lauren patted Aragorn on the shoulder and smiled at him. As she turned to sit down, she noticed that Gandalf was laughing to himself.
"It would seem, Estel, that your concerns about her welfare have become unnecessary."
Could it be that Elrond was also laughing? Lauren did not beg him as the type but his shoulders shook slightly.
"So it would seem Lord Elrond, but I still worry."
Lauren took a bite of the food that was on the table and shook her head. She swallowed quickly and looked up Aragorn from her seat.
"That's why you're going to train me!"
Aragorn smiled as he offered his arm to Lauren and the two walked out to the training grounds. Gandalf looked at Elrond with a serious gleam in his eyes.
"Do you think she will want to come to the council?"
Elrond looked at his friend as he contemplated the question.
"She already knows the outcome of this war but she said that her being here has changed things."
Gandalf nodded they had discussed this when Elrond and Aragorn first told him about Lauren and who she was.
"That makes sense; she said Frodo's horse was supposed to cross the river? I must talk to her when she and Aragorn return from training."
The two friends continued talking about different matters meanwhile; out in the courtyard, Aragorn was drilling Lauren in sword techniques.
"You can wield a sword fine but you form is lacking."
Lauren laughed, watching action movies all the time paid off, who would've thought. However she was mimicking them and in the movies it was all for show. She nodded and continued to go through the motions that Aragorn taught her.
"No offense Aragorn but I asked my martial arts teacher this as well. In real life, the enemy isn't going to give you a chance to move in the direction you want. Can't we just spar?"
Aragorn laughed as he picked up his training sword, there was some truth to what she was saying but in order to do the dance you had to know the footing. They continued practicing until Lauren could barely hold the sword up any longer.
"I thank you for the lesson but would it be possible if we stopped for a break?"
The pair walked into the dining hall where Gandalf was returning from the kitchen with a few dishes of food. Lauren eyed the food like a hawk eyes its prey. Gandalf smiled as he put the food on a table and motioned for the two to sit.
"I figured that you'd both be returning shortly so I took the liberty of getting some food."
Lauren dug into the food and she closed her eyes as the fruit it her tongue. She swallowed and savored the taste.
"We have fruit like this at home but it does not taste this good. I see a question in your eye Gandalf, is there something on your mind?"
"Lord Elrond told me that you think that because you are here things have changed."
Lauren nodded as she swallowed another bite of fruit.
"Yes, Frodo's horse was not supposed to tire out until it crossed the river. I've contemplated many things and I'm not sure what to think. I was hoping maybe Galadriel may have seen something but if she has I assume she would have sent a message to Lord Elrond by now."
After the trio talked things over Lauren returned to her room and sat on the bed. If there was one thing she wanted to do it was to stop the deaths of Halbarad and King Theoden, who both died at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, Boromir, who died at Rauros falls, and Haldir, who died defending Helms Deep. Yes, she would have to try to stop their deaths. Saving Boromir would be relatively easy; she just had to take out that one nasty Uruk-hai. The others wouldn't be so easy, they all died in a major battle and getting to them would be hard. One thing was certain, if she was going to be of any help she had to perfect her bow skills ASAP.
*Author's Note*
Thank you all for reading and thank you Tetraforce and Arabella Cauwell for the review