Disclaimer: The fictional world of LotR belongs to Tolkien and I make no money from this. I own Andromeda and any subsequent original characters. The Greek world presented in this story is a fictionalised version and myths and gods mentioned are real.

The Fellowship of the Ring rose from the snows of Caradhras. Men kind cold and angry. Hobbits scared for their lives. The wizard looked pensive and so did the elf. Dwarf looked around a moment uncomfortable in such heights and the cold. He preferred deep into the mountains not atop of it. Their collective shock and silence lasted if only for a moment, breached by the voice of Boromir, joined soon by Aragorn, Gimli, and Gandalf.

Frodo stayed uncomfortable in the middle of the growing argument until a question was posed to him. In a fearful yet determined voice he declared "We will go through the mines."

So it was decided.

Journey from the mountains to the mines would take two days. Cold and tired they knew they would have to stop and rest come nightfall but for now they persevered. They all shivered except Legolas, and the chattering of teeth could be heard in the silence. Cold enveloped them, it called like an open grave. Inviting them in.

The sky looked bleak as it did the winters before this. It was hard to separate day from night but they all knew there was no other choice now. Soon they could rest or so they hoped. Although they all doubted that would be the case. Not until the ring was destroyed and even then not all would leave alive.

This much they knew.

Silently the night fell and they found shelter in a cave nearby. Inside the cave was not large and in the corner laid the shock of their lives.

A woman. Her body laid as though she was in a peaceful sleep but one hand clutched tightly to a sword and the other on a shield. On top of her was a red cloak. Her head laid upon a bag which they assumed contained her gears.

"Is she dead?" Frodo pulled to the cloak of Legolas to ask about the girl, looking much like a child yet eyes mature.

Legolas took a step forward, his eyes focused and his ears tuned to the woman's heart. "She breaths."

This seemed to wake the company Aragorn and Boromir stepped forward immediately, while Legolas and Gandalf motioned for the hobbits to get behind them just in case. The woman carried a sword after all.

Her eyes opened the moment Boromir touched her shoulder, she swung her sword in an expert manner almost taking his head with her. She missed for he was a warrior of skill, he evaded and pulled his own sword, as did Aragorn. On her feet now, she held her shield up and her sword ready to strike again. Her eyes filled with anger, confusion, and desire to win. She would lay waste to these men if she had to.

Her eyes measured up the competition, scanning for every movement, accounting for every breath. She was the one to strike first, her sword met Aragorn's in a thunderous kiss, her shield used to push Boromir back. It was both a cover and a weapon in her hands. The whistle of the arrow missed her by an inch, and she ducked low only to rise again in much anger. She assaulted Aragorn once more, finding him the most imminent threat. Their swords danced carefully both to avoid killing and to avoid hitting the walls of the cave. She wished for answers as did he, thus their aversion for killing blows.

Boromir came behind her and in the tight space there was not much she could do except push herself out of the way but she had effectively cornered herself to the end of the cave. In each side stood the warriors unknown to her and yet she would not give up.

"Next one I will not miss!" Legolas' voice echoed through the cave and brought her attention to him.

In such close quarters he could not risk hitting his companions, but now that she was backed and stationary he had his arrow aimed at her once more.

The woman did not drop her sword or her shield, she only smiled at him "You better not." It was not a threat per say but more like a warning label. If he missed, then she would come for him.

Taking her warning to heart he drew the bow string, only to be stopped by the hand Gandalf placed on his shoulder "Observe Legolas, she is not of this world."

This brought all of them to a halt once more. The hobbits peaked behind the robes of Gandalf to see the woman once more. The warriors and the archer took in her armour. A breastplate and what looked like a skirt but it was outrageously short. Baring her thighs for all to see. However what caught them off guard was not the outfit but the scars. Especially the one in her throat starting from one side till the end of the other. Still red with dried blood around. This woman was slaughtered yet she stood there alive.

In the same moment she observed the men in front of her. The warriors did not look of her people or the people of her enemies. Their armour distinctively different from what was the norm. The one with the arrows was not a man at all, in the dark it was hard to see but she could swear he had ears like knives. Of course her eyes did not miss the large man in robes and a staff. A hat to match was donned in his head but his eyes was the thing that caught her off guard. Such wisdom she could see, and she knew no harm would be done to her by him. It was a strange inexplicable feeling. Behind him stood five child looking creatures. She had no words to describe them, all she knew was that they were not her people, and this was not her world.

"I did not die" The woman stated "The flames of Tartarus burns hotter than the sun itself. Hot enough to burn the very soul out of you. I have not died, so where am I?" The cold was finally being felt by her, as did exhaustion.

"You are in Middle-Earth of course" Gandalf declared cheerfully as he took a tentative step forward, as if he was afraid to spook her and start the fighting once more.

A laughter escaped her lips and she found herself lowering her sword and putting it back to its place. Her shoulders shaking as she laughed "You speak with such conviction what choice do I have but to believe you?" As she spoke she lowered her shied but did not put it down entirely, "I know not of your world or your languages or wars. Yet the words that leave my lips sound as familiar as my own. Peculiar but I will not question. I am Andromeda of Sparta, daughter Heitor."

Looks were exchanged amongst the group curious but cautious, the warriors lowered their weapons as well "I am Aragorn and these are my companions…" He went on to introduce everyone and she watched them closely.

Aragorn himself was a warrior of experience, she could tell. Hardened by battle and loss. It was evident in the way he fought. He could kill but had no taste for it. Blood held no appeal to him. She sensed that he was old. Certainly older than her. He had handsome features, the kind she liked. Tested in war and survived.

Boromir was similar but he lacked something she could not pinpoint. Experience perhaps? Or strength of will more likely. He fought well and he was quick on his feet. His movements were too honourable though, she had noted. He fought like a king not a survivor. He would not get his hands dirty like she would with what some might call cheap tricks and cheats. Still she found him well trained, good warrior but still some things to learn.

Legolas the archer was something different. His skin almost glowed, so pale. Paler than anything she had seen. The sun shone so bright upon Greece that it was hard to find someone untouched by it, her own skin glowed golden and brown, sun kissed and blessed as her mother once said. His hair was sun itself. So easy to mistake him for a treasure to steal. He looked younger than she yet somehow ethereal.

In an instant she decided not to trust him. He was not what he seemed and she knew the stories of her lands. Beautiful things led to greatest of downfalls.

Gimli was the strangest one with his wild beard and short stature yet he held that axe like a true warrior and Andromeda did not doubt that he could use it. He seemed ready for anything, his hand still gripping that axe of his. He did not trust her and she could see that. In return she decided not to trust him either until it was earned. If it was earned.

Gandalf was as wise as she had found him to be moments ago. He carried a friendly twinkle in his eyes and offered her a smile which she could not help but return. He was the proof that she was no longer home. No one smiled like that anymore, not when the war was raging once more. He held onto a staff which she assumed was a walking stick but the way he held was more like a weapon. Magic perhaps? But that seemed preposterous even though she had met daughters of Hecate before. Blessed by her gifts. Andromeda did not put much stock in magic. He moved aside, revealing the hobbits to her in their full form.

Merry looked at her curiously and Andromeda guessed that he always carried a child-like curiosity with him. He simply had inquisitive eyes. The second thing she noticed was his lack of weapon, so he was no warrior. Then what was his purpose? What was the purpose of this group? Simply friends travelling or something more sinister in nature? The questions pushed aside she focused on the hobbit once more and took notice of his feet. He had no shoes and his feet looked unattained and rough. Like tough hide of an animal. Peculiar, she thought and moved on.

Pippin had a similar curiosity, and mischievous aura surrounded him. He seemed much like a child than the rest of his companions. He waved at her, smiling without a hint of shyness. Andromeda mimicked the motion and gave him a more cautious smile. Yet she was still amused. This was a strange group of men.

Sam looked more out of place than anyone else, yet he felt a protective nature about him. He stood a step forward than the other one (Frodo) and he seemed to be protecting him. Could he be a helot or a body guard? But he did not look the part so perhaps a lover or a close friend. Either way Andromeda thought that Sam had no place in such environment.

Her eyes finally landed on the last one, Frodo. He looked shy, afraid, and protective of something within him. Andromeda felt a strange curiousness about him but she did not ask. It was not her place. He too looked young like his companions but he looked infinitely tired in comparison.

"How did I came to be here? If I am not dead that is." Although she was convinced this was not Tartarus she was a mortal and so she could be wrong.

Gandalf took the question upon himself "I know not but I know those who may if you wish to join us."

The argument that erupted in the small cave was interesting. Boromir argued it was not safe to have her there while Merry insisted she could be trusted. Andromeda herself simply leaned against the cold wall of the cave and watched. If she was in their place there would be no arguments. Still she kept silent and watched in amusement. That was until Boromir shouted

"She can slit our throats as we sleep for all we know!"

The notion of such act made her sick, her hand instinctively shot to her throat. There she felt the deep gash. Scar tissue formed as though it had healed yet she had not been struck by a blade there before. It started from one point to the end, a cut like that would have open her up clean. A brave man could look down upon the cut and see her innards. Then the memory came like a burning fire, Andromeda screamed as her mind caught fire. Shaking the cave to the core and bringing a stop to the argument. She fell on her knees with Aragorn there to catch her before her head hit the stone.

He helped her up and allowed her to lean on him as he moved her back to her sleeping spot. In a soft thud she sat back upon her bag. Carefully she placed her shield down, then ran her hand on her throat once more. This time the act did not escape the attention of others.

"Are you injured?" Pippin stepped forward towards her, concern in his voice.

Her hand still rubbing her throat she managed to offer him a smile "No but I remembered" she sighed ever so softly "I was wrong I did die" she paused a moment to fully realise what she was saying "yet I was refused entrance to the underworld. Did Ares hear my cries I wonder or perhaps Hades himself took pity on me? I know not."

Pippin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as if they were friends of old, this simple gesture melted the heart of the warrior yet she did not show. "Does it hurt? I am sorry."

Andromeda shook her head as in 'no' and told them of her own demise "He let the Athenians in during the night. They came to the barracks silently, I felt the blade on my throat and reached for my sword but I was too late. He slit my throat like a coward in the shadows. He set fire to the barracks. I did not feel the fire. I was dead yet I still remember the heat. I thought I was in Tartarus yet I wake up here in the cold. I am freezing." Andromeda finished her story with a shiver, pulling her cloak closer and over her legs.

"Of course you freeze with the way you dress." Boromir took a look at her thighs and was somewhat embarrassed but he offered her of his cloak for a moment "Until you get your body in order."

Andromeda chuckled realising her clothes were not appropriate "We do not have winters like this, all warriors dress in such armour. Spartans like simple things and we move around unrestricted, though I see the impracticality of it in such weather."

Gandalf then took over the conversation "We must start a small fire lest we want our companions to freeze, we have food to share my lady and I believe the argument is seized for the day. We leave at the first light, you may join us if you wish."

Once again she nodded her head and everyone around her scattered to help set up camp for the night, leaving her to her own thoughts. She had not told them everything, she distrusted people by nature but what she knew she had to tell for it sounded so unbelievable. She needed to be proven that she had not gone mad and the ease they all seemed to accept (though she wagered it was just as hard for them as it was for her) she knew she was not touched by madness.

She had died and come back to this strange place with men that was no men, and cold and snow as far as she could see. Andromeda reached for her shield, leaning on top of it as if it comforted her. Which it did in a way.

Andromeda could hear them speak to each other in whispers, she could hear them move around the cave but she herself was made of stone in that moment. Her mind still trying to make sense of her death, trying to comprehend it to avail.

"You are in pain" Legos spoke in soft voice, no trace of his previous hostility "You feel more than you tell us."

From her seat she jumped, her hand instinctively on her sword. She regarded him with distrust both for his beauty and his ability to sneak up on her "What are you Legolas? You are no men."

"I am an elf" He had sensed her distrust and tried to offer an explanation.

However, her world had no such word, no such myth to draw upon "What the fuck is an elf?" Andromeda's groan reached the warriors and Aragorn smiled in secret.

Legolas looked a little offended but he did not show fully, instead he tried to explain what an elf was "My kin are the first children of the Eru, blessed by immortality and wisdom…" He continued to explain the very basics of her kind but did not give much details as he was cautious of her too.

Gimli interrupted however, claiming "Don't believe a word point ear says! His people lie and cheat like everyone else. Never trust an elf I say!"

Their relationship seemed bitter but Andromeda listened all the same. Her distrust in both still had not come to pass but for the night she would let them to sleep. As they started to argue she lifted her hands and placed them on their shoulders "Let the dead rest huh?" She rose from her seat, Boromir's cloak slipping off her thighs to the ground.

Easily she picked it up and returned it to him. He was outside watching the snow, and she knew he would get cold. She placed it on top of his shoulders and smiled at him. "I won't apologise for almost having your head but I am glad that I have missed. Thank you for the cloak."

Boromir nodded, his eyes lingered on her for a moment before he turned to the snow "You fight well for a woman."

"You see me as a woman?" Her tone was surprised as she was used to not being seen as a woman, she was a warrior and she became a women only when she wished for it "That will get you killed in a battlefield."

"Are you not…" He looked at her once more, head to toe, eyes lingering on her legs again "A woman?"

"Can I not be both in this land? A woman and a warrior within the same body."

"War is no place for a women" He spoke in such conviction, he had no malice in his voice, curiosity was more present instead.

Andromeda laughed or snorted more like "War is the only place for a Spartan. We are a warrior nation, we take pride in our men and women. We breed children the same way some breed dogs for the hunt and horses for their speed. We breed them to be warriors. Strong and able. All men serve at the military and women rule the household but we are trained both body and mind to be warriors and it is not uncommon for people like me to seek war."

Boromir contemplated for a moment but he seemed dissatisfied with her answer "They sound like savages."

"War is." Andromeda looked at him with the eyes of a women who had seen too many "We are not feral dogs like what Athenians would have you believe. I have many good memories of home, warm and kind."

To that Boromir seemed more satiated, though the idea still seemed strange "You left anyone behind?"

Andromeda shook her head and gave him a smile "Only graves" she gathered her cloak closer to her and made a move to go back inside "If I manage to leave this cold mountain without my tits freezing solid I will fight you. Then you'll know." In an almost friendly manner she patted his shoulder before walking in, leaving him baffled by the declaration and the choices of word.

The fire was warm inside and she made a place for herself nearby. She settled next to Aragorn and Merry, the latter offering her some piece of bread and cheese.

"So you're really dead huh? How are you not freaking out?" Merry managed to ask his question while simultaneously swallowing a large piece of cheese.

Andromeda chuckled lightly at the innocent question "I have not the luxury." Taking a piece of the bread that was offered she continued "In battlefield you never have the time or the luxury to freak out, no time for doubts, hesitations, fears. You do what you must." Her hand went to shuffle his hair affectionately though she could not tell why she liked his kin so much "When I have a moment to myself, I will freak out but till I reach safety I must keep it tight within me."

Aragorn seemed to be approving of this decision "A wise choice." He paused for a while, then decided to ask her anyway "Tell us of your world?"

"As I have said to Boromir we are a warrior race. Men serve in the military till they die and women are raised to keep up with them. We aren't as cold and cruel as history would have us depict but we are hardened than most. My culture is different compared to the other parts of my land. They fear us for we have the blessings of Ares." There was a certain pride in her voice as she spoke, and although she was no bard she still told them some tales of her beloved Sparta. In the end fire was dying, and they were all exhausted.

Andromeda laid her head on her bag, closed her eyes and hoped that this was not a dream. She did not wish to die. There was still so much to do for her, she could feel it deep in her bones.

Someone, whom she later realised was Boromir placed his cloak against her. Andromeda smiled at him in the dark and did not refuse his gift but hoped that he would fare without it.

Tomorrow, she thought to herself, tomorrow she would go with them. If Sparta was long gone, she had a home to find.

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