A/N: Must. Sit. Down. My hits for this story are over 10,000! O.O
Chapter Twenty-one: Awakening
"To love means to open ourselves to the negative as well as the positive
-to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment,
and an intensity of consciousness we did not know was possible before." – Rollo May
"Wake up. Day calls you
to your life: your duty.
And to live, nothing more.
Root it out of the glum
night and the darkness
that covered your body
for which light waited
on tiptoe in the dawn….
That is your fate: to live
Do nothing.
Your work is you, nothing more."
-Pedro Salinas
October 26
"Thump."
"Thump."
Eva's fist beat on the wooden door of Boromir's room, as she hoped to finally catch him. Her mid-morning stroll had brought her here, the long walk having made her feel lonely and bored. It seemed everyone had disappeared since yesterday. She hadn't seen anyone from the Council and hardly saw any of the Elves. The door swung open, and a thin extraordinarily tall Elf stepped out.
"Who are you?" she said, thrown off guard.
"I am Glûdhad, Lord Boromir's chamber attendant." He looked her over from head to foot. "You are his companion, Lady Eva."
Ignoring the obvious, she asked, "Where is he?"
He glanced down the promenade, then at her. "I do not know. Excuse me milady." He nodded politely then shut the door in her face.
Disappointed and slightly angry, she glared at the closed door and marched across the walkway towards her room. It wasn't that far from his, she wondered why he hadn't come to see her yet. She peered inside the open entrance and saw Mereth inside, still cleaning as when she'd left. The elleth turned around and put down a rag when she saw her, a smile encompassing her face.
"Mil- There you are! Where've you been off to?"
"Food and a walk," she said dismally. "This place is empty today."
"That might continue for awhile," Mereth answered, hurrying to her side. "But I've things I can show you. Follow me." She took her hand and yanked her towards a nearby staircase.
.-.-.-.
"I hope you enjoyed the afternoon," Mereth asked. She fixed one of the woman's loose hairpins and brushed dirt from her hem, looking at her anxiously. Eva nodded uncomfortably and tightened her hold on several books she held. She was unused to the elleth's primping and tidiness.
"Yes I did." She definitely thought Rivendell was beautiful, but a feeling kept nagging her. Was she out of the way while everyone was elsewhere? "You know, I haven't seen Boromir again." Or any of the other important guests… While Mereth had dragged her from library to library earlier, she'd happened to glimpse Merry and Pippin running around in the kitchen, but none of the council members. "Is he meeting with everyone?"
"I suppose," she said, suddenly fiddling with the cloak brooch. "He has much business today. It must occupy him."
Eva studied her suspiciously, but sighed and leaned over the railing. A faint updraft stirred in the leaves below the porch, causing them to shimmer in the growing twilight. A strain of unearthly Elven music reached their ears, wistful and soft in the distance.
"…penna… o menel….elenath…Elbereth."
Heavy footsteps and a tide of voices resonated along a nearby doorway and disappointingly drowned out the chorus. Gandalf, Boromir, and Glorfindel were admitted onto the veranda, their panoply stopping when they reached the pair. She abandoned the books onto the railing and stood up.
"Greetings ladies," the wizard and elf echoed.
"Hello Eva," the man uttered lowly. His eyes pierced her with a longing intensity that buckled her knees and shortened her breath. "Does the evening find you well?" He took her hand cordially, rubbing it gently with his fingers.
A small warmth ran into her veins and pervaded her body. "Yes. I was listening to the beautiful singing before you interrupted."
Two can play this game…
The others bowed and turned for the entranceway. "Forgive our manners. We shall leave you."
Eva stepped close to Boromir and said innocently. "It's nice to see you though, Lord Boromir."
She kissed him lightly on the cheek but trailed teasingly across part of his mouth. The hand around hers tightened considerably, a tense thrill running though his muscles. He coughed and broke from her, a glazed expression on his face. He stumbled towards the retreating backs of his companions, leaving the females alone. Smirking, she turned back to the railing to hear the Elvish singing again.
Mereth stifled a snigger and leaned in conspiratorially. "How you did tempt him milady!"
"Tempted," Eva sighed. "He's been very cold to me the last two days."
"He does not mean it," the elleth said, reassuringly patting her arm.
"What do you mean?"
"He is a lord of high society, raised with certain expectations. There are those who do not show their affections conspicuously without their intentions known. Perhaps he hath chosen to show the public courtesy you are obliged."
"We're hundreds of miles from Gondor. He has nothing to lose here, especially not something frivolous as reputation." Eva said indignantly.
Mereth looked at her solemnly. "He may fear to lose you and your love."
.-.-.-.
Energetic pops and crackles emanated through the silence of the room, and the light from the fireplace danced merrily against the walls. Eva lay on her chaise, reading and indulging in the peace and luxury of the surroundings. Pillows and cushions enveloped her in a downy pocket and a beautiful mauve blanket draped across her legs, soft and warm. Suddenly she felt nimble fingers on her feet and a brush of cool air as her shoes were removed and replaced by the edge of the blanket. She dropped a thin leather book against her chest and peered over at her Elven handmaiden.
"Thank you, Mereth. I forgot you were here."
The elleth motioned to a chair behind her armrest, where a basket of cloth and threads sat. "If you do not mind, I shall remain here tonight. I wish to complete your dresses sooner. Tûloen is very distractive, and you might need me."
"That's very nice of you."
She shook her head and handed the woman a cup from a nearby table. "T'is nothing. I made tea for you. It's very helpful after a long day."
Eva carefully sipped the sweet earthy tea, finding it enjoyable and relaxing while she continued with her book. Mereth took her place nearby, quietly sewing beside the fireplace. Soon the strength began to leave her body and drowsiness weighed upon her eyelids. The book slipped from her fingers and she quickly fell asleep.
Within a grey haze she heard the sound of footsteps, a creak and the whispering of two voices. Eva rustled in her stupor and sluggishly opened her eyes, finding the dying fire and an empty stool beside it.
"Milady is sleeping, do not wake her!"
Curious, she peeked over the armrest and saw Mereth shoo someone from the room. A dark haired head disappeared through the entrance and the clomp of boots echoed down the passageway. Agitated, the elleth returned to the fireside, and started when she saw Eva was awake.
"I apologize for the disturbance. Visitors should not go waking others during the night, and I should more aptly rid such intruders."
Slowly Eva closed her eyes, feeling the tug of slumber again. "Who was that?"
The elleth patted her head and pulled the blanket higher on her shoulder. "No one of urgency. Rest, for you are weary."
She wanted to protest, but weak and tired, fell asleep once more.
October 27
Eva gently closed her bedroom door and traipsed across the walkway, reveling in the cool twilight air. The moon was low in the West and a bluish hue began to tint the sky, signaling the early hour. After passing several passages and a flight of stairs, she passed beneath a stone arch into a long courtyard. Here and there she heard the soft flutter of wings, hinting of the waking birds in the overhanging trees. Enraptured, she gazed up at the house and absorbed the elegant architecture. Faintly she heard a pebble scuttle across the walkway, and whirled around.
"Good morning, Lord Aragorn. You startled me."
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and he ambled to her side. "It is hard to be a Ranger in a house of stone, milady. What wakes thee at this hour?"
"A mindless rest. I suppose Mereth drugged my tea last night."
He broke into a full grin. "The Elves have vast knowledge of the earth and remedies. Some things are to be avoided, like eager handmaidens."
"I shall have to talk to her," she said, shaking her head. "I was reading the most wonderful book."
"An unfortunate incident indeed then. Though there are more dangerous things. How do you fare as of late?" he asked.
"I'm fine but still a little sore from everything. I've never had to endure things like this…" she trailed off into silence, watching as a blue bird flitted onto a railing.
"Such a thing was a hard journey. Many miles lie between here and the White City and the lands of your birth."
She looked at him like a deer in the crosshairs of a hunter. "What has Boromir told you?"
He lowered his head /inquisitively. "He explained during council that he had taken a woman named Evelyn Lynch of Creek Halls into his charge in Firien Wood. You were lost and alone, and he rescued you. Also, Lord Elrond took me into his confidence."
Her throat clenched in anticipation. "He did?"
Aragorn nodded assuredly. "He sought my assistance in the matters of attaining some source of hope for you. I have crossed many borders and lands, even into the far South and East, where the stars are strange. I can truly attest to him that you are of no existing place."
"Then what I am I to do? I have no home, no land," she said somberly.
"It may play to your favor to appear as one of the southern Dúnedain, perhaps even akin to them once, but I offer no knowledge of your culture. Such matters may only be resolved by the highest of the Wise. But since I am party to your secret and cause, I shall help to the utmost of my ability. I will carry your dilemma with me on errands that need be run soon."
Her limbs relaxed with reprieve. "Thank you," she choked. "It's more than I would dare ask for."
He smiled kindly. "You have a great deal of faith in me, milady. I hope not to fail that. Inevitably, a hard road remains ahead. If we found a way home for you or failed completely and you bound to Lord Boromir, you must prepare in the face of darkness." He laughed lightheartedly at the shocked expression on her face. "Unique unions are not foreign to me."
"Indeed," she murmured, overcome by a strange feeling. "Or the Lady Arwen would not wear the Ring of Barahir, heirloom of the house of Isildur."
"Aye," he said, eyeing her optimistically. "Your fate is not ultimately in our hands. Regardless, you have many choices, Eva. Follow your heart as I did mine."
.-.-.-.
Shortly after leaving Aragorn's company, she found herself on the walkway near her room, gazing fixedly at a door along the end. Their talk had wadded her loneliness of the last few days into a tight ball in her chest, that was about to make her explode.
Do it. C'mon. It's nothing. You're not desperate….Okay maybe you are, but you really should and you really want to -
One of her feet went slightly backwards, but a split second later she scolded herself and started a forced walk towards his room. It didn't seem like she was the one knocking or glaring at the Elf who emerged from the entryway. He appeared mildly shocked and disgruntled to see her there at the break of dawn.
"Yes milady?" She moved towards the door and said nothing. Deftly the Elf slid into her way and held the knob behind him. "I'm afraid Lord Boromir cannot be disturbed. He has not slept fitfully the past nights, and needs his rest."
Though somewhat troubled by this information, she kept a composed countenance. "I'm afraid it doesn't matter." She firmly moved his hand. "You're dismissed."
His eyebrow went up a little, but he bowed and walked away.
I'm getting the hang of this nobility thing.
Quietly she opened the door and went in, immediately stunned by the room. The furnishings were similar to hers, but eloquent in a masterful way, the darker woods draped in green and gold. A lone candle flickered on the mantle, its dim flickering casting deep shadows onto the walls. She tiptoed across the room to the long bed, where his form lay, back towards her. Whispering his name, she kneeled on the bed and touched his shoulder. Reflexively he turned over on his side, his eyes opening wide when he saw it was her. She knew he'd probably been awake before this.
"Eva," he said softly. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you," she said, grasping his hand.
He propped himself up higher and looked at her concernedly. "You shouldn't be here, in my room, in my bed. It's not appropriate."
"You've hardly spoken to me lately, yet when I come to see you, that's all you can say?"
She balked from his side, but he caught her arm and gazed at her ruefully. "I'm sorry. I haven't known how to go about this, how we appear to others."
"You spent months alone with me in the middle of nowhere. We're beyond the point of hiding. I don't give a damn anyway. The only thing that matters is you and I."
"You know I missed you," he said reassuringly. "I shouldn't have ignored you, or entangled myself with so many other things."
"Well, there are more important things than me around here, and I'll leave you alone if you need to be. It's just- I'm worried about you," she said gently. "Overexertion is not good, and Glûdhad said you haven't been sleeping well-"
"Eva," he said, interrupting. He put a hand on back of her shoulder. "I understand. And I'm fine. Sleeping on a bed once more is strange, but that isn't the difficulty. I find it hard- not having you with me." He smiled embarrassedly. "No matter where we were, you were warm, familiar…comforting."
Her face flushed slightly. "I've had some trouble too. In fact, I'm pretty sure Mereth has been drugging me to sleep." Boromir let out a laugh. Lightheartedly she scrunched her face at him and rolled away slightly, kicking her boots off and looking over her shoulder. "Perhaps we ought to fix our little problem."
"Agreed," he said. Suddenly he grasped her around the waist, toppling her into his arms. She playfully pushed him, but rested her head on his shoulder and gazed at him. "Although, Lady Early Bird, you've been up and about already."
"Perhaps I got up just to see you," she teased.
"I doubt that. You'd be wearing much less."
Laughing, she finally kissed him, indulging in him the way she'd wanted the past few days.
He drew back a moment, framing her face in his hands. "I hope you know nothing is more important than you. Granted there are things bigger than either of us-"
"Quit while you're ahead," she said, and kissed him again.
.-.-.-.
The forgetful vibrant dream fell from sight as Eva stirred awake, feeling caresses along the back of her neck. An abundance of light struck her eyes and a soft coolness drifted around her face, but the rest of her was warm and securely wrapped in a strong soothing embrace.
"Hello sleepy head," he murmured in her ear.
Blindly she turned her head towards his voice and briefly met his mouth. She felt his legs move against her as he shifted and slid away. Her eyes focused and found Boromir watching her from across the large white pillows.
"Hi," she said weakly.
He smiled and touched her cheek reverently, a distant look in his eyes. She caught his hand and intertwined her fingers with his, edging closer to him.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked.
He nodded and slowly heaved upward into a sitting position, stretching his arms above his head. "Very well, milady. And you?"
She tugged at the long sleeves of her dress. "It was a little hard in this."
He grinned mischievously and wandered over to a chair where his clothes lay neatly folded. Immediately she noticed the room seemed straightened and the curtains were neatly pulled open. It seemed Boromir's Elf had been around that morning while they were sleeping.
Oh boy.
She got off the bed and went to his side, watching him rifle through his clothes.
"You're still wearing those?" she asked, horrified.
Instantly she pulled the familiar Gondorian shirt out of his hands. It'd been laundered, but it was threadbare and bore the unmistakable wear of their journey.
"These are completely worn through!"
He grunted and reached for it, but she tucked it under an arm and threw open the wardrobe. Neat piles of different colored linens and garments were folded and hung inside.
"They gave you an entire new set of clothes. Why haven't you-"
"Yes," he said irritably. "But they have not adjusted them and they're- different."
"Well, I'll have to help you, because you're never wearing this again."
"Fine."
She chose a midnight blue tunic and heavy grey pants for him. He went into the bath room and returned shortly after, tidy but a little self-conscious. He messed around with his garments, and looked up at her.
"As I said, it's not right."
Rolling her eyes, she held out a hand and urged him near. "Here. For goodness sake…" She untucked it here and there, and pulled his belt out of the old clothes. Expertly she folded and cinched the tunic and belt into place. "See?"
Seeming mildly surprised and pleased he bowed his head. "You're becoming as picky as a wife," he said, hiding a smile. He turned towards the door, offering his hand to her. "Shall we?"
November 1
A breeze ruffled the fading leaves above, sending them into a rustling autumn song. A handful tumbled across the ground until they collided with Eva's boots. She sighed nonchalantly and lifted her feet onto the stone bench, wrapping her arms around her legs. Her chin rested on her knees while she watched Mereth study a statue in front of them. The elleth was chattering away about it, but she hardly listened. Her mind was elsewhere, and her heart ached miserably. Boromir had up and left Rivendell earlier, on very short notice.
"Eva, I need to talk to you."
The bedroom door hit the wall with a dull thunk, and she sat up in surprise, rubbing her bleary eyes. She looked up from her bed to see Boromir standing in the doorway. The infant sunlight highlighted his broad frame, and cast a golden glow in his skin. He seemed preoccupied and tired.
"Where'd you slink off to this early in the morning?" Like the nights before, he'd platonically shared her bed, but was always there when she woke up. He'd been around so much lately. Her smile disappeared as he came to the bed, sitting next to her on the duvet. He was in full military gear, even his sword sheathed at his side. "Or should I ask: where are you going?"
He lowered his head and cleared his throat, not fully meeting her gaze. "I uh- had to prepare. I'm leaving shortly, on an extended diplomacy mission."
"You're leaving?" she gaped.
"It's only for a fortnight, to Lindon and back," he said, with an unconvincing smile. "Many are departing to warn of the darkness and recruit allies or information."
"But why-"
"I volunteered for this. The Elves are being very kind to us. I wish to repay them."
"By getting yourself killed?" she said skeptically, dread beginning to rise in her chest. "There are undead and foul things of darkness running around, but you're going right into the middle of it? Don't you have any value in your own life?"
"Eva," he said slowly. "There are much bigger things at work here. Much needs to be done if we are to stay the shadow's strength in the West."
"I know that, but this isn't dying for glory, salvation, or honor…it's suicide."
"Don't worry yourself. It's a simple journey, others and I are going to meet Elven allies and return. That's all."
She raised an eyebrow. "Then it wouldn't matter if I came with."
"No," he said sternly, eyes glinting like steel. "Ridiculous idea. You can't defend yourself- it's too dangerous."
A wave of frustration crashed over her. "I can-" she cut off, feeling like a toddler having a temper tantrum. "Simple mission, my ass." She threw the covers off and leapt onto the floor, glaring. "We agreed no more secrets. You wait till now to try and tell me you're not trying to get yourself killed? Like I'm going to believe that... I'll be damned if I'm going to let you run off and do it alone-"
"Enough," he interrupted, trying to remain calm. "We are not talking about it anymore." He exhaled roughly and reached a hand out to her. "I'll see you when I return."
She stared at him icily and stayed silent. Thick tension swallowed the space between them, and he froze a moment, before dropping his hand.
"Fine then." He rose and stomped out of the room, the door slamming behind him...
"Díheno nin, hiril nín," a soft voice said.
A swell of pain enveloped Eva's head and she blinked away a tear, looking at her handmaiden. "Yes Mereth?"
"I said it grows late. Do you wish to turn in?"
"A few more minutes," she said distantly. "You go on ahead."
The elleth hesitated, studying her concernedly, but bowed loyally. Eva watched her disappear into the trees, before the wall inside her burst. Her emotions spilled over her in a drowning mass, and she buried her face in her knees.
November 2
The short legs swung back and forth beneath the table, occasionally bumping it and rattling the platters. A flurry of hands moved expertly amongst the dishes, grasping food here and there. She watched the hobbits feast, while politely eating her own morsels. Pippin plopped a pile of pudding onto his plate and looked up at her invitingly.
"Quite delicious. You should try it."
Merry jerked his head in their direction and nodded vigorously, his mouth absolutely stuffed.
"I'm sure it is," she said lightly, scraping her spoon across her plate.
The pair simultaneously caught sight of the last biscuit, and stared at each other a moment in hesitation.
"It's the last one."
"Yes it is."
As they were about to spring from their seats, a gruff cough interrupted them.
An elf stood behind her chair, looking disgruntled and annoyed. He gazed at the hobbits critically then turned his attention to her. His thin hair was the color of dried mud and neatly drawn back into a braid. A thick scar crossed the corner of his brow, creasing when he narrowed his murky eyes.
"Lady Evelyn. I must report to you." He glanced loathingly at the hobbits and motioned towards the door. "If you might dismiss yourselves."
Merry and Pippin frowned, but Eva shook her head.
"That will not be necessary. They are of higher purport than I. Speak as you will."
"I am Dûrthôn, the Arms Master. Lord Aragorn has ordered me to instruct you in the art of defense."
Taken by surprise, she stuttered, "Aragorn? Where is he?"
The Elf crossed his arms. "Milord departed yesterday morn on undisclosed matters. He will be gone for quite some time, so I suggest you follow his proposal."
"Can't defend myself." Hah, wait till he sees me.
"I agree."
November 3
Her sweaty palm slid against the thin grip and a jolt moved it farther down, the empty string thwaping against her wrist guard. The arrow spun through the air and instantly hit a stone wall. A dull clunk echoed across the yard, making Eva wince.
"Again," the elf said through clenched teeth.
She glanced at him and withstood the temptation to hit him. He was incredibly annoying. He moved her hands on the bow and turned her head.
"Focus."
Nervousness shook her limbs as she positioned her arms, hooked the arrow and loosed it. It landed far left of the target.
"Damn it," she muttered.
Dûrthôn narrowed his eyes and grunted. "I'm finished. You keep practicing." He stomped off towards the gate, clearly frustrated.
Sighing, she lowered her bow and rested her forehead against it. Why had she agreed to this? This was supposed to be fun, or less of a pain in the butt. Dûrthôn did not like her and was aggravated like usual.
"Do not be so troubled milady," a soft voice called to her.
Wonderingly she looked around and found another Elf in front of her. His tall lean frame bowed to her courteously, his braided brown hair falling to his shoulders. He rose and met her eyes. "Lieutenant Arphain at your service, milady. Your instructor Dûrthôn is a very fine marksman, but he has a quick temper and afflicted heart. He does not mean to be so harsh."
"Well it certainly isn't helping."
The elf nodded and motioned to the bow. "May I show you?" She studied him warily but raised the bow and let him near. "First, your stance," he said. Properly he angled her body and widened her legs. "Second, hold steady." He pressed her back against his chest, putting her arms beneath his. "Aim." He released his hand from the bow and put it across her hips. "Free it."
The fletch sprung from her fingers, the arrow thudding into the target's outer edge.
"I hit it!" she said excitedly. "Thank you."
Arphain beamed and asked, "Do you wish to practice more?"
She grinned eagerly. "Of course." Tenderly she held her throbbing bicep. "But later. I'm pretty sore."
He glanced at the darkening sky and bowed. "Indeed it grows late. Until another time."
She followed him back through the gateway and went towards her room, each footstep heavy.
November 7th
"Ce roch?"
Eva stifled a laugh and answered, "Law. Im adanath."
The elleth tilted her head a bit and pointed to the book in between them. "That is acceptable, but more specifically, you are-"
"Oh," she said. "Im adaneth."
"Maer," Mereth replied. "Good. Peditham rim edhellen; ab îdh."
She closed the book and retrieved a tray atop a nearby table, placing it beside them on the floor. Quickly, Eva grasped the ware and food, dividing it into two before her handmaiden could.
"I appreciate you teaching me Elvish," Eva said distractedly. "It's a beautiful language."
"Glassen. I'm glad you had time amongst your many pursuits," she said, smiling.
"Well they keep me occupied, and help not think about-" Eva bit into a sweet smelling fruit and mumbled. "You know."
She nodded her head in acknowledgement, and picked up a container of tea, offering it to her mistress. She received a suspicious look in return.
"What's in it?
"Dôl talaf, a calming herb."
"Calm-? Yavanna save thee or curse thee, I know not which." Eva gave her a wary expression and drained the cup.
Mereth handed her another helping of food, a smug triumph hidden in her face. "Hannon hiril nín. Have a bit more of this, and we'll start again."
November 13th
Loud clacks and thuds rattled the air around Arphain and Eva, following the scuttling of their feet and twirling bodies. Their sparring lesson was pathetically dominated by the Elf, who was attempting to teach her methods. Instantly she caught him swinging at her left and blocked it with a clash of their wooden swords.
"Good," he rasped, suddenly moving. "But left your side open."
He hit her other arm, smacking it mercilessly.
Great, another bruise.
Arphain's teaching technique was to show then beat at the student till they got it right. Otherwise they ended up with a lot of pain. She had to admit it was working and teaching her fairly quickly. No one wanted to be repeatedly beaten… He saw her flinch and stepped back with his hands up.
"That's enough for today."
She lowered the prop quickly, gulping in air. "Okay."
He tidied up their equipment and escorted her back inside, strolling next to her.
"You're improving rapidly," he said.
"That's good to hear." I've spent enough days watching Boromir swing that damn sword around, and getting pummeled by you-
The air was pierced by a series of neighs as they passed into the main courtyard, Eva half tripping on the flagstones. A band of heavily loaded white horses milled around in the middle, surrounded by a group of Elves and familiar faces. With bated breath, she hurried over, sidestepping everyone in the process. Her hand touched a shoulder in disbelief, her voice quiet.
"Boromir."
He nearly knocked her over as he whipped around in surprise. Spurred by the somersaulting butterflies in her stomach, she flung both arms around his neck.
"I missed you," she whispered, her feelings from the past days washing away.
She felt him exhale in relief and he laughed, grasping her waist to lift her closer. Her name repeated in her ear, his presence filling her with peace and content.
"So did I," he said.
Translation(s):
Mereth: -"Ce roch?" (Are you a horse?)
-"Maer. Peditham rim edhellen; ab îdh." (Good. We will speak much Elvish; after food.)
-"Glassen." (My pleasure.)
-"Hannon hiril nín." (Thanks, my lady.)
Eva: -"Law. Im adanath." (No. I am of Men.)
-"Im adaneth." (I am a mortal woman.)
S/N (story notes): To straighten some things out: No, Mereth is not poisoning her! Lol. And Yavanna is the Vala of growing things (a goddess-like being in Middle-Earth). I had fun with Glûdhad's name. In Sindarin, it means "to hurl soap."
A/N: I know, where have I been? It doesn't surprise me anymore that I've been getting chapters up when I'm home for breaks. Why do I work better here? It's probably my fuzzy creatures. Yeah. I'm amazed to even be writing this after my first year in college. Overall it was awesome, but some parts were beyond awful. Besides the roommate from hell (oh forget it, she is Satan) and some of the stupidest professors, I was running around everywhere. I had to prepare for spring livestock events, watch cows and sheep birth, and who knows what. (Those parts were good) I think it was worth it in the end.
I only regret being too occupied or depressed to write this story. Hey it's here, and I've got the next chapter in mind. I'm hoping to get a couple out before the summer's over and I go back to college. Oh, and the coolest thing happened during spring break, I finally met one of my best-friends from Sicily Bean! (Ayla) After two years of knowing each other and even pairing up on a story, I went to California to see her. It was loads of fun, we even locked ourselves in the house for two days, working on our fanfic. (That's another thing I need to resuscitate. )
Thanks for coming back to read and review!