Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings and I write this story as an avid fan with no profit or gain.
Note: I originally had this story begin in the year 2020, but I've changed it to 2040 for timeline purposes.
Also, I'd like to thank the readers who have reviewed this story. A big shout out to those who have been with me from the beginning. Your consistent reviews truly make my day- I always look forward to them when I post. I'm going to make a better effort to respond to reviews/questions/comments before chapters.
Trich: I consider it quite a compliment when someone binge reads my work. I'm glad you found the eight hours were worth it!
Tongue Tied Baby: Aw, thanks you are so sweet. Thank you for taking the time to not only read, but review!
Majestic Casual: I can't give anything anyway but I think you've got a good theory there… ;)
Lady Forrest: Thanks for your support. I'm not a soldier, but with the help of the internet and a reader who served I've done by best to capture a female Marine's spirit.
CallowWanderlust: Read my note to Trich above. Also, I love the fact that toddle when you add stories to your favorite list!
The Happiest: Love your penname. I completely agree that normal elves would heal faster and have a higher tolerance to alcohol… But that is exactly why Lauren does not share these qualities. I've tried to hint at it, but she is essentially a hybrid. Not fully elleth but not mortal. Hope that clears any questions you may have.
Chapter 21
David MacTavish had been a remarkable man, serving as a lively but lethal solider. She was thrilled to learn that he made an equally remarkable dwarf. The love and loyalty between her friend and the dwarves proved strong. They treated him as one of their own. From the moment she had ran towards him in the courtyard, they defended him and she had no doubt Mac- or Dvalin- would defend them too. What if she had been the one to land near the Lonely Mountain? Would she have shrunk and grown a beard? If Mac had fell into Lothlórien would he be the one with pointy ears? Did it even matter where they landed- would she have become an elleth regardless? For ten years she searched for answers and someone to give them to her, but now that she had found Mac and the camera… The questions only doubled in number.
One question in particular bothered her. How many other survivors were out there? It was no longer a question if they existed. Mac proved they did and she needed to find them. She and Mac both had long since accepted the fact they would live and die in Middle Earth. This did not frighten her, she now had friends and life here. But… The other survivors deserved to know they were not alone in their fate.
Light footsteps made Lauren turn her head from where she lay in the grass.
"I thought I might find you here," The elf prince stood over her, his shadow blocking out the warm sun.
"Legolas," She smiled. "What brings you here?"
"I grew concerned when you were not at breakfast."
"Ah, I'm afraid my headache prevented that." Lauren said sheepishly.
"You should eat something," Legolas sat down and from behind his back produced an apple and a flask of water.
"Thank you," She forced herself to sit up and gratefully took the apple. The sweetness of the fruit was a welcome change to her dry mouth. They sat together as she ate and drank, content with each other's company and watching the stream. Once she finished the apple, Lauren said. "I feel much better."
"I am glad," The elf paused. "How are you?"
"Surprisingly, I am well. It was quite the shock to see a man from my world reappear as a dwarf, but a welcome shock nonetheless."
"Were you close with this man?"
"Not as close as you may think. We worked together, in fact he was the leader of our small group of guards. He was my friend in the way most drinking buddies are, but he never met my family or anything like that." Lauren shrugged. "Traveling into another world and surviving ten years in it would make even the greatest of enemies happy to see one another."
Legolas leaned forward, "Something troubles you."
She gave him a thoughtful look, "It's nothing, really. I just..."
Sensing her uncertainty, Legolas placed his hand on hers. "Will you not share your troubles with me?"
"I just thought I would feel… More." She whispered. "Yes, I haven't felt this happy in a long time but I also feel sadness. Mac- Dvalin that is, and I are so similar but different. He is the only one in this world who understands me and yet, we have nothing in common. He is a dwarf that knows nothing more than a mountain. He talks of nothing but mines, forges, and drinking. It is as if he has forgotten our home."
"And you have not."
Lauren felt her eyes water and she fought the urge to cry, "No. I made a promise to Greer that I would never stop looking. I can't break my promise. He would never forgive me…"
"I did not know this other man, but perhaps he would have forgiven you if it meant your happiness. You have been blessed with another life, an immortal one. Do not waste it."
"He wants me to come with him to Erebor."
Legolas' hand tightened on hers for a brief moment and they both looked down surprised by his action. Uncomfortable, he withdrew his hand. Lauren bit her lip, "Glóin has already agreed to it. Dvalin asked me yesterday."
"When?" He asked quietly.
"They intend to leave immediately after the council."
"Do you wish to go?"
Lauren closed her eyes. "I do not know what I want anymore."
...
...
The mist of the waterfalls and glowing lights of Rivendell together created an ambiance of serenity that she would most likely not find again. Somewhere in the distance elves sang softly and Lauren leaned on the balcony, resting her elbows. The stars were bright no matter where she found herself in Middle Earth, but they seemed to have an extra shine from the Elvin sanctuary. How could anyone or anything want to destroy such a magical place?
The sounds of laughter distracted her. She cast a glance over her shoulder. The feast inside continued in full strength. Through the open doors she watched as elves danced, regal and graceful as the very immortal gods they were. And suddenly, Lauren knew that she would never truly be one of them. No matter how many years she spent in an elf body, her human nature would never diminish. She was too rough and feisty to belong to such an elegant race. And yet, she would never be accepted into the kingdoms of men either. Forever trapped between woman and elleth, Lauren watched the elves continue to twirl as an outsider.
"I forget that elves don't feel the cold."
He stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. His hands were clasped behind his back and he took his time approaching her. The dwarf's face was soft and pensive, despite the wrinkles and marks of age. He looked from her to inside, watching the festivities for a moment before saying, "They are your people now Lauren."
Her eyes widened, "How can you say that?"
"It took me longer than it should have," Dvalin grunted. "But there is no point in living in the past. We cannot change what has happened to us. We're stuck here. The only thing we can do is move forward. Our families will have done the same."
Her hands clenched into fists, "My father-"
"He was there, he saw you disappear. Your father knew the moment you fell through that door you were never coming back. He's the one who commissioned that damn project!"
Lauren flinched, "H-How did you know?"
The dwarf smirked, "Come on Lauren. The second your orders arrived we all knew who you were. Did you really think we wouldn't know Admiral Harris, the Chief of the Navy, was your father? It was no coincidence you were assigned to Blue Lite. We were all hand selected for the job, we all knew the right people."
"You never said anything," She whispered looking away embarrassed.
"We wanted to give you a fair shot. Everyone deserves one," He chuckled. "We thought you'd be a spoiled brat, but you never bragged about it. You turned out to be alright, even if you are a Marine."
She smiled sadly at that. "Not anymore."
"Hey now, cut that shit out," The dwarf punched her lightly in the arm. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. The Valar or whoever the hell is in charge around here may have given you pointy ears and immortality, but you're a fighter. We both are. Don't forget who you are."
"How can you say that when you've forgotten our world?" She accused, voice raising. "All you talk about are those blasted caves you call home. You refuse to speak of home-"
"Erebor is my home now," Dvalin snapped. "The dwarves are my family now. Damn it Lauren, just think about it. It took you ten whole years to find what? An old, broken camera? Who cares!"
"I made a promise to Greer-"
"There are more important things than a promise to a dead kid!" He yelled harshly. "You said it yourself, Sauron wants you dead. What's the point of searching for survivors when Sauron has killed everyone?"
She turned away in fury. So many words flew through her mind, most consisting of foul and hurting things. How could he be so cold? How could someone dismiss their own world so easily? A thick, rough hand weighed down on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry," He murmured. "I really am. If I knew a way to get you home, I would go to the ends of this world with you to make it happen. But I don't, I only know that I've found happiness in Erebor. I want you to be just as happy as me."
"Get you home," Lauren repeated his words softly. "So even if there was a way… You would not return with me?"
The hand gripped her shoulder in a pained manner. "No… I've moved on Lauren. I have my own shop in Erebor, I've made a living for myself… And I've met someone."
"Y-You have?" Lauren felt the anger in her subside. She stared at her friend for a long moment. "And she is worth never seeing home again?"
He smiled at her softly, "Aye. She is."
It was then that Lauren came to a horrifying, but undeniable truth. David MacTavish had ceased to exist. Only Dvalin the dwarf stood before her now. Swallowing hard, she nodded stiffly. "I'm glad that you found her."
Dvalin's dark eyes searched her face, "And you? Haven't you found someone to love?"
Lauren did not realize she had begun to cry until her friend reached up and wiped her cheeks. She shook her head, angry at the tears. Angry… She was always so angry. Angry at Dr. Williams for creating the door. Angry that she felt out of place with elves and men alike. Angry that Haldir had turned away from her. Angry that Greer had been murdered by monsters.
Love. The word offered such hope, but it also offered pain. She'd loved her family. She loved Anthony in a way that no one but he could understand. She'd loved Scott too, in another way. There were so many people she loved and had lost… But she had also grew new loves. She loved Tiriel and Rúmil, both individually and together. She loved Orophin and Mallosdis, who welcomed her into their lives with such gratitude. And she loved Haldir, although she did not know in what way. She loved Lord Elrond and his family, who had adopted her as one of their own. And she loved-
"Lauren?"
She spun around in surprise.
Legolas stood in the doorway, the light from within the hall illuminating his outline. His body seemed to glow as he peered at her, a slight frown on his face. "What is the matter mellon?"
The hand fell away from her shoulder. Dvalin looked from elf to elf curiously. An understanding seemed to wash over the dwarf who cleared his throat gruffly. "I'll speak with you later to sort out the logistics. The road to Erebor is long and-"
"I'm not going."
"W-What?"
Lauren forced herself to look away from the elf prince and stared determinedly at the dwarf. "I am not coming with you to Erebor."
Dvalin's mouth tightened, but he nodded solemnly. "There is a war coming Lauren. Where will you go?"
She looked back to the elf prince who watched silently. "It is time I return to Lothlórien."
...
...
Her room looked cold and empty. Without books in the shelves, her violin in the corner, and the desk void of any scrolls… It simply looked abandoned. Lauren crossed the stone floor and reached up, closing the windows. They shut with a finality that made her stomach sink. Turning away from them, she surveyed the room once more. Satisfied that the few items remaining belonged to Lord Elrond, she quickly left the room and did not look back. The afternoon light brightened the stone corridors as she walked through them. She did not cross paths with anyone. Besides her, the guest wing of Lord Elrond's home was empty of life. The elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits who normally filled them were in attendance of the council.
Curiosity arose in Lauren. She hesitated when she came to an intersection and against her better judgment, turned left instead of right. Her feet were quiet on the stones below as she passed by several doors. She stopped in front of the wooden door at the end of the hallway and let herself in. The study room had a thin layer of dust covering its furnishings. It was neglected by the staff, hardly used, but it provided the best view of the courtyard where the council was being held. Slowly, Lauren opened the large glass doors and crouched. Low to the ground she went across the balcony and peered between two of the stone pillars of the railing. Below, seated in a circle around a large column was the council. Her eyes went from person to person, taking note of the tense expressions. They were all staring at the column at the center.
The glint of metal caught her eye. The ring was simple and small, made of gold and nothing more. It lay still as chaos erupted around it. She had been distracted by the ring, not paying attention to the council members speak until the shouting began. Without warning they all stood. Fingers pointed, insults were exchanged, and hate began to stir in their hearts. Lauren watched in terror as the races turned on each other. A darkness crept from the periphery of her vision, closer and closer to the council members. She screamed in warning, but none heard her. Lauren stood and desperately waved her arms, but none noticed her. A great shadow fell over the courtyard, converging at the ring which began to emit a stream of darkness. Fear crept into Lauren, the hairs on her neck rose as she watched the ring of power destroy those around it. The stream thickened into a river which rose upwards, forming a vortex that rose into the sky. Lauren gasped as her hair whipped around and she struggled against the pull of the tornado, grabbing onto the balcony as her feet threatened to leave the ground. The council members continued to argue, blind and unaffected to the magic occurring around them. All except one member.
Gandalf's head snapped up, his mouth agape as he witnessed the cyclone twist and turn until it swung towards a balcony. Standing there, looking as if she were caught in the middle of a storm, was Lauren Harris. The wizard gripped his staff tighter and let out of sound of horror as the tornado crashed into the pale elleth.
"No." The wizard took a step in the direction of the balcony but froze when the darkness was repelled. Again and again it thrashed at the elleth, but she remained standing. An invisible barrier encircled her, blocking the darkness. She grasped at the balcony railing desperately, eyes darting around fearfully until they met his. Her silent plea for help evident.
Gandalf the Grey raised his staff and in a thunderous voice boomed, "Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, gh burzum-ishi krimpatul."
The darkness flew back from the balcony, it swirled angrily until it was sucked back into the ring. The sky began to clear, the sunlight returning to the courtyard and balcony. The members of the council stared at the wizard with gloomy and frightened expressions… He did not look at them. The wizard's gaze remained on the balcony.
Lauren was gasping for air, unable to breath. Her lungs burned for oxygen and her head spun, making the world around her spin dangerously. Her body still gripped the railing, frozen in fear. Her hyperventilating began to subside and she stared at the ring. It had not budged from its resting place on the column. She looked back to Gandalf who gave her a curt nod before looking away. His nod seemed to release her body from a spell and she fell tumbling backwards.
...
...
As the various council and fellowship members began to leave the courtyard, Gandalf the Grey approached Lord Elrond with a formidable expression.
"Mithrandir?" The elf lord could sense something was amiss.
"Come with me," Was all the wizard said. In his many years of knowing the grey wizard, Lord Elrond knew better than to question him. He followed the elderly man through his house's corridors and into one of the spare study rooms. As he entered, he finally spoke, "Why have you-"
Lord Elrond words were lost as he noticed the body curled in a ball in the corner of the room. Her limbs trembled violently and she cried quietly. The sounds of pure agony and anguish made the elf lord sprint across the small room. His arms reached out and cradled the elleth to his chest.
"What is the meaning of this Mithrandir?"
The wizard's expression was grim. "The lady has survived the ring's influence. It seems that her resistance to magic remains."
"R-Resistance?" Lauren's head rose slightly and she peered through a wall of messy hair. Her eyes were red and her throat felt on the verge of collapse. "What happened to me Gandalf?"
"The ring tried to reach her?" Lord Elrond said in disbelief. His grip on the elleth tightened.
"Yes and it failed. My lady, you are truly a sight to behold. I could see the darkness fight to reach you, but it could not."
Knowing that she was safe, Lauren wiped at her face and pushed the hair from her face. Lord Elrond did not resist as she pushed off the wall and slowly got to her feet. She inhaled deeply, letting the new air rejuvenate her, and closed her eyes. So she had not just imagined what had just happened. The ring had not driven her mad… Lauren opened her eyes with renewed strength. "What does this mean?"
"It means, my dear that you are immune to the ring of power and that will prove to be quite useful." The wizard informed her somberly. "And that you are more of a threat to Sauron than ever before. He will come for you Lauren Harris and he will have no mercy."
...
...
When Lauren was sixteen years old, the world changed. She was dribbling the soccer ball down the field when the jets and helicopters began to fly overhead in numbers that made the entire base come to a standstill. Players, coaches, and spectators alike looked up in confusion. It only took a few minutes until the screams began.
Lauren stood with the soccer ball several feet away, completely forgotten. Her hand shielded the sun as she watched the military planes and helicopters pass over her. Suddenly, hands grasped her arm and began to pull her away.
"Dad?" She asked worriedly, not liking the look on her father's face.
It was only then that she realized something was terribly wrong. Parents were grabbing their children from the field. Families were running to their cars in the parking lot.
"What's wrong?" A girl from the other team asked her parents who were also pulling her towards the cars.
Her mom replied quickly, "The base is having a lockdown drill. We need to get home. Now."
Lauren Harris looked to her father as she struggled to keep up with him. "Dad, what's going on?"
Some parents lied to protect their children, but her father had never been one to keep the truth from her. No matter her age the man always told the truth. Without stopping, he responded, "North Korea attacked Hawaii."
"Attacked?" Lauren cringed as more people screamed and shouted. "What kind of attack?"
"They dropped a nuclear bomb." They reached their car where Anthony and her mother were already seated. Her mother looked scared, but held the steering wheel with steady hands. Her father climbed into the front seat while Lauren jumped in the back, immediately reaching for Anthony's hand. Her brother took it and with his other arm, wrapped her into a hug. "It's okay," He whispered. "It's going to be okay."
"What's the plan?" Her mother said, looking to her husband.
"Drop me off at the hanger bay," He directed. "I'm going to find out how I can help. Go home, grab as many supplies as you can and head for your parents'. They'll target bases, you need get away from here as quickly as you can."
Her mother did not argue and drove the fastest Lauren had ever seen her mother drive. When they arrived at the hanger bay, the chaos was everywhere. People were running in all directions, shouting above the sirens that now blasted throughout base. Lauren and Anthony held each other tightly as their parents kissed and said their goodbyes. Lauren could only stare as her father turned and said, "I love you both. Stay safe." And then he was gone.
They did not see him for the next five months. That day had marked the beginning of World War III. That day, everything had changed and the United States realized its lack of nuclear power advances. In a way, Blue Lite was born on that day and with it the machine that brought Lauren to Middle Earth.
Stay safe. Whenever her father or Anthony left for a mission, those were always their last words. From father to son, the tradition had passed. When Anthony had left for a mission the week before the accident, he sent her a message reading those two words. Those simple two words held an immense amount of power and love. So as Lauren said her farewells, she knew nothing better than to say than these same words to her friends. For the most part, the goodbyes were short and straight-forward. To her surprise a sizeable crowd had gathered to see her, the twins, and the small party of guards off. The men of Gondor and dwarves had all come and offered their well wishes. Lord Elrond and Arwen embraced her, a rare display of affection for elves, and she had kissed each on the cheek. Gandalf had only given her a small smile and curt nod of his head, but she was glad for the lack of words. She did not know what the council had decided or what the fate of the ring would be, but she did not dare ask. There were many things she did not know the answers to, but she did know that she needed to get as far away as she could from the ring.
When she came to Dvalin, the dwarf pulled her aside and held out his fist. "This is for you."
When she opened her palm, he dropped something into it. She looked down and gasped, "Why?"
Dvalin gave her a weak smile. He closed her palm to cover the metal dogtags and patted her hand softly, "I am no longer David MacTavish… Do me a favor, will you? If you ever do make it home, give them to my parents. Tell them I'm happy and I'll always love them."
"I will," She could only nod.
The dwarf stood on his tip-toes and gave her a kiss on the cheek. His thick arms wrapped around her and Lauren bent her knees until they were the same height. "I'll miss you Mac," She whispered, shutting her eyes to avoid crying. She had cried enough to last a lifetime earlier that day.
His fingers combed through her hair softly. "I'll miss you too. If you're ever near Erebor, come pay me a visit. My home is always open to you and Lauren… Don't forget to move forward, promise?"
"Promise," She mumbled into his shoulder.
"And one more thing," His voice became lighter. "Watch out for that elf prince."
Lauren's eyes snapped open and she pulled back to face the dwarf. A large grin had spread on his face and he motioned somewhere behind her. "I swear, those blue eyes of his just burned a hole in my chest. It's creepy as hell."
She looked over her shoulder and saw Legolas watching them. When he realized they were staring at him, the blond elf looked away casually. She laughed quietly, "He is a good friend."
"Uh huh," Dvalin said dramatically. "If you say so. Anyways, take care of yourself witch."
Lauren snickered and stood up again, stashing Mac's dog tags into her pocket. Dvalin winked and walked away, rejoining the group of waiting dwarves. Left alone, Lauren turned towards her horse and made final adjustments to the saddle and packs.
"You kept her," A voice said.
Lauren smiled, "She is a strong horse. She is the reason we survived the journey to Rivendell."
Legolas patted the horses affectionately. "I am glad."
"Now that the council has finished, will you return to Mirkwood?"
The blond elf hesitated, his blue eyes almost evaluating her. "No," He answered softly. "My duty takes me elsewhere."
"I see," Lauren took a step towards the prince. "Everything is different now that the ring has returned. War is coming and you are heading straight into it, aren't you?"
"So long as the ring endures, the spirit of Sauron will never cease. It must be destroyed."
Lauren leaned forward, pressed her lips to his cheek, and then lifted them to his ear. "Stay safe."
...
...
...
Translations
Mellon: Friend
Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, gh burzum-ishi krimpatul: Black speech for One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them