Chapter XXI: Return

The morning sun rose, warming the air to a delightful temperature, but to Lyla, the sun was the bearer of coldness. It was the bringer of the day that would separate her from her mother forever. She walked up the driveway to her mother's house and paused before the door. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. She knew that she had to leave, for she belonged in Rivendell, but the thought of never seeing her mother again caused her such terrible pain. She moved to knock, but the door flew open, and she found herself facing her mother's concerned gaze.

"Lyla? What are you doing here so early, honey? Is everything all right?" she asked.

Lyla swallowed the lump in her throat. "Everything's fine, Mom. I just wanted to see you."

Her mother frowned, but waved her inside. "Come in and have a seat, dear."

Lyla walked inside and sat on the sofa. Her mother sat next to her and gave her a worried look. Lyla forced a smile. "Did you sleep well, Mom?"

"Yes. But I don't think you came over here to find out how I slept." She covered Lyla's hand with her own. "What's wrong, dear?"

Lyla sighed. It was now or never. "I'm leaving tonight to go on a long trip. I came to say goodbye."

"Is the college sending you? I know you mentioned they were talking about sending you on a research study to Egypt."

"Not exactly, Mom."

She frowned. "How long will you be gone?"

Lyla lowered her eyes. "A long time."

A moment of silence passed between them. Lyla raised her eyes and met her mother's scrutinizing gaze. Lyla began fidgeting like a little child who had just displeased her mother. After a moment, her mother's mouth curved into a sad smile. She put her arms around Lyla and drew her close, nearly causing Lyla to lose what remained of her composure.

"You be careful, darling. It's a dangerous world out there."

Lyla closed her eyes. "Don't worry about me, Mom. I'll be fine."

Her mother drew back and looked into her eyes. "Of course I'm going to worry about you. That's what mothers do."

"I know."

Her mother frowned. "Will this trip make you happy, Lyla? Is this what you really want?"

"Yes. This is something that I want to do. It is something that I need to do."

She smiled. "Then I'm glad." She hugged Lyla again. "Be happy, baby, and know that I will always love you, no matter where you are."

Lyla's eyes welled with tears. "I love you so much, Mom."

"And I love you, Lyla." She released Lyla and looked into her eyes. "You'd better go get ready, sweetheart." She glanced out the window. "You don't have much time."

Lyla nodded, and they both rose. They walked to the door, and they embraced as they reached it. Lyla nearly choked on her tears, for she was holding them back so intensely.

"I love you, sweetheart, and I hope you find the happiness you deserve," her mother said.

"I love you too, Mom."

They released each other and with one last glance at her mother, Lyla left the house. She heard the door close softly behind her. Lyla put her hand to the door, tears streaming down her cheeks. She pulled a letter for her mother out of her jeans pocket and set it on the porch swing. She walked down the porch stairs and took one final look at the house.

"Goodbye, Mom," she whispered.

Lyla went to her apartment and packed the few things she was taking back with her. She quickly memorized the incantation that would send her back to Middle-earth, and then placed the two Elven books in her small pack. She took pictures of her parents and Shana, along with Celin's journal and the research she had discovered on him. She changed into the Elven tunic and pants that she had brought back with her, shouldered her small pack, and left her apartment. She dropped a letter for Shana in the mail slot and walked to her car. The drive to her uncle's cabin was a long one, and she only had a few hours left before nightfall.
Lyla arrived at her uncle's cabin as dusk was approaching. She jumped out of the car and ran to the lake. I always have to cut it close. She slung her pack over her shoulder and tied the leather cords around her waist. The last thing she wanted was to lose her possessions during the journey. She cast one final glance at her surroundings and then waded into the water. She took a deep breath and recited the incantation that would return her to Middle-earth:

"Le buion uireb. Cerithon iest lîn. Baren mar lîn. Hebithon antel ned guren."

As she dove under, the water grew cloudy and thick. The surface was hidden from her, and she began to run out of air. She tried to calm herself, knowing that she had had a difficult time reaching the surface during both of her other trips, but this time it was different. It felt like the portal was closing and trapping her inside. Panic filled her, but at the last second, a light came from above, and she darted towards it. She broke the surface of the water and tried to fill her burning lungs with air. Her arms felt like they were made of lead, and it took her some time to reach the bank. Using her last ounce of strength, she hauled herself onto the grass and collapsed.

After a long while, she pushed herself into a sitting position and untied her pack. She looked around at her surroundings and smiled in relief as familiar landmarks met her eye: the small waterfall, the ancient oak tree, Sirdhail. She blinked. Sirdhail? She couldn't believe her eyes. The horse was galloping wildly towards her, and Lyla thought the mare would trample her in her excitement. The horse stopped before Lyla and nuzzled her chest. Lyla grinned and threw her arms around the mare's neck. She kissed the animal's soft, velvet nose, and the horse nickered softly. Lyla laughed.

"I missed you too, girl. I really missed you too."

Elhael headed for the stables, eager to go riding. His workload had increased greatly as of late, and he was desperate for a reprieve. He entered the stable and led his horse out of the stall. He petted the animal and decided to forgo using tack. He smiled. A bareback ride would be nice. He moved to mount the animal, but stopped as he heard the wild neigh of Sirdhail. He looked at the horse and frowned. Sirdhail was stamping her foot and hitting the stall gate. Elhael glanced at the stable hand.

"What is wrong with Sirdhail?" Elhael asked.

The stable hand shook his head. "I know not. She has been acting like this for most of the morning. I think the horse has gone mad."

"Have you tried to calm her?"

"I have, as have all of the other stable hands. She will not let anyone touch her."

Elhael frowned. "Perhaps I can soothe her."

"You are welcome to try."

Elhael moved slowly toward the horse's stall. He whispered soothing words to the high-spirited animal, and the horse calmed slightly. As he lifted the gate latch, the horse charged out of the stall and knocked him into the straw. Elhael cursed the infernal animal as she ran out of the stables. Jumping to his feet, he mounted his horse.

"I will catch her," he told the stable hand.

He nudged his horse and began chasing after Sirdhail. Sirdhail was much quicker than his horse, and it was some time before he caught up to the headstrong animal. The horse had stopped by the lake, and Elhael frowned as he saw that someone was petting the animal. He dismounted and walked towards them. He could not see the person that was petting the horse, and he thought it odd that the horse was so taken with this individual. He watched them for a moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person's face, but all he could see was the Elven clothing that they wore. A small, tanned, and very feminine hand stoked the animal's neck. Who is she, and why is the horse so taken with her?

"Sirdhail!" he called as he neared.

The female's hand stilled. Elhael opened his mouth to address her, but his voice caught in his throat as she moved from behind the horse. Lyla stood before him, a sweet smile on her face. Elhael blinked several times, thinking he was imagining her, but he quickly realized that she was indeed real.

"Lyla?"

She grinned. "Hello, Elhael."

They both moved forward and embraced each other. Elhael tightened his arms around her, refusing to let her go. She laughed and returned his hug with equal ferocity. After a moment, he drew back and looked at his friend. Her hair and clothing were dampened from the lake, but otherwise she looked exactly the same. He hugged her again.

"I did not think you were ever coming back, Lyla. I did not think I would ever see you again."

"For a while, I was unsure if I was coming back. It was a difficult decision."

He looked into her eyes. "It has been such a long time. I have missed you terribly."

She smiled. "I missed you too. But it has not been that long since we have seen each other."

Elhael frowned. "It has been nearly five years. I would consider that to be a long time."

Her eyes widened. "Five years? Only a month has passed in my world."

Only a month? How is that possible? If only it was a month that had passed here, perhaps things would not be as they are. But now is not the time to address that. "It does not matter. All that matters is that you have returned." He paused and worried his lower lip. "How long will you stay?"

She grinned. "Forever. You are stuck with me."

He laughed and put his arm around her. "Of that I am most glad."

"So, what have you been doing, Elhael? What has happened since I have been gone?"

"Caleniel and I were married a year after you left."

She gave him a huge grin. "You two got married? I am so happy for you." She patted his shoulder. "I always knew you were too smart to let her get away."

He laughed. There was more that he wanted to tell her, but now was not the time. A cold wind blew through the trees, causing her to shudder. He handed her his cloak, and she put it around her shoulders. The color slowly ebbed from her cheeks, and her eyes darted around the forest as if she was looking for something… or someone. She gave him a nervous glance.

"How is Glorfindel?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He gave her a gentle smile. "He is out on patrol."

Panic entered her eyes, but it quickly vanished. "I see."

She opened her mouth to continue, but decided against it. Elhael smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. "Come. Let us return to Rivendell."

She pulled up the hood of the cloak, and he nodded in understanding. She did not want to alert anyone to her presence until it was necessary and she was ready. She glanced up at him.

"I am eager to speak with Lord Elrond, Elhael. I have discovered some things since I have been gone, and I need to talk to him."

"Of course. I will take you to him and after you are finished you will come and stay with Caleniel and I."

"I do not want to impose. I can stay in my old room."

"You are staying with us, and I do not want to hear another word about it. Caleniel will be delighted to see you, and she will be furious with me if I do not bring you home."

"Thanks. It will be good to see her."

He nodded, and they began walking back to Imladris, their horses trailing close behind. Elhael glanced at Lyla and smiled. He was overjoyed that she had returned, but he was uncertain of what another's reaction would be.

Translations:

"Le buion uireb. Cerithon iest lîn. Baren mar lîn. Hebithon antel ned guren." --- "I am your eternal servant. I will do your wish. My home is your home. I shall treasure your gift in my heart."