Prince of the Grasslands

Aisling groaned as she attempted to open her eyes and then ended up burrowing further under the covers. She didn't want to get up. Not with the raging headache she currently had. But she supposed she should so that she could get some Tylenol and water and then attempt to sleep it off. Or eat a burrito. Actually, a burrito sounded good about now. Or not. God, she hadn't felt this wretched in forever. When was the last time she drank this much?

"I'm going to kill Liam," she moaned.

"I have never met him, but I would assume that he would protest such an idea."

Aisling's eyes flew up as she shot up in the bed and then doubled over, the sudden movement making her head pound more.

"Are you well?" Haldir asked, stepping over to the bed and bending over her.

Aisling felt the heat pool in her cheeks as she attempted to remember just what had happened last night. For a moment, she thought she was home in her bed, having a rare hangover thanks to Liam, who was always trying to get payback for all the times she had taken the piss out of him about his own.

But she wasn't at home. She was at an inn in Bree. And something had happened last night, she could feel. She remembered being in the tavern. Drinking with the guys. Then there was a table of other guys singing a really funny song. Everything after that was fuzzy. She then sat up and felt her chest. Okay, she was still dressed. That was good. That hadn't happened. She then looked over, seeing Haldir with a worried expression.

He must have helped her back to her room.

Relief began to course through her as she smiled at him, though winced in pain.

"I'm good. Just… your average hangover," she said. "My head hurts."

Haldir backed away from the bed as she swung her legs around and planted her feet on the ground. She saw some food on the table, but wasn't sure if she could stomach it just yet. She had a vague recollection of throwing up. God, she hoped Haldir wasn't there to witness that. She hadn't drank that much since university. Or well, there had been a couple times here and there - parties that Liam had hosted at their townhouse.

"I was not sure if you would feel like eating, but had the proprietor's wife bring something up just in case," he said.

Had he been here this whole time watching her sleep? Aisling wasn't sure how to take that. Or maybe he had just come in this morning to make sure she was still alive. Surely he hadn't spent the night in here looking over her. But she couldn't help as a warmth spread throughout her chest at that thought.

Once again, Haldir was looking out for her. Christ, as if she wasn't having a hard enough time fighting off this stupid crush.

"It's not for long. Don't forget that you're going back," she silently reminded herself. "And it's only because he feels responsible for you… nothing more."

"Just… water for now," she replied, feeling a bit woozy. He walked over to the table and poured some water from a jug there into a cup and then walked it back over to her. "Thanks."

Haldir then walked over and settled against the wall, his sharp eyes fixed on her.

"Do you recall last night?" he finally asked. Aisling looked over at him, offering a sheepish smile.

"Is this when you tell me I made a complete idiot out of myself?" she asked. There was a faint smile, but then something else entered his eyes. Something close to disappointment. But then it was gone. "I just remember drinking with you all and then that table of guys…"

"Yes, you intended to make friends, I believe. But then when you fell from the table, I caught you and brought you to bed," he replied. "Made sure you were comfortable before I retired to the other room." Aisling nodded slowly.

Good. He hadn't spent the night with her. Or… nope. That was good. Definitely good. Right?

"Thanks," she said softly. "You're always taking care of me."

Haldir winced slightly, but then offered a smile.

"It is nothing to concern yourself were in need of aid and I provided it," he said, pushing off from the wall. "I will see to the others and allow you to finish your breakfast."

He then left the room and Aisling stumbled over to the table, taking in the offerings. Thankfully there was a lot of good ol' greasy wonderfulness, which is what Aisling preferred when she was hungover.

"God bless, Hal," she murmured as she sat down and started to eat. She then continued to try and remember what else happened. She felt like she was forgetting something important.

Had she and Haldir spoken? Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember, but her headache wasn't helping. Sighing, she pushed it aside for now. If it was important, surely he would tell her, right?

Later that day, Aisling went down to meet with the others for dinner, finally feeling more herself after sleeping half the day. Haldir had managed to find her a dress while her traveling clothes were being laundered and mended, even though she had insisted she could do it herself. The dress was rough and slightly itchy, but better than walking around naked. As she walked over to the table, she glanced around nervously, wondering if anyone here had seen her performance last night. Thankfully, no one paid her any heed and she made it to the others unscathed.

"It would seem Aisling has seen fit to grace us with her presence," Legolas said, a small smirk on his face. Aisling glared at him as she reached the table, Haldir immediately jumping up to pull out her chair.

Well, that was interesting. Giving him an odd look, she sat down and turned to continue glaring at Legolas.

"Forgive me, your highness. Not all of us can handle whatever was in that beer last night," she retorted.

"You seemed rather fond of the mead," Legolas replied, causing her to roll her eyes. God, he was turning more into Liam every day.

"Regardless, it is good to see you up and moving around," Aragorn said, a small smile on his face as his eyes twinkled. Aisling huffed, and then sneered slightly at the tankard of whatever the hell it was in front of him.

She was not going to drink another drop of that stuff ever again.

"So, any news?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Yes, I believe I know where he was headed," Aragorn said. He set out in the direction of the Gap of Rohan, though I am not sure if he is headed to Isengard or further to Minas Tirith."

Aisling sighed and crossed her arms in front of her.

"Take it that's pretty far," she said, part of her already knowing the answer. Aragorn glanced at the others and then looked back to her.

"About a month's time to Minas Tirith, though hopefully we will overtake him on the road as I believe he is traveling by wagon," he said. "If he was only headed to Isengard, it would take about 17 days."

"Let's hope he was only going there," Aisling muttered under her breath, though she was sure Haldir and Legolas heard her with their insane hearing.

"We will gather supplies and set out the day after tomorrow," Aragorn said.

"Sounds like a plan," Aisling said as she sat up. "Anything I can do?"

"Just rest. It will not be an easy journey," Haldir said, turning to her. Aisling raised her eyebrows in surprise, noting Legolas and Aragorn doing much of the same thing out of the corner of her eye.

"Oh… kay," she said slowly. "I guess that's my assignment…" She then looked over at Aragorn. "Though let me know if there is something I can do."

"For now, that is sound advice," he replied, turning his attention to the food in front of him.

Aisling nodded and looked down at her own plate. The others started discussing their course to Isengard, though she tuned out a bit, knowing she would have nothing to contribute to that conversation anyway.

All she could do was hope that they would find this wizard, but despite everything, she couldn't help but feel as though that hope was starting to fade slightly.

"No, don't do it, Ash. You will find him," she told herself. "You will find him, and he will send you home. He has to."

OOOO

The next day, there was a knock at her door. Aisling walked over and answered it, finding Haldir standing there with her traveling clothes neatly folded in his hands.

"Thanks, though I could have gotten those," Aisling said, taking them from his hands.

She really did feel a bit helpless with the way he and the others insisted on doing everything for her. But then again, she was in some sort of weird fantasy world that she didn't understand. Maybe it was for the best. She'd probably end up embarrassing herself or getting herself killed. Or almost killed. Again.

"I do not mind," he said. He then seemed to hesitate before meeting her eyes. "Could I come in?"

Aisling's eyes widened slightly, but she stepped back and let him in. Truth be told, she could use some interaction. The others had been out seeing to their supplies, leaving her with nothing to do and no one to talk to. She had spent the morning walking around the village a bit, though didn't venture too far from the inn, worried she'd get lost. It was starting to grow on her, though it had nothing on Imladris.

And the longer they stayed, the more eager she was to get on the road. Each day meant Gandalf was moving farther away.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, as she shut the door behind him. "There're not any problems, are there?"

Haldir looked at her and smiled slightly, shaking his head.

"I wanted to ask you about something," he said, the smile fading quickly. "The other night… you mentioned something that has been on my mind." Aisling snorted.

"Yea, I was drunk, I'm sure I mentioned a lot of things," she said, walking over and setting her clothes down on the bed. But she couldn't help a spike of worry. Oh god, she had embarrassed herself in front of him. Shit.

What had she said?

"You mentioned that something bad happened to you and that it made you serious," he said. Aisling froze slightly. "Was it your parents' death?"

Aisling blinked a few times and then took a deep breath, slowly turning to face him. She could see the worry in his eyes.

"If you do not wish to discuss it-"

"It's fine," Aisling said, a tense smile on her face. "God, I can't believe I brought that up. Well, no, I could see why I would. The only time I really talk about it with anyone outside of Liam or Tiernan, it's when I'm drunk."

"Again, if you do not wish to discuss it, you do not need to say anything. I should not have asked," Haldir said quickly.

Aisling studied him a moment, thinking it over. He was giving her an out. But she had always taken the out. And for some reason, she was tired of taking the out. She sat down on the bed, her eyes fixed on the floor. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself.

"I was 10."

Aisling closed her eyes, finding herself going back to that day. She wasn't sure just why she was telling Haldir about this. She didn't normally talk about it with anyone. Even with her cousins, they would talk about her parents, but rarely brought up how they had died. But for some reason, she had the desire to open up more. To let someone in. Well not just anyone, she wanted to let Haldir in.

And that day was now taught in history classes. It had been a rather uncomfortable day in class when they got to the topic in high school, but she still hadn't mentioned it even then. Not to her teacher or classmates. Had just suffered through it. Maybe it was time to stop making herself suffer. Talking about something made it easier to handle, right?

"My parents moved to Oklahoma when my mom was pregnant with me. She's from around there and they wanted to be somewhere safe. Thought it would be safer than in New York City," she continued, her eyes still closed. "I was in school that day… But they had gone up to Oklahoma City. I'm not even sure why they were there… I know they had said something about it, but I can't remember…"

Aisling felt tears start to fill her eyes. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes, but still stared at the floor, not wanting to see the pity that she knew would be in Haldir's eyes. It's how everyone looked at her when they found out. That was the main reason she never spoke about it.

"It was all over the news. All everyone was talking about that day. But I didn't realize they were in the building until hours later," she said. "My uncle came down with my cousins as soon as he heard about it and picked me up from school… my dad must have told him they were going to the Murrah Building that day…" She swallowed. "It was a bomb. A… giant explosion. The man who did it… he was angry with the government… the… people in charge of my country... and put a bomb in a truck in front of the building. It went off at 9:02 a.m. By the end of it, 168 people were dead, including my parents. But… I didn't know… all day we were watching the news and I didn't know that my parents were in there…"

She finally brought herself to look up at Haldir, feeling the tears falling down her cheeks. She wasn't sure if he understood what she was talking about - did they have bombs here? They definitely didn't have trucks. But what she found in his eyes was so intense, it nearly took her breath away. It wasn't pity, but rather a deep sadness and understanding.

In half a second, he had crossed the room and was seated next to her, pulling her into his arms. Aisling rested her head on his shoulder as she let the tears continue to fall. She hadn't allowed herself to think too much about how her parents had died, only focusing on the lives they had lived and their memories. But the older she got, the angrier she got when she thought about it.

No one in that building deserved to die that day. Especially not her parents. Not like that. And they weren't even supposed to be there. What she could remember was that it was a last-minute decision they had made the night before, dropping her off at the Wrights that morning before they left so Eric could take her into school with the twins and Amanda.

"I am so sorry, Aisling," he murmured, running his fingers through her hair. "Such sadness you have carried all these years."

"They found them together," she continued. "As they were going through the rubble, they found them together. My dad had… wrapped himself around my mother… like he was trying to protect her. So I guess there's that…"

Haldir pushed her back from him slightly, taking her face in his hands.

"You have much strength, Aisling," he murmured. "To have faced such an atrocity at a young age… that takes strength."

Aisling only blinked a few times. She had never really thought about it like that. She was a kid at the time, didn't understand a lot of what happened that day until she was older. All she had really known was that her parents weren't coming home, and she had to go live with her uncle and cousins. And then he had died in a car accident just six years later, a few months before 9/11. All she had done was kept going. Kept living. She hadn't felt particularly strong about that. It was just something she had to do. Something she thought everyone who had been through such things did.

"I don't know about that…"

"It took strength. And to see you weather this storm as well as you have. Never doubt yourself… Ash," he said.

There was a vague recollection of something in her mind. This wasn't the first time he used her nickname, she felt. But she couldn't remember the first time. Still, Aisling couldn't help but feel closer to him. More connected. Even if she couldn't remember. But now the feeling was stronger that there was something she should remember.

"Okay," she said softly, finding that she wanted to believe him. That she was strong. He then leaned forward and left a brief kiss on her forehead.

Aisling's eyes widened at the contact and then felt herself begin to blush. He must have been a bit taken aback as well because he let go of her and stood.

"I am going to see to the horses. Would you care to join me?" he asked.

"Yea, sure," Aisling said, standing. She felt like she was in a bit of a daze.

As they left the room and started down the stairs, Aisling couldn't help but think about how incredibly kind and understanding Haldir had been with her this entire trip. She knew that she had developed a crush on him, but… was this perhaps… turning into something more?

OOOO

A few days later, they were well on their way towards the Gap of Rohan, though Aisling still couldn't shake off the weird feeling she had around Haldir. Well, not weird. But different. She started noticing little things. How he was always nearby, finding small ways to touch her. How he attempted to cheer her up a bit more. Talked to her more. Gave her more responsibility and began teaching her more complicated maneuvers in their daily sparring sessions. All starting from the day she had told him about her parents.

She shook her head, focusing back on the road they were taking. He had ridden ahead with Legolas, leaving her with a mostly silent Aragorn. Glancing over at him, she figured it wouldn't hurt to try and get to know him a bit better. She was surprised at how little she actually spoke to him - knew about him - despite the fact they had been on the road together for as long as they had. Despite the bond she inexplicably felt with him.

"So… you live in Imladris all the time?" she asked, keeping her voice light. He glanced at her and then returned to watching the path.

"I grew up there, yes. After my father died, my mother sent me to be raised by Lord Elrond," he said.

"Haldir said you're descended from some line of kings," Aisling continued. Aragorn looked at her, his expression a bit unreadable, though she felt as though she probably wasn't supposed to know that. He then sighed.

"Yes, I am," he replied. "Though I did not know this until I was 20 years of age. Elrond informed me and then I returned to my people to become their chieftain and learn their ways."

"And so Imladris… that's how you know Arwen. You guys grew up together… or… well, something like that," Aisling said. He once again glanced at her.

"I met her shortly before I left, when she returned to Imladris from visiting her mother's kin in Lorien," he said. Aisling just watched him. After a few moments, he looked at her, his eyebrows rising in question.

"Oh, come on, Aragorn. I could see that from a mile away," she replied, now smiling. "You like her." Aragorn looked away.

"I do not know what you speak of," he said, though she could see him attempting to not smile.

"How long has that been going on?" she asked. He didn't reply. "You know, I can just ask Legolas or Haldir…"

"I knew from the moment I met her that I loved her," he said. Aisling's eyes widened slightly, not expecting him to come out with it so quickly. "But we did not have much time together. Only when I would return to Imladris. I spend most of my time in the wild with my fellow Rangers. To most outside of the elves, I am called Strider and am nothing more than a Ranger. I prefer it, to be honest."

"So… it's kind of a secret then," Aisling said.

"My lineage or my love for Arwen?" Aragorn asked. Aisling shrugged.

"Both, I supposed," she replied.

"I do not often mention either," he said.

"Well, I'm not going to say anything," Aisling assured him. "And well… you and Arwen. I can see it. You look good together."

Aragorn once again glanced over at her, a small smile on his face, though he then smoothed it out into a look of indifference.

"She is kind and beautiful… and I am completely undeserving of her," he said.

"Oh, come on. I do not for a second believe that," Aisling said with a snort. "I mean, I barely know you guys, but I can tell you that from what I see… you totally belong together. And you're a good man, Aragorn. I'm pretty sure she sees that, too."

She wasn't exactly sure what possessed her to say that, but she felt a bit of sympathy for Aragorn. Maybe it was because she felt for Avery and Amanda, which in turn, had her feeling for Aragron and Arwen. They were in similar situations, it appeared. And Aragorn was just as humble as Avery. She was always rooting for things to work out with Avery and Amanda. And she really hoped that things would work out for Aragorn and Arwen.

"I thank you for your kind words," Aragorn said, though he sounded slightly unsure. Aisling just shrugged and grinned.

"Anytime, Aragorn."

OOOO

Haldir could feel the prince watching him closely as they rode ahead and knew that he wished to speak with him, but still he hoped that he would not. He was unsure what to say to him should he inquire about Aisling. But at the same time, he knew that it was noticeable to his traveling companions his shift in behavior.

It was only a matter of time.

"You grow fond of Aisling," Legolas finally said, breaking the silence.

"It is difficult not to. I have noticed you doing much the same," Haldir replied.

"Yes, but I feel there is a difference in our affections," Legolas said. Haldir stared straight ahead, his face a calm mask.

"She has… spoken to me of some things. The death of her parents, being one. As well as her insecurities. I felt that it would do some good to allow her more responsibility. Allow her to feel as though she is contributing more. She is much stronger than we have given her credit," he stated.

There was silence for a few moments before the prince spoke again.

"Did she tell you this that night? The night you assisted her to her room?" he asked.

"No, the next day. Though she spoke of other things that night," Haldir said. "I assure you, my intentions are that of a friend and only a friend." He glanced at Legolas, who was still studying him intently. "You may speak your mind, though I feel you will do so regardless of permission."

"I have seen the way you look at her. It is not with the gaze of one who wishes to remain merely friends. Be careful, Haldir," Legolas said. "Yes, she is much stronger than she appears, but she is not meant for our world. We are searching for a way to send her back to hers this very journey."

"I know," Haldir replied.

"Beyond that, she is mortal-"

"I know, Legolas," Haldir said, not quite believing how harsh he was speaking to the Mirkwood prince. He then took a deep breath. "As I said, it is merely a fondness and will remain that. And it is my responsibility to look out for her. It is out of that duty that I care for her. Nothing more. I understand the ramifications of my actions. You do not need to remind me."

"Yes, of course," Legolas said. "But I speak also from a place of concern for Aisling… do not hurt her. And do not hurt yourself. For you know if you take that path… it will only lead to misery for you both."

"I keep that in mind always," Haldir replied.

"Very well."

OOOO

Okay, so I'm trying to slow down on posting (thanks Google breakdown for spurring that post-anxiety post surge). I need to try and catch up on writing. And then I went and added about 5 more chapters to my outline because I realize I had WAY overestimated how much time things were taking with all the traveling stuff, and that would have included a massive time jump later on, which made no sense. So more fleshing out of things and character development and building up plot points from Chapter 20. And this also means more Rumil and Orophin.

Apologies for this chapter having a good dose of sad stuff. But there aren't too many chapters like this. Though there is plenty of angst coming up, along with sweet moments with Aisling and Haldir. And fun stuff. But yea, if you haven't guessed, I am from Oklahoma and use a lot of real life stuff in here (though my parents didn't die in the bombing - a family friend did). But Chandler is a real place and where my family moved when I was 12 from OKC. The house is real (the house my parents built, though no horses... bummer) and the cemetery is real. It's where my mom (and most of my dad's family since the early 1900s) is buried. Really beautiful, peaceful place...

Anywho... comments...

Ponytail Goddess: OH MY GOD! SO MANY REVIEWS! I LOVE IT! THANK YOU! I will try to address everything...

Haha, as you can see, Haldir just becomes even more protective of her. But at the same time, he understands what she needs and part of that is feeling like she's doing more or contributing in some way.

And thanks! I am trying to keep a balance, but I'll admit, when I started this story, I thought it was going to be pure fluff and hilarity. And then realized the story was leading me in a different direction. There is still tons of happy, sappy love stuff. And humor. But things do get serious from time to time. I mean, Aisling is from another world and is trying to get back. And then sh** happens. This is Middle Earth just before the Fellowship starts. There are two chapters towards the end that had me crying as I wrote them, but I'll mark those with the proper warnings…

Haha, yea, what are little brothers for? Don't worry, Orophin's going to redeem himself… in chapters to come. And as you can already see, Haldir is getting PLENTY of time with Aisling without his brothers interfering at the moment - well, mostly... Legolas, man... but he's got good intentions. Honestly, I knew from the beginning that I was going to use characters in both worlds. It goes with the whole Wizard of Oz theme and makes it easier for me, so I don't have to come up with a ton of OCs. ^_^

Hmm, your theory on the worlds… keep reading. We will get answers, but not fully and completely until towards the end… And as for Aisling and Haldir, haha! Again, can't say a word…

And don't worry, there's a lot more sweet moments to come. I'm trying to temper myself and not go on another posting surge since I still haven't finished Chapter 16 and then from there I have a gap until Chapter 23 and then another gap until the last 3 chapters. So trying to fill in some blanks before I go posting a bunch of stuff again. Damn Google breakdown making me post everything…

Anywho, thanks everyone for reading and following!