A/N: Middle-earth and all its wonderful characters belong to the Tolkien estate. Therefore, this story will not be used for profit of any kind. Any references from Outlander belong to Diana Gabaldon and Sony Pictures Television.

Aderyn

People disappear all the time.

It is a sad truth, one that is recognized by the disturbing number of those who have been missing for days, months... even years. Never did I imagine that I would join that list, let alone become stranded in a world that, by all accounts, shouldn't have existed. But it did.

And my life would never be the same again.

~xXx~

My husband and I drive through the beautiful countryside of Aotearoa, more commonly known today as "New Zealand." Travis insisted that it was the perfect place to spend our late honeymoon.

As I gaze upon the breathtaking mountain ranges and landscape, I couldn't agree more.

Upon reaching Lake Clearwater, a small yet prosperous village within the Ashburton District of New Zealand, Travis parks our rental car in front of a small red house flanked by several others. "Here we are," he says.

I step out of the car, and after retrieving our suitcases and bags, Travis ushers me towards the front door, where a middle-aged lady rushes out to greet us. "Hello, hello!" she grins.

"Hello." Travis grasps her extended hand. "I'm Travis, and this is my wife—Aderyn."

"Phoebe." Her handshake is firm. "Lovely to meet you both."

Judging by her dark complexion and hair, she must've been a native of the country. She also had a delightful accent.

Phoebe stands off to the side, allowing us entry. "And welcome to Lake Clearwater - home of the humble."

And humble it was, for this home was definitely not intended for a large family, what with its one bedroom, one bathroom complex.

"So you're in the military." Phoebe follows us in from behind.

"I am," Travis says.

"I couldn't help but notice the stitching on your bag." Phoebe smiles. "Captain Travis Clarke. A handsome name for a handsome man." She turns towards me. "You've caught yourself a fine catch, my dear."

I blush, but smile all the same. Although boyish in looks, Travis did cut a very fine figure.

We finish our tour of the house, and Phoebe returns to her own abode next door, promising to check up on us the following morning. With a tired sigh, I lower myself down onto the bed and begin toeing off my shoes.

"Don't get too comfortable just yet." Travis returns from the bathroom. "We'll need to leave now if we're to catch a bit of sightseeing before dusk."

"The sightseeing can wait." I brace myself against the mattress. "For now I just want to spend some quality time with my husband." I pat the empty spot on the bed.

"And by quality time..." Travis nudges his way in between my legs.

I smile as he leans down, our lips fusing together in a tender kiss. "It's so strange," I say after he pulls away.

"What is?"

"You'd think after a year of living the civilian life I'd be used to it by now," I tell him. "But I'm not. Instead, I'm still struggling to adapt. Isn't that weird?"

"It's perfectly normal," Travis assures as he kneels in front of me, his hands resting atop of my thighs. "You'll make it work, Aderyn. I know you will."

You. Not "we."

Before I have a chance to clarify his words, Travis captures my lips once more.

~xXx~

Like the rest of our vacation home, the bathroom was small yet cozy.

I sink down further into the steaming tub with a contented sigh, listening to the sound of my husband's snores through the closed door. We had both fallen asleep shortly after our passionate display of intimacy, but life in the battlefield has made it difficult for me to rest peacefully. Travis, on the other hand, could sleep like the dead for hours on end.

With a sigh, I stretch out my arms and stand, the cool temperature of the house having an instant impact on my damp skin. Stepping out of the tub, I slide into my robe and approach the mirror above the sink. Against my better judgement, I scrutinize my reflection, not at all surprised by the haggard complexion staring right back at me.

Biting my lower lip, I turn on the faucet. Warm steam arises from the running water, and as I splash my face, I couldn't shake the sudden feeling that I was being watched. Lifting my face from the sink, I immediately understand why.

A figure stood within the mirror, surrounded by shadow.

I stare back, not truly believing what I was seeing.

They step out of the darkness, as if they too couldn't believe what beheld their vision either. I lean forward.

Not they.

Him.

I stare at the stranger's appearance, and although logic warns me to turn away, I find myself becoming entranced by him. How could I not be? Straight, long hair the color of summer barley. Eyes of the deepest blue. His clothing of choice was beyond out of fashion, but I had to admit, he did cut a very fine figure in them.

And his ears...

I narrow my eyes, and he opens his mouth.

"Aderyn?" Someone grasps my shoulder from behind.

With a shriek, I whirl around, glaring at my husband. "Damn it, Travis!"

"Sorry." He gives me a sheepish look. "I knocked a few times but you didn't answer. Are you all right?" He grasps my arms gently. "You look a bit pale."

"I'm fine," I lie. "Really."

Travis didn't seem entirely convinced, and as he ushers me back into our bedroom, I glance back at the mirror one last time, as if to convince myself that whatever—whoever—I saw in there was just a figment of my imagination.

The image that greets me back, however, was my own fading one, and although I was relieved, a part of me couldn't help but shake the sudden realization that, during our intense staring competition, the stranger had spoken three simple words.

Who are you?

~xXx~

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