~ Sightseeing in Middle-Earth ~
~ Disclaimer: ~
Atora, Geona, Kista, Irundin and Erin are mine. The rest are not.
~ Chapter III~
~ Edoras ~
I woke with a start a few hours later. I'd had another nightmare. I don't know what it was, but being in Rohan seemed to be causing me to have all sorts of dreams. This dream, in particular, was about Boromir's death in the movie. Though it was a helluva lot more dragged out, heart wrenching, and generally unhappy. It scared me, frankly, and I couldn't help getting up and tiptoeing over to Boromir's bed to make sure he was actually there.
He wasn't. In my half-asleep state, that nearly sent me into shock. Then my drowsy mind, grasping for answers, reasoned that he must have been out in the main room, where I had been earlier. So I went out there. But Boromir was not there, either. Now, confused and slightly panicked, I strode over to the main door to the house, and, to my relief, found that it was slightly open. I KNEW it had been shut before everyone had gone to bed. So, if it was partways open, somebody had to be outside - Boromir, I thought happily.
Not satisfied that Boromir was safe until I actually saw him, I quickly opened the door and slipped out. There was Boromir, leaning against the wall on the house, staring off toward Gondor. I must have been rather noisy in my half-asleep state, because I barely had time to realize that Boromir was out there and safe before he looked over at me.
"Lady Erin?" he asked. "Are you alright?"
"Uh, yeah. I had some nightmares," I said softly.
"You seem to be having them a lot," Boromir commented. "You had some on the ride here."
"Yes," I said, still speaking quietly.
"I begin to think perhaps it would be wiser if you had not come on this journey," Boromir said, concern in his voice. "While I and the rest of the company have been through many battles before, even a child could tell that the fight against the Orcs in Moria was your first real one."
"It's not the quest that's giving me nightmares, Boromir. At least, not directly," I said with a sigh.
"What then do you have nightmares of?" Boromir asked.
"Of home, on the ride here," I said, frowning thoughtfully.
"One would think that dreams of home would be happy," Boromir commented.
"Not of my home, Boromir. No dream of my home is a happy dream," I said sadly, staring off into the distance.
"Even so, you should not let your dreams of home trouble you. For, though I have not heard where your home truly is, I know it is not here. Therefore, what have you to fear?" Boromir said softly after a pause, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But I do not think it is your nightmares from last night that drew you out in the cold."
"No," I said. "No, they didn't."
"Am I right in guessing it was your dreams from tonight?" Boromir asked, and I nodded. "Well then, come and tell me what they were about, perhaps I can comfort you about them." I sighed deeply.
"Actually, merely seeing you is a comfort against those dreams," I said softly. "They were about you dieing."
"Me...dieing?" Boromir seemed unsure of what to make of this. I don't know what triggered my next reaction, probably sleepiness, and being emotional from the dreams, but suddenly I got the irresistible urge to hug Boromir and not let go. And, well, it WAS an irresistible urge. Boromir seemed quite surprised, but soon wrapped his arms around me. I think that was when it actually hit home that Boromir was ALIVE, and hadn't been killed by the orcs, and there was no impending doom in his future, at least not that I knew of.
At least, I'm guessing that's why my heart suddenly lifted, and the feelings I had not allowed to grow there - in fact, had purposely held back - grew from barely recognizable to undeniable within moments. Drawing back from Boromir, slightly in wonder of what my feelings were now telling me, I glanced up to his face and read so many things there that somehow I knew had always been there, yet I'd never noticed. Prime among them at the moment seemed to be pain, along with longing, and, half delirious from lack of sleep and this sudden revelation, I giggled, then kissed Boromir.
The kiss took him completely by surprise - something I seemed to be doing quite well this morning - and it took him several moments to respond. But when he did, what had started out as a light, carefree kiss, quickly deepened into a passionate one. Boromir's arms were tight about me, holding me close, pressing me against him, just as my hands were locked about his neck, not letting him move back, or even think about breaking the kiss. The only reason we eventually pulled apart was for air, which we were, by this time, a little on the short side of. Gasping for breath, I rested my head on Boromir's chest, and heard his heart beating wildly.
"I think your heart has been replaced with a different one," I said softly, smiling slightly. "Mine."
"And it is a fair and wondrous heart indeed," Boromir breathed in reply, and kissed my forehead lightly.
---
I woke to the light of a close to midday sun shining on my face. That confused me for a moment, as I remembered that I'd picked the bed under the window - where no sun would shine on me at practically any time of the day. But then I felt the arms around my waist, and I remembered.
Boromir and I had stayed outside and watched the sky lighten slowly, until the first rays of sunlight had peeked over the horizon, then gone into the guest room to sleep. Neither of us had exactly liked the idea of letting go of each other, so we settled on lying down on the same bed - which just happened to be Boromir's. I smiled, and snuggled back against Boromir, feeling that for once in my life, I was actually happy. Then some voices drifted in from the main room, and my eyes snapped open.
Well, we were definitely too late to greet Gandalf and company when they arrived in Edoras. Reluctantly, I eased myself out of Boromir's arms and quickly - while watching to make sure Boromir was asleep - changed into some less rumpled clothes. I neatened my rather messy hair, then slipped out of the room.
"Ah, Lady Erin!" Gandalf greeted me with a smile as I walked into the main room of the house. He, along with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas, were sitting around, presumably talking to Irundin and Kista before I'd entered. Atora was sitting quietly by the window, watching Legolas in absolute fascination, while Geona was nowhere to be seen.
"Hello, Gandalf!" I said, also smiling, and gave the wizard a hug.
"How is your shoulder?" Aragorn asked.
"Much better," I replied. "A good rest was what it needed."
"Good. Then you will be able to ride with us to Helm's Deep today," Aragorn said.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I said with a grin. Though I didn't add that I would certainly like to miss the battle that would take place there after we arrived.
"And how is Boromir?" Gandalf asked.
"Sleeping," I replied, and rolled my eyes, then grinned. "Much like I was not too long ago."
"Well it is time he rose. The host is nearly assembled, and we should go to join them," Aragorn said, and I nodded.
"I'll go wake him up then." I went back to room I'd just left and slipped inside. Boromir was still fast asleep, though he had since sprawled over the entire bed. I held back a giggle as I went over to the side of the bed, and pondered how to wake him up. I settled on trying the nice way, first.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," I said cheerfully, then bent over and gave Boromir a light kiss on the temple. He stirred in his sleep, and one eye flickered as if to open, but remained shut. So I decided to find out if the heir to the stewardship of Gondor was ticklish. He was.
"A fine way to wake someone up," Boromir said grumpily, glaring in my direction as he sat up in bed.
"I tried the nice way. But you didn't wake up, and we need to leave soon - as in, now," I said with a smile, then lightly kissed him before heading out of the room again.
"He's up," I announced cheerfully as I entered the main room again. Several of the people in there chuckled.
"So we heard," Gandalf said, amusement in his voice.
"Well, I tried the nice way and he wouldn't wake up," I said, rolling my eyes.
"There is no need for haste," Legolas commented.
"Yes there is. He's still gotta find out Gandalf's alive," I retorted. "He's gonna need several minutes of shock and explanation to get over that."
"Hm...yes..." Legolas said, thoughtfully, then eyed me, obviously wondering why I hadn't gone into shock when I'd seen Gandalf. He didn't actually ask, however, and neither did Gimli. But then, I'm not even sure the dwarf noticed - he seemed absorbed in his own thoughts. Boromir emerged from the guest room a while later, and promptly went into shock when he saw Gandalf. During the explanations that followed, Kista found some food for Boromir and me, and I went and packed up Boromir and my things.
Once Boromir had heard the entire story of Gandalf's fight with the Balrog, we were ready to go. Irundin was ready to go with us and the host to Helm's deep, while Kista, Atora and Geona were simply waiting for us to leave so they could pack to go to Dunharrow in the group to be led by Eowyn. So Irundin and us in the Fellowship said goodbye to Kista and Atora - Geona still hadn't appeared - and Atora managed to work up enough courage to give Legolas a hug, startling him very much, before dashing inside. I grinned and made a mental note to explain to him later. When we reached the large collection of riders assembling, we split ways with Irundin, him going towards his place in the back, us to the front, where Theoden was waiting, along with Hasufel, Arod, Mertan, and another unknown horse.
"Greetings, Theoden. Here are the two of our party that we told you about - the Lady Erin, and Boromir, son of Denethor," Gandalf introduced us, and once more, I shocked those watching by bowing instead of curtseying. I still hadn't gotten around to learning how to curtsey.
"It is an honour to meet you both," Theoden said graciously. I simply smiled, while Boromir greeted the king back. Then Eomer approached Gimli and asked the dwarf to ride with him, and dwarf agreed.
"Where is Shadowfax?" Gandalf asked suddenly.
"Running wild over the grass," someone answered, then added that no one could now tame the horse, before pointing out where the horse was running down a ford. Gandalf whistled, and called the horses name, and Shadowfax turned and came galloping back.
I'm not that into horses - I've never really had the opportunity, and I've been more interested in fantasy then in the real world - but I could tell this was an extraordinary horse, even without the knowledge of the book to tell me so. The horse they got for the movie had barely done justice to this great horse. For one, the horse in the movie had been white, but this horse was SILVER. As in, almost liquid-silver looking. It was an extraordinary colour to see on a living horse, and I had to concentrate not to keep myself from gaping, especially as he got closer and I realized how tall he was. My head? Up to Shadowfax's shoulder. I don't think anyone would ever be able to fully describe this horse without resorting to words like 'amazing', 'wonderful' and 'magnificent'.
"Were the breath of the West Wind to take a body visible, even so would it appear," Eomer said softly, and I nodded in agreement as Shadowfax came to a stop before Gandalf.
"The gift seems already to be given," Theoden said, almost dryly. "But hearken all! Here now I name my guest, Gandalf Greyhame, wisest of councilors, most welcome of wanderers, a lord of the Mark, a chieftain of the Eorlingas while our kin shall last; and I give to him Shadowfax, prince of horses." I couldn't help but envy Gandalf a little. But then, I probably would've been scared to go anywhere NEAR the horse. Then Gandalf thanked Theoden, and cast aside his grey clothes and leaped onto Shadowfax's back, all shiny and white and dazzling. The riders took up Aragorn's cry of 'Behold the White Rider' after that, and then they obviously decided it was time we left, because then they were shouting 'Our King and the White Rider! Forth Eorlingas!' Eomer quickly led us over to our horses, and we mounted, me getting the unknown horse. Of course.
"Her name is Rosai," Eomer told me quickly as we maneuvered our five horses so we were behind Theoden and Gandalf, and then the trumpets sounded, many horses neighed, some reared, spears were banged on shields, and the host was off.
~ Disclaimer: ~
Atora, Geona, Kista, Irundin and Erin are mine. The rest are not.
~ Chapter III~
~ Edoras ~
I woke with a start a few hours later. I'd had another nightmare. I don't know what it was, but being in Rohan seemed to be causing me to have all sorts of dreams. This dream, in particular, was about Boromir's death in the movie. Though it was a helluva lot more dragged out, heart wrenching, and generally unhappy. It scared me, frankly, and I couldn't help getting up and tiptoeing over to Boromir's bed to make sure he was actually there.
He wasn't. In my half-asleep state, that nearly sent me into shock. Then my drowsy mind, grasping for answers, reasoned that he must have been out in the main room, where I had been earlier. So I went out there. But Boromir was not there, either. Now, confused and slightly panicked, I strode over to the main door to the house, and, to my relief, found that it was slightly open. I KNEW it had been shut before everyone had gone to bed. So, if it was partways open, somebody had to be outside - Boromir, I thought happily.
Not satisfied that Boromir was safe until I actually saw him, I quickly opened the door and slipped out. There was Boromir, leaning against the wall on the house, staring off toward Gondor. I must have been rather noisy in my half-asleep state, because I barely had time to realize that Boromir was out there and safe before he looked over at me.
"Lady Erin?" he asked. "Are you alright?"
"Uh, yeah. I had some nightmares," I said softly.
"You seem to be having them a lot," Boromir commented. "You had some on the ride here."
"Yes," I said, still speaking quietly.
"I begin to think perhaps it would be wiser if you had not come on this journey," Boromir said, concern in his voice. "While I and the rest of the company have been through many battles before, even a child could tell that the fight against the Orcs in Moria was your first real one."
"It's not the quest that's giving me nightmares, Boromir. At least, not directly," I said with a sigh.
"What then do you have nightmares of?" Boromir asked.
"Of home, on the ride here," I said, frowning thoughtfully.
"One would think that dreams of home would be happy," Boromir commented.
"Not of my home, Boromir. No dream of my home is a happy dream," I said sadly, staring off into the distance.
"Even so, you should not let your dreams of home trouble you. For, though I have not heard where your home truly is, I know it is not here. Therefore, what have you to fear?" Boromir said softly after a pause, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But I do not think it is your nightmares from last night that drew you out in the cold."
"No," I said. "No, they didn't."
"Am I right in guessing it was your dreams from tonight?" Boromir asked, and I nodded. "Well then, come and tell me what they were about, perhaps I can comfort you about them." I sighed deeply.
"Actually, merely seeing you is a comfort against those dreams," I said softly. "They were about you dieing."
"Me...dieing?" Boromir seemed unsure of what to make of this. I don't know what triggered my next reaction, probably sleepiness, and being emotional from the dreams, but suddenly I got the irresistible urge to hug Boromir and not let go. And, well, it WAS an irresistible urge. Boromir seemed quite surprised, but soon wrapped his arms around me. I think that was when it actually hit home that Boromir was ALIVE, and hadn't been killed by the orcs, and there was no impending doom in his future, at least not that I knew of.
At least, I'm guessing that's why my heart suddenly lifted, and the feelings I had not allowed to grow there - in fact, had purposely held back - grew from barely recognizable to undeniable within moments. Drawing back from Boromir, slightly in wonder of what my feelings were now telling me, I glanced up to his face and read so many things there that somehow I knew had always been there, yet I'd never noticed. Prime among them at the moment seemed to be pain, along with longing, and, half delirious from lack of sleep and this sudden revelation, I giggled, then kissed Boromir.
The kiss took him completely by surprise - something I seemed to be doing quite well this morning - and it took him several moments to respond. But when he did, what had started out as a light, carefree kiss, quickly deepened into a passionate one. Boromir's arms were tight about me, holding me close, pressing me against him, just as my hands were locked about his neck, not letting him move back, or even think about breaking the kiss. The only reason we eventually pulled apart was for air, which we were, by this time, a little on the short side of. Gasping for breath, I rested my head on Boromir's chest, and heard his heart beating wildly.
"I think your heart has been replaced with a different one," I said softly, smiling slightly. "Mine."
"And it is a fair and wondrous heart indeed," Boromir breathed in reply, and kissed my forehead lightly.
---
I woke to the light of a close to midday sun shining on my face. That confused me for a moment, as I remembered that I'd picked the bed under the window - where no sun would shine on me at practically any time of the day. But then I felt the arms around my waist, and I remembered.
Boromir and I had stayed outside and watched the sky lighten slowly, until the first rays of sunlight had peeked over the horizon, then gone into the guest room to sleep. Neither of us had exactly liked the idea of letting go of each other, so we settled on lying down on the same bed - which just happened to be Boromir's. I smiled, and snuggled back against Boromir, feeling that for once in my life, I was actually happy. Then some voices drifted in from the main room, and my eyes snapped open.
Well, we were definitely too late to greet Gandalf and company when they arrived in Edoras. Reluctantly, I eased myself out of Boromir's arms and quickly - while watching to make sure Boromir was asleep - changed into some less rumpled clothes. I neatened my rather messy hair, then slipped out of the room.
"Ah, Lady Erin!" Gandalf greeted me with a smile as I walked into the main room of the house. He, along with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas, were sitting around, presumably talking to Irundin and Kista before I'd entered. Atora was sitting quietly by the window, watching Legolas in absolute fascination, while Geona was nowhere to be seen.
"Hello, Gandalf!" I said, also smiling, and gave the wizard a hug.
"How is your shoulder?" Aragorn asked.
"Much better," I replied. "A good rest was what it needed."
"Good. Then you will be able to ride with us to Helm's Deep today," Aragorn said.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I said with a grin. Though I didn't add that I would certainly like to miss the battle that would take place there after we arrived.
"And how is Boromir?" Gandalf asked.
"Sleeping," I replied, and rolled my eyes, then grinned. "Much like I was not too long ago."
"Well it is time he rose. The host is nearly assembled, and we should go to join them," Aragorn said, and I nodded.
"I'll go wake him up then." I went back to room I'd just left and slipped inside. Boromir was still fast asleep, though he had since sprawled over the entire bed. I held back a giggle as I went over to the side of the bed, and pondered how to wake him up. I settled on trying the nice way, first.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," I said cheerfully, then bent over and gave Boromir a light kiss on the temple. He stirred in his sleep, and one eye flickered as if to open, but remained shut. So I decided to find out if the heir to the stewardship of Gondor was ticklish. He was.
"A fine way to wake someone up," Boromir said grumpily, glaring in my direction as he sat up in bed.
"I tried the nice way. But you didn't wake up, and we need to leave soon - as in, now," I said with a smile, then lightly kissed him before heading out of the room again.
"He's up," I announced cheerfully as I entered the main room again. Several of the people in there chuckled.
"So we heard," Gandalf said, amusement in his voice.
"Well, I tried the nice way and he wouldn't wake up," I said, rolling my eyes.
"There is no need for haste," Legolas commented.
"Yes there is. He's still gotta find out Gandalf's alive," I retorted. "He's gonna need several minutes of shock and explanation to get over that."
"Hm...yes..." Legolas said, thoughtfully, then eyed me, obviously wondering why I hadn't gone into shock when I'd seen Gandalf. He didn't actually ask, however, and neither did Gimli. But then, I'm not even sure the dwarf noticed - he seemed absorbed in his own thoughts. Boromir emerged from the guest room a while later, and promptly went into shock when he saw Gandalf. During the explanations that followed, Kista found some food for Boromir and me, and I went and packed up Boromir and my things.
Once Boromir had heard the entire story of Gandalf's fight with the Balrog, we were ready to go. Irundin was ready to go with us and the host to Helm's deep, while Kista, Atora and Geona were simply waiting for us to leave so they could pack to go to Dunharrow in the group to be led by Eowyn. So Irundin and us in the Fellowship said goodbye to Kista and Atora - Geona still hadn't appeared - and Atora managed to work up enough courage to give Legolas a hug, startling him very much, before dashing inside. I grinned and made a mental note to explain to him later. When we reached the large collection of riders assembling, we split ways with Irundin, him going towards his place in the back, us to the front, where Theoden was waiting, along with Hasufel, Arod, Mertan, and another unknown horse.
"Greetings, Theoden. Here are the two of our party that we told you about - the Lady Erin, and Boromir, son of Denethor," Gandalf introduced us, and once more, I shocked those watching by bowing instead of curtseying. I still hadn't gotten around to learning how to curtsey.
"It is an honour to meet you both," Theoden said graciously. I simply smiled, while Boromir greeted the king back. Then Eomer approached Gimli and asked the dwarf to ride with him, and dwarf agreed.
"Where is Shadowfax?" Gandalf asked suddenly.
"Running wild over the grass," someone answered, then added that no one could now tame the horse, before pointing out where the horse was running down a ford. Gandalf whistled, and called the horses name, and Shadowfax turned and came galloping back.
I'm not that into horses - I've never really had the opportunity, and I've been more interested in fantasy then in the real world - but I could tell this was an extraordinary horse, even without the knowledge of the book to tell me so. The horse they got for the movie had barely done justice to this great horse. For one, the horse in the movie had been white, but this horse was SILVER. As in, almost liquid-silver looking. It was an extraordinary colour to see on a living horse, and I had to concentrate not to keep myself from gaping, especially as he got closer and I realized how tall he was. My head? Up to Shadowfax's shoulder. I don't think anyone would ever be able to fully describe this horse without resorting to words like 'amazing', 'wonderful' and 'magnificent'.
"Were the breath of the West Wind to take a body visible, even so would it appear," Eomer said softly, and I nodded in agreement as Shadowfax came to a stop before Gandalf.
"The gift seems already to be given," Theoden said, almost dryly. "But hearken all! Here now I name my guest, Gandalf Greyhame, wisest of councilors, most welcome of wanderers, a lord of the Mark, a chieftain of the Eorlingas while our kin shall last; and I give to him Shadowfax, prince of horses." I couldn't help but envy Gandalf a little. But then, I probably would've been scared to go anywhere NEAR the horse. Then Gandalf thanked Theoden, and cast aside his grey clothes and leaped onto Shadowfax's back, all shiny and white and dazzling. The riders took up Aragorn's cry of 'Behold the White Rider' after that, and then they obviously decided it was time we left, because then they were shouting 'Our King and the White Rider! Forth Eorlingas!' Eomer quickly led us over to our horses, and we mounted, me getting the unknown horse. Of course.
"Her name is Rosai," Eomer told me quickly as we maneuvered our five horses so we were behind Theoden and Gandalf, and then the trumpets sounded, many horses neighed, some reared, spears were banged on shields, and the host was off.