~ Sightseeing in Middle-Earth ~
~ Quote: ~
"I live in my own little world, but it's okay, they know me here."
~ Disclaimer: ~
See previous chapters
~ Chapter III~
~ Explanations, Memories and Apologies ~
"They have returned!"
"Yes, but I fear the transport was not smooth."
"For any of us."
"You had be-"
"She has collapsed!"
"They all have!"
"Quickly, fetch Elrond!"
---
"She is recovering well."
"All of them are."
"She has had it worse then them, however."
"Regardless, it was questionable whether any of them would survive that first night."
"I do not need to be reminded."
---
"How is she?"
"Better then she was."
"That does not answer the question."
"*sigh* She is well, but she has had it worse then the rest of you."
"When will she recover?"
"I do not know. Now go, you need your rest."
---
I came slowly into consciousness, the black oblivion slowly fading to the redness of light shining through my eyelids. Groaning, I moved my head, trying to get it out of the light. I only managed to get more light, however. I tried the other way, and this time succeeded in getting the light out of my eyes.
I attempted to slip back into oblivion again, but my stomach was making noises at me, there were lumps in the bed beneath me, the pillow was hard, and my nose itched. Not to mention I was curious as to where I was. I had a feeling I was in Middle-Earth, as the voices I had heard in the sea of black oblivion came drifting back to me. They could very well have been figments of my imagination, though. I decided I'd settled the problem by opening my eyes, which I did, slowly.
To my delight, I found myself in a room that very distinctly belonged to Middle-Earth. Of course, the presence of Haldir, standing against the wall, presumably asleep even though his eyes were open, helped that distinction tremendously. I started wondering why I was in Middle-Earth again, if my presence here would cause the world to be destroyed, but then I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind. I had not asked to return, they had brought me back, and I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I shook my head carefully, and when no spots appeared in front of my eyes, I slowly raised myself up on one elbow. My movement seemed to catch the attention of Haldir, who's eyes slowly focused and turned to me. When he saw me staring back at him, he smiled widely.
"You are awake!" he exclaimed.
"No, I'm still sleeping. This is all a figment of your imagination." I said with a grin, and Haldir shook his head with amusement
"I see your sense of humour has not suffered." he said.
"A sense of humour can keep one sane even in the worst of times." I quipped in reply. I realized my nose was still itching, and something fierce, and I reached up to scratch it lightly before sitting up in the bed. My head spun slightly when I sat up, and Haldir was at the side of the bed, sitting on the side and supporting me, even before I could put a hand to my head.
"You should probably not be sitting up." he observed.
"Probably. But the beds beginning to feel lumpy." I replied. Haldir chuckled.
"Ellesar would love to hear that. His best mattress - lumpy." the elf said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I blinked, taking a moment to connect the name Ellesar to Aragorn.
"Even the best mattress can feel lumpy after spending too long on it." I said dismissively. "How long have I been out, anyways?"
"Three weeks." Haldir replied solemnly, and I gaped at him.
"Three weeks? No wonder my stomachs telling me to feed it." I said, a little dazed.
"Is it? Then I shall go get you some food." Haldir said, rising from the bed.
"Sounds good to me! As long as you promise to tell me everything that has been happening while I eat." I said, and then glanced around. "And don't be gone too long. I keep feeling as if this whole room will disappear, and I'll find myself back-" I stopped and swallowed, flashes of memories from my trip 'home' appearing in my minds eye.
"The room will not disappear." Haldir reassured me, concern showing on his face. He reached over and hugged me tightly, and I smiled my thanks at him. He gave me one last appraising look, as if considering whether or not he should leave, but then nodded and slipped out of the room. I looked about said room while he was gone, and discovered that it was actually quite finely furnished. I also decided that, from the type of furnishings in the room, I had to be in Minas Tirith.
Idly, I tried to figure out what time it was here, and decided that it had to be sometime after Arwen had come to the city. I'd discovered, when I'd returned home, that the same amount of time had passed there as had in Middle-Earth. I assumed time had continued to flow at that rate, and that meant that I'd come back just a few days after Aragorn and Arwen were married. I smiled at the thought. I would have liked to have been here for that. I'd always wanted to see a Middle-Earth wedding. But Eowyn and Faramir's wedding was most likely still coming up, so I could see that one.
At that point, Haldir returned with a tray of food, and the instant the smell hit my nose, my stomach growled loudly. Haldir arched an eyebrow in amusement, and I arched my eyebrow back at him. He chuckled and came over to the bed and set the tray on my lap, then settled himself at the foot of the bed.
"So, tell me what happened from the moment I left Ithilien to now." I said before digging in, and Haldir smiled before starting his tale.
"Not much happened until we reached Minas Tirith. Once we reached the city, Boromir surrendered his Stewardship and Aragorn took the throne, and the name Ellesar." Haldir began. "The Fellowship and I were the first to have an audience with him, and a distraught Boromir told us that you had not arrived in Minas Tirith. In that audience, it was decided to send out a search party for you. Boromir, Legolas, Gimli and I were the members of the Fellowship who would go with the party, which was to consist only of volunteers, as the country is still quite dangerous.
"We were forced to remain behind for several days, and on the night before we left, Boromir had a Dream Meeting with Galadriel." I made a face at that, but did not interrupt, as I was too busy stuffing my face. Haldir chuckled before continuing. "Galadriel told Boromir that you had returned home, and when Boromir told me, I quickly realized that this was not a good thing. I roused Ellesar and Mithrandir out of bed and told them, and Boromir, what you had told me about your home."
"I knew it was a good idea to tell someone." I remarked, slowing down in my eating just slightly, and Haldir nodded.
"Indeed, if you had not told me of your home, I would not have bothered to waken Ellesar and Mithrandir about it." he said, then continued with his tale. "Mithrandir, after discovering that it was Galadriel who informed Boromir of your return home, set off on Shadowfax to talk with the Lady. Boromir and I were left in Minas Tirith to call off the search, and wait for Mithrandir's return.
"He came with Arwen, and all those that came with her. Boromir was eager to know what Mithrandir had spoken with Lady Galadriel about, but we were obliged to wait until after Ellesar and Arwen's wedding. Afterwards, Mithrandir gathered the available members of the Fellowship, and told them of where you came from, and then explained that he had spoken with Galadriel, and what she had told you that caused you to decide to return home. Mithrandir apparently did not agree with Galadriel, but you would be best to ask him about that." I nodded as Haldir continued. I would definitely ask Gandalf about that.
"Mithrandir also revealed that, though it is relatively easy to travel to your world, it is difficult to return. Boromir decided that even if he could not return, he would go to your world. Once more, I suggest you ask him about that." Haldir smiled slightly, and I wondered exactly what I was supposed to ask Boromir about before Haldir continued "It was decided, and that very day we met in the courtyard and Mithrandir transported Boromir to your world. I had come as a guard to Galadriel and Celeborn. Once Boromir had gone, Mithrandir was able to use a palantir to see when Boromir found you, and once he did, he asked Galadriel to help him return the two of you two to Middle-Earth.
"Though the risks were great, Galadriel agreed, and they began to work their magics. The magics worked, of course, but they took a great toll on all of you. Lord Elrond and his sons, as well as Aragorn, spent much of their energy to keep you four alive during the first night. Many feared none of you would survive. But all of you did, Galadriel and Mithrandir staying abed no more then a week, Boromir only a few days more then them. You are the last to recover, and have had many of us worrying." Haldir concluded. I had finished my meal somewhere around the part where Boromir came to my world, and Haldir now left his seat to take the tray from my lap and put it on the table beside my bed.
"And, of course, you had to wake as everyone but I had a rest." Haldir said with wry smile when he returned to the base of my bed.
"Oh, is that why Lord Elrond hasn't come to check me over yet?" I asked, amused, and Haldir nodded.
"He should come shortly, however. Elrohir saw me carrying the tray of food for you, and unless he truly believes that I can be hungry less then an hour after a good meal, he will have gone and told his father you are awake." Haldir replied.
"Oh goody, a visit from the doctor." I said, making a face. "Though Elrond is a good sight better then any doctor in my world, I'm sure. More friendly, too." At that moment, there was a light knock on the door of the room.
"Nobody's here!" I called, and the door opened to reveal an amused Elrond.
"I see you are in good spirits." he said as he came over to my bed.
"I'm well-rested, well-informed and fed, what do you expect?" I asked with a grin. Elrond just shook his head, still looking amused, and put his hand on my forehead. I went cross-eyed trying to look up at his hand, and Haldir was having a heck of a time keeping a straight, serious face.
"You have recovered better then I expected." Elrond commented after a moment, taking his hand away from my forehead. "Though it would be best if you remained in bed for a few more days."
"Ah phooey." I said. "I'm going to get so bored." Suddenly, at the thought of being bored, the question of whether Elves were ticklish came back. Haldir had already proved that it was possible, now I just wondered if they all were, or if it was just him. I eyed Elrond, judging the distance, and the elf lord barely had time to register that I was planning something before I poked him in the side. To my extreme delight, he made a funny noise and leapt to the side.
"HA!" I exclaimed, grinning maniacally. Elrond looked at me funny, and Haldir seemed to be alternating between being shocked that I'd poked the elven lord, and laughing because Elrond was ticklish.
"I think you will find plenty of amusement without leaving your room." Elrond said dryly, shaking his head.
"I think I might at that." I said, still grinning.
"If not, we can always use Erin's current immobility to discover if she is ticklish." Haldir said dryly, and I meeped.
"I'll save you the trouble - I am!" I squeaked. "I kick and scream when I get tickled, however."
"I'm sure. But you will remember not to overexert yourself." Elrond said pointedly, and I nodded. "Good." then he bowed slightly, and left the room. Turning back to Haldir, I saw him staring at me funny.
"What?" I asked.
"You poked Lord Elrond." Haldir stated.
"Well duh. You saw it yourself." I said, rolling my eyes. Haldir shook his head.
"Do you have no respect for authority?" he asked amused. He was trying to make light conversation, but the phrase brought back memories. The scene of my return home flashed in front of my eyes.
-
"Mom, dad, I'm home!"
"And where the hell have you been, bitch?!"
"I went for a walk."
"FOR SEVEN FUCKING MONTHS?"
"Do you have any idea how worried about you we were?"
"Seven...months?"
"Yes, seven months you fucking bitch!"
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"I...I was on a trip..."
"With some son of a bitch, I bet! What did he promise you, fucking true love?"
"No, I went...I went by myself."
"Oh, I'm fucking sure. Do you have no fucking respect?"
"Yes. I do. I'm sorry, I -"
"I'm sure you're fucking sorry, bitch!"
"Maybe I should teach you some fucking respect!"
SMACK
"I'm sorry dad, I -"
"Not fucking likely! Glory, leave. I'm gonna teach our daughter some respect."
"Don't cripple her or anythin. The last thing we need to do is pay some fuckin medical bills for her."
-
"Erin?" Haldir's voice and his light touch on my shoulder snapped me out of my memories. I realized I had started crying, and I looked at Haldir through tear-stained eyes. Concern was on his face, and I threw my arms around him and held tight as I cried. He took a moment to respond to the hug, and then he started stroking my back and whispering something in Elvish to me. I cried myself to sleep, and when I woke again later, I was lying down in my bed with someone holding my hand. Cracking open my eyes a bit, I discovered that the someone was a drowsy-looking Boromir.
"You look tired." I commented, and Boromir's half-closed eyes flew open. A smile spread on his face, and I returned it.
"You would too, if you stayed up for several days with only a few hours sleep to watch over someone who was perfectly fine." Gandalf's dry voice came from near the door, and I lifted my head slightly to see the old wizard there, leaning on his staff.
"Lord Elrond did not know if she was perfectly fine or not!" Boromir objected.
"Well, I am." I replied promptly.
"There, she has said she is fine herself. Will you not now rest?" Gandalf asked Boromir.
"I will, but I would like to speak with Erin for a moment before I do." Boromir said, shooting a pointed glance at Gandalf, who chuckled.
"Very well then." he said. "I shall speak with you later, Erin." was the wizards parting comment before he left the room. I peered up at Boromir, who waited until the door had been shut for a few moments before turning to me. He looked dreadfully serious, and I suddenly knew what was coming.
"Erin, I wish to apologize." he began.
"For what?" I asked, playing dumb for the moment.
"For my words to you before you left for Mordor. They were wrong, and I should not have said them. I know nothing can excuse them, and I would understand completely if you could not forgive me for them." Boromir said in a rush. When he was done, I couldn't help but pity him. It was obvious that this had been tearing him apart inside, and pain was clear in his eyes. As were many other emotions.
"I forgave you even before I went home, Boromir." I said with a half smile, and Boromir looked startled. "And really, the fact that you came and got me COMPLETELY cancels out any remaining bad feelings about the incident." A smile slowly grew on Boromir's face, and he leaned over and wrapped me in a huge hug. I simply enjoyed the hug for a moment, and then realized how unbalanced Boromir was, half leaning out of the chair, and grinned. With a tug, I managed - amazingly - to pull him completely onto the bed, causing him to yelp slightly.
"Much better." I said with a smile, snuggling up against Boromir, and he chuckled, then kissed my forehead lightly.
"Agreed. But I'm afraid I shall just have to get up again, as I told Gandalf I would get some rest once I'd spoken with you, which I now have." Boromir said.
"Who says you have to go someplace else to get some rest?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. Boromir looked at me, amused, and then gave me a light kiss.
"You do have a point. And I'm sure I will get much better sleep here then I could anywhere else." he said, smiling softly, and I returned the smile. He made himself comfortable, and then I snuggled up against him as he closed his eyes and went to sleep. I went to sleep after awhile as well, though how I could have after sleeping the whole day I really don't know. I think I heard Gandalf peek into the room before I fell asleep, but the wizard is almost as quiet as an Elf when he wants to be, and I was too lazy to open my eyes to see what had caused the door to creak.
---
I woke to sunlight in my eyes the next morning. There was still a warm body beside me, and I realized that Boromir must have gotten up in the middle of the night or something, because he was now on the other side of me. Either that or we did some fancy shenanigans in our sleep. Given the fact that a few pieces of Boromir's clothing - the more uncomfortable ones like his belt - were on the chair beside the bed, and he had gotten under the covers of the bed, however, I figured he had risen in the middle of the night.
My back was currently to Boromir, with his arms around my waist, and I turned in his arms so I could look at him. He was asleep, his face relaxed, and a light smile on his lips. His hair was a mess, and made him utterly adorable. I couldn't resist giving him a light kiss, which led to the discovery that Boromir had been pretending to be asleep.
"Sneaky person, pretending to be asleep." I mock-scolded Boromir when our kiss ended.
"Good morning to you, too." Boromir replied, looking extremely amused. I tried to keep a straight face, but ended up grinning after a few moments.
"Good morning." I said, still grinning.
"Have a good sleep?" Boromir asked.
"Of course I did. I had a giant teddy-bear." I said. "Now I'm going to stop grinning, cuz my cheeks are hurting from grinning too much early in the morning." My grin slid into a more relaxed smile, and Boromir chuckled.
"It is good to see you in such a good mood." he said, kissing my forehead lightly. "I was worried that you might have lost your joy in life after your...trip home." Though Boromir worded the comment carefully, the memories still surfaced again, and I involuntarily shuddered. "I am sorry, I should not have reminded you." Boromir said, concerned.
"I'll need to confront my memories sooner or later, I'm sure, but I'd rather it be later then sooner." I said softly, and buried my face in the light shirt that Boromir was wearing.
It suddenly occurred to me that Boromir smelled really good. He had an earthy smell, yet with a tinge of mustiness, as if he'd been indoors with old documents recently, and my hearts swelled with love. A longing rose up in me, then, and I drew back and looked up at Boromir, wondering at the feeling that was rising inside of me.
I probed it, wondering what was at the base of the feeling. I realized the answer was quite simple. After what I'd been through, I wanted the comfort I had been denied for that horrible month at home...I wanted to be loved.
Boromir was knocked onto his back with my kiss, and the emotions behind it. I had caught him off-guard, but he quickly recovered, holding me tightly and deepening the kiss even more. Honestly, I thought the gentleman in him was going to make an objection at any moment to where this was obviously leading, but he didn't even pause when his shirt was added to the pile on the chair by my bed, quickly followed by my own...
~ Quote: ~
"I live in my own little world, but it's okay, they know me here."
~ Disclaimer: ~
See previous chapters
~ Chapter III~
~ Explanations, Memories and Apologies ~
"They have returned!"
"Yes, but I fear the transport was not smooth."
"For any of us."
"You had be-"
"She has collapsed!"
"They all have!"
"Quickly, fetch Elrond!"
---
"She is recovering well."
"All of them are."
"She has had it worse then them, however."
"Regardless, it was questionable whether any of them would survive that first night."
"I do not need to be reminded."
---
"How is she?"
"Better then she was."
"That does not answer the question."
"*sigh* She is well, but she has had it worse then the rest of you."
"When will she recover?"
"I do not know. Now go, you need your rest."
---
I came slowly into consciousness, the black oblivion slowly fading to the redness of light shining through my eyelids. Groaning, I moved my head, trying to get it out of the light. I only managed to get more light, however. I tried the other way, and this time succeeded in getting the light out of my eyes.
I attempted to slip back into oblivion again, but my stomach was making noises at me, there were lumps in the bed beneath me, the pillow was hard, and my nose itched. Not to mention I was curious as to where I was. I had a feeling I was in Middle-Earth, as the voices I had heard in the sea of black oblivion came drifting back to me. They could very well have been figments of my imagination, though. I decided I'd settled the problem by opening my eyes, which I did, slowly.
To my delight, I found myself in a room that very distinctly belonged to Middle-Earth. Of course, the presence of Haldir, standing against the wall, presumably asleep even though his eyes were open, helped that distinction tremendously. I started wondering why I was in Middle-Earth again, if my presence here would cause the world to be destroyed, but then I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind. I had not asked to return, they had brought me back, and I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I shook my head carefully, and when no spots appeared in front of my eyes, I slowly raised myself up on one elbow. My movement seemed to catch the attention of Haldir, who's eyes slowly focused and turned to me. When he saw me staring back at him, he smiled widely.
"You are awake!" he exclaimed.
"No, I'm still sleeping. This is all a figment of your imagination." I said with a grin, and Haldir shook his head with amusement
"I see your sense of humour has not suffered." he said.
"A sense of humour can keep one sane even in the worst of times." I quipped in reply. I realized my nose was still itching, and something fierce, and I reached up to scratch it lightly before sitting up in the bed. My head spun slightly when I sat up, and Haldir was at the side of the bed, sitting on the side and supporting me, even before I could put a hand to my head.
"You should probably not be sitting up." he observed.
"Probably. But the beds beginning to feel lumpy." I replied. Haldir chuckled.
"Ellesar would love to hear that. His best mattress - lumpy." the elf said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I blinked, taking a moment to connect the name Ellesar to Aragorn.
"Even the best mattress can feel lumpy after spending too long on it." I said dismissively. "How long have I been out, anyways?"
"Three weeks." Haldir replied solemnly, and I gaped at him.
"Three weeks? No wonder my stomachs telling me to feed it." I said, a little dazed.
"Is it? Then I shall go get you some food." Haldir said, rising from the bed.
"Sounds good to me! As long as you promise to tell me everything that has been happening while I eat." I said, and then glanced around. "And don't be gone too long. I keep feeling as if this whole room will disappear, and I'll find myself back-" I stopped and swallowed, flashes of memories from my trip 'home' appearing in my minds eye.
"The room will not disappear." Haldir reassured me, concern showing on his face. He reached over and hugged me tightly, and I smiled my thanks at him. He gave me one last appraising look, as if considering whether or not he should leave, but then nodded and slipped out of the room. I looked about said room while he was gone, and discovered that it was actually quite finely furnished. I also decided that, from the type of furnishings in the room, I had to be in Minas Tirith.
Idly, I tried to figure out what time it was here, and decided that it had to be sometime after Arwen had come to the city. I'd discovered, when I'd returned home, that the same amount of time had passed there as had in Middle-Earth. I assumed time had continued to flow at that rate, and that meant that I'd come back just a few days after Aragorn and Arwen were married. I smiled at the thought. I would have liked to have been here for that. I'd always wanted to see a Middle-Earth wedding. But Eowyn and Faramir's wedding was most likely still coming up, so I could see that one.
At that point, Haldir returned with a tray of food, and the instant the smell hit my nose, my stomach growled loudly. Haldir arched an eyebrow in amusement, and I arched my eyebrow back at him. He chuckled and came over to the bed and set the tray on my lap, then settled himself at the foot of the bed.
"So, tell me what happened from the moment I left Ithilien to now." I said before digging in, and Haldir smiled before starting his tale.
"Not much happened until we reached Minas Tirith. Once we reached the city, Boromir surrendered his Stewardship and Aragorn took the throne, and the name Ellesar." Haldir began. "The Fellowship and I were the first to have an audience with him, and a distraught Boromir told us that you had not arrived in Minas Tirith. In that audience, it was decided to send out a search party for you. Boromir, Legolas, Gimli and I were the members of the Fellowship who would go with the party, which was to consist only of volunteers, as the country is still quite dangerous.
"We were forced to remain behind for several days, and on the night before we left, Boromir had a Dream Meeting with Galadriel." I made a face at that, but did not interrupt, as I was too busy stuffing my face. Haldir chuckled before continuing. "Galadriel told Boromir that you had returned home, and when Boromir told me, I quickly realized that this was not a good thing. I roused Ellesar and Mithrandir out of bed and told them, and Boromir, what you had told me about your home."
"I knew it was a good idea to tell someone." I remarked, slowing down in my eating just slightly, and Haldir nodded.
"Indeed, if you had not told me of your home, I would not have bothered to waken Ellesar and Mithrandir about it." he said, then continued with his tale. "Mithrandir, after discovering that it was Galadriel who informed Boromir of your return home, set off on Shadowfax to talk with the Lady. Boromir and I were left in Minas Tirith to call off the search, and wait for Mithrandir's return.
"He came with Arwen, and all those that came with her. Boromir was eager to know what Mithrandir had spoken with Lady Galadriel about, but we were obliged to wait until after Ellesar and Arwen's wedding. Afterwards, Mithrandir gathered the available members of the Fellowship, and told them of where you came from, and then explained that he had spoken with Galadriel, and what she had told you that caused you to decide to return home. Mithrandir apparently did not agree with Galadriel, but you would be best to ask him about that." I nodded as Haldir continued. I would definitely ask Gandalf about that.
"Mithrandir also revealed that, though it is relatively easy to travel to your world, it is difficult to return. Boromir decided that even if he could not return, he would go to your world. Once more, I suggest you ask him about that." Haldir smiled slightly, and I wondered exactly what I was supposed to ask Boromir about before Haldir continued "It was decided, and that very day we met in the courtyard and Mithrandir transported Boromir to your world. I had come as a guard to Galadriel and Celeborn. Once Boromir had gone, Mithrandir was able to use a palantir to see when Boromir found you, and once he did, he asked Galadriel to help him return the two of you two to Middle-Earth.
"Though the risks were great, Galadriel agreed, and they began to work their magics. The magics worked, of course, but they took a great toll on all of you. Lord Elrond and his sons, as well as Aragorn, spent much of their energy to keep you four alive during the first night. Many feared none of you would survive. But all of you did, Galadriel and Mithrandir staying abed no more then a week, Boromir only a few days more then them. You are the last to recover, and have had many of us worrying." Haldir concluded. I had finished my meal somewhere around the part where Boromir came to my world, and Haldir now left his seat to take the tray from my lap and put it on the table beside my bed.
"And, of course, you had to wake as everyone but I had a rest." Haldir said with wry smile when he returned to the base of my bed.
"Oh, is that why Lord Elrond hasn't come to check me over yet?" I asked, amused, and Haldir nodded.
"He should come shortly, however. Elrohir saw me carrying the tray of food for you, and unless he truly believes that I can be hungry less then an hour after a good meal, he will have gone and told his father you are awake." Haldir replied.
"Oh goody, a visit from the doctor." I said, making a face. "Though Elrond is a good sight better then any doctor in my world, I'm sure. More friendly, too." At that moment, there was a light knock on the door of the room.
"Nobody's here!" I called, and the door opened to reveal an amused Elrond.
"I see you are in good spirits." he said as he came over to my bed.
"I'm well-rested, well-informed and fed, what do you expect?" I asked with a grin. Elrond just shook his head, still looking amused, and put his hand on my forehead. I went cross-eyed trying to look up at his hand, and Haldir was having a heck of a time keeping a straight, serious face.
"You have recovered better then I expected." Elrond commented after a moment, taking his hand away from my forehead. "Though it would be best if you remained in bed for a few more days."
"Ah phooey." I said. "I'm going to get so bored." Suddenly, at the thought of being bored, the question of whether Elves were ticklish came back. Haldir had already proved that it was possible, now I just wondered if they all were, or if it was just him. I eyed Elrond, judging the distance, and the elf lord barely had time to register that I was planning something before I poked him in the side. To my extreme delight, he made a funny noise and leapt to the side.
"HA!" I exclaimed, grinning maniacally. Elrond looked at me funny, and Haldir seemed to be alternating between being shocked that I'd poked the elven lord, and laughing because Elrond was ticklish.
"I think you will find plenty of amusement without leaving your room." Elrond said dryly, shaking his head.
"I think I might at that." I said, still grinning.
"If not, we can always use Erin's current immobility to discover if she is ticklish." Haldir said dryly, and I meeped.
"I'll save you the trouble - I am!" I squeaked. "I kick and scream when I get tickled, however."
"I'm sure. But you will remember not to overexert yourself." Elrond said pointedly, and I nodded. "Good." then he bowed slightly, and left the room. Turning back to Haldir, I saw him staring at me funny.
"What?" I asked.
"You poked Lord Elrond." Haldir stated.
"Well duh. You saw it yourself." I said, rolling my eyes. Haldir shook his head.
"Do you have no respect for authority?" he asked amused. He was trying to make light conversation, but the phrase brought back memories. The scene of my return home flashed in front of my eyes.
-
"Mom, dad, I'm home!"
"And where the hell have you been, bitch?!"
"I went for a walk."
"FOR SEVEN FUCKING MONTHS?"
"Do you have any idea how worried about you we were?"
"Seven...months?"
"Yes, seven months you fucking bitch!"
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"I...I was on a trip..."
"With some son of a bitch, I bet! What did he promise you, fucking true love?"
"No, I went...I went by myself."
"Oh, I'm fucking sure. Do you have no fucking respect?"
"Yes. I do. I'm sorry, I -"
"I'm sure you're fucking sorry, bitch!"
"Maybe I should teach you some fucking respect!"
SMACK
"I'm sorry dad, I -"
"Not fucking likely! Glory, leave. I'm gonna teach our daughter some respect."
"Don't cripple her or anythin. The last thing we need to do is pay some fuckin medical bills for her."
-
"Erin?" Haldir's voice and his light touch on my shoulder snapped me out of my memories. I realized I had started crying, and I looked at Haldir through tear-stained eyes. Concern was on his face, and I threw my arms around him and held tight as I cried. He took a moment to respond to the hug, and then he started stroking my back and whispering something in Elvish to me. I cried myself to sleep, and when I woke again later, I was lying down in my bed with someone holding my hand. Cracking open my eyes a bit, I discovered that the someone was a drowsy-looking Boromir.
"You look tired." I commented, and Boromir's half-closed eyes flew open. A smile spread on his face, and I returned it.
"You would too, if you stayed up for several days with only a few hours sleep to watch over someone who was perfectly fine." Gandalf's dry voice came from near the door, and I lifted my head slightly to see the old wizard there, leaning on his staff.
"Lord Elrond did not know if she was perfectly fine or not!" Boromir objected.
"Well, I am." I replied promptly.
"There, she has said she is fine herself. Will you not now rest?" Gandalf asked Boromir.
"I will, but I would like to speak with Erin for a moment before I do." Boromir said, shooting a pointed glance at Gandalf, who chuckled.
"Very well then." he said. "I shall speak with you later, Erin." was the wizards parting comment before he left the room. I peered up at Boromir, who waited until the door had been shut for a few moments before turning to me. He looked dreadfully serious, and I suddenly knew what was coming.
"Erin, I wish to apologize." he began.
"For what?" I asked, playing dumb for the moment.
"For my words to you before you left for Mordor. They were wrong, and I should not have said them. I know nothing can excuse them, and I would understand completely if you could not forgive me for them." Boromir said in a rush. When he was done, I couldn't help but pity him. It was obvious that this had been tearing him apart inside, and pain was clear in his eyes. As were many other emotions.
"I forgave you even before I went home, Boromir." I said with a half smile, and Boromir looked startled. "And really, the fact that you came and got me COMPLETELY cancels out any remaining bad feelings about the incident." A smile slowly grew on Boromir's face, and he leaned over and wrapped me in a huge hug. I simply enjoyed the hug for a moment, and then realized how unbalanced Boromir was, half leaning out of the chair, and grinned. With a tug, I managed - amazingly - to pull him completely onto the bed, causing him to yelp slightly.
"Much better." I said with a smile, snuggling up against Boromir, and he chuckled, then kissed my forehead lightly.
"Agreed. But I'm afraid I shall just have to get up again, as I told Gandalf I would get some rest once I'd spoken with you, which I now have." Boromir said.
"Who says you have to go someplace else to get some rest?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. Boromir looked at me, amused, and then gave me a light kiss.
"You do have a point. And I'm sure I will get much better sleep here then I could anywhere else." he said, smiling softly, and I returned the smile. He made himself comfortable, and then I snuggled up against him as he closed his eyes and went to sleep. I went to sleep after awhile as well, though how I could have after sleeping the whole day I really don't know. I think I heard Gandalf peek into the room before I fell asleep, but the wizard is almost as quiet as an Elf when he wants to be, and I was too lazy to open my eyes to see what had caused the door to creak.
---
I woke to sunlight in my eyes the next morning. There was still a warm body beside me, and I realized that Boromir must have gotten up in the middle of the night or something, because he was now on the other side of me. Either that or we did some fancy shenanigans in our sleep. Given the fact that a few pieces of Boromir's clothing - the more uncomfortable ones like his belt - were on the chair beside the bed, and he had gotten under the covers of the bed, however, I figured he had risen in the middle of the night.
My back was currently to Boromir, with his arms around my waist, and I turned in his arms so I could look at him. He was asleep, his face relaxed, and a light smile on his lips. His hair was a mess, and made him utterly adorable. I couldn't resist giving him a light kiss, which led to the discovery that Boromir had been pretending to be asleep.
"Sneaky person, pretending to be asleep." I mock-scolded Boromir when our kiss ended.
"Good morning to you, too." Boromir replied, looking extremely amused. I tried to keep a straight face, but ended up grinning after a few moments.
"Good morning." I said, still grinning.
"Have a good sleep?" Boromir asked.
"Of course I did. I had a giant teddy-bear." I said. "Now I'm going to stop grinning, cuz my cheeks are hurting from grinning too much early in the morning." My grin slid into a more relaxed smile, and Boromir chuckled.
"It is good to see you in such a good mood." he said, kissing my forehead lightly. "I was worried that you might have lost your joy in life after your...trip home." Though Boromir worded the comment carefully, the memories still surfaced again, and I involuntarily shuddered. "I am sorry, I should not have reminded you." Boromir said, concerned.
"I'll need to confront my memories sooner or later, I'm sure, but I'd rather it be later then sooner." I said softly, and buried my face in the light shirt that Boromir was wearing.
It suddenly occurred to me that Boromir smelled really good. He had an earthy smell, yet with a tinge of mustiness, as if he'd been indoors with old documents recently, and my hearts swelled with love. A longing rose up in me, then, and I drew back and looked up at Boromir, wondering at the feeling that was rising inside of me.
I probed it, wondering what was at the base of the feeling. I realized the answer was quite simple. After what I'd been through, I wanted the comfort I had been denied for that horrible month at home...I wanted to be loved.
Boromir was knocked onto his back with my kiss, and the emotions behind it. I had caught him off-guard, but he quickly recovered, holding me tightly and deepening the kiss even more. Honestly, I thought the gentleman in him was going to make an objection at any moment to where this was obviously leading, but he didn't even pause when his shirt was added to the pile on the chair by my bed, quickly followed by my own...