Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters, settings, or events I have taken from Tolkien's works. I just can't help writing about them.

Author's Note: I'm sorry this chapter took so long. I promise not to wait so long for the next part. I would love it if everyone who read the story reviewed, just to let me know you're out there (at the moment, the only person I get feedback from is my little brother). With that said, here is the story.


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Four travelers, dressed in strange garb.

They say one was an elf.

They went up to Meduseld.

Erin caught only snatches of conversation as she ran to the house. The streets were awash in sunlight, alive with people talking excitedly. I wonder what's going on. Eowyn will know.


Reaching the house, Erin ducked inside. Eowyn stood looking out the window, her face pale and withdrawn. She turned as Erin, out of breath and flushed from the run, burst into the room.

What news, Fara? What has you so excited? Erin grabbed the back of a chair and leaned on it, panting as she tried to rein in her excitement and collect her thoughts.

It's Eomer, my lady. Erin's dark eyes sparkled with her joy. He's been set free, and even now goes to the king!

Eowyn broke into a wide smile, then lifted her face to the sunshine streaming through the window. she murmured, laughing softly,


Erin could hold in her question no longer. Eowyn, people are talking outside about four travelers who went to the king. Who are they? Eowyn's face grew grave.

One was Master Gandalf, known as the Stormcrow. He never comes unless a time of trouble is near. The other three were a man, an elf, and a dwarf.

Now what about that phrase rings a bell? I feel like I just heard it somewhere, and it wasn't the people outside. Then it hit her. The travelers Eomer let go! Except for that first one, the Stormcrow fellow. But he seems familiar too... I'll think of it. Eowyn continued.

Master Gandalf silenced Wormtongue for his insolence, and bade my lord Theoden come and look out upon the land. And Lord Theoden did so. Then Gandalf asked me to leave. They are with him in Meduseld yet.

Erin watched Eowyn's face when she fell silent. I bet there's something else she's not telling yet. Hey, I just read her face like she does mine. If I'm right, that is. Eowyn bit her lip absently.

Fara, the man... She trailed off in consternation.

Yes, my lady?

He... he was different, somehow. He was dressed in plain traveling clothes and a gray cloak, but there was something majestic about him. A faint flush crept up Eowyn's cheeks as she spoke. He was a king, like no one I have ever met.

She paused. There was a power in him... of some kind... I do not know how to explain it. He seemed wise, and grave, and just, powerful. There is more to him than is visible.

Eowyn stopped her impulsive flow of words and blushed. She looked chagrined and dropped her earnest gaze from Erin. In the awkward silence that followed, Erin tried to decipher Eowyn's words.

That was quite a bit to say about someone you've only met briefly. But then again, Eomer seemed to be affected the same way. Well, no, not the exact same way. He saw in the man a leader. Eowyn sees... Erin pictured the flush that had crept over Eowyn's features, and her odd lack of coherency and composure. She's totally fallen for him! Completely smitten...

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A sudden commotion broke out outside. Shouting and the pounding of feet sounded in the streets, mingled with the blaring of horns. Eowyn looked up at Erin, her blue eyes full of concern.

Fara, go and find out what has happened. Erin nodded and darted out. In a moment she returned.

Theoden-King has sounded the cry to arms for the Eorlingas. All of the fighting men of the city are to ride out before the end of the day with the king at their head. And my lady, the king has thrown Wormtongue out of the city, never to return.

Eowyn strode to the door. My lord will have need of me. I must needs go and serve him and the travelers.

A thought occurred to Erin. My lady, before you go, what are the names of the other three travelers?

Glancing back in the doorway, Eowyn said simply, The man is called Aragorn; the dwarf, Gimli; and the elf, Legolas. Then she turned and left the room.


Erin's heart began to pound in her ears. She sank down to the ground, wrapping her arms around her knees and shivering uncontrollably.

I'm in the Lord of the RIngs. I don't know how, but I'm in the world that the story is from. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. There's no way that could just be a coincidence. But I don't know what happens in the story, or even if what I'm living is following the story...

Erin rested her head on her knees and huddled still on the floor for a moment. Then she closed her eyes and began to rock gently, back and forth, back and forth.