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: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Wow, 25, who would have thought? Getting reviews really brightens my day. Now a few notes to my reviewers.

tigerlily: Five reviews in a row? I was not expecting that to happen. About the contractions, yes it is from Erin's point of view. I know all about old contractions, trust me. I sometimes work as a historical interpreter, and believe me, they make me memorize all of the contractions. *grins* Thanks for all of your feedback.

Samus: It's great to hear from you again! You were one of my first reviewers, but I figured you had lost patience with my slow updating and given up on the story. Thanks for sticking around.

Philosopher At Large: Your review really made my day. I am trying to stay true to Tolkien's story (I check constantly with my copy of the book to stay on track with distances, timelines, events, etc.), and it was nice to hear that I'm doing okay so far. I'm glad the story is not a Mary-Sue; I was afraid that people might think it was. Thanks!

To everyone else who reviewed, I am truly grateful. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Now I'll stop talking and let the story continue.


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Wake up, Fara. We have much to do.

Erin opened her eyes to find Eowyn leaning over her, shaking her shoulder gently. I must have fallen asleep on the floor. Her tears had worn her our, and now she lay curled up on the floor, disheveled and groggy.

Scrambling to her feet, Erin tried to apologize for her state. I'm sorry my lady. I did not mean to fall asleep...

Do not be troubled, Fara. I am not upset.

Erin smiled gratefully and blinked the sleep out of her eyes. She looked back at Eowyn, finally oriented.

What do I need to do to help you, my lady?

Eowyn smiled back at her. Let me explain, for we have much to do in a short amount of time.

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Walking toward the stables with a loaded saddlebag pair in each hand, Erin tried to sort out the events of the past hour.

My Lord Theoden is riding even now with his men to the place called Helm's Deep to wage a battle. Lady Eowyn is to lead the rest of the people to the Hold of Dunharrow to wait until the king and his warriors return, if they ever do.

And I'm stuck in the middle of all this in a place that is just a story where I come from.

Erin shouldered her way into the stable and breathed in the now-familiar scent of horses. Reaching Windfola's stall, she bumped open the door and set the saddlebags down in the corner of the stall.

Erin began to tack up the tall gray horse. What am I doing here, in Middle Earth? I should be back home reading about it, not living it.

Erin jerked at the straps on Windfola's saddle. He turned his head and snorted reproachfully. I'm sorry, Windfola, Erin murmured, rubbing his nose gently.

Whatever this place may be back home, I am in a real world here with real people, Erin thought, making up her mind.

I gave my word to Eowyn that I would serve her faithfully, and that's not going to change just because I know where I am.

Finished strapping a set of saddlebags on the horse, Erin scooped up the other pair and slipped out of the stall.

I'll be back in a few minutes, she said to Windfola, and went to ready Eowyn's steed.

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Erin found Eowyn loading the last of the supplies they would take onto four pack horses. Eowyn nodded in approval at the sight of Erin leading the two great horses, one gray and the other chestnut.

Fara, take Windfola and see that my people are ready to depart within the hour. I will finish here. Meet me at the gates.

Erin handed the reins of Eowyn's chestnut steed to the lady, then swung onto Windfola's back.

In the two months I have been here, Windfola has matured into a fine horse, worthy of Lady Eowyn herself. And I do not even have to think when I mount him now.

She smiled as they trotted through the streets, remembering her first miserable attempts with Widfara's mount Fasrunne. Who would have thought that I would ever feel as comfortable on a horse as I do on Windfola?

Then her mind turned to the task at hand. Whenever she passed a cluster of people, she called out the message.

The Lady Eowyn says to be down at the gate within the hour. We shall leave for the Hold of Dunharrow immediately. Spread the word to all you know.

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The line of people going to Dunharrow moved slowly, stopping at times as Eowyn rode back to take care of problems as they presented themselves. Erin watched as the lady once again leaned down in her saddle, listening to a young woman who had run up beside her.

Eowyn listened to the woman, then straightened in her saddle and scanned the line of women, children, and elderly that stretched back along the path.

There was something different about Eowyn now, something that Erin had not seen before. She seems more regal somehow, if that is possible. Lady Eowyn moved and spoke with authority, no hesitation evident in her manner.

All her life she has prepared for times such as these, but never before has she been allowed to lead. Now she is proving herself a true leader. The people of Rohan trust her.

Erin shook herself out of her musings as she heard her name being called.

Fara, come here.

Eowyn beckoned to her. Erin's brow furrowed as she turned her mount and went to Eowyn's side.

I've answered to it for a while now, but since when do I think of Fara as my actual name? I'm still Erin from Maryland. The same girl who goes to high school and takes screenwriting.

Aren't I?


Reaching where Lady Eowyn sat waiting on her mount, Erin pulled once on her reins. Windfola halted immediately.

Fara, this is Hild. She is traveling with her mother and younger sister. Her father is a rider and is with King Theoden. Erin nodded at Eowyn's introduction.

How may I help you, Lady Eowyn? Eowyn looked at Hild.

Tell her what you told me, Hild. Hild bobbed her head respectfully.

Yes, my lady. My younger sister fell on the path and has broken her leg. We have braced it as well as we can, but she cannot walk, and neither my mother nor I can carry her.

Erin looked back at Eowyn.

What would you have me do?

I want you to carry the girl on Windfola with you until we reach Dunharrow. Windfola is certainly strong enough to carry both yourself and a child, is he not?

Yes, my lady.

Then go now with Hild and get her sister. Eowyn turned her steed and went back to the head of the line.

Erin dismounted and led Windfola behind her so that she could talk with Hild. Seen up close, Hild didn't look any older than Erin.

How old are you, Hild? Erin asked.

I am sixteen years of age, my lady.

Erin laughed. I am only a maid of a lady, and I am the same age as you are, so there is no need to call me

Hild blushed. What shall I call you then? Erin paused for a moment.

You can call me Fara. Hild looked thoughtfully at Erin, eyeing her dark hair and eyes.

That is a name for one of the Rohirrim, but you do not look like one of us. Am I right that you are from elsewhere?

Erin grinned ruefully. You are correct. A rider named Widfara found me when I was lost and brought me to King Theoden, where I entered the service of Lady Eowyn. Fara is the name I have been given here. Hild stopped walking, her blue eyes wide.

Is your other name, the one from your other home, Erin?

Erin stopped so quickly that Windfola's head ran into her shoulder. She glanced sharply at the girl next to her.

How did you know that? Hild smiled broadly.

The rider, Widfara.

Erin raised her eyebrows, not seeing the connection.

What about him? Hild grinned even wider.

He is my father!

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The young girl sat in front of Erin, her long blond hair bound in double braids down her back. While clearly in pain, she was delighted to be riding as fine a horse as Windfola.

Though Hild had told Erin that her sister was eight years old and was named Leofa, she had neglected to mention that the child loved to talk. As it was, Leofa chattered exuberantly to Erin, only pausing for breath. I

t is certainly nice to find one person unaffected by the worry of war, Erin thought with a smile. She tuned back in to Leofa's chattering.

...told me that you're the girl that Father found, and she's right, isn't she, and so it makes sense that you are called Fara, because you were traveling, and did you know that that is part of my father's name? But his means Wide Farer' not just

Erin jumped in as Leofa took a breath.

Since you know so much about names, and I am not from this land, why don't you tell me what your name means?

Leofa nodded, her bright eyes earnest.

All right. Leofa means Loved,' and the name was once given to King Brytta of Rohan because he was such a generous king and everybody liked him. Hild is named after Helm's sister, and Helm's Deep is named after Helm. You know his story, right? You don't?! Well, let me tell you...

Erin shook her head as Leofa launched into a story.

She sure knows a lot for an eight year old. Well, this is a long ride, and I really should learn some of Rohan's history.

While Leofa's high voice told of battles and great deeds of long ago, Erin settled back in the saddle. I only hope that this battle turns out as well as those of old.

...and so Helm Hammerhand retreated to the refugee and defended his people throughout the Long Winter...

Because this time, I know the people out there fighting...