Revised 2/21/04
See Part 1 for disclaimers and such.
Chapter 7Erin watched the flames flicker over the dry wood, admiring the sharp contrast of the deep reds and oranges against the dark night around them, and shivered slightly, scooting closer to its warmth. Orophin had built the fire to help ward off the chill of the night, but a light breeze had kicked up, blowing chill caresses across the back of her neck.
Rúmil and Orophin had been pleasant companions, telling her jokes and stories while they shared the King's wine. They had asked her about her home, about her family, and she had told them about her parents and a little about her life before. Talking about home, combined with the effects of the wine she consumed, left her feeling empty and aching inside. A longing for home so strong welled up fiercely within her, and she struggled not to cry. Instead, she curled her arms around her legs and held them tight, shivering in the cool evening air.
"Are you cold?" Rúmil asked, sliding closer and wrapping his arm across her shoulders to share his warmth.
Feeling as if her brain was packed in cotton batting, she nodded and leaned against him, grateful for his comforting presence.
Rúmil touched her cheek, and turned her face towards his. She found herself looking up at his wide gray eyes in surprise.
He studied her face intently for a moment, and then slowly he bent his head, his lips brushing against hers gently. They were soft, softer than she could have ever imagined, and tasted of the wine they had been drinking. He drew back, and suddenly she could think again. Her heart was pounding so loudly she wondered if the both elves could hear it, and her face felt flushed with sudden heat.
"Are you warmer now?" Rúmil asked, smiling down at her.
It took her three tries to make her mouth form her answer. "Yes."
Rúmil nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Orophin has gone to fetch your blankets, meldis."
Erin blinked at him in confusion. "Why did you kiss me?"
He chuckled softly. "You looked as if you needed one, meldis. You looked cold and sad. I thought it might warm your spirit."
"Oh," she answered faintly, blushing more. "Well, thank you." It was the only thing she could think of to say.
He nodded. "We promised Mithrandir we would look after you," he said seriously, though his eyes twinkled with mischief.
Orophin returned, and drew her blanket across her shoulders, tucking the ends carefully beneath her so that she was firmly cocooned in the soft material. "We let you drink too much wine," he chided, settling his lithe form on the other side of her. "Humans do not have the capacity for drink that we do, apparently."
"At least not small ones," Rúmil added, wrapping his arm around her shoulders once more.
With Orophin and Rúmil on either side of her, the blanket around her, and the fire in front of her, Erin had to admit she was beginning to feel rather toasty. Her lips still tingled from Rúmil's kiss, and she couldn't help but smile.
"What does meldis mean?" she asked, leaning against Orophin's strong shoulder.
"It means a friend who is female," he answered quietly, and she saw him glance at his brother. "Meldir is a male friend."
"Hmm," Erin replied, stifling a yawn. "I like that. I wish I was an elf." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
"Why do you say that, meldis?"
She could hear the amusement in Orophin's voice. "I'd be a lot taller." Her eyes refused to stay open, so she let them close.
She was having the strangest dream. She was in her old bedroom at her parents' house, and her mother was asking if Rúmil and Orophin liked pancakes for breakfast.
"Erin."
She opened her mouth to answer her mother, when a firm hand shook her from her sleep, bringing her rudely awake. Erin opened her eyes and nearly screamed in the face that was inches from hers.
"Get up," Haldir said without preamble. "Get dressed. Breakfast is waiting and we will be leaving shortly." He stood up and looked down his nose at her, his lips curving slightly. "I wish to speak to my brothers alone."
Erin had never seen Haldir's face look the way it did right now, a mixture of stern amusement, and she wasn't sure what to make of it. She stood up, wincing at the various aches and pains that plagued her from the riding bareback for several days. Glancing around for her boots, she stifled a chuckle when she saw Rúmil and Orophin, still sleeping soundly on the ground next to the tree, the empty bottle of wine between them. Their eyes were open, but glazed with sleep. If she hadn't seen Legolas sleep in that very same way, it would have been unnerving.
She found her boots by the end of her bedroll and quickly laced them.
"Go find Elrohir and stay with him until I come for you," Haldir said, his gentle tone belying his stern expression. "Be sure to find some breakfast as well."
Erin nodded, casting a final glance at the sleeping elves, before turning her feet towards the main camp.
Her stomach grumbled for the pancakes she'd been dreaming about, but she forced herself to accept the apple and bowl of watery looking oatmeal with a smile, giving her thanks to Galen, before finding a suitable rock to perch on. She watched the elves break the camp while she ate, and took advantage of the moment alone to think.
She was tired, sore, and her head throbbed just slightly, most likely from the wine she'd indulged in last night. It had been nice, simply talking to Orophin and Rúmil while they shared the wine. She smiled, remembering some of the funny stories they had shared of their days growing up with Haldir, who was quite a bit older than both of them. When their parents had left, it had been Haldir who had been responsible for raising them. She'd learned a bit about Elvish culture as well. She knew now that elves weren't considered adults until they reached their majority, at age 50. She'd laughed when they told her that, finding it difficult to imagine a 35-year-old elf as a teenager. They had asked her how old she was, and about her family, and it had been difficult to speak of those things. She missed her family very much, especially since she didn't know if she would ever see them again.
Rúmil's kiss had surprised her, but it'd had its intended affect. It warmed her, the way their overtures of friendship had warmed her. The trip to Lothlórien would have been so much harder without their kindness. It helped keep her loneliness and homesickness at a tolerable level. She was pretty sure he didn't mean anything else by it – nothing in his previous behavior towards her had indicated he liked her more than just as a friend. And the funny thing was, though she couldn't imagine any of her human male friends giving her a kiss like he had, it seemed perfectly natural coming from an elf.
The watery oatmeal wasn't too bad. It was warm, and filled the empty hole in her stomach. She finished her apple, and her eyes searched the group of elves for Elrohir's familiar face.
She spotted the dark and handsome elf laughing with Melaphríl, and she rose to her feet, handing her empty bowl to Galen as she passed him, once again giving him her thanks. Melaphríl was saying something obviously humorous, if Elrohir's barely restrained grin was any indication, and she saw the twinkle of mischief in both sets of eyes that turned to watch her approach.
"Did you sleep well?" Melaphríl asked politely, and Elrohir made a funny, choked sound, studiously avoiding her questioning gaze.
"Well enough," Erin replied, returning her attention to Melaphríl, her cheeks flushing slightly as she recalled with great detail just exactly how she had slept; wonderfully sandwiched between two beautiful elves. "And you?"
The fair-haired elf in front of her cleared his throat and seemed to find something interesting on the front of his tunic. "My night was not as restful as I could have hoped," he said finally, his voice sounding low and strained. His reply elicited another odd, choking noise from Elrohir, and she turned to look at the darker elf with a mixture of amusement and irritation.
"Something the matter, Elrohir?" she asked, looking up at him sharply.
The healer took a deep breath and met her eyes. His expression was overly bright. "Not at all, Erin." He gave Melaphríl a look that sent the other elf into a choking fit.
Erin crossed her arms, her amusement fading quickly into ire. "Why do I get the feeling you two are having a joke at my expense?" she snapped.
Melaphríl shook his head, and looked away. Elrohir struggled to look contrite and failed miserably.
"Our apologies, Erin. We are not laughing at you," he managed, his pewter eyes widening in relief as he saw a familiar figure walking towards them. "Ah, Haldir," he said, grateful for the opportunity to change the subject. "How fare you this morning?"
"I am stiff and sore from lying down," the marchwarden answered easily, stopping next to Erin. "And I am looking forward to walking instead of being carried."
Elrohir nodded, his formerly light expression turning serious. "Just do not overexert yourself, Haldir. I know you think your strength is endless, but please try to remember that I will not appreciate it if you undo all my hard work."
Haldir grimaced. "Aye, I will try not to, Elrohir."
The healer shook his head, knowing his cautionary words had most likely fallen on deaf ears. "I will be most relieved to turn you over to the gentle hands of your Lady Galadriel," he said, his smile returning. "For you have been a most difficult patient."
"I am sorry to have tested your skills so grievously, Elrohir," Haldir returned with a brief grin. "But I am thankful for them, nonetheless."
Elrohir gave him an answering grin. "I will check on you later," he said, and with a brief nod of farewell to them both, followed by a still mirthful Melaphríl towards the other side of the camp.
The elves broke camp with efficiency that Erin admired, and in a matter of minutes, the grassy plain held no traces that they had camped there for the night. She saw Orophin and Rúmil approach them, Mírhrod following behind Orophin obediently.
"You two will walk today at the front line," Haldir said when they reached them. "Erin will ride, and I will walk beside her."
"Aye, Haldir," Orophin replied, handing Erin her neatly rolled sleeping bag and her pack with a friendly smile. "Just be ready to catch her if she falls."
Rúmil linked his hands and boosted her onto the back of the horse, his lips curving into a grin as he watched her clutch Mírhrod's mane in a death grip. Both brothers gave her a wave, before moving soundlessly to the front of the line.
Haldir looked up at the woman critically, his eyes noting the uneasy way she sat on Mírhrod's broad back. Shaking his head, he stepped closer to the horse, reaching for Erin's leg.
"Use your legs to grip his barrel, like this," he said, pushing her leg firmly against Mírhrod's side. "Sit up straighter, find your center of balance." He watched her struggle to obey his commands, his eyes glinting briefly in amusement. "If you keep your body over his withers - here," he pointed to where the horse's shoulders met at the base of his long neck. "You will find it easier to stay balanced."
Easy for you to say, Erin thought crossly, feeling the horse's prominent backbone press into her sore and tender backside. They hadn't even started yet, and her thighs already ached.
Satisfied with her positioning, Haldir moved away, touching Mírhrod's forelock briefly. "Tolo ab-nín, Mírhrod," he said, and the horse obediently fell in step behind him.
The other elves fell into their positions before them and behind them, and in a matter of moments, the whole party was moving towards their destination once more. Erin bit her lip, concentrating on staying centered on the horse as Haldir had instructed her, and not finding the task all that easy.
"Did Rúmil and Orophin do something wrong?" she asked, wanting to break the silence.
Haldir glanced up at her and shook his head. "No, why do you ask?"
"You seemed irritated with them this morning," she said, wincing as Mírhod's back jarred her again.
He shrugged. "No. They overslept, and kept you up later than they should have, but they told me you needed to talk. They are good listeners."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. It had felt good to talk to them about how much she missed her home, but she hadn't realized that she had needed it as much as she had until now. She still was terribly homesick, but it wasn't nearly as oppressing as it was the day before.
"I guess I did," she said finally.
Haldir nodded, turning away once more to watch the progress of the elves riding and walking in front of them, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
The sun was beginning its descent into the west when they finally reached the borders of Lothlórien, and Erin leaned forward eagerly, peering ahead in the growing darkness for her first view of the legendary woods.
Rúmil had told her the trees were tall, but she'd had no idea, really, how tall they were. She thought of the immense evergreens of her world, the cedars, pines, and fir; some of them reaching upwards up 60 feet in height, with trunks so large that it would take three of her to reach all the way around them.
The trees of Lothlórien easily dwarfed them, their silvery trunks so large that she was reminded of the pictures of the giant Redwoods in California she had seen once, yet even the Redwoods seemed small in comparison. The great trees rose so high above that she could not see where they ended, their branches making great and spreading canopies of green and gold that completely covered the sky.
As they rode beneath the shelter of green, Erin could not help but look up. The grandness of them amazed her and left her in awe that such beauty could truly exist in any world.
Haldir saw her expression of child-like wonder and smiled. "They are called Mallorn," he said, understanding her silent appreciation all too well. Though he had lived here all his life, the great trees of his home never ceased to fill him with awe, for like all elves, he felt a love for all things beautiful.
"They are amazing," her voice was hushed, for it seemed almost like being in a grand church, where you didn't speak too loudly or disrespectfully. "We have some pretty big trees where I come from, but nothing compared to this."
Haldir chuckled. He was looking forward to seeing her expression when they arrived at Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom itself. The trees on the outer edge of the woods were small in comparison to the trees of the city.
Erin sighed, shifting uncomfortably. She was tired from riding, her thighs ached abominably, and her butt was completely numb from bouncing on Mírhrod's bony back. She was looking forward to stopping, and never having to ride again, if she could help it.
"Are you well?" Haldir asked, watching her squirm with barely hidden amusement.
"No," she answered with another sigh. "But I'll live. Are we there yet?"
He nodded. "We are almost there. We have less than a league before we reach Caras Galadhon."
Erin wondered exactly how far a league was in comparison to a mile, and how much longer that meant she had to ride. She couldn't, of course, ask him. He wouldn't have any idea what a mile was any more than she knew how long a league was.
"Do you wish to walk the remainder of the journey?" Haldir asked, seeing her grimace of discomfort as she shifted her weight again.
"If I can still walk," she groused. She leaned her weight back the way she had seen Orophin and Rúmil do when riding and to her surprise, Mírhrod stopped.
"Cool!" she exclaimed. "I actually made him do something. Now if I can get off of him without landing in the dirt, I'll be doing good."
Haldir laughed. "Should I help you?"
She gave him a worried glance. "Only if it won't aggravate your injuries. I don't want Elrohir blaming me if you hurt yourself."
He raised an eyebrow slightly. "I do believe I am well enough to assist you from your horse, lady," he said in such a wounded tone that she had to laugh. He reached up, gripping her lightly around her waist and lifted her from the horse.
With Haldir's help, she managed to slide from Mírhrod's back, groaning slightly as her legs hit the ground.
"Owie," she whimpered, taking a tentative step, surprised that her legs would support her. "If I ever get back to my world, I'm going to have a hard time explaining why I'm bowlegged." With movement, however, the pain in her legs eased somewhat, and she was able to keep pace with Haldir as they walked, Mírhrod following behind them.
The lights of the city glowed golden in the twilight of the forest, like hundreds of fireflies spiraling around the trunks of the great trees, lighting their way to the enormous branches above.
If Erin was awed by the sight of the trees at the boundaries of Lothlórien, she was speechless at the sight of Caras Galadhon, the great city of the Galadhrim.
"It is here that I must leave you, for the moment," Haldir told her quietly, "For I must make my report to the Lord and Lady. I am certain they will wish to meet you after you have rested and had the opportunity to refresh yourself." Her reaction to his city pleased him.
Dumbly, Erin nodded, her eyes rising upwards as she took in the sight of the elaborate staircase and buildings above them. They were built in such a way that they looked to be a natural part of the trees themselves. It was beyond beautiful, and she couldn't think of any other words to describe them. She realized that Haldir had asked her something, and snapped out of her daze.
"I'm sorry, Haldir, what did you ask me?"
He laughed softly. "I asked if you would like to visit the springs and bathe before you take your rest?"
Erin's eyes widened with anticipation at the idea of being clean once more. "That would be wonderful," she said honestly. "I would love that."
Haldir smiled at her reaction. "I will send one of my brothers for you to take you there. Do you require fresh clothing?"
Erin shook her head. "I still have the clothes that Éowyn sent. They are clean enough." She looked at him worriedly. "Do you think they will be all right to meet your Lord and Lady in? I don't have anything formal."
"Your clothing does not matter at this time, Erin," Haldir reassured her. "If there is a more formal reception later, then perhaps a gown could be procured for you."
She watched him stride gracefully away, moving through the group of elves that were breaking up, each heading in different directions. Galen came shortly after he departed to lead Mírhrod away; joining several others who seemed to be in charge of taking care of the horses Théoden had leant them. She saw Elrohir deep in discussion with several elves she didn't recognize, and she assumed that they were from Lothlórien, since they were dressed differently than the others. The new elves, with the help from Elrohir and the other healers, took the remaining wounded who were not well enough to walk and carried them up a large winding staircase that encircled a nearby tree. She watched their progress as they climbed higher and higher, and did not hear Orophin's stealthy approach.
"Erin."
She sputtered; aggravated that he'd startled her. "I wish you guys wouldn't do that to me every time." He grinned at her grumbling and offered her his hand
"Haldir said you wished a bath before you rest?" he inquired, his fingers entwining with hers as he tugged her along.
"Oh yes," she said, a smile lighting her face. A bath sounded like heaven. "Please."
Haldir slowly climbed the last flight of stairs that led to where he knew Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel waited for him. His wound hurt him much less now, although it gave him an odd twinge of pain if he moved too suddenly or stretched, it was certainly bearable. He hoped that within the next few days, his healing would be complete enough for him to return to his duties as guardian of Lothlórien's northern border.
"We are gladdened to see you alive and well, Haldir," Celeborn's voice greeted him as he climbed the final steps to his Lord's private study.
Haldir bowed to the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim with respect, his hand touching his heart.
"It is a joy to see you both once again, My Lord, my Lady," Haldir replied, raising his head. "In truth I feared when I left that I would never return to see these fair woods again."
"Yet return to us you have," Galadriel said with a warm smile lighting her fair features. "And not alone, for I saw with you a strange woman. Who is she, Haldir? For my mirror gave me no answer when it showed me her presence here."
"Her name is Erin Smith," Haldir replied, not in the least bit surprised that Galadriel knew of Erin's presence already. "She is a traveler and, apparently, not from this world. Mithrandir believed she would be safer with us than continuing on with himself and Isildur's Heir, for their journey ahead will be fraught with peril." He gave them a brief smile. "She also saved my life, although it was coincidental."
Galadriel shook her head with a small and secret look. "Perhaps not coincidence, Haldir, but fate. Yet that is something we will speak of later."
"Tell me of the battle, Haldir, for I would hear from your lips what has come to pass," Celeborn said quietly, settling himself with grace and ease into his chair, his silver robes brushing softly against the wood.
Haldir spoke quietly, his expression withdrawn and pensive, as he gave the details Celeborn requested. Nine score of elves he had led to the aide of Théoden, and nearly a third of them had fallen in the battle, the lights of their eyes forever darkened in death.
"Such loss grieves you deeply, Haldir," Galadriel said gently from her place beside her husband, her low voice full of compassion. "As does us all. Yet they have given their lives that others may live, for a purpose greater than any they have been given before."
The marchwarden dropped his head slightly at her words, closing his eyes.
"The battle for freedom has just begun," Celeborn added, his expression darkening. "And we cannot sit idly by while the men of this world fight against the evil that threatens us all."
Haldir looked up, nodding with grim resignation. "I will lead our people once more to the aide of Men, if that is what you wish."
Celeborn gave him a gentle smile. "That task will not fall to you alone, Haldir. Others will come, responding to the call that Lord Elrond has put forth. Those who have not left these shores will join in the battle to come." He took a deep breath, his smile becoming fierce. "And I will lead them."
Erin leaned back against the rocks with a sigh she felt to her toes, her hands making idle ripples in the hot water. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth seep into her bones, luxuriating in the feel of being clean once more.
Orophin had led her to a glade surrounded by large ferns and flowering bushes. In the center of the glade was a natural formation of rocks, encircling a deep pool of water. A constant stream of hot water splashed in a miniature waterfall over the rocks, spreading ripples across the clear pool. Lanterns had been lit and cast a soft glow, illuminating the glade and making it appear almost magical.
She had dipped her fingers tentatively into the water and had been pleasantly surprised at its temperature. There was no nauseating sulfur smell that was usually associated with hot springs, and she was amazed to see that although the water spilled continuously from some hidden source beneath the rocks, the pool did not overflow.
Orophin had wordlessly handed her a towel and soap, before moving well out of view to give her privacy. He had left her pack within easy reach by the edge of the pool.
"I will stay within hearing range, though you are quite safe here. No one should disturb you," he had told her seriously.
She had waited a few moments after he disappeared into the trees before stripping out of her dirty clothes. The water had slid over her skin with delicious warmth, and she quickly immersed herself completely, letting the water cover her head for a moment.
Now, finally clean from head to toes, she relaxed against the rocks, feeling the aches and pains that had plagued her since she first came to this world float away with the ripples in the water.
"If you are finished, Erin, you should get dressed," Orophin said, startling her from her reverie. She squeaked in surprise, ducking beneath the water, hoping he hadn't seen anything. His back, thankfully, was turned, and she heaved a small sigh of relief.
"Haldir will be returning to fetch you soon, and you do not want him to wait."
She swam to the edge of the pool and reached for the towel, wrapping it around herself as she stepped out. Keeping watchful eye on Orophin, she dried and dressed as quickly as she could, pulling the soft blue tunic that Éowyn had given her over her head. She slid the fabric over her skin, realizing belatedly that she had forgotten to put her bra on first, and shrugged mentally. She only had the one with her, and it was in dire need of a wash. For now, she could do without it. After pulling on the leggings and struggling with the unfamiliar laces, she gathered her hair in both hands and began to wring the water from it.
"May I turn around now?" Orophin asked politely, though she could hear the undercurrent of laughter in his voice.
"Yes," Erin replied. "I'm dressed." She found her comb at the bottom of her pack and pulled it through her hair, sitting on the edge of a rock as she tried to work the tangles free.
Haldir found her this way, struggling and cursing her hair, and his eyes glinted with amusement.
"The Lord and Lady will meet with you now, if you are ready," he said, watching her pull the comb through a particularly nasty knot and wincing in sympathy. "It will be but a brief meeting, for they know you are tired from your journey."
Her hair had mostly dried by this point, and Erin worked the last tangle free with a sigh. "Tired, yes. But I've got a million questions for them," she said, tossing her comb into her pack. "Gandalf seemed to think your Lady might be able to help me."
Haldir nodded. "She may, for she is very wise. However, your questions can wait until tomorrow, for the hour grows late. They would greet you before you retire."
"All right," Erin agreed, reaching for her pack, only to have it taken from her by Orophin.
"I will take this to the room where you will be staying," he told her, shouldering the pack easily.
"Room?" Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. "I get to sleep inside for a change?"
Haldir nodded. "A room on one of the lower talans has been set aside for your use while you stay with us," he said. "Come, they are waiting."
Erin followed behind the tall and graceful elf, climbing the stairs that curved around the enormous tree. Her hand gripped the railing as she climbed higher and higher, and she found she had to stop looking down, for the height made her feel dizzy. Instead, she looked up, and marveled silently at the beauty that surrounded her.
Never before had she seen buildings such as these; their craftsmanship was beyond anything she'd ever seen in her world. Built in such a way that they seemed to be a natural part of the tree they were in, the homes of the elves were made of graceful curves and arches, silvery white wood gleaming in the lights of the lanterns that hung everywhere. She could see that they were mostly open, lacking traditional roofs, yet the branches and leaves above them sheltered them from any weather. She wondered what it would be like to sleep inside a room that was open in such a way, and found she was looking forward to the experience.
Her legs began to ache from the climb, and she was relieved when they finally came to their destination; the steps ending in a long wooden pathway that branched off into several forks. Haldir took the right-most fork, and she followed him, staying well to the center of the path and avoiding looking over the edge. She wasn't afraid of heights, really, but walking this far up in a tree with no railings to protect her made her feel somewhat nervous.
Haldir stopped before a doorway and knocked firmly on the gleaming surface of the door. Erin did not hear anyone reply, but he pushed the door open confidently, and she followed him, her eyes widening in wonder at her surroundings.
The room was not overly large, but it was comfortable; intricately carved bookcases lined three out of four walls, and each held volume after volume of leather bound books. The floor was smooth and polished, inlaid with similar curving designs of a lighter grain of wood, and she followed the flowing pattern across the floor until her eyes rested finally on occupants of the room.
Celeborn and Galadriel saw the young woman before them grow pale and sway visibly.
"I know you," Erin managed; before she felt her knees give way.
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