Summary: About how two girls lives changed for the better after being dropped into middle earth.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything LOTR related. I only own Rin, her family and Steph, well actually Steph owns herself. But you get the point.

Chapter 12

Rin wandered through the palace corridors. She wasn't really tired; after all she had just slept for 3 days.

She walked along the stretch of corridor leading from Eomer`s room. She hoped she had handled it well. Though he was sleeping, she hoped she would have enough courage to do the same when he was awake.

Rin didn't know how to handle what had transpired between them. One minute they were friends laughing discussing stupid things and the next they were kissing in the Palace gardens.

It was definitely nice, but she was frightened. She knew he would never hurt her just like she knew Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli would not either.

They had become her new family. She loved them all. But Eomer had always been different; from the moment they met she had felt something toward him. A constant comfort that would normally be fear when it came to most men, but she now knew Eomer was not like most men.

Rin casually walked into the dining hall, though she was shocked to see an older man clad in white standing on the balcony.

" Kind sir, might I ask to why you are up at such an indecent hour?" she asked quietly.

He turned and smiled at her, " I could also ask you the same thing, but it would be wasted for I know the answer."

Rin started at him shocked, " But." she started but was cut off when Avath ran into the room jumping into her arms.

"I see your friend has finally found you, when you left he proceeded to follow Eomer around since he had lost you. Eomer did not seem to impressed by that." Rin laughed at this.

" I'm sure he wasn't, Avath will only follow myself and Eomer. It is a matter of trust I suppose."

The man looked at her strangely, " Child do you not know of this species of panther?" he questioned.

She shook her head. " This is a rare kind, he is a Tylpeaelen Panther. They have great power that is only unleashed when their master are in danger or threatened. Avath chose you not because of trust but because of your soul my dear. They choose their masters by their true selves. Only through your soul can one see this. Yourself and Eomer must have similar souls indeed if even Avath can mistake them."

He approached her, " The only thing that has to do with trust is your relationship with Eomer. Rin you must learn to trust or you will never be truly happy."

Rin was not sure of what to say, she just cuddled Avath closer to her. " I think will go back to my room now." Was all she could say, and then proceeded to leave.

"Remember my words Rinbelethwen." He called to her. Rin stopped dead in her tracks, nearly dropping Avath.

"What did you call me?" she asked in disbelief. Only one person had ever called her that. And that was the voice she had heard as a child, the voice that had gotten her through the pain.

Rin eyed him curiously, " Who are you?"

He smiled and took her hand, " It does not surprise me that you do not remember my voice for you were young when I last spoke to you."

"No I know your voice, I have never forgotten it. You kept me safe after the pain." She said cautiously. He smiled and nodded, " I am Gandalf the White. And I have protected you from the day of your birth Rinbelethwen Araniel."

Rin started at Gandalf in shock. Only her family knew her full name. How could this be?

"Your are confused and frightened. There is no need for you to be. I will not harm you." He said, his voice soft and calming. She then recognized it.

"Gandalf. I remember. After I would get beaten I would go into a trance and your voice filled my mind. Calming me, talking to me, telling me it will be all right and that one-day you would come for me. And bring me back where I belong." She said as tears filled her eyes.

"It was you who brought me here wasn't it Gandalf. You were my star." She said holding back tears.

He nodded. " Child you were never meant for that life, in that world. You belong here and as each day passes I see I have made the right choice in bringing you here. You have fit in easily. Aragorn, Legolas, Eomer and Gimli care deeply for you. Just as I knew they would."

Rin smiled and stifled a yawn.

"I think it is time for you to rest now. Go now and sleep peacefully we shall continue our discussion further on another day." Gandalf said as he patted Avath on the head.

Rin smiled and nodded then turned to leave. She stopped and walked quickly back to him enveloping the wizard in a hug. " Thank you Gandalf." She said with utmost sincerity.

"You are very welcome child." He said as he returned the hug.

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She walked down the same corridor she had before cuddling Avath. She suddenly felt the urge to sing and so she complied with the urge and sang a song she had not even heard before but strangely knew the words to..

Lay down

your sweet and weary head

the night is falling

you have come to journey's end.

Sleep now

and dream of the ones who came before

they are calling

from across the distant shore.

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see

All of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms

you're only sleeping

What can you see

on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

a pale moon rises

the ships have come to carry you home.

And all will turn

to silver glass

a light on the water

all souls pass.

Hope fades

into the world of night

through shadows falling

Out of memory and time.

Rin found this song comforting and continued to hum it while she walked. She again came to Eomer`s door. She sighed and opened it.

Rin entered the room to find Eomer sitting up smiling at her. He held his hand out. She set down Avath and moved toward him. " Did my singing awake you?" she asked hoping the answer was no.

" You sang beautifully Ithildin. But no that was not what awoke me. I have been awake for some time." He admitted.

Her eyes went wide, " Then you." she began but he put a finger to her lips.

" I heard ever word you said. I was never angry with you. But now is not the time to discuss this. We shall put it in the past." He said and pulled her towards him, lifting the covers.

Rin climbed in beside him and rested her head on his chest. She felt Avath jump in the bed and lay at her feet. She smiled and yawned as she moved in closer to Eomer. "Goodnight, 'Mer" Rin whispered quietly.

" Rest well Ithildin." Replied Eomer and kissed her forehead.

"I always do when I'm with you." She said as a heavenly sleep over came her.

She belonged here, right here. She had no doubt in her mind now.

***A/N: Song is : Into the West- The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King- Howard Shore incase you all wanted to know.lol