Ydream08
With You
Chapter 9
Her lungs burned panting for air while the angry wind whipped her face. As hard as Pansy struggled to maintain her sight, tears ran chilling tracts on her cheeks. At this point, she couldn't feel her hand clutching at the reins, but the one securing Frodo to her chest was warmed by his presence. That was something. That meant he wasn't yet dead.
"Hiyeeah!" Pansy whipped the reins once more, and winced at the shot of electricity at her thighs. She had to focus on the galloping of Glorfindel's horse that increased speed at her order.
There came roars, not belonging to animals nor humans; her ears were numb to sense their distance, but she sensed the hunt was drawing closer.
"Cross the river," Pansy murmured as the forest thinned the further they rode. Glorfindel had reassured her that crossing the river would bring them to safety. She would do it on Salazar's honor.
Pansy narrowed her eyes at the bright view that emerged from the edge of the forest. Green of the trees was sharply cut by the darkest shade of blue. Moonlight glittered at the surface of the water and was evidence of its patient propagation. Rocks of varying sizes rose from the riverbed, but Pansy's mind that calculated a safe route about the rocks froze in an angry fright.
The black and grey horses Pansy could see, but the shadows under the dark cloaks that mounted them were scattered and wavering.
It's an ambush, Pansy realized. Of course, some of the riders must have waited for them by the river!
Horsemen were behind them and their companions ahead.
At full speed, Glorfindel's horse galloped. And Pansy doubted Frodo held on to the horn of the saddle.
She should have had half the mind to stick Frodo to the saddle by a spell, but he would never know of how she risked his fall by pulling out her arm around him, flicking her wrist in quick succession and waving her wand in the familiar spell of her childhood.
"LUMOS CREPITO!"
Near the riverside, moonlight was contrasted by the exploding light that shot at the black riders from her wand. Blinded by the spell, their horses reared and neighed giving a diversion that Pansy seized, and she fastly rode her white stallion right between them to escape.
Cross the river!
Water splashed at her feet and legs as Glorfindel's horse cleaved the river in ease, however Pansy's spell could only gain them an opportunity to slip away from the enemy as was proven from the ruckus of the riders that quickly rode behind them towards the river.
At the other side of the river where Glorfindel had promised safety, his horse neighed fiercely into a harsh stop.
"EASY NOW, EASY!" Pansy yelled in her most authoritative voice regardless of how close she was to vomit her heart.
Once the horse calmed down, Pansy's dizziness had to be overlooked at the sight of the black riders at the edge of the water.
"Go back!" Pansy was startled by Frodo's voice, it was strained and angry. For a sick hobbit, Pansy found he had a fighter's soul to keep his wits about him. "Go back to the Land of Mordor, and follow me no more!"
Pansy knew Mordor. It was the Malfoy Manor for these creepy black riders.
Her heart shook with jitters at the incomprehensible cries suddenly erupting from the shadows. Pansy raised her wand immediately but there was a logical part of her that confessed that only Merlin could come alive from this scene.
"By Elbereth and Luthien the Fair, you shall have neither the Ring nor me!" shouted Frodo.
There would be no bargain, Pansy ironically thought at the sight of the black riders advancing to the river. Yet, the mere touch of hooves into the water shifted the balance in the air as if waking up to a humid day.
The river rippled in excitement, waves rose in thrill, and foams climbed in anticipation. During the water's great ascend, a warm red light erupted behind the riders from the land and Pansy recognized the fire now lighting the torches in the hands of the hobbits and Aragorn. The same trick from Weathertop, she realized. In front of them stood Glorfindel, the handsome Elf who illuminated a white light of pure power, and all combined the black riders had no chance to escape the way they have come.
Fire behind and angry water in front of them, the black riders had to take on Glorfindel, too, if they were set to capture Frodo.
Impossible it was for them to achieve that, since the moonlit water reached its peak and no longer contained any mercy. All the white waves surrounded the black riders, pushed them, covered them and gulped them down, away and apart.
Pansy swore Merlin has assigned Merpeople to drag the enemy underwater!
"Great Merlin and the Founders!" Pansy gasped.
The flood cleared the enemy from sight and the river dutifully returned to its prior serenity while the crashes of the waves still echoed in Pansy's ears.
Frodo's head fell back to her chest that woke her from the amazement of what has transpired.
"Frodo!" she shrieked, holding him by his curly hair first, then supporting his head by his chin. "Merlin, Frodo! Frodo! What now–? Are you alright? Frodo!"
Frodo didn't steer, but feeling his heartbeat over his chest, Pansy took the deepest breath that could offer her some kind of sanity.
Exhausted, as the kicks from this pursuit faded, Pansy's mind mulled over the plan to get them to safety. Frodo had to be tended to, immediately.
"Pansy Parkinson," Glorfindel's voice reached Pansy across the river. "Do not stop. Ride to Rivendell. Go."
Pansy frantically nodded, unable to see Glorfindel's expression from this distance.
"You are from Rivendell, right, Lumos?" asked Pansy to the horse. Stroking its mane gave her a short feel of peace. She was not alone carrying Frodo to safety. Looking across the river and seeing everyone else, seeing Aragorn gazing up at her, Pansy felt safe and protected. Now it was time she completed her duty. "Take us to Rivendell. Go on!"
Lumos neighed in content (hopefully to its nickname) and nodded its head so Pansy clicked her tongue for Lumos to pick up a trot to their destination.
It was a grand valley they arrived at; a clear lake as its companion and the centered settlement benefiting from its amazing view. Even at this late hour, while darkness concealed the city's beauty, Pansy was awed, recognizing the breeze of magic that surrounded the place. Although the architecture, whatever Pansy could see under the moonlight, was nothing like she has ever seen in the magical world, there had to be a connection somehow.
There was little time to admire further, because Pansy ascertained a welcoming party that was hurriedly collected by a stone bridge Lumos neared. He picked up pace to cross the bridge and slowed to a stop in front of guards.
"My companion is injured," Pansy said to the guard closest to her. "Help him down."
When the guard did not make a move, Pansy insisted. "Glorfindel sent me to ride this hobbit to Rivendell. Is this not Rivendell? Won't you help him?"
Guards looked at each other this time, but thankfully before Pansy raised her voice, a movement opened the collective front of the guards. The elf that emerged didn't adorn an armor; nor did he carry any weapon. His clothes were silk, their colour a deep blue while embroideries dark green. He wasn't the tallest elf in sight and he wasn't the most handsome. To call an elf attractive was becoming a dangerous habit to Pansy Parkinson, but only that adjective best suited this man… no, male elf… who stood before her.
Pansy was not blind— there sat a golden crown on his dark brows, and it definitely contributed to the impression he left on her.
That was the only reason Pansy didn't call out to the man first. Societies had rules and it minimally changed the closer one was to the crown. Pansy had lived in the upper class (almost) the entirety of her life that she was well acquainted in the manner she should approach this elf.
She watched in patient poise for the elf to observe them. It required little intelligence to ascertain Frodo's need of immediate care; only someone who was much more cunning would speculate the intention behind them seeking refuge. Pansy prayed she wouldn't be falsely judged tonight.
"Who might you be?"
"Glorfindel has sent us here. This is Frodo, the Hobbit. He is injured. And I am Pansy Parkinson."
There was a pause during which the elf searched her face but Pansy couldn't fathom what he found. He never glanced at Frodo, not until he gave command to other elves who immediately stood out to help Frodo unmount. Afterwards it was a blur how they carried Frodo away. Pansy would have asked to be taken with him, too, but once on the ground she was caught by the elven king's gaze.
"I am Elrond, son of Earendil and Lord of Rivendell." He glanced at the white horse now its reins held by a guard. "I recognize Asfaloth, which you name Lumos, thus I trust Glorfindel in picking you for a rider."
Pansy maintained her silence. It was emberassing enough that she had not known the horse had a name.
"However, I must add, Lady Parkinson, among the guests I awaited you were not initially included. Alas your fate has brought you here along Frodo, and I am curious to hear your adventure." Lord Elrond turned to his right-hand-man and spoke in a foreign language. Pansy was becoming more irrate each time this happened- first with Aragorn and Glorfindel, and now for the second time. Of course these were foreign lands for her and it was only natural their tongues were different, but Pansy never liked being talked about without her knowledge. Unfortunately a translation charm had never been in her repartoir.
Lord Elrond once again addressed Pansy. "My daugther Arwen, shall arrange for your welcome. You should rest tonight and tomorrow; later the next evening I would like to share supper together. If by then, the rest of your companions arrive, we can all sit together."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond." Pansy courtesied, and received a smile from the elven king. Before he could take his leave, however, she added. "What about Frodo?"
"He will be tended by our skillful healers, myself included. You may see him once he is in a better shape. Arwen should help you be in contact."
Pansy thanked him again but did not ask anything further.
Guards filled the space Lord Elrond's receding back left, and slowly the party at the bridge marched inside. Just as Pansy mulled over following the elf that took away Lumos (no, Asfaloth), a brown haired elf approached her.
"Lady Arwen is notified of your arrival. I shall take you to her chamber from which you will be led to your own guest quarters."
"Alright," Pansy replied but felt an uneasiness that came with being overlooked. She kind of took it out on the elf who was to be her guide: "Isn't it rude to not introduce yourself?"
"I'm Ialon, son of Serion, lady. And you are?"
Pansy narrowed her eyes at the elf. It's not like he hasn't heard her shouting her name. Apperantly he was trying to irrate her back. Pansy managed a smile. "Pansy Parkinson."
Ialon nodded and picked up a brisk pace. Pansy did not strike up a conversation as exhausted as she was, and Ialon seemed not to be complaining about that. She needed what little energy remained within her anyway, to meet with the princess of course, Lady Arwen of Rivendell.
Pansy wondered whether she would prefer being Rivendell's princess to being in a respected Biritish family in the pureblood society. That short fancy did not loiter in her mind since she was distracted by the unexplainable magnificence of the architecture which she was guided through.
It was nothing like she has ever seen, and coming from a wealthy British family, Pansy has seen countless mansions of unmatched grandeour. All had been wizard-made of course, thus why nothing had compared...till now.
As they walked down bridges and halls, moonlight showered every intercolumniation and window, as if purposefully chasing away darkness. Plants trudged about the floor making home in the cracks or climbed the walls in a reassuring embrace. If Pansy didn't know better, she would say nature itself has piled the stones and realigned the forest as an invitation for these people to inhabitat. The Elves. Only the carved marble statues would be pointed as man-made, and the vines explored them in hopes to hide each one in nature.
This whole place… It was oddly compelling. Pansy didn't imagine it could accommodate the luxury she desired, however hating the place was out of question.
Soon she was halted by a double door. Ialon raised his hand to keep her waiting as he knocked on the door and entered himself first. Pansy heard the short conversation in Elvish, then the door was opened wider for her to enter.
It wasn't a bed chamber as Pansy had guessed, nor was it a study room. With many sofas and armchairs and a long dining table, it was room for what seemed to be casual gatherings.
In the center of the room, by a pink armchair sat a women dressed in a night gown. Her perfect dark hair looked to be unbraided moments ago, its thick waves falling till her small back. She had such smooth unblemished skin that Pansy suspected a bit of magic had to be involved. With pretty shaped eyebrows, striking blue eyes and full lips, the women who could only be Lady Arwen of Rivendell, had a beautiful face... but Pansy didn't like the buoyant and pure look to her. There was a perception of innocence that could only come with a glamour charm. Pansy's wand-hand itched to cast a Disillusionment charm to reveal Lady Arwen's true face. Yet Pansy knew these creatures did not possess the magic she had. Whatever unease she felt towards elves, Pansy knew deep inside that no one could wield magic like she could.
"Lady Parkinson, forgive me that I could not greet you outside, for your arrival was at an untimely hour. I am Arwen Undomiel, daughter of Elrond, Lord of Rivendell. I'm trusted with your lodgings and I have seen to what could be done."
"Ialon, thank you for your assitance until here. You may leave Lady Parkinson in my care." With that Ialon bowed and receded. Pansy caught his gaze and nodded, saving Ialon as a familiar face in this foreign place.
"Now... I sent a maiden, Namys, beforehand to set your chamber and prepare you a bath. While that is arranged, you should eat. The late hour must not hinder your thirst and hunger as it must have been a long journey here. Come. I hope you will be content with the tray."
"Thank you, Lady Arwen." Pansy walked inside and took notice of the tray full of plates. She got seated by an armchair and looked at Lady Arwen for permission to eat. The elf smiled and urged her to start.
"I'm much curious about your travel. I have heard your companion was hurt. Do not worry, Namys will take you to the healers first thing in the morning if that is what you desire."
"That is very kind of you, Lady Arwen." Pansy found herself unworried about Frodo's predicament. These elves, especially Lord Elrond's authority, planted a trust in Pansy that Frodo would be best taken care of. And if the hobbit could not see the sun tomorrow, there could be nothing more Pansy could do waiting by his bedside tonight. Not that Pansy envisioned it coming to that.
That line of thought squeezed her stomach and turned whatever food she put in her mouth sour. Cold-hearted bitch, was an insult Pansy had frequently heard but seldom it rang true in her conscience, and tailoring the insult to herself by herself was a rarer occurance.
Although the meal now tasted stale, Pansy forced herself the next bites because really what else could she do. Lady Arwen must have felt a similar stillness in the air as she chose to speak, "Tell me, Lady Parkinson, where you come from? And whom you travelled with?"
Unfortunately Pansy was not in the mood for chit chat. "Pardon me, Lady Arwen. I'm very much tired and quite worried about my friend. Speaking to you about the details of my journey has to wait, if you excuse me that is. Is it possible for me to retire to my chamber?"
"Ah, of course. Forgive me. Will you not continue to eat?"
Pansy placed the tray on the low table and shook her head. "No. Thank you for your hospitality."
"Of course. Ah, Namys arrived as well! Namys, Lady Pansy Parkinson wishes to retreat to her chamber. Kindly asisst her, please."
Pansy stood and nodded her thanks to Lady Arwen. Bidding her a good night, she followed the elf called Namys. For a blond elf she had not the beautiful features of Glorfindel, nor was she as striking as Lady Arwen, but she was prettier than nearly everyone Pansy has seen in England. Maybe not that Veela girl from Pansy's fourth year. These elves were really a race of complete opposition to the elves Pansy knew in the magical world.
Without any conversation, Namys the plainest elf she has seen so far, led Pansy into a room, smaller than her childhood chambers but definitely not the kind of room Pansy has entered ever since disgracing her family.
Pansy could have cried at the sight of the bed. On the nights that had been cold and the ground she lay on unforgivingly hard, she has searched her memory of McGonagall's Transfiguration classes. Even if she had been in full health in their adventure, at the peak of her magical power even, it was depressing to realise that Pansy remembered so little about Transfiguration to perform anything advanced. Sure, she could transfigure a brush from a rock and a twick, but an object as big as a bed? When its texture was so different from the damn leaves?
The prospect of returning home was exhilarating, and indeed, with reaching Rivendell, Pansy knew the day to meet the wizard who'd help her was drawing close. All that travel (the hardships she has endured) was to find him here. Lord Rivendell, too, had reassured her of the wizard's soon-arrival.
Even so, a tiny voice in her head warned Pansy that returning home so quickly might be unattainable. The hidden ring in her jewelry box was out of the ordinary; apparently even for the standards of this country or world or whatever place "here" was. It wasn't cursed per se, not in the manner that Pansy was used to, but a force to upside down her life like this was not the work of a common wizard or witch. With this knowledge came the suspicion that a simple Portkey could not return her to London where she could continue her very missed life. Whatever mess she has gotten herself into would not easily severe ties with her, that was for sure. Look what his grandfather following the Dark Lord half a century ago added up for Draco Malfoy?
If there was a risk that forced Pansy to remain here longer, she had to remember how to make a bed out of leaves. Damn her if she ever ends up sleeping on the ground again.
"Would you like assistance with bathing, Lady Parkinson?"
Having forgotten the elf that brought her to the room, Pansy was startled by the voice. Namys looked down her nose at Pansy, even scrunching it as if a stench hung in the room. There probably was, coming from Pansy specifically.
That didn't mean Pansy took well Namys' attitude.
"Actually," she smirked. "I would love the help. Go ahead and get the water running."
Namys must not have been expecting Pansy to accept her offer as the elf's mouth remained twisted in an awkward smile. Quickly she softened her features and proceeded to the attached bathroom.
Pansy looked around the room to give the elf some time to fill the tub. A two-sized bed, canopies and wardrobes, a full-length mirror… As a guest room it was very accomodating. Walking further inside, the cleanliness of the room drastically contrasted Pansy's current filthiness that her skin crawled in disgust. She could smell flowers and soap just as clearly she smelled her own sweat.
Her bag was dirty like the rest of her, but Pansy couldn't get herself to put her bag down on the ground. The elves could always clean the couches but Pansy's haute-couture handbag that her Grandpa had gifted last year was one of a kind. Pansy continued to shed the rest of her outfit and didn't hesitate to cast Evanesco on everything except for her coat. There might be salvation for that piece yet.
Naked from head to toe, she loitered around for Namys to summon her. Pansy felt confident in her skin; that never changed, but nakedness always had to be crowned with marvelous clean hair. Again, words of Pansy's mother. After the bath, Pansy would be the definition of perfection… Unless… Well, her black strands nearly brushed her bare buttocs so Pansy wondered whether a haircut was called for.
"Lady Parkinson, your bath is prepared."
Collecting her hair to the side, Pansy mulled over the idea as she went to take a bath.
"Do you know how to cut hair?" she asked dismissively.
"I may be of assistance, yes."
Pansy glanced at the elf's blonde hair that was longer than hers, just like Glorfindel's had been. Was this a trend among the elves? Either way, Pansy doubted this elf's experience with cutting hair. She didn't have many choices, though.
"Alright. We'll see what you can do, Namys." Pansy said as she walked around the tub to enter. Just as she dipped one foot, she relented and added, "Thank you."
Whatever the elf replied with was dismissed by Pansy the moment she carefully slid inside the tub. Water was everywhere, licking her skin and softening her muscles. It was an unearthly feel to have water on her skin! It wasn't scorchingly hot, but hotter than she was used to. Pansy didn't care. She would bathe in a bloody volcano if it meant she would be clean. Of course, if asked, hot springs would be prefered.
Daydreaming about better places didn't last long as Pansy decided she would dip in, head included. She held her breath and submerged herself underwater to promptly get back out.
"Oh my!" Pansy couldn't contain her moans. "Bloody fantastic. It's unfair I can't heat up Aguamenti like this… I would have been a much… much…" Pansy sighed in contentment. "...much more amenable person throughout our adventure."
Pansy giggled. Lifting her leg slowly up and watching the water cascade down, she giddly recalled the horrible rainy days of the travel. What a nightmare all that had been!
"Thank Merlin," Pansy whispered, he was indeed out there watching out for her.
"May I start to wash your hair, Lady Parkinson?"
Second time now, at the sound of the voice, Pansy was reminded of the elf who stood by. She smiled at the girl… or woman… elf? Whatever age she was, Namys has made a good offer. Pansy wouldn't pass a chance to be pampered.
For the first time, Pansy directly looked into her brown eyes and smiled. "Please do."
For whatever it was worth, Pansy was impressed with the quality of the gown these elves have provided her. One thing they lacked was consideration.
"By any chance, do you have a green one?" Pansy asked Namys who had just finished tidying the bathroom.
"Lady Parkinson," she started to say with a serene smile. Pansy could tell the annoyance in her tone, not that the elf was making a true effort to hide it. "What is to your displeasure?"
"The color, obviously." Pansy exasperatedly flicked her shoulder-length hair. Thankfully, Namys had turned out to be skillful at giving her a cut. "What you failed to see, is that blue horribly clashes with the colour of my eyes. Look at me… my eyes are pure green, not like those whose eyes would turn blue if they ever wore a dress that color." And she was a Slytherin of course. She wanted the confidence of adorning her House colours; not that Pansy relayed that detail.
"I see."
Pansy left the gown where she picked up and walked to the bed. "It's alright for tonight. I'd be pleased if you can arrange something in the morning."
Once Namys left, Pansy found she has missed the privacy of a room. Lying inside a clean bed, freshly showered, and already exhausted was like a key to the richest vault in the Gringotts. Aches of her lower back instantly eased, and a few deep breaths later sleep claimed Pansy.
Pansy woke up with a clogged nose and hurting neck. She fell asleep with wet hair, that must be why. Sun was bright and her room was warm. Using the toilet and returning to her bed, Pansy of course continued with another short nap.
She must have slept for two more hours, but this time upon her wakefullness, Namys was inside her room having brought breakfast.
"Is that breakfast?" Pansy asked.
"Yes, lady."
"I shall have it in the bed." Pansy had habits that were hard to change. Eating in bed was a luxurious one that she hasn't changed even when she was forced into a small apartment in London. Sure, she has had to learn a few spells to charm trays and teapots and whatever to do her bidding from another room, but it was all worth it. In the Parkinson Estate, breakfasts used to never be had in the dining room. Pansy would have had her breakfast in her room, get dressed and meet with her family in the porch for tea.
Now that Pansy had a maid to bring her breakfast to the bed, Pansy would take full advantage.
"Thank you. And prepare the bath. Have it hotter this time. I want to be pink when I'm out of the water."
"As you wish, Lady Parkinson."
Before Namys went into bathroom, Pansy called for her.
"Yes, lady?"
"I would like to visit Frodo after my bath. Would you find about his wellfare and see whether I can visit?"
"Of course, Lady Parkinson."
Thus the morning was spent with Pansy finally resembling to a decent human being. Her hair was styled, nails were cleaned and trimmed, and outfit was fashionable to set foot outside. Given, the gown not exactly her style, but the silk was rich and the colour was indeed the deep green of the House of Slytherin. It flowed smoothly down her torso to the ground, and in it, Pansy felt no different to the Elves of this world.
The same conclusion must have crossed Lord Elrond's mind when he saw her outside of Frodo's room.
"You look as lovely as any Elven maiden, Lady Parkinson."
"You humble me, Lord Elrond." Pansy courtesied. "Thank you greatly for your hospitality. I can't come to describe you the comfort here compared to the harshness of my journey."
"I may imagine. Do not fret, I'm aware the times are dark. Frodo, son of Drogo, has also faced the harsh circumstance of that travel."
"How is he?"
Lord Elrond sighed. Gathering his hands in front of him, Pansy noticed he was massaging his fingers. "Unfortunately his wound is black as the riders that has cursed him with it. Last night I tended him myself with counsel of my fellow healers, but it seems my aid shall be required further."
"So...?"
"You may see him, but he is fast asleep. My concern is that he will not be awake for neigh a week. I cannot be certain. Hobbits are not people I heal frequently. But he must be a sturdy one, if your recounting of the journey proves that he has endured greater hardships than I can imagine."
"I see." Pansy didn't know what else to say. She had been lucky enough to avoid St Mungo's all her life, and after the war, it had continued similarly.
"It seems you are not yet informed." Lord Elrond searched her face. Pansy didn't understand what he was constantly looking to find in her. "Go see Frodo, and you will see indeed."
Pansy nodded but before she entered, Lord Elrond called again. "I should tell the dinner will be had tonight. Until then."
She courtesied and watched Lord Elrond leave, making sure he was not adding any other afterthought.
Now alone, she gently turned the doorknob and entered. It was room much like the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts. It was bright and clean. There were white linens everywhere. For a moment, Pansy's eyes looked for Madam Pomfrey rushing about, but the elder witch was of course not waltzing in the Elves' hospital.
Pansy sighed and stepped inside. There, to the right, she saw the only bed occupied. Frodo lied sick, his complexion pale and eyes closed. Beside him sat someone that Pansy did not expect: a hobbit! Specifically Sam Gamgee. She would know that head of wheat blonde hair.
"Sam!" Pansy exclaimed.
"Oh, Lady Pansy! You are awake!"
Pansy knew Sam didn't mean it snub it in her face that she had been sleeping while he was sitting by Frodo's side, but it brought a heat of shame down her spine. Looking at his attire, Pansy gathered he must have directly found Frodo upon arriving in Rivendell.
"When did you arrive?"
"Two hours after the sun rise, Lady Parkinson. We would have made camp and rested, but we decided the danger remained and it be best to force a swift journey to Rivendell. I was glad to hear you have brought my master much earlier! When I arrived Lord Elrond was finished tending him."
Pansy nodded, a bit aloof since she had to distance herself from feeling guilt over this. She liked Frodo and didn't want him to die, of course. But would she have stayed watch next to him last night instead of bathing and sleeping herself? Apperantly Sam would have chosen to be with Frodo were it him who had brought the hobbit.
However Pansy Parkinson was not Sam Gamgee. She knew Frodo for only a month and the best she could describe him was as an acquaintance.
Still, it didn't mean that Pansy was heartless.
She walked over the bed and stood at the other side. Frodo looked awful. Nothing better could be said about him. Turning to Sam, Pansy asked, "Would you like to go and sleep? I'll wait by his side."
"It's alright, Lady Pansy. Thank you for offering. But when I'm too tired I sleep here, holding master Frodo's cold hand, warming him myself until he is warm again. You don't need to stay longer either. I'm here."
Pansy smiled at Sam, seeing in him the most loyal of Gryffindors that even Potter would envy. Sometimes Pansy wondered what it would be like to have such a friend by her side. She had been by herself during the trials of her parents. Draco was in house-arrest, the Greengrass sisters had fled abroad, Millicent Bulstrode had never been much of an ally and Tracy Davies had cut contact altogether.
For minutes, Pansy stood there looking at Sam Gamgee and remembering the many names of the Hogwarts students that she could have befriended. It was not the time to cry over them, but it reminded her that the lonely life she wished so desperately to return was not promising.
Pansy had not thought about what she would do upon her return, but the only clear route seemed to be taking her grandpa on his offer to wed her to some French wizard.
"Lady Pansy?"
The voice of Sam Gamgee halted Pansy in her mind's endless pacings.
"You will grow tired, won't you take a seat?"
"I don't want to crowd it in here. I'll be back when he is better."
"Of course!"
Pansy nodded quickly and aimlessly walked where her feet took her. Feeling the sun on her skin and fresh wind in her lungs somewhat calmed her. The floral scent the breeze carried distracted her masterfully. Only if she could take Lumos for a ride right now. Pansy had never liked brooms, but in the similar way Draco loved the fastness of a broom, Pansy longed for the galloping of a horse underneath her. She was addicted to her heart mimicking the rythym of their ride.
Just as she turned to find her way to the stables, she came across two people rounding the corner of the garden. Correction, it was a man and an Elf. Both of whome Pansy knew well.
The man wore the same filthy travel-worn outfits, his hair greasy and messy, as if he had not wasted even one minute to care for himself upon his arrival here; while the female elf wore a much more splendid gown than Pansy did while adorning the same long hair of perfect waves, she was as beautiful and magical as Pansy saw her last night, maybe even more so.
The two of them had their arms interlooped and their hands entwined.
Pansy would not have guessed Aragorn's sweetheart to be Lady Arwen Undomiel of Rivendell, but she witnessed it with her very own eyes.
YES, I'M BACK :D
I have finished book 1 and continue with book 2 of LoTR. Nothing for this story is yet set, but it is refreshing to find my back here and to see words flow easily. I had a bit difficulty with docs so I wrote the chapter as a draft on ao3, so there were no auto corrections which means there could be more faults than a regular chapter. I will fix them tomorrow so that you won't wait any longer to read the chapter.
I'VE GOT IDEAS WHERE TO TAKE THE STORY. It's weird to read the books and quickly imagine where Pansy would fit in every scene. And with Tolkien only briefly mentioning some events, there rises opportunities expanding unexpected places. What I will only say is that I realized breaking up Arwen and Aragorn will be nastier than I thought. Simply because Aragorn's standing as the future king and his friendliness with the Elves also relies on his relationship with Arwen, the example being his very much appreciated compliment to Galadriel was that that she is the woman from whom sprung Celebrian and Arwen (from the book, paraphrased).
Currently, one chapter a month is my aim so we'll see how that turns out.
Take care of yourselves! Be safe and healthy!
Excited to hear from all of you :D
-Ydream08
