A/N: A third chapter in a row, I basically had the Yule events written already, but needed to space them out. I can't believe I'm at 50 reviews already! Thank you so much! I don't know what I'd dow without you! I know things haven't been particularly exciting, but things will pick up in this chapter! You just have to read it to find out!
Enjoy!
Chapter Eighteen
Gifts
I was enjoying the Yuletide celebrations immensely. More so than I ever thought I would. For the first time since my arrival in Middle-Earth, I felt as though I belonged and that I was amongst friends. People who cared about me and whom I could confide in. I had not felt such kinship since Charlie died and only now did I realise I missed it. Sure, I was satisfied with my solitude and didn't mind the company of my own thoughts, but I had not been truly happy like this since Charlie died. Truthfully, I'd been afraid of finding such happiness again because it felt like a betrayal to his memory. Yet, somehow, I found myself happier in Middle-Earth than I had been in a very long time. It was a breath of fresh air and for the first time, the thought of going back home didn't fill me with the same anticipation as it had before.
After all these months there was still no word from Gandalf the wizard and if I was going to be here for the foreseeable future, I might as well make the most of it.
Besides, the rift between Thranduil and I was finally beginning to close and even though Elrond was my companion for the week, I still enjoyed the time I'd spent with Thranduil. I hated to admit it, but something stirred inside me. Something I hadn't felt since I first met Charlie and if I was perfectly honest, it terrified me. For several reason, one being that as much as I liked Middle-Earth, I didn't belong here. I had a home in London - or at least I thought I did. The last thing I remember before my arrival was a German bomb falling from the sky. For all I knew, London might not exist anymore. Then again, Maggie said she was born in 1993 in Cardiff and I couldn't help but wonder that if Cardiff still exists, maybe the bombing wasn't that bad. I hadn't dared asking about it, because one should never know too much of one's future.
Secondly, Thranduil was an elf and immortal at that. Even if by some miracle he felt the same way, what chance could we possibly have together? He was thousands of years old and in his eyes, I'm nothing but a child. Having spent the past couple of weeks in the company of Maggie and observed her relationship with Fili and Elrond, both of whom were significantly older than herself, I knew it was possible. I just wasn't sure if it was possible for me. Especially when I couldn't quite put words on what I was feeling.
I was thrilled when Thranduil chose me as his companion of choice during the skating competition. I thought that perhaps he might choose someone else entirely because all eyes were on us. I will admit that my stomach became filled with butterflies as he strode towards me in that elegant and effortless way he always did. I knew we weren't going to actually kiss, I don't think either of was wanted to. It was like a silent understanding between the two of us and I was glad for it, even though I knew of some others who were disappointed.
Just as Fili explained, it was time for bowling following the skating competition. I teamed up with Theo, Maggie, Nat and Felix and to my pleasant surprise we were a good team. I was glad to learn that bowling still existed in the future. The other team consisted of Legolas, Thranduil, Fili, Gimli and Elrond. Sure, we were a bit outnumbered but I'd like to believe our combined skill weighed up for it, especially as we won.
I was also able to spend a bit more time with Nat and Theo, whose stories were also fascinating. I knew Theo was Maggie's son who grew up in Middle-Earth during the time she was cast back to Earth with her brother. It was still strange to imagine that a year in our world was equal to over 60 years in Middle-Earth. It meant that even though Theo was Maggie's son, he was old enough to be her grandfather, yet Theo and Nat had a son together, so Maggie was also a grandmother. It would still take time before I got used to things like these.
In accordance with custom, I spent the next few days spending time with Elrond and getting to know him. From what I'd gathered, Elrond was an elf who enjoyed his privacy and I didn't expect him to open up as much as he did. He told me about his life back in a land called Númenor and ancient wars he had fought. Elrond also told me about his wife who had passed long ago and his children - the twins Elladan and Elrohir and his daughter Arwen who was married to Aragorn.
I listened with fascination and when he was done, he asked me about my world. I told him as much as I could and explained that it was different from Maggie's world. I told him about my job as a nurse at the hospital, about kind old Mr Grayham and my noisy street in Shoreditch. I even told him about my favourite sweetshop that sold fudge so creamy it just melted on your tongue. Ever since the war started, I wasn't able to get hold of it again. Sugar or sweets were hard to come by and we had to make do with what was available. Elrond listened with as much keen interest as I had and I found in him a loyal friend and a mentor. When there was time, he taught me a little bit about medicine in Middle-Earth and what herbs were used. I was immensely grateful, because eventually I would run out of the medicine I had brought with me and so it was paramount that I learn how to use the plants here.
On Christmas Day morning, I awoke with anticipation, if a little tired. I'd spent the previous night in the kitchen with Maggie, Nat, Felix, Fili and Legolas sharing some drinks. Elrond and Thranduil were discussing business private elven business of some importance and it was their loss really. It was rare to see Fili letting his hair down, so to speak and enjoy a night without royal duties. As I watched Fili sit with his arm around his wife, it seemed as though things between him and Maggie were much better than when I first arrived.
As I got dressed and looked myself in the mirror, a memory resurfaced of Christmases spent with Charlie in our apartment. I remember that first Christmas with extreme clarity because everything had been an utter disaster, but even with the chaos it was still perfect because it was ours. Back home, I was prepared to spend Christmas alone, even though it filled me with sadness, but now I was excited to share the holidays with my own found family here. I quickly gathered the presents I'd made or collected for the others and made my way towards the hall of stories, where the morning would be spent.
"Millicent!"
Legolas called out behind me and ran to catch up with me.
"I hope I didn't startle you." Legolas apologised "I was hoping I could speak with you later, if you have time of course?"
"Yes, of course." I nodded "Is everything alright?"
"Aye, I only wanted to speak with you about ada. It is nothing you have to worry about."
Despite Legolas' reassurance, I couldn't help but be nervous. As soon as we arrived at the hall of stories and inhaled the mingling scents of hot cocoa, cooked breakfast and the crackling of the fire place, the nerves disappeared. Eira ran towards me and jumped into my arms. She was dressed in the most adorable dress and reminded me of Mrs Williams' daughters across the road.
I sat between Elrond and Felix and then helped myself to the fried bacon and scrambled eggs. Spirits were high and after breakfast, we all sat in front of the fire to exchange gifts. I watched as Eira excitedly open gifts and squealed with excitement over new dresses and toys from her family. When it finally came to my turn, I gave Elrond a wooden box and when he opened it, he saw it contained various pouches and labels. The elf-lord curiously opened each pouch and put them in front of him while he inhaled their scents.
"These are medicinal herbs from my world." I explained as I picked up a pouch, "This is called foxglove. In nature it's extremely poisonous, but if you dry it out it can be used to regulate heartbeat and save lives in cases of heart failure. This one is called Jimson Weed, but sometimes also known as thorn apple. We use it to relieve symptoms of asthma, which is a chronic sickness of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe. The best way to use thorn apple is to inhale it with a pipe. This one is called Valerian and its root when swallowed can be useful for sleeping problems or insomnia. What else...oh yes, wild thyme is a very helpful antiseptic, which prevents the spread of infection during injuries."
Elrond and watched with fascination as I explained the herbs and their usage. Perhaps it was silly to gift him with herbs, especially as he was already a renowned and talented healer.
"I know this is a lot to take in and there's a few more in there as well." I said nervously "I've written it all down for you as well. Here you go."
"This is remarkable." Elrond said "This is an extraordinary collection. How did you come by these?"
"I used to collect them. Charlie and I sometimes spent weekends in the countryside and we'd go for walks to search for plants I could use in my work. Medicine was sometimes scarce, so knowing what to use in nature was helpful."
Elrond put the pouches back in the box and when he thanked me with a hug, I felt relieved. Next, it was Thranduil who reached for a bag tied with rope and rolled up a piece of parchment. For a moment, I thought I could hear his heart beating faster than usual as if he was nervous. I untied the rope wrapped around the pouch, eager to find out what was inside. The first thing that struck me was the familiar and gentle smell of vanilla and when I saw what was inside, my eyes widened with equal parts disbelief and joy.
"This is fudge?" I asked "Actual fudge? How in the world were you able to get these?"
"Maggie told me that in your world, especially during your time, your home has been under occupation. She also explained that there are some things that were particularly difficult to get hold of and I recall a dinnertime conversation where you mentioned fudge is your favourite. So, she kindly shared with me a recipe Master Baggins passed to her. I have no doubt that it won't be anywhere near what you're used to, but I thought perhaps a small piece of home might make things here a bit eas-"
I interrupted Thranduil's ramblings by practically throwing my arms around him. I wasn't someone particularly bothered by material gifts, but the fact that Thranduil somehow managed to recreate one of my favourite things from home meant more than words could explain. More than anything, it showed that despite our differences and disagreements of late, he listened and he cared.
"Thank you." I whispered "You have no idea what this means to me."
"You are welcome." Thranduil said
In my whole life, I had never met people who so instantly accepted me as a part of their family. Here, there was no question of whether or not I belonged. Throughout that morning, we laughed together as more gifts were exchanged and stories were shared of past Yuletide celebrations. My heart was filled with so much pure joy that I hadn't felt in a long time. When it was finally time for everyone to carry on with their day, I found myself alone in the hall of stories with Maggie, Nat and Felix. I could immediately tell they chose to stay behind for a reason, because their expressions turned more serious.
"Is everything alright?" I asked,
"We wanted to tell you something," Maggie started "Nut thought it best to wait until everyone had gone."
"Tell me what?" I asked
"Our present to you," Nat said "It's not something material, but rather something we know."
I studied the look in all of their eyes.
"It's about the war, isn't it?" I asked "You know what happens?"
The three of them nodded and Maggie squeezed my hand as she sat next to me.
"5 years from when you left our world, on Tuesday the 8th of May 1945, Germany surrendered and the allies won the war." Maggie explained
"A few months later," Felix said "Across the ocean, the Japanese also surrendered."
"Our world has never seen a war of that scale since then." Nat explained
I listened to their words, but I couldn't understand it. All I'd known for the past year was the sound of sirens, the smell of blood and the screams of death. Even in my wildest dreams, I never dared imagine a future where Britain was free from the cruelty of Germany and where life could go back to normal. Ever since Charlie died, the only life I saw for myself was one where I tended to endless suffering and the idea of Germany winning the war, which meant that my life would be over. Before I knew it and much to my own surprise, I started crying and hot tears streamed down my cheek.
"Millie, are you okay?" Nat asked "I'm so sorry, perhaps we shouldn't have…"
"No, no." I replied "I'm grateful, because before I came here, I didn't think any of it would end. After Charlie die, all I could ever see for myself was a life with more death and hatred. Knowing that it will eventually there will be peace and people will see their families again, that makes it all worth it. It means that Charlie didn't die for nothing. It means that…:"
"It means you can move on..:" Felix guessed "From him."
I nodded and when I realised that's exactly what it meant, I cried even more, but soon found myself wrapped in the arms of all three of them. Despite the tears, I knew I was also happy.
XXXX
I spent most of that day in my own company. The past week had been such an intense period of socialising through different events and I was exhausted, even though my heart was also full. Of course I indulged in a piece of two of Thranduil's fudge, which was every bit as delicious as I had hoped. The combination of butter and sugar, along with vanilla melted perfectly on my tongue and I almost didn't dare swallow it. Throughout the whole week, mealtime and dinner had been served in the Great Hall, but tonight was a time for family and I'd asked to take my supper in my bedroom. I didn't mind spending time in chambers and as I sat down by my desk, I flicked through my old journal. I traced my finger across the names of the soldiers whom I had treated and wondered how they were doing now. A part of me felt guilty, because I had abandoned them and I had abandoned the oath I swore when I became a nurse. I wondered about old Mr Grayham and whether or not he was still alive. I recalled his words about whether or not I was writing down my own story. Back then, I didn't believe I had one, but now I did. Only, he would never get to hear it from me.
A loud bang snapped me out of my thoughts and when I came back to the moment, I realised it came from further down the hall! Eira's room! I immediately ran out of my chambers and heard a familiar scream, but this time it wasn't out of happiness or mischievousness, but rather one of fear. I ran as quickly as I could down the corridor and by the time I got to Eira's room, the door was wide open, but there was nobody inside the chamber. All I saw was the window wide open and Eira's echoing screams.
They had taken her.
To be continued….
DUN DUN DUN! Cliffhanger! I'm so sorry, I couldn't resist! This idea popped into my head while I was writing! I wanted something exciting to happen amidst all the fluff! I hope you're still enjoying it! Please leave a comment/review!