There and Back Again: Edith's Story
Chapter VI
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Author's Note: Thank you for your reviews! This chapter has more dialogue than the previous ones. I enjoy writing dialogue. Tolkien is much more detailed in his narratives, though, which I have personally tried to improve on.
Edith didn't want to wake from the peaceful slumber she had. Whatever she was lying on was softer than anything she had rested on in however long it had been since they left the shire, months no doubt. The sunlight hurt her eyes as she opened them slowly. She wondered how long she had been unconscious. But Edith noticed that the pain in her leg was gone and when she touched her thigh there was not even a scratch. She groaned as she got up, overcome by a sense of vertigo. Her neck was aching a little from lying so long. Before long, a welcome voice reached her ears. Edith opened her eyes and saw the wizard sitting at her bedside.
"We were beginning to wonder when you would awaken, my lady. You had a nasty wound, gave us all quite a good scare. Fortunately, you were brought here in time and are now fully mended!"
"Gandalf!" Edith cried, overjoyed to hear his voice. "How – how am I here? The last thing I remember was seeing elves in the woods after running off…"
He chuckled, however, soon looked at her with seriousness.
"Whatever drove you to run away from the company of Thorin Oakenshield?" the wizard inquired.
"It was rather ridiculous, really." Edith said, looking down. "I lost my temper with him because he was being an arse. But truly, I should have kept my mouth shut. I should have controlled my temper. He is, after all, the leader of the company. How long have I been unconscious for?"
"A day or two…we had some horrid encounters with trolls, orcs and wargs on our way here. But all of us are in one piece. We arrived this morning after Lord Elrond slaughtered the warg scouts. I am sure everyone will be pleased to know you are recovered and well."
Edith shook her head as she sat up properly.
"I doubt anyone would be thrilled to see me now. I insulted their king, Gandalf. I made a fool of myself more than I ought to have and now I fear I may never continue with the company."
"Do you wish to?" Gandalf inquired.
"I don't know," Edith answered, truthfully. "I have come this far – but showed great cowardice. Thorin will never let me come back."
"Come join us for dinner. I am quite certain the company will be relieved to see you are well. You will accompany me as my guest and sit with Lord Elrond and myself."
Edith sighed, agreeing reluctantly. An elf maiden came and tended to her, helping her into a fine gown made of silk. It fit her perfectly and it was an exquisite autumn colored gown. Oh, if Jack could see her in something like this! Edith examined herself in the mirror. Her hair, once curly and short, now rested in gentle waves a little way past her shoulders. She had lost some weight since her journey started. She didn't mind that, of course. Edith released a sigh, anxiety flooding her thoughts as the elf maiden led her to an open veranda where the company of dwarves, a hobbit and wizard sat amongst elves. She heard the dwarves before she could see them, and a small smile formed at her mouth.
"My lady," the elf maiden said, showing the way.
The dwarves fell silent as they saw Edith standing beneath the arch. A few moments passed before Fili noticed. Edith watched as Kili nudged his brother and pointed in her direction. His expression changed but she could not read his emotions. She wanted to run but that would only show how weak she was. Her hands felt cold as she made her way slowly to the table. She refused to look at Thorin who had his gaze fixed on her. Ori had been the first one to get up to greet her, despite his brother's quiet objection.
"We thought you were dead, Lady Edith!" Ori exclaimed.
"Hello," she barely managed to speak the greeting.
Much to her surprise, Ori hugged her. She returned his embrace but only for a moment. He smiled at her and went back to sit down. Bofur was next to get up.
"I don't know if you're brave or reckless but it's good to see you again, lass." Bofur said, with a laugh.
He too embraced her. She smiled and let go of the embrace before sitting down between Bilbo and Gandalf. The hobbit turned to her.
"What on earth were you thinking running off?" Bilbo whispered. "You had half the company worried sick about you! We thought for certain the warg scouts would have had you. Fili is most furious."
Edith's smile left her. Why would he be furious for her leaving?
"Why does it matter to him that I ran off?" she asked, quietly.
Edith glanced at Fili. He returned her gaze with a glare before looking away. She bit her lip.
"He looked after you, Edith. You were friends, were you not?" Bilbo explained. "You ran off without saying a word, into the blue without thinking about how risky that is. You put your own life at risk as well as the company's."
"I'm sorry! It's not exactly easy being a woman with a dwarf who's got a stick up his arse." Edith hissed.
She looked around at the company. Some of the dwarves sent her looks. She had been a complete fool. Bilbo was right. She could have gravely endangered all of them, not just herself. She had once been along side soldiers and doctors during the war. How could she allow one dwarf to drive her to cowardice? It may have been a different world, but these dwarves were soldiers and she put their lives at risk running off to God knows where. As she realized what she had done, she got up, excusing herself from the dining area.
Bilbo looked at Fili with exasperation. The young dwarf got up, only to be stopped by his uncle.
"I forbid it." Thorin hissed.
"She is safe here in Rivendell. She won't have gone far." Fili said. "Let me talk to her."
"Very well." Thorin growled.
He released his nephew to find that fool of a woman. Meanwhile, Edith had found a quiet place to sit down to think. She closed her eyes to contain the tears threatening to fall. She soon felt a presence sit down beside her.
"You frightened me you know, when you ran off." Fili said, softly. "I thought the trolls might have found you and killed you. Or the orc pack hunting us would have taken you captive, what in Mahal's name where you thinking, Edith?"
"I know it doesn't matter how many times I will apologize, I was a fool for endangering your lives. I didn't think of that when I ran off. I put everyone at risk and I am truly sorry for doing so. Please, forgive me, Fili." Edith whispered, feeling the tears trickling down her cheeks.
"It is not me you have to apologize to, but I forgive you for what happened."
The two sat there in silence for several long moments as Edith wept. Fili wrapped his arm around her and drew her close.
"Please don't ever do anything like that anymore, Edith." Fili whispered.
"You won't have to worry about that, Fili. I doubt your uncle will ever allow me to finish the journey with you."
"I will speak to him, as will you. You need to convince him to let you come with us. There is a reason you are here, Edith. Prove to Thorin you still belong with us."
"How?" Edith asked.
Fili touched her cheek and gave her a small smile. He kissed her forehead and rested his forehead on hers. His actions sent tingles down Edith's spine, something she hadn't felt in a long time.
"You will find a way to convince him, knowing how stubborn you are." Fili replied, with a laugh.
"Why are you not angry with me?" Edith asked, quietly.
"I was furious. I went to look for you for a little while, hoping you had just gone to sit somewhere. Kili found me and told me two of the ponies had gone missing. That's when we ran into the trolls. There were three of them. Half of us nearly got eaten but Gandalf rescued us. We then ran into an orc pack hunting my uncle, threatening to kill us all. But we outran them, and they were ambushed by the Elves."
"How long was I missing for?"
"Two or three days at most," Fili answered. "I still can't quite understand why you would run off on your own in a world you hardly know to look for help. You really were fortunate the Elves found you and not the orc pack."
Edith sighed and rested her chin on Fili's shoulder.
"I suppose I was ashamed for having yelled at your uncle. I know I should have behaved differently. I am so sorry for what I did. I know I had little favor to begin with. Now that is completely ruined for me. But, Fili, you didn't have to intervene when you did. Why did you stop him?"
"I care for you, Lady Edith, or was that not obvious?" he asked, with a cheeky grin.
"But you hardly know me," Edith replied.
"We have been traveling the same road for months. I think it is safe to say that you and I are friends. Friends care for one another do they not?"
"Yes, I suppose they do."
They smiled at each other.
"You look beautiful in this." Fili said, after a moment of silence.
He noticed Edith's cheeks turn a shade of pink. He had yet to see her in a gown such as this but now he had – she looked exquisite.
"Er, thanks," Edith replied. "I haven't worn many dresses since I've come here. At home, I wore them all the time, but nothing like this. This fashion is centuries outdated where I am. People would think we were putting on a theatrical."
Fili gave her a half smile, his moustache twitching as he did.
"Theatrical?" he inquired.
"You know, where someone performs on a stage and they are a character from a play or story. Do you not have those here?"
"We have something rather different. We sing songs about the tales of old or of recent history. It is not quite a play with characters. You know, the more I learn about your world, I don't think I would rather like to see it." Fili continued.
Edith laughed, her eyes shining with her as she did.
"No, I don't suppose you would. It is very quite different than here. I think I prefer it here to my world though. It is much quieter, and people are different."
"Would you choose to stay if you had the choice?" Fili asked, glancing at her knowingly.
Edith pondered a moment. She had thought of it often, but she wouldn't know if she would give up her world forever. She didn't know if she could give up Jack forever. Fili brushed some hair behind her ear as she looked down at the ground.
"I am torn between worlds, Fili, if given the choice, I could not tell you what I'd choose. I don't know which I'd pick. I like them both."
Edith felt something stir within her as Fili's hand slid down her arm to grasp her hand. His hand was rough and calloused, she felt ashamed to admit that she enjoyed it when he touched her as gently as he did. His hand covered hers completely.
"Miss Edith, Lord Elrond would like to see you." Bilbo's voice reached her ears and she looked up shocked.
The hobbit said nothing as he watched the dwarf prince and the young woman interacting together. Edith hurried past Bilbo. The hobbit looked at Fili, earning a look in return.
"It is nothing," Fili muttered, before leaving.
"It doesn't look like anything, Fili." Bilbo said, stopping him. "She is betrothed. Be careful, please, for your sake and hers."
"What wrong is it to care for a friend?"
"I think you care a great deal more than a friend would." Bilbo replied, gently. "You haven't been exactly discreet about your affection for her."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Would you rather hear it from Thorin?" Bilbo countered.
Fili raised a brow. Even Bilbo had changed. A few months ago, he wouldn't have spoken to Fili about these things. The hobbit had more courage than he realized.
"Fair enough," said the dwarf.
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Edith walked quietly to where Lord Elrond, Gandalf, Thorin and Balin were. Night had fallen, and the moon was beautiful. Elrond smiled at her and bade her welcome. Edith glanced at the two dwarves. Thorin was about to speak but Edith cut him off.
"Thorin, I know I behaved like a fool. All I wish for you to do is listen first before you scold me for my actions. I acted irrationally. My fears and doubts led me to cowardice and I apologize for what I had said to you. I never should have said those things. You are their leader and I ought to have shown you more respect. I ask for your forgiveness in all things I have done thus far." Edith said.
She glanced at Balin who gave her a small nod and a ghost of a smile. Thorin nodded once.
"I accept your apology. One more act of stupidity from you and you will be on your own. Do not think that you will have another chance to journey with us."
"I understand."
Gandalf placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a small smile. Lord Elrond had placed a map Thorin had given him on to a glass table. The light from the moon reflected through the waterfall, revealing the hidden runes.
"Cirith-ithilin," Elrond exclaimed.
"Moon runes," said Gandalf, "an easy thing to miss."
Thorin looked at the map in wonder as Lord Elrond read the message aloud. He folded the map and gave it back to the dwarf.
"So, this is your purpose then, to reclaim your homeland?" Elrond questioned. "There are some who would not deem that wise. I fear there is something growing in the darkness. I would not venture near that mountain."
"I am not asking your permission to do so." Thorin growled.
Edith would have commented on his stubbornness, but she had just won his favor again. She dared not risk arguing with Thorin.
"This is strictly academic, Lord Elrond, we are researching lost dwarvish history and material to preserve it." Edith exclaimed, before she could think. "There are many things yet still to be discovered and learned from studying ancient manuscripts. Is there not? I mean, not that this is ancient, however – it is important to know one's history."
Lord Elrond raised a brow. Thorin sent her a curious look, as did Balin and Gandalf.
"I believe this young woman is right in saying so. I will leave you to your history research if this is the case. However, Lady Edith, I would like a word with you, if you please."
Once the others were gone, Lord Elrond turned his full attention to the young human woman. He folded his hands in front of him and led her to a now empty veranda. She looked on curiously, wondering – hoping if Lord Elrond knew of any answers for her to return home.
"You are a long way from home, Lady Edith. You are from the other world, are you not?"
"You mean Earth…or rather specifically, England."
"Yes," said Elrond.
"How do you know about it?" Edith inquired.
"I am one of the few guardians of our two worlds. I have seen your past; the second great war lasted several years before finally coming to an end. The German Nazis, I believe, have been defeated and yet you are now here only to fight another war?"
Edith raised a quizzical brow.
"How do you know about the Germans and my world?" Edith asked, her voice trembling.
"I have the gift of foresight and the sight to see into other worlds. Though I can only see yours. There are others who can see your world, ours, and another world, I am afraid I do not recall the name of that world. However, a friend there likes to keep us informed of all comings and goings. He too is one such guardian of the worlds. He, however, comes and goes as he pleases – sometimes one will see him and the next he is gone. However, you have yet to fulfill your purpose here. A deep magic links these realms together and it seems that same deep magic, that was created long before any of our worlds came to existence, has drawn you here."
"What is my purpose, if that is the case?" Edith asked. "Is Thorin supposed to be King Under the Mountain?"
Elrond clenched his jaw and looked at her in all seriousness.
"No. He should never have begun the quest to reclaim his homeland. However, that is where his destiny lies, as well as yours and you both must continue and fulfill that journey. Heed my advice, Lady Edith, do not depart from the path that is meant to be tread. Certain things cannot be changed."
"I'm afraid I do not understand, Lord Elrond."
"You will, when the time is upon you. You know the story from your world. All will be revealed in due time. Until then, say nothing of what is to come. Not even to those close to your heart."
Edith nodded.
"What do you mean by 'those close to your heart?'" Edith wondered.
Elrond smiled and chuckled.
"All will reveal itself in due time, as I have spoken. As for other matters at hand, I will provide you with a weapon of your own, and I think you need new clothes. By your expression, I gather you have questions."
She smiled rather sheepishly before nodding.
"I was wondering if there was any way I could speak to Jack, the man who I was going to marry at home."
"I am afraid such communication is unknown to me. You cannot speak directly. I believe that he knows you are here. The Valar may be able to assist in such matters. Dreams and visions have been common upon receiving messages between worlds."
"So, then there may not be a way for me to go home?"
"I could not say. Our destinies are decided by those who created us and the world we live in. But you, however, must decide if you wish to leave or to stay when the time comes."
"All I want is for Jack to know that I am safe and that I love him."
Elrond nodded once.
"I am sure he knows it."
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