Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR
Lauren slept in that morning; if she was going to travel, she was going to need all the rest she could get. Lauren's plan, no matter which way she went, was to travel fast and hard when the sun was out and slow when it was down. She didn't plan on stopping until she was closer to the Falls.
After eating breakfast, Lauren went to Elrond's quarters to discuss the final plan of action. When Lauren entered the center room, she was greeted by Arwen, which was a pleasant surprise.
"Hello Lady Arwen, how do you fair?"
Arwen smiled at Lauren. She happened to overhear that this girl knew the future. Arwen hoped that she would tell her what was in store for Aragorn, she worried that something terrible would happen and she would never see him again.
"I am well thank you Lauren. This may be bold but I was hoping that you could tell me something."
Lauren sat down on the comfortable couch and motioned for Arwen to do the same. When Arwen seemed to settle down, she waited for Arwen's question, which Lauren figured, had to do with Aragorn and something of the future. Arwen was Elrond's daughter after all, it was likely that she either had overheard, or was told from her father that she was not from Middle Earth.
"Aragorn, what will happen to him? Will he and the others be alright?"
A sigh of relief escaped Lauren. This question was easy to answer; she just had to tell the truth. As she began to answer, Lauren placed her hand on Arwen's to comfort her.
"He will be fine; he is a strong man who knows how to think on his feet. I'm leaving to make sure that things go as they should. I came here this morning to make the final plans with Lord Elrond. I'm unsure of what road I should take. Maybe a pair of fresh eyes can guide me?"
Arwen smiled at Lauren as she nodded. She would help all she could; if her father, Aragorn, and the other trusted her then there was no reason as to why she shouldn't trust her. Lauren opened up the map that was left on the table from the night before and the two women began to look over possible routes. A few minutes passed when Arwen became excited about a new route that they hadn't found before.
"Look here Lorien. If you travel down the South Road you can safely pass by Isengard, although you will come close to Helm's Deep, I imagine you'd rather cross near Helm's Deep than near Isengard."
Lauren laughed as she picked a grape out of the bowl of fruit that was brought to them at Arwen's request.
"Yes, Helm's Deep is much safer. At least I know they won't kill me, at worst they'd put me in a cell, however, time is of the essence and I must reach the others as soon as possible. If something goes wrong it could change what was meant to happen."
She left out her primary motive. No one need know that Boromir was supposed to be slain defending the hobbits. She just hoped that she would make it in time, she could deal with the possible ripple effect when it came up.
As they began mapping out the route, Elrond entered the room with a smile. Was it his intention that she and Arwen figure it out on their own? That man could so… well Lauren couldn't think of the word but that didn't matter now. Now was the time to get things in order, mainly, her only possession in Middle Earth, Sundance.
"So it seems you have chosen a path, Lauren."
Lauren smiled at Elrond, now what was he getting at?
"Yes, with the help of Arwen. The plan is to travel along the Misty Mountain, come out into Dunland and continue down the South Road. When I come to the bend of Road, which indicates that I will be entering into the Gap of Rohan, I will ride straight and across the Isen River. I will continue east until I reach the northern tip of the White Mountains and wait until nightfall. Once I have the cover of the night sky I will speed across the Fords of Isen, past Helm's Deep and I won't stop until I've reached the Onodló River. After I have rested, I will continue onto Rauros Falls where, hopefully, I suspect I will find the Fellowship."
Arwen was nodding along with the plan, she did help make it after all, Elrond, however was a little shocked at how thought out the plan was. He could tell that the two put a lot of thought into the plan and there was a great chance of success. Elrond suspected that Lauren didn't want the Mirkwood elves traveling with her, even though it meant that she would be able to get more training along the way. It was a small sacrifice and if she were to catch up to the Fellowship then she would be safe, and with the best people to train her.
"When do you plan to leave, my dear?"
A calculating glaze covered her eyes for a brief moment before Lauren looked up at Elrond.
"As soon as I can get my horse ready, time is of the essence."
Now Arwen was shocked and Elrond was smiling in agreement.
"You're leaving so soon? Are you already packed then?"
A sad smile made its way onto Lauren's face, it was small but it was there regardless.
"I have only the clothes and horse that I came here with. Changing into them will take but a moment, then I must be off."
The thought of sending a friend, and fellow female, off into the wilderness with nothing but one set of clothes and no weapons went against Arwen's morals. She would have nothing of the sort.
"I'm sorry my friend but I cannot allow you to go with nothing but the clothes on your back. Come, we are not the same size but I'm sure we can find you more clothes that you can take with you. As for weapons, I'm sure the weapons master and bowyer will give you adequate arms when they learn of your quest. We elves take care of one another."
Lauren laughed as Arwen took her hand and led her away. Behind them Elrond was rolling up the map along with a few other things to be sent to Lauren's room. When Arwen finally stopped walking Lauren realized that they were in an elegant bedroom, which Lauren assumed was Arwen's. Arwen let go of Lauren's hand to open up a large closet that was in the corner of the room.
"I hope you're not offended by me saying this but these are some clothes that I wore when I was younger and smaller. I assure you that they are still in fashion and are appropriate to be worn to almost any occasion. Here, this riding outfit should suit you."
Another smile crept onto Lauren's face but it was different from the last one, this one was full of merriment. Being with Arwen was fun and it almost made Lauren not want to leave but there would be time for them to truly bond and have "girl time" later on.
"Thank you Arwen, the clothes I came in are meant for riding but having more than one set can't hurt now can it? A girl can never have too many clothes after all."
The two friends went over clothes for the next hour so and by the end, Lauren had a few simple articles of clothing that she could now call her own.
"Really Arwen, you don't know how much this means to me."
Arwen laughed as they walked back to Lauren's room.
"A girl must always have clothes from which she can choose, otherwise that be most unnatural. Now finish getting ready and I will be at the gate to see you off."
Lauren gave Arwen a quick hug then went into her room to change into her jeans, shirt, and riding boots. When Lauren came back from the changing area, she noticed that there was a pack along with a few other things on the bed with a note on top.
Lauren,
Please take accept these gifts. My daughter has taken a shine to you and so have I, along with most of my people. It would be my pleasure to call you an Elf-Friend. You have come to us in a time of great need, for that we are grateful. When next we meet, we will hold a proper celebration but for now take my blessing and this wisdom. Stay safe and do your best, what is meant to be will be.
~Lord Elrond
It took a moment for Lauren to comprehend the message. She was considered and Elf-Friend now, but she hardly did anything, Lauren was baffled. Blissfully happy but baffled. Lauren shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts. She looked at the items that were laid out next to the pack and saw that Elrond had given her the map that she and Arwen were looking at earlier that day. Considering she didn't know the land at all she figured that she'd be using it very often. There was also a small compass with chain connected to it and a bounded book. Lauren laughed as she opened the book, it was the book she was reading before the Council, she didn't think Elrond noticed but to say that was to say that a river didn't flow or the sun didn't shine. When Lauren opened the pack and began placing her new belongings into it, she saw that there was a small brown box in the bottom of the bag. Lauren took it out with caution, maybe Elrond didn't know that it was in there; she should return in when she saw him or give it to Arwen before she left. However, curiosity got the best of her and she opened it. Inside the brown box was a beautiful ring of Elven make that, in Lauren's eyes, captured the essence of Elven beauty. There was a note attached to the top of the box and she saw on the front of it was her name. Confused, Lauren took the note and inspected it, thinking it was a trick of her eyes. No, it really did say her name. She opened it and read the small note.
Wear this with pride, Lauren.
This was undoubtedly a gift from Elrond; it was his handwriting. Well if he wanted her to have it who was she to argue with a High Elf? Lauren put the ring on her middle finger next to clatter ring that her mother gave her. The small white stone in the Elven ring and the green emerald in her clatter ring seemed to welcome each other as they reflected off the sun's rays that came into Lauren's room.
"No is not the time for admiring jewelry, I have an Uruk-hai to kill!"
With her resolve back in place, Lauren shoved everything into the pack and slung in across her back. By the time Lauren reached the stall where her horse was kept, the sun was on her decline in the sky.
"Hello boy! You ready to do some cross-country trainin'?"
Sundance bounced his head up and down. Although he was given the best care a horse could ask for, he barely got the exercise he was used to and his hooves were itching for a long run. Lauren was brushing Sundance down when the stable master came and leaned on the stall.
"Hello Lauren, rumor has it that you're leaving to meet up with the fellowship?"
Lauren smiled at the elf; he loved horses and therefore was an immediate friend in Lauren's book.
"Yes, although it pains my heart to leave this beautiful city. I hope to return when this is all over."
The stable master nodded as he walked over to the tack room and pulled down a rather new looking saddle.
"This was my daughter's saddle, we normally don't use them as you know, but she could never ride bareback without falling, when her husband died fighting orcs up in the mountains a few years ago she began to fade. She was so in love with him. I want you to have this; I'm glad that I can give it to someone who I know needs it. No offence Lauren, but the saddle you came in on had seen better days."
Lauren walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry for you loss my friend and I thank you for generous gift. I will take care of it."
The man nodded as he passed off the Elven saddle, he knew Lauren would take care of it and he was happy to be of some assistance. Word was that the bowyer was giving Lauren a rather nice bow and arrows and the metal smith was making her twin blades. It still amazed the old elf how in such short a time a human stranger could win the hearts of so many elves.
Lauren finished saddling Sundance and she led the big roan quarter horse out to the gate where she saw Arwen waiting. When she approached, she gave Arwen a hug.
"Thank you for all you have done, it means so much to me."
Arwen waved her hand in front of her face to dismiss the thanks.
"Silly human, you are a friend. If I didn't help a friend what would people think of me, and I couldn't let you go out with just what you came here with. My father raised me better. Now, here are the swords, arrows and bow that the people of Rivendell want you to have. No complaining, just take them with pride. Not many could be so readily welcomed by all."
She walked around to the horse and strapped the equipment onto the saddle.
"I also want you to have this. If you will be passing Isengard and if what Mithrandir said is true then you will need this. It is from my mother's people in Lorien. This cloak will conceal you but the look in your eyes tells me that you already know of it."
Lauren smiled as Arwen placed the cloak on her and fastened it with the leaf broach that Lauren admired. A look of curiosity in Arwen's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Lauren and she felt bad that her time was so short; she would have loved to have told her new friend everything that she knew.
"This may not be polite and proper, but ask your father about my history and tell him I said that I want you to know. You should be hearing it from me and if time wasn't so precious then you would, but I have told your father everything I know and I want you to know as well. There are only three people who know and I think you should be added to that list."
The two parted with a tight hug and Lauren was off. The song "Back in the Saddle Again" seemed to be stuck in Lauren's head for a few minutes as she traveled down the main road out of Rivendell. Lauren was still nervous, even with a map. She was out on her own now; the likelihood that she was going to get lost was very, very high. Lauren had a good sense of direction and she could get to almost anywhere but that was if she had already been there once before. Some good that was going to do her now, it's not like she was ever on this road or anywhere in Middle Earth before. She just thanked her lucky stars that the guard at the gate just came back from scouting duty the other day so he gave her landmarks that she should look out for. Lauren took a deep breath and let it out slowly like her Sensei taught her, she had to clear her mind. After a few more breaths, she felt better and encouraged Sundance into a faster trot. A more logical traveling method crossed her mind. Why would she travel at night when everything was harder to see, she wasn't familiar with this land at all so why kill herself trying to cross it. She would travel by day and if she and Sundance were able they would travel at a leisurely pace at night.
She nodded to herself as she crossed out of the forest and into the fields that bordered the Misty Mountains. If she kept those to the left of her, she was fine, well she really wanted them on the right but if Gandalf only knew of two ways to go over them, besides the High Pass, then two there were. Lauren wasn't going to chance crossing over the mountains and there was no way you were going to get her in the mountain. Not for a million dollars would she go into Moria.
Lauren figured that if she kept the mountains relatively close to her eventually she would hit the part of the mountains that jutted out far into Eregion. From there she would have to cross a small river, the one that fed the lake the Watcher lived in, and the Glanduin. If she did that then she knew she was on the right path.
Sundance bounced his head a few times and eyed his rider.
"What is it boy?"
The gelding pounded his front hooves harder than usual and gave Lauren a look that screamed at her to understand him.
"You want to run? Well alright then, but we aren't stopping for a while so don't push yourself to hard."
Lauren leaned forward as Sundance took off into a moderately paced canter. As the landscape cruised by Lauren could feel an adrenaline rush begin to kick in as it usually did when she was riding a horse at a canter. There really was nothing like it, the speed, the freedom of it sent her mind whirling. It took a moment for her to steady herself and to make herself remember that there could be orcs or worse out there. As Sundance continued to canter, Lauren kept an eye on the things around her and as she did, she noticed that Sundance's coat seemed to shine differently in this light as well. It had to be the sun then! Sundance's coat was a lighter shade of roan than usual and his dark mane seem darker, almost a black-red, as it bobbed in time with his steady canter.
The day continued and just as the sun was beginning to dip behind the horizon Lauren came to the edge of the Misty Mountain that came out into the field. A flash of déjà vu hit Lauren as she remembered this very spot from the movie. She was standing where the Fellowship stood when the spies from Isengard found them. It then occurred to Lauren that those same birds could find her, hopefully they wouldn't bother to report a lone female rider back to Saruman, but if they did she was in deep trouble.
"It's not like I can go back to Rivendell and take the High Pass; that would just waist a whole 'nother day. Best keep moving then right boy?"
Lauren pushed Sundance into a slow walk and they continued into the night.
Lauren's side felt oddly warm and she fidgeted against the saddle, it was then she realized that she had fallen asleep! As she looked around, she wondered how far off course the possibly could have gotten, when she saw a small river on the horizon. She woke Sundance up and climbed back in the saddle.
"Oh I hope that's the river that leads to Moria because if it's not then we are so lost."
Just to make sure that they were in the right area of Middle Earth Lauren decided to follow the river east to see where it led. If it led to Moria then good, she would turn back follow the river west until it merged with the main river. She would worry about how to cross it later. Lauren figured it was better to waste an hour than a day, which what she probably waste if she was going in the wrong direction.
She followed the tributary at a canter and as the sun finally came into full view above the horizon, she came to the gate of Moria, which was broken, as it should have been.
"Right then, lets head back boy, we don't want to disturb the Watcher now do we."
Lauren sped back the other way and finally came to where the two waters met. It only took Lauren a little while to find a spot that Sundance could cross, as her horse plodded across the river she thanked whatever entity was watching over that her trainer chose to have her ride Sundance the day she was transported to Middle Earth. His long legs were a blessing and only Lauren's boots got wet, for which she was thankful.
Once they were out of the river she made Sundance gallop for all he was worth. Now that Lauren was certain of her location, she had more confidence and was willing to ride harder to get to the Falls. As she rode she pushed him a little east, she needed to hit the South Road so she knew she wouldn't come to close to Isengard. If she came too close, it was game over. Saruman probably wouldn't let her go until Gandalf broke his staff, although if she did get caught and he found out what she knew she could always misguide him. She could boost his ego and have him send only half of his fighting force to Helm's Deep but then the Ents would have to fight off the rest, but they were strong and aged; their fight was brief, they could handle themselves. Having a backup plan seemed to lift a stress she didn't even know she had.
The day progressed and was uneventful which Lauren should be happy about, but the only thing that entertained her were the shifting clouds in the sky.
"What I wouldn't give for my DS or my iTouch right now, Sundance. I don't know how people back in the olden days did it. What did they spend their days doing, sewing? Reading… well that wouldn't be so bad, books are amazing. Wait a minute! I have my book that Lord Elrond gave me."
Lauren thought for a moment, how was she going to hold onto the reins and read at the same time. She didn't necessarily need the reins, she could go bridle-less, but they were in a land they didn't know and something could come over the ridge at any moment. No, she needed the reins in her hands. Plus, at the canter that they were at,…. reading would be feat in itself, what with all the bouncing and constant movement.
Evening came and there was still no sign of the South Road.
"There is no way we passed it. We better hit is by nightfall. From what I know, the Fellowship spends at least one night heading to Moria, 1 night inside Moria and possibly one night heading towards Lorien. In the book, they spend one night in the forests of Lorien with Haldir, and I know of at least two nights inside the city. They spend one night on the Anduin and one night on its shores before they reach Rauros Falls. So, what's that, a minimum of one, two, eight nights? We spent about two in Rivendell before we left and we spent one traveling so far. That leaves us with five days left before we have to be at the Falls; five days to find this elusive Road and cross past hundreds of filthy orcs. Nope, no pressure at all."
Sundance gave a snort as he slightly picked up their pace.
"You think we can do it? Darn tootin' we can do it!"
Even though Lauren had given herself a pep talk, she was beginning to lose hope when night was beginning the fall and she still didn't reach the road. Sundance was exhausted and was down to a slow trot. Just as Lauren began to nod off, the clip-clop of Sundance's hooves on the grass became louder. The soft squishing sound that the grass made became a crunch as his hooves passed over gravel and stone. Lauren was instantly awake and she called Sundance to stop.
They finally made it to the South Road, Lauren was so happy she could've cried but that would have been a waste of time. Lauren lightly tugged the left reign and steered Sundance south along the road at a walk. They kept going at a walk until Lauren kept feeling her body sag in the saddle. She hadn't had a proper rest and it was beginning to take its toll. She was considering pulling off the side of the road and trying to make a small campfire when she thought she heard a wolf howl. Sundance lifted his head up and perked his ears forward.
"That better not be a warg, but just in case I say we pick up the pace. Maybe there is a town up ahead but I wouldn't bet on it."
Sundance gave her a look that screamed no duh and Lauren wanted to laugh but she figured she should be quite. She'd rather not push her luck by making lots of sound. Lauren nudged Sundance off to the side of the road so his hooves weren't so loud, she wasn't taking any chances.
The rest of the night was quiet, which was fine by Lauren. As the night sky started to become lighter with the approaching dawn, Lauren saw a bend in the road up ahead. It was probably closer than it seemed, Lauren's eyes were still heavy with sleep. By the time this journey was over, she would become a pro at sleeping in a saddle, which was a scary thought.
Lauren yawned as she stretched her arms above her head and cracked her back to get rid of the stiffness.
"Well that feel(s better. Thanks for staying on the path boy."
She pet the horse's neck while she scanned the area, she could just make out the tops of the mountains on the horizon. Lauren unwound the reins from the horn of the saddle and pulled back slightly, signaling to stop. The backpack that Elrond gave her was securely tied onto the side of the saddle and still held all her belongings. Lauren took out some lambas bread and broke it in half. She leaned forward, gave Sundance half and ate half herself. After Sundance ate the bread, he began to munch on the tall grass at the side of the road while Lauren fished out the map.
"So we finally made it to the bend. Now we need to keep going straight and cross the Isen River, then we head east. Maybe we will rest for a while once we hit the river; the Fellowship is traveling by foot… and by boat but you know what I mean, boy."
With a new plan set Lauren put the map away and steered Sundance south. Once they were relatively far from the road Lauren asked for a canter and Sundance sped across the Gap of Rohan. Going over the small hills was defiantly a little break in the scenery but not for Sundance so Lauren decided to make the most of it. As they went up the slope, they would slowly trot and they would bolt down the hill. This ended up saving a lot of energy and it was just after noon when they reached the river.
Lauren rode up and down the bank of the river to make sure that no one was around or if there was anything out of the ordinary. All seemed well so Lauren exchanged the bridle and bit for the lead line. After loosening the girth a bit Lauren led Sundance to water, but all Sundance wanted to eat was the soft grass that grew around the bank. Well he would drink if he wanted to. Lauren plopped herself down a few feet away from Sundance and loosely held the lead line as she leaned against a tree a gazed out on the water. With the lulling sounds from the water and the heat from the afternoon sun, Lauren fell fast asleep.
*Author's Note*
Thank you all for reading and thank you Archer117, Emzy2k11, and Shinoslittlesister for the reviews.
Don't forget to review :3
Next up on SIME: Lauren manages to cross Isengard and she finally makes it to Rauros Falls, but did she make it time? Read to find out!
Special thanks to Archer117 for the idea to include Arwen, who ended up playing a bigger part as I kept writing, and Arabella Cauwell for helping me go over the different routes to Rauros Falls at 1 am in the morning (cause we had nothing better to do than to talk about fanfiction and anime)