A/N: Okay just so there isn't any confusion with my time table Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chased the orcs for four days, for the purpose of my story they will meet up with Gandalf on the fifth, rest and then get to Rohan on the sixth day. From there they will wait 2-3 weeks to gather the villagers and supplies that they will need before traveling to Helm's Deep. Which will 1, allow Boromir's wounds to heal more before shit hits the fan at Helm's Deep, and 2 explain why Saruman's army gets to Helm's Deep so soon after they do. So we are now on week three... (Oh and I'll be responding to comments at the end of the chapter! Thanks for all the reviews and ENNNJJJOOOOOYYY! :) Also Please R&R!)


~Chapter Fifteen~

"G-Gandalf…you…you're", Boromir struggled for his words and Rosa couldn't help but smile. Sure she knew he was going to come back but she hadn't felt right since he was gone. She felt like she was lying to them all, to her friends. They thought he was dead. They all watched him fall and she was the only one who knew he would return. Rosa shook her head, how could she tell them she came from another world? Especially now that she knew she didn't. She was from this world… how?

Ever since she had learned of her adoption she had always wondered who her parents were, why they didn't want her but now she knew. She was cursed. Not only cursed but her mother was some sort of goddess person that the elves revered...and her dad was an elf! Yet she was a human. Rosa laughed hysterically to herself. It was such an insane idea.

Yup, I've definitely lost my marbles.

"Alive?" Gandalf supplied for the bumbling Boromir. If Rosa wasn't having a crisis of sanity in her head it would have been quite amusing to see.

"W-well, yes…how..."

"How did I survive?" Gandalf gave them his signature smile, "I didn't."


Rosa practically fell off the horse when they reached the stables, "I won't be walking right for weeks," she grumbled. Boromir laughed as he helped her secure her balance and Rosa swatted him away, "Hey! This isn't funny!"

Boromir smiled as he pushed her against the side of the stall. Rosa mock frowned at him, "And what do you think you're doing, Mister?"

He leaned in, "Kissing you," Before she had a chance to respond his lips were on hers and she didn't care about talking anymore. When his tongue danced across her bottom lip she couldn't think about anything but wanting him. Her hands snaked up his sides and she gripped his shirt pulling him closer. Boromir moaned against her mouth, "We should go inside."

"I don't want to go inside."

He pulled away from her, tucking a hair behind her ear, "We can't stay out here forever." Rosa chuckled, "No," her fingers gripped his belt jerking him back towards her, "not forever, just…long enough," her lips found his neck nipping him. Boromir gripped the top of the stall tightly, "Rosa," he took a shaky breath, trying to keep calm.

Rosa's fingers found their way into his pants and Boromir's sharp intake of breath spurred her downward. Suddenly his hands grabbed her wrists and pinned them to the sides of her head, he pressed his body roughly against hers and claimed her mouth. Three stalls down near the opening of the barn three men were walking towards them.

"Time to go inside," he said, pulling away from her. He frowned as he stalked out of the barn, not bothering to see if Rosa was following. He was angry with himself, he hadn't even heard the men enter the barn. He couldn't be around her, whenever she was near that was all he thought of. What would happen if they weren't safe, if those men had been Uruk-hai? Boromir didn't want to think of what would happen if he let Rosa continue to distract him.

When they stepped inside he took a healthy step to the side and a frown found its way onto Rosa's lips.

You'd think being transported to medieval world where chivalry isn't dead would keep me from having guy trouble…

Swallowing a sigh, Rosa plastered a smile on her face and greeted her friends. It had been nearly a month since she had seen them and though genuinely glad that they were well, she was finding it hard to be cheery at the moment.

"Rosa, how have you been?"

"Well other than Boromir terrorizing me at every turn, I've been cold, tired, and sore," Rosa smiled at Boromir's indignant look.

"I-I have not been terrorizing her!"

She gave Aragorn the most pitiful expression she could muster, "He made me ride a horse, Aragorn. A horse!"

Aragorn remembered her first experience with a horse and smiled, "It is good to see you my friend," before he could continue Rosa stepped forward and hugged him.

"I'm glad you're all right," she leaned back and looked at Gimli and Legolas, "all of you."

Aragorn smiled down at her, "It is good to see you as well, Rosa."

Rosa gave him a quick nod and moved to hug Gimli who was more than startled by the gesture of affection but returned it nonetheless. When Rosa moved towards Legolas, he met her half way, "Mae govannen, mellonamin" (Well met, my friend)

"Amin eina ele lle eithel, Legolas." (I'm happy to see you well, Legolas.)

"Ai' amin lle." (And I you.)

Rosa looked around the room and smiled, they were together again and she knew Merry and Pip were safe. Her heart went out for Frodo and Sam but they would make it. Everything was going to be alright.

"And you, Boromir, I did not believe you would make it."

"Nor I," Gimli piped up, "seems the Lassie has been hiding a few skills from us."

Rosa locked eyes with Boromir, "Oh, I've got skills." She grinned mischievously as his eyes darkened, before turning back towards Aragorn and Legolas.

"Not that I'm not glad to see you all…buuuut could we possibly cut this meet n' greet short. I really need to get out of these dirty clothes…maybe bathe, eat a decent meal…?"

Aragorn chuckled and Rosa turned as she heard a soft voice, "Yes, of course. I…don't think my dresses would fit you but I know where to get some that would."

Rosa glanced down at herself then back up at the woman in front of her, "That would be great..uh?"

"Eowyn."

Rosa smiled warmly, "Thank you, Eowyn. I'm Rosalva."

Eowyn led her down a few halls and into a rather large room, "There are plenty of dresses in that wardrobe, you're welcome to any that fit you."

Rosa nodded numbly, she was dumbfounded by the room. It had a rustic look that was very different from her own empty apartment in Boston. The wardrobe reached the ceiling and was carved of beautiful dark wood. She let her hands trail against the carvings. Some resembled Celtic knots, while others took the shape of horses and warriors. It was intricate work and she was amazed; it must have taken months to carve.

Rosa laughed at herself, how should I know how long it takes to carve something?

When she turned back, Eowyn had already left. With a deep breath Rosa turned towards the bed, it was larger than any king-sized bed she had seen before, with four tall posts that rose up into horse heads. It reminded her of knights on a chessboard, "You could get lost in that bed."

The room was a mix of dark wood furniture, thick rugs, and deep blues and greens. Rosa peeled off her dirt-ridden clothes and slipped into the bath that awaited her in the connecting room. She washed quickly and brushed the tangles from her dark brown hair, before opening the wardrobe.

"Holy fuck," she said without thinking. It was filled to the brim with dresses of far better make than she had ever seen. She pulled a deep red dress out and laid it on the bed. She wasn't sure she knew how to put it on by herself. The style of course was medieval but she knew quality when she saw it. Rosa wondered who the dresses had been made for, a Queen?

"It's a beautiful dress."

Rosa jumped, "Eowyn, goodness you scared me."

Eowyn gave a soft smile, "I didn't mean to…would you like some help?" she gestured to the dress and Rosa smiled, relieved she wouldn't have to figure out the laces all by herself.

Rosa turned around and smiled pleasantly at Eowyn, "So, which way back?"

They walked back to the main hall, always staying a few steps ahead of Boromir, who they had passed in the hall. She thought back to Boromir's abrupt behavior in the barn. Rosa understood that this was medieval times and obviously what was acceptable in her world and her time was not going to be the same as what they're okay with but she wasn't the one who initiated the kiss!

Was it because she wasn't of noble blood? Was he some snobby aristocrat who wouldn't be caught dead associating with a lowly peasant woman? It was then that she realized she didn't really have any social standing in this world and no family. She frowned and walked faster.

"Rosa?"

She cringed at the concern in Eowyns's voice. When Rosa turned back towards her Eowyn watched her with a curious look, "Hmm?"

Eowyn's eyes searched her face and Rosa stared back innocently, "Turn right."

When they entered the hall, Rosa was surprised to see it bustling with people. It looked like they were going to throw a party. Aren't we supposed to be running for our lives...or something to that effect?

"The festival of Béma," Aragorn whispered. Rosa jumped, What is it with people sneaking up on me?

"All hell is breaking loose and we're going to have a party...yes because that makes sense," Rosa grumbled. Aragorn pulled her to the side of the room, "This is exactly what they need right now. Many of these men will not survive this war and we are still waiting for the last of the villagers before we make for Helms Deep."

"Okay, so it does make sense. Who is this Béma guy?"

"One of the Valar, he is the Lord of forests, a huntsman. This festival is to honor him and the hunt," Aragorn smiled, "There will be games, and food, and drink until dawn. It will take a few days to prepare, of course."

Rosa tried to smile when she said, "Sounds tiring," but her mind was stuck on one word.

Valar.

...

From across the room she could see Boromir and Aragorn speaking with the King, while Legolas and Gimli seemed to be arguing over something to the side. There were barrels of what Rosa assumed was ale, large platters of food were brought into the room, and she watching as more and more people entered the hall until it was filled with voices and laughter. There were even musicians playing, thought she had no idea what the instruments were other than the drums...and some sort of guitar thing.

Damn things have changed...or will change? Am I even in the same universe? Is this some alternate reality shit?

"Rosa? Roooosa?"

"Huh? Yeah...sorry, what?" Rosa turned to see Aragorn watching her with an amused look.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Oh, god yes!" she said and linked arms with him, "Lead the way!"


Rosa sat at the table watching everyone, the kids were playing some weird form of duck duck goose that she hadn't quite figured out, while the men were split between getting drunk and dancing with the women. Just like the game, the dance was something that vaguely resembled the sort of dancing they did in the regency times and just a little too complicated for Rosa to join in. Across the room she could see young women around her age flocked around Boromir, who seemed to enjoy the attention as he was smiling happily and talking to each one.

Rosa turned away unable to watch, was she just imaging something more to their relationship? Was this just something physical for him? Some fun? Groaning she turned and took Aragorn's drink, swallowing a mouthful of ale, "Ohh gross, that is vile," Aragorn chuckled and took it back from her with a shake of his head.

"It's ale," he stopped smiling and lowered his voice, "better not let them know how much you dislike it."

"Right, I'll keep that in mind."

"Excuse me, Milady Rosalva," a young man, Raenir, walked up to the table. He stood much taller than her but not quite as tall as Boromir, younger than him too. Rosa bit her cheek, annoyed at herself for comparing every other man in the room to Boromir. She gave him an encouraging smile, "Yes, Raenir?"

"Would you care to dance?" he asked with the slightest bow. Rosa watched him with an almost giddy excitement. It was adorable how nervous he looked. Unconsciously she glanced across the room to see Boromir watching the young man closely, a frown working its way onto his lips.

Aha!

Rosa smiled wider, "I would love to," she started and the young man beamed at her, "but I'm afraid I don't know any of the dances."

His smile faltered, "I see."

"But...if you would be so kind as to teach me?" Rosa asked standing in front of him. Again his face lit up with an adorable smile and a glance to the left confirmed the annoyed look on Boromir's face at her acceptance. The young man took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, leaving her only briefly to speak to the musicians.

The music began and the steps of the dance were much simpler than those previous, "Shall we?"

Rosa grinned as Raenir led her into the dance and she stumbled along only slightly until she finally got the hang of it. As they moved along Rosa could see Boromir slightly further down the line dancing with one of the girls that had been by his side. Rosa shook her head and looked back at Raenir, he was handsome enough. His hair was a shaggy brown but not nearly as long as the others, his eyes a lighter version of his hair color. He had lean muscles and soft welcoming features. He was sweet and patient with her as she learned the steps, even encouraged her to learn another dance.

She marked the passage of time by the deepening scowl on Boromir's face, finally leaving the dance floor when Boromir looked on the verge of murder. Rosa no longer felt like the outcast at the party, she had danced and spoken with many of the men and had even befriended Eowyn, among other ladies.

"You look lovely in that dress," Eowyn stated kindheartedly. Rosa smiled at her, "Thank you for the dress, it really is beautiful," she smoothed her hand down the fabric as she spoke, "who did it belong to?"

"My wife," Théoden spoke, startling Rosa. She had yet to speak with him, though she had seen him across the room speaking with Aragorn earlier. Rosa wasn't sure how to feel, she knew next to nothing about him or his family. Should she not be wearing it?

"Oh, I didn't know...I'm," Rosa started, struggling to find the words to express her sympathy and regret at wearing his late wife's clothing. Had Eowyn known?

Suddenly a small smile lit his face, "It is alright child, it has laid unworn for too long." He looked thoughtful for a moment, "You and your friends do a great service to Middle Earth, Elfhild would have wanted to help you all in any way, keep it."

Rosa gaped at him, "I couldn't possibly-

"Nonsense, keep it and any others you find useful," he gave her a courteous nod and walked back to his men. Rosa turned to Eowyn and gave a sheepish smile, "Well that went well, I think I need something to drink."

Rosa turned and nearly walked right into Boromir. She jumped back with an eep and nearly fell but his hands were securely wrapped around her. Rosa could fell her heart rate pick up just at being near him, he was warm and smelled faintly of fresh, mossy trees and soap. She had tried her hardest to keep from looking at him since the festival started. He was freshly shaven, his hair had been washed and brushed, and he now wore a dark green embroidered tunic over a fresh pair of black pants. The material stretched taunt over the muscles of his chest and arms and Rosa had to blink to keep from imagining him shirtless.

"Sorry," she mumbled, stepping out of his arms. Boromir gave her a curt nod before walking away and Rosa clenched her fists, what the hell is his problem?!

"May I have this dance?"

Rosa turned to see Legolas beside her, "Actually I was just going to go get a drink," she finished, watching Boromir, who had looked back.

"Then I'll accompany you," he said holding his arm out for her.

"Thank you, Legolas."

Boromir frowned again, his frustration peaking. She had danced with nearly every other man in the room, even Gimli! He was beginning to wonder if she even cared that he had been avoiding her all this time. If she did, she certainly didn't show it.

He marched after them, following closely behind her. He stood beside her as she drank water from the large glass and watched her set the glass down and turn towards him and he knew at once he had done something wrong. He remembered the look she made when she was irritated, he had seen it quite often when she was taking care of him and he wouldn't lay still.

"What do you want, Boromir?" she said with a hand on her hip.

What did he want?! He wanted her, of course! He wanted to dance with her. To be the only one who danced with her! He wanted to run his hands through her silky hair and to kiss her soft warm lips, he wanted to look into her beautiful blue eyes and he wanted her to only want him. He wanted to be there for her and he wanted to keep men like Raenir far, far away from her! He groaned in irritation, "Will you dance with me?"

Rosa sighed, "No," she couldn't dance with him. She couldn't be close to him, it made her melt into a puddle of longing. She didn't want to be his dirty little secret, she knew how that song went and that wasn't about to be her.

Boromir practically growled, "You'll dance with Legolas and Raenir," he spat, "but not me?"

"You're jealous?! That's rich. You've been avoiding me for three days, Boromir! Three days! but now that another man gives me attention you're upset?! At least Raenir wants to be seen with me!"

Boromir balled his fists and took a quick step forward, "So you prefer him then? Is that it? You'll jump into any man's arms so long as he gives you attention? I suppose I should have guessed with how easily you-

Rosa fumed, "Are you calling me a whore?!"

Boromir flinched at her words, this was not at all how he imagined this conversation going. He opened his mouth to deny it but was interrupted when Rosa stepped forward. They were chest to chest and he could see the anger burning in her eyes, "Why don't you go dance with one of those girls who were swarmed around you earlier?! I'm sure they would enjoy it much more than I would!" she felt her chest tighten and temperature rise as he rose his eyebrow at her in challenge.

"I think I will."

"Good. Great! I think I'm done with this festival," she said stomping away from him in a huff. She turned in the hall and watched Boromir walk away, "Turn around," she whispered as she leaned against the cold, stone wall. She could feel her eyes begin to water, "If you care you'll turn around."

Boromir let out a shuttering breath when he reached the dance floor, he looked back to see Rosa walking down the hall. She stumbled and he turned on his heel, running for her. He caught her just before she hit the floor. Her skin was flushed and when he pressed his hand to her forehead it was burning up.

Aragorn and Legolas were quick to his side, "What happened?"

"I-I don't know," Boromir fumbled, "She said she was done for the night and she looked fine when she left but when I looked back she was stumbling and now she has a fever."

Aragorn nodded and felt her skin, "She is far too hot. Quick, let's get her to a bed. Someone get some cold water!" he shouted as they carried Rosa to the nearest room. She was laid out on the bed, while Legolas left to get a healer.

Boromir paced the room, "Aragorn, will she be alright?"

"I don't know."


Rosa groaned, her head was pounding. She rolled onto her side, squeezing her eyes tight. Her stomach clenched and she could feel the bile form in her mouth. Oh no.

Beneath her hands the floor was smooth and cold, but felt nothing like stone, something she found odd. She could feel hands pull her hair back out of her face as her body tensed, preparing for what was to come.

"Rosa, Rosa look at me!"

"Jane?" Rosa's eyes snapped open. In front of her was a petite blonde in nurse scrubs. Her pink lips were pursed and she wore a look of concern as she checked Rosa's temperature. What in the hell? Rosa pulled her legs up underneath her and pressed against the floor.

"Woah, don't try to stand up, unless you'd like to fall back on your face again, huh?" Jane chuckled.

Rosa's head was spinning, "What are you doing here? Where am I? Where's Boromir?"

Jane stopped smiling, "Hey, Rosa, calm down. You're at the hospital, you had a pretty bad fall, probably have a concussion. You're gonna be fine."

She wanted to throw up again. This can't be possible. I'm in Rohan. I'm... she looked around the room. It was all too familiar, the tacky bed sheets, the ugly colored walls, even the pudding cup. Oh god, "I'm in Boston?"

...

When Rosa woke her whole body ached, "God I must've had too much to drink at the festival. Aragorn's gonna kill me."

She heard a snort of laughter and felt a hand against her forehead, "And I thought your delirious mumbling would go away after your fever broke. You're not going to tell me you have to apologize to Boromir again, are you? Because I might have to give you a CT scan."

Rosa felt reality set in, "I'm in Boston."

Jane laughed, "Yep, you said that right before you passed out again."

Rosa nodded, "I...I need to go."

Jane jumped forward, "Woah, hold your horses, Rosa. You aren't going anywhere til the Doc clears you. Until then, you have a visitor."

Rosa raised an eyebrow at Jane, "A visitor?"

She felt confused, who would be visiting her? She didn't have anyone but Jane. Not since...

"Hey Italy."

Rosa's heart stopped and she looked up to see a tall man standing in the doorway. His military cut black hair stood out against the white walls, and Rosa sucked in a breath as her eyes met his chocolate brown orbs. It was all too familiar. The crooked smile on his smug face. The way he leaned against the doorframe, with one arm up and one hand stuffed in his pocket. Even the faint smell of cologne as he walked closer, "What, cat got your tongue?"

"Johnathan?"


A/N: To be continued...MUAHAHAhAHAA! I...am a horrible person. I know.

ElvithienAranel: Thank you! I was really wanting to turn it up a notch, I mean it is rated M after all.

Micky-Moo: I'm glad you liked it, hopefully the next few chapters will answer your questions...at least some. But warning it will take a while.

Biku-sensei-sez-meow: As always I really looked forward to your review, first off thank you sooo much. Sorry to say that you'll have to continue to wait for the interaction with the Horse Lords but it will be there!...eventually.

Readers: THANK YOU ALL! Hope you continue to read, enjoy, and hopefully review and follow! Until next time my lovelies! :)