Storm In A Teacup
You could sense the mistrust with this man named Strider. From time to time you caught him glancing back at you and your own companions as you all quickened your pace in the wood. The screeching sounds of the Nazgal was all you needed to know, they were near, you were certain of that.
"Hurry!" shouted Strider.
"It's six days from Rivendell! He'll never make it!" the sandy haired hobbit remarked.
"Rivendell!" You heard Thorin say "That can not be right."
You agreed with Thorin on that front, something strange was going on here and it had something to do with that artifact.
o0o
You all had been travelling nonstop for a couple of days. There was barely any talking among you all, the only sound was from the hobbit, Frodo. he needed help fast. Strider, placed the hobbit near a statue when Thorin finally broke this strange atmosphere.
"It can not be!"
Looking up you saw three statues of trolls. It was the same ones you had seen before, when Thorin's company had been captured.
"Just what is going on here?" You asked yourself, looking at the trolls with disdain.
"Look Frodo. It's Mr Bilbo's trolls."
Your eyes went back on the hobbit that had spoken.
"There is something strange going on here." You remarked, more to yourself but you did notice Strider raise his eyebrow at you.
Frodo gasps for breath and you went by his side. He was shivering so without saying a word you took of your coat. Then wrapped it around him, hoping that would help him get warm.
"He's going cold!" said the hobbit that was refusing to leave his friends side.
You looked at Frodo and frowned, he was now really pale and his eyes looked distant.
"Is he going to die?" asked another hobbit.
"He's passing into the Shadow world. He'll soon become a wraith like them." said Strider standing between the stone trolls.
"Not on my watch." You found yourself saying out loud.
Getting up, you walked right over towards this strange man, catching sight of Solas. Once again, he was looking at the hobbits with interest and that unnerved you.
"There should be some Athelas around here," You began, never taking your eyes of Solas "well, at least there was. Maybe we should search around."
"How do you know of this?" asked Strider, causing you to look at him.
"Because, until recently," You then glanced over at Fili, Kili and Thorin "I traveled on my own. Though I did have a good teacher who taught me on how different herbs work against wounds, poison and such."
Another wailing sound came and you knew the Ringwraiths were not that far away.
"Sam! Do you know the Athelas plant?" asked the man, though his grey eyes bore into yours
"Athelas?" asked the sandy haired hobbit.
"Kingsfoil."
"Kingsfoil, aye, its a weed!" replied Sam, looking at you then at Strider.
"It may help to slow the poison. Hurry!"
You watch on with raised eyebrows as both Sam and Strider ran back towards the wood. You shake your head and kneeled down once more, watching Frodo. You hoped there was some Athelas around. You did not want to see another innocent person get corrupted by evil.
"Keep fighting, Frodo." You whispered, tenderly stroking his wet hair.
Footsteps made you glance up. You were slightly shocked when Thorin went to your level looking down at the injured hobbit.
"What can I do to help?" He asked gently.
You found yourself smiling at this gesture and he surprised you more, by taking of his cloak and placing it under Frodo's head. You were beginning to see another side to Thorin, he was not really short fused at all. You could tell he did care for others, though you had to peel the layers to see that.
"Thank you." You say to him, your smile broadening a little, startled a little when Thorin returned the smile.
"What are those things anyway?" asked Dorian, watching Frodo with concern on his face.
"They are the Nazgul," You began, your eyes going back on Frodo "they were the servants of the dark lord Sauron," You glanced up looking at the three hobbits who were watching you wearily "why were they after you four? It really makes no sense...They should only be mentioned in a book. What is going on here?"
"Who is Sauron?" asked Solas, though you refused to speak to him.
In truth you were angry at him and if you replied, you knew you would soon be having a heated debate to what he had done. Your eyes went back on the hobbits, who remained quiet as you looked at each of them.
There was something wrong. It really reminded you of the Blight. Everyone being nervous around others. Looking at each of the hobbits, you could see they were scared of something.
"H-He will be alright, won't he, miss?" asked Sam finally.
You looked at him and sighed, catching the somber expression from Fili. Even Kili was unusually quiet. You knew lying would get you nowhere.
"Your friend, needs healing fast," You began, returning your attention to the three hobbits "the Athelas herb would really help though."
You sighed and looked down at Frodo. He really did look like he was in tremendous pain and you wished you could help out more. You felt eyes on you once more but you kept your attention on Frodo, that is, until you heard his voice.
"Little star."
You glanced up, clearly confused. There standing next to Strider was a dear friend of yours.
"Glorfindel." You whispered, eyes wide.
You were surprised to see him here. You turned your attention to Frodo once more, noticing he was getting worse.
"He's not going to last without proper treatment." You admitted.
Glorfindel went to your level and looked at Frodo.
"Frodo I'm Glorfindel. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan na galad (I am Glorfindel. I have come to help you. Hear my voice. Come back to the light)."
Frodo gasps for breath and you quickly grab hold of Frodo's clammy hand trying to calm him down in your own way.
"Who is he?" asked one of the hobbits.
"He's an elf." replied Sam with awe in his voice.
With silent movement, Glorfindel wipes Frodo's brow and frowns, while you caught the eye of Strider who was chewing something. Without saying anything, Glorfindel undo's Frodo's shirt, looking at the stab wound. The wound itself looks angry. You knew the poison was spreading.
"He's fading." confessed Glorfindel.
"Fight it, Frodo." You whispered
You watch Strider when he spits out what he was chewing, realising what it was and brought the substance on Frodo's wound. This made Frodo groan out in pain and you try and console him while Strider continued placing the Athelas on the stab wound.
"He's not going to last. We must get him to Lord Elrond." exclaimed Glorfindel.
You heard a tut coming from Thorin's direction, though for now, you chose to ignore it. You quickly move out of the way when Strider picked Frodo up while Glorfindel continues to speak,
"I've been searching for you for two days."
You follow Strider and Glorfindel as they both head towards Glorfindel's horse.
"There are five wraiths behind you, where the other four are, I do not know."
Strider placed Frodo on the horse then said in elvish.
"Dartho guin perian. Rych le ad tolthathon. (Stay with the hobbits. I will send horses back for you.)"
"Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im. (I'm the faster rider. I'll take him.)" remarked Glorfindel, catching your concerned eyes.
"Andelu i ven. (The road is too dangerous)" argued Strider.
"Not to be blunt or anything," You began, noticing Strider turn and look at you "Glorfindel is quite capable of defending himself."
"Little star," your friend went up to you, tucking a strand of dark red hair that had escaped your braided bun "there is no need to defend me, though I would like to know where you have been!"
You frowned, not understanding.
"Travelling with the Thorin and his kin, as well you know of this ma-,"
Glorfindel stopped you and beckoned you to follow him while Strider made Frodo comfortable on the horse. What your friend had to say, shocked you to the very core.
~~Strider's POV~~
While placing Frodo on Asfaloth, Strider watched these newcomers. Apart from the lady currently speaking quietly to Glorfindel, the other five strangers had yet to speak to him.
Strider's grey eyes went back on the lady in question and sighed. True he had been very suspicious when they arrived from nowhere, but when the Balrog slayer uttered those two words, all suspicions he had of her, went away.
He had been told of a lady of legend that had come from nowhere, made friends with the inhabitants of Imladris, before venturing on an adventure with Gandalf the Grey. Lord Elronds son's also went with her.
Then she just disappeared altogether along with several others, causing concern and bewilderment to many. A gasp from Frodo brought Glorfindel back to his horse looking at Frodo himself. The lady followed suit and Strider noticed she now had a troubled look on her face.
"Frodo fîr. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nin beriatha hon. (Frodo's dying. If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him.)" said Glorfindel getting on Asfaloth.
"Be iest lîn. (As you wish.)" replied Strider "Ride hard. Don't look back."
Glorfindel nodded and then quickly said,
"Rila, we have much to discuss, until then, be safe."
Strider watched her grace Glorfindel with a smile then nodded her head.
"Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim! (Ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast!)" remarked Glorfindel who then gallops off through the woods, leaving in wake three angry looking hobbits.
"What are you doing? Those wraiths are still out there!" yelled Sam.
Rila, as Glorfindel had called her, went up to Sam and gently said,
"Calm down my dear friend, Frodo is in good hands."
"But-,"
"Have some hope," carried on Rila, "Glorfindel knows what he is doing."
Rila then gently squeezed Sam's shoulder before heading towards her bag catching the worried glance from Strider. Her blue eyes then went on the dwarf who was now pacing back and forth with anger etched on his face.
"You are too trusting with elves." He said, causing Rila to sigh.
"Am I indeed Thorin?"
"Aye, you are, but I'll let it slide for now. We should return to my kin, they'll grow concerned."
Strider who had been listening in, caught the worried glance Rila gave her friend. This did not go unnoticed by her other companions.
"Rila, what is it?" asked Fili, walking over to her.
"We leave now." said Strider, trying to break the strange mood.
Strider watched Rila carefully. She never uttered a word, though she did look at the bald elf from time to time, before walking off shaking her head. The ranger sensed trouble and he wasn't sure if he wanted to know about this.
o0o
~~Rila's POV~~
Though you all did stop walking when it was too dark to see, you had barely said anything to anyone. Your thoughts went back to what Glorfindel told you, in truth, you were most concerned and you had no idea on how to explain this too anyone, least of all Thorin.
He had a right to know, though you knew he could start a fight with Solas. After all, it was his fault this had happened in the first place but it wasn't going to be Thorin having words with this particular elf, it would be you.
o0o
For several days, you followed Strider and his hobbit friends, heading towards Imladris once more. Your silence was getting to Thorin, you could tell as he kept glancing at you from time to time with worry etched on his face.
It was now the fifth day of travelling and you were currently helping Sam with the meal, when Thorin walked over to you. He had a somber look on his face and you knew he had finally snapped.. You knew the time of not saying anything had ended.
"Rila, you have barely uttered one word, what is bothering you?"
"I agree," chimed in Kili, "you are acting the way we first met, very quiet."
You frowned, though remained quiet.
"Rila?"
"Not now." You finally say, placing some carrots in the stew Sam was making.
"Yes now!" replied Thorin "This has something to do with what that elf said to you."
"Not now!" You repeated, now feeling many eyes go on you.
Thorin however, was not deterred. He simply took the little knife from your right hand which he then handed over to Sam, before pulling you away from the others. You were mortified by this and managed to yank your arm away from his grasp.
"Never do that again!" You hissed at him, well aware that Strider was now close by.
"Then answer my question, what is bothering you?"
Looking at the grass, you stayed quiet, wondering how you could explain all this.
"This has something to do with that round orb thing we all found the other day, doesn't it?"
You slowly glanced back at Thorin and knew lying was not going to work.
"Yep."
"And?"
"I am still trying to process to what has happened," You confessed "though it appears nothing has changed, it clearly has."
You could tell Thorin didn't understand, the truth was, neither did you. You were still trying to get your head around this. Your blue eyes went on Strider as he headed towards Thorin and yourself.
"Perhaps you should leave the lady alone."
"This has nothing to do with you, human!" sneered Thorin, now glaring back at Strider "Stay out of it."
You found yourself watching this man and it all slotted into place. The way he had been watching you. It all made sense.
"You know don't you?" You ask Strider, his own grey eyes returning to you.
He gave you a curt nod.
"I knew when Glorfindel called you by your nickname. You have been greatly missed by many."
"It was Lord Elrond himself that started calling me that," You admitted, a small smile came from nowhere "the stars were at their brightest apparently when he, Glorfindel and several others elves found me."
"Found you?" came a voice, causing you to turn and look at one of the hobbits"What do you mean?"
"It is a long story."
"I love long stories."
The hobbit then grinned at you, making you do the same. You had a feeling this hobbit was a prankster. He had that look about him.
"I'm sure you do Mister-,"
"Oh, where are my manners, I'm Peregrin Took, though everyone calls me Pippin or Pip," He's smile broadened as he bowed his head at you, then looked to hs left "and over there, is my cousin Meriadoc Brandybuck, Merry for short."
"I'm Rila Cousland," You replied looking over at Merry who seemed to be having a discussion about something with Fili "though I do apologise for not pointing that little fact out, a little earlier."
"Don't worry about it," grinned Pippin as you return your attention to him "I could sense you were not ready to talk."
"Something she is really good at." remarked Kili, causing you to roll your eyes.
"That orb thing." began Thorin.
"Thorin, now is not the time."
"Yes it is...I want to know why we are back near Rivendell?"
You sighed, absently rubbing your temple. You knew Thorin would not drop this.
"Thorin," You look at Pippin with a frown "it is not fair on our new companions."
"You have a had a troubled expression for a while now," began Pippin, his smile fading "perhaps if you unburdened yourself, it will ease you."
"Rila, the halfling does makes a fair point," began Thorin "my kin will be worried and rightly so. You know something and I demand answers know!"
You glanced at Solas, surprised he was watching you back. You could feel the anger surge through you though you gritted your teeth, not knowing how to begin this strange discusion.
"Thorin-,"
"I am waiting." interrupted Thorin, crossing his arms around his chest.
You took in a deep breath before beginning.
"The Elven artifact is the course of why we are here and not in Beorn's garden. You see, this idiot here," You now point your finger at Solas "thought it will be fun in touching the orb."
"I assure you My Lady, I am no idiot."
Your eyes went back on Solas as he walked up to you.
"Aren't you?" You remarked, then shook your head when he narrowed his eyes at you.
A chuckle from Thorin caused you to glare back at him.
"And you can stop that at once," You reprimanded him "this is no laughing matter...After all, we are sixty years into the future!"
"I'm sorry...What?"
Your eyes never left Thorin's as you watched him, the smile he had, vanished. You hated seeing the disdain on his face, it really did not suit him in the slightest.
"I know, it is a lot to take in Thorin and I am trying to process this as well. Though it is the truth."
"There is a tale where seven people mysteriously disappeared in a garden," You heard Strider say, though you continued watching Thorin "no one knew what had happened. There was no signs of battle, no signs of a struggle."
"It can not be." murmured Thorin walking away.
You glanced back at Solas with narrowed eyes before you followed Thorin. He was now pacing back and forth, his hands behind his back. Looking at him, you could see the anguish on his face and that broke your heart.
"Thorin," You began, stopping his pacing by holding onto his arm "I wish I knew what to say."
"My kin would have been worried sick. Not knowing what had happened to us."
Thorin met your eyes and you could plainly see he was pained by this revelation.
"What of Dis? What has happened to my sister?" He frowned "What became of Erebor?"
You had no answer for those questions, though you had a feeling another did. Your hand trailed down his arm to his hand and you held it, startling him.
"I have no answers for these important questions," You began, hearing footsteps behind you "though I believe Lord Elrond will have some of these answers for you."
"He is an elf, that only think for themselves!" spat Thorin, trying to get his hand back.
You were having none of it though, you firmly held on to his right hand and carried on speaking.
"He is an elf, that is true, but he knows many things," You point out, remembering Elladan explain to you that his father has visions "Lord Elrond would know your answers, I'm sure of it. You have to trust me on this."
You watched one another, again seeing the hurt in his piecing blue eyes.
"I know we have not known each other long, but I really want to fix this. I feel responsible."
"It is not your fault Rila," replied Thorin, now stroking your fingers "though I would welcome your help."
"Aye," You heard Kili say from behind you "we should stick together."
You turned your head noticing Dorian, Varric, Fili and Kili right behind you.
"Well, most of us." concluded Kili, narrowing his brown eyes at Solas, who was standing besides Strider.
"I simply activated the Elven artifact to strengthen the veil," explained Solas "I clearly do not understand what has happened."
Something snapped inside of you as you felt the anger surge through you. Letting go of Thorin's hand, you walked over to Solas and slapped him hard across the face.
"You only think for yourself, I realise that now," Your voice was surprisingly calm you realised "this is how it happened before, isn't it? You touch those creepy looking green orb things and boom! You and your friends get whisked away to here."
"It was the veil. I could sense the power." replied, Solas, rubbing the left side of his cheek where you slapped him
"What are you talking about? What veil?"
You were well aware that everyone was now watching you and Solas, which made you cringe. You have always hated being the centre of attention. Your blue eyes refused to leave Solas however, especially as he remained quiet.
"Perhaps we should-," began Dorian, but Solas fnally spoke up.
"The veil is part of the fade," He explained, watching you intently "surely you know of this?"
Of course you had heard of the fade. You had even been in there while being trapped helping the mages from the blood mage, Uldred. You knew however, things were very different here.
"There is no veil or fade here. We are not in Ferelden now. This is Middle-earth!"
"I can sense the veil, therefore it is here as well as Ferelden!"
You watched Solas with disdain. For the first time ever, you could understand why Thorin hated elves. This elf in particular was pushing your buttons the wrong way. The way he was watching you, made you feel very uncomfortable. Your thoughts cried out one word to you while you watched Solas.
'Dread wolf!'
Yor eyes went a little wide hearing that, somewhere buried inside your head, you had heard that name somewhere before.
"Stardust, you will not get a straight answer from Chuckles," You heard Varric say "believe me, I too have tried."
You stepped back finally looking away from Solas. You needed to clear your head a little and began walking away.
"Excuse me." was all you said as you walked away from everyone.
You just could not get that name out of your head. The more you tried probing it however, the harder it was to concentrate on it. The name was a massive clue, you knew that, but what did 'Dread wolf' really mean?
There was just something wrong with this elf and that worried you even more. You stopped walking when you had a feeling you were being followed. Drawing out your sword, you were gearing yourself to fight anything that dared come near you.
Sensing the presence was close by, you spun around and your sword and another weapon clashed. Your eyes went wide, when you realised you were fighting Dorian and you instantly lowered your weapon.
"I am terribly sorry. What must you think of me?"
You were a little surprised to see Dorian smile back at you.
"A lady that has a lot on her mind," He replied, his smile fading "your friend is right, it is not your fault that this has come to pass."
"Isn't it?" You shook your head "I had a feeling back at Beorn's home that something was wrong. I always follow my intuition, though I was not expecting this."
"Rila," You turn your head, surprised to see Thorin walk towards you and Dorian "whatever has happened, it is not your fault. Do not let that elf think that either!"
You said nothing, your eyes stayed on Thorin's. You still had no idea why he hated every elf in Middle-earth and yet for the first time ever, you were beginning to realise that not all elves were kind.
"Rila, may I call you that?"
You turned your attention to Dorian and graced him with a smile, then a nod.
"Rila, Solas has always been fascinated with Elven artifacts, though until recently, they never teleported people to a different place entirely."
You watch one another as you process what he has said to you.
"How well do you know of him?" You asked Dorian, noticing Thorin walk by your side.
"I barely spoke to Solas while working with the inquisition, Solas likes being away from others."
"The inquisition?" You queried "Have I missed something?"
"Went ahead of myself there," replied Dorian, smiling at you "when we are completely safe, I will answer any question you may have."
You nodded, but said,
"For an elf, it is the first time ever, that I find that I do not trust him. There is something off about Solas. I suggest you and Varric be on your guard as well."
"You don't need to tell me that." points out Thorin.
"He seems alright to me."
You shook your head at Dorian.
"Right! Yet here you are, in Middle-earth! Don't you find it odd that Solas touched that orb in the garden, knowing what had happened before?"
Dorian never said a word as you paused for the words to sink in.
"You all came from Ferelden via that artifact, correct?"
"Yes, that is true."
"And yet as soon as Solas spots another orb, he has to activate it. Any normal person would be very cautious by this and not tamper with things that should not be touched!"
"Rila does make a fair point." replied Thorin.
Dorian then frowned causing you to sigh. Maybe you should have kept your opinion to yourself.
"Look, maybe I should have-," You began but Dorian cut in,
"It does look suspicious, I grant you that. Though there is no proof of this."
"Well, as soon as we reach Imladris."
You saw the confusion in his eyes.
"Rivendell," You corrected "I will be seeking out Lord Elrond. Surely he would know how we can get back to our original timeline."
"You mean Varric, Solas and I return to Ferelden, while you and your dwarven friends return in that strange man's garden."
"Beorn," You smiled which went as you carried on "and that is precisely what I mean. Being here in this timeline, something seems off. Those Ringwraiths prove it."
"Again, I do not know anything about those Ringwraiths, but judging from what I saw earlier, they are not to be trifled with!"
Dorian frowned and sighed.
"I will take on board to what you have said Rila. The truth always has to come out sooner or later."
Even though you barely knew Dorian, you had a feeling you would get on well with him. You wish you could say the same to Solas however, there was just something strange about him. Your new friend then walked back to where the others were residing.
"May I ask you a question Thorin?"
Your blue eyes stayed on the retreating form of Dorian while you waited for Thorin to reply. It didn't take long.
"You may."
"Why don't you get on with elves?"
You heard Thorin suck in his breath and you realised you had opened an old wound.
"I'm sorry, it is none of my-,"
"After Smaug stole my home," began Thorin "we had to leave. Many of my kin died and when I spotted the Elven king, Thranduil. I asked him to help us...He never did, all he did was stare back at me while riding on his Elk, acting like he had better things to do."
You just listen in stunned silence. You have heard of King Thranduil, though you had never seen in him in person. There had to be a plausible reason why the Elven king refused to help Thorin and his kin. Trouble is, if you reveal that to Thorin, you had a feeling he would on turn you.
"Not all elves are like that Thorin," You finally say to him "there are many who will stop at nothing in helping others. I am sorry that king Thranduil did not come to your aid."
You turn and look at Thorin.
"I would have done. Especially as there is a dragon involved."
"Smaug is not an archdemon Rila, he is a real dragon."
"So to speak, the archdemon really looks like one, acts like one, therefore it-,"
"Supper's ready." shouted Pippin, causing you to roll your eyes.
"When we return to our timeline, I vow to help you defeat Smaug."
"Rila, I'm not expecting you to-,"
"I said, supper's ready!"
You knew speaking with Thorin was over for the time being, though when you began walking towards the camp you said,
"I know you have no right in trusting me Thorin, but I do feel responsible."
You were taken aback when Thorin grabbed your arm and stopped you from walking, turning you around.
"That is the third time you have said that and for the third and final time, you are not responsible. It is that blasted elf's fault!"
Thorin let go of your arm when he saw the way you were watching him. You were bemused.
"And for the record," He carried on "I have trusted you since you killed my nemesis. That will never change."
You could feel your cheeks go warm and you shifted from foot to foot looking at the ground while you replied,
"Well to be honest with you, until I was told on who I killed, I had no idea Azog was connected to you. I just knew he was a bloody nuisance that needed to get out of my way."
Your head shot up when you heard Thorin roar with laughter. It was so out of character. You had heard the odd snicker from time to time, but never laughter. Watching him, it made his face less serious and you realised, he really should laugh more.
"A wise person once told me that laughter is the best medicine."
"Who told you that? One of your elf friends, perhaps?" asked Thorin.
You shook your head as you began heading back towards the camp.
"No, it was my brother Fergus."
Just bringing up your brother's name, brought it all back again, You had a feeling he had lived. The last time you had seen Fergus, was the eve before Rendon Howe changed everything. You often wondered how your brother was fairing. You and Fergus had always been close and it still hurt, knowing you would never see him again.
"Are you alright?"
You automatically nodded your head, closing your eyes as you saw the image of your brother in your thoughts.
"I will be," You reply reopening your eyes "come, let us get something to eat, before Pippin loses his voice."
If you had turned and looked back at Thorin, you would have seen the sadness in his eyes, while he watched you walk towards the camp.
o0o
It was a little later, the stew Sam had made was long gone and you were in the process of sharpening up your swords. You were sitting besides Strider, hearing the others talk amongst themselves.
You had purposely avoided Solas since your return. You knew he would only say something that could cause you to snap back at him and that was not what you wanted. Something did feel wrong though. There was something in the air. Every once in a while, your eyes darted around the camp. Even though things did appear to be safe, you were not entirely convinced yourself.
"If you keep sharpening your sword like that, you will only be left with the hilt. What is troubling you?"
You were a little surprised when Strider spoke to you. In fairness, he had barely uttered a word since Glorfindel left with Frodo. You had a feeling he preferred staying silent, observing everything in his own way.
Though you did stop sharpening your sword, you wondered on how to answer him. You had a feeling he would know if you lied to him, so you simply said,
"Other than the fact, myself and my companions have teleported sixty years in the future, nothing's troubling me."
"I'm not convinced. For a while, you have been watching your surroundings like you are expecting something."
"That's the Grey Warden in me coming out. I always keep a look out," You turned your head and face Strider, gracing him with a small smile "it's sort of a habit you see. I can not break out of."
'Especially when that feeling of unease is really settling in.' You thought to yourself.
"Elrohir mentioned you being a Grey Warden, though he was very vague about it."
Your eyes lit up when you heard your dear friends name.
"How are they?" You asked Strider, not sure if you would like the answer or not.
"Both Elladan and Elrohir are fine. They will be relieved to see you."
Even though for you it had been days since you had last seen your two friends, you could not imagine what went through the brothers heads when you and your companions had vanished. Sixty years is a long time.
"They spoke of you a lot," carried on Strider "especially Elrohir. He has taken your disappeance the hardest."
Your eyes went wide when Strider mentioned that. Even though none of this was your fault, you still felt weird knowing that things have changed around you in a blink in the eye moment. You were about to reply, when you instinctively got up, knowing something was amiss. Your blue eyes narrowed knowing you could indeed sense them.
"What is the matter?" You heard Strider say.
"Something I thought I would never see again," You began, now looking ahead of you "darkspawn!"
As soon as you had said that, a dozen darkspawn ran towards the camp. You were thankful when you spotted Varric and Dorian grab hold of their weapons, though you were worried for the hobbits safety. These foes were as dangerous as any other. Though theses darkspawn only had one thing on their minds, kill.
You realised these beings were in fact hurlocks and as you held onto your swords, you wondered what they were doing here. You'd worry about that later, what was important was dealing with them first.
As you plunged your sword in a hurlock, you remembered what it was like in Ferelden. The countless battles, the struggles every person had to make while the Blight took hold. A hurlock was running towards Merry ready to attack him, but Fili quickly went to Merry's defense and deflected the hurlock attack.
You saw a slightly bigger darkspawn slowly approaching you and your companions. You swallowed hard knowing you had seen this type of foe before. It was a general. These darkspawn in your old life were connected to the archdemon, which made you realise something, the red dragon must be in this timline now.
Running towards the general, you began attacking it, taking no notice of anything else. Out of all of these darkspawn, these were even more dangerous than others, partly because of the way they carried themselves.
Your sword clashed with his, while you waited for an opening, which didn't take too long. Holding onto your other sword in your right hand, you managed to stab him in the side, just as Solas cast a spell of some sort on to the general.
The general seemed to be immobile himii and taking this as a sign, you held on to your sword as you plunged it inside his torso. You were about to finish him off when a stray arrow landed in the centre of the general's forehead, killing him on the spot.
You turned around and saw Kili. He winked at you as he lowered his bow and you found yourself smiling back. Looking around the camp, all of the darkspawn had been dealt with, for now at least.
You took in a deep breath before wiping your swords on the grass. Though the feeling of unease had gone, you knew there had to be more darkspawn. That general had been sent for a reason.
As you wiped the blood of your swords, you looked over at the hobbits and realised that everything was somehow connected. The orb, the new archdemon, Corypheus, now the darkspawn. These darkspawn had been looking for something, but what?
"What were those things?" asked Merry, looking at the dead hurlocks.
"Darkspawn!" You spat out, glancing down at the dead general "I thought my days of dealing with these low lifes had ended, clearly this is not the case."
"Nothing like orcs then?"
You turned and looked at Fili and you shrug your shoulders.
"They are about the same, though seeing this general here," Your blue eyes went back on the one you were speaking about "means trouble is not over yet."
"What do you mean?" asked Thorin, stepping in front of you.
"It is hard to explain except everything is connected. The ringwraiths, that orb, us being here"
You caught Solas's somber expression as if he was expecting you to have another dig at him. There was still something strange about this elf that you just could not point out, though you would keep your thoughts to yourself for now.
"There is evil in the air and if my hunch is correct," You turn and look at each of the hobbits, realising something "it is connected to your friend Frodo...Just what is going on here?"
"Aye, I would like to know that myself." remarked Thorin.
The hobbits remained silent and you admired them. You knew they were protecting Frodo from whatever this secret was.
"When we reach Rivendell, everything will be explained to you Rila." said Strider and you found yourself watching him, taking on board to what he had said.
"Why not tell us now?" demanded Thorin.
"It is not safe to speak about these things while out in the open," You realised, your eyes stayed on Strider as he nodded "things have a way of listening in the wind."
"Great, another Gandalf!" moaned Kili, causing you to smirk a little.
"Not quite. I don't mumble under my breath."
"No," agreed Kili "you just stay quiet for days at a time."
You were surprised when Fili wacked Kili round the back of his head.
"What was that for?" hissed Kili, now rubbing his head.
"Kee, that was uncalled for," replied Fili, narrowing his eyes at his brother "it is quite clear that Rila is a thinker."
You snorted out a laugh, but said nothing, until your eyes went back on the bodies of the darkspawn.
"We need to leave. This area is not safe anymore."
"Where will we go?" asked Sam, looking worried "It is still night time."
As you resheathed your swords, you heard Strider say,
"We will not travel far. Come, get your things together."
You walked back to where your bag was and sighed. Something was definitely wrong here and you did not like it one bit.
o0o
You woke with a start. You could have sworn you had heard horses galloping nearby. Just as you thought you had dreamt that, you were about to close your eyes when someone shook you.
"Stardust! We are not alone."
This made you alert once more and you sat up, looking up at Varric clearly confused. You watched him as he stepped back revealing three people speaking quietly to Strider.
'Not people,' You realised to yourself 'friends.'
Standing around Strider was Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir. Getting up from where you had slept, you graced Varric with a smile before heading towards your friends. It was like they sensed you approching them, as both brothers made their excuses eith Strider and Glorfindel and walked to where you were.
You met them half way and for the first time ever, you felt very unsure of yourself. After all, it had only been a few days of seeing them. To Elladan and Elrohir however, it was a very long time since seeing you.
You stopped walking and took on board to both brothers. Both were wearing gold armour which you hadn't seen before, but other than that, they looked exactly the same. Dark brown hair, with two braids against the ears, which were joined together at the back of the head. Both were extremly handsome elves.
You were about to move towards them, when Elladan pulled you into his arms hugging you tightly. You did notice the surprise on Strider's face however and you could understand that. Other than Zevran, no elf were known to hug others, with the exception of course of your two friends.
"When Glorfindel revealed that you were back, I could scarcely believe it. Yet, here you are," whispered Elladan, finally pulling away from you a little "you haven't changed at all."
"To me," you swallow hard "it has only been a few days since I last saw you both."
You look at both of the brothers suddenly feeling a little tearful. You swallow again, biting your lower lip, willing the tears to stay at bay. Elladan stepped back, though his eyes never left yours.
"I can not imagine what has been going through your minds...I-I'm so sorry."
Just as soon as you had said that, Elrohir was the next to pull you towards him. He wrapped his arms around you and you found yourself relaxing in his embrace just like you had with Elladan. You placed your own arms around his torso, thinking back to what happened. That was when you felt your tears leak from your eyes.
You don't normally show your emotions to anyone, but seeing your two friends brought it back to what they must have gone through. If only you had stopped Solas from touching that orb, then this would never have happen.
"I'm sorry." You whispered against his chest.
"Shh," Elrohir soothed you by stroking your hair "You are safe, that is all that matters."
~~Elrohir's POV~~
When Glorfindel had returned with the hobbit, Elrohir was relieved. It was when Glorfindel approached himself and Elladan with the words,
"Little star has returned."
He knew he had to leave and search for her. Of course Glorfindel had insisted he accompany the two brothers, just as soon as they made sure the hobbit Frodo was taken care of first.
That had been three days ago and seeing Rila after all this time, brought his feelings to the core. Elrohir had never doubted that he would see her again. It was the way Ada had spoken to him about her, that proved that there was a change she could return. How right Ada was, for here she was in his arms, trying to console her.
"I should have stopped him." Elrohir heard Rila murmur.
"Shh," He whispered "It is alright Rila. It is not your fault."
While holding Rila protectively, Elrohir looked at the rest of the companions he had known from the quest for Erebor.
"I take it you are all well?" He asked Thorin, who was watching Rila with worry in his blue eyes.
"Aye, we are alright," replied Thorin, his eyes never leaving Rila "though I do want to know what has happened."
"All in good time, my friend," said Glorfindel "when we reach Imladris, everything will be revealed to you."
"Is Rila alright?" asked a curious hobbit.
"She'll be fine," Elrohir smiled at the hobbit in question, "I believe she is just relieved to see us."
Elrohir felt Rila move a little but he could not find himself letting her go.
"Rila, would you like one of these green apples? Me and Merry stole them from farmer Maggot before we met up with Frodo and Sam."
Rila moved her head and watched the hobbit while he held out the apple in his right palm. Using her left hand, she held it out as the hobbit handed the green apple over to her.
"Thank you Pippin, I'll enjoy eating this later." She said, before replacing her arm around Elrohir, holding onto the apple.
"We will be leaving in a minute," said Glorfindel "we brought a few ponies and two horses. Some of you will have to share, hope that is not a problem?"
~~Rila's POV~~
There was a few grumbles coming from Thorin but other than that, no one seemed to mind. Though you were glad to see everyone, you did wonder why they had travelled towards you and your companions. Looking up, you were a little taken aback when you caught Elrohir watching you.
"Not that I'm not grateful to see you," You began, now noticing a smile appear on his face "but why are you here?"
"Because of Glorfindel informing of your return, I grew restless as you and Estel didn't come sooner." Elrohir replied softly.
You just look at Elrohir with a puzzled look on your face.
'Estel?' You thought 'Who is that?'
You were even more baffled when Elrohir chuckled, but remained quiet, though he did let go of you.
"I'll just get my bag and bedroll, then I'll be ready."
Turning around, you walked up to your belongings. You were relieved to see your two friends, though you did cringe inwardly at the way you had acted. You barely showed your emotions, why did you then?
"I meant what I said Rila."
You spun around when you heard your name. Fili was in the process of placing one of his weapons in his inside pocket, while he walked up to you.
"If you ever want to talk, I will listen."
You graced him with a smile.
"Thank you. That means a lot."
"You are blaming yourself for what happened," went on Fili "when we all know it is not your fault. So stop mulling things over. When we reach Rivendell, we will soon know what has happened in the last sixty years and how we can return."
You watched Fili, stunned by his words, though you found yourself saying,
"What if we can not go back?"
This was what was really worrying you and it obviously showed as Fili stepped closer to you.
"Then we will cross that bridge if we come to it."
"Will we?" You admitted "I'm not so sure."
Holding your bag and bedroll rather tightly in your hand, you walked away from Fili, even more anxious to what the next few days will bring you.
"I didn't mean to upset you Rila." Fili said.
"You haven't Fili," You replied, "you haven't."
Again you caught Solas watching the hobbits and when he realised you were watching him, you gave him a dirty look, though said nothing. Instead, you walked up to where Glorfindel and Strider were residing, waiting to travel to your home Imladris.
"What is it little star?"
You looked at Glorfindel and graced him with a small smile.
"Nothing."
"Rila."
You turned and faced him fully, catching the expression on Glorfindel's face. He was looking back at you with concern.
"It is not nothing. I can sense your apprehension. Normally you are cheerful and full of mischief."
You raised your eyebrows at that last remark, causing Strider to smirk.
"What are you talking about?" You asked Glorfindel.
Your friend simply smiled back at you, then said,
"I seem to recall you climbing down trees when you should have been resting. That and the fact you marched into the training grounds and started hitting out on our wooden statues."
By now, you could feel your cheeks going red. You indeed did remember doing that. It was four weeks after you had been found and you were resting in your room. You were beginning to get restless, so when no one was looking, you snuck out your room, wearing just a long nightgown.
Feeling adventurous, you grabbed hold of your gown and walked towards a tree before slowly climbing down it, completely unaware at the time that you were being watched. When you reached the next level, you began walking until you found a place that you knew well, a training ground.
"I was bored," You defended yourself "I'm used to doing," You caught Strider's smile broaden "things. Laying in bed all day is not my thing."
"Not your thing? Rila you were gravely ill." remarked Glorfindel.
"Pfft, Well I turned out alright for someone who died killing the original archdemon!"
"Archdemon?" enquired Strider "What's that?"
You were surprised. You had thought Elladan or Elrohir had explained everything about you to Strider. Taking a deep breath, you replied,
"I thought you said that Elrohir explained about me being a Grey Warden?"
"He mentioned it in passing. What does a Grey Warden do?"
"We protect others from darkspawn, especially when they surface on the outside. The archdemon sings to the darkspawn and to all Grey Wardens. That is how we know when a Blight has started."
"And you say you died killing this archdemon?" asked Strider, crossing his arms over his chest.
You nodded.
"Yes, that is correct. Except I ended up here instead of where my family reside with the Maker."
You could see the confusion in Strider's eyes and was about to explain further when a voice behind you beat you to it.
"Sorry to interrupt, but it appears you have lost an earring Rila."
You turned your head and looked at Merry and instantly raised your hand up and touched Zevran's earring and smiled at the hobbit in question.
"No I haven't Merry."
"Yes you have, you are only wearing one earring! Would you like me to search for it for you?"
"That's going to be difficult. The other earring belongs in Ferelden where the person who gave this to me, resides there. Unless of course he is back in Antiva."
"Oh I see, a token of affection." grinned Merry, though your smile faltered.
"Rila, are you ready?"
You glanced over to where Elrohir was and realised what he meant. He was waiting by his dark brown horse watching you intently. You nodded, thankful for the quick get away. You graced Glorfindel, Strider and Merry with a smile, before walking towards Elrohir.
"Are you alright?" asked Elrohir.
You knew lying would have no effect on your friend so you just shook your head.
"I will be though, when we return."
You could see the concern in Elrohir's eyes and you felt even worse than before. Sixty years was a long time and you knew that things in this world had changed. You had a feeling it was going to get worse before the light in the darkness shone through once more.
~~Strider's POV~~
"Did I say something wrong?" asked Merry, clearly confused "I genuinely thought Rila had lost an earring."
"No, you have done nothing wrong, my friend. The earring she wears is a reminder to the person who gave that to her," began Glorfindel watching Rila approach Elrohir "Zevran was his name. She told me they grew close while dealing with the Blight. Her love for him, has never waned even though Rila knows she will never see him again."
Strider just listened though his grey eyes stayed on the lady herself. He had sensed a sadness about her and at first he thought it had something to do with their reappearance, now he wasn't so sure. He just hoped that Lord Elrond would have the answers to her questions.