Life in Death

6. The Ring goes South

Getting out of bed was hard. I was anxious what this journey would hold in stall. I could vaguely remember some rather short pieces of the plot. But I had come to realize the longer I stayed in Middle Earth the more I seemed to forget. Gandalf said it was partially because me being here would change some events and the other reason was that my memories clouded over for I wasn't supposed to know.

My fingers glided over the fabric of my new clothes. They had been made for me by Thúldil and her sister. Slowly I got out of my nightwear and started dressing. It was still early morning but I knew I would no longer be able to sleep. I slid into my pants, that still reminded me strongly of leggings. The elven woman had told me the fabric was a little different from what men produced. It was a thin and light material, that would keep me warm but would still feel cool should the temperature rise again. Next was a tight fitting white blouse and a light blue corset that gave me a little trouble to put on. Lucky for me it was one that had to be tied in the front and not the back.

After pacing around my room for another couple of minutes I decided to pay a last visit to the stables. I slipped on my leather boots and left my room. The hallways were empty, everyone seemed to be still fast asleep. No wonder after the feast. I'm curious if the dwarves will even be up before midday...

Entering the stables I wasn't even that surprised that nobody except for the horses was around. Often had I wandered in here at this hour, seeking the numbing calm and soothing presence of the horses. With determination I walked over to one particular box, grabbing an apple from the basket in the corner while doing so.

"Good morning to you as well." I smiled when Asfaloth's head shot up in recognition as I approached him. Even if I had never been on his back and probably never would be I somehow had managed to establish a solid bond with him since I started my training with Glorfindel. With a soft snore the white horse trotted over blowing his warm breath in my face as a welcome. I leaned my head against his and closed my eyes for a second. I often did that when I was anxious and he always waited until I started to calm down. Yet another reminder that he was so much more than the horses I was used to from my world.

"I am afraid this will be the last time for a very long while that we see each other." I only whispered while holding up the apple for him. I knew my voice would crack if I had spoken any louder in that moment. Leaving him behind felt like losing a dear friend. After all that was what he had become, a friend I could turn to when I didn't know what to do with myself. With a loud crunching noise he bit the apple in two, happily chewing on it. Soon the second half was gone as well. I had to stifle a laugh when he gently bumped his nose into my face. Only then did I realize the stray tears rolling down my cheeks. I brushed them away and leaned my head against his again.

"What was I thinking, Asfaloth? But it is too late to turn back now. Besides I cannot let Pippin walk off half cocked. He might get himself killed that little fool. He has a big heart, though it seems to get the better of him quite often... How am I going to survive this? I know I am capable of holding my ground by now, still I am so new to this life here. The others had a lifetime of growing into this, hell most of them have been raised with a sword in their hands. I know where I stand with Aragorn and Legolas for they have become something close to being considered as friends. I hold a lot of affection for the Hobbits, we have been through a lot after all. I don't know what the dwarf and the one from Gondor think of me joining the party..."

"It was quite the surprise to be honest." I whirled around and stared at the man leaning against a wooden beam. His arms crossed over his broad chest the Gondorian was watching me with interest.

"I am sorry, I didn't hear you entering, my lord." I tried getting control over my racing heart as he pushed himself of the beam and walked over.

"I must say I am curious as to why a woman would chose to accompany us on this endeavour. It is highly unusual, indeed. You are either not quite right in your head for doing this or you are braver than most men I fought side by side with over the years. Given how the elves seem to regard you, I assume it is the latter. Still there is something about you that doesn't really fit into the picture..." He had taken a hold of one of my locks and was looking me over once again. He made me feel uneasy more and more. I knew there was something I should remember about him, but it seemed to just escape my grasp.