Chapter One:
Long, pale fingers groped the grass on which they lay, nails digging into soil. Feeling. Sensitive pointed ears picked up the sound of a river nearby, birds singing within the treetops. Warm, golden rays of sunshine caressed skin that had not seen sunshine in centuries. Long, fair lashes fluttered before revealing two orbs of molten yellow. Dark stained lips opened with a gasp of surprise, fear, confusion and relief.
Nuada got onto his hands and knees, coughing from an impossibly dry throat. Noticing the river nearby he crawled over to it, unable to walk as his legs felt like jelly. He gratefully took large gulps of the cool, fresh water easing the desert within his throat. He collapsed onto his back in the grass on the riverbank, desperately trying to make sense of his surroundings and of himself. But his thoughts and memories were empty. There was nothing but a vacant patch where his memory should have been. He did not know who he was, where he was, how he came to be there, nor of anything in general relating to himself.
He scooted over to peer into the silvery water again, he knew he was an elf, and that’s about the only thing that registered in his mind. He scowled at the water, as if staring intently into its depths would cause answers and memories to jump out at him. Sighing, he sat crossed legged and played with a blade of yellowed grass between his fingers, pondering his predicament. He would be lying to himself if he denied that he felt frightened and lost, but if he were to survive wherever he was, he had to push those feelings to the back and keep a clear mind and focus on getting answers.
A twig snapping behind him broke Nuada out of his troubled thoughts, and instinctually he unsheathed his sword and spun around to face a female human teenager now gaping openly at him with wide ocean-blue eyes.
Eowyn had trekked days through the Westfold trying to get away from Edoras. Never before had she felt so alive and free, her sister Eoforhild was the lovely hostess and maiden of perfect hospitality and femininity whereas Eowyn had wanted nothing more than to wield her sword openly and proudly as a proper knight – but the lack of a penis between her legs ensured that her dream was just that – a dream. So she decided with haste a few nights prior to leave her luxurious life behind and become the woman she had always wanted to be.
Finally after days of walking she could hear the welcomed sounds of the river Entwade. With a smile and new vigour, Eowyn jogged in the direction of the rushing crystalline waters that would soon meet her skin and dry throat. As soon as Eowyn reached the riverbank she paused as she noticed a person sitting by the river deep in thought. From the back she could make out that it was a man by the broad shoulders. He was clad in unusual black armour that was accented with a red leather sash around the waist, a spear and sword was strapped to his side and back.
Before she could figure out how to approach, a twig snapped underneath her boot and within a blink of an eye the man had spun around to face her, a long mass of white and golden hair flying about his shoulders. What caused her to look upon him in amazement were his striking and odd yellow eyes, deathly pale skin marred by various scars, dark eyes and lips and pointed ears. When Eowyn snapped out of her stupor she realized he was waiting for to speak first and was staring at her just as intently which caused her to shift from one foot to another.
“I apologize for startling you master elf, I was merely heading to the river for a drink of water before I continue on my journey” stated Eowyn slowly as not to provoke the elven warrior.
Nuada ran his eyes over the human female while she studied him, she was of average height for a woman, with well formed curves. A long mane of golden blonde curls framed a fair and delicate face while large deep blue eyes stared back at him. Suddenly something long forgotten stirred within him and his loins, he lowered his sword feeling the uncomfortable tightness within his breeches.
“No apologies needed my lady, I was lost in my thoughts and did not hear you approach”
Eowyn gave Nuada a small smile before giving a slight curtsey.
“I am Eowyn of Rohan master elf, might I know your name?” at her question Eowyn noticed the elf’s smile turn into a frown before a far away and confused look overcame his handsome features.
Nuada tried in vain to remember anything at all about himself, his name, his people, his home, anything, yet nothing came to mind, it was as if everything he once knew, everything he once was, was simply erased from existence.
“I…I am afraid lady Eowyn that I cannot answer you as I know nothing of myself – my memory has been completely wiped out, and how I got to the very spot we stand on is a pure mystery to me”
Eowyn looked on at him with sad eyes, she could not even begin to imagine how alone and lost one would feel who could not remember even a shred about themselves. Was he from one of the three elven kingdoms? Or from a small elven village scattered around Middle-Earth? Though the longer Eowyn looked at the elf before her, the more ‘foreign’ he seemed. His eyes, his skin, his hair, armour, weapons – everything was different compared to the many elves she had seen in Edoras over the years when they came to converse with her uncle, King Theoden. Perhaps he was from an island far across the seas, this was a mystery indeed. And only the wisest of elves could help him, Elrond of Rivendell. It was worth a shot and now Eowyn had purpose in her adventure.
As Eowyn filled up her waterskin after she had drank and refreshed her face she turned to Nuada who had been staring at her with such intensity she was sure she should have been a pile of ash by now. Blushing, she quickly tied the waterskin to her pouch before addressing him.
Gesturing for the elf to sit on the grass beside her, Eowyn offered him a piece of dried meat while she took a piece for herself, wondering how to go about offering him her help.
“I would like to help you, if you would let me. There is an elven city named Rivendell to the north near the Misty Mountains, within resides the elf lord Elrond, he is old, wise and powerful. If anyone can help you, I am sure lord Elrond can”
Nuada nodded at Eowyn slowly while she spoke, if this Elrond could help him, then he would need to seek him out – and thankfully he had a guide ready and willing.
“I thank you for your willingness to assist me lady Eowyn, it is most appreciated. I will take whatever aid is given to me”
“Please, if you would, just Eowyn would suffice, no formalities out here are needed” replied Eowyn with a smile.
“Very well Eowyn”
Eowyn blushed yet again at the smouldering smile she received and at his soft yet deep voice. It caused a shiver to run down her spine and she visibly shuddered, much to Nuada’s pleasure.
“Baralinor” said Eowyn quietly, the blush still not leaving her cheeks.
“Pardon?” inquired Nuada as he brought his attention back to Eowyn.
“It’s a Sindarin name, of the elves. I thought it suited you, and since you do not remember your name…”
“What does it mean?” asked Nuada gently.
“One who has a fiery gleam in his eyes – I thought it fitting with the colour of your eyes and your intense gazes” Eowyn thought by now her face would burn away from the furious blush.
Baralinor smirked at her seemingly permanent blush and gently pushed a stray lock of hair behind her rounded ear. He needed comfort, comfort from being a stranger in a strange land and comfort from a woman – it had felt like centuries since he last felt the touch of a woman and craved it more than ever when he looked at Eowyn. He leaned into her and their lips gently brushed against one another before turning into a heated and desperate kiss…
