Part 13

Posted: March 2004
Author: Khylaren

*****

Chapter 13

Erin leaned out the window of her room and took a deep breath of the crisp, morning air. The scent of wildflowers carried on the breeze that tickled her nose, and Erin smiled. Below her she could see that the main street of Osgiliath, where in just a few hours, the wedding procession would pass, was strewn with blossoms of every color.

It was hard to believe that little over year ago, the city had been in a state of ruin; buildings half-destroyed by the war machines of Sauron's army, the streets themselves blocked with debris.

So much had happened over the past twelve months.

King Aragorn had married Arwen Undómiel, and there had been a huge celebration in Minas Tirith. She had finally gotten to meet Lord Elrond, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir's father, and had been as awed by the kindly elf Lord as she had been of Galadriel and Celeborn. He, in turn, had been very interested in her own story – the world she had come from, her education, her background. Both he and Lord Celeborn had cornered her in the gardens of the Citadel one morning a few days after the wedding, and had questioned her for what seemed like hours about her people and the land she came from. She had been flattered and more than a bit overwhelmed by their interest.

Shortly after the wedding, the rest of the Fellowship left with Éomer for Théoden's funeral in Edoras. She had accompanied Faramir, along with Éowyn and Elladan. Lord Elrond, Elrohir and Melaphríl had left a few days earlier with the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. Honestly, she didn't know which was more difficult – watching Lord Elrond leave his daughter, or watching Éowyn and Éomer bury their Uncle, who had been more like a father to them.

Saying goodbye to the Hobbits was hard – harder than she would have ever imagined. Only Merry's mischievous attempts to steal kisses from her had kept the farewell from being unbearable. Saying farewell to Gandalf was difficult as well, but she managed to do it without bawling her eyes out. It wasn't until Legolas and Gimli stepped forward to give their farewells that she finally lost it and cried.

Gimli bore it stoically, muttering what she took for comforting words in her ear, though she could barely hear them. He did not seem to mind too much when she sniffled and stepped away from him. In fact, his eyes had been suspiciously bright when he turned away to join the others.

Legolas had smiled down at her with such warmth before embracing her, making her tear up again.

"Do not weep, meldis," he told her, hugging her gently. "I am certain I will see you again one day." He pulled back slightly, glancing at Faramir who stood beside her. "Be happy," he said softly, before releasing her.

Éowyn stepped forward and hugged Erin so hard it nearly squeezed the breath out of her. "I will only be gone a year. Elladan has promised we will return to Edoras after we visit his home." She kissed Erin's cheek and drew back. "He likes Rohan, and it may be that we will settle here so that we may be closer to our family."

Faramir held her tightly as they watched their friends ride away.

The seasons passed swiftly. King Aragorn had been busy setting his kingdom to rights, and Erin found herself drafted in the process, helping to field correspondence and appointments until things were better under control. Faramir was busy in Osgiliath, overseeing the repair and cleanup, helping the people who lived there reclaim their city.

Word reached her that Galadriel had left Lothlórien for Valinor, taking with her most of the Galadhrim, including Haldir, Rúmil, and Orophin. Lord Celeborn had remained behind with those elves not yet ready to depart for fairer shores. Erin found herself thinking warmly of Rúmil and Orophin, and realized how much they had helped her open her heart to love again. She missed them fiercely, but couldn't blame them for leaving for the elven version of heaven.

It was not until late spring – Aragorn had been King for exactly one year-- that Faramir surprised her one bright morning. She had finished sorting letters for Aragorn's attention later, when a familiar shadow had fallen across the desk.

"What are you doing back so early?" Erin asked, looking up with a happy smile.

Faramir had sat on the corner of the desk and smiled down at her. "It is nearly finished," he replied. "I want to show it to you."

Intrigued by his boyish and mysterious smile, Erin followed him out of the citadel and into the courtyard.

His horse was saddled and waiting for them. Faramir knelt and cupped his hands for her, boosting her easily onto the back of his tall stallion. He mounted behind her, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, and cued the horse into a canter.

She leaned back against him, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers. Her body reacted to his closeness as it always did, and he didn't make things any easier by nuzzling her neck. Goosebumps traveled up her arms and she wiggled against him, feeling his strong thighs press against her backside. His soft chuckle warmed her ear.

"You should not tease me thus, my lady," he murmured.

Erin tilted her head back and smiled up at him. "Then you shouldn't be teasing me, my lord," she replied. "I give as good as I get."

He slowed his horse, bringing it to a stop. "Do you?" he said, lifting his eyebrows, before smiling rather wickedly at her.

She reached up, rubbing her fingers against the soft, golden brown hairs of his beard. "I do," she answered, answering his smile with a grin of her own. "But only to you."

Faramir's arms shifted her in the saddle until she was sitting sideways, her legs across his thighs. With one arm firmly wrapped around her waist, he bent his head to kiss her.

Erin leaned into the kiss, winding her arms around his neck as he teased her lips with his own. She yielded to the gentle pressure his mouth exerted against hers, opening her mouth and meeting the bold, velvet touch of his tongue with hers. Her eyes fluttered shut and a tiny moan escaped her. She clung to him, her upper body pressed against his chest as he deepened his kiss. She could never get enough of the taste of him.

Her hands moved seemingly of their own accord, sliding down his strong back. She loved the feel of his muscles beneath his shirt, and wished she could pull it out of the way and touch the warmth of his skin with her hands. He released her mouth and explored her neck, nibbling and nuzzling the sensitive skin just below the curve of her jaw. A shiver of delight ran through her – he had learned early on where her weak spots were and knew just how to exploit them.

It was a game that two could play, however. She found the edge of his tunic with her fingertips and slid her hands beneath it, teasing the silky skin just above his belt. He shuddered against her, lifting his head to claim her mouth in a bruising kiss. His free hand moved lightly over her arm before sliding down to cup her breast. His thumb brushed boldly over her nipple, making her gasp and fall against him weakly.

"You win, Faramir," she managed weakly. "I surrender."

A soft chuckle escaped him before he turned her so that she was facing forward on the horse once again.

"Good," he murmured, kissing her ear. "I accept your surrender."

She squirmed in the saddle, feeling deliciously bothered. She could feel the hard press of his arousal against her back, and couldn't keep from feeling a bit smug that she wasn't the only one left rather uncomfortable. Served him right, for teasing her so unmercifully.

As they continued their peaceful ride towards Osgiliath, Erin wondered how much longer their teasing would continue. Each kiss and caress, was a little bolder each time, yet never went to the next inevitable step. It was both frustrating and wonderful, yet Erin couldn't help but wish that Faramir would take things a little further. Yet he had already told her he didn't wish to be merely her lover – and they both agree they wanted something more. She just hoped he wouldn't make her wait too much longer – there was a decided lack of cold showers in Minas Tirith.

The sun was well on its way to setting when they finally reached Osgiliath. The guards at the gate bowed formerly as they passed through it, and a young boy eagerly came to take Faramir's horse and lead him away to the stables. Erin looked around her in amazement, pride filling her when she saw the improvements Faramir had wrought. He laughed at her comments, and said, "Thank you. But that is not what I have to show you."

They climbed a long set of stairs to a huge and fancy-looking house, and Faramir stepped in front of her to push open the large wooden doors. Gesturing for her to proceed, he fell in step behind her and watched as she looked about the grand hall with quiet awe.

"What do you think of your new home?" His breath tickled her ear.

Erin turned, looking at him, for a moment speechless.

Faramir smiled, taking both her hands in his.

"Would you do me the honor of being my wife, Erin Smith?"

Erin understood, finally, why it was that women cried when they were happy. So much happiness filled her, and it refused to be contained.

"Yes!" she cried, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands. He picked her up by the waist and swung her around, making her skirts fly out. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Her tears dissolved into laughter as he spun her. "Ack! Faramir! You're making me dizzy!"

He stopped spinning her, setting her down carefully, though his hands held tight to her waist. He looked down at her and smiled so happily it made her giggle.

"I have another surprise for you," he murmured, before kissing her soundly. It had taken several moments before she could answer him coherently. His kisses had a way of doing that to her.

"What is it?"

Faramir kissed her again, before taking her hand and leading her back outside.

"Hello, Erin."

"Éowyn!" Erin tore loose from Faramir's grasp and flew down the steps. She returned her friend's embrace enthusiastically.

"When did you get here?" Erin demanded, when they drew apart.

"Yesterday evening," Elladan answered with a grin, giving her a brief, one-armed embrace. "You look well."

Erin turned to look at Faramir accusingly.

He smiled. "They wished to be included, once I told them my plans for this day. They made me promise not to tell you."

Éowyn grabbed Erin's hands and smiled. "You did say yes, I hope?" she asked with a laugh.

Erin nodded, reaching up as Faramir came to stand at her side. His fingers entwined with hers and she glanced at him happily. "Of course I did." Her gaze returned to Éowyn and she saw something about her friend that made her eyes narrow a moment, before widening in surprise. "You're pregnant!"

Elladan's arm wrapped around Éowyn's waist and rubbed her slightly protruding stomach gently. "Aye," he said, grinning down at his wife. "So she is."

Erin shook her head. "You didn't want to wait? You only just got married a few months ago."

Éowyn's happy smile dimmed slightly. "We thought it best not to," she said softly, glancing up at Elladan. "Because elvish children take longer to mature." Her smile returned, and there was a rueful look to it. "There is also a chance I will carry two months longer, or so says Elrohir. Apparently elven females carry their babies eleven months."

"How are Elrohir and Melaphríl?" Erin had asked, silently grateful that her husband to be was 100% human.

Elladan smiled. "They are well and are living in Imladris. They have become healers of some renown. The humans in nearby settlements come to them for injuries or illnesses they cannot cure themselves."

It was so good to see her friends again, and Erin hugged them each again to their amusement.

"How long will you stay?" Erin asked. "At least a month?"

"Until the wedding," Éowyn replied with a smile. "I thought you might appreciate some help in planning."

Faramir and Elladan had left the women to their planning, and the two friends had been eager to catch up on each other's news.

"What are Elvish weddings like?" Erin asked curiously.

Éowyn blushed as she picked over the samples of cloth they were looking at while they tried to pick out which one would make the best wedding dress.

"They are not like human ceremonies," Éowyn answered finally. "They are more…private."

Erin raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean? Just family?"

"No," Éowyn answered, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink. "There was no one there but myself and Elladan. It is not something you would want your family to be a witness to." She looked up at Erin meaningfully.

It took her a moment, and even then she wasn't sure she understood. "You mean – you guys….er…?"

Éowyn blushed harder and smiled. "Yes. That is it. We spoke words of formal binding to one another and then…" she trailed off, her smile growing. "It was magic, Erin." She sighed happily, making her friend chuckle, before becoming more businesslike. "Now, do you prefer the velvet or satin?"

Invitations were sent throughout the kingdom and beyond. Though she knew they probably would not be able to come, Erin made sure that Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam were included. She had fretted over the invitations to Legolas and Gimli, for the pair were still traveling, and no one really knew where they were. Elladan had simply told her to give them to him, and he would see that they received them, though he refused to divulge how he would accomplish it.

Now, finally, after three months of planning and enough preparation to make Erin's head hurt, the day of her wedding had finally arrived.

Her dress lay flat across her bed, and she fingered the silky, cream-colored material wistfully. Her life had certainly changed dramatically over the past two years. It was still hard to believe that she'd only been living in Middle Earth for such a short time. Some days it felt like she'd lived here all her life.

It was still some hours yet before she had to change into her dress, and she was upholding the custom that the bride not be seen before the wedding ceremony itself – making her essentially a temporary prisoner in her own bedroom. Not that she minded terribly – it gave her time to think – and some relative peace and quiet, which she'd had a shortage of lately.

She moved her dress carefully to one side and stretched out across the bed, folding her hands behind her head.

The only thing, that could make this day more perfect, Erin mused, would be if her parents could be here to share in her happiness. The pain of missing them had eased only slightly – it still hurt to think about them, to wonder how they were, to know that they probably had given her up for dead by now. It was the only thing she truly regretted about her decision to stay in Middle Earth – the pain she knew she must have caused her parents. She hated the fact that her disappearance from her world must have caused them no end of worry and grief. She wished there were some way she could tell them she was okay – alive, and so gloriously happy. And she wished there was some way she could tell them how much she loved them.

She rolled to her side, curling her arm beneath the pillow. She didn't want to cry – not on what should be the happiest day of her life. Instead, she closed her eyes, sending a silent and heartfelt prayer to the powers above: please let them know I'm all right and happy, and that I miss them every day.

She did not fight the sleep that gradually took hold of her, but surrendered to it willingly.

~ * ~

She was standing beneath the trees of a familiar forest, dressed in the creamy brocade of her wedding gown. White blossoms adorned her dark brown hair, which now curled just above her shoulders. Her feet were bare against the soft, green moss, and she curled her toes against the velvet texture of it.

"What is this place?" she asked, lifting her head to smile at the man and woman who stood before her.

The woman regarded her with a gentle smile. "A place of dreams," she replied.

"Where we can speak to you," the man added.

Erin looked around her, watching the brightly colored orange and yellow leaves of a maple tree flutter and fall in the playful breeze. "Will you tell me who you are now? Or do I have to guess?"

The woman's laughter was silvery, like the tinkling of chimes. "You have already guessed who we are, child."

Erin nodded, and looked pointedly around her once more. "Why have you brought me here?"

The man regarded her thoughtfully. "It is you who brought us, Erin."

"We heard your wish," the woman said. "We know of your grief." They exchanged a brief and knowing glance, before the woman continued. "We have come to ease it."

"To undo the grief we have caused," the man added softly. "For though your fëa has found its rightful home, your heart carries the burden of sorrow."

The woman smiled. "There should be no sorrow in your heart, not on this day."

Erin looked at them doubtfully. "What can you do? My parents are in my world – I'm here. I don't want to leave Faramir, no matter how much I miss them."

"This is a place of dreams, child," the man chided gently. "Anything can happen."

"Wait here, and you will see them, for only now has their dreaming brought them to this place," the woman said. She reached for the man's hand and clasped it with her own.

"Farewell, Erin Smith. May the blessings of Ilúvatar be upon you."

Erin was not surprised to see them disappear in a flash of bright, blinding light. Standing in their place, looking rather dazed and confused, were her mother and father. She trembled, feeling tears prick her eyes as she looked at them.

"Mom? Dad?" She took a step towards them, her arms held out.

They looked at her, shock giving way to joy. "Erin!"

They felt completely real as the embraced her, crying, laughing, and talking all at once.

"Where have you been?"

"We've been so worried."

"We missed you so much…" her mother's tears soaked through the thin material of Erin's dress, but she didn't mind in the least.

"Mom, Dad. I've missed you too." She was crying too, but it didn't matter. "I've got something to tell you. I don't know how much time the Valar will give us."

Her parents drew back finally and looked at her, touching her, as if they couldn't quite believe she was real. It was a feeling she could relate to.

"What do you mean?" her father asked, gripping her hand so tightly it hurt.

"This is a dream – sort of. It was the only way they could grant my wish. Please – just listen for a moment," Erin said, squeezing his hand in return.

Her mother nodded, biting her lip as she stroked Erin's hair.

"I'm alive – but I'm not in our world any more. I'm living in a place called Middle-earth now – god, I can't believe how weird this sounds, but you have to believe me. I was sent here by the Valar – kind of the Gods of this place – it's a long story." She shook her head, taking a deep breath. "I just wanted you to know I was alive and happy. And I miss you both so much. I hated knowing you were worrying about me – and not being able to tell you I was okay."

To her utter surprise, her parents simply nodded.

"We knew it could happen," her mother said softly, reaching out to grasp her other hand. "We knew it, though we hoped you would stay with us."

Erin blinked, glancing at her father. He nodded, confirming what her mother had just said.

"I don't understand," Erin said finally. "How could you know…?"

Her mother smiled, releasing her hand to brush Erin's cheek lightly. "Do you remember a story I used to tell you when you were a little girl? The one about the baby?"

Erin nodded slowly, her throat tight. "I do," she whispered, the realization hitting her like a wet bag of cement. "You mean that it wasn't just a story?"

Her mother shook her head. "Not a story, Erin. Not a make-believe one, anyway. You were given to us when you were barely a month old. We couldn't have children of our own, so we considered it a blessing to have you. We knew…" Her mother broke off, smiling apologetically as she wiped the tears that fell from her eyes.

"We knew we would lose you one day," her father finished gruffly.

Her knees felt weak and she locked them to keep from falling over. "How – how did you know? I mean, how could you believe it?" She shook her head. "I wouldn't have believed it."

Her mother smiled through her tears and shrugged. "There was something about the woman – whether she touched or minds or something else – we couldn't do anything but believe her, Erin. We never doubted the truth of her words, regardless of how bizarre it seemed."

Erin struggled to keep from crying again. "I didn't know. I didn't remember the story until after I was given the choice to go or stay."

Her father reached up and hugged her tightly. "Are you happy, Erin?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she said, sniffing. A short laugh escaped her. "I'm getting married today." She felt her mother's arms around her as well. "I wish you could be there. I wish you could meet him. He's wonderful."

"We love you, Erin. Never forget that," her mother said. "We are happy for you. I'm so happy for you."

"I love you too," Erin whispered, holding them both tighter and closing her eyes. Already she could feel the magic of the place beginning to fade. "I love you too."

"Be happy, Erin," her father's voice whispered. "We love you."

She woke, clutching her pillow with both arms. Her cheeks were wet with tears.

Thank you, she thought with all her strength, knowing that the Valar could hear her if they wished. Thank you for everything.

If they heard her, they gave no outward sign, but Erin felt a peace she had not felt since she'd returned to Middle Earth settle on her heart. The sorrow she had carried was gone.

~ * ~

He was so handsome, standing there beside Aragorn, dressed in all his finery; it made Erin's heart nearly stop to see him. His blue eyes widened with appreciation and nervousness as she walked slowly towards him, and she felt the finest tremble in his hands when he took hers with his own.

Her eyes met his, and she was dimly aware that Aragorn began to speak the words that would make them husband and wife, but Erin didn't hear them. She was only aware of the blueness of Faramir's eyes, the warmth of his hands against hers, and the rapid beating of her heart.

His hands shook slightly as he placed the wedding band on her middle finger of her left hand. His voice, when he spoke his vows, was low and sweet. When he bent his head to claim his kiss as her husband, Erin thought she would melt in his arms.

"I love you," he murmured, brushing her cheek with his and tickling her with his beard.

She opened her mouth to reply, but he was turning her towards Aragorn once more. Her friend and King smiled down at them both. He held something in his hands, and it wasn't until she felt the weight of it on her head, that Erin realized he had placed a circlet of silver atop the white blossoms she wore in her hair.

"Gentle guests, by the grace and authority I have been granted as your King, I present to you the Prince and Princess of Ithilien," Aragorn's strong voice carried across the pavilion and was greeted by applause and cheers. "May the Valar bless their union."

If it hadn't been for Faramir's arm around her waist, Erin would have fallen. She leaned gratefully against his support and smiled blissfully up at him.

He leaned down and kissed her again, much to the approval of the guests present, if the sudden rise in noise was any indication. Blushing, she pulled back, but did not let go of him.

She didn't remember leaving the pavilion for the great hall, but suddenly, she was there, standing beside Faramir as they greeted their guests.

The King and Queen were the first to congratulate them. Aragorn hugged her warmly and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"You have come a long way, Erin," he murmured, his blue eyes bright with approval. "It hardly seems like it was only two years past that Legolas and I found you sleeping in a tent on the plains of Rohan."

She smiled, her cheeks warming as she laughed. "Yes. You don't look much like the ranger I met that day either, your majesty." Her smile faded and she leaned forward, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Aragorn. For everything."

Queen Arwen was next, and Erin smiled as the beautiful elleth hugged her warmly. "I am happy for you," Arwen said softly. "I wish you much joy in your new life."

"Thank you, my lady," Erin said, feeling awed as she always did in Arwen's presence. She had never met or seen anyone like her – and she felt blessed simply by knowing her.

Éowyn's hug nearly knocked the breath out of her. "Congratulations, my dear friend," Éowyn whispered. "I am so happy for you both."

Erin laughed, looking down at her friend's ever expanding waistline with a grin. "Thank you, Éowyn."

Elladan brushed her cheek with his and whispered teasingly, "You will come and visit us in Rohan, Princess? The baby is due at the beginning of the new year."

She nodded, smiling. "Yes. Though I hope we will visit before then."

More people – other nobles and dignitaries of Gondor, filed past, giving the newly wedded couple their well wishes and kind regards. Erin's feet began to hurt, as did her face from smiling so much, when a familiar and gruff voice made her look down the receiving line with a grin.

"Gimli!"

The dwarf grinned up at her through his beard, his eyes shining. "Aye, lass. You did not think I would miss your wedding?"

She bent slightly and hugged him tight. "I'm glad you could make it," she said honestly, kissing his cheek just to hear him grumble.

"Oh, go on," he said, looking pleased. "You look well, lassie. Are you happy?"

"Yes, I am happy," she said, glancing at Faramir and reaching for his hand. He squeezed it gently in return. She looked back at Gimli. "Where is Legolas?"

A soft laugh tickled her ear and she turned, shaking her head as the elf stepped around from behind her.

"You just couldn't resist, could you?" she asked, hugging him warmly.

"No," he admitted. "I have missed those funny noises you make whenever I startle you." He kissed her cheek and hugged her back. "It is good to see you again, mellonen." He greeted Faramir with a warm smile, clasping his arm tight. "Congratulations to you both," he said happily. "May your home be filled with love." Smiling, he turned back to Erin. "I have a message for you from Merry. He said to tell you that he is sorry you decided to marry the tall human, and that he believes you would have made a better Hobbit. He also wishes you both much happiness and many children to fill your home." Legolas grinned. "The other Hobbits send their regrets for not attending, and also their good wishes for your marriage."

Faramir chuckled. "It is a good thing that Master Meriadoc is not present, or I would take him to task for coveting my wife."

Erin couldn't repress the wiggle of pleasure that went through her at Faramir's words – my wife. It still didn't seem real. She kept glancing at the hand that held the ring he had placed on it not too long ago and smiling.

Thankfully, just as Erin's feet were about to give up on her, the line ended, and she was able to sit down. Faramir sat beside her, and immediately reached for her hand.

"Are you happy, my love?" he asked softly, leaning his cheek against hers.

"If I were any happier, Faramir, I think I would burst," Erin told him, laughing. "How about you?"

He drew back, resting his forehead against hers and smiling down at her. "I am happy," he replied. "But I think I will be happier still when we can finally have some time alone together." His lips curved into a wicked smile that sent shivers of anticipation down her spine.

The afternoon passed in a blur of food, music, and dancing. It seemed to be a tradition for every male present to dance with the bride on her wedding day – or it certainly appeared that way to Erin as she was whisked away from Faramir's side again and again. She danced with Gimli, Legolas, Elladan, Aragorn, and countless others until her feet were begging for mercy.

Finally, Faramir came to her rescue. The music ended as he led her to where the King and Queen sat. He bowed low, and she managed a somewhat graceful curtsey.

"The hour grows late, gentle guests," Faramir said, tucking her arm against his and holding her hand tightly. "We beg your pardons and ask for your leave. Will you grant it?"

Aragorn and Arwen smiled at each other before nodding. "Go, dear friends, with our blessings," Aragorn said, raising his glass in a toast. "May you have many long years of happiness. We wish you joy in each other till the end of your days."

She didn't know what to expect as Faramir led her from the hall and down the steps to the courtyard below. She was surprised to see that a groom waiting for them, holding the reins of Faramir's horse. He smiled at them as they approached.

"All is in preparation for you, my lord," the man said, touching his forehead deferentially as he handed the reins to Faramir.

"Thank you," Faramir said. He turned and before Erin could realize what he was going to do, he lifted her into the saddle. He mounted behind her, lifting her again until she sat on his lap sideways. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.

"Where are we going?" she asked as he cued his horse into a walk.

"You will see," he answered, wrapping his free arm around her to steady her as the horse moved into a slow canter.

It was something out of a fairy tale, to be riding with a Prince across the grassland, his arm holding her so she wouldn't fall. I'm living a fairy tale, she thought, chuckling. I'm even a princess, for crying out loud.

"Why do you laugh?" Faramir asked, glancing down at her.

She raised her head so she could kiss him. "I just realized I'm living a fairy tale," she told him. "And that dreams sometimes do come true."

His arm tightened around her and he nodded. "Yes," he replied softly, his eyes warm with love as he looked down at her. "They most certainly do."

*****

previous | Chapter Index |

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Khylaren