FIC: Bloom's Hotel 4/8

[sagaluthien]

Story Title: Bloom's Hotel
Author: Saga
Chronology: The very first story for the site and place. To get a hum over the place you have to read this first.
Summary: The very first encounters with Bloom's hotel and their residents. Here you get introduce to the town Donbury, that lies a few miles from the mystic and special place called Bloom's Hotel or Bloom's Land. There lives for the moment eight guy's. It is here you get introduced to them.

Please do not print this, not even for private use.


Chapter 4

“What do you think about the place?”

Will’s question drew me back to reality and where I was at, which I still wasn’t really sure I believed. After Todd and I had entered the Tavern, we sat at one of the tables and were quickly joined by Will and Peter. In my absence of thinking, I had looked around the room and saw it was definitely used a lot. It was also easy to tell it that the guys that frequented the place. It was messy, so I did cringe some. Clothes lay here and there, filthy glasses and plates still sat on tables; books, DVD’s and CD’s littered the room. Some of the glasses and mugs seemed to have been used as ashtrays. It was a lot different than how the Hotel was tended. You could easily tell that they probably saw this as their private place and probably liked to be here more than in their cottages.

“It’s interesting … nice, secluded, it seems quiet. Though I haven’t seen all of it yet. We just began the ground tour, didn’t we Todd?”

“You’re right about that, we just got started. The place is huge as you probably saw on the way here and we do want you to see the nearest places around here.”

“I think I noticed it and it seem mystical too. If I’m not totally wrong, I think I saw trees that usually grow around the Mediterranean, like hibiscus, and then in the next moment, I saw some Eucalyptus trees… and, then, in the far distance, mountains capped with snow.”

“You’re right, here you’ll find parts of the world that represent or mean something to us,” informed Will.

“How do you managed to catch the differences?” asked Todd.

“I’ve traveled some… the times I could afford it… which took me to different parts of the world and I tried to learn what seems common for the parts, and a few phrases in their language. Then of course I’ve read and watched a lot TV/documentaries on other countries”

“Where have you been?” wondered Peter.

“Little bit of everywhere, I have wanted to make a few of my dreams come true. It began with travels to typical tourist places in Europe like Majorca, Rhodes, Cyprus and a few capitals. After that a few other countries…”

“So you’ve been in the Mediterranean! Anywhere near Sparta or Troy?” This time it was Will that asked me.

To talk about my travels seemed as a good way as any to keep a conversation going, as I had no urge to stop and the guys seemed interested. Why they asked specifically about Sparta and Troy I didn’t, at first, understand, although I should have remembered Paris, Prince of Troy.

“I’ve been on Zákynthos which lies on the other side of Peloponnesus, where Sparta is but I haven’t been near Troy, though I would love to go there one day.”

The guys exchanged knowing glances with each other, as if they knew that someone probably would like to hear that.

“What other countries and continents have you seen?” Todd asked me, sitting backwards in a chair and folding his arms over the top.

“Mostly Asia and Australia. I took a quick travel down to Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Australia. Then I’ve been to Hanoi and Guangzhou.”

“You lost me Guangzhou, where is that?” asked Peter.

“It’s in China and I think it’s called Canton, at least we did back then. The Chinese name is Guangzhou, like Peking is known as Beijing. During the 18th century Sweden sailed there to exchange merchandise and bring home porcelain, silk, spices and tea. I’m interested in history so I thought it was a good and interesting choice. As to that, they’re building a ship in the city I come from, a replica of a ship that sailed back then; called Götheborg: It’s being built with all the modernity of today, though it’s probably not much different from the ships that Will has been on.”

“What’s the most interesting place you been?” asked Peter, who didn’t seem to be interested in the history.

“Hmm, since I do like to see new places, especially where I have learned some of the history I think it would be Canton, Australia, London and Stratford.”

“Where is your dream place to visit?” Todd asked, settling his chin on his arms.

“I don’t know… I would want to go to New Zeeland, Iceland and the Amazon.”

“Quite different places, don’t you think?” Will commented, arching his left eyebrow.

“Why be satisfied going to similar places when there are so many different ones left to see?” I countred.

“You’re right, if you have the means and aren’t satisfied living where you live.”

The last was said by Todd and for a moment I forgot what he must have lived through. This place must seem like a sanctuary to be living in, though maybe not for all depending on what they craved.

To alleviate some of the uneasy feeling that crept over me I asked; “What do you do here?”

“A few of us hang out here listen to the Jukebox, watch TV or films, and play games.” Peter answered, sounding interested again.

“Not all of you?”

“Nope.” He didn’t go any further into who didn’t.

“What games do you play?”

“We have the pool table, the pinball machine and video games. Do you want to play?” Peter asked, his face brightening.

“Nah, not now. I really have to be bored to do it and it doesn’t often hold my interest long enough for me to get any good at it. I prefer sports where you have to be more active, such as the pool or other outside activities. Have you any darts?”

“We have something much better than that. You should see the training ground, with the targets that some of us use.” Interposed Will.

“Maybe we should continue the tour?” I suggested, turning to Todd.

“That’s a great idea if you want be able to see more of the grounds before dinner.” he answered, getting to his feet.

“I’d love to.”

“Is it okay if I tag along to the smithy so I can show that one to you Sunniva?” asked Will.

“I don’t have a problem with that.” Todd answered and continued “Though first I wanna show her the back of the tavern.”

We went out a door that was almost hidden behind the bar, and what I saw were two grounds. One of them was clearly used for football, I was used to silently wondering why Americans called it soccer. The other ground seemed to be there for some other activity. Todd seeing where my gaze fell, said that they weren’t sure what it would be only that something would be coming.

Again there was a hint of the mysterious ways of the place. I had gotten so many already that I felt I was starting to be filled with it, yet somehow wasn’t able to ask for any deeper clarification, mainly because I didn’t trust myself to believe it.

When there wasn’t much more to see, we went back in through the tavern to get down to the smithy. My companions told me that we could have walked through the forest, but they wanted to spare that for me. I didn’t complain, but if I was going to be staying there, the forest was one of the things I much wanted to explore. I’ve always loved nature and the peace one often found there.

We walked past their cottages, and Will had quickly left, claming he needed to get something from his. The two guys chatted about something, though I didn’t want listen to what they were saying. I stayed silent for some time, but hadn’t the heart to tell them to shut up. I know that I could be quite good at appearing to listen even if I didn’t.

I went through what I had, so far, seen and been informed about. It was still so new and unbelievable that I knew I needed more time to decide if it was the job for me. Somehow it seemed to be all too good to be true, too perfect. Things like this didn’t happen to a person. The thought also came to me that these guys had so much of my dream guy in them, it was scary. Would I be able to work with them around me?

Suddenly I stopped. My mind told me that the guys had finally stopped talking. I perceived that when I was able to hear more from the nature surrounding me, the birds were singing, the wind rattled the leaves, and far away, I heard horses neigh. That wasn’t what made me stop. I grabbed the nearest guy’s arm, turned to him and looked into his eyes to see if he had heard what I’d heard. To my disappointment, he looked more confused and surprised.

“Sorry William. What was it you asked me?”

He almost didn’t understand my question from my actions and from taking in my intense stare into his eyes. “I just wondered if you wanted to see the smithy.”

“I would love to I like all kinds of handicraft.”

What I hadn’t noticed was that we were standing not far away from the place in question. It looked quite big and not exactly like I first would have imagined. The smithy was built almost round, the walls were of wood and also there was an open area with a roof above. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it held the wheel Will had for training in the film, though I couldn’t see the donkey or that it held as many swords.

A hesitant touch to my back told me that Will wanted me to continue. He led me to the door, which I saw was covered in rich details of smith works. Everything looked handmade, a real creative joy. He opened the door and with a hand motion, welcomed me in. At first I stood just inside to take in the place, see how it was made. In the center of the whole room was the forge, made so the blacksmith could work from every angle. The glowing coals told me that Will must have been working not too long ago. Unlike the movie, I saw a giant pair of bellows to the back of the forge, slightly hidden by a wall. A few things lay near so as to be ready to be put in and heated. There were four different sizes of anvils. All around, hanging or lying, were his tools. From inside I saw that the place was built more like an octagon than round. Five of the walls had work benches, one held a double door which probably lead to the wheel.

As if Will read my mind, he walked to them and opened them to show me that my guess was right. What I had missed earlier in my perusal, was that even there was an anvil standing outside, so that he could work there if he wanted too. There also was a big chest that held the coal. As with every smithy I’d ever seen and visited, a thick black layer of soot covered everything. Next to the doors, placed against the wall, stood a separate washstand, so you could wash the worst of the filth away and not mix with the ‘work water’.

When I had taken everything in I walked inside, and I didn’t care if I might get some of the grime on me. I took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar smell of it. Lightly, I stroked a finger along a tool, then a half-finished sword, and an iron piece just waiting to be worked on. Here and there, I noticed horseshoes both lying and hanging, which probably would be needed when they had horses needing to be re-shoed. I regretted that it had been such a long time since I’d been in a smithy…

… and then, for a moment, I was back in time… back to when I’d been in a similar smithy, where I had learned some of the metal craft. I had made some of the nails that would be hammered in the ship that hopefully soon would sail to Guangzhou. It really felt like years since I had done that, but it also felt like I had fulfilled a dream.

“It looks like you’re not totally unfamiliar to a smithy.”

“No, Will, I’m not, though it has been a few years since I worked in one,” I told him.

“You worked in a smithy?” Will’s eyes widened, and I caught the note of incredulity in his question.

“Don’t look so surprised. I have tried to take every opportunity to test or learn the basics of all kinds of handicrafts or sports at least once. There are a few women that I know, where forging is their work, though most of them more concentrate on jewelry.”

“But you weren’t satisfied with that, were you?”

“No, I wasn’t. I wanted to feel the strength that is needed to get bigger things done... but then I learned I liked to make smaller things. It is fun, though, and I would love to get sweaty beside the forge one day again. What could be better than working on something that will be of use or appreciated? I prefer something like this much more than going to a workout-fitness club and shutting yourself inside a smelly room with a lot of other smelly people.”

“You’re right about that and, as you put it, I would probably rather see you here than in a “smelly room” with Jimmy.”

“You most likely will, if I decide to take the job.”

“I would love to have you here. Know that the smithy always is open to you.”

“Thanks Will, I will remember that.”

After that statement, we went out into the sun again; it was a beautiful day.

“Todd, what’s next?” I asked, as I walked up beside him.

“Well, since you mentioned exercise, I think you’ll love the training grounds. Several of us use it. It’s close by, and after that we can head on over to the stables the back way.”

“What sort of training are you doing there?”

Todd grinned. “Oh, all kinds of stuff, although, mostly we spar with swords or use the shooting range. It’s got targets for both bows and armory.”

I turned to Will, who now was leaned in the doorway, and I couldn’t deny that his visage made my heart give an extra jump. He looked so damn attractive. If it wasn’t the fact that I had only recently met him, and that Todd was standing there next to me, I would have walked back to him and kissed him. I froze. Where did that feeling come from? It’s not normal for me to … what is it that I felt just now?

“Are you coming with us?” I asked, because I slightly wished him to follow.

“No, I’ve something to finish up before dinner and I want to have time to shower before it starts. I don’t want to be filthy when we will have a lady at the table this evening.” A smile crossed his face when he uttered those last words.

I nodded, feeling only a little disappointed. I had to admit and remind to myself that Todd wasn’t that bad of company and probably one of those that used the training ground, so I shouldn’t complain. The ground didn’t lie much further away, and we soon were there. Looking back the way we walked I thought I could see the smithy through the trees. It could be a wish, but somehow it felt good to know it was close.

The training ground appeared deserted. As I was not unfamiliar with a place like it, I could see where they shot from on the left, and the targets were to the far right, placed at different distances. A few of them held arrows from someone’s practice. About half way up, maybe fifty meters from the way we had come, was a little shed.

Todd answered my unasked question, seeing where my eyes were. “Most of our equipment is stored in the shed. Come on, I’ll show you.”

I nodded. I was little curious about it.

We were about ten steps from the shed when something alerted my senses. I thought it was a sound that shouldn’t be there in the air, at that moment. I reacted faster than I believed myself capable of, I pushed Todd hard enough for him to lose his footing, and, in so doing, I fell on top of him. I saw his face change from wonder, to surprise, and then finally, to relief when he heard something wail by, before hitting the shed. It was confirmed with a loud thwack! and a slight splintering. We looked at the arrow that stuck there and then at each other.

“Thanks!” Todd whispered.

“Det var så lite.” At seeing his confused expression I realized I had answered him in my own language, so I added, “You’re welcome!”

My reaction was from hearing the arrow coming. This made me very curious as to where it’s source came from, and who had shot it. Hopefully it would also answer why the person had done it. I didn’t have time to rise before I felt a sharp point behind my right ear. My so-called mattress tried to move beneath me and I tried - well, hoped he could see who was shooting at us. I had no urge to get a wound and silently prayed that Todd could take my weight until the threatening person lifted the weapon from me.

I got my answer when Todd asked, “Paris, what the hell are you doing? Do you want to scare Sunniva off? What is it with you?”

I felt the point slowly loosen, move some of my hair, and I held my breath. Please don’t let him see… The arrow, which I assumed was the weapon he used, moved completely away from me, and I let a few more seconds pass by before I moved off Todd. I didn’t dare to rise so I just turned around, seated on my behind, to see the person in question.

“Why did you bring her here?”

Paris looked annoyed and slightly irritated. That wasn’t how I remembered seeing him in Troy.

Meanwhile, Todd got to his feet as he answered, “Calm down, Paris, she’s the woman we decided to offer the manager job to! You should’ve remembered she was comin’ today!” Almost as an afterthought, Todd added. “I’m giving her the grand tour.”

Paris let his eyes travel up and down my form. I had difficulty keeping my eyes on him when I received such mixed emotions from his scrutiny, so I quickly looked down at a spot on the grass between my legs. He had managed to scare me, which in itself gave me a chill, and at the same time he looked so damned hot. Though I knew them from the film already, I had seen those brown luminescent eyes... they haunted my dreams on more than one occasion. His hair was curly and it looked very soft; I wanted to thread my fingers through it.

Again, I was back to the thought of my dream guy and how all of them that I’d met so far only added to this vision of perfection. It didn’t make it any easier for me to make an unbiased and well-thought out decision. It’s every woman’s dream to work with so many lookalikes of the man of her dreams…

Slowly, my heartbeat calmed to a more normal rate and I dared a look up at him. I saw he was dressed exactly like he’d been in the last scene of his film: the combination of the body armor and leather chest plate and man skirt, the knee-high soft leather boots with the greaves built into them, and arm guards, was they called vanbrace? Paris lowered his weapon, grasping the arrow in the same hand he held the bow. I could see that he also had relaxed when he offered a hand to help me up from the ground. I hesitated a second before I accepted it.

“My deepest apologies. The arrow was not aimed at you, it was a stray one.” Paris looked abashed.

“Don’t believe him, Sunniva. None of our targets are anywhere near here, and Paris is an awesome marksman. He can hit any target he aims for, so stray arrows don’t happen with him,” Todd clipped.

I didn’t hear what either of them said when, upon the touch of my hand in Paris’, the feelings that went through me took my concentration away from the conversation. Something about Paris’ touch, a light tickle, went through me, but it was so light that I shrugged it off.

When I was standing he let go of my hand, and I looked around to convince myself that no-one hid in the tree line not far from us, with a weapon trained on us. As Todd said, there weren’t any targets near the shed.

Paris apparently noticed my wandering gaze, and he asked, “Are you interested in learning to use weapons?”

“Oh, I’ve learned to shoot with air guns and rifles. So sure, I could manage to hit a target, if that’s what you mean… though, I doubt I could manage it with a bow.”

“I could teach you if you want to learn.” Paris offered.

“One day maybe, but that isn’t why I’m here, and I’m not entirely sure I will say yes to the job offer yet.” I replied softly.

“Please do not refuse it because of my little faux pas - mistake. I am usually not so careless with my arrows. By Apollo, it was an accident. I would feel horrible if I were to blame.”

“Paris, it is not that. There are so many other things I feel I need to consider before I can give a definitely decision. So your … mistake will probably not be the thing that maybe makes me say no.”

“Good, and I will try to make it up to you, if you decide to take the position. I would be very happy to have you here.”

“Thanks, it seems like every one of you I’ve met is of that opinion.” I answered, slightly blushing from the amount of compliments I’d received throughout the day, apparently, they seemed already to have a firm belief in my ability to do the job.

Todd cleared his throat and pointed out the time, and that we still had the stable to visit before the dinner.

Paris smiled at me. “It is an honor to meet you, Miss Nilsson, and I look forward to meeting you at the dinner table later.”

I returned the smile. “I can say it was at least an interesting first meeting I had with you.”

Todd led the way across the training ground and I followed. It hadn’t been more than an hour since I had turned around and watched almost a copy of the guy at the smithy. If I hadn’t known they weren’t the same or not literal brothers, I could have believed it happen in the same minute. I think I’m in another world. I can’t describe it in any other way… not when the guys living here more or less look the same because they have one and the same “creator”, the British “heartthrob”, actor Orlando Bloom. He had portrayed them all, ‘creating’ them, and in some weird and mysterious way they lived here in this place they called Bloom’s Land, with a large main mansion - Bloom’s Hotel.

At the same time I thought it was so fantastic and amazing that it could only be reality, it was also scary and unbelievable. If I hadn’t been breathing, touched a few of them and secretly pinched myself, I would think I was still dreaming. But I am here and there isn’t anything to doubt and I’m fully awake, and I haven’t taken any drugs or alcohol, so I can’t blame it on delirium.

Even if the guys had the same creator, I know both from seeing their films and meeting them, that they couldn’t be more different. This, I could not deny, as I had already felt and seen some of the many differences of those I’d greeted.

I turned around to catch another glimpse of Paris, feeling that he was definitely the one that, so far, touched me the most. He held so much in his eyes, and I knew that he would easily find his way under my skin. Quickly, I turned and followed my tour guide, deciding that I had to concentrate on what he was telling me, that I was there for a job, not to fall in love.

I knew that the place had already grown on me. I didn’t need to see anything more or even meet the last two guys to actually know what my heart wanted. Since I was afraid of my own feelings and that would be a big step to say yes to the offered manager work, I persisted in not saying yes too soon. I still wanted to think the offer over... and it was more than a little creepy that some of they guys already seemed to know what my answer would be.

Taking in the surroundings, I noticed the heavy greenery and tree cover. The forest was near, but not so near that it seemed suffocating. The way we walked laid a fair way from the back of the Hotel and it couldn’t be seen. Todd also told me that just behind the Hotel, lay the gardens.

The path we took appeared well used. I could see that the footprints were not limited to just the men’s, horses travelling this path, too.

I heard the sound of horses before I saw the stable and pastures. From the sound of it, Bloom’s Hotel had several.

I decided to ask. “Todd, how many horses do you have here?”

“To be honest, ma’am, I don’t know. I very rarely visit the stables and I’ve never learned to ride. I know we have a lot, because I think I remember ‘em saying they would be enough if everyone wanted to ride. We probably got some for guests to ride, too.”

I knew I would get an answer to my question when we arrived there so I didn’t ask any more about it.

To have seen the hotel earlier and knowing how many lived there, it came as no surprise that the stable was just as big. As I had only gotten a glimpse of it when I had arrived with Mrs Greene, I took the time now to absorb it. The stable was red with white around the doors and windows, but what I hadn’t seen was that little more than half the building had a foundation of white mortar and stone. The rest of the building had been constructed out of wood, the doors and the roof was painted in brown. I got the distinct impression that one part was older than the rest.

Todd informed me that a pasture lay behind the stables and the main road to the Hotel. Since we used the back road, he led me straight to the large structure, proudly showing it to me. I saw at least a dozen horses, which explained why I had heard them. Most of them were brown, though one was grey and one spotted. They didn’t seem to pay us too much attention. At least they didn’t threaten me. We walked forward to the fence and the spotted one moved free of the herd and trotted over to greet us. I wished instantly that I’d brought some apples or carrots to give them. I stroked the horse’s nose and decided that I liked it. The camaraderie felt mutual from the way the equine stayed, allowing me care for it.

“Wanna go inside and see if Joe’s here, so you can meet him?” Todd asked, and I noticing that he stood a few meters away. It appeared as though this was the part of the tour was he did not seem to care for very much.

“We can do that,” was my answer and I turned back to the horse and said goodbye. Silently, I added that if I could, I would come back. I decided I had to ask if it was possible to come the next day and take a ride. If I didn’t live in a city, and if I had a little more money, I would have a horse. I’d learned to ride when I was seven years old, and I’d spent some time in a stable. In those days, it had become a refuge from some of the other children.

We turned left, and since the large doors were open, we entered the stable. Thanks to the window and some lighting it wasn’t that dark, so it wasn’t long before my eyes adjusted to the light and I was able to see the separated stables. As Todd said, there were many, though he was uncertain as to how many. I did noticed that a few of them had name tags. The very first to the left read; Brégo. The compartment was empty and seemed not to have been used recently. I thought the name sounded familiar but couldn’t place from where.

We continued inside to meet a few of the horses. Halfway inside, we came upon a mare and her foal. The baby looked like it couldn’t be more than a few weeks old. I stopped to watch them.

“So ye’ve found yer way here an’ye come ta look at Snow White.”

I hadn’t noticed that anyone had joined us, the voice took me by surprise. I had no doubt who the man’s voice belonged to, since I knew he was the only one who spoke with a heavy Irish accent. Turning around only confirmed what I’d already guessed. In the aisle stood Joe Byrne. I could see that also he appeared the way he did in the film. He wore a pair of brown trousers, which had seen better days and he had a light coloured shirt, though it bore the obvious sin of the work he’d been doing. Upon closer study, I noticed he had a few stray bits of hay in his hair, which made me smile.

“If’n ye’ll pardon me fer askin’, lass… what is it tha’ ye find so amusin’?” he asked me as he plucked a piece of hay off of his shirt and chewed the end of it, directing a merry gaze at me.

“Joe, you ought to take a look at yourself! You got dirt on your face, man, and hay all in your hair.” Todd interjected, laughing.

The Irishman ran his hands through his curly hair to rid it of hay remnants, and swiped his shirt sleeve across his cheek in attempt to clean the dirt from his face, which served only to smear it.

To divert the attention from his appearance, I introduced myself.

“Pleasure ta meet ye, Miss Nilsson. Me apologies on me poor first impression.” Joe blushed slightly.

“It’s okay. You’re at work, aren’t you?”

He smiled brightly. “Aye, Miss Nilsson, I am. I tend ta the stable when Legolas is na aroun’. He’s a fabulous hand with the horses, mind ye... an’ ye can usually find him here.”

“I believe you’re not so bad at it either.”

“Ah… I love horses, an’ they love me, too. Been ridin’ ‘em since I was a lad.” Joe motioned to the foal. “What do ye think o’ the wee one we’ve been callin’ Snow White?”

“She is beautiful and her name certainly suits her since she is shiny white. How old is she?”

He answered my question in the immediate. “A week and a half. Tha’s why Legolas called me here, though she’s na in any real danger any more.”

“What happened?”

“It was na anythin’ tha’ serious, Miss Nilsson. She was jes eager ta enter the world… an’ she came earlier than we expected. Jes ta be safe, we kept a constant eye on her. Tis never fun ta lose a wee one,” Joe murmured, smiling at the sight of the mare and her baby.

“It hurts to lose anything of life, human or animal.” I turned my gaze to the enormity of the stables. “It is a large stable, how many horses do you have?”

“Fifteen o’ our own. We also have five unbroken horses, an’ we know a few wild ones are about, but we’re always prepared fer new additions,” he replied, winking playfully at me. “I did na show me manners earlier, an’ fer that, me ma would have me hide. Me name be Joe Byrne, Miss Nilsson.”

I took the outstretched hand and properly greeted him... but I wasn’t prepared for what that would make me feel. With the meeting of each of Orlando’s characters, physical contact had caused a little bit of a buzz to go through me, and that buzz had gotten stronger with each one. What I felt clearly was the mystical link that they all shared, the magic that made them “brothers”. Just grabbing hold of Paris’ hand to get up off the ground had sent waves of this energy through me, and so shaking Joe’s hand… I guess it was too much for me. I quickly let go of his hand, and before he could touch me again, I fell to the ground, curling up into a ball. I tried to make myself as small as possible, tried to regulate my breathing. I clamped my hands to my head because it felt like I might split in two.

I more felt than heard Todd approach me, and before he could put his hand to my shoulder, I yelped. “Please don’t touch me!”

I felt certain that if I raised my head, I would find worried expressions playing across both their faces, crinkling both their foreheads… but I did not look up. I focused solely on not fainting, not disappearing from this place that I wasn’t sure of, but that I was sure I didn’t want to leave... But my brain felt like it was overloading, felt like someone or something was trying to draw me away from this peaceful and perfect place of existence, and I clutched my head tighter, desperately trying to keep me whole, trying to keep me here.

And then it passed, leaving me feeling woozy, as though I was waking up from a faint…

It surprised me, what had happened to me, it had caught me off-guard, and left me feeling helpless, which was why I reacted in the way that I did. Now, I just felt grateful that they both waited patiently until I had regained some sense of control over myself.

“Joe, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over me,” I said, once I was able to string together a complete sentence.

“Was tha’ the first time it happens?” Joe asked both Todd and me.

“What did he say?” My brain still a little foggy from experience, Joe’s question sounded like a whole different language.

“He wanted to know if anything like this had ever happened before?” Todd translated, with one of his eyebrows quirked.

“Yes… no… not as powerful as this was… and not like I felt this time.”

Joe attempted to speak again. ”If’n Legolas ha’ been here he might’ve been able ta help ye. Ye don’t look well, Miss Nilsson.”

Since I still needed to need to concentrate to keep up with Joe’s Irish, I didn’t say anything or even ask Todd to translate what he’d said to me. Instead, I turned my face to Todd, and warily held out my hands in silent entreat for his help. “Can you please take me back to the Hotel?”

“Are you okay enough to walk?” he wondered aloud, his voice belying his worry as he took a different angle so as to avoid the contact of our skin, and moved around to help me up by wrapping his arms around my waist and gently helping me to stand.

Relieved that the contact just made me a bit light-headed, I nodded. “Yes… I-I think so.”