Finding Home

Title: Finding Home

By: thegraybluebird

Author's Disclaimer: I own none of Tolkein's characters (but I wish I did in some cases *wink*), but only my own and this story.

A/N: I wasn't really sure where to place this story, but I chose a place that suited it best. I guess it's better here since I take what I know of the characters from the movies, and put them into play how I see fit. Please leave me feedback. Thanks!





CHAPTER 1

Chayton ran down the steep steps from her house and onto the damp street below. It had been raining for two days, and it didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. It was only sprinkling now, so Chayton took this opportunity to escape the endless bickering inside the walls of her home. Her mother and stepfather's rocky relationship had made her the main target for arguements, and Chayton couldn't take one more second of it.

Mist sprayed up at Chayton's face, making her shudder. The rain made her feel inspired somehow, as if the sky's teardrops could coax and clense even the dirtiest of things.

Chayton changed directions in her path and headed south. The rain was now at her back, as she listened to the almost unique sound of her shoes squishing with water beneath her feet.

She zipped her coat up to her chin and placed the hood over her raven colored hair. She began to jog down the muddy road that was supposed to have been cemented sometime ago. Chayton turned onto the old bicycle trail and disappeared into the sanctuary of the forest. Even after a few minutes had passed, Chayton ran, as if she were being chased. It seemed to be what she had come to do with most of her time as of late. She raised her arms near her sides for more balance and breathed deeply as she picked up her pace.

Chayton was a strong runner. She remembered how her father used to tell her that she was born to run free, like the wind. He said it was the Souix blood that ran through her veins that gave her such grace and agility. Her name even, meaning 'falcon,' set the stage for his statements, though it did not matter now. Chayton's father was deceased, having died the day before Chayton's sixteenth birthday.

Tears of sweat and pain stung her eyes as she pushed herself into a fast sprint. Her feet sunk deeper into puddles at each step she took. Her long legs, that made her thin figure seem more balanced, gave her the speed and endurance she had. Mud spalshed onto Chayton's pant legs as she rounded the corner eagerly.

She noted the two paths in the forest, one she always took that led her back to her house, and the other, more uncertain one. Chayton wiped her sleeve across her eyes, making her sight clearer. She couldn't stop to think which path to take, for her heart only wanted to carry her further and further away.

She allowed herself to be lead down the more murky path. The trees were not as thick here, but continued to prickle at Chayton's skin. She forced her way through, ripping her sleeve on one of the tree branches. It wasn't long after she began to venture down the second path that Chayton realized she was lost. She stopped abruptly, attempting to turn around, when her she slipped on the muddy hillside. She let out a quick, short whimper as tumbled over the edge. Then, there was complete silence, and she couldn't feel anything but the still beating of her heart within her breast.

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When Chayton awoke some odd hours later, she turned onto her side and vomited twice. Saliva stuck to her lower lip as she set her mind on not thinking about the pile of puke beside her. Chayton scooted somewhat to the right and sighed as she tried to relax backward.

Chayton lay straight on her back, her clothes packed with dried mud, and her body aching all over. She widened her eyes, trying to see all corners of her surroundings. All she could see was the ivory moon and the few clouds that lingered in the cobalt colored sky.

Chayton tried to sit up, but only caused her battered body more pain. She couldn't see where she fell from, but from the way she felt, Chayton knew she fell a long way down. Though it wasn't likely, Chayton thought that perhaps someone could've been nearby.

She perched herself up on one elbow, "Hello?! Is anyone out there? Help me, please!"

She stopped and listened for an answer, but none came. She remembered that no one knew where she was, and that no one was coming.

Chayton curled into the fetal position. She wrapped her arms around her knees and lay silently. She wouldn't be able to see where she was, let alone try anything in the blackness of the night.

Chayton closed her eyes and cried herself to sleep. She didn't usually cry, but this time seemed as good as any, because nobody was around to see her. All she could do now was wait for dawn-or help.


More time passed and Chayton remained restless in her quest for sleep. She flopped onto her stomach, then onto her back, as she continued to endure each ounce of her injuries. The pain of her right wrist and arm cut into her like a sharpened blade. At one point, the pain became too great when Chayton hit it trying to sit up. She let out a loud yelp. Her cry echoed into the distance, and bounced back to her. She fell backward again, this time her head slamming onto the cold, hard ground.

Chayton fell into a dizzy spell then, not knowing whether she was awake or dreaming. It felt as if she had been lifted up and was floating softly in the wind, but she couldn't make out anything. Then, with great relief, she passed out completely.