Chapter 1
Dropping InThe fellowship stopped for the night, laying out bedrolls while Sam made a stew with some wild herbs and the dried rabbit meat they had saved. They sat together for a while, talking about their route ahead, smoking their pipes. The hobbits were just about to sleep when there was a loud crack above them and a bright flash.
"WAGH!!!" and a figure fell directly into their midst. The men jumped to their feet, drawing their swords and the elf readied his bow. The halflings stayed behind Gandalf, watching the moaning figure warily. "Oi, that was not funny, cannot believe I did that," the newcomer rose to their knees, shaking their head. Then, they all noticed it was a girl, her hair was uncommonly short for a woman, but the feminine features were all there. Her voice was that of a young girl's, and when she looked up her eyes went wide with shock. "Ooook…" she said. Aragorn advanced on her, the tip of his sword at her throat.
"Who are you?" he asked, she scooted back trying to get away from the blade. She bumped into something and looked up. Gandalf glared down at her, raising his staff menacingly. She squeaked in fear.
"Stop it, Aragorn," Frodo came between the man and the frightened girl. "Can't you see you're scaring her to death?" With a small hand he pushed the Ranger's sword away. The hobbit turned and smiled at the girl, his charm calming her. "Don't be afraid, we wont hurt you, unless you try to hurt us. What's your name?" he asked. She blinked at the small man before her.
"Kaylen Nogard," she answered softly. Frodo smiled even brighter.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Frodo Baggins. This is Aragorn, I'm sure he didn't mean to scare you, but you did give us quite a start." The girl nodded, getting herself under control.
"Sorry about that, didn't mean to fall on you guys," she said. Kay picked herself up, moving away from the still slightly angry wizard. Frodo led her to sit by the fire.
"How in Middle-Earth did you do that?" he asked. The girl looked at him funny.
"Beats me," she shrugged, "I fell asleep in my tree at home and the next thing I knew, I was falling here," she said. By this time, the others had relaxed and joined them by the fire. Aragorn still watched her with a wary eye, but she caught him. "What are you looking at, perky?" she asked. The man growled.
"I do not trust her, she may be working for the enemy," he said. "Do you work for Sarumon?" he asked. Kay snorted.
"Well first off, no, I don't even know who that is. And second, Aragorn, if I was and you asked that question, why would I say 'Oh, yes indeed, now lets all have dinner together!' Hm?" she gave him a look, and stuck out her tongue at him. Gandalf burst out laughing.
"She has you there, Aragorn, but don't worry, she is not an enemy, she speaks the truth," he said. Kay nodded to him then looked around at their surroundings and the others.
"Soooooo, anyone want to fill me in on where I am and who you are?" she asked. Sam handed her a bowl with some stew in it, she thanked him. While she ate, Gandalf told her of the quest and the Ring, and Frodo gave the introductions.
"Now," said Gandalf, "We just need to think about what we are going to do with you," he mused. "We can't really leave you on your own, and it is too far to Rivendell for you to go alone. I fear to take you with us, our journey is quite dangerous, and you are new to this entire world," said the wizard.
"I can handle myself ok, so don't worry about that," she answered. Boromir snorted and she turned to the man. "You got something to say, buddy?" she asked.
"You are nothing but a girl, you will only get yourself killed," he said. "You have no idea what we are up against, it is much to dangerous to take a girl along on this journey," he said crossing his arms over his chest. Kay glared at the man, prepared to argue her point, but Gandalf beat her to it.
"Yes, I do agree with you that it is dangerous, but it is more dangerous for her not to come with us," he said. "At least then she would have some protection, wouldn't you say Boromir?" he said, with a secret little smile. Kay tried to hide her own smile when Boromir grunted but nodded. "Do you think you are up to it, Kaylen?" Gandalf asked Kay nodded.
"Doesn't seem like I have another choice, and call me Kay, its easier," she suggested. The wizard nodded. Aragorn gave the girl the extra bedroll from Bill the pony's bag. (AN - Yea!! Bill!!!) Kay lay down between Merry and Gandalf, settling herself for a restless night in this strange place. She couldn't figure out what had happened, but mentally shrugging, she decided that this was probably more exciting then anything at home. She somehow got sent to a strange world, for some unknown reason and was going on a quest to save their world…. hmm…. this could prove interesting. After a long while of thinking through the loud snoring from the dwarf, Kay finally fell asleep, and for once, she didn't dream.
*
The fellowship of, now 10, traveled another three days westward with only one incident. A random band of orcs ran across their trail and came up from behind them. It was quite possibly the most frightening thing Kay had ever experienced in her life. Aragorn told her to stay behind Legolas, the blonde elven archer. She wielded a long knife that Legolas had given to her, but she was clumsy and had to be saved by the elf countless times.
There weren't that many of the creatures, but the battle seemed like it lasted for hours. Finally the last of the orcs had fallen and the fellowship gathered to assess the damage. Pippin and Merry suffered a few cuts and bruises, and Aragorn even had a long gash in his leg. Kay, herself, had escaped with only a slice in her upper arm. She bit her lip, keeping quiet hoping that it would just go away. Kay stood over to one side, watching as Legolas tended Aragorn's wound then helped with the hobbits. The girl clutched at her injured shoulder, not wanting anyone to notice. Just her luck that the elf did notice her and walked gracefully to her side.
"Are you injured, Kaylen?" he asked, using her full name, knowing she didn't like it. She gritted her teeth.
"I'll live, Leggy," she replied, using the nickname that he hated. This did not deter the elf though, and he reached out and pulled her hand away from the wound. Legolas sighed and pulled her over to where Aragorn was finishing up with Merry.
"One more, Aragorn," he said and pushed Kay in front of him. The Ranger examined the wound closely. Kay tried to pull her arm from his grasp but the man held firm.
"You're lucky, it doesn't need stitches," He cleaned and bandaged the cut. "You did very well for your first battle, however, if you want to, I could show you how to really use that blade," he offered. Kay looked up at the man.
"You want to teach me?" she asked. Aragorn grinned.
"Sure! You have a natural talent, I'd enjoy teaching you," he said and tied off the bandage. Kay coughed, uncomfortable with the attention she was getting and turned away. The hobbits giggled when they caught her blushing. Legolas smiled and ruffled her short hair. Kay snapped at him, and smacked at his hand.
"Here's your knife back, Leggy," she handed the blade to the elf, but he shook his head.
"Keep it, you'll need it for your lessons," he said handing her the sheath for the knife. Kay grinned and tucked the knife and sheath into her borrowed belt from Legolas. They continued on their way toward the Gap of Rohan over the Misty Mountains. What they didn't know was what awaited them that night, the kind of darkness and how it would affect them all, but one in particular.
*A/N – Tell me what you think. Yea/Nay?? Review, never written something like this and am a bit nervous. Should I write more??*