Gandalf grumbled as he was far off course. He was on his way to see Saruman before heading to the Prancing Pony to meet Frodo and Sam. He needed the elder wizards council, but he was following a stronger summons. He passed through Fornost and was currently in a place he did not know in the North Downs. The Forest was mystical; spells weaving through it that he could not understand. Slowly he came out of the Thick Woods and into a lush clearing surrounded by the same woods he was once in. In the center stood a magnificent tree beside a small lake or fairly large pond. He was amazed to see a small Elven Woman standing on the top of the water, displaying a use of sword that was unseen of by mortal and elven alike. The sword was long, yet sharped on one side. He had to admit the female was quite beautiful; slim figure, not overly petite, long golden blond hair with two bangs framing her face in midnight black. She stopped, and looked over towards him.
"Welcome, Gandalf the Grey Wizard," she said in voice that displayed no emotions, yet emotions are there. She walked over to the tree and placed her weapon back in it's sheath. "We have been expecting you for a very long time."
"We?" he looked around the clearing for another elf, yet he had come up with no one. Looking back at the elf,she had he hand on the tree and looking up at it as if in conversation. "Who is the second?"
The elf looked at him. "I suppose introductions, since we know you yet you know nothing of us" she placed her hand on her upper chest. "My name is Kagome," her hand moved to the tree. "And this is Goshinboku, the Tree of Ages. He is the one who has summoned you here today."
Gandalf scoffed mentally. He hated being summoned anywhere, he preferred being a free spirit with no attachments. "So what can I do for you and the Goshinboku?"
"Sauron is nearing his full strength, his eye is fixed on Frodo Baggins and is moving to claim back his ring and that which carries it," Kagome looked sadly. "Currently Frodo is in the company of Sam, Merry and Pippin at the Prancing Pony. They are being watched by Aragorn. Frodo knows well, he gave a fake name to the inn keeper."
Gandalf's eyes widened. "You have been gifted with foresight?" he asked calmly.
"Goshinboku knows everything that is happening in the moment, he tells me what has be occurring," Kagome looked away. "One of the reasons he has summoned you know, before later. He protected you from Saruman. He has joined forces with that of Sauron. He would have demanded your allegiance or death." Gandalf's eyes widened. "Goshinboku has asked, if I am allowed to accompany you. There is much dangers that even you can not kill; also Sauron is searching for this very place, my tree wishes to keep me safe."
Gandalf took in all that he realized was happening now. His friend Saruman has betrayed them all, but she and her tree are an equal if not more powerful ally. Trade one for the other. She could help with information, and protecting Frodo; and they would protect her from Sauron. A good trade in his eyes. "Yes, you may accompany me to Rivendell," he smiled. "I am happy you told me of Saruman. It would have been much harder to deal with when I have gotten there."
"You are most welcome, Grey Wizard," Kagome bowed her head slightly. She turned and picked up her sword, bow and quiver. She strapped her sword to her left him and her quiver to her right. Holding her bow in her right hand, she whistled. Jumping out of the woods was a yellow and black two tailed cat. "This is Kirara, my companion and my ride."
Gandalf raised a brow at the sight of the small animal. He looked at Kagome. "No offense my lady, but how could such a small creature be your ride?" he was more curious than questioning the creatures abilities. He watched as the cat was surrounded by red flames, not burning any trees or grass. Now standing before him was a cat about the size of a horse, sabered fangs and flaming red paws. "An amazing creature, Lady Kagome."
"I thank you Grey Wizard, she has been my companion for many a centuries," she walked over to Kirara and pet the black diamond on her head. "We get to see the world once more Kirara."
"Please, Lady Kagome, call me Gandalf," he smiled. "Grey Wizard makes me sound old." Kagome smiled and laughed slightly, but nodded. Mounting up they started to leave the clearing, Kagome gave a final look back before the Goshinboku was out of sight. "So, Lady Kagome; tell me about yourself."
*** *** ***
Kagome and Gandalf chatted extensively as they slowly rode through the open fields near the Weather Hills and were coming close to Hoarwell. They have been making good time in their slow pace and would arrive just as the Hobbits and Ranger arrived at Rivendell. Kagome told him that Kirara was one of the good demons, she and her clan lived in the Forest of the Goshinboku. "Oh, and there is Sesshomaru," she remembered a name of a person she cared for as a brother. "He is a Demon Lord, he also adopted me as his sister; but that was centuries ago. He may seem like cold hearted bastard, but he is really a softy. I flirt meet..." Kagome paused causing Gandalf to look at her. A tear fell from Kagome's face, her hand went up to the trail it left.
"What is wrong Lady Kagome?" Gandalf asked as he reared his horse around.
"We have to get to Rivendell soon, Frodo has been stabbed by a Nazgûl blade," she knew how far they were from Rivendell and it would take longer than Frodo has. "Gandalf get on the back of Kirara. Kirara we have the fly to get to Rivendell on time." Gandalf obeyed and held onto the young elven as a quick word from her and they were flying quite quickly to Rivendell to save Frodo.
Kirara took the the air immediately and they were flying as fast as they could to Rivendell. Kagome knew Frodo's importance to the ring; it could not easily corrupt that which was supposed to carry it. Much like her burden all those centuries ago. She knew eventually he will be corrupted by the power of the ring, but the ring was just that powerful that it could in time. Such is the fate of all those who carry power.