Chapter 9
I awoke to the birds chirping and while they seemed to be enjoying the morning, I felt like going back to sleep. I buried myself in the comforter dreading what today would bring. I really did not know what to say to Gandalf. Hauling myself out of bed and across the sitting room, into the bathroom; I washed my face and got dressed. I murmured good morning in Elvish to maids that were busily walking in and out of rooms. I could smell breakfast outside the doors leading into the dining making my stomach grumble.
'Lady Samantha good morning, would you like to join us.' Bilbo called out from the table filled with the Hobbits with plates of food already there at the table.
'Good morning, and yes I'd love to join you guys.' I state taking a seat next to Pippin, 'Hello Pippin how are you?'
'Hi Lady Samantha. I am doing quite well, you must try the sausage it's very good.' Pippin remarks handing me a clean plate for my food.
'We missed you at dinner last night. Are you feeling okay?' Bilbo states pleasantly
'Yes, I'm doing just fine. While you had the council, I had classes with Arwen and I was very exhausted.' I replied and returned to the fruit and oatmeal I was mixing together.
'What were you learning?' Merry asked glancing my way.
'She was teaching me all about healing and treating injuries. It was a lot to take in, in one day. However, I do appreciate having the chance to learn it all.'
'That is a very important thing to know. Make sure to stick through it.' Bilbo states with a smile.
We spend rest of our breakfast talking and I listened to stories of all the mischief they all got into in the Shire. I got to know them a lot better, even Frodo and Sam joined into the conversation. Sam seemed to finally begin to trust me as a friend when he learned I wanted to learn about growing and caring for gardens. I told him we would have to continue these talks so I could get some helpful tips which made him blush at the compliment.
When an Elf greeted the table I realized he was here to show me to Gandalf, waving goodbye and a promise to spend more time with them I walked away. Gandalf was meeting me in what seemed like a study of some sort which had book shelves, artifacts and a collection of little nick knacks.
'Ah Lady Samantha I'm glad you decided to meet with me. I hope you slept well and had a filling breakfast. Would you like some tea?' Gandalf ushered me to take a seat and motioned to the tea pot.
'Breakfast was good and yes, tea sounds wonderful.' I state getting comfortable.
After we settled with our cups of tea and he had his pipe going I waited to allow him to start the conversation.
'Could you re tell the story of how you got here. I think that is the best way to start.' Gandalf states leaning back in his chair.
'Of course.' I state taking a sip of tea before delving back into the day I showed up in Middle Earth explaining how Aegnor found me and the meeting with Lord Elrond. How it led to the decision that I would stay in Rivendell and be taught anything I needed to know to transition into a life here.
'Fascinating. I would like to talk more about your world. Just from what you have told I can tell it is a very different place.' Gandalf began, he talked also of his agreement that I should learn how to live in Middle Earth and take care of myself should I move on past Rivendell.
He began to explain that Lady Galadriel knew of my appearance on Middle Earth and while she couldn't say it was true, she had a feeling that I perhaps knew about Middle Earth before I even came here. Hence the reason to why she wished for me to continue my studies with her so she may also ask me of my knowledge.
'I think today I will be straight forward in my questions. Is it true that you knew of Middle Earth before you came here?' Gandalf questions, staring at me very seriously.
'I have one question before I reply. What I tell you today will it be between the two of us?' I stated ringing my hands.
'I think that would depend on the answer's you provide my dear.' Gandalf said with a soft smile.
'I had a feeling you would say something like that. I do know about Middle Earth before I showed up here. When I got here, I had NO IDEA it was Middle Earth, I didn't know that until I ran into Aegnor and still I didn't believe it even after meeting with Lord Elrond.' I began allowing him time to take in what I said before continuing.
'After I finally realized that this wasn't a dream or I wasn't losing my mind I decided that it was better that no one know about my knowledge of Middle Earth. I felt this way because I don't want you and Lord Elrond take me as a liar. I didn't think that it was the wisest choice to let him know.' I tried to keep my words well selected trying to gauge just what it best to say.
'What has made you feel that letting us know would be a bad decision?' Gandalf asked
'The rationale is, in my world we know about Middle Earth however it's a….one sided story. A story people believe was imaginary. Coming here and realizing this was real. How could I know that the…. information I have would even be true to reality. Why risk it and the issues that would be brought up if I had told Lord Elrond I knew about Middle Earth and what if what I said…turns out not to be true. Plus, why would Lord Elrond even believe some stranger that shows up here.'
'You bring up a good point, it is a risky decision one way or another. However now that we are on the same page that you are familiar with Middle Earth. Perhaps we shall test the boundaries of to what extent your knowledge is?' Gandalf surmises we refresh our cup of tea before continuing his thoughts.
'I don't want to push you past what you think is okay to divulge, however it could be important for us to know or have an idea especially right now.'
'True you are right that you should understand better. Yet I have been hidden from whatever is going on and so I think that I will allow you to ask questions. If I am stuck here in Middle Earth is it not my own right to know why Middle Earth is in dangerous times?' I reply softly hoping to keep us at a middle ground without me giving too much away.
'Yes, you are correct, we should no longer continue to withhold information about what is going on right now.' Gandalf states with a smile. 'Perhaps I will start with general questions and see if we can move forward?'
'You arrived here and upon realizing that you were in Rivendell; were you already in knowledge of what Rivendell was and who lived there?' Gandalf began.
'Yes. I would also like to ask a question if I may.' I ask and when Gandalf nodded a yes, I continued, 'It seems that there is more stress to control the border, is there anything to be concerned about?'
'You should not worry so much, these lands are protected, however not everything in the world is good.' Gandalf replies taking a few minutes to decide what his next question would be.
'I know that you are taking geography classes and from what I have been told you are doing very well. If you know of Rivendell does that mean you know the general locations of places in Middle Earth?'
'I do know a general idea of certain places, it however does not mean I could also point it out on a blank map. Which you could check based on some of the tests I've taken.'
'Was there a decision made to why I should be kept in the dark regarding what is going on. It seems that everyone I am in contact with states, I come at 'dark times'." I ask, I was truly interested in what he had to say.
'Yes, after you met with Lord Elrond he felt it would only cause more issues telling you. However, we spoke and felt that we would have to talk with you about this as you got to know people.' Gandalf replies taking a sip of his tea.
I nod in reply and put my empty tea cup down. I was a little annoyed that they were keeping information away from me but, wasn't I doing just that?
'Were you aware of who I was before Lord Elrond introduced us?' Gandalf asked next
'Yes.'
'Are there others here that you know something about?' Gandalf asks quite interested now that I'm give more direct answers.
'Yes'
'Do you already know what's going on right now?' Gandalf asked
'That depends. What is going on right now?' I counter trying to get more information about what is going on.
'You are not easy to give up your secrets. Very good.' Gandalf nods approvingly before responding.
'In brief because this is a long story which was re told yesterday at the council was that, war is upon Middle Earth between what is good and what is bad. There is forces against us who created a ring of power. A ring that was for a long time lost until recently. This ring has been found and they know it's still here and they want it desperately so they can bring destruction to all that is good in Middle Earth. The council yesterday was a meeting of the races to try to band together to fight.' Gandalf states briefly.
'Well, I see.' I reply deciding on the best course of action.
To reply knowing of this then it would bring more questions of what do I know and do I know of future events and they might want to know it. In my gut, I still felt that it was better to allow things to happen, I didn't know what universal laws were being remade because I was here now, interacting and changing perspective.
'We are beginning to get into the place of grey area.' I begin very slowly, 'I am aware of what is currently going on here, I cannot say it in detail nor can I say I know everything.' I reply hoping this wasn't the wrong thing to say.
'Hm, interesting. Tell me how do you feel about the purpose that the council held?' Gandalf asked testing me on just how far I would allow.
'If you mean the decision to have a council to talk to each race in order to fight against those who wish to destroy your world. Then I agree I believe that it was good decision.' I state somewhat answering his question.
'I know you are wanting to ask more but I think you should know, if you don't already guess is that I am all in agreement to fight.'
'I suspected that you were not against us but thank you for at least saying it out loud. From how you have answered it seems like you know a great deal. Perhaps not everything but a substantial amount none the less. I have one more question for you for now. I would like to continue to meet with you. For this is a very unique situation.'
'Do you know the future of what may possibly occur? Also do you know of the name of the person I am referring to when I talk about the ring?' Gandalf questioned.
'You ask a tough question. I do know who you speak of. Sauron.' I begin wanting to give more thought to his first question.
'Of your first question, I will only say that depending on how things transpire I may know future events; of course that does not necessarily mean all that the future holds but could only mean a small part of it.' I reply finally
'You also seem to know how to talk in riddles, but I do understand what you are telling me. I must say….it is very fascinating that someone from another time would be brought here and not only that but they would also know a good amount of our history and what could potentially be our future.' Gandalf states thoughtfully scratching his face in thought.
'Yes, I'm still trying to figure out what it all means. I'm just afraid that telling more about stuff I know could mean disaster. In my world, there are theories about time and space travel.' I began
By the time we started this conversation on time travel a platter of food was brought to us for lunch and we sat there eating and discussing the theories and why each one argues a certain way towards what the rules are. Gandalf was very interested in this topic and it seemed to help him understand why I come off as hesitant because of what the rules are of time travel. I did admit that I knew about the Fellowship which he wasn't surprised about.
It was late afternoon before I headed to the kitchens to see if they would let me help. It was an interesting experience when no one really spoke English and it was a watch and do teaching lesson.
There was still a debate on when I should travel to see Lady Galadriel; it was dangerous one way or another. The problem was, is it safer to go with the Fellowship or was it safer to go later. Yet the problem was who would even go on the journey with me, knowing full well I did not know how to defend myself if an attack should happen. I said it was their decision as well as the Fellowships if I should go with them.
There was a meeting between, Lord Elrond, Gandalf, Aragorn and I regarding if the best choice was for me to travel with them. It was then that Aragorn was told of my full story so he could fully grasp the gravity. Either way it was a risk. In my eyes, it was which was the lesser of two evils. I argued that they already had members in the Fellowship who also had no previous defensive skill. Plus, who would really volunteer to travel with me and we were more at a risk of getting attacked because the number would be smaller and easily outnumbered.
What we did agree upon was that no one else should be made aware of what knowledge I really did possess. By the end of the week I was a very busy person, between my normal studies I now had meetings with Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Aragorn regarding my involvement with the Fellowship. I haven't been able to see and talk to Aegnor about everything since he is still at the border.
For dinner, tonight the maids wanted me to wear a rich purple dress with silver edging. It was very beautiful and one of the perks of being here was wearing these incredible dresses. The maid pleated my hair and looking in the mirror I felt like a new person. I went out my room and went to meet the Hobbits at their door so we could go to dinner together.
'Hello Lady Samantha you look great!' Pippin exclaimed with a smile greeting me at their door.
'Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself either.' I wink at him earning a chuckle from the Hobbits.
'Shall we head to dinner now, I'm starving!' Merry exclaims.
We talked and joked around all throughout dinner and some of the Dwarves even joined our conversations. Introductions were made because I had not formally met the group that was visiting and once they trusted you they were a great mix with the Hobbits. The dwarves and the Hobbits kept talking about how much they loved the ale here so I took a pint of one, much to their amusement to see a girl want to drink ale over wine.
'What is a girl doing living with the Elves?' Gimli asks curiously taking a sip of his ale.
'Well I'm not from around here and Lord Elrond was nice enough to allow me to live here in Rivendell.' I reply.
'Where are you from that you left living with humans to come here for? If you don't mind me asking?' he asked.
'No, it's okay. When I mean that I'm not from around here, I literally mean it. I'm from another world, and somehow, I was brought here. Where I live there are no dwarves, elves, or even hobbits.' I state simply.
'No hobbits! Well that is just sad!' Pippin cried out and a murmur of agreement rose from the rest.
'No dwarves either. It's a shame.' he states very surprised at my answer.
It was a lot of fun with them drinking, talking, everyone was more relaxed and had no problem showing their personalities. I received many curious glances from the table that had majority of the guests at. I talked about how there were differences in ale depending on what was used and mixed with it.
Dinner concluded and I let them drag me to where people continued the festivities. Some Elves were dancing to a song the musicians were playing, others just mingled while drinking. I sat with Frodo and Sam enjoying the evening we talked about the Shire and their gardens and flowers.
'I find it funny that I am from a completely different world yet, we share almost identical food sources.' I murmur to Sam as we were discussing potatoes... of all things. Frodo just listened and would add his own input when needed.
'Milady. I don't think we have had the pleasure to meet yet.' a rough voice stated, which when looking up I found a man, with a trimmed beard and brown wavy hair.
'No, I don't believe so.' I state with a smile allowing the man to make the introductions first.
'I am Boromir from Gondor.' he states with a sincere smile.
'Nice to meet you Boromir, my name is Samantha.' I nodded my head at him at respect.
'I did not think I would find another human here in Rivendell and when I saw you come to dinner I was curious especially since you are familiar with the Hobbits.' Boromir states curiously and making his greetings to Frodo and Sam.
'I do not blame you for thinking that, not many humans deal with Elves let alone stay with them. I met the Hobbits when they also made their journey here. I have been friends with Bilbo and when the group came I was introduced.'
'Oh, I see. Is there a reason you do not wish to be among your people?' Boromir asked
'Well I ended up here in Rivendell, lost and far away from my own home. Lord Elrond has been gracious to allow me to stay here.'
There was more singing and poems read, along of course came drinking. I was starting to dose and excused myself to go out into the court yard for some fresh air. A cool breeze hit me when I got outside and it helped clear my head. Once again, I was amazed at how beautiful this place was. I continued to walk until I found my usual spot nestled under a tree, looking out into a pond. I sat there thinking for a while, lost in my own thoughts but allowing them to come and go with ease.
From a distance not getting detected by Samantha stood an Elf with blue piercing eyes that seemed to be curious about her yet did not approach her.
'Would you like me to introduce you to her?' a voice said softly to the Elf.
'Aragorn. No, I do not wish to disturb her.' the Elf states back only to glance at his friend once more.
'Well I am retiring for the night. Go and talk to her, she is very friendly.' Aragorn hinted with a smile curious to what had gotten into his friend that he was too shy to talk to a girl.
'No, she seems too peaceful there. You know who she is?' the elf asked more intrigued.
'Yes, but it is her story to tell. You'll eventually have to talk to her.' Aragorn replied leaving his friend alone to ponder over the woman's story.
I was tired by the time I walked back to my room, after sitting in the courtyard I did not feel like going back to the merry making and only thought of my bed. The following week I met again with Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Aragorn where a decision had been agreed upon.
'We have thought long and hard about this and the paths that we make take on our journey. An agreement was made that was is best for you to make the journey out of Rivendell with the Fellowship. You are not bound to stay with them but given the information you carry a secret trip may be best than traveling out in the open. The rest of the Fellowship will be aware that you will be traveling with them. They too are not bound in service but may stay and go as they choose. The paths that Gandalf and Aragorn are near Lothlorien where you will plan to go too.' Lord Elrond beings
'What will the rest of the Fellowship be told is the story?' I ask
'It will stay the same. That you are from another world and that you are to continue your studies with Lady Galadriel as well as to investigate how you arrived here.' Lord Elrond remarks.
'I see. When will they be told?'
'Tomorrow before dinner we will all meet here to tell them as a group.' Gandalf answers
'Okay.'
'We have been going over our maps as far as possible paths to take. I know there are limits to what you wish to provide but would you be willing to hear what we think about?" Aragorn asked politely.
'I can look that them if you wish, it's possible that I may make a note, however I may not at the same time. I am still very unsure about all of this. Think of it as….how the Elves are; no offense Lord Elrond. Where they will not give straight forward advice because it means you are swayed one way over the others. As difficult as it is, I do not wish to sway your judgement. I cannot prove that any answer I could give you would make this path less difficult. Some things are just better left for fate especially the things that I know.' I reply with a small smile.
'Spoken like a true advisor.' Gandalf states with a chuckle.
'Thank you for at least being willing to look at what we have decided thus far. Welcome to the Fellowship Lady Samantha.' Aragorn states with a smile
'Thanks. So when are you planning on leaving?' I asked Gandalf
