Hi guys, i'm back! thanks to all who reviewed my last few chapters. And i have to agree with the general consensus that this story was not what they were expecting. It wasn't what i was expecting either in terms of execution and response. And portrayal is going to be as true as i can make it, granted this is fiction and supernatural. None of that noble indian shit you see in the movies. i mean, prayer and spirituality are a big part of the way most of us live, but like we're not all the same; nations and tribes will have their own ways, you know. as for response, i'm pretty glad you were surprised, because well, i totally agree aswell that everything about oc's in middle earth is overdone. this is just my take, and a little bit of mucking around/fun. hope you all give it more of a shot!

Chapter 10: Pipe Weed

Instead of joining the party, Riley spent the night at an open table with some of Elrohir's kin paying cards. In fact they had surprised her by having a deck of cards. They were pretty similar to the ones in her world and she was pleased that Tolkien, Jackson or Lana had imagined the people here with fun. Not that she had expected them to be boring but she had this preconceived notion that the Middle Age flare this world had would make this place boring.

She ended up playing a crushing game of poker. She admitted to not being very good at having a poker face but she was overall impressed because she had no idea they gambled. Granted not with money but with duties. "You will have to patrol the northern borders for a year," was a bet in place, and Riley was taken aback by the length of time of some of these wagers since there were longer ones, but remembered they were immortal.

She then remembered that somewhere before the end of the series, all the elves were going to leave. And it wasn't a secret, she didn't think, since in the movies they had said Middle Earth was turning into the age of men. So were these ones planning on staying to see the end too, like Arwen? And become mortal?

She waved it off, not intent on dwelling on their issues yet. All in all, though, she was technically required to do thirty years of service around the place because of all the hands she lost. Fortunately she was reassured by some of them that they were not as mean as Elrohir could be and would not make her do this service.

Later on she was playing a bit of solitaire and the others were chatting at another table when all of a sudden they heard some clashing. Immediately she winced. She had a terribly correct feeling that that was Merry's party. She just hoped that Lana wasn't the one making the ruckus.

"Those sounds have been going on all night, should we finally go and see?" One elf said. Riley admitted to having given up on memorizing names, they all sounded pretty much the same to her. But she was surprised yet again at the abilities of the elves, and internally cursed both them and the party.

They all decided to investigate, and Riley followed them with the pretence of being concerned as well, but was truly looking to see if Lana could prove her right. She cursed to herself because she specifically chose a spot to sit that was far away from the party's general area but was obviously foiled. She had so looked forward to a quiet evening.

When they arrived, it was in a room, that had an open pavilion when you walked through the door, and it reminded Riley of a deck, just in stone. It led to a small, secluded lawn like area, where there was one table. Riley had walked in after the elves, and struggled to look around them. She spotted Lana, but only because she had been looking solely for her. She was a little out of the way, refilling her glass. Riley side glanced the elves and cautiously beckoned her over as Elrohir made his way closer to the rest of the party. It was the fellowship, but the only people entertaining were the hobbits, though a drink loosened all of them up. Except for Legolas, Riley noted. They joined together, but in a sort of curiosity and authority-stricken way. It was after all a surprise for them to see all the ale and wine that the hobbits had managed to procure, nevermind the food strewn across.

As Pippin began to explain their actions quite craftily, Riley quietly pulled Lana out the room, and smacked her hard on the arm. Lana giggled, and allowed her friend to lead them away.

"Are we waiting for them to leave then go back in?" She asked, bewildered.

Riley wished there was water near by so that she could splash it in her face. She had seen this girl blazing drunk before though and was glad that she wasn't even close to being at that level.

"I think it's better if you go to bed."

"You-you," Lana hiccoughed, and was pointing at her friend accusingly. Riley was prepared for her drunken ramblings but was surprised when she said, "you know, you're always right about these things." Riley sighed and walked her away. "Take me home, mama." Lana giggled some more, as if she were hilarious.

The following day, Aragorn went walking and found his destination and set himself astride Lord Elrond, intent on answers. Elrond was expecting this, however expected something a tad sooner in the month. He himself had been planning on a small meeting with the Riley to discuss her methods further, but was busied with many tedious matters in his realm.

"Did my original response finally reach its end? I confess to be surprised you remained satisfied thus far."

"Silent, not satisfied, my Lord."

Lord Elrond nodded, and continued on his walk. It was one of the few moments he had to himself. Of course it was serene in his houses by appearance, but in his mind Elrond had a constant alertness and needed these moments of peace to remain sane.

"About the nine. They are not among us because?" He asked, about the girls.

"Aragorn, the Valar work in mysterious ways, however you must understand that it is not solely the Valar at work with us." In his small explanation, there was a warning. Elrond would go no further, would not be forced to budge and Aragorn had better change the topic.

"But they are so young. I cannot believe that they may possess power anywhere near that of the wizards."

Nor can I, Elrond thought. "They have consulted me, and we have arranged so that they will be of little a hindrance as possible."

"And for what reason did they not stand with us during the council?" He asked.

Elrond paused a tad too long, to truly think of an answer, "This power I spoke of them having… I do not want them to be discovered."

"What do you mean?"

"The Istari appointed by the Valar are not associated with their people. Their powers could be corrupted in the wrong hands." Elrond instinctually felt though that only Riley was knowledgeable of her abilities, if only scarcely. If Lana had any at all, she was clueless. "You remember the story of how the Istari came to be in a human form?"

"If I recall correctly, a reminder of whom they must ally with."

"But the Istari have human faults. Saruman has been swayed, and he has extensive knowledge as the chief of his kin. These women are young and if these powers were exploited in the dark lord's possession, then even I do not know the consequences."

For Aragorn this only raised more questions, "And so?"

"And so we must protect them. No one must know of them as being apart of the fellowship to the best of our power." He said.

Elrond's peace was ruined, but he did not give this credit to Aragorn though, as he would have had to face these thoughts sooner or later. Riley had reassured him earlier that she would be the one to do the protecting but by this explanation he knew it couldn't be so simple, and he saw this now. If Riley, not just Lana, were to fall from what grace he knew she had, she could be ruined, her mission would be ruined and in effect all would if what Riley thought what would happen were to come to pass. "As you declared you would for Frodo, you cannot let them out of your sight."

"But I did not know—"

"It is imperative that you safeguard them as well, they are apart of the company." But not the Nine, they both knew.

Aragorn held off his other suspicions vocally, but was now more vigilant. Maybe they must have a truer purpose than the One Ring, Isildur's heir thought. And he was right, but for the moment did not have a grasp on the scale of their purpose.

Unable to continue the rest of his day normally after Aragorn caused unrest and questions of his own, Lord Elrond summoned Riley from her business.

She entered the room, and after all this time spent around him, she still felt uneasy in his presence.

"Your training has given great results, Lana tells me," He said amusedly.

Riley was well aware that Lana was telling anyone who would listen how "jacked" they were. "It makes sword fighting a little easier," She admitted. That was a small lie, only for the benefit of Elrond's nerves; she was still fumbling with the blade.

The only other person in Imladris not too keen on small talk was Gandalf, and so she was waiting for Elrond to begin his inquest. She was just curious as to what it was this time. She nervously tugged at the skirt of her dress. Even though she was uncomfortable in them at home, she was calmed by the fact that every woman here did it, and in fact felt more out of place when she chose to wear her regular clothes.

"I am interested in finding out what your methods will be."

"Sorry, methods for what?" She panicked. Would he nitpick on her sword training? Did someone tell him how little she was progressing in that area?

"The eradication of the malignant spirit." He emphasized malignant.

Truly caught off guard, she opened her mouth and closed it a number of times before beginning, "Well, as you know the Spirit comes from my peoples' beliefs, not Lana's, so I have a few, erm, ways I guess to help the situation."

Elrond's brow knit concernedly.

She wasn't sure at all. She could use the medicines she used in traditional ceremonies, but was altogether too sceptical that they wouldn't have any effect on the evil spirit. "Tobacco?"

Elrond remained polite, but his expression read confused.

"You know, the tobacco plant?" She asked. He shook his head. "Well, how about I compile a list first. And then you can tell me if you have it here or not."

"I bid haste, in the case that you may not have access to anything before the fellowship departs."

"Okay, well maybe I'll be back by the end of the week."

Riley went back to her room, confused about asking anyone for help. Well, someone for help. Lana would be suspicious, but she would know what things are.

Eventually she relented, even if it meant lying to her again by claiming to have other motives than the Wendigo. She got up from her soft bed and left to go look for Lana.

On impulse she checked the kitchens, and there she was eating a sandwich next to Sam. Riley wanted to say how glad she was that at least they were sober, but she sensed from Lana's earlier grumbling attitude in the morning that she wouldn't be speaking to her until she calmed down.

"Good afternoon," She settled on.

"Afternoon miss Riley," He said.

"What's that you're eating?" She asked, glancing over at Lana.

"A ham and mustard sandwich."

"I can make you one, if you want." Lana offered.

"That's great," she said, and thought about the best way to bring it up.

Merry, Pippin and Frodo walked in, Merry having a pipe in his hands. She'd never really seen him with one, other than last night, just shrugging it off. Of course, she hadn't ever hung around him to the extent as Lana did; Lana loved the hobbits. But she suddenly wondered about the stuff he was smoking. It was familiar, she had always thought pipe weed was actual marijuana. No, it can't be tobacco… she thought.

But the smell of the smoke was similar. A bit sweeter, but she knew it had to be. But why were they high in the movies?

Maybe it's a crossbreed, she snorted.

Lana sighed when she realized she would have to prepare a few more of her sandwiches, but was content to see everyone happy and eating when she was finished. Seeing her chance while the hobbits were busy smoking or eating, Riley pulled Lana to the side a bit and made her inquiries.

"Hey girl, thanks for lunch."

"No problem. I'm just worried about staying here too long. They'll make me prepare more." She said nervously.

"Right, right. Anyways, about Merry's pipe… is that…?"

"Well, I'm not really sure its marijuana." Lana said, completing her thoughts.

"Is it tobacco?"

"D'you know what? I read a bit about it because it was bothering me too, but some kinds of tobacco could trip you out. But I think it is. Why? Did you want to try some?" She elbowed the native.

"Not if I get a blazing high as those two." Riley muttered.

Lana started to defend, "Well, actually they don't get bla—"

"I'm kidding, Lana."

"Oh, right." She said, calming down.

Riley silently cursed. She'd have to ask the hobbits herself on where to get the pipe weed, if that's what she planned on using. Lana would get weirded out if she had grown a sudden interest in drugs. She could of course just tell her that she planned on using them for her prayers and not mention it as work against the Wendigo, but Lana would question a little about why she needed to pray. She needed her methods to be seamlessly stealthy. Not her forte when she tried unfortunately, but when she wanted to be noticed she had trouble finding the limelight. It usually ended badly.

"Where do they grow that stuff anyways?" She questioned as ingenuous as possible.

"I think just in the shire, but probably elsewhere." Lana supplied.

"Right," you knew that, stupid, she berated herself. South farthing weed, or something.

One time her father tried to grow tobacco for ceremonies in their backyard, but the leaves wouldn't grow past the size of her palms. She at least gave credit to her father for trying, even if he wasn't the best gardener. But hopefully if she got her hands on some, it would be large.

As they were still in the kitchen she decided to do some snooping around the spice rack. However the kind of herb she was looking for only came in the flat green variety of sage. She sighed, realizing that she would have to do some looking around outside.

"I'm going for a walk," She said to the group. As she had predicted, they were immersed in a conversation, and paid attention only to wish her well on her way before resuming. "Work out later?" She asked Lana.

She nodded, and waved her off amiably, and Riley was allowed to slip away.

Slightly recalling she would need to carry this in something, she approached the ladies she met on her very first day.

"Good day," Gilraen answered the door, and invited her in. "What brings you down here?"

"Well, you guys already made me great clothing, but can I ask for another thing?"

"Is it big or small?" Gilraen queried, before she accepted.

With her forefingers and thumbs she made about a 6-inch square. "That small. I was thinking a leather pouch, you know, for small things I might need."

"Sure, Riley, we might be able to scrounge something. Should it rest at the hip from the opposite shoulder?"

Not realizing the details the seamstresses might need, Riley gave into revealing Gilraen more elements she wanted, like measurements, pockets and colour, and then set off on her merry way.

She had successfully set off alone, everyone finally used to her presence around the dwellings, or at least they were able to be so familiar without blatant staring.

Riley stopped short of heading in her original destination, but remembered she would need to have at least a little bit of pipe weed for her doings. It was arduous, but she spotted Aragorn, incidentally smoking from his pipe that very moment.

She decided on her approach. Flirty? No, that could creep him out. Bro-talk? He might be suspicious of the sudden 'home-boi' treatment. Direct? He might be suspicious also. Ah heck, he's gonna wonder anyways why I'm bumming for weed when I don't smoke, she thought.

"Aragorn," she asked finally.

"Riley, good day is it not." He was leaning over a stone banister, appearing reasonably content, and in fine clothes.

"Yes, yes, beautiful. Um, is there any chance I could borrow some pipe-weed from you?"

"I did not think you partook in that sort of activity." He commented, though was smiling. "And I'm sure borrow is not the proper word." He winked.

It took her a moment to realize that it was only her sick generation that linked winks to sex, when some people only used it as a tool to convey a joke. She cleared her throat, wishing that she did not just picture Aragorn being sexual at all. "Yes, well, it's not for me, it's that old Pippin. You know those hobbits. Worse than chimneys, but I thought I'd do him a favour and find some for him. Seems to have misplaced his supply." She thought of quickly, and silently prayed he would be generous.

"Of course I did not believe for a moment you would have vices like my own." He amended. "There you are, and send that boy my regards, he is in great debt."

Riley granted him a rushed laugh, and held her hand out as he handed her a small pouch full of it. She headed back to her next objective, leaving an amused yet bewildered Aragorn behind.

Legolas, happened to pass by, but was unfortunate enough in his opinion to have missed the conversation between Riley and Aragorn.

"Good day, Aragorn. What were you two talking about, if I may?"

"She was just asking for some pipe weed for Pippin, I expect she's off to see him again now." He laughed.

Legolas pursed his lips, "I was just passing by the other direction, as you may have noticed. Pippin is in the kitchens with Lana."

Aragorn shrugged, not as concerned as Legolas, as perhaps she meant to give it to the hobbit later.

The girl, Riley, had the opportunity while she was staying in Rivendell to explore around, and there was nothing of the sort that she was looking for. There were several trails she followed that led into the mountainside, but not through the entrance of the bridges, through the other side of the keep. They were thankfully well worn, and she was able to move without her dress snagging on every low brush or branch.

She realized she had gotten to a point where nothing was recognizable, but she was getting lower on the mountain, the trees were getting heavier. There was a small dip into a valley between the mountains surrounding Rivendell, so she figured she was nearing that area. There was bound to be more of what she was looking for there.

Now she was no possessor of supernatural senses by her reckoning, but she could at least feel when there was another presence.

She pursed her lips, expecting Lana to have followed her on an adventure, and was yet again startled by the stunning but stern Elrohir.

"Whoa, at least warn me when you're around." She complained. He was a bit far back, but she could spot him a dozen or two feet up the beaten path.

She suddenly realized—as per custom in front of every other elf—how grubby she must have looked, and struggled to quickly set herself in order. Hair smoothed back, sweat wiped away from her face, twigs brushed away, all as best as she could.

"You know," he commented while approaching, "I don't think lady Gilraen would approve of the mistreatment of her garments."

"She told me they were hand-me-downs."

"Regardless, look at the state of you. Just ghastly."

Riley paused her retort to realize that that wasn't exactly unkind in tone. Almost only amused.

"Right. Thank you." She continued on down the path.

"Are we not going to break now, you've gone so far without."

"Is that a concern?" She mused, but trekked downwards.

"Hardly, I'm just barely used to mortals being able to withstand arduously unworthy of their while tasks. I take it then that you're in search of something important."

Riley walked to an outstanding rock looked back up the mountain from their point. "Oh," She muttered. They were quite a ways away. She resumed her path, "Well since you're obviously here to stay, I've cursed us both by asking you to follow me around, I don't suppose you could help me out."

She looked back and he nodded. "Okay, I'm looking for the sage plant."

"We have herbs up in the kitchen."

"Yes, well, a specific type. It's white, maybe knee height. It's quite hardy, and would be growing this time of year." Even though it's so damn nice here anyways.

"Not for cooking?" He asked, perplexed. "Then bath oils, or incense?"

He was rather close to the money, so she agreed, "Incense."

He must have thought her some nut, because he rolled his eyes at her, but she paid him no mind.

"Describe the leaves." He said, this time his voice followed her more closely.

"Um, they're kind of fuzzy, a pale green and whitish colour. They're thinner than regular sage, but smell the same I think." She realized she couldn't remember picking any; mostly just seeing it dried and bundled together.

"Well, I think I can help you there, I've seen something like that grow lower. We don't normally pick it."

So there should be lots, she considered.

The thin stalks of sage grew lightly yet not sparsely surrounding brush and trees, and made Riley pleased that she would not have to scrounge. This was more than she'd hoped. She perhaps looked forward to a mild exercise out of this. She got down on her knees next to a few, and reached for the pouch she had been lent. She suddenly realized that Elrohir was watching her very closely.

"Yeah?" She asked him, suddenly becoming protective of her actions.

"Pardon?" He asked, not budging.

"You may go, I've come for what I've been looking for. Thank you," She stressed.

"You're most welcome, but I'd rather wait to escort you. It is nearing evening, the sun may set in a couple hours." He asserted.

"Well you can wait and escort me around the bend over there. You creep me out when you watch me," She waved him away, and hunched over her small pouch, digging out a leaf, and crumbling it in her left hand.

He huffed, prepared for a rebuttal, but yielded and went away.

As she picked a few stalks, the action sort of made her remember times when she would pick the medicine. Sage grew in abundance on her reserve, but only if you knew where to look. Her grandmother had a knack for the places, taught by her grandmothers, but the consecutive generations had trouble reconnecting with the land. Riley recalled feeling lucky to have her grandparents know traditional things, since most children didn't have a good understanding of the old ways.

Thoughts of her grandmother welled in her eyes, and she finally finished her pile of sage. She tied it temporarily with a dry and bare stalk.

"Miigwech," she muttered. She put down the tobacco and rose quickly.

She savoured the strong and sweet smell of the tobacco from her hand, and replaced it with the bundle of sage in her arm.

She reunited with a disgruntled Elrohir, and they travelled uphill, this time Riley had less enthusiasm. Perhaps it was the intimidating climb.

"What were you doing?" Elrohir asked.

"Picking sage."

"No, no, with your pouch."

"Why are you so creepy?" She asked, and continued on. She looked up the hill and rolled her eyes. This was not only going to be exhausting physically, but to keep an ongoing banter with Elrohir would also add stress.

He dropped it but was angered that she was able to turn that into a fault of his. He decided that while he may not be able to inquire with his father about her, he could at least ask his father's advisor, who happened to be fascinated with knowledge in any area. He decided he would plant the seed of curiosity if it was not there already, and maybe Erestor would find out more about Riley and her odd ways.

"Were you crying?" He finally asked what was bothering him.

AAAAAAAAAAAAnd thanks for reading.

Little language lesson I guess…The double "ii" is basically "ee" sound phonetically. "aa" is "ah" sounding. "oo" is "oh" sounding. That's generally what I'm talking about when I write the double vowel. Of course, it's gonna be different everywhere ya look about ojibwe writing. Some places, you'll see that they'll write it so that it looks and sounds phonetically "correct" to the English eye. For example Anishnaabe and Anishnawbe sound the exact same, yo.

Please leave a review, and I'll update as soon as I can. We're getting there people ;)

-sage94