Justice: Hey everyone, sorry about taking so long to update! I know some of you were told that we would post a few days ago, but unfortunately some things came up. ): We're really sorry about that! Anyway, thank you all for being so patient as well. You guys are wonderful:)...And thanks to those of you who participated in the contest! Unfortunately, no one answered all three of them right, BUT some of you were REALLY close. So if anyone would like to give it another try, feel free to guess again in this chapter!

Honor: We are still accepting any fanart that you would like to send! We are curious as to see your creativity! In chapter twelve you will find: Josie being terrified at the thought of an Elf-witch, falling up stairs, and Galadriel's epic mind powers! :D

Hope: Well now my decision is between a lemur and an ocelot! Feel free to keep suggesting though! I will introduce my new pet in chapter thirteen :). Anyway, we own nothing except Josie, Paisley, and Rebecca. Enjoy and please review!


Chapter Twelve: A Blessing In Disguise

As she entered the woods of Lothlorien, Josie marvelled in the peacefulness of her surroundings. A light breeze blew in, ruffling her ringlets and causing leaves to flutter carelessly about. Rebecca had a similar feeling of tranquility. Although she had never stepped foot in Lothlorien (nor knew of its existence) until that moment, she felt as though she had come home.

Gimli spoke softly to the Hobbits beside him. ''Stay close, young Hobbits!'' he warned. ''They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch...of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell.''

Josie whimpered. ''An Elf-witch?'' She looked at Frodo who was walking to her left. The Ring Bearer seemed distracted and was looking around as if he had heard something. Josie gasped. ''Don't let the Elf-witch get you, Frodo!''

''Keep your voice down, lass!'' Gimli scolded. ''Besides, you have nothing to fear with me around! I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox.''

At that moment at least two dozens Elves appeared with their bows at the ready. Where they came from, no one really knew. The Fellowship and Ladies were caught off guard and were immediately surrounded.

A male Elf appeared from behind a tree and stepped forward. He spoke in a willowy voice. ''The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark.''

Gimli snarled in response.

''You will come with me,'' the new Elf stated and then commanded in Elvish to the rest of the Elves to lower their weapon. ''I am known as Haldir, and I believe we have much to discuss. Come now.''


Haldir led them deep into the woods before they stopped again. He turned and spoke to Legolas in Elvish, then did the same to Aragorn.

Gimli scoffed at the language. ''So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves. Speak words we can all understand!''

''We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days,'' Haldir replied glaring at Gimli.

''And you know what this Dwarf says to that?'' Gimli then spoke very coarsely to Haldir in what sounded like an old Dwarvish language.

''That didn't sound very pleasant,'' Rebecca whispered to no one in particular. Haldir heard her words and then focused his eyes on her.

"Ah, here is an Elleth with an unfamiliar face. Who might you be?''

''I...I am Rebecca.'' She bowed then, unsure of what else to do.

''I know of many Elves. How is it I do not know you?''

Legolas then spoke for her. ''The Lady Rebecca is not of this land. Her tale, however, is both long and unusual.''

''I shall have to hear it sometime,'' Haldir said before looking at Frodo. Rebecca gave Legolas a grateful smile and when he gave a comforting smile back, she felt her cheeks blush ever so slightly.

''You bring great evil here. You can go no further,'' Haldir said to Frodo before walking away from the group.

Josie gave Frodo a worried look and placed her hand on his arm. An unusual sensation of dread came over her and her heart clenched in her chest. Quickly she withdrew her hand and the feeling of dread vanished. It was unlike any emotion she had felt before, and it was very unwelcoming. ''What are we going to do?''

''I shall speak to Haldir and attempt to convince him otherwise,'' Aragorn declared before heading off to where the Elf was.

Everyone else decided to rest for the time being and spread out. Legolas remained near where Aragorn and Haldir were speaking in hushed voices. Gimli sat as far away as possible from any of the Elves, and the Hobbits and Rebecca sat scattered about. Boromir took up a spot close to Frodo, Josie, Paisley, and the She-Elf, and all were quiet for some time.

Boromir was then the first speak. His voice was both soft and oddly comforting. ''Gandalf's death was not in vain, nor would he have you give up hope.''

Rebecca glanced at Josie and was surprised when she noticed at least three feet of space separated the red head from Frodo.

Boromir continued. ''You carry a heavy burden, Frodo,'' he paused and looked at Paisley. ''As do you Milady...Do not carry the weight of the dead.''

''Boromir,'' Paisley spoke up suddenly. ''Am I doing the right thing?''

The Steward's son gave a sigh. ''Milady, you have been placed in a rather difficult position. Some may not agree with your oath to Lord Elrond, but whether it is right or not, is not my place to decide.''

Haldir appeared at their side, now finished speaking with Aragorn. ''You will follow me.''

It wasn't long before the expanded party was met with the sight of the ''Heart of Elvendom on Earth''- Caras Galadhon, the ''Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light.'' (Thank you, Haldir.)

Caras Galadhon was a very mystical and beautiful sight. The Elvish-city appeared as though it had been built around the trees. Tall spiral staircases wound upwards around the trunks, and the entire place was illuminated by flickering white-silver lights.

The Fellowship and Ladies were led up one of the remarkable staircases with Haldir leading the way. The girls were all very quiet, each of them admiring the magnificent view.

Paisley was deep in thought over Boromir's words from earlier. In all honesty, she was beginning to doubt her decision in travelling with the Fellowship. She also pondered on Josie's attachment to Frodo. Why the fiery red head was usually found in close proximity of the Ring Bearer, she may never know. It had all happened rather suddenly and it confused her greatly.

The little blonde Hobbit was so lost in her thoughts she ended up tripping over her own two feet. Paisley fell on the stairs rather roughly and the Hobbit directly to her right stopped to help her to her feet.

Red from sheer embarrassment, Paisley covered her face with her hands. ''Thank you, Pippin.''

Rebecca called to her friend from the back of the group. ''You alright Paisley?''

''Yeah Becca. I'm fine, just tripped is all.''

Josie was a few steps behind Paisley walking near Frodo and Sam, and she groaned in an exasperated manner. ''Seriously? How in the hell do you fall up stairs?''

Paisley took a deep breath and winced a little at the small stinging scrape on her hand. ''Just shut up, Jo. Good God, it's not like you've never tripped over your feet before. Remember?'' she went on in a sickly sweet voice. ''In Rivendell.''

A slight glimmer of recollection passed behind Josie's eyes. Rivendell. It seemed so long ago. Things back then hadn't been easy, but present events had proved to be harder. The death of Gandalf then surfaced in the Hobbit's mind and she snapped out of her brief trip down memory lane. ''Well at least I'm not named after an herb!''

''What?...That's parsley you idiot!''

''Well at least I'm not-''

''Ladies! Ladies!'' Aragorn sounded, rubbing his temples with his fingertips. ''Please, both of you, just stop your petty bickering.'' He reprimanded them like a parent would a child. The girls hung their heads in shame. ''Pippin, see to it that Lady Paisley does not falter again.''

''Sorry Pip,'' Paisley apologized as Pippin placed his hand behind her back and rested it between her shoulder blades. ''I don't mean to be such a burden.''

''It's no trouble,'' Pippin replied as he yawned. "You are no burden. I believe most, if given enough time, could perhaps see you as a...hidden blessing.''

Paisley nearly fell once more, but was able to right herself. ''It is...v-very kind of you to say such things, but I may turn out to be a curse.''

''Nonsense.''

The two Hobbits' conversation did not go unnoticed by Rebecca's Elf-ears and she gave a vengeful smirk. ''Oh Paisley,'' she whispered to herself. ''Payback is such a bitch.''

''What was that Milady?'' Legolas asked from the spot to her left.

The Elleth gave him a wide smile. ''Oh nothing, Legolas,'' she replied in an innocent sing-song voice. The Elf Prince just stared at her as though she had lost her mind.

Haldir suddenly came to a stop on a wide circular platform that rested in front of an elaborate staircase. He stepped off to the side and the Fellowship and Ladies of the Ring faced the steps.

All stood in awe and wonder as two of the most beautiful beings in Middle Earth descended the stairs hand-in-hand. Their grace rivaled that of their beauty. At first glance one could easily tell they were both respected, yet slightly intimidating individuals.

Lord Celeborn wasted no time. ''The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone...Eleven there are here, yet twelve there were set out from Rivendell.''

Rebecca shook her head softly. The abilities of the Elves never ceased to amaze her. A single tear rolled down Josie's cheek at the mention of the missing number, but it went unnoticed by all except Frodo. Paisley, on the other hand, was now stuck with the Lord of the Rings theme in her head that went along with Celeborn's next words.

''Tell me where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him...I can no longer see him from afar.''

The guests of Caras Galahon were silent, for none of them wanted to share the sorrowful news.

Galadriel, however, spoke for them, her haunting voice barely a whisper. ''Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow.''

''He was taken by both Shadow and Flame. A Balrog of Morgoth,'' Legolas added. ''For we went needlessly into the net of Moria.''

''Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your hearts, Gimli, son of Gloin, and Josie, Lady of the Other World.'' Galadriel gave a reassuring smile to the two of them. ''For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief.''

Josie looked down at her feet and watched Frodo from the corner of her eye. The low soft voice of Galadriel briefly entered her thoughts.

You harbor unusual emotions for the Ring Bearer, child. Yet you are unaware of what he shall become.

Galadriel's attention turned quickly to Boromir and then on Rebecca.

You will prove most worthy on this journey, but do not allow certain aspects to cloud your judgment.

''What will become of the Fellowship and Ladies of the Ring?'' Celeborn asked in a rhetorical manner, rather than that of an actual question. ''Without Gandalf, hope is lost.''

''The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all,'' Galadriel paused and glanced over the group of travellers. ''Yet hope remains while your company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now, and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil.''

Paisley tuned out anything after that as her eyelids became heavy. She turned to leave but froze in her tracks as Galadriel's voice disrupted her thoughts.

I see all that you see, Keeper of the Fates. Your forgiveness will come in time, and what you long for will be revealed at a time I am unable to determine as of now.

The blonde shivered at the words. They made no sense to Paisley, as she began walking once more, following the rest of the clan back down the winding staircase. She pushed the confusing thoughts from her mind. The night was cool and the atmosphere was peaceful. Now was not a time for worry. Now was a time for rest.


Justice: Thanks for being so patient and reading you guys! ^^

Special thanks to: Ankantoiel, xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx, B. Belle, Patriot16, Daydreams Become Realities, and StarlightShivers for reviewing chapter twelve, Ranger Raz Whitlock, Ruby Pen, Daydreams Become Realities, and StarlightShivers for favoriting our story, and SerenityAngels, golden-priestess, StarlightShivers, Whisperoak88 for subscribing to our story. I could just hug all of you, but I won't...because I can't from here...And you'd all think I was creepy. ;D

Oh, and before I end this author's note...

Don't forget to choose what pet Hope should pick! A lemur or an ocelot? She's bored! xD

If you'd like to guess again for the contest, you may. Which OC belongs to which author? Some of you were really close. :)

Feel free to make fanart! xD

We're also in the process of making a playlist for the story. We thought it would be fun. If anyone would like to suggest some songs for scenes in each chapter, feel free to do so! ^^ A link to the playlist will probably be posted up in our profile by the time we post chapter thirteen.

Lastly, we have a twitter account (it's two underscores by the way!): /hope_justice

Feel free to check it out to see how we're doing on story updates!

And...hm...Oh my gosh! We have over 41 reviews, you guys are super awesome! It would be great if we got to 45-50! ;) Let's see if we can, shall we? :D :)

Thanks again you guys! We'll see you in chapter thirteen! :)


Edited January 28, 2012.