disclamer: I do not own anything.
Chapter 3
"Tell me we are not hiking again." Paul commented, slinging a pack over his shoulder as the group prepared to move again, not staying in one place for a few minutes. It was for their safety after all. But what kind of danger the fellowship are talking about, both Alex and Paul don't know about.
Alex tried to stifle a laugh as she observed her best friend try to maneuver a pack over his broad shoulders. Paul may look menacing at first, but Alex found him to be a softie at heart, once you get to know him anyway.
Alex recalled the first day she met Paul. It was exactly nine years ago. Funnily enough, it was at Dr. Patel's office.
Dr. Isaac Patel, Where do I start? Alex mused, the tall, slim man who almost felt like a father figure to her in more times than she can count. The only doctor to actually stood his ground against her mother who insisted to be updated and included with any and all information about her therapy even after she threatened to sue him for malpractice, Patel surprisingly stood his ground.. "That is a violation of patient confidentiality Mrs Townsend, my apologies but I cannot divulge any information that is privy to my client. She is of legal age and if she decides to keep something private-even from family, then I am not in the position to cross that line". That was the start of the strain in Alex's and her mother's relationship. Although for Alex's part, it started way earlier but she wouldn't go down that rabbit hole anytime soon.
Remembering the first day she walked into his office only to find that there was a mix up with the schedule of her appointment and that her schedule was written over Paul's, who did not cancel his even though Emily, Patel's snotty of a temp, swore Paul had confirmed to cancel.
She was twenty one at the time, Paul was twenty five.
It became a bad episode from a sitcom like Will and Grace; there was debate, and then confusion, and more debate. In the end, Patel decided to divide the time just to accommodate them both and offer their next session free of charge, just to make up for his temp's mistake. I guess it was part of the perks for paying for him at a price. At the end of Alex's session, she was surprised to find Paul sitting in the lobby waiting for her, and offered to take her for coffee. Alex was so sure that Paul was hitting at her at first. Paul with his tall frame, broad shoulders, deep brown pools and dimples, his hair a perfect disarray on his head giving him the cute boy-next-door vibe, but as soon as she opened her mouth, Paul interjected; "Don't even think about it sister. Patel said I should go out more. I know, pathetic right?. Like I need a psychologist to tell me that." With a roll of his eyes, slinging his scarf with practiced ease around his neck, checking his lip gloss over his pink lips by the mirror on the clinic's foyer, Alex knew right then that she wasn't his type, more like they are batting for the same team and for the first time in what seemed like eternity in her book, she smiled her first real genuine smile. Green eyes meeting brown ones and the rest was history.
"Yes we are. So hull your fat ass up and start moving." Alex answered, trying to pull her own albeit smaller pack behind her.
"Tsk. Such language from a lady." She heard the dirty blonde man mutter behind her, looking around her to give the man a menacing glare only to find the elf staring at her again.
Since they joined the group hours earlier, the group had not decided to introduce themselves to them. With the exception of Aragorn and him whom Alex already knew. They were courteous enough sure, offering them water and sharing with them what little snack they have but Alex can't help feeling that there is more to this weird group than they care to admit. Something they are not telling her or Paul. Something so important that they feel to guard it from both her and Paul, always watching their movements.
"Coke, gelato and plain cheese pizza. Lots of cheese." Paul muttered, already imagining the food he was going to devour once they get back to the real world.
"Excuse me, sir. Where are we? We've been walking for hours." Alex jogged up to the elderly man, thank god she decided to wear something flat or her feet would kill her.
"Middle earth milady."
"Yes I know that, you've kind of had mentioned it a bunch of times, but where are we exactly?" This old man was getting on her nerves and she was not liking it, but she was only met with silence.
"Rivendell?" Silence, wracking her brain for the names of the places she had been before and then added sheepishly, "Bree?" Another silence, before the elderly man could reply, Paul interjected, "Why is it called 'Middle Earth' though? Is there an 'Above Earth'? How 'bout 'Under Earth'? I bet that's where all your dead go.." actually thinking he was making a valid point, but the rest of the group just stared, and Alex could only shake her head.
"We are about a week's ride from Rivendell." The old man answered, stopping to look at Alex with a kind eye, seeming to let her know that he knew, she knew or at least had an idea what he was talking about.
A breathe she did not realize she was holding escaped her, At least we are nowhere near Mirkwood, the elf's head snapped in her direction at that. Icy blue eyes held her green ones, hurt, confusion and regret swimming in its depths. Alex could not help but feel guilty about her thought, "I said that out loud, didn't I?" Alex spoke softly, voice barely above a whisper knowing he could still hear her nevertheless, and for that time hope flared in his blue eyes, his gaze softening at knowing she had spoken to him directly after hours of avoiding him.
"Yes." Legolas softly answered, his gaze never leaving her, Alex did not offer anything after that, choosing instead to look down at the ground but not before Legolas saw remorse and embarrassment pass her features at her earlier comment.
"We will stop here and make camp." Aragorn announced, looking around them as he scoured their surroundings thinking this was the best place to stop for the night. Stones and huge rock formations covered them, a fine location to make camp and hide if need be.
The plump hobbit automatically took out his cooking supplies and started to make fire and make food for everyone. As everybody else started to choose their own personal spaces to retire for the evening. The other two hobbits decided to ask the dirty blonde haired man to teach them how to sword fight.
Paul plopped down on one of the rocks and decided to massage his sore legs and feet, "Finally." Leaning in close to Alex, he added in a whisper "Okay, you have to start keeping me up to speed with everyone on this group. Seems like you're familiar with them."
The rest of the group settled down, before Gandalf decided that it was time they get to know their two new members. "Before we continue on with our journey any further, I would like to make a few introductions. I'm afraid we have been very rude to our new companions. Especially to the lady." The elderly man nodded towards Alex who was sitting beside Paul.
"I am Gandalf. The two hobbits you see down there are Merry and Pippin from Shire, with them is Lord Boromir of Gondor." Gesturing to each individual he just introduced, all who, turned to both Alex and Paul and gave them a slight nod in greeting.
"I'am Aragorn, and this is Frodo." gesturing to the young blue eyed hobbit standing behind him.
He was the quiet one out of the group, only staring ahead and keeping most to himself, he would only talk to the plump one and to Gandalf. He looked scared, Alex thought.
"And my name is Sam, milady." suddenly appearing behind her with a plate of sausages and some sort of bread.
"I suppose you four are 'Hobbits'?" Alex asked, testing the word in her tongue. Sam nodded in affirmation.
"And I am Gimli, son of Gloin. I me self am a dwarf." Standing to his full height to give Alex the proper bow, holding his pipe on his other hand.
"That is different from a Hobbit is it?"
"Of course milady!" Gimli boomed, returning to his seat.
Since most of them had introduced themselves, Alex stood and properly introduced herself. "Well I'm Alex.."
"What an odd name to give to a lady." Sam commented, earning a smack from Frodo.
"Well actually, it is short for Alexandria." Alex supplied sheepishly, she hated her full name. "And this right here is my best friend, Paul." Gesturing to her friend who was still massaging his feet but gave a slight wave and a rather wide grin for everybody.
Gandalf continued to stare at the unusual pair. There is something oddly familiar about the lady, but he could not recall or place her from somewhere. Stroking his beard and reaching for his pipe again, judging by the few interaction the lady had with both Isildur's heir and the prince of Mirkwood, he is not wrong in guessing that this is not the first time the lady had found herself lost in Middle Earth and that this is the peculiar little girl from the tales Aragorn had told him years ago. The little girl who magically appeared at certain times and at the most unlikely of places, if one would base on the places she had mentioned most probably by memory.
There must be a reason why the Valar had sent them. If not, then there must be paths leading to other worlds that no one knows and some might stumble upon without them knowing. Not knowing what to do with the pair at the moment, Gandalf then decided that it is probably best to keep the identity and origin of the two companions a secret, glancing to his right meeting Aragorn's gaze, he is confident that the ranger might have gotten to the same conclusion as well.
Everybody seemed to settle down after the introductions, Gandalf mostly keeping to himself with his pipe, obviously thinking about how Alex and Paul came about to cross to their world.
"Legolas, what do you see?" Aragorn broke the silence, amidst the sparring Boromir is having with the two young hobbits, Sam busy with the food and Frodo and Gandalf sitting quietly by the rocks, every single one turned their attention to the elf, the ranger was speaking to.
"Nothing, just a wisp of clouds!" Gimli answered dismissively, still hadn't warmed up to the elf.
Legolas stared longer, they were no clouds and are moving rather fast.
By this time, the rest of the fellowship turned to look at Legolas who is staring down a black mist coming towards them.
"It is moving fast," Boromir commented while also staring "and against the wind." He finally added out of breathe from training the two hobbits.
"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas shouted, quickly turning around.
"HIDE!" Aragorn ordered, as everyone scurried to get all their belongings under the rocks and bushes, Sam immediately putting out the fire.
Alex just stood there staring at what looked like smoke headed for their direction, not exactly getting what the fuss was all about. Even Paul hurried to hide under the rock, when strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pale smooth hand covering her mouth as she was pulled under the bushes. Looking behind her to see Legolas giving her the glare for not moving fast enough.
The crows flew past them flying really low, but not before circling their camp site before disappearing. Her grip on his arm loosening while his hand still clamped over her mouth to keep her from making any sound, as her attention was caught else where, her eyes widened at the sight; greasy black crows with red beady eyes flying dangerously low meticulously searching the grounds looking for any sign of what, Alex is not sure yet.
"Spies of Saruman! The passage south is being watched." Gandalf grumbled, coming out of the rock where he hid. "We must take the Pass to Caradhas."gesturing to the mountains behind him all covered in snow.
Alex stood up quickly avoiding any further contact with the elf. And for the first time since stumbling into this world, she felt cold fear slowly creep into her bones. What had she gotten herself into?
Staring at the mountains Gandalf had pointed out, gulping loudly at the sight before her.
Paul was right! She was not dressed properly for this adventure.
0-0-0
The snow was knee deep, the cold digging into her bones. Her trench coat not doing much help to shield her from the cold. They have been walking for hours, and it looks like they are walking in circles. Everything looked the same.
Alex was shivering in the cold, her boots did little to protect her legs and feet from the freezing temperature. Boromir had lend her an extra cloak, and although the cold seeped thru it, she was still thankful.
"I can't feel my toes." Alex complained, glancing behind her to find Paul, singing and flipping his cloak for effect, looking like the princess in that famous disney tale.
"Really Paul? Frozen?"
"I thought it was appropriate, I have always dreamed of actually climbing the alps, the song just kind of popped through my head." Paul answered, smiling at his friend not feeling at least bit ashamed that the hobbits were all staring at him.
Alex looked around her to find curious stares from the group, "He's gay..homosexual." Explaining on behalf of her best friend. Suddenly, Frodo lost his footing and fell tumbling a few feet from the group. Luckily Aragorn was there to catch him. Frodo abruptly stood, palming his neck to look for his necklace. Boromir crouched picking up something, glinting against the snow.
A gold ring on a silver chain.
The wait was awkwardly long, as they watch Boromir stare at the ring whispering something, obviously hadn't made up his mind to return the ring or not. It just a ring, what could possibly so special about it?
"Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo." Aragorn bellowed, pulling the man from his thoughts.
At that minute Alex knew something was up. That nagging feeling at the back of her mind about that something that they were trying to hide from her and Paul had finally revealed itself. It is that ring! And there was something about that ring that put everyone on edge.
Boromir began the slow walk to Frodo, before Frodo himself snatched the ring from Boromir's hands. Alex watched carefully has Boromir tried to play it off by ruffling the hobbit's hair before walking away as if nothing remotely awkward and slightly disturbing just happened. Something was exchanged between the group and Alex was dying to find out what it was about the ring and Boromir and Frodo's reaction to it that made everyone on edge.
The sky was already darkening and the wind was picking up signaling a snow storm was coming, Alex had to watch her footing as they were nearing the mountains edge. This hike was getting dangerous by the minute and she was not liking it. Paul too had become quiet, gently giving her hand a squeeze, waiting for her when she fell behind. The hobbits had huddled together from the freezing wind, and the men are not fairing very well, by this time the wind had increased its speed and snow was definitely blocking their view of the path. Paul instinctively placed his arm around Alex as they try to share the heat. Craning her neck to check if everyone was alright, she saw Legolas walk up to the front of group seemingly unaffected by the cold, steps light as feather whereas the rest them were waist deep in snow.
"There is a fell voice in the air." Legolas said, sounding almost not sure about was his elf ears were picking up, it was as if someone was chanting throughout the wind.
"Its Saruman!" Gandalf yelled, startling Alex, as huge rocks fell over the edge were they are standing on. This seemed to anger Aragorn, "He is trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!"
"NO!" was the elderly man's firm reply, turning around facing the edge of the cliff as he shouted a chant that left goosebumps along Alex's arm.
"Losto Caradhas, sedho hodo, nuitho i'ruith!" , and a much louder voice countered, "Cuivca nwalca Carnirasse, nai yarvaxea rasselya, taltuva notto-carrinar!" and then a lightning striked on the mountain's edge above them causing an avalanche to fall over the group.
One by one, everyone emerged from underneath the snow, all exhausted and cold.
"We must get off the mountain! Make for the gap of Rohan!" Boromir suggested,
"Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" Aragorn argued,
"If you want to go through the mountain, we must go under it. Let us go through the Mines of Moria." Gimli offered, obviously knowing the place.
Nothing could have prepared Alex as she watch fear cross over the Gandalf's features. There is something in the mines that he was not excited for. Something that only he knows and it scares him and finally feeling defeated he offers Frodo the decision.
"We cannot stay here! It will be the death of the Hobbits!" Boromir added desperately, clinging to both Merry and Pippin at his sides.
"Frodo?" Gandalf asked again,
"We will go through the mines." Frodo answered, his small voice silencing everyone.
What are they running away from? Alex thought, exchanging a look with Paul.
The hike down the mountain was definitely something Alex will never want to repeat again. Everybody settled into their own personal space walking quietly, obviously contemplating what is their next move.
Both Alex and Paul stayed behind the group, still a little shaken up by what just happened. Did they think that it was just coincidental that someone was in control of the mountain at that time and was able to make rocks fall or cause an avalanche? If they were a little skeptic about what the group was obviously trying to explain to them before, what happened at that mountain cemented something deep in Alex and Paul's brains, and it scared Alex more.