***CHAPTER ONE: The Should have been forgotten party***

Trance Gemini of the Eureka Maru decided to have an extra special party to celebrate her one hundred and

eleventh birthday. It was special for two important reasons. The first reason was that she planned to leave the

Shire forever, and the second was that she planned to change places with her older self. As the day of the party

approached it became clear that this party would be one of special magnificence, the like of which had never been

seen in the Shire before. On the day of the party an old friend of Trance and many of the Shire-folk, the great

wizard Andromeda arrived with her famous fireworks. Andromeda, or Rommie as she was known to her friends,

and Trance spent that day discussing Trance's plans for the evening.

"So you mean to go through with it?", Rommie asked.

"Yes, yes it's all taken care of. I'm getting worn out. Sort of stretched. I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I

don't think I'll return. In fact I mean not to.

The discussion lasted for quite a while until it was time for the party to begin. As mentioned before it was a

spectacular party with tons of food, music and of course Rommie's fireworks. There was a bit of excitement when

Molly and Harper decided to steal one of the most impressive fireworks and launch it through a tent. Then when

things settled down it was time for Trance's speech. "I regret to announce that this is the end. I'm leaving now.

Goodbye!", and with that she vanished. Pausing briefly to enjoy the shocked looks on her guests faces, Trance ran

all the way back to Gemini End where she took of the Ring and laughed.

"I suppose you're very pleased with yourself.", Rommie's voice came from behind her.

Trance turned around to face her and said, "Oh come on Rommie did you see the looks on their faces?"

"There are many magic rings in this universe Trance Gemini, and none of them should be used lightly."

"It was just a bit of fun! Oh, I suppose you're right. You usually are. You'll keep an eye on my older self won't you?"

"Two eye, whenever I can spare them.", Rommie answered.

"Good. I'm leaving everything to her."

"Including that Ring of yours?", Rommie asked.

"Yes, yes! It's in an envelope there on the mantelpiece!", Trance replied impatiently. Then she hesitated. "No, wait.

It's here in my pocket. But then why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?"

"I think you've had that Ring long enough!", Rommie said gazing at her friend with mounting concern.

Seemingly oblivious Trance was gazing intently at the Ring. "It's mine. My own. My preciousss!"

"Precious!", Rommie exclaimed, "It has been called that before, but not by you."

"What business is it of yours what I do with my own things?", Trance shouted back angrily. A wild look came to

her eyes and she accused, "You want it for yourself."

Concerned and angry Rommie shouted, "Trance Gemini do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks!", At that moment she seemed to grow taller and more powerful and Trance shrank back from her. Rommie continued, "I am not trying to rob you! I'm trying to help you." With that she returned to her normal appearance and Trance ran up to her and hugged her, overwhelmed the emotions and struggling to reach a resolution. "All these long years we've been friends. Trust as you once did. Leave the Ring behind." Trance pulled away and looked up at Rommie. "Your right Rommie the Ring must go to my older self. Well I must be off. It is late and the road is long." Trance turned to head out the door when Rommie called her name. Turning back she waited to see what Rommie wanted. "The Ring is still in your pocket."

"Oh, right.", Trance said pulling it out. She held it in her hand and stared at it for a long moment before letting it fall to the ground. Once she was outside and away from it her heart felt lighter, as if she had given up some heavy burden. "Goodbye Rommie, my old friend.", she said. "Goodbye Trance.", Rommie replied, and then added to herself, "Until our next meeting."