-Chapter 2-
Disclaimer: Don't own any character Tolkien made up. I'm respectfully using them, hopefully. *bows*
A/N: Thanks for the reviews so far! :)
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Nami's POV
She had woken up in a strange place, on a not so very comfortable bed, and found two little people staring at her in shock. It took all her might not to scream, because she was instantly scared out of her wits at this new development. She didn't remember anything that happened besides seeing the tree coming right towards her in the car. She didn't remember being taken by little people. She couldn't imagine where she was. At first, she almost hoped it was just her groggy eyes playing wicked tricks on her…but as they cleared, they just became all the more apparent she had been thrown into a Twilight Zone situation.
She had been abruptly dropped, and felt her head hit against what she guessed was a pillow of some sorts. She blinked a few more times and groaned a bit as her senses came back to her. She felt a throbbing pain in her head, and moved her hand so it felt the area that it hurt. Her fingers touched a hard scab, which she guessed was some kind of cut. That explained at least the headache she was having.
"You've been out for days, m'lady."
The voice seemed very far away, yet she knew one of the little people had to have said it. She looked at them, her eyes focusing finally, and managed to squeak out a question about her surroundings. She didn't expect what they told her. Brandy Hall? She had never heard of the place, or at least did not consciously click it with what it was at first. However, when she heard them introduce themselves as hobbits, she almost felt faint, because she knew THAT word. Knew it from a book, from a book that was not supposed to be real – and these people were introducing themselves as characters that weren't supposed to be real? And it clicked then, why the name of 'Brandy Hall' sounded so familiar, and why there was a growing fear in her stomach that there was something big happening that she could not comprehend in her current state of mind, or even in her most aware state. She studied the 'hobbits' before her, scanning them quickly with wide eyes.
They were both short, obviously, with wild curls and old styled clothing. One was shorter then the other, with the taller one looking older, but only slightly. The younger one seemed to mirror her wide eyes as he sort of held onto the taller one's sleeve. She could have laughed if she wasn't terrified – she was hardly a very menacing presence, being only a little taller than the taller one of the duo. She had about a million questions running through her mind, but could not seem to remember how to speak, and whatever came out her mouth was broken and definitely was random blurts of a sentence. It wasn't until they introduced themselves by name, however, that she really felt her mind seize with panic.
Merry and Pippin. It wasn't possible, and if she remembered how to use her arms, she probably would have pinched herself to check if she wasn't having some kind of insane dream. But she knew that her body felt pain without her inflicting any on her arm, from the way her body ached everywhere from the injuries that it was sustaining. It wasn't a dream…or if it was, it was a pretty impossible one. It was said that you couldn't feel pain in dreams, but it was also impossible that she was in a fantasy book written way before she was even born. That was just ludicrous. There had to be a rational explanation for it, even if she couldn't figure it out herself. She was found in a forest, they had told her. But how did she get there? How did she suddenly end up in this insane world?
"…Merry and Pippin?" Though it came out as a question, she really was saying it as a way to repeat it out loud, as if it would make more sense verbalized. It didn't – in fact, it only caused the ones standing in front of her to be alarmed at the knowledge she shouldn't have. Merry looked as though he wanted to question it, but an elderly voice cut him off.
She felt herself shrink against the hard wall, pulling up the blanket that was put on her to her chin, even though her lower legs went uncovered. Suddenly the door opened and she saw a huge old-looking man ambling in, nearly bumping his head on the doorframe as he did. He was definitely a good deal taller then her, and instantly her mind attributed him to the name 'Gandalf', one because he looked like the elderly wizard she had read about, and never mind the fact she dimly heard one of them call him that. His presence was frightening until he laid eyes on her, and even though she still feared, she almost felt a little safer in the insanity that was her current position. His eyes seemed to speak of untold wisdom. Which, of course, wasn't surprising – after all, in the book, he was pretty much the most intelligent of the group.
He told Merry and Pippin to leave, but only after assuring her that she was going to be alright, that no one wished to hurt her. She knew no one would, that wasn't the point – this was what she wanted to scream. She said nothing instead, still at a loss of control of voice. She watched the hobbits leave, and she was alone with this Gandalf character, staring at her intently with eyes that seemed to pierce right through her soul. And he smiled – very kindly, and his face seemed to light up – it was a reassuring smile, and she did feel reassured to a point. She still was no happier being in the company of any of them, and almost felt like she was going insane just dreaming – or whatever she was doing – about them.
"How are you feeling, m'lady?"
Horrible, terrible, scared to death – those were a couple of good words that came to her mind. "Bad."
It summed it up pretty nicely.
"Do you hurt?"
"A little." She answered, and was being truthful. The pain was subsiding a little, and she felt almost to normal in terms of alertness.
He seemed to study her with expert eyes. "…Who are you?"
It was a question that was said in a way that she knew he was not just asking for a name, but an explanation. An explanation of why she looked strange, and why she dressed strange, and why she appeared so strangely. And she was inclined to tell him, because she knew him to be so wise. Perhaps he would know what to do, her brain reasoned. Maybe he could find her way back home.
"I don't know how I got here." She blurted out. "I'm not supposed to be here. I'm real. This world is just a fictional book, and you're a fictional character, and there's no such things as hobbits and elves and ents and whatever else that book told of!"
Gandalf seemed surprised at her outburst, and she felt herself shaking again, more because of the emotion that had come out with her declaration. She hadn't meant it to come out as it did, but she was frustrated at how little she understood of the situation. Silence fell between them for precious moments, before the wizard finally dared to speak. "What do you speak of, lady? What do you mean?"
"You aren't real. None of this. This is a…book. Middle Earth. This man – Tolkien – he made it. He created this world for books he wrote. And I have no idea how I got here, but I want to get back home!" she exclaimed.
"…A book?" he repeated, seeming to try to comprehend what she was saying. "These are strange claims you make."
"It's true." She insisted. "Look, see? I know what's going to happen. You're going to find out that Bilbo Baggins has the One Ring, which controls all other rings of power, and then Frodo's going to take it with Sam and Merry and Pippin, and…" She paused, faltering. "See? I know it all."
Gandalf seemed even more surprised, and even stood up. She silenced. "…You know of the ring?"
"There's a three part book series on it." She confirmed. "I read them all."
"…I see." Gandalf sat down again, seeming to think. "This is simply amazing news. If you did not know so much, I'd likely not even believe you. You come from another world, then?"
"Yes." She answered. "And I want to go home."
Gandalf pursed his lips, again going into thought. He sighed at length, probably not coming up with a solution anymore then she was. "…I do not know where you come from, m'lady, but I know you speak the truth by the quiver of your voice and the truth shining in your eyes. I am afraid I have no more answers then you do, however, and it pains me to say so. Until I do, I must ask you keep this information you have a guarded secret – do not even tell it to I. If what you say is true, any alterations of the path that is spoken of in this book may destroy the end result completely. Do you understand?"
"Yes." She nodded. "I understand."
"Good." He said, standing again. "I promise you now, if there is a way to get you home, I shall find it. For now, try to relax. It will not help being fearful the entire time you are here. I shall leave you in the hobbits' care – Frodo and I will have to leave soon, to continue helping with the party – I'm sure you know of it?" She nodded. "Yes…Meriadoc and Peregrin will take care of you until I can find time to get more information. Even though they seem a bit bumbling at times, they have good hearts. I will see to it that they make sure you are comfortable for the time being."
As if by magic, the door slowly opened and in popped a meek-looking Merry, holding a tray of food in hand. The tray had a massive amount of food on it, piled up, and the poor fellow could barely hold it. He only offered a weak, nervous smile as he walked over.
"I didn't know what Big Folk ate." He explained to Gandalf. "So me and Pippin took our favorites. Beggin' your pardon, m'lady, but do you like any of this?"
It smelled delicious, and it was only then she realized her stomach was growling and her throat was extremely parched. He placed it on the bed, carefully, and looked at her expectantly.
"I must talk to Frodo for a moment. Will you watch her, Master Brandybuck?"
"If you wish, sir." He nodded, and she watched as the wizard left, closing the door behind him. She wasn't sure he had purposely left her with the hobbit so she had a chance to make friends. She would take the chance, regardless. He sat down and watched as she gingerly took a random piece of food. It looked like bread, so she figured it was the safest to eat. She took a bite and instantly tasted the sweet stickiness to it, and her taste buds woke up instantly. It was the most delicious thing she had tasted in a long time, and she ate the rest in seconds, almost feeling it give her strength she didn't have before.
"What's your name?"
She nearly forgot about the Brandybuck. She put down the drink – which was water – she was holding and gulped down the remaining liquid. "Nami." She finally replied, a bit shyly.
"Nami?" Merry repeated, seeming to try it on his tongue. "…You are of the Big Folk, right?"
"Big Folk?" she asked, than she remembered that hobbits called humans that. "Y-Yeah, I suppose so. Why?"
"You're kind of short." He explained bluntly.
"I get that a lot." She mumbled before biting into an apple.
"I don't think I imagined Big People like you." He continued. "And not just because of height."
She put down the apple, glancing at him. She managed a half-hearted smile. "I'm an oddball of men, honestly. I wouldn't use me as an example of all 'Big Folk'."
"Oh." He nodded. "Is everything good, Lady Nami?"
"Just Nami." She corrected. "Or Na. And yes, it's delicious." She looked down, shyly. "I just wanted to…thank you for helping me, before. Gandalf told me what you did. I am eternally grateful."
"I could never leave someone in trouble if I can help." He spoke. "It was nothing at all. I'm glad you're alright. But begging you pardon, miss, but what happened to you that you were in our woods, bloodied and battered as though in an unseen war?"
She hadn't thought of an excuse for that yet. She decided to play dumb nearly instantly. "…I do not know. I don't remember anything but my name and my age. It is a…bother." The most pathetic excuse ever, perhaps, but Merry bought it. His face instantly turned to concern.
"Oh no! That's terrible news! That gash on your head must have caused it!" he exclaimed. "I am sorry, La…Nami."
She smiled at how he corrected himself so quickly. Merry was not all so bad. "It's alright. It's not as bad. I still know my name…"
"Is Gandalf going to help you remember?" he inquired.
"I hope so." She replied. "…I really do." She sighed wistfully, chewing on a food that sort of tasted like a mixture of a sticky bun and a grape jelly sandwich.
Merry looked as though he was going to speak again, but suddenly Pippin came barreling through the door, causing both to jump in surprise. He stopped short by Merry, peering at Nami with cautious curiosity, and Nami was reminded of her cat's one kitten who would survey things from her mother's side before going to cause trouble. Nami knew of the strong bond between the cousins that the book described, but seeing it up close, she actually smiled – it was an adorablesight to see. Pippin glanced at Merry, playing with his scarf idly. Merry nodded, very slightly – she hardly noticed it – and Pippin instantly sprung back into his usual actions, smiling real wide as he did.
"'Lo there, miss! I'm Pippin, but you'd be knowing that already, right?" he asked, cheerfully, and Nami actually giggled.
"This is a younger relation of mine." Merry spoke up, pushing Pippin forward. He squeaked, and then giggled. "He helped me get you here."
"Me and Merry were real worried about you."
"Naturally." He nodded. "We don't have many things other than hobbits visiting The Shire, 'sides Gandalf, who always visits Mister Bilbo. An' Bilbo always tells stories of how he ventured out in the world, even is writing a book about it, I hear."
"And he's having a big party for his birthday soon." Pippin nodded. "Should be quite fun – won't you join us?"
"Pippin, she may not even be staying that long." Merry informed him.
"Actually, Gandalf has told me he will be putting me in your care – both of you." She added it just to see Pippin smile, because when he did his whole face brightened up and it made Nami feel a little better. He did smile, and inwardly she laughed at it.
"Oh! That is news!"
"So will you come?" Pippin asked, hopefully. "Oh, it is to be much fun, indeed! And it's also Frodo's birthday too, and he's even here now – he'll surely invite you along!"
Frodo. Frodo Baggins. She wanted to get up and meet this hobbit, to see the person who would soon hold the ring, who would one day have his mind messed with and his finger bitten off. She pitied him, and he would never understand why until it was too late. She couldn't tell him about the hardships he would endure, or the consequences of his choosing at Rivendell to become the ring bearer. She dared to brush away the blanket to slide to the edge of the bed, putting her feet on the wooden floorboards. She touched her hand to the wound on her head again and winced.
"I should bandage that for you." He said it carefully, slowly, as if he was afraid she would snap back to the wall. She wondered if she was coming off as that jittery.
"If you want." She said, leaning forward. Merry picked up the bandages from the floor and the bowl of herbal balm.
"Hold this, Pip." He handed his cousin the bowl, and stuck his fingers in the slightly thick substance. She could smell the strong scent of it and even felt her eyes water a little. "This might sting a bit."
He dabbed it against her wound, and instantly pain shot up and she shrank back, biting her lip so she didn't cry out. It burned horribly. Her eyes watered even more as she felt the stinging slowly diminishing. Merry gave her a sympathetic look.
"Jeez, what the heck is that stuff?" she complained.
"A herbal mix that is said to cure wounds." He explained as she slid back into her original position. She bent her head down so he could bandage her head.
Once it was tied against her head, he backed up and she looked toward the two. Finally she stood up, her knees a bit wobbly at first, but soon she gained her balance. She was obviously taller then the hobbits, perhaps by a couple inches. She was almost glad she was shorter when she was in such a situation. She looked down at herself and saw her clothes were torn and ripped in different spots, but all and all she was all together and fine.
"Pearl is coming soon." Pippin spoke up, noting her disdained glance at her current outfit. "I sent word for her to make a dress for someone of your height."
"I hope you do not mind staying in those clothes until then." Merry added, sounding apologetic. "We have no clothing short of Gandalf's robes themselves that will fit you."
"Oh, don't worry about it. Here, I can make them wearable." She dismissed. "Could you excuse me for a moment?"
"Of course." Merry nodded, tugging Pippin. "Come on, Pippin. Let's go see if your family has arrived yet."
Pippin made no fuss and walked out with his older cousin. Merry closed the door behind him as he left.
She pulled off the ragged shirt, deciding what to do. She tore off the sleeves first, as they were basically just holding onto a thread anyway. Without any thread, she could do nothing else with the shirt and threw it back on. She tore off the bottom half of her pants without taking them off – they were also about to come off anyway. The outfit would do until this mentioned dress came. It was the first time it was quiet, and she started thinking. She was lost in a world that wasn't supposed to be real. She didn't know how she got there, or why. She especially didn't know what she was going to do. She knew the history of this world. She knew how she was going to be thrown into it if she didn't get out of there soon.
She stood up, walking to the door. She leaned down as she exited the room and entered the hallway, where there was more room to stand. Merry was nowhere to be found. Glancing up and down the long stretch, she found no sign of life. Her eyes fell upon the various decorations that dotted it. The closest was a vase, brown in color and decorated with beautiful depictions of flowers that looked almost identical to the flowers sticking out of the top. It was a lovely bouquet, reds and whites and yellows meshing together in one colorful bundle. She could smell the flowers' sweet scent when she got closer to examine them. She reached out and touched one of the flowers. The petal she felt was soft and fuzzy to the touch. She could feel it. It reminded her yet again that she was not dreaming, that she was standing in a smial surrounded by book characters. She sighed; as amazing as it all was, she really wanted to get out of there…before it all started.
She didn't want to think about being in this world when the war started.
TBC…