Pendant of Eternity


by Atlantis Forester


Short summary: Jorielle Syrien never fit in with ordinary folk. Her books, writing and imagination were her world, and the few friends she had were 'outcasts' of society as well. Little did she know that the pendant given to her on her birthday would make her discover an ancient magic and give way to the biggest adventure in a lifetime in Middle-Earth with her best friend and her worst enemy. There, they will all learn that the only thing harder than being heroes is losing the ones you love.




A.N. I know, I know! There are tons of "modern people who go into Middle-Earth" fics, but I couldn't help it! ^^; I just HAD to write one myself!!! Still, I'll try to make it a little different, k? This chapter is completely rewritten. Any unusual British terms will have stars next to them. At the end of the narrative, there will be explanations.


Chapter One: Everything Happens on a Birthday


'As I was saying, Jori, how about a nice, loud birthday for once? The way they do it in America! It's really fun!' A short, slender girl with shoulder-length brown curls bobbed her head energetically as she chattered on. She turned her head to her dark-haired companion and realised that she had no audience.

'Jori!' she exclaimed crossly. 'Are you listening to me?'

Her friend nodded her head absently, her forest-green eyes intent on the pages of a thick, worn volume through thin, oval wire-framed glasses. 'Yes,' she said almost automatically. 'You have my full attention, Ally.'

Annoyance flashed through chocolate eyes. 'Right, Jori,' she growled, 'You keep saying that. Now, really, shut the book, will you?'

Jorielle Syrien heaved a sigh, and, with a great deal of effort, marked the page and turned it over. Pushing up the bridge of her glasses, she looked up at her friend… or, should I say, down, as Jori was especially tall, and Ally especially petite. 'What was it, then, that you wanted?'

'A party,' was the curt answer.

'A party? Whatever for?' Jori frowned and peered at Ally's sullen face. 'Is there some reason for a celebration?'

Ally Clark groaned and hid her face in her hands. 'Oh, god. Jori, you're becoming worse every year. Now you can't even remember your own freakin' birthday!'

Jori clenched her fist and looked away, her now marble-cold face devoid of emotion. 'Situations at home are… a little… tense, nowadays,' she said tightly. 'You know how it goes. Things like this aren't that important right now.'

Ally's entire composure softened. 'Oh, Jori. But, if your mother heard what you just said… My family and I have known her since we first moved to England, and, by now, I know her enough to realise that it'd really stab her to know that her own daughter forgot things such as her own birthday.' She tried to penetrate the mask Jori had set on her face.




The Syriens were not well off. Theirs was a worse situation than even the common working class of England. The only reason that Jori had succeeded in getting into prestigious university was because of her spectacular grades, which gave her a barely earned scholarship. Jori and her mother lived alone in a small, shabby and worn apartment and lived on the latter's poor salary. Astra Syrien - Jori's frail and tenderhearted mother - had worked ardently to provide Jori an education that would pull her from this kind of life. Jori was now working in small jobs to relieve some of the burden from Astra's shoulders, but in secrecy. Astra would be very pained if she knew that her daughter was attempting to make money for them already in such a young age.

Jori loathed her father with a passion. The story of her parents was a misty affair to her, as neither had taken the time to clarify. All she knew was that her father was a well-educated lump who hardly bothered to work at all, as he came from an immensely well-to-do family, and that he had somehow cheated Astra out of her entire small fortune. Robert Enghelton had not even sent any relief for Jori's education. Presently, he had acerbated their already suffering situation by suddenly charging a lawsuit against Jori's mother to drain her even of the little money she had.




'It's fine.' Jori swallowed hard. 'I just… I hate that bloke who dares to call himself my father! He…' She turned away again, a miniscule tear making its way down her cheek.

Ally's jaw tightened. She, too, detested Robert. Never had she ever seen such blunt cruelty in another human beings. She only had ever read of these sorts in tales and in the news. 'I hate him, too.' Ally worked up a smile full of cheer. 'But, let's not be down in the dumps today… or tomorrow! It's your birthday in the morn! How about your birthday present? And what about that party?'

Jori couldn't help cracking a smile at Ally's strong American accent and irrepressible joy of life. 'No party, I'm afraid,' she said. 'And for a gift... I don't know… How about a book?'

The curls bounced and tumbled as Ally shook her head wildly. 'Books, books, books! A book? Again?! Listen, Jori, I love books, too, but there are other things that exist in this world! I'm starting to believe that the reason you need those glasses is because you've lived your entire life with that nose of yours stuck in them!"

Jori fingered her slender reading glasses protectively. 'It is not! My whole family has bad eyesight!'

Ally rolled her eyes. 'Whatever. Anyways, since you obviously shouldn't be trusted in choosing your birthday day present, I will.' She strode away purposefully.

Jori instantly buried her nose again into the book on her lap: The Lord of the Rings, naturally - her favourite. She simply loved reading. It took her away from all the painful reality of the cruel and hardened world.

She glanced at the big clock suspended on the wall. And groaned. It was time for her philosophy class. Reluctantly, Jori picked herself up and hurried off to class.




'Make a wish, my dearling.' Astra Syrien's careworn, gentle figure smiled up at her daughter's, love apparent in every line of her face. She pushed the small, homemade cake closer to Jori from the other end of the tiny folding table.

Jori suddenly felt exceedingly childish, as she had every time it came for her to make her birthday wish ever since she was thirteen. When you are in your new teens, one is sure that it is normal to wish for things such as magical powers, and entering the world of your book. When you're newly twenty… well, it feels rather uncommon. Nevertheless, Jori could not help it, and wished for those childish desires she'd wished for every year since she had first discovered the literary world of fantasy. She had different reasons egging her for these wistful expectations, naturally, than a ten-year-old child; however, the basis was the same. One only wishes when they wish to change something. For Jori, it was to have different life be offered to her mother and her.

I wish, she thought fiercely, eyes shut, that I had magical talent, to help Mum. I wish that I could go into my book, however childish that sounds. She blew.

Inwardly, she knew that the wishes would probably never come true, yet she wished for them all the same. She didn't think she'd ever wanted anything more.

Again, she waited, and was disappointed. There was no flash of amazing white light. There was no sudden change of their surroundings. Dejected, Jori looked up to her mother. Astra offered her a smile full of cheer.

Astra produced a small wooden box the size of her fist. Peaceful eyes, ever young, and ever reminiscent of the deep blue sea, gazed steadily at her. 'When it was my twentieth birthday, my grandmother - not my mother, unfortunately; she had passed away three years before - gave me this on her deathbed. It's a family heirloom that has been passed down from daughter to daughter only. I never would salvage it. She told me to honour and revere it with my life. I will ask the same of you.'

When Jori opened the box, she instantly understood why. Inside the black velvet-lined box lay the most beautiful creation she'd ever laid eyes on. Hanging from some silvery-gold thread-like chain with no clasp was a shimmering white jewel. She only said two words: 'Thank you.'

Astra held out her hand. 'Don't try to slip it on by pulling over your head; it's far too small.'

'How do I put it on? There's no clasp.'

'Hold it to your neck, dearling. It will do the rest herself.'

Jori did not stop to muse on the oddity of the entire situation. She did as she was told, and held the pendant to her neck. Suddenly, it flared with brilliant white light, and she felt a sudden warmth encircle her throat. In wonder, she stroked the pendant. 'I feel… safe,' she murmured.

Astra patted Jori's dark head. 'That would be because you are, dearling.' She pulled her daughter close. 'Remember that you are the person I treasure most in the world. And as long as you have that necklace, I will know for certain that you'll be all right.'

A thought flitted across Jori's mind. Now, what would make her say that? she wondered. I'm not in any danger. She makes it sound like I'll be leaving her forever soon. A slight smile touched her lips. And that won't be happening.




Ally leaned back dreamily. 'It's a beautiful day!' she said happily, arching her back. 'You're lucky that it's nice out on your birthday.'

Jori gave her a sideway glance. 'I wonder if it has anything to do with your very beloved Boulder-head?'

Ally swung her fist at Jori without hesitation. Jori hurriedly ducked it and Ally missed. She was terribly lucky to have dodged it, actually, as she was an athletic catastrophe.

'I was teasing!' exclaimed Jori. 'You're not going to bloody knock me out for a waggish remark, are you?!'

'His name is not "Boulder-head"! It's "Matthew"! Get it right!' Ally was huffing indignantly.

'He is a boulder-head,' retorted Jori, 'and besides, what would the fun of being around him be if I couldn't pester him?'

Ally was aiming a right hook when a male voice drawled behind them, sarcasm dripping from every word. 'Thanks, Jori, you make me feel so special. I didn't know I meant that much to you.'

It was Jori's turn to aim a punch. Matthew - or Matt, as Ally preferred to call him - easily swerved it. 'Pathetic,' he drawled again.

Jori gave him an especially dirty look. 'You're as special as beetle dung rolled in dust.'

'Beetles don't have dung. And who would roll dung in dust, anyways?'

'I never asked, Boulder-head.'

'I asked myself the question.'

'Well, I never heard it.'

'It was my brain.'

'You don't have one.'

'Sorry, you seem to be getting confused. You mean that you don't have one.'

'I know exactly what I said!'

'That's what you say. Sadly, you're an immensely confused girl, like I said.'

'Shut up, Boulder-head.'

'I love you, too.'

'How childish!'

'Matt!' Ally pushed an amused Jori aside and threw herself in her boyfriend's arms. A prolonged kiss followed. Jori imitated them, making exaggerated motions. Two passer-by's sniggered. Both stopped for a moment to smack Jori on the top of her head, then returned to their little paradise.

It was then that a most unpleasant interruption occurred. Cheryl Brook and her group of idolising friends spied them.

Cheryl Brooks was an immensely rich girl. She paid a high price to enter the university, as did her entourage. Not particularly intellectual or clever, it really was a wonder why they'd accepted her. She was immensely popular with the males, however, and, thus, was also immensely popular among everyone else. Cheryl was most definitely not a nice person. She was very stuck up, unhesitant in flaunting her looks, and extremely cruel to anyone she did not like. Such people were Ally, and most especially Jorielle Syrien.

Flipping wavy blonde hair - which was dyed; its original colour was some sort of light chestnut - and striking an arrogant pose, Cheryl sneered elegantly. 'Oh, like, look!' she said. 'It's, like, Shirley Temple and… Four-Eyes.' Oddly enough, though she hated Ally, who was a perfect median of an American, Cheryl imitated the fashion and speech patterns of the United States. She did not possess the unique accent the Americans had, yet somehow managed to use their expressions and manner.

Her friends sniggered.

Ally pulled herself off of Matthew and eyed Cheryl from the top of her dyed hair to her exceptionally tight shirt, to her leather 'mini-skirt' to the tip of her high-heeled toes with great dislike. 'Oh,' she said slowly. 'You.'

Jori gritted her jaw, and, deciding to ignore the unwelcome presence, re-opened her book, and pushed up the bridge of her glasses. Getting bored with the non-reaction they'd gotten, Cheryl and her friends contented themselves by throwing their empty cans at Jori's silent, still figure before they left. Every can was well aimed, yet, strangely enough, each missed their mark by quite a distance. Jori continued to ignore them.

Meanwhile, Ally and Matthew were shaking in rage at Jori's treatment. Before Matthew could even move forward, however, Ally was there. 'Cheryl,' she said, smiling sweetly, 'do you like sandwiches?'

Cheryl wrinkled her nose with disdain. 'Ew, like, just think of the calories!'

Ally smiled at her with pity. 'Oh, then I'm sure you'll love this one; it's non-fat. Actually, it packs quite a punch!' She let out a formidable punch, leaving a sobbing Cheryl with a nose that bled torrents of blood.

Walking back to an extremely entertained Jori and a grumbling boyfriend, Ally cracked her knuckles. 'That felt good,' said Ally. 'I love jokes like that. Third punch this week. Close up, I saw traces of that old black eye I'd given her a while ago. I had been starting to worry that she'd forgotten that one.'

'Don't worry,' said Jori. 'I'm sure she won't forget anytime soon. But, really, you didn't have to.'

'Are you kidding me? I've been waiting for an excuse to do that for ages!'

Matthew started. 'Ally!' he exclaimed, 'We forgot her present!'

Ally jumped. 'Of course! Matt and I got you your present,' she said to Jori. 'It ended up being a book - again - but a special one.'

'Might as well tell her what the gift is while you're at it,' said Matthew, sarcastic. Ally gave a little exclamation and slapped her hand over her mouth. Matthew turned to Jori. 'Open it,' he urged.

Jori ripped the wrapping off-ironically, it was dotted with pictures of the actors of the Fellowship of the Ring. Out came a long, slender box the size of a considerable volume. 'I seem to be receiving lots of things in boxes, lately,' remarked Jori before taking a small key Ally handed to her and unlocking it. A black leather-covered tome appeared, with the words 'the Lord of the Rings' printed in gold on it. Jori was speechless.

Ally elbowed her. 'So, what d' you think of it, eh? Collector's edition, and real leather! Chic, eh?'

Jori tightened her lips, closed the box, locked it, and shoved in into Ally's arms. 'I can't take it,' she said. 'It must have been so expensive! I could never give you two gifts as good as this, even if I had twenty more years!'

Ally shoved it back into Jori's arms. 'It's a gift,' was the cheerful answer. 'And Matt and I have more than enough money to spare. Between the two of us, it was really only a trifle. And you don't have to give us gifts as good as this.'

Jori threw herself on the two and hugged them tightly. 'You're such good friends,' she choked. 'I don't deserve you two!'

'I know,' said Matthew, grinning. 'But we knew it would be worth it, so stop embarrassing us!'

Jori turned tear-filled eyes at him. 'I don't have the heart to hit you,' she said.

He laughed.

Ally suddenly noticed a glimmer from Jori's neck as she shifted to sit on the ground. 'Jori, what's that?'

Jori pulled out her pendant. 'This? It was my mother's gift to me.'

Ally opened wide eyes. 'Did you win a lottery overnight or something?! That thing looks extremely expensive. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!'

'It's a family heirloom.'

Matthew shook his head admiringly. 'Blimey, that's a stunner, that is,' he admitted. 'Our gift is nothing compared to that. It doesn't even look like human make!'

'No, I love your gift just as much,' replied Jori, tucking her necklace back in.

Ally pinched Jori's cheeks. 'Aren't you just sweet!' she exclaimed. 'Seems like you've got an unusually lucky birthday.'

Jori started. 'Oh, we'd better get going.'

Ally sighed and scratched her head wistfully. 'Do we have to? It's only some little expedition, anyways.'

'Yes, but it'll be an important lesson. We're supposed to observe wildlife at its fullest, and that ought to be interesting.'

Matthew kissed Ally. 'Come on, love. It can't be that bad.'

'Speak for yourself,' mumbled Ally half-heartedly against Matthew's shirt. 'Brooks and the snob gang will be there. You don't have to deal with anyone of them, as females and males will be separated. Plus, we have the Relentless.'

Matthew laughed. 'Cheryl Brooks and Professor Rimes! You're unlucky. Well, the male group has got Professor Schwartz.'

Ally looked at him enviously. 'Oh, he's the coolest! How come you get all the luck!'

'That must be because I'm so wonderful.'

'I agree.'

'When you wake up and reach the real world, let me know.'




There was a great deal of hushed whispering and contemptuous giggles when Jori and Ally, both shouldering their packs, clambered into the long bus. Almost everyone in general gave the two a noxious treatment, but, due to the recent incident with Cheryl, the reaction was even alarming. It was more like being in a local, run-down high school than a distinguished university. Legs were sticking out to purposefully trip them, young women spreading out on their seats as to not leave them a place to sit.

The general treatment should have been harsher to Ally, who was the cause of this, but everything was mostly carried out on Jori. Ally was disliked, yes, but Jori even more so. Why, you ask? Jori was always quiet, bookish and ignored everyone with the exception of her few friends. Cheryl had led everyone to believe that this was out of a sense of superiority and disdain. They had come to see Jori as a cold, distant and haughty girl, which was far from true. To Ally's distress, Jori had not bothered to ever set them right. In Jori's world, it did not matter what her peers thought of her, and though it gave her considerable hardships, she was contented with the distance everyone gave her.

Jori was a well-tempered girl, mind you; quite on the peaceable side. Perhaps a trifle too quiet and laid-back, but that shouldn't have bothered anyone. She did, however, like any other individual, have her occasional tempers, especially when it came to those few she kept close to her heart. Most especially her self-sacrificing mother.

Everyone knew this, as no one would ever forget the only other time she'd ever gotten angry. A year ago, some thoughtless boys had supposed that a funny, lewd comment on mothers would suit the particular situation. Their target happened to be Jori.

She'd flown into a blind rage. Naturally, Jori got into a fight, and had to be pulled forcefully off by three teachers, but what was most burnt into everyone's memories was the aftermath: for weeks afterwards, she frightened the boys in horrific, revengeful ways till they couldn't take it and transferred to a different university. It was well known that Jori did not easily forgive anything.

One foot succeeded in tripping her. Jori's drink - Ally had treated her to some coffee earlier - flew in the air and spilled all over Jori, splashing a little on Ally. Jori's face was as cold as marble. She moved icy emerald eyes on the culprit, who could not help cringing slightly under the cold gaze. Quietly, Jori continued to move to the back of the bus, Ally boiling behind her. I can endure this, Jori thought. It's only a trifle. However, she could not endure what was next.

The fatal words came out of Cheryl Brooks's mouth. She, unlike the others, had forgotten the incident a year ago. 'Hey, Syrien!' said Cheryl, sniggering. 'You should have, like, figured out that you were, like, worth nothing by now! I heard, that, like, your mother wasn't, like, married! Daughter of a whore, eh?'

Ally had never feared Jori so much in that one instant. The comment was far worse than that of those boys, who'd only hinted at an offending matter. If possible, Jori's face became colder still, chips of hard ice replacing her eyes. She moved slowly to Cheryl in a straight line. The blonde realised that she must have finally crossed the line. She squeezed back as far as she could into her seat, frightened eyes moving to and fro.

Confusion and chaos followed. Cheryl was desperately trying to escape Jori's relentless attacks. Ally threw herself on Jori, trying to pull her off and girls screamed from all directions. 'Jori,' she said desperately, 'Stop! You'll get hurt!'

'She shouldn't have bloody dared to say that, then!' Jori's furious voice rang loud and clear over the screeches and cries for help from Cheryl. 'No one can bloody hell insult my mother in my presence!'

Ally clung to Jori with desperate strength. 'Stop! Jori, STOP!'

Jori continued to pummel Cheryl. For some odd reason, a very strange name flashed through her head. Middle-Earth.

The glimmering pendant had slung out from under Jori's jumper*. All of a sudden, the ground gave a terrific lurch, and the air around Ally, who had her arms slung around Jori from behind, Cheryl, who was gasping for breath in Jori's hands, and Jori herself. There was one last cry from three voices.

When the light finally faded and the ground stopped sending tremors, the alarmed girls in the bus realised that the threesome had vanished.




*jumper: sweater in Brit. Term




A.N. I've designed Jori especially to make her be a non-Mary-Sue. But if some disagree, please notify me! Review, please!