Hola!
Just a quick note from me, the author, about "The White Lady of Gondor"
that you might like to read before scrolling down to this latest chapter. I
just wanted to tell you all that Part 9 will be the first half of the
conclusion of what I am calling, the 'beginning' of this story. Part 10,
which continues right where Part 9 ends, is the second and final part of
this beginning. I know that you are probably thinking that if the first ten
parts are the beginning, then when the hell is she going to finish this
story, and in a way, I will agree with you. I had originally intended the
beginning to be around four or five parts, and here I am now, concluding it
at 10! But there isn't much I can do about that now, I guess. :D
For a bit of further info, I'll tell you that the rest of the story will be
set a number of years into the future. All the characters from the books,
for example; Frodo and the Hobbits, Legolas, Gimli, the people of Rohan and
Gondor..everyone, to put it simply, will be included, of that have no
doubt. I could never write a LoTRs story without including the main
characters, and truthfully, I'm just dying to get on and write about the
biggest spunk of all, that blonde elf who we all adore!
But never fear, Earth, the SGC and our boys on SG-1 will also be included a
lot more in the remainder of the story than they have been up till now. How
this will happen, and how Jack will move on now that he knows what Sam's
fate as been, you will just have to wait and see! :D
Also, another thank you must go out to the lovely people who have sent me
reviews faithfully after each post. It's great to know what people think
after they read each new installment, and it's a way of letting me know if
i'm doing something wrong, lol.
Kim [aka Damia]
***
"Farewell, my hobbits!" said Théoden. "May we meet again in my house! There you shall sit beside me and tell me all that your hearts desire: the deeds of your grandsires, as far as you can reckon them; and we will speak of Tobold the Old and his herb-lore. Farewell!" The hobbits bowed low. "So that is the King of Rohan!" said Pippin in an undertone. "A fine old fellow. Very polite."
King Théoden of Rohan, to the Hobbits, Pippin and Merry at the ruin gates of Isengard, [The Two Towers]
***
The next half an hour was the longest of Sam's life.
Never could she remember feeling so confused, but concerning the matter of her missing child; so calm. Sam knew that peculiarly, she had gone from outright panic in finding her and Jack in her sleeping loft when in truth, she should have been giving birth to their long awaited child, but now, finding herself in this unusual situation brought nothing but calm acceptance and the sense that all she had to do was be understanding and patient. Oh, the mystification was there, in bucket loads in fact, but she knew that her friends were out there, somewhere else, helping her in whatever way they could. Sam trusted Arwen and Galadriel with her life, and she knew all she had to do was convince Jack of that.
In the time it had taken her and Jack to come to the conclusion that nothing was about to be answered for them in the near future and they had both decided to move out of her sleeping chamber in favour of the morning room, Sam had run through the events of the past few hours over in her mind what seemed like a million times. But yet, she was always faced with the unacceptable notion that simply, none of this made any sense to her Earth- born and trained mind.
From where he was standing by the tall window, gazing out into the elvish city with critical, narrowed eyes, she could tell the situation was far from Jack's liking as well. Sam felt a deep sense of pity for the man as she watched him quite openly from her seat on the wooden couch. He was standing with both fists wrapped around the railing; knuckles clenching tightly before easing away as if he would suddenly become aware that he was hurting himself. But only seconds later the process would be repeated.
His face was partly hidden from her in the shadow of a tall, arching tree branch outside her window, but from what of it she could see, Sam had realised long ago that he was going through a furious inner battle with himself as to what they should be doing. Without him having to tell her, she knew the argument would be should they run now? While they had the chance? Or should they put their trust in a strange bunch of people who had plucked him out of his bed and seemingly thrust him through the endless darkness of space and who currently were in possession of their child?
Lifting her gaze from her lap, where she had been idly fiddling with the lace of her silver robed gown, Sam silently stood and walked over to him, not knowing how she was going to do it, but knowing that somehow, she must reassure him that they were in no danger, and for the little she truly knew of these people, she was adamant that when the time was right, they would be returned to where they belonged and that the baby would be fine.
Coming to stand behind the man who was officially her Commanding Officer, but who meant so much more to her, Sam paused, wondering what she should do as he had failed to acknowledge her. It had been this way for the best part of the 10 minutes Jack had been by the window. He hadn't moved, and certainly no word had left his mouth.
Reaching up a hand, Sam rested her fingers lightly on her partner's forearm, wincing as he visibly stiffened at her touch and jerked away from her. With a dejected sigh, she let her hand drop silently to her side once again. She wondered how her touch had affected him, how it had felt . She in fact, could feel her entire body humming pleasantly with the touch of her fingers to his body, even if it had only been a cloth covered forearm. It was almost as if the scene just before in her chamber hadn't happened, and they hadn't spent what seemed like a million years clutching each other as if they had been separated for a lifetime or two.
Staring across at his arm with a glassy expression, Sam felt her hand twitch at her side, wanting nothing more to reach out again and make sure that Jack was actually real. That he was, in fact, standing here in Lothlórien with her, dressed in an elvish attire that oddly enough, suited him remarkably well. The only sobering factor in her little dream was that he seemed to be angry with her.
"Jack?" Sam asked hesitantly, unsure of what he was going to say, or if he decided to acknowledge her at all. She told herself that he was perfectly within his rights to be angry at her, and that if the situation had been reversed, she would be furious with him if she had come across him living amongst strangers perfectly unharmed while she had most probably been searching for him with all kinds of dreadful scenarios forming in her mind of his outcome.
With a start, Sam took a step backwards from Jack as if he had slapped her, her hand coming up quickly to cover her mouth, but not in time to smother the horrified gasp that flew from her lips as images of Edora and Laria flashed through her mind. Especially Laria.
Is that what he thinks? Sam asked herself desperately. That I've made the same mistake he did and accepted the fact that I was never going to see them again? That I've gotten on with my life without him?
"Oh my god!" Sam whispered in an appalled tone as she realised that was probably exactly how he felt about her. Not being able to bring herself to look at him any second longer, the blonde woman spun to make a mad dash for the door. But as it turned out, this was what finally forced Jack to turn around and face her, a bewildered expression on his face.
Startled to see Sam about to bolt to the door, he reached out and latched onto her wrist to stop her, but dropped it instantly when she froze with his touch and spat out in a low tone, "Get your hand off me." Then, in an almost pleading tone, she added, "Please..."
"Sam?" he asked, alarmed at her tone. Forgetting her previous words, he pinned her with both arms and forced her to face him. But even then she lowered her head so he couldn't see her face. "What's the matter?" Jack asked, confused with her behaviour. In truth, he had all but forgotten that she was in the room with him, she had been so quiet. Also, the fact that he had had so many thoughts and questions swimming around in his head hadn't helped the matter, but he still hadn't a clue what would have made her act this way.
But looking down at the top of her shaking head, her face hidden from him by her long hair, Jack had to admit to himself that he also hadn't a clue what to say to her. And for that he could have kicked himself. He had spent the past eight months burning for her, not allowing himself to completely accept the fact that she was actually gone, and now that he finally had the chance to be with her again, however long that may be, he was wasting it brooding over their fate by that blasted window. What exactly had he been thinking about, anyway? he wondered. How important could it have really been?
It was then that Sam finally raised her eyes and stared up at him, through the wisps of her hair, and Jack was stunned to find the hurt that was swimming in them.
"It's true, isn't it?" she hissed at him through clenched teeth, "You think I'd given up on you."
Shocked, Jack just stared at her, wondering where in hell that had come from and what had happened to make her think it. "What!?" he managed to sputter, but it was too late. She had pulled out of his arms and went to stand on the other side of the room, her back to him, her whole body shaking visibly through her gown with an emotion Jack couldn't name. Anger or sorrow?
Running an agitated hand through his hair, Jack took a step towards her then thought better of it. Instead, he took a deep breath, swallowed, and stared at her ivory back.
"Carter, please," he whispered. "The Sam I know would know I would never think that. Not in a million years." As she didn't answer him, he ploughed on. "Now, I'm going to be honest with you here and just come out and tell you that I wouldn't have the slightest idea what is going on here. I sure as hell don't understand what the heck you've been doing here for the past eight months, but what I do know is that somewhere in this bloody place is our kid. So if you want to yell at me for some godforsaken reason, then I'm willing to let you have your say. But can we please find out what the hell is going on first?"
It seemed that this got the desired response Jack was going for, or a bit of it at least, because as he watched, hoping and waiting, Sam's shoulder's seemed to droop as if a huge weight had been lifted off them. She took a deep breath, but still didn't turn around. His heart filling with sympathy at the sight of her, Jack risked taking a few hesitant steps towards her and when he next spoke, his voice was stronger.
"Because I'm sure as hell not ready to loose you again until someone sits me down and explains everything, as slowly and as many times as I damn well want, do you hear me?"
As he finished, he reached her motionless form and put a gentle hand on her hip, squeezing tightly as he felt her sharp in take of breath with his touch. Encouraged by the fact that she hadn't pulled away, he used his other hand to slowly turn her around and enclosed her within his arms as they stood there in the middle of her lounge.
He felt it when she finally gave in to him as a huge shudder rippled through her body from her head to her toes as she reached up to clutch a handful of his robe. "Oh, god, I'm so sorry, Jack. It's just."
But Jack just shook his head. "Don't, Sam, please," he whispered, burying his face in her hair. "I've waited eight months for this."
Her grip on him tightened when she heard that, and the two of them fell into silence as they held each other in a way that told that they were trying to make the past eight months disappear. After a time, they finally pulled away, both well aware of the fact that the hand of Sam's hip stayed exactly where it was. Slightly embarrassed, Sam turned her face away, suddenly shy in the company of the man she had longed for, and truthfully, who she had wondered if she would ever see again.
Even though the silence was comfortable and calm, when Sam finally forced herself to look up at him again, she frowned slightly as she caught sight of his eyes. Or more precisely, what he was gazing at.
Following his lead, she dropped her gaze and found him staring at her chest with a look of deep thoughtfulness. Self-conscious, Sam reached up and crossed her arms across her breasts, causing Jack to blink and redden slightly as he quickly looked up, clearing out his throat as he did so.
"Sorry," he said gruffly, now looking anywhere but at her body. "It's just that they're so, ah, I mean.."
Suddenly, Sam found her whole face breaking out in a wide grin as she watched him try and explain. She knew exactly what he was talking about and had to admit, her body had, well, changed slightly since he had seen her last. Cupping his hot check tenderly with one hand, she found herself giggling softly and was surprised that she could even manage it.
Sam then felt as if she had a million questions of her own to ask him and didn't know where to start. Taking his hand in hers, she lead him over to the couch she had been sitting on and sat down, pleased when he did the same next to her.
When they were both comfortable, the strangest thing happened. Without a word having been passed between them, both Major and Colonel tuned their heads in a mirrored gesture towards the door, almost as if they were expecting something to happen, for someone to walk through now that they had cleared the air between them.
But when nothing happened they both raised their eyebrows and looked away from the door, but the peculiar sensation remained and Sam felt the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up on end like she was sprouting a pair of wings.
"I could have sworn.." Jack muttered loudly, a deep frown on his face as he turned back around and leaned his head back into the couch. Turning his face so that his check brushed the covering, he stared across at Sam where she sat next to him. "Did you get the feeling that Pènne was going to walk in just now?" he asked, his voice curious.
But instead, Jack found that he had surprised her for Sam's eyebrows took flight on her forehead and she leaned back to stare at him in astonishment. "Pènne?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "When did you meet Pènne?"
Confused, Jack lifted up a hand and waved it in the general direction of the door, then her bedroom. "Ahh, excuse me?" he asked, "What is that suppose to mean? She's the blasted person who took me here, for crying out loud!"
"Jack, Pènne's my friend, she wouldn't have been able to do this." Then Sam got a sheepish expression that instantly put Jack on his guard. "And, well, she's also kinda my bodyguard." seeing the startled look on her companion's face she quickly added, "... Not that that really means anything here, but we're *really* not going to talk about that now."
"The fact is I really don't see Pènne having much to do with this, if any. If anybody here is going to be able to get you from Earth and back again, my bet is going to be with Galadriel or Gandalf." Jack then watched as her eyes grew sad. "Although I can't see Gandalf messing around with things like this, not now anyway."
Watching her warily, Jack said, "Sam, I saw her, she was talking to me and I sure as hell remember her saying her name was Pènne." Screwing up his face, Jack tried to recall the names Pènne had told him to remember. "She said something about a person called Arwen, and something about a city named Lothlórien." He started to wave his hands around in a motion that made absolutely no sense what so ever to Sam.
"Arwen?" Sam gasped. "Pènne said this has something to do with Arwen?" She looked as if someone thrown a bucket of freezing water on her face. "How on earth is that possible?" Jack didn't answer, for it seemed the question was spoken out loud and had been for her only.
As Sam grew silent, Jack used the time to examine her properly and racked his eyes up and down her body, over the curves of her legs through the ivory gown and up her waist. He lingered once more over her chest, feeling his heart stop dead at the sight of her swollen, pale breasts heaving against the low neckline of her gown. It was this, if nothing else, that told Jack that she was, or had been, pregnant, and with his kid no less.
As he hadn't seen her body grow as her pregnancy progressed, there was some part of him that still refused to believed that he was a father again, and that somewhere, his child was waiting to be introduced to him. Over the past eight months back on Earth, he had found himself mentally ticking the months off calendars whenever he happened to catch sight of one. It had been almost as if he had wanted this part of the process to hold on to, now that he no longer had the real thing within his grasp.
Feeling a stirring low in his body as he concentrated intently on her body, Jack quickly lifted his eyes and came to rest on Sam's face. She wore that expression that meant she was deep in thought and Jack swallowed hard at the sight of it. Over the past eight months there were millions of things he had come to miss about her, and that darn expression was one of them.
It was only then that he realised she was speaking to him. "How are the others, Jack?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant, as if she was afraid of the answer.
Blinking to clear his thoughts, the first image that sprang to mind with her question was Daniel and Cassandra asleep in his house back in Colorado Springs. Clasping his hands tightly together in his lap, he hurried to reassure her. "On a whole, there all fine, Sam." He said gently. "It's me and the boys on the team now, but I guess you figured that out already."
Almost unconsciously, he tore his eyes away from her sombre face and looked down, his voice rough with emotion when he finally kept talking. "It was hard, at first..not knowing where you were." Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her clenching her hands in her lap, bunching up the material of her gown.
"But we coped, some of us better than others." The remark was out of his mouth before he could stop it and he closed his eyes tightly as images from the past eight months welled up in his brain. Of him lying on his couch with an empty liquor bottle on the carpet beside him, tears staining his face as he prayed for unconsciousness, or the night when her service was being held at Janet and Cassie's house but which found him alone, all dressed to go, but sitting on his front porch with his car keys in his hand, unable to move for the pain.
Or last week, being called up at four in the morning by an unknown, tearful teenage girl with a plea and an address, only to get there and find the person who had once been his little friend with her head in a toilet bowl heaving up a bottle of Janet's best wine. Cassie had been crying in agony while a party of much older young people raged in the background and a handful of her friends waited outside, frightened looks on their faces as they watched their companion finally fall apart with grief that they could not understand.
It had been in those few seconds, standing in the doorway of a stranger's house, staring down in horror at Cassandra and seeing what the disappearance of her dear friend had done to the girl that had finally snapped him out of his own self-pity and take a good look around him and see what Sam's disappearance had done to others.
As he had fallen to his knees beside her, lovingly picking up a handful of Cassie's long hair to keep it away from her face as she finished her unpleasant task, rubbing her back and murmuring soothing words to her in comfort, Jack had felt the tears prickling in his eyes as he thought of what Sam would say if she saw her little protege like that.
And now, looking across at her finally, seeing the uncertain yet eager look in her eyes as she waited for news of her friends, Jack didn't know what to tell her. The truth? That he had just found out that for the past four months Cassandra had been sneaking out of her house every Friday and Saturday night to get lost in a dangerous haze of alcohol with her friends because it was the only way she could get through the day being at school, surrounded by people who couldn't understand what she was going through?
Or that Daniel had shut himself in his office or escaped to vast corners of the Earth, or even Galaxy, in the pretence to catch up on his archaeological work but when in truth, he couldn't stand to be around the SGC long enough to catch sight of something that would remind him of her?
And all of that was nothing compared to what Jack had done to himself.
Sam must have seen that he was having trouble answering, for she reached over and covered his hand with hers for comfort, but the gesture only made Jack feel worse. There was no way in hell he was going to tell her that the only family she really had was falling apart without her. Not when she was going to remain here with only those words to mull over when he returned to Earth. Jack knew that she would only proceed to grow guiltier and dejected as time went on, and there was no way he was going to leave her with that.
"Daniel's keeping busy," he muttered, forcing himself to speak. "He's taken Jonas with him to Egypt a few times on digs and gotten the guy officially hooked on Archaeology, if he wasn't already." Forcing a pathetic grin, he turned his head slightly to catch a look at her face. "To tell you the truth, it drives me and Teal'c mad."
Sam smiled, feeling herself get lost again in the world of her friend's back home. "And Janet and Cass? Has she started University yet?" She flashed him a sheepish smile. "I lost count of the months ages ago, sorry." Sam trailed off, her smile faulting on her face as she noticed the flash of pain that had filled his eyes ever so briefly with the mention of the Fraisers.
Clearing out his throat, Jack wouldn't meet her eye as he answered, "No, she's got a few months to go yet. Finally decided on Archaeology, if you believe it. Janet was a bit surprised, but you should have seen Daniel, he was ecstatic. Seems to me that that man has had more influence on her than we thought. Seems to think he's going to get his own little sidekick or something, by the way he was going on about it. If you ask me, which of course, nobody did, we have far to much of that Archaeology stuff as it is, but what do I know?"
Finally, he looked at her again and his eyes were sad. "She had a hard time when you disappeared, Sam. I don't think she really understood that you weren't coming back until we had a service for you." Seeing the distressed look that filled her face, he hurried on, "She's okay now, though. She's doing much better." And that was the truth, or as much of it as he was willing to tell her.
"And Teal'c and my father?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself almost unconsciously as she swallowed deeply, taking in what he had told her.
Jack sat up a bit at that, glad for the fact that at least he had some good news for her. "They are both good, last time that I saw them, anyway." When she looked startled and not a little bit confused, he squeezed her hand and gave a small smile of encouragement. "Teal'c and the other Rebel Jaffa have had a busy month. They're actively recruiting members now, not so much in secret. And you will be pleased to hear that with the help of Jacob and a few others, they have successfully overthrown two minor System Lords and gained the support of their Jaffa. Teal'c is due back on Earth in a few days actually, he's got a meeting with the Joint Chiefs all set up to discuss the Jaffa/ Human alliance and I'm sure he's going to impress the pants off all of them, of course. "
He smiled at her again, trying to brighten her spirits. "He's bringing Rya'c with him, I think."
Sam shook her head slowly, a dazed look on her face. "It's so good to hear about everyone, I've been dying to know how they're all getting on." Looking up, she gave a flick of her eyebrows and her smile widened. "It can get very frustrating being here by myself, I've got no one to talk to about any of that stuff."
Eager to hear about what she had been up to, Jack leaned forward. "Now that we are on the topic, just what is this place, Sam? And what are these people?" He shook his head in disbelief. "They sure as hell aren't like any aliens I've ever meet before."
But in answer, Sam only frowned thoughtfully. "That's probably because I'm not sure they actually are aliens."
Bewildered, Jack just arched his eyebrows. "What? Of course they are! What else would they be?"
But whatever answer she was going to give, Jack would never know, for at that instance there was a resounding knock on the door and Sam clamped her mouth shut as deep relief flooded her face. Even though Jack had jumped to his feet with the sound, Sam stayed seated; merely turning her head towards the door in curiosity as she waited to see whom it had been that had spun her life into a tailspin all over again.
But when the door finally opened and a figure slowly walked through, Jack heard the overjoyed gasp that was ripped from Sam's mouth a second before she shot up from the couch and bolted towards the door and the person standing in the archway. Stepping back hastily so that she wouldn't bowl him over, Jack looked quickly over at the old man that Sam had launched herself at and was now hugging tightly, while at the same time laughing joyfully as tears streamed down her face.
He had to be the oldest, most unusual person Jack had ever laid eyes on. And it wasn't only the long grey beard, pointy grey hat and long grey robes that had made Jack come to this conclusion. There was just something about him, a crackling energy and power that he had noticed as soon as the old man had walked into the room. And as he watched now, as Sam embraced the old man with all the warmth of a dear friend, Jack suddenly knew without any doubt that it was this man, this old figure leaning on his crooked staff, who had gotten Sam where she was now.
Straining his ears, he could hear Sam crying into the man's shoulder, "You came! You came! I thought something dreadful had happened to you!" She tilted her head back to peer into his face. "What happened, Gandalf? Is the baby okay?"
It was at that moment, as Jack waited just as eagerly for the old man's answer that a movement out of the corner of his eye caught Jack's attention, drawing his eyes away from the pair. His eyes opened wide in recognition as he saw a dark haired, lithe figure silently enter the room behind the old man and smile slightly as she watched the two embracing friends. As Jack took a step forward, Pènne's eyes snapped over to him and appraised him calmly but with a glint in her eyes that told him not to take another step.
But as if turned out, his sudden movement hadn't gone unnoticed by the other new figure in the room and the old man abruptly turned to glance at him over the top of Sam's golden head. Uncomfortable with being assessed by all corners, Jack frowned back at him pointedly. But this seemingly pleased the old man, for he chuckled softly and gently drew away from a still beaming Sam.
Even as Pènne stayed where she was, silent and watchful by the doorway, the old man slowly walked over to Jack and came to stand before him, looking him up and down from beneath his bushy grey eyebrows. Whatever final conclusion he came to about Jack, he didn't reveal a thing, only nodding thoughtfully and tilting his head to the side as he said in a clear and firm voice, "So this is the father."
Even as Jack immediately opened his mouth to reply, he realised that the statement hadn't been addressed to him at all, but actually to Sam, who silently glided up to stand beside the old man, gently placing a hand on his arm. She shot Jack a quick, reassuring grin as if to tell him that the old man meant no harm, but failing on all accounts but succeeding in baffling Jack even more as to why she was smiling so broadly. Who was this man to her?
"Yes." Jack answered anyway, then feeling even more foolish as the seconds ticked by and nobody, not even Sam, made any comments to his claim of paternity of Sam's child.
Finally, after what seemed like a million years to Jack, the old man nodded again. "We shall see," was the only answer it seemed he was willing to give on that matter. But on others, he appeared friendly on all accounts. Reaching out, the old man placed a strong hand on Jack's shoulder.
"I am Gandalf the Grey; wizard and friend of the fair folk of Lothlórien. Before we go on, it must be said that you are here not by my wishes, but those of the White Queen Galadriel, and her granddaughter, the lady Arwen of Rivendell. It was not my magic that brought you here, for not even I could manage such a feat."
As he listened, stunned and bewildered at Gandalf's words, Jack noticed Sam jerk as she too, listened to the old man. But when she slowly turned to stare, dismayed, at Pènne who had come to stand slightly off to the side of the three of them, Jack saw her eyes narrow as she thought over this new development of her so called bodyguard in her mind. If the situation had been even the slightest bit different, Jack would probably have smirked at her look of confusion and at the fact that he had been right, for once, and she way off the mark.
"I have been told by the Lady Galadriel that you are to be treated according to the respect given to Samantha by the people of this fair city, and on this I have no cause for doubt. But you are to be aware that there are people in this city that demand respect, and from you, they will receive it." His last words had not been a request.
Silence fell as the old man abruptly finished and truth be told, Jack didn't know what to say. But then Sam was frowning up at Gandalf, clearly disapproving of his words, and the wizard turned to glance down at her quickly, almost as if he had sensed the sudden change in her mood.
"What is it, young one?" he inquired of her quietly, his tone soft and reserved for her only. But when the blonde woman lifted her head to gaze up into his eyes, he must have seen an unspoken question looming within their depths for he only smiled and nodded his head again. "What is it that I see you impatient to ask of me, but of what you refuse to speak? Can I assume that you are anxious to inquire about another, and not only your child?"
His words were obviously teasing, but Sam clearly didn't find them humorous for she scowled up at her friend and crossed her arms over her chest, flatly refusing to answer.
It was Pènne who broke the silent battle between the two companions, coming to stand before Sam and placing a calming hand on her arm. Sam, who from the look on her face, had been clearly content to put all thoughts of Pènne's hidden agenda to the back of her mind for the moment, looked her bodyguard squarely in the eye, still scowling deeply. But Pènne ignored her black expression and after shooting a quick disapproving frown at Gandalf, she smiled kindly at her.
"I know you have many questions, my friend, but this is not the right time for them to be answered. Even thought the Grey One refuses to help ease your mind, I will aid you by saying that yes, the Lord Aragorn also arrived early with the coming of the dawn, and he now awaits you anxiously with his Lady and the folk of Lothlórien."
The words meant nothing to Jack, but the look on Sam's face said it all. From the naked relief and satisfaction that burst into her eyes, Jack knew that whoever this Aragorn person was, he obviously meant a great deal to Sam.
Clenching his mouth into a thin line, Jack felt his body grow cold with a sudden notion that she had paired off with this Aragorn person during the eight months she had been stranded on this planet. Squeezing his fists into balls at his side, he told himself that he had no claim on her anymore, apart from the baby, and if had she found comfort with someone else, then he couldn't blame her. He certainly had during his little sojourn on Edora.
Totally unaware of Jack's dark thoughts, Sam looked eagerly at Pènne with hope in her eyes. "Can we go back now?" Without waiting for an answer, she glanced up at Gandalf. "Is the baby okay?"
Smiling down at her fondly, Gandalf shot Jack a quick glance before answering her, almost as if he wanted Jack to know that he was involved in this conversation as much as anyone else. "Your child thrives, Samantha, under the watchful eye and care of the lady Galadriel. And yes, it is time for us to return to the proper place."
With his words, Sam suddenly shot Jack a troubled look and reached out to grip his wrist tightly. "Pènne?" she asked; her voice firm. "I want Jack to come back with us before you send him to Earth. He has just as much right to this child as I do." Not looking at his face, Sam swallowed deeply, but she was resolute when she continued, now having caught the attention of both newcomers. "We know that you have to take him back to Earth, and we understand. But we need more time."
Pènne was silent as she watched her charge, listening and weighing her words. After Sam had finished on a soft, questioning note, the dark haired elf closed her eyes slowly and looked down, ignoring the two humans who now stood, Sam still clutching Jack's arm tightly, almost afraid to let him go.
When Pènne finally did answer, it wasn't to Sam as expected, but to Jack, whose tense face she pinned her cold blue eyes with a hard, yet searching look. "You have others, slumbering in your household at this moment, do you not?" Feeling Sam suddenly jerk beside him, and knowing exactly what she was thinking, he took a step sideways, brushing her hip, before he answered the lovely elf.
"Yes, I do. They are friends of both mine and Sam's, who are taking her disappearance badly." Risking a quick glance down at Sam's face, he saw her cheeks had taken on a reddish glow and he resisted yet another smirk.
Pènne looked from Sam's pink face up to his and Jack could have sworn he saw the faintest hint of a smile grace her passionless, regal face. "One of them is young, yet she mourns as deep as the other. Has she not been shielded from the worst remarks as a young woman of her kind should be?"
Looking at Sam, she netted her eyebrows with a thoughtful frown. "She is not of your kind, yet she lives among you. Is she the girl child you have told me of, Samantha? Called Cassandra?"
Sam nodded her head. "Yes. And I know my friends had her best interests at heart when telling her whatever they did. She is a strong young woman, Pènne, and she has people to watch out for her."
But Pènne scoffed, clearly not agreeing. But she let the matter drop when she turned back to Jack. "You may remain in Middle-Earth with Samantha and your child until it is time for your sleeping companions to rise. It would not bode well for them to find you in your motionless state and grow alarmed when they fail to rouse you."
Unable to speak, Jack just looked down at Sam, wanting to see her reaction to this decision, but found instead she was already watching him, a huge grin on her face. And at that moment, the fact that they were about to meet their child for the first time hit both of them like a fist in the stomach. Sam swallowed, seemingly nervous, but the grin wouldn't leave her face as she finally tore her eyes away from Jack and turned back to Pènne.
"Alright then," she said impatiently. "Let's get this show on the road."
Only Jack smiled at her words, for they forced Pènne and Gandalf to glance at each other with perplexed expressions, before Gandalf cleared his throat and clapped his hands together. Coming to stand between Sam and Jack, he placed a hand on each of their shoulders gently and with one last tender look at Sam, he turned to Pènne with a determined look that spoke volumes
Without having to be told, Pènne walked up to the trio and reached out to clasp both of Sam's hands in hers. Closing her eyes, she dipped her head and took a deep breath. "Let your mind float away from this room," she explained to Sam and Jack, who were watching the elf with doubtful expressions as if wondering if this was actually going to work. "I can only be the catalyst for the change, you must want it yourself. Think of where you will be going to, of what you will find in your destination." Pènne said, and she shot Jack a quick look before dipping her head again.
"Right." Jack muttered under his breath and he followed her example and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and feeling foolish as he did so. But then, as he filled his head with thoughts of his child, that he had yet to meet, but who it seemed he knew so well already, Jack felt the familiar sensation of feeling weightless and even though he tried, he found he could no longer open his eyes.
And as he felt his body start to float away from his surroundings, a strong, male voice drifted into his brain just as he let himself be washed away with the feeling of soaring across a great distance, sensing somewhere in the back of his mind, that Sam was at his side, soaring with him.
"Let it begin." Gandalf whispered, yet it was heard by all. "Their daughter awaits them."
And then Jack ceased to think at all.
**** To be continued...
***
"Farewell, my hobbits!" said Théoden. "May we meet again in my house! There you shall sit beside me and tell me all that your hearts desire: the deeds of your grandsires, as far as you can reckon them; and we will speak of Tobold the Old and his herb-lore. Farewell!" The hobbits bowed low. "So that is the King of Rohan!" said Pippin in an undertone. "A fine old fellow. Very polite."
King Théoden of Rohan, to the Hobbits, Pippin and Merry at the ruin gates of Isengard, [The Two Towers]
***
The next half an hour was the longest of Sam's life.
Never could she remember feeling so confused, but concerning the matter of her missing child; so calm. Sam knew that peculiarly, she had gone from outright panic in finding her and Jack in her sleeping loft when in truth, she should have been giving birth to their long awaited child, but now, finding herself in this unusual situation brought nothing but calm acceptance and the sense that all she had to do was be understanding and patient. Oh, the mystification was there, in bucket loads in fact, but she knew that her friends were out there, somewhere else, helping her in whatever way they could. Sam trusted Arwen and Galadriel with her life, and she knew all she had to do was convince Jack of that.
In the time it had taken her and Jack to come to the conclusion that nothing was about to be answered for them in the near future and they had both decided to move out of her sleeping chamber in favour of the morning room, Sam had run through the events of the past few hours over in her mind what seemed like a million times. But yet, she was always faced with the unacceptable notion that simply, none of this made any sense to her Earth- born and trained mind.
From where he was standing by the tall window, gazing out into the elvish city with critical, narrowed eyes, she could tell the situation was far from Jack's liking as well. Sam felt a deep sense of pity for the man as she watched him quite openly from her seat on the wooden couch. He was standing with both fists wrapped around the railing; knuckles clenching tightly before easing away as if he would suddenly become aware that he was hurting himself. But only seconds later the process would be repeated.
His face was partly hidden from her in the shadow of a tall, arching tree branch outside her window, but from what of it she could see, Sam had realised long ago that he was going through a furious inner battle with himself as to what they should be doing. Without him having to tell her, she knew the argument would be should they run now? While they had the chance? Or should they put their trust in a strange bunch of people who had plucked him out of his bed and seemingly thrust him through the endless darkness of space and who currently were in possession of their child?
Lifting her gaze from her lap, where she had been idly fiddling with the lace of her silver robed gown, Sam silently stood and walked over to him, not knowing how she was going to do it, but knowing that somehow, she must reassure him that they were in no danger, and for the little she truly knew of these people, she was adamant that when the time was right, they would be returned to where they belonged and that the baby would be fine.
Coming to stand behind the man who was officially her Commanding Officer, but who meant so much more to her, Sam paused, wondering what she should do as he had failed to acknowledge her. It had been this way for the best part of the 10 minutes Jack had been by the window. He hadn't moved, and certainly no word had left his mouth.
Reaching up a hand, Sam rested her fingers lightly on her partner's forearm, wincing as he visibly stiffened at her touch and jerked away from her. With a dejected sigh, she let her hand drop silently to her side once again. She wondered how her touch had affected him, how it had felt . She in fact, could feel her entire body humming pleasantly with the touch of her fingers to his body, even if it had only been a cloth covered forearm. It was almost as if the scene just before in her chamber hadn't happened, and they hadn't spent what seemed like a million years clutching each other as if they had been separated for a lifetime or two.
Staring across at his arm with a glassy expression, Sam felt her hand twitch at her side, wanting nothing more to reach out again and make sure that Jack was actually real. That he was, in fact, standing here in Lothlórien with her, dressed in an elvish attire that oddly enough, suited him remarkably well. The only sobering factor in her little dream was that he seemed to be angry with her.
"Jack?" Sam asked hesitantly, unsure of what he was going to say, or if he decided to acknowledge her at all. She told herself that he was perfectly within his rights to be angry at her, and that if the situation had been reversed, she would be furious with him if she had come across him living amongst strangers perfectly unharmed while she had most probably been searching for him with all kinds of dreadful scenarios forming in her mind of his outcome.
With a start, Sam took a step backwards from Jack as if he had slapped her, her hand coming up quickly to cover her mouth, but not in time to smother the horrified gasp that flew from her lips as images of Edora and Laria flashed through her mind. Especially Laria.
Is that what he thinks? Sam asked herself desperately. That I've made the same mistake he did and accepted the fact that I was never going to see them again? That I've gotten on with my life without him?
"Oh my god!" Sam whispered in an appalled tone as she realised that was probably exactly how he felt about her. Not being able to bring herself to look at him any second longer, the blonde woman spun to make a mad dash for the door. But as it turned out, this was what finally forced Jack to turn around and face her, a bewildered expression on his face.
Startled to see Sam about to bolt to the door, he reached out and latched onto her wrist to stop her, but dropped it instantly when she froze with his touch and spat out in a low tone, "Get your hand off me." Then, in an almost pleading tone, she added, "Please..."
"Sam?" he asked, alarmed at her tone. Forgetting her previous words, he pinned her with both arms and forced her to face him. But even then she lowered her head so he couldn't see her face. "What's the matter?" Jack asked, confused with her behaviour. In truth, he had all but forgotten that she was in the room with him, she had been so quiet. Also, the fact that he had had so many thoughts and questions swimming around in his head hadn't helped the matter, but he still hadn't a clue what would have made her act this way.
But looking down at the top of her shaking head, her face hidden from him by her long hair, Jack had to admit to himself that he also hadn't a clue what to say to her. And for that he could have kicked himself. He had spent the past eight months burning for her, not allowing himself to completely accept the fact that she was actually gone, and now that he finally had the chance to be with her again, however long that may be, he was wasting it brooding over their fate by that blasted window. What exactly had he been thinking about, anyway? he wondered. How important could it have really been?
It was then that Sam finally raised her eyes and stared up at him, through the wisps of her hair, and Jack was stunned to find the hurt that was swimming in them.
"It's true, isn't it?" she hissed at him through clenched teeth, "You think I'd given up on you."
Shocked, Jack just stared at her, wondering where in hell that had come from and what had happened to make her think it. "What!?" he managed to sputter, but it was too late. She had pulled out of his arms and went to stand on the other side of the room, her back to him, her whole body shaking visibly through her gown with an emotion Jack couldn't name. Anger or sorrow?
Running an agitated hand through his hair, Jack took a step towards her then thought better of it. Instead, he took a deep breath, swallowed, and stared at her ivory back.
"Carter, please," he whispered. "The Sam I know would know I would never think that. Not in a million years." As she didn't answer him, he ploughed on. "Now, I'm going to be honest with you here and just come out and tell you that I wouldn't have the slightest idea what is going on here. I sure as hell don't understand what the heck you've been doing here for the past eight months, but what I do know is that somewhere in this bloody place is our kid. So if you want to yell at me for some godforsaken reason, then I'm willing to let you have your say. But can we please find out what the hell is going on first?"
It seemed that this got the desired response Jack was going for, or a bit of it at least, because as he watched, hoping and waiting, Sam's shoulder's seemed to droop as if a huge weight had been lifted off them. She took a deep breath, but still didn't turn around. His heart filling with sympathy at the sight of her, Jack risked taking a few hesitant steps towards her and when he next spoke, his voice was stronger.
"Because I'm sure as hell not ready to loose you again until someone sits me down and explains everything, as slowly and as many times as I damn well want, do you hear me?"
As he finished, he reached her motionless form and put a gentle hand on her hip, squeezing tightly as he felt her sharp in take of breath with his touch. Encouraged by the fact that she hadn't pulled away, he used his other hand to slowly turn her around and enclosed her within his arms as they stood there in the middle of her lounge.
He felt it when she finally gave in to him as a huge shudder rippled through her body from her head to her toes as she reached up to clutch a handful of his robe. "Oh, god, I'm so sorry, Jack. It's just."
But Jack just shook his head. "Don't, Sam, please," he whispered, burying his face in her hair. "I've waited eight months for this."
Her grip on him tightened when she heard that, and the two of them fell into silence as they held each other in a way that told that they were trying to make the past eight months disappear. After a time, they finally pulled away, both well aware of the fact that the hand of Sam's hip stayed exactly where it was. Slightly embarrassed, Sam turned her face away, suddenly shy in the company of the man she had longed for, and truthfully, who she had wondered if she would ever see again.
Even though the silence was comfortable and calm, when Sam finally forced herself to look up at him again, she frowned slightly as she caught sight of his eyes. Or more precisely, what he was gazing at.
Following his lead, she dropped her gaze and found him staring at her chest with a look of deep thoughtfulness. Self-conscious, Sam reached up and crossed her arms across her breasts, causing Jack to blink and redden slightly as he quickly looked up, clearing out his throat as he did so.
"Sorry," he said gruffly, now looking anywhere but at her body. "It's just that they're so, ah, I mean.."
Suddenly, Sam found her whole face breaking out in a wide grin as she watched him try and explain. She knew exactly what he was talking about and had to admit, her body had, well, changed slightly since he had seen her last. Cupping his hot check tenderly with one hand, she found herself giggling softly and was surprised that she could even manage it.
Sam then felt as if she had a million questions of her own to ask him and didn't know where to start. Taking his hand in hers, she lead him over to the couch she had been sitting on and sat down, pleased when he did the same next to her.
When they were both comfortable, the strangest thing happened. Without a word having been passed between them, both Major and Colonel tuned their heads in a mirrored gesture towards the door, almost as if they were expecting something to happen, for someone to walk through now that they had cleared the air between them.
But when nothing happened they both raised their eyebrows and looked away from the door, but the peculiar sensation remained and Sam felt the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up on end like she was sprouting a pair of wings.
"I could have sworn.." Jack muttered loudly, a deep frown on his face as he turned back around and leaned his head back into the couch. Turning his face so that his check brushed the covering, he stared across at Sam where she sat next to him. "Did you get the feeling that Pènne was going to walk in just now?" he asked, his voice curious.
But instead, Jack found that he had surprised her for Sam's eyebrows took flight on her forehead and she leaned back to stare at him in astonishment. "Pènne?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "When did you meet Pènne?"
Confused, Jack lifted up a hand and waved it in the general direction of the door, then her bedroom. "Ahh, excuse me?" he asked, "What is that suppose to mean? She's the blasted person who took me here, for crying out loud!"
"Jack, Pènne's my friend, she wouldn't have been able to do this." Then Sam got a sheepish expression that instantly put Jack on his guard. "And, well, she's also kinda my bodyguard." seeing the startled look on her companion's face she quickly added, "... Not that that really means anything here, but we're *really* not going to talk about that now."
"The fact is I really don't see Pènne having much to do with this, if any. If anybody here is going to be able to get you from Earth and back again, my bet is going to be with Galadriel or Gandalf." Jack then watched as her eyes grew sad. "Although I can't see Gandalf messing around with things like this, not now anyway."
Watching her warily, Jack said, "Sam, I saw her, she was talking to me and I sure as hell remember her saying her name was Pènne." Screwing up his face, Jack tried to recall the names Pènne had told him to remember. "She said something about a person called Arwen, and something about a city named Lothlórien." He started to wave his hands around in a motion that made absolutely no sense what so ever to Sam.
"Arwen?" Sam gasped. "Pènne said this has something to do with Arwen?" She looked as if someone thrown a bucket of freezing water on her face. "How on earth is that possible?" Jack didn't answer, for it seemed the question was spoken out loud and had been for her only.
As Sam grew silent, Jack used the time to examine her properly and racked his eyes up and down her body, over the curves of her legs through the ivory gown and up her waist. He lingered once more over her chest, feeling his heart stop dead at the sight of her swollen, pale breasts heaving against the low neckline of her gown. It was this, if nothing else, that told Jack that she was, or had been, pregnant, and with his kid no less.
As he hadn't seen her body grow as her pregnancy progressed, there was some part of him that still refused to believed that he was a father again, and that somewhere, his child was waiting to be introduced to him. Over the past eight months back on Earth, he had found himself mentally ticking the months off calendars whenever he happened to catch sight of one. It had been almost as if he had wanted this part of the process to hold on to, now that he no longer had the real thing within his grasp.
Feeling a stirring low in his body as he concentrated intently on her body, Jack quickly lifted his eyes and came to rest on Sam's face. She wore that expression that meant she was deep in thought and Jack swallowed hard at the sight of it. Over the past eight months there were millions of things he had come to miss about her, and that darn expression was one of them.
It was only then that he realised she was speaking to him. "How are the others, Jack?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant, as if she was afraid of the answer.
Blinking to clear his thoughts, the first image that sprang to mind with her question was Daniel and Cassandra asleep in his house back in Colorado Springs. Clasping his hands tightly together in his lap, he hurried to reassure her. "On a whole, there all fine, Sam." He said gently. "It's me and the boys on the team now, but I guess you figured that out already."
Almost unconsciously, he tore his eyes away from her sombre face and looked down, his voice rough with emotion when he finally kept talking. "It was hard, at first..not knowing where you were." Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her clenching her hands in her lap, bunching up the material of her gown.
"But we coped, some of us better than others." The remark was out of his mouth before he could stop it and he closed his eyes tightly as images from the past eight months welled up in his brain. Of him lying on his couch with an empty liquor bottle on the carpet beside him, tears staining his face as he prayed for unconsciousness, or the night when her service was being held at Janet and Cassie's house but which found him alone, all dressed to go, but sitting on his front porch with his car keys in his hand, unable to move for the pain.
Or last week, being called up at four in the morning by an unknown, tearful teenage girl with a plea and an address, only to get there and find the person who had once been his little friend with her head in a toilet bowl heaving up a bottle of Janet's best wine. Cassie had been crying in agony while a party of much older young people raged in the background and a handful of her friends waited outside, frightened looks on their faces as they watched their companion finally fall apart with grief that they could not understand.
It had been in those few seconds, standing in the doorway of a stranger's house, staring down in horror at Cassandra and seeing what the disappearance of her dear friend had done to the girl that had finally snapped him out of his own self-pity and take a good look around him and see what Sam's disappearance had done to others.
As he had fallen to his knees beside her, lovingly picking up a handful of Cassie's long hair to keep it away from her face as she finished her unpleasant task, rubbing her back and murmuring soothing words to her in comfort, Jack had felt the tears prickling in his eyes as he thought of what Sam would say if she saw her little protege like that.
And now, looking across at her finally, seeing the uncertain yet eager look in her eyes as she waited for news of her friends, Jack didn't know what to tell her. The truth? That he had just found out that for the past four months Cassandra had been sneaking out of her house every Friday and Saturday night to get lost in a dangerous haze of alcohol with her friends because it was the only way she could get through the day being at school, surrounded by people who couldn't understand what she was going through?
Or that Daniel had shut himself in his office or escaped to vast corners of the Earth, or even Galaxy, in the pretence to catch up on his archaeological work but when in truth, he couldn't stand to be around the SGC long enough to catch sight of something that would remind him of her?
And all of that was nothing compared to what Jack had done to himself.
Sam must have seen that he was having trouble answering, for she reached over and covered his hand with hers for comfort, but the gesture only made Jack feel worse. There was no way in hell he was going to tell her that the only family she really had was falling apart without her. Not when she was going to remain here with only those words to mull over when he returned to Earth. Jack knew that she would only proceed to grow guiltier and dejected as time went on, and there was no way he was going to leave her with that.
"Daniel's keeping busy," he muttered, forcing himself to speak. "He's taken Jonas with him to Egypt a few times on digs and gotten the guy officially hooked on Archaeology, if he wasn't already." Forcing a pathetic grin, he turned his head slightly to catch a look at her face. "To tell you the truth, it drives me and Teal'c mad."
Sam smiled, feeling herself get lost again in the world of her friend's back home. "And Janet and Cass? Has she started University yet?" She flashed him a sheepish smile. "I lost count of the months ages ago, sorry." Sam trailed off, her smile faulting on her face as she noticed the flash of pain that had filled his eyes ever so briefly with the mention of the Fraisers.
Clearing out his throat, Jack wouldn't meet her eye as he answered, "No, she's got a few months to go yet. Finally decided on Archaeology, if you believe it. Janet was a bit surprised, but you should have seen Daniel, he was ecstatic. Seems to me that that man has had more influence on her than we thought. Seems to think he's going to get his own little sidekick or something, by the way he was going on about it. If you ask me, which of course, nobody did, we have far to much of that Archaeology stuff as it is, but what do I know?"
Finally, he looked at her again and his eyes were sad. "She had a hard time when you disappeared, Sam. I don't think she really understood that you weren't coming back until we had a service for you." Seeing the distressed look that filled her face, he hurried on, "She's okay now, though. She's doing much better." And that was the truth, or as much of it as he was willing to tell her.
"And Teal'c and my father?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself almost unconsciously as she swallowed deeply, taking in what he had told her.
Jack sat up a bit at that, glad for the fact that at least he had some good news for her. "They are both good, last time that I saw them, anyway." When she looked startled and not a little bit confused, he squeezed her hand and gave a small smile of encouragement. "Teal'c and the other Rebel Jaffa have had a busy month. They're actively recruiting members now, not so much in secret. And you will be pleased to hear that with the help of Jacob and a few others, they have successfully overthrown two minor System Lords and gained the support of their Jaffa. Teal'c is due back on Earth in a few days actually, he's got a meeting with the Joint Chiefs all set up to discuss the Jaffa/ Human alliance and I'm sure he's going to impress the pants off all of them, of course. "
He smiled at her again, trying to brighten her spirits. "He's bringing Rya'c with him, I think."
Sam shook her head slowly, a dazed look on her face. "It's so good to hear about everyone, I've been dying to know how they're all getting on." Looking up, she gave a flick of her eyebrows and her smile widened. "It can get very frustrating being here by myself, I've got no one to talk to about any of that stuff."
Eager to hear about what she had been up to, Jack leaned forward. "Now that we are on the topic, just what is this place, Sam? And what are these people?" He shook his head in disbelief. "They sure as hell aren't like any aliens I've ever meet before."
But in answer, Sam only frowned thoughtfully. "That's probably because I'm not sure they actually are aliens."
Bewildered, Jack just arched his eyebrows. "What? Of course they are! What else would they be?"
But whatever answer she was going to give, Jack would never know, for at that instance there was a resounding knock on the door and Sam clamped her mouth shut as deep relief flooded her face. Even though Jack had jumped to his feet with the sound, Sam stayed seated; merely turning her head towards the door in curiosity as she waited to see whom it had been that had spun her life into a tailspin all over again.
But when the door finally opened and a figure slowly walked through, Jack heard the overjoyed gasp that was ripped from Sam's mouth a second before she shot up from the couch and bolted towards the door and the person standing in the archway. Stepping back hastily so that she wouldn't bowl him over, Jack looked quickly over at the old man that Sam had launched herself at and was now hugging tightly, while at the same time laughing joyfully as tears streamed down her face.
He had to be the oldest, most unusual person Jack had ever laid eyes on. And it wasn't only the long grey beard, pointy grey hat and long grey robes that had made Jack come to this conclusion. There was just something about him, a crackling energy and power that he had noticed as soon as the old man had walked into the room. And as he watched now, as Sam embraced the old man with all the warmth of a dear friend, Jack suddenly knew without any doubt that it was this man, this old figure leaning on his crooked staff, who had gotten Sam where she was now.
Straining his ears, he could hear Sam crying into the man's shoulder, "You came! You came! I thought something dreadful had happened to you!" She tilted her head back to peer into his face. "What happened, Gandalf? Is the baby okay?"
It was at that moment, as Jack waited just as eagerly for the old man's answer that a movement out of the corner of his eye caught Jack's attention, drawing his eyes away from the pair. His eyes opened wide in recognition as he saw a dark haired, lithe figure silently enter the room behind the old man and smile slightly as she watched the two embracing friends. As Jack took a step forward, Pènne's eyes snapped over to him and appraised him calmly but with a glint in her eyes that told him not to take another step.
But as if turned out, his sudden movement hadn't gone unnoticed by the other new figure in the room and the old man abruptly turned to glance at him over the top of Sam's golden head. Uncomfortable with being assessed by all corners, Jack frowned back at him pointedly. But this seemingly pleased the old man, for he chuckled softly and gently drew away from a still beaming Sam.
Even as Pènne stayed where she was, silent and watchful by the doorway, the old man slowly walked over to Jack and came to stand before him, looking him up and down from beneath his bushy grey eyebrows. Whatever final conclusion he came to about Jack, he didn't reveal a thing, only nodding thoughtfully and tilting his head to the side as he said in a clear and firm voice, "So this is the father."
Even as Jack immediately opened his mouth to reply, he realised that the statement hadn't been addressed to him at all, but actually to Sam, who silently glided up to stand beside the old man, gently placing a hand on his arm. She shot Jack a quick, reassuring grin as if to tell him that the old man meant no harm, but failing on all accounts but succeeding in baffling Jack even more as to why she was smiling so broadly. Who was this man to her?
"Yes." Jack answered anyway, then feeling even more foolish as the seconds ticked by and nobody, not even Sam, made any comments to his claim of paternity of Sam's child.
Finally, after what seemed like a million years to Jack, the old man nodded again. "We shall see," was the only answer it seemed he was willing to give on that matter. But on others, he appeared friendly on all accounts. Reaching out, the old man placed a strong hand on Jack's shoulder.
"I am Gandalf the Grey; wizard and friend of the fair folk of Lothlórien. Before we go on, it must be said that you are here not by my wishes, but those of the White Queen Galadriel, and her granddaughter, the lady Arwen of Rivendell. It was not my magic that brought you here, for not even I could manage such a feat."
As he listened, stunned and bewildered at Gandalf's words, Jack noticed Sam jerk as she too, listened to the old man. But when she slowly turned to stare, dismayed, at Pènne who had come to stand slightly off to the side of the three of them, Jack saw her eyes narrow as she thought over this new development of her so called bodyguard in her mind. If the situation had been even the slightest bit different, Jack would probably have smirked at her look of confusion and at the fact that he had been right, for once, and she way off the mark.
"I have been told by the Lady Galadriel that you are to be treated according to the respect given to Samantha by the people of this fair city, and on this I have no cause for doubt. But you are to be aware that there are people in this city that demand respect, and from you, they will receive it." His last words had not been a request.
Silence fell as the old man abruptly finished and truth be told, Jack didn't know what to say. But then Sam was frowning up at Gandalf, clearly disapproving of his words, and the wizard turned to glance down at her quickly, almost as if he had sensed the sudden change in her mood.
"What is it, young one?" he inquired of her quietly, his tone soft and reserved for her only. But when the blonde woman lifted her head to gaze up into his eyes, he must have seen an unspoken question looming within their depths for he only smiled and nodded his head again. "What is it that I see you impatient to ask of me, but of what you refuse to speak? Can I assume that you are anxious to inquire about another, and not only your child?"
His words were obviously teasing, but Sam clearly didn't find them humorous for she scowled up at her friend and crossed her arms over her chest, flatly refusing to answer.
It was Pènne who broke the silent battle between the two companions, coming to stand before Sam and placing a calming hand on her arm. Sam, who from the look on her face, had been clearly content to put all thoughts of Pènne's hidden agenda to the back of her mind for the moment, looked her bodyguard squarely in the eye, still scowling deeply. But Pènne ignored her black expression and after shooting a quick disapproving frown at Gandalf, she smiled kindly at her.
"I know you have many questions, my friend, but this is not the right time for them to be answered. Even thought the Grey One refuses to help ease your mind, I will aid you by saying that yes, the Lord Aragorn also arrived early with the coming of the dawn, and he now awaits you anxiously with his Lady and the folk of Lothlórien."
The words meant nothing to Jack, but the look on Sam's face said it all. From the naked relief and satisfaction that burst into her eyes, Jack knew that whoever this Aragorn person was, he obviously meant a great deal to Sam.
Clenching his mouth into a thin line, Jack felt his body grow cold with a sudden notion that she had paired off with this Aragorn person during the eight months she had been stranded on this planet. Squeezing his fists into balls at his side, he told himself that he had no claim on her anymore, apart from the baby, and if had she found comfort with someone else, then he couldn't blame her. He certainly had during his little sojourn on Edora.
Totally unaware of Jack's dark thoughts, Sam looked eagerly at Pènne with hope in her eyes. "Can we go back now?" Without waiting for an answer, she glanced up at Gandalf. "Is the baby okay?"
Smiling down at her fondly, Gandalf shot Jack a quick glance before answering her, almost as if he wanted Jack to know that he was involved in this conversation as much as anyone else. "Your child thrives, Samantha, under the watchful eye and care of the lady Galadriel. And yes, it is time for us to return to the proper place."
With his words, Sam suddenly shot Jack a troubled look and reached out to grip his wrist tightly. "Pènne?" she asked; her voice firm. "I want Jack to come back with us before you send him to Earth. He has just as much right to this child as I do." Not looking at his face, Sam swallowed deeply, but she was resolute when she continued, now having caught the attention of both newcomers. "We know that you have to take him back to Earth, and we understand. But we need more time."
Pènne was silent as she watched her charge, listening and weighing her words. After Sam had finished on a soft, questioning note, the dark haired elf closed her eyes slowly and looked down, ignoring the two humans who now stood, Sam still clutching Jack's arm tightly, almost afraid to let him go.
When Pènne finally did answer, it wasn't to Sam as expected, but to Jack, whose tense face she pinned her cold blue eyes with a hard, yet searching look. "You have others, slumbering in your household at this moment, do you not?" Feeling Sam suddenly jerk beside him, and knowing exactly what she was thinking, he took a step sideways, brushing her hip, before he answered the lovely elf.
"Yes, I do. They are friends of both mine and Sam's, who are taking her disappearance badly." Risking a quick glance down at Sam's face, he saw her cheeks had taken on a reddish glow and he resisted yet another smirk.
Pènne looked from Sam's pink face up to his and Jack could have sworn he saw the faintest hint of a smile grace her passionless, regal face. "One of them is young, yet she mourns as deep as the other. Has she not been shielded from the worst remarks as a young woman of her kind should be?"
Looking at Sam, she netted her eyebrows with a thoughtful frown. "She is not of your kind, yet she lives among you. Is she the girl child you have told me of, Samantha? Called Cassandra?"
Sam nodded her head. "Yes. And I know my friends had her best interests at heart when telling her whatever they did. She is a strong young woman, Pènne, and she has people to watch out for her."
But Pènne scoffed, clearly not agreeing. But she let the matter drop when she turned back to Jack. "You may remain in Middle-Earth with Samantha and your child until it is time for your sleeping companions to rise. It would not bode well for them to find you in your motionless state and grow alarmed when they fail to rouse you."
Unable to speak, Jack just looked down at Sam, wanting to see her reaction to this decision, but found instead she was already watching him, a huge grin on her face. And at that moment, the fact that they were about to meet their child for the first time hit both of them like a fist in the stomach. Sam swallowed, seemingly nervous, but the grin wouldn't leave her face as she finally tore her eyes away from Jack and turned back to Pènne.
"Alright then," she said impatiently. "Let's get this show on the road."
Only Jack smiled at her words, for they forced Pènne and Gandalf to glance at each other with perplexed expressions, before Gandalf cleared his throat and clapped his hands together. Coming to stand between Sam and Jack, he placed a hand on each of their shoulders gently and with one last tender look at Sam, he turned to Pènne with a determined look that spoke volumes
Without having to be told, Pènne walked up to the trio and reached out to clasp both of Sam's hands in hers. Closing her eyes, she dipped her head and took a deep breath. "Let your mind float away from this room," she explained to Sam and Jack, who were watching the elf with doubtful expressions as if wondering if this was actually going to work. "I can only be the catalyst for the change, you must want it yourself. Think of where you will be going to, of what you will find in your destination." Pènne said, and she shot Jack a quick look before dipping her head again.
"Right." Jack muttered under his breath and he followed her example and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and feeling foolish as he did so. But then, as he filled his head with thoughts of his child, that he had yet to meet, but who it seemed he knew so well already, Jack felt the familiar sensation of feeling weightless and even though he tried, he found he could no longer open his eyes.
And as he felt his body start to float away from his surroundings, a strong, male voice drifted into his brain just as he let himself be washed away with the feeling of soaring across a great distance, sensing somewhere in the back of his mind, that Sam was at his side, soaring with him.
"Let it begin." Gandalf whispered, yet it was heard by all. "Their daughter awaits them."
And then Jack ceased to think at all.
**** To be continued...