Random Orcs, or We Fell to Middle Earth
Chapter Three: Ill Met By Sunlight
by Galadriel DeTolkien
There was someone watching me.
I jerked awake with shock, reaching frantically for weapons that weren't there. I started pulling magic to me before the sense of safety and calm slammed through my shields and I stopped, panting. Slowly I opened my eyes and turned to face my watcher.
He was small, but not a midget, his features that of a slightly shrunken human. And I knew him. He'd chased my dreams, playing with the golden Ring and stealing it from its original owner. He had aged greatly since then, his dark brown hair now peppered with grey and white.
"It's all right, young lady."
"Who--" I paused, wincing. My throat and lips were parched from disuse, and I wondered how long I had lain in shock sleep. "Water?"
He helped me sit, and I drank cool water that tasted of life and light. Refreshed, I leant back against the pillows and studied him. "You are -?"
"I am Bilbo." He smiled, his eyes twinkling merrily. "They sent me to watch you because you needed someone who wasn't threatening. And me, I occasionally napped as you did."
"Ah." I blushed. "Sorry, I tend to be paranoid. I warned Legolas of it that first night, I'm surprised he told no one."
"He did, but there has been no need to wake you."
I knew he was curious, so I extended my hand, "I am Marya. It is nice to meet you, Bilbo."
"Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire." He twinkled at me, "Legolas was fairly close-mouthed about you, where are you from?"
"Oh, here and there." I smiled, knowing it had been evasive. But I rather doubt he'd believe me if I told the truth. "I was in Lorien, last."
"Lorien!" His eyes turned dark with memories. "Ah, the Golden Wood of the Lady. How I should liked to have seen it."
I was sorry he would never be able to do so, but his age sat heavily on his shoulders and I sensed a curious lightness about him. "Only the edge, dear sir. Tell me, what has been occurring since I rather ignominiously collapsed?"
"Two days," He gestured to my arm, "You were badly injured by then. One lung had collapsed, and several ribs were cracked."
I nodded, "Plus I was insanely tired. Is Legolas all right?"
"He is. He says you got the brunt of the hurt in your fight." I recognised the look in Bilbo's eyes, then. He was a Chronicler, one of those who wish to write the histories and record life as it is. "Can you tell me about it?"
"Do we have time?" My lips were smiling, but my eyes were grave, "The ring will be here, won't it?" I looked away from him, brow furrowed, "I can remember that in my dreams... Oh!" I straightened, ignoring the slight pull from still-healing ribs. "Frodo!"
"My nephew? What of him?" Bilbo looked at me, worried.
"He is injured."
"Now, don't that beat all. How do you figure that?"
"Arwen sent word to her father." I winced, "My shields must be thin with the peace of Imladris."
Bilbo steadied me as I stood. Once swaying, I realised that I'd been stripped of my clothes. "Er..." Even the dragon mail was gone, and I was sort of surprised they'd gotten it off.
He handed me a pale green robe, and I wrapped it around myself, belting it. My dizzyness slid away as my body got used to standing again. "Bilbo, you must take me to Elrond."
With only a look at me, he turned and led me through several open-air halls. If I'd had time to look, they would have been beautiful and peaceful, but there was no time. A sense of urgency gripped me and I almost bumped into Bilbo when he stopped at a door. He knocked, and was bade enter.
"I'm sorry, Elrond, but she was insistent."
There were two men in the room, one had his back to me, and I caught a glimpse of silvery hair flowing down his back before I turned to the other. "Sir, I don't mean to intrude, but I heard the message your daughter sent. And I am a healer, as well as a fighter."
"You are... welcome to try." He seemed uncertain of me, as if I might be evil.
I nodded. "Thank you. Tell me, how long have we to wait?"
"They are nearly to the Ford," the other man announced. He turned, and I realised I had seen him in my dreams. "Elrond, if we're to do it, we must go now."
The elf looked at me, then nodded, "Come."
I followed them back out the door, Bilbo trailing slowly behind us. We went up stairs, then down a corridor and came out on a roof that gazed out the other side of the small valley of Rivendell. Below us lay a river, small figures beginning to approach it. They were horsed, nine black riders chasing a white one. I shivered, recognising them as the creatures from the horse dreams Alayna had sent me so long ago.
The lone rider reached the edge of the river and plunged across, turning as it reached the other side. I could sense magic, dark and evil pulling at the passenger on the horse. Other magic mingled nearby, light and happy magic, which knew the earth and land as friends. It spiraled down to the river, touching it, creating shapes.
As the sudden onslaught of water crested and rolled over the black riders, I felt the faltering of life in the small one.
"Frodo..." My vision blackened for a moment, my automatic instinct to reach out and hold that life in balance. I felt something brush his soul, tugging it into another plain. "You shall NOT have him." I hissed, sliding to my knees as I fought against that pull.
A hand touched my shoulder. Bilbo. "Please..." he whispered.
"I am trying." I replied, my eyes still covered in darkness. Sweat began running down my back, and I shivered. "Elrond, get them up here, or take me to him. But, hurry!"
So little time left, slipping away from us all, this small person. He wasn't as young as I'd thought, one of Bilbo's race, a Hobbit.
I lost track of time as I fought to hold him in our world. They brought him to us, though, and we three laid hands upon him. Elrond sang softly in his own tongue, binding Frodo back into his body as Gandalf attempted to heal his shoulder wound. My eyesight had slowly trickled back, and I could see the tiny sword-shard, wriggling its way from shoulder to heart.
"I need a knife." I couldn't even stand, but I wanted to operate. Yeah, I was so sane.
Bilbo handed me a small dagger, worry in his eyes.
"My thanks." I ripped the shirt back from Frodo's shoulder, then made an incision over the wound. Dropping the knife, I lay my palm against it and closed my eyes.
The piece of knife resisted my telekinesis at first, then slowly began to wriggle back along its pathway. As I drew it along, I felt the healing spells the others were casting beginning to take hold. The fragment seemed to sense that, too, and it paused, attempting to break free of me. More sweat dampened the robe I'd been given as I fought this power of darkness.
If nothing else would have convinced me to fight, this would have. The dagger fragment was sucking at the lad's soul, and that just isn't kosher.
A moment more of pulling, and I felt it touch my palm. Quickly I snapped my wrist up, and the fragment followed, hovering above the wound in evil malice. I closed my fist around it, "Namarie." I hissed.
With a sound like shattering glass, it fragmented further into dust, attempting to fall into the wound, but I was already moving my hand away, and the dust fell to the stones of Rivendell and was consumed by the peace there.
I reopened my eyes, and the world began tilting oddly. Bilbo caught me as I sagged back, all my energy spent on this task. "I'm all right. I just need to eat."
Several more elves had joined us on the summit, including Legolas. He glanced at me and grinned, "And you eat like a horse, too."
I smiled weakly. "Only when I've been starved for a week." I looked at Bilbo. "Please? Don't make me go back to bed."
He chuckled, "We shall find you clothing to wear, and then we shall see."
--
We ended up back in the room I had woken up in. Legolas disappeared to find food, while Bilbo pulled some clothing from the small closet. It wasn't mine, and it seemed to be dresses, but I could handle that. For now. Actually, I needed to find something out.
"Bilbo, where did my clothing go?"
"It was all so muddy, I suspect they may have burnt it."
I blinked, "I should hope not. That dragon mail is priceless and is why I only had bruises and cracked ribs."
He seemed startled. "Dragon mail?"
"Yeah." I grinned, "Not made of dragons, but it's named that for the properties it has in repelling everything up to a direct hit from an axe wielded by a 500 pound orc." I winced as I began getting dressed. He turned around, blushing. "In fact, that's why my ribs were cracked."
"Orcs are nasty things."
"Yeah." I found the dress the right length, but a bit tight in certain places. Despite having been starved over the last several days, I was still too buxom in the chest and hips to fit quite properly. In fact, with the low-cut bodice, I almost wasn't decent. "Er, Bilbo, I don't suppose there's a shawl of some sort about?"
My own clothes back would be good, but I was betting the shirt was a rag. The greatcoat probably was, too, considering all the orc blood it had absorbed. I wriggled my bare toes on the tile and felt suddenly silly. I was alive.
He handed me a lace shawl the same green as the dress. I tried draping it and found it somewhat adequate. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He stepped back and chuckled, "Let's hope that young elf gets back with that food. I'm very hungry, you know."
"I was thinking the same thing." I twinkled back at him.
Legolas came back then, a large tray loaded with soup and bread and some sort of clear drink that tasted of alcohol, but wasn't. Bilbo led us out into the sun, and we sat around the table there, Bilbo comfortably ensconced in a chair built especially for him by someone. I devoured the food as the other two chatted amicably.
They mainly talked of the elves and mutual friends, leaving the darker discussions for after the food was devoured. I was fine with that, needing to take the time and recover some of my reserves.
Magic was plentiful in the air of Rivendell, and I tapped into it, gently weaving strands into my shields and power reservoirs. Some of it was attached to other spells, and I let it be, guessing they were concealment and protection for the elves. It was a happy energy, green and yellow with sunlight and growing things. I felt rested and refreshed as I finished my task, tuning back into the conversation to find Legolas watching Bilbo and I in amusement.
The old hobbit had dozed off, his hands twitching every so often as he dreamed of things we couldn't see.
I checked the chair, then smiled. The crafter had made it perfect for napping in, so I stood, "Show me more of Rivendell, my friend."
Legolas looked surprised, but waited until we were away from Bilbo before replying. "Friend?"
"You saved my life, I would call you such, if you don't mind."
"And you saved mine, yet I find you even more odd than I had thought." He led the way through several lovely gardens and onto a balcony, which overlooked the falls. "I would call you friend, I think. For I sense in you no evil."
"But there is much darkness in her."
We turned and Elrond stepped onto the balcony with us, followed by another. The old man I had seen. In the sunlight he looked tired, and I realised he was less aged than I had first thought.
"If there is darkness in me, it is sadness and grief, not malice or anger." I replied. I turned from them, my thoughts drifting to past friends and loves, "I have lost many in my life. My travels were never peaceful."
"You seem to come in times of need, though." Elrond said, "Which is why we have let you live."
"My thanks." I chuckled, "I do not think you could have killed me, but it makes me easier to know that you wouldn't try."
The older man raised an eyebrow at me, "And what makes you think we wouldn't succeed, young lady?"
"I am Immortal."
They all seemed surprised at that, then Elrond spoke again for them all, "You are not of the race of Elves, you are of the race of Man. How came this to be?"
"You wouldn't believe me." I grinned, "Let's just say it was sort of an experiment on the part of the Gods." My grin faded, "Except that I am not emotionless as they wished."
Elrond seemed satisfied with this. He gestured to Legolas, then nodded to me, "I bid you adieu for now, Lady."
"May the Gods ever smile upon ye, Lord Elrond. Legolas." I nodded to them both, then turned away to watch the falls again. For a long time, I stared at them, my mind patterning back and forth between old friends and this new world I had found. So much seemed clear to me: there would be a quest. Either to find the Ring, or to destroy it. Either way, it was a sure bet the Fates wanted me along. So far I might actually be able to join in.
But there were still doubts in those around me. I could not explain my origins, nor could I let them believe I was all-powerful.
A sound came from behind me, and I turned, startled.
The man had stayed, apparently wanting to speak with me, but not wishing to interrupt my contemplations. He coughed as I stared at him.
It took a moment to realise why, and when I did I found myself blushing for the first time in centuries. The elven dress, so tight across my chest, had slipped, and a nipple was in view for all to see. I tugged at it, fighting the blush back and wondering at the cause. I had derobed in front of Haldir and Bilbo both without even a thought to propriety, why now?
"My apologies, I'm afraid I'm not thin enough to be an elven lady." I said, wrapping the shawl around myself again.
"We have never been introduced," He replied, his eyes twinkling at me. "I am Gandalf the Grey."
For some reason, I felt compelled to give him my full name. "I am Marya Louisa Susanna DeZorga." I bowed an intricate court-bow, then chuckled. "And I have far too many years to my name to be blushing, Master Wizard, but there you have it."
"You are a Sorceror yourself." He stated.
"Of a sort. I..." I waved an arm, careful not to let the shawl drop. "I can feel the magic in the air. This place is alive with it. If I were more rested, I think I would spend my life here dancing and eating and drinking with never a care for the world outside."
"Gandalf! Gandalf!" Two hobbits came dashing up the stairs to the balcony, one was slightly slimmer than the other, but they were close enough alike to be brothers. I was betting on cousins, though. "We heard you were here and safe!" announced the stouter one.
"Yes," piped the younger one, "and Frodo is safe, too. Sam says so, and he also says--"
"Peregrine Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, where are your manners?" demanded Gandalf as they both stopped and stared at me.
I laughed. The sound echoed out into the valley, sending the sunbeams dancing and the magic whirling into laughter itself. "It's all right, my dear, I can see they're excited."
"Gandalf, who is she?"
"Is she an elf?" they spoke over each other, the questions causing me to chuckle.
"No, Pippin, she is not an elf." Gandalf sighed, "Marya, may I present Peregrine Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, otherwise known as Pippin and Merry."
I bowed gravely, "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. How goes your day?"
"We were being chased by the Nine, and Strider saved Frodo!"
"And then that elf came and took him up on her horse!"
"And *boom* the waters of the rivers rode them down, and we were all safe again!" They finished in unison.
I chuckled, "Sounds an exciting adventure. You must tell me about it at dinner, I think."
Gandalf looked at me, "You have more patience to deal with these scaliwags than I."
"I should, I've many more years of experience with rascals." I grinned at him, "Besides, you're an old rogue and rascal yourself, you're just jealous that they're going to entertain me with stories."
He blushed. Not very much, especially since the beard was in the way. But it was there, and it made up for my own blushing earlier. "You are very silly."
"Thank you." I looked at Merry and Pippin, who had watched this interplay in fascination. "Why don't we go find Bilbo and dinner, eh?"
"Dinner! We haven't even had lunch!" Pippin sounded terribly offended.
"Time for that now, then." Merry decided.
We three tripped merrily down the stairs. At the turning I glanced back to find Gandalf watching our descent, a troubled look on his face. Then he was gone, masked by the curve of the wall.
--
Three days passed until Frodo awoke sufficiently to be feted and feasted. There was merriment that night, but I stayed away, sensing that it was not a place for me. Gandalf found me again on the balcony, watching the falls in the starlight.
"You are a very solitary person."
"There are times solitude saves you from hurt."
"But it gets very lonely."
"I know." I glanced at him, "The Council will discuss things tomorrow, will it not?"
"A secret session."
"Will Boromir be there?"
The man of Gondor had arrived the day after Frodo, looking for answers, and much troubled. I had seen him from a distance, and he had ruled my dreams for two nights. Unfortunately, for once I couldn't remember them. And this troubled me as nothing else had in this new land.
"He shall, he has a question for the Council." Gandalf lit his pipe and began smoking it, the sweet scent drifting around us.
"I have seen him in my dreams."
"Good dreams?"
"That's what is irritating. I know not, having been unable to recall what I dreamt." I smoothed a hand over the rail and sighed. "But I think they were dark, Gandalf. Full of terror and despair. And, the Ring--"
But I wasn't supposed to know of it, nor discuss it. He stiffened, turning to me. "The Ring?"
I knew I could trust him, and so I told him softly of my dreams and visions. Of the history of the Ring that I had seen over the ages. He listened without interruptions, occasionally nodding as if something I'd said agreed with what he knew. When I had finished the recitation with Bilbo's finding of the Ring, he sighed.
"That it had never come to him."
"I know." I laid a hand on his arm, "But he has survived its influence, my friend. He is stronger--all of these hobbits are strong in their own way."
"They will have to be even stronger in the coming months."
"You are going, then?"
He didn't answer for a time, merely smoking and studying the falls as I did. It was a nice silence, full of a kinship. For he and I were old beyond our looks. And young in our hearts. I knew I was the elder, though, but I would never tell him unless pressed. Below us, two figures appeared on one of the more secluded bridges. I recognised the young elven woman who had brought Frodo into our care, but the man I did not.
"Who are they?"
"Arwen Undomiel and Aragorn son of Arathorn."
I pondered this for a moment, then smiled, "They are in love, are they not?"
He glanced at me sharply.
"It's in their body language, my dear. If her father were watching he would know immediately, too."
"Elrond does know." Gandalf sighed, "He has requested of Aragorn that he regain his throne first, though."
"The King who was lost shall be reborn." I said softly.
"Indeed." He chuckled, "You have guessed much more than even Elrond has, my dear."
"Bad habit."
"Don't lose it." Gandalf turned serious. "The Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. We will take it there, and it will end Sauron's reign."
"Sounds spiffy. When do we leave?"
"You're not going."
"Try and stop me. Fate sent me to this world in a time of great need. It is always so, and always damned cliched, Gandalf the Grey. But I cannot ignore that call. I have in the past and my grief and loss were great." I straightened, the white dress I wore shimmering in the moonlight. "I am Marya Louisa Susanna DeZorga, and the Gods made me to be their troubleshooter. So, either I go, or Elrond tries to keep me here and I follow you."
A smoke ring slipped over my shoulder and dissipated into the night. I stood, still as a statue, awaiting the answer that must come.
"Very well."
--
I let them hold the Council without me. I knew what I needed to know, and besides, I had dragon mail to rustle up. It would take them some time to get the full story of the Ring out, and I would know when it ended. Pippin had promised to come find me when it looked to be winding down. I was saddened to not get to see Frodo or Sam yet, but the two had been closeted away as Frodo healed.
My path of quest led me into a root cellar, where a young elf was polishing a stack of armour.
"Excuse me, sir."
He looked up at me, startled. "Yes?"
"I was wondering if you could tell me the whereabouts of the mail that I was wearing?"
"Mail?"
"It actually doesn't look like mail. It's black mesh, looks almost like stiff material."
"I... let me get the arms master."
"Thanks."
He scurried away to return a short while later with a taller elf, who looked considerably more arrogant and certain of himself. "My apprentice says you were looking for something?"
And you're not supposed to be, his tone implied. "Why, yes. I'm looking for the odd suit of armour I was wearing when they brought me in. I was told it had been turned over to you as an oddity."
"Oh. That." He scowled, "I'm afraid I can't release that."
"Realllly." I crossed my arms and smiled, "The mail was a gift to me from a very good friend. If you do not return it, I shall have to retrieve it." And my sword. And my knives. And more knives would be good.
He snickered, "You do not frighten me, human woman."
I blinked. "You're an idiot." His apprentice gasped at my offence. I ignored him and stepped up to the arms master. "I can either go through you or around you. Decide."
"This is--"
"Oh, fuck this." I slammed a hand into his chest, shoving him to the side. "I don't have time for you, you pompous twit." I stalked past him and into the armoury, where I stopped, admiring the lines of weapons. "Nice stash you have here. Now, where would I be if I were an unknown artefact?"
By the time the arms master had gotten over his shock (and the teenytiny little paralysis spell I'd set on him) I had not only found the mail, but my knives, sword and empty sheathes as well. He came in after me, anger in his face.
"I found what I was looking for, sweetie, but thanks." I slipped around him, snickering as he avoided my touch. "Try being polite next time, hon. It works wonders."
As I sauntered back out in the sunlight, I patted the apprentice on the head. "Don't worry, you'll be fine."
Chapter Three: Ill Met By Sunlight
by Galadriel DeTolkien
There was someone watching me.
I jerked awake with shock, reaching frantically for weapons that weren't there. I started pulling magic to me before the sense of safety and calm slammed through my shields and I stopped, panting. Slowly I opened my eyes and turned to face my watcher.
He was small, but not a midget, his features that of a slightly shrunken human. And I knew him. He'd chased my dreams, playing with the golden Ring and stealing it from its original owner. He had aged greatly since then, his dark brown hair now peppered with grey and white.
"It's all right, young lady."
"Who--" I paused, wincing. My throat and lips were parched from disuse, and I wondered how long I had lain in shock sleep. "Water?"
He helped me sit, and I drank cool water that tasted of life and light. Refreshed, I leant back against the pillows and studied him. "You are -?"
"I am Bilbo." He smiled, his eyes twinkling merrily. "They sent me to watch you because you needed someone who wasn't threatening. And me, I occasionally napped as you did."
"Ah." I blushed. "Sorry, I tend to be paranoid. I warned Legolas of it that first night, I'm surprised he told no one."
"He did, but there has been no need to wake you."
I knew he was curious, so I extended my hand, "I am Marya. It is nice to meet you, Bilbo."
"Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire." He twinkled at me, "Legolas was fairly close-mouthed about you, where are you from?"
"Oh, here and there." I smiled, knowing it had been evasive. But I rather doubt he'd believe me if I told the truth. "I was in Lorien, last."
"Lorien!" His eyes turned dark with memories. "Ah, the Golden Wood of the Lady. How I should liked to have seen it."
I was sorry he would never be able to do so, but his age sat heavily on his shoulders and I sensed a curious lightness about him. "Only the edge, dear sir. Tell me, what has been occurring since I rather ignominiously collapsed?"
"Two days," He gestured to my arm, "You were badly injured by then. One lung had collapsed, and several ribs were cracked."
I nodded, "Plus I was insanely tired. Is Legolas all right?"
"He is. He says you got the brunt of the hurt in your fight." I recognised the look in Bilbo's eyes, then. He was a Chronicler, one of those who wish to write the histories and record life as it is. "Can you tell me about it?"
"Do we have time?" My lips were smiling, but my eyes were grave, "The ring will be here, won't it?" I looked away from him, brow furrowed, "I can remember that in my dreams... Oh!" I straightened, ignoring the slight pull from still-healing ribs. "Frodo!"
"My nephew? What of him?" Bilbo looked at me, worried.
"He is injured."
"Now, don't that beat all. How do you figure that?"
"Arwen sent word to her father." I winced, "My shields must be thin with the peace of Imladris."
Bilbo steadied me as I stood. Once swaying, I realised that I'd been stripped of my clothes. "Er..." Even the dragon mail was gone, and I was sort of surprised they'd gotten it off.
He handed me a pale green robe, and I wrapped it around myself, belting it. My dizzyness slid away as my body got used to standing again. "Bilbo, you must take me to Elrond."
With only a look at me, he turned and led me through several open-air halls. If I'd had time to look, they would have been beautiful and peaceful, but there was no time. A sense of urgency gripped me and I almost bumped into Bilbo when he stopped at a door. He knocked, and was bade enter.
"I'm sorry, Elrond, but she was insistent."
There were two men in the room, one had his back to me, and I caught a glimpse of silvery hair flowing down his back before I turned to the other. "Sir, I don't mean to intrude, but I heard the message your daughter sent. And I am a healer, as well as a fighter."
"You are... welcome to try." He seemed uncertain of me, as if I might be evil.
I nodded. "Thank you. Tell me, how long have we to wait?"
"They are nearly to the Ford," the other man announced. He turned, and I realised I had seen him in my dreams. "Elrond, if we're to do it, we must go now."
The elf looked at me, then nodded, "Come."
I followed them back out the door, Bilbo trailing slowly behind us. We went up stairs, then down a corridor and came out on a roof that gazed out the other side of the small valley of Rivendell. Below us lay a river, small figures beginning to approach it. They were horsed, nine black riders chasing a white one. I shivered, recognising them as the creatures from the horse dreams Alayna had sent me so long ago.
The lone rider reached the edge of the river and plunged across, turning as it reached the other side. I could sense magic, dark and evil pulling at the passenger on the horse. Other magic mingled nearby, light and happy magic, which knew the earth and land as friends. It spiraled down to the river, touching it, creating shapes.
As the sudden onslaught of water crested and rolled over the black riders, I felt the faltering of life in the small one.
"Frodo..." My vision blackened for a moment, my automatic instinct to reach out and hold that life in balance. I felt something brush his soul, tugging it into another plain. "You shall NOT have him." I hissed, sliding to my knees as I fought against that pull.
A hand touched my shoulder. Bilbo. "Please..." he whispered.
"I am trying." I replied, my eyes still covered in darkness. Sweat began running down my back, and I shivered. "Elrond, get them up here, or take me to him. But, hurry!"
So little time left, slipping away from us all, this small person. He wasn't as young as I'd thought, one of Bilbo's race, a Hobbit.
I lost track of time as I fought to hold him in our world. They brought him to us, though, and we three laid hands upon him. Elrond sang softly in his own tongue, binding Frodo back into his body as Gandalf attempted to heal his shoulder wound. My eyesight had slowly trickled back, and I could see the tiny sword-shard, wriggling its way from shoulder to heart.
"I need a knife." I couldn't even stand, but I wanted to operate. Yeah, I was so sane.
Bilbo handed me a small dagger, worry in his eyes.
"My thanks." I ripped the shirt back from Frodo's shoulder, then made an incision over the wound. Dropping the knife, I lay my palm against it and closed my eyes.
The piece of knife resisted my telekinesis at first, then slowly began to wriggle back along its pathway. As I drew it along, I felt the healing spells the others were casting beginning to take hold. The fragment seemed to sense that, too, and it paused, attempting to break free of me. More sweat dampened the robe I'd been given as I fought this power of darkness.
If nothing else would have convinced me to fight, this would have. The dagger fragment was sucking at the lad's soul, and that just isn't kosher.
A moment more of pulling, and I felt it touch my palm. Quickly I snapped my wrist up, and the fragment followed, hovering above the wound in evil malice. I closed my fist around it, "Namarie." I hissed.
With a sound like shattering glass, it fragmented further into dust, attempting to fall into the wound, but I was already moving my hand away, and the dust fell to the stones of Rivendell and was consumed by the peace there.
I reopened my eyes, and the world began tilting oddly. Bilbo caught me as I sagged back, all my energy spent on this task. "I'm all right. I just need to eat."
Several more elves had joined us on the summit, including Legolas. He glanced at me and grinned, "And you eat like a horse, too."
I smiled weakly. "Only when I've been starved for a week." I looked at Bilbo. "Please? Don't make me go back to bed."
He chuckled, "We shall find you clothing to wear, and then we shall see."
--
We ended up back in the room I had woken up in. Legolas disappeared to find food, while Bilbo pulled some clothing from the small closet. It wasn't mine, and it seemed to be dresses, but I could handle that. For now. Actually, I needed to find something out.
"Bilbo, where did my clothing go?"
"It was all so muddy, I suspect they may have burnt it."
I blinked, "I should hope not. That dragon mail is priceless and is why I only had bruises and cracked ribs."
He seemed startled. "Dragon mail?"
"Yeah." I grinned, "Not made of dragons, but it's named that for the properties it has in repelling everything up to a direct hit from an axe wielded by a 500 pound orc." I winced as I began getting dressed. He turned around, blushing. "In fact, that's why my ribs were cracked."
"Orcs are nasty things."
"Yeah." I found the dress the right length, but a bit tight in certain places. Despite having been starved over the last several days, I was still too buxom in the chest and hips to fit quite properly. In fact, with the low-cut bodice, I almost wasn't decent. "Er, Bilbo, I don't suppose there's a shawl of some sort about?"
My own clothes back would be good, but I was betting the shirt was a rag. The greatcoat probably was, too, considering all the orc blood it had absorbed. I wriggled my bare toes on the tile and felt suddenly silly. I was alive.
He handed me a lace shawl the same green as the dress. I tried draping it and found it somewhat adequate. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He stepped back and chuckled, "Let's hope that young elf gets back with that food. I'm very hungry, you know."
"I was thinking the same thing." I twinkled back at him.
Legolas came back then, a large tray loaded with soup and bread and some sort of clear drink that tasted of alcohol, but wasn't. Bilbo led us out into the sun, and we sat around the table there, Bilbo comfortably ensconced in a chair built especially for him by someone. I devoured the food as the other two chatted amicably.
They mainly talked of the elves and mutual friends, leaving the darker discussions for after the food was devoured. I was fine with that, needing to take the time and recover some of my reserves.
Magic was plentiful in the air of Rivendell, and I tapped into it, gently weaving strands into my shields and power reservoirs. Some of it was attached to other spells, and I let it be, guessing they were concealment and protection for the elves. It was a happy energy, green and yellow with sunlight and growing things. I felt rested and refreshed as I finished my task, tuning back into the conversation to find Legolas watching Bilbo and I in amusement.
The old hobbit had dozed off, his hands twitching every so often as he dreamed of things we couldn't see.
I checked the chair, then smiled. The crafter had made it perfect for napping in, so I stood, "Show me more of Rivendell, my friend."
Legolas looked surprised, but waited until we were away from Bilbo before replying. "Friend?"
"You saved my life, I would call you such, if you don't mind."
"And you saved mine, yet I find you even more odd than I had thought." He led the way through several lovely gardens and onto a balcony, which overlooked the falls. "I would call you friend, I think. For I sense in you no evil."
"But there is much darkness in her."
We turned and Elrond stepped onto the balcony with us, followed by another. The old man I had seen. In the sunlight he looked tired, and I realised he was less aged than I had first thought.
"If there is darkness in me, it is sadness and grief, not malice or anger." I replied. I turned from them, my thoughts drifting to past friends and loves, "I have lost many in my life. My travels were never peaceful."
"You seem to come in times of need, though." Elrond said, "Which is why we have let you live."
"My thanks." I chuckled, "I do not think you could have killed me, but it makes me easier to know that you wouldn't try."
The older man raised an eyebrow at me, "And what makes you think we wouldn't succeed, young lady?"
"I am Immortal."
They all seemed surprised at that, then Elrond spoke again for them all, "You are not of the race of Elves, you are of the race of Man. How came this to be?"
"You wouldn't believe me." I grinned, "Let's just say it was sort of an experiment on the part of the Gods." My grin faded, "Except that I am not emotionless as they wished."
Elrond seemed satisfied with this. He gestured to Legolas, then nodded to me, "I bid you adieu for now, Lady."
"May the Gods ever smile upon ye, Lord Elrond. Legolas." I nodded to them both, then turned away to watch the falls again. For a long time, I stared at them, my mind patterning back and forth between old friends and this new world I had found. So much seemed clear to me: there would be a quest. Either to find the Ring, or to destroy it. Either way, it was a sure bet the Fates wanted me along. So far I might actually be able to join in.
But there were still doubts in those around me. I could not explain my origins, nor could I let them believe I was all-powerful.
A sound came from behind me, and I turned, startled.
The man had stayed, apparently wanting to speak with me, but not wishing to interrupt my contemplations. He coughed as I stared at him.
It took a moment to realise why, and when I did I found myself blushing for the first time in centuries. The elven dress, so tight across my chest, had slipped, and a nipple was in view for all to see. I tugged at it, fighting the blush back and wondering at the cause. I had derobed in front of Haldir and Bilbo both without even a thought to propriety, why now?
"My apologies, I'm afraid I'm not thin enough to be an elven lady." I said, wrapping the shawl around myself again.
"We have never been introduced," He replied, his eyes twinkling at me. "I am Gandalf the Grey."
For some reason, I felt compelled to give him my full name. "I am Marya Louisa Susanna DeZorga." I bowed an intricate court-bow, then chuckled. "And I have far too many years to my name to be blushing, Master Wizard, but there you have it."
"You are a Sorceror yourself." He stated.
"Of a sort. I..." I waved an arm, careful not to let the shawl drop. "I can feel the magic in the air. This place is alive with it. If I were more rested, I think I would spend my life here dancing and eating and drinking with never a care for the world outside."
"Gandalf! Gandalf!" Two hobbits came dashing up the stairs to the balcony, one was slightly slimmer than the other, but they were close enough alike to be brothers. I was betting on cousins, though. "We heard you were here and safe!" announced the stouter one.
"Yes," piped the younger one, "and Frodo is safe, too. Sam says so, and he also says--"
"Peregrine Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, where are your manners?" demanded Gandalf as they both stopped and stared at me.
I laughed. The sound echoed out into the valley, sending the sunbeams dancing and the magic whirling into laughter itself. "It's all right, my dear, I can see they're excited."
"Gandalf, who is she?"
"Is she an elf?" they spoke over each other, the questions causing me to chuckle.
"No, Pippin, she is not an elf." Gandalf sighed, "Marya, may I present Peregrine Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, otherwise known as Pippin and Merry."
I bowed gravely, "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. How goes your day?"
"We were being chased by the Nine, and Strider saved Frodo!"
"And then that elf came and took him up on her horse!"
"And *boom* the waters of the rivers rode them down, and we were all safe again!" They finished in unison.
I chuckled, "Sounds an exciting adventure. You must tell me about it at dinner, I think."
Gandalf looked at me, "You have more patience to deal with these scaliwags than I."
"I should, I've many more years of experience with rascals." I grinned at him, "Besides, you're an old rogue and rascal yourself, you're just jealous that they're going to entertain me with stories."
He blushed. Not very much, especially since the beard was in the way. But it was there, and it made up for my own blushing earlier. "You are very silly."
"Thank you." I looked at Merry and Pippin, who had watched this interplay in fascination. "Why don't we go find Bilbo and dinner, eh?"
"Dinner! We haven't even had lunch!" Pippin sounded terribly offended.
"Time for that now, then." Merry decided.
We three tripped merrily down the stairs. At the turning I glanced back to find Gandalf watching our descent, a troubled look on his face. Then he was gone, masked by the curve of the wall.
--
Three days passed until Frodo awoke sufficiently to be feted and feasted. There was merriment that night, but I stayed away, sensing that it was not a place for me. Gandalf found me again on the balcony, watching the falls in the starlight.
"You are a very solitary person."
"There are times solitude saves you from hurt."
"But it gets very lonely."
"I know." I glanced at him, "The Council will discuss things tomorrow, will it not?"
"A secret session."
"Will Boromir be there?"
The man of Gondor had arrived the day after Frodo, looking for answers, and much troubled. I had seen him from a distance, and he had ruled my dreams for two nights. Unfortunately, for once I couldn't remember them. And this troubled me as nothing else had in this new land.
"He shall, he has a question for the Council." Gandalf lit his pipe and began smoking it, the sweet scent drifting around us.
"I have seen him in my dreams."
"Good dreams?"
"That's what is irritating. I know not, having been unable to recall what I dreamt." I smoothed a hand over the rail and sighed. "But I think they were dark, Gandalf. Full of terror and despair. And, the Ring--"
But I wasn't supposed to know of it, nor discuss it. He stiffened, turning to me. "The Ring?"
I knew I could trust him, and so I told him softly of my dreams and visions. Of the history of the Ring that I had seen over the ages. He listened without interruptions, occasionally nodding as if something I'd said agreed with what he knew. When I had finished the recitation with Bilbo's finding of the Ring, he sighed.
"That it had never come to him."
"I know." I laid a hand on his arm, "But he has survived its influence, my friend. He is stronger--all of these hobbits are strong in their own way."
"They will have to be even stronger in the coming months."
"You are going, then?"
He didn't answer for a time, merely smoking and studying the falls as I did. It was a nice silence, full of a kinship. For he and I were old beyond our looks. And young in our hearts. I knew I was the elder, though, but I would never tell him unless pressed. Below us, two figures appeared on one of the more secluded bridges. I recognised the young elven woman who had brought Frodo into our care, but the man I did not.
"Who are they?"
"Arwen Undomiel and Aragorn son of Arathorn."
I pondered this for a moment, then smiled, "They are in love, are they not?"
He glanced at me sharply.
"It's in their body language, my dear. If her father were watching he would know immediately, too."
"Elrond does know." Gandalf sighed, "He has requested of Aragorn that he regain his throne first, though."
"The King who was lost shall be reborn." I said softly.
"Indeed." He chuckled, "You have guessed much more than even Elrond has, my dear."
"Bad habit."
"Don't lose it." Gandalf turned serious. "The Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. We will take it there, and it will end Sauron's reign."
"Sounds spiffy. When do we leave?"
"You're not going."
"Try and stop me. Fate sent me to this world in a time of great need. It is always so, and always damned cliched, Gandalf the Grey. But I cannot ignore that call. I have in the past and my grief and loss were great." I straightened, the white dress I wore shimmering in the moonlight. "I am Marya Louisa Susanna DeZorga, and the Gods made me to be their troubleshooter. So, either I go, or Elrond tries to keep me here and I follow you."
A smoke ring slipped over my shoulder and dissipated into the night. I stood, still as a statue, awaiting the answer that must come.
"Very well."
--
I let them hold the Council without me. I knew what I needed to know, and besides, I had dragon mail to rustle up. It would take them some time to get the full story of the Ring out, and I would know when it ended. Pippin had promised to come find me when it looked to be winding down. I was saddened to not get to see Frodo or Sam yet, but the two had been closeted away as Frodo healed.
My path of quest led me into a root cellar, where a young elf was polishing a stack of armour.
"Excuse me, sir."
He looked up at me, startled. "Yes?"
"I was wondering if you could tell me the whereabouts of the mail that I was wearing?"
"Mail?"
"It actually doesn't look like mail. It's black mesh, looks almost like stiff material."
"I... let me get the arms master."
"Thanks."
He scurried away to return a short while later with a taller elf, who looked considerably more arrogant and certain of himself. "My apprentice says you were looking for something?"
And you're not supposed to be, his tone implied. "Why, yes. I'm looking for the odd suit of armour I was wearing when they brought me in. I was told it had been turned over to you as an oddity."
"Oh. That." He scowled, "I'm afraid I can't release that."
"Realllly." I crossed my arms and smiled, "The mail was a gift to me from a very good friend. If you do not return it, I shall have to retrieve it." And my sword. And my knives. And more knives would be good.
He snickered, "You do not frighten me, human woman."
I blinked. "You're an idiot." His apprentice gasped at my offence. I ignored him and stepped up to the arms master. "I can either go through you or around you. Decide."
"This is--"
"Oh, fuck this." I slammed a hand into his chest, shoving him to the side. "I don't have time for you, you pompous twit." I stalked past him and into the armoury, where I stopped, admiring the lines of weapons. "Nice stash you have here. Now, where would I be if I were an unknown artefact?"
By the time the arms master had gotten over his shock (and the teenytiny little paralysis spell I'd set on him) I had not only found the mail, but my knives, sword and empty sheathes as well. He came in after me, anger in his face.
"I found what I was looking for, sweetie, but thanks." I slipped around him, snickering as he avoided my touch. "Try being polite next time, hon. It works wonders."
As I sauntered back out in the sunlight, I patted the apprentice on the head. "Don't worry, you'll be fine."