Hey guys, I'm back again. In the last chapter I forgot to have Frodo tell Rei that there are also dwarves in middle earth, so just pretend I did, okay. This is chapter 3 : Big Trouble in the Little Shire and is basically Rei meeting all the inhabitants of the Shire and her first few adventures in this new world, oh, and when it goes into italics it signifies a flashback. Hope you enjoy! Dakki : Sorry it took so long, I have a problem with my attention span and things don't always get done when I want them to. But thanks for sticking around and I'll try to work on my spelling!! :) Li Ying Fa : WHAT!?!? You haven't seen Lord of the Rings yet!!!! Oh well, we still like you! I saw spider man, it was pretty good and I the new Star Wars (I'm a Star Wars Freak!) The wait for Digital Destiny might be a while, but I hope to finish it soon. Oh, I might skip over important things or scenes, so if I leave you confused, just e-mail me and I'll explain everything the best I can. Elenhiril : Thanks for the website, although I'm still having issues trying to get it right. I'm about to ban elves from my story so I wont have to worry about elvish!!!! Dream Wind : Thanks for the review! And about Rei's love interest (or interests), who shall remain nameless, I can't tell who it's going to be, but you'll find out soon enough! Mars Fire Goddess : Thanks for loving my story!! Rei's love life will be an almost nonexistent part of this story for a while, but don't worry, things will heat up soon! Pricilla: thanks for not kitty pouncing me!! Yeah, wait until Rei sees the real elves of middle Earth, it's gonna be quite a shock, but a pleasant shock!! (*drools in anticipation*) And I really want the next chapter of Need. I might just have to stop writing until I get some more Rei and Heero Mushiness!!!!!!!! PrincessGingerGamgee : I'm thanking you again!! Your reviews mean a lot to me, and each one you leave you get a thank you, because without you guys I wouldn't be writing. Bluejello: It must be really hard for Rei, I do feel sorry for her too. Oh, and what you said in your review, that was so witty and hilarious!!!! :) Hope you like this chapter! Letainajup: Ahhh, the only one who noticed about Rei seeing Usagi in Frodo! What would I do without you?! I'm proud that you like my work, and I love the way you write!! Oh, I lost my phone number, can I have yours? Hehehe. And to RubyRedDragon, Isis and Riya (My new reviewers) Black Aura-Sama, and CrazyJ Girl. Great big hugs to all of you!!! And now, the story...
Rei stood and brushed the wrinkles out of her clothes. 'I'm gonna have to find something new to wear.' Rei thought to herself. She had been wearing the same outfit for about a week and she was starting to feel a little dirty. She would have to ask Frodo about finding some. She reached her hand down and pulled the small round door open and stepped into the hall, her head turning to where she heard voices on the other side of the house.
She walked towards the sound of voices, taking in all the sights around her. There were books everywhere, on shelves, desks, in piles on the floor. More books than one had time to read. Every window in the house was round, as were all the doors and even the hallway she was walking down. Pictures of people she assumed to be relatives hung on the wall next to maps of places she had never heard of before. The Lonely Mountain, Imladris, Gondor. 'I wonder where all these places are?' Rei thought to herself. She ran a finger across as shelf lined with books, wrinkling her nose at the amount of dust that was left on her fingers. She rounded a corner and found herself in a large kitchen where Frodo and Bilbo were sitting at the table talking over a cup of tea. When they saw her Frodo stood and offered her a chair "Morning Rei." he said cheerfully.
"Morning Frodo." She responded with a smile, walking to the table and sitting down., having to stretch her legs in front of her to sit comfortably in the undersized chair. She looked around the kitchen. There was a fire burning on a hearth and a small kettle of water hung over it, small wisps of steam rising from the lightly boiling water. Plates of bread and cheese littered the countertops along with some misplaced books. On the table there was a small tray with apples resting in it and around it. Rei looked at Bilbo, "May I?" she asked.
Bilbo followed the girls line of vision and when he saw what she was referring to he immediately nodded. "Help yourself." he said kindly. Rei reached out a hand and grasped the small red and yellow fruit, happy to finally come across something she recognized. She took a bite, reveling in the crisp sweet flavor. "So Frodo, " Bilbo asked, "What are your plans for the day?"
Frodo rose from his chair and looked out the window. "I was thinking about going to see Sam," he paused, looking out the window, " or maybe find a tree down by the road with a book, wait for Gandalf."
Bilbo nodded, "And you, Rei, what did you feel like doing today?"
Rei looked up from her apple. "Well, I was going to ask Frodo for a tour of the Shire, but if he already had plans-"
"Nonsense." Bilbo interrupted her. "Frodo would love to give you a walk around the Shire, and nobody knows it better than him," a mischievous smile worked itself upon his face, "except maybe for me."
Rei smiled. "Would you mind?" She asked.
"Not at all." Frodo responded. He grabbed two apples and placed them in the pocket of his vest and placed a hand on Rei's shoulder. "There's lots to see, we should get started. Rei nodded and rose to stand beside him. "And what about you Uncle Bilbo, what will you do today?"
"Lock all the windows and doors and hide from all the confounded well-wishers and distant relations I'm sure will show up today." He said with a frown, glancing nervously out the window.
Frodo smiled and grabbed Rei by the hand, leading her towards the door, which he then pulled open and ushered her out into the sunlight.
*****
The village of Hobbiton was bigger than Rei could have imagined., considering how small the Hobbits were to her. Walking with Frodo down the main road she saw vendors selling fresh fish, bread and vegetables, leather belts and a dried leaf hanging upside-down and tied together at the ends. "What's that?" she asked Frodo, blissfully unaware of all the eyes on her.
Frodo looked to where she was pointing. "That's Pipe-Weed." he said, not offering anymore information. Rei slapped him lightly on the arm. "Oh yeah," he said, flushing slightly, "It's a herb that's smoked. It's our chief export here."
Rei nodded, lightly pushing one of the bushels, causing it to sway. She looked around her and realized that all eyes were on her. Glancing nervously at Frodo she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, She was about to voice her discomfort when Frodo flashed a smile in her direction. 'Just like Usa....'
*****
"Rei-chan!" A familiar voice called out. Turning her head Rei saw a blond running up the temple steps, her pig-tails trailing out behind her like streamers in the breeze and a smile plastered on her face. When she reached Rei's side, however, the smile vanished. Tears were running down her friends face and she was sitting on the ground, her knees drawn to her chest, arms wound about them protectively. "What's wrong Rei-chan?" she asked.
"He left today." She replied.
Usagi knelt by her best-friend and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He'll come back, he always does."
Rei threw her friends hand of her and stood. "No,' she yelled angrily, "he wont. He's...he's.." Rei couldn't finish and a new wave of tears coursed down her cheeks.
"He's what?" She asked hesitantly, knowing that the slightest bit of pressure could send her volatile friend over the edge.
"He's getting married." she said bitterly, "married to some perfect little princess his parents picked out for him." She grabbed her broom that was resting against the wall and threw it into the yard. "He's becoming everything he said he never be...just like him..."
Usagi knew the 'him' she was talking about was Kaidou, her fathers old assistant. Rei had been desperately in love with him and had thought he felt the same about her, until she saw him out with another woman, his fiancee. It had broke Rei's heart and Usagi had been the only one Rei had told. And again, another man that Rei loved was leaving her, marrying another. Usagi held back her tears, knowing that they wouldn't help her friend overcome this heartbreak. She walked to Rei and embraced her from behind, wrapping her arms around her best friend. "It'll be okay." she whispered soothingly. "I'm here for you, we all are."
Rei turned in the embrace, now facing Usagi. "Why?" she asked brokenly. "Why can't I have what you have." Usagi's eyes widened in shock. "Mamoru loves you so much, so completely." She drew in a shaky breath. "Why do you get an eternity of love and happiness and I'm destined to be alone?"
Usagi tightened her hold on Rei, tears slipping from her own eyes. "That's not true, Rei." She said softly, pushing Rei and arms distance away so she could look into her friends eyes. "Your not alone, your never alone, you have , and Minako and Makoto and Ami, Mamoru even. We'll always be here for you." she took a deep breath and continued, " And someday there'll be a man who will love you the way Mamoru loves me, no, he'll love you more, more than you could have imagined possible. And he will love you for the rest of eternity." Rei looked at Usagi. She had a smile on her face that would put the sunrise to shame and Rei knew that as long as Usagi could smile that smile everything would turn out fine...
*****
Rei felt the tears sting her eyes. 'You lied Usagi.' she cried silently, 'You said we'd always be together...you said I'd never be alone..."
"Rei, are you all right?"
Frodo's voice broke through her thoughts and she turned to face him. When she did her breath caught in her throat. His smile, it was so bright and his eyes were so blue she almost believed she was looking at Usagi. "I'm fine." she lied and began walking towards one of the vendors. She paused looking at the sky. Rei could feel Frodo come to stand beside her. 'Maybe I'm not alone.' she thought to herself, looking down at her companion and basking in the warmth his smile provided. 'Maybe I'm not...'
Rei opened her mouth to thank Frodo, but before the words could leave her lips she was knocked to the ground by two running hobbits. "Merry! Pippin!" Frodo cried.
Pippin stood and brushed the dirt of his dark blue pants. Looking down at Rei he smiled. "Hello." he said cheerfully, extending a hand to help her up.
A hand that Merry grabbed. "Thanks Pip." he said dusting himself off.
Frodo reached down and pulled Rei to her feet. When she was finally standing she looked down at the two who had knocked her over. When no apologies were made Rei placed her hands on her hips. "Don't you two have anything to say?" she asked.
"Thanks for breaking our fall." Merry replied.
Pippin, however, merely looked up at her, his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide with shock. After a few moment silence Merry elbowed him in the ribs. Rubbing his side he breathed, "Wow, your tall."
Rei looked at Pippin and was unable to stay mad at him. Frodo sensed this too and took the opportunity to make the introductions. "Rei, this is Merry and Pippin." he said, pointing to each one in turn. "Merry, Pippin, this is Rei."
"Where'd ya meet her?" Merry asked.
Rei looked worriedly at Frodo. "She's just passing through." he hurriedly replied. Rei nodded.
"So then, where are you headed?" He presses on.
Frodo's smile vanished. 'Where am I going to tell then she's going and then have to explain why she's still here?' He looked around the village searching for a way to change the subject and it came walking right out of the nearest building. "Sam!" Frodo exclaimed.
"Sam?" Rei repeated, "where's Sam."
"No," Frodo laughed, "Sam, my friend."
"Hi Frodo, Merry, Pippin." They were joined by another hobbit. He was just as small as the rest of them, the only difference being that he had sand blond hair as opposed to the three heads covered in brown, but all had blue eyes. "what are you doing today?"
Frodo saw their chance of escape and jumped on it. "I was just giving my friend Rei here a tour of the village. Sam this is Rei. Rei meet Sam." She stretched her arm out to shake his hand but it was grabbed by Frodo who began dragging her with him. :And nobody knows this place better than you Sam, come with us." he reached his other hand out and grabbed Sam pulling him along as well. "Bye Merry, Bye Pippin." Rei turned and waved, flashing them a smile.
Both of the hobbits stared after them, mischievous smiles on their faces. "Pippin," Merry asked, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Well, that depends Merry," Pippin laughed, "were you thinking that she has the biggest arms we've ever seen?"
"Why yes, Pip, I was." he turned to his friend and grinned. "Were you also thinking that inviting her on a trip to dear old Farmer Maggot's fields would mean we could carry more."
"Yes, Merry, I was." Pippin replied, returning the grin.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Both of them laughed and took off after Rei, Frodo and Sam. "Wait!" Merry called out. All three heads turned to look at him. He stopped when he reached them and put his arm around Rei. "Frodo, don't lie to the girl! You know that nobody knows the Shire as well as me and Pip', we'll give her the tour." Merry then grabbed Rei's arm and pulled her with him.
Frodo reached out to grab her back but Pippin slapped his hand away. "now now, Frodo, we'll take god care of her." And with that they took off running, dragging Rei with them.
She looked back at Frodo with a smile on her face. "I'll be fine." she told him, "How much trouble could they possibly be?"
*****
Rei looked out over the vast field of corn and sighed. "Where are we?" she asked, grabbing Pippin by the shoulder and turning him to face her.
"We're uh....in....uh..."
"We're in my father's cornfield." Merry cut in, shooting Pippin a dangerous look. "Pip and I come her a lot to get a snack or something."
Rei raised an elegant eyebrow. "And he doesn't get mad that you just come in and take food whenever you want to?"
"Only if we get caught." Pippin told her.
"What?"
"Of course he doesn't" Merry replied, pushing Pippin away. "He just lets us come in and take as much as we can carry." This seemed to satisfy her so he pressed on. "You wouldn't want to help us would you?" he asked, a sweet and innocent smile on his face."
Rei, seeing this as a chance to make friends returned his smile. "of course I would." she told him.
"Great!" he exclaimed. "all you have to do is grab as much s you can carry and be as quiet as you can."
"Why do we have to be quiet?" Rei asked, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"Um, so we don't disturb any of the other workers." Merry told her, grinning nervously.
Rei nodded and pulled an ear of corn of the stalk. She had her arms almost full when an angry voice shouted, "You rascals, are you stealing my corn again?!"
Merry looked at Pippin, a sly smile on his face. "Time to go Rei!" he said once again grabbing her arm and dragging her behind him.
this time she took advantage of her height and pulled him to a stop. "Why are we running?" She asked him, "And why did he say "stealing" his corn? I though you said your Dad was okay with you taking some every now and then."
"Did I say my Dad?" Merry laughed, "I meant Farmer Maggot."
"Who's that?" Rei asked, not sure she wanted to hear the answer. Merry and Pippin pointed over her shoulder. She didn't see anything at first, but then a tall scythe came into view. It was swinging threateningly in the air and the angry voice was threatening along with it. "That's not you Dad is it?" Rei asked. Merry shook his head negatively. "And he isn't okay with you taking his crops is he?" This time Pippin shook his head. "So you two lied to me?!" Both of them shook their heads yes. "Why I oughta-"
"Well, whatever you oughta do," Pippin interrupter her, "Could you do it later, we really need to run."
Rei looked over her shoulder again and realized that the scythe was coming dangerously close. "Point taken, let's go!" The three of them began to run, dropping corn along the way. They finally made it out of the fields and back to Frodo's house. Rei threw the corn on the ground.
"Don't do that!" Merry exclaimed, kneeling to pick it up, "You'll get it dirty."
Rei glared at him. "What are you two, the resident trouble makers?" Rei asked incredulously, once she realized they had no remorse for stealing.
"Yes they are." Came a deep voice from behind her. Rei turned and saw a tall man standing there. He had long gray hair and gray beard just as long. He wore gray robes, dirty from traveling and carried with him a tall wooden staff. His eyes were a bright blue with a kind twinkle in them. Rei could sense that this was a man of great power and she didn't realize that he sensed the same thing about her. "You must be Rei, Frodo has told me all about you."
"All?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes, all." The man said. "I am Gandalf. Come, we have much to talk about."
Rei turned one last time and glared at the hobbits that were still on their hands and knees picking up the corn she had thrown on the ground. "We'll talk later." she said dangerously.
"Looking forward to it." Pippin said with a smile that Rei couldn't help but return as she was lead into the house.
Well, that didn't turn out quite the way I wanted it to, but it will do. Did I spell Kaidou wrong? I was wondering about that but I was to lazy to look it up. Oh well, what's done is done. Review if you want to (I want you to) and tell me what a thought, no flames though, I might cry. Next chapter Rei tells Gandalf her story, cakes and fireworks take center stage and a ring is found.
Stay tuned for chapter four : The Party begins