Scene Eighteen

(We now see the company running through the forest of Lothlórien. Then, they start slowing down to a cautious walk as they realize that the silence of this forest is quite unnerving. Jimagorn signals for the company to proceed with caution and be quiet-that they might be able to simply pass through if careful enough. We see the suspicious look of Brimli come into view, with a curious Lizzo Baggins behind her)

Brimli: (In a hoarse whisper to Lizzo Baggins) Stay close, little one! (Pulls Lizzo Baggins closer, and Kram Gamgee-who follows close behind-comes closer as well) There is fierce magic upon these woods. (Raises axe carefully, looking around wildly) Legend tells of a woman with strange powers that inhabits these woods-a witch. And all those who look upon her- fall under her spell.

(Lizzo Baggins suddenly looks up as she hears the Voice of Lady Ashdriel sound in her ears)

Voice of Lady Ashdriel: (Distant and forbidding) Lizzo.

(Brimli continues talking, having not heard the voice)

Brimli: (In a suspicious tone) These woods are enchanted-changed to suit the lady's every wish. (With a shrug) She doesn't really trust interior decorators, even though she fancies the Home and Garden Network. In fact, I've got an interesting story about that.

(As we hear Brimli go off, we hear the Voice of Lady Ashdriel, and see her eyes come into view and vanish. Lizzo Baggins looks about with sudden fear upon her face)

Voice of Lady Ashdriel: (In the same forbidding voice) Your coming to us-is as the footsteps of doom.

Kram Gamgee: (Concerned at Lizzo Baggins' behavior) Lizzo?

(Lizzo Baggins turns and looks at Kram Gamgee)

Kram Gamgee: (In a concerned tone) Is something wrong, Miss Lizzo?

Lizzo Baggins: (After thinking for a moment) No.I'm just thinking.

Kram Gamgee: (In a low voice as they walk) About Kendalf?

Lizzo Baggins: (Looking up at the sky, pained by the memory of her friend) Yes.I do miss him.

Kram Gamgee: (Nodding in agreement and looking grim) I know how you feel, Miss Lizzo. I still expect him to walk right into the company as if nothing had happened. (After a moment of silence) His demise doesn't seem real to me. (Sighing) I can still hear him talking to me, in a way. (In a rough, old-man's voice) "Kram, move out of my way! You're blocking me!" "Kram, you can't feed that to the company; it's poisonous!" "Kram, stop being an idiot and do something right for a change!" (Bright eyed as she speaks next) Ah.precious memories.

(We see Brimli talking again, in a hoarse whisper-but nonetheless very boastful)

Brimli: (In a superior tone) Do not fear, company! I am Brimli! I have the eyes of a hawk and ears of a fox!

(Brimli stops speaking as an arrow is pointed right at her face. We then see the company's faces look shocked as many arrows are being pointed at them. Then, we see Megolas & Jimagorn pointing their weapons at one another; then, they raise their eyebrows at one another and point their weapons at their intruders instead. Then, we see the Woodhunters#1-10 standing around the company in a tight circle, arrows out and ready to shoot. Then, as we hear her speak, Maldir comes to face the company)

Maldir: (In a rather amused tone as she eyes Brimli) And a Dwarf speaks so loudly-we could have shot her in the dark.

Brimli: (A dark look comes to her face as she speaks) Yeah? Well-an Elf is so quiet-you could-not shoot 'em in the dark!

(The company looks at Brimli with raised eyebrows)

Megolas: (Sarcastically to the Dwarf) Nice one, Shorty.

Brimli: (Irritably at the Elf) Shut up!

(We now see Maldir conversing with Jimagorn and Megolas, at some fortress within the woods; it is evening. Brimli is close by, Mikomir is off the side slightly, and the hobbits are in their own group in the back watching the conversation. Maldir also as Woodhunters#11&12 on either side of her)

Maldir: (In a gentle Elvish tongue to Jimagorn) Welcome, Jimagorn-son of Jimathorn.

Jimagorn: (Touching his chest as he speaks in Elvish) I am honored, Maldir.

Maldir: (To Megolas in Elvish) It is wonderful to see you again, Megolas Greenleaf.

Megolas: (In Elvish and bowing her head in respect) The same to you, Maldir.

Brimli: (In a rather agitated voice) For the love of Durin! Will somebody please speak in a language we can all understand? I took over five years of German, and I don't go off speaking it just to spite people! Jimagorn: (Rolling his eyes as he speaks to the Dwarf) We are not trying to spite you, Brimli!

Megolas: (In a disappointed voice) We aren't-well, damn.

Maldir: (Turning to the Dwarf with severe dislike upon her face) We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark days.

Woodhunter#11: (Tapping Maldir on the shoulder) Uh-was that the year of the light bulb shortage or the years when we fought with the Dwarves?

Maldir: (In a simple tone) The years we fought with the Dwarves.

Brimli: (In a rather tough tone) Well, you know what I have to say about that? Blow it out your.

(At that moment, we hear a bunch of birds fly over the forest, their caws drowning out Brimli's words. Then, we come back to see Maldir looking at Brimli with severe anger outlining her face. Jimagorn firmly places a hand on Brimli's shoulder)

Jimagorn: (In an angry tone) That was not so pleasant!

Brimli: (In a proud voice) Maybe not-but it was a good suggestion.

(Maldir breathes in and out and looks at Lizzo Baggins. Lizzo Baggins looks up and gives a weak smile-obviously expecting recognition)

Maldir: (In a voice filled with forbidding) You bring great evil here, Movie-Bearer!

Lizzo Baggins: (Smile falters and she looks quite offended) Hey!

Maldir: (Looks at Jimagorn with anger on her face) You cannot go further.

(Maldir turns away, Jimagorn running after her. The hobbits look at Lizzo Baggins with shock on their face. We then see Jimagorn conversing with Maldir in heated Elvish. Lizzo Baggins sits against a great tree alone. Occasionally, we'll see a member of the company looking at her with a strange dislike upon their face. Then, we see Mikomir looking at Lizzo Baggins as he speaks)

Mikomir: (In a gentle tone to Lizzo Baggins) Kendalf's death was not in vain.

Lizzo Baggins: (Looks at Mikomir with a surprised look) Uh-where'd that come from? You should have said that a few days ago-when Kendalf actually died! Now, it just seems awkward!

Mikomir: (Ignoring this and continuing) He did not die needlessly. He obviously meant for something to be gained from his demise. You carry a great burden already, Lizzo-(Shakes his head at Lizzo Baggins) do not carry the weight of the dead as well.

(Lizzo Baggins looks away, taking in these words. Then, we see Kram Gamgee give a small snort of agitation as she hears Mikomir's words)

Kram Gamgee: (Irritably, muttering to herself) Please-I'm the one who's carrying most of the weight in this company? But does anybody give me any sympathy? No! Always, "Kram, do this!" or "Kram, do that!" or "Kram, stop being a ninny and help out with stuff!" I'll give 'em a-ninny!

(We go back to Lizzo Baggins, who is lost in thought. Then, we see Maldir approach her. Lizzo Baggins looks up and blinks when she realizes whom it is)

Maldir: (In a commanding voice) Follow me.

(We see the company walking through the woods of Lothlórien. Having traveled all night, they look exhausted. We see Rippin Took staggering around with Jessie Brandybuck)

Rippin Took: (In a pathetic voice) This sucks! Never have I been hungry, thirsty, tired, and miserable at the same time! I can't even think of anything worse than this!

Jessie Brandybuck: (In a simple voice) We could be dead.

Rippin Took: (In an understanding voice) Yeah-that's pretty bad. But it's not as bad as not having tasted a sandwich in a long while!

Jessie Brandybuck: (About to object, but nods her head in understanding) Hmm.I guess that is worse.

(Suddenly, we see the face of Maldir brighten as she comes to a stop. Jimagorn stops at her shoulder and looks at her, along with the company. As Maldir speaks, she has the look of pride upon her face)

Maldir: (Waving to indicate the woods of Lórien, which we see in front of the company) Behold! Lórien-the wood of our people for many years and the home of our Lady Ashdriel-and the major sponsors of many local McDonald's!

(For a while, we see the forests of Lórien, touched with a hint of the setting sun and looking marvelous. Then we see the company actually in the woods during the evening. We see the tall trees and the whitish lights of many of the tree houses-and we will also see the McDonald's famous golden arches here and there. Finally, we see the company climbing stairs up a monstrous tree and then we see them climbing upon a great platform on the tree, which is lit by many lamps. There is a stair on the platform leading into a great house, which the company is indicated to stand behind. Then, from the top of the stair, we see the forms of Deleborn and Lady Ashdriel come down the stair to greet their guests. The company stares in amazement at the extraordinary Elves-especially Lady Ashdriel, whose face we close in on. Then, we see Deleborn's face as he speaks)

Deleborn: (Speaking rather flatly and to the point) The enemy knows that you are here-whatever hope for secrecy you had is now lost.

Jimagorn: (Rather gruff in tone) Nice to see you again, too!

Deleborn: (Counting the company with his eyes quickly) Eight there are here- yet nine there were who set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Kendalf? For I have much desire to speak with him. (A dark look comes to his eyes as he speaks this) I have to collect a very important bet from him!

Mikomir: (Rubbing his neck nervously) Er-did you need to speak with him right away or something? Because-at the moment-he's kind of-er- preoccupied.

Lady Ashdriel: (Speaking softly and causing the company to look up in surprise) Kendalf, the old but extremely attractive, did not pass the borders of this land. (Face falls into a look of great grief) He has- fallen into shadow.

(Members of the company look down in sadness)

Jimagorn: (Grasping his chest in defense) Well-we weren't going to put it that way, but now that you've said it-(Dramatically) he is dead.

Megolas: (We close in about her face as she speaks with bitterness in every tone) He fell from the bridge of Khazad-dûm fighting an evil of the Ancient World-a Balrog of Morgoth.

(Deleborn and Lady Ashdriel look away in grief. We see the face of Brimli look deeply saddened-suddenly realizing whose idea it was to go into Moria in the first place. Lady Ashdriel looks upon Brimli with a grim smile)

Lady Ashdriel: (In a sympathetic tone) Do not be saddened by the death of Kendalf, dear Dwarf. Even though it was your idea to go into the Mines of Moria-and you started speaking loudly about the death of your fat cousin- and (Furrows her brow as she speaks to the Dwarf) On second thought, it was your thought! You fool, you killed Kendalf!

Brimli: (In a shocked tone) Well-that was rather unnecessary!

Lady Ashdriel: (Speaking to the company in a dramatic tone) Needless were none of the deeds of Kendalf in life. Those that followed him knew not his mind and cannot report his full purpose. (The company looks at one another with confused glances. They each shrug at one another and look back to Lady Ashdriel. We see Rippin Took speak to Kram Gamgee)

Rippin Took: (Whispering) I'll bet you it has something to do with duct tape!

Kram Gamgee: (Considering this before she whispers back) Well, I was going to say something about an electric toothbrush, but you do make a point- Kendalf did fancy duct tape.

Lady Ashdriel: (In a serious tone) This quest stands on the edge of the knife-stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all.

(Lady Ashdriel fixes her eyes on Mikomir's, and he stares at her for the longest time. Then, suddenly, his eyes behind his glasses show fear and he quickly looks away-leaving Lady Ashdriel looking upon him with a strange grimness that nobody can really distinguish)

Lady Ashdriel: (A strange smile playing upon her face as she speaks) Yet hope remains, while those in the company remain true.

(Lady Ashdriel looks at Kram Gamgee, and the camera closes in about her face. Kram Gamgee gets a smile to her face and looks a bit smug)

Kram Gamgee: (Looking about and looking quite proud) Yeah-she was lookin' at me when she said that-oh yeah.

Lady Ashdriel: (Looking at the company and speaking with concern) Do not let your hearts be troubled, company. Go now and rest-for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight-you shall sleep in peace for these areas.(She keeps speaking, but we hear her voice speak to Lizzo Baggins)

Voice of Lady Ashdriel: (In a forbidding type voice) Welcome, Lizzo Baggins of the Shire. (Lizzo Baggins looks up quickly at Lady Ashdriel, who fixes her with a piercing stare) One who has seen the Eye! And other crappy things!

(Now we see the company ready to turn in at the base of many trees. We hear the Elves singing a song in remembrance of Kendalf. We see Megolas sitting upon a rock and listening to the tune while the company unrolls blankets and fluffs pillows)

Megolas: (In a surprised voice) They mourn for Kendalf.

Jessie Brandybuck: (Taking off her glasses to wipe them on her shirt) What are they saying?

Megolas: (Sounding pained) I dare not say. (Looks at Jessie Brandybuck with sorrowful eyes) For me the grief is still too near.

(Megolas gets up to move away, leaving Jessie Brandybuck alone. Jessie Brandybuck gives a sniff of frustration)

Jessie Brandybuck: (In a low voice) So in other words, you can't understand what they're saying.

(We see Rippin Took and Kram Gamgee setting up their sleeping spots, while Lizzo Baggins leans against a tree, having already set up her place and looking both weary and sad)

Kram Gamgee: (In a bit of a disgruntled voice to Rippin Took) Bet they don't say anything about his fireworks, though. (Thinks for a moment, then gets up and recites her rhyme, everyone in the company watching) The finest rockets ever seen! They burst in stars of blue and green, or after thunder golden showers came falling like a-bunch of flowers. (Groans slightly and sits back down) No, that's no good.

(Lizzo Baggins smiles in spite of herself, and Rippin Took is thinking too)

Rippin Took: (In a bright tone) I've thought of a rhyme as well!

Jessie Brandybuck: (Turning about to face Rippin Took with wide eyes) You? Think? I'm shocked, Rippin!

Rippin Took: (Ignores this comment and stands up to recite her rhyme) Is that an idiot that walks by? If it speaks again, my brain shall die! Is it a Goblin, or something more obscene? No, it's just the dumb hobbit- Kramwise Gamgee.

(Jessie Brandybuck and Lizzo Baggins laugh openly, while Kram Gamgee glares at the laughing Rippin Took, who sits down)

Kram Gamgee: (In a rather mean voice) Well-I've got another one, too! (Clears her throat to recite her rhyme) Rippin Took-what's that name? Rippin Took-whose puns are quite lame! Everyone turns dumber, when it is her they pass. Because who can be smart, when you pass an-

Lizzo Baggins: (Eyes go wide and she throws up her hands to stop Kram Gamgee from continuing) Now-none of that, Kram! That's totally unnecessary!

(Now we see Jimagorn going over to Mikomir, who sits at the base of a tree away from the company. Jimagorn sits next to him, his sword upon his knees)

Jimagorn: (In a calm tone) You should get some rest, Mikomir. These borders are well protected. And they've got a lot of hair gel-that's an important factor, after all. (Fondles with his hair flip for a moment)

Mikomir: (Shaking as he speaks) It is not the borders that I fear-I know they are well protected. It is-something more. (Looks at Jimagorn, wondering if he should confide in him the emotion building inside him. Finally, he seems to think he can trust Jimagorn and speaks in the same frightened tone) Did the Lady Ashdriel speak with you-I mean, with her mind?

Jimagorn: (Nodding thoughtfully) Yes she did. She was going on and on about my destiny to be fulfilled-so I blocked it out with how I look so sexy.

Mikomir: (Rubbing his neck nervously) Well, I couldn't block out her words- no matter how hard I tried, and I did try. She spoke of my father-the Steward of Gondor. She spoke to me of it falling-falling like all of the other Races of Man. But she said to me, "Even in the darkness, there is still hope." But-I cannot see it, Jimagorn! I cannot see it!

Jimagorn: (Looking to the side anxiously) Maybe-you need to get your glasses checked or something?

Mikomir: (Grasping Jimagorn's arm) My father is a good man, but he's awful stubborn about things-and a real idiot at some times. Not to mention, he likes to put things off. One time, he didn't take out the trash for a whole month! That was rather foul! (In sudden happiness) Jimagorn, you can be the way! Together we can help the kingdom! We will ride into Gondor-and show them that the heirs of Gondor have finally returned! Together we shall cut a new path towards greatness! (Smiles as he thinks of it) Just think of it-great rulers, new architecture fixtures-indoor plumbing! (Nods) Oh yeah, it's gonna be sweet! Right, Jimagorn?

Jimagorn: (After a moment of hesitant silence, gives a weak smile) Uh-sure, Mikomir. Whatever you say.

(Mikomir smiles and leans against the tree to sleep. Jimagorn stays for a moment, looking at the sky-a strange look about his face. It is one that is hesitant about what must be done. It is almost as if he is wondering what is really best for his own people. Finally, he quietly gets up and moves away from Mikomir, still looking troubled. We then see Lady Ashdriel walking graciously in the wood, far from the company to awaken them. But somebody hears her-we see Lizzo Baggins gasp and snap awake from her sleep. She looks to her left and she sees Lady Ashdriel, who walks by gracefully until she accidentally steps on a jagged rock in her path; she curses in pain as she stops, pulls the rock out of her foot, and continues on with her graceful stride, carrying on a bit of a limp. Carefully, so as not to disturb the peacefully sleeping company, Lizzo Baggins gets up and silently follows Lady Ashdriel. We see her walk through down some earthen steps carefully. In the center of the bottom of the stairs there is a great stone table on which lies a silver basin, beside it resting a great silver pitcher. We see Lizzo Baggins start coming down the steps as well, her hobbit feet making no sound with each step she takes. Lady Ashdriel takes the silver pitcher, and from a fountain in an earthen wall, she fills it with water. Lizzo Baggins steps into the area from the stairs and that is when Lady Ashdriel turns about to see the hobbit staring at her. Lady Ashdriel does not seem surprised to see Lizzo Baggins there)

Lady Ashdriel: (In a solemn tone) Will you look into the Mirror?

Lizzo Baggins: (Rather offended) Is that supposed to be the rude way of telling me that something's on my face?

Lady Ashdriel: (Angrily) No! I mean-would you look into the Mirror of Ashdriel? (Waves towards the silver basin)

Lizzo Baggins: (Suddenly looking suspicious, knowing that this is the same woman who spoke with her using her thoughts) What will I see?

Lady Ashdriel: (With a rather mysterious smile) Even the wisest cannot tell. (Moves towards the basin) For the Mirror-shows many things: (Begins to slowly pour the water into the basin) Things that were-things that are- and some things (Stops pouring water and looks intently at Lizzo Baggins) that have not yet come to pass.

Lizzo Baggins: (With an awkward glance to the side) So-basically "past, present, and future"?

Lady Ashdriel: (With an annoyed voice and a scowl) Well, yes, if you wanta be boring about it! (Places the pitcher near the fountain and waves towards the basin)

(Slowly, very slowly-still mistrusting of the Lady Ashdriel-Lizzo Baggins proceeds to the basin. With a swallow, she looks into the basin. Lady Ashdriel stands nearby, her hands clasped as she watches)

Lady Ashdriel: (In a solemn tone) What do you see, Lizzo Baggins?

Lizzo Baggins: (In a surprised tone) Wow-I look really sexy! This Mirror of yours is really cool!

Lady Ashdriel: (Annoyed) NO! Look harder!

Lizzo Baggins: (Nodding) Right, sorry.

(Lizzo Baggins bends nearer to the Mirror and we see her reflection for but a few seconds. Then, ripples creep along the surface and her reflection vanishes. It is replaced with the faces of the company when they were waiting to enter Lórien. Each member of the company is looking at Lizzo Baggins with that look of dislike upon their faces. Then, we see a peaceful area of lush green and we see Lizzo Baggins smile as she looks upon it)

Lizzo Baggins: (With a happy tone in her voice) It's the Shire! There's BagEnd! And look! There's Hobbitton! How nice!

(Lizzo Baggins' face suddenly goes into a look of displeasure as she sees the Shire in the Mirror being burnt down and Orcs attacking the town)

Lizzo Baggins: (In an awkward tone) That's-not good.

(And it isn't good at all. The Shire is a wreck-a mess of flames and Orcs. Orcs are running after innocent hobbits and killing them. We suddenly see BagEnd up in flames. Then, we see hobbits with shackles and chains binding them as they proceed into a horrible looking mill. We see the miserable face of Kram Gamgee as she looks to the gray sky-reminiscing on happier days, when the Shire was the Shire. Then, the lick of a whip brings her back to her senses; she turns around and steps on the Orc's foot, who bounces up and down with pain. The mirror fades and we then see the entire Shire destroyed-stripped of trees and almost devoid of life. Then, the Eye of Jauron pops into picture, hissing and seething evilly as it looks upon Lizzo Baggins)

Eye of Jauron: (In his hissing, dominant voice) You cannot escape me, halfling! You do not stand a chance! EYE! EYE! I-SEE-YOU!

(Slowly blinking, Lizzo Baggins brings up a finger and jabs at the Eye of Jauron through the reflection. The Eye of Jauron gives a great howl of pain and dissipates. The ripples in the mirror stand still, and Lizzo Baggins steps back in shock-sweat beading her face as she looks at Lady Ashdriel)

Lady Ashdriel: (In a calm voice) I know what you saw-for it is also on my mind.

(Lizzo Baggins stares at the other for a moment)

Lizzo Baggins: (In an awkward tone) Er-you don't have a lot of pleasant things on your mind, do you?

(Then Lady Ashdriel speaks to Lizzo Baggins with her thoughts, her face unchanging as she speaks)

Lady Ashdriel: (Her thoughts full of warning) It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The fellowship is breaking-it has already begun. He will try to take the Movie. You know of whom I speak-oh yes, he's stupid enough to attempt such a thing. One by one-it will destroy them all.

(Lizzo Baggins looks at Lady Ashdriel with a frightened glance-realizing that the prospect of failure would be quite great)

Lizzo Baggins: (Speaking to Lady Ashdriel with her thoughts as well, sounding tempting) If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Movie. (Pulls out the Movie to show to Lady Ashdriel, with a convincing look upon her face)

Lady Ashdriel: (Speaking out loud and with a strange shock upon her face) You offer it to me freely. (Slowly, she moves towards Lizzo Baggins, ready to take the Movie from her grasp. She speaks in a shaky voice) I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this. (She is but inches from grasping the Movie, and suddenly, we see her eyes go hard and she stops) In place of a Dark Lord you will have a Queen! (Extends her arms to the heavens and a fierce wind begins to blow, and a bluish light is illuminated from her, causing Lizzo Baggins to back away in fright. As the lady speaks, she speaks in a deep voice) Not dark of beautiful and terrible as the dawn! Treacherous as the sea! I'll be the prettiest, damn Elf you ever did see! I'll be the envy of that pretty boy, Orlando Bloom! Stronger than the foundations of the Earth! All shall love me and despair!

(Suddenly, the wind ceases, the light fades, and Lady Ashdriel becomes normal again, breathing in and out-looking as if she has just seen death. Lizzo Baggins clasps the Movie in her hand and looks upon Lady Ashdriel in both fear and worry)

Lady Ashdriel: (In a simple tone, looking at Lizzo Baggins) I have passed the test. (Looks off to the side with a small smile upon her face) I will diminish, and go to the west-and remain Ashdriel-and get my driver's license again. About time too-I'll look really stupid going into the West without a new Jetta.

Lizzo Baggins: (In a desperate tone) I cannot do this alone!

Lady Ashdriel: (Looking at the hobbit with a hard stare) You are a Movie- Bearer, Lizzo. To bear a Movie of Power-is to be alone. (Pulls from her white robes the Movie Willow and shows it to Lizzo Baggins) This is Willow- one of the three Movies of Power bestowed upon the Elves. Many do not understand it-with its strange plot and odd actors-but I do. (Looks at Lizzo Baggins with a smile) So, I am its keeper. (Puts the Movie back in her robes and speaks seriously to Lizzo Baggins) This task was appointed to you-and if you do not find a way (Shakes her head in despair) no one will.

Lizzo Baggins: (After much thinking, speaking rather slowly) I know what I must do-it's just that I'm (Gives a grim smile) afraid to do it.

(Lady Ashdriel smiles as she bends to look directly into Lizzo Baggins' eyes as she speaks in a gentle tone)

Lady Ashdriel: Lizzo, that is because you are a pansy.

Lizzo Baggins: (Scowling) Excuse me?

Lady Ashdriel: (Quickly speaking, to mask over what she just said) Even the smallest creature alive can change the future greatly.

(Lady Ashdriel smiles upon the hobbit, but Lizzo Baggins looks doubtful- probably wondering if she really has any ability or any strength within her to change the future for the best)