We sat in a glade near the path and Sam began to prepare a meal. I
first told them that I wasn't on an adventure of sorts, but I was on
vacation in the mountains with my family.
"This place is called Yosemite," I said.
"In all my years," began Gandalf, "I have never heard such a word uttered
in the west. Pray, what tongue is that which you speak?"
"Um...English. Or what you would call the 'common tongue'" I added quickly,
seeing the confused looks on my companions' faces. I proceeded to explain
to them that this was a park, to which visitors came from all over the
world to enjoy the beauty of nature.
At this, Gandalf was very surprised. "Why have I not heard of this place
before? I am one of the Wise after all, and we are well learned in lore
and history of our world."
"I have never heard mention of this place in any tales that the fair kin
have handed down," added Legolas, who, being an elf, was immortal and
already well advanced in years.
"Nor I. In all my travels throughout this Middle Earth, I have never come
across a place such as this, or by this name," Aragorn said.
"Ah, but this is not Middle Earth," I stated, hoping not to confuse them
too greatly. "Somehow, you have found yourself outside your land, and in a
new country called America. But tell me," I continued. "I have somewhat
of a guess as to why you are traveling in such haste. But please, if you
don't mind, I should much like to hear your tale."
As I suspected would happen, Frodo was the one who actually began the
story. "We left the fair city of Rivendell, in the realm of Imladris, only
a week ago. We are on a quest to destroy the Ring of Power, forged by the
dark lord Sauron in the land of Mordor. This thing, this Ring, is evil and
I am its bearer, for a time. These are my companions, assigned to assist
me on my journey to the Mountain of Fire, the only place in which the Ring,
and Sauron, can be destroyed forever."
Just as I suspected. This was the Fellowship of the Ring! And who was I
to have come across them in so unlikely a place?
"If you will have it, Frodo, I offer my assistance in any way I can," I
said.
"You are very noble and very fair, my lady. We will gladly receive your
help on our journey. We must find our way out of this land, beautiful
though it is, so that we may continue our quest."
