Author's Note: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have no idea how much your kind words and positive responses mean to me. I was really feeling down for some reason when I wrote that chapter and, while I still think it was kind of crappy, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. That makes me like what I did a bit more lol.
ElvenStar5-I know I'm late, but it was unavoidable. Please don't send the rabid elves*begs*. They scare me *lip quivers*. But, I'll gladly take Legolas anytime you'd like to loan him to me hehehe. You know, your threatening words are great motivators lol.
Jennifer Bloom- whee! Then I'm glad you're not giving me any criticism lol. That makes me happy. Feel free to continue to tell me to continue, it's very effective.
Myri79- I'm writing it up as fast as I can. I'm still surprised I wrote this chapter so quickly.
aLL aMeRIcAn gIRl 50- I'm glad you like what I've written so far and I hope your enthusiasm continues.
Pherenna-Hmmm…that's a good question, I guess we'll just have to see *winks*. In the mean time thank you so much for reading and I so incredibly ecstatic that you're enjoying the story so far.CJ- Looks like I definitely need to sit down and read through the earlier chapters again myself. I like to do that ever so often anyway just to keep the storyline fresh in my head. But, I really appreciate you telling me and for doing it so tactfully. I'll definitely think over your suggestions. Oh and I will be developing certain aspects of the story (haldir, the ring, etc.) some sooner than you think.
Estriel- Then I'm glad you like my story. I want all of my readers to want to come back and read the next chapter.
Megan- Yes, I battled over whether or not to make Julia a 10th walker, like you I really feel like that's been over done, though sometimes it's been done well in the past (Rarely, but there have been a few I've enjoyed). She will, however, be involved in the war a bit later, but I could see no way out of that. I've got massive plans for this story, plans that hopefully will continue to make Julia a unique character. As far as Haldir and Celeborn, they will be addressed in time, I've just got to move a couple of obstacles out of the way. It should be interesting.
Sarah- Thanks for replying! I'm going to try my best to have pop these chapters out as fast as I can. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I'm definitely going to try to get them out as quickly as possible.
Chapter 9Laughter. Julia was intrigued to hear the sound of gleeful laughter echoing through the trees. The laughs were child like in sound, innocent and genuinely happy and were becoming more precise with each step they took as they made their way closer to the encampment. The nearer they came, the louder the laughter, and the more words of a carefree song from the Shire could be heard.
Aragorn had made it there a little bit before Julia and Legolas arrived and he was the first person they saw when they found themselves close enough to the fire to feel the lick of its flame beginning to warm their skin. The smile upon his face was rare, Julia knew, and it made him seem all the more pleasant; as if in that moment he wasn't Aragorn son of Arathorn and heir to the throne of Gondor, he was just Aragorn the man, enjoying a moment of peaceful entertainment.
Julia grinned when she noticed the two hobbits dancing merrily around the well-built fire. Their voices loud and proud and she could appreciate the earthy tones of their voices singing almost out of key, but not quite. Merry and Pippin were unique characters and it pleased her to know that she had made the right decision in coming to meet with them. She had needed a simple diversion and she had found it.
She could see Frodo and Sam sitting on the ground next to Gimli clapping their hands in an effort to keep the beat of the song. Gimli's face held no sight of happiness, but she knew that dwarfs more often than not refrained from showing true emotions so it didn't bother her to see the scowl upon his face. Because even if he did not allowed his feelings to be known, they showed through his eyes.
It was only when she caught sight of the other man from Gondor that her smile disappeared for a moment. His shoulders were slumped and though he sat near the fire as well, his body was turned from his companions fun as he stared out into the darkness. It was no hard task for Julia to sense something inside him, something disturbing and completely unwelcome in Lothlorien. It was the same something that she could sense in herself, the thought of that fact unsettled her, but she had not the time to dwell on it as her attention was brought back to the young hobbits.
"Good evening, my lady." Merry said, having just finished the song and noticing her standing gracefully in the firelight.
The smile appeared instantly back on her face as she addressed him. "Good evening, Master Brandybuck. I hope you and Master Took aren't stopping on my account. I would love to hear more of your songs. It has a been a good while since I've been entertained so thoroughly."
Pippin looked at her in wonder. "You like songs from the shire?"
Julia laughed softly and nodded her head. "I like many different types of music, but I have to say Bilbo got me interested in shire songs specifically."
At the mention of his uncle's name, Julia had Frodo's undivided attention. "You know Bilbo?"
"Indeed I do. He is a wonderful character and a very good friend I would hope. Though it has been many years since I've seen his jolly face."
"Oh please! Tell us of your dealings with Bilbo." Pippin spoke up loudly as he and Merry took their seats beside Frodo and Sam.
Seeing that all thoughts of another song were forgotten, Julia could see no harm in telling them a brief recollection of her encounter with Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit adventurer.
She glanced over at Legolas, catching a look of amusement on his face and finding the situation oddly amusing herself. "Alright, dear hobbits. If you truly wish to hear my tale then you shall have it."
She sat down with her legs gracefully beneath her, it was not the proper way for a lady to sit, but the company thought nothing of it. She could feel their eyes upon her, but her thoughts were already deep into her childhood memories as she remembered the first time she caught sight of Bilbo.
"I was quite young when Bilbo first graced me with his presence. My heart wasn't clouded by critical thoughts and I still looked at everything as if it were the first time I'd seen it." Her face was wistful and it was clear that she was no longer in the present time, but in the past where her memories dwelled.
It was to be the last time she was to visit Lothlorien, she knew. No one had said the words exactly, but there was such a sense of finality in her arrival that it was easy to guess her grandparent's intentions. The thought of never again returning to her home away from home was weighing heavily on her mind, but even her melancholy was forgotten as she sat in her private spot waiting for Haldir to arrive for their daily archery lesson.
She laughed at the thought of Haldir having to teach her anything anymore. She'd already learned more than most of the elves one thousand times her age. But, still she faithfully allowed Haldir to show her, never saying a word about the fact that she was already aware of everything he was attempting to teach her.
Her body language stiffened as she caught the sound of small feet crunching the leaves on the ground and frowned trying to think of what could be making such steps. A deer's tread was light and airy, an Elf's step went unheard, yet it was clear to her that the owner of the feet was not of animal dissent. To whomever they belonged she could tell they were drawing closer.
Quickly she stood and grabbed the first branch above her, climbing high until she was sure her presence would go unseen, and satm watchin as the most interesting creature she'd ever seen made it into the clearing. And he was not alone, beside him walked Gandalf her own personal grey pilgrim. She smiled as she heard the small being begin to sing in a merry tone.
Bilbo! Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins
He's only three feet tall
Bilbo! Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins
The bravest little hobbit of them all
She let out a soft squeal of excitement as she realized what the creature was. A Hobbit! A living breathing hobbit! And that was all it took to get her out of the tree and running quickly to Gandalf's side.
"Gandalf!" She called out throwing herself into his arms, as she did every time they met.
Gandalf's laughter was full of life and it echoed lightly through the trees. "Julia, my child. You've grown two feet since I saw you last." He said affectionately, pushing her back just far enough to take a good look at her.
"That's what you get for staying away so long." Julia scolded before turning her gaze to the quiet hobbit. "Hello, my name is Julia."
The hobbit bowed respectfully. "It is an honor dear child, I am Bilbo Baggins."
"Bilbo?" She repeated a sudden recollection coming to mind. "You're the hobbit from the stories!"
Bilbo's chest puffed out with pride. "It's a good possibility that is so."
She clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh! You must tell me one of your famous stories."
Gandalf grasped her shoulder gently. "After dinner, Julia. Bilbo has had a long journey, he needs replenishing."
"Then let's go!" She said.
"I don't think so. You have lessons." Haldir said, appearing out of nowhere and giving Julia a knowing smile.
"Haldir, how often do we receive such prestigious guests? Can't we just delay the lesson for a day?"
Gandalf chuckled at her indignation. "Bilbo will be here a while Julia, you will have plenty of time to hear his stories."
Julia sighed and crossed her arms in an obvious pout. "Fine, but I want two stories since I have to wait."
Bilbo laughed. "You can have as many as you wish, for I never tire of talking. I might even write a special one just for you."
Her eyes lit up at that thought. "A story about me? Oh please, Mr. Bilbo. I would love it."
He gave her a quick nod and a bow. "Then is shall be done." He replied giving her a swift wink as he and Gandalf continued on their way, leaving Julia a bit awestruck in their absence.
"Come now." Haldir said breaking her transe and leading her towards the practice field. "Show me how much you've practiced."
She glared at him. "You can be truly evil when you want, Haldir."
"I do try." Was his reply as they proceeded into the lessons for that day.
Julia smiled at the memory. "So, I still had to go through my lessons, but it was all worth it just to have met Bilbo."
"So, you know how to shoot a bow and arrow?" Sam asked, he had remained rather quiet since their first meeting and it pleased her to see him participating in the conversation.
She nodded her head. "Fairly well, in fact."
"Legolas is an accomplished archer. You should see him, it's a wonder and no mistake."
Julia looked at Legolas as smiled as she saw the humble look on his face. She liked that fact that he wasn't about to brag, even though she knew he would have every right. "Is that so? Well, that certainly merits a demonstration the next time we meet."
"Why not tomorrow?" Frodo asked catching the way her voice changed as she spoke of the next time they would meet.
Aragorn stepped up then, immediately back in his position as the lead of the fellowship. "We shall be leaving Lothlorien tomorrow."
Julia noticed the saddened faces all around her, all except for one found the news distressful. Boromir, captain of Gondor let out a sigh of relied, his shoulders obviously losing some of their tension. Her brow furrowed as she saw that reaction. It was odd for visitors not to feel comforted by the presence of the Lady of light and yet it was clear Boromir was not relaxed as the others were.
"Must we leave so soon?" Frodo's voice was soft, the thought of leaving making the weight of his burden start return.
"I am sorry, Frodo. We cannot linger here any more."
Julia felt guilt building inside of her, for she was the reason they were leaving. It was at that moment that she caught the glistening of gold just beneath his shirt. Her body immediately tensed and she turned away, meeting the gaze of Legolas who had already been watching for her reaction to the ring.
"Julia…" He started to move closer to her, but she waved him away.
"No, I must face this." She whispered harshly, just loud enough for Frodo and Aragorn to hear.
"My lady, are you alright?" Frodo asked worriedly taking a simple step towards her.
"No, Frodo, stay where you are." She said softly.
Frodo saw where her eyes were looking and placed his hand up at his chest. "It's the ring isn't it?" He looked at Aragorn. "The ring is the reason why we are leaving."
"I am the reason you are leaving, Frodo." Julia eyes closed as she heard a soft rumbling start in her mind, but she ignored it and gave Frodo her full attention. "The ring calls to me. I have no knowledge of what it wants or why it has it's sight set on me, but I can't be near it. Not for longer than brief moments."
"Then, my lady, why did you come here tonight?" He asked, he himself feeling guilt of causing her pain.
"Because I wanted to know you all. All of my life I've been fascinated by all the different lifestyles in Middle earth and in this fellowship alone I have the opportunity to become better acquainted with two races I have never completely understood."
"Two races?"
Julia nodded her head. "I'm already quite familiar with elves and the race of men, for I spent most of my life around both." She hoped that none of the beings surrounding the fire would have any more inquiries spawned from that information, for she knew there would be no easy answer. "I regret that we cannot get to know each other very well in the time allowed."
"Though our time is short, you've caught glimpses of who we are. What can you tell about us so far?" This question came from Merry, it was surprising to hear him say something so serious and it took Julia a moment to recover before deciding on an answer.
"It's hard to say what I've learned, but I can tell you what I feel, what I felt the moment I stepped into this camp." She glanced around at the faces and found herself staring into the eyes of Boromir before he quickly turned away. She sighed and continued on with her thought. "This fellowship, though fragile and in great grief over the loss of someone incredibly special, is carrying on and carrying on well. I know that when Gandalf fell…" Her voice quivered a bit at the mention of his name, but she went on. "…there was great doubt that this mission could succeed, but I can see the strength in all of you, I can feel the depth of your characters.
"I know that when each of you first agreed to escort Frodo on his quest, you never completely understood the difficulty of that task. But you're starting to now." She had no idea where she was getting these feelings, but she was sure that they were accurate. "You doubt your strengths and worry that you'll only bring more harm than good." She glanced at Pippin and gave him a support grin while saying this. "But, you forget that you are not alone, in your weaknesses, you have seven other companions to support you. That's the job of a fellowship."
"How do you know all of this?" Sam asked, his eyes filled with wonder.
"I don't know. I guess you can say it's one of perks that comes with being the granddaughter of Galadriel lady of light. I get images, feelings in my mind when I meet certain people. Not always, but with the eight of you, I can see things more clearly. I can see how strong you four hobbits are as group. You've grown up together and hold unquestionable trust in the friendships built between yourselves and your newly acquired friends.
"You Gimli, are a wonder. I can't quite grasp who you truly are, but I know that your bravery and your loyalty can be compared to none. Your presence in the fellowship is needed and though you may not understand my meaning right now, you will." She sighed and glanced at Aragorn and then to Boromir. "As far as the race of man goes." Julia held Boromir's attention as she spoke of he and Aragorn. "There is great frailty in man, great weakness, but there is also an abundance of courage and strength. You hear talk and doubt in your abilities, but there is no need. You know the task and you will see it done."
Julia could see the emotion that appeared on the Captains face and knew that he understood her words full well. It was as she had hoped. He was losing faith in the quest and needed a slight nudge to bring him back towards the light.
"What about the elf?" Gimli asked, bringing her attention back to him, his gruff voice sounding like sandpaper scratching the surface of wood, and yet Julia felt comforted by it's sound.
"The elf, Master Gimli, is unlike any I've ever met, so it's a bit harder for me to perceive what qualities he possesses. But I will say from what I sense, he is dedicated without a doubt to this journey and just as dedicated to fighting in this battle with all of you." She closed her eyes for a brief moment when she sensed something deeper inside him, but it remained out of her sight. She shook her head looked into Gimli's eyes. "He is very confident in himself…" She chuckled as Legolas sent her a look of mock cockiness. "I was going to say how much I admire his humility, but he obviously thinks more of himself than I do."
That caused a roar of laughter to spew out from Gimli and formed a bond of respect between the young she-elf and dwarf. While Legolas found the entire conversation highly amusing, what he was aware of most was the sudden lack of tension. The entire fellowship, including Borromir, who had obviously not been very welcoming, had a smile upon his face.
Sam crept forward with a mild blush upon his round cheeks. "My lady, won't you grace us with one of your beautiful songs."
Julia was extremely touched by his request, but knew that at that moment her voice would not hold up. "How about I make a deal with you? You sing me a song, Sam Wise Gamgee, and tomorrow morning before you leave I will sing you a farewell."
He nodded his head enthusiastically. "That's a deal miss. What should I sing?"
She pondered for a moment then the perfect idea hit her. "Sing a song for Gandalf. I think he would like the fact that the people he cares most about are in one place and he deserves to be remembered through song."
"Aye, my lady. I'll sing a song that Mr. Frodo wrote about him." He cleared his throat and stood up proudly.
When evening in the Shire was greyHis footsteps on the Hill we heard;
Before the dawn he went away
On Journey long without a word
From Wilderland to Western shore,
From northern waste to southern hill,
Through dragon-lair and hidden door
And darkling woods he walked at will
With Dwarf and Hobbit, Elves and Men,
With mortal and immortal folks,
With bird on bough and beast in den,
In their own secret tongue he spoke
A deadly sword, a healing hand,
A back that bent beneath its load;
A trumpet-voice, a burning brand
A weary pilgrim on the road.
A lord of wisdom throned he sat,
Swift with anger, quick to laugh;
An old man in a battered hat
Who leaned upon a thorny staff.
He stood upon the bridge alone
And Fire and Shadow both defied;
His staff was broken on the stone,
In Khazad-dum his wisdom died.
(From the book version of "The Fellowship of the Ring")
Sam suddenly stopped and frowned, turning to Frodo and saying, "There should really be a verse about his fireworks. Something along the lines of…"
The finest rockets ever seen:
The burst in stars of blue and green,
Or after thunder golden showers
Came falling like a rain of flowers.
"…though that doesn't seem to do him Justice."
"On the contrary Sam I think they're rather wonderful. Gandalf would most definitely approve." Julia said, standing up and walking over to the hobbits. "Since it's beginning to get late, I think it would be best for me to turn in for the night. I will see you all in the morning." She then leaned down and kissed each one of the hobbits on their foreheads.
She was met with a chorus of voices saying, "Goodnight, my lady." As she stepped back around the fire and stood in front of Legolas.
"Will you escort me back to my room?" She asked softly.
He nodded his head and took her hand. "Of course." They then proceeded to walk off into the night, leaving behind four content hobbits, a smitten dwarf, and two men, one of which respected the girl greatly. All in all, Julia's decision to spend time with the fellowship had worked out as she'd hoped. She could now watch them walk away the next day, hopefully.
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Well, I think this chapter turned out better than my last one and I'm quite happy with it. The next thing I'm going to post is an interlude. There are a couple of scenes that #1 I couldn't fit into this chapter and #2 there is no place for them in the next chapter. So I'll have the interlude posted soon.