Here it is the sequel to Whirlwind. In this story it may go a little slow but I'm gong to be pulling in characters that are not in middle earth and taking this on my own little spin. Hope you have fun reading this and please let me know what you think.
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Packed and ready to go, Shantel took one last look at her room before slugging her back pack over her back. Leaving the room, she saw Aragorn standing there with Arwen, now his wife.
"You shall always have a home here," Arwen said hugging Shantel. "I shall see to that."
"And I will put up no argument," Aragorn said hugging Shantel as well.
"Probably because you know she'd kick you butt," Shantel playfully hit Aragorn's shoulder. Smiling he ruffled her hair, making Shantel playfully howl and pat her messed up hair down. Down in the courtyard, the hobbits were ready for departure as was Legolas and Gimli sat on their mounts. The plan was to depart together, then part just before Fangorn forest. Shantel would treasure the time but was also trembling for it, because it meant that soon she wouldn't see the hobbits for a while. No more late night comforts with Frodo, Pippin or Merry's jokes, or Sam's way of looking like he had his hand in the cookie jar.
"Are you ready to go?" Frodo came forward taking Shantel's hand.
"Let's get rolling," Shantel nodded and got ready to climb onto a horse with Legolas when Aragorn called out to her.
"A moment Shantel, before you go." She turned and saw Arwen bringing forth a horse, dusty colored with silver hair.
"With is Foralin, sister to Asforoth, my horse," Arwen said then placed the reins in Shantel's hands. "She is a gift to you, for your travels."
"Oh this is too much," Shantel stopped when Arwen held a hand up.
"No argument," She said with a smile and Shantel smiled back at her.
"Thank you," Shantel hugged both Arwen and Aragorn again. Seeing Gandalf there he was going to be riding with them, as was Elladan, Elrohir, and Haldir and his group.
"Are you sure that you will not accompany us at least part of the way?" Elladan begged his sister.
"You must, we will miss you dearly," Elrohir joined in and both gave their sister puppy dog eyes. In the end she gave in and was soon going with them, as was Aragorn. The ride started out quiet, no one really too sure of what to say, not wanting to say good bye's yet. Shantel search through her mind, trying to think of something to say to some one, when a thought came into her head.
"It's a small world after all.." She started. Every one looked at her like she grew a third head then was pulled off of Foralin and gagged by Elladan and Elrohir.
"imf mfff mmrr," Shantel said as the laughing group watched her chase the twins around the horses forgetting to take the gag off. Stopping she pulled the gag off, it wasn't tied very tight and glared at the twins, but couldn't keep the smile from her face.
"You could have said that you didn't like the song!" Shantel threw her hands up in the air and mounted Foralin. She had sung that on purpose knowing it would get a reaction. They resumed their way until it became close to nightfall. Reaching the road where it crossed, they knew the next day they would all take separate paths, and not see each other for a very long time, if ever. As a fire was being set up, Shantel saw Legolas setting up a tent. Sneaking up behind him, which she only succeeded in because Gimli was talking to him, she leaned real close to his ear while he was bending over.
"Can I help?" Shantel asked, surprising the elf who knocked her over. Falling back Shantel felt something crack about mid back and she lay there for a moment.
"Shantel are you all right?" Legolas was over her in an instant, checking her before he moved her.
"Ow," Shantel said slowly and moved her legs. Success so her back wasn't broken. Reaching behind her she pulled out poles for the tent, two of which were cracked in half. As Legolas opened his mouth Shantel spoke over what he was going to say.
"Hey this ain't my fault, they must have been flimsy for me to have broken them so easily so don't blame me for breaking the tent," Shantel said as Legolas shut his mouth. Seeing Gimli close by laughing Shantel sat up.
"It's not funny!"
"Sure it is lass," Gimli said between chuckles. "Especially when you hear that those were for firewood because they were damaged."
"Oh," Shantel turned back to Legolas who had his hands on his hips now. Giving him a half smile, he gave her a small smile to show he wasn't mad and turned her around steering her away from the tents.
"Go talk with the hobbits," Legolas suggested as he gently pushed her in that direction. Sticking her tongue out at him, she went over to Frodo and sat next to him. He wasn't as sad and down as he was when they first returned after the war, but he wasn't the same as when she first met him either, not counting the fact that he was running from the Nazgul.
"How are you doing?" Shantel asked.
"Fine as can be expected," Frodo replied quietly. "I just feel tired, as though I'm worn, very worn."
"With you talking like that it makes me feel like I'm never going to see you again," Shantel said quietly.
"It could be a possibility," Frodo agreed. "I do not believe that I am going to die any time soon, but something will happen." They were interrupted by Merry and Pippin running over being chased by Sam. They had gotten into the food and eaten up all the mushrooms.
"After I catch you I'm going to…" Sam shouted as they ran past. Frodo and Shantel laughed watching them run over to where the tents were being set up. They nearly toppled over Gimli and Legolas jumped out of the way. The rest of the evening was peaceful as all realized that this would be the last evening together for a long time. They traded songs and tales before everyone but Shantel retired to bed. It was cloudy tonight, but she lay on her back watching the clouds and let out a sigh. A light breeze drifted by gently brushing on her face.
She was woken in the morning by a slight shaking by Legolas, who helped Shantel stand and then she stretched looking around. The horses were packed and ready to go while breakfast was being passed out. After hugs and a few tears, they left the others as they headed off for their first location, Fangorn forest. It wasn't until nightfall that they reached the forest and settled down to make camp. Gimli was still uneasy about the place but willing for Legolas to give it a chance. To pass the time, Gimli started to talk of the caves and riches found there.
"My father Gloin, has a vast collection of jewels from the horde of Smaug, when he was defeated by the folk of the river." Gimli said. "There were mountains of gems, that sparkle greatly as they eyes can see."
"All this talk of gems, I assume you take great worth in their riches," a female voice said from the forest. Legolas pulled out his bow as Gimli stood up with his ax. Shantel watched as the figure, covered by a hood and cloak stepped out, hiding her face.
"Aye I do, as I also take pleasure in their beauty and rareness," Gimli nodded on guard.
"Who are you, state your business," Legolas demanded.
"You do not recognize me?" The female asked and then shook her head. Taking down her cloak, the firelight highlighted her face. Her hair seemed to shine with the colors of the rainbow, and her eyes sparkled brightly. As she moved slightly it was found that you could see right through the hair, as her eyes were also clear.
"Danielle!" Legolas exclaimed putting down his bow and rushing forward to embrace her. She was very beautiful and Shantel found herself subconsciously using a statistic when she would play dungeons and dragons with her friends. She had the poise and grace of a model, not thin to where her bones stood out but a slender figure, many would find pleasing to the eye.
"I'd give that a twenty in Charisma," Shantel whispered. Charisma stood for looks and socialization abilities with others.
"Who are you?" Gimli asked as he lowered his ax in wonder. The last time he had the look on his face was when he saw the Lady of the Wood. Legolas turned and gestured Danielle forward.
"Gimli this is Danielle," Legolas introduced. As he passed Shantel, he grabbed her left hand and pulled her ring off, giving her a wink, as he slipped it in his pocket. "This is Shantel."
"Please to meet you," Danielle gave her a gentle smile. "Please let me tell my companions that they may come forward."
"Who else is with you?" Legolas asked walking with her.
"Two others," Danielle said as they disappeared then returned. Two males were by her, one had hair the color of Topaz his eyes also the same, but it was the other that caught Shantel's eye. His hair was a blue, deep blue, like his eyes, but that's not what took her breath away. This guy was better looking than Legolas and Shantel felt a blush on her cheeks as he gave her a smile.
"Be careful," Danielle whispered next to Shantel. She turned not even seeing how she got behind her. "He's good looking, smart, and the problem is he knows it." Danielle said as she sat down. Shantel sat down fighting the impulse to go to where the guy was, who she learned was named Lavitz. The other guy was named Tolqwist.
"I know what you are," Gimli said with amazement in his voice. "You are Jumi, you have cores, which are gems." They simply looked at him as if measuring him up.
"What do you mean?" Shantel interrupted. "I don't understand."
"Our people," Tolqwist said still looking at Gimli. "Are from a place called the Bejewelled city. Very few of us venture out so it's not very common to see many of us. Our souls are in the gems which is a part of our body and don't take lightly to those who trade them for riches or for wealth." Now Shantel understood why Danielle sounded so offended when she first stepped out, and why Legolas took her ring, her diamond ring.
"Our hair and eyes reflect our gems," Lavitz stepped in. "For example I am a lapis lazuli, Tolqwist is a topaz and her." He casually gestured to Danielle. "She's a diamond." Danielle's eyes flashed as Lavitz gestured to her so casually. Legolas saw this and stepped over putting a hand on Danielle's shoulder.
"Just wait I'm going to get him one day," Danielle whispered. Legolas gave her a gentle squeeze to her shoulder, which she gave him an appreciative smile for. As they settled down talking about Krom, where the three started out from, Lavitz talked the most enjoying the attention and explained the artifacts they were wearing.
"They are called Clade," Lavitz gestured to his blue bracers. "Knoff," He points to Tolqwist topaz sword, and Guhe, which Danielle has on her head but it's hard to see." Talking more of their adventures, Shantel didn't miss the looks that Danielle shot over at Lavitz whenever he made a snobby response about her, but she also saw, Danielle looking over at him with a different look in her eyes. Most of this stuff going over her head, Shantel pulled her discman out and picked out a CD to listen to.
"I'm going to walk out over here, not too far," Shantel said, while Legolas and Gimli nodded. Starting the player, Shantel listened to some Lorena McKennit until she felt some one tap her on the shoulder. Taking off the ear phones, she saw Danielle standing there.
"Can I sit with you, I can't stand being by that thing," Danielle hissed pointing at Lavitz. Shantel turned seeing Lavitz having a big smile on his face as all listened to him.
"He certainly enjoys the attention," Shantel mentioned as Danielle sat down.
"Yes I know," Danielle sighed sitting down as Shantel nodded for her to. "He has his good moments but most of the time he treats me like I'm nothing. It gets so frustrating."
"I've known guys like that," Shantel nodded.
"What do you have there?" Danielle pointed to the discman.
"Oh it plays music, listen," Shantel put one of the earphones in Danielle's ear and after turning the volume down hit play. She saw Danielle's eyes widen as she listened and looked to Danielle.
"This is fascinating, how did you come across such a creation?" Danielle asked.
"It's something from my home, I'm not from this land," Shantel explained her story to Danielle who listened very intently.
"That sounds amazing," Danielle shook her head with a small smile.
"Shantel, we got a question for you," Legolas called from by the fire. The girls returned and sat down again. "These three are going to be passing through Fangorn Forest and will be stopping by some caves there for cleansing of evil. We've been invited to go, are you interested?"
"Sure I don't see why not," Shantel shrugged. It couldn't be too tough, Danielle and Lavitz both looked like they were not the combat type, while Tolqwist looked like he could hold his own. How bad could it be?
When the sun rose in the morning, Shantel had her stuff packed ready to go, while the jumi were finishing up. Danielle was doing a ritual she explained so she can perform spells, and Lavitz, after meditating for fifteen minutes, was preening with his mirror. Curious Shantel went over and sat down next to him.
"Hi there," She greeted.
"Hello," He replied not looking. Shantel thought for a moment then jumped when Lavitz spoke to her.
"Did you realize you were staring?" He asked a big smile on his face.
"I uh," Shantel blushed again ducking her head. "Sorry didn't mean to."
"It's all right," Lavitz got up and pulled Shantel to her feet. Putting an arm around her shoulder he steered her over to the horses.
"Would you like to hear the story of how I saved my previous masters life?" Lavitz asked as Shantel nodded.
"Must we hear that again!" Danielle yelled, making Lavitz grin even bigger. Shantel hung onto his every word, not able to help but ooh and sigh at the descriptions he gave. As he finished his tale, she realized that she was acting like a fangirl groupie and tactfully stepped away from him.
"Why aren't you nice Danielle?" Shantel asked. Lavitz lost his grin.
"Because she is not worth of my time or effort." He simply replied curtly. His change in attitude surprised Shantel and she muttered an excuse about having to go get her horse. They rode through the wood, taking in all the beauty of the tree's and the wonderful smell. Shantel was disappointed that they didn't see Treebeard or any of the other ents, but maybe they had their reasons to stay hidden.
All too soon for Legolas, and not a moment too late for Gimli they exited the wood and soon found the caves that the jumi were talking about. Dismounting they looked at the entrance and saw they could walk two next to each other. Tolqwist and Danielle took the front, Lavitz and Shantel was put in the middle as Legolas and Gimli were in the back. While walking they looked around, Shantel kept sneaking glances at Lavitz and scolded herself for it each time. Finding a door, Tolqwist leaned up against it listening before pushing it open. Nothing was in there but storage stuff. Walking down a few more feet, an orc jumped out from behind Legolas who Gimli quickly cut down.
"That's one for me," Gimli boasted. Legolas gave him a grin, but then cast a worried look to Shantel. She had a short sword, but not much experience in hand to hand combat. He remembered Pelennor Fields almost did her in. He knew he'd have to stay close to her if things got more serious.
"Shantel you don't have to go further," Legolas said getting everyone's attention.
"No I'm fine," Shantel shrugged. "I trust you guys." They continued on but found nothing in any of the rooms they found. Almost like they were all evacuated knowing that some one was going to come. The last room in the very back was a huge room, with a few small doors in the back. Tolqwist stepped in first looking around, then beckoned the others to come in.
Reaching the middle of the room, there was a shout and dozens of orcs stormed the room, surrounding them. They pushed Shantel into the middle as they circled around to face the attackers. There was maybe about two dozen orcs, more or less.
Looking around, Shantel saw Tolqwist take four out with one swing from his sword, but more moved in to take their place. Lavitz was casting what Shantel swore were called Magic missiles, as Legolas and Gimli hacked away each taking count. She turned to see, Danielle hitting the orcs with a mace, which took a few hits before they fell. The orcs pushed in closer making combat harder.
With a shout, Tolqwist busted out separating himself from the group and leaving Shantel exposed. Lavitz saw this and turned casting a spell her way. Danielle defended Lavitz's back as Shantel felt like she had a shield covering her. Pulling out her sword, she swung at the orcs, while it seemed many couldn't hit her. A few got a few cuts and scrapes on her but nothing bad. All but four were left when a low laughter filled the room distracting them. A male dressed in dark robes, and had flowing white hair walked into the room.
"Nice to see you could handle my pets so well," He cackled. "But none of you shall leave this place alive." Raising his hands he cast a spell, blowing everyone off their feet. Tolqwist got to his feet and charged in to hit the apparent wizard, while the others were left to take care of the four remaining orcs. One was killed in the hit leaving three. Gimli and Legolas took care of one easily as Danielle looked around checking for Lavitz and the others. Finding them all right, she turned her gaze on Tolqwist to see if he needed any healing. Shantel stepped back, she could barely handle the orcs, she knew she couldn't handle this wizard guy, and felt herself come up against a body.
Before she could say a word, she felt something slice into her neck, and warm fluid flow down her front. Looking down she saw that it was red and realized what it was. A short choked gasp came from her and it seemed that a shout of her name was in the distance. Falling first to her knees then onto her stomach, she lay coughing and gagging. She felt a hand touch her back, and a chant beginning over her. All was starting to fade then Shantel found she wasn't choking anymore, in fact she felt even more better than before.
Getting up slowly, Shantel touched her neck, felt the fluid, but there was no wound. Turning she saw the hand on her shoulder was Danielle's who gave her a gentle smile. Legolas and Gimli gave her a grin before they joined Tolqwist battling the wizard.
"Watch this," Danielle said pointing at Lavitz. Shantel watched him chant then saw a sphere of fire come out, and he directed it over the wizard. As soon as it hit, he jumped out of its way but was looking bad off. Tolqwist ended up giving the wizard his final blow and Lavitz did a wave motion, dismissing the fire sphere.
"Shantel are you all right?" Legolas rushed back over.
"I hate that question but I'll let you get away with it for this time," Shantel gave him a you know better smile. "I'm fine, thanks to Danielle." She gave the jumi another smile to which she returned.
"Yes it's good to know that she is good for something," Lavitz casually commented as he passed by this time getting a glare from both girls. Ignoring them he passed by.
"I don't want to be rude but I don't think we'll be joining any more adventures for now," Legolas said. "I think this was too much for Shantel."
"I'll agree to that," She nodded. "I'll stick to paper and dice when it comes to this stuff." The others gave her a questioning look but she waved them off. When they finished searching the room, Shantel found herself not remembering ever being so happy to breathe the forest air. In her back, there was an extra set of clothes, but Shantel wanted to bathe before changing not wanting to get the clean clothes dirty.
They went with the jumi to a nearby town, Shantel was thankful her cloak covered her clothes. Finding an inn, they went in. Shantel saw all the gazes of the girls go to Lavitz and a few to Tolqwist as the men looked to Danielle. Several men got swatted on the back of the head by women with them. The jumi insisted that they pay room and board for them and got each their own room. Shantel went up to bathe and change before she returned down stairs and found Legolas was sitting at a table with Gimli, both talking, while Tolqwist was favoring a drink. Shantel didn't see Lavitz but figured out where he was when she found a group of females around some one. Danielle was in her own little circle and beckoned Shantel over.
"This is Shantel," Danielle said, as many of the men nodded and smiled at her. Not used to so much attention, Shantel blushed but felt a little unpretty as she stood next to Danielle. As if sensing her discomfort, Danielle excused herself and took Shantel outside with her.
"What is wrong?" Danielle asked.
"Nothing, it's silly really," Shantel shrugged. "I just feel a little intimidated because you are so much prettier."
"Shantel it's part of my race, we are, more pleasing to the human eye, fair like men believe elves are fair," Danielle explained. "I'm not trying to outshine you at all." Danielle seemed to think for a moment then turned Shantel back to the inn. Both girls went upstairs to Danielle's room and Danielle told Shantel to wait a moment.
"Look at yourself in the mirror," Danielle instructed. Turning, Shantel did. She saw Danielle behind her take off her cloak, and she looked a little less fair, but still very beautiful. Walking up she put it on Shantel's shoulders. Suddenly she seemed much more prettier and couldn't help but admire herself.
"How did you do that?" Shantel asked.
"It's the cloak," Danielle explained. "Magical qualities about it. I honestly bought it, because Lavitz has one as well, it's simply more powerful. I am a little bit jealous of how he keeps getting better looking." Shantel smiled and took one last look at herself in the mirror before taking off the cloak.
"Here," Shantel gave it back. "Take it before I decide not to give it back." Danielle laughed and put the cloak back on.
"Now I want to tell you something important, even though I look your age, my companions and I are much older," Danielle said.
"You age like elves?" Shantel asked.
"No we age slower simply and live longer than humans," Danielle said. "But that wasn't what I was going to tell you. What counts in life, is what's up here," Danielle pointed at Shantel's head. "And what's in here," then she pointed at Shantel's heart. "Believe in yourself and you can do anything, that's how I put up with Lavitz arrogance and Tolqwist change of moods. He hasn't said much but goes from hot to cold very quickly."
"Can I ask one favor?" Shantel asked shyly. Danielle nodded. "You don't have to but I'm just curious, can I see, what your core looks like?" Shantel ducked her head not believing that she just asked but then looked up. Danielle smiled and lifted her shirt, revealing a diamond where her belly button would be.
"Thank you," Shantel said and Danielle put her shirt back down.
"Shall we return back down stairs?" Danielle asked. Shantel nodded and followed her back down.
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Danielle, Lavitz, and Tolqwist are my characters from Chosen - a Jumi's tale. I breezed over their adventures simply because I'm not going to type it all out twice. Any who's interested in learning more about them, read the story, if you liked what you saw here, you will love the rest that goes with it. Just a side note, if you do read it, this won't happen in that story, they won't know Legolas simply because they are in a different world, and best thing is, you don't have to know much about D&D stuff, it's all mostly explained in the story! Okay I'm done with my little advertise on my fic, should I keep the jumi in a little longer or pull in some different characters?