Author: I am vury vury sorree that it took me this long to update! I was kind of upset that most of my reviewers that said 'can't wait for the next chapter' (HINT HINT!!) did NOT review. Rather disappointing really. I guess you could say I waited out of spite, and I'm sorry to those of you who did review that I made wait! And on to chapter 31......

Chapter31

The trip through Fangorn was rather.... Unpleasant, to say the least.

I was scratched, bruised, tired, NOT fed, lashed, AND THEN made to walk through a stinking dark forest looking for persons whom I KNEW we would not find. So I whined, and complained, and stomped, and lagged behind. Until that is, Aragorn told me to 'shut up and hold my tongue; WOMAN.'

Now, I understand that he was really worried, and under a lot of stress and emotional pain at the moment, but I was just as.... well UPSET... as he was. So I called him (And I do regret this now) 'A sexist idiot and told him to shut his own self up.'

At about that point in time, the Rohirrim horses bolted, leaving us with no get-a-way transportation; and a low laugh sounded through the trees.

"Saruman!" Legolas hissed.

"Shhhhhshsssssshhh!" Hissed Aragorn.

"He has the right to freedom of speech!" I hissed too, being the wise-ass that I am.

And Aragorn put his hand over my mouth.

So I stomped on ahead of them. Humming to myself now. Legolas smiled at me. That is, me or my stupidity. But I like to think it was just at me.

Then I heard Gimli, readjust his axe, and suddenly the trees began to make a horrible screeching sound. Kind of like glass scraping over concrete.

"Gimli! Leave your axe alone! It's agitating the trees!" I said loudly. It was as if a sudden wind had been brought up because the trees began to sway a bit. Some of the saplings bending quite far...Gimli took his hands from the axe, and it stopped. Just liked that... it stopped.

Then there was that laugh again. I half smiled. And walked closer to Legolas. I reached up and touched his bow...

"The orcs stole mine," I said when he looked down at me.

"I am sorry. Perhaps, we shall find you a new one? I will even give a strand of my hair for the string." He said, smiling. Then we were suddenly confronted by a figure robed entirely in white. A cloak hood covering and casting his face into shadow.

"Do not let him speak." Warned Aragorn. "He will put a spell on us with his words."

We nodded and I stepped back. Quicker than sound Legolas released an arrow. It never struck. Gimli hurled a throwing axe with all his might; it vanished in a flash of flame when it reached within two paces of the figure.

"You are looking for two hobbits." The voice boomed.

"What have you done with them!" Cried Aragorn.

"Let us just say..... that they met someone that they did not... expect."

At these words, Aragorn flew forward with an angry cry, brandishing his sword. The wizard's staff deflected it easily, and not a mark shown on its wood.

"You have no weapons that could harm ME." Said the voice. And the white light around him faded. He pulled back the hood, and before us stood...Gandalf the White.

"Gandalf!" I cried and he nodded, with a half smile, remembering.

"Yes, yes. That is what they used to call me. Gandalf...Gandalf the Grey. But now my friends, I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now. At the turn of the tide." He answered. And we smiled.

OOO

Gandalf told us of what had befallen him and Moria, and then he began to speak Galadriel's words to Aragorn and Legolas. (If you're lost, read the 2nd book pg. 493)

Aragorn looked grave when he received his messages, and Legolas, a bit apprehensive.

Gimli stood there, stout legs apart, face crestfallen. "Then she sent me no message?" He demanded.

Legolas chuckled, "What then? You wish for her to speak openly of your death as well?" He said with a tight smile.

Gimli scowled. "Yes, if she had naught else to say."

Legolas laughed out right, and Gimli's hand moved towards his axe. I stopped him. "Gimli, forget it. It means nothing. Legolas is just upset is all. He didn't mean what he said." His hand relaxed.

"I am sorry Gimli. I was so busy pondering those messages I forgot about yours!" Gandalf said with a chuckle. "I will now tell it; Galadriel said 'to Gimli son of Gloin, Give his lady's greeting. Lock-bearer, wherever thou goest, my thought goes with thee. But have a care to lay thine axe to the right tree!'." Said Gandalf.

Gimli was overjoyed. And there was new spring in his step.

I turned away with a half smile, pondering this now...But I was interrupted. "She has also sent word to you, Merna." Said Gandalf. I practically flinched. I had hoped that she had just forgotten about little old me.

I turned around. "She said this, and only this:" Began Gandalf, "'Allies and enemies, secrets and lies, thou's fate now rests upon the roll of the die, destroy thy gifts, and keep thy friends. Thou shall change how this tale ends."

I shivered. Trust Galadriel to kill the good mood....

Then I could've sworn, that I heard faint and ghostly laughter in the very back of my mind....

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Author: Sorry so short. But this chapter was tough spot for me. I am also swamped with homework, and actual work (The paid kind! Yea!) And it's hard to find time to type. I am working hard on the next chapter though, so don't fret. But I think a couple good reviews might spur me on a bit. (HINT HINT HINT)

Thanx, Pippinsgal011890