Chapter 12: New Tidings

Serena woke up to the sound of horses, horse hooves mostly. It was dawn but the air was covered by a curtain of mist. From the fact that Legolas was stirring beneath her, Serena knew that his Elven hearing had not failed him, even in his sleep. The two got up quickly to investigate and heard the distant shouts of Gimli, "Hurry the horses are getting away!"

They arrived in time only for Legolas to cry out, "Someone is out there amongst the trees," cried Legolas. Of course, he could see with his keen sight but the others were obstructed. Serena herself wasted no time as she summoned her Crystal once more.

"Pegasus! I command you from the reaches of Elysion. Twinkle Crystal Call the Keeper of Dreams. Come forth Helios!"

The others present turned to the sound of twinkling bells. A white horse emerged from the midst. As he galloped full force towards them, it seemed as though he was carrying the whirlwind of the skies with him. Serena jumped full length into the air, backflipped and landed gracefully on the horse's bareback.

"Thank you for coming, Pegasus, my dear friend," she said telepathetically.

"Always at your service, my Princess."

"Can you fly Pegasus?"

"No, I'm afraid half of my starseed has been used to join the others."

"Very well, but we must hurry in order to catch our foe."

With that, Serena willed the power of Uranus, and Pegasus felt the powers of the guardian of the skies propelling further. Overhead, Serena caught a glimpse of an eagle flying just above them as if leading them.

--oo--

The others saw the maiden jumped onto the wild beast with the expertise that would amaze an Elf. None pressed for an explanation but rather accept it as one of her many secrets. Still, they had no choice but to scramble with their supplies and tried to track her and her Pegasus.

--oo--

Meanwhile, Serena with Pegasus darted through the foray of trees with branches that stretched to embrace the sky. The line of vision seemed endless but suddenly, Pegasus whinnied to a stop. Serena pierced at the white hooded figure before them and she recalled stories from Bilbo and the other Hobbits about one power hooded figure named Saruman. She had no time to contemplate

as to why he was not attacking her but Serena herself unleashed Jupiter's Oak Evolution attack. Inspired by the immense natural surrounding, the attack was amplified. Spirally towards the target, the figure stood unmoving instead he put up a defence shield to counter. The magic attack was lit into flames. Serena jumped full force into the air once more and did a somersault while wielding her sword out. As she landed, her sword was raised to the throat of her opponent. However, at the end of her blade, she was met with a staff.

"Well met, Lady Serenity, Child of the White Moon, Daughter and Princess of the Silver Millennium, and Ruler of the Last Crown."

There was a moment of silence as the face of the speaker was revealed. When the recognition sank in, "Gandalf? But I saw with my own eyes your sacrifice against the Balrog."

"I'm Gandalf the Grey no longer as you may have noticed from my white garments. Yet, I will appreciate that you lower your weapon, Lady Serena. Though, I have the means to attack, you yourself, have the powers to defend."

With an embarrassed nod, the weapon was retrieved. Gandalf continued, "My sacrifice, shall we say, granted my reborn with a renewed powers and a higher order among the Istari."

Nothing else was needed for Serena herself had been reborn more times than one, most times with a power boost. She was about to speak once more, when an unsuspecting arrow was shot from a distance. When she felt its presence, she ducked and felt the arrow flying past her ear. For Gandalf, he stood motionless as he did before and with a glance, the arrow burst into flames. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli emerged from among the trees.

"Gandalf, but it can't be you!"

"In a way, I am Saruman as he should have been, but you may still call me Gandalf. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, you have come far in this journey. Do not despair over the course of action that you have taken. Gimli, son of Gloin, why the shock expression on your face? I carry a message from the Lady of the Golden Woods. And Legolas, young Prince, your precision has not failed you. Lady Serena also greet me with magic and weapons of her own."

There was a slight humour in their friend's voice as they reminisce and tales were exchanged. Afterwards, Gandalf leaned back slightly while stroking his beard, "Much has happened since you have last left Lorien. The loss of Boromir was great. I attempted to find you sooner but Lady Galadriel informed me of your departure among other tidings," he said as he glanced toward Legolas and Serena.

"I cannot sense Frodo and Sam but perhaps, at least they are together. Pippin and Merry should be holding out on their own for just a bit longer. Saruman's castle is not far from here but we must set our course towards Edoras. Theoden, son of Thengel, King of the Mark of Rohan is not well and I fear that there may be a war among Men."

"Gandalf, was it you who have scared away the horses? I saw a figure clad in white similar to yours."

"No, but I suspect that it is Saruman. I have tracked him for a short distance until I heard the sound of horses nearby."

"Since we have no horses except for one and Edoras is great many leagues on foot."

With that Gandalf murmured in an ancient tongue and like before with Pegasus, three horses emerged with Shadowfax leading the way. It was a truly magnificent sight to see two distinct white horses standing side by side: Pegasus and Shadowfax. They stood majestically representing strength and speed.

"Now the matter is settled," Gandalf said as he got on Shadowfax. The others followed in turn with Serena last on Pegasus. With a shout and they were off with Shadowfax leading the way once more. Pegasus was picking up the rear, followed by Legolas and Gimli on one horse and Aragorn on the other. They made good distance, rarely stopping under the orders of Gandalf.

However, they did make camp during the night. The horses sweated from the strenuous run but still they were loyal and trustworthy animals. With the gentle strokes from the Elven Prince, they settled down peacefully for the night.

That night, Serena stood watch but her mind was troubled. When she realized that she had no idea how the Hobbits were faring after she had sent them off, she felt guilty that she had not gone with them somehow. Her hand reached for her Crystal unconsciously but when she realized what she was doing, she knew that she had to teleport there to at least comfort her anxious heart. She had to do it tonight while the moon was full and it was on her watch.

"Lady Serena ..."

She jumped slightly for she did not realize that Gandalf had walked up from behind. "I see that our watch is occupied slightly."

"I let Frodo go on his own to the Land of the Dark and I fear for his safety as well as Sam's."

Gandalf said nothing but waited for her to go on. "I wish to teleport there tonight if only for a brief moment."

He nodded his consent for he could sense her desperation. He too was uneasy about the Hobbits. "How do you suppose to accomplish such task without arousing the suspicion of the others and unwelcomed eyes?"

"Perhaps, you can create a magical shield around me such that I could leave for a brief moment and return? That way, I can conserve some of my magic to teleport."

With that Gandalf simply closed his eyes and brought forth his staff. The power of the Istari coursed through him as a golden shield was formed at the tip of his staff. At the same time, Serena transformed into her Cosmetic form with her Crystal suspended on top of her tier. She gained energy from the moonlight that pooled through until she was glowing silver. Gandalf

surrounded her with his orb. Serena called upon the powers of Pluto, the scout of time and dimensions. She summoned for a portal to locate Frodo.

All this was done with her eyes closed for if her eyes opened, she would have noticed that her body and spirit had separated. Only her spirit was left to complete the teleportation.

--oo--

Frodo and Sam had been wandering aimlessly, more precisely around in circles. They were exhausted and famished for the walk was excruciating for the two Hobbits were lost. They sustained upon lambas and such and cuddled in their Elven cloaks. After a time, they came upon the unlikeliness creature of all, Smeagol or better known as Gollum. It was a daunting task to trick such a creature into leading them into Mount Doom. However, they had no other choice and Gollum would do just about anything for his Precious.

They journeyed many nights until they were separated at one point and was found by Faramir and his men. Now Frodo and Sam were under the care of Boromir's brother. At times, Frodo could not help but to look over his shoulder constantly for Faramir could very well try to take the Ring. Still, Faramir resisted the temptation even after he knew about the ultimate power that was within his reach. That Frodo had settled into a deep sleep on a makeshift bed. The feeling was comforting, though, his thoughts were troubled.

--oo--

Through Pluto's portal, Serena concentrated on the energy of the Ring. She knew how dangerous it was for her teleported for she got lost within the stream of dimension, she may not be able to return quickly. As she stared at her hands, she realized that it was glowing with pale silver. If she got lost in the dimensions, it would be her spirit that would be lost. Her Crystal blazing, she concentrated into searching for the dark aura of the Ring. It took her immense amount of concentration but eventually she felt it. Closer and closer ... until she could reconstruct another portal ...

Stepping through she found herself in a cave of some sort overlooking a waterfall. Men were everywhere but none of them could see her. She walked towards the title where a man was giving orders for water to be drawn in buckets. She knew that he must be a leader of the group. As she closely studied the man's features, she could not help but feel a sense of familiarity from him. On a closer inspection, she recognized the symbol on his sword that was lying on the table. It bear the same emblem as that of Boromir's. Before she could continue with that train of thought, her attention was drawn elsewhere to where two beds were off to the side. She realized that the bundles on the bed were that of Frodo and Sam. Relief washed over as she looked over them and found no injuries. She stroked the top of Frodo's head and concentrated until she could enter his dreams.

Frodo was sleeping soundly and was dreaming of Hobbiton until the scene changed once more into a misty area. He saw a figure ahead but he could not see who. The figure walked closer to him until her face was revealed by the mist. It was Lady Serena!

"Lady Serena! Is that you? What are you doing in my dream?"

"Frodo! I have journeyed far using magic and I am relieved to see you well."

"Yes, though our pilgrimage has been treacherous ..."

With that Frodo summarized what happened to Sam and him up to the point when Faramir found them. Likewise, Serena informed him of the recovery of Gandalf in which Frodo took great joy in.

"Faramir is Boromir's brother. I was rather surprised to have recognized the armoury. Has he been treating you well?"

Frodo nodded. "Faramir is unlike his brother though both are brave and valiant in their cause."

"Where would you go from here, my dear Hobbit?"

"I will make for Mount Doom by the way of ..."

Suddenly he was interrupted by the rumbling sound. "Do not be afraid, but somehow you are being awaken."

"I must go but both you and Sam take care. We shall meet again in actuality and not in dreams."

"Will I see you again in my dreams?"

"I doubt it for immense amount of magic is required and I have stayed longer than I should. Farewell, Frodo." With a brief kiss to his forehead, Serena disappeared.

Frodo felt himself being shake awake and he opened his eyes to see Faramir over him. "Do not be afraid Frodo. You must come."

When Frodo was next left alone with Sam, the Ringbearer explained how Serena was in his dreams. Sam of course was excited but Frodo warned for him to keep quiet.

--oo--

Once Serena stepped out of the dream, she was back within the realm of the dimensions. She felt lighter knowing that the Hobbits were safe but she had no idea which way they were going. Nevertheless, they were headed in the right general direction.

She herself was back to where Gandalf was still erecting the magical shield. She opened her eyes once more and stepped out of the sphere. Gandalf retrieved his magic as she detransformed once more. The full moon was still overhead and it was her magic that enhanced the capabilities of the Crystal. She felt drained of powers but still managed to stay on her feet. Gandalf was waiting for her response. She spared him no details as she recounted all that she say and what was spoken by Frodo. When she was finished, Gandalf was rather relieved though he contained his emotions.

"Well done, Lady Serena. It was quite a task to sustain magic over vast distances. Still, I think it is best that you get some rest before we journeyed once more."

She yawned and retreated back to camp. As she was leaving, she asked to the wizard, "Are you going to tell the others?"

"When the time is right ..." he said.

End of Chapter 12