A Stranger In The Woods

Chapter 7: Meeting the Fellowship

Katie was still contemplating over what she would need on the journey when a knock sounded at her door. Arwen entered, carrying a stack of clothes.

"I searched for some garments for you to take," she said as she sat them on the bed. "I could only find men's traveling clothes, so we had to tailor them a little so that they might fit better."

Katie smiled at the woman in appreciation. "I was wondering what I should wear. I was afraid I was expected to wear a dress the entire trip," she said with a little laugh, as she picked up the clothes and went into the bathroom to try them on.

The beige shirt Arwen had found for her buttoned up the front, and went half way down to her knees. The underwear Arwen provided was made out of a stretchy spandex-like material, as was the dark green pants. The fabric fit to her like a second skin, needing only to be rolled up at the bottom to fit her legs.

Arwen laughed as she walked out to model her slightly oversized clothes. "Good thing I brought this," Arwen giggled, handing her a beautiful leather belt. An intricate swirl design ran along the length of it, adding character.

Katie wrapped it around her thin waist and studied her reflection in the mirror. 'Not bad,' she thought self-consciously.

Next, she tried on the boots Arwen had brought. The smooth leather went half way up her leg, and unlike the clothes, fit her perfectly; the etched pattern on the belt echoed in the design of the boots. And last, Katie tied the dark green cloak around her, marveling at its softness.

"Thank you for everything," Katie said quickly and gratefully, knowing Arwen wanted to get back to Aragorn. The elven woman gave her a quick hug and wished her well before gracefully leaving, not making a sound.

Katie took a moment to glance around the room a final time, processing everything that had happened in the last 24 hours, wondering how it had all come to this. She had been planning an uneventful, unstressful week of camping and no work. She had even been toying with the idea of cutting her vacation a day short and painting her bathroom.

Now she was about to embark on what she was guessing would be the greatest adventure of her life.

"Apart from painting my bathroom," she muttered as she softly shut the door and walked towards the gates of the city.

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To Katie, it looked as if the entire population of elves had come to see them off on their journey. Several came up to her and wished her luck as she made her way towards where the fellowship was already forming. Everyone was there except one: Legolas.

Katie scanned the crowds for a glimpse of him, but only saw his brother heading her way.

"Be careful," he said, lightly grasping her arm.

"I will," Katie answered distractedly, wondering where Legolas was.

"If you are searching for my brother, I believe he is in discussion with Elrond."

Katie felt a rush of annoyance. She had a fairly good guess what Legolas was talking to Elrond about. 'The jerk still can't accept I'm going,' she thought angrily.

Katie quickly told the elf goodbye and disappeared into the throng of people. She was slightly mad at Lenwë for telling her something she didn't want to know.

"Oh well," she muttered, forcing herself to smile as Gandalf approached her. He led her over to the start of the group and introduced her to the hobbits.

She shook their hands politely, as they gaped at her.

"You're going with us?" Pippin asked wide-eyed.

Frodo elbowed him sharply, as Katie tried hard not to laugh at Pippin's antics.

She received a distrusting look from Boromir, and a rough handshake from Gimli.

"Well, at least she's not another elf," he grumbled as he spied Legolas making his way towards them. Legolas scowled, indicating that he heard. The look he shot Gimli could have frozen water.

Katie watched as Elrond approached the group and made a point to look each of the travelers in the eye before beginning to speak.

"The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom. On you who go with him, neither oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will." Elrond caught her eye, and smiled slightly before finishing his speech. "Farewell. Hold to your purpose, and may the blessings of elves, men, and all free folk go with you."

Katie looked around the group curiously as everyone stood in silence. Finally, Gandalf spoke up.

"The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer."

Frodo slowly made his way to the gates looking tired and older than his years. Katie glanced back at the group of elves and men one last time before following Gimli out of the city.

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A/N:

Alright. Sorry I was late (my thanks to my belated beta The Hobbit Ivy)

So, let me know what you think. I know they got started off quickly, but trust me, I will make the journey a long one. In addition, to any that do not know, the journey did not take a year. From the time they left Rivendell, to the time the Ring was destroyed, it was exactly 3 months. I am writing according to that timetable. I may be off by a day or two.

Sorry this chapter was shorter. Promise update on Friday.

Katie-sue