This chapter has been revised, rewritten, and redone. When I posted this chapter the first time, I was nearly burned out. My brain was frying as I worked on this chapter. Plus, I barely had a break to re-read the story so far. I apologize to those who read the previous revision. This time, I hope Chapter 28 has turned out better to reach your expectations, as well as my own. Also, the beta-reader I found that will help critique this story is CrossoverDreamer.
Now, onto the notes for this chapter: yes, I moved the village of Prevale from Chapter 27 to Chapter 28, due to the number of words. Instead of over 2,000 words that occurred in the previous draft for Chapter 28, this final version reached above that, or so I hope it does.
Two new OCs are inspired by characters from the ABC television show "Boy Meets World". First, the hedgehog Jezebel is inspired by Corinna, one of Eric Matthews' ex-dates. Second, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is inspired by Reginald Fairfield. Both OCs have longer introductions and appearances now in this chapter, which should help bring out their characteristics and personalities, especially Jezebel who didn't have a speaking role until this finalized version.
Here is the list of music and the spots where they are played: the track music "Attack", from the live-action film "Pearl Harbor", is reprised beginning at 4:20. "Minuet", "Cello Concerto in B Flat Major", – two classical pieces composed by Luigi Boccherini – and "Two Hornpipes" – from "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" – play during a dinner party. The song "Rocky Road to Dublin", composed by the Dubliners, is reprised inside The Bushwagon Inn, during the evening hours. "Eternal Love", composed by blacksheep806, plays in Frodo's dream.
Since we are talking about a dinner party, I would suggest for readers to play something that prepares you for classical music. This way, you as readers can focus, so you are not rushed right into these certain scenes. For me, I chose "Arrival at Netherfield", from the 2005 live-action film adaptation of "Pride & Prejudice". Although this is not in the second music playlist for The Dark Twilight, it still helped me prepare for this sequence. The choice is yours on what music you select, since the other three tracks I mentioned in the previous paragraph are in "'The Dark Twilight' - Music Playlist 2".
Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Prevale
Frodo peered up at the late afternoon sky. As the sun set, he watched four stars shoot across the horizon. Although he was now concerned about Middle-earth's safety, Frodo's attention returned to the present. He entered the village of Prevale, moments into the gates closing for the rest of the night.
Inside the village, Frodo noticed straightaway that Prevale was surrounded, in a wide circle, by a tall, brown fence of logs with spiked points. Before he could ask about the four tall gates, Coral answered his now-persistent questions:
"The guards close all four gates at night, to keep Prevale safe and the intruders out. Every morning, at sunrise, the gates open. For now, there is no leaving the village."
Frodo nodded. "Then we're protected?"
Coral shook her head. "I wouldn't say that. This village – its people – is in poverty. Only the rich, snooty animals have managed to keep the peace with the Halflings and the Humans. To a sad extent, only a few Humans and Hobbits are selected to enter the grand mansion." She told him, quickly, "No, you wouldn't believe a luxurious house can be found in this dump." She added, softly, "But… there is such a place at Prevale."
"Where is the rum?" asked Jack, demanding.
"I would check the taverns and pubs." She asked, sarcastically, "Where else are you able to find rum?"
"What about that pub?" asked Jack, pointing out a pub that was two blocks away.
"The Cabin & Lady Pub?" asked Coral, confused. "Sparrow, I don't know…"
"What's a short trip, without drinking and singing pirate songs?" asked Jack, curious.
Coral paused. She gave up, and replied, "Fine, but don't be long–" She was cut off by Jack, who tore off through the village, without much of a warning.
Harry turned to Coral and the others, telling them, "We'll go after Jack."
"We will?" asked Edmund, confused.
Facing Edmund, Harry told him, "Come on. He can't be far." With that, he walked down the dirt road. Edmund and Anakin soon followed him.
Before Mumble and Gurgi could flee, Coral stopped them in their tracks. She asked, abruptly, "Hey! Where do you two think you're headed? Don't you realize it's dangerous in this village?"
"Coral, let them explore," said Frodo, speaking out in Mumble and Gurgi's defense.
"They shouldn't be too far away from us." Confused, Kovu asked Coral, "Will they?"
"Oh no," said Gurgi, shaking his head. "Gurgi wouldn't leave Frodo at this rotten place. No…" His voice drifted off as he said 'no', while showing a frightened look in his eyes.
Mumble told Coral, with honesty, "I'll look after Gurgi. I promise. I'll make sure he doesn't hurt himself, or end up in further mischief."
Coral sighed. She told Mumble and Gurgi, "All right, but on the condition that Gurgi promises to be good… and doesn't annoy me. I'll meet you both at the Bushwagon Inn, in half an hour." She asked, in a serious voice, "Is that clear?"
"Yup," said Gurgi.
"Yes," said Mumble, seconds after Gurgi fled the scene. He waddled off after Gurgi a few moments later, telling the furry grey-and-white creature half the time to wait for him.
Finding herself alone with only Kovu and Frodo, Coral led the two down the dirt road. As they walked, the three witnessed so many hobbits and humans sitting, or lying down, along both sides of the road. Frodo pitied these people, for he wondered what their stories were and whether they hoped for a better life.
When they arrived at The Crimson Rose Tavern, Coral saw first – before Frodo and Kovu – a hedgehog, with chocolate snowflake fur and quills, playing a small guitar. She sang in a high-pitched voice that sounded fair, sweet, and kind. The entire song was her creation:
"The sunshine,
the sunrise,
If only I had sunshine,
Then I can live out the day's…"
"Hey, I'm walking here! I'm walking here!" demanded a long-tailed weasel, as he left the pub. When he caught a glimpse of Coral, the weasel told her, "Bug off, scar-re." He ran off before Coral roared, which was directed to him.
Coral told Kovu and Frodo, "Come on. Let's head inside." She snarled at the hedgehog, when she walked inside The Cabin & Lady Pub.
Frodo watched Kovu follow Coral inside the pub. Feeling pity towards the hedgehog, Frodo pulled out a few silver coins and placed them inside an open tin can, which sat next to the hedgehog on the wooden porch. The hedgehog nodded, and sang to him:
"A handsome traveler
just gave me three silver coins,
and I feel so happy
that I would sing this song!"
Frodo grinned at the hedgehog, before he entered the pub. As he closed the front door, Frodo caught Coral's curious yet almost suspicious gaze. Frodo joined her and Kovu at their table, where he sat down and ordered some food. Coral, in the meantime, noticed a flyer placed next to the napkins.
Confused, she asked the two, "What is this? The animals are having a dinner party? Snooty little…"
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel walked past their table. He continued his conversation with a female Dalmatian, "…and I said to Drogo Baggins, 'I would love to have dinner with you!' Of course, his wife Primula was there – she was a peach, let me tell you. The delicate darling also offered me dinner. Well, I couldn't resist. Then I tell them about my havoc down on Main Street, inside the Animal Headquarters. They would have loved to…"
Coral, nearly out of breath, complained to Kovu and Frodo, "Do you know – who that is?" She muttered low, her voice becoming almost squeaky, "Its Regal Charleston."
"W – Why is he speaking about my parents?" whispered Frodo, confused.
"Are you all right, Coral?" asked Kovu, also confused.
Coral barked in low murmurs, "Listen, you two, Regal Charleston is known for making up stories. I'm sure he didn't know Frodo's parents. He and his stout British accent have gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion."
"Why should I be concerned about – Regal Charleston?" asked Frodo.
Coral shooed the thought away. "Listen – look, here he comes. Don't you dare say two words about his parents, or you won't hear the end of it."
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel noticed the three heroes talking and approached their table. Frodo thought, for a moment, he was a young puppy, but instead found the spaniel was an elderly dog. Frodo greeted the spaniel, blatantly, "Regal Charleston! What brings you here, if I might ask?"
"Well, I was coming over to visit you, Frodo Baggins. Then I hear Coral is in town," said Regal, with a chipper smile across his face.
Coral waved one paw at him, "Oh stop it, you old buffoon."
"Why are you visiting our table?" asked Frodo, curious yet still confused.
"Coral invited me for lunch," said Regal, still looking enthused.
Appalled, Coral barked, "I didn't say that! I merely said, 'Hello Regal. How are you doing?'"
"And here I am, awaiting your tickets," said Regal, grinning very enthusiastically.
Confused, as well as annoyed beyond belief, Coral fired back with her words. "Regal, as much as I would like for the four of us to enjoy lunch together, I'm afraid it's nearing dinnertime. I'm sorry, but I have to refuse your offer." She stormed away from the table.
Regal, forgetting every word that Coral just told him, announced, "Why, thank you very much, Coral! I would love to go see the dinner party with you." He followed the scarred lioness through the pub soon afterwards.
Breaking the awkward silence that followed, Frodo told Kovu, "I'm going to check on that hedgehog, sitting on the porch."
"Good luck," said Kovu, looking through the menu that lay on the table.
After leaving the pub, Frodo walked across the porch and began asking the hedgehog to find somewhere else to play her guitar and songs. The hedgehog, interrupting Frodo, cocked her head up to reveal a perky smile. The glint in her eyes showed complete happiness, as if she wasn't afraid of what people or animals thought of her. Frodo nearly forgot where he was, due to this hedgehog's cheerful behavior.
Moments after the hedgehog finished her song, Frodo admitted, "You're good for a – hedgehog."
The female hedgehog chuckled. "Why, thank you, Frodo." She paused, but recovered. "I'm sorry. I guess I overheard your name from two blocks down." She paused, this time only briefly. She introduced herself seconds later, "My name is Jezebel, Jezebel San-Ferrian."
"I'm Frodo Baggins, but you must have known that before…"
Jezebel giggled in delight. She told him, "No, I didn't, actually." She changed the subject fast on him, before he could get a single word in, "Hey. Why don't we meet later at the dinner party, up at the Mansion? That way, we can both learn something about ourselves."
Frodo stared at her with a confused gaze. "What? I'm sorry, I must have not understood – what?"
Jezebel chuckled happily, as she said, "Oh, you." Before she could start another song, she watched Frodo stand up and re-enter the pub. She knew there was a miscommunication between them. Whatever the reason was, she could not figure out what was wrong with Frodo, mere seconds after she asked him her question.
o-o-o
Mumble cried, as he slid towards the furry grey-and-white creature, "Gurgi – hey!"
Gurgi ran up to a wooden bulletin board, where he saw several pieces of parchment, describing upcoming events and village tasks. He jumped up and down as Mumble waddled towards him.
Gurgi told the Emperor Penguin, "Mumble! Mumble! Look at this!"
"What does it say?" asked Mumble, confused as he tried to decipher the fine handwriting.
Gurgi announced, cheerfully, "Ooh, ooh! This says there's going to be a dinner party tonight at a 'Mansion'. Mumble, do you think there'll be food?"
"There would have to be, Gurgi," said Mumble, chuckling under his breath.
Spinning Mumble around, Gurgi told him as he bounded up and down, "Ooh! Let's go to this dinner party. Then we can have all the food we want!"
"Maybe we should find the others…"
Gurgi interrupted the Emperor Penguin, "Let's go! Let's go!"
"Gurgi – wait!" shouted Mumble. He noticed Gurgi paid no heed to his cry. Rolling his eyes, Mumble asked the skies, "Why me?" He called to the furry grey-and-white creature. "Gurgi, wait for me!" He slid on his belly at first, but then decided that waddling was better.
At The Cabin & Lady Pub, Frodo spoke with the innkeeper, who managed to get him a room. Once he was handed the keys, Frodo ran upstairs, leaving Coral and Kovu confused. When he arrived at the guest room, Frodo washed and changed into a clean set of clothes, before heading back downstairs. A green party vest with gold leaves and stems sewn into the fabric had been laid out for him, long before he re-entered the bedroom.
The second he returned downstairs, Frodo talked with the innkeeper, only to find that Kovu and Coral had left early to head off to the dinner party. After grabbing a map and a lantern, Frodo left the pub and walked out onto the dirt road.
Frodo's journey to the Mansion took roughly ten to fifteen minutes to complete. Along the way, he gave a few peasants some of his silver and copper coins, but gave a few gold coins to two robbers, moments before he was mugged. When he at last made it to the Mansion, Frodo saw the luxurious house had two stories, with a dozen rooms on both floors. He climbed up two flights of stone stairs before reaching the front double doors, which were opened by two butlers.
Entering the foyer, Frodo found the room crowded with animals and what few people had been invited. As he made his way through the crowd, Frodo met up with Edmund, who also appeared dressed up for the occasion. However, Edmund was wearing a black tuxedo with a grey tie.
The second Edmund spotted Frodo, the hobbit approached him and asked, "Edmund, where's Harry?"
Edmund briefly looked around, before replying, "I – don't know. Let's look for him." He told Frodo a second later, "Stay close," as he moved through the crowd.
The two narrowly missed Harry, who was having a conversation with Kovu and Mumble. Kovu was still keeping an eye out for Gurgi, which made Mumble all the more worried about the furry creature. As Frodo asked where he could find Jack Sparrow and the other companions, Edmund reassured him that they were fine, moments before Edmund wandered off to speak with his eldest brother, Peter Pevensie, who must have found another way to the village of Prevale. Shortly after telling Harry he would explore the mansion, to find their missing companions, Frodo walked away and re-entered the crowd.
o-o-o
"I told you to leave me alone, Regal," cried Coral, alarmed.
"Why can't I spend some time with a dear friend?" asked Regal, completely confused.
"Regal, you're a forgetful dog. You don't even know Frodo's parents, or who they were," complained Coral, hitting Regal hard with her words.
Regal grunted. "Coral, I think we both knew that from the start. Now, let me tell you about my mother…"
"Here we go," said Coral, groaning in frustration.
"My mother was a real peach! You wouldn't believe the stories she used to tell about dragons and ogres and thieves stealing babies in the darkened night…"
Frodo approached Coral, interrupting Regal and his story. At once, Frodo told the scarred lioness, "Coral! There you are. Why did you and Kovu abandon me at the Cabin & Lady?"
Facing Regal, Coral asked him, "Could you excuse me for a moment? Thank you." Turning to Frodo, Coral spoke, "Frodo, Kovu and I couldn't wait on you any longer. We told the innkeeper to leave you a message. Did you get it?"
"Yes," answered Frodo, immediately. "You and Kovu still left me alone. Robbers nearly ambushed me on the road, not before I arrived."
Coral heaved a sigh. "I'm sorry to hear it. Excuse me. I should find Kovu…"
"Are you all right, Coral?" asked Frodo, growing suspicious.
Coral's gaze was distant, if only for a moment. She returned her attention back to the hobbit, standing before her, as she told him, "I'm sure it's nothing. Could you excuse me for a few moments? I need to find Kovu, and tell him…" Her voice drifted as she fled from the dining room.
Just as Frodo wondered what he should do next, Jezebel approached him with a few hedgehogs she knew. Frodo spun around, startled, upon seeing the female hedgehog. Jezebel asked, in a concerned voice, "Is something wrong, Frodo?"
"I-" Frodo started to say. He finally answered, "I'm sorry, Jezebel. Maybe we could meet some other time."
Jezebel stopped Frodo in his tracks, as she announced, "I really wanted you to meet Amor's family. His father, Sir Gumphansthein, his mother–"
Facing the female hedgehog, Frodo barked, "Jezebel! I would rather-" He stopped in mid-sentence. Once he pulled himself together, Frodo told the hedgehog, calmly, "Listen, not that I wouldn't mind meeting a few members of Amor's family – I have other matters on my mind right now."
Jezebel nodded. "Okay. Then maybe we can do this some other time."
"Maybe," said Frodo in agreement. He left the dining room soon afterwards.
Frodo entered the ballroom not too long afterwards. Inside, however, Frodo found Jack Sparrow having a drunken brawl with another pirate captain, who was cackling loudly and blasting a loaded pistol towards the ceiling. Realizing the dinner party would end quickly, Frodo dashed through the foyer and slipped through the crowd, who were now trying to separate Jack from Barbossa. The drunken rants continued, long after Frodo narrowly fled out of the Mansion, the same way he had arrived.
After the drunken competitions went abrupt at The Bushwagon Inn and The Cabin & Lady Pub, the long hours of nightfall remained silent. Frodo slept peacefully, but his dreams were more clouded and grim than they had been on previous nights. One dream, different than his running dream, remained burned in his mind:
Frodo climbed his highest on the cliff. He knew he was close to the white tower, yet the sea churned and roiled behind him. He had to reach the tower…
White gates opened before his eyes…
He could see a young girl with blonde hair, at first. Then, her hair color transformed into dark brown with blonde highlights. She had fair features, which left him entranced for a few seconds. Her eyes were in a shade of hazel blue-green. As she moved through the white hall, her elegant, light blue-green dress flowed after her.
She asked in a voice that was high-pitched, yet a little stale, "What is your name?"
"Frodo," answered Frodo, still entranced by her beauty. "What is your name?"
Images sped past his eyes, so rapid he could barely see the white room. When his gaze returned, the girl said a few words about finding her first, before the villains. Then the girl vanished down a white chamber. The white light surrounded his gaze, making him lose focus…
Frodo awoke inside his guest room. Dawn's first beams of light shone through the long, rectangular glass window.