The Road to Middle-Earth Chapter 29: The Doorway, a lord of the rings fanfic

The Road to Middle-Earth

A fanfiction by MushrooomsPTook

Disclaimer: I own nothing. You might as well say it owns me!

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Doorway

"Imagine me, a knight!" said Tom. He was standing over a pond, gazing at his reflection. A smug smile was plastered over his face as he eyed his fancy clothes. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Yes, Tom," I said, taking time to adjust the fine collar on his shirt. "But don't let it get to your head. You're still a kid, you know."

Tom roughly pushed my hands off his shirt and ruffled the collar back into its original untidy form. "Am not."

"Are too," I laughed and went to readjust the collar again.

"Am not!" He stepped back. "And if you say anythin' more 'bout it, I'll...I'll sick my dragon on you."

I lifted an eyebrow. "You may have a dragon, but I've got Alice."

Tom scowled and folded his arms in defeat. At the mention of her name, my cousin giggled. She was sitting by the pond as well, wearing a beautiful pink, flowery dress. In her arms she held Charming, who was protesting at the brush that she ran through his raggedy feathers.

"Sit still, Charming!" she giggled. "You have to look pretty for the serim...seriminy."

"Ceremony," I corrected gently. "Speaking of which, we should be heading that way right now. Robin said for us to be there in fifteen minutes."

"I hope it don't last long," Tom sighed. "I just want to be knighted."

I shrugged. "Well, Tom, sometimes these things can take some time. Although I'm particularly hoping it won't last more than an hour myself."

"A hour!" Tom slapped his head against his forehead.

I chuckled. "Come on." I began to lead them back to the castle. As we approached, there were flags waving high in the air and numerous decorations had fastened themselves to the castle, transforming it from what had been a gloomy building to now a celestial fortress. We passed through numerous trees and more than once, Alice tripped over her dress. The third time, though, she fell flat on her face. I went to her side to help her up, but she had already gotten to her feet, and she was now staring at the round, long object that she grasped in her hand.

"Look!" she cried. "Gandoff's staff!"

My smile broadened. "Oh Alice, so it is!"

Tears pricked in her eyes. "I thought I'd lost it." She held it close to her chest and embraced it as though it were one of her dolls back home.

"I think it's fair to say it found you."

Alice smiled again and took my hand, and together the four of us entered the castle.

The aisle had been covered with a carpet of rich purple fabric, upon which we walked, side by side. On either side sat the citizens of Nottingham, and they looked upon us with admiration and honor. Every two steps we took, there was a royally dressed guard, holding a flag of red and gold high into the air. The emblem of a sword and shield embodied itself onto the flags. The hall itself had been decorated in ribbons and candles, and off to the sides, close to the eastern and western walls of the castle, stood two groups of trumpeters. They blew several loud notes into their instruments, resulting in a melodious fanfare. As we neared the platform, King Richard stood from his throne and offered a glance to Robin Hood, who was standing close by. We stopped directly in front of the platform and knelt together in a line.

The king cleared his throat. "Every now and then, a person, ordinary and refined like yourselves, will rise above his fellow man and forfeit much of what he has in an effort to ensure the safety of others, sometimes to the point of death. In Nottingham we call these people heroes, and it would be my duty—my privilege—to name you among them." Here he stopped as I lifted my gaze to meet his wise face. "However, I must deny myself this opportunity." The four of us looked at each other bewildered, but the king smiled at me knowingly. "Instead, I offer it up to one who is greater than I." King Richard opened his arm, gesturing to an opened door behind him, and out of it, brighter than the sun, came...

"Aslan!" I whispered. He approached us stealthily and took his place beside the king, who, along with Robin, bowed.

"Thank you, friend," said the lion softly. Then he looked at us. "Charming, duck from the Western Forest, come...here..."

1Charming gulped nervously and taking a step onto the platform, waddled up to the lion. "Yes, my Lord." He bowed his head, and his bill came very close to touching the floor.

"All your life you have been an outcast. But when in the face of danger, you chose to risk your life for the welfare of others, never regarding a thought for your safety. Others look upon you with contempt because of your appearance, but I say there is a beauty in you that no one else possesses. Because of your bravery during the encounter with the thieves, I shall make you a new body."

Aslan's lips parted and a golden breath escaped his yawning mouth. As it surrounded Charming, it became larger and brighter, until it was a blinding white that swallowed the duck. I squinted and lifted my hand to shade out the light. This lasted for a few seconds before the light dimmed, and I gasped, for where the duck had been there now stood a swan. Not any ordinary swan. It was the whitest and fluffiest swan I'd ever lay eyes on. It opened its beady eyes and looked down at itself, turning around and spreading out its wings. Then quite suddenly, there were shiny tears that came from its eyes.

"I'm...I'm free," Charming whispered and then began laughing as he spun around, adoring his new skin. I joined in his laughter and Alice clapped her hands as he fluttered his wings. "Alayna, Tom, Alice! Look! Look at me!"

"Is it well, friend?" asked the lion.

"Oh! Aslan! How can I ever thank you? It's wonderful!"

"Then bring forth the first medal, Robin." Aslan took the medal in his mouth and hung it around the duck's neck. Then he touched his forehead with his tongue. "Now, arise, Sir Charming, the Bullet-Dodger." Charming bowed once more and sprung back to his original position as the audience roared in applause, and I embraced the beautiful swan. It was a new experience for the both of us, for his feathers were no longer hoarse and prickly, but velvety and soft, like a feathered pillow. "Thomas Sawyer," said the lion again.

Tom started as his name was called and walked shakily up to the lion. "Yes, Sir?"

"Come closer, child and do not be afraid. I will not hurt you...this time."

"This time?"

"Because of your inconsideration, your aunt was left believing you to be dead. Her tears burned as she wept, and so your feet were burned to match her tears."

Tom swallowed. "I'm sorry, Aslan. I didn't mean no harm. Is everythin' all right now?"

"All will be well," said the lion. "But now, Robin, bring forth the second medal." The lion took it in his mouth and placed it over Tom's neck. "Your courage has righted your wrongs and there is much to be thankful for. Arise now, Sir Thomas, Witch-Hunter." The lion stooped to touch Tom's forehead with his tongue.

"A'right!" Tom smirked and pulled his fist down in a celebratory gesture. Then he walked off the platform and flashed his golden medal at me. I chuckled softly as I joined the audience in an applause.

"And now for the little girl whose name is Alice. Come hither, daughter." My cousin blushed and became suddenly shy as she approached the magnificent beast.

"For one so small, you have the strength of a warrior."

"Thank you, Aslan."

"But more than that, you have the heart of a believer. You never doubted when first you saw me, and for that your days will be blessed. Robin? The third medal, please." The lion took the medal in his mouth and placed it over Alice's neck. "Your bravery is unmatched, little one, by man and beast. Arise, Lady Alice, Troll-Defeater." Aslan placed a lion's kiss on her brow and she blushed. Alice rose, but she hesitated before leaving. Instead, she gazed at the lion, and her mouth opened and closed, as if debating whether or not to ask her question. "Aslan, can I...may I..."

"Yes, beloved. You may." Alice suddenly threw her arms around the lion's mane, and my eyes teared when he pulled her into his loving embrace with his enormous paw. When she finally joined us again, the lion turned his gaze on me. "Alayna," he purred softly. "Approach, my child."

My heart beat faster when he spoke my name and I humbled myself before him in a bow. "Yes, Aslan."

"My child, even though you may not always see me, it does not mean that I have left you. Nor have I rejected my love towards you. I have always cared for you, and will do so for all these years to come."

"I'm...I'm sorry for doubting you, Aslan."

"All is well, for you have accomplished the purpose for which I have brought you."

"But Aslan, we came here on our own accord."

"No, beloved. It was I who called to you, and because of your perseverance and your bravery, you shall be rewarded soon. Robin, the fourth medal, if you please." He took the medal in his mouth and his mane tickled my cheeks as he dropped it gently around my neck. Then he gave me a lion's kiss and I could smell his sweet perfume. "Arise, Lady Alayna." His mouth came close to my ear, so that I could feel his warm breath as he whispered, "Friend of Lions."

I stood up and the applause that followed was overwhelming as I walked back to my friends. We all turned around and the people rose from their seats, cheering. I held my cousin's hand tightly as Robin came beside me and put a hand on my shoulder. We made eye contact and I placed my hand over his. The sun peaked through the stained-glass windows and as dusk approached, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace sweep over me.

About an hour later, we found ourselves seated in a great hall, surrounded by hundreds of guests, feasting and sharing grand adventures. Alice, Tom, Charming, and I were treated as royalty and we had the privilege of sitting next to the king. On his other side sat a strange woman that was relatively my age. But unlike me, she was very beautiful and she wore a crown of flowers upon her head of auburn. Robin sat between Alice and me, and by and by I noticed his gaze shifting in her direction. I discovered that Aslan had disappeared shortly after the ceremony, for I meant to ask him something that I hadn't the courage to ask at the time. I was a trifle disappointed, but I was too distracted by the food and the wonderful company to dwell too much on that.

"And so we was sneakin' through the forest just like ya would if you'd found yerself lost in a haunted house, and so finally I says 'the ghost of Capt'n Toothless Grin haunts these parts!'" Tom began laughing hysterically, waving his fork about. "You should'ave seen them faces!"

"It sounds like I missed out on some grand adventures, Tom," laughed Charming.

I joined the merry laughter, in spite of myself, but I was feeling drowsy from all the food in my stomach, and I resorted to listening to Tom tell the rest of his tale. In the meantime, my thoughts were busying themselves as I reflected on the whole of our adventure, and my smile widened as I looked about the room at all of my new friends. Will laughing with Allan-a-Dale and Little John, who were drinking up every bit of Tom's audacious story. Friar Tuck who was starting on his fourth beer and saying grace over his fifth serving. Then I began thinking of my friends who were not here. Glinda, the Good Witch, Pecos Bill, Cheshire cat...Bert. I smiled softly at the memory of his name. I think out of the four, I would miss him the most.

"My ears are burning. Were you talking about me?" said a voice behind me. I started and shifted in my chair.

"Oh, Cheshire cat!"

"Naturally," said the pink cat with a grin. "Whom did you expect and...are you crying?"

"Oh!" I wiped my hand across my eyes and then laughed apologetically.

"Why the tears?"

"I'm just...so happy, but so sad. I've made so many friends and..." I peered around the room, watching as Tom jumped off his seat in an attempt to copy my incident at Bert's inn.

"And?"

"A part of me wishes I could stay here forever, or take them back with me. Back home."

The cat blinked and his grin grew wider. "I expect you'll find you won't have gotten far without us."

I looked sharply at him. "Without you, you mean?" I winked.

"Oh, yes, without me then."

A hand caught my wrist and I turned back in my seat to find Robin staring into my eyes. "Alayna, who were you talking to?"

"Oh...just a friend." I glanced over my shoulder with a smile but the cat had already disappeared. Only the shadow of a crescent moon lay flat on the floor from the light that shone through the window. "Speaking of which," I turned my attention back to Robin. "It would seem you've made one yourself." I gestured in the direction of the young woman.

"Oh!" Robin blushed and recoiled in his seat. "Well, I..."

"Who is she?"

"It's the king's cousin. He brought her back with him. Supposedly her name is Marion."

"Wow," I gaped. "She's very pretty. You should talk to her."

"Alayna, I can't. It...wouldn't be right."

I put a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Robin, it's all right." I smiled warmly. "It wouldn't have worked between us. I have to go home soon, and I wouldn't want you to deny yourself the opportunity to meet someone on my account."

He placed his hand over mine. "Thank you."

I watched as Robin rose from his seat and strode over to Marion's place, gesturing for her hand. He gave it a quick kiss and they were talking immediately. I relaxed into my seat as I watched the conversation unfold as Robin pulled up a chair and sat next to her. I took a sip from the glass of my wine and looked over my shoulder once again to see the shadow of the crescent moon widen just the slightest.

2The next morning, the king led us to a room in the castle in which he said no one had ever entered, including himself. It was said to have been the most sacred of rooms, and worth more than Nottingham itself. We were accompanied by Robin and his merry men, and Marion. When the door was opened, we all stood aghast at the scene, for it was as if we had walked into a magical garden. The flowers filled the air with such a sweet fragrance and there was a song that filled the atmosphere, so sweet that I wanted to cry. There was a mist that coated itself among the flowers and the trees and there was a red pathway that was laid out among the garden. We followed it until we came to three doors made of gold and silver. In the center of each was a large red jewel, and in front of these doors stood Aslan. I strode up to the great lion and bowed as did the rest of our company.

"Welcome, Friend of Lions," he said softly to me.

"We have come, Aslan," said King Richard.

"Yes. It is well, for the time has come."

"What time?" asked Tom.

"We're going to go home, Tom," I said, looking down at him.

"What?" Tom's eyes suddenly became misty. "You're leaving?"

I tried to keep hold of my own emotions, but Alice was wiping at her eyes. "It was only a matter of time before we had to go, Tom. And besides, you have to go home too."

"No!" Tom took his hand away from me when I tried to seize it reassuringly. "You can't."

"Tom," spoke the low voice of Aslan. "If I recall, there is a fence that has been deprived of paint." Tom folded his arms over his chest defiantly. "And besides, you don't think Becky Thatcher will be waiting there forever, do you?" The lion smiled as Tom's eyes widened before turning to the king. "Richard, it is time to bring forth the Galdorcarr."

The king nodded and moved forward. With a deep breath be pulled out the key and put it into the first door. As he turned the key, the jewel on both the Galdorcarr and the door lit up and it swung open. A bright light came out of the doorway, making the garden look even more magical. The king did this for the other two doors.

"Alayna and Alice. You have traveled far, but your adventure may or may not end here. The road to Middle-earth still lies ahead."

"...Middle...Middle-earth?" I squinted my eyes. I had quite forgotten about our original destination, for so much had happened. And now, I found that I wouldn't have noticed if we had gone on without visiting it.

"If you choose to go to that world, you must enter the second door. However, if you choose to go to your own home, then you must enter the first door. But heed this warning. Whichever door you choose, from that world you may never return."

Alice looked up at me anxiously and I instinctively looked down at her. Is it real, she had asked me. Was I ready to satisfy that curiosity? Could I live in Middle-earth forever? Could Alice? My cousin gave me a knowing smile and squeezed my hand.

"It's okay, Alayna," she whispered. "I already know it's real."

I nodded and smiled back before meeting the lion's gaze. "Middle-earth will always exist for us, Aslan. We are ready to go home."

"Well said," said Aslan. "You have chosen to believe, and for that you will not go home dissatisfied. You will enter the third door."

I nodded, not bothering to ask Aslan what lay beyond it, for I had learned to trust the wise lion. Instead, I turned around and met my friends, whose faces were full of sadness. "Robin," I whispered, and embraced him tightly. "I don't think I ever thanked you for all you did."

"And you don't need to," he whispered back.

I looked at Marion and winked. "Keep him out of trouble." She blushed. I then said my farewells to Will, Allan-a-Dale, Little John, and Friar Tuck. Of the four, I gave Will the tightest hug, for he had been with me during my roughest hour and had also been the one to encourage me. And then my eyes fell on Charming. The swan was using his wing to stifle a cry. I pulled him to me as Alice said her goodbyes to Tom. "Take care of yourself, Charming. You really are a beautiful creature, even without being a swan."

"You won't forget me?"

"Of course not! Who can forget a swan that used to be a duck?" Charming only smiled, and as Alice bent to embrace him, I turned to Tom, whose eyes were red and swollen. Unfortunately, this undid me and I no longer fought off the tears that now streamed down my face. I pulled him into a fierce embrace as I picked the child up and held him in my arms. Neither of us said anything, for no words were needed. I would miss him as much as he would miss me, and I gave the child a kiss on the cheek as I felt his tears on my neck.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and set Tom down to see King Richard smiling softly at me. He turned me so that we were facing the third door. It shone brightly, sparkling just the slightest as I stared at it. We began walking towards it, but I stopped and looked at the lion.

"Go on, child," he said. "Ask your question."

"May I...May I feel your mane, Aslan?"

"Please do," he whispered. And so I ran my hands through his golden mane, and it was the softest thing I had ever felt. As my arms wrapped around him, he purred and pulled me closer to him. "Farewell, daughter," he whispered. "We shall meet again."

I got up, turned back to look at my friends, who were gathered together, Robin's hand on Tom's shoulder. Then, taking Alice's hand in mine, we walked through the door and entered the light. The next thing I knew, I was floating in and out of consciousness as I fell from the sky, passing through white clouds that surrounded me. I smiled just the slightest, enjoying the feeling of the cool air under me, and how free I felt as I gently fell into a deep sleep.

3"Welcome, visitors," she said sweetly. "Although I do hope we can call you friends."

"Me too." It was probably a dumb thing to say, but I was too lost for words. There was so much happening and I didn't know how to take it all in.

"Tell me," she said, "are you a good witch or a bad witch?"

…

The boy jumped off the fence and picked up his hat. He then bowed very low, extending his hat out toward us.

"Name's Sawyer. Tom Sawyer," he said.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, although I had guessed with suspicious that he'd been caught fighting and had been rewarded with a bucket of white paint and a paintbrush.

...

At last, I caught the loose slab of wood and peeled it back, careful not to make too much noise. There, hidden underneath, lay a small rectangular box of copper. I pulled it out and opened it. The contents consisted of only one large key. It was silver, except for the gold that ran down the middle. In the center of the head of the key was a type of piercing red gem. All in all, it was a beautiful find, and more to the point, a hopeful one.

…

Tom glowered and crossed his arms stiffly. I started to turn back, when the moon widened at both ends and even jiggled a bit. Then it started mumbling a song that was anything but rational. It stopped and quite astonishingly, it split into two, and there was something in between the two moons. A bright, pink tongue.

"So, it's a moon, is it?" the thing said.

"I—I..." I didn't know how to respond. But I caught a smug glance from Tom, and he smiled, sticking out his chest in pride .

...

My thoughts turned fuzzy as I felt feathers poking into my back. I turned my head at the interruption and could vaguely see the small form of Charming nestling next to me. I stiffened for a moment, momentarily wondering if the duck carried any diseases. No doubt, he looked like one anyway.

…

"Why, Miss Alayna!" I jumped and turned around. It was Bert and he did not look happy. His hands were bundled into fists, which were hooked into his hips. He had a grim expression and I looked across my table in question, but the seat was empty. It was just me, the mug, and an empty pitcher. "What're ya doing, sitting here by yerself and hoggin' all the ale?"

...

William sighed. "Ye have to understand...The pois'n had been in her system fer two days...enough time fer it to do some damage. If she...if she survives, that damage will most likely be permanent."

"What do you mean, if she survives? She will survive!" When the doctor didn't answer me, I felt a pit open in my stomach. "Doctor...?"

...

"Name's Bill, o' course," he said. "Pecos Bill. You must be Alayna?" I opened my mouth in question, but he continued. "Yer cousin told me." He gestured to the bundle that was asleep against Tom's shoulder, who himself was dozing.

…

"I am the tunnel that brought you and your cousin out of your world. I am the kiss of the Good Witch, Glinda. I am the creature that rescued you from the mouth of fire. I am the sandstorm that drove you out of the desert so that you should reach water in time. I am the lion that saved your cousin from certain death. And I am the cat that waited for you to stumble over it so that you would meet me face to face."

…

"Your name isn't Will," I said, holding my gaze. "You're the outlaw, aren't you? The Robin of the Hood."

"Hello," said the same man, walking slowly up to me. "Who's this? A friend perhaps, eh, Rob? No wonder it took you so long to get back. Got preoccupied with other affairs, didn't you?"

"Oh do hush up, Will Scarlet!" said Robin, and then he turned his attention back to me. "I'm sorry. I'll explain everything in due time."

…

"Robin?" I whispered.

"Shh! Not so loud."

"I thought...I thought you hadn't come."

There was a soft chuckle. "You'd better take your break quickly. The tournament will start again shortly."

"Where are you going?" I asked him.

"I have some business to see to." He lifted my hand to his lips and gave it a kiss, slipping something soft and velvety into it, and then he gave me a slight nod before he strode past me. I opened my hand and discovered a small rose in my palm.

…

When I came to, I was cold and shivering. It was not the feeling I was expecting, having left the warm and soft Aslan. But when I opened my eyes, I saw instantly the reason for my chills. Snowflakes were falling and quickly joining the rest of the snow that had blanketed itself on the earth. I got up, rubbing my head and looking around. Where was I? What happened? Alice was already up and standing, gazing at the beautiful winterland scenery around her.

Behind us came the sound of a door opening and I turned my head to get a look at the stranger. But there were two of them, and this time I knew I had to be dreaming, and before I could answer their question, I felt myself falling into a dreamlike haze. I never reached the snow, however, for the two people had managed to whisk themselves over to my side, catching me before I could fall. That's the last thing I remembered for a long time.

A/N – I am so sad right now. ::sniff:: This chapter was so hard to write, and yes I took a couple of liberties from The Horse and His Boy. Don't hate me too much for it. Please let me know what you thought. Next chapter will be my gift to each and every one of you!

Diana Fay – Glad you liked it. You will not have to wonder long. I hope to have it up before next week.

Seafarer – Yes, it seems that guards usually have the worst job to undertake. Really, they should read the contract thoroughly to know the risks, so I don't feel too bad for them. :)

1Soundtrack The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (Harry Gregson-Williams) – Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus

2Soundtrack The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King (Howard Shore) - "The Journey to the Grey Havens"

3Soundtrack The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King (Howard Shore) - "The Eagles"