Disclaimers: See the Prologue for more information.

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While this is a university fanfic, it'll be different from misscam's The Official Fanfiction University of Middleearth fanfic.

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3:

Livia, Fanfiction Authoress

For Livia and her three friends – Reese, Nokida and Samson – writing fanfiction stories was their passion. Even though they were nearly seniors in high school, hanging out meant everything to them. They didn't know if they would see each other again, down the road, or what would happen next in their lives. They just knew this time was precious. What happened next for them was unclear, at least on Livia's mind.

In her room, which was covered in movie posters, Livia invited her friends over to her house to spend the day together. This was nearing their last chance to be together. And they weren't too happy about it.

"Come on, guys. Let's work on some fanfiction stories, throw ideas around," Nokida said, hopeful.

"All right, but my parents want me to work on original stories as well," Livia addressed them.

"Original stories?" Reese and Samson said at the same time, shocked to hear those words.

"Livia, this club is for fanfiction stories. What would we do with original works? You're almost eighteen," Nokida said, almost pleading.

"Well…"

"You're in luck," said a mysterious voice. Livia turned around to time to see the voice belonged to a wizard in white robes. There was no mistaking it: it was Gandalf and a grown Lion with him. Wait… did they say those words at the exact same moment in time? It was all very confusing.

"Gandalf?" No. She knew better than to think the real Gandalf the White was standing in her bedroom. Livia turned to her friends, but they had mixed impressions. Soon Reese stood up and started for the door. She turned to her friends, hoping they would understand. "Look, Gandalf's in this room. Guys?" Maybe she was going crazy. No, this couldn't be the real Gandalf. And who was the Lion?

"I don't see anything," Nokida admitted, shrugging her shoulders.

"But Gandalf's here and Aslan, possibly," Livia told them. She wasn't sure. Maybe Nokida was right, and yet… this was what she wanted? Wasn't it? Well…

"Enough, Livia." Nokida was confused.

"You mean you don't see them?" She asked further.

"They can't see us, child, because they don't believe," Aslan replied.

"But I can. We're dreaming, right?" Livia asked, feeling her forehead.

"If you were in a dream, we would be there as well," Aslan answered.

"That's why I think I'm dreaming. Why am I talking to you?" She asked, bewilderment crossing her eyes. "And how am I talking to you?"

"Livia. Livia Clearwater, can you…" Nokida's voice faded in the distance. Livia looked about her, wondering if she really was dreaming.

No. What was happening to her? Livia opened her eyes again, only to see that she and Samson were still in her room. However, Nokida and Reese were no longer in plain sight, as if they had just left her parents' house. But then, why was Samson still here, with her and Gandalf, and also Aslan? As she approached the closed door, she could hear whispers in the air. Nervous but brave, Livia opened the door, only to see on the other side as a waiting room. She stepped through first, looking back once to see Gandalf, Aslan and Samson following her.

Livia moved a strand of dark hair out of her eyes, but looked back again to see Samson, a tall blond-haired late teen boy, standing just behind her. They didn't stop walking, even after the door closed behind her. Curious, Livia asked Aslan and Gandalf another question:

"Where's Reese and Nokida? I thought they were with us."

"They aren't ready to come here, but you and Samson did because you believe," Gandalf answered.

"I like The Lord of the Rings," Samson announced at random.

"Yes, we know that much." Gandalf gestured to two empty chairs. "Take a seat. The principal will speak with you shortly."

"Where are we?" Livia asked, concerned.

"You are at the Heroes' University. Now, you two stay put like the others until the principal calls you in," was the last thing Gandalf said. And yet, Livia asked one more question:

"Who will see us? Who's the principal?" she asked, confused.

There was nothing further that was said between them. However, Livia couldn't help but see the other teenagers, as well as men and women in their late twenties and thirties filling out forms. Would she and Samson do the same? It turned out that she was right, for they were given a parchment by the secretary with a form typed out and clean. As Samson filled out his, Livia looked at the questions: favorite character(s), race, fanfiction author… was it okay to answer these questions. Still, she did her best, putting down Haldir, Legolas and Frodo as her top three favorite characters. She also put down elf as her race name. And there was no way she was heading for the villains' university! But was there such a place?

"Are you done?" A woman asked her, extending her hand. Livia filled out the last question and handed the sheet to her. The woman told her, "Thank you, and welcome to the Heroes' University, you and your friend." She smiled at them.

"Um… who are you?" Livia asked, curious and cautious. That stopped the woman, who turned to face her.

"I'm Ebony Fisher, the principal of this university." Principal Ebony continued to speak. "Lunch is in the cafeteria. There's signs once you both leave the waiting room. Just follow the signs." She returned to her office, closing the door behind her. Livia looked around. She and Samson were the only ones present. How…

"Come on Livia," Samson said, taking the lead.

"Wait. How is it you have pointy ears and are the same height as me, if not taller?" Livia asked. She hoped he would forgive her for eavesdropping.

"I'd ask you the same question." Samson told her. "You have long, pointy ears." He rubbed a hand over Livia's ears. They did feel pointy.

"And yours are short, and your feet… they're hairy." Livia was just as surprised as Samson, who was transforming as fast as she was… another woman came, who looked like Ebony and… Frodo Baggins? How was that…

"Lunch is in the cafeteria. An open house luncheon." The woman huffed, "If you two are done admiring yourselves, follow me. We'll get you both ready for lunch." She spoke another minute later, cheerier, "I'm Rosemary Blain, the head of house for authors and descendants. Oh, don't look so alarmed. But you will be in for a surprise once you've seen the heroes present and their children."

"How many are here in this university? I'm sure it's a small campus, easy to get around," Livia asked, confused.

Rosemary laughed. "If only. This school is large enough to fit all the heroes, descendants and authors. This is our third week doing orientation. Aslan wants us to wait until everyone's settled for the term before beginning classes. Here we are!" She showed them the door to the cafeteria, but not without mentioning, "If you need to use the bathrooms, they're down this hallway. Enjoy." She opened the door, allowing Livia and Samson to enter the wide, open spaced cafeteria, which was already packed with students. Before Livia could say anything further, Rosemary vanished into the crowd.

Oh, great. Now how were they to find a seat? Livia was lucky when Samson went for the food and drinks. She followed him, unsure where else to go or who to sit with. She waited until they got their trays filled up before finding a spot. As it turned out, there was an empty spot. They took their chance and sat down there.

Well, indeed it was a welcome to the Heroes' University. Livia dared to ask or wonder who else would be attending the university. Hopefully, the classes weren't too packed on the first day. But then, when were classes to be held? And how was Samson, her high school friend, not freaking out through all of this? He seemed more accepting of it than she was.

"Samson, are you all right?" Livia asked, chewing on a bite of steak.

Samson shook his head. "Don't ask."

"But this place. I mean, it can't be…"

"Livia," he chuckled. "Look, we're here, in a place of wonder and excitement. Of course I choose to be a hobbit."

"But aren't you freaked out? I mean, we're not home. How can you take this so casually?"

"To be honest, Livia, this is not my first time here. Well, all right, it's not my first time seeing these people or animals, but this is my first time coming to this school. When I was six, I had a hard time believing in the possibility that my life would change. After a few more times, I started accepting this place, or places, and these people. And I want to spend as much time as I can in this world. It's home to me. What about you?" Samson asked, smiling at her.

"We need to go home, Samson. It's where we belong," Livia said, serious.

"Good luck with that. In the meantime, I'm sitting with Aladdin and Jasmine. If you're interested, join us. But I doubt Aslan will take us home right away," Samson said last, bringing his tray over to a man with tan skin and wearing a red fez, a colorful purple vest, a white shirt, and white pants. Next to him was a woman with tan skin and wearing a purple dress.

Livia shooed the thoughts out of her mind. No. Surely she was dreaming. Oh, but the dream continued when she saw a hobbit with hairy feet and wearing a blue jacket, vest and a white shirt… wait. What was she doing? She shouldn't be… no, she needed to go home. She…

"Good morning!" the hobbit called, getting everyone's attention. It sure sounded like Frodo Baggins, but… no. She must be dreaming. Or not… it was Frodo Baggins!

Livia giggled to herself. Perfect. Maybe she would catch him and ask for an autograph. Yes, that seemed a right idea. Now, where could she find some paper and a pencil…

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Chapter 4 Teaser:

"Good morning!" Frodo called out, hoping that the students in the cafeteria would notice. "Pipe down, please." For a moment, he didn't think anyone would listen to him. But then the room grew silent. Okay, he could do this, "Or should I say 'good afternoon'. Anyway, you were pulled out of your worlds for a reason. You were chosen to be here, very much like I was. This is a heroes' university, and we treat each other with respect. The heroes here know this, as do their descendants." He turned his gaze to his wife and daughter. They still needed him.

He admitted to the crowd, "And you're here for different reasons. By and by, we'll get through this. The school year begins when Aslan says so. Then we will have our schedules. Until that time, I encourage everyone, as this may be your first time here, to go on tours of the school, get familiar with the hallways, the cafeteria, and even your dorms, apartments and houses. I hope to see everyone having a good time here, and making friends. The same goes to you, fanfiction authors. We're here to help each other, as that's what we do. Thank you, and enjoy the day!"

As he waved and walked off-stage, Frodo froze for a second. Everyone… was cheering and applauding. So, he did it right this time. He sighed in relief, rejoining his wife and daughter.

"Where's Sam, Merry and Pippin? Your friends, father," Rosemary asked. Frodo had to agree. Where was his friends?

"I'm sure they'll be here," he admitted.

"Yes, but we haven't seen them yet, have we?" Rose asked, quite confused.

"They'll be here. I saw them I the smial just last week." Frodo rested a hand on Rose's arm. He encouraged her, "They'll be here. You all right?"

"We're here to help you…" Ebony was cut off by her daughter, who said in return:

"I know, Mother. Thank you," she smiled at her mother. Good, Frodo thought. This was good for them. Getting along and all.

"I'm glad we're all right now," Frodo grinned at them. Yes, they were. What could possibly go wrong?

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Thanks for reading. :) More chapters are coming up…