Chapter 4

Samantha looked around at everyone sitting in the half circle. Men, elves, and the three dwarves she had talked to the previous day were there. She had been surprised when Penneth told her she would be attending the Council. Even though she didn't know what would happen she felt a heavy and unsettling feeling twisting inside her gut.

When she first sat down in her chair, Gandalf introduced her to the hobbit Frodo who sat between them. He seemed like a kind and gentle person. He was much different than everyone else here, but not because of his race. He seemed to be very quiet and docile. Samantha couldn't help but think they were both a little out of place there.

Samantha looked around at the others, Legolas sat with the elves, Gloin and Gimli with the other dwarves, and then her eyes settled on the drunk from last night. Their eyes met and she could clearly see the shame and embarrassment on his face before he looked away, pretending to be overly interested in the pedestal in the middle of the circle. It was clear that he must have remembered her and regretted his previous actions. 'Maybe he's not so bad...' Samantha was quick to give second chances depending on the circumstance. Alcohol can do a lot to a person, she would know.

Once everyone had seated, Elrond took his place behind the stone-like table, and began to speak, "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom." Elrond spoke with passion, trying to get everyone in the group to understand the importance this meeting held. Samantha could feel the deja vu plain as day. Elrond looked to Frodo who sat between Samantha and Gandalf. "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

Frodo reluctantly stood and made his way to the stone. There was a small voice in his mind that told him to not let it go, don't let them have it. It was small though and he ignored it. From his hand he placed a ring on the center of the pedestal.

Everyone was talking in hushed tones of surprise and awe. Most everyone was staring at the Ring. A relic thought lost or destroyed many years ago. When Frodo sat down he let out a sigh, as if a burden had been lifted from him. Samantha took notice of this and placed a hand on his shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. She couldn't remember much but she knew that the ring was a heavy burden for Frodo. Even she could tell there was something ominous about the ring, a dark and malevolent presence resided there. Frodo gave a small smile in return, but their attention was quickly caught by a familiar voice.

The drunk from the night before stood and spoke, looking to the ring, "In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the west a pale light lingered." He walked a little closer to the ring. "A voice was crying, 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found.'" Elrond and Gandalf shared a look as they watched him get closer and closer to the Ring, hand outstretched to grab it, "Isildur's Bane..." he said just above a whisper, now entranced by the Ring.

Elrond shot to his feet, "Boromir!"

Just as Elrond shot up Gandalf did was well, but instead of calling out to the man he chanted a dark language. Gandalf chanted the inscription of the Ring and the council fell dark and it felt as if the world itself were shaking. Samantha felt as though she could hardly breathe, it was as if a presence prevented her from moving. She could see the other members of the council were also uncomfortable and shaking.

When Gandalf finished everyone looked around in shock and a little fear at the Wizard. Boromir looked at him, now out of the mental cloud he had been in.

Elrond's sharp eyes fell upon the wizard, "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris." He could not believe Gandalf could have been so foolish to invite such darkness to this place.

Gandalf leaned on his staff and took a deep breathe, "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond. For the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west." His eyes scanned the Council members, some of whom were still in shock over the display. "The Ring is altogether evil." Gandalf turned to return to his seat but was halted when Boromir again spoke.

"It is a gift." He said with suppressed excitement. He stood and turned to everyone, "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring?" No one spoke, so he continued, "Long has my father the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people, are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him."

Aragorn interjected, there was no need to be foolish, "You cannot wield it, none of us can. The one Ring answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master."

Boromir turned and said accusingly, "And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" He had long since thought of why this man was here. He looked to be of no status, nothing special. And yet this council was composed of some of the most influential people in middle earth, or represented such people. His eyes looked the Ranger up and down, sizing him up.

Legolas stood, he would not sit idly by and let this man insult his trusted friend. "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Samantha had never heard him speak in such a tone before. The cool restrained voice and the sharp eyes sent a chill down her spine.

The man turned back toward Aragorn. "Aragorn. This is Isildur's heir?" he asked in disbelief. He couldn't believe that the so called, 'true king' had spent his time frolicking through the woods when he should have been fighting for his people! A true king does not run and hide.

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas added what the man already knew.

Aragorn sighed and asked his friend to sit back down. It wasn't worth the trouble to go on. He felt that he had lost the right to be king long ago, it didn't matter.

The man shot Aragorn a sharp look, "Gondor has no king." He said before returning to his seat. "Gondor needs no king."

An uncomfortable silence settled on the Council before Gandalf decided to speak up. "Aragorn is right. We cannot use it."

"You have only one choice." Elrond began, "The ring must be destroyed."

There was silence before Gimli said, "What are we waiting for?" He grabbed his ax and wasted no time in bringing it down upon the Ring. When his ax made contact with the Ring, there was a bright light and the ax shattered. Samantha held her hands up to protect herself from the broken ax pieces, but before her arms could fly up, she was shocked when she saw a massive flaming eye. Her heart hit her feet and she shook her head from the shock. 'What the hell was that thing?' Whatever it was, it made her feel sick.

She could only wonder how much stranger this world could get. Her nerves were currently fried from Gandalf's display and now the eye of fire she saw. Her foot began to bounce from anxiety, just what had she stumbled into? She should know!

Samantha was brought back to reality by Elrond, "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli Son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you, must do this."

Once again, there was an eerie silence. No one wanted to do such a task. Eyes shifted across each and every person, just waiting for someone to volunteer.

Boromir could not believe what he was hearing. He looked out at the other members of the council, "One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there, that does not sleep. The great Eye, is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire, and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with 10,000 men you could do this, it is folly." Samantha could feel a cold sweat start on the back of her neck and send shivers down her arms. 'No thank you!'

Legolas shot from his seat, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli shot back at him.

"And if we fail, what then?" Boromir questioned, "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

Gimli stood as well, "I'll be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!"

Not much else had to be said before everyone was up and arguing with each other. Some thinking Gondor should take the ring, while others knew the ring needed to be destroyed but none of them wanted to complete this task. Samantha watched from her chair and crossed her arms. 'If I knew what was going to happen I could help!' She was surprised when even Gandalf stood and began arguing, telling them how foolish they were for wasting time when a decision needed to be made.

Frodo watched the council and he knew. He knew they would never be able to settle on a choice. Bilbo left him the ring, it was his responsibility now. He stood and walked toward the bickering council, "I will take it!" he could feel Samantha's gaze on him as he shouted again, "I will take it!" The bickering stopped and they all turned to look at the hobbit in disbelief. Out of all races and people, this hobbit was willingly sacrificing himself for this quest. Frodo looked at them all, knowing he was now heard, "I will take the Ring to Mordor," he stated confidently. After a pause he continued, a little quieter, "Though, I do not know the way."

'Hobbits...' Gandalf thought with a quick laugh though his heart was heavy for the hobbit, 'They always find a way to surprise you.' Gandalf nodded and moved to stand behind him, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn stood and approached the young hobbit, "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." He took one of the hobbits tiny hands in his, "You have my sword."

"And you have my bow." Legolas announced after a moment and stepped forward.

As if not to be shown up by an elf, Gimli walked forward as well. "And my ax."

Samantha couldn't help but smirk looking at Legolas and Gimli, they looked so obviously uncomfortable next to each other. She thought back to last night and realized, elves and dwarves don't get along. Gimli and the other dwarves gathered many foul and sour looks from the other party goers.

The man of Gondor walked forward. "You carry the fates of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Everyone was a little startled when a voice yelled out, "Hey!" They all turned and saw another hobbit run right past Samantha to stand beside Frodo. "He can't go anywhere without me!"

Without a pause Lord Elrond responded, "No, indeed it is not possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

The hobbit hardly had time to look sheepish before another shout came from the opposite direction. "You'll have to tie us up in a sack to stop us!" Two more hobbits came to stand beside Frodo.

The second of the two said, "Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... Quest... Thing."

"Well that rules you out, Pip." The first stated nudging his friend in the side.

Samantha had to chuckle at that and felt a smile spread on her face.

Elrond looked over the group, "Nine companions. Though..." There was a pause and Elrond looked at Samantha, as did Gandalf with a knowing gaze. Everyone else followed suit, their eyes holding a look of confusion. Samantha's own eyes widened in confusion. The smile was gone form her face as that sinking feeling was back in her stomach. Elrond continued, "a tenth companion will join on this quest."

There were murmurs of surprise and for a second Samantha was too shocked to speak. When she regained her senses a moment later she stood up shaking her head, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You want me to go on this quest of doom? Why?" She wanted to hide the panic in her voice but it was hard to. She looked at them as though they had three eyes and butts for mouths.

"This quest is no place for a lady." Boromir said. "She knows not of how to protect herself and has seen nothing of war." There was a murmur of agreement from most everyone else.

Even though he had a point Samantha wanted to defend herself. Besides, it's not like she had no idea how to fight, she had been told she was a pretty good shot with a bow at Archery club in high school. Using one in combat though... That's different. Plus she hadn't picked up a bow since then. Before she could say anything, Gandalf spoke, "You forget Boromir, the hobbits are the same. They have lived their life in the Shire, free from the horrors of war and violence. Saying she should not join for her lack of experience would suggest you feel this way about the hobbits as well."

Boromir said nothing.

"But Gandalf," Samantha stated again, "Why?"

The Wizard walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder, "It is by the will of the Valar that you have come to us. It is your fate that you accompany us on this journey." He paused, "But, do not be afraid, we will guide you, and watch over you." He gestured to the rest of the company and she looked at them all with wide eyes as they nodded in agreement with the wizard. She couldn't believe this. She was going to go on a death mission. Her stomach was tied in knots and she could have thrown up right there.

As Elrond gave them his blessing she was running everything over in her head. 'So, I am going to accompany these guys on a journey to Mordor, which according to Boromir is like hell on Earth. If you can't do it with ten thousand men then how would anyone expect us to do it with ten? This is insane! Not to mention I have no idea how to REALLY fight, and I don't think the hobbits do either. Oh I'm fucked. I am so completely and utterly fucked. Lord sweet baby Jesus take me now.' Samantha didn't even realize that she had sank back down into her seat and hugged herself as she rocked back and fourth thinking of all the possible deaths she could endure.

Gandalf looked at her with pity. Her world must be very different from theirs. No dangers such as this and now she was being thrust into a journey against her will. Much like Frodo her fate was tied to the Ring. He hoped that she would be able to endure the hardships to come. He made a mental note to check on her later and went to speak with Lord Elrond and a few members of the newly formed Fellowship.

Legolas followed Gandalf and the others but looked back at Samantha as she sat with a petrified face rocking back and fourth slightly. He thought it odd that a woman who randomly appeared would be sent on this journey. The chance that they would live was slim, and she must know that. His eyes went back to Gandalf and he wondered what the man knew and was not telling them.

The hobbits exchanged worried looks toward her. "Should we say something?" Sam asked the others quietly. She didn't even notice.

Merry shrugged, "I think she's panicking, don't they say not to bother people who are panicking?"

Frodo shook his head, "You're thinking of sleepwalking."

Merry's mouth formed the shape of an O and nodded. Yes, yes he was thinking of sleepwalking.

Pippin walked forward and placed a small hand on her shoulder. Making her head snap up to look at them. "You alright?" he asked simply.

She covered her face with her hands and let out a stressed sigh. She could feel her head grow light from the returning oxygen. She had started to hyperventilate. "Yeah, just nervous. This whole thing has me out of my comfort zone."

The hobbits nodded, "We're in the same boat, miss. We've never even left the shire until recently!" Sam stated trying to connect with her on some level.

Samantha nodded, "We're all a bit out of our element in this, aren't we?" She gave a small dejected laugh before looking to them again. "I know Frodo, but what are your names?"

Sam puffed out his chest, "Oh, I'm Sam. Samwise Gamgee. Nice to meet you!" Samantha smiled at the name, funny how they shared a nick name.

"I'm Meriadoc, but call me Merry, please."

"And I'm Pippin. Short for Peregrin."

She nodded, "Nice to meet you all. I'm Samantha."

Sam laughed now, "I hope we don't get confused too much."

Samantha shook her head, "We'll call you Sam, and me Samantha. That should help a bit, right?"

"Yeah, don't be worried about it, you two are very different after all." Pippin stated.

"Oh, I thought we were plenty a like, twins even!" Samantha joked. "I mean look at the resemblance!"

She got a laugh from the hobbits and even Frodo joined in. Samantha then asked them about the Shire. She was curious to hear about it from the people who lived there. She enjoyed listening to the stories of themselves in the Shire. It sounded like a great place to live.

After a while of talking the small group was interrupted. Gandalf walked over and was happy to at least see them getting along. "Forgive me, but I must snatch Samantha for a talk of sorts. You four, gather your things, we leave shortly." The group shared glances and the Hobbits said their goodbyes to their new companion. Gandalf could just barely hear them talk about how it would be interesting to have her along. He smiled, it would seem that Samantha had made friends with the hobbits.

Samantha looked around and noticed that her and Gandalf were now the only ones left in the area. He sat down in the chair next to her and sighed, letting the silence hang in the air as she looked at him blankly. Finally he spoke, "Forgive me for rushing you out yesterday. I had information that needed Elrond's immediate attention. I did not think you ready to hear it. And still are not in fact."

"Gandalf, please can you tell me what you know, if anything at all? This is all so strange to me and anything to help make sense of it would be appreciated." She needed to at least know WHY she was there. She knew he had to know something!

The wizard sighed, "It is the will of the Valar that brings you here. But, the Valar themselves did not bring you."

"What do you mean?" She asked, now curious as well as anxious.

Gandalf turned toward her and his eyes peered into hers with a fierce intensity. "You were brought here for your knowledge of our world. Dark forces hope to use it for their own gain. So they have bewitched your memory. Everything you once knew about our world is locked away in your mind" He pointed to her forehead. "You are as important as the One Ring in all of this. If either you or the Ring fall into their hands, I am afraid all would be lost."

Samantha sat there, dumbfounded. "You're telling me... they brought me here? Why me!?" She stood and began pacing in frustration, "It could have been anyone! There are millions of people - millions - that have read this story! Why did it have to be me!? It could have been anyone! It could have been one of my brothers, my father, my mother! Anyone!"

Gandalf nodded, "This is why it is by the Valar. Out of everyone, you were the one to be brought here. And a purpose you will fulfill. I understand, young one, that this is a painful experience for you. But there is no time to be thinking of what could have been. There is only now, and the future."

She could feel the tears pricking her eyes, "Gandalf, please tell me something."

He nodded.

"Can I ever go home?" She sounded like a child then. Her voice small, and even though she wanted to be hopeful, she didn't think she could be.

Gandalf closed his eyes, "There have been others in the past who fell into this world, from their own actions or someone else's. I know not of anyone who has left." He knew this was not what she wanted to hear, but she deserved the truth. He doubted there was anyway she could return to her home.

Samantha stared at him, her heart broken. Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground as tears began to fall and her shoulders shook.

He watched her as she grieved. Gandalf looked upon her with pity. In one moment she had lost her home, her family, everything she once knew. The wizard left his seat and got onto one knee in front of her and gripped her shoulder's gently. "Look at me."

Samantha obeyed, wiping her tears as new ones fell.

"You may not have come here of your own accord, but there is always hope to be had. While you experience great loss, you will gain just as much should we win this war. Be strong, Samantha. Fight for the future, it is yours to make."

She took in his words but couldn't take them to heart. She didn't know if this pain would ever leave her. Gandalf let her cry a little more before helping her up and ushering her off to prepare for the journey. As she walked to her room her mind was filled with thoughts of her family. She would never be able to see them again. Never laugh with them. Never listen to her older brothers rants of politics, or her younger brothers go on and on about video games and anime. Never hear her father's laugh again. Never hear another I love you from her mother...

She forced herself to stop crying. Maybe she could get through this. She needed to focus on the task at hand and that was not dying a horrible death at the hands of Orcs and who knows what else. She sighed and came to the decision. She would not think about it. Push it all back. Live in the here and now. Samantha had always been one to look to the past and rarely look forward, but she could simply try and live in the present. The past was too painful and the future too uncertain. It was the best idea she had to not be bedridden with grief.

When she arrived at her room she found Penneth preparing supplies for her. She looked up from her work of folding and gave a small smile, "Hello, Samantha, Lord Elrond sent me to help prepare you for your journey. He said to have everything prepared by midday."

Samantha nodded numbly, too tired to really care or pay attention. She sat as Penneth explained to her how she should bathe once a week if possible. Samantha forced herself to pay attention and she cringed at the news, she was used to bathing every other day. Once a week or less was going to feel disgusting. She showed her strips of cloth that Samantha was supposed to use for her period, and a few other things she had packed away in her bag. Samantha thanked God for one thing. She had been on the Depo birth control shot for 2 years. Chances of her getting a period anytime soon were slim to none.

Next she gave her traveling clothes to change into. A cloth band was used as her bra, and she wore two layers. A thin cotton undershirt and pants to help with sweat, and then dark brown trousers and a dark blue long sleeved top. The leather boots given to her were uncomfortable, Penneth told her that they would mold to her feet better within a day. She handed Samantha a belt to help keep the pants over her waist, as well as give her a place to hold small objects outside of her pack. Lastly, she was given a dark cloak. Samantha looked at herself in the mirror and thought she could actually pass as a person from this world.

By the time Penneth had explained everything about traveling and answered any random questions Samantha had along the way, it was only a short time before they were set to depart. As a last favor, she asked Penneth for a journal and something to write with. Penneth seemed intrigued by her request and she told her she planned to write everything she could down on paper. She had never had much success in a diary before, but she was sure as hell gonna try this time. When she presented it to her, she shoved it into her pack, as well as her hoodie and leggings. No way she was leaving without them. They were sacred to her now.

Once she had everything packed and ready to go, she gave a goodbye to Penneth. Samantha hugged her and Penneth seemed a little startled at first, but returned the embrace. Samantha told her she would miss her and she hoped to see her again one day. After all, she would most likely spend the rest of her life there.

Samantha set off in the direction the Fellowship would meet. As she came to a corner, she nearly ran right into someone. She gave a quick apology before looking up and seeing who it was. Boromir. She thought for a second as she looked up at him, why was every human she met so far towering over her?

Boromir looked startled and coughed, "My apologies, are you alright?"

Samantha nodded and the two began walking in an awkward silence until she decided to break it, "So, any hangover this morning?" He gave her a strange look. "You know, sickness from drinking too much. Headache, nausea, all the good stuff that makes you love life!" She finished sarcastically.

He knew now what she was referring to and he paused in his walking. She took a few more steps before stopping ant turning to him. "I regret my actions last night. I was not representing my people as I should have been."

Samantha watched him for a moment and made a judgment in that moment. Boromir was not a bad person. "Yes, I expect your people flirt much better than you." she teased as she continued walking.

Boromir stood still for a moment, mouth hung open in shock. He caught up to her and insisted, "I will have you know, that I am very popular with the ladies of Gondor. Very rarely do I fumble and humiliate myself as I did last night."

Samantha laughed, "So you say. It doesn't matter. I forgive you for your... boorish behavior." She didn't want to call him a dick, he probably wouldn't get it. Boorish sounded like a word he would understand.

He nodded, "I will act far more honorably in the future, I can assure you of that."

"I'll hold you too it," she nodded in return. "For now, lets do our best to get along and get to know each other, huh?"

He smiled at her, "Then let me tell you of my grand city-"

The rest of their walk to the meeting spot was filled with Boromir talking about Gondor. She enjoyed hearing him describe it in detail and tell her of his father and his younger brother Faramir. He sounded like a very nice man, honorable too. Boromir laughed when she poked fun at his brother being more honorable than him.

Finally the two arrived and helped Aragorn and Legolas load the last few supplies onto a pony named Bill. As Samantha put the last pack on the horse she turned to Legolas and was going to ask him a question but she forgot her question when she saw the look he was giving Boromir. His eyes were like daggers and she thought it best to not approach. This was going to be one hell of an adventure indeed.

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Bu-Bye~!

Edited: 5-8-2020
Edited: 8-20-2020
Edited: 1-1-2021