Chapter 5

The fellowship traveled for many days and it was apparent after the first few that Samantha had never done anything like this before. Yeah, she stood in place all day being a cashier, and she would take walks, but that didn't come close to the miles of terrain they walked through day after day. Eventually her feet became used to the constant aches and pains and she was able to keep up with the fellowship with relative ease. She had to, she didn't want to be left behind! After about a week her feet were no longer an issue and she was so thankful for that.

Without the constant pain she could actually look around and appreciate the nature more. The rolling hills, the dense trees and foliage, the fresh clean air. And her favorite part was at night when she could stargaze. She couldn't find constellations like the Big Dipper of Orion and it was disheartening.

One night just a few days into their journey everyone had settled into their spots for the night. They had managed to find a clearing in the forest and so they had an open view of the sky. The hobbits were talking amongst themselves and Samantha listened in as she looked up at the stars, again, looking for a familiar star alignment but was disheartened when she found none. Pippin heard the sigh from their female companion and saw her looking to the stars. He laid down near her and also looked up.

"Do you see those stars there?" He pointed into the sky a set of stars. Samantha looked to where he pointed and nodded. The other hobbits were now intrigued and watched. "That there is Little Hand, and that right there" He pointed to a different set of stars, "is Fosco. He was a hobbit who left with the elves, and they immortalized him in the stars."

Merry gave his friend a look, "Where did you hear that, Pip?"

"Farmer Maggot. He's actually pretty nice once you get to know him."

Legolas couldn't help but overhear. Gandalf, Gimli and Boromir had already fallen asleep, and Aragorn was trying to. Legolas had the first watch and he walked out from his spot to look up at the stars as well. The small group looked at him. The hobbits were still in awe that they were traveling with an elf, especially Sam. Though none of them could work up the courage to speak to him. He had an intimidating aura around him, but they knew he was friendly by how he would help Samantha and them over rough terrain.

The elf looked into the night sky, "They say, when the first Elves awoke, the stars were the first thing they saw. The Valar Orome looked at them and called them, the People of the Stars."

The hobbits were intrigued by this piece of Elvish lore. It was all new to them and Samantha as well. Sam spoke up, "Makes sense, after all elves are just as beautiful as stars." He said looking up to the sky. He had dreamed all his life to meet the elves. When they came to Rivendel, he couldn't believe their beauty. In fact, he would bet that they were even more beautiful than them.

Samantha then became curious, "Who are the Valar? Is it like God?"

Legolas was silent before answering. "Some worship them as such, but they are more like guides. Watchful over the world and they hold more wisdom than even Gandalf I would wager."

She nodded. These beings thought it okay for her to be taken from her own world and placed into theirs. It sounded to Samantha like the Valar needed to get their wisdom checked.

"Why don't they help us in this war?" Frodo suddenly asked, his hand resting on his chest where the ring hung on its chain.

"They do not meddle where it is not needed." They all turned to Aragorn who was now laying on his side propped up on his elbow looking at them. "This conflict is between the races of Middle Earth. The Valar can only do so much without impeding the free will of others." There was a long pause before he laid back down. "Now you should all rest while you can, banter can continue in the morning."

The hobbits all settled in and that night was peaceful. The same routine began to unfold over their days of travel and Samantha was happy to have some new form of normalcy. She would generally go out with Merry and Boromir to help look for firewood when they stopped for meals and such. She had become very good at deciding what wood was good for burning, and what wasn't.

One day as was going through the brush looking for wood and kindling, she heard a sound. A strong thud, something had been hit with a great force. She stood and looked around, hearing the sound again and again. She slowly and cautiously moved closer and closer to the noise until she saw the familiar form of Legolas. He was firing into the trees. 'Odd way to use your arrows.' She thought to herself.

She walked up to him, "What'cha doing?" She asked inquisitively.

Legolas let one last arrow fly before turning to her, "Keeping up my skill of course. Practice is needed to keep skills pristine." He turned to her and offered a soft smile, "Is there something I can help you with, Samantha?"

Her head shook, "No, I just heard the thudding while I was looking for more firewood and was curious."

Legolas looked at her and thought more into her answer than she probably had intended. Was she always so curious? Perhaps he should have told her about the noise. If it had not been him and it had been something else she could have put herself into danger. Curiosity was not always a good thing. He hoped that it didn't get her into trouble one day.

Samantha paid no mind to his silence. She had become accustomed to his silence. It usually meant that he was observing or thinking of a good thought out response. Though, that wasn't going to stop her from continuing on, "Practice is good, but you're wasting your arrows. Won't you have to make more if they break?"

A smirk danced across the elf's lips as he slung the quiver of arrows off of his back. He held the quiver up to her, "Take one."

She looked at him with an odd expression before placing her gathered wood onto the ground. 'This better not be like Pull My Finger or something.' Samantha reached out and took one of the arrows out of the Quiver, expecting something to happen. She stood there for a few silent moments before looking at him, "Okay, now what?"

"Look," he nodded to the quiver and right before her eyes another arrow seemed to grow like a weed from the bottom of the quiver.

Samantha was dumbfounded for a few minutes and Legolas' smirk grew larger and larger the longer she stayed silent. "That," She began after a minute, "is amazing!" She held up the arrow in her hands, "So you have a magical quiver of arrows. Is there some sort of black hole at the bottom? How did you get this? Can I get a bowl that does the same thing, but with food instead of arrows?"

Legolas chuckled at the last question. So odd. Legolas plucked the arrow from her hands and returned it to the quiver before putting it back onto his back. "It was a gift from my father several decades ago. I had ran out of arrows protecting someone dear to me. My father spent many years trying to retrieve this for me."

She wanted to ask about this person he couldn't protect. But she could see the thinly veiled regret and chose a different question. "Are magical items like that really rare?"

He smiled gently. He didn't know why he decided to share the information with her, but he knew he could trust her. Most human's would want to know more about his past and become nosy, but he respected her for not giving into that urge. Perhaps in the future he would share more information about it with her. "Extremely. My father will still not tell me where he acquired it."

Her eyes wandered to the bow he held in his hand, "Anything fancy about your bow?"

Holding up his bow he stated, "Not in the way my quiver is special."

"Can I try it?"

"Of course," he said to her.

Samantha took the bow from his hand and put an arrow on the string and made an attempt to pull the string back. Legolas watched as she tried, and tried, and tried again to pull the string back but to no avail. He found her determination very amusing.

He chuckled and took the bow back from her, "I am not surprised, the draw weight is nearly one hundred pounds."

Her jaw dropped for a second. 'I thought most didn't go over sixty!' It had been a few years since archery club, but she remembered that much. Her eyes looked at his arms and wondered for a second the muscle tone that had to be hidden by that tunic. "Holy crap, how far can you shoot that thing?"

He shrugged, "I've never measured to be honest with you. Though it always gets the job done." Legolas looked at her then, his eyes more serious, "I could perhaps make you a bow. It would not be much, but it would be beneficial if you had a way to defend yourself."

She nodded, "Not a bad idea. It's been a long time since I've used a bow. I was pretty good, but I've never shot at a moving target, or a living thing..." In all honesty she was excited to be able to pick up the skill again. She loved archery and the thought of having her own bow was exciting.

Legolas smirked, "I will help you hone your skill once I have a bow constructed. In these woods I should have a good bow in a few days and we can start."

Samantha could have hugged him in that moment. The thought of being able to shoot a bow and arrow with speed and accuracy was so exciting. And she could think of no better teacher. Before she could thank him another voice rang out, "Do you not think a sword would be better suited for her?"

The two turned and looked at Boromir. He stood, arms full of firewood as he looked at them in return. Samantha remembered her forgotten task and felt a little sheepish. She was going to apologize to him but Legolas spoke, "A bow allows her to stay out of danger, a sword implies being in the middle of battle." His words were straight and to the point. He refrained from saying blatantly that she would not survive for long in a battle with a sword. He saw how little strength she had, an orc trying to kill her would easily be able to break through her defenses in combat.

"And what if an ambush occurs, a novice couldn't defend themselves in close quarters with a bow."

Samantha could feel the growing tension between the two and looked from one man to the other. "I could always learn both!" She offered as an attempt to make peace. She could only think that Legolas was still upset with Boromir over his drunken escapade. 'They really have to talk it out...' She thought. "I guess, I'm going to go back to camp." she said as she gathered up the wood she had put on the ground. She waved good bye to them awkwardly.

Boromir and Legolas stood there for several long moments and Boromir walked closer to the elf who watched him with a piercing gaze. "I do not mean any offence," Boromir started, "I only wish for her to defend herself, much like yourself." Legolas kept quiet, "I've already spoken with the hobbits and they have agreed to train." Boromir knew the elf didn't like him. He couldn't place why, but it was obvious through his actions. They were in a group though, and they both had the same goal. Legolas would have to listen to reason.

Legolas gave him a cool gaze, "If her safety is your priority then you know she would surely die in a battle, sword against sword."

Of course he knew. He also knew that the elf was being stubborn. "Teach her the bow." Boromir said simply, "But I will train her with the sword as well. Even without strength, she would be better off wielding with knowledge instead of swinging blindly." Boromir turned and left him then.

The elf watched him as he left, letting out slow controlled breaths. He knew she would need to learn the sword as well. He just couldn't bring himself to agree with the man. Legolas still held contempt toward him for his behavior toward Aragorn and toward Samantha. He knew Samantha already forgave him and he found it admirable. The fellowship were learning that she was a kind and forgiving woman who trusted easily. Boromir would have to earn his trust though.

Back at camp Samantha had returned with her firewood, "Here ya go, Aragorn." She said putting it down next to where he was working. Aragorn usually started the fire, and Merry was watching with interest, his pile of wood already gathered. Aragorn looked over his shoulder and nodded a thanks to her. It wasn't long before there was a roaring fire going and Sam and Frodo had everything out for their meal.

Frodo looked over at her, "You were gone longer than usual." He said stating a fact.

"I ran into Legolas. He was practicing his bow."

"Practicing?" Gimli chimed in. He had been unloading Bill the pony and overheard. "So the elf needs practice, he ain't so perfect after all. So much for the flawlessness of the elves."

"Don't let him hear you say that." Aragorn warned.

Gimli laughed, "And what would he do about it?"

Just then a bird flew up from some bushes and startled them. What startled them more was the sudden thunk of an arrow piercing the bird and pinning it to a tree. They turned and saw Legolas, "My apologies," he said as he walked further into camp, "it came out of the brush so suddenly and swiftly, I wasn't sure if I would hit it." He looked at the bird pinned to the tree, "A clean kill, and the meat is intact, a flawless kill, wouldn't you say?" He turned to Gimli, veiled mischief in his eyes as he messed with the dwarf.

Gimli glowered, "Beginners luck!" He insisted before storming off and grumbling to himself in dwarvish. Samantha guessed it was not kind words based on the disproving head shake of Aragorn.

Legolas pulled the bird form the tree and brought it to Sam, "Here, I'm sure you can make something with this."

"Oh, you bet I can, Sir!" Sam took the bird and almost immediately started to butcher it.

Samantha looked away from Sam as he continued on butchering. Boromir had returned just as Legolas gave Sam the bird and noticed Samantha's face pale as she turned away. He put away his gathered wood and walked to her, giving her a pat on the back. "Are you alright? Does the butchering of animals upset you?"

She shook her head, "No, not exactly. I grew up with birds and it just made me think of some old pets."

Pippin grew interested, "You had birds as pets?"

Samantha sat down, "I had many pets growing up. Birds, guinea pigs, ferrets, dogs, cats, we even had a horse at one point."

"So many animals..." Pippin mused.

Boromir's head tilted, "What is a guinea pig? I've never heard of such a thing."

Samantha's face lit up at remembering Molly, the guinea pig her family had for almost seven years. "Well, they are a rodent, but very different from rats or mice. Picture a potato, and add fur, with the cutest little face you can imagine!" She began gesturing with her arms as she spoke, "They also make the cutest sounds! When they get excited they wheek. Its a high pitched noise, and when they are curious they do a little rumble kind of noise. People thought it sounded similar to a pig, and that's how they got the name Guinea Pig!"

Most of the fellowship had never seen her talk so excitedly about something before. And about potato shaped rodents no less.

Pippin was smiling, feeling the emotions run off of her, "What kind of birds did you have?"

"Sparrows. We came home on a really windy day and there was a nest that had fallen. Seven baby birdies were on the ground, they didn't even have their eyes open they were so young. My mom," There was a pause for a second as she forced her composure, while she liked talking about her pets bring up her mom was still painful. "My mom is an amazing woman who was able to save six of them. We let them all go once they grew up, but one decided to stay and we kept him until he died peacefully in his food dish."

"What a way to go!" Sam laughed. He felt bad that butchering the bird made her feel a little uneasy, but it was food!

"She sounds like a great woman." Frodo smiled.

Samantha smiled at him and nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak just then. Pushing her emotions about her mother to the side she changed the subject by slapping Boromir on the back, "So, you're gonna teach me and the hobbits some sword skills?"

Boromir laughed and nodded, "Yes, it would be best for you learn to defend yourselves." Merry and Pippin shared an excited glance at one another.

"When do we start?" Merry asked, excited to learn properly.

"Might as well start now if you feel up to it." Boromir grinned. The two hobbits jumped onto their feet in excitement and went to go find their blades. Boromir turned to Samantha, "Will you be joining us?"

She shook her head, "I would love to but I'm still not used to this constant walking. I'm sure I'll be used to it in a few days." He nodded and got up to lead Merry and Pippin just a little away from camp and just told them to attack. It was funny watching Boromir fend off the Hobbits so easily. He really was a skilled warrior. She had really disliked him that first night they met at the party, but now she quite enjoyed his presence. He was thoughtful, passionate, and generally easygoing when not engrossed in the quest of the fellowship. He enjoyed a joke and Merry and Pippin definitely liked him.

Legolas watched everything unfold and a keen eye could see his tense shoulders and clenched jaw. After giving the bird to Sam he had retreated a little further from camp and watched the surroundings. Though he couldn't help but listen to Samantha's excited speech. He quite liked listening to her ramble on about such things, as odd as they were. He also smiled at her love of animals, remembering how she interacted with the goats in Imladris. When she spoke of her mother he could hear pain in her voice. She did well at trying to hide it and it would seem no one else had picked up on it. It they had, they said nothing. He wondered what had happened with her mother to cause such a reaction. It wasn't until Boromir went to train the two hobbits that Legolas became agitated. Samantha watched Boromir with a smile and warm eyes. He could not fathom how one day she disliked the man and the next she gave him such a look.

She certainly was an odd one.

Gandalf walked up to the elf, having seen the interactions and Legolas' reactions to them. "Something troubles you?"

Legolas turned and looked to Gandalf, "Is it unwise of me not to trust Boromir?" His eyes wandered back to Samantha who had now moved to sit next to a tree to write in her journal, though she would look up every now and then to watch Boromir and the hobbits.

Gandalf followed his line of sight and understood. "Samantha has a kind heart. Able to overlook the flaws of others to form strong bonds." He paused, "Boromir's heart is in the right place, you can trust in that."

Legolas could only say one thing, "The Ring." He remembered the council and how Boromir had nearly tried to take the ring.

The wizard nodded, "It is a danger we all face. But, let us worry when the time is right." If they all started wondering who was after the ring the fellowship would surely break apart.

Over the next several weeks Boromir trained the hobbits and Samantha, it became a regular daily occurrence. And, once Legolas had completed her bow, he would instruct her. He was happy to see she already knew the basics. He only needed to modify her form slightly. Legolas became more confidant that over time she could become a great archer.

The rest of the Fellowship enjoyed watching Boromir toy with the hobbits. Particularly Merry and Pippin, they were rambunctious and energetic. Aragorn and Gimli would occasionally shout out where the hobbits could improve. Moving their feet, too wide a stance, whatever it maybe. When it wasn't her turn Samantha would sit and write in her journal. She would just write about her thoughts and what was going on. She was mindful not to let anything slip about being from another world, or that she 'knew' what was going to happen. She feared someone would read it and know everything. So she kept her writings simple.

The fellowship had stopped for lunch at the base of a mountain. The forest was slowly left behind for large rocks and smaller shrubs. Samantha loved the view of the mountain, it was magnificent. She had never actually seen a mountain before in real life. Only in pictures or video.

Samantha was thankful Boromir let her rest. Since she was being instructed in two forms of combat, Boromir let her train less. The catch though was that her lessons were more extreme. He pushed her harder than the hobbits. She wished that modern life was a little more physical demanding, maybe then she would have been more prepared for the combat training and the one thousand mile hike.

She watched Merry and Pippin take turns against Boromir before her attention was caught by Gimli. "If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note they're not, I'd say we were taking the long way round." Gandalf cast a weary glance at the dwarf. "Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome."

Gandalf looked at him and gave an ominous answer, "No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice."

"Gandalf," Samantha spoke up, "what about the Mine's makes you so uneasy?"

Gandalf didn't have time to respond before a shout cut him off. Boromir had been cut on the hand and the two hobbits had taken the opportunity to tackle him. Samantha also noticed at that time Legolas stood up from his spot on a rocks edge and looked out into the distance. "Legolas?" She asked inquisitively.

Everyone had now noticed his behavior and the tone of the camp quickly changed. "What is that?" Sam asked as he followed Legolas' line of sight.

Gimli brushed it off, "Nothing, just a wisp of cloud."

Samantha could feel a chill come over her, "Something doesn't feel right about it."

"It's moving fast, against the wind." Boromir added, having now gotten the two off of him.

Finally Legolas gave an answer, "Crebain from Dunland!"

Suddenly the whole camp moved in a blur. Sam put out the fire and moved equipment under a bush as others quickly moved to help erase their presence from the land. Samantha suddenly felt Legolas pull her by the arm under a rocks ledge. His arm circled around her shoulders protectively and she held onto him, holding her breath. The anxiety of not knowing making her more anxious than needed. Silence fell over the area, and just a few seconds later a swarm of birds that looked like crows flew by. Just as quickly as they came, they left.

Slowly the fellowship came out of their hiding spots and looked around. Gandalf sprang up, "Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhras." He looked up to the mountain in front of them and Samantha groaned. She wished she had put on some winter gear before falling asleep.

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Edited: 5-8-2020
Edited: 8-23-2020
Edited: 1-1-21