The Fellowship's Therapy Sessions

By: Aria Breuer

Disclaimers: I do not own the Fellowship or any material from The Lord of the Rings. That belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien; all material from the films goes to Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema. I only own the plot of this story. Any information I've dug up comes from various fanfiction stories.

Summary: After much convincing, the Fellowship of the Ring undertakes therapy sessions to uncover their issues and how they can resolve them. Alternate Universe. Repost.

This idea was originally started by me, ValueMyHeart, and SweetDarkSilence back in 2011. This would be the first time in a while that I've thought of this idea. The only difference is I'll be the therapist, helping the Fellowship in the best way I can. As for the Fellowship, they may recover from this, but not at the beginning, of course.

How this story is going to work is I'll be having each character doing individual therapy sessions. So, readers should see the name of the character and the sessions they went through in the following chapters, and so on. As for the timeline, until coming to Boromir, it will be all over the place; so, I won't go into specifics.

When readers review, please give me details on the many trends/issues they've seen the characters encounter with fanfiction stories. I know Legolas has a lot, but let's hear them out anyway. Remember, this is strictly the nine members of the Fellowship; so no Gollum or anyone else outside the Fellowship.

All right, let's get started.

Chapter One:

Where It All Begins

"Gandalf, huh? This should be something," I said, looking over the three papers in the folder. True, there was a lot of biographical information about him, but not much over his symptoms. Of course, Gandalf was a Maia, an Angelic figure. I doubted that he had any issues to bring forth… but then again, one does not always know.

Who am I? I'm Aria Breuer, the author of this fanfiction story and therapist to the Fellowship of the Ring. I know it's perhaps strange that the author herself should be a therapist in her own story, but something like this was bound to happen.

A knock was heard against the door. I looked up as Gandalf entered the room, carrying a staff in hand. Indeed, he was wearing white robes and his long hair was silvery-white. He certainly looked Angelic, which made me question why this therapy session was important. As Gandalf took a seat on the empty chair, I knew I would have to say something.

"Gandalf, I'm sure you are aware that these therapy sessions are for those who need the help. You don't have to be here," I said.

Gandalf informed me. "Miss, you are not asking me to leave simply because I am an Istari. No, I came here for my own reasons. I can assure you, as I may not have as many issues, something has drawn my attention."

"Very well. Where do you suggest we start?" I asked.

Gandalf grunted. "I thought you would ask me something else. No matter. I know just where to begin." He started, "You see, it has come to my attention about this fanfiction. What have they said about me?"

I looked through my papers. "Only that there has been an increase in slash about you. Also, I am under the impression that fans only want to see you blow up stuff and take people out because you are, what they call, a wizard."

Gandalf huffed. "Now see here. Yes, wizard is what they call me, but that is not who I am. Istari and Maia, are here to counsel others and hopefully grant peace. We are not here simply to blow, what you say, stuff. I should like to know what this slash is, that you talk about."

I shook my head, grudging at the thought. "No, you wouldn't. Unless you were informed ahead of time…"

Gandalf grimaced at a memory. "Ah yes, now I remember witnessing the ghastly affairs. What are people thinking these days?"

"Morbid and disgusting thoughts that even I wouldn't think of. Seriously, aren't there good stories out these days? It's like people have forgotten what a story is supposed to be, without putting their rubbish into the story's plot," I said. I decided to change the subject, "I understand you are a part of the Istari and there are five of you."

"There were five of us. Saruman died of his own doing. Radagast disappeared. As for Alatar and Pallando, they vanished to the East of Middle-earth. I have no idea what became of them, other than I suspect they have some part to play in witchcraft and the cults," said Gandalf.

"And how does that make you feel?" I asked.

Gandalf sighed, "Now you are sounding like a therapist."

"Well… you see I've been around therapists. So, I know how they behave," I said. "I was only asking you a question."

Gandalf said, "In all honesty, I feel ashamed of what happened to Saruman, Alatar, and Pallando. I do miss Radagast, since he did us credit during the War of the Ring. It's sad that I am the only one of the Istari about ready to leave Middle-earth. But then I am not surprised."

I asked, "How's Frodo coping?"

"His wounds pain him and he is preparing to depart Middle-earth. His mind is made up," said Gandalf.

"What about the rest of the Fellowship?" I pressed.

Gandalf said, "Now Aria, you mustn't push me."

"Sorry," I said.

Gandalf said, "My companions are living their lives. Aragorn is King of Gondor, Legolas and Gimli have a strong friendship, as do we all in our group, Merry and Pippin will take over for their fathers, and Sam is raising a family. In a manner, everyone is doing well."

"What about you, Gandalf? I mean, given the fanfiction…"

"Aria, say what you like, but as far as I'm concerned I'm either treated with respect or I'm not. People need to understand the difference between mortal and immortal beings. I do not wish to commit to anything slash and I do not intend to in my time. I understand it is your era that is causing this immoral havoc. Things are different in the Third Age. Surely people should understand that or fall into temptation," explained Gandalf. "I will say no more."

I decided to conclude the session. "Well, as far as I can tell, you are stubborn in your ways yet you know what not to do. I do not see you as being ill in any way, other than…"

"If you wish to talk about youth over experience, so be it. But I already know the difference," said Gandalf.

"Well, thanks to the movies, you did show a need to deny Pippin…"

"Aria, that was a movie… and yet I see where you're coming from with me being portrayed as someone who does not show any kindness to those who have passed. That would be an anti-hero, and that I do not approve of. The way I was portrayed demoralizes who I am and my characteristics," said Gandalf.

I nodded in agreement. "Well then, I have nothing further to say." I said last, "Thank you, Gandalf, for coming here today."

"It would be wise if I no longer come to anymore therapy sessions," said Gandalf.

"I don't think you need to come to anymore," I said.

Gandalf stood up, using his staff for support. "Thank you for your time."

I watched Gandalf walk out of the room. He passed through a bright light, leaving the room. As I opened the folder, I found it was all but empty except for a note that read:

Have a Good Day!

-Gandalf

I grinned at the sight of the note. A moment after I put the folder down, I got up and went straight to the bathroom. When I came back to the room, the folder was gone. Replacing that folder was another yellow folder. The stack of paper was a little thicker than the last folder, which only had three pieces of paper. I glanced at the inside of the folder, looking at it in awe.

"Boromir's next. All right. Send him in," I said.

Just like that, another figure entered the room from a bright light. It was Boromir, looking the same as he had when he left Lothlórien.