What the Heck? As It Should've Happened, Twit and Shadow Are In Trouble Now

[MackenzieW]

Title: What the Heck? As It Should've Happened
Author: MackenzieW
Genre: Parody
Text Based On: "What the Heck?" by Crys Evans/Miss Quartermain
Characters: Jessica "Torwen" Stevens, Katelyn "Dinenwen" Stevens, the rest of the Lord of the Rings cast
Warnings: None, really. Just logic finally being supplied. Character death, I guess, but if you've read or seen "Lord of the Rings" you know who.

Disclaimer: I don't really own anything at this point except for Baimeldis. Katelyn and Jessica belong to Miss Quartermain and everyone else belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. This is done to correct an injustice done to his life's work.

A big thank you to Araiona Dubois!

Boromir, son of Denethor and warrior of Gondor, travelled on toward the Elven outpost of Rivendell. He had had a dream telling him to go there. He hadn’t wanted to leave his men just after they recaptured Osgiliath from Mordor’s forces, but Faramir also had the dream. This proved to Boromir it was urgent. Besides, Faramir was a capable leader in his own right. Their men—and the city—would be well-protected under him.

He was lost in his thoughts of his brother and almost didn’t notice the maiden that appeared in front of him. He reigned in his horse, who didn’t seem pleased with the sudden stop. The girl looked up at him and screamed. His horse startled and Boromir spent the next few minutes trying to get him under control again. Once the horse was calm, he turned his attention back to the maiden. She was jabbering on in a language unknown to him. Curses, he thought. If only Faramir were here. He is far more knowledgeable of languages than I.

The girl was now looking oddly at him, as if waiting for him to say something. “May I help you, my lady?” he asked in Westron. When that failed, he decided to try what little Sindarin he had picked up from Faramir. She seemed to understand that and started to talk in her strange language again. Boromir leaned over to feel the odd fabric she was wearing—perhaps it could help him identify where she was from—and accidentally pinched her. Her eyes grew wide, she muttered something else and fainted.

Boromir looked at her as she lay on the ground, pondering what he should do. He couldn’t communicate with her nor did he know where she was from. She looked like she had some Gondorian blood in her—dark hair that was cut short for a woman. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the breasts, he would’ve questioned whether or not this person was a woman. That and the high voice had satisfied him and he felt safe to call her a maiden.

But he had never seen such clothes before in his life! She wore no dress, preferring the clothing of a man. Her tunic though was short, stopping at her waist. Her leggings were a blue color, going all the way down to her feet and were a strange fabric he had never seen in the Gondorian market stalls. He could tell from the quality it was not Elvish; nor was it Rohirric as he had seen some of their fabrics in the marketplace. He concluded it must be some sort of Northling clothing.

Boromir sighed as his horse pawed the ground restlessly. The sound reminded Boromir of his quest—it was urgent he reached Rivendell! He looked down at the maiden. She was still unconscious. She didn’t appear hurt, but Boromir couldn’t leave her in the wilderness during dark times such as these. That wasn’t what a soldier of Gondor did. Besides, he knew that the healers of Rivendell were renowned. It was decided then. He lifted the maiden on to his horse and continued on his way. He hoped to gain some more ground. Judging by the sun’s position, he would soon have to make camp.

Legolas, son of Thranduil and Prince of Mirkwood, also rode hard to Imladris. He bore an urgent message to Lord Elrond. The guards of Mirkwood had lost the creature called Gollum, suspected to be working for Sauron. This was grave news indeed as Mordor’s darkness grew over the woods he loved so. He urged the horse to move faster but a flash of light halted them. Once it died down, he looked over to spy a young Mannish maiden lying in his path.

She wore odd clothing—a light shirt with no sleeves and breeches that looked very thin. She blinked a few times, trying to take in her surroundings. Legolas was torn; it wasn’t every day that Mannish maids fell from the sky. He decided to call her in Westron, see if she would respond. “Hail, maiden!”

She looked at him, turned pale and passed out. This startled him. While most Men were in awe of Elves, Legolas had never known one to faint from seeing one. Especially one in terror. Perhaps she was from one of the tribes of wild men he had heard Rangers talk about?

Legolas glanced around, taking in the environment. It wasn’t a particularly dangerous part of the road to Imladris they were on, but with the increased orc presence scouts and Rangers were reporting, that might not hold true for much longer. He couldn’t rightly leave this girl, no more than a child even in Mannish terms, out in the unknown wilderness. If he picked her up and left now, he could easily reach the Last Homely House by nightfall. His mind made up, Legolas set out for Elrond’s house. Perhaps the wise Lord of Imladris would know more about this child than he.

Jessica Stevens awoke feeling the warmth of a fire nearby. She smiled, everything was going according to plan! For unknown to Boromir, Jessica was a Mary Sue. And not just your ordinary Mary Sue…okay, perhaps she was…but she was a shameless self-insert. Therefore, Jessica knew everything that was to happen as she shared a brain with her creator. In fact, it was the only brain she would need.

Jessica stretched and reviewed everything that should happen. She should wake up, apologize for her reaction, Boromir would forgive her instantly. They would then talk, he’d teach her how to use a sword and then they would finish in Rivendell. There, she would be reunited with her second half…sister…Katelyn, who was with Legolas and already in the Elven city. She then recalled her first arrival in Middle-earth, how she wasn’t able to talk to Boromir. Wait…

A dull pain filled her head as she had to use her own brain. She suddenly remembered her entrance had been bungled. She hadn’t been able to understand Boromir one lick! But he had still pinched her when she asked…so maybe he understood her now! Maybe she had been talking too fast before. She decided to try again.

She sat up, drawing Boromir’s attention. “Hello,” she said. “How long was I unconscious?”

Boromir cocked his head, studying her. He then started to speak in a language she didn’t know. Jessica groaned. She looked at the stew he had made. “Can I have some?” she asked. Boromir looked at her again. Now she was frustrated. Finally, she pointed to his stew and then mimed eating. Boromir nodded, giving her a small portion. “Thank you,” she said. “Le hannon.” Boromir understood that, the little Sindarin her creator had picked up.

Jessica took this as a good sign and decided to press ahead. “Why are you being nice to me? I treated you like dirt,” she said, according to her mental script. Now he would forgive her.

Boromir stared at her again, shaking his head. “Le av-chenion,” he said. Unfortunately, that phrase did not register in Jessica’s knowledge of Elvish. She shrugged and decided to see if he would tell her how long till Rivendell. Boromir recognized the name and held up his hand to signify five days. Jessica nodded and then pointed to his horse. Boromir nodded and quickly cleaned up camp. She forced herself to shiver, despite the fact it was considerably warm out. Boromir noticed this and threw his cloak around her. As she climbed into the saddle, Jessica thought, “Score!”

Meanwhile, in Rivendell, Katelyn awoke in a sunlight room. She smiled; everything was working perfectly. She stretched, waiting for Elrond to…wait, where was Elrond? She racked her brains. Her creator wrote it so that Elrond had been keeping vigil over her as she recovered from her fainting spell. Where was the healer? “Hello?” she called out. “Is anyone there?”

A tall Elf with dark hair appeared in her room. “Elrond?” she asked, though she mentally hit herself. That isn’t Elrond, stupid! He doesn’t look like Hugo Weaving! she thought. The elf disappeared to be replaced with another tall, dark-haired elf. He, though, bore an air of wisdom and maturity the other did not.

“Im Elrond,” he said. “Man eneth lîn?”

“Elrond?” Katelyn asked, incredulous. He looks nothing like Hugo Weaving! I must have the wrong Elrond!

Elrond’s brows knitted as he looked at her. “Pelil peded edhellen?”

“What? Can’t you speak English? I mean, Common! Com-mon. Aren’t they the same language?” Elrond only shook his head and Katelyn groaned. “Look, I’m waiting for my sister. Sister—umm, Muinthêl?”

“Muinthêl?”

“Yes! Yes!” Katelyn said, jumping up. She could communicate with Elrond! However, he said something else and she was just as lost. She sunk into the bed, near tears. Elrond left the room. Katelyn remembered her script—Arwen should bring her some clothing. Now, remember, Arwen won’t look like Liv Tyler…

As she thought this, a young elleth entered the room. The elf maiden was beautiful—and dark-haired. “Arwen?” Katelyn asked. The elleth smiled but shook her head.

“Im Baimeldis,” the elleth said. She gave Katelyn a dress—a brown dress similar to the one the maiden wore. Katelyn thanked the elleth in the little Elvish she knew. Baimeldis curtsied and left the room.

Katelyn picked up her dress, horrified. She was supposed to wear one of Arwen’s old gowns—a favorite at that! She wasn’t supposed to wear an old dress of a serving girl! However, she knew she couldn’t remain in her pajamas. It wasn’t proper and they had gotten dirty from the ride to Rivendell. Had Legolas gone through every mud puddle to Rivendell? Thinking back to the canon characters she had met, Katelyn realized that neither looked like how she knew they were supposed to. Elrond was supposed to look like Hugo Weaving, Legolas like Orlando Bloom. Things were not right.

With a start, Katelyn remembered an important plot point. She was supposed to look like an Elf! She ran to the mirror, pushed back her long hair and nearly cried. Her ears were not pointed—she was still human.

And so it was that Katelyn Stevens, wearing a servant girl’s dress, cried in her room in Rivendell. Meanwhile, her sister Jessica was clutching on to the horn of the saddle for dear life, trying to maintain her balance. She too was upset that everything was messed up.

What these girls didn’t know was that it would get odder from there.

[MackenzieW]

It had been a day since Jessica had wound up in the company of Boromir. They had ridden hard that day and she ached all over from hanging on to the horse for dear life. Her creator hadn’t made her an expert horsewoman, writing in the stiff muscles. Now Jessica wished she had! She groaned, rubbing her legs.

Boromir was lighting a fire. Jessica studied him. She had tried to have a conversation when they were riding, but she gave up when she really couldn’t concentrate due to being shaken. Perhaps now, she could try again? She was wary. He hadn’t understood her the day before nor did he look like a younger Sean Bean, which confused her. But it was worth a shot, right? She ran a finger through the hair he should be remarking on any minute now…and was surprised when it was the same length as when she was created.

Jessica sighed. “This isn’t going well,” she said, crossing her arms. Boromir looked up, studying her. She smiled and decided to try communicating with him again. “Boromir, would you teach me how to use a sword?”

Boromir gave her a bizarre look before shaking his head. Jessica, thinking he was turning her down, grew indignant. “Why not? Is it because I am a girl?” she demanded, standing up.

At the nobleman’s wide gaze, Jessica finally realized he still couldn’t understand her. She sighed, sitting back down. “I’m sorry,” she said, not realizing how stupid it was to apologize to someone who couldn’t understand. “I lost my temper.”

Realizing the strange woman would not harm him, the Gondorian began to pack up camp. He felt a pressure on his arm and saw she was tapping him. Boromir looked at the girl. She pointed to his sword, then mimed using it. She did this a few times and Boromir realized she wanted him to teach her. Boromir looked at her. She was a thin young thing, no muscle really to her. Of course, Boromir had no clue this was because Jessica’s creator hadn’t described her character much beyond “had short hair and then it grew” and some other statements here and there. So, she reverted to a standard thin physique. What Boromir did know was that there wasn’t enough time for him to train such a person when he needed to be in Rivendell. “Rivendell first,” he said, hoping she would understand.

She pouted, arms crossed again. Boromir sighed. Perhaps if he just let her hold a sword, to show her how heavy it was, she’d understand. He pulled his out of his sheath and handed it to her.

Jessica smiled and imagined herself doing a triumphant dance. Boromir was going to teach her after all! Now, they could bond through her amazing skills and fall in love, just like planned. That sea witch from that Disney movie was right: you don’t always need a voice! She grabbed the hilt and immediately collapsed from the weight.

Boromir watched as Torwen, as he had dubbed her, tried to lift the sword. She had finally gotten to her feet, though a bit unsteady. The blade, on the other hand, was not leaving the bed of earth it rested on any time soon. After nearly twenty minutes, Boromir decided that he had humored the girl long enough. The sun was starting its descent and he needed to arrive in Rivendell as soon as he possibly could. He put his hand over hers, hoping she would let go. She did, smiling up at him as she did so. She babbled again in her strange language. Boromir was not in the mood to try and translate. “We ride,” he said, motioning to the horse. He sheathed his sword and gave her a boost up into the saddle. He mounted the horse and with a swift kick, they were off again.

Jessica held on tight to Boromir, cherishing these moments when she could be close to the warrior. It almost made it seem like everything was going according to her creator’s plan. She recalled trying to lift the sword—how weak was that? She was supposed to be able to master it already! He was supposed to be impressed! Well, I will just have to try harder. Perhaps the skills my creator gave me haven’t kicked in yet.

Meanwhile in Rivendell, Jessica’s other half…err, sister…wasn’t faring any better. Katelyn knew by this point, she should be under Legolas’ instruction and wowing him with her archery skills. But things had been going wrong since she arrived in this god-forsaken place.

Lord Elrond (she had decided it must be him for he was the only person named Elrond, despite not looking like Hugo Weaving) had given her a clean bill of health. Gandalf had arrived shortly after she did. Along with Elrond, he had decided she was not a threat and she was discharged from the Houses of Healing. Katelyn had tried to talk to them again, but an injured Frodo had arrived around the same time. Both were occupied with the Hobbit. The only one who would spare her any time was Baimeldis, the young servant Katelyn had befriended her first day in Middle-earth.

She had also started to teach Katelyn the language as she put her to work in the kitchens, washing dishes. Baimeldis called Katelyn “Dinenwen,” which the self-insert soon learned meant “silent maiden,” a play on the fact she couldn’t speak their language. Katelyn sighed as she sunk the dishes in the water again. “How much do these elves eat?” she asked aloud.

“Hobbits,” Baimeldis replied, walking in with some laundry. “Eat a lot.”

“I see,” Katelyn replied, feeling like a fool. She was forced to speak like a toddler most of the time since she was still learning.

“What about sister?” Baimeldis asked, sitting on a nearby stool. “Miss her?”

“Yes,” Katelyn replied. She did miss Jessica, even though the two technically hadn’t met yet. But she figured once Jessica arrived, everything would be right with the world.

At least, she hoped so.

Jessica tried to sleep on the horse, but it was a rough ride. Why couldn’t they have cars in Middle-earth? Damn you…uh…Tolkien! Right. She sighed, but Boromir kept riding. Finally, her body just shut itself down from sheer exhaustion and she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

The next time she awoke, Jessica was stiff. Very stiff. The horse was still running and Jessica wondered if it would need to eat or drink soon. She sighed, trying to stretch our her stiff neck. Boromir reacted to the movement, looking at her. “How much longer?” she asked, causing him to tilt his head. Right, he doesn’t understand me. What the hell is going on? I mean…Heck! What the heck? She tried again. “Imladris?”

Boromir nodded and held up one finger. “One more day?” she moaned, running her hands through her hair. She groaned again when she realized it was still as short as it was when she was created. “Oh, I hope my sister is faring much better than I!”

“Where could she be?” Katelyn asked, pacing Rivendell’s courtyard. She was on a brief break with Baimeldis. The elleth smiled at her friend’s antics. “Oh, don’t smile. Once Jessica gets here, everything will be fine!”

“Dinenwen, posto dan,” Baimeldis said, patting the bench she was sitting on. “Garo bost.”

“Goheno nin,” Katelyn said, sitting down. “I just miss my sister.” While Baimeldis didn’t understand the last part, she knew the tone and squeezed her friend’s hand.

“KATELYN!” The scream caused Baimeldis to drop Katelyn’s hand. The other was excited to hear some else who spoke English. And she knew that it had to be her other half…SISTER…Jessica. The young woman came running into the courtyard…and hugged Baimeldis.

“Katelyn, you don’t know how happy I am to see you!” Jessica said. “Please tell me things are correct here. PLEASE.”

“Le av-chenion,” the elleth said. “Im Bailmeldis.”

“Jessica? Hello, I’m over here,” Katelyn said, waving her hands. Jessica looked between her and Baimeldis, finally releasing the servant. Baimeldis muttered her good-byes and left the courtyard. “Yeah, I know, I’m supposed to look like an elf. But I don’t and I can’t talk to anyone. Well, Baimeldis, but I sound like a two-years-old!”

“No! This isn’t right,” Jessica whined. “You’re supposed to look like an elf and I’m already supposed to be halfway to happily ever after with a certain Gondorian!”

“I know, but if it helps, I haven’t seen a certain elf since I arrived in Rivendell,” Katelyn said, sitting down on the bench. Jessica joined her. “Oh, and be careful. No one looks like how they are supposed to look.”

“I noticed,” Jessica said, sighing. “Well, now what?”

“First, we get you a bath. Pee-you! Then, some decent clothing—you’ll have to wear a dress…”

“Ugh, I hate dresses…I think,” Jessica said, shrugging. “Alright, let’s go!”

Baimeldis graciously welcomed her new friend’s sister into her house as well. Jessica too started working in the kitchen, much to her horror. Baimeldis continued to teach the two sisters Sindarin, telling Jessica the name Boromir gave her meant “Forest Maiden.” While it was obvious she was named from where she was found, Jessica wasn’t too thrilled. “If he’s going to give me any names, it should be ‘darling’ or ‘beloved’ or ‘my wife’!” she yelled, pacing around the kitchen.

“I wouldn’t mind being known as Torwen if Legolas called me that,” Katelyn sighed, still washing a dish. “I’d be his forest maiden. He does live in a forest, right?”

“Why are you asking me?” Jessica asked.

“Because you’re the one our creator gave the knowledge of the books to,” Katelyn responded.

“Oh, right. Yes, he lives in a forest.” The cook scolded the two girls as Jessica sighed. “Get back to work. I learned that one pretty quickly.”

“We need to get this story back on track,” Katelyn said, as they lined up by the sink. “How do we do that?”

Jessica could only shrug. They washed in silence for a bit before Jessica had an idea. “I got it! The Council should be starting soon! We need to get ourselves in there and volunteer for the Fellowship! That’ll set it back into motion.”

“But the Council is supposed to be secret,” Katelyn said. “How will we know where to go?”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Our creator wrote it into our brains. We were summoned so we know,” she explained.

“Oh. You’re a genius!”

“Thank you.”

So, a few days later, the Stevens sisters decided not to report to the kitchen and snuck toward where they knew the Council would be held. It wasn’t too hard to find in the end as they just started to blindly follow Boromir and Legolas. They almost made it a seat when Lord Elrond stopped the two maidens and instructed them to return to the kitchens.

“Damn it,” Jessica said as they began their trek down. “Foiled! That’s not the real Elrond, I’m convinced.”

“Well, now what, oh genius one?” Kateyln asked.

“Hush, let me think,” her sister replied, sitting down on a nearby rock. She snapped her fingers. “I got it! Merry, Pippin and Sam all spied on the Council, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that’s all we have to do! Come on!”

The girls had to look for the ideal spot. The first two spots they tried already were occupied by eavesdropping Hobbits. Finally, third time was the charm. They found a stone that overlooked the courtyard where the assembly was being held. “See, we can still see them, but they can’t see us,” Jessica said, lying down on the boulder.

“We also can’t hear them,” Katelyn pointed out. “How are we supposed to run down and volunteer if we have no clue when the volunteering starts?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out,” Jessica responded. “It’s going to get better from here.”

They watched as the Council dragged on, arguing ensued. “This went a lot quicker in the film,” Katelyn said, nearly nodding off. Jessica merely hummed a response. She had come out of the E-Z Bake Sue Oven pasty white so she used the opportunity get some color. “Oh, Jess, I think the Fellowship sign-up sheet is going around.”

That got the brunette’s attention. “Oh?” she asked, looking as Aragorn and Legolas lined up before Frodo. “Well, come on, let’s get down there!”

Elrond sighed as the two girls came barreling into the council. These strange girls who spoke an odd language were also very determined, he had to admit. The elder of the two, the one with the short hair, stopped before Elrond. “We want to go,” she said in halting Sindarin. “Help Frodo.”

“No,” Elrond said. “The Fellowship is set.”

“Two more?” Torwen asked, motioning to Dinenwen.

“No,” Elrond repeated. “I have set the Fellowship at nine. If I were to add more—which I certainly am not—there are far more suitable candidates than two strange girls who can barely speak the language and possess no skills to survive such a dangerous quest. Now, back to the kitchens!”

Jessica and Katelyn only caught half of what Elrond said. But they got his message loud and clear. Rejected, they drudged back to the kitchens. Baimeldis met them. “Where were you?” she asked. “Dinner. Set up.”

Later that night, Katelyn turned to her sister. “So, now what do we do?”

“The only thing we can,” Jessica replied. “We sneak along with the Fellowship.”

[MackenzieW]

Disclaimer: I don't own the song Jessica attempts to sing in this. It's from Robbie Williams, I think. It's the one Crys Evans used...

“The Fellowship isn’t leaving for another month,” Jessica whispered to her sister. They were both lying on beds in the chamber they shared with Baimeldis. “We’ll work on improving our skills when we can.”

Katelyn and Jessica worked hard in the kitchens by day and practiced by night. If Baimeldis knew what her roommates and friends were up to, she never let on. Jessica and Katelyn, though, were disappointed that they weren’t progressing as well as they wanted. One could barely hold the arrow properly and the other still couldn’t get the sword more than two inches off the ground.

“Jess, I think we need help,” Katelyn said as they soaked their aching muscles in one of Rivendell’s baths.

“But who can we ask?” Jess asked. “Legolas and Boromir? We can’t even get near them. They are too busy training and preparing for the Quest we’re supposed to go on.”

“But we have to try!” Katelyn shook her sister’s shoulders. “It’s part of the story. They train us, we flirt with them and we all live happily ever after by the end!”

“Kate, calm down,” Jessica said, pushing the other girl away.

“How can I be calm when you are ignoring the entire plot?”

Jessica sighed, sinking lower into the bath water. She didn’t know what to do—and that scared her. As she blew little bubbles, she ran through what her history was…the one Elrond hadn’t told her yet. And it gave her an idea.

Baimeldis had learned not to ask too many questions of her new friends. They were just odd—even for Men, she knew. But she couldn’t help but wonder why Torwen would need a nice dress. “I wish to have a meeting with Lord Elrond and I certainly can’t see him in my maid’s rags,” the girl explained.

“That is true,” Baimeldis admitted. “But can you go speak with Lord Elrond? While your Sindarin has much improved, I fear you still wouldn’t hold a long conversation with him.”

“But I have to meet with him, Baimeldis. Kate—I mean, Dinenwen—and I are very confused. I feel talking with Lord Elrond will help us.”

“If that’s what you believe, I will arrange for a meeting between you and Lord Elrond. However, with all this business going on, I do not know if he will be able to accommodate you.”

A few days later, Jessica had failed yet again at communicating with Boromir. She had gone into a courtyard to sulk and accidentally bumped into Baimeldis. “Torwen! I am glad to see you! I have good news,” the maid said.

“You got me a meeting with Lord Elrond?” Jessica asked.

“Yes,” Baimeldis replied. “The meeting will be in two days hence. I was about to seek out a suitable dress for you to wear.”

“Oh, thank you, Baimeldis. I owe you, dear friend! And remember, don’t tell Dinenwen,” Jessica groveled, feeling slightly odd to be thanking someone. In her mind, the entire population of Middle-earth should be groveling at HER feet.

Jessica smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in her borrowed dress. It was a fine material of a light blue color—not the beautiful dress she knew she was supposed to be wearing, but a suitable substitute. A small voice in the back of her head said, “But you don’t like dresses.”

She forced the small voice down as Elrond’s door opened. “Torwen,” he greeted, his voice solemn. She curtsied before entering his library. “Baimeldis said you have something to discuss with me.”

“Yes, my lord,” she replied, praying her Sindarin would hold up. “As you know, my sister and I were found in odd clothing and speaking a strange language. Well, I wish to confess that is because we come from another world.”

“Another world?” Elrond’s voice remained calm, but his eyebrows had risen slightly in surprise.

“Yes, my lord. We come from some place called Earth in the year 2007. We were transported here on my twentieth birthday. Does that mean anything to you?”

“I am afraid, child, that it does not. Why?”

Jessica kept herself from groaning. “Because of the prophecy?”

Elrond’s eyebrows rose further on his face. “Prophecy? I do not know of any prophecy,” he answered. “Prophecies are not commonplace here in Middle-earth.”

“But this one involves your family! We’re related!”

“Related? How so?”

“By your nephew, Beren!”

“I am afraid I did not have a nephew named Beren, though I am descended from a man with that name,” Elrond replied, coolly.

“No, Lord Elrond. Beren was the second son of your brother Elros! He slipped into the world I come from and now Kate and I are his last descendants! I am the Savior of Middle-earth!”

“Torwen, that is enough!” Elrond’s face betrayed no anger but his voice was tinged in it. “My brother Elros had two sons named Manwedil and Vardamir. Neither escaped into this place called Earth and I can assure you the only Savior of Middle-earth will be whoever destroys the One Ring.”

“But…the prophecy…”

“Torwen, you are dismissed.”

Dismayed and slightly embarrassed, Jessica slipped out of Elrond’s library. Dejected, she went down to her favorite courtyard and sat on a bench. How cruel was fate that she had allowed the young woman a chance to hope in this very courtyard not even three days prior? And now, she was to wallow in the same courtyard. She felt a song coming on.

Right now I feel - just like a leaf on a breeze
Who knows where it's blowin'
Who knows where it's goin'
I find myself somewhere I - I never thought I'd be

Going round in circles
Thinking about you and me
How do I explain it when I don't know what to say
What do I do now - so much has changed

“I beg your pardon, Torwen,” Legolas said, approaching her. Jessica was confused—Legolas was the one to overhear her singing, but he let her finish as she lost herself in the song. “But I was sent out here to see what was making such…well…I am afraid that you were disturbing our practice. If you would kindly continue your…song…inside, please?” he asked.

Jessica felt the day could not get worse. Elrond had shot her back story full of holes and now Legolas was politely telling her she couldn’t sing! And not because she was disturbing the Fellowship, he was skirting around the fact he thought she was a bad singer. Angry tears rolled down her flushed face as she stormed out of the courtyard. She cried herself to sleep on her bed, not caring about her chores. She and Katelyn just had to go with the Fellowship, but their options were growing narrower by the moment.

The next day, Jessica was still considering her options while she washed another mountain of plates. Katelyn sat off to the side, peeling potatoes for that night’s dinner. She still didn’t know about her sister’s failed meeting with Lord Elrond—she wasn’t to know of their ancestry until Lorien, when Galadriel welcomed them with open arms.

Of course, that would never happen if they couldn’t get out of Rivendell. She knew their fate now lay in Minas Tirith, not here. The road to Minas Tirith was the road to Boromir’s and Legolas’ hearts. The road to Minas Tirith was the road to the love and adoration of Middle-earth. The road to Minas Tirith was the road to happily ever after. If they stayed here in Rivendell, they would be scullery maids forever, preparing dinner and doing dishes. They wouldn’t even be allowed to sail west.
Jess sighed, “This is so boring!”

“Tell me about it. We should be with Legolas and Boromir. We should be princesses. Not scullery maids,” Kate replied, tossing a potato into a basket. She picked up another one and disgustedly threw it at her sister. “Does someone up there hate us?”

“There is only our creator and she doesn’t hate us. We are made in her image,” Jessica responded. “And we are to live out her fantasies with Legolas and Boromir.”

“Well, how are we to please our creator when they won’t even talk to us? Is this part of her plan? What sort of creator makes it difficult for us to serve her?” Katelyn was near shouting at this point.

“Hush, you don’t want Old McMeanie over there to come and investigate, do you?” Jessica pointed to the cook, who was watching them. “Now, clearly things aren’t going as our creator intended. Something more powerful must be blocking her work.”

“Sauron and the One Ring,” Katelyn whispered. “It’s evil enough.”

“Katelyn, you are a genius! That’s exactly it. Sauron must know the truth about me being the Savior of Middle-earth. He’s doing this to prevent me from gaining my true powers and killing him,” Jessica replied. “That’s why everyone is ignoring us!”

“Perhaps if we tell that to Lord Elrond, he’ll let us on the quest!” Katelyn’s eyes lit up as Jessica’s stomach dropped. She knew she couldn’t confess her disastrous meeting with the Pederhel to her sister yet she had to come with a plausible reason for why they couldn’t talk to him.

She dug through her mind, trying to reconnect with her creator. “Oh mighty creator, help me,” she thought. “Your vision is getting all screwed up. Kate and I need your guidance!”

And it seemed her creator heard her plea. Had she been on one of those early morning cartoons, a light bulb would’ve just clicked on above her head. She knew exactly what to do.

A few days later, Jessica put her plan into motion. She had “accidentally” tripped an elf maiden assigned to Lord Boromir’s chambers. She had apologized profusely for the injury, which the healer said was relatively minor. “She would just have to stay off it for a day or two,” she said.

“I am sorry,” Jessica apologized to the elleth. “I am just clumsy like that. I will do your chores for you. Don’t worry!”

Jessica bolted out the door before the elleth could respond. She walked with an extra bounce in her step, happy that her plan so far was going off perfectly. However, she remembered how her last plan had turned out and tried not to be too hopeful. She had studied Boromir’s daily requests and knew that he would be dressing for dinner with the other members of the Fellowship. She picked up his tunic from the laundry room, climbing up to his chambers. She knocked and smiled when Boromir let her in.

“Good evening, my lord. Your normal chambermaid had a bit of an accident, so I am taking over her chores until she is back on her feet,” she explained, hurrying into the room.

“I wish her a speedy recovery,” Boromir replied. “She is a good chambermaid.” He studied Jessica. “Aren’t you the maiden I rescued in the woods?”

“Aye, my lord. I am pleased you remember me,” Jessica said, smiling. “I do thank you for saving me…Now that I can do so, my lord.”

“You’re welcome. And I must say, you have picked up the language very well,” Boromir commented. “Where are you from?”

“I am from a far distant land, America,” Jessica said. “Far beyond Mordor, past the mighty Mississippi.” Boromir didn’t look convinced but he didn’t say anything either. “My sister and I were separated, lost in the woods because Sauron wants to make us miserable. He has a grudge against my family…nobility in America who long stood against Mordor’s forces.

“Only…Our army is failing. In a desperate attempt, my father had no choice but to send Kate and I—our brother is too young to make such a trek. He’s still just a babe himself. But Sauron knew we were coming here, to Imladris, and scattered us. He’s also the reason we couldn’t speak the language.”

Jessica knew she was rambling. She knew the back story her creator made for her wouldn’t fly, so she had to rely on her creator’s creativity to help her. She tried to tap into her knowledge of Boromir. Perhaps if she made their plights similar, he would pity her more.

“That is a woeful tale, my lady,” Boromir replied, sincerely. “But I do not know why you tell me all this.”

“Because you were the one who found me. I trust you, my lord, and I believe you can help my sister and I.”

“I am deeply honored, Torwen, but I can not fathom a way I could help you aside from going on this quest,” he said. “Perhaps if I send word to my father, he will send troops to help your country though our own lands are the brink of the same fate of America.”

“I understand, Lord Boromir. Perhaps, though, if Dinenwen and I could come with you? You can escort us to Minas Tirith.”

“I do not advise it, Torwen. You and Dinenwen are young and ill-equipped for such a journey. Also, Lord Elrond has set the Fellowship at nine.”

“But Dinenwen and I wouldn’t technically be part of the Fellowship,” Jessica said, quickly coming up with a plausible reason. “We’d be under your protection.” She could see Boromir was still hesitant. “When does the Fellowship depart?”

“One week hence.”

“If Dinenwen and I learn basic defense skills, will you agree to let us come?”

Boromir mulled this for some time. He knew he should say no, but Torwen’s plight was similar to his own. And as she said, she and Dinenwen wouldn’t be joining the Fellowship. Finally, he spoke: “Yes.”

Jessica restrained herself from hugging the Gondorian. “Thank you, my lord,” she said. “This means everything to my sister and I.”

With another curtsy, she left the room. Racing down to the kitchen, Jessica felt like singing again. Stopping in some random hallway, she opened her arms wide and began singing:

Nothing I have ever known - has made me feel this way
Nothing I have ever seen - has made me want to stay
but here I am - ready for you
I'm turnin', I'm fallin' - I hear my home callin'
Hey - I've never felt somethin's so strong - oh no
It’s like nothing I've ever known

“Torwen? Is that you?” Baimeldis exited from a nearby room. She held a basket of laundry. “What were you doing?”

“Lord Boromir has agreed to help Dinenwen and I. I was so happy, I started to sing!” Jessica exclaimed.

Baimeldis grabbed Jessica’s arms, leading her back to the kitchens. “This is the living quarters. It would be best if you weren’t so…loud…in the hallways. Keep your singing to the kitchen or your own quarters,” she said.

Jessica sighed. This was the second time in less than a week someone hinted that her singing wasn’t welcomed nor was it good. However, not even this could deflate her joy. “Baimeldis, do you know of someone who would train Dinenwen and I in basic defense skills? Lord Boromir requests it,” she said.

“I could do so, during our breaks,” Baimeldis said.

“You? You’re a servant girl!” Jessica exclaimed.

“All elves are trained in some form of a weapon, we need to know how to defend ourselves. Fortunately, living in Imladris has lessened the chance of attack but it is best to know anyway. But I was also chosen to escort Lady Arwen to her grandparents domain and I needed to know how to defend myself then,” Baimeldis explained. “And I will help you.”

Jessica smiled and hugged her friend. “Thank you! This means so much to us,” she said. “And I know the perfect way to celebrate!” She opened her mouth and Baimeldis put up a hand.

“How about we just go eat?”

[MackenzieW]

Disclaimer: I don't own the song Crys Evans gave Twit to sing. It's "At the Beginning" from the movie Anastasia.

Baimeldis put Torwen and Dinenwen through rigorous training for the next week. She focused more on archery than sword-fighting as neither girl could lift one higher than their knees. The servant girl also procured two daggers, one for each sister. Baimeldis secretly wished that Boromir would decide the girls were ill-suited for such a journey and leave them in the safety of Imladris. But she also knew her friends were determined to go and Jessica had appealed to the Gondorian, some how. Baimeldis had seen the looks Boromir had given Torwen, a look of sympathy and a desire to help the girl. She knew that the sisters were going with the Fellowship’s protection to Gondor. And she would make certain her friends were well-protected.

Soon—too soon for Baimeldis’ taste—it was the eve before the Fellowship would depart for Mordor. The thought alone worried Baimeldis, more so than her friends who would travel the path. She heard them at night, after they had retired, talking in an excited whispers. She was dismayed by what she heard. Her friends treated the dangers, which she had explained in utmost detail in hopes of dissuading them, with a blasé attitude. They felt nothing could hurt them and they would easily hold off the enemies with their skills. Baimeldis had not the heart to tell her friends that at their skill level, they would likely face death than victory. She also knew the girls were hoping that the trip to Gondor would also end up in marriages. Baimeldis didn’t know the customs of Gondorians well enough to know if the Steward would marry a woman younger than he nor if he would allow his heart to distract him from his duty. She did know the Prince of Mirkwood well enough to know that he would not be attracted to a human child nor would Dinenwen hold sway over him while on such a quest.

Torwen and Dinenwen were excited, Baimeldis could tell. They fidgeted more than usual and broke several dishes in their excitement. “Baimeldis, give those girls something to do that doesn’t involve Lord Elrond’s fine dishes!” the cook snapped. “I shall not put out his second best when he is having such a great feast to send off the Fellowship.” Baimeldis apologized and ushered her friends outside, hoping there would be some laundry she could give them.

“Are we going to have another lesson?” Torwen asked. “You know, one last parting gift that’ll help us save the day?”

Baimeldis sighed. “Is there anyway I can convince you to stay here in the safety of Rivendell? Lord Elrond will not turn you away,” she said. “Could you not wait till it is safer to travel to Gondor?”

“We can’t do that, Baimeldis. If we just stayed here, Middle-earth would be doomed,” Dinenwen explained.

“How would Middle-earth be doomed?” Baimeldis asked, frustrated with that answer yet again. She knew Sauron’s strength, Gondor’s dire situation and the news that Saruman the White had betrayed them. How did two girls who could not lift a sword and who honestly had no real discernable talents, though Baimeldis would only admit this in the confines of her heart, hope to stand against a Dark Lord when even an Istar could fall to his wiles?

Dinenwen and Torwen exchanged looks before conversing in their strange tongue. Baimeldis tried to hear what they were saying, hoping she had learned something from all the nights listening to the girls converse in bed. However, they spoke in whispers and they spoke fast. She would have to wait until they had come up with a suitable answer.

Finally, Torwen and Dinenwen stopped their conversation and turned back to face their friend. “This has to be kept between us because Lord Elrond does not wish to believe the truth,” Torwen said. Baimeldis felt her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. What could these girls know that Lord Elrond adamantly refused to accept? “I am the Savior of Middle-earth,” Torwen announced.

Baimeldis started to laugh. The Savior of Middle-earth? However, her laughter died down as she noticed her friends’ faces were solemn. “I am sorry, friends, but the Savior of Middle-earth?”

“Yes,” Torwen said, pursing her lips. “Katelyn…I mean, Dinenwen…and I are descended from one of Lord Elrond’s nephews, who escaped into our world. We were brought to Middle-earth because we have special powers that will destroy Sauron.”

“I do hope this is not what you told Lord Boromir to convince him to bring you with him.”

“Of course not! I feared his reaction would be similar to Lord Elrond’s and then Middle-earth would be truly doomed!”

Baimeldis continued to stare at her friends, wondering if she should lock them up in a cupboard till after the Fellowship was a good distance from Rivendell. She could tell Dinenwen and Torwen were being sincere—they truly believed the older sister was the so-called Savior of Middle-earth. Now she feared for their sanity, but knew nothing she could say would deter them from their plans.

“Come, you have some packing left to do,” Baimeldis said, her tone soft. “We need to make sure your supplies will last.”

The feast that night was indeed a grand one. However, Baimeldis could detect the solemn air in the room. The weight of the quest could be seen on the members of the Fellowship and the dire consequences should they fail shrouded the room. The wine still flowed freely and the food was delectable.

The seriousness of the evening was lost on Jessica and Katelyn. They sat in the back of the hall, wide-eyed. It reminded them of Christmas, the memories their Creator had planted in their minds. The food, the songs, the parties all danced around their heads as those in attendance continued their merriment. “Oh, Jess, imagine! This will be our lives once all this is over and you have saved Middle-earth!” Katelyn exclaimed. “Grand parties with everyone exclaiming over the wife of the Steward of Gondor—the Savior of Middle-earth—and her sister, the wife of the prince of Mirkwood!”

“Yes, I do believe we will be the belles of many balls once everything is calm,” Jessica sighed. “Though I do not know how long that’ll be for. Remember, I conceive mine and Boromir’s twins on our honeymoon.”

“Of course I know that, but perhaps we should not talk about it so loud. No one seems to accept your role as the Savior of Middle-earth and may not look upon us knowing the future so kindly,” Katelyn warned.

Jessica nodded. “You’re right. Besides, we want Legolas and Boromir to fall in love with us on their own—not because they know it’s their future!”

“Absolutely!” Katelyn giggled, ignoring the harsh looks cast at her from the cook. The sisters only saw the objects of their affection—Legolas with his contingency from Mirkwood and Boromir, watching Aragorn with suspicion in his eyes. In her mind, Jessica formed her plan to get her love to trust his future king while Katelyn…well, she went blank as her Creator didn’t give her much to do.

The room applauded as a member of Legolas’ party serenaded the room with a tale of one of Middle-earth’s heroes. Neither Jessica nor Katelyn knew who but the crowd enjoyed the song. “You should get up there and sing!” Katelyn whispered. “You are many times better than he!”

Jessica hesitated. She remembered her encounters with Legolas and Baimeldis, their polite demands that she not sing. The silent implication that she was not a good singer lingered, causing her to doubt her talent. But looking at Katelyn’s smiling face gave her the courage to go up there again. “I will,” she agreed.

Baimeldis accepted another goblet of wine when she saw Torwen moving through the crowd. What is that girl doing? she thought, frowning. She watched as Torwen walked up to a raised platform and got everyone’s attention. “I wanted to sing a song before the Fellowship departed, to thank them for letting my sister and I join them,” she announced.

Baimeldis nearly choked on her wine. She wasn’t the only surprised one, though she knew for a slightly different reason. The Fellowship looked around in surprise, unaware of their increased number. Boromir, for his part, was slinking down in his chair. Baimeldis realized he hadn’t informed his comrades of his agreement. She sighed as she could see the anger radiating off Lord Elrond. She leaned back, ready to witness the disaster about to unfold in the Great Hall.

Jessica didn’t feel the tension in the room rise. She knew what she had to do, just like her Creator had envisioned.

We were strangers, starting out on a journey
Never dreaming what we had to go through
Now here we are, and I’m suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

The crowd tried hard not to let their feelings about Jessica’s singing show. That is, except the Hobbits, who had their ears covered. Jessica couldn’t see them though and neither could her sister. Baimeldis was distracted from the cringing Fellowship by Boromir, who was striding up to where her friend was singing.

Life is a road and I want keep going
Love is a river I want to keep flowing
Life is a road now and forever
Wonderful Journey

I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I want to be standing
At the beginning with…

Boromir pulled Jessica off the stage. She let out a surprised squeak but was overjoyed that her song had moved him. “Stop that noise immediately!” he said. “You are making a spectacle of yourself.”

“But Lord Boromir, I was just expressing my gratitude to you for letting my sister and I come along!” Jessica protested, once again hurt at her singing being called “noise.” This time hurt the most as it was Boromir who said it. “Didn’t you hear the words? It’s about a journey. We’re going on a journey…”

“Lord Boromir, I wish to have a word with you,” Elrond said, interrupting Jessica. “And Torwen, I wish for you to take your sister and return to your chambers. Immediately.” His tone brokered no room for argument. Dejected, Jessica did as she was told. Baimeldis excused herself and hurried after her forlorn friends.

The next day dawned and Baimeldis woke her friends. “The Fellowship leaves today,” she said. “We need to be there to help with any last minute supplies.”

“Baimeldis, we’re going, remember?” Torwen said, stretching.

Baimeldis was unsure how to answer her friend. “Torwen, I do not wish to get your hopes up. Lord Elrond was greatly displeased with your announcement last night and the Fellowship was caught unawares. Do not be surprised if Lord Elrond has forbidden Lord Boromir from taking you with him.”

Torwen jumped out of bed, horrified. “You’re kidding!” she yelled. “Tell me you are kidding!”

Dinenwen left her bed as well. “This isn’t funny, Baimeldis! Now stop it!”

Baimeldis was taken aback. “I am not kidding or being funny,” she said. “I am warning you because I care. I do not wish to see you two heartbroken because you cannot go.”

Torwen and Dinenwen sat back down on the elder’s bed. “Please believe me, my friends,” Baimeldis pleaded softly.

“We’re sorry, Baimeldis,” Torwen apologized. “We just want…no, need…to go so much.”

Baimeldis nodded her understanding. “You should get dressed,” she said, going over to the girls’ pack. She handed them the clothing she had procured for their journey. The girls looked on in surprise. “I know I warned you not to hope for much, but just in case Lord Elrond allows you to go…You should be prepared.”

Torwen and Dinenwen smiled. “Oh, thank you, dear friend,” Torwen said. “We should get ready.”

“Aye,” Baimeldis said, laughing. “Now I must go and think of something to tell the cook as to why you will not be in the kitchen today.”

Baimeldis walked into the courtyard where the Fellowship was gathered, carrying supplies. Torwen and Dinenwen were lurking on the fringe, pretending to help pack. The servant hurried to the girls. “Have they said anything yet?” she asked.

Torwen shook her head. “Not a word,” she said.

“Perhaps they wish to wait till the crowds disperse so as not to cause a scene,” Baimeldis suggested.

“Perhaps,” Dinenwen agreed. “Or perhaps you were right and Lord Elrond has forbidden us from going.”

“And then Middle-earth will be doomed,” Torwen sighed.

Baimeldis was about to respond to her friend’s continued claim of Middle-earth’s doom, but was forced to remain quiet. Lord Elrond had commenced the farewell speeches for the Fellowship. She faded in and out until Torwen nudged her. “The speeches are over,” she whispered. “It’s zero hour.”

“What?” Baimeldis asked, still puzzled over her friends’ strange verbiage.

But Torwen didn’t answer. Both she and Dinenwen were watching the Fellowship intently, Torwen clutching her hands in anxiety. Lord Elrond cast a glance in their direction, but his face was unreadable. The trio stood still, trying to figure out if it meant good news or bad.

Finally, Lord Boromir approached them. “Torwen, may I speak with you?” he asked. The girl, struck dumb, nodded. “Lord Elrond and I discussed our agreement last night for…some time…and we discussed it with the Fellowship as well. In the end, we agreed that it would be the Ringbearer’s decision.”

They all glanced at the young Hobbit, his demeanor barely masking his anxiety. The poor soul carried the fate of all the peoples of Middle-earth on his shoulder. It was unfair he would have to decide whether two girls should travel with him as well. Baimeldis hoped the Hobbit had enough sense to realize that Torwen and Dinenwen would be safer in Rivendell. The sisters were hoping that Frodo would be compassionate and let them come. Boromir turned back to the women. “He has decided that you two will be allowed to accompany us, under my guardianship.”

It took a few minutes for the news to sink in. When it finally did, Torwen and Dinenwen let out an ear-piercing shriek. “Oh, thank you, Frodo! Thank you, you wonderful Hobbit!” Torwen said, nearly crying. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were truly the Savior of Middle-earth!”

Boromir didn’t comment on Torwen’s exclamation, if he heard it at all. “Get your things and be ready to leave. Quickly!” he barked. The girls jumped, scrambling for their packs. Baimeldis remained still, shocked at the announcement.

“We did it, Jess!” Katelyn whispered to her sister, picking up her pack. “We’re actually going on the quest!”

“Yes,” Jessica agreed. “Now, we can get the story on track. Just as our Creator planned.”

“And then I get to be Princess of Mirkwood…”

“And I get to be the wife of the Steward of Gondor.”

“Jess, can I ask you a question?” Kate asked, looking nervous.

“Of course, sis,” Jessica said.

“When do you think your powers will come in? And when will I become an elf?”

Jessica paused to consider Katelyn’s question. She hadn’t really thought about that. Her powers would be greatly needed for the quest and to destroy Sauron. Katelyn’s transformation into an elf would allow her to survive the quest better and negate Legolas’ decision to fall in love with the girl. She considered her answer carefully. “I do not know that, Kate,” she replied. “But maybe the continuum will snap back to normal once we go on the quest. Things will start going the way our Creator intended.”

“I hope so, Jess, I really hope so,” Kate whispered. “I don’t think I could go through this torture anymore. I want things to go the way our Creator intended.”

“Torwen! Dinenwen! We wish to depart,” Boromir called out to them. The girls hurried over to Baimeldis, regretting that they could not give their friend the good-bye she deserved.

Torwen hugged the servant elf. “Thank you, my friend. You have helped us immensely,” she said. “Kate and I will always remember you. I promise we will bring you to Gondor as soon as possible. I can guarantee you a great position in the court of the Steward once I am his wife.”

With one final hug, the girls joined the Fellowship. Baimeldis thought it strange what Torwen had said. Did she honestly think that Lord Boromir would marry her? Was that the real reason the girls were going on such a perilous quest? So that they could win themselves husbands? The Fellowship headed westward, their two companions skipping behind Boromir. Baimeldis stood watching as they become only silhouettes and finally, they disappeared. She remained there, praying that her friends hadn’t gotten in over their heads.

[MackenzieW]

The trek was difficult. Jessica had concluded that only a few days into the journey. The first days were relatively easy for Katelyn and Jessica. They were able to keep up with the Fellowship and practically skipped along the trails for a day. The sisters did not note the looks that passed between Aragorn and Gandalf. When Legolas travelled farther than them and had to wait for the others to catch up, Katelyn decided that he was merely scouting ahead. “He’s protecting me, I just know it,” she said to her sister. “He is always looking at me as we approach him.”

Merry was the closest to the Steven sisters when Katelyn shared her belief. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Legolas watched her because she often lagged behind the group.

The pace changed after the third day. They made camp as night fell. Boromir collected the firewood and lit it, allowing Sam to make them something that passed like decent food. Both Jessica and Katelyn offered to cook; surprisingly, their offers were rejected by the others. After the meal, Jessica just sat on a stump and stared at Boromir while Katelyn tried to make small talk with Legolas. Aragorn and Gandalf discussed something at the edge of camp, often looking back at the oblivious sisters.

The next morning, the Fellowship’s pace picked up. Jessica and Katelyn struggled to keep up with the other nine. “You know, if we didn’t have Boromir’s word, I’d say they were trying to lose us on purpose,” Katelyn huffed as they took on another hill.

“We are on a schedule. Events still have to happen as they did in the book,” Jessica said.

“Jess?” Katelyn asked. At her sister’s hum of acknowledgement, she continued. “Wouldn’t our very presence screw up the story? You know, like if you go back in time and squash a bug, you can kill your own grandfather?”

“Katelyn, Katelyn, don’t worry. Our Creator has intended that our presence doesn’t interfere with the original story.”

“How so?”

Jessica sighed. “I don’t remember you being this curious!” she teased, playfully. “But you’ll just have to trust me on this, okay? Everything will be revealed in due time. I promise. Can you trust me for now?”

“Yes,” Katelyn replied. “I can trust you.”

“Thank you.” Jessica looked up and noticed the Fellowship was further on than she thought. She cursed. “Come on, Katie, we need to catch up.”

The band had reached the land of Hollin when they made camp that night. Jessica all but collapsed onto a log by the fire, rubbing her feet. “Of all the things our Creator wrote that had to come true in this world, why did it have to be the blisters?” she moaned. She glanced over at her sister, but Katelyn sunk down onto the log groaning as well.

“Don’t look at me like that,” her sister said. “I didn’t become an Elf so I have blisters too.”

But unlike the story, there would be no miracle ointment to relieve their pain. Gandalf remained across the camp, discussing something with Aragorn and Legolas. Boromir sat off, polishing his sword. Gimli had already decided to turn in while the Hobbits enjoyed the remnants of their dinner. Jessica scooted over to the Halflings. “Do you want to hear a story?” she asked.

The Hobbits looked at each other. “I am always in the mood for a good tale,” Pippin said.

Jessica smiled. Things were starting to go according to plan. She launched into the tale of Robin Hood, the one her Creator placed into her head. She spoke of Robin Hood and Marion’s courtship, staring at Boromir while she did so. The warrior, though, did look up from his inspection of his supplies and weapons. She sighed, finishing the story.

“That was a lovely story, lass,” Merry said, by way of thanks. Jessica smiled and left to lay down on her pallet. “T’was a strange story,” Merry added, after she was out of earshot. “Steal from the rich to give to the poor?”

“And riding off after getting married without enjoying food? Unnatural, if you ask me,” Pippin said. Sam nodded, recalling many a Shire wedding. The Hobbits bid each other a good-night as everyone turned in and Legolas took the first watch.

Jessica awoke the next morning, stretching. She could feel the grime of four days covering her body and decided a trip to a stream was warranted. She arose and took stock of the camp. She was surprised to see Gimli was already up—her Creator had stated that no one was up when she woke this morning. But she was still able to slip off unnoticed and find the stream. She knew it was there, even if her Creator hadn’t put the information in her head. The night before, Boromir had filled their canteens from the stream.

She sighed, thinking of Boromir. Almost a week was up and she hadn’t made any leeway with the noble warrior from Gondor. She washed up, wishing she knew how she could convince him that they were destined to fall in love. They were supposed to have a very important moment here at this stream. Perhaps that will change everything…Her voice was the key!

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

Jessica ran a hand through her hair, mourning the fact it remained short. Boromir was supposed to love her hair, playing with it often. How could he do that when it was so short?

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

A hand settled on Jessica’s shoulder. She screamed, jumping off the rock she had sat on to dress. Her brush flew up and landed in the river with a splash, soaking the bottom of her pants. Another warm hand clamped across her mouth, muffling her scream. “Torwen, it is I, Boromir,” her attacker whispered into her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her ear and while she stopped screaming, she could not get her breathing back under control. She was pushed up against his chest and her mind was tail-spinning into naughty thoughts.

Unfortunately, Boromir released her a few minutes after she stopped screaming. “You startled me,” she said, her heart hammering against her rib cage.

“I am truly sorry, my lady,” he said, bowing slightly. “I had awaken and noticed you were not at your place.” Mentally, Jessica began dancing in joy to this revelation—he had looked for her! “I then heard…your singing…and I came down here to be certain it was you,” he explained. Jessica was still celebrating in her head and missed the hesitancy and diplomacy in which he addressed her singing.

“That was I,” she said, proudly. “I like to sing.”

“So I noted,” Boromir replied, wryly. “It would be wise if you ceased observing this habit.”

“Wh…What?” Jessica was agog. Singing was an important part of her character! Besides being the Savior of Middle-earth and a bitch, she was a singer! In fact, she would sing nearly every chance she got. “But why?”

“Because we are on a mission that demands urgency and secrecy. We cannot have you giving away our position because you are singing, Torwen,” Boromir explained. “There will be other times—more secure, private times—for you to indulge your urge to sing. But not while you travel with us. Understood?”

Fighting back tears, all Jessica could do was nod. She watched as Boromir left before turning back to the river. So far, the only good thing was that her hairbrush hadn’t floated too far upstream. She was able to retrieve it, though she was terribly soaked and required a change of clothes by the end.

She was absolutely miserable as their journey dragged on and her mood spread to Katelyn. They finally made it to Caradhras and the girls’ moods grew fouler. The snow stuck everywhere, soaking them thoroughly. They glared at Legolas, who merely walked as if he weren’t on top of waist-deep snow. “I wish I was still an elf,” Kate opined, “rather than a mere human.”

“I wish I was pining for Boromir,” Jessica pouted.

“You are pining for Boromir.”

“And that he was pining for me at the same time!”

“Ahh, now you were more specific,” Katelyn said. “And I’m sure he’ll come around, Jessie. You just have to give him more time. I can’t see you not charming him in the end.”

Their conversation was cut short when Frodo lost his footing. The girls gasped as he lay sprawled out in the snow, the powder dusting his curls. He grasped around, pulling up handfuls and handfuls of snow. Jessica worried for the Hobbit’s sanity before she took notice of Boromir. The man was standing, thigh deep in snow, and holding the One Ring. The look he gave the trinket was filled with such intensity and lust that Jessica felt a pang of envy. She wished that Boromir would look at her like that. “I don’t recall this happening,” Kate whispered, jarring Jessica from her decidedly impure thoughts about Boromir’s lips.

Jessica racked her brain and realized that no, this was never written by her Creator. Boromir wasn’t supposed to be this entranced by the Ring, but by her. She barely heard Aragorn bark out orders for his fellow man to return the Ring to the Hobbit. Boromir looked reluctant but in the end, did so. “It is a strange thing,” he commented. “That something so small should hold the future of us all.” He cast a dark look at Aragorn but the party continued to move on.

Jessica filed this unsettling episode away in her mind, wondering what this all meant.

They continued to trek on as the wind began to pick up. “Oh no!” Jessica exclaimed, panicking. “There is a fell voice on the air!”

“Indeed there is,” Gandalf agreed. “Saruman.”

“Jessie?” Katelyn asked, her voice high. “What is going on?”

“Saruman is trying to stop us, trying to force us to go through the mountains rather than over it,” Jessica explained. “I can’t fight it. I don’t have my powers so I can’t tell Sul to fight Saruman’s voice!”

“Oh no!” Katelyn echoed her sister. “Is there anything to be done? Or are we doomed?”

“I believe we may be doomed,” Jessica said before realizing the mountain had gone quiet for a moment. But the struggle resumed with a new intensity. “No, we’re supposed to have a snowball fight here!” she moaned.

Lightning crackled in the air above them and Katelyn let out a scream. Jessica looked up to see a white wave crash over the side of the mountain. She latched onto her sister’s arm and turned. She felt like someone had tossed a ton of wet towel on her, knocking her to the floor. She shivered as the snow packed on top of her and Kate. Darkness swallowed her vision and she prayed this wouldn’t be the end.

[MackenzieW]

Jessica was certain she was dead. She was cold and it was dark. That’s what death was described as, right? She shivered, cursing at the way her story was going. ‘It’s not supposed to end this way,’ she thought. ‘Not this way!’

She moved her arm, just a little wiggle and saw a beam of light. ‘Oh, wonderful. Now I’ve reached heaven! Perhaps now everything will make sense.’ She took a deep breath—and felt something wet fall into her mouth. That confused her.

She wriggled her hand toward the light and as it blacked it out, something warm and solid touched it. It gave a good tug and she erupted, sputtering into the light. She lay on the ground, taking in deep breaths even though the cold air burned her lungs.

“Jess!” Kate yelled. “Are you okay?”

Jess opened her eyes. She was lying on top of snow, which her sister was trudging through to get to her side. Jessica coughed as Kate plopped down by her side. “I’m fine,” she managed to get out in between coughs. “You?”

“Much better now that you’re out of the snow and conscious!” Kate replied, sighing. “I couldn’t do this by myself, sis.”

“Save the sappy stuff for the elf, Katie,” Jessica replied, attempting to sit up. “What are the others discussing?”

“Our best route now that we’ve survived an avalanche.”

“That was my fault,” Jess sighed.

“What do you mean?” her sister asked, confused. “I thought it was Saruman who…”

“It was but that isn’t the point! The point is that we are stuck in a screwed up version of Middle-earth where I don’t have any powers so I couldn’t try to stop the avalanche,” Jessica nearly shouted. Kate clasped her hand over
her sister’s mouth, shooting a warning glance at the group huddled to their left. Jessica got the message and remained silent, letting the other conversation wash over them.

“It would be best to make for Minas Tirith,” Boromir argued, shouting over the wind. “The weather is not suitable for the Hobbits and my father’s halls are certainly more welcoming than this mountain.”

“The path to Minas Tirith includes the Gap of Rohan. It would bring us too close to Isengard,” Aragorn responded.

Gimli’s voice rose over the winds even if the Steven sisters couldn’t see him. “We could go through the Mines of Moria—go under the mountain,” he suggested.

Gandalf raised a hand, ending the arguments. “We shall ask the Ring-bearer,” the wizard said. “His decision will be final.” The other members nodded as they looked to Frodo.

The Hobbit’s eyes were wide as the added burden settled on his shoulders. Jessica wondered how much of Middle-earth Frodo was knowledgeable of and if he could make an informed decision. After a few minutes of silence, Frodo finally spoke.

“Let us go through the mines.”

Gandalf led the small band down, finding the Door of Durin. Jessica took a seat on a nearby log, remembering that this part would take some time. “Sit,” she instructed her sister. “He doesn’t remember the password.”

Kate looked at Gandalf, who was trying his third password. She plopped down. “Would it be too much to hope that it’s ‘Open sesame’?” she asked her sister, rubbing her aching foot.

“I know what it is,” Jessica replied, smugly. “Something Our Creator bequeathed me. Think hard, you’ll probably know it too.”

Kate tilted her head, as if the information would slide into place. After a few minutes, she smiled.

“Perhaps it’s a riddle,” Frodo suggested after the Fellowship waited quite some time. “Gandalf, what is the Elvish word for ‘friend’?”

“Mellon,” Jessica and Kate intoned at the same time Gandalf answered. Legolas and Aragorn both stared at the girls, as if something did not seem right to them. The girls ignored it as the doors slowly opened. The only one excited to see the door open was Gimli.

“You shall soon enjoy the hospitality of the dwarves, Master Elf,” Gimli gloated to Legolas. “Fine food, good drink, and entertainment for all. ‘Tis the finest place I know and they dare call it a mine!”

“Aye, it hardly is a mine,” Boromir agreed, surveying their new environment. “‘Tis more like a tomb.”

Gimli let out an unearthly wail, mourning the loss of his kinsman. It near broke Jessica’s heart but she was distracted from his pain by the sounds of splashing water. Belatedly, she remembered the Watcher. She waited for the feel of a slippery tentacle around her ankle but none came. Raising an eyebrow, she turned to find the Watcher spinning Frodo around like an athlete about to throw the discus. Boromir and Aragorn had leapt into action, wielding their swords against the monster. They were able to save the Hobbit from the Watcher as the sisters felt Legolas usher them into Moria.

As the last of their band entered the mines, the doors collapsed, sealing the pathway. The eleven were bathed in darkness. Jessica could feel Katelyn start to hyperventilate next to her. She was confused—their Creator wrote that Jessica was afraid of the dark, not Katelyn. But even as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she was reminded of the time spent in the snow, when she thought she had died. Kate was scared of the memory, not the dark itself.

As Jessica squeezed her sister’s hand, Gandalf turned to address the Fellowship. “It would seem there is now no going back. Keep your wits about you. The mines hold secrets old and foul,” he warned.

“I hate the dark,” Jessica muttered, still holding her sister’s hand. They had been walking for some time but the darkness didn’t grow on them.

“We need something to help us forget where we are. Will you sing?” Kate asked.

Jessica hesitated. She still remembered how both Legolas and Boromir had interrupted her last songs, hinting she wasn’t as good a singer as her Creator intended.

“I know it’s a dark place and you won’t be in the mood for a cheery, bright song, but…please?” Kate’s were wide, pleading. “It’ll help, I know.”

Jessica squeezed Kate’s hand and nodded. She racked her brain, knowing her Creator DID intend for her to sing in the Mines. But what song was it? Something came to her…

How can you see into my eyes like open doors
leading you down into my core
where I’ve become so numb without a soul my spirit sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home

Jessica faltered a bit, trying to remember the next part. Everything was getting fuzzy…

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can’t wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can’t wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I’ve become

Jessica took a deep breath and then realized she didn’t remember the rest of the words. She lapsed into silence, shooting a look of penance at her sister. “I guess I don’t feel much like singing,” she responded, slightly relieved. Now no one would shush her in front of Kate.

“We shall rest here for the night,” Gandalf declared.

“I shall take the first watch,” Legolas offered. The others nodded.

Aragorn clasped his hand on the elf’s shoulder. “Wake me in a few hours. I will relieve you,” he said. Legolas nodded in understanding.

Jessica took note of this. A few hours…According to her Creator’s plan, that was when she was supposed to have her little mental chat with Sauron. “I’m going to turn in,” she whispered to Kate. “The night may prove to be tiring.” Kate looked at her oddly but wished her goodnight. Jessica lied down and quickly fell asleep.

It seemed like minutes later that she was being called back to the conscious world. Jessica rolled over, blinking the sleep from her eyes. “Katie?” she asked. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s morning. Or at least, I think it is. Either way, Gandalf has said we should move on. I think he wants out of Moria and I don’t blame him.”

Nor do I. Jessica stretched and noticed Gimli putting out the fire. “Wait, did we only sleep through Legolas’ watch?” she asked.

Kate shook her head. “When I woke, it was clearly Boromir’s watch. He followed Gimli, according to Pippin. He woke up as Aragorn was waking the dwarf—the two were near each other,” she explained. “Now hurry up. I don’t want to be left behind.”

Jessica was surprised. She had slept through three watches? No, she was supposed to confront Sauron in a mental stand-off with a concerned Boromir trying to help her. She resisted the urge to cry as she packed up her things, following Gandalf deeper into Moria.

Why did nothing go according to her Creator’s plan? Ever since she had landed in this accursed place, it was as if the universe was trying to keep her down. She and Kate hadn’t gained the gifts their full heritage promised them. Boromir and Legolas barely looked at them, let alone worshipped the ground they walked on as it was supposed to be. Though she did have the ability to talk to Boromir—he would listen to her. But, a niggling voice in the back of her head forced her to admit, he only was sympathetic to her fabricated background. She forced that voice down. It was a good start.

Maybe things would be different once they arrived at Lothlorien. Galadriel would certainly recognize Kate and her for what they were—the Saviors of Middle-earth. Perhaps the elf would know why Sauron was so powerful so as to block the intent of her Creator and therefore the powers she should have.

Jessica was so caught up in her musing, she didn’t notice when the group came to a halt. She continued walking, nearly knocking Kate over. Legolas reached out to steady the younger of the girls. Kate shot her sister a grateful look until she noticed Jessica’s unfocused gaze. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

“I was just thinking,” Jessica admitted.

“Well, you’ll be able to do a lot of that,” Kate said. “I think Gandalf forgot the way.”

Jessica blinked and noticed that they had stopped. The room was, unsurprisingly, dark and stone. Entrances loomed around them, leading to equally darker hallways. Gandalf studied each portal, as if he could see straight through to what lay beyond the shadows. “We might as well sit down and rest our feet. Who knows when we shall be able to do so again,” Katelyn said, patting a nearby stone. She then cursed. “I’m starting to speak like them, Jess!”

Jessica giggled at the horrified expression on her sister’s face. She sat down and patted Kate’s shoulder. “That is a good thing. It’ll help when you live in Mirkwood,” Jessica reminded her.

Kate blushed, glancing over at a Legolas. She sighed dreamily before turning her gaze on to Boromir. “You will need to start speaking the same way as well, sister. I daresay you would stick out like a sore thumb in Minas Tirith if you didn’t!” she replied, smiling widely.

“I guess I would,” Jessica replied, leaning against the hard wall behind her. A pointed stone poked her back and she was sure there would be a bruise later—if she ever got the opportunity to look. Closing her eyes, she tried to call up an image of the future her Creator wrote for her.

Warmth surrounded her as a pale yellow light engulfed the room. She was lying on a large, soft bed buried under fluffy, comfortable blankets. She could feel the heat radiating from Boromir lying next to her even before he slung an arm across her mid-section. He pulled her closer and she shifted, trying to get her head in a comfortable position on the down pillow. She felt safe, content, peaceful. It lulled her to fall into a deeper sleep even as she could sense Boromir rousing to consciousness. He leaned over her, hot breath tickling her ear.

“It is this way.”

Jessica opened her eyes and immediately felt a crick in her neck. She had fallen asleep on that accursed rock, Katelyn leaning against her. Jessica shook her and Katelyn straightened up. Jessica stood up, cracking her back as she did so. She bit back a groan as she picked up her pack. They followed Gandalf down a portal before Gimli started to run ahead. “I wonder what he saw,” Katelyn commented.

“Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria,” they heard Gandalf read as they entered the room.

Jessica couldn’t help the only line that came to mind, the only response she could give her sister: “I believe he saw dead people.”

Kate groaned, but those around them thought it was born from seeing the tomb of the dwarven lord, not from her sister’s bad pop culture pun. Gimli let out his anguish and grief, wailing lamentations over his kinsmen’s final resting place. From this din, a loud clanking sound—metal hitting stone—echoed throughout the chamber. They turned to where Pippin was standing, staring at the well where the sound originated. Gandalf chastised the Hobbit but any further comments were cut off by the sound of drums.

“Orcs,” Legolas said, simply.

Jessica’s sarcastic reply was cut off by everyone preparing to fight. “Shall we fight?” Kate asked. Before her sister could respond, Kate barreled on. “It’s not like we can really expect to stand against orcs, right? We should get out of the way, duck for cover.”

“No!” Jessica responded. “Then we’ll just be proving to the others we weren’t fit enough to come along on the quest.”

“But we aren’t!”

“Then what did we do with Baimeldis before we left Rivendell, then?”

“Jessica, Baimeldis only taught us basic fighting skills—just enough to fend off a wild animal. Not a band of orcs!” Katelyn fought back.

“We cannot hide,” Jessica argued. “If we do, it’ll make Boromir look bad. I cannot make him look bad.”

Kate closed her eyes. “Looks like you’re starting to get the hang of the language, sis,” she said, smiling. She pulled out the sword Baimeldis gave them. “Let’s kick some orc butt.”

Jessica pulled out her own sword and the two charged as the orcs broke down the door. The sisters tried to put up a valiant fight, but both were easily knocked down by orcs. Jessica hit the ground hard, bouncing slightly. As blood trickled down the side of her face, she watched as the fighting blurred before everything went completely black.

For the second time on this quest, she wondered if this is what death felt like.

When Jessica came to again, she was slightly disoriented. And cold. Perhaps that was all a dream, she thought. Perhaps I’m still on the mountain, buried under all that snow. Maybe I had a vision! Maybe my powers are finally emerging!

Empowered, Jessica opened her eyes. A blue sky was above her and white snow lay beneath her. She sat up, trying to spot Katelyn. Her movement caught the attention of Boromir, who rushed to her side. She bit down the joy she felt as he knelt down in the snow next to her. “You are awake, that is good. You were unconscious for some time, Torwen,” he said. “It was quite foolhardy for you and Dinenwen to try and battle the orcs.”

Jessica hung her head. It would seem that Kate’s suggestion was correct. She had foolishly put them in danger. Boromir touched her arms, causing her to look back up at him. “What happened?” she asked.

Boromir’s eyes darkened. “We managed to fight the orcs and the cave troll well enough. Gandalf ordered us to the Bridge of Khazad-dum where we met with a balrog.” Jessica’s heart sank; she knew what happened. “He fell, Torwen, Gandalf fell while fighting with the balrog so we could escape safely.”

Jessica felt the tears prick her eyes. She rubbed her hand against them, hoping to stem the droplets forming. “What of my sister?” she asked, hiccupping slightly.

“Dinenwen is well. She came to as we fled from Moria,” Boromir answered. “She has been very worried for you.”

He stood up, moving away from her. She barely had time to register the disappointment that he didn’t remain to comfort her more when she was nearly knocked over. “Oh, Jess, I was so worried! You were unconscious and bleeding and they were telling me Gandalf fell and I was just so worried!” Kate babbled on, clinging to her sister.

Jessica rubbed her sister’s back. “It’s okay, Katie, I’m fine. Don’t worry about Gandalf, we’ll see him again,” she soothed. “Just remember we can’t tell anyone, okay?”

Kate nodded. “I know, it’ll ruin the surprise,” she said. “But it still hurts.” Jessica agreed as they were interrupted by Aragorn insisting they all had to keep moving to avoid another run in with orcs. Jessica and Kate immediately jumped up. One encounter—no matter how quick it was—was enough for them.

“Okay, I don’t recall anything about BLINDFOLDS in our Creator’s plans,” Kate hissed to her sister.

“That’s because Galadriel was supposed to be waiting for us,” Jessica sighed.

The somber, diminished group had trekked from the Mines of Moria to the woods of Lothlorien. It had been a quiet walk. Not that their journeys up to that point had been filled with chatter—silence was optimal to remaining hidden from the forces of Mordor. But that silence had an air of urgency. This one was somber, from the grief emanating from the small band of ten. Jessica and Kate, while not so close to Gandalf as the others had been, felt the mood and were likewise utterly depressed. Jessica was certain that if she could, she would be singing something somber right now.

Jessica snuck a glance at her sister. She didn’t want to alarm Kate, but the fact she no longer remember the catalogue her Creator programmed into her brain scared her. The farther she trekked into Middle-earth, the dimmer everything got. She struggled each day to retain her mental grasp on what was supposed to happen. However, now that that future was no longer a certainty, Jessica now doubted if ignorance would be bliss in this world. As she retreated further into her mind, she barely heard Gimli start to speak.

So involved in her own mind, her own drama, she almost walked into a notched arrow. She gave a short shriek, jumping back and knocking into Legolas behind her. The elf steadied her as another blond elf never wavered. He kept his arrow trained at her. She looked to her right, where Kate was hiding behind Boromir. Even as she stood shaking with adrenaline, she thought it was odd that the sisters were seeking sanctuary from the other’s love interest.

As Jessica started to focus in on the leader of the elves—Haldir, her mind supplied—her world was encased in darkness. Not again! she groaned, internally. However, she did note that it wasn’t a prelude to unconsciousness. Was she blindfolded?

“Yes, Torwen,” she heard Legolas say from somewhere on her right. “All must be blindfolded when approaching the Golden Woods.”

Oh, she must have asked her question out loud. She thanked Legolas and inwardly fumed. Her Creator didn’t write about this! In fact, Haldir welcomed them with open arms and let them wander through the woods, eyes uncovered. Galadriel will right everything, she thought. She will tell the truth about Katie’s and my heritage. She will scold Haldir for the way he’s treated us. Surely the Lady of the Golden Woods cannot also be under Sauron’s evil spell!

Safely inside Lothlorien, the Fellowship found an oasis. They were able to bathe—in proper baths, not stolen trips to ice cold streams. Fresh clothes were also provided, much to Katelyn’s relief. Her dirty clothes were being washed and mended, along with her sister’s. They had a proper meal and their packs were being replenished. A good night’s sleep awaited them for the first time in weeks. Jessica and Katelyn were in paradise.

But that didn’t matter to Jessica, not as she raged amongst the trees of Lothlorien.

“Jessica, calm down.” Katelyn’s attempts to soothe her sister were proving futile. She had tried to talk slowly and softly to Jessica. She tried yelling. She had tried everything except slapping Jessica. And at this point, she was seriously considering it. “STOP IT!”

“Katie, everything is wrong!” Jessica yelled. “Everything, everything, everything!”

“I’m sure not everything is wrong,” Katelyn replied. “Sure we’ve had setbacks but…”

“Setbacks?” Jessica screeched. “Setbacks?”

“Well, what else would you call them?”

“Disasters! Catastrophes!”

“Congrats, Jess, you know synonyms.”

“I don’t need your sarcasm now, Katie. I’m falling apart here!” Jessica flopped down on the nearest bed. “Everything is wrong.”

“You said that already.”

“It’s still true,” Jessica replied, pillowing her head on her hands. “It best describes everything.”

“I guess you’re right,” Katelyn replied, lying down as well. “Galadriel didn’t recognize us.”

“Legolas and Boromir won’t give us the time of the day.”

“We don’t have our beautiful new looks.”

“I don’t have my powers.”

Katelyn sat up and moved from her bed. She curled up next to her sister on the bed Jessica had claimed. She grasped her sister’s hand. “It looks like it is us against Sauron now, Jess,” she said.

Jessica squeezed her hand in return.

[MackenzieW]

Their days in Lothlorien were long and unbearable. The Fellowship rested, leaving time for Katelyn and Jessica to pine for Legolas and Boromir from afar. “We need to get them to see what we mean to them,” Kate moaned, watching Legolas converse with the Elves of Lothlorien.

“I know, Katie, but I cannot think,” Jessica replied. “It isn’t supposed to be this hard!”

“They’re supposed to be eating out of our hands!”

“They’re the ones supposed to be anguishing over us!”

“I know Sauron’s trying to take over all of Middle-earth and that’s why he’s evil…But to keep two girls from their one true loves is even more evil than that!” Kate declared.

“You said it, sister,” Jessica said, sitting up on a rock. “But how do we get through Sauron’s evil spell to Boromir and Legolas? And I don’t have that much time left if we’re already in Lothlorien!”

Kate cocked her head, eyes unsure. Jessica sighed dramatically. “In the movie…book…Boromir dies shortly after the Fellowship leaves Lothlorien. He tries to take the Ring from Frodo and is subsequently killed while trying to protect Merry and Pippin,” Jessica explained.

“But your love will turn him away from Sauron’s grip,” Kate said, recalling what their Creator meant to happen. “And I heal him from his arrow wounds.” She joined her sister on the rock, sighing loudly. “What did Boromir do?”

Jessica looked at her sister. “What do you mean by that?” she asked. “He didn’t do anything! He hasn’t done anything!”

Kate put her hands as a shield from her sister’s wrath. “I know! I know! What I meant to say is—why does Sauron constantly make Boromir’s life miserable?” she asked.

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, his land is ravaged by Sauron’s forces. His father is absolutely tyrannical…”

“Oh, I am not looking forward to meeting him,” Jessica interjected, rubbing her cheek.

“Now, he can’t see you as the love of his life because of a spell to make sure he betrays the Fellowship and tries to bring the Ring to Minas Tirith, to Sauron. You won’t be able to sway him, to save him. And he’s blocking my powers, so I won’t be able to heal him.”

“I can see your point,” Jessica replied. “Sauron does seem to have it in for Boromir.”

“The question is why?”

“Boromir is the next Steward of Gondor,” Jessica pointed out.

“But Aragorn is the rightful king!”

“True, but he has been hidden from Sauron,” Jessica explained. “And he’s been hesitant about taking the throne. So as far as Sauron’s concerned, Boromir is the next one with the power in Gondor.”

“Which makes him a threat to Sauron,” Kate guessed.

Jessica laughed. “You know what, Kate?” she asked. “I think Sauron’s underestimated us.”

“Oh? How so?”

“We figured out his evil, brilliant plan!” Jessica exclaimed. “He tempts Boromir to betray Frodo and then kills him! This causes Denethor to sink further into madness, leaving Minas Tirith vulnerable. Once he has Minas Tirith, the rest of Middle-earth will fall!”

“It’s brilliant…but where does the Ring come in?” Kate asked.

Jessica blinked. “What?” she asked.

“The Ring? The trinket Frodo’s been carrying on his neck? The reason we’ve been on a never-ending hike from hell? Isn’t its destruction the only thing that can stop Sauron and if he gets it, he’ll become unstoppable?” Kate scratched her head. “At least, that’s what I’ve understood.”

“No, silly,” Jessica replied. “The only one who can stop Sauron is me…Remember, Savior of Middle-earth here?”

“Savior of Middle-earth with no powers,” Kate reminded her.

“But if Sauron thinks that’s going to stop me, he’s got another thing coming.”

Jessica stood up off the rock, smoothing down the dress an elleth had loaned the woman. “Where are you going?” Kate asked, smiling.

“I’m off to foil Sauron’s evil plot. Ta!” Jessica ran off, leaving Kate behind. She remained on the rock for some time after that, enjoying the silence the woods offered.

Jessica searched Lothlorien for Boromir. No one had seen him since the morning and did not seem too interested in finding him. Legolas was off with other elves, saying he needed time to mourn Gandalf’s loss. Merry and Pippin were off, gladly informing some of the Lorien elves of the ways of the Hobbits. Frodo was burdened with both the grief of losing Gandalf and the pain of carrying the Ring. No one was entirely sure where Gimli or Sam were, but Jessica had a feeling the latter was with Frodo.

But she was not deterred from her quest to find Boromir. She finally found him, looking at the water. “My Lord Boromir?” she asked. He turned to face her, but he did not smile. Jessica was put off by that fact, but decided to go on with her plan. “Are you unwell?” she continued.

“I thank you for your concern, Torwen, but I dare not burden you with my troubles,” Boromir responded.

Jessica walked closer. “You can,” she replied. “That’s what friends do. They listen to each other’s problems and try to help. And if they can’t help, they can at least carry part of the burden for you.”

That sounded very wise, she thought. Perhaps this is a step in the right direction? Perhaps now my Creator’s intentions are coming through Sauron’s dark spell.

Boromir still looked solemn. “While that may be true, I cannot weigh you down. You are still young,” he replied.

“I may be young, but I am not inexperienced,” Jessica said, hastily. She panicked inwardly—what made her say that?

“Ahh, yes,” Boromir said. “I forget your land has troubles with the forces of Mordor as well.”

“Oh, yes, we have,” Jessica replied, remembering her lie. “America is quite besieged. Orcs roam our lands and though our soldiers fight them tirelessly, their numbers continue to increase.”

“We have the same in Gondor,” Boromir said. “My brother is captain of a company of Rangers and I have full confidence that he is turning back the orc hordes while I am on this quest.”

“I am certain he is,” Jessica said. “Are you close with your brother?”

“Yes, I am.”

Boromir continued talking about Faramir. Jessica was content to let him talk. This is the longest conversation we’ve had yet! she thought. Music filled her head and fireworks went off in her mind. My plan is working! If I get close to Boromir, I can beat Sauron and throw this story back on track! Watch out, Gondor! Lady Jessica is coming!

Kate wandered aimless through Lothlorien. Once she got bored of sitting alone, she decided to she would try to find someone to talk to. The Hobbits were a good choice, she figured. Merry and Pippin were a friendly duo and more than happy to tell a good tale. Sam and Frodo were often off together—Frodo growing more solemn with his task; Sam trying to stay close and prevent harming from coming to his master. She also guessed Gimli would be a good person to have a conversation with—her knowledge of him, provided by her Creator, suggested he was a jovial character. Aragorn intimidated her, Boromir was off with Jessica (hopefully), and Legolas…

Kate sighed. She wished she could just talk to Legolas, but she couldn’t. She had never approached him during the time they were both in Rivendell, unlike Jessica and Boromir. Kate had also stuck close to Jessica the entire trip so far, never straying to talk much to the others—except a few conversations here or there with Merry and Pippin. She had no reason to go up to Legolas and start speaking with him.

She should just walk up to him and just start talking. Nothing in the rule book said she couldn’t be the one to initiate things. After all, that’s what Jessica had done, right? Kate could just walk up to Legolas and say, “Hello. Since we’re on a perilous journey, I thought we could get to know one another!”

That even sounded stupid to her. Kate sighed again and leaned against a tree. “Why is this so hard?” she whined, slinking down to the ground. She was utterly depressed now.

What should I do now? she wondered. What would my Creator have me do if Sauron weren’t blocking her powers? I know! I should sing a song about my feelings…It’ll draw Legolas to me.

Kate stood up and prepared to sing…but nothing came out. What is going on? She panicked. The Creator gave me a song library to use, why can’t I remember a single one?

Kate began pacing. She couldn’t think of a single song her Creator had intended her to sing. Get a hold of yourself, Stevens! Panicking and pacing won’t help you. You’re supposed to sing now. It’s part of the proper story. Now, stop pacing. Take a deep breath. And just let whatever’s there come out…

On my own
Pretending he’s beside me
All alone
I walk with him till morning
With him, I feel his arms around me
And when I lose my way
I close my eyes and he has found me

Kate smiled. She didn’t know where the song came from—her Creator didn’t add any show tunes to their catalogue—but it fit the situation. In fact, it fit both hers and Jessica’s situations.

In the rain
The pavement shines like silver
All the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness
The trees are full starlight
And all I see is him and me
Forever and forever

And I know
It’s only in my mind
That I’m talking to myself
And not to him

“Dinenwen?”

Kate stopped her singing and turned to face the owner of the voice that just interrupted her. She looked down to spot Gimli looking at her. “Yes?” she asked.

“I heard you singing,” he said.

“Oh,” Kate responded. “Did I disturb you?”

“No, no,” Gimli assured her. “I was actually quite enchanted by your song. Is it from your native country, America?”

“Yes, it’s called On My Own,” Kate replied, wondering how Gimli knew the girls were from America.

Gimli looked thoughtful. “It sounded sad,” he commented.

“It is. It is about a girl who loves a boy and has the perfect relationship with him…but only at night, in her own imagination. Because in the daylight, the truth is he doesn’t notice her let alone love her in return.” Kate sighed, wistfully.

“You sing it with feeling, as if you know the girl’s pain,” Gimli said.

Kate blushed, wondering if Gimli was on to her feelings for Legolas. “I’ve known the feelings once or twice,” she admitted.

Gimli nodded. “I think we all have, lass,” he replied, patting her on the arm. “You have a good voice. Much better than your sister’s. You should sing more often.”

“Me? I think you must be mistaken,” Kate said, her blush growing. “Je…Torwen has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard.”

A strange look passed over Gimli’s face. Kate could not identify it. Before she could ask about it or before the dwarf could make a comment, Legolas entered the little corner of Lorien Kate had inhabited for the afternoon. “The Lady Galadriel has sent me to tell you that it is time for supper. A repast is awaiting us,” he said.

Gimli’s strange look quickly changed to besotted. Kate smiled. Perhaps she wasn’t the only one who understood the meaning of the song, she thought. Gimli and Legolas started to leave when the dwarf noticed their female companion was not following. “Dinenwen?” Gimli questioned. “Are you coming?”

“Not just yet,” she replied. “I should go find my sister.”

Legolas smiled and Kate felt her stomach do flip flops. “That is a good idea,” he said. “We shall see you at the table.”

The two left her alone and Kate collapsed against a nearby tree. She took deep breaths, waiting for the butterflies to stop flying around her stomach. Closing her eyes, Kate knew one way to calm down.

I love him
I love him
I love him
But only on my own

Feeling calmer, if not better, Kate went off to find Jessica.

[MackenzieW]

“So, you actually talked with the Elf Prince?” Jessica asked, excited for her sister.

It was after dinner and the two girls had retired to the talan given to them. Jessica brushed her sister’s hair, still upset that hers remained on the short side. It was growing, but not at the rate it was supposed to.

“Yes, I did!” she said. “I can’t believe it myself!”

“Tell me everything!”

“Well, I was just wandering through the woods and there he was! Just like our Creator imagined it! But I couldn’t think of a song to sing. Has that happened to you?” Kate asked, turning to look at her sister.

Jessica was torn. She didn’t want to admit to Katelyn that she was now flying blindly through this world. But it was nice to know that her sister was suffering the same problems she was. “I found myself stumbling over some words the last time I tried to sing,” she finally said.

“Oh, thank goodness it wasn’t just me!”

Jessica smiled at the relief evident in her sister’s voice. “So, what did you do?” she prompted.

“I just started singing and a song just came out of my mouth—and it was highly appropriate,” Katelyn replied, amazed. “It was about being alone and that the man of your dreams doesn’t see you.”

“That is appropriate. What happened next?”

“Gimli interrupted me.”

“Gimli?”

“You know? He’s the dwarf that’s been traveling with us?”

Jessica turned her sister around. “You’re getting quite cheeky,” she said, half-teasing. “I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this.”

“Jess…” Kate said, smiling. She hugged the woman. “Anyway, Gimli interrupted and said he liked my singing and the song.” Katelyn knew she could not tell Jessica what Gimli had said about her singing.

“Okay, so when does your beloved Prince enter the scene?” Jessica asked, setting the hairbrush down.

“Shortly thereafter, to tell us that Lady Galadriel was serving dinner,” Kate said. “You should’ve seen the look on Gimli’s face—he is absolutely besotted!”

“Well, well, well, someone’s vocabulary is growing. And what did you say to Legolas?”

“I thanked him and said I would find you and tell you. He said that was good.”

“And then?”

“And that’s when I found you and Lord Boromir,” Katelyn finished.

Jessica slapped her forehead, sighing. “That’s it? That was your great conversation?” she asked, flopping down on a nearby cot.

“It’s a start, right?” Jessica shrugged in response. “So, what were you and Boromir discussing?” Kate asked her sister.

“I cannot tell you,” she replied.

“What? Why not?”

“Because it was Boromir confiding in me,” Jessica explained. “I cannot betray that, can I?”

“No, you can’t,” Kate agreed. “Sorry I snapped.”

The two girls settled down on their cots, waiting for sleep to come. As Katelyn lay there in the silence, she remembered something about her conversation with Gimli. “Jess? Jess, are you still awake?” she asked.

“Yeah…” the sleepy reply came from across the room. “Why?”

“I have a question to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“Well, when I was talking with Gimli, he said something peculiar.”

“Kate, we’re in Middle-earth. Everything they say is peculiar.”

“Jess!”

“Kate!”

“I’m being serious here,” Kate said, pouting.

Jessica sighed; her sister was truly upset. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “What is troubling you?”

“You’re speaking more and more like them,” Katelyn said. Before Jess could respond, she continued. “But when I was singing, Gimli asked me if the song I sang came from my country, America. How did he know where we were from?”

Jessica remained quiet. She hadn’t told Kate the real reason why Boromir had agreed to let them tag along on the quest. She had wanted her sister to believe that something was going according to their Creator’s plan. “Jessie?” Kate asked, almost pleading.

Jessica closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I heard you,” she replied.

“Oh. Why did you wait so long to respond?”

“I…I haven’t been completely honest with you, Katie,” she answered.

“About what?”

“About…well…How I really got us on this quest.”

“What do you mean?”

“I kinda…sorta…lied…to Boromir.”

“Lied? Why?”

Jessica could now tell that Kate was sitting up on her cot. But she could not look at her. “Because, because things are all screwed up here!” she finally answered. “And it was the only way I could think of getting us anywhere past Rivendell!”

“Why didn’t you try the truth first?”

“I did,” Jessica replied. “I went to Lord Elrond while we were in Rivendell.”

“WHAT? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it was a complete failure. Sauron’s influence reaches further than anyone realizes. I didn’t want to worry you,” Jessica said, rolling over to face away from Katelyn.

“Worry me? You don’t have to protect me, Jessie! I thought we were in this together!”

“I’m the Savior of Middle-earth! You’re…my sister.”

“Is that all I am?” Kate yelled. “Just your sister? I thought I was important too.”

“You are…Just not in the same way, I am!”

Jessica heard Katelyn stand up, leaving the talan. She rolled over, burying her head in the pillow. Katie was being unreasonable, she knew. Katelyn knew Jessica was the Savior of Middle-earth. Katelyn’s role was to support her sister, heal Boromir and fall in love with Legolas. Why was she acting like she was Jessica’s equal?

Jessica rolled to her side. She would find Katelyn in the morning and discuss this then. She would get Katie to see the right path—their Creator’s path—after a goodnight’s sleep.

The next morning, Jess awoke to sunlight streaming through the opening on the tent. She wondered if Katelyn had returned at all the night before and, if not, where her sister had slept. Jessica put on a fresh dress laid out for her and ran a brush through her hair. She left the tent, hoping to find where the Lady Galadriel had laid out breakfast.


As the midmorning sun illuminated Lothlorien, Jessica walked amongst the trees. She hadn’t seen her sister at breakfast, but Merry had seen Katelyn that morning. Jess hoped to stumble upon the girl, knowing she would not have gone far. As she did, she hummed a tune of her own making. Kate had said she just started singing and a song had come. Jess hoped the same thing would happen for her; perhaps it would be a sign of their Creator’s power starting to best Sauron’s.

She stumbled a bit as she came to a downhill part of the path. She tried to regain her footing and balance, but it was difficult. Someone steadied her, helping her down the hill. She turned, surprised to come face-to-face with her rescuer. “My Lord Boromir!” she exclaimed. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome, Torwen,” Boromir replied. “The path was a bit tricky. You should pay attention when walking it.”

“I am sorry. I fear my mind was someplace else,” she explained.

“Anything you care to share?” he asked, shortening his strides to match her pace.

“It’s just a little squabble with my sister,” Jessica replied. “We fought last night and I am trying to find her now.”

“What did you and Dinenwen argue about, if you mind that I ask?” Boromir asked.

Jessica shook her head. “It is stupid, just a sisterly spat,” she replied. “I believe that Dinenwen’s problem lies somewhere else and she is just lashing out at me.” Jessie mentally patted herself on the shoulder—that seemed to be a good explanation of her sister’s behavior.

“Do you feel free to share?”

Jessica stopped walking and laughed. “You sure seem to be in a sharing type mood today,” she teased.

Boromir colored a bit, something Jess didn’t comment on. “You helped me yesterday, you let me talk. I was hoping to repay the same courtesy,” he replied.

“Why, thank you,” Jessica replied, smiling. This is a good sign. We’re forging a relationship. If all works out well, we may undo Sauron’s curse before the unthinkable happens! “I believe my little sister is in love,” she said.

“With who?”

“Our esteemed elf prince.”

Boromir sat down on a nearby rock. “Well, that is reason enough. Elf-mortal pairings are rare and difficult,” he said. “My brother Faramir is more learned about the tales, but I do not know of one in our age.”

“What about Aragorn and the Lady Arwen?” Jessica asked.

Boromir looked surprised. “Aragorn and Elrond’s daughter?” he asked, almost squeaking. “How do you know?”

“I was a servant in Rivendell, my lord. There isn’t much that servants do not know or see,” Jessica replied, smiling.

“Indeed,” Boromir replied. “But I believe that in your sister’s case, Legolas does not return her feelings?”

“I am pretty certain that Legolas doesn’t return her feelings. They’ve hardly had one conversation together and he doesn’t spend time with her,” Jessica said. “I also fear for her as she is inexperienced in matters of the heart.”

“And you do?”

Jessica was silent. To Boromir, it looked like she had become pensive. But inwardly, she was doing a jig. This was starting to follow what her Creator intended. Of course, she was supposed to tell this tale after Boromir had declared his love for her and asked her to be his lady. But this was the right location, Jessica noted, so maybe this will jump everything back on track. “I had a taste,” she replied.

“If it hurts to talk about it…” Boromir trailed off, sounding uncomfortable.

“Oh, not so much now,” Jessica assured him, trying not to smile too wide. “It helps to talk, I find.” Boromir nodded, remaining silent. “When I was sixteen, I thought I had fallen in love,” she started.

“He was handsome, smart, athletic, and polite. We spent some time together, and I thought that he felt the same way about me. It turned out that he only wanted a physical relationship. I did not let him violate me. What happened was-- I fought him away from me and-- he struck me. He was arrested for harassment and I went on with my life."

Boromir shook his head. “I am sorry that you had such a bad experience,” he said.

Jessica tried to not let her smile falter. He’s supposed to be outraged on my account, she thought. He’s supposed to comfort me! “Thank you,” she replied. “But I’ve moved on.”

“I am happy to hear that,” Boromir said. “I hope that one day, you find a man that will not hurt you in such a way.”

“I hope so as well,” Jessie replied. And he is sitting right across from me.

Boromir stood up. “I have promised the Hobbits to help them with their sword-fighting,” he explained. “I should go now.”

“Thank you for listening, Boromir,” Jessica said, unnerved by how quickly the moment had ended.

“You’re welcome, Torwen. Good luck with your talk with Dinenwen,” he said, bowing slightly.

Jessica watched him walk off, remaining seated on the rock. It was like that that Katelyn came upon her as she returned for the midday repast. “Jess? What are you doing here?” she asked, carefully navigating the tricky slope. She sat down on the rock Boromir had vacated. “What’s the matter?”

“I thought things were starting to get back on track but nope, Sauron’s power is still too strong,” Jessica said, staring into the river.

“What happened?”

“I told my story to Boromir, you know the one with the boyfriend who slapped me and he just said he was glad all turned out well in the end. No indignant outrage on my behalf, no outrage in general. Just, nothing.”

“Oh, Jess, I’m sorry,” Kate replied. She placed a comforting hand on her sister’s shoulder. “It would seem we are not making the headway we should.”

Jessica seemed to snap back to reality. “Where did you go last night?” she asked, upset. “Did you ever come back?”

“No, I didn’t,” Kate replied. “I went to some elleths I befriended and they offered me a cot.”

“Oh,” Jess said. “Look, I think we should talk about last night.”

“You’re right, we should.”

“Why did you get so upset last night?”

“Because you’ve been keeping things secret from me!” Kate replied. “I don’t like it. We’re in this together.”

“I’m the Savior of Middle-earth,” Jessica said.

Kate was silent for some time. “That’s it? That’s all you have to say?” she asked.

“What else is there to say?”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about ‘Sorry I lied to you, Kate’ for starters?” she asked.

“You want me to apologize? For doing my duty?”

“It’s not your duty,” Kate said. “I don’t recall the Creator ever saying you had to lie.”

“Because if our Creator was in control, I wouldn’t have to lie!”

“Did you try to tell the truth?”

“Yes and Elrond threw me out of his office!” Jessica roared. Birds resting in nearby trees flew off.

“Oh, Jessie, I’m so sorry,” Katelyn said, placing an arm on her sister’s arm.

Jessica placed her head in her hands, taking in deep breaths. When she lifted it, she looked tired and sad. “I was so embarrassed when it happened,” she said. “I didn’t want to tell you so not to get your hopes up and then I was too ashamed to tell you after.”

“I understand,” Katelyn replied. “Come, let’s go get something to eat.”


Their month in Lothlorien came to an end shortly after that. The girls were disappointed. They made little progress with getting the story back on their track. Jessica had had a few more conversations with Boromir, but none went further than required of two friends. “I’m stuck in friend mode with him,” she wailed the night before they were to leave.

“At least you can say that,” Kate moaned. “I can barely call Legolas an acquaintance.”

“There’s still the rest of the Fellowship for you two. I’m running out of time!”

“Jessica, things will work out,” Kate replied, grabbing her sister’s shoulders. “You just have to remain positive.”

“It’s getting more difficult day after day,” Jess said, slumping down.

Kate sighed. “I know,” she said, sadly. “There are a few days I wish to just give up and remain here in Lothlorien.”

“I know what you mean,” Jessica replied. “But it’s like you said, we have to remain positive. If we don’t, then Sauron wins!”

“And we can’t allow that,” Kate agreed.

The two girls giggled and, with one look around their talan, shouldered their bags and left.

[MackenzieW]

“Okay, I can’t believe we didn’t get anything from Lady Galadriel!” Jessica muttered.

“Well, I think we got a dirty look,” Kate responded. “But are you really that surprised? It’s part of Sauron’s plan.”

Jessica sighed. “And it looks like he’s going to win,” she said sadly, looking as Boromir went into the woods following Frodo. She stood up to follow, but Kate stopped her. “What are you doing?” Jess hissed at her sister.

“Jess, I was thinking. Perhaps it isn’t Sauron who is blocking our Creator,” Kate replied. “Perhaps our Creator is being blocked by the Alpha Creator.”

“Alpha Creator? What are you on?”

Kate motioned to the rock Jessica just vacated. Her sister hesitantly took a seat. Kate cleared her throat. “We were created by Our Creator, right?” she asked. Jessica nodded. “To be dropped into a world created by another, right?” Kate continued.

Jessica nodded again and then gasped. “An Alpha Creator indeed,” Jess whispered. “So our Creator was able to get us here but the Alpha Creator, this Tolkien, is stopping her other changes to come to fruition.”

“Yes, that’s what I believe is happening.”

“Why is this Tolkien so evil?”

“What?”

“He’s stopping me from saving Middle-earth and dooming the world he created,” Jessica said. “Why?”

“I don’t think he’s dooming his world,” Kate replied, slightly confused.

“How can you say that?”

“Well, for starters, he created this world and it doesn’t get destroyed in the original book, right?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“You’re the one our Creator gave knowledge of the book to!”

“Oh, right. Yes, Middle-earth is spared from destruction,” Jessica admitted. “What does that have to do with us?”

“Maybe…Maybe we’re the evil forces in this world.”

“SHUT UP!” Jessica’s outburst caught the attention of the remaining Fellowship members. Kate stood up and pulled her sister further away. “What was that for?” Jess demanded.

“We were attracting stares. Do you want the Fellowship watching?” she asked.

Jessica shook her head. “But I want an explanation,” she demanded. “How can you say we are the evil forces in Middle-earth? How can you say we are worse than SAURON?”

“Okay, maybe I phrased that wrong.”

“MAYBE?”

“Hush, you’ll cause them to come checking on us,” Kate warned. “And I mean to say, that perhaps we aren’t supposed to be here.”

“Of course we are supposed to be here!”

“Really? Did Tolkien, the Alpha Creator, say so?” Kate questioned.

“No, our Creator said so. And obviously, the story needed to be fixed!”

“Did it really?”

Jessica staggered back as if slapped. “How can you ask that?” she hissed. “It’s like…It’s like I don’t know you!”

“Jessie…” Kate pleaded.

Jessica put up a hand, silencing her sister. “I…I can’t deal with you right now,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned and fled further into the woods. Katelyn could only stand there, watching her as tears ran down her cheeks.

She turned, walking slowly back to camp. Once she arrived, she saw Frodo and Sam leave in a boat. She remained behind a tree, allowing them to have their moment. As they left, she returned to the camp to tend to the dying fire. She worried for Jess, worried for what would happen come nightfall.

As she sat on a log, Gimli and Legolas emerged from the woods. The elf approached the young woman. “Dinenwen?” he asked. Katelyn looked up and nodded. “Is all well between you and Torwen?” he continued.

“Just a sisterly fight,” she responded. “Thank you for your concern.”

“You are welcome. But where has your sister gone?” he asked.

“I am not entirely sure. She walked off to be alone,” Katelyn explained. “I think she wanted time to think some things over.”

“I hope she didn’t wander too far in,” Gimli said, walking over. “I don’t quite like the feel of these woods.”

“The enemy is in the woods,” Legolas agreed.

Kate jumped up. “I have to find her!” she said, frantic. Legolas held her back. “Let me go! I need to help my sister!”

“Don’t be rash!” Gimli scolded her. “You cannot stand against Orcs.”

Kate struggled against Legolas, but he did not let go. “Gimli is correct, Dinenwen,” he said softly. “It would be folly for you to pursue Torwen into the woods. Stay here. We shall go get her for you.”

“Thank you,” Katelyn responded, sitting back down. Gimli patted her arm before following Legolas into the woods. She sat, watching the fire for some time. Her hypnotic gaze was broken when a horn sounded through the trees. She stood up, knowing it was Boromir. His judgment day was coming and there was nothing she could do to stop it. “I’m so sorry, Jess,” she muttered to the wind.

When she stormed off, Jessica made certain she was heading in the opposite direction of the camp. As the sound of the river grew fainter, she knew she was going in the right direction. Soon, she found a little clearing. Jessica lay down in the grass, head resting on her arms. She tried to ignore what her sister had said, trying to regain her focus. We aren’t the evil forces in this world. That is Sauron and Mordor, not us, she reasoned with herself. And we can’t be deviations that the Alpha Creator wouldn’t approve of, right? He must know the story needs to be fixed. Why else would he let us into his world? Wouldn’t he have blocked us from entering?

Jessica wasn’t sure when she fell asleep, but she could tell some time had passed when she awoke. She sat up, working out a kink in her neck. She wondered if Katelyn was worried about her. Good. I hope she is, she thought. It’s so peaceful here. I wish we could just stay here forever and be happy.

Jessica’s musings were interrupted when a horn sounded. She remembered that Boromir had a horn. She started running, praying she’d find him in time. As she weaved through trees and tripped over aboveground roots, she could only think of him. She kept praying that she’d be able to stop what was going to happen.

Was that why Kate and I were allowed into this world? Because Tolkien knew he made a mistake in killing Boromir? He wants me to rescue him, I know he does. Right?

Jessica realized she wasn’t running anymore. She turned around to see Legolas holding her back. “Let me go!” she yelled, struggling against the elf. “I have to go to Boromir.”

“Torwen, no!” he said.

“Please, Legolas, please!”

“No,” he replied, forcefully. “You can barely defend yourself let alone dare to stand against Orcs! You cannot help Boromir. You should head back to camp and wait for us there.”

“Why? Because I’m a girl?” she snarled.

“No, because you are not a fighter, you insufferable child!” Legolas barked back.

That stilled Jessica. She looked at Legolas, not caring that tears were falling down her nose. “Please,” she whispered. “Please, I have…”

“No, you don’t,” Legolas replied, firm but not as harshly. “You and I are going back to camp.”

“But…”

“I promised your sister I would bring you back unharmed,” Legolas said. “And do not worry for Boromir. Gimli and Aragorn are both on their way to aid him. He is a good fighter; he will be able to hold his own until they arrive.”

Jessica could only nod in response. Legolas led her back to camp, but she barely noticed. Soon, she found herself being lowered onto a log. A cup was pressed into her hands. She heard two people talking, but everything was muted. She could only stare into the fire. She watched the flames danced, the logs cracking and the smoke curled as it climbed higher into the sky. If she remained focus on those, she wouldn’t think of anything else.

She felt someone sit down next to her and push the cups to her lips. She took a sip automatically, feeling warm liquid wash down her throat. She coughed a bit. “Why is this water warm?” she asked, looking at the liquid in the cup.

“I wasn’t going to trust the river water,” Kate replied. “Don’t know what’s in there. So I boiled it and let it cool.”

“Oh. Good thinking,” Jessica replied.

“Thank you. I do have good ideas every now and then.”

“Katie…I’m sorry,” Jess said, putting the cup down. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like I did.”

“No, no, I shouldn’t have upset you like that,” Kate replied. “It was a stupid theory.”

“No, no it wasn’t,” Jessica said, sighing. “It actually made a lot of sense. Well, except the evil part. That part was stupid.”

“I’ll agree, that was stupid.”

“But I’ve been thinking about what you said.”

“And?”

Jessica was silent. She eventually told Kate about her theory before trailing off again to look into the woods. “They are taking a long time, aren’t they?” she asked.

“I know,” Kate replied. “But I’m sure they’ll be back soon.”

“I hope so,” Jessica said.

The two girls continued their vigil, watching the woods silently. Neither said anything, even when they spotted figures approaching them. Both stood together, watching as Aragorn emerged from the woods holding a broken body. Gimli and Legolas followed at a distance. Kate looked at Jessica just in time to catch her as she crumpled to the ground. “HELP!” she yelled.

Legolas ran over to the girls, as Kate inched her sister down. “She has passed out from the shock,” he said.

“Is there any way to revive her?” Kate asked.

“Unless Aragorn has something, we can only wait,” Legolas said.

“Can’t we throw water on her?”

“That will only serve in getting her wet. She’ll come around.”

Legolas patted her shoulder as he stood up. He walked back over to Aragorn and Gimli, who were preparing Boromir’s body. Kate focused on her sister, shaking Jessica slightly. “Come on, Jessie, wake up!” she pleaded. “If you don’t, you’ll miss your chance to say good-bye. You’ll hate it if you do that. I know you’ll hate it. So, please, come on!”

She saw Jessica’s eyes start to flutter. “Come on, that’s it!” Kate urged. Jessica opened her eyes, squinting a bit. “JESSICA!”

“Hush, don’t yell,” Jessica replied, sitting up slowly. “What happened?”

Kate groaned, tearing up a bit. “Please remember. Please don’t make me tell you,” she cried.

Tears slipped down Jessica’s face. “It’s okay, Katie,” she whispered, “I remember.” She stood up, leaning heavily on Katelyn’s arm. “I want to be there,” she insisted.

Kate only nodded. She and Jessica took a few faltering steps. As they crossed the makeshift campsite, Jessica’s footing became surer. As they approached the others, Legolas slid an arm around Jessica as well. Together, they reached Boromir’s makeshift coffin. Aragorn and Gimli stood around it, sadness in their eyes. “What are you going to do?” Kate asked Aragorn, noting the body was in one of their canoes.

“We are commending him to the river,” he replied. “Is there something your culture does at funerals?”

Kate looked at Jessica. “Well, there’s something…something we sing,” she replied. “Jess?”

Jessica looked up. “I don’t…don’t know if I can recall the words,” she said, praying her sister got the hidden meaning.

Katelyn smiled. “I’m sure if you concentrate hard enough, they’ll come to you,” she replied, winking.

Thank you, sister dear, Jessica thought. “I’ll try,” she replied. Jessica took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Finally, she started to sing:

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost
But now am found
Was blind, but now I see

Jessica paused and looked at Katelyn, who nodded. Jessica missed Gimli and Legolas’ grimaces, which Katelyn was grateful. But she knew no one was going to stop Jessica, who resumed singing:

Twas grace that taught
My heart to fear
And grace my fear
Relieved
How precious did
That grace appear
The hour I first
Believed

After Boromir was sent on his final journey, Legolas began cleaning up the campsite. “Where are we going?” Jessica asked aloud, not caring who answered.

“Boromir died protecting two of the Halflings,” Gimli explained. “Unfortunately, the Orcs still took them. We are going after them.”

“Merry and Pippin, correct?” Katelyn asked.

“How did you know?” Gimli asked, slightly suspicious.

Katelyn shrugged. “I saw Frodo and Sam slip away in a canoe and used process of elimination,” she stated.

Aragorn approached the three. He placed a hand on each girl’s shoulder. “We will be traveling light from now on. Our past will be fast and hard. You will be forced to keep up,” he warned.

Jessica didn’t seem to be upset by this, which worried Katelyn. Worried her as much as the upcoming part of their trek.