I Reunite With an Old Friend

In a few minutes, I was ready to go. I packed my bag quicker than quick. It’s not like I had a lot to pack anyway.

"I'm making the right decision," I told myself. "But how can I be sure? Maybe I should wait another day so I'm absolutely positive." I sat down on my bed to think.

"Oh, what is wrong with me? Why am I being so complicated? Well, maybe I should consider everything carefully and rationally. Oh how things have been so contradictory lately. First, Galadriel tells me to stay. Well, she didn't say 'Fawnabelle, you should stay here'. She said that she didn't want me to be there for what happens during the war of the five armies..." I thought aloud. I stood up.

"Five armies?" I asked myself. "I don't think she mentioned five armies. But why would I say five armies? Why would there be so many armies? There's the dwarves, the elves, the men..." I started to pace around my room. I heard voices in my head saying something over and over.

"I can't think! Stop talking to me!" I grumbled, covering my ears. I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. Then I finally heard what they were saying.

"Foresight," they said echoing in my head. I opened my eyes but shut them again. I shivered as a huge gust of wind blew harshly against my body. I forced my eyes open to see where it was coming from.

"Wh-Where am I?" I blurted. I was in the middle of some sort of courtyard but the buildings were all in ruins. The wind blew again and it nearly knocked me over.

"I have to get out of--well, wherever I am and go somewhere where the wind won't reach me," I shivered. When the wind stopped for a brief moment, I ran to the wall across from where I was. The wall shielded me from the wind and I was able to warm up again. I looked to my right and saw buildings. I looked to my left and saw more buildings.

"I could be anywhere! I didn't even try to bi-locate here," I complained. I heard a familiar sound in the distance. It was a horn.

"The war call?" I thought. I looked up and saw a big mountain towering over the buildings that stood in front of me.

"Well, at least I know where I am now. The Lonely Mountain looks so majestic from down here," I said in awe and wonder. The wind blew and I heard a horn again.

"Goodness that's an extremely startling sound," I thought.

"Fawnabelle! Thank goodness I found you! You really must try to get that bi-location in order. Have you any idea the trouble I've been through to find you again?" a voice said. I looked around and I couldn't see anyone.

"Well, that's interesting. I thought I heard someone--" I turned around to see a certain robin hovering in front of my face.

"Oh it's you!" I exclaimed. I held out my index finger and he perched on it.

"Yes it's me. Radagast sent me to--"

"I haven't seen you in so long! What have you been up to?" I asked.

"Not much. But I came to tell you that--"

"I've been up to quite a bit lately with this adventure. But if I'm being honest, sometimes I wish it were over. I miss Bag End sometimes and I--"

"Fawnabelle Baggins, please listen to me!" he chirped loudly as he flew up to my face. Startled by his sudden movements, I apologized immediately.

"It's alright, Fawn," he sighed. "Anyway, what I was trying to tell you was that Radagast was given a location that you should go to by Gandalf. Apparently, Gandalf had a feeling you would want to come back to the company of Thorin and for whatever reason he wanted to make sure you go to the right place."

"Well I'm not surprised that Gandalf was right. Would you mind taking me there?" I replied.

"Yes, I'd be happy to show you where to go and maybe we can catch up after all this time," he said happily. I laughed and followed him through the old abandoned town.

War is Near and I Must Make a Decision

"What can she mean? 'Much more to accomplish'? Me? What could I possibly accomplish?" I thought as I threw myself on my bed.

"Maybe I shouldn't go back. What could I possibly do anyway?" I said aloud. The light of the sun setting gently touched my face. I walked to the window and looked out. I thought about Bilbo and the dwarves. I thought of walking through Mirkwood and how that same forest was between me and Bilbo. I thought of Gandalf and...

I heard a loud horn and I jumped out of my bed. I landed hard on the floor.

"Ow," I whimpered. I got up and ran to my window to see what that sound was. I saw... nothing.

"Well, that's funny. I thought I heard a-" and the horn blew again. I let out a scream and jumped. Thankfully, I landed on my feet this time.

"Where is that coming from?" I asked aloud. I heard a knock at my door. I turned and saw Lady Galadriel standing there.

"Good evening, Fawnabelle," she said gently, walking towards me.

"Hello," I replied. I started to blush, wondering if she heard me scream out of surprise earlier.

"Do you know what that sound was?" I asked.

"That was the war call," she answered.

"War call?" I repeated.

"Yes. The war call of our kindred elves in Mirkwood. They are going to the Lonely Mountain to fight," Galadriel explained. I sighed as I gazed at the sunset.

"Why must there be war? Why did I have to leave Bilbo? Why did Gandalf give me that herb back in Rivendell? Why did I have that dream? Why did I leave the Shire?" I asked in despair. I sighed again.

“No one has the answers to all the questions you have. I don’t think anyone ever will,” she said with a smile.

“I expected you to say that. I guess we’ll never know why things happen the way they do, will we?” I thought aloud.

“Most likely not, my dear hobbit. I think it’s very wise to not expect any answers and to just accept your circumstances. But if we do get answers later in life, we shall appreciate them all the more,” Galadriel responded, comfortingly. I nodded my head in agreement.

“I want to go to Bilbo. But I also don’t want to make a mistake. Please, Lady Galadriel, won’t you tell me what I should do?” I begged, looking into her radiant face. I closed my eyes as she leaned down and kissed my forehead. I opened my eyes to see that the sun had set and the stars began to twinkle.

“I must go to Bilbo,” I said aloud. “Yes... I must.”

Decisions, Decisions

After a week of tedious training with Galadriel, I decided to return to The Mountain with Bilbo and the dwarves. I felt that she didn't want me to leave so soon but I felt that I needed to see Bilbo. We took a walk as the evening was passing by so I tried to help her understand why I needed to leave.

"The dwarves love Bilbo to bits but they tend to keep to themselves and not interact with him every once in a while," I explained. She just nodded in agreement.

"I'll have a bag packed with provisions for you," was all she said. She started to walk away.

"Is there something I should know before I leave? I feel like you're not telling me something," I said as I stood in the hall, looking at her. She turned around and just looked at me.

"You understand that I would advise you only to your benefit and well-being," Galadriel thought aloud.

"Yes, of course. But why do mention this? Have I not listened to your advice as you wished me to?" I asked, walking towards her.

"You have and I see that you desire to have my blessing," she replied.

"Then why have you said these things?" I asked intently.

"War is coming to the Mountain. It comes closer as every moment passes. Something unseen is at work. I do not desire you to witness it and its outcomes. As you know, I cannot see the future for it is beyond my power. But something tells me you will not benefit from whatever will come to pass. I fear that you will be injured or even killed. You have much more to accomplish," she explained.

"I understand your concern. But couldn't I do some good? Aren't I capable of defending myself?" I questioned. Galadriel just smiled at me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I believe you can make a wise decision now that you see my perspective. I hope you may be enlightened and be confident with your choice. Good luck, Fawnabelle Baggins," she said wisely and walked away. I shuffled around the numerous staircases before returning back to my room.

Training in Lothlorien

"When do I begin?" I asked when I had finished dinner. Lady Galadriel looked at me from across the table and smiled.

"You can begin now if you like," she answered. I nodded and she stood from her chair. Then she started walking out the door.

"Wait, where are you going?!" I shouted. Then a voice came into my head, "Try appearing in front of me."

"But I don't even know where you are!" I thought. She didn't answer back. 

"Do or do not; there is no try," I repeated to myself. I imagined myself standing right in front of Galadriel. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by trees.

"Wha- where am I?" I pondered. 

"See yourself in front of me," she urged in my head. "You can do it, Fawnabelle." I tried again and saw a large pond, stretching so far that it met the horizon. Unfortunately I was floating above said pond and when I looked down, plop! I fell in the water. I stuck my head above the water and caught my breath. 

"This isn't working!" I whined, floating above the water. 

"Do or do not there is no try," I repeated aloud. I started to swim to the shore before I was about to fall off a mountain cliff. I stepped back and braced myself against the wall, trying to catch my breath.

"You've got to be joking!" I exclaimed. I sat down at the edge of the cliff and pouted. 

"In front of Galadriel... not on a cliff!" I groaned. I looked down and saw that my skirt was completely dry.

"Well," I sighed, "at least I'm not wet anymore." I blinked and suddenly I was standing behind the Lady Galadriel.

"I knew you could do it," she said as she turned and faced me.

"Except that I appeared behind you and not in front of you," I sighed and looked down to the floor.

"Do not lose hope, Fawnabelle. You simply need practice," she said encouragingly. She led me to a corridor and down a flight of stairs. I saw Lothlorien in its nightly beauty and my breath was taken away. 

I'm Back In Lothlorien

I ate all the food that the elf had brought me. I was so glad that even though I was in two places, both of my stomachs were full of food.

"Thank you so much," I said gratefully.

"You're very welcome, Miss Fawnabelle. Is there anything else you would like?" she asked.

"Actually yes, could you tell me where I am?" I asked.

"You're in Lothlorien," she answered with a puzzled look. 

"Again? But how?" I questioned.

"You never left," Galadriel said as she entered the room.

"Lady Galadriel!" I stood up and bowed. "I don't understand. I thought I had left! What happened to me?" 

"It was not long after our conversation that you were escorted to your room. You seemed unconscious but able to walk. You couldn't talk nor hear anything I asked you," Galadriel explained.

"I really have to work on this bi locating thing," I thought. I heard Bilbo laugh.

"You will learn in time. Patience is key," she replied, using her mind reading trick.

"I am amazed every time you speak to me in my mind," I said aloud. She laughed.

"I can't burden Bilbo with this. He can't guide me all the way back to the Lonely Mountain... I know! I can stay here and strengthen my skills! You can help me!" I exclaimed.

"I will do what I can but I cannot guarantee you will fully learn about your gift while you are here," Galadriel mentioned wisely. 

"I know I can't learn everything. But I also can't have Bilbo worrying about me. I'm just not sure if it's the right thing to do... I wish Gandalf were here," I sighed sadly.

"Mithrandir will not always have the answers. You must learn to listen to your heart. Do what your heart tells you," she advised.

"I've been given a gift and I can't help anyone if I don't know how to use it. All I can do is try. If it doesn't work, then it's not meant to be," I thought aloud.

"Then we shall see what happens. Good luck, Fawnabelle," Galadriel said. I closed my eyes and began to see a very blurry Bilbo.

"Bilbo?" I thought. "I'm going to stay in Lothlorien. I don't want you to worry about me. I'll be back when I'm ready."

"No, please don't go," I heard Bilbo say. Tears started to fill my eyes. When I opened them, I was still in Lothlorien. 

"Are you there, Bilbo?" I thought. No answer came from him. I wiped away a tear; I would see him soon enough.

We Hobbits Walk Slow So Deal With It

The raven, whom I learned was named Roac, slowly flew away.

"Where's he off to?" I asked Bilbo, who was stretching his arms. 

"To the Iron Hills to send word for the dwarf lord, Dain. He's related to the dwarves somehow. He's going to bring his army to help us," he replied.

"Back to the Mountain! We have little time to lose!" Thorin cried. The dwarves quickly picked up what belongings they had and waited for Thorin to lead the way.

"And little food to use! Anyone?" Bilbo mentioned. 

"To the Mountain!" the dwarves cried, ignoring Bilbo. Thorin walked briskly to the Lonely Mountain and the dwarves followed one by one. Bilbo and I were left in the back, completely forgotten about. We walked side by side and a couple of feet behind their little parade.

"Keep up, hobbits! We must get to the Mountain as quickly as possible!" Thorin shouted.

"Well, we hobbits like to walk slow, so deal with it," Bilbo murmured. I laughed and our stomachs grumbled. I pictured a nice golden strawberry pie with lots of fresh whipped cream on top. I sighed from how good it sounded.

"I'm so hungry," I thought.

"What would you like, Fawnabelle? We have lembas as well as any other elven delicacies," I heard. 

"Fawn! Come on or they'll leave us out here alone!" Bilbo shouted.

"I'm coming!" I hollered before running to Bilbo. I tripped on a rock before getting to him. I fell hard on the ground. Bilbo helped me up and I blinked a couple of times. When I opened my eyes, I saw an elf maiden dressed in green with the most beautiful golden hair.

"I'll take whatever you have... please," I replied to the much surprised elf. I scratched my head and thought.

"Bilbo, help me please. I can't see." I wasn't lying. Where he was I couldn't see but here I could. The elf came back with lots of little things for me to try. All of them were tasty for elf food. But then again, any food is good food!

"What I would give for a plate of eggs, bacon, and taters right now!" I thought.

"Me too, Fawn. But we must hurry. Thorin seems more determined than ever to get to the Mountain," Bilbo explained.

Good Tidings From A Raven

"I've got to get out of here!" I exclaimed, jumping out of my hiding place. Smaug dove very close to the ground and as he turned, his belly glittered with the sparkling gems that shone in the moonlight. But a bare patch was made visible so Bard released the arrow. The arrow hit Smaug straight on target. So incredibly strong was that shot that it vanished completely into Smaug. The dragon let out a howl of pain that deafened ears, cut trees, and cracked stone. He soared upward and turned over amidst the clouds. I saw Smaug above me and falling back down to the ground. I heard Bilbo speak to me.

"Fawnabelle?! Can you hear me?" he asked in a muffled voice. I couldn't move and everything turned to slow motion. Smaug was falling even closer above me.

"I've seen enough! Please stop!" I begged fearfully with my eyes shut. I was too scared to look up anymore. I didn't want to see Smaug about to crush me!

"Please stop," I whimpered when light filled the darkness. I opened my eyes and squinted from the faint light. I sighed and saw that Bilbo was looking down at me. I realized I was sitting down. I looked to my left to see the dwarves talking to a raven.

"So much for joy, Thorin Oakenshield. You may go back to your halls in safety; all the treasure is yours -- for the moment. But many are gathering hither beside the birds. The news of the death of the guardian has already gone far and wide, and the legend of the wealth of Thror has not lost in the telling during many years; many are eager for a share of the spoil. Already a host of elves is on the way, and carrion birds are with them hoping for battle and slaughter. By the lake, men murmur that their sorrows are due to the dwarves: for they are homeless and many have died, and Smaug has destroyed their town. They too think to find amends from your treasure, whether you are alive or dead," the raven explained. He continued to speak to the dwarves but Bilbo sat down across from me and stared at me.

"Do I have something on my face?" I asked, half laughing. He laughed too and hugged me tightly.

"Ow," I squeaked. I suddenly became aware that I was hurt. But from what? And where?

"I'm sorry!" said Bilbo, releasing me from his hug.

"It's not you, Bilbo. I'm just a little hurt. But why am I in pain?" I asked, checking to see if I had any injuries.

"I don't know. But are you alright?" Bilbo asked. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, I'm fine. I know you don't know, silly," I giggled quietly.

"Oh, well it doesn't look like you have any visible injuries," he replied. I nodded and he went to see what the dwarves had discovered. I felt a sharp pain in my hands. It felt like a knife was piercing through them. I bore the pain silently because I knew Bilbo would freak out and not leave me alone.

"I hope it doesn't get any worse," I thought, rubbing my hands to see if that helped.

The Gathering of Birds and A Travel to the Past

Morning came and we woke up to the sound of many birds crying from above us. We saw birds gathering in the sky. They formed into groups that resembled dark clouds. All kinds of birds came from the South and clustered together. 

"Something very peculiar is happening here," Thorin remarked. "The birds should be finished with their autumn wanderings for that time has passed. I can see flocks of finches and starlings. And far off there, I can see many carrion birds as if a battle has started!"

"Look there! That old thrush from the doorstep! It looks like he survived Smaug!" Bilbo cried. It was the same thrush from the Mountain.

"I don't think the snails did though," I laughed sadly. They chuckled a little bit and smiled. The thrush flew closer to us and fluttered his wings.

"He's dead! Smaug is dead!" the thrush sang. My eyes went wide after I heard what the thrush said. He cocked his head to one side and sang again.

"The dragon is dead! He's dead!" he sang happily. 

"He must be trying to tell us something. But I cannot understand such birds. Their speech is quick and difficult. Can you make it out, Mister Baggins?" Balin asked.

"No, not really. What about you, Fawnabelle?" Bilbo asked. The thrush sang again.

"It's good news! He said-" I started to say. Until I saw a flash before my eyes. I blinked and I was in Lake-town.

"Don't tell me I transported!" I said aloud. Someone was running in my direction and they ran right through me!

"What? How did?" I stuttered. "I'm in... the past? This is when Smaug came and destroyed the city." I couldn't see clearly but there was fire everywhere. People were running and getting into boats. A strong wind rushed through the streets. I looked up and saw the great shadow of Smaug. My hair and skirt blew in the wind and I felt the heat from the fire. Sparks floated in the air and I saw someone run right past me. He was running against the crowd and had a bow in his hand. 

"Bard!" I cried. He looked back at me and then up at the sky. He didn't say anything to me but kept running in the opposite direction. People started to scream and point at something behind me. A building was crumbling so I ran to follow Bard. Sparks floated in the air as I tried to keep up with him. He stopped suddenly and looked sideways. A string of fire fell from the sky and hit the road next to us. He backed up against the wall beside us until the fire died out. I looked up and saw Smaug spewing horrible flames towards the people.

"Where did he go?!" I asked frantically. And that was when I saw him with other archers, talking among themselves. I was about to make my way across when debris came crashing in front of me. I jumped over it and hid close enough for me to hear what they were planning to do. A thrush flew to him and hovered by his ear. Bard looked at him with an amazed gaze as if he had understood the bird. He pulled out the glorious black arrow from his quiver. It was the very last arrow. He put it in place and drew the bow-string to his ear. 

"Arrow!" he cried. "I have saved you for the last. You have never failed me and I have always recovered you. I received you from my father, and him from his father of old. If you truly came from the forges of the true king under the Mountain, go now and speed well!" Smaug was coming our direction and Bard readied his aim.

The Old Look-out Post

When we finally reached the Front Gate, we were met with pale rays of sunshine and a cold wind. I shivered but it was great to see the outside world again. The quiet stream faced us and the Gate. My stomach grumbled and I suddenly became aware of my exhaustion.

"I'm hungry," I stated mindlessly.

"Me too," Bilbo agreed, rubbing his stomach. "It should be late morning so it's more or less breakfast time. Although I don't think the front door is a safe place to eat. Let's find a nice place to eat."

"Right! I have a perfect place in mind. We should make for the old look-out post," Balin suggested.

"And how far is that exactly?" I asked.

"Hmm. It's in the South-West corner of the Mountain. A five hours march, more or less. The going will not be easy. The road that goes along the left side of the stream seems all broken up. The river runs in front of Dale where there once was a bridge. That bridge led to steep stairs that ended at a road towards Ravenhill. There is (or used to be) a path that left the road and climbed up to the post. A hard climb that is, even if the old stairs are still there," Balin explained.

"Well, it looks like more climbing and walking without breakfast! I wonder how many meals we missed in that nasty, timeless hole?" Bilbo said miserably. 

"Come now, Mister Baggins! Don't call my palace a nasty hole! It'll look very nice once it has been cleaned thoroughly and redecorated," Thorin said joyfully. His spirits were lifted as he rattled the jewels in his pockets.

"But that won't be until Smaug is dead. Where is he anyway? I would give a good breakfast to know," Bilbo grumbled.

"I wouldn't give up breakfast for anything," I admitted. Bilbo and the dwarves laughed.

"Well, the sooner we start, the sooner we can eat," Fili mentioned.

"Then can we please start walking?" I asked desperately.

"Patience, Miss Baggins! We will get there soon enough. Lead the way, Balin!" Thorin declared. We followed the stream to Dale and took the beaten road. It was difficult, just as Balin predicted. It was hard to keep going on such low energy. Balin led us to the post and we finally sat down to eat. I ate slowly to make sure I didn't choke on the dry cram.

"Here is where the guards used to watch over the city. There were several places like this around the Mountain. It was rather comfortable to stay in and there was small need to watch over the prosperous city of old. The guards were overly comfortable here. Perhaps if they weren't, we might have gotten an earlier warning about the dragon. Things might have been different. Well, we can't change the past. For now, we can see much without being seen," Balin said.

"What use would that be if we have already been seen coming here?" asked Dori, who had a constant eye on the Mountain. He probably expected to see Smaug perching on the Mountain, like a bird waiting for his prey. 

"I suppose we must take our chances with that, Dori. We cannot go any further today," Thorin replied.

"Thank goodness," I sighed. I laid down on the floor and covered myself with my blanket. Night came and I fell asleep.

I Am A Restless Thinker

I went into the armory and looked around at the old, dusty armor. 

"Will I be fighting with them? Will I need this armor?" I thought. I picked up a silver plated shield and looked at my reflection. Music began to fill my mind and soon lyrics accompanied it.

*"Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? Why is my reflection someone I don't know? Somehow I cannot hide who I am though I've tried. When will my reflection show, who I am, inside? When will my reflection show, who I am, inside?"* I sang softly.

"Where have I heard that before?" I thought as I put shield down with wonder. Bilbo and the dwarves peeped their heads through the door.

"Was that you, Fawnabelle? Were you singing?" Bilbo asked. The dwarves looked surprised to learn that I could sing. I blushed and looked down at the floor.

"Yes," I answered, with an embarrassed tone. The dwarves widened their eyes and looked at each other. Bilbo was ashamed at them.

"You don't believe her? Of course she can sing! She sings quite well actually," Bilbo boasted, with a slight smile. I blushed even more this time which made him smile even more.

"So now you enjoy me being embarrassed?!" I scoffed. Then Bilbo stopped smiling which made the dwarves and I start to laugh. It was Bilbo's turn to blush now so that made us laugh even more. We left the armory and the dwarves went back to examining more treasure. I sat down and groaned of boredom (and hunger).

"Aren't we going to do anything else besides look at treasure?!" I thought aloud. No one answered.

"I have half a mind to leave by myself," I grumbled. Bilbo gave me a look. You know, the one that says, 'I'm right here you know.'

"Well of course I would tell you to come with me, Bilbo! I will always tell you what I'm thinking of doing. No matter what," I said. He gave me a smile and stood beside me. 

"Thorin! We have our armor but what good is it if we are not against Smaug? Your treasure has not been won back yet. We must not for gold anymore but a way out!" Bilbo exclaimed.

"Right you are, Mister Baggins! I will lead the way. Never in numerous years will I forget the ways of my home," Thorin said. He called to the others and they covered their armor with their tattered cloaks. They picked up their torches and we all walked behind Thorin as he led us through the halls of the Mountain. I was the last one in the line which Bilbo did not like.

"Must you be so protective, Bilbo?" I asked quietly. We came to a halt and Thorin listened for any sounds.

"Yes Fawnabelle," he answered as we began to walk again. We climbed lots and lots of stairs. 

"How much more can there be to walk?" I thought. The staircases seemed to go on forever and I felt like I couldn't go any further. All of a sudden, I felt something about the air. It was fresh, sweet almost.

"This is the great chamber of Thror, my grandfather. It was a hall for feasting, gathering and council. Many memories I have take place here. Do not lose hope! The Front Gate is close," Thorin explained.

"Thank goodness" I sighed.


_______________________________________________________________
* "Reflection" lyrics are from Disney's Mulan *

I Encounter More Problems

Bilbo and I watched Thorin search frantically for the Arkenstone. But he soon came upon the armory and turned his attention to that. He called more dwarves after a while and soon everyone was in there.

"What could they be doing, I wonder?" Bilbo asked aloud. I shrugged and played with my fingers. He finally stood up and went to see what they were doing. I started to swing my legs.

"I'm so bored," I complained to myself, still swinging my legs. "If I was in two places, I wouldn't be bored." I stared at the ceiling and sighed. I started to think of what I could do to keep myself busy. I smirked at my idea.

"This is going to be so weird," I laughed. I thought harder and harder but nothing happened.

"Oh no. What did I do?! Where did I go?!" I thought. Then I heard a voice.

"Fawnabelle? Is that you?" I felt a hand help lift me up.

"Who's speaking?" I asked as I stood on my feet.

"It is I, Galadriel. Why are you here? I had received news from Gandalf that your situation was solved but you're here in Lothlorien. Why is that?" she asked with a calm monotone voice.

"Well... I got a little bored. I thought of myself sitting next to me but I suppose I should not have done that. I haven't really mastered my so-called 'powers' yet," I laughed nervously.

"I see. Well, I am glad you did not go anywhere dangerous. But would you mind explaining how you transfer your vision from one place to another?" she asked in that same voice.

"I don't really know how or exactly when I can expect it to happen. In the past, I have seen a bright light before my vision transfers. I tell whomever I am with at the moment that I'm transferring. Well, maybe I should try to go back in one place. I don't want to be a burden on you or Bilbo," I replied. I felt her smiling although I couldn't see it.

"You would not be a burden if you can not go back to one place. But good luck nonetheless, Fawnabelle," Galadriel said. I thought and thought as hard as I could but still nothing happened. 

"It didn't work. Maybe my mind needs a rest after thinking so much," I sighed. Galadriel didn't respond. 

"May I ask you something, your ladyship?" I asked.

"Of course," she answered.

"Do you think you could teach me that mind speaking trick now?" I asked with a laugh. She laughed too.

"Maybe a little later. For now, I must contact Gandalf. Maybe he can come and help you. Excuse me," she said. I thought of bowing and hoped I did.

"Fawnabelle? Are you alright?" Bilbo asked. I rubbed my eyes and nodded. 

"Bilbo? What are you wearing?" I asked, trying to swallow my laugh. He looked down at himself and smiled.

"Thorin gave me this coat of mithril. He said nothing could pierce it. Isn't that interesting?" he asked excitedly. I nodded happily and covered my eyes. I got dizzy all of a sudden. I knew I had seen that before but where?

We Explore Smaug's Lair

I stood and watched Bilbo's little light disappear. I walked down to the edge of the tunnel and gazed into Smaug's lair. The giant piles of assorted gold items weren't as impressive as I thought they would be. I thought of what I valued more than gold and missed the most back home. 

"I miss my books. And Bag End. Oh! Food. I miss food. I miss it so much. Hm, I've never felt this hungry for food before. Ha, when I get to eat good food again, I am going to lick my plate clean," I started to laugh. I decided to think of home more often and to get something to eat. I walked back to the dwarves and they gave me some cram. I examined it carefully. It looked like a biscuit and it smelled like... nothing.

"Thank you," I said as I walked away. I took a little bite. I looked back at my meal.

"It doesn't taste so bad. But that's probably because it doesn't taste like anything. Oh well. Food is food so I'm going to eat it. It's better than starving that's for sure," I said to myself. After I ate it, I was glad I had a home to go back to after this adventure. I sat down at the edge at the tunnel in silence. I was thinking about how much had happened to me during this adventure. Then I heard a voice. I listened carefully and stood up.

"Help!" a little voice squeaked. Was that Bilbo? Thoughts raced in and out of my head. I ran back to the dwarves and told them what I had heard. 

"Are you sure you aren't hearing things? You have been acting kind of strange recently," Thorin asked. I crossed my arms and took a torch away from Kili. I lit it with one that they had. Then they blocked my way back to the edge of the tunnel.

"I can't explain why this has been happening to me. And I am certainly not going to waste time trying to figure it out. If you aren't going to help Bilbo then excuse me," I replied. I pushed them out of the way and went down the tunnel. I could hear them lighting more torches and following me. I climbed over the mountains of gold as fast as I could. The dwarves were slowing down to look at the stuff but I pushed onward. I found Bilbo walking our way so I ran to meet him.

"I'm so glad you're alright, Bilbo. What happened?" I asked.

"Something fluttered in my face while I was walking. I think it was a bat. Anyway, I was surprised and a little scared which made me drop my torch. When I saw your lights, I started walking this way," he explained. Soon the dwarves came and Bilbo explained what happened. 

"I am glad you're alright. But is that all, Master Baggins? Nothing more?" Thorin asked.

"Um, yes that's it. But aren't you glad you came to know that I was fine?" Bilbo asked. 

"Yes, well, you still gave us quite a scare so I would appreciate it if you didn't do it again. Now that we're out here I think we should look around for armor and other things," Thorin decided. So we all began to 'marvel' at the wealth of The King Under the Mountain. Bilbo and I quickly got bored. So we sat down on a ledge of stone, watching the dwarves. I, personally, thought everything looked the same. It was all gold. Fili and Kili found some golden magical harps which were still in tune.

"Now that's interesting!" I thought. The rest of the dwarves started filling their pockets with jewels and gems. Whatever they couldn't fit, they put back with a sigh. I kind of felt bad. What if I didn't know I would get my books back? What if someone stole my bookshelf and I didn't know if I would be able to get it back? What if I had to fight something terrible for my bookshelf?

"That would be horrible. I'd be piling my favorite books and taking them with me. Those poor dwarves," I sighed. I sat down while the others kept looking through the hoards of treasure.

Everything Ends Better With A Warm Hug

"Are you all right, lassie?" someone asked. Wait, who's voice was that?

"Bofur? Wha-what happened?" I answered groggily.

"You just fell to the ground as soon as Bilbo called for a light," Kili interrupted, trying to help Oin and Gloin get a torch lit.

"I asked if you were alright and you mumbled something to yourself the first time. But now you're talking again. Thank goodness. Bilbo probably would have roasted our skins if something happened to you. Are you feeling alright?" Bofur asked. He put his hand to my forehead. I knew my forehead was warm. It had been hot ever since we closed the door.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you," I replied.

"Is anyone there?" I thought. No reply. I gasped and stood up. 

"I can't believe-" I started to yell until the dwarves shushed me. Bofur looked surprised that I had changed so quickly. One minute I was on the floor and the other I was jumping for joy. 

"Finally!" Kili exclaimed quietly. They had gotten a torch lit for Bilbo. Bilbo came and got his torch. He gave me a confused look.

"What happened?" he asked.

"It's nothing. I just-" I started to say. But Bofur interrupted me.

"She collapsed to the ground and she wasn't answering us. She kept mumbling to herself. But when you-" It was my turn to interrupt Bofur this time.

"I wouldn't say 'collapsed'," I emphasized. After a brief silence, Bofur kept talking.

"When you called 'light', she woke up. She was kind of groggy and asked what happened. We told her what we saw and asked if she was alright. She didn't explain fully but she was quiet for a little while. Then she jumped up for no reason and started to exclaim something. I was really surprised about the whole thing." Bilbo didn't say anything.

"Bilbo, I am fine now. I figured out my problem, if you follow me," I said, hinting at my problems with bi-locating. 

"Well, I'm glad you're alright and you solved your problem," he winked. I smiled; I was glad he knew I was okay.

"Now that I can light the way, can I convince anyone to come along with me?" he asked. No one answered.

"Can I go with you?" I asked. Bofur shook his head at Bilbo, indicating that it was a bad idea. Bilbo didn't respond right away.

"Maybe it's better that you stay here, Fawnabelle," he mumbled. He said it loud enough for me to hear and kept his eyes on the floor. I didn't understand. 

"Why can't I go? Just because Bofur suggested I shouldn't? But what did that matter? Bilbo knows I'm just fine so why does that change his decision? Besides, didn't he ask if anyone wanted to go with him?" I thought angrily. I looked down at the ground to try to conceal my sadness and anger. Bilbo saw that I was upset with his decision. So he gave his torch to one of the dwarves and stood in front of me.

"I'm taking a friend's suggestion, Fawnabelle. You must understand?" Bilbo asked nicely.

"But you know that I'm being honest about how I feel, Bilbo. So why can't you?" I asked sadly.

"It's different from my place. I have to show them that I trust their judgment. Don't you agree?" he asked. I sighed; he had a point.

"I suppose," I muttered.

"But I still don't understand why I shouldn't be able to go when you asked if any of them would go with you?" I complained, with frustrated tears ready to burst out. Bilbo hugged me, which was something he hadn't done in a long time. It felt so good to hug someone even if it was awkward that thirteen masculine dwarves were watching us.

"I know you would follow me anywhere, Fawn. I thank you for that. I wanted them to see that Smaug was gone but they are too afraid to trust me. So, if I trusted them, do you think they would trust me back?" he whispered.

"So you only did it to earn their trust?" I whispered back. He nodded.

"Then why couldn't you had explained that earlier, Bilbo? It would've saved a lot of time," I laughed as we pulled apart. He shrugged his shoulders. I never doubted Bilbo's decisions from that moment onward. He took his torch and went back to discover more of the mountain.

Complete Silence and Darkness

We waited in silence and darkness for a while. We feared what had become of Smaug and what would happen next. We hardly spoke or moved. We soon became desperate for air. So Bilbo decided to go back down the tunnel again.

"I think it would be best if you all went with me," Bilbo explained. Thorin agreed and we began to walk down the tunnel.

"Be as quiet as you can be! If he is down there, we do not want our presence to be known by the sound of our footsteps," Bilbo whispered. Although the dwarves tried, they could not get any quieter. Bilbo was scared that all of the dwarves' noise would deafen his chance of sneaking a look for Smaug. In the darkness, he slipped on his ring and became invisible. He kept walking with us but came upon the end of the tunnel so suddenly that he slipped down the stairs. I cringed; he probably landed on the floor on his face.

"Poor Bilbo," I thought.

"What happened to him?!" Gandalf exclaimed.

"I can't really tell. He's invisible," I thought.

"Oh, I see. I have an idea on how you can stay in one place!" he said while snapping his fingers. I laughed at his excitement. I hardly imagined Gandalf as being excited.

"That's great! What's your idea?" I asked.

"Try to think of yourself in one place," he answered. 

"What if it works but I can't tell you it worked or not?" I asked.

"Hmm... well, I suppose this is goodbye, just in case," Gandalf said. I became sad. What if it didn't work? What if I went to a different place that wasn't with Gandalf? What if I go somewhere awful?

"Fawnabelle? Is everything alright?" Gandalf asked after my moment of silence.

"Yes. I'm just worried it will work and I won't be with you anymore but I'll end up somewhere else. What should I do?" I asked desperately.

"Well, I suppose all we can do is hope. Try, Fawnabelle. Hopefully it will work. But, if not, you will go to the place you need to be the most," Gandalf replied.

"Thanks, Gandalf. I feel better," I sighed. I did feel better but that didn't stop me from worrying. I thought as hard as I could. I thought it was silly but it was worth a try. I saw myself in The Lonely Mountain. I thought I had done it but a bright light came and I remember crumbling down to the ground.

Many Explanations, Falling Rocks, and A Furious Dragon

"Gandalf?"

"Yes, Fawnabelle?"

"I think I'm transferring again," I said as a bright light appeared.

"Okay, I'll make sure you don't fall off a cliff or anything," he joked.

"Thank you," I laughed. I blinked and Bilbo was right in front of me. His arms were crossed.

"Now could you PLEASE explain to me why on this good earth you told me to do those things?!" he whispered as best he could. The dwarves were sleeping as always and he wanted them to stay that way for the time being.

"Right. Sorry Bilbo. I forgot," I said quietly, trying not to laugh. I was hoping he would forgive me, which I knew he would. He's the kindest hobbit I know. Well, he's the only hobbit I know ever since I befriended him. No one talked to me after that. But Bilbo was lots of good company and I knew I could trust him. He means so much to me.

"It's alright. But please don't do that again. You really worried me," Bilbo explained.

"Oh Bilbo, you're such a worrywart. There was absolutely no need to worry at all about me," I laughed as I put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He patted it and sat me down, ready for a story. I told him all about my dream with the Valar, Galadriel, the flashes, voices, and visions. He was rather excited and surprised after I finished. He asked me a lot of questions about what I could do so far and why I thought I could do them. Once I was done answering, he sat in silent reflection. He stared at the door.

"Would someone please close that?!" he asked nervously. Thorin stirred from his sleep and sat up with a yawn.

"What's going on, Bilbo? In your head, I mean. Why do you want the door closed?" I asked calmly. I had never seen him this troubled before. Usually I don't have to ask because I can tell what he's thinking about. It's a gift.

"I don't like it open. I have a bad feeling about leaving it open. Just close it please!" he begged. Thorin pushed the wedge that kept the door open. He pushed it closed but gasped at the blank wall. There was no keyhole to get back outside. We were locked inside the Mountain.

"It's better to be locked in here than be outside, in my opinion," Bilbo muttered. Little did he know, that he practically saved our lives. Thorin decided that we should go further down the tunnel. Just as we started to make our way down the tunnel when the mountain shook. The walls cracked and rocks started to fall from the ceiling. I, miraculously, didn't start panicking. Or screaming. Although I was doing both of those things on the inside. 

Smaug had flown out of the mountain and to our previous campsite. He smashed his tail against the wall where we had just moved from. His flames burnt the soft little patch of grass to nothing. We didn't know what would happen next but I wasn't curious. 

I could tell that Bilbo felt bad. He knew Smaug had done this. His conversation with Smaug had caused this. Bilbo was trying to conceal his feelings of guilt but I knew him better. He sat in a sad corner all alone. I knelt down in front of him and tried to make him feel better.

"Bilbo, it's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for what happened. I probably would have caused much more trouble," I admitted. He looked up at me.

"Do you really think so? I mean, you can talk to animals. Do you think if you tried to talk to Smaug he would understand?" he asked. A loud snore caused us to look away. I sighed.

"Probably not. I've never talked to a dragon before and I don't really want to try," I squeaked with fear. I couldn't imagine talking to a huge dragon like Bilbo did. Even if it was a good dragon. I shuddered; I never want to confront a dragon. He looked at the ground and continued his silence. I sat down next to him and enjoyed the silence.

"I wonder what he is doing right now," I thought.

"Who?" Gandalf asked. I laughed to myself. How could I forget? I still had another problem to deal with and it wasn't going to be easy to solve.

A Dream... Or A Reality?

That night, I fell asleep quickly. I found out that being in two places at once was very tiring. I had the most unusual dream.

At first, there was only light. Then three beings took the light and placed it in me. It felt like an out-of-body experience and like this had happened before. I could see who was there and where I was. I had never seen this place before nor the people standing above me. I felt a strong presence come from those three people. They had a glow around them. It turned out they were three women.

One was dressed in green. Another had golden hair. And the other was very cheerful and had the biggest smile on her face.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am Yavanna," said the first.

"And I am Vana," the second said.

"And I am Nessa!" the last exclaimed.

"Pleased to meet you all. Why am I here?" I asked.

"Because we brought you here. We have given you gifts," Yavanna explained.

"Gifts? When? Why?" I asked.

"You already have them!" Nessa laughed.

"Oh. I do?"

"Yes. Each of us gave you a gift when you were born," Vana said.

"Which gifts? What are they?" I asked again.

"I gave you the gift of speed and love of deer," Nessa said.

"And I gave you the gift of song and the love of plants," Yavanna said.

"And I gave you the gift of beauty and the love of birds," Vana said.

"You gave me all that?! I don't know what to say," I replied.

"We only ask to use your gifts for the good of Arda. You must help them, Fawnabelle," they said. They started to blur. And their voices became far away.

"There is another gift, Fawnabelle," they whispered. It echoed through the space.

"What gift? I can't hear you! Speak louder!" I yelled. There was a great gust of wind. It brought many whispers of evil. I heard slashes and screaming. Pain and fire took over the place. People were around me. They were saying things I couldn't understand. I woke up and sat upright.

"Foresight," I heard. It echoed through my head. I was confused. I tried to fall back asleep but I couldn't.

"So much for normal," I sighed. I laid down on my back and waited for morning to dawn.

When Will This Be Over?

I sat up and saw Bilbo sleeping. Everyone was inside of the Mountain and were taking a nap. I laid back down and sighed.

"When will this be over?" I complained aloud. But it was quiet enough that Bilbo and the dwarves didn't wake up. I waited for something to happen. Then I got an idea but I felt bad for Bilbo. But what if I needed this for some important occasion? So I took the advantage.

"What happened?" I groaned loudly. Bilbo quickly sat up and came to my side. The dwarves stayed sleeping.

"Are you okay?" he yawned. I wanted to have a little fun with him.

"Were you sleeping, Bilbo?!" I asked surprisingly.

"No! Of course not! I was just resting with... my eyes closed. Okay, you caught me! But are you okay?" Bilbo asked.

"Yes, I am. But I'm going to need your help," I explained.

"What is it?! Name it and I'll be happy to help," he offered.

"I need you to keep talking to me," I explained.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Keep talking to me no matter what! And make sure I'm answering you!" I said quickly. A ray of light appeared and was growing brighter.

"Okay, I will! But I don't understand! Why do you want me to do this?!" he asked faintly. I was already gone. But when I opened my eyes, everything looked different.

"What happened?" I thought.

"What do you mean? I haven't said anything yet!" I heard Bilbo say. I looked to my left and saw that I was back in Dol Guldur.

"How am I here? But I'm talking to Bilbo?" I thought.

"Fawnabelle, what are you talking about?! You haven't left the Lonely Mountain! What's wrong with you?" he asked.

"Gandalf! Where are you?" I said aloud.

"I'm right here, Fawnabelle," he said. I turned around and ran to hug him. He hugged me.

"Fawnabelle?! Can you hear me?" Bilbo said.

"Yes, I can hear you. Ask me questions constantly," I thought.

"Where is everyone else, Gandalf? Did they leave? What happened with those nine wraiths?" I asked. Meanwhile, I was answering Bilbo's questions in my head.

"Yes, the others left. They are all well. Wraiths? What are those? Oh! You mean those nine beings, don't you? Well, we fought them off. They're gone now. How are you feeling?" Gandalf asked.

"I'm talking to Bilbo right now. I figured out that if I think in my mind, I can talk to the person at the other destination. So when I went back to the Lonely Mountain I asked Bilbo to continuously ask me questions and when I think of the answers, he hears them. But it's a little difficult so that's why I have to speak and think slower than I usually would," I explained.

"Remarkable! I'm glad you're getting used to it. We'll figure this out together. I'm so relieved I won't have to wait to ask you questions until you come back," Gandalf sighed.

"Me too. It was frustrating me so much. I'm glad I found a way. I'll let you know when I'm beginning to transfer again. But I'm not sure if I can walk in both locations. Let me try," I explained.

"Bilbo? Can you help me up please?" I thought.

"Am I allowed to?" he asked.

"Yes," I laughed mentally. I thought of standing up.

"Tell me if I'm going to crash into a wall, okay?" I asked Bilbo.

"Okay," he agreed. I thought of walking to my left slowly.

"You're getting close to a wall," he said. I thought of turning around and stopped.

"Gandalf, can we walk around for a little bit? I want to see if I can multi-task," I asked.

"Of course," he agreed. We started walking to the exit of Dol Guldur.

"Can you assist me down the slope, Bilbo?" I thought.

"Um, sure," Bilbo said uncomfortably. He held his arm out and I thought of putting my arm through his. Bilbo adjusted it.

"I'm doing it!" I said and thought excitedly. Gandalf smiled at me and Bilbo didn't reply. It felt good to be partially normal again.

It's HIM

The light faded away. But I was still in Dol Guldur. We were all still there. Gandalf came to me.

"Did you see that?" I asked.

"Yes, we all did. But it wasn't the same ones you had," he answered. I heard a voice. It was mumbling something horrible. My ears started to burn. 

"Didn't I already go through this?" I thought. I covered my ears and groaned; the pain was more intense. I covered my ears with my hands. Suddenly, my hands felt pierced. I screamed in pain and closed my eyes. It was so real. It was ten times more painful than before. I looked up and saw something. It was floating!

"What is that?!" I asked in terror.

"It's him," Galadriel answered. He waved his hand and nine beings came out of nowhere. I pulled out an arrow and got ready to shoot. But Galadriel pushed my bow down gently.

"Only specific swords can pierce them. Try not to get killed, my dear hobbit. We're going to need you," she said calmly. I put my arrow back in my quiver and stepped back. I watched them fight the nine off when I realized something.

"The nine are... THE NINE! Nine men doomed to die! That's why ordinary arrows can't do anything. I understand now! But if they're the nine, that means they have... Morgul blades! Okay, I can't get myself stabbed or I'll end up like Frodo. I wish I could help them with something. I wish they had super powers!" I thought. I looked to them and kept wishing. I saw them glow! Really, I did! All five of them: Elrond, Galadriel, Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast!

"HOW DID I DO THAT?! WHAT KIND OF HERB DID GANDALF GIVE ME?" I thought. The Nine suddenly disappeared. Another light flashed and I was on my back on the floor.

I'm Caught with an Unusual Case

"What happened?"

"We don't know! She just fell to the ground."

"How did it happen?"

"We didn't get to figure it out! She collapsed before we could talk about it!"

"What's going on?" I asked. I looked around and saw Elrond, Galadriel, and Saruman with Gandalf and Radagast.

"Fawnabelle! Can you hear me? Are you alright?" Gandalf asked.

"Yes, I think so. Maybe a little dizzy but I think I'll be fine. Did you see that light?" I asked.

"No. What are you talking about? What did you see?" Galadriel asked.

"First, I saw a light and then all I saw was white. I saw five people fighting with nine ghost-like beings. The five were glowing and then I heard a voice. It was terrifying! My ears burned from the sound of it. I covered my ears to try to shield the voice but it felt like it pierced my hands and ears. But it all vanished! I was back in the tunnel where Bilbo was finishing his conversation with Smaug. We ran from the dragon's flames and stumbled outside. Then the light came back and I was surrounded in white. And here I am back in Dol Guldur," I explained. They looked at each other in curiosity and confusion.

"I got it! The herb you gave to her, Gandalf! Did it have side effects?" Elrond asked.

"Not that I know of; Radagast gave it to me," Gandalf said. They turned to Radagast.

"I had no clue it had any side effects! But how could she be here and at the Lonely Mountain?" Radagast asked.

"You don't think-" Elrond said.

"No! It's impossible! How can an herb have an effect like that? No. There must be a reasonable explanation for this," Saruman interrupted.

"That is reasonable and it is possible. It hasn't happened before but I'm sure she can manage. I know she can," Galadriel protested.

"I suppose," Saruman replied.

"If it can be granted then there must be an antidote," Elrond thought aloud.

"Yes, perhaps it can be altered," Radagast confirmed.

"What do I have? What did it do to me? What can I do that's unusual?" I asked.

"Being in two places at once," Gandalf said.

"That... is... AWESOME! But I can control it, right? It's getting a little painful," I explained.

"Yes of course! But we have to put our heads together and figure out how," Elrond said.

"Good. But how do I stay in one place right now?" I asked.

"Well, I suppose you'll have to stay with us for a while. Until we figure it out that is," Gandalf explained. A bright light came.

"Oh no! Not again!" I sighed. But it wasn't the light.