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.


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