Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Breaking Through the Shadows (#180)
Author: StridersGirl
Chapters: 21

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Archive: Tolkien
Category: Crossovers
Description: After a battle with Mr. Sinister, the X-Men's youngest member Shealyn, 11 is blasted into ME where she meets the 9. Can they help her overcome her dark and shadowed past?
Published: 12 Aug 2003
Updated: 19 Aug 2003
Warnings: mild violence
Type: Action/adventure
Characters: OC; Aragorn; Legolas; hobbits


Chapter 1 - Discovery on Weathertop

*** Hey everyone I don't usually stray from The Outsiders, but recently I have been readin' LOTR fan fiction. I know what you're thinkin' another girl in ME, but hopefully this will be a little different. Hope ya like it and oh yeah LOTR characters belong to Tolkien, any marvel characters mentioned also don't belong to me, while Shealyn belongs to me.



(~ ~ means thoughts, a whole row of ~ means P.OV. change, whole row of * means time passed) ***

~What the………~ I thought groggily waking from my unconscious state.



My mind wandered back into my memory trying to remember what exactly had happened. Lying quietly I allowed my senses to come back as I realized I was not alone.

"Strider the child is waking." I heard a voice say close by.

I opened my eyes slowly to adjust to the dim light provided by the stars above I felt a large piece of cloth underneath me as I wondered again what had happened. There was a slight movement to my right before a man’s face came into my vision. The man’s dark shaggy hair fell over his shoulders as he leaned forward to look at me. His gray-blue eyes searched my face as he silently helped me sit up.

"Where am I? And what in the……… are they?" I asked as my vision began to clear a little more.

"You are on Weathertop little one. And they are hobbits." The man answered. “What is your name?" He asked.

"Shealyn, my name is Shealyn." I whispered as I looked around myself.



I stiffened suddenly as my sensitive ears picked up a frightening sound in the distance. "I hear something close." I whispered looking up at the man beside me.

"Ringwraiths." Strider responded absently as he unwrapped four short swords. "These are for you." He replied handing the four hobbits the weapons. "Keep them close and stay here" He warned before disappearing into the night.



Lying back down I closed my eyes listening to the hobbits chatter of their home. I didn’t want to sleep but the constant throb in my forehead begged for sleep. “Sleep young one.” I heard a voice close to my ear. “We will protect you.” No longer able to stay awake I gave in allowing sleep to claim me.



************************************************************************



“Put it out you fools.” I heard one of the hobbits yelp causing me to rise to move towards the edge and listen to the ever closer screams of the ringwraiths.



The hobbits joined me at the edge of the stone watching frantically as five black beings swiftly approached the tower.



“Come on.” The dark curly haired hobbit cried grabbing his sword in one hand and grasping my hand in the other pulling me towards the stairs.



We arrived at the very top causing us to stop and cluster tightly together.



My keen eyes searched the darkness around us as I heard the clang of their armor as the five stepped down onto the stone floor before us. Three of the hobbits quickly surrounded the fourth and I quavering in fear.



“Back you devils.” The stout hobbit shouted raising his sword bravely to the enemy.



The five approached us in a fluid movement and effortlessly flung the stout rusty haired hobbit aside as if he were just a stuffed doll. The two remaining hobbits pressed their shoulders together fear clearly showing on their faces.



Once again the ringwraith threw the two away from the last but he had to come through me to get to him.



‘Don’t you dare?” I hissed my warning raising my hands palms facing out.



The wraith paused momentarily to ponder my action. As if shaking out of a reverie he stepped forward again. I felt the ever present power seep into my fingers as I let a few blue lightning bolts fly forth catching the black rider in it’s chest sending it back into the other four.



They quickly climbed to their feet and glided across the short distance that separated us. The dark haired hobbit grabbed the back of my uniform pulling me back away from them as he shuffled backwards.



Suddenly he fell to the ground bringing me down with him. The wraiths moved forward as we scrambled backwards until our backs rested firmly against the remaining wall. The last of my strength was leaving me as the lead wraith stepped forward raising his sword to strike the hobbit.



As the blade came down I lifted myself up and over the hobbit protecting him from the blade. Seconds later an immense pain filled my chest as the blade entered my body causing the wraith to scream with frustration.



I bit back a scream as the wraith pushed me aside and reached for the hobbit. Fear radiated of the small body beside me as the hobbit took out a shiny round object from his coat. He slipped it onto his finger and immediately disappeared from sight, but I could feel his presence beside me.



The wraith grew angry and frustrated plunging his sword in the space beside me. “No………” I screamed bringing my hand once more blasting him back away from us.



With a cry of pain the hobbit reappeared clenching his eyes shut.



“Mr. Frodo………” The stout hobbit cried out as he ran to him.



Out of the dark I heard an angry war cry as the man jumped out in front of us his sword catching on the wraith’s blade. In his other hand he held a flaming torch in which he swung around into the wraiths that drew close.



The other hobbits drew close surround Mr. Frodo as we watched the man fight. Pain radiated through my body and I had to bite my lip before I could scream. I watched in amazement as the man finished off the last one.



“Strider!” The stout hobbit cried out catching the man’s attention. “Help ‘im Strider.” He pleaded as Strider crouched beside the hobbit.



“He was stabbed by a Morgul blade.” Strider sighed picking up the sword that lay next to Frodo. “This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs Elvish medicine.” He said picking up the hobbit.



Turning to me Strider picked me up as well carrying me quickly down the stairs. At the foot of the tower stood a pack pony in which he laid me on tying me securely. “We must make haste to Rivendell.” Strider told the other hobbits.



“But we’re six days from Rivendell.” The stout hobbit admonished. “He’ll never make it.”



I heard Frodo cry out for someone and Strider telling him to hold on, but not much else. The next couple of hours I drifted in and out of fevered sleep until we came to a stop. Strider untied me carefully and placed me gently on the ground.



“Look Mr. Frodo! Mr. Bilbo’s trolls.” I vaguely heard someone say.



I felt a hand touch my face and a small hiss. “They’re growing cold.” Stout called out.



“Are they going to die?” Another hobbit asked sitting beside me.



“They’re passing into the shadow world……… soon they’ll become wraiths like them.” I heard Strider say.



An inhuman scream filled the air causing me to cry out. I was so scared.



“Sam.” Strider called. “Do you know the Athelas plant?” He asked.



“Athelas?” Sam asked in confusion.



“KingsFoil?” He answered.



“Aye that’s a weed.” Sam replied.



“It will help stop the poison from spreading.” He said as I heard them leave the area.



I was have problems breathing as I lay there concentrating on not falling asleep. Several minutes passed before a bright light came into the clearing and I could just make out a beautiful woman dismount a white horse.



She spoke in another language as she crouched by Frodo’s side along with Strider who applied something to the wound in his shoulder.



I was drifting away in the darkness when I felt my shirt being cut away and something pressed against my wound. I arched my back as pain filled me and the next sensation was being picked up. Strider placed me on the white horse behind Frodo speaking rapidly to the woman who mounted behind me.



“Arwen, ride hard. Don’t look back.” Strider told her.



Arwen coaxed the horse into a gallop and we rode away. Sleep overtook me and I knew no more.




*** Hey what do ya think? Please review to tell me how I'm doin' ***


Chapter 2 - Recovering in Rivendell

*** Ok new chapter. I'm a Legolas fan and Aragorn fan. No romance in my story. The fellowship will treat her like she was their little sister, but mainly those who are closer are: Aragorn, Legolas, Pippin, and Merry.

Ok Shealyn as I said is 11 yrs old and a mutant. At the time of the explosion Shealyn had been with the X-Men for a few short months. Like Logan she can't remember her past, but is haunted by nightmares. Her mutant abilities are: being able to create lightning with her hands, wolf-like hearing and eyesight, and sometimes able to see into the past.

Shealyn is 4'8 with shoulder blade length black hair and blue-gray eyes. ***

"Lord Elrond, the young one is waking." A melodic voice spoke.

Slowly I opened my eyes to find myself lying in a foreign bed and room. Two men no correction two elves stood at the foot of the bed looking at me. Frightened I scrambled into a sitting position and pressed my back against the wall.

"Do not be frightened little one for we mean you no harm." One spoke. "I am Lord Elrond and you milady are in Rivendell.

"How long have I slept?" I asked looking at them.

"Almost two weeks." Elrond replied sitting on the edge of the bed.

I lay there silently for a moment before it hit me. "The hobbit... is he..." I started to ask.

"No, the hobbit is well." Elrond interrupted. "He has been asking about you, but for now try and sleep child." He spoke softly as he rose to leave.



I watched the two elves leave the room closing the door behind them. Snuggling back down in the sheets I closed my eyes and tried to sleep



************************************************************************

Unable to sleep I carefully pulled myself out of bed and went to the balcony. The stars shone high above as I gazed at the city below me. Walking back into the room I dressed in my uniform and went to the door. Seeing that the coast was clear I wondered down the hall.

As I wandered I a came to a shadowy place that looked like a shrine of some sort. On the wall hung a painting of a man with a broken sword and a dark monster. Looking at it I shuddered at the thought of fighting it. Turning around I found a statue of a woman that held the broken pieces of the sword. As I approached I felt someone starring at me, but I brushed it off.

My chest began to throb as I pushed my long black hair out of my eyes. Swaying slightly I grabbed hold of the slab of rock that held the sword to steady myself and in an instant I was in a new place, or old one to be correct. Looking around me I realized that I was seeing the bearer of the sword slice the fingers of the dark monster off.

I shook my head to clear the vision. Leaning against the pillar closest to me I tried to calm my breathing.

"Shealyn are you alright?" A male voice asked.

Turning I looked at the man who approached me his gray-blue eyes were filled with concern.

"Yes, I am ok." I replied. "May I ask of your name?" I asked. "It is only fair since you know mine."

"My name is Aragorn son of Arathorn." He said as he knelt before me so that we were face to face.

"I.... I remember you." I said quietly. "You're Strider."

Aragorn nodded and stood. "You shouldn't be out of bed little one." He replied. "Come I will take you back to your chamber."

Aragorn led me back to my room. Pulling back the silky sheets he carefully helped me into bed.

"Aragorn?" I whispered already half asleep.

"Yes, Shealyn?" He asked coming back over to the bed.

He sat on the bed watching me carefully.

"What are the hobbit's names?" I asked sleepily.

"They are Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin." Aragorn replied with a smile.

"Oh." I yawned

"Sleep easily little one." He whispered as he exited the room closing the door behind him.

"Goodnight..." I whispered as I carefully rolled over and fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Elrond what is troubling you my old friend?" Gandalf asked as he entered the room.

Elrond turned and gave Gandalf a weary smile. "It is many things Mithrandir, but I am most concerned about the young girl that Arwen brought with the young hobbit."

"Aye, I have been thinking of her as well." Gandalf replied. "She seems quite powerful for a child that small." He remarked remembering the lightning that came from the girl's hands while she had been attacked in her nightmare

"Indeed." Came Elrond's reply.

"I sense that she is not of this world, but there seems to be a link between her and Middle Earth." Gandalf murmured as he sat across from Elrond.

Elrond nodded and looked up. "I sensed that as well Mithrandir, but I do not understand." He stated.

"We shall speak with her in the morning." Gandalf replied with finality in his voice. "For now we should all get some rest." He added as he stood to go.

"Goodnight Mithrandir. I will see you in the morning." Elrond stood as he answered.



“Goodnight mellon nin” Gandalf replied leaving the room shutting the door behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***Nightmare***

Everyone was scattered along the beach fighting off Sinister's goons. I whirled around hearing shouts for help. Jubilee had somehow become separated from the rest of us and now was surrounded by at least ten men. To my left I saw Wolverine fight his way to her side. Jubilee crumpled to the ground unmoving Glancing around I spotted a man aim his gun at Wolverine’s back. I tried to call out a warning to him, but he didn't hear me. Jumping over a lump on the ground I ran towards them, but not before Wolverine was shot in the back.

"No!" I screamed as I positioned myself over there bodies.

The ground shook and heat flared up. I was thrown several feet into the shrubbery. Pain raced through my limbs as I lay there listening to the battle taking place around me. My vision swam causing nausea to set in. I lay very still hoping it would help the nausea to stop. A few moments later I opened my eyes seeing tiny black dots swimming in front of my eyes right before I passed out



***End of nightmare***

"No!" I screamed as I sat upright in bed. Tears blurred my vision as I looked into the darkness of the room. "I failed them." I whispered.

Moments later the door opened and four small shapes entered the room. "Are you alright Shealyn?" A voice asked.

When I didn't answer they came forward and sat on the edge of the bed. Their candle cast eerie glow over them.

"Shealyn are you alright?" The dark curly head asked.

Shaking my head I brought my knees to my chest wincing when they bumped my wound. I looked at them with curiosity and wonder.

"Forgive us for our rudeness." One said. "We forgot to introduce ourselves. I am Meriadoc Brandybuck, but you may call me Merry. My friends are Peregrin Took; known as Pippin, Frodo Baggins, and Samwise Gamgee; known as Sam." Merry finished.

"You guys are lucky." I whispered.

"Why is that Shealyn?" Frodo asked bewildered.

"You know who you are..." I trailed off.

They fell silent then Pippin spoke up. "What were you dreaming that was so horrible?" He asked.

"Nothing for you to worry about." I replied sleepily. "Go on back to bed. I am sorry for waking you."

Before they could protest the door opened once again to reveal an elf standing in the doorway. "Yes, Lady Shealyn is right go back to bed." He replied.

"Goodnight then Shealyn." Merry said as he and his friends slid off the bed and left the room.

After they left the room the elf turned back to me and smiled. "I had heard your scream and came to check on you... my name is Legolas Greenleaf prince of Mirkwood.

"I'm alright Legolas. Go back to bed." I whispered.



Legolas entered the room and approached the bed. Gently he bent down and straightened the sheets around me before bidding me goodnight. I silently lay there watching the elf go as my eyes grew heavy. I was fast asleep in no time.

*** Hope you like the chapter. Review and tell me how I'm doin' ***


Chapter 3 - Council of Elrond

A/N: Here are some translations of Sindarin that will be found in the chapter.



Imlardris: Rivendell



Havo dad: means sit down



The warm sun woke me the next morning as it rose above the horizon. Warm breeze floated in through the window as I climbed out of bed and stretched carefully.



‘Knock, knock’

"Come in!" I called as I sat down on the bed.

"Good morning Shealyn did you sleep well?" The dark haired she-elf asked as she entered the room. “I don’t believe you’ll remember me, but I am Arwen Undomiel daughter of Lord Elrond.” She added.

"Mornin' Lady Arwen, yes, I slept well." I answered.

"I have come to help you get ready Shealyn. My father wishes for you to join him and his other guests for breakfast." Arwen said as she went through the closet.

A few moments later she pulled out a long silvery blue dress. She moved to the bed where she laid it down. “Come you must get ready.” Arwen said softly as she helped me into the dress and tied up the back.

"Arwen, why does your father wish to see me at breakfast?" I asked as she expertly braided my hair.

Arwen paused a moment before answering. "My father and Gandalf believe you hold great power and want you to attend an important council. I can not speak of it, but you will find out when you get there." She answered as she tied the end of the braid.

"Thank you Arwen." I replied as I followed her out the door.



Quietly I followed Arwen down the corridor looking at every detail hoping that I would not become lost in this massive place. Minutes passed before Arwen came to a stop in front of huge elaborately decorated doors. “Are you ready Shealyn?” She asked taking my hand she opened the door.

As we entered the hall several elves stood from their seats and bowed to us. Arwen smiled and led me to the head table where more stood to welcome us. Lord Elrond smiled as Arwen directed me to the seat next to her father. I took a seat between him and an old man with a long gray beard.

"Good morning Shealyn, I hope you slept well?" He asked.

"Yes Lord Elrond I slept well." I responded.

Lord Elrond nodded warmly and announced to the hall that breakfast was served. As the plate was set down in front of me I looked at the variety of foods causing me to wonder what they were.



“Shealyn………” The old man said catching my attention. “I am Gandalf the Grey and I have been told that you hold a very special ‘gift’.” He said.



“Yes sir I have the ‘gift’ of creating and manipulating lightning.” I whispered clasping my hands tightly in my lap.



“I would very much like to see this ‘gift’ sometime.” He commented before sitting up straight.



“Yes sir.” I answered looking down at my plate.



A few minutes later Lord Elrond stood. “Breakfast has finished and if you will follow me the council will begin shortly.” He announced as he turned and walked away.



Almost everyone in the dining hall stood and quietly followed the lord of Rivendell down a path to a patio with a semicircle of chairs facing a tall backed chair and two similar chairs on either side.



The members of the council took their seats and waited for it to begin. “Shealyn you may sit next to Aragorn.” Elrond directed me to the empty chair next to Aragorn.



I ignored the stares I received as I silently took my seat clasping my hands in my lap once more. After everyone was seated Elrond stood clearing his throat.



“Strangers from distant lands, friends of old you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor.” Elrond’s voice rose just enough to hear him as he glanced around. “Middle Earth stands on the brink of destruction. No one can escape it. You will unite or you will fall.”



I looked around at the men’s faces and saw apprehension except on the elves’ faces which were impassive.



“Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom.” Elrond looked to Frodo lifting his hand to the pedestal in the center. “Bring forth the ring, Frodo.” He said.



I watched the small hobbit stand and slowly make his way to the pedestal. He gently placed the golden band on it and stepped back until he sat once more in his seat. A great weight seemed to lift off the small shoulders as others whispered around him.



“So it’s true.” One man whispered couple seats right of Aragorn.



The man stood looking at the others present making sure he had the floor. “A dream.” He spoke bringing his hand to his temple. “I saw the eastern sky grow dark. The western sky there was lightning. Voices were crying. “The doom grows near. Isildur’s bane has been found.” He said reaching for the ring. “Isildur’s bane.”



“Boromir” Elrond cried jumping from his seat to stop the man.



Gandalf jumped up as well but he spoke in a language that could only be evil. The sky darkened as well as the old man’s voice as he stepped forward. I glanced around at the elves that seemed to be in pain hearing those words that were frightening. Behind me I heard the bushes shake and I knew someone was there.



Elrond had not sat down through the speech, but closed his eyes. After Gandalf was finished he spoke. “Never before have those words been uttered here in Imlardris.” Elrond scolded the old wizard.



“I don’t ask for your pardon Master Elrond.” Gandalf replied angrily. “The speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west.” He said looking at everyone pointedly as Elrond took his seat rubbing his chin wearily. “The ring is all together evil.” He finished and beginning to sit down next to Frodo.



From his seat Boromir shook his head. “It is a gift.” He said while standing. “A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him.” He proclaimed to the council as he glanced around at everyone.



I looked on in wonderment as the man spoke his feelings, but somewhere deep down I knew that it wasn’t such a great idea. Beside me Aragorn closed his eyes in annoyance and shook his head slightly.



“You can not wield it nobody can.” He told Boromir. “The One Ring will only answer to Sauron. It has no other master.” He added.



Boromir turned around and looked down upon Aragorn. “And what would a ranger know of this?” He asked haughtily.



Aragorn sat back a little and glared at Boromir but before he could answer a blonde elf sitting in the middle of the semicircle leaped to his feet. “This is no mere ranger.” He informed the arrogant man. “He is Aragorn son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.” He added with pride and respect in his voice.



At this Boromir turned from the elf and stared at a very uncomfortable Aragorn in astonishment. “Aragorn?” He questioned. “This is Isildur’s heir?”



“And the heir to the throne of Gondor.” Legolas put in.



Aragorn sat up a little and waved his hand. “Havo dad, Legolas.” He quietly ordered.



“Gondor has no king.” Boromir announced coolly. “Gondor needs no king.”



I watched the exchanged in stunned silence. I never thought I would be sitting next to a future king. Legolas sat down silently as Boromir scowled at both before taking his seat as well.



“Aragorn is right.” Gandalf spoke up. “We can not use it.”



Elrond stood from his seat and looked at every member before speaking. “You have but one choice. The ring must be destroyed.”



A man with long rusty colored hair and beard that looked about eight inches shorter then me stood up grabbing his axe. “Then what are we waiting for?” He asked.



I stood up wincing at the pain in my chest. There was something about the ring that I felt or knew couldn’t be destroyed that way. “No!” I cried bringing my right hand up palm out.



Only using a few small sparks I blasted the axe out of the dwarf’s hands before he could strike the ring.



There was silence on the patio. All eyes were on me watching my every move. “I couldn’t let you do that master dwarf.” I whispered. “I don’t know why but I had a feeling this ring could not be destroyed like that.”



“The child is right.” Elrond announced turning to the grumbling dwarf. “The ring can not be destroyed Gimli son of Gloin by any craft we here posses.” He glanced at me and smiled. “The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom only can it be destroyed.” He paused to look at the ring. “It must be tossed into the fiery chasm whence it came.” He paused once more to look at those gathered. “One of you must do this.” He added gravely.



Silence filled the air as I glanced around. “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” Boromir pointed out raising his head from his hand. “The black gates are guarded by more then just orcs. There is evil there does not sleep.” He continued. “The great eye is ever watchful. The land is barren riddled by fire, ash, and dust.” Boromir looked up and around meeting everyone’s eyes. “The very air you breathe is poisonous fumes. Not with ten thousand men could you do this.” He said shaking his head. “It is folly.”



Legolas jumped to his feet once more. “Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?” He questioned in annoyance with the man. “The ring must be destroyed.”



“And I suppose you are the one to do it?” Gimli retorted.



“And if we fail what then?” Boromir asked rising to his feet. What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?” Anger flared in his eyes.



“I’ll be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf.” Gimli roared leaping to his feet in retaliation.



That did it. Legolas’ followers jumped to their feet prepared to attack the dwarf but Legolas held out his arms stopping them. The others at the council except for Frodo, Aragorn, Elrond his twin sons and I stood up and joined the argument.



“Oh good lord.” I muttered drawing my knees to my chest burying my head between them.



“Never trust an elf.” I heard Gimli admonish.



As I sat there a strange voice kept whispering my name as if beckoning for me to come to it. I held fast it had to be a trick. ~Make it stop~ I screamed in my mind.



Then above the shouts I heard Frodo speak. “I will take it.” He called jumping to his feet, but was not heard by anyone except me. “I WILL TAKE IT.” He called louder and the noise began to drop. “I WILL TAKE THE RING TO MORDOR.” Finally he was heard and everyone turned to look at him.



Frodo looked around at us before adding quietly. “Though I do not know the way.”



Gandalf responded first approaching the hobbit. “I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins as long as it is yours to bear.” He said placing his hand on the hobbits shoulder and standing behind him.



Aragorn stood up and approached the hobbit as well. “By my life or death I can protect you, I will.” He said before taking a knee resting his hands on the small shoulders. “You have my sword.”



I didn’t miss the look that Gandalf gave Elrond as Aragorn stood behind Frodo. Legolas then came forward clutching his bow. “And you have my bow.” He pledged taking his place beside Gandalf.



“And my axe.” Gimli growled looking up at Legolas who sighed in defeat.



The crowd parted and Boromir came to stand in front of Frodo. “You carry the fate of us all little one.” He paused looking around. “If it is the will of the council, Gondor will see it done.” He added joining the group.



“Here………” A voice called from behind the assembled group. “Mr. Frodo isn’t goin’ anywhere without me.” Sam replied stubbornly crossing his arms as he stood beside Frodo.



“Indeed.” Elrond said with an amused look on his face. “Hardly is it ever to separate you two even when he was summoned to a secret council and you were not.”



“Oi! We’re coming to.” A voice announced behind us.



I saw Elrond’s eyebrow rise up on his forehead as we watched the two younger hobbits race up the stairs and join the group.



“You would have to tie us up in a sack to keep us.” Merry said standing next to Frodo.



“Besides.” Pippin announced you need people with intelligence on this mission……… quest......... thing.” He finished.



“Well that leaves you out Pip.” Merry retorted.



Pippin looked at his cousin in bewilderment, but stayed silent.



Elrond looked over the group nodding in approval but turned to me. I had, had a feeling that he would want me to go so I stood. “Frodo I will protect you with my life.” I pledged.



“She can not possibly go.” Boromir cried. “She is but a mere child.”



Lightning flashed through my eyes as I stood in front of the group. My anger rose to a dangerous level but I kept it in check. “I would not judge me without knowing me my lord.” I replied coldly. “I may be a mere child, an infant in the eyes of an elf even, but I have dealt with the evils of my world numerous times in my short life. I was blessed and cursed with a ‘gift’ that you saw earlier and I have saved many from evil.” I paused to glare at everyone. “I will not be rejected due to the fact that I am a child, a female child at that.”



“Shealyn you have my approval of joining these nine men.” He said also glaring at the Gondorian man.



I took my place next to Aragorn behind Frodo standing straight erasing all emotion from my face.



“Ten companions.” Elrond murmured as he glanced at us. “You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.” He said with a smile.



“Right where are we going?” Pippin asked licking his lips.



“You’ve got to be kiddin’.” I said in exasperation.



Several men sighed rolling their eyes.



“May I be excused Lord Elrond?” I asked pleadingly.



“Yes child you are excused.” He responded with a nod of his head.



I quickly turned on my heels and ran down the path. ~This is not my evil~ I thought. ~Why did I volunteer~



My legs felt weak and my chest ached horribly as I slowed to a trot. ~I’m scared~ I cried in my mind as I sat on a stone bench in one of the gardens. I glanced around at the beautiful flowers but not really seeing them as my thoughts wandered.



~Why did I volunteer~ I thought again as I sat there. ~How can I do this when I failed the X-Men two weeks ago~ at the thought my eyes misted up causing me to rub at my eyes.



“Shealyn are you alright?” Someone asked behind me.



I turned to find Aragorn standing there with a worried expression on his face. He sat down on the bench beside me.



“I’m alright Aragorn.” I whispered looking down at my feet.



“You are not alright Shealyn something troubles you. I can see it in your eyes.” He replied.



Sighing I looked up at the sky. “I’m afraid that by my volunteering to be part of the Fellowship I will fail you all.” I whispered looking back down at my feet.



“You will not fail us Shealyn.” Aragorn replied softly resting his hands on my shoulders.



“Before……… before you found me at Weathertop I was fighting evil in my world. I failed to protect my team. Before I was knocked out two of my team members were seriously wounded. I was unable to reach them in time.” I whispered.



“I was not there at your battle but I believe you did everything in your power to help them.” Aragorn responded. “Do not believe that you failed Shealyn. Lord Elrond and Gandalf believe you are quite special.” He said. “I also believe you are special. It was very brave of you to stand up to yourself.” He added.



“You do?” I asked him hopefully.



“Yes, now will you come back with me to the house?” He asked standing up and offering his hand.



Smiling I took his offered hand and allowed him to lead me toward the direction of the House of Elrond.



A/N:



I hope you liked!


Chapter 4 - Departure from Rivendell

December 24, 3018 of the Third Age



Today was our last in Rivendell. Lord Elrond has informed us that we leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow and I can only hope that things will go well. Arwen and Aragorn have been really nice to me over the last weeks since I woke in Rivendell. Both Boromir and Aragorn have been training with me everyday so that I can defend myself better.



I will be sad when we leave tomorrow but I must tell myself that it is for the best. It is late and I should get some sleep.



Shealyn



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A soft knock woke me the next morning just before sunrise. "Come in." I called sleepily.

The door opened and Arwen came in with a sad smile on her face. "Good morning Shealyn I hope you slept well?" She asked as she handed me traveling clothing. "I had these made for you so that you would not have to travel in a dress."

"Thank you Arwen." I replied sadly as I went to the bathroom to change.

When I reappeared in the room Arwen looked up and smiled. "I know this might sound foolish..." She trailed off a moment.

"It's not foolish Arwen... I will watch Aragorn's back I will keep him safe." I replied knowing what she was going to say.

"Thank you." She whispered as I pulled her into a hug. "Remember this Arwen... though you will not be together your love is strong and he will always be with you here..." I placed my hand over her heart.

"For someone so young you speak true words of wisdom." She replied. "Come it is time to go." She added sadly.

We quickly ran down the stairs where part of the Fellowship was already waiting. Aragorn smiled and took Arwen aside to say goodbye.

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"I will miss you my love." Arwen whispered as Aragorn pulled her into a hug.

"As will I." He responded pulling away briefly to look in her eyes. "What is it my love?" He asked.

"Watch over Shealyn, Estel. Though she is brave she is but a child." Arwen replied glancing over at the girl who was sadly watching the farewells.

"I will watch over Shealyn, do not worry." He replied kissing her softly on the lips.



The two pulled away and Aragorn wiped the tear that fell from Arwen’s eye with his thumb with a sad smile. Arwen smiled sadly as he backed away to join the others at the gates.
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Lord Elrond approached us and smiled sadly. "Goodbye Lord Elrond I will miss you." I whispered as I came to him.

"Our hope will be with you and the Fellowship child." He replied hugging me gently.



“The ring bearer is setting out on a quest to Mount Doom, and you who follow him have no oath or bond laid upon you to go further then you will.” Lord Elrond told the entire Fellowship.



I stood silently watching Aragorn and Arwen looking at each other sadly. “You will see her again.” I whispered taking hold of his hand. Startled Aragorn tore his eyes from Arwen to look down at me with a small smile.

"The Fellowship awaits the ring bearer." Gandalf said taking up his staff.



As I followed behind I heard Frodo whisper. “Mordor, Gandalf left or right?”



“Left.” Gandalf answered.

We left Rivendell far behind us and traveled on into the day. Gandalf was in the lead followed by Legolas, Gimli, the hobbits, Boromir, me, and Aragorn. For the most part I kept up with everyone easily.



“When do we stop?” Pippin asked an hour into our trek.



“Not now Peregrin.” Gandalf responded sounding somewhat annoyed.



Pippin sank back suddenly afraid of the grouchy wizard that led us. I snickered at the hobbit who spun around to glare at me.



I only shrugged turning once more to follow the others.



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"We will rest here." Gandalf stated sitting down on a log an hour before dusk.

Merry and Pippin set their packs down immediately to begin supper. Sam and Frodo joined their friends in preparation as I looked around the small camp.



“I’ll be right back.” I whispered absently as I walked away from the group into the forest.



My eyes and ears opened and alert I scanned the area stopping every once in awhile to listen for danger. In one such stop I heard someone approaching me quietly. I pulled my sword from the sheath and waited.

"You should not wander away from camp." A voice said from behind.

Turning I found Aragorn come to me. "I'm sorry Aragorn. Logan taught me to make sure the campsite was secure." I responded sheathing my sword.

He nodded and beckoned me to come. Smiling I walked back to the campsite and sat down between Merry and Pippin.

"Are you hungry Shealyn?" Pippin asked offering his plate to me.

"Yes, thank you Pip." I replied taking the plate from his outstretched hand.

"Get some rest." Aragorn called to our little group. "We have a long day ahead of us and you will need your strength." He added.

"Goodnight guys." I said sleepily as I lay down.

"Sleep well Shealyn." Pippin said squeezing my shoulder.

Lying there I looked up at the stars and smiled. "I never really got to see the stars this bright... only when I went camping with Logan." I whispered closing my eyes I fell asleep not feeling the cloak being placed over me.

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Sitting back down next to the fire Aragorn looked back over at the girl's sleeping form. Arwen was right Shealyn had seen many things in her young life, but she was still just a child.

"Shealyn is a brave girl. She will make it." Legolas replied looking at his friend's worried glance.

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*Nightmare*

Wind and rain swept around the X-men as we faced our enemy. Naturally I was standing between Wolverine and Jubilee.

"Stay close half-pint." Wolverine growled as he got into fighting position. With a slicing sound his claws came out as the enemy drew near.

Even though I promised to stay close we were separated and I found myself surrounded by at least seven robots. They were called Sentinels, the largest robots I had ever seen. Each was equipped with enough fire power to destroy a small town. One was reaching towards me ready to squeeze the life out of me but I brought my hands up and fired.

"Wolverine help!" I screamed as I backed up into one of them.

I saw Wolverine look in my direction, horror was written all over his face. Suddenly I was lifted into the air by a metal chord and gasped as it grew tighter around me.

"Wolvie." I gasped as little dots appeared in my vision.

"Lightning hold on!" He yelled trying to get to me.

He attacked the Sentinels full force causing the huge robots to turn their attention on him. One of the Sentinels bent down aiming its chords toward Wolverine. As it wrapped aroud his body energy ripped through to the end of it. Wolverine's body jerked as the volts raced through his body.

"Wolvie no!" I screamed.

"Let her go." Cyclops yelled blasting the chord that wrapped around me.

Screaming I fell the thirty feet to the ground...

*End of Nightmare*

Pippin woke late in the night to soft whimpers nearby. Slowly sitting up he looked around to find that they were coming from Shealyn who was tossing and turning in her bed roll. Crawling over to her Pippin attempted to wake her, but to no avail. Several minutes passed and the young hobbit was becoming increasingly worried for his young friend. Quickly Pippin got up to find Aragorn for help.

"Aragorn." He said quietly shaking the ranger's shoulder.

The ranger slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Pippin who stood above him. "What is it Pippin?" He asked in annoyance.

"I am sorry to wake you, but I did not know what to do..."

"Pippin what is wrong?" Aragorn sat up completely awake.

"It is Shealyn she is having a nightmare. I can not wake her." Pippin whispered.

Aragorn quickly rose from his bedroll and went to the whimpering girl's side. He tried to wake her as Pippin had tried, but he got the same results.

"WOLVIE!" Shealyn screamed sitting upright startling the man and hobbit and waking the others.

Legolas sprinted into the camp bow ready. "What has happened?" He asked realizing there was no danger.

"Shealyn was having a nightmare." Pippin replied quietly looking at the shivering girl before them.

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"WOLVIE!" I screamed sitting up.

As my vision cleared I noticed Aragorn and Pippin crouching beside me. Frightened due to the images that I saw in the nightmare I began to shiver remembering that mission that almost took my life and several others as well. Without being asked Aragorn wrapped me in his cloak and proceeded to pull me into his lap.

"Shh little one it is alright. 'Tis only a dream." He whispered softly

Tears streamed down my face as Aragorn held me singing a soft Elven lullaby in my ear. The soft melodic Elvish words flowed around me causing my eyelids to droop and finally my eyes closed. After a moment he lay me back down on my bedroll.

"Don't leave me." I pleaded berating myself for sounding like a small child.

Without a word Aragorn pulled his bedroll beside me. He proceeded to pull me close and I smiled remembering that Wolvie would do the same thing whenever I had a nightmare at home.

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Aragorn knew that Shealyn was berating herself for sounding so weak, but he knew that all she wanted right now was someone to hold her.

"Sleep well little one. Do not worry I will chase your nightmares away." He whispered softly pulling the cloak over her small shoulders.

He was amazed by her strength and courage she had shown over the few weeks that they had known her. As Arwen had said Shealyn was strong, but she was but a child. Aragorn thought over the few weeks remembering in the time that he had known Shealyn, Aragorn had seen the pain in her eyes, but it would only be for a moment or two before it would disappear.

"If by my life or death I can protect you I will." He whispered smiling as he remembered the first time he had said that to Frodo at the Council.

Shealyn shifted in her sleep, but did not wake causing Aragorn to smile as he lay his head down and falling asleep.

*** Hey I hoped ya liked the chapter R&R! ***


Chapter 5 - Attack

*** Chapter 5. Sorry about the lack of action. There will be some shortly hopefully in this chapter. Thank to those who reviewed so far. If you find something that isn't right such as a name of a place please tell me. Enjoy! ***

The next morning I woke early. Sitting up I quickly surveyed my surroundings. Careful not to wake Aragorn I got up and stretched. Walking around the sleeping forms of my companions I found Legolas standing guard at the edge of the campsite.

"Mornin' Legolas did you rest well?" I asked coming up beside him.

"Good morning Shealyn are you alright now?" He asked softly referring to my nightmare I had last night.

"Yes Legolas I'm alright. It was one of those dreams where I was fallin'." I told him.

I could tell Legolas knew that I was not telling him the whole thing, but he didn't push me to tell him. "Get some breakfast Shealyn we will be leaving soon." He replied softly.

Nodding I went to prepare breakfast for the others. Stirring the pot of porridge everyone began to stir from their sleep. Soon their noses led them to the campfire with bowls in hand.

"You made breakfast for us lass?" Gimli asked looking at me.

"Yes master dwarf I did indeed make breakfast." I paused a moment as I spooned some into his bowl. "But don't expect me to serve you every mornin'." I replied a grin spread across my face.

We ate in silence with only small talk between Aragorn and Gandalf who were discussing the plan for the day. As we packed up I glanced around finding something wrong. Merry and Pippin were nowhere in sight. The others hadn't noticed that they were gone yet. Straightening up I focused on listening for them.

"Help!"

"Help!"

My head shot up as my sensitive ears picked up the far away sound. Running towards the woods I pulled the elfish sword from its sheath.

"Shealyn where are you going? Come back." I heard Aragon called after me.

Ignoring him I sprinted in and out of the trees heading in the direction where the cries for help came from.

"Merry! Pippin!" I cried as I came into a clearing.

There in the middle of a group of about twenty orcs were the two missing hobbits. "Leave them alone." I cried swinging my sword.

Dodging a wild swing of a sword I lashed out beheading the closest orc. Another swung at me, but I blocked the sword with my own. I stabbed at least six more before I was knocked to the ground. My sword went flying out of my hand. Scrambling to my feet I put myself in front of the two hobbits. The remaining orcs approached us angered that they were being outmatched by a child.

"You will not harm them." I hissed as I pulled my daggers from my belt.

Once again I engaged myself in battle with the orcs. Rolling under one I stabbed him in the back as I whirled around and threw one of the daggers which embedded itself in one's head. Keeping myself positioned in front of Merry and Pippin I fought the creatures. Finding that the daggers were not helping I sheathed them bringing my hands out in front of me I began to concentrate. Confused by my action the orcs paused a moment before laughing.

"I wouldn't laugh." I said quietly as I released the lightning from my hands.

Crying out in surprise the orcs found themselves flying through the air. Panting from exertion I picked up the sound of the fellowship running through the forest as fast as they could.

"Shealyn..." Pippin started as he and Merry came up beside me.

I glanced at them as I felt my strength leave me. My legs buckled beneath me and I started to fall. Merry and Pippin caught me before I touched the ground. The fellowship appeared then looking all around for danger.

"Shealyn are you alright?" Pippin asked kneeling in front of me concern in his voice.

"What happened here?" Gandalf questioned as Pippin helped me to my feet.

"We... we wandered off." Merry answered guilt in his voice. "We were attacked by a band of orcs, but Shealyn saved us... she fought with her sword and daggers, but when they were of no use she... she blasted them with lightning that came from her hands." He added excitedly.

"Are you unharmed Shealyn?" Legolas asked lowering his bow.

"Yes Legolas I'm unharmed although that took a lot of energy." I replied standing a little wobbly.

"Here I will help you." Boromir stated as he slipped and arm around me for support.

"Thanks." I said looking up at him.

"Never in my life have I seen someone so young fight so bravely." He said starting a conversation. "Why did you fight the way you did?"

Sighing I looked up at him. "Boromir there is something you should understand about me. All I know of my life is when the X-Men rescued me from a... uh dungeon a year ago. They took me in and trained me to fight and control my 'gift'. Though I am young my leader believed that I could hold my own in battle. In those months I went with them on missions to protect the innocent from evil..."

"And you are not innocent?" He questioned.

"In ways I guess." I answered

"We are moving on." Aragorn said. "Gather your things." He added.

"Let me help you please?" Pippin said as I leaned against a rock to regain my strength.

I smiled and nodded as he excitedly took my arm steadying as I wobbled. "That must have taken a lot out of you Shealyn." He stated as we walked behind Frodo and Sam.

"Pip did I ever tell you that I am a mutant?" I asked.

Pippin slowly shook his head and looked back at me. "No I do not believe you did." He replied after a moment. "What is a mutant?" He asked.

"Yes tell us what a mutant is." Merry said as he Frodo and Sam came closer to hear.

"Well let’s see a mutant is a human with 'gifts' if you will." I looked to see if they followed what I said. "When I was born I was not a mutant, but it was in my blood.... my destiny to become a mutant one day. I don't remember much except the visions and dreams. I was locked away in a dungeon for some time when a mutant and his followers called the X-Men rescued me, but I'm getting' away with myself. A mutant receives his or her 'gifts' either when they experience a stressful time in their life or when they reach their teen years usually at the age of fourteen. Each mutant is different no one has the exact same 'gift' as another does." I answered.

The hobbits looked at me with awe. "But with all 'gifts' there is a price. If the mutant's 'gift' is linked with energy or power it will weaken them..."

"Like what happened to you?" Pippin asked.

"Yes Pip I am not goin' to try that again for a long time." I replied.

When we stopped to eat I leaned against a tree my back facing the fellowship. Though I was there in the clearing my mind was far off. A single tear escaped my eye as I remembered that last mission.

*** Flashback ***

"Shealyn why can't you ever do what you are told to do?" Scott bellowed his face turning an interesting color of red.

I stood silently in front of our fuming fearless leader while he ranted on and on. He hates me I thought as I tried to see his eyes through the ruby quartz shades.

"You are getting as bad as Logan." He yelled. "If you can't follow orders then you will not be allowed to come..."

"You know what Cyc?" I interrupted. "I could care less what you did with me because apparently you wish I never existed." I yelled back at him.

Scott stood silently a moment. "Get to your room Shealyn." He said through clenched teeth.

"I hate you Scott Summers with all my heart." I screamed as I stormed up the stairs.

"You'll regret that." My sensitive ears picked up his whisper.

I could have cared less. An hour later Jubilee came bounding into the room her skin flushed from running.

"Get your things ready we're needed on a mission." She stated as she rummaged through her closet.

"What's goin' on?" I asked pulling my suit on in a matter of seconds.

She looked up and shrugged. "Something about Sinister and an uprising..." She paused at the door. "Come on they're probably already on the jet." She said grabbing my wrist.

As we boarded I avoided Scott as much as possible. The trip was silent, but hell broke loose as soon as we landed. We split up and began to fight whatever came at us. I ducked, dodged, weaved, kicked, and punched.

"Scott, no!" I heard Jean cry out.

Glancing to my right I saw Scott slump to the ground.

*** End ***

I closed my eyes as a few more tears fell. I feared that Scott was dead and the fact that we were not on good terms didn't help my conscience much. "I'm sorry Scott... I'm so sorry." I whispered.

"Shealyn are you well?" Legolas asked placing a hand on my shoulder.

Wiping away the tears I looked up at him and smiled. "Yup I'm alright." I responded.

"Clearly you are not alright." He said. "Tell me what troubles you?" He questioned.

"I said horrible things to someone back home." I stated. "I fear he is dead and I can't think of anything, but the fact that I didn't make amends with him." I looked up into his blue eyes which were filled with sympathy.

"I would think Shealyn that this man knows that you are sorry. He has probably forgiven you in his heart." Legolas spoke at last. "Come we are moving on." He added.



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Late in the day Gandalf stopped in a small clearing. "We will camp here tonight." He stated.

Silently I moved away from the others and headed into the surrounding forest. My eyes darted everywhere while I listened for danger. The forest was as it should be. Tentatively I placed my feet among the decaying leaves so as not to make a sound while I made my way back to camp.



As I entered the camp the nine looked up and Aragorn approached me placing his hands on my shoulders.

"I thought I told you not to wonder off Shealyn." Aragorn said in annoyance though concern was clearly evident in his voice.

"Sorry I'll try to work on it." I promised sitting down by the fire.

"Here you go Miss Shealyn." Sam said handing me a plate of food.

"Thank you Sam." I replied taking the plate.

Sitting there quietly I glanced around at my companions. The hobbits were laughing and joking about home it seemed. Gimli was thoroughly boring Legolas with stories over in the corner of the camp. Gandalf sat off to the side puffing on his pipe thoughtfully smiling every once in awhile at the hobbits' jokes. Boromir and Aragorn were discussing if I had to guess about Gondor.

"Shealyn come join us." Pippin laughed bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Oh alright." I muttered.

The rest of the night was like that until Gandalf and Aragorn agreed it was time to hit the sack.

"Good night guys." I whispered lying down on my bedroll.

"Good night little on..." Pippin said drifting off to sleep.

I smiled and went to sleep hopefully not to wake from a nightmare.

*** Hey sorry it took so long very busy. As you probably noticed I'm not that great with detail and I seem to rush through events. Hang with me I'm tryin'. I thought to add the orc attack because I can't believe they didn't come up against anything between Rivendell and the mountain. Hoped ya liked it. R&R! ***


Chapter 6 - Defeat on Caradhras

"We will stop here a moment and rest." Gandalf said taking a seat on a large boulder.

"Come halflings let us practice your swordsmanship." Boromir stated setting his pack on the ground.

"How are you faring Shealyn?" Aragorn asked as I sat down beside him.

I looked at him and smiled. "Never better Aragorn, never better." I replied.

Aragorn nodded and took out his pipe he began to smoke it. "Move your feet." He called to the hobbits.

I laughed when Boromir accidentally nicked one of the hobbits causing them to attack the man bringing him to his knees. Aragorn joined my laughter as we watched the hobbits and man wrestle.

"For the Shire!" The two cried out in triumph.

"What's that?" Sam asked.

"Nothing, but a wisp of a cloud." Gimli said blowing it off.

"It's moving too fast, and against the wind." Boromir stated.

Standing up on a boulder I watched the 'cloud' come closer. "It is a flock of birds." I observed.

"Crebain from Dunland." Legolas shouted.

"Hide!" Aragorn yelled as he grabbed his pack.

Aragorn picked me up about the waist and ducked us under a large boulder. The danger passed we climbed from our hiding spots.

"Spies of Saruman." Gandalf stated. "The South passage is being watched... we must take the pass of Caradhras." He said turning toward the mountain.

"Great." I muttered shouldering my pack and following my companions to the mountain.

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A cold wet ball of snow smashed against my neck as we climbed through the snow. "Alright who did that?" I cried out turning to face the hobbits.

Laughing Merry, Frodo, and Sam backed away from Pippin. "He did it." They replied in unison pointing at him.

"Pippin..." I paused glaring at the older boy. "I'd run if I were you." I lunged at him, but he dodged and ran for it.

"Get back here you scoundrel." I ran after him all the while the others laughed at our antics.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Frodo stumble and fall rolling down the hill towards Aragorn. Not watching where I was going I stumbled as well. Rolling down the hill I rammed right into Boromir's leg causing him to fall as well.

"Ow..." I cried, but paused when I saw the One Ring lying in the snow by my arm.

Slowly standing up I bent and picked up the chain the ring hung on. Turning I helped Boromir to his feet and then slowly made my way to Aragorn and Frodo. "Dropped this Frodo." I smiled handing him the ring.

"Are you alright Shealyn?" Aragorn asked as we continued up the mountain.

"Yes I'm alright. Quit worrying about me you're startin' to remind me of Logan." I said shivering from the cold.

Aragorn pulled me close wrapping his cloak around the both of us. "Who is this Logan you spoke of? You have mentioned him often." He spoke.

"Logan is one of th... the senior members of the X-Man. When I was rescued from the 'dungeon' (A/N: in actuality dungeon means lab, but Shealyn is using the closest word to dungeon so that they will understand.) Logan took a liking to me because I had same background like him. He became my father figure. Every battle that we went into he would protect me no matter how skilled I was. I hated it at first, but I came to realize he was just looking out for me." I smiled as I pictured Logan in my mind.

"The way you speak of him, he must be important." Aragorn stated rubbing my arms to keep me warm. "I heard bits and pieces of your story that you told the hobbits. Explain to me what a mutant is."

"A mutant is a human with dormant powers until they reach their teen years or if they experience an emotional trauma. As far as I can tell I experienced an emotional trauma..." I stated my eyes misting up at the last part.

"Why can you not remember?" He asked gently.

I looked up at him wondering if I should tell him. "I have no memory past a year ago." I answered quietly. "The people who held me captive were able to erase my memory." I looked back up at him again.

Aragorn's eyes were clouded with anger as he absorbed the information. "How could they do such a thing to a child?" He asked a moment later.

"I don't know." I honestly answered while shrugging. "In my world there are a lot of evil men." I added. "More evil then Sauron. Though I am young the X-Men believe I am important in their battles."

Aragorn nodded and continued to stare forwards. "Besides my condition wasn't near as bad as Logan's past." I paused a moment as I stumbled. "Logan was taken by evil men as well, but due to his quick healing 'gift' they decided to cut him open and put a metal all over his bones. They also put three six inch claws in each hand."

"By the Valar. How did he survive such a thing?" Aragorn asked eyes wide.

"His wounds inflicted by those men were able to heal before he died. After that they erased his memory like me." I responded.

Up ahead I saw everyone sigh in relief when Gandalf said we could rest. A quick search revealed a shallow cave in which everyone could get out of the wind. I collapsed against the wall from exhaustion. "Get some rest while you can." Gandalf told us. "We make an early start in the morning."

Wrapping myself in my cloak I sat down on my bedroll. "Night guys see ya in the mornin'." I called.

Moments later I was fast asleep.

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The nine watched Shealyn fall asleep before Legolas broke the silence. "Aragorn what was Shealyn speaking of that made you angry?" He asked softly.

Aragorn looked up at the others. "She spoke of her friends back home and how she came to be with them, but I am not in the position to speak further. Shealyn will tell you in time my friend be patient." He responded glancing over at Shealyn with worry.

"She must have had a hard life." Frodo whispered glancing at the child.

*** Back on Earth at the Xavier Institute for the Gifted ***

"Any sign of her?" Logan asked as the professor wheeled out of Cerebro.

"I'm afraid not Logan." He sighed wheeling towards the elevator.

Logan followed silently behind him sighing. They were able to escape Sinister, but they were unable to locate their youngest team member. He had searched for Lightning (Shealyn) the old way, but came up with nothing. Then Professor Xavier went to Cerebro to search world wide.

As the elevator door closed Xavier let out a weary sigh. "It's as if Shealyn has simply disappeared. Unless she has something that blocks her from Cerebro I would have thought she did not exist." He spoke.

"We can't give up on her Prof." Logan replied.

"No Logan we will search until we find her. There is no doubt she is somewhere in the World." Xavier replied placing a hand on the equally worried man's arm. "Get some rest Logan you will need your rest." He added heading towards his office.

Logan sadly headed up the stairs and to his room. "I should have taken care of her better." He muttered angrily to himself as he lay on the bed. "I hope she is unharmed." He added.

*** In Middle Earth. The next morning ***

"Wake up Shealyn!" Pippin cried becoming rather frustrated. "Are you awake, Shealyn?" He asked a moment later.

"Sì Senor Took." I replied with a smile opening my eyes.

"What did you say?" Pippin asked frantically not knowing what I said.

I laughed at the expression on his face. "Don't worry Pip I said yes mister Took." I answered.

The others laughed at the relief that washed over Pippin's face. "What language is that?" He asked.

"It's Spanish Pip. It is one of the main languages in my world. Don't ask me to teach you because I just began to learn it before I came here." I said.

Pippin shrugged and continued to pack his belongings.

We walked on in single file. Gandalf in the lead followed by Boromir, Aragorn the hobbits, me, Gimli and Bill the Pony. Legolas walked alongside us on top of the snow. (A/N: Every time I watch the blizzard part of the FOTR I can't help, but think ~I hate that elf~)

"Jeez the temp sure did drop." I announced loud enough for the others to hear.

I walked beside Aragorn who had insisted that I stayed close to him. "It won't be much longer until we are over the mountain." He replied reassuringly suppressing a chuckle.

As the day went on the snow began to fall faster then before until you could barely see two feet in front of you. I walked closely behind Aragorn as we trudged through the deep snow except for Legolas.

"I hate him." I muttered watching him walk easily on the snow without a footprint.

Suddenly Legolas sprinted ahead straining to hear something. I quickly scrambled close to him also straining to hear. Then I heard it. "I hear something Legolas." I called over the storm.

"There's a fell voice in the air." Legolas raised his voice so that Gandalf could hear him.

"It’s Saruman." He cried over the storm. "He's trying to bring down the mountain. Gandalf we must turn back." I couldn't tell who had said it so I turned towards Gandalf.

"No..." He yelled and began to chant something.

Above us a streak of lightning came in contact with the mountain causing snow and rock to fall. "Shealyn!" Legolas cried as he pulled me and Gandalf away from the edge of the cliff.

I felt immense pain in my head as I was buried under the snow. All around me I could hear the others scrambling out of the snowy pits. "Shealyn, Shealyn where are you?" I heard Aragorn call to me.

My vision was becoming blurry and I was having trouble keeping my eyes open. In my dazed condition I could vaguely feel the weight of the snow lift off me as the men searched for me. "I found her... Aragorn come quickly." I heard Boromir's voice.

I was lifted gently out of the snow and held in someone's arms. Aragorn and Boromir's faces were now in my blurred vision. "Shealyn hold on, hold on." Aragorn said as I slipped into the peaceful darkness.


Chapter 7 - Into the Mines

*** Dream ***

Logan sat alone in the kitchen when I wandered in early one morning. Looking up from the paper he smiled. "Mornin' kid whacha doin' up so early... on a Saturday at that?" He asked.

I shrugged sitting down across from him. "Logan I want to come along on the next mission... I feel that I'm ready to join the X-Men." I stammered.

I looked up at him expecting an outright no. "I was thinkin' the same thing kid. Yer excelling in your sessions. I believe you are more then ready to join us. "He replied.

My mouth dropped. I was more then surprised by his reaction. I had only been with them for a mere four months at the time.

Logan smiled. "Don't look so surprised kid the Prof. was thinkin' the same thing." He said flipping the page.

"I got to go... um Jubilee and I are goin' somewhere." I stuttered backing out the door.

*** End of Dream ***

Aragorn gently placed Shealyn on the ground brushing away a stray piece of hair out of her face. Checking her body for injuries he only found the cut on her forehead. "Sam hand me my pack." He said urgently.

"Is... is she alright?" Pippin asked as he and Merry hovered over them.

"She will be alright. The only injury she appears to have is the cut on her forehead." He stated looking up at them.

"Come Pippin..." Merry started. "We are just in the way." He said taking his cousin by the arm and leading him away from Aragorn.

"I hope she wakes up soon." Pippin stated glancing behind him.

Merry nodded as they sat with others who also wore worried expression on their faces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I slowly came aware that I was wrapped up in someone's cloak. I opened my eyes ever so slowly remembering that Logan said that it would hurt less if I did it slowly.

"Oh... my head." I moaned as I tried to sit upright.

"You were injured in the avalanche little one lie still." Aragorn's voice said gently.

I laid my head back down and soon my vision cleared. Aragorn knelt beside me holding a cup. "Here drink this little one." He said.

He helped me sit up and while he supported me he brought the cup to my lips. The bitter liquid ran down my throat. I almost gagged, but I swallowed it. "God that is nasty." I said after I swallowed.

Aragorn chuckled as he laid me back down on the bedroll. "Rest awhile Shealyn." He replied pulling the cloak around me.

"Sorry for delaying the quest." I said sadly.

"Do not worry Shealyn." Gandalf said as he sat beside me. "This is not your fault. Get some rest."

I nodded closing my eyes I drifted off to sleep.

************************************************************************

I woke during the night to a dull pain in my head. Glancing around I found that Merry and Pippin had fallen asleep beside me and Aragorn was not far away. Sam, Frodo, and Gimli lay asleep close to the wall while Boromir and Gandalf slept opposite of them. I sat up careful not to wake the sleeping hobbits.

"Ow..." I whispered to myself as the dull pain grew to a piercing headache.

Slowly I stood up supporting myself against the wall and stood there a minute as my world began to spin. After a moment everything righted itself and I slowly made my way to the edge of the small cave. "Legolas?" I called spotting him off to my right.

Legolas turned and silently walked to me. "Why are you up Shealyn? You have a nasty bump on your head. You should be resting." He whispered placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Its ok Legolas I've slept enough. I'm ok." I replied looking up to him.

"Why do you lie Shealyn I clearly see your pain radiating in your eyes?" He stated.

"Legolas you should know by now that I'm a warrior. I bet whenever you were injured you had a hard time lying still." I retorted my temper flaring.

"I do not wish to upset you Shealyn, but we will most likely move on tomorrow and you will need your strength." He replied.

Taking me by the arm he led me back to my bed roll where I compliantly laid on the bedroll and he pulled the cloak around me. "Quel du tithen min (Goodnight little one)." Legolas whispered before moving back to his post.

I didn't fall asleep, but instead gazing up at the stars I thought of home. Logan and Jubilee came to mind first. Logan was my father, the only one I knew. Jubilee was the big sister I always dreamt about in the lab. "I wonder if I'm even missed at home." I murmured to myself.

*** On Earth in Jubilee's dorm room ***

"Where could she be?" Jubilee whispered as tears ran down her cheeks.

Jubilee curled up on her bed sobbing for her lost friend. They had searched for Shealyn for a couple months and there were no signs of her. Shealyn was the youngest in the house and she was so innocent. "I wish she was safe at home." Jubilee whispered.

'Knock, knock'

"Can I come in darlin'?" Logan's voice called through the closed door.

Jubilee sat up and wiped the tears away. "Yeah Wolvie come on in." She called.

The door opened and Logan stepped through. In the past couple of months Jubilee seemed to notice that Logan aged with all the worry and guilt that was placed over him like a storm cloud.

"I miss her too." He said sitting on the bed beside her.

Jubilee crawled onto his lap and began to cry. "Wherever she is I hope she's ok." Jubilee cried in his shoulder.

"Shh darlin' if we know little Shealyn right she is ok." He whispered rubbing his hand over her back in a circle.

"What do you think happened to her Wolvie?" Jubilee asked.

"I don't know Jubes, I honestly don't know." Logan answered.

*** ME the next afternoon ***

"Miss Shealyn is your headache gone?" Sam asked falling in step with me.

"Yes Sam it's gone. How are you holdin' up?" I asked with a smile.

"I'm fine Miss Shealyn, but I am not the one with an injury." Sam replied.

We walked on in silence. Every once and awhile Aragorn, Legolas, or Pippin would come and check on me as we headed to Moria.

"The walls of Moria." Gimli stated with reverence.

I looked up to look at the massive wall and smiled knowing we would reach it at nightfall.

Just after nightfall we came to a stop. Gandalf traced something on the wall with his fingers muttering something before he looked up at the night sky. As a cloud revealed the moon the door of Moria appeared.

"It says Speak Friend and Enter." Gandalf translated for us.

"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked.

"Quite simple..." Gandalf said. "If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open."

Gandalf turned back to the door and began to chant something, but it didn't work. I had a feeling that we would be there awhile so I sat down on a large rock. The others took my example and set the packs on the ground. Aragorn and Sam were unloading Bill the pony.

"A mines no place for a pony." I overheard Aragorn tell a sad Sam. "Not even a pony as brave as Bill." He paused taking the harness off Bill. "Don't worry Sam he knows the way out." Aragorn turned the pony around and patted his rump.

"Bye, bye Bill." Sam replied forlornly watching the pony trot away.

Merry and Pippin were at the waters edge having a rock throwing contest. Pippin was on the verge of throwing another when Aragorn grabbed his arm.

"Do not disturb the water." He whispered looking out across the water.

Behind me Gandalf sighed in defeat sitting on a rock in front of the door. Frodo who had been sitting there stood up staring at the wall.

"It's a riddle." He spoke. "Speak friend and enter. What's the elvish word for friend?" He asked.

Gandalf looked up. "Mellon." He answered.

Suddenly the wall began to open. At hearing the sound everyone grabbed their things and followed Gandalf in the mines.

"Soon master elf you'll experience the hospitality of the dwarves..." Gimli began.

"Oh brother." I said with a smile. "Here he goes again."

Pippin and Merry laughed at my comment.

"This is no mine..." Boromir stated. "This is a tomb. We should have never come here. Let us make for the Gap of Rohan." He added. "Get out!"

Standing at the entrance with the hobbits I sensed something was approaching from behind. Turning I found a tentacle come out of the water and grab Frodo by the leg pulling him down.

"FRODO!!" I cried grabbing onto him.

"STRIDER!!" Sam yelled as he and the other hobbits pulled their swords out and began hacking the tentacle.

It retreated back to the water for a moment before it was joined by a dozen others. They smacked the hobbits away from Frodo and grabbed him bringing up into the air.

"Strider!" He cried for help.

Something wrapped around my waist before I could do anything. Looking down I realized that the Watcher had me. I was thrown up into the air and caught by another tentacle. It began to squeeze the breath out of me. ~Oh no not this again~ I thought remembering what had happened with the Sentinels.

"Shealyn!" I heard Pippin cry out as the fellowship realized that I was also in danger.

Struggling I managed to grab hold of one of the daggers. Fiercely I attacked the tentacle so that it would release me.

"Ahhh!" I screamed as I was released and plummeted into the water below.

Aragorn picked me up out of the water and he and Boromir with Frodo in his arms struggled out of the water.

"Into the mines." Gandalf ordered as he and the three other hobbits plus Gimli ran in.

Boromir and Aragorn were not far behind. Legolas shot the Watcher in the eye and retreated as well. The Watcher cam up out of the water coming after us it crashed into the wall causing it to crumble. There was sudden darkness and I knew we were trapped.

"We have but one choice." Gandalf said grimly hitting his staff on the ground causing it to light up again. "We must go through the mine." He paused a moment counting heads. "It's a four day journey to the other side and I pray we will go unnoticed."

With that we started day one in the mines of Moria.


Chapter 8 - First Watch, Dreams, and Talk

It was unnaturally dark in the mines, but with my eyesight it didn't bother me. Merry and Pippin walked on either side of me, each had taken my hands. "You ok guys?" I asked noticing that they were shaking somewhat.

They both mumbled a yes, but I could tell that they were both scared. I laughed in hopes to ease their uneasiness.

"Aren't you afraid Shealyn?" Pippin asked. "I mean you are younger then I and everyone else at that." He added.

I sadly smiled at the hobbits becoming lost in my thoughts. "Are you well?" Merry asked squeezing my hand to get my attention.

"I have to tell you somethin'..." I whispered. "When I was held captive back home I remember being left in a very dark room. Time would pass. Sometimes I was left in there for days." I replied.

"How awful." Frodo whispered overhearing the conversation.

I nodded. "After those times I was never afraid of the dark." I responded thinking of my vague past. "Other then the X-Men I've never had any other friends..." I trailed off.

"Do not worry Shealyn we're your friends... right Pip?" Merry asked looking at his younger cousin.

"Yup that's right." Pippin responded giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

I smiled knowing that these hobbits would always be my friends no matter what. The day wore on until even the elf was weary when Gandalf called for a halt.

Yes I was tired and hungry, but I was not going to complain. "I will take the first watch." I volunteered.

The men looked at me with shock. "We can not ask you to do this." Aragorn recovered first kneeling before me.

"Am I part of this fellowship?" I questioned, my temper flaring. "I want to do my part." I stated.

Aragorn opened his mouth to protest, but Gandalf intervened. "Let her take the first watch Aragorn." He said. "Do not worry my old friend it will be alright." Gandalf added reassuring the man.

"Very well Gandalf." Aragorn answered dejectedly.

Smiling I stood up and made a tight circle around the area where we stopped. "Old habits die hard." I stated seeing the look on Aragorn's face.

It didn't take long for everyone to fall asleep, now I was alone with my thoughts. My mind drifted to my old friends. Wondering if they were worried about me or if time stood still. ~I bet Logan is worried sick about now~ I thought a smile appeared on my face. It quickly disappeared when I thought about Jubilee. ~I hope she doesn't give up hope~ my mind whispered.

"Shealyn get some rest. It is my watch now." Boromir said sitting down beside me after awhile.

"Ok Boromir." I replied getting to my feet.

Laying down on my bedroll I rolled onto my side and fell asleep.

*** Nightmare ***

"Please don't hurt me." I pleaded with the man who stood over me.

The man didn't speak, but instead raised something above his head. I cringed hoping I get out of this alive. I made myself as small as possible knowing I couldn't escape my cell. Immense pain erupted in my back as I heard a crack. ~Oh god it's a whip~ I thought as the man issued another lashing with the whip.

"Please stop." I whimpered.

The man smiled maliciously. "For that you get three more girl." He spat raising the whip again.

"That is enough." A cold voice said from the doorway.

The man laughed and stepped out of the cell leaving me in the dark alone.

*** End of nightmare ***

I woke with a start. ~My god what was that~ I thought as my racing heart began to calm. I looked around me in the darkness barely making out Boromir's form close by.

"Shealyn are you alright?" He asked as I approached him.

"I had a nightmare." I stated the obvious. "I was in a dark cell... there was a man standing over me with a whip. He... he beat me a couple of times before another man stopped him." I told him starring out into the darkness. "I can't remember these things..."

"What kind of man would harm a child so?" Boromir interrupted anger clearly in his voice.

"Evil men would do it Boromir." I replied simply. "This nightmare must have come from my forgotten past." I concluded.

"Do not worry Shealyn you are safe with us." He said wrapping an arm around me.

"I know, but I miss the X-men so much." I stated close to tears.

Boromir pulled me close to him. "Try and sleep little one." He said in a soothing voice.

Nodding I lay against him and closed my eyes and slept.


Chapter 9 - Escape From Moria

"I have no memory of this place." Gandalf whispered stopping in front of three passageways.

We sat down wearily on the steps knowing that it could be awhile. The hobbits sat beside me after some time.

"How are you fairing Shealyn?" Merry asked moving a little closer to me.

"Good Merry. Are you fairing?" I returned.

"Quite well, but I am weary." He answered.

"So are the rest of us silly hobbit." I said with a smile. "Gandalf will remember eventually, but for now lets rest while we can."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boromir sat down beside Aragorn sighing. He glanced over at the girl who sat with the hobbits on the stairs.

"Is everything well Boromir?" He asked seeing the distress in Boromir's eyes.

"I am worried about Shealyn. She woke from another nightmare last night... she spoke of someone whipping her in a dark cell. How could someone do such a thing to a child?" He asked

"I know not Boromir, but we must show Shealyn that we will always be there for her." Aragorn answered.

Boromir nodded and looked back over at Shealyn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It seemed like forever that we sat there. Beside me Pippin was restlessly shifting in his spot. "Pip if you don't stop moving around I will beat you to a pulp." I hissed becoming tired.

Pippin stopped moving. "I'm bored Shealyn do you know any songs?" He responded.

"I don't know Pip." I replied.

"Please Shealyn!" Merry chimed in.

"Ok I'll sing a song, but don't laugh." I said smiling.

"You know a dream is like a river

Ever changin' as it flows

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores.. and

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say you're satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide.. yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

And there's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls

But with the good Lord as my captain

I can make it through them all.. yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

'Til the river runs dry" (A/N: this belongs to Garth Brooks)

I opened my eyes as I finished the song to find most of the fellowship staring at me.

"I have never heard such a beautiful song in my long life." Legolas stated with a small smile playing on his lips.

"Its sung by a great singer where I come from. His name is Garth Brooks." I said.

"You sing beautifully." Pippin stated mesmerized by the song. The others nodded in agreement.

"Ah its that way." Gandalf said standing up along with Frodo.

"He's remembered." Merry questioned happily.

I bent to pick up my pack and followed the others down the stairs. Gandalf had said we were almost out and I hoped that to be true. As we walked into a large hall Gandalf's staff became brighter. My eyes grew wide when I saw the extent of the hall's beauty.

"Now there's an eye opener make no mistake." Sam spoke up looking around him.

I noticed Gimli back step and glance into a room filled with natural light. His facial expression changed rather quickly. "No!" He groaned running into the room.

We followed Gimli into the room where a mass of dwarf bodies were scattered everywhere. In the middle of the room bathed in the light was a white stone casket with strange writing on. ~Must be tellin' who it is~ I thought glancing over to Gandalf.

"Here lies Balin son of Fundin lord of Moria... so he is dead as I feared." Gandalf read the description.

Gandalf bent and picked a thick book from where it rested in a skeleton's arms. He began to read, but I tuned him out as I wandered around the small room.

"... can not get out... they are coming." Gandalf finished looking up at us.

Suddenly there was a crash behind us. Turning I found Pippin by the well as the rest of the skeleton and the pail crash downward into the well. Everyone held their breath as the echo sounded. Pippin turned back to us with a guilty look on his face.

"Fool of a Took..." Gandalf slammed the book shut and grabbed his staff and hat from the hobbit's hands. "Throw yourself in next time to rid us of your stupidity."

Before anyone could speak the sound of drums reached our ears. Everyone turned towards the well. Boromir ran to the door pulling his head back just before arrows imbedded in the door. "They have a cave troll." He said sarcastically closing the door.

Aragorn ran forward as well helping Boromir to bar the door. "Get back." Aragorn commanded. "Stay close to Gandalf."

I dropped my pack and stood next to Boromir sword drawn. "Get back Shealyn stay with Gandalf." He hissed.

"You know as well as everyone I don't back down." I replied through clenched teeth.

He didn't get to protest due to the fact the orcs were breaking through the door. Aragorn and Legolas shot arrows at the enemy. They came at us weapons swinging. I ducked as a sword swung over my head. "Jesus." I muttered dodging another blow. "Boromir watch out... behind you." I called whirling I struck an orc down.

'Thump'

'Thump'

I looked up hearing the heavy footsteps approached. Seconds later a troll crashed through the doorway led by a few orcs.

"Oh my..." I started, but I had to dive out of harms way.

The troll lashed out at it's handlers causing them to crash into the walls. Gimli jumped out of the way as the troll swung his weapon. Legolas' arrows flew through the air striking the troll in the side. He attacked the three hobbits separating Frodo from Merry and Pippin.

"Frodo!" Aragorn called trying to get to him.

Frodo began to play hide 'n seek with the troll. Amazingly the troll caught Frodo by the foot dragging him towards him.

"Aragorn, Aragorn." Frodo cried out grabbing onto a pillar.

"Frodo" Aragorn called again.

Aragorn grabbed a spear and leaped in front of Frodo thrusting the spear into the troll's side. Enraged the troll struck Aragorn hard causing him to fly into a pillar knocking him out cold. Frodo tried to wake him, but the troll cornered Frodo.

"No, Frodo." I cried jumping in front of him, but I was pushed out of the way.

I watched the spear hit him in the chest. "Oh God Frodo." I yelled.

Suddenly I felt pain rip in my stomach. Looking down I found an orc stabbing me. I struck the orc down. "Dammit" I muttered pulling the sword out of my stomach. I was in so much pain, but Frodo was more important.

"Oh no." Aragorn whispered gently turning Frodo on his back.

Frodo gasped and with Aragorn's help he sat up. "I'm ok..." gasp "I'm not hurt." He said.

"How can that be..." Aragorn stammered. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar." He was astounded.

"I think there is more to this hobbit that meets the eye." Gandalf said with a smile.

Frodo pulled part of his shirt away revealing a shiny material underneath. "Mithril..." Gimli breathed. "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."

"Come we must fly." Gandalf ordered.

We ran out of the room and down the long hall. I stumbled, but caught myself. Pain was all I felt right then. Surprisingly I was able to keep up with Aragorn. Orcs surrounded us causing us to halt. Tension grew as the orcs closed in.

A great rumble was heard. The surrounding orcs cried out in terror as another rumble sounded. The orcs ran for their lives leaving us alone.

"What new devilry is this?" Boromir questioned Gandalf

Gandalf closed his eyes as if warding off a headache. After a long moment he spoke. "It is a Balrog a demon from the ancient world... this foe is beyond any of you... run." He shouted.

I felt my side split, but I continued to run. "Aragorn lead them on the bridge is near." Gandalf told Aragorn. When he resisted Gandalf shoved him. "Do as I say! ... swords are of no more use here."

Running down the stairs we reached a place where stairs were broken. Without a thought Legolas leaped over the space. Turning he beckoned to Gandalf who jumped over. Next Boromir jumped with Merry and Pippin under his arms.

"Sam..." Aragorn beckoned.

Aragorn tossed Sam over to Legolas. Turning to Gimli he was about to toss him as well, but the dwarf held up a hand. "No one tosses a dwarf." He grumbled.

Swinging his arms he took the jump. Coming short he began to fall backwards. "Not the beard." He roared as Legolas grabbed him.

"Shealyn jump." Boromir cried.

I felt the stairs crumble beneath me as I leaped to the other side. Stumbling down the stairs I turned to watch Aragorn and Frodo fall into Legolas and Boromir.

The bridge was close and we continued to run. Gandalf was the last, but instead of following he stopped to face the Balrog.

"I am the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udun!" Gandalf cried out.

I watched in horror as the Balrog lifted his sword and brought it down on Gandalf. But a bright light surrounded him much like Jean's gift would to protect her.

"Go back to the shadow." Gandalf shouted.

The Balrog produced a flaming whip; subconsciously I flinched at my own memory. Gandalf raised his staff above his head. "YOU......... SHALL... NOT......... PASS!" He bellowed, his staff struck the bridge. My ears heard the crack before anyone saw the crack. The bridge crumbled beneath the demon. I heard Boromir sigh, but it wasn't over yet. As the Balrog fell he flicked the whip catching on Gandalf's ankle causing him to fall over.

"GANDALF!" Frodo screamed trying to get to the wizard.

"No Frodo." Boromir cried grabbing onto him.

Gandalf struggled a moment, but gave in "Run you fools." He said before falling into darkness with the demon.

"NO!!!" Frodo screamed.

Boromir picked up the screaming hobbit and ran out of the mine followed by everyone, but Aragorn and I. "Aragorn, Shealyn!" Boromir screamed to get our attention.

Snapping out of it we ran out of the mines and into the open after four days of darkness. The fellowship spread out to grieve. Merry and Pippin lay on the ground comforting each other. Sam sat by himself, his head resting in his hand. Legolas looked shocked unable to comprehend death. Frodo wandered off while Boromir held back a homicidal Gimli. Aragorn kept his emotions in check while wiping his blade.

"Gandalf...." I whispered looking back at the mines we just left.

"Legolas get them up." Aragorn ordered.

Legolas came back to reality and walked towards Merry and Pippin,

"Give them a moment for pity's sake." Boromir protested.

"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs. We must get to the woods of Lothlorien." Aragorn pointed out. "Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli get them up." Aragorn walked over to Sam. "On your feet Sam." He said softly.

I struggled to keep upright as I watched Aragorn look around for Frodo. "He's over there Aragorn." I replied pointing in the direction.

"Frodo!" He called. When he got no response he called again. "Frodo!"

I stumbled once more as we grabbed our things ~Thank the Valar my tunic is a dark color~ I thought.

"Shealyn are you wounded?" Aragorn asked trotting beside me.

~Aw crap~ I thought. "No I'm ok." I replied wincing as another wave of pain racked my body.

"You are not ok Shealyn." Aragorn said concern in his voice. "We will stop here for the night." He called to the others.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked helping me to lie down.

He pulled my shirt up far enough to see the wound. "What happened to Shealyn?" Pippin asked seeing my stab wound.

Hearing Pippin's question the others gathered 'round.

"Sam get me some Athelas... quickly." Aragorn instructed. "Shealyn this doesn't look good." He told me.

"I'm sorry Aragorn, I'm so sorry..."

"Shh... tithen min do not speak." He interrupted me.

Quickly he wrapped a bandage soaked in Athelas laced water around my middle tightly. "We must move more swiftly then expected... come" He announced gently picking me up.

He began to run swiftly with the others behind him. I was so tired, my eyes drooped and I lay my head against Aragorn's shoulder. My vision blurred and blacked out.


Chapter 10 - Lothlorien

"Is she going to be alright Aragorn?" Pippin asked for the hundredth time that evening.

"I'm not entirely sure Pippin." Aragorn replied sadly. "Her wound is grave and she might not make it through the night." He could've kicked himself for saying that to Pippin, but he believed the young hobbit deserved the truth.

"Oh... How far away are we from Lothlorien?" Pippin asked.

"It is a half-day journey." Aragorn answered.

Pippin sat down next to the motionless girl carefully taking her hand in his and giving it a light squeeze. "Hold on Shealyn..." Pippin paused collecting his thoughts. "You've journeyed this far don't give in now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was in a world of pain, but I knew I couldn't give in. I had promised that I wouldn't fail anyone else. Feeling someone take my hand I waited until I felt a little squeeze.

"Pip?" I questioned my voice weak.

"Shh its ok Shealyn you're ok. We will be getting to Lothlorien soon." Pippin said

I slowly opened my eyes to look around me. Pippin sat next to me holding my hand. The other hobbits were listening to Gimli tell a tale by the fire while the two men and elf sat farther away discussing something. ~Most likely about me~ I thought groggily. "How long have I slept?" I asked.

"Hmm... you slept through a day and a half." Pippin replied.

Pain ripped through my body causing me to cry out. "Aragorn" Pippin cried.

Aragorn knelt next to me rechecking my wound. His gray eyes held worry and guilt. "Aragorn..." I whispered weakly. "Don't blame yourself. It's my fault I got stabbed not yours." I winced as he rewrapped my wound. "I ain't dead yet and I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

He smiled as he brushed away a piece of hair from my eyes. "Sleep Shealyn. You will need your strength." He said after a moment.

I nodded wearily before falling asleep once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Aragorn... we must get to Lothlorien quickly." Legolas said.

"Yes my friend. We will leave at dawn." Aragorn replied. "We will have to carry Shealyn for she is too weak to walk."

Legolas nodded and went to start cleaning up the campsite. Aragorn walked over to the hobbits who were quietly talking amongst themselves. "We will be leaving at dawn little ones. I advise you to get some sleep." He said.

The hobbits nodded lying down on their bedrolls. "Goodnight" Pippin whispered before drifting off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Nightmare*

"Where are you Lightning?" Logan's voice asked over our com link.

I froze to the spot. "Lightning answer me god dammit." His voice was getting agitated.

Sabertooth stood in front of me with a malicious grin on his face. "Hey there frail. Where's the runt?" He said smoothly.

"None of your business Toothy." I replied getting my voice back.

"Why you...." He bellowed striding towards me.

I backed up away from the larger mutant. "Don't come any closer." I warned bringing my hands up to fire.

Sabertooth laughed coming closer he grabbed me by my collar bringing me up off the ground. I struggled to get out of his grasp, but realized I couldn't. I clasped my hands over his wrists and concentrated all my energy. Waves of lightning flowed through my hand electrocuting the larger mutant.

'Roar'

His grip released me allowing me to fall to the ground. ~Jean... Professor HELP~ I screamed in my head.

I crab walked backwards trying to stay away from the irate mutant. ~Lightning where are you? ~ Jean's soft voice asked in my head.

~I.... I'm near the rear of the building~ I replied.

~We will be there hang in there are you hurt? ~ Professor's came into my mind.

~No Prof. I'm not hurt, but I found Toothy~ I replied

"You are going to pay for that frail." Sabertooth roared raising his clawed hand.

My back came to rest against the brick wall of the building. With no where to go I was trapped. I closed my eyes knowing my 'gift' was of know use. I felt searing pain in my side as Sabertooth swiped me across my stomach and chest.

"Noooo" I heard a roar.

The weight on my body was lifted. Opening my eyes I realized that Logan had come to my rescue. The two fought like wild cats for their prey (me). Sabertooth managed to get Logan bad. "Nooooo!" I screamed watching Logan to the ground.

*End of Nightmare*

I opened my eyes sweating. Glancing around I realized I was near the campfire Aragorn lay next to me asleep. I felt so weak I tried to move, but I couldn't. I coughed groaning in pain.

"Shealyn..." Aragorn whispered immediately rising to kneel beside me.

He quickly unwrapped the wound. "Legolas get them up." He said urgently turning to the elf that came closer.

Legolas nodded and quickly woke the others telling them we had to leave. The hobbits woke immediately knowing that I was in trouble.

"Aragorn..." I whimpered.

"Shh tithen min." He whispered. (little one) "We must get you to Lothlorien." He added.

Aragorn gently scooped me up into his arms. With everyone ready we resumed our journey to Lothlorien. I drifted in and out of consciousness. By midmorning we arrived in the woods of Lorien.

"Stick close young hobbits..." I heard Gimli say.

I shifted painfully in Aragorn's arms just as I noticed several notched arrows pointing at us.

"The dwarf breaths so loudly we could have shot him in the dark." A blonde elf stated stepping into the clearing.

"Haldir o Lorien we have come seeking the protection of these woods." Aragorn said quietly that only the elves and I heard.

"Aragorn these woods are perilous we should go back." I heard Gimli speak up.

"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the wood you can not go back." Haldir said. "Come the Lady is waiting."

We walked or should I say they walked I was carried at a swift pace until nightfall. Aragorn set me down carefully while Lorien elves knelt beside me. They carefully unwrapped my wound, cleaned it and stitched it up with the help of a healer in which Galadriel had sent with Haldir.

"Do you feel better Lady Shealyn?" Haldir asked sitting down beside me.

Nodding I smiled up at him. "Thank you!" I replied quietly

"Sleep tithen min. We will set out again at dawn." He said firmly before rising.

I watched the elf walk away before I settled in for the night.

"What was your dream about?" I heard Boromir's voice close to me.

Turning my head I found Boromir sitting close to my bedroll. "How did you know?" I asked looking at him curiously.

"I heard you wake in the night." Was his response.

"Oh" I replied. "My dream was about a foe that I have at home. His... his name is Victor Creed, but everyone calls him Sabertooth. He's a mutant like me, but his 'gift' is more physical." I paused looking for the right words. "He looks like an over grown cat... claws, fangs, fur the whole deal." I told him.

Boromir nodded, but didn't push me to continue for which I was grateful. Glancing up at him I knew something was wrong. His eyes held an all too familiar haunted look in them.

"Are you well Boromir?" I asked.

He looked down at me and plastered a fake smile on his face. "Yes Shealyn I am well." He said ruffling my hair. "Get some rest." He added pulling his cloak off and draping it over me.

Smiling I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

*** On Earth ***

Jubilee paced outside the Professor's office door wondering if she should knock.

~Jubilation come in child~

Jubilee slowly opened the door and walked in closing the door behind her.

"Professor I... I had a dream last night... about Shealyn." Xavier nodded encouraging her to continue. "I saw Shealyn in the company of nine men and they were traveling together. Shealyn appeared to be happy and safe with these men." She finished.

"Interesting could you see where she was?" Xavier asked leaning forward in against his desk.

"I couldn't recognize the area, but it was on a snowy mountain." Jubilee whispered.

Seeing that Jubilee would say no more Xavier thanked her and gave her permission to leave. After the door closed behind Jubilee, Xavier sighed massaging his temples. ~I pray that you are alright Shealyn~ He thought.


Chapter 11 - Connection

I sat watching Aragorn argue with Haldir in Elvish wishing I knew the language. My stomach protested as I tried to rise causing a whimper to escape my lips.

"Shealyn stay seated you will upset the wound." Legolas scolded gently pushing me back down.

"But Legolas..." I started.

"No buts Shealyn. You need to rest so that it will heal properly." Legolas interrupted.

"She has not lost her fire yet." I heard Gimli whisper to the hobbits on the other side of the campsite. "Though I think she should stay here when we leave." He added in which the hobbits whole heartedly agreed.

"You know master dwarf I can hear you talkin' about me... I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from doin' so." I called over angered by his comment. "Oh and I will not be left behind so you can forget it."

The expressions on the faces of the five were priceless. Apparently they forgot that I had better hearing then a human. I chuckled and turned back to Legolas who still crouched beside me with a grin on his face.

"Rest assured Shealyn you will not be left behind." He replied quietly.

I nodded continuing to watch the argument. "Come we leave now." Haldir stated coldly clearly defeated.

Legolas helped me to my feet with a smile. "Thank you Legolas." I said leaning against him for support. "You remind me of someone back home." I stated.

The elf looked down at me with curiosity in his eyes. "Who would this someone be?" He asked.

"A boy named Piotr. He is a mutant as well, most of the time he's called Colossus due to his abilities." I answered. "He is someone who cares deeply for friends and family. He never raises his voice except to the enemy."

"I see." Legolas replied as we moved along behind Haldir.

"Shealyn are you excited about seeing Lothlorien?" Merry asked falling in step with us.

I nodded concentrating mainly on walking. "You ok?" Pippin asked taking my free hand in his.

"I'm ok Pip just a little tired is all." I replied.

I stumbled when I felt pain erupt in my stomach. Immediately Legolas stopped catching me as I fell. "What is it Shealyn?" He asked as he cradled me.

"It hurts." I whimpered clutching his tunic in pain.

"Is the child well?" One of the guards asked coming up beside Legolas.

"Go fetch Haldir and Aragorn." Legolas cried out urgently.

The elf nodded and jogged towards the front. Legolas stooped and carefully set me down. I still clung to Legolas tightly more in pain then fright.

"Legolas...."

"Shh do not speak tithen min." Legolas said brushing hair out of my eyes.

"Legolas what is wrong?" Aragorn asked kneeling beside me.

"I know not mellonamin. She was fine, but tired then she doubled over in pain." He exclaimed.

Aragorn pulled my shirt up and inhaled sharply. I looked to Legolas for some sign of why Aragorn had reacted that way. Grimly Legolas took my hand giving it a little squeeze.

"Your wound has opened again." He whispered.

~I'm going to die~ I thought feeling tears well up in my eyes.

"It will be ok tithen min." Aragorn whispered reassuringly. "Haldir we must move faster she will not make it if we do not move." He said turning to the Lorien elf.

Haldir nodded solemnly squatting beside us. "Her wound is deep." He stated taking the wrappings from Aragorn.

"We will reach the Lady of the wood by evening if we move quickly." One of the guards stated.

Haldir nodded in agreement scooping me up into his arms. We moved swiftly the rest of the day never stopping to rest. I was passed between Haldir, Legolas, Aragorn, and Boromir throughout the long day. Currently in Boromir's arms I drifted in and out of sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boromir glanced down at the bundle in his arms. He was becoming extremely worried for her as she became weaker as the day went on.

"Logan..." Shealyn cried in her sleep.

Boromir glanced down wondering who this Logan was. She had cried out for him several times. Shifting the girl in his arms he freed a hand and placed it on her forehead. Heat radiated from her small form which frightened him somewhat.

"What is it Boromir?" Pippin asked coming up beside him.

"Pippin... go to Aragorn... go tell him that Shealyn has a high fever. Tell him to move faster.... she is fading fast." Boromir ordered.

Pippin ran as fast as his short legs could. "Strider..." He cried as he reached him.

Aragorn turned to the frightened hobbit. "What is it Pippin?" He asked kneeling before him.

"... Shealyn... fever......... help!!" He gasped between breaths.

Aragorn looked back towards Boromir. "We will be there shortly tell Boromir I have nothing left. The healers are our only hope now." He replied gravely.

Pippin ran back to Boromir and relayed the message. "Haldir told me that the healers are going to meet us there."

Boromir nodded pushing his tired body onward. ~Shealyn must survive~ he thought looking back down at the small girl who now lay unconscious in his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I felt myself being placed on a bed before many hands went to work on my wound. I had passed out several times during our journey to the healers.

"Aragorn..." I whispered.

"Shh I am here." I heard him whisper.

He gently took my hand in his own and gave it a little squeeze. "You will be alright little one."

I slowly opened my eyes finding myself in a room on a bed. "Are we in Lorien?" I asked.

"Yes little one." He paused a moment as if to think. "You gave us quite a scare two days ago."

"I.... I've been out for two days." I asked incredulously.

Aragorn nodded. "The hobbits have been worried sick about you... especially Merry and Pippin." He said.

"Aragorn... did I almost die?" I asked seriously.

I could see the pain clearly on his face. "The wound was grave Shealyn. We almost lost you several times." He answered gravely.

"I'm... I'm sorry I scared you guys." I whispered.

"You have no reason to apologize little one." Aragorn replied brushing hair out of my face. "There was no way you could have predicted it."

"How long do we stay here?" I asked quietly.

"The Lady of the wood has invited us to stay a month." Aragorn responded. "By then you should be healed."

"SHEALYN!" I turned to the door to find Merry and Pippin standing there.

"Hey guys what are you waiting for... come here." I said with a smile.

The two hobbits grinning like mad men ran in and carefully jumped on the bed. "We missed you Shealyn... we thought we lost you..." Pippin trailed off with a slight shudder.

"Don't think like that guys I'm not goin' anywhere." I replied.

Slowly I slipped my arms underneath myself and pushed myself into a sitting position. ~God that hurt~ I thought as I smiled to the three sitting on the bed before me. "Tell me about our journey here." I said.

Given the perfect opportunity the two hobbits went into detail of what happed since leaving the dreaded mines. Aragorn stayed awhile adding small comments to the tale. The day wore on like this until nightfall. I never being a good patient was becoming restless being confined to the confounded bed.

"Lady Shealyn are you awake?" A soft feminine voice asked through the door.

"Come in." I called bringing myself into a sitting position once again.

The door opened and an elf maiden entered carrying a tray filled with food. "Good evening Lady Shealyn. I am Melliana, Lady Galadriel sent me with your supper. Are you feeling well milady?" Melliana asked setting the tray down on the nightstand.

"Yes Melliana I am well." I answered. "Do you know when I am able to leave the bed?"

"I'm not sure milady." Melliana replied busying herself around the room as I ate. "Oh, but the Lady would like to speak with you when you are well enough to leave the bed." She added.

After finishing my meal I lay back down. "Sleep well Lady Shealyn." Melliana whispered gathering the tray in her hands and silently leaving the room closing the door behind her with a small click.

The next few days passed quickly. The fellowship came to my room frequently. The hobbits would tell tales of home in the Shire, Gimli would rattle on and on about his history, most of the time Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir would come together to relive childhood memories.

Finally three days after I woke up the healers allowed me to leave the bed. "Do be careful milady we do not wish to see you here with another wound." One of the healers said to me as we exited the house of healing.

"I'll do my best master healer." I replied walking away towards the fellowship's camp.

I walked silently through the trees amazed at Lothlorien's beauty. ~It is good to see you well young one~ a voice said in my head.

~It is good to be alive Lady Galadriel~ I responded not fazed by the fact she was speaking to me through telepathy.

Hearing a soft chuckle behind me I turned slowly to face the Lady of the wood. ~Follow me Shealyn~ she spoke in my head.

I followed her through the trees and passed the sleeping fellowship. We descended winding stairs to a little clearing where a pitcher stood next to a stone basin. Galadriel stepped lightly over to the basin and picked the pitcher up.

"I have found a way for you to contact your home Shealyn. Through me you will be able to speak to anyone you wish." She stated filling the pitcher with water.

Galadriel turned to the basin and filled it with water before setting the now empty pitcher down. "Come here." She said holding out her hand.

I took it and stepped forward until I stood beside her in front of the basin. "How does it work?" I asked looking up at her.

She smiled warmly. "Keep a hold of my hand. Look into the mirror and think of the person with whom you wish to speak with. I will aid you from then on." She instructed closing her eyes to concentrate.

I stepped up looking into the mirror and thought of the Xavier. The water began to ripple then the image of the professor appeared. He looked tired and worried as he leaned heavily against his desk.

*** In Xavier's study on Earth ***

He massaged his temples as he leaned against his desk. He glanced wearily at the papers scattered about his usually immaculate desk.

~Professor can you hear me~ a voice asked in his mind.

Xavier sat up. ~... Shealyn is that you child~ He asked doubtfully.

"Yes its Shealyn~ came the response.

Hope returned to Xavier's eyes as he heard his missing student's thoughts once more. ~Are you ok~ He thought?

~I'm ok Prof~ Shealyn responded.

~Don't lie to me Shealyn I can feel the pain in your thoughts~ Xavier said.

~Sorry I well first I should tell you that I'm no longer on Earth.......~

~Indeed~ Xavier interrupted. ~Pray tell where are you~

~At the moment I'm in Lothlorien~ Shealyn replied

~Where is this Lothlorien~ Xavier inquired?

~Its located in a place called Middle-earth~ there was a pause. ~ I lost consciousness after the explosion when we were fighting Sinister. I woke up in a ruin and a man saved me and four hobbits. The six of us were joined by four others and now we are on a mission to destroy an evil here greater then our own~ Shealyn answered him.

~Then how did you become injured~ He asked?

~Oh yeah... um when we were in a mine the ten of us were attacked by creatures called orcs. I was defending a hobbit when one of the orcs stabbed me in the stomach. The elves of Lothlorien saved me from death~

~Elves~ Xavier asked raising an eyebrow?

~Yes elves~ she responded.

~You have no idea how worried we were when we couldn't find you Shealyn~ His thoughts betraying his weariness.

~Don't worry anymore I am in good company and I wish to continue on the mission~

~Yes of course~ Xavier answered.

~I miss you and the team~ Shealyn said. ~Though I feel at home here in Middle-earth. Tell the others that I am alive and well~

~Indeed I will Shealyn. We will miss you terribly. I hope you find happiness in Middle-earth~ Xavier replied sadly.

~Goodbye Prof. Take care of everyone ok~ she responded?

~Goodbye Shealyn I will give you my word~ Xavier said.

With that said Xavier bowed his head as he felt Shealyn's presence leave his mind. Tears of joy of finding her and tears of sadness of losing her yet again silently fell from his eyes. After a few moments he sat straight in his wheelchair to compose himself. With a sigh he called out to the students and teachers before leaving the office bearing the news of their lost teammate.

*** Back in ME ***

I stepped away from the mirror as I broke connection with the professor. Tears stung my eyes as I realized I would never see them again. Galadriel squeezed my hand gently reassuring me that it would be ok.

"Come I will take you to the fellowship she said softly guiding me up the steps.

She led me to the fellowship's camp where only Aragorn was awake awaiting our arrival. When we approached he stood up and opened his arms to me. I turned to Galadriel who nodded and released my hand. Quickly I went to Aragorn who wrapped me in a gentle, but firm hug.

"I will leave you to your rest." Galadriel spoke before leaving us.

The unshed tears finally came out as sobs. Aragorn held me close like Logan would which made me cry harder.

"Shh... It will be alright tithen min." He said soothingly.

One hand rubbed my back in small circles while the other ran through my hair over and over again. He spoke soothing words in Elvish until I calmed. I was exhausted by now and was growing sleepier by the moment. Aragorn noticed this pulling away from me.

"Come little one let us sleep." He said softly leading me towards the sleeping forms of our companions.

I noticed at once that two empty sleeping pallets were side by side. "How did you know..." I started to ask.

"The Lady of the wood called to me." Aragorn stated as he helped me sit down.

"Oh" I nodded sleepily realizing how stupid that question was.

I lay down placing my weary head on the pillow. Aragorn knelt next to me and covered me with the blanket. "Goodnight little one." He said leaning down to kiss me on the forehead.

I smiled struggling to stay awake. "Night Aragorn...." I answered before succumbing to the overpowering sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn looked down at the young girl who smiled briefly in her sleep. They had been worried about her after the mines and it nearly gave them a heart attack when her heart stopped beating.

~Thank the Valar she is alive~ He thought brushing a strand of raven black hair from her face.

Shealyn became restless, but did not wake. Lying down beside her Aragorn carefully pulled her to him. Almost immediately she became quite.

"I promised to chase away your nightmares away little one and I intend to keep that promise." He whispered as he fell asleep.


Chapter 12 - Letter to the X-Men

The students sat quietly around the living room waiting for Professor Xavier to collect his thoughts.

"Why did you call us here Chuck?" Logan growled leaning against the back of the couch.

Xavier looked up at his expectant students and teachers. "I called you all here because Shealyn has contacted me..."

"What?" The group asked in unison.

"What are you saying Professor?" Scott asked.

"Shealyn contacted me through telepathy earlier this morning..."

"Well where is she? Why are we not going after 'er?" Logan asked.

"As I was saying..." Xavier said. "Shealyn contacted me, but she is no longer on Earth."

"What does that mean Prof.?" Jubilee asked bewildered by what he said.

"It means Jubilation that she is in a place called Middle-Earth." Xavier slowly explained. "From what she told me she was located in a place called Lothlorien located somewhere in Middle-Earth."

"Did the petite say she was ok?" Remy asked standing up from his seat.

"Yes Remy she said she was ok." Xavier replied. "Though she told me that she was stabbed a few days ago..."

Logan jumped to his feet. "She was stabbed?" He asked.

Xavier nodded and sighed. "She said that she was helping a companion."

"Do we go and get her?" Kurt or better known as Nightcrawler asked.

"I'm afraid not Kurt. She spoke of feeling at home. I fear that she wishes to stay in Middle-Earth." He replied sadly.

"Dammit we should have never let her go on the mission." Logan fumed his fists clenching and unclenching.

"Don't think like that Wolvie." Jubilee said quietly taking one of his hands in her own.

"Jubilation is right Logan. The only thing we can do now is pray that she will be able to survive in this new world." Xavier said. "Go and rest. The news has obviously given you a shock."

The students nodded sadly and left the room all except Logan and Jubilee.

*** In ME ***

I woke in the middle of the night not knowing why. Carefully I sat up and glanced around at my sleeping companion. ~Lady Galadriel~ I called.

~Yes child what is it~ Came her response.

~I need to speak with you at the mirror~ I replied.

~Yes of course~

I stood mindful of the sleeping Aragorn beside me. Swiftly and quietly I made my way down to the mirror where Galadriel stood waiting.

"How may I be of service to you little one?" She asked with a smile.

"I... I was wonderin' if there was a way to send a letter to my people considering you were... able to help with the telepathy." I stammered afraid of her response.

"Of course young one." Galadriel smiled. "I expected you to ask such a question. I have a little magic that Mithrandir gave to me for times such as this." She said handing me a piece of parchment and pen with ink.

I sat down and began to write about my adventures in Middle-Earth.

Dear Logan, Jubilee, and Xavier...

After much thought and time I sat back content with what I had written. ~Are you ready Shealyn~ Galadriel's melodious voice came into my mind.

"Yes... I am ready." I said standing and approaching the Lady who once again stood near the mirror.

"Set the letter on the edge of the mirror and take my hand." She instructed.

I set the letter down taking her hand. "Now image the one you want the letter sent to." She spoke quietly.

*** In Logan's room ***

He sighed not knowing what to think of the news of Shealyn. "Why did it have to be her?" He whispered forlornly.

He looked up when he heard the flutter of paper to the ground. "What the..." He got up from the bed and strode over to the door.

An envelope lay on the floor in front of the door. Slowly he bent down and picked it up before returning to the bed where he opened it to read the contents.

Dear Logan, Jubilee, and Xavier,

On the day of the mission where we fought Sinister I was caught in the blast and lost consciousness. When I woke I was found by a man named Strider and his companions that are called hobbits who were traveling to a place called Rivendell. During our journey we were attacked by evil creatures called Nazgul. I and a hobbit named Frodo were stabbed by poisoned blades. Strider took us to Lord Elrond, an elf who is a healer.

After I healed I attended a council that would decide the fate of Middle-Earth. I pledged my services to Frodo who would be the ringbearer. So far we have done as well as expected. We left Rivendell on Christmas and traveled far. When we were stopped on Caradhras mountain we went through the mines of Moria.

We were attacked by creatures called orcs deep in the mines. I was protecting Frodo once again when I was stabbed by an orc blade. Aragorn told me later that they had almost lost me if not for the healers of Lothlorien. While escaping from Moria we lost one of the fellowship. Gandalf the Gray gave his life to battle a demon called a Balrog. Arriving in Lothlorien I was out cold for two days, but rest assured I am ok. Lady Galadriel assisted me in the process of contacting the Professor and sending this letter to assure you.

Middle-Earth is like no place you have ever seen. There are elves, dwarves, hobbits, and men who make their homes here. When I speak of elves they are tall beautiful beings not the short ones like Santa's elves. I feel like I fit in with these beings.

I write you this letter to tell you that I'm ok and I don't plan on coming home. Please don't grieve for me Logan I feel as if I am finally home. I will miss you, but I have eight protectors. Aragorn son of Arathorn AKA Strider, Boromir son of Denethor, Legolas Greenleaf son of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood, Gimli son of Gloin, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Perigrin Took. They have been good to me and they protect me as you and Jubilee would.

I hope that you will move on with your life and never forget me for I will not forget you. I will miss you greatly. I also hope this letter brings some comfort that I am alive and well. Goodbye I love you guys.

Love,

Shealyn

Logan let a few tears fall as he set the letter aside. It was finally sinking in that Shealyn would never return home to them. The letter did assure him and reading about the group of men that appointed themselves to protect her

~Chuck send for Jubilee. There is something I need you and Jubes to see~ Logan called out in his thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Moments later the three mutants gathered in Xavier's office. Logan held the letter in his hand.

"Logan what is this?" Xavier asked massaging his temples.

"I received this from... Shealyn." He said handing the letter to Xavier.

Xavier took the letter and began to read it to Jubilee.

"At least we know she is ok right?" Jubilee asked looking between the two men.

Xavier nodded. "Indeed child, indeed." He whispered sadly placing the letter on his desk.

*** Back in ME ***

I had gone back to the fellowship and now lay beside Aragorn who was still asleep. "I'll miss you guys." I whispered to the sky remembering the image of Logan reading the letter.

My eyelids drooped and I let out a yawn. ~Thank you Galadriel~ I called out to her.

~You are welcome young one now sleep~ Galadriel responded.

I nodded allowing my eyes to close. Before long I drifted into a peaceful slumber.


Chapter 13 - The Explorations of two hobbits and a girl

"SHEALYN WAKE UP!" Pippin shouted bringing me out of my dreams.

"What do you want Pippin?" I growled carefully rolling onto my back.

"You promised to explore with us once you were better." Merry stated matter of factly.

"I did, did I?" I replied slowly sitting up. "Don't you think it's too soon for me to wander around? I mean I almost died a couple of days ago." I stated.

"Yes, yes though you have not experienced the beauty of this place." Pippin said.

"Oh alright." I replied slowly getting to my feet. "Now I know how Logan feels when Jubilee and I would pester him to no end." I murmured softly.

Pippin took my right hand while Merry my left. Excitedly they began their tour of Lothlorien.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The child has extraordinary resilience to grave wounds." Lord Celeborn stated watching the hobbits pull Shealyn down a path.

"Yes milord. Shealyn is a powerful young girl." Aragorn said stepping up beside the Lorien Lord.

"Tell me where did you find such a child?" Celeborn asked glancing at the ranger.

"We came across her when I traveled with the hobbits from Bree to Rivendell. She was unconscious when we arrived at Weathertop." Aragorn paused to watch the trio wander away. "Shealyn showed her true strength that day when she attempted to save Frodo from the Morgul blade." Anyone could tell that he was proud of the child like a father would be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Pip... Pippin I need to stop... and rest." I panted sitting heavily on a fallen tree.

The two hobbits looked at me with concern. "Are you certain that you are alright?" Merry asked placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Yes I'm certain." I replied.

Pippin sat down next to me with a sigh. "What's wrong Pip?" I asked placing my right hand on his shoulder.

"I miss home." He stated glumly.

"Hey cheer up Pip. You'll see your home again I am sure of it." I told him with a reassuring smile.

"Really!" He cried with joy.

I nodded. "Shealyn will you..."

"Spit it out Merry." I interrupted.

"Will you sing another song for us?" He asked wringing his hands together.

Knowing that I wouldn't get out easily I sighed. "Sure..." I said. "Let's see... It's called Please Remember me." I close my eyes as the words came to me.

When all our tears have reached the sea

Part of you will live in me

Way down deep inside my heart

The days keep coming without fail

A new wind is gonna find your sail

That's where your journey starts

You'll find better love

Strong as it ever was

Deep as the river runs

Warm as the morning sun

Please remember me

Just like the waves down by the shore

We're gonna keep on coming back for more

Cause we don't ever wanna stop

Out in this brave new world you seek

Oh, the valleys and the peaks

And I can see you on the top

You'll find better love

Strong as it ever was

Deep as the river runs

Warm as the morning sun

Please remember me

Remember me when you're out walkin'

When the snow falls high outside your door

Late at night when you're not sleepin' And light falls across your floor

When I can't hurt you anymore

You'll find better love

Strong as it ever was

Deep as the river runs

Warm as the morning sun

Please remember me

Please remember me (A/N: This song belongs to Tim McGraw)

Hearing more then two people clapping I opened my eyes startled to find a nice size group of elves that had wandered over to listen.

"Why do you sing such a sad song?" One elf asked stepping forward.

~I sung it because I liked it~ I retorted in my head.

"I sung it for Gandalf." I replied quietly. "It is also meant for my friends at home." A single tear ran down my cheek remembering that I would never see the X-Men again.

"Shealyn let us take you back to rest. You look weary." Merry said quietly taking my arm.

I only nodded allowing the hobbits to take me back to the campsite. "I thought your song was lovely Shealyn." Pippin spoke up after a moment.

"Thank you Pip." I said. "If you two don't mind, but I wish to be alone for awhile." I added.

"Of course take your time." Merry said. "Me and Pip will continue our explorin'"

I sat on a log and watched the two hobbits scamper off into the woods humming the song I had just sung. I smiled allowing my thoughts to wander to the X-Men.

*** Flashback ***

"Jubilee, Shealyn hurry up." Logan called up the stairs.

The two of us grinning like mad ran down the stairs shouldering our backpacks. Logan was taking his 'daughters' on our very first camping trip.

"We're ready Wolvie lets go." Jubilee squealed jumping up and down.

Logan groaned causing me to giggle. "Get in the Jeep girls." He growled motioning to the door.

We ran out the door and jumped into the loaded red jeep waiting in the driveway. "Come on Logan." We shouted in unison.

The man just shook his head and climbed into the driver's seat. "I can't wait to get there." I said thinking about the up coming week in the Canadian wilderness.

Hours later we arrived in the forest. "Come on Jubes its not that much farther." Logan called back to Jubilee who lagged behind.

"What are you goin' to teach us?" I asked readjusting the pack straps on my shoulders. "Are you goin' to teach us sword play?" I asked looking up at him.

"Yes lil' darlin' you will learn sword play." He replied. "Among other things." He mumbled under his breath.

"I heard that." I whispered.

Logan looked down at me and chuckled. Shaking his head Logan continued up the path.

*** End of flashback ***

"There you are Shealyn." I heard a voice behind me.

Turning I faced Boromir who had a worried expression on his face.

"When you did not come back with the hobbits Aragorn became worried." He said sitting down beside me.

"I'm... I'm sorry." I whispered.

"What troubles you little one?" He asked.

"Oh I.... I was thinkin' of home." I replied sadly.

Boromir placed a hand on my shoulder in a gesture of comfort.

"I'll never see them again..." I whispered forlornly.

"Will it help to talk about them?" He asked quietly unsure of my answer.

"I guess." I answered. "Logan ever since they rescued me he took me under his wing. He taught me how to protect myself. Out of everyone Logan was most like me..."

"How so?" Boromir asked.

"Like him my memory was erased by our captors." I replied watching Boromir's facial expressions change.

"Why would they do such a thing?" He questioned.

"They were plannin' on using me as their weapon against innocent people." I said.

"By the Valar." Boromir exclaimed.

I could only nod. "Then there is Jubilee." I continued. "She is... was like my older sister. She would always include me in her games or whatever she planned on doing."

"She was lucky to have you Shealyn." He whispered.

"Yes I guess she was..." I trailed off thinking of the rambunctious sixteen year old. "I also had a boy that was like an older brother. His name's Bobby Drake." I said. "If you think of the twin sons of Elrond. He was always playin' pranks." Tears began to make their way down my cheeks.

Boromir pulled me into a gentle hug. "Shh little one it will be alright." He whispered softly.

I cried into his chest remembering all of the times I had spent with Logan, Jubilee, and Bobby. Crying like this was somewhat embarrassing as I tried to compose myself.

Taking a shaky breath I pulled away looking into his haunted eyes. "Would you like to get that weight off your shoulders?" I asked.

"Nay little one you need not worry." He replied.

"Boromir it is as clear as day..." I paused a moment. "You feel it's power greatly don't you?" I questioned slowly.

He bowed his head. "Yes little one." He answered sadly. "It's power is growing stronger each passing day. I just want to be able to help my people is that too much ask?" He asked anger rising in his voice.

"Don't let it take you Boromir. You are stronger then that." I told him grasping his shoulder.

"Indeed. I will try for you little one. You have shown me... no all of us that you have a strong will to do right and survive. I have never met a child like you. I would be honored if you and I would become friends."

"That would really be um... neat." I said clasping his hand with both my hands.

Boromir smiled sadly as he returned the gesture. "Come Shealyn it is time to return to the others."

"Hmm yes. It is getting late." I stated looking at the treetops above us.

Boromir stood, turning he held out his hand and helped me to my feet. We walked back in silence from then on.

"There you are lass. I see Boromir has found you." Gimli growled looking up from his plate.

"Yes master dwarf. I was off thinkin'." I stated matter-of-factly

"Ha! A woman thinking." He retorted.

"Master dwarf that was an unwise thing to say to her." Aragorn warned the dwarf.

That was it the dwarf had gone to far. I stalked forward stopping right in front of the ignorant dwarf. We were now nose to nose he didn't back down, but I saw fear in his eyes. Grabbing hold of his tunic I brought him closer causing his eyes to widen even further in fear.

"Next time Gimli son of Gloin when you even think of insulting someone especially a female think twice before you do so." I seethed roughly pushing him away.

"Yes.... Yes Lady Shealyn." He stammered before he stormed away towards the hobbits.

I smirked never knowing that a dwarf would get that scared. I glanced at Aragorn who also had a smirk on his lips. "I believe she has bested you Gimli." He stated to the fuming dwarf.

"Eat Miss Shealyn." Sam said handing me a plate with food,

"Thank you Sam." I quietly replied.

"Shealyn may I ask you something?" Legolas asked sitting down beside me as I ate.

"Sure Legolas."

"I heard you sing earlier this morning. Where do you learn such songs?" He asked.

I smiled up at him as I thought. "I learned the words from great singers in my world over the year that I lived with the X-Men."

"I see." He answered.

"Legolas I heard you ask Aragorn of what made him angry before I fell asleep. He became angry because I told him about how my captors stole my memory." I told him.

The look on the elf's face was neutral, but I knew he was angry. "I'm tired Legolas goodnight."

"Sleep well Shealyn." Legolas said.

Unrolling my bedroll I lay down weary from speaking of the X-Men and of my history.

"Goodnight little one." Aragorn whispered pulling the blanket to my chin.

My eyes closed while sleep beckoned to me.


Chapter 14 - Dreams and Dances

***Dream***

I crept quietly down the hall towards the kitchen hoping to grab something quick to eat. ~Couple more feet~ I thought happily as I continued. Nearing the door I heard a soft voice singing. Peering around the door frame I saw one of the older girls I believe it was Jubilee sitting at the table, a bowl of moose tracks ice cream sat in front of her untouched. Her spoon was clasped tightly in her hand held like a microphone as she finished singing a Savage Garden song.

"Thank you, thank you." She whispered to a non existent audience. "My next song is called Fly by Paul Brant." She paused lowering her head. "...

Seven years old with my radio flyer

And cape tied around my neck

Top of Thompson's Hill, Billy said I was a lyer

And now I'm scared half to death

Becky said Billy was dumb

I shouldn't listen to him

But I had something to prove

Ain't nobody gonna call me a chicken

Gotta do what ya gotta do

I'm gonna fly!

Defying space and Gravity

I'm gonna fly!

Billy just you wait and see.

I was just a kid barely eighteen years

But I couldn't wait to graduate

Confident, cocky

And man it really got me when I heard my daddy say:

You oughta get some knowledge

You gotta go to college

Gotta make something of your life

But I had to do it my way

So I headed for the highway

And I followed those little white lines

I'm gonna fly!

Defying space and gravity

I'm gonna fly!

Making my own destiny!

Well I crashed and I burned

But I don't regret it

You only fail if you don't try

I'm gonna dust off the ashes and just forget it

I ain't perfect yet

But you can bet someday I'm gonna get my wings and

Fly!

Defying space and gravity

I'm gonna fly!

I'm gonna fly!" (A/N: This belongs to Paul Brant.)

Softly clapping I watched Jubilee jump up from the table with a startled expression. "I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to scare you." I replied softly.

"Just... don't do it again Ok?" She stammered taking a seat and motioning for me to sit in the chair across from her.

Nodding I sat down watching the Asian-American girl closely. "I'm Jubilation Lee. I like being called Jubilee." She replied. "What's your name? I don't believe I've ever seen you around the mansion."

"They call me Shealyn." I answered in a soft whisper.

"Welcome to Mutant High Shealyn. Would you like a bowl of ice cream?" She asked.

"I've never had ice cream." I said.

"What?" Jubilee asked incredulously. "You never had ice cream before?"

I shook my head as the older girl pushed her bowl in front of me and handed me the spoon. "Thank you." I whispered taking the spoon from her outstretched hand.

Taking a small spoonful of ice cream I slowly ate it. As the cold substance made its way down my throat my eyes widened.

Jubilee giggled. "So what do you think?" She asked with laughter in her eyes.

"It... it's good." I told her taking another bite.

"What are you two doin' up?" A gruff voice asked behind us.

Startled we turned around to find a tired looking Logan. "Sor... Sorry Mr. Logan." I stammered standing from my chair.

He chuckled before motioning for me to sit back down. "Don't look so afraid lil' darlin'." He replied taking a seat next to us.

We sat there and talked awhile before I let out a yawn. "Alright time for bed you two." Logan said standing up.

*** End of Dream ***

"Shealyn time to wake." Boromir called shaking the young girl's shoulder.

"Aw five more minutes Scott." She whimpered before rolling over.

'Come now little one we have much to do today before we leave." He chuckled. "Oh yes and your song that you sung while sleeping was lovely." He added grinning

"WHAT?" Shealyn asked sitting up quickly. "I... I sang something in my sleep?" She asked bewildered.

"Indeed you did Shealyn." Pippin answered her as he came to sit by her side. "Why did you sing?"

"I.... I had a dream about Jubilee... she was singing in the dream and I guess I sang along... out loud." I responded feeling a blush creep into my cheeks."

Pippin and Boromir chuckled before leaving to get breakfast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I knew this was goin' to come back and haunt me." I cursed under my breath watching the two walk away.

I got to my feet and stretched before going about packing. The elves had brought me new tunics and breeches to wear which I was ever grateful.

Sitting down with the rest of the fellowship I glared at Gimli who sat besides Frodo. "Is this good Miss Shealyn?" Sam asked holding out the plate of food.

"Yes that is good enough." I replied taking the plate from him.

"Shealyn I was wondering..." Boromir started. "Where you lived was it not a place for mutants?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes Boromir what do you want to know?" I answered.

He looked uncomfortable but spoke his thoughts. "What 'gifts' did the others have?" He asked.

Setting my plate down I thought of what to say. "Well Logan's 'gift' is enhanced hearing and smell. Capability to heal himself quickly and a very strong metal that was placed all over his bones which includes six, six inch metal claws on each hand..."

"How was the metal placed on his bones Miss Shealyn?" Sam asked curiously.

"Evil men captured him during a time of war and cut him open then placing the metal on his bones." I replied without emotion.

The hobbits' faces paled noticeably as they listened.

"Then there's Professor Xavier. He has telepathy and telekinesis abilities. To put it simply..."

"Yes please do." Gimli said dryly.

"Prof. has the ability to speak through thoughts and control things with his mind." I finished glaring once again at the dwarf.

"What of Jubilee's 'gift'?" Boromir asked clearly interested.

I smiled knowing the hobbits would like this. "Jubes could create fireworks..."

"She creates fireworks!" The four exclaimed in unison.

"Yup!" I answered grinning. "Bobby could create ice." I continued. "His codename is Iceman." I added.

"That sounds swell." Merry exclaimed.

Smiling I nodded. "Let's see there was Scott or Cyclops. He could shoot um... beams of dangerous energy from his eyes." I paused. "There's Jean, she is much like the Prof, but her powers are somewhat weaker then his."

"Fascinating!" Legolas spoke up for the first time.

The rest of the day consisted of packing and endless questions about my home. Towards nightfall we were all sitting around when I heard footsteps approach.

"Excuse me milords and milady." A soft voice called from behind. "The Lady of the Wood wishes for me to see to it that Lady Shealyn is taken care of for tonight's event." Melliana said.

"Very well." I responded. "I'll see you guys tonight ok?" I asked.

The fellowship nodded as I got up and followed Melliana to her quarters. "I have drawn a bath for you Lady Shealyn." She said leading me into the bathroom. Knowing Melliana wanted to assist me I undressed quickly. Pulling of my tunic I heard her gasp.

"Lady Shealyn what happened to you?" She asked her voice barely above a whisper.

Confused I looked down thinking my stomach wound was open, but suddenly knew that the she-elf was referring to the long scar running from my left hip across to my right shoulder.

"Oh..." I said. "A... an enemy of my people caught me off guard and alone. He clawed me before help arrived." I explained to her.

She nodded as she turned to pick up soap. "Get in child... I will help you wash." She responded.

After my bath Melliana helped me into a loose dress that wouldn't aggravate my stomach. Though elegant the dress felt like it was simple for some reason. The midnight blue fabric felt silky to my touch but looked like satin.

"It looks beautiful on you milady." Melliana stated seating me in front of a mirror. "Now let me work on your hair." She added.

In a matter of minutes the she-elf accomplished braiding my long raven black in intricate braids. "Thank you Melliana." I whispered looking at myself in the mirror.

"You are very welcome milady." Melliana answered. "Come feast is about to begin." She stated leading me out of the room and down the hall.

Approaching two large doors Melliana slowed and turned to me with a small smile. "Here we are." She opened the door and shoed me in.

As soon as I entered conversations stopped and everyone turned towards the door where I stood.

"Ah Lady Shealyn you have arrived." Lord Celeborn announced.

Several elves clapped as I was led to the head table where the fellowship sat.

"They clap for you Shealyn because they have had the privilege of hearing about your brave deeds to the fellowship." Lady Galadriel stated answering my unasked question.

I sat down in the empty chair between Aragorn and Boromir quietly. "You look nice." Boromir commented.

Aragorn nodded his agreement. "Yeah well this will be last time." I answered.

The two men on either side chuckled. "I would like to announce that we hold this feast for the nine who will continue with their quest tomorrow." Lord Celeborn announced standing with his wine goblet in his hand.

"May they be protected by the Valar and their quest is fulfilled." Lord Celeborn said.

There was a moment or two when all that we heard was clinking goblets in toast. "Let the feast begin." The elf lord stated before seating himself next to his wife.

"Lady Shealyn... I was told by a certain elf that you sang beautifully." An elf that sat across from me stated.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"It is Rumil milady." He answered.

"Yes I can sing, but no I will not get up and sing in front of everyone." I firmly stated.

The elf held up his hands with a chuckle. "I meant no offence Lady Shealyn."

"It's ok Rumil." I replied.

Dinner went smoothly then came dancing. The hobbits who had found their way to my side were excited. "Shealyn..." I looked up to find Pippin standing in front of me with a grin on his face. "Will you dance with me?" He asked.

"Sure Pip." I answered taking his hand.

Pippin led me out to the floor and we began to dance. During the night I was passed around the four several times before I begged them to let me sit down.

"Are you alright little one?" Aragorn asked sitting down beside me.

"Yup I'm ok, just a little tired what with all that dancin' out there." I said motioning to the hobbits out on the dance floor.

Aragorn chuckled and kissed me on the forehead. "Goodnight little one I must go speak with Haldir about tomorrow." He stated as he rose to leave.

Watching Aragorn walk away I turned back to the dancing couples. "Shealyn come dance with me." Boromir called.

I rose from my seat and went to him noticing that for once the haunted look in his eyes was gone. Before I could do anything Boromir swept me up in to his arms one arm around my waist and the other grasped my hand. He held me there pretending to be dancing with and adult female. (A/N: picture a parent dancing with their small child in their arms.)

Laughing we twirled around until the end of the tune. "Thank you for this dance Shealyn." Boromir whispered setting me on the ground.

"You're very welcome Boromir." I stated smiling up at him.

"Pardon me, but I believe it is my turn to dance with her." Legolas said spinning me gently around to face him.

A smile played on his lips as he scooped me up like Boromir had and began to dance. As the music died Legolas set me down. "You look weary Shealyn go and get some sleep we will be leaving in the morning." He stated placing a kiss on my cheek.

I nodded and went to Boromir who gave me a kiss as well before I headed off to find the hobbits.

"Goodnight Shealyn." Merry said enveloping me in a hug.

"Night guys." I yawned as the other three gave me a hug.

"Sleep well little one." Lord Celeborn said as I bid them goodnight.

I wondered back to our little camp and began to change for bed. Yawning once more I sat down on a tree stump and tried to peer through the treetops, but to no avail the leaves were too thick. I yawned again this time a little forcefully.

"I don't want to sleep." I whispered to myself

I got to my feet and plopped down on my cot wincing at the slight pain in my stomach.

Sighing I lay down and grudgingly fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We can't possibly take the girl with us." Gimli hissed

Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, and Gimli sat up talking about tomorrows plan.

"I'm afraid we can not leave her." Aragorn whispered glancing over at the five sleeping forms under the blankets.

Gimli hearing the finality in Aragorn's voice reluctantly gave up and left the group to pout.

"Gimli..." Aragorn whispered harshly. "We will speak about this matter in the morning."

"Fine." The dwarf grunted moments later soft snoring was heard.

"I fear for Shealyn's safety." Boromir stated glancing up at the man and elf.

"We all fear for her safety Boromir." Legolas whispered. "Though Aragorn is right we can not leave her behind. She has come too far to back out now."

"The hour is late my friends let us get some sleep." Aragorn said

The other two nodded and stood from their seats to prepare for bed.


Chapter 15 - The Journey Starts on the Anduin

***Nightmare ***

"Have you found it?" The scientist hissed at the guard.

"No... no sir we haven't been able to locate the Girl." The guard answered stepping away from the scientist.

From my hiding place I could easily spot all of the white coats in the room. "That is not good enough Mitchells." The white coat roared. "That Girl is the key ingredient in our plan. Ever since we lost the Wolverine we haven't been able to find another with great potential."

~so that's why I'm here~ I thought as I continued to listen.

"I don't mean find it tomorrow I MEAN NOW!" The scientist bellowed impatiently.

The guard cowered before him. "Yes sir..." He replied

I watched the guard scamper away to gather others to search for me. ~Oh God I got to get out of here~ I thought backing out of my hiding spot.

"You're not smart are you Girl?" A voice asked behind me.

Stiffly I turned to find a particularly large guard standing there a gun resting on his forearm. He stepped forward and grabbed me by the arm. "You're coming with me." He firmly stated dragging me towards the head man.

"I see you have found it." He said coming in front of us.

"Yes sir." The guard responded pushing me forward.

I fell to my knees in front of the man. "You know that this will cost you dearly Girl." He stated coolly.

"I'm.... I'm sorry." I whispered softly lowering my eyes to the floor.

I heard the man laugh and a whip crap over my head. ~Oh bloody hell~ I thought

A hand grasped each of my arms bending me over slightly. I closed my eyes tightly awaiting the painful sting of the whip. I bit back a scream of pain as the whip cracked across my back. Five more lashes were issued before they stood me up straight.

"Don't hurt me anymore." I whimpered.

"Smith take it back to its cell." He ordered before disappearing.

Smith pushed me down the hall and threw me roughly into my all too familiar cell.

"Make yourself comfortable Girl you'll be here awhile." Smith taunted before locking the cell door.

*** End of Nightmare ***

I woke with a start in a cold sweat. I looked up at the sky which was slowly turning a lighter shade of blue.

Laying back down, but found I could no longer sleep. I swear I could feel the throb of the scars on my back. ~I need to take a walk~ I thought as I stood.

Not wanting to wake my sleeping companions I slipped out of the clearing and into the forest of Lothlorien. Amazed by the beauty I didn't realize that I was being followed until that someone deliberately broke a twig under their foot.

There was silence so I knew it was an elf, but it wouldn't have been Legolas. "Haldir I know its you come on out." I called quietly over my shoulder.

I heard a chuckle but didn't turn around. "Why are you up so early Lady Shealyn?" He questioned stepping up beside me.

I shrugged. "Couldn't sleep." I stated looking up at him. "I... I had a nightmare of my forgotten past." I stammered.

"Do you want to share?" He asked. "I hear it is quite helpful." He added.

Sighing I sat down on a nearby log. "Sit." I ordered softly.

Haldir sat down beside me. "You've probably been told that I come from someplace other then Middle-Earth right?" I started.

When I received a nod I continued. "Over a year ago I was rescued from a dungeon by people called the X-Men. I have no memory of my life before I had been captured by the evil men who put me in the dungeon." I paused to look at him.

Haldir reassuringly smiled down at me and I continued. "In the year that I spent with the X-Men and the months with the fellowship I've had nightmares of the past I can't remember. The dream I had back there I was hiding from the evil man and his guards until I was found. The evil man proceeded to whip me for my bad behavior then locked away." I said.

"You are safe now." Haldir replied. "Your heart shouldn't be troubled about the past."

"I know, but I can't just stop nightmares from happening." I responded. "I... I'm scared Haldir." I paused collecting my thoughts. "I'm scared that I will never know my true past." I confessed.

"You are strong young one. I believe you will find your way." He stated as he rose to his feet. "I must go back to my post. If I don't see you again I will say my farewell now." He added lifting my hand to his lips he kissed it gently before departing.

I shook my head watching the blonde elf retreat into the woods. "I hope you are right elf." I whispered before wandering back to the camp.

When I reached the clearing where we camped I found everyone but the hobbits were up. "Where did you wander off to?" Legolas enquired having spotted me first.

That drew the attention of the others. "Yes where did you wander off to?" Aragorn asked setting his pack down.

"I woke early and took a walk is all." I responded rolling up my bedroll.

Out of the four awake three took the lie as it was and continued to pack. I noticed that Aragorn seemed to be looking at me as if he saw right through my half truth.

"Shealyn may I speak with you a moment?" He asked quietly.

Reluctantly I rose to my feet and went to Aragorn who now stood at the far side of camp. "You didn't give us the whole truth Shealyn." He stated concern in his voice.

I sighed wanting to walk away, but something told me I couldn't. My eyes glanced down at the ground as I tried to avoid telling Aragorn about my dream.

"Shealyn..." He gently but firmly grasped my chin.

He lifted my chin so that I was forced to look up, but I didn't have to look at him right? I was wrong.

"Shealyn look at me." He commanded gently.

I looked him in the eyes that only held concern. "What troubles you little one?" He asked.

"I woke from another nightmare." I responded quietly.

"What happened?" He asked simply.

"I believe I was trying to escape my captors but they found me and whipped me." I answered him.

"There is more I can see it in your eyes." He stated holding me at out arms length.

"During the nightmare the only thing they called me was it or Girl with a capitol G." I whispered sadly glancing at the ground once more in shame.

"Do you believe it?" He asked taking my chin once again.

"No..." I whispered not making eye contact.

"Shealyn you mustn't think of those evil times in your past. Think of your X-Men friends and those you have befriended here. Remember this Shealyn you are loved." Aragorn said pulling me into a tight fatherly hug.

I brought my arms up from my side and wrapped them around his waist. "Thank you Aragorn." I whispered missing Logan more then ever.

"You are welcome little one." He answered. "Now pack your things we leave soon." He added.

Silently I walked away from him and continued to arrange the items I needed in my pack. As I folded a tunic something caught my eye. Laying on top of an extra pair of breeches was an envelope. "What in the..." I whispered picking it up gently.

I sat back against a tree and carefully broke the seal.

Dear Shealyn,

I have thought of you often since you and Aragorn left with the fellowship. I miss the both of you greatly. Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'. (My heart shall weep until it sees thee again). Namaarie. (Farewell)

Arwen

P.S.

Remember our promise in Rivendell little one. Tell Aragorn that I think of him everyday and I hope to hold him once more.

I smiled as I stood and wandered over to Aragorn who was studying a map. "Aragorn..."

Looking up he smiled at me. "What is it?" He questioned seeing the grin on my face.

"What does Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au' mean?" I asked.

"It means My heart shall weep until it sees thee again. Why do you ask?" He answered.

Silently I handed him the letter and watched him read it. His gray eyes brightened as he read and a smile came to his lips. "Thank you for showing me this." He replied.

"No problem." I shrugged indifferently.

"Milords, milady. It is time to depart." A Lorien elf announced coming into the clearing.

We picked up our belongings and headed towards the river. Approaching I noticed three canoe like boats gently rocking in the water. "We pray you have a safe journey." An elf advisor stated.

Nodding we loaded the boats before climbing in. Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam in one. The second held Boromir, Merry and Pippin. The last Legolas, me, and the evil dwarf.

"Legolas why must I be in the same space as him." I whined.

He chuckled and shook his head before taking up the oar. We left the shore gliding through the clear waters until up ahead I spotted another boat.

"Legolas isn't that Galadriel's boat?" I questioned.

"Yes she is wanting us to come ashore." He said.

The Lady and Lord of the wood awaited us when we brought our small vessels to shore.

"In the month that you spent here we have not had the pleasure of your company for lunch." Lady Galadriel said softly looking at each of us.

We ate lunch in silence an uncomfortable silence at that. "Before you leave we have gifts for you that will be useful in the rest of your journey." Galadriel smiled.

Each of us were given Elven cloaks with Lorien leaf on the clasp. I found out later that Galadriel and her hand maidens made them for us. Next came the personal gifts. Legolas received a fine bow and arrows. Merry and Pippin received daggers that I guess had already seen battle. To Sam the Lady gave him Elven rope. Gimli only wanted a hair from her hair. He received three. Boromir a dagger as well. Next came Aragorn. The Lady didn't have anything for him, but fingered the Evenstar pendant around his neck and spoke to him in Elvish. To Frodo, Galadriel gave him a crystal clear vial containing a beloved star. Last Galadriel came to me.

"Farewell young one." She said. "To you I give you this pendant."

I looked down at what she held in her palm. A silver and blue lightning bolt donned a silver chain. ~May this help you where your memory is clouded~ Her voice whispered in my mind as she clasped it behind my neck.

We bid them farewell as we once again climbed into the boats. "I'm goin' to miss this place." I murmured watching as the forest slowly became smaller.

Sitting up front I lazily watched the water beneath us. "Gimli..." I called over my shoulder. When I got no response I continued. "Gimli why do you hate me?" I asked looking back at him.

"I... uh... I don't know lass." He replied gruffly.

"Come on Gimli there has to be a reason why you despise me." I answered.

"Lass... argh... I do not despise you." He stammered. "In fact I admire you. It's just... I am jealous of your abilities in all areas. You are a natural when it comes to weapons......... then top it off with your gifts. I am... I am... truly... sorry for all of the harsh things I have... spoken to you." He apologized stumbling over his words as if he had never apologized to anyone before.

I smiled ~Never thought he had it in him~ I thought.

"You are forgiven Gimli son of Gloin." I responded. "Just try and think before you insult anyone again alright?"

"Yes lass I will try." He agreed.

"It is good to see you forgive each other." Legolas spoke up from behind.

"Hey Legolas what's the river called?" I asked turning to look at the elf.

"Its called the Anduin, Shealyn." He replied.

"Oh"

As darkness fell Aragorn signaled to pull the boats ashore. "We'll rest till dawn here." He stated bringing his pack up out of the boat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Get some rest." Aragorn called later that evening.

As everyone except Legolas and himself fell asleep Aragorn glanced over at Shealyn who lay asleep a couple of feet from the hobbits.

"She seems to be peaceful in sleep this night." Legolas observed as the two watched the sleeping girl.

"Indeed, but for how long this time. She has had nightmares almost every night. Those that we know of and those that we hear her silently wake from." Aragorn responded to Legolas' observation.

Legolas nodded at Aragorn's comment but was distracted by the whimpers coming from the girl. "Aragorn her dreams are plagued once again.' Legolas whispered to the ranger.

Quietly Aragorn rose from his seat and went to her side. He sat down and carefully pulled Shealyn onto his lap getting an almost immediate response. The whimpers stopped and the small body became still once more.

"You are safe little one." He whispered.

Aragorn looked down at his little charge and smiled. Ever so softly he began to sing an Elven lullaby as Shealyn drifted into a deep sleep.


Chapter 16 - Fate at Amon Hen

"Hey Boromir." I softly whispered sitting beside him as we made camp the second night.

He slowly looked up and gave me a sad smile. "How are you faring Shealyn?" He questioned looking at the ground once more.

"I am fine." I replied. "Though I believe you are not. You must fight it Boromir. It may be strong, but I believe you are much stronger." I added hoping to lift his spirits.

A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips as he continued to stare at the night sky. "You are wise beyond your years little one." He whispered

"That is what Logan would say." I whispered sadly.

"You miss them greatly I can tell." Boromir said after a moment.

I could only nod not trusting my voice at that moment. Boromir took hold of my hand and squeezed it gently. "You are not alone Shealyn." He whispered before getting to his feet and approaching Aragorn.

I stared after the man who seemed to now replace Remy, my Cajun friend back home.

*** Flashback ***

"There you are petite. Remy's been lookin' all over for ya." He said sitting down beside me on the roof.

"Remy I feel so lost." I whispered looking up into his red on black eyes.

"Ah petite don't think like that." Remy said resting his hand on my shoulder.

"I hate not knowing though." I replied.

Tears began their trek down my cheeks in a downpour. Without a word Remy took me into his arms and held me murmuring soothing words into my ear.

"You goin' some where?" I asked drying my eyes noticing that Remy had a rucksack with him.

"Remy was called back home to New Orleans petite. I must go and aid my friends." He whispered.

"Don't leave me Remy. Mr. Logan left last week with Jubilee and I'll be alone." I cried out.

"I'll be home before you know it petite. Remy must be goin'." He answered rising to his feet.

I stood and wrapped my arms around Remy's waist tightly. "Come home soon." I whispered as he returned the hug.

"I will try petite." He chuckled. "Goodbye."

"Bye Remy see ya when you get back." I said.

*** End of Flashback ***

"Shealyn, Shealyn are you well?" Pippin asked shaking me out of my memories.

"Yeah Pip I'm well. I was just thinkin' about home." I answered.

"Come join us." He said grabbing my hand.

Pippin pulled me over to where the other three hobbits were sitting telling stories of the Shire. Merry looked up long enough to pat the space beside him. I smiled and sat down.

"Shealyn would you tell us of some of your adventures back 'ome?" Merry asked.

Chuckling I closed my eyes as events in my life passed before my mind's eye. "Hmm... ah yes. Three months after my rescue I was outside with my new friends; Jubilee, Bobby, John, Marie, and Remy..."

"What were you doing?" Pippin asked thereafter receiving a whack on the head.

"Let her continue Pip." He hissed.

"Well Pip we were up to no good." I replied with a smile knowing that Merry and Pippin would appreciate this story.

"Do tell." Merry said leaning forward.

"Scott, the second in command of the X-Men thought it would be wise if everyone had more training sessions. So for three weeks we endured four solid hours every other day training with our gifts." I paused to see the hobbits reactions which were of shock. "As you can believe my friends and I were not in the least bit happy about these long training hours..."

"Of course not." Sam responded as the others silently agreed.

"So we one day we followed Scott and his love, Jean Grey to the lake that sits in the back of the mansion." The hobbits were grinning by now. "We hid in the bushes until Jean was called back inside and Scott remained. Even though I was the youngest the others had put me in charge so I signaled to Jubilee and Remy to do their part."

"What was their part?" Frodo asked curiously.

"Remy and Jubilee's part was to fake a fight to distract Scott. We heard a scream and watched Jubilee running towards the lake with a furious looking Remy hot on her tail." I giggled remembering that day. "They pulled Scott into the fray trying to blame each other for something or other. With Scott distracted the rest of us came out of our hiding spot and crept towards him..." I said letting my voice trail off.

"What did you do next Shealyn?" Pippin asked anxiously.

"We shoved him into the lake." I stated matter-of-factly.

With that the four hobbits burst out laughing. "Did.... did... you get in... trouble... Miss Shealyn?" Sam asked between breaths.

"What is so funny master hobbit?" Gimli asked coming up behind us.

"Oh Gimli you just missed a tale that Shealyn told of a prank she and her friends played on their second-in-command." Frodo answered him wiping a tear from his eye.

I looked at the hobbit who up until now hadn't laughed. "It's good to hear you laugh Frodo." I stated.

"Indeed." Gimli added.

"Shealyn..." Merry paused looking for the right words. "If you had to compare each of us to your X-Men who would it be?" He asked after a moment.

"Hmm... well Merry you remind me of Bobby because you like to play practical jokes...." I started.

"What about me?" Pippin asked jumping up and down in excitement.

"Pip I believe you remind me of Jubilee who is a younger version of Bobby." I stated simply expecting an outburst.

I didn't have to wait long. "A girl..." Pippin cried. "You compare me to a girl."

"Yeah but that isn't so bad." I replied. "Ok Frodo you remind me of Rogue." I paused to look at him. "Both of you are young and burdened with the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Frodo nodded. "What of Sam?" He asked.

"Hmm..." I looked intently at the hobbit in question. "I'd say you remind me of Kurt. He tries to help Rogue with her burden, but will never know the full extent."

"Who would you say I remind you of?" Gimli asked afraid of the answer.

"There is a mutant that helps us from time to time. He is called Bishop. His temper could match your own and it takes him time to befriend others." I replied.

"That seems satisfactory." Gimli grunted. "Tell us.... what about the others." He asked gesturing towards the two men and elf.

"Legolas reminds me of Hank or better known as Beast. They are both good at their skills." I really didn't want to explain science to them. "He also is kind to those who are not enemies."

The five nodded digesting what I had told them. "Boromir reminds me of Remy. Whenever I needed to cry or tell someone about my problems I would go to Remy. We are the best of friends. Now I go to Boromir." I stated.

"Lastly there is Aragorn..." I started. "Aragorn strongly reminds me of Logan. This is so because if not Remy I'd go to Logan and besides I looked at him like a father figure."

They smiled thinking about the people I described them as.

"Get some rest you five." Boromir called to us.

"Alright already." I grunted climbing to my feet.

Lying down I amazed myself by falling asleep within the minute.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What was Shealyn telling the hobbits and Gimli?" Boromir asked curiously remembering that the five were deep in discussion.

Legolas chuckled. "Shealyn was comparing us to certain X-Men members." He stated. "I supposedly am like a mutant called Beast. She said that we were both talented in what we do and we are both kind."

"Interesting." Boromir murmured. "What did she say about me?" He questioned.

"Well Boromir you are most like a man called Remy. Shealyn said she confided in him and befriended him as her relationship is with you." Legolas reported.

"That sounds about right." Aragorn jested.

"And you Aragorn reminds her greatly of the man called Logan. She said you and Logan are like her father figures." Legolas told them.

"Those comparisons are pretty good." Boromir stated as the others agreed with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know how long we had been on that confounded river, but I was about ready to burst.

"You are weary Shealyn rest." Boromir whispered taking another stroke with his paddle.

I had traded Merry spots so now I sat in the boat between Boromir and Pippin. I nodded as I lay back on the Gondorian's lap. Pippin then leaned against me and promptly drifted off to sleep. I must have nodded off too because the next thing I remember was Boromir gently shaking my shoulder. Sitting up I looked around. Up ahead Aragorn had started to speak to Frodo.

".... the Argonath long have I desired to look upon the kings of old, my kin." Aragorn told the hobbit.

I looked up at the two large statues of the kings of the past. Everyone was in awe as we gazed up at them. Glancing back at Boromir I saw his eyes light up as he looked up at them. My sensitive eyes could also pick up the fear and lack of hope that had dwelt in his eyes since Rivendell.

Soon we neared the falls where our three boats veered off towards the shore. I caught Boromir shudder as he braced the sides of the boat. "You ok Boromir?" I asked.

He looked at me and gave me a weak smile. "Yes little one I'm ok." He answered lifting himself out of the boat.

As we unpacked Aragorn was explaining our route. "We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north." He said.

Helping with the packs I immediately tuned out Gimli who began to argue with the future king. "That is our road. I suggest you recover your strength master dwarf." Aragorn replied coolly closing the subject.

Shaking my head I glanced around the campsite to find something missing. Frodo and Boromir were nowhere in sight. As if reading my thoughts Merry urgently looked around for his missing cousin.

"Where's Frodo?" He asked.

Sam opened his eyes and looked around for his master frantically as did Aragorn. "We must find him." He ordered.

Everyone stood and ran into the forest. Merry and Pippin in one direction, Legolas and Gimli in another, which left me, Sam and Aragorn. Separated we went in search for Frodo. I glanced back to find that Sam had lost us and now I was losing Aragorn.

Now on my own I ran hard desperate to find either Frodo or Boromir before anything happened. I looked out in front of me to find a hoard of very large orcs coming towards me.

"Oh shit." I hissed grabbing the hilt of my sword.

In a few short moments I was surrounded. Forced to deal with this evil alone I brought my sword up and gave a loud battle cry before beheading the closest orc. I ducked as a sword tried to strike me and whirled on my attacker plunging the sword into his gut. Another tried to slice off my legs but I merely jumped up caught the orc in the side bringing it down to its knees.

"Oh no you don't." I whispered hearing an orc come up behind me. I sliced into him before turning to another attacker.

I was on the last one when I heard a sound that made my blood freeze. The horn of Gondor. "Boromir!" I cried taking off towards the sound.

I ran through the forest praying that I would get their in time. I leapt over a fallen log and dodged a tree in my path. ~Must get to Boromir~ my mind screamed as I stabbed an orc in my way.

Approaching an area I noticed slain orcs lying in piles around me. "Shealyn..."

I turned to source to find Boromir lying against a tree arrows sticking out of his body. My heart sank as I went to him and knelt by his side. "Boromir..." I whispered sheathing my sword.

He weakly grabbed my tunic and pulled me close. "I will not last much longer...." He whispered weakly.

"Shh don't.... don't speak that way." I told him gently.

Aragorn joined us a moment later. "They took the little ones." Boromir cried struggling to get up.

"Lie still." Aragorn ordered.

"Frodo, where is Frodo?" Boromir questioned.

"I let Frodo go." Aragorn answered.

"Then you did what I could not." Boromir confessed. "I tried to take the ring from him."

"The ring is beyond our reach now." Aragorn said quietly.

"Forgive me I did not see. I have failed you all..."

"No Boromir you fought bravely." Aragorn whispered leaning forward to pull the arrows from Boromir's body.

"Leave it." Boromir demanded grasping Aragorn's wrist. "It is over. The world of men will fall. And all will come to darkness. My city to ruin."

"I do not know what strength I have left in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White city fall. I will not let our people fail." Aragorn promised.

"Our... people." Boromir repeated.

Then he glanced at me before struggling with the straps of his gauntlets. "Let me help you." I whispered sadly gently taking them off his arms.

"I.... I am giving these to you.... Shealyn." He said holding up his hand weakly to ward off my protest.

I only nodded looking down at them and then focused on Boromir's face again. "I ask you to do something for me..." He paused grimacing in pain. "When... when you come to Gondor tell... tell my brother, Faramir what happened to me." He pleaded weakly taking my hand.

"I... I promise." I choked out fighting back tears.

I could hear Legolas and Gimli approach but stop at a distance. Boromir's gaze shifted over to the hilt of his sword. Seeing that the man was having trouble reaching Aragorn placed it in his hands numbly.

"I would have followed you my brother... my captain... my king." With that Boromir took one last breath.

Closing my eyes I crossed myself before looking to Aragorn who touched his forehead then his lips before closing Boromir's lifeless eyes. "Be at peace Son of Gondor." He whispered kissing Boromir's forehead.

Aragorn stood after a moment and looked to the sky a tear running down his cheek. "Come let us give him a proper burial." He whispered taking my hand.

We carried his body back to the shore where we prepared it before placing it in one of the boats with is belongings.

"I will miss you Boromir." I whispered stepping back away from the boat.

Carefully strapping the gauntlets on my arms I sadly watched the boat drift away towards the falls where it plunged into the water. Aragorn stepped back sadly glancing at the opposite shore where Frodo and Sam pulled their boat on shore disappearing in the woods.

Anxiously Legolas began to push the remaining boat into the water. "Hurry Sam and Frodo have reached the eastern shore." Legolas paused noticing that we didn't follow.

He took one look at Aragorn and knew. "You mean not to follow them?" He questioned.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Aragorn replied.

"Then it has all been in vain." Gimli sighed. "The fellowship has failed." He and Legolas approached us.

Aragorn stood straight resting a hand on mine and Legolas' shoulder. "Not if we hold true to each other." He said.

Gimli clasped my arm and I returned it. "We will not leave Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be left behind. We travel light." He said sheathing a knife before putting it in his belt. "Lets hunt some orc."

With that he ran off into the woods. I grabbed my knives shoving them into my belt. I ran after Aragorn hearing Gimli cry out in eagerness to attack the orc.

We ran for the rest of the day Aragorn leading the way with Legolas at the rear. It was well after nightfall when Aragorn called a halt. "If we continue we might lose the trail." He stated sitting himself down.

I sat down beside him keeping my tears in check, but I knew I had to get the sadness out somehow. There my thoughts singled out lyrics to one of my favorite songs.

Slowly I began to sing the words as they passed through my mind.

"When I think back on these times

And the dreams we left behind

I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed

To get to have you in my life When I think back on these days

I'll look and see your face

You were right there for me In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky

In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am there you'll be

And everywhere I am there you'll be Well, you showed me how it feels

To have the sky within my reach

And I always will remember all the strength you gave to me

Your love made me make it through

Oh, I owe so much to you

You were right there for me In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky

In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am there you'll be Cause I always saw in you my life, my strength

And I want to thank you now for all the ways

You were right there for me

You were right there for me

Always In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky

In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am there you'll be

And everywhere I am there you'll be There you'll be" (A/N: There You'll Be belongs to Faith Hill and Co.)

Throughout the time that I sung I knew my voice faltered, but I held strong. Sadly I looked up at my companions who were also fighting tears.

"Aragorn I miss him so much." I cried no longer being able to hold in the tears.

Aragorn opened his arms to me where I collapsed against him sobbing for our lost friend. ~When the pain going to stop~ I thought as I clung to Aragorn's tunic.

"Shh little one go to sleep now. We have a long day ahead of us." He soothed stroking my head rocking me back and forth.

My eyelids drooped as my body finally gave into exhaustion. I lay there safely against Aragorn who continued to rock me until I fell to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas stared at the young girl who now lay sleeping in Aragorn's arms. The song she had sung was sad, but fitting. He had noticed that Shealyn had grown closer to Boromir since Lothlorien.

Coming out of his reverie Legolas realized that the ranger was gazing back at him. Smiling Aragorn shifted his bundle in his arms so that he could lie down. Legolas smiled back ~I pray Valar that you keep us safe~ I thought watching the dark horizon.


Chapter 17 - Riders of Rohan

*** Dream ***

"Shealyn wake up it time to go." Jubilee said shaking my shoulder.

"What do ya want?" I questioned opening my eyes.

"Come on you silly girl get up. We are going into town." She answered.

"Why are we going to town?" I asked sitting up sleepily

"Don't you remember we are going to get you some new clothes?" Jubilee stated pulling me out of bed.

"Ah Jubilee I want to sleep." I whined laying back down on the bed.

"Oh no you don't." Jubilee said ripping the covers off of my body. "You are going to get up and get dressed right now." She ordered.

"Alright I'm up." I responded standing up.

I quickly got dressed and ran a brush through my hair before braiding it. "Come on slow poke Jean and Scott are already waiting in the car." Jubilee urged poking her head around the door.

We ran out the door and to the car where the couple was waiting. "So Shealyn what kind of clothing would you like to look for?" Jean asked turning in her seat.

"I don't know." I responded quietly.

"Don't worry honey we'll find you clothing that you like I'm sure of it." The woman said reassuringly.

"Can we listen to the radio?" Jubilee asked leaning forward in the seat.

"Yes, but nothing in appropriate." Scott replied turning the radio knob.

As Scott turned up the volume a female voice came on. Her voice had a slight twang in it

"Another day has almost come and gone

Can't imagine what else could wrong

Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door

A single battle lost but not the war ('cause)

Tomorrow's another day

And I'm thirsty anyway

So bring on the rain

It's almost like the hard times circle 'round

A couple drops and they all start coming down

Yeah, I might feel defeated,

I might hang my head

I might be barely breathing - but I'm not dead

Tomorrow's another day

And I'm thirsty anyway

So bring on the rain

I'm not gonna let it get me down

I'm not gonna cry

And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight

So bring on the rain" (A/N: Bring on the Rain belongs to Jo Dee Messina)

Jubilee easily sang along with the song which I had never heard in my short life

"Jubilee what was that song called?" I asked embarrassed somewhat that I didn't know the answer.

"Oh it's Jo Dee Messina's Bring on the Rain." She responded.

"Cool it's the first song that I can ever remember hearing." I spoke after a moment. "I like it."

The three smiled at my excitement while Scott maneuvered the car into the car parking lot of the shopping mall. "Here we are ladies." He announced shifting the gear into park,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn watched Shealyn sleep and smiled when a small smile appeared on the girl's lips. ~It is the first one since Boromir died~ he thought brushing a stray piece of hair out of her face. ~She looks so innocent in sleep. It just reminds me that she is, but a child~

He looked up at the rising sun and dreaded waking her. "Shealyn...." He whispered gently shaking her.

"No more Jubilee..." She whispered while she shifted.

"Come little one you must wake now." Aragorn urged shaking her once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright, alright I'm up." I groaned sitting up.

Legolas and Gimli were already up and preparing for the days run. Eating the lembas that Legolas handed me I smiled remembering what day it was.

"Why do you smile lass?" Gimli asked leaning on his axe.

"Do you know what day it is?" I questioned with a smile.

"Why yes lass... why do you ask?" He answered.

"Well master dwarf I'm no longer um... ten and one years." I told him.

"What are you getting at?" He asked completely confused.

Legolas laughed gently at the confused dwarf. "Gimli... what Shealyn is saying is that she has turned another year older." He explained.

Realization dawned on the dwarf's face and a grin appeared. "Congratulations lass." He stated.

"Thank you." I replied. "Are we ready?" I asked turning to Aragorn.

He nodded and we began our days run. It had been several days now that we had followed the trail of the orc party carrying our friends. During those days on the trail we found a Lothlorien broach on the ground. ~I hope they are ok~ I thought.

Aragorn would occasionally lie on the ground pressing his ear to the rocky earth listening for anything.

"Legolas..." I tugged on his tunic. "I see somethin' in the distance." I said pointing to the dark cloud that raced across the land.

Legolas leaped on top of some nearby boulders and looked at the cloud.

"Riders are approaching." Legolas said jumping down from his perch on the rocks.

"It is probably riders of Rohan." Aragorn stated. "Come let us hide until they reach us." He added.

We stood back against the rocks to await the riders' arrival. As they passed our hiding place Aragorn stepped out into view.

"What news do you have from the north Riders of Rohan?" Aragorn called to the riders.

Like one the group of riders wheeled their horses around surrounding us in a great big circle. Spears were pointed at us as the their leader dismounted and walked forward.

"What business does a man, a dwarf, an elf, and a boy have in the Rohan?" He asked his voice harsh. "Speak quickly."

"Give me you your name horse-master." Gimli said. "And I will give you mine."

"I would cut off your head if it were more then a few feet from the ground." The man retorted.

Beside me Gimli bristled but before he could do anything Legolas came to his defense. "You would be dead before you could strike him." He stated coolly.

"What is your business here?" He asked again.

"I am Aragorn son of Arathorn these are my friends Legolas Greenleaf, Gimli son of Gloin, and Shealyn daughter of Logan. We are friends of Rohan and to your king Théoden." Aragorn spoke up.

I noticed that the men were staring at me intently and I was becoming uncomfortable. Aragorn continued to speak with the man whom I found out later was Éomer.

"We have destroyed the orcs you speak of." Éomer stated.

"What of our friends?" Aragorn questioned.

"We only found orcs." Éomer answered.

At this Aragorn frowned. "Are you sure, the ones we search for are small. They would appear to be children in your eyes." Aragorn responded.

"None but orcs were amongst the slain." Éomer replied gravely.

"We do not speak of children." Gimli said. "They are hobbits."

"We left none alive master dwarf... I am sorry." Éomer answered. "Look for your friends, but do not hope for it is forsaken in these lands."

Then he turned and whistled. Moments later two horses appeared. "Take Arod and Hasufel for they will be of better use to your search, but on one condition. You allow us to take the girl with us for it folly to drag her with you." Éomer said.

"No you can not separate me from my companions. I have come all the way from Rivendell with them and will not abandon my hobbit friends...." I started to say.

"Then I will not allow you to borrow the horses." Éomer stated matter-of- factly.

"Shealyn is right." Aragorn spoke. "She will stay with us, but please allow us to borrow these horses for they shall quicken our search for our friends." He rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"I am not a helpless child like you believe." I retorted my temper rising.

This man was so infuriating. I suddenly had the need to strangle him for his arrogance, but Aragorn's calming hand on my shoulder and a warning look in his eye told me to cool it before I did something stupid.

"Very well..." Éomer replied glaring down at me. "Come we ride north." He shouted to his riders.

With that the riders were galloping as one across the plains. "Gimli ride with Legolas. Shealyn you'll ride with me." Aragorn ordered mounting Hasufel.

Legolas leaped onto Arod's back and pulled Gimli up behind him. I stepped over Hasufel and Aragorn pulled me up in front of him.

We raced across the plains of Rohan towards the thick black smoke that rose up into the air. With my keen eyesight I could clearly see mounds of orc burning.

"They are dead." Gimli cried dismounted when we came upon the sight.

"No Gimli don't think that way." I whispered harshly my eyes roamed over the dead orc bodies.

Legolas bent and picked something up. "This is one of theirs." He said holding up the scabbard and belt.

"They are not here." I said only receiving a sad nod from Aragorn who was searching the ground.

"A hobbit lay here... and another here." Aragorn called following the prints. "Cut their bonds here..." He said holding up a severed length of rope. "They crawled away... and then ran...." The ranger looked up and into the dark forest before us. "... into the forest." He concluded.

"What madness would drive them in there?" Gimli wondered stepping up besides us. "That is Fangorn Forest."

"I do not know Gimli, but we must follow them." Aragorn said more of an order.

We ran to the borders of the ancient forest. As we approached the trees groaned as if speaking and Legolas stopped to listen.

"We should continue our search." Legolas stated picking up his pace.

**************************************************************************** ********************************************************************

Night approached quickly and Aragorn deemed it best to camp in a clearing before continuing the search.

"Someone is out there." I whispered hearing light footsteps on the ground and the sound of the horses scattering.

Aragorn and I unsheathed our swords while Gimli gripped his axe and Legolas readied his bow. "Who is out there?" Aragorn called into the darkness.

"Saruman..." Gimli hissed.

Legolas released an arrow but it never reached it intended target for it fell at the cloaked figure's feet.

"Now, now is that the way to greet an old friend?" a familiar male voice questioned from within the bright white light.

"Show yourself." Aragorn ordered.

The light dimmed what I saw made my heart stop a moment. There standing in front of us was Gandalf. He was however different in ways. His hair and beard were as white as the robes he wore. The staff in his hand was also white.

"How can this be?" Aragorn whispered in disbelief. "Gandalf the Grey?"

In shock we knelt before him. "Gandalf the Grey?" He said. "Yes I was called Gandalf, but now I am Gandalf the White." He replied

"Gandalf..." I cried before embracing him.

"Yes child I am here." He answered patting my head.

Sitting around the fire Gandalf told of his fall and battle with the demon and how he was called back for a time. Then he went on to speak of Merry and Pippin who were both alive and well with his Ent friend, Treebeard.

"Let us rest here for the night before we head to Rohan." Aragorn decided.

"I agree." Gandalf put in.

With that said we lay down on the ground except for Legolas who stood guard. ~Gandalf has returned to us~ I thought happily turning over and falling asleep.


Chapter 18 - Visions of the Past

*** Dream/vision ***

My vision cleared allowing me to see a white hospital room. On the bed lay an exhausted looking red haired woman. Her blue eyes shown with happiness as the man beside the bed gently placed a tiny baby in her outstretched arms.

"Oh sweetheart she is perfect." The woman whispered.

"Indeed." The black haired man replied caressing the infant's cheek. "What shall we call her?" He asked.

"Hmm... how about Shealyn Lee?" The woman suggested.

"Shealyn Lee Mitchell... I love it." The man tried the name.

The woman smiled. "What do you think Chance will think of his new baby sister?" She asked.

"I believe he'll like the change. Any fifteen year old would love having a baby around." The man responded.

"I can't wait for him to meet her Jonathan." She smiled again gently rocking the baby in her arms.

"I know Abby I know." Jonathan whispered.

The scene became clouded, but cleared moments later. I was in a house watching Abby sketching on the couch while a young man of twenty read to a dark haired, blue eyed little girl who could be no more then five.

"Momma when's Daddy coming home?" The little girl asked.

"Soon Shealyn, soon." Was the only response. "Chance would you help me by getting Shealyn ready for bed." Abby said.

"Sure Mom come on squirt lets go." Chance said picking Shealyn up from the couch.

Just then the door opened and Jonathan walked through unstrapping a gun belt from his waist.

"Daddy!" little Shealyn squealed squirming from Chance's arms and running to the man.

"Squirt what are you doin' up so late?" He asked picking her up and swinging her around.

I smiled at the sight, but it quickly disappeared when my ears picked up the slightest noise outside. Jonathon also heard the noise and placed the girl on the floor before going to the window.

"Honey what is it?" Abby asked coming up beside him at the window.

"Abby, kids hide." He quietly ordered.

Chance immediately picked up little Shealyn and rushed down the hall to a small closet where he quickly deposited her in the small space. "Stay here squirt. I'm goin' to help Mamma and Daddy." Chance whispered quietly closing the door.

I watched the scene unfold as three men burst into the home with guns drawn.

"Get out of my home." Jonathon bellowed placing himself between the intruders and his wife and son.

A cruel smile appeared on one of three's faces and without a word they shot the three occupants of the house.

"Search the house." One ordered. "Our boss said there were four of them."

The men didn't search long for the police were on their way. "Oh my..." a blonde haired officer groaned walking in the door.

He bent down next to the bodies checking for pulses. When he could find none he leaned back looking around the room with service revolver drawn. Placing a finger against his lips the officer motioned for his partner to enter quietly and search the house. They slowly made their way around the first floor stopping in front of the closet door. The blonde carefully turned the knob while his partner got ready to fire if necessary.

The door flew open revealing the tiny sobbing five year old girl. "Glory be Rusty look it here." The blonde breathed out.

Carefully Rusty inched forward setting his gun down and reaching out for the girl. "Come here darlin'." He whispered soothingly.

Little Shealyn looked up at Rusty before attentively holding her arms out to him. Gently Rusty picked up the girl and carried her down the hall careful not to allow her to see the bodies. "I'll be outside Alan." He whispered to his partner before walking out the front door.

The scene also faded, but another replaced it. This time it was the lab where I thought I spent most of my life.

"Well, well, well you should know by now not to run Girl. Time for another treatment." A scientist hissed.

A guard came up behind me and grasped my arms. "Let me go." I hissed trying to struggle out of the grip of steel.

I was led down the hall to the windowless steel door at the end where the brute opened it and threw me inside. Seconds later another came in chuckling to himself as he cracked the whip above my head. The whip came down across my back once, twice and then a third time. I struggled to keep my screams of agony within me. The whip raised again I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for that sting.

*** End of Dream/vision ***

I inhaled sharply as I sat up. ~That was way to real~ I thought glancing around at my sleeping companions. Drawing my knees to my chest I wept silently realizing that the dream I just had was of my forgotten past.

"Are you alright child?" Gandalf asked coming to sit beside me.

"Yes... no Gandalf I don't feel like talking about it right now alright?" I responded.

Gandalf nodded understandingly. We sat in a comfortable silence until dawn when the others rose and joined us. "Let us get going. I would like to be in Edoras by midday tomorrow." Gandalf told Aragorn who nodded in agreement.

"Uh Gandalf we have a slight problem." I spoke up. "The horses ran off last night."

"They did, did they?" Gandalf replied with a mischievous smile.

We walked to the edge of the forest where Gandalf stopped and whistled. I could hear the thunder of hooves guessing about three horses were coming our way. Arod and Hasufel appeared alongside another beautiful horse.

"This is Shadowfax lord of horses." Gandalf said patting the horse on the muzzle.

Quickly we mounted the horses and rode towards Edoras. "What frightened you so this morning little one?" Aragorn whispered in my ear as we galloped behind Legolas.

I closed my eyes concentrating only on my breathing. "Shealyn?" He questioned worry evident in his voice.

"I'd rather not talk about it Aragorn." I whispered starring straight ahead.

"I will honor your decision little one, but if you ever wish to talk about it don't be afraid to come to me." He answered resting his hand on my shoulder.

"I will." I promised leaning against his shoulder wearily.

************************************************************************

As night fell Gandalf thought it wise to stop for the night. "We have a half days ride ahead of us." He told us. "Get some rest."

Aragorn lifted me off the Hasufel's back and went to help Gimli. I looked at my companions sadly before starting off to get some privacy. Walking a few feet I found a log and sat down.

~Was that truly my past~ I thought. ~Was I the daughter of Jonathon and Abby Mitchell? I had an older brother? I don't know what to believe~

"There you are Shealyn." Aragorn's voice said from behind. "You shouldn't wander off." He scolded gently.

I looked up at him with a small smile. "Sit..." I told him.

He did as I told him in silence. "You miss her don't ya?" I questioned seeing him unconsciously touch the Evenstar pendant that he wore around his neck.

"Yes little one I miss her." He answered a moment later.

I took his hand in my own and squeezed it giving him my best smile. Aragorn squeezed back and returned my smile. "We should go back to the others." He said after a moment.

We walked back to the small clearing where Gimli was already fast asleep while Legolas and Gandalf sat farther away talking quietly.

************************************************************************

I don't remember falling asleep that night, but we were up with the sun continuing on to Edoras.

"Gandalf I see it." I called a little before midday.

Gandalf nodded gravely as we continued towards the gates. We were met by two guards posted at the gates of the city. "What business do you have here?" One asked.

"My companions and I have come to see your king Théoden." Aragorn told them. "We have come with grave news from Éomer, third Marshal of Rohan."

The guard disappeared for moment before reappearing and allowing us to enter the city. Slowing our horses to a slow walk we dismounted at the stairs. Several men came out to greet us none to hospitable.

"I am Háma you may enter only if you hand over your weapons." The red haired man said.

I didn't like that at all. I looked to Gandalf for assurance as he silently told the three men to hand over their weapons. Then his eyes met mine. I knew I couldn't fight so with a heavy sigh I allowed one of the guards to take my sword and knives.

"Your staff..." Háma demanded of Gandalf.

"Now you wouldn't part an old man from his walking stick would you?" Gandalf questioned the man.

Háma looked beaten but his expression quickly became neutral. Now unarmed Háma led us through the doors and into the king Théoden's hall.

"Legolas I don't like this." I whispered quietly to the elf that walked on my right.

He nodded but kept his gaze forward on the old king that sat on the throne and the evil looking man that squatted next to the throne. My eyes wandered as Gandalf spoke with Théoden and then arguing with Wormtongue.

"I thought I said to take the staff as well." Wormtongue hissed.

I stepped forward in front of Gandalf. "You will not touch him." I said lowly anger clearly in my voice.

"Child be silent." Gandalf whispered harshly resting a hand on my shoulder.

I glared at Wormtongue but stepped back next to Gandalf. Then Gandalf approached the fragile looking king and spoke to him in some language.

"Oh my God..." I murmured watching Théoden slowly stand all the while his features reverted back to his old self.

Moments later a woman appeared wanting to help the king, but Aragorn held her back.

"You have served him well Lady Éowyn." Gandalf spoke to her. "Go now for he is in good hands.

Éowyn glanced at the king and then at Aragorn before complying to Gandalf's bidding. After Éowyn left Gandalf approached the king. "Let your nephew, Éomer out of prison." Gandalf told him.

"Háma go and release my nephew." The king ordered.

Háma quickly left the throne room to retrieve Éomer coming back a few minutes later followed by none other then Éomer. "Guards bring Wormtongue to me." Théoden ordered.

The guards complied bringing a struggling Wormtongue between them. I watched silently as Éomer approached his uncle bearing the royal sword. Kneeling Éomer held out the sword for his uncle to take.

"He's goin' to get it." I murmured watching the strength return to the king of Rohan.

Wormtongue also saw this and became rather frightened as he got to his feet. The king advanced on him until they were outside. Being ever the curious one I followed the men outside where Théoden stood above Wormtongue ready to strike him down.

"No..." Aragorn shouted placing a restraining hand on Théoden's arm. "My Lord enough blood has been spilt on his account."

"Leave" Théoden hissed at the cowering man before him.

Wormtongue quickly got to his feet and beat it out of there as if a band of orcs were after him. "Hail King Théoden." Aragorn announced loudly before kneeling.

I followed suit but quickly climbed to my feet when the king bid us to. Distress filled the king's eyes as he searched the crowd.

"Where is Théodred, my son?" He questioned.

Sorrow filled Théoden's eyes as he was told that his son had been killed. ~So many deaths~ I thought as I approached the grieving king. Without thinking I took Théoden's hand and gave it a small squeeze.

"I am truly sorry for your loss My lord." I whispered.

A small smile appeared on his face. "Thank you child." He responded.

************************************************************************

Sitting alone in the room they had given me I allowed my mind to wander. The dream had plagued my mind since the other night ~Was I meant to come here~ I wondered.

'knock, knock'

"Come in." I called turning to the door.

"Hello Lady Shealyn I am Éowyn. My uncle sent me here to check up on you." She said. "I have heard of your journey with your companions. I was surprised that they would bring a child."

"In all truth Lady Éowyn I wasn't really meant to come this far. The plan was to leave me in Lothlorien." I told her.

"I was told by your friend, Gimli that you have a clouded past." Éowyn ventured on.

"I don't want to talk about." I whispered hanging my head.

"Forgive me that was terribly rude." Éowyn apologized a moment later.

"Its alright." I replied.

"I will leave you now." Éowyn said walking to the door.

I nodded and watched the woman leave allowing my mind to wander once again.

************************************************************************

After some time I left the room and began to wander the halls. On the stone walls hung ornate tapestries with bright colors. So intent on looking at the décor I rounded the corner and smacked right into someone. "Excuse me........." I whispered apologetically forcing my eyes to look up. "Lord Éomer."

The man glared down at before moving down the hall. Shaking my head I continued down the hall coming to a room with several large tables and benches.

"Come Shealyn." Aragorn called to me.

Smiling I went to the table and sat next to Aragorn. "Eat lass before you starve." Gimli ordered gruffly pushing a plate of food in front of me.

We ate in silence either too tired to speak or just didn't want to speak

"King Théoden has ordered that we depart for Helms Deep tomorrow." Aragorn told me after a few minutes

"Is there anything I can do to help the process along?" I questioned.

Aragorn shook his head glancing up at the throne where Théoden and Gandalf sat.

"Well I think I'm goin' to bed." I replied getting up from the bench. My three companions stood as well.

"Goodnight Shealyn sleep well." Legolas told me before giving me a hug.

"Sleep well lass." Gimli gruffly clapping me on the back gently.

Smiling I turned to Aragorn who pulled me into a fatherly embrace. "Goodnight little one we will see you in the morning." He whispered kissing my forehead.

I left the hall quietly and headed down the corridor where I bumped into Éomer once again.

"If you don't mind me asking Lady Shealyn, but why did you make this perilous journey?" He asked curiously.

"Lord Elrond thought it was meant to be for me to go." I told him.

"But you are a mere child." He scoffed.

"I resent that." I retorted. "I'm twelve years old."

"That is still a child." Éomer replied.

Shrugging indifferently I sidestepped him and continued on my way.

"You will never amount to anything." Éomer called after me.

~He did not just say I was worthless~ My mind screamed as I turned around.

"With all due respect Lord Éomer but I thought it was wrong to insult a female. Besides I have already amounted to something. More then what you could." I responded knowing my words would definitely make him mad.

"Why you little..." He hissed raising his hand to strike me

"Brother..." Éowyn's voice came from behind. "You will not strike her." She hissed.

Éomer let his hand fall to his side and walked off looking back to glare at me once again.

"Are you alright Shealyn?" Éowyn asked. "Did my brother harm you?"

"No I am alright." I answered. "If you'll excuse me." I whispered

I walked down the rest of the corridor and went into my room where I fell exhaustedly on the bed and fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"She never ceases to surprise me." Gimli said.

"Indeed Gimli." Legolas replied

He looked over at Aragorn who seemed to be lost in thought. "Aragorn what troubles you my friend?" Legolas asked in concern.

After a few moments Aragorn looked up. "I worry about Shealyn." He said. "I pray that we will be able to convince her to stay in the caves when we reach Helms Deep."

"Aragorn you know as well as I it is folly to lock the lass up." Gimli reasoned "All that we could possibly do is protect her as best as possible."

"Gimli is right Aragorn." Legolas spoke up.

"That is what I feared you would say." The ranger whispered. "Come we have much to do." He stated rising from the table.

The three began to pack provisions for the trip and making plans. Aragorn was called to help map out the course that they would take and the others were sent to bed.

~I pray that we can keep Shealyn safe on this journey~ Aragorn thought while he Gandalf and Théoden went over the map.


Chapter 19 - Helms Deep and Sadness

Sitting up abruptly I looked around the room before remembering where I was as the memory of my dream came back to me once again which scared me somethin' awful.

"I need some fresh air." I murmured to myself as I climbed out of bed.

I got dressed quickly and left the room. Coming into the corridor I found it was quiet at this hour in which I was grateful as I made my way into the mess hall. Ignoring the curious stares of the men seated already I quickly headed out the door and down the stairs.

"Good morning Lady Shealyn." King Théoden greeted coming over to me. "What gets you up so early?" He questioned.

I shrugged really not wanting to tell him about my dreams. "King Théoden I have been meaning to speak with you in private." I said firmly.

"Very well milady, follow me." He replied.

I followed the king back through the doors and into what looked like a private library. "What do you wish to speak with me about?" Théoden questioned.

"I know that in a matter of a couple of hours we are leaving for Helms Deep and there we plan to fight the enemy." I began thinking about my next words. "I know you believe I am a weak child and that I will need to stay with the other women and children. What I'm tryin' to tell you is that I posses a weapon that would aid you greatly in battle."

The king opened his mouth to speak but I held up a hand to stop him. "My Lord I am not a mere child. I come from another world that is inhabited by only humans, but there are two types of humans. The first are regular humans. The second is a powerful race that is called mutants..."

"What is a mutant?" He asked bewilderment clearly evident on his face.

"A mutant is someone who at sometime in their life, most likely when they are teenagers, receives powerful 'gifts'. My 'gift' allow me to create lightning bolts with my hands." I paused to raise my hands palm facing up.

I could feel the small surge of energy travel to my hands and I allowed small blue sparks fly from my hands. The king stepped back wide eyed. "I want to fight alongside my friends, but I want your blessing to do so." I said.

"I will allow you to fight with us, but do not expect to be rescued." The king answered after a moment.

"Thank you King Théoden." I stated.

"You are welcome young one." He answered. "Why don't you go find my niece, Éowyn and help with the preparations?" He suggested.

"Yes my Lord." I responded leaving the room closing the door behind me.

I wondered back outside searching for the blonde haired woman. "May I help you with somethin' Lady Éowyn?" I asked finding her loading items on a cart.

"It would be greatly appreciated Lady Shealyn." She answered hefting another bundle onto the cart.

I bent and picked up a bag of clothing. "Tell me about your journey I was told by Aragorn that you are a blessing to them." Éowyn replied glancing over at me.

"Where would you like me to begin?" I asked.

"When did you meet Lord Aragorn?" She asked.

"I awoke at Weathertop where Aragorn and the hobbits were camping. The Black riders attacked while Aragorn was scouting the area. I tried to protect Frodo, but the Witch King stabbed me." I bent to pick up several water skins. "I lost consciousness along the way and woke up in Rivendell." I straightened to look at the Lady of Rohan.

"What happened after leaving Rivendell?" She asked curious.

"We traveled for many weeks before we reached Caradhras. There we got up half way when Saruman caused an avalanche. Frodo thought it best to go through the mines of Moria. Pippin gave away our position and we were attacked. I was stabbed through by an orc on the way out and I was almost lost." I paused remembering that event. Giggling I looked back up. "I believe I almost gave Aragorn a heart attack when my heart stopped in Lothlorien."

"He must be really close to you." She responded a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"Yes..." I told her. "He is like a father to me."

"Oh" Was her response.

"There you are Shealyn." A male voice said behind me. "Gimli, Legolas and I have been searching all over for you."

Turning I found Aragorn standing there with a look of relief on his face. "Good morning Lady Éowyn." He said politely.

"Good morning Lord Aragorn." Éowyn responded.

"Shealyn I need to speak with you a moment." Aragorn said heading back inside.

"Yes sir... I will see you later Éowyn." I called taking off after Aragorn who waited at the door.

"What do you wish to speak with me about?" I asked as he placed a hand on my back and leading me down the corridor towards his room.

Entering the room I found that Legolas and Gimli were waiting. "Lass why do you like to scare us?" He enquired.

"Can't a girl leave her room without someone becoming worried about me?" I asked.

The three chuckled clapping me on the shoulder. "We can not help but worry for you Shealyn." Legolas spoke up. "You are dear to us." He added.

"What do ya guys want?" I questioned after a moment.

"I... we wanted to talk to you about the upcoming battle at Helms Deep." Aragorn started.

Before he continued I held up a hand to stop him. "I know what you'll say Aragorn but I have made up my mind. I am going to fight alongside you." They were about to protest but I continued. "I already have King Théoden's blessing." I added.

Aragorn looked at me for the longest time before sighing. "If it is your wish little one." He said. "Come it is time to depart."

Leaving the room we headed down the corridor and out the door where Théoden waited for us with Hasufel and Arod. Swiftly mounting Legolas and Gimli headed out. Approaching Hasufel I looked up at Aragorn.

"I am sorry little one you can not ride with me. I must speak with the king privately." Aragorn told me apologetically.

"That's alright Aragorn I'll find another ride." I responded stepping back.

Looking around I found that everyone already was mounted double all except.... Oh man I thought. The only one available was that blasted Éomer. ~I think I'll just walk~ I thought.

This went on for two days. I walked with the people helping them with their things. Sometimes I rode with Aragorn, but that was rare considering the king always seemed to need him. Both nights I was haunted by that dream, each time confusing me more then the last.

************************************************************************

As I walked on the third day I noticed an old man struggling to carry his bag across his shoulder.

"Let me help you with that." I stated to the old man.

"Thank you young one." He responded as I hefted the bag onto my shoulder

I walked silently alongside the old man for a long time until I heard a cry from ahead. "Warg riders are attacking."

"I'm sorry I must go." I said hurriedly handing the man his bag.

Running through the mass of panicked people I unsheathed my sword. "Give me a lift." I cried out to a Rohirrim rider. He looked down at me and took hold of my outstretched hand.

"Ride faster." I yelled over the noise.

The rider looked over his shoulder at me with a glare on his face.

As we rode forward a fallen orc rose up in front of the horse causing it to rear up. I fell to the ground hitting my head on a hard stone, but was quickly on my feet once again. Wargs surrounded me immediately believing I was defenseless.

I crouched into an attacking position as the first of many orcs advanced on me. Gripping the sword in both hands I swung at the closest orc bringing it down headless. I then kicked out bringing another orc down. I pushed away from the ground just as an orc blade came in contact with the ground.

"That was way to close." I breathed as I ran to help the others.

I briefly spotted Legolas and Gimli fighting side by side before I lost sight of them. "Watch out." Someone called pushing me to the ground.

I looked up to find Éomer standing over me. Pushing him away I scrambled to my feet and engaged in battle once more.

"Aragorn..." I screamed seeing him being dragged to the cliff by a warg. "No..."

I watched in horror as he went over the edge of the cliff. I fought harder against my opponents to reach the cliff. "Oh no..." I whimpered falling to my knees at the edge of the cliff.

My eyes searched frantically for Aragorn but I couldn't see him. "Shealyn are you alright?" Legolas' soft voice asked beside me.

Not taking my eyes off the cliff I nodded not trusting my voice. "Where is Aragorn?" Gimli questioned behind us.

Looking back at my companions I sighed. "A warg took him over... over the cliff." I choked out.

Beside me I could hear an orc laughing and I vaguely heard Legolas question him angrily. Numbly glancing over at him I noticed the orc gripped something in his hand as he took his last breath. Crawling over to the body I snatched the Evenstar pendant from his hand and held it close to my heart. ~He can't be dead~ My mind screamed.

"Come young one." Théoden spoke softly placing a hand on my shoulder. "We must continue on to Helms Deep."

Standing unsteadily dizziness overtook me and I fell to my knees once more. "Shealyn..." Legolas called out to me as my world became dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas called out to Shealyn, but it was too late. Her small body swayed then fell forward.

"Shealyn..." He called again but he received no response.

Carefully he picked her up and went to mount Arod when Théoden approached. "Let me hold her while you mount." The king stated taking the limp girl from Legolas.

"Is she alright?" Legolas looked up to find Éomer standing their.

"And why would it matter to you?" Legolas asked icily.

Raising his hands chest high Éomer backed away before mounting his horse. Turning it he galloped away.

"Forgive my nephew." Théoden apologized turning back to Legolas. "I do not know what has come over him in the last few days."

Legolas nodded gently taking Shealyn from the king's arms. He carefully positioned her body against his before gigging the horse into a trot.

"We will reach Helms Deep after nightfall if we make haste." Théoden called to his men. "Get the wounded mounted we must leave."

"Please be alright lass." Gimli sighed as Éomer pulled him up behind him.

"Tell me master dwarf where did you and your companions find the girl?" Éomer questioned.

"I don't know why you would care of such matter, but Aragorn and our hobbit friends found her on their journey to Rivendell. I worn you Lord Éomer Shealyn from what I gather from her stories she told us has had a hard life." Gimli continued. "She has a clouded past." He added.

"Interesting." Éomer replied

************************************************************************

"Where are we?" I asked my head throbbing painfully.

"We are nearing Helms Deep..." Legolas' voice came through the throbbing pain.

"Legolas?" I questioned warily.

"Yes Shealyn... go back to sleep." He answered.

I nodded weakly resting my head against his chest welcoming the peaceful darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The men who had attacked the wargs eagerly went through the doors to be greeted by the villagers warmly.

Legolas carefully dismounted and carefully adjusted the young girl in his arms. A worried Gimli came to him. "How is she master elf?" He asked.

"I believe she will be fine as soon as she gets some much needed rest." Legolas responded to his friend's enquire.

"Legolas come let us find Lady Éowyn." Gimli said.

The two wondered inside in search for the lady in question finding her helping an old woman. She looked up hearing them approach. "What happened to Lady Shealyn?" She asked concerned.

"Shealyn was thrown from her horse when the warg riders attacked." Legolas responded.

Éowyn nodded looking around her. "Where is Lord Aragorn?" She asked.

Before Legolas could answer the girl in his arms shifted. "He fell." Shealyn told her sadly.

Éowyn's eyes grew wide as a few tears of grief trickled down her cheeks. "Forgive me for my rudeness. Come I will bring you to a room where Lady Shealyn can rest.

Legolas followed Lady Éowyn quickly down the hall and into a room. Gently Legolas set Shealyn's limp body on the bed.

"I will care for her Legolas, you and Gimli go see the king." Éowyn stated.

Legolas nodded reluctantly leading Gimli along with him. After the two males left Éowyn turned back to the young girl with a sigh. Carefully Éowyn unbuttoned Shealyn's shirt and eased her arms out of the sleeves. As she took the shirt she gasped when she saw the old scars.

"By the Valar..." She whispered placing her hand over her mouth.

Her eyes wondered over the girl's chest and stomach which were marred by scars. Four lay from her right shoulder and disappearing under the left side of her breeches. A newer scar was made by a blade.

Tearing her eyes away from the girl's scars she quickly took the cloth from the water bowl and wrung it out before running it over Shealyn's face then her throat, down to her chest and stomach. Tossing the cloth back into the bowl Éowyn pulled out a clean shirt and easing the young girl's arms into the sleeves and quickly buttoning it.

Next Éowyn untied Shealyn's breeches pulling them off her legs. Again Éowyn wrung out the cloth and washed Shealyn's bottom half of her body before slipping on a clean pair of breeches on her legs.

"... Legolas..." Shealyn whimpered beside her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** Nightmare ***

"Aragorn... no..." I screamed watching him fall from the cliff.

Events in my past came back to me as I searched below. The scene of my family being murdered. Then the countless times I almost lost the members of the X-Men.

Another scene was goin through my mind when pain pulled me into reality.

*** End Nightmare ***

I woke calling for Legolas but when I opened my eyes I only found Lady Éowyn sitting next to me on the bed.

"Where is... Legolas?" I asked weakly as a flash of pain caused me to wince.

"Shh Shealyn it is alright. Legolas and Gimli went to speak with the king." Éowyn spoke softly.

"Where am I?" I asked looking at my surroundings.

"We are at Helms Deep." Éowyn responded.

I was about to ask about Aragorn, but the horrible scene at the cliff replayed in my mind. ~He's gone~ I remembered as warm tears ran down my cheeks. "Aragorn..." I whimpered in sadness.

Éowyn pulled me against her as she rocked back and forth. "Would you like for me to get Legolas?" She asked.

I nodded wincing as searing pain raced before my eyes. Éowyn helped me lie back down before she went to search for the elf. I lay there tears streaming freely now. I felt something in my fist so I uncurled my fingers revealing Aragorn's Evenstar pendant. New tears trickled down my cheeks holding the pendant tightly.

"Shealyn..." Looking up I found Legolas and Gimli standing just inside the door with Théoden right behind them.

I rose up into a sitting position I winced at the pain in my head and beckoned for them to come. Slowly they approached and sat on the bed.

"You scared us once again Shealyn." Legolas commented.

"I'm sorry." I answered.

"What happened child?" Théoden asked.

"Oh... um when we were riding into the attack a fallen orc spooked the horse and I wasn't holding onto the rider and I fell hitting my head on a rock." I told him.

"I am glad you are better Shealyn. I must go tend to important matters." The king said leaving the room.

Legolas turned back to me and smiled. "Yes it is good to see you awake Shealyn." He stated.

Gimli nodded his agreement as he clasped her hand. "You are lucky one lass, very lucky." He admonished.

I yawned tiredly and smiled as Legolas and Gimli rose to leave. "You need your rest Shealyn. We will come back to check on you later." Legolas told me leaning over to kiss me on the forehead.

After they left I shifted to lie back down. Clutching the Evenstar pendant I closed my eyes drifting into a fitful sleep.


Chapter 20 - the Return of the Future King

*** Nightmare ***

I ran down the stairs quickly pushing my arms into the sleeves of my X-Men uniform. ~Prof. what's goin' on~ I questioned zipping up the front.

~Lightning be alert Sabertooth has broken into the grounds~ The professor thought spoke to me.

Instantly I was alert my keen eyes searching everywhere for any sign of the huge mutant. Running out the door I once again stopped to listen and search the forest area around me.

"Well, well, well..." I turned quickly to find the hated mutant standing there smugly. "Hey there frail." He said.

~Not again~ I thought standing straight.

"What do you want this time?" I asked through clenched teeth.

"Why I thought you'd know by know frail. I want you." He purred.

I shuddered as I backed away only coming up against the X-Van. I brought my hands up in front of me allowing the energy rush to my hands. Releasing it I vaguely heard him roar in pain before he backhanded me hard.

I flew across the driveway landing at the base of a tree. "That's goin' to cost ya frail." He bellowed raising his hand to strike...

*** End of Nightmare ***

I opened my eyes in panic half expecting to find the massive mutant to be standing over me. I searched the dark room for any telltale sign of danger as I pushed myself up into a sitting position. ~I want Aragorn~ I thought sadly remembering he was no longer there.

Slowly easing out of bed I got dressed in a white shirt and dark breeches. Stumbling across the room I found my boots and shoved them on before leaving the room. I walked down the bare hall and entered the mess hall. My stomach growled telling me that I was hungry and I wearily sat down at one of the benches rubbing my temple.

"Well here is the girl that became a burden to us." I turned to face Éomer who stood behind me.

"Go away Lord Éomer I don't have time for your criticism right now." I replied turning back around.

"You don't just turn away from me." Éomer said angrily grabbing my wrist he pulled me to my feet.

The other men in the room snickered at my supposed predicament. I faced the third Marshall boldly.

"You don't know what you are getting' into." I hissed looking up at the man with a smirk.

With my free hand I tightly grasped the man's wrist that was attached to the hand on my other arm. With a quick movement I twisted his arm causing him to release my arm. "I told you." I whispered in his ear bringing his arm painfully behind his back.

Éomer grimaced in pain as he struggled to regain his footing. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Éomer's pals rise to their feet to help him, but I lifted my hand letting the bolts fly towards them. "Sit" I ordered.

They sat quickly rubbing their hind ends where I shocked them. Turning my attention back to Éomer who was victorious in freeing himself. "You are but a weak child." He sneered.

"Éomer if I were you I'd run." I stated matter-of-factly in a low dangerous voice.

He only chuckled and stood his ground before me. "What can a small girl do to me?" He retorted.

~Is he blind~ I thought? ~Didn't he just experienced first hand some of my ability~

Getting into a crouch I swept Éomer's legs out from under him in which he fell to the floor with a 'thud'. "Éomer at the moment I could care less if you are the nephew of the king of Rohan." I told him. "There was no reason to assume because I am young and a girl that I am weak."

Éomer looked up at me with a glare but there was something more. Before I could think of what it was I felt my own legs pulled out from beneath me. I landed hard cursing at the man before slowly clambering to my feet.

As Éomer stood up brushing the front of his green tunic with that smug look still plastered on his face I held onto my anger allowing my brain to control the situation. "You don't belong with men." He said with disgust. "Your duty as you get older is to cater to us men and provide us with sons."

That was the final straw. My right fist balled into a fist as I quickly brought it up and punching king's nephew in the eye.

Éomer surprisingly stumbled backwards before he braced himself on the table behind him. His hand drifted up to his eye gingerly touching it before looking up at me astonished.

"Éomer..." A deep male voice came from behind me.

I paled noticeably recognizing the voice of the king. "Uncle..." Éomer started.

"Silence Éomer..." Théoden bellowed. "That was an unwise decision on your part to attack Lady Shealyn therefore you deserved the punishment you received." I could barely notice the mirth in the king's voice as he finished.

"Now Lord Éomer apologize to Lady Shealyn." Théoden ordered.

Éomer reluctantly turned to face me before muttering his bitter apology. Sulkily he then stalked off followed by his friends who were biting back their laughter.

"Lady Shealyn..." His voice held warning.

"Yes my Lord..." I replied turning to face him.

"Did my nephew harm you?" He questioned seriously.

"No milord..." I answered truthfully. "May I request that you drop the title and just call me Shealyn? I mean I just turned twelve a couple days ago."

"Yes child that is a reasonable request." Théoden replied patting me on the shoulder. "If you are troubled by any of my men please come and tell me." He added.

"Yes milord." I stated.

"Shealyn... I have been thinking about my consent with your fighting alongside us." Théoden began. "I have seen you in the brief battle against the warg riders. You fought well though I don't wish to see you get hurt. You have a long life ahead of you." He continued resting a hand on my shoulder.

"If it will make you at ease milord I will think about it, but will not guarantee you that I will stay in the caves." I responded. "If you'll excuse me I need to go lie down for awhile." I added. "Go get some rest you look weary." Théoden responded.

I turned and wandered back down the hallway careful not to disturb the sleeping men lying against either side of the hall. In my haste to get back to my room I turned a corner and accidentally tripped over an outstretched leg. Hearing a groan escape the man of whom I tripped over I turned around to face him.

"I'm sorry sir I didn't see you there." I mumbled an apology.

The man sat up sleepily rubbing his eyes. He looked me up and down before a glare appeared on his face. "You are the girl who believes can fight alongside the men." He stated pulling himself up to his full height. "I saw you with Lord Aragorn back in Edoras. You were dear to him and your other companions." His glare softened a bit. "Go into the caves when it all starts."

I let my gaze drop to the hard stone floor at the mention of Aragorn's name. "I must go." I replied turning and quickly making my escape.

I turned another corner and was almost to the door when I heard someone come up behind me

"Shealyn, where have you been?" I heard Legolas ask from behind me.

"I went to get breakfast." I answered reaching my door.

"Are you alright Shealyn?" He enquired resting a hand on my arm to stop me.

Turning I plastered a smile on my face. "I'm alright Legolas I just have a slight headache that's all." I responded wearily opening the door.

Legolas followed me in watching me like a hawk. Sitting on the bed I looked up at Legolas who didn't try to conceal his concern.

"Legolas I'm ok please don't worry." I stated.

Before he could answer Gimli entered the room requesting Legolas to follow him. Sighing Legolas looked back at me before following Gimli out the door.

************************************************************************

Several hours passed as I lay there on the bed staring blankly at the bare ceiling. My hand idly moved up to my neck and grasped the little lightning bolt that hung on a chain.

~How many more will die~ I thought? ~Will Legolas and or Gimli leave me as well~

With those haunting thoughts in my head I once again climbed out of bed and wandered out the door. My eyes fixed to the floor I made my way back to the main hall where a commotion was going on. ~What is goin' on~ I thought trying to make my way through the crowd. Finding no space to get through I went over to a blonde haired Rohirrim.

"What's goin' on?" I asked tugging his black shirt.

The man looked down at me with a look of disbelief written all over his face. "Lord Aragorn has returned." He uttered.

"He's back... where is he?" I questioned him.

"Yes child, he is with the king." He answered.

I frantically pushed through the crowd of Rohirrim to get to the front where I saw a very weary Aragorn speaking with the king. ~Is my mind playing tricks on me~ I thought as my feet carried me forward.

Having finished his conversation with Théoden, Aragorn looked up searching until his gaze landed on me.

"Aragorn..." I whispered approaching the ranger.

I smiled up at him before reaching into my pocket and pulling the Evenstar pendant out. Gingerly Aragorn took the chain from my hand and kissing me on the forehead. Without a word he pulled me into a tight embrace stroking the back of my head with one hand.

"It's about time you showed up." I murmured pressing my face against his shirt

I heard him chuckle as he pulled away to look at me. "What happened?" He enquired touching the bruise on my forehead gently.

"Hit my head." I stated matter-of-factly locking my eyes onto his.

Aragorn frowned but didn't question further. "I will speak with you after I speak with King Théoden." He said a hint of warning evident in his voice.

"Yes 'father'..." I mumbled watching Legolas and the king lead Aragorn away.

~I should make truce with Éomer~ I thought looking around for the man in question.

"Excuse me sir..." I asked an armor clad blonde man. "Would you be able to tell me where Lord Éomer is?"

"Lord Éomer is in the armory I believe young one." The man responded.

"Thank you sir..." I replied before wandering off to find the armory.

~How do I approach him~ I thought navigating my way around several scowling Rohirrim. Finally I found my way to the small room called the armory. There in the corner stood Éomer. In his hand he held a beautifully crafted sword that no doubt was rather sharp.

"Lor... Lord Éomer." I stammered actually frightened with what I had pushed myself to do.

Éomer turned to face me with a somewhat angry look on his face. "What do you want milady?" He asked coolly.

I stepped forward carefully. "I... I wanted to apologize." I said stumbling miserably over my words.

Seeing the look on his face I continued quickly. "I should have never smart mouthed you awhile ago." I paused searching for words that would make sense to both of us. "The reason I am determined to fight in the upcoming battle is because I came from another world... and in this world we have a war for freedom goin' on right now. A group of people rescued me from a dungeon over a year ago and since then I have fought alongside them. I know you don't want me to fight, but I want to fight. I could be of use to you and the others." I finished.

Éomer's face softened as he listened and after a moment he spoke. "I forgive you for smart mouthing me..." Éomer started. "I have been thinking awhile and I believe I owe you an apology as well. The things I said were uncalled for" He said gently taking my hand in his. "I hope I didn't hurt you when I pulled you to the ground." He added before lightly kissing my hand.

"No Lord Éomer you did not hurt me." I responded taking my hand from his grasp. If we are to be on friendly basis with each other then would it be possible to drop the Lady bit?" I questioned.

Éomer thought about this and smiled. "I think that is possible as long as you call me Éomer." He replied.

"Good..." I said.

"Since we are now friends I want to talk to you about the battle... as my uncle has I already spoken to you I believe you would be safer in the caves. You are so young and you have a long life ahead of you..."

I held up a hand to interrupt him. "Éomer I am a warrior. I have seen probably as many battles as you have in the past year and a half. " I sighed. "I never told Aragorn or the others this, but I feel at home here. Something in my heart tells me this is my home. And since this is my home I want to help defend it. You guys need everybody that can wield a sword." I looked up to see no emotions on his face.

He quietly stood there for several minutes. "I can tell you are a warrior, but it will be safer in the caves." His voice was almost pleading.

"Éomer I am going to fight you and your men don't have to worry about me I can take care of myself..." I stated.

Before he could answer a stout teenager clad in worn tattered clothing came running. "Lord Éomer...." "gasp' "Lord Aragorn and the king wish to speak with you." He announced between gasps bending at the waist with his hands on his knees.

"Indeed..." Éomer turned to me. "If you would excuse me Shealyn." He bowed slightly before following the boy up the stairs.

~I feel so much better now~ I thought looking around for my friends.


Chapter 21 - Nightmares and Confessions

"Ah well I talk to them later." I reasoned opening the door to my room.

I had searched everywhere for Legolas and Gimli, but they were nowhere in sight. Dropping on the bed I sighed pulling of my boots as I leaned back against the head board. My eyelids became heavy though I tried to fight it. Unsuccessful I lay down falling asleep almost immediately.

***Nightmare***

The air was filled with grief and sadness as a large crowd stood around an open grave. An oak casket sat on a travois with a large bouquet of white and red roses lay on the lid. Most of the people in the large crowd were dressed in the police formal uniform with white gloves and a small mourning band was placed on their badges. Jonathon and Abby Mitchell stood next to a stone faced man with red hair and beard.

"... and may he rest in peace." The preacher ended looking up at the solemn crowd.

All the law enforcement officers present saluted the casket as several rounds blasted from rifles in salute to the fallen retired ranger who now lay in the casket.

The service now ended Jonathon approached the red haired man and solemnly shook his hand. "Walker I can't tell you how sorry I am that Ranger Parker passed on. I know he was like a father to you." He said softly.

"Thank you Jonathon, but if I'm right CD was like a father to you as well." Walker replied as a small sad smile appeared on his face.

Abby stepped up beside her husband and smiled. "You remember my wife, Abby don't you Walker? Abby this is my boss, Ranger Cordell Walker." Jonathon said wrapping an arm around Abby's waist.

"It is nice to see you again Abby although not the best occasion." Walker replied.

"I agree with you Ranger Walker. I am sorry for your loss." Abby said.

Walker nodded and turned to find his partner and wife standing there. "Ah Trivette, Alex this is Jonathon's wife, Abby..." He paused as Chance and Shealyn came to their mother's side. "And this is their son, Chance and daughter, Shealyn." Walker introduced.

"Mom I'll be waiting by the car." Chance told Abby as he began steering his little sister through the car.

~*~*~ A few minutes later at the car ~*~*~

"Sit still would ya?" Chance cried becoming frustrated with the squirming five year old Shealyn.

"I wanna go to the park Chance." Shealyn whined pulling fiercely on Chance's arm.

"In a little bit squirt." Chance replied gently pulling his arm from the girl's grasp.

"Chance, where did Uncle CD go?" Shealyn asked tugging her older brother's hand.

Chance's blue eyes watered a little as he looked down at the little girl's expectant face. Running his free hand through his red hair Chance knelt in front of his little sister.

"Shealyn honey..." He sighed heavily running his hand through his hair again. "... Uncle CD died... a little while ago." Chance told her gently.

Shealyn's face scrunched up in confusion. "Will he come back?" She asked innocently.

Closing his eyes Chance took a deep breath. "No squirt Uncle CD isn't comin' back." Chance answered slowly.

Shealyn's eyes widened as tears came to her eyes. "No..." She screamed pulling out of Chance's embrace and ran into the nearby forest.

Shealyn ran long and hard through the darkening forest. After three miles of running she slowed and stopped under a large birch tree panting. As her breathing slowed Shealyn heard a low growl coming from the dark around her.

"Who's there?" She called backing up against the tree.

Another low growl came as three large gray wolves appeared in the clearing. Shealyn whimpered as they came closer baring their gleaming white fangs. Shealyn inched her way along the tree trunk until she was on the other side before she took off. The lead wolf howled before taking up the chase of its prey.

"Stay away!" Shealyn screamed as she tripped over a tree root and fell to the ground.

The wolves immediately surrounded the fallen and inched their way closer. The alpha male came forward teeth bared. Growling it opened its jaws and lunged...

*** End of Nightmare ***

"Shealyn wake up." A voice urged while I was shaken awake.

Gasping I sat up looking around me wildly for the wolves that were so real to me.

"Shealyn you were dreaming." I turned my head to find Aragorn sitting on the bed, worry etched in his face.

"Aragorn..." I whimpered as he pulled me into an embrace.

"Shh little one it was just a dream." He murmured softly stroking my hair.

We sat there for several long minutes as I sobbed in his arms. After awhile my sobs subsided and turned to hiccups. Pulling back away from Aragorn I rubbed my tear stained eyes.

"Aragorn I... I need to tell you something." I began my voice shaky. "Remember back at Fangorn forest when I didn't want to talk about the dream I had..."

Aragorn nodded and I continued. "Since then I've been having dreams about my forgotten past."

Aragorn looked at me with understanding and patience in his eyes.

Bringing my hand up to my necklace once again I allowed my fingers to touch it lightly as the images of the dream came back. "My name is Shealyn Lee Mitchell daughter of Jonathon and Abby Mitchell." I stated glancing up at Aragorn before continuing. "I had an older brother called Chance."

I drew in a shaky breath as I remembered my first dream of my birth and my family's death. I felt Aragorn place a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "When... when I was five it appeared that many things happed during that year."

I glanced up at him for reassurance. In response he squeezed my shoulder lightly. "In the dream that I had a few moments ago I think I was at a funeral with my family. The man CD in which we were burying wasn't a family member but I called him Uncle CD..." I stated.

I closed my eyes tightly as tears threatened to fall. Aragorn didn't, but in reality he didn't have to. "The other dream I had before we got to Edoras was a repressed memory of a fatal night I think a couple of moths after CD passed away." I paused to collect myself and with a shaky sigh I said. "I was home with my mother and brother. Daddy wasn't home yet, but he arrived shortly after." Biting my lip to keep the tears at bay I looked to the ceiling for strength.

"Daddy saw the danger that was coming and Chance put me in a hall closet so that I would be safe. Three...three men barged into our home. They... they killed them Aragorn. My parents were unarmed and they killed them." The dam broke allowing the tears to flow freely down my cheeks.

Aragorn pulled me back into an embrace and just held me rocking back and forth murmuring comforting words in Elvish. I clung to the dark fabric of Aragorn's tunic I sobbed for the family I hardly knew.

"Aragorn what is wrong?" Legolas' voice asked from the doorway.

I lifted my head and quietly beckoned the elf and dwarf who stood in the threshold uncertainly. Gimli looked up at Legolas who shrugged and came to sit on the bed. Gimli followed and drug a chair over to sit in front of us/

Quietly I sat up and glanced at the two before looking at Aragorn for direction. Smiling Aragorn inclined his head to show that I needed to tell them.

"Legolas, Gimli I've been having dreams about my forgotten past." I paused to hold up the lightning bolt pendant. "I think it has to do with this." I said letting it drop from my fingers.

"The dreams..." Gimli started. "Should they not bring you happiness?" He questioned.

"No..." I replied shaking my head. "My name is Shealyn Lee Mitchell. My mother was named Abby; my father's name was Jonathon. I had an older brother named Chance." I sighed dropping my eyes to my hands where they lay in my lap. "When I was five they were murdered by three strange men."

"I am sorry young lass." Gimli whispered resting a hand on my knee.

"As am I." Legolas put in. Gently grasping my hand.

"Thank you." I replied barely above a whisper.

"Come dry your eyes Shealyn you must be hungry. The battle will begin soon.' Aragorn stated softly standing up from the bed pulling me up with him.

"Ok..." I smiled wiping the fresh tears from my eyes.

With that we walked out of the room in silence as we headed down the hall to the kitchen. Aragorn completely forgot about his lecture for now. ~I hope I did the right thing about telling them~ I thought as I followed them quietly the only sound came from our footsteps and my growling stomach.
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