The Fair-Haired Ones

Veronica awoke to the peaceful surroundings of a humble home. She sat upon a mini-sized bed - one large enough for a child. She was uncertain, confused and maybe even a little scared, but somehow, Veronica felt safe here. She felt the warmth of a blazing fire and the softness of the white gown she wore. Then, a woman no higher than Veronica's waist entered the room. She carried Veronica's tan outfit and boots and set them beside the bed.

"I'm glad to see you are awake," the woman said. "I just washed your clothes and boots up a bit. Do you like the dress?"

Half-dumbfounded, Veronica replied, "The dress is beautiful. I'm just a little confused right now."

The woman's rosy cheeks and bright eyes lit up her face. "I'm so sorry. It's quite understandable."

The woman extended her small hand to Veronica.

"My name is Rosie Cotton-Gamgee," she introduced.

"My name is Veronica. It's a pleasure," Veronica answered.

"Well, Veronica, this is my home and you're welcome to it for as long as you're here," Rosie said kindly. "My husband and children will be glad to have you."

When Rosie left her, Veronica began to shed her hidden tears. She layed across the short bed and clasped her pillow. Veronica never cried.

"Malone," she whispered as she cried herself back to sleep.

The next morning Veronica awoke to the stirring of children's laughter. She opened her eyes and smiled at the two wee ones that looked upon her with wondering eyes. The children placed two lillies beside Veronica and giggled their way from her room. Veronica sighed deeply and quickly dressed. She neatly folded the dress and set it on the bench near the window. When Veronica exited the humble home, she was met by Rosie and three other men of her kind.

"Veronica, this is my husband, Sam," Rosie said, pointing to the more hefty hobbit. "Sam, Veronica."

"It's a pleasure, my lady," he answered and kissed his wife.

Rosie pointed two the other two men. "Of course, you know Merry and Pippin."

"Yes, thank you both for last night," Veronica said.

"I'm glad to see you're well, my lady," Merry answered. Pippin nodded and agreed.

Veronica looked at the four. Rosie chuckled slightly and took Veronica by her arm.

"I can see you're still somewhat confused, my dear," Rosie noted. "You are not familiar with hobbits?"

"Hobbits?" Veronica inquired.

"There are many many different sorts of peoples here in Middle-Earth. Our people are called hobbits," Rosie explained. "Do you know where you come from?"

Veronica shifted uneasily. Her sunflower colored hair fell around her face.

"I'm not sure of anything right now. There are some holes in my mind," Veronica answered truthfully. "I just know I want to go home and find a man that I don't know is still alive."

"Maybe you will find this man in Minas Tirith," Pippin suggested. "You can always ask the King of Gondor."

"Yes, King Elessar is our friend," Sam added. "Aragorn, we call him."

Veronica's grayish-blue eyes lit up. "Will you take me to see the King?"

"I will personally escort you to the castle," Sam replied.

That night, sleep did not come to Veronica easily. She sat on the sil of her bedroom window and gazed at the glorious stars. Everything was still sinking into Veronica's mind. Perhaps this King Aragorn could help her some how. Veronica prayed he could. Veronica wiped her eyes when she heard the knob of her bedroom door jingle.

"Oh, my lady, I thought you would be asleep. We've quite the journey ahead of us tomarrow," Sam said, shutting the door. "I was just going to leave this for you."

He handed a bound book to Veronica, wrapped in brown covering. Veronica ran her fingers across the embroided title.

"The Lord of the Rings by Frodo Baggins," she read. "For me?"

"It was written by an old friend. It will tell you everything about Middle-Earth and everybody," he answered.

Veronica brought the story to her chest. "Thank you."

"We start early. Now please get some rest, my lady," Sam asked of her and left.