The Fair-Haired Ones

Veronica woke with the sunrise. She and Malone used to always watch the sunrise and sunset together. It was one of the prettier traits of the Lost World. Veronica felt welcomed here in Middle-Earth and sometimes her thoughts wanted to beseech her.

Veronica stood and stretched, as if praying to the morning. She packed a few items in a bag - a brush, extra clothing, and the book Sam had given her. Then, Veronica changed into a dress. The dress was more suitable for the journey, though Veronica didn't think her outfit was not. She decided to take to suggestions by others and not appear...scandalous.

Sam helped her upon his pony named Bill and Veronica bade farewell to the friendly hobbits who she had befriended. She pulled a band from her pocket and tied back her hair. The summer weather was warm, yet the breeze was cool. Not that Veronica would complain, for the jungles of the Lost World were frightfully warmer.

"Sam, about how long is it to Minas Tirith?" asked Veronica.

Sam flashed her his famous grin. "Awhile, I'm not sure how long exactly. You just relax, Milady. Bill knows the way."

Veronica sighed deeply, opened her pack, and took out the book. She traced her slender fingers across the cover again and opened the book to the first pages.

"...Is it secret; is it safe...The words uttered by Gandalf. Shire...Baggins.... He knew they were coming to the Shire. He knew they were coming for the One Ring. The marks upon this small token were all but faded away. But, they glow once again on this ring around my neck....One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. The One Ring that could be used to control all others and destroy Middle-Earth called to its master---Sauron...

...With the company of my gardener and friend, Samwise Gamgee, I set upon the journey to Mount Doom---The only place where the Ring of Power could be destroyed. 'Don't ever put it on,' Gandalf warned me. 'It drawns Sauron's minions to the Evil Ring.' On our way to the village of Bree, where we were to meet Gandalf, we met up with two of my other kin--Merry and Pippin. They had been stealing from Farmer Maggot again. They were only children really. I guess maybe they still are at heart...

...At the village of Bree, we were met by a mysterious ranger known as Strider. Later, he would be known as Aragorn, King of Gondor. He escorted us along when Gandalf did not come...

...It was on Weathertop when we first laid eyes on Sauron's minions--Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead beings. At all times they felt the Ring. 'They will never stop hunting you,' Aragorn had said and he was right. When the Ringwraiths or Nazgul attacked our camp, Aragorn took to them with the power of fire. They didn't want him, or the others--just me...The Ring had a will of its own. It pulled on my strength until it met my finger and brought the leader of the Nazgul to stab me in the chest...

...I began to fall into darkness when a she-elf called Lady Arwen brought me back to the light. With the help of her father, Lord Elrond of Rivendell, their magic healed my wound. Though, my wound never has quite healed completely...

...Elves really are magical creatures. Their beauty should almost be a sin. Their ways are calm and knowledgable. They are one with the land... It was at Rivendell my companions and I met with the wizard, Gandalf the Grey. He was wise in his old age and my friend. We were set to have a secret counsel where the fate of the Ring would be decided..."

Veronica closed the book and dwelled on that in which she had read. It was all very fascinating to her. All she ever read was Malone's journals and George's science books. She held the book close before placing it back in her pack.

It was well past mid-morning and around lunchtime. Bill rested at a stream and ate grass to his fill while Sam and Veronica retired to the woods. Sam unwrapped two pieces of bread and fruit, and let Veronica help herself.

"How do you like the book?" Sam asked, gnawing at his food.

"It's wonderful," Veronica answered. "It's a rather troubling story, isn't it?"

"It was quite the adventure, too," Same replied.

"Was Frodo a great friend of yours?" Veronica wondered.

"He was, and I miss him," Sam said. "And your friend...this Malone...you miss him?"

Veronica half smiled and looked into the distance. "More than you could know."

Sam sighed and shrugged as the two finished their lunch. Veronica stood and fixed her lily-white dress. It was a perfect fit on her and fit her curves lovely.

"I will go for a walk, I think," Veronica told Sam.

"That's fine, but don't wander too far. We've miles to go yet," he answered wiping his mouth. "I'll just take a quick nap while you're gone."

Veronica left Sam and headed deeper into the forest. The warm sun caressed her face, neck, and shoulders until they revealed her golden skin. Veronica loved the smell of nature. It brought calmness to her heart and made her feel closer to home. She found a quiet creek with stepping stones and began to hop across. When Veronica landed on the last stone, her shoe slipped, causing her to topple onto the ground. She hissed as she wrapped her hand around her ankle. It throbbed with pain.

"Great, Veronica," she said to herself. "That was stupid."

She went on her knees and began to crawl around like a beast.

"Well, this is getting me nowhere," she told herself. "Sam? Sam? Sam?!"

She was too far away from her companion for him to hear her. She held onto a tree branch and began to stand. Then, she fell backward and into someone's arms.