A Priestess For Middle Earth

Chapter 4 Orcs in the Forest

Time went on and as the people of Hobbiton became more acquainted with Kagome. They discovered that she was a sweet and loving girl with a good heart and good intentions. Who only wanted to help in any way she could. And as Bilbo predicted she was eventually welcomed with open arms. It was discovered that Kagome had a real talent with the children of the village. It was not uncommon to see her surrounded by children. Teaching them new games from her own world. And telling them stories about her adventures in the Feudal Era. Yes, everyone eventually found out she was from a different world and had come to accept it. After all, it was no fault of her own that she was different. Kagome taught the children the medicinal properties of many plants that grew wild. And even some that were grown in there very own gardens. As Hobbits this not only appealed to the children, it appealed to the adults as well.

The biggest surprise was the change in Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. After Kagome saved Lotho's leg, Lobelia couldn't stop singing Kagome's praises to the heavens. And as unlikely as it sounds, she and Kagome became good friends along with Primula Baggins. Kagome would often have tea with them and they would each go over to the other's home for dinner. Everyone was surprised by the change in Lobelia's attitude. Especially toward Bilbo and Bag End. She was no longer envious of her cousin but was instead content with her home and with her life, all thanks to Kagome. It seems that Kagome brought out the best in people. Lobelia was even kind enough to make several outfits for Kagome. For the summer and the upcoming winter with Prim's help, of course.

"Thank you so much you guys, but you didn't have to go through all the trouble. I would have eventually found something for myself." Kagome gushed as she tried on the dressed and the trousers and tunics for the winter.

They had also made her a woolen cloak for winter along with mittens. Kagome looked absolutely adorable in her new clothes. "It was no trouble, Kagome, it was the least we could do after everything you have done for us," Lobelia said. Prim could only agree.

They were soon going to find out how much help Kagome could be. Winter had set in and it was one of the coldest winters anyone could remember. But luckily everyone in the Shire were well prepared for the long winter ahead. Kagome was kept busy with all of the cold and flu remedies for the Hobbits in Hobbiton and also throughout the Shire. She was now traveling as far as Brandybuck and Tookborough treating Hobbits. She was handing out her herb remedies like there was there was no tomorrow. But in some instances, in the cases that were so severe, she would use her spiritual powers to heal them. Kagome didn't mind, she enjoyed being useful. And, of course, never charged for her services. Though some of the wealthier families insisted on paying her in a few gold coins. Even though she adamantly refused. They always seemed to end up in her pockets.

On one particular trip back home. Kagome happened to come across Lotho and an unfamiliar Hobbit boy, as they came running out of the forest. They looked as if they had seen Naraku himself.

"Boys, boys what's the matter?" Kagome asked concern written all over her face.

"Orcs, Kagome, we saw Orcs in the woods!" Lotho told her as he began to tug her toward home.

Kagome's brow furrowed. "How many did you see?" Kagome asked in a serious tone. As she lowered her pack to the ground and took her bow and quiver full of arrows and slung it over her shoulder.

"There were five of them. They must of crossed the Brandywine now that it's frozen." The other Hobbit boys tell her.

Kagome gave a curt nod, she had a determined look on her face. "Okay, boys, listen closely, I want you to take my bag and go home. I'll deal with this."

Both boys looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "No Kagome, let's just go. The Orcs didn't see us, we can get away."

Kagome shook her head. "Huh-uh, those things came here for a reason, my guess it's a small raiding party. If I don't stop them now, a lot of people could get hurt or worse killed."