Paths That Lead Home (LotR F.F.)

Chapter 15: Estelone

Cathy's POV:

When I returned to the campsite, everyone was still sleeping. I went back to my little spot against a root of one of the many massive trees. Aragorn stirred when I sat back down and tried to go back to sleep. But I was wide awake now.

Earlier, Galadriel talked to me telepathically, but only said, Hello Catherine Jackson, Child of Merlin. Aragorn told me earlier how powerful and wise Galadriel was, so I took it that it wasn't just something causal when she mentioned the 'Child of Merlin' part. She meant to say it. I had a hunch that he could be an ancestor of mine, but I didn't really believe it until I met up with Galadriel and Abby in that little courtyard.

My mind was reeling now. I know now that the reason I have these magical powers is because of Merlin. I mean, flippin Merlin! Wizard of Awesomeness. I'm descended from him!

I stared at Aragorn's sleeping form. I kind of wanted to wake him up and tell him, but he probably would not know who Merlin is.

No point in wasting these waking moment. I picked up the scrolls that Aragorn brought me earlier and opened it up, revealing the map of Middle-Earth. I found Lothlórien which laid beside a river. Aragorn thinks we can follow the river until we reach a waterfall, then from there go south and into Mordor. It will take at least a few more months of travel before reaching Mordor. Hopefully, Abby and I can figure out how to return home soon, especially knowing that I may go insane if my Wraith scar heals completely.

I don' t know how long I was staring at the scrolls, but I soon fell back asleep, only to have Aragorn wake me up. It felt like minutes since I closed my eyes, but I can see the sun slowly rising.

After having a hearty meal made by chief Samwise Gamgee, the Fellowship was led to the river. Everyone seemed a little better, after a good night of sleep, but the shadow of Gandalf's death still lingered. I saw Abby, who looked like her mind was anywhere but here. I bet she was still recovering from last night.

"How are you feeling?" Aragorn fell in step beside me.

I shrugged, "better. Sleep helped a lot." I had my moment of crying when I bathed, and was able to wash away the evidence. But then Aragorn came over when I returned to our little camp and gave me a few maps to study. It hit me again that Gandalf was gone and that I had to step up and help take responsibility with Aragorn, because I promised the old man. That responsibility, even though shared with Aragorn, felt too heavy and sent me into a little panic attack with tears. Even though I told him to go, Aragorn, stayed with me and calmed me down and ended up sleeping next to me just so he can easily be there for me if I need him.

"Good. Is there something troubling with Abby? She seems..."

"Out of it? Yeah. Long story short, Galadriel talked to her last night. Apparently, Abby is descended from Galadriel."

For the first time since I've known Aragorn, he stumbled and was at a loss of words.

"Don't tell anyone," I quickly added. "I don't know if that's something we want Middle-Earth to know about."

It took him a couple seconds to recover. "No, of course not."

We reached the river and found Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn waiting for us along with many elves. It reminded me of our parting party at Rivendell. Behind them were four boats and on the bank were bags of what I think are supplies.

Eleven elves stood before each Fellowship member, holding what looked like grey cloaks. "Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," said Lord Celeborn. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." The elves placed a green, leaf brooch to hold our cloaks together.