Moving On

Chapter 5

The fellowship traveled for many days and it was apparent after the first few that Samantha had never done anything like this before. Yeah, she stood in place all day being a cashier, and she would take walks, but that didn't come close to the miles of terrain they walked through day after day. Eventually her feet became used to the constant aches and pains and she was able to keep up with the fellowship with relative ease. She had to, she didn't want to be left behind! After about a week her feet were no longer an issue and she was so thankful for that.

Without the constant pain she could actually look around and appreciate the nature more. The rolling hills, the dense trees and foliage, the fresh clean air. And her favorite part was at night when she could stargaze. She couldn't find constellations like the Big Dipper of Orion and it was disheartening.

One night just a few days into their journey everyone had settled into their spots for the night. They had managed to find a clearing in the forest and so they had an open view of the sky. The hobbits were talking amongst themselves and Samantha listened in as she looked up at the stars, again, looking for a familiar star alignment but was disheartened when she found none. Pippin heard the sigh from their female companion and saw her looking to the stars. He laid down near her and also looked up.

"Do you see those stars there?" He pointed into the sky a set of stars. Samantha looked to where he pointed and nodded. The other hobbits were now intrigued and watched. "That there is Little Hand, and that right there" He pointed to a different set of stars, "is Fosco. He was a hobbit who left with the elves, and they immortalized him in the stars."

Merry gave his friend a look, "Where did you hear that, Pip?"

"Farmer Maggot. He's actually pretty nice once you get to know him."

Legolas couldn't help but overhear. Gandalf, Gimli and Boromir had already fallen asleep, and Aragorn was trying to. Legolas had the first watch and he walked out from his spot to look up at the stars as well. The small group looked at him. The hobbits were still in awe that they were traveling with an elf, especially Sam. Though none of them could work up the courage to speak to him. He had an intimidating aura around him, but they knew he was friendly by how he would help Samantha and them over rough terrain.

The elf looked into the night sky, "They say, when the first Elves awoke, the stars were the first thing they saw. The Valar Orome looked at them and called them, the People of the Stars."

The hobbits were intrigued by this piece of Elvish lore. It was all new to them and Samantha as well. Sam spoke up, "Makes sense, after all elves are just as beautiful as stars." He said looking up to the sky. He had dreamed all his life to meet the elves. When they came to Rivendel, he couldn't believe their beauty. In fact, he would bet that they were even more beautiful than them.

Samantha then became curious, "Who are the Valar? Is it like God?"

Legolas was silent before answering. "Some worship them as such, but they are more like guides. Watchful over the world and they hold more wisdom than even Gandalf I would wager."

She nodded. These beings thought it okay for her to be taken from her own world and placed into theirs. It sounded to Samantha like the Valar needed to get their wisdom checked.

"Why don't they help us in this war?" Frodo suddenly asked, his hand resting on his chest where the ring hung on its chain.

"They do not meddle where it is not needed." They all turned to Aragorn who was now laying on his side propped up on his elbow looking at them. "This conflict is between the races of Middle Earth. The Valar can only do so much without impeding the free will of others." There was a long pause before he laid back down. "Now you should all rest while you can, banter can continue in the morning."