Vanyalinde wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

Vanyalinde wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

Vanyalinde wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

BreakLoop wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

Vanyalinde wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

BreakLoop wrote:

The_Little_Halfling wrote:

Pit_and_Chase wrote:

Why is Sophie getting headaches?
Should I be scared?
Of course I should be scared it's fanfiction

oop sry, she's getting headaches because of the human thoughts. But don't worry . . . there's still plenty I can do with her *maniacal laughing* Oh, yes, I have ideas . . . ideas that involve a certain telepathical broadcast and a certain place *cackles gleefully*

how about a certain Alex? I certainly ship them. Solex? Alphie? Foster-Stowe? Fowe? Stoster? God those are bad ship names.

Probably solex or Team Foster-Stowe works too. But I'm not confirming anything XD yet . . . who knows? Maybe I'll reintroduce Sophitz . . . you DO know that i support that…

Oh no……. dOnT yOu dArE

haha already am Don't worry . . . nothing TOO bad will happen

is this what professional authors are like? Tearing at our heartstrings, going around and messing with character's lives? You're getting all too good at it, my friend.

omg im so sry lemme just return your heartstrings

can i have mine back too?

Hmm I might have to keep them until the end <3

;-; w h y

b e c a u s e

b u t w h y

Because that's what writing is all about <3

Found you.

SimplyAmerican wrote:

Found you.

hi! I didn't realize XD Feel free to read XD

Hey guys! Just an update on the progress of the fan-fic: I'm currently writing the next few chapters, so stay tuned! I'm so sorry for the wait!! Be prepared for revelations and clues to what the future of this fan-fic may or may not hold!!
-Half

Note: Some of Galadriel's dialogue is taken directly from J. R. R. Tolkien's book, “The Fellowship of the Ring”.

Chapter 24: Alex
Alex looked up, face pale, as he surveyed the damage to his companions. Everyone seemed fine – physically. A few cuts and bruises were counted on the fellowship, but none suffered any debilitating injuries. The worst injury was a large bruise on Boromir, who was now walking with a slight limp.
Mentally, however, the group was suffering. The hobbits’ faces were red and wet, streaked with tears as they mourned their dear Gandalf. Aragorn, who seemed to restrict his emotions, was in full-fledged sorrow, his head dipped in gentle grieving. His two Artimean friends looked somewhat concerned, but considering how none of them – nor the elves of the Lost Cities – had really known Gandalf, none were terribly heartbroken. The loss still affected them, as Alex was struggling himself, but the sympathy towards their companions overpowered their own sadness. Alex remembered all too well what losing a mentor felt like, having experienced his own share of losses in Artimé.
The elves of the Lost Cities and the Artimeans stood silently, letting the others grieve in their own space. It was a few minutes later that Aragorn bid them go further. As much as they missed the old wizard, it would be no good to trade Gandalf’s sacrifice for death by orcs or Nazgul blade.
Alex listened as the two men of Middle Earth argued up ahead. He tried his best to remain unbiased – after all, that IS one of the most respectable qualities of a leader such as himself – but he could not help feeling prejudice against the fair captain of Gondor.
“We must reunite with my brothers in Minas Tirith!” urged Boromir, adjusting his gauntlets, eyes straying over the vast landscape, “They will be able to help us far better than we can ourselves! The might of Gondor is no match against the evils of Mordor”
Aragorn’s hair swished side to side as he shook his head. “No, Boromir. The way is too dangerous, and too far. Lorien is a much safer option, and the Lady’s counsel is favorable to that of Gondor’s.”
Boromir’s face turned red with anger, and he turned it to the side, bidding the word of his leader. Alex’s heart struck with sympathy; he had seen how the members of this quest walked over him. He secretly agreed with Aragorn, though he had no idea what Lorien was. From the few exchanges he had caught between Legolas and the ranger, he had understood that it was not too far out from where they were. He hoped that they would be able to restock on food, and perhaps get some more supplies for spell components. He was running out of the most useful types, and the emptiness of his robe wore heavily on him.
The fellowship marched on for many hours, barely stopping for rest. Their endeavours were at long last rewarded, when the tall elf Haldir grudgingly led them into the beautiful forest of Lothlorien. The air was fair, the leaves more so. Their golden hues reflected on the weary travellers, and the gentle song of the inhabitants eased their souls. Admiring the scenery, they were brought to the Lady herself, Lady Galadriel, and her Lord, Celeborn.
“Seventeen there were, sixteen there are now. Where is Gandalf?” started the elven Lord, voice both dull and regal.
At once, their party answered that their fearless leader had been slain by the Balrog. The royals bowed their heads respectfully, robes shimmering as they dipped their heads. Each member of the fellowship looked on the Lady of Lothlorien, with respect. Some looked away almost as soon as their eyes landed on hers. Some were able to hold her stare, like Sophie, and even Frodo.
When it came to Alex, he held her stare the longest. He found her disconcerting – but in a good sort of way. He actually found her similar to Mr. Today – wise, slightly strange, and kind. He was not at all surprised when she bid them stay in the golden woods. He was delighted to hear that they would restock their supplies, once the elves were informed to what they needed.
Aragorn nodded, face passive. He bowed, and left. Each of the members followed suit, curtsying or bowing to the Lord and Lady before taking their own leave. Alex turned to go, but felt a hand clamp on his wrist.
“We stay,” whispered Sophie, gesturing to herself, Frodo, and Alex, “The Lady wishes to speak with us”

Chapter 25: Sophie
A silence descended upon the room as everyone left. Galadriel beckoned the two teenagers and their hobbit friend forward, gracefully leading them down countless hallways. The walk was quite long – probably ten minutes – but it felt peaceful. Sophie loved the trees here; they had the filtering quality of the Pures back home, but also the beauty of the Panakes turned golden.
Galadriel led them to a concealed chamber filled only by a shallow dish in the middle.
“This is my mirror – what many call ‘Galadriel’s Mirror’” she called, her voice bloated with dreams and beauty. She brought them closer to the mirror, “It shows what has been, what is, and what is yet to come,”
She paused, turning towards Sophie. “Do you wish to look upon the Mirror?”
Sophie paused. She was sure that anything she saw would be anxiety-inducing. Elwin would surely not be impressed if this caused anymore “Foster-Emergencies”. Keefe and Fitz would both try to stop her. To be fair, she was sure any of her friends would stop her from pushing more panic onto herself.
Yet, she also knew that the success of this quest could be linked to what happened. “I would”
Galadriel poured liquid into it, waiting for the water to still. When the surface was as slick as glass, she stepped back. Sophie took a few timid steps forward, leaning over to gaze into it. The liquid slowly started to shimmer, and before long, a glittering picture of Foxfire was before her. She smiled, watching the multi-levelled pyramid in the sunlight. Her smile slowly faded as she realized that the campus was silent. No one – not even a goblin guard – lingered. When she looked closer, the foundations of the towers were crumbling, and the purple grass was faded and trod on.
The next scenes to appear were even more horrifying. Images from all over the Lost Cities – Eternalia, Lumeria, Atlantis, the Unity Fountain, the Four Seasons’ Tree, Allevuterre – flashed by. Each landmark was overrun by foul creatures that Sophie identified to be orcs. Worse yet, was that patches emblazoned with unseeing eyes, that could be found on the arms of the beasts. Elves fled from the orcs, and flashes of Neverseen Cloaks caught the moonlark’s attention.
The last scene that bore into Sophie’s eyes was a land that she had never seen. Clutched in the tail of an enormous, ferocious, fire-breathing, water dragon, Alex lay burnt and bleeding.
Sophie stumbled back from the mirror, having enough of the horrible images.
Galadriel’s voice filled Sophie’s mind, shocking the girl. The Mirror of Galadriel is a mysterious thing, and it chooses to show many alternate paths of life. If you fail, it is almost certain that these events will transpire. Even if you do achieve your mission, it is possible that the horrors witnessed may still be true.
How are you in my mind?! Was Sophie’s smart answer to Galadriel’s warning.
A gentle laugh flitted through Sophie’s mind. You are not the only elf with secrets, young moonlark.

Chapter 26: Frodo
As soon as Sophie had finished, Alex had been beckoned forward. He watched, his expression turning sour as he did. When several minutes had passed, he turned away.
“Eagala will not have Artimé!” he cried, casting a dark look towards the mirror, “Nor Middle Earth, for that matter” He tapped his fist to his chest, a bit aggressively.
“Yes, Master Stowe,” laughed the Lady of Light, patting the boy on the back, “We know that your allegiances are very firm, to say the least. Is it now time for Master Frodo to take his turn?”
Frodo nodded, taking his place at the mirror silently. As he leaned over it, Sophie and Alex stepped backwards, sharing a concerned glance. He noticed in the corner of his eyes that Sophie had lightly taken Alex’s arm. The corners of his mouth quirked up as he gazed into the basin.
The images started slowly. He saw the rolling hills of the Shire before him, and he found himself yearning for the quiet halls of Bag End. The landscape suddenly morphed, with hobbit folk being slain and injured by orcs. Frodo watched in horror as Merry, Pippin, and Sam were bound in chains, beaten and tortured. The scene changed, showing the Eye of Sauron in its mighty glory. It blinded Frodo, and he scrambled back, hand to his chest, grasping the ring. He breathed heavily, eyes turning to meet the Lady’s.
“I do not wish to have the ring” he stated plainly, holding the ring out to Galadriel, “It would be much better, here with you”
Galadriel, who had been using her own ring, Nenya, to secure the barriers around Lothlorien, gasped, eyes wide. “And I came to test your strength?” she laughed, setting her arm down.
Frodo tipped his head quizzically, still holding the ring out to her. Like the flip of a switch, the atmosphere darkened, the air fizzling. He took a few steps backwards towards his friends.
“In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night!” she cried, gesturing towards the celestial bodies as she spoke. She skipped upon the earth, holding her gown as she did, “Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!" She stepped forward, eyes glowing with power, hair flowing in the wind.
The three backed up towards the hall, the ring now resting in Frodo’s pocket once again. Alex cast a single heart attack spell at the fearsome lady, yelling for Frodo to run to Aragorn. His shouts echoed against the trees, but no one paid any attention. Sophie was suspending several rocks with telekinesis, her eyes sparking with unused inflicting energy. The two raced toward Galadriel, battle engaged.
Frodo drew his sword, not bidding Alex’s word. He was amazed as a single swipe from Galadriel’s arm brought Alex’s spells crashing into the foliage around them. Enraged, Alex pulled more components out, which were only thrown to the side by the Lady of Light, for the second time. Sophie and Alex were lifted into the air suddenly, and thrown against the wall. Frodo ran, calling Aragorn’s name.

Directory: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/478302/?page=3#post-4848557

I can see your writing improve in comparison from your first chapter and I enjoy it. You are a phenomenal writer.

Pit_and_Chase wrote:

I can see your writing improve in comparison from your first chapter and I enjoy it. You are a phenomenal writer.

Thank you!! That means a lot!!

OH MY! This keeps getting better and better! EVIL GALADRIEL? AND EVEN MORE SOPHIE ALEX! PLEASE THIS… I LOVE IT.

BreakLoop wrote:

OH MY! This keeps getting better and better! EVIL GALADRIEL? AND EVEN MORE SOPHIE ALEX! PLEASE THIS… I LOVE IT.

Hehehehe Galadriel is going to become very important DDDD As are the pictures each saw, minus Frodo since y'know, I kinda had to pull that from the books.

But keep in mind. There are things about Galadriel that don't necessarily mean she is evil or good. She has obviously turned on Sophie and Alex and Frodo SO FAR – but the ring WAS in play. Now, I'm not telling you what is going to happen, but keep that in mind. This obviously puts a very evil light on her, especially when she throws Alex and Sophie against the wall (I believe that has happened already).

YET

Galadriel also uses the ring to strengthen to make borders around Lothlorien . . . she is protecting the group. So we don't actually know what side Galadriel is on yet.

I'm sorry if this is going to get weird with lore and stuff. I was trying for a new spin, but we'll have to see how it goes.

Haha we reached 67 pages in google docs

Chapter 27: Alex
Pinned against the wall, Alex looked upon the Lady. He still had several spells he could cast that would not require components. He quietly cast glass walls around him and Sophie, hoping they would protect them in a tight spot. He looked upon Galadriel, prepared to use a soliloquy, but stopped in his tracks. She was sprawled on the floor, head in hands. Her golden hair cascaded over her palms, hiding any sort of expression.
She could be faking echoed Sophie’s mental voice, At first I thought that I had accidentally inflicted on her, but the magical-glow-light-thingy never came. Whatever it is that is upsetting her, it clearly isn’t affecting her mental energy.
Mental energy? I thought that was one of those Lost Cities specialties of yours!? Alex groaned, eyebrows raised.
Yeah, she’s an elf from the Lost Cities – I think. She spoke to me mentally about ‘having her own secrets’. I took it to mean that she was an elf from there, which would mean that she is a telepath, since y’know, she spoke to me, but now I have much darker theories.
Alex pursed his lips in thought. Wait. I thought only people who you really trust can get into your mental blocking – or whatever you call it.
Alex felt dread overtake Sophie, and watched out of the corner of his eye as she shook the hair out of her face. That’s what I thought too. Mr. Forkle told me tha-
Her mental voice was cut off as they were lowered to the ground, the pressure relieved. Alex rubbed his back, trying to loosen up.
“I-I am so sorry,” whispered Galadriel, voice cracking. She held out her hands, staring at them angrily, “It is true – and I was a fool to even contemplate the ring. I have failed the test. Lothlorien will still aid you, but I must not interfere again”. The Lady made to move towards the door, but Alex blocked her.
“You’re not getting off this easy. I have questions – and I think I have the right to know them!” Sophie stood, hands on hips.
Galadriel glared at the girl, fire returned. “I do not think that it is my story to tell, moonlark”
Sophie shook her head, “Are you a telepath?”
Galadriel remained silent, gripping the beads of a necklace. Her face betrayed no emotion.
“Are you a telepath?” Sophie repeated, voice edged.
Galadriel looked up towards the two, her face void of anger. Instead, it was filled with sorrow. “I’m afraid that I cannot answer that question”
“ANSWER THE QUESTION!!” yelled Alex, done with this nonsense. Anyone who had the nerve to mess with his friends could serve the consequences.
Galadriel’s head whipped to face him, “This does not concern you, boy. There are secrets that Sophie is not ready to handle”
“If you don’t want to answer, I can perform a memory break on your mind,” offered Sophie, lines creased into her face, “It really would be no trouble. But if you prefer to keep your sanity, you can, of course, speak” Alex cringed at the harsh words . . . no one deserved whatever she was suggesting.
Galadriel seemed to agree, her eyes wide, “Yes. I am a telepath, moonlark. Happy?!”
Sophie’s face softened. “Good. Are you part of the Neverseen?”
The Lady’s face fell, “No! Never! I told you already, I didn't mean to be corrupted by–”
“Stop. I cannot trust you yet. How did you penetrate my mind?” interrupted Sophie.
Galadriel lapsed into silence, yet again. Sophie repeated the question, over and over, but the Lady did not comply. Alex knew that this was the question that Sophie needed most.
“Answer the question, Galadriel!” he boomed, pointing clay shackles at her, surprised by the words that were falling out of his mouth. Yet, he knew that he meant every word he said, “Sophie will perform a memory break on you, and I can help make sure it is done!”
The words did the trick. Galadriel massaged her temples, digging out a thin metal box from the folds of her cloak. She held it out in her hands, gazing directly into Sophie’s chocolate eyes. “Show me Mr. Forkle”

Chapter 28: Sophie
A projection of Mr. Forkle hovered over the imparter. “Lady Galadriel? We haven’t heard from you in years – we were forced to assume that you had called ‘Swan Song!’ How are you?”
Galadriel ignored the question, and asked dryly, “Do you know where the moonlark and her friends are right now?”
“No, I don’t. Their bodyguards came running to us just the other day, looking for us. Their parents are in tears, especially Lord Grady and Lady Edaline. Though Lady Della might be a close second,” he admitted, pausing, “Why?”
“Because your moonlark is right here in Lothlorien begging to know how I penetrated her mental blocking!” she practically shouted at the wrinkled man on the other end. He cringed, as Galadriel flashed the imparter towards Sophie and Alex.
Mr. Forkle swore as Galadriel informed him that she was going to let him know when Sophie left the elven city. Galadriel raised a single eyebrow, and Forkle sighed. “Tell her everything”
Galadriel set the imparter on the floor, and turned to face Sophie. “I am a member of the Black Swan, though it is not for the most traditional reasons”
Sophie nodded meekly, not expecting Mr. Forkle to know the lady. “Obviously”
“When I was around your age, I used leaping crystals a lot. My father actually made them – my parents were a Bad Match, so they worked in Mysterium. He tried to teach me the craft, and when I went to try it, it brought me here, to Middle Earth,
“I spent some time around the sons of Feanor, and of course, his grandsons. Finarfin welcomed me like the daughter he had never had, and I found brothers in Finrod, Angrod, and Aegnor. I did not wish to leave, but each day, I returned home, hiding the crystal,
“I wanted to show the Lost Cities the people I found. Middle Earth was struggling in the War of the Silmarils, and I knew that the elves of the Lost Cities would be able to help. When the Council refused to listen, and instead wrote me off as insane, I was contacted by the Black Swan. They enlisted me, and I moved to Middle Earth, acting as a contact for both worlds. Little elves knew about the land I had found, but there were some who did. I represented them. When war was wrought in Middle Earth, both when Morgoth and Sauron were defeated, I led mercenaries from the Black Swan.”
Sophie nodded, fully trusting the Lady now. She trusted Mr. Forkle most of the time.
“When Project Moonlark was established centuries later, they needed strong telepathy to aid them. They of course had the Forkle brothers, but they modeled some after me – because I too have an impenetrable mind. That is why I can access your thoughts – because I know how”
“But if this is so, why would you attack Alex, Frodo, and I?” asked Sophie, pulling out some itchy eyelashes.
Mr. Forkle’s eyebrows raised, but was prepared for the answer Galadriel gave. She was taken by the power of the ring – no one can overpower it. Sophie accepted the answer readily, her mind quieting. She was ashamed that she had lashed out at the Lady of Light.
“Now that you know who Galadriel really is, I want some things set straight” said Mr. Forkle, interrupting Sophie’s guilty thoughts, “Whatever you kids did to the Lady, I don’t think either of us will take it against you. No guilt, Sophie”
Mr. Forkle held the moonlark’s stare until he knew that she believed him. His face turned to observe the room, eyes alighting on the head mage.
“And Alex. I suppose it is only right that you know that there ARE members of the Black Swan in your own world too. Inhabitants of the three rarely notice that there are other worlds, but there are a select few who do. Mrs. Morning, as you may know her, is one of these members. She is a beguiler, but has managed to keep her ability a secret from all of you,
Mr. Forkle continued, his voice becoming more serious, “None of you are to reveal to your nations that there are members of our organization in your worlds. It would blow their cover, and their mission is extremely important. We are in constant contact, so if anything is to happen, you will know that the three worlds will be working in tandem. We always have been working in secret. Which brings us to our next point,
“I am going to ask that you do not contact your homelands, unless the circumstances are extreme. If Sauron was to figure out how to get into each land . . . “ Mr. Forkle shuddered before continuing, “You must destroy the ring, and this is the only way. Galadriel, I want updates from you every night. Is this understood?”
When all three present in the room nodded, Mr. Forkle shared a rare smile. “Good. And Sophie? Keep in mind that the Neverseen and the Dark Lord work very similarly,”

Chapter 29: Frodo
Frodo stumbled back into the small chamber, Aragorn with him this time. Catching his breath, he was amazed to find that the three were sitting in comfortable silence around a thin metal square. He reached for his sword, but Sophie stopped him.
“It’s alright, Frodo. It was the ring that affected her – she’s good”
Frodo was doubtful. Had they not seen – had they not felt – her throw them against the wall? Had they not seen the power-hungry expression embossed into her face? Despite Frodo’s protests, Sophie was adamant, explaining their previous conversation. Frodo slowly started to back off, realizing that Galadriel had been in good will. He sighed, apologizing profusely. Galadriel only laughed, waving him off.
With the affairs back in order, Galadriel turned to Alex, telling him where materials for his coveted spell components could be found. Alex raced off almost immediately to restock his supplies.
With the head mage no longer present, the group disassembled. Emerging from the chamber, Frodo sought out a comfortable mattress that he could lie down in to take a nap.
. . .
Lunch was Frodo’s favorite meal. It was the most lively time of day, in his opinion. Diners were not tired from the lack of sleep from the previous night, nor were they sleepy from the long day. Lunch was the best because people were alive and abuzz with energy.
It was on one such lunch in Lothlorien, that talk turned to the events of the week. It was never truly discovered how the Ringwraiths did not reach Sophie and Frodo. The river had batted the Ringwraiths away, but surely there was enough time for them to have reached their fallen? The question was now hot on their minds, but very few could remember what had happened. After all, most of the party had been separated from the Ringwraiths, while half of the four that were with them were unconscious.
“What happened when the Nazgul came?” pondered Sophie, setting down her fork, “What drove them off?”
Aragorn’s reply, muffled by the food in his mouth, came back short and decisive. “The River”.
The moonlark rolled her eyes, “Yes, the river. The magical river of amazingness and water. But what else?! I vaguely remember the Nazguls closing in on us . . . but it gets foggy” She cringed, her warm eyes scrunching together.
Alex lifted a spoon, “It was not really much different. I threw an origami dragon at them”
Lani huffed, “Like that did anything, Al. The flames really only damage one person per dragon. Even then, it really isn’t that bad of an injury they cause . . . it’s kind of why they fell out of style”
“I know . . . which is why I was so surprised when it worked. There weren’t just a few flames . . . it was more like an inferno”
Alex’s words shocked everyone. Instantly, there were questions from the two Artimeans. Both seemed skeptical. Samheed was sure that Alex must have used multiple dragons at once without noticing, but Alex disagreed. He had used his last one with that move, an act of desperation.
“The magic would have had to have been doubled – no tripled – to garner that sort of effect!” scoffed Lani. She shrugged, tossing an inky strand of hair over her shoulder. Her eyes flashed as she smiled. “I don’t think that the origami dragon did much”
Among the chaos, Frodo noticed that the girl beside him was silent. He poked her, trying to get her attention. After several jabs and a light kick from under the table, Sophie startled.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, folding his napkin.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted. Frodo dimly became aware that the table had fallen silent around them as the other members of the fellowship listened. Sophie twisted a golden lock around a finger, eyes drifting distantly towards the sky. After several moments of the silence, her head snapped back to Alex. “Alex. Were you touching my hands when you cast your magic?”
The head mage paused for a moment, replaying the scene in his head. “No, I don’t – oh wait,” his face turned red, and his voice softened, “Yes, I was. I held your hand”.
The table erupted into knowing smiles and raised eyebrows. Frodo grinned when Alex ducked his head after Samheed slapped his back affectionately. Before the group lost sight of what they were talking about, Sophie spoke again, “Enhancing. I enhanced you”

Directory: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/478302/?page=3#post-4848557

OH THIS IS AMAZING! GALADRIEL FROM THE LOST CITIES! I love it! AND THE ENHANCING!!!!!!! It's amazing. Next chapter please.

BreakLoop wrote:

OH THIS IS AMAZING! GALADRIEL FROM THE LOST CITIES! I love it! AND THE ENHANCING!!!!!!! It's amazing. Next chapter please.

lol u going to have to wait

I enjoy this a lot.
I order you to update ASAP.
Or else. /j

The next few chapters are out!! Sorry for the long wait!! If you have not read Island of Shipwrecks and wish to, do not read Alex's chapter!!!

For those who have not read the Silmarillion:
-Laurelin and Typherion are two trees wrought of gold and silver like materials. They were the light for the world in Valinor, until they were destroyed by Ungoliant, the mother of all spiders. The dying leaves of these trees were used to make different orbs of light, and it is said that the silmarils were inspired by the two trees. (if I am remembering correctly). I had to mess with some canon from the Silmarillion for this, so please don't get mad

Chapter 30: Alex
“You what?”
Alex had wanted to ask the same question, but Samheed had beat him to it. Apparently he was not the only one lost.
“I enhanced you. Remember when I told you in the beginning of this quest that one of my special abilities is enhancing? I think – I think it works on Artimeans too!!” cried Sophie, her words coming faster. She paced around the room, tapping her chin as she did. The subtle clunk of her boots brought all attention to her, though Alex was sure she was unaware of it. “When you touched my hand, you activated my enhancing!”
Fitz shook his head, dark locks bouncing. “Does it work like that? Enhancement only works on elven abilities, does it not?” His arms were crossed over his chest, head tipped in thought. Alex watched as quick glances were exchanged between the blond elf and her dark-haired cognate, feeling a slight pang of envy at their closeness. Meghan and him had been that close, well before Gondoleery had seized power. He tried hard not to think about it, knowing that the sacrifice had let Samheed live. Still, it was hard not having the same friendships as he used to.
Sophie paused, “No, I don’t think that is true. Elves have only ever tried it on elves. Plus, I’m the moonlark, so things aren’t always normal with me. Take a look at my inflicting, for starters” She flashed a bright smile at her own joke, but it was undeniably false.
Alex was not entirely sure, trying to think over the loud snort emitted from Keefe, “Are you sure? I thought elven abilities came down to science, unlike our magic”
Fitz nodded, agreeing with Alex. But Sophie was relentless, “We can test it out”
“How?!”
“Where?!”
“When?!”
The chorus of voices echoes in the chambers of Lothlorien, and it was several moments before Sophie could answer them. Alex waited patiently, though he was sure he knew the answer.
“Right here, right now” was Sophie’s answer as she pulled on the hem of Alex’s robes, pulling him to follow her to an open space in the trees. Her voice laced with disappointment. “If you all don’t believe me, I’ll show you”
The others followed, but Sophie stopped them, holding a hand up in front of her. “Concentration is key, and I don’t want any outside factors – I want to be a hundred percent correct in my theory. I don’t want any of your monkey business – yes, I’m looking at you, Pippin, Merry, and Keefe. Go bother the elves or something – we’ll let you know how it goes”
Their friends protested, and Alex couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. He preferred solitude when he worked, but he wasn’t about to deny his friends instant answers. Yet Sophie was adamant in her reasoning, and soon the others had slowly dwindled to go mind to their own business. As they left, she let her proud shoulders drop, and she rubbed her eyes, shoulders relaxing. When Alex looked closer, he could see that there were bags under her eyes and her movements slow.
“What’s the real reason you sent them all off?” he sighed, pulling out his art supplies, as he talked. He kept his eyes down on his brushes and papers, organizing them neatly on a smooth rock. He wondered what she even wanted him to do – he did not have any components left, and the few he had managed to create had been stored alongside his satchel, halls away.
He felt the grass shift beside him, recognizing that she had sat down. “I guess I just don’t want to be entirely wrong in front of everyone”
He nodded, letting her give directions to make one of his more basic spell components. As he laid out a sketch, he murmured, “Everyone makes mistakes, Sophie. I would have been fine having them here with me”
“I know,” she remarked, voice lifting an octave. He glanced at her, surprised to find a small smile on her face, “It’s one of the things I admire most about you. You’re a natural leader, and your people look to you unconditionally – they’ve seen who you truly are because you open your heart to them . . .”
He felt his cheeks grow hot, but knew that she had more to say, “And?” he prompted.
“But I’m not like that. I constantly get things wrong – and then I feel extra super bad because I let everyone down” she whispered, almost inaudible.
He tore a piece of paper in half, cringing at the sound that sliced through the deafening silence. “You don’t let anyone down – and trust me, you ARE a leader. I see the way your friends rally around you”
“Yeah, I bet they were real proud when I was half-dead in Rivendell”
Alex dropped his pencil, blowing out a breath. “Actually, they were. They were proud of the girl who protected her friends”
The sound of crickets filled the air, only their breaths filling the silence. Alex did not know what to say. Sophie was one of the bravest people in their fellowship – but here she was having a cry because she was afraid to break in front of her friends.
“But I failed. I fail. Every. Single. Time,” she enunciated each word, voice cracking. He could hear the sadness in her voice, “Mr. Forkle made me so that I could be a great leader – to be the Black Swan’s weapon. But I’m not even good enough to be the moonlark”
Alex looked up from the component, his gaze meeting hers. “That’s not true. You’re not a weapon or a failed invention. You’re Sophie Elizabeth Foster – a talented, compassionate, intelligent, hardworking young lady. You’re allowed to make mistakes, and no one is going to judge you for it. Because you are human. Got it?”
He held her stare until she agreed, squeezing her hand, “Elven. Not human”
Alex laughed under his breath, rolling his eyes. Of course, she would correct him. He made the last fold, holding up an origami dragon, just as plain as his old ones. Raising an eyebrow, he turned to the young elf. “What now, moonlark?”
Sophie smiled, “Use the component – but really focus. Focus on the task, the power of the little dragon. Focus on what you need to come out of this”
Alex shrugged his shoulders back, shaking himself out. He could not help thinking that she sounded just like Ms. Octavia, teaching him how to use scatterclips for the first time. When he was ready, he took a deep breath, and opened his mind to his surroundings. Feeling nothing, he pushed deeper into feeling every sense of the world around him. He felt the wind blowing his hair gently, and the hard rocks beneath his shoes. The smell of buttercups tickled his nose, and he thought he might have heard a lonely gallop in the distance.
There.
He felt it.
Doubling his grip on the spell, he tracked the sense of power from Sophie’s hand, imagining it channeling into his origami dragon. He focused on the tree, about to let the dragon fly, but was stuck with sudden inspiration.
“INFERNO!” he cried, tossing it with the never-before-used command. At once, their eyes were seared with the bright flash of fire, the heat scorching their hair and clothing.
“You did it!” cried Sophie, jumping up and down, “It worked! It worked!”
The head mage flashed a smile at the girl, “No, WE did it”

Chapter 31: Sophie
In the days that had come, Sophie and Alex had experimented with more of the Artimean components. Almost all of the components could be improved upon. The glass shields could be made almost (but not completely) impermeable, the scatterclips stronger. The clay shackles could grow chains, and the blinding highlighters could change color. Sophie was sure Alex had only tried the last one for her entertainment.
The only component Alex refused to touch were the small, heart shaped ones. It was not difficult to see the pain that etched into the head mage’s face whenever he looked at them, nor how he cringed every time someone said the verbal component. She let it go, resigned to watching him make his new components. It was impossible to tell if he noticed her watching him work, but if he did, he did not let on. Secretly, the moonlark enjoyed watching him draw, so impassioned by his own work.
After hours of testing, and once Alex’s supplies had been restored, the two returned to the group to share their findings. The Artimeans were overjoyed at their success, to say the least. That night, they slept in gentle peace and good will.
. . .
The next morning, the fellowship awoke, ready to carry on in their journey. They stood by the banks of the river, preparing to board. Sophie was excited to get out of the elven realm, to get on with the quest. She wanted to explore the world, to destroy the cursed ring that leeched of their happiness – and she knew the others agreed with her. Which was why she was so surprised when Aragorn beckoned for them to greet the Lady one last time.
“It would not do for me to let you go without some parting gifts” she murmured, turning to face. Her eyes reflected the golden leaves above them, her white gown shimmering in the morning light. She came to each of them, giving them elven cloaks and clasps. Many elves secured them around their necks, and Sophie instantly felt comforted. The cloak was not like anything she had worn before – they were comfortable and soft, but also durable. The group murmured their thanks – Biana more vocal than most, to Sophie’s amusement – but the Lady of Light was not done.
Coming to Aragorn, she bestowed him a beautifully wrought sheath. To the hobbit lads, Merry and Pippin, she gave fine pipes, to their delight. Samheed and Lani both received leather gauntlets, each outfitted with pockets for their components. The actor and writer bowed humbly, already filling the cuffs with their spells. Turning to Biana, she gave her a barette, wrought from the golden leaves of Lorien itself. Similarly, a brooch made from the light of the trees Laurelin and Typherion themselves was given to her dark haired brother. Boromir came next, a golden belt then secured around his waist. Dex was surprised to receive a set of elven measures and scales, each containing mystical powders and creations for his own devices and replication. Sophie swore that his eyes were misting over. Legolas received a great bow, to which he immediately started firing into the trees, reverting back to his childhood phases.
The Lady giggled, passing Keefe’s new throwing stars to him. To Sam, she gave soil from below the great trees of Lothlorien. She paused at Gimli, slowly unravelling a braid to cut three strands from it. Blushing, Gimli received the strands in trembling hands, tears leaking down the side of his face.
“Your companions have been cared for” acknowledged Galadriel, coming to a stop in front of Sophie, Alex, and Frodo, “Now it is time for the leaders to be given their dues. Master Frodo, please step forward”
The hobbit blazed red, but obeyed her command. The Lady produced a small vial of light from the folds of her cloak, pressing it into his hands. “The light of Earendil, for you, my lad. Let it guide and protect you”
Frodo stepped back, inclining his head to her. He barely had time to mutter his thanks before the head mage was called forward.
“Head Mage Alexander –” she started, pausing to look towards the young man. She placed a golden ring into his hands. “A ring for you, brave one. It may not be a ring of power, but it is a force to be reckoned with. It is not invincible, but it can help you in dire times. Use it well”
Alex slipped the ring onto right hand. He then tapped his hand to his heart, the trademark of Artimé, “I am with you”
“As am I” agreed Galadriel, moving towards Sophie herself. She retrieved a single crystal from her cloak, pairing it with a small bottle of light as well. “I cannot, and will not tell you where this goes, except that it is safe. If you are in great danger, it will guide you to peace”
Sophie handled the bottle with care, placing it in her pocket. She gazed into the Lady’s eyes, dipping into a bow like the rest of the fellowship. She listened to Galadriel’s parting words carefully.
If you shall need me, call for me. You know the way, young moonlark. Lothlorien shall answer the call of their bird.

Chapter 32: Frodo
They had been on the river for only a matter of hours, but Frodo already knew that they were being watched. He felt the pull of the ring, the chants of the Uruk Hai grew nearer. And he knew Aragorn knew too.
It was not hard for Frodo to figure out that these creatures were ordered by the Dark Lord to look for him, and him alone. His heart panged with guilt as he imagined the pain that his friends would go through because of him. The images he saw in Galadriel’s mirror flashed through his mind, once again reminding him of what was at stake.
But what could a little hobbit like him do?
He was not a warrior.
He was not an elf.
He was not a mage.
For many shirelings, they might have decided to leave it up to the Big Folk. Surely, a commander of the likes would be able to save them. Without a doubt, Aragorn could get them out of the mess that they were in. He was king, was he not?
But not Frodo.
When the group finally reached land, Frodo knew what he had to do. He would run – he would escape to Mordor – alone. With no one except himself, there would be nobody to look after, no one to worry about. He could do it all by himself – even if he did not want to. He chanted this mantra as he raced towards the clearing, letting Aragorn believe that he needed time to think. Yes, that would buy him time.
He was making good time too, almost cycling back to the boats again, when Boromir stopped him. The man counselled him, sure that the ring should be taken to Minas Tirith. A weapon such as this should not be wasted. It was the same, impassioned speech that Boromir has used every time. Pity filled Frodo’s heart, but he could not let this man stop him. He refused Boromir, but the man only grew angrier, throwing himself at Frodo. Angry snarls were issued as the captain squabbled for the ring, but hobbits have quick feet. Frodo was out of the scuffle almost as soon as it started. He ran for the boats, jumping in and starting to paddle away.
He did not look back.

Directory: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/478302/?page=3#post-4848557

OH MY GOSH THIS IS AMAZING! PLEASE I NEED MORE WRITING!

BreakLoop wrote:

OH MY GOSH THIS IS AMAZING! PLEASE I NEED MORE WRITING!

lol i got like a ton of art to do too, but I'll try for the next chapters soon. It will probably get a bit more fast paced since we are already at 32 chapters and the fellowship of the ring JUST ended, so yeah

this is super cool!

oOoOoOoOoOoOoO- *grabs popcorn and waits for Marella to meet Thisbe*

When is the next one?

Moonspiritnightclan wrote:

When is the next one?

YEAH….. um lol. So I kinda discontinued this…. I'm really sorry.