Scared Hobbit Seeks Friends

I feel so alone. It's like I'm in the mines of Moria all by myself,
and I hear the drums beating...slowly and far away at first and then
the beating gets louder until it sounds like the pounding of huge feet
upon the cold stone floor. I grip my sword tightly and say a
prayer.

"Your ticket, sir," the movie theater employee sounds impatient.

I come out of my waking dream. "Oh, yeah, sorry," I mumble as I
surrender my ticket to be torn in two.

He smiles, his teeth are large and white. They gleamed brightly in the
light. He is undoubtedly an Orc disguised as a human. Thank God I
brought Sting with me. I draw the sword slightly from its sheath...it
glows brightly through the crack.

Orcs and Goblins are wandering freely about the lobby. Some munch on
popcorn, others guzzle drinks, most are just lurking about the lobby
waiting for the next piece of raw meat to come their way. Foul beasts
surround me.

Where is Sam? Where is Gandalf? Where is Strider? I need help! My heart
races at the thought. I'm surrounded.

Then I remember the ring...the ring of power. The ring that will save
me. The ring that is my "precious."

I reach into my pocket and touch the smooth metal; I feel coolness on
my fingertips.

If I use the ring, they will not see me. Of course, the Orc's have a
great sense of smell, so I must take care in choosing a seat.

If only I had a friend to journey with me. There must be someone who
understands the dangers and the possible threats along the way who
would be brave enough to join me. Hopefully, that someone will have
access to discount tickets and coupons for free popcorn. I must find a
local fan or I'm doomed! Doomed to watch this adventure filled movie by
myself without even one other soul to notice my bravery. Maybe, if I
continue to look hard I will find someone.

My heart beats loudly and I fear the deafening pounding will give me
away. As I approach the door of the dark cave I'm surprised to see an
Elf holding the door open! She is beautiful! I love Elves. If only Sam
were here, I think he would cry tears of pure joy.

I muster my courage and speak, "My lady, can you guide me safely
through this darkness?"

"Of course, sir. Please follow me." Her voice was the voice of an
Angel. It sounded like clean water bubbling up from a mountain spring.
She smelled of honeysuckle, and her eyes were fire blue.

She led me with her magic wand of light to a comfortable place within
the dark cave.

I heard the water voice again, "Enjoy the show." She turned and left
with a speed that only the Elves possess.

I sighed and sunk deep into the comfortable chair that I had been
provided. The darkness enveloped me. I was alone. Or so I
thought?

The loud smacking was coming from behind me. There could be only one
creature who could produce such a rude noise. One of the most feared
and powerful creatures in all the world, a troll!

Then I heard the scraping of skin. Dry, hard, leathery skin. Skin being
scraped, rubbed free of mud, dead skin and blood with sharp
fingernails. Most certainly this sound was coming from Orc's who were
grooming themselves in preparation for their next feast.

Again, I am surrounded yet alone. Thank God for my ring and my sword. I
pray they will be enough to protect me during this long
adventure.

The massive screen flashes and comes boldly to life. The adventure has
begun. The creatures surrounding me seem to be completely mesmerized by
the flashing pictures and roaring sounds within the dark cave. Maybe I
will be safe during this journey?maybe.