The next two days seemed to drag on for the inexperianced riders, but finally Valzaan announced that Sulaire was just over the next hill.
Trav inhaled deeply. "Mmmm… I havn't smelled the ocean since I was seven."
Galadriel looked about in wonder at the shore of Sulaire. “I thought Florida was nice, but this…it’s amazing.” The unnamed trees and flowers swayed gently, filling the air with a fragrence finer than perfume.
Frodo could hardly breath "It is beautiful." she whispered.
Valzaan rode up alongside the Otherworlders. "Are you going to stare all evening, or do you plan on supper?"
"Supper," Galadriel echoed. Valzaan pursed his lips and rode on ahead. As soon as he was out of earshot, Galadriel whispered to Trav, "What exactly are we? If we're not Novaana, what's our excuse for being here? And how much experience do you have at this sort of thing? This is my first time at anything like this."
Ciao broke her stare from the breath-taking scenery. "We could be Nolthanin Novanna... no, that would be too complicated."
"And Trav, how exactly does language work?" Galadriel continued. "Especially in Middle-Earth. Tolkien was clear about Common Speech and Sindarin and Queyna and all that. And what if you entered a book without humans [including Dwarves, Elves, etc?] Like Redwall?"
Trav though a moment "I don’t really understand it myself, but…you know the story of the tower of Babel, right? And the story in Acts where the apostles could speak the gospel and everyone heard it in their own language? I think it's something like that. I've never really thought about it, but I've never been in a world where I didn't understand at least one language. I think it also has something to do with the way it's written. If I'm reading in English, but the characters are supposedly speaking...I dunno, Kipolish, I speak that and understand it just like you would if you were reading." Trav shook her head and nudged her horse into a slightly faster walk. "I'm not explaining very well am I?"
The great hall of Sulare rose into view. “As for where we're from, I honestly think it would be best for us to tell the truth, but we'll just say "it's a long way off." instead of trying to say that we came from another world." Trav glared at the others, especially Ezra. "And whatever you do, don’t tell them how things turn out. I don't care if you become best friends with Joraiem, we can't change the story - who knows what that would do back in our world?!?"
"Understood. But what about the books without humans? Have you ever entered one of those? But I think you're right. We should just say we came from a long way away to see Sulaire." Galadriel nodded.
Ezra shrugged. “Whatever you say, boss.” He turned to Lassar. “Wanna race?”
“I’ll pass,” Gala shrugged. “I’d probably fall off.”
“You’re on,” Trav’s eyes gleamed. “Let’s go!”

As the others raced on ahead, Galadriel slipped off her horse into a clump of trees. She closed her eyes."Backpack...clothes...digital camera...notebook and pen." A flash erupted, and Galadriel slumped to the ground.

“I won,” Ezra exclaimed.
“Only because you cheated,” Trav retorted. “If you hadn’t—“ A glimmer of light flashed behind her. “What was that?”
Trav ran towards the place where she’d seen the light. “What the—Galadriel!” Trav couldn't tell if the girl was concious or not, but she muttered anyway "I didn't know you could do that, but it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do."
Galadriel moaned. Her head hurt, and her spine seemed to have been replaced by a noodle. "That wasn't a good idea, was it?'
Ciao knelt by Galadriel. "No, probably not."
Lassar gaped. "Did you get a camera?"
Galadriel bent weakly over her backpack. "Yes, but I'll need to be sparing with the battery.However...picture time!"
Ciao smiled brightly as everyone posed on the beach. "Group picture! CHEEEEEEEEEEESE!"
Valzaan strode up towards the group. "What is happening here?"
"N-n-nothing, Valzaan" Galadriel stammered.
“You should report to the Great Hall for introductions.”
“Y-yes, sir.” As he rode off, she whispered, "Am I glad he's blind!"
Ciao barely held in her laughter. "Maybe we should get going now?"
Trav burst out laughing. She whispered to Galadriel "You SO should post those pictures online when we get home. Everyone else will think they're Photoshop or something, but WE'LL know!"
"So, you aren't mad at me?" Galadriel asked. "I'm just glad I didn't try for a bow and arrows. I'd probably be dead. Besides, a Kirthanim bow would work better on Malakim and Black Wolves--our world doesn't make cyranic arrows."
Trav held the door open for her. "Naw, I'm not mad. I did worse, remember?" Suddenly, she smacked herself in the head "You guys go ahead." she called over her shoulder as she ran back toward the horses. "I have to get these back to my aunt!"
When everyone (except Trav) was inside the Great Hall, Valzaan stood.
"Welcome to Kirthanim. For those of you who are Novanna, this is where your training under Master Caan, Captian Ulmindos, and myself will begin. For our other friends, this will be an opporitunity to learn."
Galadriel gaped at the Great Fountian of Sulaire. "I wish I'd brought my bathing suit," she whispered to Ciao. "And I hope this means we get to learn archery and fighting stuff."
Ciao nodded vigorously. "I've always wanted to learn archery, but I don't think I'd be too good at the whole sword stuff… maybe a staff though. Which one do you want to learn the most?"
"Sword, definantly. Then I could pretend to be Eowyn. 'I am no man,’"Galadriel quipped.
Ciao chuckled. "I'll guard your back once I learn how to shoot an arrow. I'm afraid that if I had a sword, I'd be more dangerous to my friends than my foes."
"Anyone got a war hammer laying around," Ezra asked.
Lassar beamed happily. "I wanna learn them all!" She looked up and noticed Valzaan approaching the group. "Oh, dear. I hope we're not in trouble again."
"I was wondering what kind of expectations you have?" Valzaan asked.
Galadriel spoke up, "We would like to train with weapons, learn some history, and perhaps visit the Great Libary."
"I am more of the studious type myself, but I would like to learn the sword and improve my skill with the bow.' Galadriel said.
"You have experiance as an archer?" Valzaan asked.
"I'm not in Joriaem's class. I have very little expriance, but I can aim and shoot."

Trav stumbled through the door. She froze as all eyes turned to her. Giving a sheepish smile, she hurried over to the rest of her group.
"Hi," she said, a little out of breath. "Sorry it took me so long. Time doesn't pass quite like it does here, but it's been about a day since I borrowed my aunt's horses. She thought they were stolen, and I couldn’t explain what really happened, so she lectured me...and anyway, sorry."
"I had wondered where all those horses suddenly came from." Valzaan stated "I think perhaps it is time for you to share something about yourselves."
Trav tried to shrink back into her seat. "Me?" she squeeked. She cleared her throat, "Uh, I mean, me?"
He nodded "You were the first one we met.".
Trav wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans."Hi," she murmered.
"Louder." Someone prompted.
"Oh. Hi!" Trav shouted. Several people winced.
"Uh, so. We - "she motioned to the group around her "- are from...a land far away, across a lot of water." to say the least, she thought. “Anyway, we heard about...the...beauty of Sulare and thought we'd come..check it out. Is that enough, Mr. Valzaan?"
Gala had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.But she felt she had to back her friend up. "I am Galadriel, and Trav is telling the truth" Or at least as much of it as you'd understand.Trav really should get rid of that book
Ciao added: "And I'm Ciao, it's a very nice place here."
"My name is Oriana Lassar. You may call me Lassar, but not Lassi. I want to learn to defend myself, get to know all of you, and see if I can find out wheater Valzaan is Alazare---oops," Lassar blushed. "I wasn't supposed to say that was I?"
The Novaana stared at Lassar. “What?” Mindarin snapped. “That’s rediculous!”
"No, you most certianly were not," Galadriel hissed. "The heat must be affecting her.” She spoke up. “It's not this warm where we come from. I think you should lie down, Lassar. Is there a cool room somewhere? And a pitcher of cool water would be welcomed."
"Sorry," Lassar looked on the verge on tears. "I'm from South Dakota …we have really cold winters.
Ciao swallowed hard, realizing how dry her throat was. "Yes, I'm feeling the effects of the trip too."
Lassar’s stomach boiled with nerviousness as she glanced around the table. “Um…well…” she stammered. “You see, I meant…”
She fainted.

Ciao stared at Lassar before springing to attention. Some of the female Novaana ran out of the room to find water. Valzaan spoke briefly with Master Berin, who summoned a steward to carry Lassar to one of the rooms. All the 'otherworlders' followed.
Once Ciao, Frodo, and Trav were gathered around their unconscious friend, Galadriel gave them a brisk scolding. "How many times do Trav and I have to say it? NO SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OR SUSPICIONS!! In fact, we should maybe know less than the average Kirthanim because we come from far away. That may have been an accident, but too many of those and we're in trouble." Galadriel broke off for a breath. "Trav, anything you want to add?"
Trav glanced nervously at Valzaan., who didn’t seem to hear Gala’s scolding. She rummaged in her bag. "I think I've got some medicine in here for you, Lassar." she said, hoping to divert attention.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bryar looking suspiciasly at her sack. "How much stuff do you have in that thing?" she asked. "I've seen you pull a dozen different things out of it, and yet you carry it like it's empty."
Galadriel looked up in interest. "Is it from...that one place..DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul? A moonbeam backpack with hollows? I've always wanted one..." Her voice trailed off as Bryar stared at her. "It's just a product where we come from..."
"And where is that?" Bryar asked.
"A place that is wierder than your wildest dreams." Galadriel muttered.
Trav cleared her throat "Um, well, about the pack, its...sorta." she looked a little furtive "Can we leave it at that for now?" She turned to Bryar "Look, Bryar, you're something of a warrier, aren't you?"
”I am a warrior,” Bryar replied.
"Well, then you understand that sometimes, people have to keep information secret for the safety of others."
She scowled. "Do you serve Malek?"
"Heck, no!" Trav looked at her friends "Little help, here?"
"Bryar, I know this is gong to sound like something somebody's mother would say, but there are certian things we just can't say for safety, both ours and yours. And I doubt you'd believe us anyway." As soon as the last words left her mouth, Galadriel knew they were a mistake.
"Try me." Bryar gritted her teeth.
"Well.." There was nothing for it now. Galadriel tried to sound joking. "We're from another world, of course. One you can't get to by sailing or riding or anything but magic."
"Right. Tell me the truth."
"Um...Maybe later. I think Lassar needs some peace and quiet for now. Don't you, Lassar?" Galadriel called, hoping for backup.
Ciao crossed her fingers, hoping Lassar would wake up.
Trav desperately grabbed Bryar by the arm"Bryar, I'd like you to show me a few basic sword moves. I'd like to have something to go on when we start training, and at the moment, I know nothing of swordplay.” She turned to to the others. “Be back later." she mouthed "Anyone coming with me?"
Lassar blinked twice. "Huh? Wha?" She looked around dizzily. "I can do it myself..uh wait…. What happened?" She sat up, dangling her legs over the edge of the bed. "Am I still in trouble?"
"Do you really want to know?" Galadriel muttered."I'll let them tell you. Wait up, Trav. I could use some advice on the sword too. All I've seen is the Lord of The Rings stuff."
"Lord of the Rings? Is he a swordsman in your world?" Bryar asked.
Galadriel looked at Trav, who was biting back giggles. "I guess you could say so."
Lassar started to laugh, quickly turning it into a cough.. "I'd volunteer to…come to, uh, wherever you’re going… but I don't think I'd make it out the door…." Lassar looked around her. "I think I need to lie down. And -oh! Is it possible to get a change of clothes?"
Ciao turned to Galadriel. "I'd like to come too. That is, if you don't mind, Bryar?"
"Will you be okay by yourself, Lassar?" Galadriel asked."But maybe Frodo can stay with you. I'm sure Ezra will want to come."
Trav glanced around. "I havn't seen Frodo in a few days. I hope she’s not getting into trouble somewhere."
Frodo bounced in. "Sorry guys, I got sucked back in to the normal world for a while . . . schoolwork and all that stuff." She paused as she noticed Bryar staring at her. "Umm, I mean, I got lost." She smiled nervously. "What's up?"
"We're going out to learn sword play, and Lasser is ill.” Trav answered. “Take your pick on who you want to join."
"Well, Lassar blurted out that she thought Valzaan was Alazare, she fainted, etc. Bryar's taking Ciao, Trav and I out for an introductory lesson in swordship, and I have no clue where Ezra is. Personally, I think it's a good idea to train. Right now, I doubt I could even run away fast enough if attacked. We can start there, right Bryar?" Gala finished.
"Ooh, I'm definitely going with you guys. There's no way I'm passing up on an opportunity to learn swordsmanship."
Ezra walked into the room. “I was just looking for a war hammer.”
Gala rolled her eyes. “We were just going out to train. I assume you’d want to come.”
“Dead on. Has anyone seen Wylla?" Ezra asked.
"I have no clue where she is. Why?" Galadriel lent over towards Trav. "Can you tell me about that backpack now?"
Lassar nodded. "I think I'll be fine. You all go ahead. I'll see you at dinner right?" She turned to Valzaan. "Does the library have any books on using a sling?"

Trav hung back behind Ezra and Frodo."I guess I can tell you. I'm not really supposed to, but Jenna never said I couldn't."
"Watch." Bryar strolled into an open area, a blunt sword in her hand.."Here." Bryar tossed a second one towards Ciao.
Trav kept her eyes on the pair as she spoke to Galadriel "You know I'm the Traveler, right? Well, I've traveled to a bunch of different worlds, and one of them was Eraindor. Ever heard of it?"
Galadriel watched Ciao and Bryar. 'Sorry, doesn't ring a bell. I know about Narnia, Middle-Earth, Kirthanin, and some others, but not Eraindor. Although if we ever get out of here, I'd like to visit a few other places
Ciao bent over and picked it off the ground. Her fingers wrapped clumsily about the hilt. “Ready,” she called, raising the blade to chest height and waving it in Bryar’s direction.
Bryar's own sword flashed. Ciao’s sword fell to the ground, sending up a cloud of dust..
Bryar frowned.
"Sorry, I've never held a sword before..." Ciao walked over toward the sword to pick it up.
Bryar laughed. "I can tell. Shall we try again?"
Galadriel smiled at Ciao's feeble attempt at swordplay. "Don't feel too bad...I have trouble with the blowdryer sometimes."
Ciao laughed. "How about you try this then so I don't feel so awkward? ...That is if it's okay with yo, Bryar?"
Bryar’s brow wrinkled. "...Oh, Kay...What does that mean?"
Ciao smiled. “Nothing to worry about.” She handed the sword to Galadriel.
Galadriel accepted the sword. "Ofta! Airplane aluminam this ain't"
Bryar didn't ask for an explantion. "You won't kill anything that way. Hold the point up!"
The blade wobbled back and forth for a few seconds, then fell to the ground. "Sorry, I think I need to start with wood weapons before I try metal ones."
Ciao laughed. "Same here."
Trav picked up a stick from the ground beside the path. Striking a dramatic pose, she cried, "En garde!"
Bryar laughed. "You actually look like you've had some experience, but your form is all wrong."
Trav flushed "Well, it's been a while. And...I have to admit that my teacher was a bit...unconventional." she glanced at her friends "Uh, it was Pippin. No one else would come near me while I had something sharp in my hands!"
Ciao stared. "You've met PIPPIN and you didn't tell me? I'm, like, his biggest fan! "
"Did he actually say that line about pints? Or "It's working! I know it's working! Run!'" Galadriel asked."
"I thought you were from Middle-Earth yourself," Ciao commented.
Galadriel blushed. "Actually, I'm Galadriel II. And that's not my real name. My real name is something much more dull and boring, which I will not tell you."
Frodo glanced around for a stick. "Uhh, I think I'll just watch you guys for a bit . . . yeah"
"I need to build my endurance. I get tired just walking up the driveway" Galadriel looked defensive. "What, it's a steep driveway!"
Trav laughed. "Yes, I met Pippin, and yes, he is as funny in real life as in the-" she glanced at Bryar and paused. "That is, as you have heard. Ahem. Maybe funnier, since he helped my friends and I with some...mischief while we were there. I mean, come on, wouldn't you love to see Aragorn diving into the river because he thought his pants were on fire?" Trav snorted. "And trust me, that was the LEAST of it."
"Whatever. Look, can you please explain about the backpack?" Galadriel begged.
Ciao stiffled her laughter.
“I'd much rather get back to fighting," Ezra said. “As the only guy here, I need to be the best fighter.”
Trav rolled her eyes. "Ok, so maybe this isn't as big a deal as I was told. The bag came from a good friend who lives in Eraindor and is as close to the original faerie as you can get." She scuffed her toes "When I first met her, I selfishly asked for three wishes, not realizing that - in that world, at least - granting wishes shortens the "faerie"s life span; but they can't refuse if someone asks them. She...she died
"Oh, how sad." Galadriel gasped. "I'm sorry."
Ciao gave Trav a hug. "What's all in it?" She asked, hoping to change the subject.
Caan walked up to them. "Will you be joining us in the training today? You need not worry about your lack of... talent… you’ll have plenty of time to train."