The Red Maiden, Part Twenty-One
The Red Maiden
Content warning: This story contains Restricted (R) content, including intense violence, physical abuse, and trauma. This story is written for an adult audience.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, as none of the content is my original work. The characters are created by Stephen King and J.R.R Tolkien. The content belongs to MGM and Screen Gems, as the 2013 film remake of Carrie was directed by Kimberly Pierce and produced by Kevin Misher, and additional production is through MGM, Screen Gems, and Misher films as well as distributed by Sony Pictures.
Friend and Foe
Fear coursed through Carrie’s soul as Bilbo recounted what he saw while scouting. It was not because of the orcs that were “a couple of leagues away,” but it was enough to almost make her feel sick to her stomach. She barely paid attention to the exchange between Bilbo and Gandalf, trying to gather herself together. The growing chatter of the company left little room to think. Bilbo’s sharp cry to command their collective attention brought Carrie’s focus in place. She listened attentively with immense concern about the other thing that was out there.
“What form did it take? Like a bear?” Gandalf inquired.
Bilbo nodded his head, most likely unable to speak, confirming Gandalf’s keen observation.
Is that what it is? Carrie felt vibration within the earth that drowned the company’s chatter. Dulled telekinetic strength did not stop her from summoning inner fortitude to glimpse what they faced. Her eyes were closed with intense focus on their impending danger. A chill she could not shake clung to her. Whatever the monster’s true form was, she did not know, but it took the form of a ravenous bear. The shock was enough to close the frail telekinetic connection. Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of terror in the expressions of the company. She gulped down the knot in her throat. “Bilbo is right.”
“There is a house. It’s not far from here where we might take refuge” Gandalf said within the quiet silence.
Carrie tried to steady herself while she heard this news. Thorin laid his hand upon her, a gesture that would have made Carrie tense in other circumstances allowed her to relax under his comforting touch. Warmth flooded the small of her back and her breathing steadied.
“Whose House? Are they friend or foe?” Thorin asked.
“Neither. He will help us or he will kill us,” Gandalf replied.
The air thickened with anticipation and dread. Carrie’s unease grew with every second feeling like eternity. She knew options at this point were limited within this dire situation. To her, the loss of the company would be an unforgivable act of sin. Her eyes glanced toward Thorin waiting to hear his response.
“What choice do we have?” Thorin said.
A loud roar followed as if answering Thorin’s question. Bilbo jumped out of his skin and yelped so loud Thorin grabbed him and covered his mouth with his hand. The rest of the company grabbed for their weapons and stood ready for whatever made that awful sound. They did not need any further confirmation as each fled for their lives. Carrie held a firm grasp on Thorin’s hand, determined to get him and everyone away from imminent danger. She tried to ignore the vibrations within the earth that signaled the ravenous bear, its heartbeat, and quick speed.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins with the warmth of sunlight peeking over the trees. She dared not let go of Thorin’s hand or look behind her. Carrie could sense the thud! thud! of the bear’s footsteps giving chase and had no idea what power this bear wielded. But she was not about to linger around and find out. That fear became heightened when she spotted Bombur slow down and stare in sheer, frozen terror at what lay behind him. Carrie sighed in relief as Bofur grabbed Bombur and sped off with everyone.
The trees and rocky landscape gave way to a green, pasture-like clearing with a large, homely dwelling on the horizon. Carrie’s legs burned with exhaustion, but she dared not slow down. Approaching the cottage, the company began to pile at the door. Each member scrambled to find some way to open it. Carrie was certain death itself would swallow them whole, and she channeled that fear into her telekinetic strength to open the door. The extensive effort paid off when the door swung open. The thundering footsteps of the bear approached closer until its whole body smashed into the closing door.
“Come on!” one member of the company yelled.
“Quickly!” another member of the company shouted.
The heavy door creaked with the bear’s attempts to barge in as weapons were unsheathed by each frightened dwarf. The bear roared trying to push through as Bilbo drew his sword out as well in a defensive stance. The men struggled until they made enough progress for the heavy door to lock. Relief and exhaustion washed over Carrie as the bear gave a frustrated groan in defiance of the locked door. Her exhausted, petite body collapsed as Thorin caught her in his arms. She gave a calm, reassuring smile in spite of her weakened state. Gratitude filled her core now that she and the company were in a shelter safe from their enemies.
“What was that?!” Ori exclaimed.
The startling question brought Carrie’s focus to the present as she glanced around the interior of the house. She looked around again, confused. The room appeared to be in a presentable condition. It had a small entryway that opened up into a larger room with various bales of hay. Nearby a few horses and oxen grazed. To the left was a small kitchen area with a plate of bread and a pitcher on the table. Carrie took in the small interior of the dwelling but a creeping realization came over her. She considered their foe outside the wooden doors was the owner of this abode. One glance at Gandalf’s knowing knowing was enough to confirm her suspicions as she silently hoped they would truly be safe here.
