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The story is a fictional parody - it's not true, nor is it approved of by the celebrities named in the stories. Authors write these fictitious stories about famous people for the same reason that Larry Flynt made fun of Jerry Falwell, because they can. The Supreme Court of the United States, the country where this site is located, has ruled that parodies involving famous people are perfectly and totally legal under the United States Constitution. The specific case law on this was decided in the case of "Hustler Magazine, Inc. et al. v. Jerry Falwell" in 1988. No harm is intended toward the celebrities featured in these stories, but they are public figures and in being so, they must accept that they are fair target for parodies by the public. We believe in the first amendment, and more broadly, in the basic principle of free speech and this section may push the boundaries of that principle, but the United States Supreme Court has approved of this type of material. We believe that the Supreme Court was correct in their decision.
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"Gandalf ... Gandalf, awaken ... "
Gandalf stirred in his half-sleep, hearing the voice and instantly recognizing its provenance. "I hear you."
"It's time ... time to choose an apprentice ... "
"I have no need of an apprentice." The wizard snarled, defensive even in his sleep.
"No one should be alone in this world, dear Gandalf. You were sent here to live your life among the people of Middle Earth. There is no reason that you should be forced to exist alone."
"I am a wizard, Galadriel! I am not of this world nor do I submit to its rules and regulations."
"Both you and I know, dear wizard, that the rules and regulations are tentative at best. Only death is certain and yet, you beat even that."
"Is there a point to this invasion of my dreams, Galadriel?"
"That all must live and grow in this world, Gandalf, and that you are not exempted from that. You must choose an apprentice and you must procreate and grace the world with your progeny. Your offspring will be much needed in the future."
"Galadriel ... "
"It is not divined by me, dear Gandalf. It is the way of all things, to seek companionship, to lengthen one's line in the world and to meet death in the arms of one who loves you. You have accomplished much, wizard, yet the harder things in life elude you."
"You don't call
battle
hard?"
"No, I don't. Battle is in the blood of all men and violence is a natural tendency. Love, care and romance are not natural to men. It has to be learned and cultivated. Those who are blessed, consider the gift of love the greatest victory a man or woman can ever win."
"That is not a blessing that I willfully seek, Galadriel. Now, let me sleep!"
"Not until you agree that at the least, you need an apprentice. You are reaching up in years, Gandalf. You must pass on your knowledge and power to another worthy vessel."
"Fine! Fine! Just go away!"
Galadriel smiled and dissipated into the scheme of things, assured of the happiness of her crotchety friend. She returned to her people, informing her Lord that soon, if her visions became true, that Gandalf the Grey and White would have a son.
The moon was high in the sky as she scaled the rickety tower. Ariana looked down, forced her fear back and climbed upward. The weathered trellis ended at an open window and she crawled inside, taking care not to injure the plants that hovered on the sill, waiting for the kiss of daylight. A long, deep snore came from the bed and she quickly tiptoed past, navigating the stairs down and finding the kitchen. She filled her bag with onions, carrots and heads of lettuce and cabbage, then found a leftover haunch of rabbit that had been covered with a vinegar-berry sauce.
She didn't think anything strange about the meat being out; she simply started eating it as she stuffed a bottle of garlicky oil, a wheel of cheese and a half-filled bottle of red wine. She shoved a loaf of crusty bread, a string of garlic and a box of dried basil leaves into the bag also and headed for the door. At the exact time she reached for the knob, it twisted in her hand, pushing inward and admitting Grelthorn Ambias, who was coming into his house. He didn't notice her in the shadows, although the scent of food should have led him but he was tired from a long day of work and he shuffled into the main room to grab a glass of wine and sit down. He would find the wine missing, of course.
Ariana exited the house and dashed into the cover of trees, her heart pounding. At least she would have something to eat and that would keep her from the city. The city was not a good place for an unattached young woman to be. Especially not one who was a beautiful as she was, though she'd violently disagree. She was on the tall side, an attribute that few men liked. Women should not be taller than a man, it was said. It gave the improper impression that the woman was in control.
She pushed a lock of dirty blonde hair out of her eyes, took out the cheese and nearly cut her finger off when she was startled, by of all things, a horse. The animal was by far, the most beautiful she'd ever seen and his shining white coat brought the brilliance of the moon down to her feet. Mesmerized, she put the cheese and knife away, exchanging them for a carrot. She quickly broke it into pieces and fed them, one by one, to the majestic steed, stroking its silvery mane as it chewed.
After the last piece, the horse whinnied, nudging her. "What do you want? I need the rest of the carrots!" Another nudge, pushing her back along its side. "You want me to ride you?" A loud whinny and a shake of the head. "Sorry, boy, I can't get on you. You're too big!" The horse bent its front leg, giving her a step up. She grasped its mane and climbed aloft, suddenly weary. She'd been three days without food and about as long without rest and it was catching up to her.
As the horse began moving, she didn't ask where it was taking her. She merely laid her head against its corded neck, wrapped her fingers in its mane and fell into a deep sleep.
"Shadowfax! What is this?"
It was impossible not to hear the loud voice, even more so because the owner was standing above her. Ariana tried to shake off the thick cloak of sleep, clutching her precious saddlebag and arising clumsily. The man moved into her sight, imposing in his flowing white robes and angry gleam in his eye.
"Who are you?"
"Ariana, sir."