[Chapter 45. Stepping Into The World of the Lord of the Rings.]
Last Time on Chapter 044 of [From Shadows To The Spotlight] —
"Alright," Jo said. "I'll consider it. But this doesn't mean I'm agreeing to anything yet."
"Of course," Daniel said, standing and offering his hand to shake on the deal. "One step at a time."
The meeting ended on a positive note, with Linda agreeing to facilitate further discussions. Daniel left the building feeling optimistic. The journey was far from over, but he was confident that Alex would be pleased with the progress.
Now Continuing —
~A Quiet Flight to the Land of Middle-Earth~
Joanne sat back in the plush, buttery leather seat, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of the glass of water in front of her. The hum of the jet engines was barely perceptible, but it had a calming effect.
She was already growing used to the rhythms of the luxurious aircraft, though she had never quite gotten over the initial thrill of flying in such comfort.
The private jet, provided by Studio MONARCH, was like nothing she had ever experienced. Gone were the cramped quarters and recycled air of a commercial flight.
Here, the windows were large, providing a stunning view of the sky, and the cabin was meticulously designed with soft gold accents and a rich mahogany interior.
There was something almost regal about it, and she couldn't help but marvel at the world that had opened up before her, even if it felt like a world she had only just begun to understand.
Her literary agent, Christopher, was lounging in the seat beside her, his posture exaggeratedly relaxed as he settled into the plush fabric of his seat.
They had been flying for some time now, heading toward a destination she wasn't entirely clear on, but one that was full of promise and potential.
Studio MONARCH had invited them to a private viewing of a project she had only heard rumors about.
The studio, she'd learned over the last several months, was quickly rising through the ranks of Hollywood—making waves not just in Hollywood but also across the pond in the UK.
Their reputation was built on films that were not only critically acclaimed but commercially successful as well. Not many independent studios could claim that kind of duality and commercial success.
But MONARCH was clearly cut from a different cloth.
Joanne felt a flutter of excitement deep in her chest. It wasn't just about the studio's success, though that was part of it. It was about something else—something that had drawn her in the moment she heard about it.
The secret project. Something based on a fantasy book—one of Mr. Castillo's favourites. She had already made a guess in her heart.
But she was too afraid to say it out loud, as it would then become her wish and she really didn't want to get upset just because she had the wrong guess.
She had suspected it was something big, something new, something that might just change the way the industry viewed this upstart studio.
Her agent Christopher, with his typical aloof demeanor, had been pretending to be uninterested when the studio had first made contact.
They had put on the act for a while, both of them playing hard to get, pretending to be disinterested when in truth, they had both been deeply intrigued.
But now, as they sat in the lap of luxury, flying toward some undisclosed location, she knew it was time to see what MONARCH was really about.
She had her suspicions about the film she was about to see. Whispers had circulated about Alex Masters' first solo directorial feature—a name that had only recently started to surface among public because of the fake scandal.
Alex Masters, the prodigy who had taken Hollywood by storm with his brilliant behind-the-scenes work and now, with a leap of faith, was stepping into the director's chair by his lone some for the first time.
Joanne had always been a sucker for the underdog, as she had been one herself her entire life until just a year ago. But in Alex's case, it wasn't just about the man; it was about the studio behind him.
MONARCH might have been written off by some as a "B-grade" studio by media and the industry insiders, but after talking to her agent, Joanne knew better.
If there was one thing Christopher had drilled into her head, it was that being labeled "B-grade" didn't always mean what people thought it did.
MONARCH's name might not carry the weight of the MPAA's Big Six, but that didn't mean it wasn't as powerful in its own way.
She guessed that the film she was going to see was probably the one she'd been hearing rumors about—the project that Alex Masters had poured his heart and soul into.
She was quite eager to see what it was all about. She'd read some of the scripts that had passed through MONARCH's hands, and while they were varied in genre, they all had one thing in common: Passion.
She was certain that this wasn't just another cookie-cutter film designed to make a quick buck. This was something bigger, something with the potential to shake up the industry.
At least, that was what Joanne felt like and hoped for in her heart. She couldn't quite articulate why she had such high expectations, maybe it was because of the interview that she had seen.
All she knew was that there was an energy about the studio and the man that made her believe they were on the verge of creating something truly monumental. Something that will change the landscape of filmmaking.
Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the sound of her daughter Jessica's voice, bright and filled with excitement.
"Mum! Look at all the snacks!" Jessica was peering into a large, gleaming compartment near the back of the cabin, her eyes wide with delight.
Joanne chuckled softly, feeling the warmth of her daughter's exuberance wash over her. Jessica was always like this, her enthusiasm infectious, her curiosity boundless.
"Help yourself, darling," Joanne said, turning her attention to her daughter, her voice a soft murmur in the stillness of the cabin. "Just don't bother the hostesses too much, alright?"
Jessica grinned, her dark eyes lighting up at the freedom she was being granted. "Of course not, Mum!" She bounded over to the snack cart, clearly ready to sample every treat in sight.
Joanne's heart swelled with pride as she watched Jessica go. She had raised her daughter to be kind and respectful, to treat others with dignity.
She knew that Jessica would never become one of those entitled children who took service for granted. Joanne had served as a waitress herself in her younger years, during the lean times when every penny mattered, and she knew how grueling and often thankless the job could be.
Her respect for those who worked in service industries ran deep, and she had passed that respect on to Jessica, who had quickly absorbed the lessons her mother had taught her.
As her daughter busied herself with snacks, Joanne's gaze drifted back to the cabin. It was still a marvel to her—the sheer opulence of it all.
MONARCH had been referred to as a "B-grade" studio, but if that was true, it was only because they weren't part of the Big Six. They had a different kind of power, one that didn't rely on outdated systems or structures.
MONARCH might not have been invited to the highest of tables, but they were creating a space for new creatives and talents all their own. One that even the biggest studios couldn't ignore and maybe it was the reason why Mr. Masters, their head was targeted with such a scandal.
Joanne's eyes turned to Christopher. She hadn't seen him shift, but somehow, he'd fallen asleep, his nightcap perched at an absurd angle atop his head. She could hear the light snores escaping his lips, a soft rhythm that matched the hum of the jet.
Joanne smiled to herself, the faintest amusement tugging at the corners of her lips. She hadn't expected to sleep just yet, but the comfort of the flight and the quietude of the cabin were coaxing her eyelids to a close.
Without thinking, she reached for the pillow beside her, adjusting it slightly as she settled back into her seat. The jet swayed ever so slightly, almost lulling her to sleep.
She sighed, her mind adrift on a sea of thoughts about MONARCH, about Alex Masters, about the project ahead. The uncertainty of it all was exhilarating.
She didn't know what would come next, but she was ready to find out. As her eyes fluttered shut, Joanne hoped, with all her heart, that MONARCH wouldn't try to lowball them.
But she didn't feel anxious or scared, she wasn't sure why, but something about this studio, about Alex's vision and character, made her think that whatever came next was worth more than the price they would settle on.
-------
Joanne Rowling sat in the backseat of the spacious SUV, watching the rolling hills of New Zealand's countryside blur into an endless sea of green.
The vehicle bounced lightly over the gravel road, the steady hum of the engine and the rhythmic crunch of tires on dirt created a soothing soundtrack that would've lulled her into realm of the sandman if she hadn't slept for over hours on the flight.
Next to her, her daughter Jessica fidgeted with excitement, her small hands pressed against the window as she pointed out every sheep, tree, and hill that caught her attention.
Joanne smiled at her daughter's endless energy, silently grateful for the distraction it provided.
In the front passenger seat, Daniel Castillo, the man who had introduced himself as MONARCH Studios' "Seeker of Stories," turned slightly to address her daughter.
His voice was warm and patient, the kind of tone that came naturally to parents. "Excited to see where we're going, Jessica?" he asked, his smile broad and genuine.
"Yes! Mum said it's a secret place, though," Jessica replied, her curiosity practically vibrating in the air. "What's so special about it?"
Daniel's hand dipped into the bag beside him, and he pulled out a small plush bear, its soft fur a tawny brown.
"Well," he said, holding the bear up for Jessica to see, "this is for you, but there's a catch. You have to promise me something first."
Jessica's eyes lit up, her gaze fixed on the plushie. "What kind of promise?"
"You have to promise," Daniel said, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper, "that you won't tell anyone about the place we're going to. It's very special, and we really don't want bad people finding out about it."
Jessica tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Why would bad people want to go there?"
Daniel leaned closer, his voice barely audible as if he were sharing the most important secret in the world. "Because the place we're going to has magic. Real magic. And we need to protect it from people who might try to take it for themselves."
Jessica's eyes widened, and she nodded so vigorously that her curls bounced around her face.
"I promise! Pinky promise!" She extended her little finger, and Daniel chuckled, reaching back to seal the deal with his own pinky.
As Daniel handed her the bear, Joanne watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and fondness. Jessica hugged the plushie tightly, her excitement now mingled with a sense of duty.
She turned her gaze back to the window, her thoughts drifting as the SUV climbed a gentle incline. The landscape stretched out before her, a patchwork of green and gold under a brilliant blue sky.
There was something almost hypnotic about it, and for a moment, she allowed herself to get lost in the beauty of it all and as the vehicle crested the hill, and Joanne's breath hitched when she took in the sight before her.
Nestled in the valley below was what appeared to be a small village, but it was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The houses were low and round, their roofs covered in grass that blended seamlessly with the surrounding hills.
The pathways winding between them were lined with flowers, and the entire scene looked as though it had been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.
"Wow…" she murmured, leaning closer to the window. There was something eerily familiar about the place, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
She was certain she had never been here before, yet it felt like she had stepped into a dream she had forgotten she'd had.
The SUV rolled to a stop, and as Joanne stepped out, the feeling of déjà vu only intensified.
She took a few tentative steps forward, her eyes darting from one charming detail to the next—the round doors, the tiny chimneys, the way the buildings seemed to grow out of the earth itself.
It was magical, yet grounded, as if it had always been here, quietly existing away from the rest of the world.
"Welcome to Hobbiton," a cheerful voice called out. Joanne turned to see a short man in costume approaching her.
He wore a vest and breeches, his feet bare and comically large, covered in tufts of hair. It took her a moment, but when realization struck, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Of course. She was standing in the iconic village of Bilbo Baggins, the beloved hobbit from The Lord of the Rings.
"Ah," she said, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I can't believe I didn't recognize it at first."
The actor grinned, bowing slightly. "Happens more often than you'd think. Let me show you around. And don't worry," he leaned in as he whispered to her, "I'll keep the magic alive for the little one."
Jessica, clutching her new bear, was already enthralled, her eyes wide as the actor spun tales of hobbits and adventures. Joanne followed, her initial embarrassment giving way to awe as they toured the set.
Every detail had been meticulously crafted, from the tiny tools on workbenches to the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from one of the hobbit holes.
It was like stepping into another world, and Joanne found herself utterly captivated. The tour ended at a cozy outdoor dining area where a hearty stew and warm, crusty bread awaited them.
Joanne savored each bite, the flavors simple yet comforting, a perfect match for the rustic charm of their surroundings.
As the meal wound down, Joanne turned to Daniel. "When will I get to meet Alex Masters?"
Daniel offered an apologetic smile. "He's still on the main set, probably having an early dinner with the extras. They're about to start shooting soon.
"If you'd like, I can take you there, but your daughter can't join. The scene they're shooting is… intense." He spoke in low tone as he gestured what he meant by it with his eyes.
Joanne nodded in understanding. "Jessica, darling," she said, turning to her daughter, "be good for me, alright? Do your homework and get to bed early."
Jessica pouted but nodded, clutching her bear tightly.
After settling Jessica in a guest house, Joanne and Christopher joined Daniel in a jeep, heading toward the main set. As they bounced along the dirt path, Daniel glanced at her. "Alex will be busy at first. He's actively participating in the scene, so introductions will have to wait until they take a break."
"I understand," Joanne replied. "Artists shouldn't be disturbed when they're in the zone. Though what scene is he shooting?"
Daniel smirked. "You'll know what scene it is the moment you see it."
Joanne's curiosity piqued, and as they neared the set, her breath caught. Rising before them was a massive fortress, its battlements lined with soldiers. In the fields below, an army of orcs stretched as far as the eye could see.
"This…" Joanne whispered, her voice trembling. "This is the siege of Helm's Deep."
Daniel's grin widened. "Welcome to the world of The Lord of the Rings, Ms. Rowling."
— To be Continued...
{2,468 words}
{TRL: And here we finally get to see the third character being almost confirmed for Alex's MCU through auditions, and it is a three battle between Tobey, Joseph and Andrew being casted for the role of Spider-Man/Peter Parker. After the continuing scene we get to see, Daniel Castillo again our Seeker of Stories at work. I tried to keep it short and not drag out this part.
Also would you like to read ahead? You can do so for free up to 3 chapters ahead of the public release on my Patreon page as Free Member.
Yes, free. If you're interested you'll find the link in the Author's thoughts section or just google TheRamenLord and Patreon.
If you like my work and would like to support me then by becoming a paid member you read from 10 to 20 chapters ahead of the public release depending on tier you purchase.}