Chapter One
Frodo let out a deep sigh and looked at his surroundings. He was back in the Shire. Back home. He took the piece of alfalfa out of his mouth briefly, and then put it back in the other corner. Just last summer he had been doing the exact thing he was doing now. Leaning against the same tree, reading the same book, (it was his favorite so of course he would read it again) and chewing on the exact same plant. Last summer he was waiting for his dear friend Gandalf, which, of course, he was doing now.
Frodo was planning to have a welcome-back party for the old wizard. It had been quite a while since he had seen him. He had a lot of business to attend to, and Frodo understood. He did have a lot of responsibilities.
He put his book down and let his blue eyes wonder up into the crystal sky of matching color. Gandalf was his closest friend. And he knew that some day the old wizard would pass away, but what he didn't know is how he would be able to cope with that. He shut his eyes tightly as the memory of an ancient saying came to his mind.
Three rings for the Elven kings under the sky
Seven for the dwarf lords in their halls of stone
Nine for mortal men doomed to die
One ring for the dark lord on his dark throne
In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
One ring to rule them all
One ring to find them
One ring to bring them all
1 And in the darkness bind them
2 In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
"Oi! Frodo!" someone's voice sounded.
2.1.1 …In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
His eyes snapped open and he saw Pippin standing before him, holding a carrot in each hand. Merry was to his left, and Sam was on the other side. They had most likely stolen the food from a nearby farmer…as usual.
Sam squinted his eyes, examining his fellow Hobbit closely. "You don't look so good." He said, kneeling down before him. He gently pressed the back of his hand against Frodo's forehead.
"Hmm…your warm."
Pippin's eyes suddenly lit up. "I know what will make you feel better! Here ya go!" he handed him a carrot.
Frodo smiled. Pippin was always such an optimist. Always in trouble, but he had a good heart. He was plenty brave, too.
"Thanks, Pippin." He said, sitting up and taking the carrot.
Merry took a big bite out of his and swallowed. "So, what were you thinking about anyway?"
Sam gasped, giving a look as if saying, 'be blunt about it, why don't you.' He sighed and shook his head, resting his forehead in the palm of his hand.
Frodo looked at Merry with surprise. He really wasn't comfortable with talking about Gandalf…to anyone. All three of them knew that he was getting old. The poor man's days were numbered. He wasn't as strong as he used to be. He was strong enough to walk and do his duties, but surely not strong enough for another journey. Frodo prayed that there wouldn't be another one. He wouldn't be able to do it without Gandalf.
"Um…nothing. I was just thinking."
Merry nodded, even though he knew he was lying.
* * *
Legolas was pacing back and forth in front of a rather large tree. He had been doing so for what seemed like forever. He had a very important visitor coming soon. Someone he hadn't seen in years.
He stopped walking briefly, looked around, and saw no one was coming. Legolas sat down against the tree and picked up one of his arrows. He ran his finger along the feathered ends in boredom.
After a few minutes of that he stood up and began pacing again. Suddenly, he felt a hand being gently placed on his shoulder.
"Prince Legolas, fancy seeing you here."
He turned around and saw none other than the one he had been waiting for: a tall Elf girl with long, wavy, dark blonde hair. She was in a grayish, short dress with black leggings underneath. Her cloak was of black and she wore thick leather cuffs on each arm. Her innocent gray eyes seemed to flicker as her smile grew wider.
Legolas acted very calm and royal, as he was brought up to be. "Princess." He said, taking her hand. He bowed slightly and kissed the back of her palm.
They stood there, trying to be calm until both of them eventually let a smile play on their lips. Suddenly, the silence was broken.
"Vix, I missed you!" Legolas exclaimed happily, throwing his arms around her. He lifted his friend up and started spinning around. Vixilaesia, or Vix as Legolas called her, squealed.
Vixilaesia was sister to Arwen, and the other princess of Rivendell. She and Legolas had been friends ever since they could remember, but they hadn't been able to see each other a lot lately. They had both had to tag along when their fathers went to important councils…sometimes they went just to see one another. But Vixilaesia hadn't heard of his adventure as one-ninth of the Fellowship of the Ring.
"What have you been up to, Legolas?" Vix asked, taking his hand. They began to walk down the small path through the trees.
Legolas bit his lip. Shall he tell her about his journey? He decided not to; he didn't want to ruin their time together. Vix may be upset about him not telling her before. He would eventually get around to it.
"It's been quite a bore," he said softly, not taking his eyes off of the ground. Finally, he looked up at her. "But I am sure things will liven up now that I have someone to talk to."
Vix smiled and scuffed her booted-foot on the dirt path. "I assure you, it's been the same with myself."
* * *
Frodo and company had been sitting against the tree, eating carrots and talking about this and that. During a discussion of the party, Merry and Pippin had somehow gotten into the argument over whose feet had more hair on them. (It was a Hobbit's pride to have hairy feet. Rather disgusting.)
Sam had been watching the argument with a look of amusement on his face, but Frodo had been leaning against the tree, staring at nothing. He sighed and began running his fingers through the soft green grass. Frodo suddenly heard a familiar humming, as if someone was singing. Merry and Pippin stopped arguing, and all four of the Hobbits were silent as they listened closely.
"Gandalf!" Pippin shouted, standing up. He was immediately yanked back down by Merry, who got up and ran towards the humming sound, laughing at Pippin over his shoulder.
Frodo smiled happily and got up. He started to run as fast as his little legs could carry him, with Sam in tow. He soon was ahead of Merry and Pippin.
"Gandalf, Gandalf, Gandalf!" Pippin and Merry chanted. Frodo laughed with glee, but Sam stayed quiet, trying desperately to keep up with his master.
Frodo finally reached the end of the forest and took a great leap through the clearing, landing right on his target. He looked up and found himself sprawled out on the floor of the wagon in a pile of ropes and burlap bags.
"Anxious, are we, Frodo?"
The Hobbit looked up and saw none other than the wizard himself. He laughed and jumped at the old man, throwing his arms around him. "Gandalf!" he exclaimed. He was probably squeezing the air out of him but he was too happy to notice. "So good to see you!" he went on.
By now the buggy was stopped, and Sam, Merry and Pippin were all standing on the edge of the slope. The three Hobbits started laughing excitedly when they saw that it was, in fact, Gandalf. They hopped off and onto the ground, crowding the buggy like little children.
"Wonderful to see you, Samwise Gamgee." Gandalf greeted. Sam smiled broadly. "Meriadoc Brandybuck, nice to see you too." He said to Merry. Merry nodded.
"Same to you, old friend."
Gandalf's eyes fell on Pippin, who was busy poking his horse's flanks with a stick. The horse looked as if it was becoming irritated. Gandalf sighed reluctantly. "And, of course…you, Pippin."
Pippin turned around and hid the stick behind his back. "Hello, Gandalf!" he said with too much enthusiasm.
There was a soft giggle heard from the other side of Gandalf. All four of the Hobbits froze, and Gandalf smiled. "Oh yes." He said, as if he was remembering something. "I have someone I would like you to meet. Stand up, my girl."
A small Elven-looking girl stood up beside Gandalf. Frodo and the others had completely missed her. "Gentlemen, this is Phi. Phi, I'd like you to meet Frodo, Sam, Merry and…Pippin." He said, gesturing to each one of them as he spoke their name.
"Hello, Hobbits! Pleased to meet you all!" She said confidently, showing no sign of being shy at all.
Frodo studied her closely. She was about the size of he and his Hobbit- friends, maybe even smaller. Her ears were like an Elf's, only longer and a little wider. She had a small but thick silver hoop in each of her ears. Her golden eyes looked like they were glowing as the sunlight hit them. Her hair was even shorter than his, with longer bangs that framed each side of her face. Frodo looked closely and noticed that she had strange, black tattoos around her eyes. She knew magic.
"Aren't you a little young for Gandalf?" Pippin asked dumbly, breaking the silence. Merry nudged him in the rib sharply.
Sam sighed and shook his head. Gandalf sighed also, but Phi found herself to start bursting out with laughter.
"She's coming with me here because we have business to take care of, Pippin." He said, beginning to lose his patience. "I just need to discuss some things with her. She's a nymph." He said, and Phi nodded, finally able to breath. "They're very strong with magic."
"Oh." Pippin said, blushing.
There was a while of silence. No one wanted to ask any further questions; they felt that it would be useless. So no one did. They all eventually hopped into his buggy and rode off to Bag End, after Frodo had offered to have every one over for tea.
* * *
Legolas suddenly stopped in his tracks. Something…different was in the air; he could tell by the way the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up. Vix looked at him strangely. He looked back at her, and then down the path ahead of them. It seemed to switch dimensions as a gentle breeze was blowing.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly, touching his arm.
He suddenly found himself shivering, from sources unknown. The breeze picked up until it was a rather strong wind. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from the path ahead of them.
"Legolas?" the princess called worriedly. "Legolas, what's wrong?"
A high-pitched screech filled the air. His eyes grew wide.
"What is it?" she demanded, fear filling her voice. She too had heard the screeching, and it was unfamiliar to her.
"Black riders…" he almost whispered.
Vixilaesia still didn't know what he was talking about. She didn't move. He turned around and saw that she hadn't fled. "Go!" he said more loudly. She shook her head.
"I am not going anywhere without you."
Although he was flattered by her comment, there was no time to show it. Legolas grabbed her hand and helped her find a safe hiding spot beneath some brush. He kneeled down before her and held her hand.
"Don't move. Don't make a sound. You'll be fine." He said, even though his words wouldn't calm her. Her breathing was heavy but she still nodded.
Another screech was heard and he quickly got up from her hiding spot as not to give her away. He drew his bow and arrow and walked behind another tree. If it were a black rider, he would have to fight it off.
Hoof beats.
Vixilaesia gasped and sunk down deeper into the brush.
The hoof beats drew closer, and a blurred vision of a Dark Rider came into view. He bit his lip. Hadn't they killed those creatures a long time ago? He tightened the grip on his bow and got ready...wait. Where'd it go?
He stuck his head out from behind the tree. He had just seen it a few seconds ago...did it disappear again?
"LEGOLAS!" Vixilaesia screamed, and pointed behind him.
He turned around and saw the Black Rider right behind him on foot. He gasped and tried to back up, but tripped over a tree stump. His bow went flying behind him and the arrow was shot into the tree that Vixilaesia was hiding in, inches away from her.
Legolas undid the sword from its holder and held it up, meeting the Dark Rider's. If he had missed that his head could have been on the ground. He finally stood up and began sword-fighting the Dark Rider.
Vixilaesia still didn't have any idea what was going on, but there had to be some way she could help. She looked at the bow and the arrow stuck in the tree and back at the two battling.
Legolas' arm was getting tired…it had been a while since he had used a sword. He saw the Dark Rider bring the sword down vertically, and he used both hands to swing up and block him again.
The Dark Rider quickly pulled his sword back and tried again, this time cutting the back of his hand. Legolas cursed and grasped his hand tightly, causing him self to drop the sword. He looked down and saw that the sword had been dropped a few yards away…he was unable to reach it.
Suddenly, an arrow zipped right by his head and hit the Dark Rider Square in the face. It gave a final screech and hobbled backwards, before falling to the ground. Legolas looked behind him and saw Vixilaesia holding his bow with a shocked expression on her face. She dropped the bow and ran to him.
"Oh my goddesses, Legolas!" she exclaimed. She gently put her hands on each side of his face. "Are you okay?"
He looked down at her, his brown eyes searching hers. "How come you never told me you were that good at archery? That was amazing!"
She shrugged. "You never asked."
He smiled and looked over his shoulder at the corpse of the once-Dark Rider. It slowly disintegrated and its ashes were blown away by the dying wind.
"Come on. We have to go to Hobbiton." He said, grabbing her by the hand and jogging over to where he had left his horse. Vixilaesia looked at him strangely.
"Hobbiton? Why there?" she asked, following him. "And what exactly was that thing I just shot?"
He looked over his shoulder to make sure that there were no more Dark Riders. "I'll explain everything on the way there. Did you bring your horse?"
She shook her head. "I rode in daddy's carriage with him and Arwen." She informed, wishing that she had brought her horse. But riding with Legolas was better anyway.
"Alright. Get on then." He said, helping her up onto his chestnut brown.
Once she was on, he climbed up in front of her. As soon as everything was fully situated, he took off into an immediate gallop. She gasped and squeezed him more tightly; she wasn't used to going so fast. Legolas smiled to himself and soon they were out of Rivendell forest.
* * *
"Tea?" Frodo offered Phi. She nodded and he poured her some in a small mug. Phi absolutely hated that drink, but it was only polite after he had gone to the trouble of making it for everyone.
Pippin and Merry were fighting over a piece of bread, each of them trying to stab it with their forks and take it away from the other. Phi was giggling, but she shut up when Gandalf cleared his throat. Merry and Pippin stopped, also.
"Gandalf," Frodo began, taking his seat between Phi and Sam. "How long will you be staying?" he asked, hoping it was a long amount of time.
The old wizard took a long drawl off of his pipe. "I wouldn't want to invade your home for too long, me bringing a guest and all."
All eyes fell on Phi and she blushed. She felt like she was intruding or ruining their plans. She just stared down at her tea as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
Frodo shook his head. "I really do not mind…there's another bed she can use." He said, forcing a smile. He had a strange feeling about this girl. It wasn't a very good feeling, either.
Gandalf shrugged. "If we wouldn't be intruding, I'd love to stay." He said.
"You're always family here." Frodo reminded him with a smile.
He seems nice… Phi thought.
Frodo let out a deep sigh and looked at his surroundings. He was back in the Shire. Back home. He took the piece of alfalfa out of his mouth briefly, and then put it back in the other corner. Just last summer he had been doing the exact thing he was doing now. Leaning against the same tree, reading the same book, (it was his favorite so of course he would read it again) and chewing on the exact same plant. Last summer he was waiting for his dear friend Gandalf, which, of course, he was doing now.
Frodo was planning to have a welcome-back party for the old wizard. It had been quite a while since he had seen him. He had a lot of business to attend to, and Frodo understood. He did have a lot of responsibilities.
He put his book down and let his blue eyes wonder up into the crystal sky of matching color. Gandalf was his closest friend. And he knew that some day the old wizard would pass away, but what he didn't know is how he would be able to cope with that. He shut his eyes tightly as the memory of an ancient saying came to his mind.
Three rings for the Elven kings under the sky
Seven for the dwarf lords in their halls of stone
Nine for mortal men doomed to die
One ring for the dark lord on his dark throne
In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
One ring to rule them all
One ring to find them
One ring to bring them all
1 And in the darkness bind them
2 In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
"Oi! Frodo!" someone's voice sounded.
2.1.1 …In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie
His eyes snapped open and he saw Pippin standing before him, holding a carrot in each hand. Merry was to his left, and Sam was on the other side. They had most likely stolen the food from a nearby farmer…as usual.
Sam squinted his eyes, examining his fellow Hobbit closely. "You don't look so good." He said, kneeling down before him. He gently pressed the back of his hand against Frodo's forehead.
"Hmm…your warm."
Pippin's eyes suddenly lit up. "I know what will make you feel better! Here ya go!" he handed him a carrot.
Frodo smiled. Pippin was always such an optimist. Always in trouble, but he had a good heart. He was plenty brave, too.
"Thanks, Pippin." He said, sitting up and taking the carrot.
Merry took a big bite out of his and swallowed. "So, what were you thinking about anyway?"
Sam gasped, giving a look as if saying, 'be blunt about it, why don't you.' He sighed and shook his head, resting his forehead in the palm of his hand.
Frodo looked at Merry with surprise. He really wasn't comfortable with talking about Gandalf…to anyone. All three of them knew that he was getting old. The poor man's days were numbered. He wasn't as strong as he used to be. He was strong enough to walk and do his duties, but surely not strong enough for another journey. Frodo prayed that there wouldn't be another one. He wouldn't be able to do it without Gandalf.
"Um…nothing. I was just thinking."
Merry nodded, even though he knew he was lying.
* * *
Legolas was pacing back and forth in front of a rather large tree. He had been doing so for what seemed like forever. He had a very important visitor coming soon. Someone he hadn't seen in years.
He stopped walking briefly, looked around, and saw no one was coming. Legolas sat down against the tree and picked up one of his arrows. He ran his finger along the feathered ends in boredom.
After a few minutes of that he stood up and began pacing again. Suddenly, he felt a hand being gently placed on his shoulder.
"Prince Legolas, fancy seeing you here."
He turned around and saw none other than the one he had been waiting for: a tall Elf girl with long, wavy, dark blonde hair. She was in a grayish, short dress with black leggings underneath. Her cloak was of black and she wore thick leather cuffs on each arm. Her innocent gray eyes seemed to flicker as her smile grew wider.
Legolas acted very calm and royal, as he was brought up to be. "Princess." He said, taking her hand. He bowed slightly and kissed the back of her palm.
They stood there, trying to be calm until both of them eventually let a smile play on their lips. Suddenly, the silence was broken.
"Vix, I missed you!" Legolas exclaimed happily, throwing his arms around her. He lifted his friend up and started spinning around. Vixilaesia, or Vix as Legolas called her, squealed.
Vixilaesia was sister to Arwen, and the other princess of Rivendell. She and Legolas had been friends ever since they could remember, but they hadn't been able to see each other a lot lately. They had both had to tag along when their fathers went to important councils…sometimes they went just to see one another. But Vixilaesia hadn't heard of his adventure as one-ninth of the Fellowship of the Ring.
"What have you been up to, Legolas?" Vix asked, taking his hand. They began to walk down the small path through the trees.
Legolas bit his lip. Shall he tell her about his journey? He decided not to; he didn't want to ruin their time together. Vix may be upset about him not telling her before. He would eventually get around to it.
"It's been quite a bore," he said softly, not taking his eyes off of the ground. Finally, he looked up at her. "But I am sure things will liven up now that I have someone to talk to."
Vix smiled and scuffed her booted-foot on the dirt path. "I assure you, it's been the same with myself."
* * *
Frodo and company had been sitting against the tree, eating carrots and talking about this and that. During a discussion of the party, Merry and Pippin had somehow gotten into the argument over whose feet had more hair on them. (It was a Hobbit's pride to have hairy feet. Rather disgusting.)
Sam had been watching the argument with a look of amusement on his face, but Frodo had been leaning against the tree, staring at nothing. He sighed and began running his fingers through the soft green grass. Frodo suddenly heard a familiar humming, as if someone was singing. Merry and Pippin stopped arguing, and all four of the Hobbits were silent as they listened closely.
"Gandalf!" Pippin shouted, standing up. He was immediately yanked back down by Merry, who got up and ran towards the humming sound, laughing at Pippin over his shoulder.
Frodo smiled happily and got up. He started to run as fast as his little legs could carry him, with Sam in tow. He soon was ahead of Merry and Pippin.
"Gandalf, Gandalf, Gandalf!" Pippin and Merry chanted. Frodo laughed with glee, but Sam stayed quiet, trying desperately to keep up with his master.
Frodo finally reached the end of the forest and took a great leap through the clearing, landing right on his target. He looked up and found himself sprawled out on the floor of the wagon in a pile of ropes and burlap bags.
"Anxious, are we, Frodo?"
The Hobbit looked up and saw none other than the wizard himself. He laughed and jumped at the old man, throwing his arms around him. "Gandalf!" he exclaimed. He was probably squeezing the air out of him but he was too happy to notice. "So good to see you!" he went on.
By now the buggy was stopped, and Sam, Merry and Pippin were all standing on the edge of the slope. The three Hobbits started laughing excitedly when they saw that it was, in fact, Gandalf. They hopped off and onto the ground, crowding the buggy like little children.
"Wonderful to see you, Samwise Gamgee." Gandalf greeted. Sam smiled broadly. "Meriadoc Brandybuck, nice to see you too." He said to Merry. Merry nodded.
"Same to you, old friend."
Gandalf's eyes fell on Pippin, who was busy poking his horse's flanks with a stick. The horse looked as if it was becoming irritated. Gandalf sighed reluctantly. "And, of course…you, Pippin."
Pippin turned around and hid the stick behind his back. "Hello, Gandalf!" he said with too much enthusiasm.
There was a soft giggle heard from the other side of Gandalf. All four of the Hobbits froze, and Gandalf smiled. "Oh yes." He said, as if he was remembering something. "I have someone I would like you to meet. Stand up, my girl."
A small Elven-looking girl stood up beside Gandalf. Frodo and the others had completely missed her. "Gentlemen, this is Phi. Phi, I'd like you to meet Frodo, Sam, Merry and…Pippin." He said, gesturing to each one of them as he spoke their name.
"Hello, Hobbits! Pleased to meet you all!" She said confidently, showing no sign of being shy at all.
Frodo studied her closely. She was about the size of he and his Hobbit- friends, maybe even smaller. Her ears were like an Elf's, only longer and a little wider. She had a small but thick silver hoop in each of her ears. Her golden eyes looked like they were glowing as the sunlight hit them. Her hair was even shorter than his, with longer bangs that framed each side of her face. Frodo looked closely and noticed that she had strange, black tattoos around her eyes. She knew magic.
"Aren't you a little young for Gandalf?" Pippin asked dumbly, breaking the silence. Merry nudged him in the rib sharply.
Sam sighed and shook his head. Gandalf sighed also, but Phi found herself to start bursting out with laughter.
"She's coming with me here because we have business to take care of, Pippin." He said, beginning to lose his patience. "I just need to discuss some things with her. She's a nymph." He said, and Phi nodded, finally able to breath. "They're very strong with magic."
"Oh." Pippin said, blushing.
There was a while of silence. No one wanted to ask any further questions; they felt that it would be useless. So no one did. They all eventually hopped into his buggy and rode off to Bag End, after Frodo had offered to have every one over for tea.
* * *
Legolas suddenly stopped in his tracks. Something…different was in the air; he could tell by the way the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up. Vix looked at him strangely. He looked back at her, and then down the path ahead of them. It seemed to switch dimensions as a gentle breeze was blowing.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly, touching his arm.
He suddenly found himself shivering, from sources unknown. The breeze picked up until it was a rather strong wind. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from the path ahead of them.
"Legolas?" the princess called worriedly. "Legolas, what's wrong?"
A high-pitched screech filled the air. His eyes grew wide.
"What is it?" she demanded, fear filling her voice. She too had heard the screeching, and it was unfamiliar to her.
"Black riders…" he almost whispered.
Vixilaesia still didn't know what he was talking about. She didn't move. He turned around and saw that she hadn't fled. "Go!" he said more loudly. She shook her head.
"I am not going anywhere without you."
Although he was flattered by her comment, there was no time to show it. Legolas grabbed her hand and helped her find a safe hiding spot beneath some brush. He kneeled down before her and held her hand.
"Don't move. Don't make a sound. You'll be fine." He said, even though his words wouldn't calm her. Her breathing was heavy but she still nodded.
Another screech was heard and he quickly got up from her hiding spot as not to give her away. He drew his bow and arrow and walked behind another tree. If it were a black rider, he would have to fight it off.
Hoof beats.
Vixilaesia gasped and sunk down deeper into the brush.
The hoof beats drew closer, and a blurred vision of a Dark Rider came into view. He bit his lip. Hadn't they killed those creatures a long time ago? He tightened the grip on his bow and got ready...wait. Where'd it go?
He stuck his head out from behind the tree. He had just seen it a few seconds ago...did it disappear again?
"LEGOLAS!" Vixilaesia screamed, and pointed behind him.
He turned around and saw the Black Rider right behind him on foot. He gasped and tried to back up, but tripped over a tree stump. His bow went flying behind him and the arrow was shot into the tree that Vixilaesia was hiding in, inches away from her.
Legolas undid the sword from its holder and held it up, meeting the Dark Rider's. If he had missed that his head could have been on the ground. He finally stood up and began sword-fighting the Dark Rider.
Vixilaesia still didn't have any idea what was going on, but there had to be some way she could help. She looked at the bow and the arrow stuck in the tree and back at the two battling.
Legolas' arm was getting tired…it had been a while since he had used a sword. He saw the Dark Rider bring the sword down vertically, and he used both hands to swing up and block him again.
The Dark Rider quickly pulled his sword back and tried again, this time cutting the back of his hand. Legolas cursed and grasped his hand tightly, causing him self to drop the sword. He looked down and saw that the sword had been dropped a few yards away…he was unable to reach it.
Suddenly, an arrow zipped right by his head and hit the Dark Rider Square in the face. It gave a final screech and hobbled backwards, before falling to the ground. Legolas looked behind him and saw Vixilaesia holding his bow with a shocked expression on her face. She dropped the bow and ran to him.
"Oh my goddesses, Legolas!" she exclaimed. She gently put her hands on each side of his face. "Are you okay?"
He looked down at her, his brown eyes searching hers. "How come you never told me you were that good at archery? That was amazing!"
She shrugged. "You never asked."
He smiled and looked over his shoulder at the corpse of the once-Dark Rider. It slowly disintegrated and its ashes were blown away by the dying wind.
"Come on. We have to go to Hobbiton." He said, grabbing her by the hand and jogging over to where he had left his horse. Vixilaesia looked at him strangely.
"Hobbiton? Why there?" she asked, following him. "And what exactly was that thing I just shot?"
He looked over his shoulder to make sure that there were no more Dark Riders. "I'll explain everything on the way there. Did you bring your horse?"
She shook her head. "I rode in daddy's carriage with him and Arwen." She informed, wishing that she had brought her horse. But riding with Legolas was better anyway.
"Alright. Get on then." He said, helping her up onto his chestnut brown.
Once she was on, he climbed up in front of her. As soon as everything was fully situated, he took off into an immediate gallop. She gasped and squeezed him more tightly; she wasn't used to going so fast. Legolas smiled to himself and soon they were out of Rivendell forest.
* * *
"Tea?" Frodo offered Phi. She nodded and he poured her some in a small mug. Phi absolutely hated that drink, but it was only polite after he had gone to the trouble of making it for everyone.
Pippin and Merry were fighting over a piece of bread, each of them trying to stab it with their forks and take it away from the other. Phi was giggling, but she shut up when Gandalf cleared his throat. Merry and Pippin stopped, also.
"Gandalf," Frodo began, taking his seat between Phi and Sam. "How long will you be staying?" he asked, hoping it was a long amount of time.
The old wizard took a long drawl off of his pipe. "I wouldn't want to invade your home for too long, me bringing a guest and all."
All eyes fell on Phi and she blushed. She felt like she was intruding or ruining their plans. She just stared down at her tea as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
Frodo shook his head. "I really do not mind…there's another bed she can use." He said, forcing a smile. He had a strange feeling about this girl. It wasn't a very good feeling, either.
Gandalf shrugged. "If we wouldn't be intruding, I'd love to stay." He said.
"You're always family here." Frodo reminded him with a smile.
He seems nice… Phi thought.