A/N Yes, after a while's waiting... I finally started the sequel to Can You Turn My Black Roses Red. I had to make a lot of decisions about my characters points of view and such, but after much deliberation and several headaches, I bring you You Are the Only Exception. Special thanks to NaruVamp for giving me all the advice and encouraging me to write more stories in this fandom. ^^ Your support means the world to me!

Chapter One: Disturbing News

''We were strangers, setting out a journey... never dreaming what we'd have to go through.'' -Richard Marxx and Donna Lewis

Part one: Jae's Point of View

The sun shone ever so brightly over the Shire, casting its warm rays of light over all the land. The golden field glimmered, the grassy green hills glittered with the wet dew, the flowing waters of the Brandywine River glowed brilliantly, revealing little pebbles and stones at the bottom of the river bed. I sat on the step just outside my house... the only one I had anymore, since I decided to stay in Middle-Earth. I had just come out here for some thinking time- something I got very rarely since I had given birth to our first child, Faramir. Suddenly, a glint of white caught my eye. No, it couldn't be. I was probably imagining it. What would he be doing all the way in the Shire when no one had seen him since the Ring was destroyed? Before I could let my mind wander further into the subject, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder and squeaked out of fear.

''Pippin! You scared me!'' I gasped, turning to see my boyfriend standing in front of me.

''I'm sorry. I just wanted to see if you were alright. You looked ill this morning, but I thought maybe you would get better.''

''I have a headache... and I thought I just saw- never mind.'' I disregarded the incident.

''What? What did you see?'' Pippin asked, reaching out a hand to stroke the side of my face.

''I thought I saw... Gandalf.'' I frowned, meeting his eyes.

''Gandalf? No one's seen him in years... Faramir wasn't even born the last time we saw him.'' He said with wonder.

''Faramir is almost five now. My God. Five years we haven't seen him.'' I could hardly believe that it had been that long. It seemed only yesterday we were watching Aragorn being crowned as the next King of Gondor.

''Come inside, Jae. I think you need to be out of the open air.'' He took my hand sweetly and led me back into our little hole in the hillside.

''I need to see Merry again... he must get so lonely.'' I sighed.

''He will find someone, I know it.'' Pippin sat me down at the table where we would eat dinner and set his hand atop mine.

''I feel anxious. I was swept up in that whole buisness with the ring- and all I've ever wanted to do was settle down. Now, I feel like I want to be out there again- riding to Rohan, sitting by the white tree of Minas Tirith, fighting in Helm's Deep, getting lost in Moria, exploring Lothlorien together. Oh, Pip, I miss it.''

''I miss it too. We have Faramir now. We have to look after him. If we weren't taking care of him, then I would sweep you into my arms and away we would go, to Mirkwood, to visit Legolas and Kassi... but he is our priorety now, love.'' He pressed a kiss into my hand and I blushed deeply.

''Is Faramir asleep now?''

''For the time being. He may wake up any moment.''

''When he does, let me know and I will take care of him. I need some sleep- you know I have hardly slept at all.'' I yawned, getting up to find our bedroom. Before I could get comfortable, there was a loud (and rather rude) knock at the door.

''G-Gandalf? What are you doing here?'' I heard Pippin shout, sounding both excited and worried. I made my way down the halls from the bedroom to see our old friend. There he was, grey cloak layered on top of his white traveling cloak, his white beard neatly trimmed that hung down his chin, then his long snowy white hair fell down his back and into his hood. He leaned on a marvelous white staff with crystal peeking out through the top.

''Jaessa. I heard from one Frodo Baggins that you two might have taken up residence here.'' The wizard grinned, bowing low to step inside.

''Merry moved out- he decided that he wanted us to have privacy. He's not that far, but we haven't been down to see him in a while, what with Faramir and all.''

''Faramir?'' He turned his head to look at me blankly.

''Our- our son. Oh, it has been a long time! You didn't even know I had a son.''

''Faramir would be very proud to know who you named after him, Jaessa.''

''I didn't choose the name- Pippn did.''

''Well, perhaps you're not as much of a fool as I thought, Peregrin.'' He glanced at my boyfriend, gazing vaugely into space.

''I'm sorry, what?'' He asked, coming out of his trance.

''Then again...''' Gandalf started.

''Faramir will be five in march.'' I told him.

''Already? My goodness, how long it has been. How I wish I came here under better circumstances... I have some rather disturbing news I am afraid I must tell you. This may come as a bit of a shock.'' Pippin waved him over to the table and we sat down to discuss this news he had brought.

''Something stirs... where it is, I cannot say. Long have the fires of Mordor and Isengard been extinguished, but something has been awakened. The orcs and Uruk-Hai are growing again- this time, much slower then the first, but the population is rising. Aragorn fell under attack from a group of them on his way into Rohan not long ago. He is deeply concerned.''

''Another enemy?''

''Yes, I am afraid so. That is not the worst of it. I have heard word from the Dunedain. I fear that you are in great danger.'' He warned us, looking straight at Pippin.

''Us?''

''You, Peregrin Took. Merry as well- and Jaessa, I am afraid.''

''What exactly have the Dunedain told you?''

''I heard from one the other day that he came across something new in the woods the other night, just past Eregion... a new evil. My friend told me that it was a woman with hair like fire and blue eyes. She was very beautiful, but it was not clear whether she was an elf or not. This woman came towards him and began to ask him several questions. He felt a cold air pass through him as this woman spoke to him in a haunting voice. She said that she was looking for a young man, very small, with golden curls of hair and green eyes.''

''Many hobbits match that descrption-'' I began, but was cut off by Gandalf.

''Do many hobbits wear elven made cloaks with the leaves of Lorien clasping them around the neck? Sauron may be destroyed, but his servants remember you both. It is all too easy for a hunter to track you, Pippin. I fear you three are not safe in the Shire. I do not yet know what evil this is, but this creature's senses have been extremly hightened, and she looks for you, even now.''

''What about Frodo and Sam?''

''Their part in the war of the ring remained undiscovered, just as we had planned. They are safe, but you three had arts in this tale that angered Sauron far more then Frodo and Sam's actions. Especially the incident with the palantir.''

''We cannot leave Faramir, not now!'' I cried, already seeing where this was going.

''I have made arrangements. Sam and Rosie are taking Faramir until you return.''

''But- Gandalf- what if we don't return?''

''You will. Don't worry. I will find out as much about this evil as I can. With any luck, you will be back here within a few months.''

''Where do we go?''

''I am not sure. Not all is clear yet. Perhaps Rivendell, while I go and gather more information. I will send word for Kassi and Legolas in Mirkwood... that their help is needed. They will meet you at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Go find Merry. This is important- do NOT trust anyone outside of your friends. I have heard many different descriptions of this woman from several rangers and men, she is dangerous and not to be trusted. Be careful, friends. I will meet you in Rivendell.''

With that, Gandalf left our home. An eerie silence fell over us.

''I didn't want to go and meet Kassi like this.'' I sighed.

''I know, but we have to trust that Gandalf knows what he is talking about. Faramir will go to Sam and Rosie tonight, I suppose. . We will speak with Merry tomorrow morning. I am not sure whether Gandalf has told him or not yet.''

''We can only hope he believes us. Merry is a brother to me.''

''Cousin, actually.''

''I- I meant- Never mind.'' I gave up... Pippin was dense when it came to expressions.

Part Two: Nellyra's Point of View

The Green Dragon looked as it always did on warm August mornings- cozy and inviting. I smiled as I made my way through the busy crowds. Hobbits were walking through the markets, some leading animals, others carrying fresh bunches of ripe apples. I knew I was a little late, and the drunk people inside the pub wouldn't be too happy with me for that reason.

I entered the Inn as fast as I could and slowly closed the door behind me. There were already plenty of people inside, being served by lovely Rosie Cotton.

''You're late.'' She grinned, removing her dirty white apron and handing it over. I could see her slightly larger then average belly- she was carrying Sam Gamgee's first child. That was the whole reason I had been forced to get up rather early each morning- I was filling in for Rosie here and there while she was expecting. Sometimes, she would work half the day, and then I would work the other half, but other times, I would work all day. I knew I would have to work all day once she got closer to the date of her baby's birth. It had only been two months, so far, according to her.

''I'm awfully sorry, Rosie. It's just that father had me do some extra work this morning and I was delayed. I came as fast as I could!'' I explained, worriedly.

''It's no problem, dear. My goodness, I am only two months along, after all! My mother and father are making such a big fuss over me taking care of myself! As if I didn't know how to properly treat myself!'' She sighed, rolling her misty blue eyes.

''Well, I suppose it isn't good for you to overwork yourself-''

''Overwork myself? It's only serving a few drinks, and I have friends here that would take good enough care of me!'' Rosie snorted.

''I suppose. I will see you tomorrow, miss Rosie.''

''You too, Nelly.'' I disliked being called Nelly very much, but I knew Rosie meant it as a term of endearment. She waved goodbye and within moments was out the door, on her way home. It was my turn to sigh sadly as I got behind the counter and tied my apron around my waist tightly.

''How is it every time I come for a pint, you're here as well?'' A voice asked, rather rudely. Already knowing who it was, I looked over to see him standing at the side of the counter, folding his arms.

''I'm no happier about it then you are, Meriadoc.'' I frowned, eye level with the hobbit. The dim light emnating from the candles placed around the room danced off his light skin, making it glow warmly. His golden curls almost covered up those light grey eyes of his. He smirked at me.

''Are you going to be here all night?''

''Why? Would it be a dissapointment?'' I hissed. Merry's eyes softened.

''No, no. I just wished to know.''

''Yes, if you must know. The usual?''

''Of course.'' Merry smiled, waiting patiently for me to fix him his usual drink. When I handed him the mug, he winked and sat down by himself at one of the wooden tables. We weren't all that busy yet, but I knew he would stick out like a sore thumb in no time.

Luckily, at noon Frodo Baggins came in to join his friend.

''Merry's over there.'' I pointed out.

''Ah. Thank you, Nellyra. He's been reclusive ever since Faramir was born. I suppose he's upset that Pippin and Jae haven't been to see him in a while.''

''Why does he not go see them?''

''I believe he thinks it would be rude.'' Frodo looked at Merry sadly, his bright blue eyes filling with pity.

''Well, at least he won't be drinking alone anymore.'' I gave him a sweet smile and got him what he wanted.

I watched the two chat happily from behind the counter, wishing I was free of this job so I could talk with them as well. Ever since I began working as the barmaid, I had only gotten close to a few hobbits. Frodo was one, and although Merry and I argued much, we were still good friends. I knew plenty of their lives, except for their past. I have heard many tales of adventures surrounding them, but they will not agree or disagree with any of these tales. All I knew was that Pippin was in love with Jaessa, a hobbit from another world. They were not married yet, but they had a son named Faramir who had just turned five. Frodo was ill a lot, but he often took time out of his day to meet Merry here for a drink or two.

It was late in the evening when all started to quiet down and I turned in my apron for the night.

''I'm heading home for the night. Goodnight, Merry. Take care, Frodo.'' I waved goodbye.

''Wait- why don't you stay a little while longer?'' Frodo asked.

''I- I couldn't. I am so tired and I-''

''You wouldn't have to make drinks. Just... come. Join our conversation. I am sure there can't be much fun for you at home.''

Oh, Merry. If you only knew.

Looking from Frodo to Merry, I gave in and took a seat across from them.

''How are you?'' Frodo wondered innocently.

''I am... alright. I feel drained. There has been so much to do lately- I am just not sure if I can continue replacing Rosie so often.'' I replied honestly.

''I see. It doesn't seem like a demanding task.''

''It is.''

''Take a sip of this- it will help.'' Merry offered, passing his mug over.

''I'm not so sure.'' I shook my head, standing up and handing it back over.

''That's some bruise you have there.'' Frodo pointed out, noticing the large purple spot on my arm. Normaly, it would have been covered by my dress sleeve, but I reached too far and the sleeve revealed it.

''I- accidently hit it against a wall.'' I looked away. No one could know. If they did- they would want to know the reasoning behind it.

''Ow. It looks painful.'' Merry frowned.

''It is.'' I breathed, rubbing the area gently with the palm of my other hand.

I kept quiet most of the time, while Merry and Frodo went on about some wierd things- wizards, eagles, trees... anything and everything.

''I am going to go home. It's getting late, and I am so tired.'' I yawned, kissing Frodo on the cheek in general hobbit fashion and waving goodbye at Merry.

I knew I was in trouble when I saw the moon peeking out from behind the clouds. It was so high in the sky- it had to be so late!

I walked in the house as quietly as could be, hoping no one was awake.

''Where on Middle-Earth have you been?'' An angry voice floated from the den. My father walked over to me, his eyes filled with anger.

''I'm really sorry, I got caught up- Frodo and Merry-''

''What? Who are Frodo and Merry? Oh, I see. First, you start 'seeing' things, then you kill your own sister-''

''I didn't kill Arialle! You never believed me when I-''

''SILENCE! After killing your own sister, you sleep around with some hobbit lads like a common whore?'' He spat, grabbing my arm.

''I never slept with them! They're my friends!'' I pushed him away from me. Big mistake. For hobbit standards, my father was large- and I was small. His fist collided with the side of my face and I fell to the floor. I could feel warm blood trickling from my nose as hot tears welled up in my eyes. Thinking quickly, I dodged my father's punches and raced back out the door.

My feet pounded across the grass as I heard the door slamming behind me and yelling echoing through Hobbiton. My father was following me.

I tripped and fell, but I kept on going, knowing that I would be dead if he caught me. Father always overreacted, but this time, I would die by his hand.

I lost track of time and space as my heart thrummed in my chest, every beat matching my footsteps perfectly.

''It should've been you! It should've been you that died, you miserable whore!'' Those words broke my heart. No one had ever spoken to me that way- let alone my own father. I hid underneath a dense spot of brush nearby.

Footsteps were right behind me, and I watched my father look around frantically.

''There you are! Get up!'' He shouted, spotting me. I bit my lip. So, he came in after me. I leapt out and began running again, but this time, he was too fast for me. His hand flew to my ankle and he brought me down. I crashed onto the cold grass and it was then that I saw someone I didn't expect.

''What is going on? Let her go!'' Merry's voice rang out clear.

''She's my daughter, I may do as I wish!'' He spat on me, then kicked me in the ribs. I cried out and lay there, ashamed that my friend was seeing everything I had covered for all my life. Father's hand pulled me up roughly and Merry watched helplessly as he dragged me away. For a moment, I thought I honestly would die that night. He would take me home... have his way with me... and I would be dead before dawn. Then, a strange glint lit Merry's eyes aflame and within seconds, I was free of my father's grasp. Merry scooped me up into his arms and I clung to his neck as he took me away from my father... hopefully, for good. I never cried in front of someone, but the moment we were safe, Merry set me down on a large rock beside the rushing Brandywine River and I started crying.

''What happened?'' He asked, concern filling his soft grey eyes.

''My father- he was angry at me- he-''

''Does he do this often?'' He pressed, more then concerned now.

''Y-yes.'' I stuttered, losing all control now.

''Not anymore.'' He sounded almost... angry now. Merry was as gentle and tender as he could possibly be when he lifted me up in his arms once more. I rested my head against his chest. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I knew that I was safe at last.

He set me down on a chair in his roomy little hobbit hole. I held a hand to my side and realized just how much it hurt to move where he had kicked me. Merry raced from room to room, grabbing cloths, bandages and a bucket. Once it was filled with boiling water, he set it down on the table and dipped a rag in it.

''You're bleeding so much...'' He gasped. I could see the pity in his face as he gingerly dabbed the cloth at my nose and lips. Once the blood had been cleaned off, he checked my arms for more bruises.

''My side-'' I complained.

''Nellyra, I need you to undo your dress. I have to see the wound- he might've broken something.'' He ordered. Feeling very awkward, I turned and unlaced the strings on the top of my dress. In a very calm manner, Merry ignored my chest binding and looked straight at the ribs underneath it.

''How bad is it?''

''Bruised- very bruised. You're lucky. It could have been much worse.'' Merry breathed, starting to bind the wound with long strips of bandages.

''Thank you, Merry.''

''Of course. You do understand that I am not going to let you go back home- ever.''

''W- where will I stay then?'' I asked, sort of irritated that he was stepping in, unasked.

''Here. I have a guest room. I know that we do not always get along- but I cannot let you go back. Not now that I have seen what he does to you.'' Merry shuddered.

''So, where is this guest room?'' I wondered, letting him finish wrapping the bandage around my wound. He stopped and helped me re-tie my dress quickly.

''Here.'' He led me over to a small, narrow hallway. I opened the first door on the left to find a small room with a little wardrobe beside the cozy, comfy bed.

''I am so tired...'' I said, yet again that night.

''Sleep well. Oh! Don't touch anything in the wardrobe! It's old and... dangerous.'' Merry said foolishly, thinking that would scare me off. As soon as he left, I was opening the wardrobe to peek inside. I gasped when I found a wonderful armor- chain mail, with green and brown layers of clothing overtop. A large green horse was rearing on the front. Beside the clothes was a large round sheild- green and gold. Underneath the sword was a delicate dagger that glinted brightly in the dim candlelight. Smiling, I picked the dagger and its sheath up off the floor of the wardrobe. Admiring its beauty, I slid it under the pillow. I didn't think about how much the dagger had been used... what it had seen. How many lives it had taken. I had no clue the things it was about to do over the next few months... months would turn to years... years to decades... decades to centuries... I drifted off into a deep sleep almost instantly.

I awoke to the frantic sound of knocking on the door. Forgetting about the dagger, I got out of bed and hurried to the door. Much to my suprise, Merry was just going to get it.

''Go back to sleep- I can handle it.'' He waved a hand. I ignored his order. He was not going to tell me what to do- no sir!

I was even more suprised when a young woman hobbit and a male hobbit stepped into the house.

''Pippin? Jaessa? Where- where is Faramir? What are you two doing here?''

''We can't talk very long, it's important!''

''Why haven't you been to see me? Where is my godson?'' He demanded to know, folding his arms. So, this is his cousin. I thought. Yes, they looked very much alike. The same golden locks, well-muscled arms, unusually thin and fit torso... they were much alike.

''Faramir is with Sam and Rosie. He's fine, Merry.I apologize for showing up like this, but something has happened.'' Jaessa shook her head. Her little red curls bounced playfully, but her green eyes were filled with fear- and honesty.

''What? What has happened?'' Merry sat over at the table. The other two joined him. It was then that I cleared my throat.

''Oh! Pip, Jae, this is Nellyra, the barmaid replacing Rosie while she is expecting Sam's child.'' Merry introduced me.

''And I wish to be included in this, for it now concerns me as well.''

''Yes, yes. Alright.'' Merry gave in, and I took a chair up beside Pippin.

''Gandalf was here last night. He warned us of a danger... a woman looking for us.''

''Woman? That is odd.''

''Yes, but it is said she is incredibly deadly. He also warned us that orcs and Uruk-Hai are multiplying. He does not have enough information yet, and he told us we will not be safe in the Shire. We have been ordered to go to Rivendell and await news.'' Jaessa explained.

''I- Leave? Again? Jae...''

''Merry, you must! I will not leave you here to die!'' Jae begged, taking his hand quickly.

''I thought... that there would be no more wars. That our part in this tale was ove-''

''It is far from over, Merry. That is plain to see. I agree with Jaessa. I would have you go to know you are safe.''

''Why? Since when have you shown me any kindness- or concern? Worry? Love? You two have been off doing- Gandalf knows what, and left me here alone! Why in the Shire would I have to leave when we have not spoken to one another in years?''

''Sam doesn't talk with you anymore-''

''But Rosie does. He sends me news through Rosie. Sometimes, I do see him. Frodo, I see almost every day. You two have not been a part of my life since the day Faramir was born! You declared him my godson, what have you done to make it so? He does not even know me!'' Merry slammed his fist on the table. For a moment, I was afraid. Something came to life in Merry's eyes... something old- and frightening.

''I am sorry, Merry. I wanted to see you, I just... I was so busy. I missed you. Every day, I missed you. Please, forgive us.'' Jaessa pleaded. Merry looked away.

''Why?'' He hissed through gritted teeth.

''Because I love you, Meriadoc Brandybuck. You took care of me when I was new and frightened. I never would have stayed if it hadn't been for you. Faramir might not have been born if not for you. I need you to forgive us because if you stay behind, so will I. As will Pippin. We will all die together when this assasin finds us and throttles us in our sleep. Either you go with us- or no one goes.'' Jaessa squeezed Merry's hand tight. His eyes closed and he leaned back in his chair.

''What about me?'' I frowned, not understanding the slightest bit of what was going on.

''Nellyra, look after this old place for me, will you? If I come back and your father has you in his possesion, I will hunt him down and kill him. He will never touch you again, do you understand me? I will be back as soon as I can.'' Merry sighed, letting go of Jaessa's hand and going to get packed.

''I can't stay here! Not by myself!'' I went after him.

''Listen, Nellyra, I wish that you could come, but I do not want to put you in these battles any more then I wanted Jaessa to be involved in them. I will not risk your life. God bless it, where is my dagger?'' He growled, taking his outfit from the wardrobe.

''I-''

''I cannot take you with us and that is final!'' He snapped.

I was going to tell you I have your damn dagger, but maybe I'll keep it now.

I watched in silence as Merry walked away, mumbling to himself.

''Good luck.'' I told him, just as the three were about to head out the door.

''I'm going to need it. I will see you soon enough. Please look after yourself.'' Merry whispered, pressing a kiss into my forehead. It was strange, considering that Frodo and I were much closer then Merry and I. This was a new feeling.

They left and I was missing him already. Not particularly Merry himself- but the feeling of not being alone. Sighing, I went to find the dagger. I would run after him and give it to him anyhow. Then, something happened I did not expect. I felt my head was going to explode as I fell to the ground. Scenes were rushing through my mind and I realized what I was seeing with my eyes was all distorted and wrong.

A scene popped up- a beautiful, young woman. Her hair was long, red and curly. Everything about this woman-down to the way she dressed- was incredibly graceful and delicate. That is, except for her eyes. They were an ice blue abyss... I felt like I was falling each and every time I looked through them. She had Merry in her arms, struggling fiercly. Suddenly, this beautiful woman melted away to reveal a horrible creature- pale blue skin, glowing red eyes and long silvery hair. Instead of the white skirt and shirt that was cut just below her breats, she was now wearing a black and red lace dress. Her teeth elongated into sick, pointed fangs and before I could say or do something, her teeth wer heading straight for Merry's exposed neck. Out of nowhere, a knife came flying down. It hit the creature's arm, giving her a deep gash and causing her to release Merry. Looking closer, I noticed the knife... was Merry's dagger.

I broke out of the vision and instantly knew what I had to do all too well. I believed whole-heartedly that when I had a premonition, it meant I was destined to do something. I was destined to save Merry... no matter the consequences.

As fast as I could, I snatched a map out of Merry's bedside table and I took the dagger from underneath his pillow. I knew I couldn't continue to wear a dress, and Merry had taken his battle armor with him. It was then I decided I would disguise myself. Without being too slow, I dug into Merry's dresser drawers to find his usual yellow waist coat, with the green jacket and brown trousers. I quickly stripped out of my dress (save for the binding over my chest) and put on Merry's clothes. They were big on me, so no one could see my breasts through the baggy material and the binding underneath. Smirking, I pinned my hair up with pins I kept stuck in the sides of my dress in case I want to pull my hair up. The pins were dark enough that they would not be noticed in such dark hair. No, I did not look like Merry, but I also did not look like Nellyra either. Proud of myself, I buckled the dagger around my waist and folded the map up before dropping it in the jacket pocket. Then, I headed out into the warm morning air, hoping to save Merry before it was too late.