aMain Characters: Galadriel, Frodo
Rating: G
Pairings: N/A
Genre: Drama
Length: Short story
Summary: What if Galadriel had taken the Ring?

This story was written for Parma's third fanfic challenge.

I have come,' he said. 'But I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!' So said Frodo when he claimed the Ring as his own upon Mount Doom. The third challenge is this: to put the One Ring in the hands of any character, and explore what happens when someone is suddenly given that kind of power. It can be any character, from Goldberry to Ghan-Buri-Ghan and back again! Any genre and any time. Have fun!

"If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring."

Frodo's voice echoed in Galadriel's head like thunder-storm. Her heart, usually beating peacefully, was almost aching. She looked in the eyes of the hobbit, until she was certain of his sincerity.

"You offer it to me freely," she stated. " I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this."

She approached Frodo, who was waiting, his palm open. The elven queen could see the object of her darkest desires shining under the rays of the moon. Nenya didn't seem that beautiful, that... powerful. It looked like an insignificant piece of jewelry, no longer worthy of her guard.

Lightly shaking, she held out her hand. The Lady of Light had the curious sensation of being trapped in a hole where even her light was fading.

And in a swift movement, the Ring was hers. A twisted smile appeared on her beautiful features as she contemplated her new acquisition. And after a last glance to a terrified hobbit, she put the Ring of Power to her finger.

"In place of a dark lord, you have now a queen! Not dark but beautiful and terrible as the dawn! Treacherous as the sea! Stronger than the foundations of the earth! All shall love me and despair!"

The Eye was suddenly on Galadriel, burning with all its strength. A cold laugh escaped the lips of the she-elf.

"You can't destroy me anymore! Nobody can challenge my power! You will die if you try to!"

Frodo, unable to move, saw a large and white thunder rend the now shadowy sky. Then suddenly, the vision of the Eye faded. Galadriel, no more Lady of Light, was standing proudly, the Ring glimmering from her finger.

She slowly turned to face the once bearer of the Ring.

"I have failed," thought Frodo as shadow and cold overwhelmed his small body. "Darkness is falling."

THE END