Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Characters or places you may recognize. But I do own my own characters and the idea for which this story shall be written about.

Chapter One: A Protective Presence

"Frodo." I whispered into the wind, so that only the one hobbit could hear. I watched as his dark head of hair turned this way and that to find who had spoken. I hid behind a tree, my eyes keeping watch around the ruined remains. Dark had settled and the Ranger had left to search the grounds. I watched as Frodo separated himself from the other three and laid down to get some rest.

My eyes scanned the forest before flicking up to where Frodo sat. I felt for the sword at my waist, my fingers lingering on the hilt. The bow on my back would do no good at this time. I turned from the hobbits, and kept my attention on the woods and on the Ranger who roamed them now. It was only when an orange glow and the sound of pots and pans reached me that I turned back towards the four Halflings.

I stared in horror as Frodo awoke and shouted at them to put the fire out. Then the cries of the Nazgûl could be heard. Their horses picked up speed, but once they reached the base of the ruins they got off and climbed by foot. I frantically made my way to the stone remains, knowing that it was not yet my time to appear to Frodo or his companions. As my eyes searched the dark, I noticed movement to my left and quickly hid behind a rock, knowing it was the Ranger.

I remained in my place, waiting. I would only offer my aid at this point, if it was truly needed. I could not stray from the path that destiny held for me, but I knew I could change and forge it for myself. But I was waiting for the correct moment in time.

It was when I heard the painful scream from Frodo that I made my way up the rock. I could tell he had been wounded, I could almost feel it myself. There was a burst of energy that swelled in the air and the Nazgûl ran off their cries deafening, some of their bodies on fire. The Ranger was talking and even though he sounded quite calm, I could hear the slight undertone of worry.

"Frodo, hold on." I whispered out and could hear the cries of pain that erupted from him. He had been stabbed by a Morgul blade and if he wasn't healed in time he would become a wraith and pass into the shadow realm.

I followed close behind the small group, as they tried to hasten their journey to Rivendell. The Ranger had the one hobbit, Sam, help him find a plant that could possibly help prolong the poison from spreading any farther. I watched as the two frantically searched for the weed before I helped guide the Ranger to a small patch.

It was then that I shrank further into the dark night, when he was caught off his guard by an elf. She was beautiful and I knew that she would be able to reveal my presence if I wasn't careful. It was when she took Frodo on horseback with her that I knew I had to stay back with the others. It was a risky business to do so, but my presence was not yet required and so I had to entrust Frodo's fate and wellbeing in her hands.

The others rested for a brief moment before continuing on foot and so I watched over the three remaining hobbits and the one who showed them the correct path. The journey for us was no trouble at all considering that the Nazgûl were after Frodo. It was when we reached the outskirts of Rivendell that I stayed outside the gates, sensing that Frodo was healing. I knew that many would travel in order to decide the fate of the ring and until then I would hide in the forest.

When I felt Frodo awaken it was morning. The sun was bright and I was sitting up in a tree, enjoying the quiet. I hopped down and landed softly on the ground and made my way slowly to the entrance.

"It cannot be." A male voice murmured.

I ignored the elf and faded myself into the wind. To most I was simply a myth, one that was almost never talked about in the stories of the wars or heroes so I was surprised when he bowed his head slightly in respect. I sensed that he understood my reason for not wanting to be seen and the respect he showed towards my forgotten self made me at ease. For there was a tale that my presence guaranteed success. However, my presence did not guarantee success, but protection. If I assured victory then Frodo would not be on this dangerous journey. For I was there with Isildur when Elrond took him to destroy the ring. I had been there as Isildur turned from the good in his heart and became possessed by the One Ring. And when his heart had truly been tainted for power and immortality, I could no longer protect him.

I whispered to the trees, knowing this elf would receive my message through them. I was to be kept secret until I wished to reveal myself, which would be soon. The elf's ears twitched slightly when the trees whispered to him my message. He bowed his head once more in the direction I had disappeared from and continued his way into the city.

I knew that once I revealed myself, my powers would be more restricted. I wouldn't be able to disappear into thin air and I would not be able hide my scent as well. I began my journey into the city, bent on finding Elrond. It would be then that I would reveal my form and it would be then that my protection would be offered to whoever chose to destroy the ring.

"Rhavaniel Thenidiel." The familiar voice formally greeted me upon hearing my light foot step. He turned from watching those who gathered for the meeting to look at me. "You haven't changed at all."

"Elrond, you carry more concerns upon your shoulders my old friend." I told him, as I stood next to him and we both turned to watch as weary men placed their horses away.

"It is a dark time." Was his response. I nodded, it was indeed, especially if my being was needed once more. "I assume you know what you must do?" he asked, looking at me.

"I do indeed and though the hearts of many have been weak to the One Ring's persuasion, I believe the end of this journey will be in victory."

Elrond nodded solemnly. "I hope you are right."

"It will be long and dangerous, but I sense good faith."

"We cannot allow a repeat of Isildur's actions." He told me, finally letting his thoughts be known.

"No. Hopefully all of Eru's creation has realized the effects of his actions and only want the ring to be destroyed." My good heart and trust in Middle Earth's inhabitants had always struck Elrond with curiosity.

"The meeting will be held soon. Come, let us go." He commanded, as he offered me his arm and guided me to where the discussion of the ring would be held.

We were the last to arrive and when I was seen, gasps came from the mouths of those who were already seated. I looked around and when I saw the young elf who I had crossed paths with earlier, I gave a small smile.

"We have an unexpected visitor. May I introduce you to Rhavaniel Thenidiel, protector of heroes and those destined for dark quests."

All in the meeting bowed and I gave a smile, as I bowed my head in return. "Let us not waste any time. For the decision must be made quickly, but with wisdom and true intentions."

I noticed the look Frodo gave me when he heard my voice; for he had heard it many times in his short journey from the Shire to Rivendell. I would have been surprised if he did not recognize my tone of voice. I shifted my gaze upon the small hobbit and gave him a warm smile.

'Do not fear me Frodo Baggins.'

He was shocked when he heard my voice in his head. Before I waited for any more reactions out of him, I turned my attention to the group in front of me. I sat as Elrond remained standing, addressing the men.

A/N: Hullo. I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter. I've spent a whole week on just this one chapter and have watched the first movie quite a few times hoping to nail this. It has been awhile since I've been into LOTR, but I made sure that I did my own research. Please let me know what you think and if you would like me to continue. Thank you.

Kathleen xx