The Only Exception

by mikkymouse

Five years after the war of the ring, Jaessa and Pippin recieve disturbing news from Gandalf that they are being hunted by a new threat and must leave their beloved home. Also, Merry might have found a girl. Sequel to Can You Turn My Black Roses Red?

3. A Strange Sickness

.Chapter Three: A Strange Sickness

''Anytime you want to be right here, just imagine me and all this will appear.

You can keep this moment all your life forever near... a dream worth keeping.'' - Sheena Easton

Part One: Nellyra's Point of View

It was late at night in the Prancing Pony, and all was quiet so far. I wasn't able to sleep at all on this night, so I lay awake in my bed. I could hear Merry's heavy breathing in the bed a little farther from mine. He looked so peaceful in his deep sleep. The things he worried about during the day didn't seem to affect him at all... he looked happy.

Then, a sudden pain washed over to me. My head felt like it would burst and I cried out, holding my hands to my temples.

''M-Merry!'' I screamed, pain spreading everywhere now. I knew I was about to have a vision- but why was it this bad? My shout woke Merry with a start, and he almost fell off his bed.

''What's happening, Nellyra?'' He asked softly, his voice a little slurred because he was rudely woken up.

''Vision-'' I blurted out, not caring whether he knew or not at this point... I just wanted my skull to not explode.

''Vision? Okay...'' Merry was panicking now. Finally, the pain slowed down and the normal scenes raced by in my mind. This time, it was of the woman we had met in the woods. She was bending over our tracks in the ground and smirking. The witch was alive and well... and following us!

My eyes snapped open and I gasped for breath, realizing Merry was peering down at me.

''I'm alright. Sometimes they can get pretty serious. Luckily I didn't get one of their many side-effects this time... Merry, we need to get out of here soon. She is following. I don't know how far back my vision is going to- I need you to trust me.''
''Why haven't you told me this? I've known you for so long, this is something important you should have told me about!''

''My reason isn't important now. Just promise me you won't tell anyone! I do not wish for anyone to know!''

''Alright, I promise.'' He nodded solemly.

We walked quietly down the hallways until we came to Pippin and Jaessa's room. At first, I tried knocking. There was no sound of movement on the other side of the door.

''Pip! Jae! We need to leave! Now!'' I shouted, banging on the door.

''Shhh! Don't wake the entire Inn up!'' Merry cautioned.

''I know what I'm doing!'' I backhanded him in the chest.

''Ouch! That hurt!'' He whined, holding a hand to his chest.

''Oh, please. I didn't hit you that hard.''

''I have a bruise, I'll bet.'' He complained. I found myself wishing he was asleep again.

''Pippin, open the door this instant!'' I thundered, pounding on the door with my fist. Within moments, the door knob turned and I was gazing into Pippin's bright green eyes. He looked drunk... and for some reason, really tired.

''What's the meaning of this?'' He yawned widely. It was then that I realized he was shirtless and it looked as though he just threw his trousers on.

''If you and Jaessa have had your fun, it's time for us to go. She's following as we speak.''

''Who?'' Pippin hissed.

''That awful thing we met back there in the woods. She wasn't killed.'' I replied, pushing past Pippin. Jaessa was still sleeping, laying comfortably underneath the sheets and blankets.

''What's wrong, baby?'' She asked, thinking Pippin was returning to the bed.

''We have to get out of here... now.'' I announced, placing a hand on her shoulder. She woke up. Jaessa screamed loudly at first, but then she realized it was me, and she gathered the sheets around her even more.

''You- both of you, need to get dressed properly. We leave soon. Merry, you stay here. I'm going to wake Kassi and Legolas.'' I sighed, walking out before he could protest.

Kassi and Legolas were a little bit more cooperate then Pippin and Jae, and Kassi understood the urgency of the situation. She instantly jumped out of bed and started getting ready for the rest of the journey.

''I have to go make sure Merry has everything handled with Jaessa and Pippin... you know how he is. He might do something foolish and mess this up. Will you two be alright?''

''Yes. I'm sure you aren't speaking of Merry- it's Pippin who often messes things up.''

''Really? Huh. Merry always- never mind. I'll be back.'' I figured I could start another fight with Merry later, it would have to wait. Now, I needed to save my friends. We had to escape The Prancing Pony unscathed and without causing too much damage for old Mr. Butterbur.

''They're getting ready.'' Merry nodded at the closed door in front of us. Within moments, Kassi and Legolas came out of their rooms and met us down here while we were waiting for the others. It didn't take long until they were finally ready and sutmbling out. I knew I would have much explaining to do about my visions, but I figured that could wait until we weren't in danger.

Mr. Butterbur was wide awake, cleaning off the tables in the Common Room as we crept out of the hallways.

''So you're the ones wakin' up my guests? What buisness you six got screaming and carrying on at three in the morn?'' He frowned, wiping a table top.

''The screaming was her... so was the carrying on.'' Merry pointed fingers at me.

''What? You helped!'' I growled, getting ready to strike him.

''I don't care which one of you did it, I've had complaints already.''

''I'm really sorry, but I had to wake up my friends. We're in danger and have to leave as soon as possible.''

''By all means, do as you like. Oi, every time I have Shire hobbits here, they leave before they're supposed to. Something is off about you Shire-Folk.'' He groaned, hobbling to the next table.

''Sorry.'' I looked away. The time ticked by slowly and I paced around the Common Room, waiting for the others to be ready. Kassi and Legolas were the first to arrive, their elven cloaks wrapped tightly around themselves. Legolas had the hood pulled over his face and both were carrying their elven bows.

Jae and Pippin stumbled down the hallways in moments and both looked slightly ruffled... possibly a bit insane...

Together, the six of us left the Prancing Pony and I completly forgot I still had Merry's silly dagger. Oops. Oh, well.

It was slightly cold on this particular morning as we walked down the cobblestone streets, heading straight for Amon Sul- better known as Weathertop. I was unfamiliar with the land, but I had been doing some research, and I learned a lot from our talks with Kassi and Legolas the previous night.

''Shhh... do you feel that?'' Legolas asked Kassi. Her elven ears picked up something alright. I could tell by the look on her face.

''We must go- now! Hurry!'' She gasped, pushing us forward. At this point, we raced for the edge of Bree, knowing that once we left, there would be no comfortable beds, no safe shelter, nothing until we reached Rivendell. It was a risk we were willing to take.

All of us raced for Weathertop with every breath we had- and sadly we knew we couldn't stop until we reached it.

It went on to be almost a day's worth of running on foot until we saw the sun's light spilling over Weathertop. It was beautiful to us.

I climbed carefully to be up there with Merry and the others as they sat at the top of the ruins, eating.

''So, how did you know she would come looking for us?'' Legolas asked, probably interested in how a Hobbit (not an elf) could hear so well.

''I- had a feeling.''

''Well, it was a lucky thing you did.'' Legolas nodded. I was glad Merry didn't say anything to him about my visions- they didn't need to know just yet.

''But... that knife would've killed any normal creature-''

''Pip, this isn't a normal creature. She must be a demon of some sort. Not from the fires of Mordor this time.''

''If not from Mordor... where?''

''That is what worries me.'' Legolas frowned, sitting down beside Kassi.

''Ciardha... I wonder who he is.''

''An orc, probably.''

''No. Orcs are too stupid to do something as elaborate as this. Maybe... a wizard.''

''Like Saruman? Dear God, not again.'' Jaessa moaned.

''No... do you remember what she told us he was? He was a black wizard, wasn't he?'' Merry recalled.

''Black wizard? We must find Gandalf soon. I fear the worst.''

''Isn't the white wizard the most powerful?''

''In the light arts, supposedly. If Saruman had not used his sorcery for the sake of Sauron, he would have done incredibly good things. That is how Gandalf was albe to do wonderful things with his powers... but a Black Wizard is supposedly the most powerful in the Dark Arts... Black Sorcery. Bringing the dead to life and things such as that are more their expertise.'' Legolas replied.

''That's frightening. I hope that this is not the case. I hate zombies. Sorry, I sometimes forget I wasn't from Middle-Earth originarily...'' Kassi whispered.

''You aren't from this world either?'' I asked.

''No. Jaessa is my cousin. We came here together, but we were brought in on seperate sides of the world. I was brought to Rivendell, while she was brought to the Shire.''

''How did you two find each other?''

''It was sort of an accident. I was attacked, you see... and Gandalf saved me. He brought me to Rivendell. It wasn't that long before we found each other, but it felt like forever.''

''What made you stay?'' I wondered, looking at the two.

''I was having Pippin's child, and I knew I couldn't leave him.'' Jaessa gazed only at him while replying to my question. Both of their eyes clouded over in love.

''When Jaessa decided to stay, so did I. We've been together our whole lives. Being forests, mountains, and oceans apart, I could handle, but not worlds apart.'' Kassi and Jaessa grinned at each other. I suddenly wished I felt like I belonged in this group. No one was honestly attached to me. No relatives, no lover. I felt overwhelmed by a feeling of sadness and longing... and then, it slowly went away.

''Well, I'm tired, so I think I'm going to go to sleep.'' I yawned widely.

''I agree.'' Jae nodded, lying back on the ground with Pippin beside her. I made sure I was quite a ways away from Merry before leaning back to get comfortable.

''I'll take the first watch.'' Kassi offered, getting off the floor.

Those were the last words I heard before falling into a deep sleep for the rest of the morning.

Part Two: Jae's Point of View

I was being shook awake by Merry when the sun was at the center of the sky and I carefully got up, pulling Pippin up with me.

''Is everything alright?'' I wondered, looking over the ruins.

''She's just leaving Bree, from what our eyes can see.'' Kassi announced, getting camp cleaned up.

''Wonderful. What if she follows to Rivendell? With her looks... she might be able to pass for an elf.''

''They won't let her in, trust me.'' Legolas shook his head solemnly.

Together, we made our way down Amon Sul and further out into the woods before Rivendell. There were plenty of fields, meadows, forests, hills and thickets to cross before we would reach the Valley of the Elves, so we had to be quiet and as quick as shadows across the ground. None of us wanted that witch to find us again. I had no clue who Ciardha was, but I didn't want to find out. Nellyra and Merry scowled at each other the whole way there, if looks could kill, both of them would have died.

''Why do they hate each other so much?'' I whispered to Pippin.

''I don't think they hate each other. I think it's the opposite.''

''Really? I never thought of some of the things they do as signs of affection... they are sort of... odd and rude.''

''Well, that may be. They just have different personalities then you and I. They'll come to their senses yet, just wait and see.''

''I'm sure.'' I would've bet him that they hated each other, but I didn't have time. We all heard a loud screech somewhere in the distance behind us and picked up the pace.

''We're close now!'' Legolas shouted sometime in the night. We were all so tired and weary that this news was exciting for us. Our feet felt heavy as we trudged on, trying to hold out just a little bit longer.

Rivendell. It was just as I remember it. Golden, safe, beautiful, calm, peaceful. Everything. The elves walked around freely, some talking about goings on of late or just about Arwen and Aragorn, rulers of Gondor.

''Welcome, friends. I have not seen you in a long time.'' Elrond smirked, greeting us the moment we arrived.

''It's been a long time. We have come here for shelter.''

''I know this. Gandalf has told me much. Come, you will be safe here while you must remain away from your homes.''

Pippin and I were extremly happy that we had a room together, away from the others.

''I worry about Rivendell. It's so good and wonderful... but I wonder how long it can stay that way?'' I sighed deeply.

''You worry too much, love. Relax.'' Pippin whispered, bringing his lips to the nape of my neck.

''I try, Pip. It's so hard. I don't know what else to do. I felt so useless on our last journey... what can I possibly do now?''

''Protect me from my own stupidity, as you always have.'' He laughed quietly.

''You aren't stupid... contrary to what Gandalf has said in the past.''

''Thank you. You're so good to me, and I don't deserve it.''

''Your stupidity isn't an issue, but your lying is a problem. Of course you deserve it. My God, I want to go home. I miss Faramir.''

''I miss him too, but we have to keep him safe... and ourselves. This is the only way to do it.''

''I understand that, but I feel trapped still. I love Rivendell, but, a part of me wants to go visit Aragorn and Arwen. I also want to see Rohan again. I wonder how Faramir and Eowyn are doing as well. There are so many places I want to visit again. Do you think that perhaps after we are done here and this threat is taken care of that we could go and see all of those places again?''

''I see no problem with it. Sam and Rosie will probably be thrilled to have Faramir for a little while longer. You know how they've wanted a child to take care of so long-and Rosie adores him.''

''Thank you, Pippin. That puts me at ease a little.'' I smiled softly.

''Well, love, I believe they want us for supper soon. We should go.''

''I suppose.'' I sighed, feeling sad to be leaving my comfortable bed once more.

The dining hall was as beautiful as I remembered it- the elegant wooden table placed in the center of the room reminded me of far away places. Quietly, I took my seat next to Pippin and looked around.

''Where is Nellyra?'' I whispered, noticing everyone but her was there.

Merry's eyes widened and he got to his feet. I decided to follow him in case something happened. I reached Nellyra's assigned room and stepped inside to see Merry frantically looking around.

''What's wrong? Where is she?''

''I don't know... but wherever she went, she took my dagger with her.'' He frowned.

''I'll look in the gardens, she was out there earlier.'' I noted.

''Alright, good idea.'' He nodded and we parted.

''Did you find her?'' Pippin asked as I passed him by.

''No, I think she might be out in the gardens still.'' I replied, exiting through the wooden double doors with brass knockers and looking around for the path to the gardens. I made me way through a long hallway surrounded on the left side with large white columns and a large waterfall was tumbling over. Normally, I would've stopped to admire the view, but I couldn't. I had to find Nellyra.

The gardens were just down this hallway- and were they as wonderful as ever. The leafy green climbing vines were wrapped tightly around a white pavillion sitting in the center, flowers bloomed all around, and I sneezed a few times before getting adjusted to their smells. I almost smiled-then I saw Nellyra sitting on a stone bench nearby, holding a hand to her head.

''Are you alright?'' I rushed to her side.

''It hurts...'' She breathed, hands shaking.

''What hurts?''

''My head. It feels like it's going to explode.''

''Maybe you need to rest. Come with me, I'll take you to your room.''

''Thank you.'' She nodded. I grinned and took her arm so I could help her stand before we went straight to the rooms. Nellyra lay down on her bed and it was then that I noticed just how sick she looked.

''You're so pale...'' I whispered.

''You should leave me now, if I am going to get some rest.''

''Nellyra! Where were you?'' Merry shouted, heading for us.

''She needs rest Merry, we need to leave.'' I replied, taking him by the arm and leaving her to sleep peacefully.

''She looked so pale. What happened?''

''I'm not sure. It sounds like she just has a really bad headache.''

''H-headache?'' Merry stuttered, not meeting my eyes.

''Yes. Why? Do you know something?''

''Me? Nah. Why would I know why she is ill?'' He shrugged. I sighed, knowing he was lying, but I didn't want to press him for more information at this point.

''I assume you found her?'' Elrond wondered, taking a portion of lembas and breaking off a piece to eat. Pippin had cleaned his plate already, but the other two had only just started. That must be an elf thing-eating slow. Kassi always seemed to do that back in Michigan too, but it got worse here.

Merry and I joined them in silence at first, then I remembered to answer Lord Elrond.

''Yes, we did. She was very ill, so I took her back to her room and she is trying to sleep now.''

''If it gets worse, let us know. We can take care of her.'' He nodded solemly.

''Have you heard from Arwen and Aragorn recently?'' Kassi wondered aloud once we were all done.

''I have not seen them for some time, but not long after the ring was destroyed Arwen ventured here to see me. I have heard word from Gandalf Aragorn was attacked by a group of orcs on his way to Rohan. That is grave news indeed. They are becoming bold once more. Someone or something is giving them courage.'' Elrond sighed.

''And they're looking for us- but no one really knows why. Or at least they aren't telling us why.'' Pippin commented.

''You will know when all is figured out.'' He told us. It was no secret we were all impatient about this. I mean, our son was all the way back in the Shire with Rosie and Sam... what if we never came back? Would he even know who we were? Looking over at Pippin, I could tell the same feelings were coursing through his veins. We were both afraid. For once, it wasn't about our saftey. It was about never coming home. It was lucky for Kassi and Legolas they didn't have a child. They decided to wait until marrige, which from what I understand, seems a topic both of them are uneasy with.

''I'm going to go check on Nellyra.'' I told everyone, getting up from my seat. I just wanted to get out of there fast. These thoughts were just to hard to take and I needed something to take my mind off of them.

Nellyra's eyes were just barely open... she didn't look better at all.

''She's on her way here...'' She gasped.

''Who? Who is on her way here?''

''The woman. She has followed us here. She isn't what she seems, Jaessa, she isn't what she seems...'' Nellyra breathed.

''Hold on, I will go see Elrond. He can help you get better.'' I patted her hand assuringly, wondering how she knew about the woman following us... and more importantly, why ''she isn't what she seems'' sounded so eerie.

''Lord Elrond, Nellyra is getting worse.'' I informed him, my heart pounded in my chest vigorously.

He rose from the table in with a few gracefull sweeping steps entered Nellyra's room to see her laying there on the bed, as pale as snow and cold as ice. It was the first time I noticed there was a large gash along her arm.

''What is this from?'' Elrond frowned, holding out her limp arm to look at it more. I had to avert my gaze as warm, sticky blood trickled down her arm.

''She's almost here...'' Was all she managed to say before her eyes closed.

''She needs medicine!'' I heard Merry shout. He must have been standing there the whole time as we desperatly tried to figure out what was wrong with her. Elrond tenderly took the hobbit into his arms and carried her to the healing rooms, where the other elves would work to find a remedy for her illness.

''Merry, you know something about her. Tell me.''

''Jaessa, she has been through enough. I can't tell you, I made a promise to her I wouldn't tell anyone.''

''It's important that you tell me. The only ones who will know are you, me and Elrond. The healers have to know to save her. I will not tell anyone aside from them. They need to know.''

''I don't know...''

''Merry, she will die if you keep her secret any longer.'' I grabbed him by the shoulders. His eyes filled with an expression I had seen before when it came to protecting Pippin's many secrets- he was torn in two. He had to choose between telling her secret and letting her die.

''She has visions of things that will come to pass. They can be changed, but often times when you attempt to change the outcome, your actions cause it to occur.''

''Visions? This explains much. Do you know why she has that gash on her arm? Surely she didn't... do it herself?'' I shuddered.

''No, she wouldn't. Not conciously at least. Please, don't tell anyone else... no one that doesn't have to know anyway.''

''I know. Merry, you both can trust me. You should know that by now. I will go and inform Elrond of this so they may cure her. Thank you.'' I whispered, pressing a kiss into his forehead gently.