Misplaced Blossom

Summary: Her bleeding heart really will kill her someday, Sakura muses. Non-romance.

Warning: a suspicious lack of Arwen… and much… much walking.

I had the difficult choice of either the book-canon or film-canon for this part. Unfortunately, the beautiful Lady Arwen is barely introduced to us in the book as she is in film. SimpleCompromise, who is reading the books, will probably tell you what a great disappointment it is that Arwen's famous line of "a Ranger caught off his guard?" is entirely made up by the film-writers. Instead, the Elf who meets the party is Glorfindel, an Elf-lord sent by Elrond to retrieve the Ring-bearer safely to Rivendell. (Yes, this is my third shout-out to SimpleCompromise, whom I love with all of my heart.)

As the story "When in Middle-Earth" follows the film-canon, I chose instead to follow book-canon. So it's Glorfindel whom you'll meet. I actually wrote two versions of this chapter, hence the wait, as I wanted to see what it would look like if I wrote Arwen. Unfortunately, I could not shake the idea of Sakura threatening Arwen for getting the drop on her Ranger… which was entirely too similar to the other story for me to be comfortable with it. I invite you to read that story as well, as it truly is very interesting and lovely. (And because my Sakura is so bloody thorough, she'd kill Lady Arwen for her troubles. Without a second thought or a warning. I can't kill Aragorn's heart, people. Especially when Aragorn can't even ask her to stop.)

There was a reviewer who pleaded that some Sakura-Legolas should be taking place, but it won't. I actually thought about it at first, because I like the idea of the two of them getting together. However, in the context of the story and the way I have written Sakura… it would simply make no sense. Sakura is adamant to return to her home. She would not make any romantic attachments to anyone. If anything, Sakura's very mission-minded in this story; a ninja on a mission would not do anything unprofessional. And Legolas is living a dangerous time, practically the end of his world as he knows it. He gave up his people to help his precious friend in this most turbulent time. There will be love, but it won't be the romantic type. May I suggest Jaguar Batter as the romantic alternative? It's a good story, if a bit slow on updates, but decent romance is happening there to please anyone.

And if anyone is willing, I'd be very interested in reading other stories that tie to mine in any way whatsoever. I'd love it. Please do it. Fanart is welcome, too.


Chapter 6
Changing Tides

Sakura doesn't waste any time after she gives more chakra to her clone, in order to ensure its survival for at least another two weeks. Until it runs out of chakra, even if she's unconscious, her clone will stay fully formed. She'll be needing it's aid in the next couple of days, as the small company seems to be in dire need of reaching a much safer place… and she cannot stalk them every step of the way. Her clone will be able to keep an eye on them during the day, while she sleeps and creates more seals for the remaining enemies. For now, she'll make sure there are no waiting surprises on the large road she'd found to the south, in case those "Ring Wraiths" are waiting in ambush. As there's no point in saying goodbye to people who cannot understand her, Sakura only just glances at the young man-child sitting forlornly by the other fire. His big, blue eyes search hers, almost beseechingly. She wonders if perhaps he wants her to stay, or if he needs reassurance of safety. Something clenched in his fist draws her eye, and for a moment, she hears an insipid, rasping voice slithering in the air. It's energy, pure malevolent energy being emitted by whatever he holds so tightly to his chest. Sakura makes a quick chakra blade in her hand and slices the energy away from her. It crumbles, drawing away from her in horror, and slides back to its protective trinket. It's a ring, she sees as he opens his hand, glittering gold and seductive. Sakura gives it a scornful glance, before decisively turning her body away. She shoots one last, lingering look at Frodo, and gives him a small, encouraging smile. If he's putting up with that voice on a constant basis, the little man-child is more formidable than he seems. She wonders if perhaps she should have spoken more often with Gaara on his experience with the Shuukaku and its voice in his head. If she had, perhaps she'd have some great wisdom to impart on Frodo. Something to help him keep that terrifying voice away. As it is, she does not have the words nor the vocabulary.

So she exits the dell, and faces south. She's getting better at sensing these Ring Wraiths, and she can feel at least two. She can't tell if they are the same ones they faced during the night or different ones come to hunt the group down. Only five of nine had arrived last night, so these two might not even be those among the previous group. She smiles viciously. It might explain why they are so daringly coming out into the open if they don't know about her. She'd struck enough fear into the other three who had fled from her as if she'd been the Kyuubi rampant itself. Even she had made six seals the day before, so she has at least enough for two more victims. She focuses on the one she can feel to the East, supposing she'd best clear the path first. Cracking her knuckles, she shunshins out as close as she dares to the hooded figure, cloaking her chakra very carefully. She checks her surroundings, noting the thicket that lays to the south. She's standing atop a wide road, the one she'd seen stretching from east to west to the south of the conical summit. Even if the party is right on her heels, it'll take them the better part of the hour to reach this road. She'd best find a way to snuff this hooded figure before they reach it. Still, she doesn't have enough chakra to face one of them without the element of surprise. So she steals into the ticket and follows eastward, studying her surroundings with care. She has a multitude of Hiraishin kunai at the ready, just in case the creatures know how to mute their energy in order to hide from her.

Carefully, she covers the mile and a half that lays between her and the horseman, noting that he must be slowly riding towards her on the road. If it's hoping to get the drop on the little man-children and Aragorn, it certainly has another thing coming. She's moving so scrupulously, she barely notes the passage of time as she finally reaches the rider and proceeds to stalk it. It's mounted on a large black horse, moving slowly and silently on the soft dirt of the road. Clearly, it's trying to reach the traveling party if they should attempt to travel using the road. She observes it studiously as she quietly opens her modified sealing scroll, wrapping it around her arm for easy access. The horse is rather larger than those she'd seen in the Five Nations, bred for war and fighting. It's a huge stallion of sorts, though she hesitates to call it an animal. It's been well-cared for, as most mounts seem to be around these parts, but there is something evil about it. As if the chakra she'd felt from these Ring Wraiths had permeated the animal itself and tainted it. It is half-deranged, pawing aggressively at the ground even as his rider forces the stallion into a slow walk. Sakura would be willing to bet that this horse would love nothing more than to run far and fast, crushing as many people beneath its wildly flailing hooves.

Suddenly, the rider shouts something in a cold, eldritch voice that echoes along the road like the funeral toll of a big bell. The horse rears, snorting eagerly at the prospect of a hunt, and Sakura panics. She feels for the Hiraishin she planted on the warrior and can sense it's only half a mile away. If the Ring Wraith sets his horse into a gallop, she might miss her perfect strike. Worse, despite her healings, she's pretty sure that Frodo cannot move very well in his present state. The party would be wholly powerless to stop the assault from one Ring Wraith, much less two of them. She hears the one to the West give a resounding call in response. The horse lands solidly on the ground and its muscles bunch up in preparation for a leap. Sakura takes a deep breath, swearing viciously under her breath, and throws her Hiraishin kunai. As she activates the technique, mere inches from the rider's back, she loosens the scroll on her arm and grips the flying weapon daintily. It takes only a second for the horse to notice the additional weight on its hind quarters… but a second is all she needs.


Feeling the danger of remaining in the same place for too long, Strider pushes the hobbits to ready for travel. They're weary from a long night of no rest and the excitement of Tuilérë's coming. It's clear to him that Frodo cannot walk, so they divide the weight of their burdens among them, so he may ride Bill. Thankfully, the pony has strengthened in the last six days and can stand the weight of one hobbit on his back. Weathertop has proved to be unsafe for them, and worse, it's likely the Riders had been watching the place since before Gandalf had stayed there. The wizard must have been forced to ride away, as evidenced by the battle that must have taken place at the summit. As they readied, Strider explained his reasons for changing course, despite how it would lengthen their trip a bit. As the hobbits shouldered their burdens, he told them they must cross the road to the South in order to reach much more wooded country. In the past, he'd avoided it for fear of Tuilérë's stalking, but now it would be much more to their gain. It would help them keep out of sight from the Riders and obtain fuel, so they may keep Frodo warm during the night. He doesn't say, however, that the forest offered the added protection of Tuilérë herself. Though she'd shown no inclination to follow them, Aragorn had not doubt that she would show up should they need her aid. The company is very jittery as they cross the road within the first hour of their trip, and despite the sun hanging high in the sky, Frodo cannot stop shivering. His wound stings as there is a sudden cry from a cold voice as they hurry across and then the response from another voice. Aragorn has his sword out as he ushers the hobbits into the thickets that lay ahead, when a sudden long, despairing scream rents the air. They keep their heads down as they move, almost crashing gracelessly into the welcome, if wild wooded area before them.

Aragorn's eyes are drawn to movement above as he spots a swooping bird, colored like a magpie yet shaped like a hawk, circling above them carefully before shooting off eastward. He smiles as he notes that Tuilérë is carefully keeping an eye on them, despite not traveling alongside them. He wonders if the cry had been her doing, before his attention focuses on the road ahead. The next few days are punishing for the group, and Strider notes that Frodo's face is getting paler and paler as time passes them by. The first five days are spent mostly in silence, though nights are spent in fear, keeping an urgent watch in pairs, in case the Riders decided to attack. To Aragorn's delight, he often spots Tuilérë lounging among the treetops near their camp, her gaze fixed into the darkness around them, keeping faithful vigil over their party. He never mentions it to the hobbits, as she clearly does not wish to join them or disturb their travels. During the day, her bird familiar is often spotted flying above them, keeping an eye on them and their surroundings as they approach Mitheithel and must begin their trip toward the Last Bridge. It's this part of the journey that has most worried Aragorn, as he knows that the Last Bridge could very well be held against them, as it is the only way they can cross the deep waters of the River Hoarwell. The next morning, he and Sam head out first to check to Road two miles from the Last Bridge, fearing the presence of the Enemy. However, the Road had seen some rain in the last two days and there was no sign of horses or travel from any direction. It's shortly after that they finally spot the Last Bridge, free of any cloaked figures, friendly or otherwise.

Aragorn returns with high spirits to the party, as he's spotted proof that Elves are abroad, possibly one of the reasons he has not seen the Riders travelling quite so freely. With the Elves and the added presence of Tuilérë, the Riders would have to be much more cautious in following the Ring-bearer. Though the Nine had no obvious quarrels with the Elves at the moment, no Elf would allow any of the Black Riders so close to Rivendell to pass unremarked. Despite this, he decides that they must not keep to the road, but crawl along the looming, sullen hills to the north of the Road. It's a cheerless land, and there are no clear paths for them to follow, but it's the best path they can take to avoid detection. The company trudges on wearily as they are surrounded by an old, twisted wood that seem to have become a part of the hills themselves, mounting into slopes of pine-wood. By the second day of their travels, they're accosted by sheets of rain, which leaves the travelers weather beaten and more morose than ever. To Aragorn's alarm, he can no longer see Tuilérë or her bird; this, coupled by miserable days of constant rain and little food, begins to gnaw on his mind. He'd always thought she purposely showed herself to him at night, to reassure him that they were not alone. But since they entered the Trollshaws, he's not seen hide nor hair of her. Worse, by this time, they're ten days out from Weathertop and no closer to the Ford or the Bruinen than they should have been. Aragorn makes sure to find better shelter for them that evening, as he's rather sure that Frodo's suffering from the phantom wound on his shoulder. Strider had hoped that travel would help him improve, but the cold and wet seemed to have a negative effect on his health. Already, Strider can see that Frodo is waning.

That night, he finds a suitable shelter, something of a cave to keep them out of the rain enough to build a fire. It takes Aragorn more tries than he'd like to admit for him to light a fire, but he eventually gets one going. The hobbits all huddle close to the tiny flame, and Strider can see that Frodo falls into a restless sleep as soon as his head hits his pack. He asks Samwise and Pippin to keep watch while he, too, gets some much-deserved rest. While the three other hobbits prepare dinner and chat softly around the fire, Aragorn tries his best to sleep. Frodo, with his back to the fire, begins to dream. He twists and turns uneasily, swatting Samwise away when the fat hobbit comes to check up on him. Every noise he can hear above the sound of rainfall makes his heart beat like a wild-horse in his chest; he's never been so terrified in his entire life! A hand falls onto his forehead, and for the first time in days, Frodo feels his fever break. He tries to swat blearily at the hand resting gently on him, but it remains firmly on him as a cooling sensation spreads. His feverish dreams ease away from him, like a gently parted curtain, and he opens his eyes. Strider's Spirit is kneeling beside him, her hand on his forehead. He knows he ought to be afraid of this creature, but all he can feel is relief. The firelight makes her hair a pink-gold, with her slanted green eyes focused directly onto his face. She really is very beautiful. He smiles at her, relaxing under her soft touch, and falls back to sleep. Though his dreams are not restful, he turns so that whenever he opens his eyes, he can gaze upon Strider, now awake, smoking and keeping watch.


After her initial set up of the remaining three seals she needed for the Ring Wraiths, Sakura tries to keep up with the traveling party. She only ever steps away when she needs a few solid hours of sleep, but otherwise, she stays no more than a few feet from them. Since she'd sealed and killed the cloaked rider she'd ambushed by the road, she'd felt no presence of any of its comrades traveling abroad. It's begun to stink of trap to Sakura, and she's actively perturbed by the preoccupying idea of being assailed by all six of the remaining horsemen. Hence, by the time Aragorn and the little men reached the cover of the hills to the north of the road, Sakura had already explored the entirety of the countryside. From the conical summit, to the large bridge and all the way to the second river near the foot of the looming peaks to the East; Sakura had explored it all in search for the ambush the Ring Wraiths would most certainly prepare. She found no one on the road, except for a lone rider mounted on a white horse heading westward, whom she'd ignored. She checked all of the caves in the area (some of which where oddly full of both human and animal bones), the most densely wooded areas and the worrisome open spaces around the wide road. To her great displeasure, these creatures did not think very much like ninja would. Though the conical summit and its hidden dell were admittedly a good place for an ambush, they had done so in a way she'd thought to be entirely ridiculous. They had simply shown up, in their meager strength of five (instead of nine) and waved their swords around. They had also beaten a hasty retreat as soon as they realized they had opposition of any kind. Not even genin were that stupid. Then again, their end-goal is a mystery to her. If they hadn't been looking to kill the party, but rather had a different goal... It causes a certain disquiet in her mind that makes her near-obsessive about the alleged trap. She's not used to thinking like they are. As such, when the rain comes in, Sakura grows even more aggressively dogged about it. When Frodo's condition worsens, with no visible cause that she can detect, her pride also takes a hit. She can't even bear to be near the warrior and his companions.

She wishes she could tell the warrior to keep to the road, as it seems to be headed in the direction of his travels. Sakura prefers instead to stalk ahead of their intended path, weeding out dangers and particularly difficult trees that would block their way. She makes sure to re-plant the trees somewhere they can thrive, but it's a time-consuming task. As she combs through the forest, she kills a variety of animals that appear to be acting as spies, and just the day before, she'd run into a collection of odd-looking statues. Sakura isn't sure what would possess an artist to recreate such hideous man-like creatures half the size of a house, but she can't be judged for her artistic sense. One appeared to be stooping while the other two gazed at it, as though frozen in time. Perhaps Sai would have an explanation for it, but they just seem out of place and mildly cumbersome as they've been built close to the nearest path toward the road. This constant rain has begun to annoy her, should the hills decide to turn against the travelers. She could rescue them all from a landslide, but she won't be able to handle the pony. At least, not without knocking the animal out so it wouldn't lash out at her in fear when she dead-lifts it straight out of the mud. Sakura's rather sure that the fat hobbit would rather die than let her harm a hair on that poor creature. Worrisomely, she's also rather sure that the party is running out of supplies for their survival in the wilderness, and Sakura's done the math. Even her plentiful stores of five kilos of meat would not last the group more than two days. At the rate the little man-children eat, it's a wonder they could carry the food they'd consumed up until this point.

In her concern, she'd gone back to check on the group that evening, spotting Aragorn and Frodo both laying down as close as they could get to the meager fire they had built. Frodo's wound has been bothering her, as it seems to have begun to poison his body as well and his energy. It worries her, as she watched the little man-child fade day by day during his travels. Now she can see that her unease is well-grounded, as Frodo appears to be in the midst of a heavy fever. As her hand rests on his forehead, having snuck into the encampment while the other little men were cooking supper, she delves into his system. Though his body appears to be fighting an infection, she can find nothing truly wrong with him. It irks her, this ailment she can see but cannot heal. So she gently urges his metabolism and soothes his immune system, rebuilding a few things inside that appear to have corroded. To her displeasure, even his veins and arteries seem to have clots and damage, as if whatever is hurting his energy has begun eating his body. His stomach appears to be shutting down, alongside his lung. Perhaps due to their closeness to the wound on his shoulder. Even to her naked touch, his shoulder is inexplicably cold. His brain, muddled by fever, doesn't appear to have been damaged. She's rewarded by the flutter of his lashes as he awakens, staring blearily at her. She tenses, unable to leave as she's still in the midst of healing him, but apprehensive that he'll scream to alert the others. Instead, he merely smiles at her winsomely and falls right back to sleep. She blinks, surprised. Not even her fellow Konoha ninja, in the hospital and assured they're in good hands, relax so completely into her treatment. Ninja often survive only by the skin of their teeth and must rely on sharp reflexes and remaining always on their guard. Never before had a countryman fallen asleep quite so willingly, especially not in the presence of one of the most skilled medics and fighters of the Leaf. It was simply unheard of. Yet here, this little man, who has every reason to distrust her existence… fell asleep against her hand with a faint smile on his face. She looks from Frodo, to Aragorn. Sakura exhales softly and smiles. She brushes away the sweat that had been on Frodo's brow as she looks at this small, kindhearted little creature.

Sakura sits beside him until Aragorn wakes, dashing off before the warrior can spot her. She's still sore from being unable to pinpoint where the Ring Wraiths will ambush them, but she knows that they cannot remain in these woods for long. Unlike any of the woods she'd seen in this land, this forest did not feel particularly friendly. If anything, it had a similar feeling to the wound on the little man-child's shoulder. This is enough to put her off of this copse of trees, if only to get Frodo away from its negative influence. Sakura needs Aragorn to get the little men-children out of here and onto the road. So, instead of camping out while the warrior keeps watch with her, she sets out to find the best path toward the road. While she can't exactly uproot every tree and bulldoze a path, she can clear the way enough for the pony to totter safely. Thankfully, the rain lets up minutes after sunrise, so she makes her way back toward the party. When they finally meet, Sakura has to stifle a smile at the relief on Aragorn's face.


As Aragorn re-directs the hobbits toward the south and away from troll-infested country, they finally find a more comfortable, if meandering opening among the clustered trees. Bright sunlight filters invitingly among the leafy overhang, and even Frodo is sitting much more alertly on the pony's broad back. Aragorn had suspected, after his short survey of the land the night before, that today's travels would be rather difficult. However, they're met with easy passage and what looks suspiciously like uprooted trees. It's unnerving him, as only trolls would be quite so capable of changing the foliage around him so quickly. He asks the hobbits to walk much closer together, assessing the possibility of trolls in these parts. He'd thought the Elves had pushed them further north among the hills, but it appears that these past few years have allowed the Enemy's influence to change more than he'd originally suspected. As they head southward, toward the Road and for easier passage, there's a break in the trees ahead. Sunlight blooms, with a dark shadow standing proudly in the light. Tuilérë's hair is a bright, almost fierce color among this gloomy, grey forest. The hobbits are already pointing excitedly, though Sam is clearly displeased and Frodo strangely calm. Aragorn files that reaction for later inspection, even as he does his best to stop from beaming like a boy whose parents just bought him his first pony. Her mild, green eyes seem to understand the naked relief on his face and he spots the briefest twitch of a lip in what could have been a smile. She gestures for them to follow as she heads south, precisely in the direction Aragorn had planned to take towards the Road. To the party's shock, she doesn't remain alongside them. Tuilérë smoothly jumps straight upwards, landing among the thick branches above and shooting nimbly among the boughs toward the Road. Aragorn watches agog, as she runs slowly enough they can see her among the branches festooning above them. She stops, and turns to look at them in confusion, as they had stopped moving the moment she'd sprung up nearly two stories in a single bound. Aragorn had seen her jump down that very same distance but watching someone clear it as though the laws of nature that governed everything else did not apply to them… it makes chills run down the Ranger's spine. As thought impatient with their dawdling, Tuilérë slaps her hands together to draw their attention and gestures for them to follow once more. This time, Merry and Pippin run ahead, faces raised to watch her even as they trip over various roots and smack into branches. Aragorn begs them to slow down, "please, do watch where you're going!" Frodo shouts at them astride Bill, as Samwise grumbles in a terrified murmur about ghosts in the leaves.

They follow her for miles until Merry, shouting from his spot ahead of the company, gleefully announces that he has found a path. To Aragorn's experienced eyes, this is a well-travelled road that could have once been carved by the busy movements of trolls. He keeps a sharp eye on their surroundings, daylight would protect them, but these woods are shaded enough to house the large creatures. To his great delight, Tuilérë doesn't leave them. As they happily take the wild, yet trampled way, Tuilérë leads the party along the fringes of the path. She jumps gracefully among the branches, keeping ahead of the company, yet never more than a few feet away. At some point, Aragorn even sees her running entirely upside down when the branches above her head get too thick. Merry and Pippin, now on the beaten path, run gracelessly after her, hooting and cajoling her to join them. Even Frodo is smiling now, able to get off Bill's back and trotting cheerfully alongside Samwise. Aragorn keeps to the back, ensuring they are not being followed while keeping an eye on the rampant hobbits. It's the first time in more than a week since he's seen the little hobbits so cheery, and it's making his heart soar. When Merry and Pippin come back, practically climbing all over a very stoic Tuilérë and screaming loudly about trolls, Aragorn struggles not to smile. As the two excitable hobbits claim to have seen three very live trolls out and about in broad daylight, they tug and grip onto Tuilérë's arms desperately. To Strider's great amusement, she seems to take their mishandling in stride. If anything, Aragorn would be willing to bet she found their noise hilarious. At some point, Merry manages to wrap himself completely around Tuilérë's leg, and Aragorn has the extreme pleasure of watching her walk off with a hobbit dangling desperately onto her leg and another squeaking happily from his perch on her shoulder. Though both hobbits are clearly afraid of the trolls, neither of them has stopped smiling even for a second. By the time they reach the stone-cold trolls, Aragorn is chuckling. He shows them that these beasts are long-dead, frozen by the touch of the sun's dawn, which finally spurs the hobbits to release their captive from their arms. Tuilérë shoots into the trees faster than anyone could say "join us" but remains close to their party as they settle down to eat a merry lunch in the shadow of one of the trolls crouching legs. Merry, with injected comments from Pippin, tells of how they saw the trolls through the trees and had panicked. Upon hearing their screams, Tuilérë had materialized in front of them, holding out a knife and crouching protectively. They had instantly clung to her and cried to be taken back to the Ranger. Though confused by their noise and fear for what the hobbits now knew to be three dead trolls, Tuilérë had complied and lead them back to their traveling companions.

Aragorn stares thoughtfully at the frozen trolls, wondering if Tuilérë had ever seen creatures like them. Evidently, she did not deem them dangerous, lounging lazily on the tree tops as she is. People who did not know troll-lore would see them and feel fear, as the hobbits had, without realizing that these creatures could not live above-land in broad daylight. Tuilérë had not reacted as someone who did not know troll-lore. If anything, she seemed completely ignorant of them. Not even while Merry and Pippin screamed (in accordance to their tale) had she looked alarmed by the looming beasts. Even now, as Samwise sang a bright tune of a traveler finding a troll eating a family member, the hobbits were looking queasily at the stone trolls. Despite the proof, Pippin kept glancing at the stone trolls with suspicion, as though wondering if some magic would bring them back to life again. As Aragorn rests in the shade, he realizes that to someone who did not know trolls, this gathering of stone statues would seem merely like an eccentric sculptor's abandoned projects. He wishes he could tell Tuilérë about the danger of trolls. Though she clearly has enough strength to kick cracks into the earth, he is sure she would be unable to handle a troll. Trolls possess the strength of more than ten men. They would get the better of her in a battle.

Aragorn wishes to hurry on to Rivendell with more urgency than before. He's not a very exemplary teacher in languages, but Elves are renowned for it. They had even awakened the Ents from their rest to learn their language and to teach them to sing. He is sure that Elrond would gladly take her under his wing and teach her; the Elves would eagerly learn her language, too. In the safety of Rivendell, she could learn much and teach. Aragorn is realizing that, if he was in her situation, he would be looking for any way possible to get back home. He blinks slowly and feels his heart nearly stop with sorrow. Tuilérë will leave them. He looks up to find her perched like a bird atop the trolls, listening intently as Samwise belligerently repeats his song for her. When she smiles at the fat hobbit, clearly enchanted, Sam blushes furiously and lowers his head. After she saved the other two, Samwise was no longer staring at her like he expected her to explode. If Aragorn is any judge, the fat hobbit is in the process of being thoroughly charmed. Merry and Pippin are both making an effort to speak slowly as they point excitedly at themselves and try to get her to say their names. Frodo sits somewhere nearby, smiling indulgently as his friends try their level best to charm their stoic protector into joining them. She stays out of their reach but surprises them by pronouncing their names aloud. Merry and Pippin laugh delightedly, Samwise seems to find the ground impossibly interesting while Frodo laughs openly. For the first time since Weathertop, the party is joyous. Tuilérë will leave them as soon as she is able. Aragorn is not sure exactly why she chose to follow and protect them with her life, despite owing them nothing. This is not her home. She would have no reason to stay. As soon as she learned enough from the Elves, she would leave them. He watches the hobbits interact naturally with this beautiful girl who seems to have been woven with flowers, grass and magic… and feels a deep melancholy tug at his determination to reach Rivendell. It's probably for the best for all concerned, but he's sure that, as soon as Tuilérë knows how to head home, she'll leave. She'll leave them all behind.

He looks up, noting the lateness of the hour, and calls for the hobbits to get ready to leave. Tuilérë watches them pack up and jumps back onto her preferred traveling path. Aragorn can see that Frodo is much happier, having seen the marks of Bilbo's triumphant passage have put him in higher spirits. They continue their travels toward the Road, finally alighting onto it in the shadows of the early evening. Thankfully, it appears to be clear of travelers. However, when Aragorn turns around to gesture for the group to climb down the bank and onto the Road, he sees that Tuilérë is gone. His heart gallops in his chest as he asks the hobbits where she went. Even Frodo, who has the best vantage point, could not spot her. Aragorn, for the sake of calming the hobbits, suggests aloud that perhaps she's ensuring their safe passage on the Road. The hobbits seem to accept this easily and they walk along the Road with little fear. There is a cold wind blowing from the peaks ahead, but Aragorn finds little comfort in the familiar scent of home. It isn't until they start looking for a place to camp off the Road when they hear a sound they have dreaded. The Road seems to ripple with the sound of hoofs striking the ground. Aragorn ushers the hobbits quickly into the slopes, to hide them amongst the deep heather and thickets of bilberry brushwood. They find thick-growing hazels, and Aragorn moves to a position he can easily jump out to surprise the rider. They sit in horrified silence and wait.


Sakura curses softly under her breath as she keeps to the shadows of the trees, running westward while following along the fringes of the wide, beaten road. Since setting out from the statues, she'd felt a sort of shining, bell-like chakra begin to buffet her senses. It's similar to the dark energy of the cloaked figures only in that it's the exact opposite. After the first few miles toward the Road, Sakura sent her clone out to investigate the source. Upon reaching the wide path, her clone returned with urgent news. The bird signaled for her to break from the group and landed on her shoulder once they were out of hearing distance. "There's a rider on the road, a tall man," it had whispered urgently. "It's not at all like the Ring Wraiths. This one has a white horse and is blonde. I think it's the same rider from a few days ago. There's something odd about him, he shines like a little star to my eyes. His chakra is very overwhelming." Finding this more than disturbing, in case the rider turned out to be an enemy, Sakura had left the group behind under the watchful eye of her clone. He's at least two miles behind the party and she wants to surveil this intruder before he can reach them. There are many bends in the road at this point, but Sakura cuts through them easily as she races along the trees. She slows as she approaches the last bend between her and the stranger, so she crouches among the boughs to watch. Sakura mutes her chakra, going into full stealth mode. Apart from the cloaked figures, this is the first time she's met a resident of this land whose chakra feels refined and polished. If anything, it's sharp and bright against her senses, like a supernova. And somehow, unlike anything she's ever felt before, there's a scent on this chakra. It's fresh, like a blend of eucalyptus and citrus, with a dash of antiseptic. It reminds Sakura of her mentor, who wore the hospital like a cloak. The rider finally comes into view, riding swiftly on a beautiful white horse. The horse's head seems to sparkle as though lined with stars, and the rider wore a cloak that streamed behind him like a banner. Though he looks like a human with long blond hair, his ears end in odd points and he's overwhelmingly beautiful. Sakura stares at him mistrustfully, wondering if to let him pass, or to take him down. He reins his horse in suddenly, his head turning in her direction. She remains perfectly still among the branches woven around her, dispersing her attention. He remains on the road only long enough for her to get a tad nervous, then turns and urges his horse onwards.

Sakura is instantly moving, darting among the tree tops toward the company. Now that she knows he probably isn't a Ring Wraith, she'll gauge their reaction to this stranger. She's not entirely sure what to make of this new creature; to her eyes, he practically glows like a beacon. She's never seen chakra behaving quite like that before, though she's starting to doubt that it's chakra at all. Perhaps it's more like the magic she'd seen the warrior perform when attempting to heal Frodo. That makes more sense, although it really confuses her. It's more like magic, every living thing possesses it, but not everyone can wield it proficiently. If she were in a betting mood, she'd say that this rider is skilled in using his magic. As she races ahead, she worries. If he can use his magic, that means he's a more difficult opponent. Sakura wishes she had more weapons that the usual standard ninja gear, like a sword or staff. She doesn't know the capabilities of this man-creature, and she'd rather keep it a little more long-distance. She brings out two kunai, and slides into position a few yards south of where the company is now walking. They'd gotten rather far in her trek to the West, but she can tell that they're starting to look for a campsite off the Road. It doesn't take long for the rider to catch up, as his horse moves in ground eating strides. The rider suddenly reins his horse in, which alarms Sakura as he's staring straight at the hiding spot of the party. Aragorn pops out from the shrubbery with a cry, but Sakura won't have him run headlong into danger. She activates the Hiraishin seal on his back, gripping his shoulder as she frog-jumps him, sliding her hand down over his chest, then shoving hard. She doesn't even blink as she stares at this blindingly bright man, who's dismounting as she brandishes her blades threateningly. One more step, and she'll slit his throat.


Aragorn fights for breath as he struggles to stand, surprised by the strength of the dainty hand that sent him flying backwards nearly fifteen feet. The hobbits help him up as they yell in dismay. Tuilérë clearly does not think the Elf-lord is a friendly face, standing as she is protectively between them. Aragorn finally stands and staggers, calling for his ally to stand down. She hasn't jumped at the Elf just yet, which Aragorn finds heartening. Glorfindel is confused, staring wide-eyed at this apparition who suddenly materialized behind his friend and sent him flying with a single, seemingly effortless push. Aragorn assumes that Tuilérë hasn't tried to slit the Elf's throat merely because he's doing his best to look harmless. The Elf openly leaves his bow and arrows hanging from the horse's saddle and raises both arms. Aragorn finally reaches Tuilérë and grips her arm, apologizing profusely to the Elf-lord as he introduces him gladly to the peering hobbits still hidden in the brambles. Tuilérë barely spares him a look, still staring balefully at this new addition to their party. Aragorn gestures between them, enunciating "ally", before doing the same between himself and Glorfindel. She finally looks at him dead in the eye, following his movement and pronouncing "ally" a bit wonkily. She points, a bit rudely, at Glorfindel and says "ally" once more. Her tone is slightly menacing, as if she's hoping what she's saying is an insult. Aragorn nods, gesturing between them and saying it once more. She nods and puts both knives away without moving her hands. She straightens and bows somewhat formally toward the Elf. Glorfindel, sensing all is well, smiles. He introduces himself in Common, patting his chest twice. He stares at Tuilérë, expecting her to reciprocate, only for her to vanish in a puff of smoke.

Aragorn grins, finding himself growing fonder of his seemingly gruff protector by the minute. For someone who refuses to state her name, she always responds to the alias given to her. As he and the hobbits join the somewhat confused Elf onto the Road, he glances off to the side and spots her draped elegantly over a thick tree branch a few discreet feet away. Merry, bless his loyal heart, instantly runs over to her as soon he spots her, standing beneath her tree like an adorable guard dog. Pippin and Samwise, having likewise spotted the Elf's odd stare toward their resident Spirit, double-time to join their compatriot. Every Elf is a welcome ally, but Tuilérë has risked her life for them. As far as the hobbits are concerned, the Elf-lord should keep his curious gaze to himself. Aragorn stifles a smile as he declares their standing ground is a pleasant camping site. Glorfindel, however, has other plans. As he announces the presence of at least six Black Riders hot on their tail, he urges Frodo to mount his horse. Frodo refuses, even as he sways on his feet, at the idea of abandoning his companions while riding an Elven horse. Samwise, noting his master's weakness, is at his side in a hiccup. Glorfindel reaches for the swooning hobbit, only to be met with a fierce, green glare and the business end of a very sharp knife. Tuilérë blocks his advances, finding his intentions suspect. Aragorn rushes to intervene, but Frodo beats him to it. His small, shaking hand finds Tuilérë's free one. She turns to inspect him, searching his eyes. Whatever she sees in them, it makes her stand down and lower her weapon. She straightens, giving the Elf one vicious warning stare before standing back. Merry and Pippin are at her sides, gripping her hands in case she gets violent again. Tuilérë smiles at them, allowing them to lead her away even as she watches the Elf-lord like a hawk.

Aragorn talks of their meeting with Five of the Nine and brings out the hilt of the blade he had hidden in his cloak for safekeeping. He notes that Tuilérë cranes her neck to see what he's holding, as Glorfindel takes it with a grimace to inspect the cursed blade. As Glorfindel regretfully states that Frodo's wound is beyond his abilities to heal, returns the blade hilt to Aragorn and turns to inspect the wound… he freezes when he sees only unblemished skin. Glorfindel exclaims in surprise, but the party doesn't reply. He can feel the turmoil caused by the blade within the small hobbit, but the wound is nowhere to be found. Samwise, still clutching his master, says nothing. Frodo, too, remains mute. Even Merry and Pippin, who cannot be kept quiet for love or money… are as silent as mice before a cat. Tuilérë kneels to smile at both hobbits still clutching her hand. Aragorn realizes his guardian spirit must have a deeper understanding of the situation than anyone could give her credit for. She pushes forward a little to stand in front of the hobbits, releasing them both. "Our ally here helped heal little Frodo. She's been very helpful to us during our trip," Aragorn says, keeping deliberately vague. Glorfindel sends him a look over Frodo's head, then rises. Frodo blinks, as though seeing with new eyes, and Tuilérë steps forward. Her eyes are wide as she's looking at the tiny hobbit, then looks back up at Glorfindel. The awe in her expression seems to surprise the Elf-lord. She reaches forward, touching Frodo's shoulder and the hobbit relaxes easily into her gentle touch. Glorfindel nearly jumps in shock and stares aghast at Aragorn.

"Who is she? How can she heal?" He demands, casting a disapproving stare at those huddled around him.

To be Continued…


Words: 7,350

I also feel like this chapter was mediocre, perhaps even a bit wish-fulfilling. I'm glad that the last chapter wasn't the disappointment I thought it would be, but I need to step up my GAME. You guys deserve only the best, and that's what I hope to bring to you every single chapter. Ugh, I hate giving you guys shitty writing. I'll do better, I promise.

A lot of magic in LotR is invisible, like Glorfindel's healing of Frodo in this part. To Sakura, however, it's NOT invisible.

Don't forget to review! It truly fuels my passion to know that this journey brings you guys so much joy.