(A/N) Well I'm finally back y'all! How have all my preciousssss readers been hmm? I've dearly missed writing this story and have been obsessed with reading tons of LotR stories. Love the Naruto X-overs. Now who here wants to see Nexis be scary serious, or maybe catch another kiss or two? ^_^

Chapter 10

No one's POV

As Nexis departed to speak to Lord Elrond the rest of the hobbits went their own ways. Let us follow Frodo and Bilbo for now, and catch up to the others a bit later.

Frodo's POV

Bilbo had said he wanted to give me a surprise. He sounded so excited I didn't have the heart to say no, so we headed of to his personal room and who would have thought it; Bilbo has some quite extravagant treasure left from his adventurous days!

"This, my boy, is Fang... Forged by the Elves to glow a brilliant blue when enemies are afoot." he had an awe to his tone that simply must match the awe on my face. "And this... this is a present I received a long time ago. 'Tis Mithril. Light as a feather, but harder than Dragon scale! I believe it will do you more good than I on your journey, Frodo."

There was nothing I could say, for the gifts Bilbo had shown me today are undoubtedly worth more than the whole of the Shire thrice times over!

"Bilbo..."

He just smiled and placed it on the bed. "Go on boy! Try it on!"

With a gracious smile I started unbuttoning my shirt only to realize Bilbo could now see the ring.

"Oh...!" he looked a little to surprised from what I could see. "My old ring. I sh-should very much... like so hold it. One last time... HAAAAHHH!"

I jumped back in fright when he lunged for the ring! His face... oh Bilbo, your face was practically demonic in that moment! With growing fear I rushed to re-button my shirt, at the same time my dear Uncle seemed to gather his wits and back off with his own fear fill gaze, quickly turning away from both me and the evil about my neck.

"I'm sorry, my boy... I'm sorry that you must carry this burden. I'm sorry... for everything." not even halfway through had his tears slipped free.

"Oh Bilbo..."

With the barest of hesitancy I slowly stepped behind my Uncle, placing a firm yet sure grip on his shoulder. He took hold of my hand, and we stayed there in a sad silence for who-know how long.

Nexis' POV

As Nexis the Black, Witch of the Void, strode purposefully toward a familiar aura she noticed another, not-so familiar one supposedly tracking her movements through halls after halls. When she had seemingly gotten lost in a dead end the stranger stepped out from the shadows of a small alcove she had passed not 20 seconds ago.

"You seem lost, little one. Where is it you were heading?" he had turned out to be the one called Strider, or Aragorn as Father calls him.

"I think this view is simply wonderful. Come, see for yourself."

It was true. This was my all time favorite place within the home of Elrond. You could see the waterfalls, mountains and forest without any building ruining the tranquility of the moment.

"'Tis a lovely sight... But you avoid the question. Where are you going?" his tone held no hint to his mood nor intention.

"Persistent... Well if you must know. I have been looking for Lord Elrond, but it is quite hard to track elves of high power such as he. I do so by both seeing and feeling ones aura. Elrond's however, likes to hide from me. I guess I could just ask you to help me though."

"And what is it exactly that you need help with, little one?"

A sweet smile grew as I closed my eyes. Aragorn, on the other hand, did not look so calm when next I saw him. As I had my eyes shut I released an unnecessary shot of energy through my hair and clothes. The result was more than I planned, for instead of a living fire whipping around my head and my cloak billowing out with an inhuman glow from the silver embroidered Dragon on my customized chest plate, what happened was a small twisting inferno had engulfed my entire form.

"Looks like my energy reserve has expanded again... Interesting."

"Sorry about that, Aragorn. I think my powers have become upset at the lack of use as of late. Regarding what it is that requires your, though preferably Fathers or Uncles, is my obtaining of a few weapons. Can you help me?" it took me until just before my finishing question to fully control the still flickering fire around me. I soon realized it had to continue being used for now or something worse would be done next time. Hopefully it won't come to that.

"I-I... Come. If it is weapons you need then I can show you the way." he had still been recovering from shock, but I must say he pulled it together quite swiftly.

"Thank you, Strider."

We walked side by side to the smithy. There was no chatter to fill the awkward (for him) silence.

"He has a bit of a staring problem."

(Thoughts, speaking in Elvish)

"Lady Nexis!"

Looks as though more remember me for that last battle. Pity.

"Hello. I'm in need of some temporary weapons. If you could be so kind as to show me where they are I will leave you to your peace that much sooner."

"I love speaking in this tongue. Makes me feel like a real Lady, with all this mindless elegance just floating from our mouths."

"By all means. Milord has already told us to prepare for your request. Please step this way. Someone will be right out to help you, Estral."

"There is no need. I have escorted our Lady, that is all." not often do men speak with such a refined accent. "Until me meet again, Lady Nexis."

Taking my hand in his, Aragorn gracefully bent (near in half from my point of view) to place a kiss on mu knuckles. What he did not expect were my tactically hidden claws as I just stood there, giggle behind my free fingers.

"Didn't see those before? You should probably warn the rest of the company." I just could not stop giggling at the never fading look of surprise I bring out in so many.

With a muttered breath from the Ranger I left to procure my preferred weaponry.