Lord of the Rings: Retold

The Fellowship of the Ring

Chapter 8:

Later, back on the ground, an area has been provided for them to rest in. The hobbits are settling down to rest. In the trees, the elves singing can be heard.

'A Olorin i yaresse (Olorin, who once was...)

Mentaner i Numeherui… (sent by the Lords of the West…)'

Tom, "I know this song well."

Tom began humming to the melody.

Legolas is pensive, "a lament for Gandalf."

Naryn, "a way to honor such a great man."

Merry, "what do they say about him?"

Legolas, "I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."

Freya, "perhaps Tom can tell you the words one day?"

Tom, "I'd be happy to."

Tirien i Romenori (to guard the lands of the East…)

Maiarion i Oiosaila…(wisest of all Maiar…)

Mana elye etevanne…(what drove you to leave…)

Norie i melanelye? (that which you loved?)

Aragorn and Freya walk over to Boromir, who is seated alone on a great tree root.

Aragorn, "take some rest. These borders are well protected."

Boromir, "I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me even now there is hope left. But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope."

Freya, "hope can exist in the smallest places. In all the years I've spent in the care of Elrond, Galadriel and… Gandalf, I have learned to see Hope in the most dire situations."

Boromir, "my father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our…our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Sigh, have you ever seen it, Aragorn? White tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. It's banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

Aragorn, "I have seen the White City, long ago."

Freya, "only from afar. And no mere description can do it justice."

Boromir, "for once, I agree with the Orc."

Freya, "never thought I'd hear those words from you."

Boromir, "one day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guards shall take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned!"

Freya, "that's hope! That is what you call your vision of this future."

Boromir, "whatever you call it, I am surprised you see it."

Aragor, "Boromir…"

Boromir, "why places such as Rivendell and here have allowed a creature such as you to come here, I will never understand. You and the Goblin."

Freya, "you think I have not heard these words before?! I know that I will never be able to be seen as an equal. But that does not mean I will not try. So go ahead, hold onto that dream of yours, for I will hold on to mine!"

Freya stormed off, leaving the two men.

That's when they saw Naryn standing there.

Naryn, "I am only alive because of Bilbo Baggins. He found me, a wrinkled, crying, dying mess. And yet he saved me. Raised me as a son. I proudly call myself a Hobbit. Not a Goblin."

And with that, Naryn walked off, leaving the two men alone.

….

The Fellowship is asleep. Galadriel walks by. Frodo wakes up with a start and proceeds to follow her. Galadriel descends to her garden and fills the ewer with water. She turns towards Frodo.

Galadriel, "will you look into the mirror?"

Frodo, "what will I see?"

Galadriel, "even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror shows many things."

She begins to pour the water into the silver basin.

Galadriel, "things that were, things that are and some things…", she empties the water, "that have not yet come to pass."

Frodo steps up to the mirror to take a look. He peers down and sees nothing but his reflection. Then suddenly, the mirror clears and shows a vision of Legolas, Merry and Pippin, Naryn, then Sam. He sees Bag End, then the burning of Hobbiton, the enslavement of the Hobbits and the destruction of the Shire. Then the Eye of Sauron fills the mirror. The Ring hanging from his neck pulls him closer to the water. Steam begins to curl up from the basin as Sauron speaks to Frodo in Black Speech. Terrified, he grabs the Ring and jerks back, throwing himself off the step and landing on his back on the forest floor.

Galadriel, "I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind", she speaks to Frodo telepathically", 'It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is breaking. It has already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one it will destroy them all.'

Frodo, telepathically, 'If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring.'

Opening his palm, he offers the Ring to her.

Galadriel, "you offer it to me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this."

She approaches Frodo and places her hand over the Ring. Her image begins to change.

Galadriel, "in place OF A DARK LORD, YOU WILL HAVE 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!"

Galadriel's image returns to normal.

Galadriel, "I passed the test! I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel."

Frodo, "I cannot do this alone."

Galadriel, "you are a Ring bearer, Frodo. To bear a Ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you and if you do not find a way, no one will."

Frodo, "then I know what I must do. It's just… I'm afraid to do it."

Galadriel bends down to meet him at eye level.

Galadriel, "even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

….

The scene goes to Orthanc in Isengard. Saruman and Lurtz are standing in the central chamber.

Saruman, "do you know how the Orcs first came into being? They were elves once, taken by the dark powers. Tortured and mutilated: a ruined and terrible form of life. Now...perfected: my fighting Uruk-Hai. Whom do you serve?"

Lurtz, "Saruman!"

The Uruk-Hai wear their armor and are given their weapons. They receive a white handprint on their heads and faces, signifying Saruman's army. They then assemble before him.

Saruman speaks to the troops, "hunt them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain. You do not know fear. You will taste man flesh!"

Saruman addresses Lurtz, "one of the halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive and unspoiled. Kill the others!"

The Uruk-Hai troop leaves Isengard.

The scene returns to Lothlorien.

Celeborn, "never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."

Legolas is putting supplies into a boat that Merry and Pippin are sitting in. He takes a piece of lembas out of a pack.

Legolas, "Lembas. Elvish waybread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."

Merry and Pippin nod in agreement. Legolas leaves.

Merry, "how many did you eat?"

Pippin, "four."

Celeborn walks with Aragorn among the trees.

Celeborn, "every league you travel south, the danger will increase. Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the white hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so", he hands Aragorn a dagger, "Le aphadar aen, (you are being tracked), by river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros."

The Fellowship sets out in boats. Through a series of flashbacks, Galadriel is shown giving each member of the Fellowship a gift.

Galadriel, "my gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."

Legolas looks at the bow in wonder. Merry and Pippin unsheathe the daggers she has given them.

"These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage. And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope made of hithlain."

Sam, "thank you, my lady. Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?"

Galadriel just smiles at Sam without responding.

Galadriel, "for you, Freya, an elvish blade, as strong as a dragon's scale, which would burn the skin of your kind like fire."

Freya looks at the blade in pride and says, "thank you, M'lady. I'll make you proud."

Galadriel, "for you, Tom Babidil, an instrument that plays music that can calm many a terrible beast."

Tom looks at the lute in pride, "I'd be happy to use this amazing instrument."

Galadriel, "to you, Naryn Baggins, a special cloak, that will aid you in hiding from those you seek you."

Naryn, "it is an honor to receive such a gift."

Galadriel, "and what gift would a dwarf ask of the Elves?"

Gimli, "nothing. Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."

Galadriel laughs and Gimli starts to turn away, before turning around again, "actually, there was one thing", to himself, "no, no, I couldn't. It's quite impossible. Stupid to ask…"

Galadriel to Aragorn, "I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear."

She touches the Evenstar around his neck.

"Am meleth dîn, i ant e guil Arwen Undómiel pígatha, (For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish.)"

Aragorn, "Aníron i e broniatha, ad ae periatham athar i methid en-amar hen. Aníron i e círatha na Valannor, (I would have her leave these shores and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor.)"

Galadriel, "that choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. Namárië, (Farewell), Nadath nâ i moe cerich. Dan, ú-'eveditham, Elessar, (There is much you have left to do. We will not meet again, Elessar.)"

Galadriel, 'farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star.'

Galadriel hands Frodo a crystal phial. She kisses his forehead.

Galadriel, 'may it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.'

Galadriel raises her hand in farewell as the Fellowship canoes down the river. They reach the great river.

Gimli, "I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."

Legolas, "what was her gift?"

Gimli, "I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three."

Freya chuckled at this as Tom started singing once more.

Tom, "lay down, your swift and weary head…."

Naryn starts humming along.

….

The Uruk-Hai march along through the forest as the three boats carrying the Fellowship float along the Anduin.

The Fellowship's boats pass through a canyon. Aragorn lifts his head, half-smiles and taps Frodo on the shoulder.

Aragorn, "Frodo, the Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin."

The Fellowship looks up in awe at the towering splendor of the Argonath. Two majestic statues, carved right out of the rock, proudly stand on each side of the Anduin. Their left arms are held aloft, their palms facing outwards in gesture of warning. Solemn and stern were their faces, the silent wardens of a long vanished kingdom.

The Fellowship reaches the foot of Amon Hen, the Hill of Sight. As they disembark on the gravel beach of Parth Galen, Boromir looks troubled and appears to be fighting a conflict within him. Frodo looks perturbed. The Fellowship starts to make camp.

Aragorn, "we cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."

Gimli, "oh, yes?! It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better", Pippin looks up, alarmed, "festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!"

Aragorn, "that is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength master dwarf."

Gimli, "recover my…?! Phrrrrr…"

Tom, "I think we all need some rest right now."

Freya, "Lord only knows."

Legolas speaks quietly to Aragorn, "we should leave now."

Naryn, "I doubt any of us would agree with you."

Aragorn, "no. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for the cover of darkness."

Freya, "I must side with Aragorn. If I know my kind well, they will indeed be waiting for us."

Legolas, "it is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near...I can feel it!"

Gimli, "no dwarf need recover strength", to Pippin, "pay no heed to that, young hobbit."

Merry, returning with some wood for the campfire, looks around.

Merry, "where's Frodo?"

Sam, who was half-dozing, rouses with a start. Aragorn looks over the camp. His gaze stops on Boromir's shield, lying with the baggage.

Naryn, "oh no…."

….

Frodo wanders into the forest. He stands by an immense stone head, lying with its side on the ground. Boromir, gathering wood, sees Frodo and approaches him.

Boromir, "none of us should wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo?"

Frodo turns, frightened.

Boromir, "I know why you seek solitude. You suffer; I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take."

Frodo, "I know what you would say. And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart."

Boromir, "warning? Against what? We're all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have. Don't you see that is madness?"

Frodo, "there is no other way!"

Boromir, "I ask only for the strength to defend my people", he throws the gathered wood to the ground, "If you would but lend me the Ring…"

Frodo, "no."

He steps back.

Boromir, "why do you recoil? I am no thief."

Frodo, "you are not yourself."

Boromir, "what chance do you think you have? They will find you! They will take the Ring and you will beg for death before the end!"

Frodo begins to run from Boromir.

Boromir, "fool!"

Boromir gives chase.

Boromir, "it is not yours save by unhappy chance. It could have been mine", he tackles Frodo, "it should be mine! Give it to me!"

The struggle ensues.

Boromir, "give it to me!"

Frodo, "no!"

Boromir, "give me… Give me the Ring!"

Frodo, "nurgh…ugh!"

Frodo slips the Ring on and disappears. He kicks Boromir and runs away.

Boromir looks around desperately, "I see your mind. You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us! You go to your death and the death of us all! Curse you! Curse you! And all the halflings!"

Boromir slips and falls to the ground. The madness of the Ring leaves him and he comes to his senses.

Boromir, "Frodo?...Frodo?...what have I done?...please...Frodo!"

Boromir in the background, "Frodo, I'm sorry! Oh no!"

Frodo, in the "shadow world," climbs up onto the Seat of Seeing atop Amon Hen. He looks over the stone seat and sees the Dark Tower from afar. The image rushes towards him and his vision rise to its pinnacle-where the burning Eye of Sauron stares back menacingly. Frodo, rushing to remove the Ring, falls off the Seat of Seeing and lands on his back. He sits up, trying to catch his breath.

Aragorn approaches him.

Aragorn, "Frodo?"

Frodo is startled, "huh?! It has taken Boromir."

Aragorn speaks intensely, "where is the Ring?"

Frodo, "stay away", he scrambles up and retreats from Aragorn. Aragorn comes after him.

Aragorn, "Frodo!"

Frodo stops.

Aragorn, "I swore to protect you!"

Frodo, "can you protect me from yourself?!"

He shows the Ring on his palm.

Frodo, "would you destroy it?"

Aragorn, looking at the Ring, slowly approaches Frodo. The Ring begins to whisper.

The Ring, 'Aragorn...Aragorn…Elessar…'

He reaches out. With both hands, Aragorn closes Frodo's hand over the Ring and pushes it to the hobbit's chest.

Aragorn, "I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor."

Frodo, "I know. Look after the others, especially Sam and Naryn. They will not understand."

Aragorn nods but then sees Sting's blue glow. He stands suddenly.

Aragorn, "go on Frodo", he draws out his sword, "run. Run!"

Frodo leaves. Aragorn walks out from beneath the Seat of Seeing and finds a troop of Uruk-Hai advancing towards him. He gives a half-smile, and half-swaggers towards them, holding his sword up to his face as an acceptance to the challenge. They attack. He cuts several down, but they force him up the stairs of the Seat.

Sam searches frantically for Frodo in the woods, Naryn running with him.

Sam, " !"

Naryn, "Frodo?!"

They hear the clash of sword on sword. Their eyes widen!

Lurtz yells to his troops, "find the Halfling! Find the Halfling!"

Aragorn jumps onto the Uruk-Hai, "Elendil!"

Legolas, Freya and Gimli run forward from behind the Seat. Legolas shoots three Uruk-Hai with quick bow-work, Gimli lands blow after blow with his axe, and Freya plunges her daggers into the eyes of another orc.

Legolas, "Aragorn! Go!"

Frodo runs and hides behind a tree. Across the way, Merry, Pippin and Tom hide in a space under some fallen tree trunks.

Merry, "Frodo!"

Pippin beckoning, "hide here quick! Come on!"

Tom, "yes, hurry!"

Frodo looks at them, anguished, then shakes his head.

Pippin to Merry, "what's he doin'?"

Merry, "he's leavin'."

Tom, "what?!"

Pippin, "no", he runs out to Frodo.

Merry, "Pippin!"

They come after him.

Merry and Pippin are out in the open. Several Uruk-Hai are coming down the hill, towards their area.

Merry quietly, "run Frodo! Go!"

Merry cups his hands and calls out to the Uruk-Hai.

Merry, "hey! Hey you! Over here!"

Pippin, "hey!"

Tom, "right here!"

Merry, "over here!"

Pippin waves his arms, "this way!"

Tom, "we're the ones you're looking for!"

The two hobbits and the short man run away from Frodo. The Uruk-Hai troop follows them. Frodo makes a break for it, running in the opposite direction.

Pippin, "it's working!"

Merry, "I know it's working! Run!"

Tom, "don't have to tell me twice!"

Merry, Tom and Pippin run across an old stone bridge. At its far end, they stop and see Uruk-hai running towards them. The Uruks are closing in, both in front and behind. An Uruk runs up to them, raising his battleaxe. But Boromir comes charging in, knocks the Uruk back, and kills him with his own axe. He throws a knife at another. More close in.

Back at the Seat of Seeing, Legolas, Aragorn, Freya and Gimli continue to fight the Uruk-Hai. In one smooth move, Legolas stabs one Uruk with an arrow then shoots it out at another. Gimli wields his axe. Freya has stolen a jagged shield from one and bludgeoned another with it. Aragorn stabs one behind his back. Legolas shoots an Uruk who has closed in on Aragorn.

Three loud ox-horn blasts are heard.

Legolas, "the Horn of Gondor!"

Aragorn, "Boromir!"

….

Reviews:

Amanny: glad you liked it.

….

Almost done. About one chapter left in FellowShip of The Ring.

Am I doing good?