** Chapter 10 **
Azura stirred, feeling a mountain of blankets upon her body. She wiggled her toes, feeling them free of her boots, and the coverings on her arms were removed. She frowned, feeling different. No pain hung in her lungs, and her body didn't burn like it had for the past few days.
"I think she is stirring."
Azura raked her brain trying to remember who's voice that was. [I]…It's…Oh, yes, that's Pippin…[/I] She thought, and forced her eyes open, but they only slid open halfway. The curtains on the tall windows were drawn, but sunlit shone through the fabric.
Merry and Pippin both were looking over her, as well as the elf-man, Elrond, she had seen the night before.
"Where…?" Azura mumbled, unable to say more.
"We are in Rivendell…don't you remember our arrival? You awoke in Strider's arms, but you grew disoriented and ran from us, almost like you didn't know us…You wouldn't let anyone heal you." Merry said, a somewhat worried look on his face.
Azura grew thoughtful, and remembered snippets of the night before. She had awoke in Strider's arm, and did grow disoriented when they asked her to come and rest…She remembered chanting the Ancient Order's poem….and she cried…and she remembered what truly happened to her mother, and wondered why she thought her mother had thrown herself off the cliff.
She frowned, falling into deep thought, trying to remember that day. Her mother…had wore that white dress…she remember the singing and laughing…and…She closed her eyes and remembered something she hadn't in a long time.
*** "Azura, I have been with you since the day you were born, and I shall remain with you until you die, in spirit. Today, One shall come for me, and I have to leave…but remember everything I have taught you. You are strong, my child, and very wise." Her mother smiled down at her, and ran a thin, graceful hand over Azura's hair, and smiled.
Azura was frowning, and she was very small then. About the size of a three year old Man-child, even though she had the blood of Man and Elf in her, her Halfling blood kept her rather small in size. "Mama? Why do you have to go? Can I go to? Is it very pretty where you are going?"
Her mother had smiled a sad smile at her, "The most beautiful place, but it's not your time to go. No, you have a long life to live, and many things to do. This is my will for you, to live and to love. There is much in this world for you, and you have to find your place. So I ask of you, whatever may come to you in life, above everything, live, child. One day you will understand your place, but until then, live."
Azura nodded, her long gold hair shaking lightly. She did not smile, for somehow, she knew this day was a sad one.
Her mother smiled, and touched Azura's cheek, "Never frown, child, even when you are sad….because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile…"
A small smile crept over Azura's face, and she nodded. She got a thoughtful look, and said, "Mama, are you going to see Papa? Is that where you are going?"
Her mother nodded slowly, "Now child…I have to put a spell on you, for today. It's a special one, just for today…"
Azura nodded, and grinned. "I will be good at magic one day, huh?"
Her mother nodded, "It was no use trying to raise you without magic…it's in your blood and nature…Ok, Azura, close your eyes."
Her mother stood, and raised her hands over Azura's head. She said, loudly, "From sunrise to sunset, this day, this Child will see no evil, only the world unjaded. Vin uno killel icci no laus vi asteor cavin!"
Bright bursts of light exploded around Azura, and two small balls of light twirled slowly around her, weaving up to her face, then settled in her eyes. The light faded, and Azura blinked thoughtfully, and grinned, "That was so pretty!"
In the distance, hooves beat the ground swiftly, coming their way.
Her mother's face grew distraught, "Not yet…not yet…too soon…Azura!" Her mother pushed her off the road and hid her in a bush of wild berries and flowers. "Stay child…" Her mother said, bending over her, with her palms flat and outstretched, "No matter what you hear…Stay, for your life, stay!"
Her mother then turned and ran to the road, and stood, defiant, and watched some unseen person approaching.
Flash. She saw a Rider approaching swiftly.
Flash. It was gone again, then back again, flickering as if it were some false image she was seeing. But which was false? The Rider or the Rider not being there?
The Rider stopped infront of her mother, blinking in and out of reality, and spoke harshly to her mother, but the words were lost on her ears. She could not remember what had been said.
Her mother shook her head and backed away.
The Rider dismounted, and pushed her mother toward a cliff, and grabbed her wrist. He shouted something at her mother, shaking his fist.
Her mother shook her head, and what she had yelled back, Azura remembered clearly, "I have served my life bound and a slave, but not anymore! Soon, one day, our blood will be free and we shall rest in peace!" Her mother stifled a scream when the Rider drove his sword through her midsection.
Azura had remembered the scene, as her mother raving to herself. The blood…she didn't remember the blood, but she saw it now…
Her mother looked upward, and she stumbled back, "Always…I will remember the skies…and my little Skye…" Then her mother fell backward, off the cliffs, her arms spread as if she were going to land on soft grass, but she disappeared of the side of the cliff.
Azura had spent hours, huddled in the bush until she wandered from it, long after the echoes of invisible thundering hoove disappeared in the distance. She had wandered down a trail that led to the bottom of the cliff, and found her mother.
She had sat, and cried at her mother's side for a long time until a traveler came across her. He took her mother's body into his wagon, then let Azura ride by his side on his wagon back to town. For a few years, she lived with a family, until she was exiled for using magic. *****
Azura woke again, to find she had fallen asleep in memories. Merry, Pippin, and Elrond had left her. The sun no longer shone through the curtains, but instead, she saw the faint glittering of twinkling racist.
She pushed the blankets off of her, and sat up. She stared about the room, feeling uneasy. She slowly stood, feeling refreshed, and cured, but she wondered if they had done the same for Frodo.
"Frodo! I have been so selfish lately, I wonder if he is ok?" She muttered to herself, as her eyes searched the room for her arm coverings, but they weren't to be seen, same with her boots, and her bag.
She crossed the room, her feet falling silently on the cool marble floor. She opened the door slowly, and peeked out. And elf-guard sat on a chair, outside the door, and he had fallen asleep.
Azura quietly walked past him, and headed down a hall, feeling somewhat odd walking through a dwelling she did not know. She turned a corner, feeling small in the house as everything was out of proportion with her, and made for taller folk. Down the hall, Gandalf and Elrond were talking quietly outside of a room.
As if her presences gave off light, Gandalf turned a waved her to come to him.
Azura clasped her hands behind her back, feeling much like a child getting caught for some naughty deed, and walked over to him.
"My child, do you feel better? You have rested almost two days, and I have tired over you and Frodo with cures." Elrond said, smiling down at her. He reached down and brushed her cheek with his hand, "You remind me of an elven child…Small and sweet."
Azura tired not to grin, but failed, "I am well! Why is it everyone disbelieves? How is Frodo? Is he awake?" Azura asked, raising on her toes and peeking into the room next to them. She saw the end of a bed, but no more.
"He is resting, and is better. I fear, another day late of arriving, and he would have not made it…" Elrond said, a thoughtful frown on his features.
"We must speak, Azura a'Leoni, last of the Order of the Ring. Come and speak with Elrond and myself." Gandalf said, ushering Azura away from Frodo's room.
They ushered her into a great dining room, and had her sit at a chair, which was well too high for her. Her feet dangled over the seat. Elrond and Gandalf sat across the table from her, and her chin was only several inches over the flat of the table.The dining hall was grand and regal, and large. On the other of the dining room end, a door was cracked, and behind it, three sets of curious Hobbit-ears listened closely.
"Come now, and tell me of yourself, Azura. Of your intentions." Gandalf said, folding his hands onto the table.
Azura swallowed lightly, feeling as if she was being judged under both of their watchful eyes. She shuddered lightly, then replied, "The Calling…that is why I am here. I'll go insane if I stay away….the longing is horrible."
"Yes, I knew that had to be part of it…Why is it you waited until recent to pursue Frodo? Or the Ring itself?" Gandalf asked, rubbing his chin with a thin, long finger.
Azura cast her eyes downward, feeling uneasy. She hadn't spoken of these topics much before, and it made her nervous, "I waited because I thought I could ignore the Calling. But, less than a year ago, the Calling grew so strong I felt so restless I had to start searching. It was as if the Ring itself was beckoning me."
Elrond nodded, and thought long and deep before asking, "Are you the last?"
Azura kept her eyes cast downward, seeing flashes of that one Rider attacking her mother, "Yes. My mother died when I was six….And my father died when I was four…"
"How troubling and sad that is. My sympathies to you." Elrond said, his face growing tight with control, as if he was troubled by her sad childhood. "How did your parents pass on?"
"My father was ill, and he died. My…my Mother…she…she…" Azura trailed, feeling tears sting her eyes, but forced the back, and looked up, "She was killed by a Ringwraith."
"I suspected as much. Sauron knew the blood was dwindling….He probably thought she was the last. Come now, child, do you remember if words were exchanged?" Gandalf asked, pulling lightly at his beard.
"No…it…" Azura replied, then frown, and suddenly, it came to her. She remembered what was said. She spoke up, "He asked my mother to return to Mordor, he said 'The Last belongs to Sauron, he wishes you by his side, as his equal. He planned the last to be the strongest, to give the Last as it fought against Sauron's enemies. Your place belongs with Him.'"
Elrond and Gandalf fell silent as Azura continued.
"My mother said, "Sauron will not have the last, the Last if free and strong and shall avenge our blood. Go back to Mordor, you filth!' and the Ringwraith laughed…and…he dragged her to the cliff…and shouted, 'Sauron told me to kill you if you would not come…One last time….Return to Mordor! Return to Sauron!'" Azura faltered, forcing back her tears, and took a shaky breath and continued, " My mother shook her head, and laughed at him and said 'I have served my life bound and a slave, but not anymore! Soon, one day, our blood will be free and we shall rest in peace!'…and…then…the Rider …he…" Azura balled her fists by her side, her face grew dark, "….He stabbed my mother….Before,….I didn't know…I thought she had just…but…she…cast a spell so I didn't see…"
Azura faltered, shaking lightly from anger and sorrow, "He stabbed her, and then he pushed her off….He lingered awhile, investigating the area, but I was hidden in the bushes…he didn't see me….He left…And since then, I have mostly been alone, no one understood the Calling like my mother did, because, she, too, felt it."
"True, indeed, it is unimaginable the pulling and weight of your curse." Gandalf said, and stroked his beard, and said, " So you are the last…have you used magic much? I believe the old tales….Do you realize the strength of your magic?"
Azura nodded, looking down. "I do…I…I do.."
"Speak up, child, what troubles you?" Gandlaf asked, frowning.
"When I was ten, my friend Cassie and myself were hunting rabbits and a Raik beast came upon us…and…I grew so angry when it hurt her that…I don't know what I did but I burned the beast, as well as a good deal of the crops. The explosion echoed for miles. I was exiled for it…"
"Yes, I heard of the odd occurrence in Wayfest, the southern town near the Addoline beaches…Yes…I went and looked for you, the mage who had done it, but you were already gone.." Gandalf said.
Azura kept her eyes down, "I haven't really told so much to anyone before…"
"Tell me, did your Mother pass on to you the Mana essence?" Elrond asked, folding his hands in his lap.
Azura looked up and nodded, "It's…in me…My Mother and Father performed a spell…"
"Yes…a transference spell. That make sense." Gandalf said.
"Yeah..they told me they didn't want Sauron to get it back so he couldn't make anymore soliders…..But now, I am all that's left. It's terribly lonely." Azura said, sighing lightly.
"You are not alone, are you not?" Elrond asked, raising an eyebrow.
Azura suddenly broke out in laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks, How selfish of me! I forgot all the wonderful friends I have made! Sam, Pippin, Merry, Strider…and….Frodo! I love them so much…" She laughed, and hiccupped with tears, then shook her head, composing herself, "I'm sorry, it's just, I have been living alone a long time, and having them as friends is so wonderful."
"No apologies, friends and family make life worth it." Elrond said, smiling at her.
"Can I be excused for awhile? I am worried about Frodo and I'd like to see him." Azura said, carefully hopping off the chair.
"Yes," Gandalf said, as he stood slowly, "We shall speak more when you are emotionally more composed."
"If you need anything, be sure to ask an maid, and it will be done for you." Elrond said, and stood and bowed.
Azura nodded, "Thank you.." She turned, and slowly went out the dining room, and headed for Frodo's room.
She pushed open the door, then closed it behind her. She peered around the room, which was dimly lit with a few candles. The room was a medium size for Men and Elves, but for her, it was rather large. She silently walked to the bed Frodo was laid on, and carefully climbed up on it and sat over him.
He slept, breathing slowly and softly. He was less pale and sick looking than before, and looked much healthier.
"I'm sorry I didn't heal you well before…I promise I'll never let harm come to you if I can prevent it." Azura whispered softly, and ran her fingertips through his soft, curly brown hair.
She stared down at him, slowly blinking, " I didn't expect to find such wonderful friends when I sought out on my journey…I didn't expect you to be the Master of the Ring…and…I …didn't…expect to fall in love with you.. When I first saw you…singing in the inn…I just knew I wanted to follow and protect you for as long as I was alive…and…that first night, when we sat in the tree together…I haven't been happy like this in a long time and I don't want it to stop." Azura whispered, feeling her throat grow tight with sadness.
Frodo moved his head from the left to the right, resting his cheek on the pillow, and softly sighing in his sleep.
"I'll…follow you to Mordor and protect you. I don't care if it means my death…I don't care if you never know how much I love you, as long as you are happy and safe, then I am happy." Azura whispered, a few tears streaming down her cheeks, and splattering on Frodo's bare arm.
Azura softly brushed her fingers through his hair, and touched his cheek tenderly.[I]He is handsome, and so very charming. I am surprised he has no wife.[/I]She thought, idly to herself.
Azura stifled a yawn, then leaned down and lay nest to Frodo on the large bed, and stared up at the white marble ceiling. She whispered, softly, "Rest well…My Master." She closed her eyes, and drifted to sleep.
---
Pippin, Sam, and Merry stood outside Frodo's room, and heard Azura's soft talking.
"Her death? What is it she means? Morodor is so treacherous…it may be the death of us all!" Pippin said, in a soft voice.
"She is in love with him." Merry said softly, smiling, "I can see why Frodo loves her, too. She is beautiful, she different, and something about her is so addictive."
"Yes, she is a wonderful person to have about." Sam said, agreeing.
"You little spies! Off to bed with you!" Gandalf scolded, coming out of the dining room.
The three jumped, from surprise, and whirled to face Gandalf.
"You naughty little hobbits! Let Azura and Frodo alone. Now, off to bed with you!" Gandalf said, his voice kept low.
The three hobbits turned tail and headed off to their rooms quickly.
Gandalf laughed softly to himself, then looked into the cracked doorway of Frodo's room, and smiled, "Young love…" He turned, and headed off to his own room.
Azura stirred, feeling a mountain of blankets upon her body. She wiggled her toes, feeling them free of her boots, and the coverings on her arms were removed. She frowned, feeling different. No pain hung in her lungs, and her body didn't burn like it had for the past few days.
"I think she is stirring."
Azura raked her brain trying to remember who's voice that was. [I]…It's…Oh, yes, that's Pippin…[/I] She thought, and forced her eyes open, but they only slid open halfway. The curtains on the tall windows were drawn, but sunlit shone through the fabric.
Merry and Pippin both were looking over her, as well as the elf-man, Elrond, she had seen the night before.
"Where…?" Azura mumbled, unable to say more.
"We are in Rivendell…don't you remember our arrival? You awoke in Strider's arms, but you grew disoriented and ran from us, almost like you didn't know us…You wouldn't let anyone heal you." Merry said, a somewhat worried look on his face.
Azura grew thoughtful, and remembered snippets of the night before. She had awoke in Strider's arm, and did grow disoriented when they asked her to come and rest…She remembered chanting the Ancient Order's poem….and she cried…and she remembered what truly happened to her mother, and wondered why she thought her mother had thrown herself off the cliff.
She frowned, falling into deep thought, trying to remember that day. Her mother…had wore that white dress…she remember the singing and laughing…and…She closed her eyes and remembered something she hadn't in a long time.
*** "Azura, I have been with you since the day you were born, and I shall remain with you until you die, in spirit. Today, One shall come for me, and I have to leave…but remember everything I have taught you. You are strong, my child, and very wise." Her mother smiled down at her, and ran a thin, graceful hand over Azura's hair, and smiled.
Azura was frowning, and she was very small then. About the size of a three year old Man-child, even though she had the blood of Man and Elf in her, her Halfling blood kept her rather small in size. "Mama? Why do you have to go? Can I go to? Is it very pretty where you are going?"
Her mother had smiled a sad smile at her, "The most beautiful place, but it's not your time to go. No, you have a long life to live, and many things to do. This is my will for you, to live and to love. There is much in this world for you, and you have to find your place. So I ask of you, whatever may come to you in life, above everything, live, child. One day you will understand your place, but until then, live."
Azura nodded, her long gold hair shaking lightly. She did not smile, for somehow, she knew this day was a sad one.
Her mother smiled, and touched Azura's cheek, "Never frown, child, even when you are sad….because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile…"
A small smile crept over Azura's face, and she nodded. She got a thoughtful look, and said, "Mama, are you going to see Papa? Is that where you are going?"
Her mother nodded slowly, "Now child…I have to put a spell on you, for today. It's a special one, just for today…"
Azura nodded, and grinned. "I will be good at magic one day, huh?"
Her mother nodded, "It was no use trying to raise you without magic…it's in your blood and nature…Ok, Azura, close your eyes."
Her mother stood, and raised her hands over Azura's head. She said, loudly, "From sunrise to sunset, this day, this Child will see no evil, only the world unjaded. Vin uno killel icci no laus vi asteor cavin!"
Bright bursts of light exploded around Azura, and two small balls of light twirled slowly around her, weaving up to her face, then settled in her eyes. The light faded, and Azura blinked thoughtfully, and grinned, "That was so pretty!"
In the distance, hooves beat the ground swiftly, coming their way.
Her mother's face grew distraught, "Not yet…not yet…too soon…Azura!" Her mother pushed her off the road and hid her in a bush of wild berries and flowers. "Stay child…" Her mother said, bending over her, with her palms flat and outstretched, "No matter what you hear…Stay, for your life, stay!"
Her mother then turned and ran to the road, and stood, defiant, and watched some unseen person approaching.
Flash. She saw a Rider approaching swiftly.
Flash. It was gone again, then back again, flickering as if it were some false image she was seeing. But which was false? The Rider or the Rider not being there?
The Rider stopped infront of her mother, blinking in and out of reality, and spoke harshly to her mother, but the words were lost on her ears. She could not remember what had been said.
Her mother shook her head and backed away.
The Rider dismounted, and pushed her mother toward a cliff, and grabbed her wrist. He shouted something at her mother, shaking his fist.
Her mother shook her head, and what she had yelled back, Azura remembered clearly, "I have served my life bound and a slave, but not anymore! Soon, one day, our blood will be free and we shall rest in peace!" Her mother stifled a scream when the Rider drove his sword through her midsection.
Azura had remembered the scene, as her mother raving to herself. The blood…she didn't remember the blood, but she saw it now…
Her mother looked upward, and she stumbled back, "Always…I will remember the skies…and my little Skye…" Then her mother fell backward, off the cliffs, her arms spread as if she were going to land on soft grass, but she disappeared of the side of the cliff.
Azura had spent hours, huddled in the bush until she wandered from it, long after the echoes of invisible thundering hoove disappeared in the distance. She had wandered down a trail that led to the bottom of the cliff, and found her mother.
She had sat, and cried at her mother's side for a long time until a traveler came across her. He took her mother's body into his wagon, then let Azura ride by his side on his wagon back to town. For a few years, she lived with a family, until she was exiled for using magic. *****
Azura woke again, to find she had fallen asleep in memories. Merry, Pippin, and Elrond had left her. The sun no longer shone through the curtains, but instead, she saw the faint glittering of twinkling racist.
She pushed the blankets off of her, and sat up. She stared about the room, feeling uneasy. She slowly stood, feeling refreshed, and cured, but she wondered if they had done the same for Frodo.
"Frodo! I have been so selfish lately, I wonder if he is ok?" She muttered to herself, as her eyes searched the room for her arm coverings, but they weren't to be seen, same with her boots, and her bag.
She crossed the room, her feet falling silently on the cool marble floor. She opened the door slowly, and peeked out. And elf-guard sat on a chair, outside the door, and he had fallen asleep.
Azura quietly walked past him, and headed down a hall, feeling somewhat odd walking through a dwelling she did not know. She turned a corner, feeling small in the house as everything was out of proportion with her, and made for taller folk. Down the hall, Gandalf and Elrond were talking quietly outside of a room.
As if her presences gave off light, Gandalf turned a waved her to come to him.
Azura clasped her hands behind her back, feeling much like a child getting caught for some naughty deed, and walked over to him.
"My child, do you feel better? You have rested almost two days, and I have tired over you and Frodo with cures." Elrond said, smiling down at her. He reached down and brushed her cheek with his hand, "You remind me of an elven child…Small and sweet."
Azura tired not to grin, but failed, "I am well! Why is it everyone disbelieves? How is Frodo? Is he awake?" Azura asked, raising on her toes and peeking into the room next to them. She saw the end of a bed, but no more.
"He is resting, and is better. I fear, another day late of arriving, and he would have not made it…" Elrond said, a thoughtful frown on his features.
"We must speak, Azura a'Leoni, last of the Order of the Ring. Come and speak with Elrond and myself." Gandalf said, ushering Azura away from Frodo's room.
They ushered her into a great dining room, and had her sit at a chair, which was well too high for her. Her feet dangled over the seat. Elrond and Gandalf sat across the table from her, and her chin was only several inches over the flat of the table.The dining hall was grand and regal, and large. On the other of the dining room end, a door was cracked, and behind it, three sets of curious Hobbit-ears listened closely.
"Come now, and tell me of yourself, Azura. Of your intentions." Gandalf said, folding his hands onto the table.
Azura swallowed lightly, feeling as if she was being judged under both of their watchful eyes. She shuddered lightly, then replied, "The Calling…that is why I am here. I'll go insane if I stay away….the longing is horrible."
"Yes, I knew that had to be part of it…Why is it you waited until recent to pursue Frodo? Or the Ring itself?" Gandalf asked, rubbing his chin with a thin, long finger.
Azura cast her eyes downward, feeling uneasy. She hadn't spoken of these topics much before, and it made her nervous, "I waited because I thought I could ignore the Calling. But, less than a year ago, the Calling grew so strong I felt so restless I had to start searching. It was as if the Ring itself was beckoning me."
Elrond nodded, and thought long and deep before asking, "Are you the last?"
Azura kept her eyes cast downward, seeing flashes of that one Rider attacking her mother, "Yes. My mother died when I was six….And my father died when I was four…"
"How troubling and sad that is. My sympathies to you." Elrond said, his face growing tight with control, as if he was troubled by her sad childhood. "How did your parents pass on?"
"My father was ill, and he died. My…my Mother…she…she…" Azura trailed, feeling tears sting her eyes, but forced the back, and looked up, "She was killed by a Ringwraith."
"I suspected as much. Sauron knew the blood was dwindling….He probably thought she was the last. Come now, child, do you remember if words were exchanged?" Gandalf asked, pulling lightly at his beard.
"No…it…" Azura replied, then frown, and suddenly, it came to her. She remembered what was said. She spoke up, "He asked my mother to return to Mordor, he said 'The Last belongs to Sauron, he wishes you by his side, as his equal. He planned the last to be the strongest, to give the Last as it fought against Sauron's enemies. Your place belongs with Him.'"
Elrond and Gandalf fell silent as Azura continued.
"My mother said, "Sauron will not have the last, the Last if free and strong and shall avenge our blood. Go back to Mordor, you filth!' and the Ringwraith laughed…and…he dragged her to the cliff…and shouted, 'Sauron told me to kill you if you would not come…One last time….Return to Mordor! Return to Sauron!'" Azura faltered, forcing back her tears, and took a shaky breath and continued, " My mother shook her head, and laughed at him and said 'I have served my life bound and a slave, but not anymore! Soon, one day, our blood will be free and we shall rest in peace!'…and…then…the Rider …he…" Azura balled her fists by her side, her face grew dark, "….He stabbed my mother….Before,….I didn't know…I thought she had just…but…she…cast a spell so I didn't see…"
Azura faltered, shaking lightly from anger and sorrow, "He stabbed her, and then he pushed her off….He lingered awhile, investigating the area, but I was hidden in the bushes…he didn't see me….He left…And since then, I have mostly been alone, no one understood the Calling like my mother did, because, she, too, felt it."
"True, indeed, it is unimaginable the pulling and weight of your curse." Gandalf said, and stroked his beard, and said, " So you are the last…have you used magic much? I believe the old tales….Do you realize the strength of your magic?"
Azura nodded, looking down. "I do…I…I do.."
"Speak up, child, what troubles you?" Gandlaf asked, frowning.
"When I was ten, my friend Cassie and myself were hunting rabbits and a Raik beast came upon us…and…I grew so angry when it hurt her that…I don't know what I did but I burned the beast, as well as a good deal of the crops. The explosion echoed for miles. I was exiled for it…"
"Yes, I heard of the odd occurrence in Wayfest, the southern town near the Addoline beaches…Yes…I went and looked for you, the mage who had done it, but you were already gone.." Gandalf said.
Azura kept her eyes down, "I haven't really told so much to anyone before…"
"Tell me, did your Mother pass on to you the Mana essence?" Elrond asked, folding his hands in his lap.
Azura looked up and nodded, "It's…in me…My Mother and Father performed a spell…"
"Yes…a transference spell. That make sense." Gandalf said.
"Yeah..they told me they didn't want Sauron to get it back so he couldn't make anymore soliders…..But now, I am all that's left. It's terribly lonely." Azura said, sighing lightly.
"You are not alone, are you not?" Elrond asked, raising an eyebrow.
Azura suddenly broke out in laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks, How selfish of me! I forgot all the wonderful friends I have made! Sam, Pippin, Merry, Strider…and….Frodo! I love them so much…" She laughed, and hiccupped with tears, then shook her head, composing herself, "I'm sorry, it's just, I have been living alone a long time, and having them as friends is so wonderful."
"No apologies, friends and family make life worth it." Elrond said, smiling at her.
"Can I be excused for awhile? I am worried about Frodo and I'd like to see him." Azura said, carefully hopping off the chair.
"Yes," Gandalf said, as he stood slowly, "We shall speak more when you are emotionally more composed."
"If you need anything, be sure to ask an maid, and it will be done for you." Elrond said, and stood and bowed.
Azura nodded, "Thank you.." She turned, and slowly went out the dining room, and headed for Frodo's room.
She pushed open the door, then closed it behind her. She peered around the room, which was dimly lit with a few candles. The room was a medium size for Men and Elves, but for her, it was rather large. She silently walked to the bed Frodo was laid on, and carefully climbed up on it and sat over him.
He slept, breathing slowly and softly. He was less pale and sick looking than before, and looked much healthier.
"I'm sorry I didn't heal you well before…I promise I'll never let harm come to you if I can prevent it." Azura whispered softly, and ran her fingertips through his soft, curly brown hair.
She stared down at him, slowly blinking, " I didn't expect to find such wonderful friends when I sought out on my journey…I didn't expect you to be the Master of the Ring…and…I …didn't…expect to fall in love with you.. When I first saw you…singing in the inn…I just knew I wanted to follow and protect you for as long as I was alive…and…that first night, when we sat in the tree together…I haven't been happy like this in a long time and I don't want it to stop." Azura whispered, feeling her throat grow tight with sadness.
Frodo moved his head from the left to the right, resting his cheek on the pillow, and softly sighing in his sleep.
"I'll…follow you to Mordor and protect you. I don't care if it means my death…I don't care if you never know how much I love you, as long as you are happy and safe, then I am happy." Azura whispered, a few tears streaming down her cheeks, and splattering on Frodo's bare arm.
Azura softly brushed her fingers through his hair, and touched his cheek tenderly.[I]He is handsome, and so very charming. I am surprised he has no wife.[/I]She thought, idly to herself.
Azura stifled a yawn, then leaned down and lay nest to Frodo on the large bed, and stared up at the white marble ceiling. She whispered, softly, "Rest well…My Master." She closed her eyes, and drifted to sleep.
---
Pippin, Sam, and Merry stood outside Frodo's room, and heard Azura's soft talking.
"Her death? What is it she means? Morodor is so treacherous…it may be the death of us all!" Pippin said, in a soft voice.
"She is in love with him." Merry said softly, smiling, "I can see why Frodo loves her, too. She is beautiful, she different, and something about her is so addictive."
"Yes, she is a wonderful person to have about." Sam said, agreeing.
"You little spies! Off to bed with you!" Gandalf scolded, coming out of the dining room.
The three jumped, from surprise, and whirled to face Gandalf.
"You naughty little hobbits! Let Azura and Frodo alone. Now, off to bed with you!" Gandalf said, his voice kept low.
The three hobbits turned tail and headed off to their rooms quickly.
Gandalf laughed softly to himself, then looked into the cracked doorway of Frodo's room, and smiled, "Young love…" He turned, and headed off to his own room.
