Chapter 6-The ring is discovered a whole lot of other things
I'd like to thank everyone whose enjoyed this story and everyone who has written all their nice reviews! Please, please, please review if you are reading this, as I like all reviews apart from just personal abuse ones.
I'd also like to thank MaragoldG for sending me all that info. Thanks!
Also if you're getting board with the whole school setting thing, I've moved on faster than all of my other stories to the actual adventure. Also, if you would like to suggest any things to happen between characters, either my made up ones or the actual ones, I'd be please as in the havens Frodo and Froda will meet, Estel will meet Elrond, his great, great, great grand granddad and Sam and Pippin will meet their great, great, great, great granddad as well.
Anything will be welcome, as I have some ideas, but two hundred heads are better than one.
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Froda put her P.E Kit away. She had just become her own worst nightmare. She was now officially a jock. She was on the hobbit division of the running team. But, unlike most of her nightmares, this felt good. She actually felt good! She had been given her own jacket today! She had not only become a jock in 43.89 seconds, she had also beaten Ponto Chubb, gained the respect of people who would have never talked to her before and Sam had talked to her after her win.
He had been concerned by her condition after the run, and when she had returned with Mr Gimli, he had been there to stay with her during the whole heats, and made sure that she was all right. If she didn't know better, she would say that he liked her, as much as she loved him.
She noticed his Letterman jacket (Thank you MaragoldG!) and asked how he got it, even though he wasn't in the running, axe or Archery team. She laughed, a sound that made her heart run fast, and told her that he was in the sword team, as captain, but Estel was pretty good too.
He told her a million and one things and nothing. He watched the races with her and told her about himself and Pippin, his sister. Sam told her about their home, Bag end, and how their rooms hadn't changed since one hundred years ago. He told her how they were the oldest of six and how his dad was a doctor.
Froda laughed and told him that her Mum was in the partnership of Sackvillie (Her maiden name) and Robinson. She did most of the running about in the business, dealing from anything from a divorce to wills. Sam had never heard of divorces. Froda tried to explain, but Sam couldn't grasp the concept. As far as he was concerned, if you get married, that was the end. Froda had never seen such a country bumpkin, but something about him…. She no longer cared about that. After the heats, Merry had come up to her and congratulated her for the hundredth time, and gave her a card.
She put the card back into her bag. It was tonight. She was told that it didn't matter what she wore, as long as she was ready for a good time.
Then she noticed the essay in the back of her locker. Oh sweet Fucking Valer! She had forgotten to give it in! She grabbed it and walked to Mr Greenleaf's classroom. She was nearly there when she heard raised voices inside. She hid outside the door and listened in.
'I can't believe you told the pupils about us! Shouted Mr Gimli,' We needed a new start here, and all I've had from out sixth form is innuendo! How could you Legolas?'
'Gimli, if you can't even tell other people you're gay, how can you accept it yourself?' said Mr Greenleaf, 'It's almost as if you're ashamed of us!'
'Legolas, I'm not ashamed….'
'Yes you are! I love you Gimli and you love me, what's wrong with that? Sam and Frodo loved one another….'
'But they didn't go off and have relationships behind Rose's back! They weren't gay, they were like brothers! That's different!'
'I can't believe your saying this!' shouted Mr Greenleaf, his hands over his ears, 'You don't love me any more! I can tell. Who is he, who IS he?'
'Legolas my love, I have eyes for no one but you, but if the pupils find out how far we've gone….'
'Damn the pupils!' he shouted, turning around. 'Who care's what they know? About 10% of them are gay anyway, so who really give's a Damn?'
'I do Legolas. Their comments hurt me. they cut so deep. Like an axe into deep rock. ' Said Mr Gimli, almost in tears. 'I'm not as strong as you Legolas, you of all people should know that.'
'Oh Gimli, I never realised. ' Legolas bent down and hugged Gimli, himself in tears. 'I'm so sorry. I never realised how it hurt you. I'm so used to the elf's who are themselves gay, I never remembered how bashful dwarfs are. They don't even reveal their own sexes.'
'I know Legolas, but you know how male I am. You know very much so.'
'I definitely do Gimli. ' Said Mr Greenleaf slyly, 'I really do.' Legolas kissed him, and suddenly their cares flew away. Then Mr Gimli went businesslike again. 'Legolas, there is something of even greater importance to talk to you about. You know that young hobbit girl you told me of the other night….'
'Yes Gimli, I remember. She still hasn't given in her essay' Froda felt a pang of guilt. She shouldn't be there, she should have just forgotten about the essay.
'Well, would you think me mad if I told you there was another ring.'
'Another ring? 'Said Legolas, almost to himself.
'Yes, I saw it today in class. I was about to confiscate it when I had, such a strange a strange feeling, as if the eye were watching me. The flaming eye of Sauron.'
'Are you sure? It could have been sunstroke or something like that.'
'No, it was definitely the eye, just trust me on this….'
'There was only one master ring, and that was destroyed by Frodo. End of story!' said Mr Greenleaf, covering his ears again.
'We have to destroy this ring' said Gimli ominously, 'Or Sauron will destroy us!'
'That ring DESTROYED Frodo!' shouted Mr Greenleaf, on the verge of tears' He lost a finger to it. He lost his life and happiness to it! It practically robbed him of his mind! He couldn't stop thinking about it. He's in the havens now, and that keep's him happy, until he LEAVES the havens. Then what? I am not having another person destroyed for blasted rings! You love Frodo as much as I do, would you put him through that all again?'
'No, I just think that if we don't destroy the ring, Sauron will return, and destroy all we hold dear. His power may even reach the havens!' shouted Mr Gimli angrily.' Legolas, you are the only one I can trust on this matter, apart from Gandalf, but if he refuses to help, whom can I turn to? If not you, who?'
'Please Gimli, don't make me think about that again. We lost Boromir, we lost Frodo, and for a time we lost Gandalf. I can't bear it!'
'But we met each other.' Said Gimli lovingly ' That is the only good thing the ring did and I almost want to thank the ring for that.'
Mr Greenleaf broke down crying, and held Gimli. The dwarf conforted the crying elf, stroking his hair. Mr Greenleaf let out a few tortured sobs as Gimli quietened him and held him close. 'Come on Legolas, I though you were the strong one.'
'I'm not so strong, I just deal with things easier than you do. ' Said Mr Greenleaf between sobs. He was quiet for a moment, then said. 'I'm so sorry I accused you of not loving me.' Then he burst into tears again.
'I'm sorry for making you think about the ring again, but I need all the support you can give me.' Said Gimli, trying to pull both of them together. Gimli held him at arm length and looked into Mr Greenleaf's big brown eyes. 'Now Legolas, are you going to stop being upset? I need to work on some essays I was given today. You need to get some work done before we go home tonight.' He said lovingly.
'Yeah, ok.' Said Mr Greenleaf wiping away a tear.
'Be a good boy for me said Mr Gimli. They hugged again, and Mr Gimli left. He didn't notice Froda hiding next to the door. She stood there for a few seconds, trying to figure out what was going on. Mr Gimli had seen the ring. Dammit, she shouldn't have been so stupid as to wear it on the track. Had anyone else see it? No, they couldn't have, she reassured herself.
She breathed in deeply and knocked on the door. 'Come in.' croaked Mr Greenleaf's voice from inside. Froda could feel that he was still upset. She opened the door quietly and came in cautiously. Mr Greenleaf looked up from some essays. His face was red and tears stained, Froda felt guilty that she had listened in more than ever now, but she proceeded to his desk anyway.
'Err…I've got you that essay you wanted.' She said in a scared voice.
'Oh, thank you Miss Baggins.' He said distractedly, getting a handkerchief out, wiping his face. She stared at him for a split second. She turned around sharply. She began to walk to the door again when Mr Greenleaf called out, 'Miss Baggins, are you wearing non permitted jewellery?'
Froda turned around. 'Sir?'
'Just, show me it Froda, I promise I won't hurt you.'
She took it off her neck, and gave it to Mr Greenleaf. He held it cautiously by the chain. He looked at it, glinting evilly in the light. Hand shaking, he tried to touch it.
Images flashed through his head. The eye, Frodo in the havens, Gimli in Moria finding out Balin was dead, finding Pippin underneath all those dead bodies, the armies if orcs attacking helm deep, burying Boromir and the visiting Sam Gamgee after Rose died.
He dropped the ring on the desk with a clatter. Froda looked at him, wide eyed, and picked up the ring quickly. He swallowed, and hyperventilated.
Froda ran towards the door. She disappeared, and ran out. She obviously had put on the ring. He ran out, and shouted in the hall, 'Froda, Froda, where are you? We need to talk? What's that ring your wearing? Come back! I won't hurt you!'
He shouted in vain, as she was gone. He slid down to his knees and although Gimli hated him to get upset, he cried again. Why did it always have to come back? He detested the ring. Somehow Gimli hadn't been affected by its sadness, but he had. Sometimes, when Gimli had been away he had cried himself to sleep about it. He hated the rings of power, every single last one of them!
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Froda took the ring off when she reached her locker again. She smiled, flicked it in the air and caught it again. She put it in her pocket and lent against the wall. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around quickly and saw Mr Gimli behind her. She gulped, and remembered her detention. By the expression on her face, he seemed to as well.
'Miss Baggins, would you accompany me to Mr Gandalf's office please?' he said in a voice so threatening that she trembled. He felt the tremble, and said, 'Don't worry, your not in trouble.' She doubted that. She marched with Mr Gimli to Ol' Gandys office. Mr Gimli opened the door forcefully, and almost pushed her in. 'This is the girl you wanted to see Gandalf' he said simply.
'Ok, you may leave us Mr Gimli.' He said. Mr Gimli gave her a look that said, "If you give him any trouble you're dead" and left closing the door quietly.
'Ah, Miss Baggins. I think we need to have a little talk.' He said, Leaning forward in the way of all left wing liberal headmasters when they face a pupil whom needs a good thrashing by the standards of most other teachers. This conversation Froda had got accustomed to, as she was nearly always on the receiving end. She looked at the floor, her feet dangling. This office had obviously been made for people over five foot high. She pulled some hair out of her hair, and looked at him with her best "What ya got?" face.
'Miss Baggins, I have received over your five days here over twenty-five complains about you and your behaviour.' He said bringing out her permanent record and opened it. He brought out a pair of glasses and read out a few examples. 'From "Miss Lester: Threatening behaviour to other pupils and giving them funny looks."'
'Please sir, she's had it in for me from day one…' she started.
Gandalf sighed. 'Miss Baggins,' he said sighing ' she's the librarian. She shouldn't have to file complains like that against pupils.'
Froda looked at him slightly sorrowfully. Then he read another example. 'Argumentative behaviour, very threatening when asked why homework had not been given in. That one was from Mr Grant. '
'I had given it in. I just got angry when she accused me of not giving it in.' interrupted Froda.
'According to this, you continued to throw abuse and erasers at her.' Said Gandalf as coolly as he dared.
'It was only the one eraser, and I was trying to control myself' Gandalf raised an eyebrow. 'I would have thrown a chair at her otherwise.' Filled in Froda. Gandalf risked a grin.
Gandalf looked at the record again. 'According to Mr Gimli you have been making rather untasteful remarks about his and Mr Greenleaf's sexuality and you have had a very bad attitude problem with all the teachers.'
'What? You mean that I've been calling them Gay? They are gay!' said Froda.
'I know you don't like them but….'
'No, I really mean it, they are in fact homosexuals. Do you know this?' She said, seriously considering hitting the man's head to find out if it actually had something in it.
'I am aware of the nature of their relationship, yes,' Began Gandalf, 'But I think some of the things you have said are unnecessary. '
Froda looked at the ground. She felt the ring in her pocket. This situation was getting more tedious by the second. Should she disappear? It would certainly puzzle him. She decided against it, and took her hand out of her pocket. She looked at Gandalf, and put her dissatisfied youth look on again.
'So, apart from reading me my record, what'eya want?' she said, looking a little too smug.
'I want to see if we can solve whatever problem you seem to have.' He said, putting his hand on her shoulder. She gave it a look of disgust and tried to move away. 'There's no way out Froda, I'm not the only one who's seen the ring…'
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Gimli walked back to Legolas's classroom, as he felt guilty about leaving him alone. When he arrived, he hardly expected to see the beautiful elf in floods of tears siting on the floor outside his classroom. Gimli ran to him, and skidded down to his knees. Legolas's face was red and puffy as he cried uncontrollably. His breathing was to shot, he was a mess and Gimli had never felt himself realise how much he cared for him. Legolas sobbed and choked,' Oh Gimli. * Sob* I * Gulp* I Saw *sob* it all* Choke* in the *pause * ring!'
Gimli sat next to him and hugged him. His diaphragm moved oddly under his skin as he cried. Legolas cried into his shoulder. Legolas sobbed and choked. Gimli rubbed his back, and tried to soothe him like a mother soothes a child. Legolas choked, 'Gimli *choke * I'm so * sob* Sorry. I'm sorry for Everything.'
He burst into a new flood of tears, and Gimli sat there, helpless next to him, and if there's one thing a Dwarf hates, it's to be helpless. Legolas got a new burst of strength and he shouted, the tears choking every word,' VALOR, I HATE EVERY STUPID RING!' before he couldn't talk any more.
Gimli held him close. 'Come on Legolas, just cry. I don't judge you. I never could. I love you too much.'
Legolas looked him in the eye and said, 'I saw it in the ring Gimli *cough * I saw Boromir an' Pippin and Sam an' *Gollem * the eye…' he tried to say.
'Don't try to talk Legolas. I'll be here when you're ready. I will never leave you. Don't rush it. ' Legolas cried harder, but he held the dwarf in a hard hug. He was sure that he would never leave him. Gimli stroked his hair. 'Shhhhhhhhhhhhh, don't worry, I'll protect from anything as long as I have breath in my body. Don't worry my beautiful elf, I shall be your rock, and you shall be my beautiful gold.'
Legolas grinned in the tears. He held the dwarf harder and they cried together
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'Ring, what ring?' Said Froda, managing to back away.
'Miss Baggins, do not lie to me!' Said Gandalf, growing larger,' You possess a certain ring which is more than it seems!'
'I don't know what you're talking about,' stuttered Froda.
'Show me the ring you keep around your neck Miss Baggins, or you will regret the consequences!' Shouted Gandalf. She gulped and grabbed the chain around her neck. She slipped it over her head and held it out, offering it to him.
'Do not offer it to me Froda…'
'What? I thought you wanted to confiscate it! You can't confiscate it if you won't take it from me.' She said, forcefully.
'Miss Baggins, where did you get this ring?' He asked, looking at it carefully.
'It was my dad's. They found it in his pockets when he died. They sent his stuff back to us after they had found his body.'
'Where would a hobbit get such a thing….'Started Gandalf, then broke off, 'Miss Baggins, do you know if there is anything written on this ring?'
'Yes, ' she said, ' it shows some elfish that I don't understand.' She held it so he could see it easier. He looked at it, getting more worried by the minute.
He examined the writing, then, standing up he said, 'Miss Baggins, that is no trinket that you hold. It reads in the black tongue, 'The one ring to blind them all, and in the darkness bind them.' Do you have any idea how your father might have found this?'
'He was trying to bring down an army of orcs near Gondor, where we lived for a while.' She explained ' I was told that another one of the soldiers wore that until his body was found a few days earlier. He wanted Dad to have it. '
'Do you know who he was?' asked Gandalf.
'Not exactly, but I know that he was a man with long brown hair and eyes like fire. I think his name was 'Thomas.' Dad always talked of him favourably. ' Said Froda unusually.
'What do you know of the ring Froda? Tell me about the ring!' Gandalf said urgently.
'All I know is that it's made of Mithril and it can make me disappear. I don't use it often. I've had it since I was nine.'
'You look older than nine,' said Gandalf feverishly, 'Maybe it isn't the ring I think it is, maybe just a copy made for sport….'
'Look, if you're going to question me like this, at least tell me what you're going on about! I'm not answering another question until you explain yourself.' She said, folding her arms and putting the ring in her pocket.
'Miss Baggins, I have a deep suspicion that you have in your possession one of the rings of power.' Said Gandalf in a voice so foreboding that it could make continents quake.
'Even more reason to keep it.' She said.
'Miss Baggins, this ring has the power to bring Sauron back. ' Said Gandalf getting angry, 'It must be destroyed!'
'Sauron? He's dead! He can't come back!' Said Froda, unbelievingly.
'By the powers coming back to Mordor, he is not as dead as he seems. There have been movements of orcs, trolls and other evils to the lands of Mordor.' Explained Gandalf.
'What? I thought that the ring was destroyed over a hundred years ago. The ring that Sauron could wield against the free peoples and turn the land to darkness.' Said Froda, confused.
'From what I heard Miss Baggins, I heard that you thought it wasn't true.'
'It is, I know it is, but I hoped that maybe it wasn't.' she said, crestfallen.
'But that isn't the point.' Said Gandalf, 'The ring cannot stay in the Shire. It has to go, or armies of Orcs will come and destroy us.'
'What? This is stupid!'
'Miss Baggins, you will have to travel to the havens, to consult Elrond. He knows more of these matters than I do. I will send some one to see Radagas, the head of the white council.'
'About this possibly not magic ring?' said Froda, unimpressed.' I thought people had better things to do….'
'Miss Baggins, this is no laughing matter! Tomorrow you will go to the havens.'
'How?' she asked, 'I don't know the way, I can't defend myself against the things you speak of and I have no idea about who to trust and not.'
'You will go with the walking club. As of now there are only three members, and to destroy the ring will be pretty easy. It'll take little under a month their and back. All the parents need do is sign a release form.'
'So what'll the other members do?' she asked. 'I think they'll notice something isn't quiet right if they have to travel to get rid of a ring.'
'They will never know of the ring.' He answered, 'As you will not tell them of it.'
'What about the teachers? Do they know?'
'They will. I made the release forms earlier today to give out. Everyone in the club, except you have them. ' He handed her a piece of paper.
'So, I know what I must do. ' She said sadly. 'I will travel tomorrow to the havens with Mr Gimli and Mr Greenleaf. Man, that's not how I thought I'd be spending my first month at school.'
'I know. No one expects this sort of thing to happen to them until it does,' said Gandalf sympathetically.
'I was expecting to spent my first month in detention.' She said totally seriously.
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Okay, chapter 6. I hope you have enjoyed the ride so far, as it's going to get bumpier! All reviews are welcome apart from personal abuse that's just nasty.
(Pause)
PLEASE JUST REVIEW GOD DAMMIT!
(Pant pant) Sorry, that just slipped out somehow.
I'd like to thank everyone whose enjoyed this story and everyone who has written all their nice reviews! Please, please, please review if you are reading this, as I like all reviews apart from just personal abuse ones.
I'd also like to thank MaragoldG for sending me all that info. Thanks!
Also if you're getting board with the whole school setting thing, I've moved on faster than all of my other stories to the actual adventure. Also, if you would like to suggest any things to happen between characters, either my made up ones or the actual ones, I'd be please as in the havens Frodo and Froda will meet, Estel will meet Elrond, his great, great, great grand granddad and Sam and Pippin will meet their great, great, great, great granddad as well.
Anything will be welcome, as I have some ideas, but two hundred heads are better than one.
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Froda put her P.E Kit away. She had just become her own worst nightmare. She was now officially a jock. She was on the hobbit division of the running team. But, unlike most of her nightmares, this felt good. She actually felt good! She had been given her own jacket today! She had not only become a jock in 43.89 seconds, she had also beaten Ponto Chubb, gained the respect of people who would have never talked to her before and Sam had talked to her after her win.
He had been concerned by her condition after the run, and when she had returned with Mr Gimli, he had been there to stay with her during the whole heats, and made sure that she was all right. If she didn't know better, she would say that he liked her, as much as she loved him.
She noticed his Letterman jacket (Thank you MaragoldG!) and asked how he got it, even though he wasn't in the running, axe or Archery team. She laughed, a sound that made her heart run fast, and told her that he was in the sword team, as captain, but Estel was pretty good too.
He told her a million and one things and nothing. He watched the races with her and told her about himself and Pippin, his sister. Sam told her about their home, Bag end, and how their rooms hadn't changed since one hundred years ago. He told her how they were the oldest of six and how his dad was a doctor.
Froda laughed and told him that her Mum was in the partnership of Sackvillie (Her maiden name) and Robinson. She did most of the running about in the business, dealing from anything from a divorce to wills. Sam had never heard of divorces. Froda tried to explain, but Sam couldn't grasp the concept. As far as he was concerned, if you get married, that was the end. Froda had never seen such a country bumpkin, but something about him…. She no longer cared about that. After the heats, Merry had come up to her and congratulated her for the hundredth time, and gave her a card.
She put the card back into her bag. It was tonight. She was told that it didn't matter what she wore, as long as she was ready for a good time.
Then she noticed the essay in the back of her locker. Oh sweet Fucking Valer! She had forgotten to give it in! She grabbed it and walked to Mr Greenleaf's classroom. She was nearly there when she heard raised voices inside. She hid outside the door and listened in.
'I can't believe you told the pupils about us! Shouted Mr Gimli,' We needed a new start here, and all I've had from out sixth form is innuendo! How could you Legolas?'
'Gimli, if you can't even tell other people you're gay, how can you accept it yourself?' said Mr Greenleaf, 'It's almost as if you're ashamed of us!'
'Legolas, I'm not ashamed….'
'Yes you are! I love you Gimli and you love me, what's wrong with that? Sam and Frodo loved one another….'
'But they didn't go off and have relationships behind Rose's back! They weren't gay, they were like brothers! That's different!'
'I can't believe your saying this!' shouted Mr Greenleaf, his hands over his ears, 'You don't love me any more! I can tell. Who is he, who IS he?'
'Legolas my love, I have eyes for no one but you, but if the pupils find out how far we've gone….'
'Damn the pupils!' he shouted, turning around. 'Who care's what they know? About 10% of them are gay anyway, so who really give's a Damn?'
'I do Legolas. Their comments hurt me. they cut so deep. Like an axe into deep rock. ' Said Mr Gimli, almost in tears. 'I'm not as strong as you Legolas, you of all people should know that.'
'Oh Gimli, I never realised. ' Legolas bent down and hugged Gimli, himself in tears. 'I'm so sorry. I never realised how it hurt you. I'm so used to the elf's who are themselves gay, I never remembered how bashful dwarfs are. They don't even reveal their own sexes.'
'I know Legolas, but you know how male I am. You know very much so.'
'I definitely do Gimli. ' Said Mr Greenleaf slyly, 'I really do.' Legolas kissed him, and suddenly their cares flew away. Then Mr Gimli went businesslike again. 'Legolas, there is something of even greater importance to talk to you about. You know that young hobbit girl you told me of the other night….'
'Yes Gimli, I remember. She still hasn't given in her essay' Froda felt a pang of guilt. She shouldn't be there, she should have just forgotten about the essay.
'Well, would you think me mad if I told you there was another ring.'
'Another ring? 'Said Legolas, almost to himself.
'Yes, I saw it today in class. I was about to confiscate it when I had, such a strange a strange feeling, as if the eye were watching me. The flaming eye of Sauron.'
'Are you sure? It could have been sunstroke or something like that.'
'No, it was definitely the eye, just trust me on this….'
'There was only one master ring, and that was destroyed by Frodo. End of story!' said Mr Greenleaf, covering his ears again.
'We have to destroy this ring' said Gimli ominously, 'Or Sauron will destroy us!'
'That ring DESTROYED Frodo!' shouted Mr Greenleaf, on the verge of tears' He lost a finger to it. He lost his life and happiness to it! It practically robbed him of his mind! He couldn't stop thinking about it. He's in the havens now, and that keep's him happy, until he LEAVES the havens. Then what? I am not having another person destroyed for blasted rings! You love Frodo as much as I do, would you put him through that all again?'
'No, I just think that if we don't destroy the ring, Sauron will return, and destroy all we hold dear. His power may even reach the havens!' shouted Mr Gimli angrily.' Legolas, you are the only one I can trust on this matter, apart from Gandalf, but if he refuses to help, whom can I turn to? If not you, who?'
'Please Gimli, don't make me think about that again. We lost Boromir, we lost Frodo, and for a time we lost Gandalf. I can't bear it!'
'But we met each other.' Said Gimli lovingly ' That is the only good thing the ring did and I almost want to thank the ring for that.'
Mr Greenleaf broke down crying, and held Gimli. The dwarf conforted the crying elf, stroking his hair. Mr Greenleaf let out a few tortured sobs as Gimli quietened him and held him close. 'Come on Legolas, I though you were the strong one.'
'I'm not so strong, I just deal with things easier than you do. ' Said Mr Greenleaf between sobs. He was quiet for a moment, then said. 'I'm so sorry I accused you of not loving me.' Then he burst into tears again.
'I'm sorry for making you think about the ring again, but I need all the support you can give me.' Said Gimli, trying to pull both of them together. Gimli held him at arm length and looked into Mr Greenleaf's big brown eyes. 'Now Legolas, are you going to stop being upset? I need to work on some essays I was given today. You need to get some work done before we go home tonight.' He said lovingly.
'Yeah, ok.' Said Mr Greenleaf wiping away a tear.
'Be a good boy for me said Mr Gimli. They hugged again, and Mr Gimli left. He didn't notice Froda hiding next to the door. She stood there for a few seconds, trying to figure out what was going on. Mr Gimli had seen the ring. Dammit, she shouldn't have been so stupid as to wear it on the track. Had anyone else see it? No, they couldn't have, she reassured herself.
She breathed in deeply and knocked on the door. 'Come in.' croaked Mr Greenleaf's voice from inside. Froda could feel that he was still upset. She opened the door quietly and came in cautiously. Mr Greenleaf looked up from some essays. His face was red and tears stained, Froda felt guilty that she had listened in more than ever now, but she proceeded to his desk anyway.
'Err…I've got you that essay you wanted.' She said in a scared voice.
'Oh, thank you Miss Baggins.' He said distractedly, getting a handkerchief out, wiping his face. She stared at him for a split second. She turned around sharply. She began to walk to the door again when Mr Greenleaf called out, 'Miss Baggins, are you wearing non permitted jewellery?'
Froda turned around. 'Sir?'
'Just, show me it Froda, I promise I won't hurt you.'
She took it off her neck, and gave it to Mr Greenleaf. He held it cautiously by the chain. He looked at it, glinting evilly in the light. Hand shaking, he tried to touch it.
Images flashed through his head. The eye, Frodo in the havens, Gimli in Moria finding out Balin was dead, finding Pippin underneath all those dead bodies, the armies if orcs attacking helm deep, burying Boromir and the visiting Sam Gamgee after Rose died.
He dropped the ring on the desk with a clatter. Froda looked at him, wide eyed, and picked up the ring quickly. He swallowed, and hyperventilated.
Froda ran towards the door. She disappeared, and ran out. She obviously had put on the ring. He ran out, and shouted in the hall, 'Froda, Froda, where are you? We need to talk? What's that ring your wearing? Come back! I won't hurt you!'
He shouted in vain, as she was gone. He slid down to his knees and although Gimli hated him to get upset, he cried again. Why did it always have to come back? He detested the ring. Somehow Gimli hadn't been affected by its sadness, but he had. Sometimes, when Gimli had been away he had cried himself to sleep about it. He hated the rings of power, every single last one of them!
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Froda took the ring off when she reached her locker again. She smiled, flicked it in the air and caught it again. She put it in her pocket and lent against the wall. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around quickly and saw Mr Gimli behind her. She gulped, and remembered her detention. By the expression on her face, he seemed to as well.
'Miss Baggins, would you accompany me to Mr Gandalf's office please?' he said in a voice so threatening that she trembled. He felt the tremble, and said, 'Don't worry, your not in trouble.' She doubted that. She marched with Mr Gimli to Ol' Gandys office. Mr Gimli opened the door forcefully, and almost pushed her in. 'This is the girl you wanted to see Gandalf' he said simply.
'Ok, you may leave us Mr Gimli.' He said. Mr Gimli gave her a look that said, "If you give him any trouble you're dead" and left closing the door quietly.
'Ah, Miss Baggins. I think we need to have a little talk.' He said, Leaning forward in the way of all left wing liberal headmasters when they face a pupil whom needs a good thrashing by the standards of most other teachers. This conversation Froda had got accustomed to, as she was nearly always on the receiving end. She looked at the floor, her feet dangling. This office had obviously been made for people over five foot high. She pulled some hair out of her hair, and looked at him with her best "What ya got?" face.
'Miss Baggins, I have received over your five days here over twenty-five complains about you and your behaviour.' He said bringing out her permanent record and opened it. He brought out a pair of glasses and read out a few examples. 'From "Miss Lester: Threatening behaviour to other pupils and giving them funny looks."'
'Please sir, she's had it in for me from day one…' she started.
Gandalf sighed. 'Miss Baggins,' he said sighing ' she's the librarian. She shouldn't have to file complains like that against pupils.'
Froda looked at him slightly sorrowfully. Then he read another example. 'Argumentative behaviour, very threatening when asked why homework had not been given in. That one was from Mr Grant. '
'I had given it in. I just got angry when she accused me of not giving it in.' interrupted Froda.
'According to this, you continued to throw abuse and erasers at her.' Said Gandalf as coolly as he dared.
'It was only the one eraser, and I was trying to control myself' Gandalf raised an eyebrow. 'I would have thrown a chair at her otherwise.' Filled in Froda. Gandalf risked a grin.
Gandalf looked at the record again. 'According to Mr Gimli you have been making rather untasteful remarks about his and Mr Greenleaf's sexuality and you have had a very bad attitude problem with all the teachers.'
'What? You mean that I've been calling them Gay? They are gay!' said Froda.
'I know you don't like them but….'
'No, I really mean it, they are in fact homosexuals. Do you know this?' She said, seriously considering hitting the man's head to find out if it actually had something in it.
'I am aware of the nature of their relationship, yes,' Began Gandalf, 'But I think some of the things you have said are unnecessary. '
Froda looked at the ground. She felt the ring in her pocket. This situation was getting more tedious by the second. Should she disappear? It would certainly puzzle him. She decided against it, and took her hand out of her pocket. She looked at Gandalf, and put her dissatisfied youth look on again.
'So, apart from reading me my record, what'eya want?' she said, looking a little too smug.
'I want to see if we can solve whatever problem you seem to have.' He said, putting his hand on her shoulder. She gave it a look of disgust and tried to move away. 'There's no way out Froda, I'm not the only one who's seen the ring…'
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Gimli walked back to Legolas's classroom, as he felt guilty about leaving him alone. When he arrived, he hardly expected to see the beautiful elf in floods of tears siting on the floor outside his classroom. Gimli ran to him, and skidded down to his knees. Legolas's face was red and puffy as he cried uncontrollably. His breathing was to shot, he was a mess and Gimli had never felt himself realise how much he cared for him. Legolas sobbed and choked,' Oh Gimli. * Sob* I * Gulp* I Saw *sob* it all* Choke* in the *pause * ring!'
Gimli sat next to him and hugged him. His diaphragm moved oddly under his skin as he cried. Legolas cried into his shoulder. Legolas sobbed and choked. Gimli rubbed his back, and tried to soothe him like a mother soothes a child. Legolas choked, 'Gimli *choke * I'm so * sob* Sorry. I'm sorry for Everything.'
He burst into a new flood of tears, and Gimli sat there, helpless next to him, and if there's one thing a Dwarf hates, it's to be helpless. Legolas got a new burst of strength and he shouted, the tears choking every word,' VALOR, I HATE EVERY STUPID RING!' before he couldn't talk any more.
Gimli held him close. 'Come on Legolas, just cry. I don't judge you. I never could. I love you too much.'
Legolas looked him in the eye and said, 'I saw it in the ring Gimli *cough * I saw Boromir an' Pippin and Sam an' *Gollem * the eye…' he tried to say.
'Don't try to talk Legolas. I'll be here when you're ready. I will never leave you. Don't rush it. ' Legolas cried harder, but he held the dwarf in a hard hug. He was sure that he would never leave him. Gimli stroked his hair. 'Shhhhhhhhhhhhh, don't worry, I'll protect from anything as long as I have breath in my body. Don't worry my beautiful elf, I shall be your rock, and you shall be my beautiful gold.'
Legolas grinned in the tears. He held the dwarf harder and they cried together
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'Ring, what ring?' Said Froda, managing to back away.
'Miss Baggins, do not lie to me!' Said Gandalf, growing larger,' You possess a certain ring which is more than it seems!'
'I don't know what you're talking about,' stuttered Froda.
'Show me the ring you keep around your neck Miss Baggins, or you will regret the consequences!' Shouted Gandalf. She gulped and grabbed the chain around her neck. She slipped it over her head and held it out, offering it to him.
'Do not offer it to me Froda…'
'What? I thought you wanted to confiscate it! You can't confiscate it if you won't take it from me.' She said, forcefully.
'Miss Baggins, where did you get this ring?' He asked, looking at it carefully.
'It was my dad's. They found it in his pockets when he died. They sent his stuff back to us after they had found his body.'
'Where would a hobbit get such a thing….'Started Gandalf, then broke off, 'Miss Baggins, do you know if there is anything written on this ring?'
'Yes, ' she said, ' it shows some elfish that I don't understand.' She held it so he could see it easier. He looked at it, getting more worried by the minute.
He examined the writing, then, standing up he said, 'Miss Baggins, that is no trinket that you hold. It reads in the black tongue, 'The one ring to blind them all, and in the darkness bind them.' Do you have any idea how your father might have found this?'
'He was trying to bring down an army of orcs near Gondor, where we lived for a while.' She explained ' I was told that another one of the soldiers wore that until his body was found a few days earlier. He wanted Dad to have it. '
'Do you know who he was?' asked Gandalf.
'Not exactly, but I know that he was a man with long brown hair and eyes like fire. I think his name was 'Thomas.' Dad always talked of him favourably. ' Said Froda unusually.
'What do you know of the ring Froda? Tell me about the ring!' Gandalf said urgently.
'All I know is that it's made of Mithril and it can make me disappear. I don't use it often. I've had it since I was nine.'
'You look older than nine,' said Gandalf feverishly, 'Maybe it isn't the ring I think it is, maybe just a copy made for sport….'
'Look, if you're going to question me like this, at least tell me what you're going on about! I'm not answering another question until you explain yourself.' She said, folding her arms and putting the ring in her pocket.
'Miss Baggins, I have a deep suspicion that you have in your possession one of the rings of power.' Said Gandalf in a voice so foreboding that it could make continents quake.
'Even more reason to keep it.' She said.
'Miss Baggins, this ring has the power to bring Sauron back. ' Said Gandalf getting angry, 'It must be destroyed!'
'Sauron? He's dead! He can't come back!' Said Froda, unbelievingly.
'By the powers coming back to Mordor, he is not as dead as he seems. There have been movements of orcs, trolls and other evils to the lands of Mordor.' Explained Gandalf.
'What? I thought that the ring was destroyed over a hundred years ago. The ring that Sauron could wield against the free peoples and turn the land to darkness.' Said Froda, confused.
'From what I heard Miss Baggins, I heard that you thought it wasn't true.'
'It is, I know it is, but I hoped that maybe it wasn't.' she said, crestfallen.
'But that isn't the point.' Said Gandalf, 'The ring cannot stay in the Shire. It has to go, or armies of Orcs will come and destroy us.'
'What? This is stupid!'
'Miss Baggins, you will have to travel to the havens, to consult Elrond. He knows more of these matters than I do. I will send some one to see Radagas, the head of the white council.'
'About this possibly not magic ring?' said Froda, unimpressed.' I thought people had better things to do….'
'Miss Baggins, this is no laughing matter! Tomorrow you will go to the havens.'
'How?' she asked, 'I don't know the way, I can't defend myself against the things you speak of and I have no idea about who to trust and not.'
'You will go with the walking club. As of now there are only three members, and to destroy the ring will be pretty easy. It'll take little under a month their and back. All the parents need do is sign a release form.'
'So what'll the other members do?' she asked. 'I think they'll notice something isn't quiet right if they have to travel to get rid of a ring.'
'They will never know of the ring.' He answered, 'As you will not tell them of it.'
'What about the teachers? Do they know?'
'They will. I made the release forms earlier today to give out. Everyone in the club, except you have them. ' He handed her a piece of paper.
'So, I know what I must do. ' She said sadly. 'I will travel tomorrow to the havens with Mr Gimli and Mr Greenleaf. Man, that's not how I thought I'd be spending my first month at school.'
'I know. No one expects this sort of thing to happen to them until it does,' said Gandalf sympathetically.
'I was expecting to spent my first month in detention.' She said totally seriously.
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Okay, chapter 6. I hope you have enjoyed the ride so far, as it's going to get bumpier! All reviews are welcome apart from personal abuse that's just nasty.
(Pause)
PLEASE JUST REVIEW GOD DAMMIT!
(Pant pant) Sorry, that just slipped out somehow.