Disclaimer: AU Story. My second large fic because it gave me so much
pleasure writing the last. I do not own any of the characters or places in
this story- both belong to the genius, Tolkien. I know; I torture the
characters but I will do my very best to save them. Hope you enjoy!
Lil*bee: Heehee. I am very glad I changed your opinion of Frodo. He is such a cutie! Oh, that is just so sweet. Thank you- I will take you by your word and just for you, I'll put Legolas a little more into this story.
Belthronding: I tried so hard with Sam! Thank you so much for mentioning it! I know, Frodo still needs time. Time is a good healer. Ah, as for the trials, the elves are going to play a large part in that. Trying to heal Frodo of his inner wounds.
TrueFan: Hey, I need to give Frodo a break some of the time! Nah, if you're evil then I'm a Dark Lord! Yeah, I'm updating slowly. *uses walking stick to type three letters within an hour*
Jordan: Thank you so much! Your comments mean a lot to me. Oh, thank you so much!
JaimeyKay: About TTT- that is true. I kept anticipating seeing more of the hobbits but Jackson did say that they would get a major part in the final film. But yeah, I understand what you mean.
Feline Daemon: Well *blush* I try. Haha! I love that Gimli and Aragorn scene. It's just so sweet. They used more humour in this movie. It's very good.
Elf of Rivendell: More is coming in time for Christmas! Hope that this goes well for all.
The Fellowship of the Nuts: This chapter is dedicated to you for being so wonderful! I am just so grateful for being included in your fantastic story- thank you so very much! *hugs FrodoFan* And thank you for standing up for me too.
Saw TTT again! God, I am filled with joy, peace and longing for another time to see it. After ROTK, I have nothing to live for!
And to all: HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
~ Chapter Nine ~
When all the company were settled within the great hall, they stood silently in a group. The two elves smiled warmly at them and Frodo felt that both were surrounded with light.
"Now that you are all before us, let us now address the issue that was reported to us from our borders. You are eight. We were told by Elrond that nine would be entering the Golden Wood. Tell me, where is Gandalf the Grey?" Celeborn asked. "I much desire to speak with him."
None of them spoke for a long while. It was as if they had had salt rubbed into their wounds. Their hearts ached for the loss of their guide. He was so much more than that. One of great wisdom and one who understood the ways of the world. It was he alone that they had trusted to lead them on their quest until the very end. Fate was cruel.
"Gandalf did not pass these borders," said Galadriel in a whisper. Her eyes were fixed on Aragorn and Frodo saw him nod weakly.
"Then where is Mithrandir now?" Lord Celeborn ventured.
Frodo stepped forward weakly. It took all his courage to force the words from his dry lips.
"Gandalf fell."
"He was taken by a Balrog of Morgoth on the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm. He died saving our lives," Legolas finished for him softly. Frodo swallowed hard as he felt Haldir's eyes on his face and nodded. Now they knew. Several gasps went up from other elves around the room but the Fellowship were silent. Boromir bowed his head in silent grieving. He could sense a presence in his mind. Galadriel's beautiful face lit up his thoughts, saying in a voice made of silk,
"Do not despair for your people, Boromir of Gondor. So much evil has come into this world. But there is hope yet."
He kept his eyes fixed on the floor and pursed his lips. All lies, he told himself, it is all false.
"Then you stand at a precipice. Without Gandalf, there is no hope," Celeborn said sadly.
"But, if the company remains true.. Do not give up all faith yet. The Ring is still in the hands of the good," Galadriel murmured, "The Grey Pilgrim may no longer wander our world but the darkness has not claimed us all. We have not been defeated yet. Come now, my Lord, our guests are weary with travelling and sorrow. We must allow them to rest."
Some elves came forward and bowed low to the visitors and began to lead them from the chamber.
"All those confounded stairs all over again," Frodo heard Gimli mutter and he could not hold back a smile.
--
Fortunately, they were not asked to walk far. But in a nearby glade where a fountain gurgled and chuckled on a stone pedestal. Deep was the night, with only a few glinting stars visible above. They were led to some pavilions at one side, under some trees where they were also given blankets and pillows to use. Frodo sat down in silence, his head whirling with thoughts and memories. The song had taken on a different tune. Sad and lamenting, wafting among the trees and stirring yet more sorrow in the company's hearts. Legolas pricked his ears and stood erect, listening.
"It is a lament for Gandalf."
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked quietly. He had no idea how Elvish worked and he was loath to question Frodo about it at the moment. The hobbit looked so careworn and battered. His face only portrayed sadness and often his sapphire eyes would fill with tears. Legolas turned to look at Merry.
"I am sorry, Merry. For the moment, I would prefer not to speak of it. Get some well sleep, little one."
And Merry complied, content to listen to the singing in Elvish.
"A Ol?rin i y?resse
Mentaner i N?meherui
T?rien i R?men?ri
Maiaron i Oiosaila
Manan elye etevanne
N?rie i melanelye?
Mithrandir, Mithrandir, A Randir Vithren
?-reniathach i amar galen
I reniad l?n ne m?r, nuithannen
In gwidh ristennin, i fae narchannen
I lach Anor ed ardhon gwannen
Calad veleg, ethuiannen."
Frodo understood little of it but still it made his heart burn. He longed to hear the wizard's rumbling voice and laugh. Wanted to see his smiling eyes more than anything on earth. The Ring weighed so much. It seemed to sear his very insides just by thinking of it. The memories were too few and far between. Frodo would have given a part of himself to see Gandalf again. Why did the wizard fall? Why someone that meant so much to so many lives? Why didn't Frodo fall? He shook the thought away. This was no way of thinking. Gandalf would not have wanted it, he was sure. What would he have wanted? To complete the quest.
Sam placed a hand on his master's shoulder. Frodo flinched but turned to look at him wearily.
"Mister Frodo, I've brought you some food," he said, "It's Elvish bread and it's really nice. Try some, Frodo, you'll like it!"
"It's alright, Sam. I could not eat anything if I tried."
"Please, Mister Frodo-"
"Sam, how far do you think it is to Mordor?"
The gardener looked taken aback. But he considered the question, inadvertently taking a bite out of Frodo's food.
"I don't know rightly. I reckon it'd be a long way from Lórien. We'd have to go south for a long way before reaching Gondor and places. I know that we can get to Mordor from there. Why do you ask?"
Frodo sighed.
"I was just thinking.. Will the others come all the way? After all this, I would be surprised if they did not jump at the prospect of going to Gondor with Boromir."
"Frodo, you know that me, Merry and Pippin would never leave you. And Master Legolas said he would, so did Master Gimli and Strider. And I trust them all."
"Good," Frodo said, smiling faintly at his friend, "I'm glad. I do not think I would get far without you and the others."
Sam clasped his hand and beamed.
~
Quite anti-climax, sorry but at least they're all there. This is the start of many great things. Hope that everyone wakes up with a tonne of prezzies! Hugs from me on Christmas morning!
Lil*bee: Heehee. I am very glad I changed your opinion of Frodo. He is such a cutie! Oh, that is just so sweet. Thank you- I will take you by your word and just for you, I'll put Legolas a little more into this story.
Belthronding: I tried so hard with Sam! Thank you so much for mentioning it! I know, Frodo still needs time. Time is a good healer. Ah, as for the trials, the elves are going to play a large part in that. Trying to heal Frodo of his inner wounds.
TrueFan: Hey, I need to give Frodo a break some of the time! Nah, if you're evil then I'm a Dark Lord! Yeah, I'm updating slowly. *uses walking stick to type three letters within an hour*
Jordan: Thank you so much! Your comments mean a lot to me. Oh, thank you so much!
JaimeyKay: About TTT- that is true. I kept anticipating seeing more of the hobbits but Jackson did say that they would get a major part in the final film. But yeah, I understand what you mean.
Feline Daemon: Well *blush* I try. Haha! I love that Gimli and Aragorn scene. It's just so sweet. They used more humour in this movie. It's very good.
Elf of Rivendell: More is coming in time for Christmas! Hope that this goes well for all.
The Fellowship of the Nuts: This chapter is dedicated to you for being so wonderful! I am just so grateful for being included in your fantastic story- thank you so very much! *hugs FrodoFan* And thank you for standing up for me too.
Saw TTT again! God, I am filled with joy, peace and longing for another time to see it. After ROTK, I have nothing to live for!
And to all: HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
~ Chapter Nine ~
When all the company were settled within the great hall, they stood silently in a group. The two elves smiled warmly at them and Frodo felt that both were surrounded with light.
"Now that you are all before us, let us now address the issue that was reported to us from our borders. You are eight. We were told by Elrond that nine would be entering the Golden Wood. Tell me, where is Gandalf the Grey?" Celeborn asked. "I much desire to speak with him."
None of them spoke for a long while. It was as if they had had salt rubbed into their wounds. Their hearts ached for the loss of their guide. He was so much more than that. One of great wisdom and one who understood the ways of the world. It was he alone that they had trusted to lead them on their quest until the very end. Fate was cruel.
"Gandalf did not pass these borders," said Galadriel in a whisper. Her eyes were fixed on Aragorn and Frodo saw him nod weakly.
"Then where is Mithrandir now?" Lord Celeborn ventured.
Frodo stepped forward weakly. It took all his courage to force the words from his dry lips.
"Gandalf fell."
"He was taken by a Balrog of Morgoth on the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm. He died saving our lives," Legolas finished for him softly. Frodo swallowed hard as he felt Haldir's eyes on his face and nodded. Now they knew. Several gasps went up from other elves around the room but the Fellowship were silent. Boromir bowed his head in silent grieving. He could sense a presence in his mind. Galadriel's beautiful face lit up his thoughts, saying in a voice made of silk,
"Do not despair for your people, Boromir of Gondor. So much evil has come into this world. But there is hope yet."
He kept his eyes fixed on the floor and pursed his lips. All lies, he told himself, it is all false.
"Then you stand at a precipice. Without Gandalf, there is no hope," Celeborn said sadly.
"But, if the company remains true.. Do not give up all faith yet. The Ring is still in the hands of the good," Galadriel murmured, "The Grey Pilgrim may no longer wander our world but the darkness has not claimed us all. We have not been defeated yet. Come now, my Lord, our guests are weary with travelling and sorrow. We must allow them to rest."
Some elves came forward and bowed low to the visitors and began to lead them from the chamber.
"All those confounded stairs all over again," Frodo heard Gimli mutter and he could not hold back a smile.
--
Fortunately, they were not asked to walk far. But in a nearby glade where a fountain gurgled and chuckled on a stone pedestal. Deep was the night, with only a few glinting stars visible above. They were led to some pavilions at one side, under some trees where they were also given blankets and pillows to use. Frodo sat down in silence, his head whirling with thoughts and memories. The song had taken on a different tune. Sad and lamenting, wafting among the trees and stirring yet more sorrow in the company's hearts. Legolas pricked his ears and stood erect, listening.
"It is a lament for Gandalf."
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked quietly. He had no idea how Elvish worked and he was loath to question Frodo about it at the moment. The hobbit looked so careworn and battered. His face only portrayed sadness and often his sapphire eyes would fill with tears. Legolas turned to look at Merry.
"I am sorry, Merry. For the moment, I would prefer not to speak of it. Get some well sleep, little one."
And Merry complied, content to listen to the singing in Elvish.
"A Ol?rin i y?resse
Mentaner i N?meherui
T?rien i R?men?ri
Maiaron i Oiosaila
Manan elye etevanne
N?rie i melanelye?
Mithrandir, Mithrandir, A Randir Vithren
?-reniathach i amar galen
I reniad l?n ne m?r, nuithannen
In gwidh ristennin, i fae narchannen
I lach Anor ed ardhon gwannen
Calad veleg, ethuiannen."
Frodo understood little of it but still it made his heart burn. He longed to hear the wizard's rumbling voice and laugh. Wanted to see his smiling eyes more than anything on earth. The Ring weighed so much. It seemed to sear his very insides just by thinking of it. The memories were too few and far between. Frodo would have given a part of himself to see Gandalf again. Why did the wizard fall? Why someone that meant so much to so many lives? Why didn't Frodo fall? He shook the thought away. This was no way of thinking. Gandalf would not have wanted it, he was sure. What would he have wanted? To complete the quest.
Sam placed a hand on his master's shoulder. Frodo flinched but turned to look at him wearily.
"Mister Frodo, I've brought you some food," he said, "It's Elvish bread and it's really nice. Try some, Frodo, you'll like it!"
"It's alright, Sam. I could not eat anything if I tried."
"Please, Mister Frodo-"
"Sam, how far do you think it is to Mordor?"
The gardener looked taken aback. But he considered the question, inadvertently taking a bite out of Frodo's food.
"I don't know rightly. I reckon it'd be a long way from Lórien. We'd have to go south for a long way before reaching Gondor and places. I know that we can get to Mordor from there. Why do you ask?"
Frodo sighed.
"I was just thinking.. Will the others come all the way? After all this, I would be surprised if they did not jump at the prospect of going to Gondor with Boromir."
"Frodo, you know that me, Merry and Pippin would never leave you. And Master Legolas said he would, so did Master Gimli and Strider. And I trust them all."
"Good," Frodo said, smiling faintly at his friend, "I'm glad. I do not think I would get far without you and the others."
Sam clasped his hand and beamed.
~
Quite anti-climax, sorry but at least they're all there. This is the start of many great things. Hope that everyone wakes up with a tonne of prezzies! Hugs from me on Christmas morning!