Here's the tenth chapter! Hope you enjoy it.

Please R&R

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Frodo nodded wearily, his eyes wide with wonder, the only part of him which looked even remotely lively. He noticed Sam's anguished gaze for approval, and said, 'you did well, Sam. Don't trouble yourself any more on the matter. She's truthful, you can see it in her eyes. And she spoke the name of Elbereth readily, and no evil creature can speak that name.' He turned to Mithmír. 'You cannot stay with us long, lady. I could not bear to be responsible for leading another into the shadow that is the dark land. That peril is mine alone to bear.' He sighed.

He struck her as very wise and learned, and her respect for him was great. 'I agree, Master Frodo. We Men are not made of as sterner stuff as you hobbits. I cannot resist its power for too much longer. But pray, may I ask you: how do you plan to enter Mordor?' She shivered at the word.

Frodo's eyes showed intense pain for awhile. Just when Mithmír thought an answer was not forthcoming, he replied. 'Gollum says there is a way, a hidden way.'

'Do you trust him?' Asked Mithmír, incredulous.

'Yes,' said Frodo softly. 'Yes, I do. Gandalf… Gandalf once said to me that he believed the poor wretch still had some part to play, for good or ill, in the things that were to come. I did not believe him then, but now…' he shrugged helplessly. 'It must be true, don't you see?' His eyes looked for reassurance. He had been making the decisions for too long.

Oddly bold, Mithmír laid her hand on the hobbit's stooped shoulder. 'I believe you, Master Frodo. But I shall not hide from you that he fills me with disgust and dread.'

'And I too,' said Sam, before blushing as he realised he'd contradicted his beloved master. 'Of course, whatever Mr Frodo thinks is right.'

'I'm sure of it,' agreed Mithmír. 'Your master is a wise… hobbit, Sam Gamgee.'

'And I knows it,' nodded Sam. There was a little silence, not awkward but completely still, before Sam broke out: 'well damn and blast it, where is that Gollum creature? He's been gone a long while now.'

'Maybe the sight of a tall person has scared him away,' observed Mithmír realistically. 'It would be quite a shock for him to see me here with you.'

'Yes,' said Frodo quietly, 'and no. He will come back, hissing and complaining, but return he will. You'll not keep him from it, lady.' He looked at her for a while, and then said: 'you'll travel with us from now on, then?'

'Yes, by your leave, Master Frodo,' agreed Mithmír. 'But I won't sleep in your camp. I do not trust myself to be so close to the Ring when you are asleep and vulnerable, even now when I judge myself to be mostly trustworthy. I could wake in madness from some horrible dream, and slay you all while you still slumber.'

'Very well,' sighed Frodo. 'But do not say its name here, Mithmír. This is too close to Sauron for that.' He looked around, as if feeling threatened. Sam noticed this and intervened.

'Well, Mr Frodo, sir, if you don't mind me saying so, we must move on now. Doubtless that foul guide of ours will catch us up in due time.'

'Alright,' said Frodo distantly.

'I'll get my pack and meet you here in a minute,' Mithmír said. 'Do not leave without me.'

As she dashed away, her elf hearing distinctly heard Sam muttering; 'as if we would! Why, Mr Frodo, Men always astound me, even if they are like Aragorn.'

'Yes, she is like him,' agreed Frodo. 'So much so… but then, she is like the elves too.' A glimmer of a smile flitted over his exhausted face. 'The elves, Sam… Do you remember their songs, in Rivendell and Lothlorien?'

'Yes, sir,' huffed Sam in reply as he packed, 'remind me tonight, and I'll get that lady to sing some for you.'

'That will be nice,' agreed Frodo distantly. Then he shook his head and stood up. Mithmír was back. 'Let's move on then. Mithmír, fair Elf Lady, would you care to lead the way?'