Chapter 11: Corruption

A few days after Galadriel had left that place of corruption, she spoke with Gandalf, Elrond, and Lassalanta. She said, "I have done my part..."

Lassalanta looked up, slightly nervously. This meant her role would soon take place. Her hand went to the brooch of an emerald leaf.

"Yet that odor of the blackened papers of Bilbo's life is still fresh," Galadriel added softly.

Elrond snorted, and Gandalf looked away. Lassalanta raised her head and spoke: "I could smell the smoke from where I hid that day...its evil made it stronger than usual, and it stank."

Gandalf sighed heavily, and said, "With the fall of Evenstar, Frodo Baggins died and up rose from his ashes a corrupted creature, mad and devious, like a dark phoenix."

Elrond said with anger in slight: "Then the dark phoenix has killed his own beloved relative, as well as the last of his own life, with the burning of a book into which the two poured their lives and thoughts and histories into. Now for certain, Hisilome, the corrupted creature we used to call Frodo Baggins, must suffer the consequences."

"But not through death," said Galadriel at this point. "And so we have agreed. But now—"

Lassalanta cut in, "Now I must lead him to Cavern Caragdur, where he will be forever entrapped and not be able to spread his dark flames further than this." Her tone was without bitterness.

The faces of the Three were alike in the fact that they all wore the same grim expressions. Galadriel said quietly, "We wish you success! You bear both the most perilous and the most important role! We honor your courage."

Lassalanta began to blush a little, and thought, How I wish Legolas could see me! But then she remembered that she could not look upon him without resulting in his death, and she frowned, making her features dark and troubled.

Gandalf gave her a reassuring smile, then said less heartily, "Elrond will be with you in case things go ill."

Elrond added, "And Gandalf's illusions will make sure you do not have to enter the Cavern!"

Lassalanta nodded, although there was a lump in her throat. "I thank you..." she whispered, then walked quickly to Frodo's dwelling. "Frodo, Frodo," she called.

He appeared, and upon seeing her he smiled, but it was so corrupted it could have passed as a grimace. "Fair Lady Lassalanta," he said, bowing, "Please, do enter!"

"No, though I appreciate your invitation." she responded with a smirk, trying to be the character Galadriel had described to him.

It was ironic, if she had paused to reflect upon the situation. There was one corrupted pretending to be humble, and one humble pretending to be corrupted. They were both trying to trick the other by acting what they were not.

"I have found a wondrous place!" Lassalanta then exclaimed. Lowering her voice to a whisper, as if afraid someone would come and listen to this magnificent secret, she went on: "It is quite beautiful! An inactive volcano with a cavern carved into it, which has crystals as large as yourself, sparkling in the dim light!" Her hushed tone was so awe-inspiring, Hisilome got lost into her descriptions. Lassalanta continued, "I have told none save yourself. Will you come with me to see this wonderful place?"

The Halfling grinned, and there was so much malice in it Lassalanta shuddered, despite the pleasant warm weather.

"With you? But of course! We shall have a magnificent time…" he purred.

The Elf-maiden shivered again, but forced herself say just as cheerfully, "Come then! The sun is setting."

Frodo followed her willingly. As the last sliver of the golden sun sank below the horizon, throwing out its last dim rays of light, Lassalanta smiled, knowing that tonight, the last of Hisilome would set with it.