The remaining 9 people all walked in some silence. They were heartbroken, grief stricken, and scared for what may lay ahead of them. For some hours they walked. Ignoring the hunger, ignoring the tired, ignoring the pain in their feet and mainly concentrated on getting to Lothlorien. The sun was nearing to sunset and they all were in the woods. Gimli looked around with wide eyes glancing periodically at the group.
"Stay close young hobbits!" Paddamill rubbed her head looking around.
"Did you...hear something?" She asked Legolas who walked beside her.
"No."
"They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell." Gimli added. Frodo frowned when he heard someone whisper his name.
"Frodo."
"And are never seen again!" Gimli continued.
"You are coming to us is as the footsteps of doom... You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer." Frodo frowned even harder and looked around seeing Boromir walking steadily alongside Aragorn, Pippin Merry and Sam walking together, and Legolas and Paddamill looking around. He frowned looking forward at Gimli
"Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked noticing his odd behavior.
"Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily.
I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." He looked forward and silently gasped seeing Elves standing in front with their arrows quickly drawn.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." It was Haldir the elf standing guard over the forest. Aragorn stepped forth protective of his remaining fellowship. Haldir glanced at him but quickly adverted his eyes over to Legolas. He spoke lowly in elvish.
"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil." Paddamill watched Haldir speak then turned her glance over to the replying Legolas.
"Our fellowship stands in your debt." Haldir looked back to Aragorn and spoke once more in Elvish.
"Aragorn of the Dunedain...you are known to us." Gimli quickly huffed and rolled his eyes.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves! Speak words we can all understand!" Paddamill swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced briefly at Gimli. Haldir walked over to him and looked down upon him.
"We have not had dealing with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Paddamill looked over at Aragorn as Gimli spoke in the dwarvin tongue. It obviously was not sweet for once he was finished Aragorn turned and bent down to him.
"That was not so courteous." Haldir stood back and glanced at everyone.
"You bring great evil with you," he turned his glance upon Frodo then quickly back to Strider. "You can go no further." He turned to leave but Aragorn quickly walked towards him. As they spoke in private, everyone sat down waiting for good news. Legolas periodically looked up at the two. Paddamill knew Legolas could understand since the expressions on his face changed every now and then.
"Gandalf's death was not in vain." Paddamill looked up. Boromir was looking at Frodo with soft eyes. "Nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead." Paddamill frowned wanting to stand up and slap him for saying that. Carry the weight of the dead! How dare he!
Haldir came towards them with annoyance. "You will follow me." The group stood and walked for miles through forest's and wooded areas. The sun shining brightly ahead of them at all times. Paddamill could only worry as to where they were taking them. Merry and Pippin were too, since they stuck beside her at all times. They finally stopped nearly twenty minutes into the walk to look over at a large wooded area. A smile crossed Haldir's face.
"Cara Galadhan. The heart of the Elvedom on Earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light." Haldir proclaimed as he turned and held out his hand for them to follow the other two elves. Slowly they walked passed. Paddamill looked up at the man in his wool cloak and brown pants. He kept her eye contact until she couldn't see him anymore. There he fixed his eyes upon Gimli.
They all walked close together being led by Haldir. Once they all were stopped once again this time in the presence of a female and male elf with white clothing and white lights. Celeborn and Galadriel.
"The enemy knows you've entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." Celeborn spoke to them all making sure everyone got a hard glance from him. Paddamill never blinked as he held a stare with her. It were as if he were pondering her face. After a brief moment he continued to speak.
"Nine that there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." Paddamill frowned watching the man. He looked so familiar to her yet she knew she had never met him before. Her concentration was interrupted when the Lady Galadriel spoke softly.
"He has fallen into Shadow."
"He was taken by both shadow and flame. A balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Legolas added to the sad thought. Aragorn nodded feeling very uncomfortable.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. Do no let the great emptiness of Khazad- Dûm fill your heart..." Galadriel turned her attention over to Gimli, who stood quietly and still. "Gimli son of Gloin for the world has grown full of peril..." Paddamill watched her move her glance over to Boromir as she continued "and in all lands...love is now mingled with grief." Paddamill frowned heavily as she watched Boromir nearly break down into tears. Celeborn looked over them once more as he spoke.
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf hope is lost."
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all." Galadriel looked at him and spoke in a voice that was music to one's ears. "Yet hope remains while the Company is true." She turned to see Sam. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace..." Her voice trailed off as Paddamill watched her speak. All of a sudden she felt odd "Do not be alarmed my princess. In time the truth will come."
Paddamill sat in a clean white dress similar to the one Galadriel wore. She had met with her and allowed her to braid her long brown hair. The two barely spoke yet when she did it was fairly odd.
"She had asked me if I had seen the jewel." She turned to look at Sam and Pippin.
"I don't know what she could mean by that." Sam commented.
"Well one thing I do know, supper was delicious!" Paddamill smiled and let out a laugh.
"Peregrin Took, do you ever not think of food?" He smiled and let out a laugh as she ruffled his hair. The three looked at Legolas walking towards them.
"A lament for Gandalf." Paddamill stopped smiling and looked down at the ground as if thinking. A cool breeze flew by making her grin.
"What do they say about him?" Pippin asked looking up at Legolas.
"I haven't the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near." He nodded lightly as he looked away.
"Don't grieve too much Legolas." He frowned and looked at her
"Why shouldn't I? He was as good a friend to me as he was to all of us." Paddamill sighed and adverted her eyes over to Sam, who fixed his bed.
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them." Paddamill smiled as he stood up.
"The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green, or after thunder silver showers. Come falling like a rain of flowers. Oh, that doesn't do them justic by a long road." Sam quickly sat back down.
"I liked it, Sam." Paddamill smiled to him as he looked up at her. He shrugged and blushed.
"Thank you ma'am." Paddamill raised her eyebrows and looked away to see Boromir and Aragorn. Although she wanted to tell them all that Gandalf was going to be okay she couldn't find the heart to do so. She then listened as the two men spoke.
"... I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." She frowned remembering of the white city. Stories her mother used to tell.
"And then our... our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I, I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion. Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" Paddamill frowned thinking of her own home and how she missed it. Her family. The way things used to be. She looked back up to see Aragorn sitting in front of him.
"I have seen the White City. Long ago."
"One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: "The Lords of Gondor have returned."" Aragorn looked away to have his eyes meet with Paddamill's. Her eyes stung with tears only continuing to make more. As is he were ashamed of seeing her cry he lowered his head.
Frodo sat in a hollowed out tree where his bed was made. He leaned on the curve of the wall and looked out into the night thinking of Bilbo, thinking of the shire and most of all thinking about Gandalf. It might've been earlier in the day when Gandalf fell into the pits of Moria, but in his mind it happened every second. He saw his face of tired, of eagerness, and surprise. A tear rolled down his cheek as he leaned his head on the wall closing his eyes.
"Gandalf." He whispered in a sad tone. Paddamill stopped by the tree and looked at Frodo, lying there with tears on his cheeks yet peace in his emotion.
"I miss him too." Paddamill spoke causing Frodo's eyes to open wide. He didn't say anything for a moment but only sat up making room for her to sit.
"You shouldn't be so sad." Paddamill said looking at him as she took the seat he had made for her. He frowned and looked up at her with amazement.
"Gandalf was my friend."
"And I know that. He was a great Wizard, and a wonderful friend."
"He still is!" Frodo said pulling his legs to his chest. Paddamill watched him frown. Slightly she grinned
"That he is." She mumbled "That he is." The two didn't speak for a minute as if they were pondering on what to say. But Paddamill sighed uncomfortably and closed her eyes for a second before looking up to Frodo. He wiped the tears away from his face by the sleeve of his shirt and glanced over to see Paddamill looking at him.
"What?" He asked feeling worry rush over his body like if she were eyeing his ring instead of his face.
"Hold out your hands." She sat up turning to face him better.
"W-why?" Paddamill sighed
"Hold out your hands!" She said slightly grinning. Slowly Frodo pushed his sleeves up and held his hands out, palms up. "Listen to me Frodo," Paddamill whispered looking into his eyes "I am going to allow you to see into the future." Frodo frowned and sat up tall "This is only going to be a few seconds but whatever you see I want you to keep it fresh in your mind. When the time comes you'll know what to do. Understand?" Frodo frowned glancing between her face and her hands. He was worried at what he might see, yet he was excited to see something. He nodded after a moment of silence. Paddamill exhaled slowly and reached her hands over top of his then quickly grabbed them.
A loud crash of thunder and a flash of light, and Frodo was in another place. It was daytime and he was in a boat. He looked around frowning heavily as he saw he was the only one. He held onto an oar and was feeling very scared and saddened. He then frowned turning to see Sam splashing wildly in water.
"Sam!" He called out. But before he could do anything another clap of thunder and flash of light brought him back to Lothlorien inside the hollowed out tree still holding onto Paddamill's hands. He frowned and looked up at Paddamill who had a slight frown.
"What was that? What was going to happen?" He questioned.
"I don't know Frodo. But you must remember what you saw!"
"Why was Sam in the water? Sam can't swim!"
"I know Frodo!" Paddamill said taking her hands out of his palms and grabbed his face "It's okay. I didn't do that to scare you but I did it to help you."
"How will that help me?"
"It just will! Whatever is going to happen you later on you will not be alone! You will have Sam. I promise you that Frodo! I did that to help you in the task you face. Just to help."
Why did I do that? Why did I suddenly feel as if I should show him something? Paddamill wondered to herself as she walked around trying to keep her mind off of the aching in her hands to go to the ring. Although the question about showing Frodo a bit into the future was still heavy in her mind she couldn't forget about the ring. Paddamill had been noticing the urges getting worse. She'd lie awake at night and think of going over to Frodo and just snatching it off his neck. She'd take care of the ring. Polish it every day, keep it in a safe place besides wearing it around your stupid neck on an ugly chain that didn't even match the color of the brilliant gold! The beautiful, shining, pure, gold! It should be on my finger where it would look most beautiful!
"No!" Paddamill said lightly putting her head into her hands.
"Your urges...they're getting stronger aren't they?" Paddamill silently gasped and turned to see Aragorn walking towards her.
"Y-yes. I don't understand. I cannot stop them." She frowned looking away for a brief moment then back up to Aragorn.
"Mine too. Although we cannot stop them, we can at least ignore them. Fight against them." Paddamill nodded as he came to stand next to her. It was easier said than done. She had tried several times to think of something besides the ring. Maybe that was why she showed Frodo into the future...to keep his mind occupied with Sam and not the ring. It gave her a perfect chance to take it! Paddamill frowned and spoke quickly so she wouldn't hear herself think.
"I...I let Frodo see into the future." Aragorn looked down at her with slight concern.
"What did you see?" He asked almost immediately. Paddamill frowned shaking her head slightly
"He was in a boat..." She looked up at him "alone. He was paddling in the water when he turned and saw Sam."
"You saw Sam?"
"Yes. Sam was splashing in the water like a fish on dry land. Frodo said he can't swim." Aragorn sighed looking up from her face.
"That doesn't help at all." He mumbled obviously thinking. He held his right hand over his lips trying to think of what was to come ahead of them. He knew tomorrow they'd be traveling down the Great River, but they would all be together...or so he hoped. He frowned "Did you see anything else? Orcs? A band of Uruk-Hai?"
"No. Just Sam and an empty shore line behind him." The two stood for a moment. Paddamill kept looking up at Aragorn as he just stood holding his hand to his mouth. She bit her lower lip beginning to think too.
"Great River..." he whispered lost in thought. He frowned and looked at Paddamill with seriousness while she looked around thinking. "I'm going to let him go...aren't I?" Paddamill frowned and looked up at him.
"What?"
"The place...when you touched me before...he was standing in front of me holding out his hand. He asked me if I would destroy it."
"The ring?"
"Yes! The ring. It called my name, 'Aragorn....Aragorn...Elessar.' Where we were standing is on the shore's of the Great River. I was kneeling to him then my montage stopped. Now he is in a boat leaving the shore...alone. Sam wouldn't leave him. He has stressed that too much."
"You don't think-"
"They are going to Mordor, alone." Paddamill frowned
"How could you do something like that!" She said pushing his chest with fury.
"I haven't done it yet!" Aragorn said watching her begin to pace
"But you will!" She said looking up at him with wide eyes. For a moment the two stood there looking at one another. She inhaled strongly and looked around on the ground "I couldn't....I mean I shouldn't touch him. For all I know I could just see Frodo and Sam rowing in a boat and that would be useless!"
"Have you touched Sam yet?"
"No. I was too afraid to touch anyone." Aragorn grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes
"We must know what is going to happen. Whether it be good or bad. We must know." Paddamill frowned.
"Tomorrow." She said nodding once then walking out of his hold. "Tomorrow I will touch Sam." Aragorn nodded.
"We mustn't worry about this now. We need to rest." Paddamill rubbed her tired eyes and sighed
"Tomorrow."
Aragorn quickly retired to his own tent to where he would be sleeping. Legolas and Gimli too had retired early gaining all the energy they had lost that day. Paddamill was tucking in the hobbits wishing them a good night, just like she did anytime before sleeping. It brought her comfort to remember doing it for her brothers. In a way Merry and Pippin reminded her so much of little Tobey and Jack. The two most important boys in her life. Sam was more of a good friend and in a way he slightly resembled her father since they both mainly enjoyed talking about flowers and landscapes. She just wished she had someone to remind her of her mother and two other sisters since their faces were slowly beginning to fade from her memory. She smiled looking down at the two hobbits laying underneath the wool blanket.
"Goodnight you two!" Paddamill smiled as they grinned.
"Paddamill?" Merry said looking to her before she walked off.
"Hmm?" She said grinning.
"Can I give you a good night kiss?" She slightly blushed and gave him a sideways glance.
"Why Meriadoc I would be delighted to have a kiss." She said grinning at him.
"Oh! Me! Can I give you one too?" Pippin added.
"Of course!" She bent down allowing them both to kiss each cheek. At the same time they both sat up and pressed their lips to each cheek.
Merry and Pippin gasped when they saw Uruk-Hai standing in front of them. Before they knew they were over one's shoulder looking back to see Boromir standing in front of another Uruk-Hai. They couldn't make out what was going on due to their screams and blurred eyes due to tears. Paddamill gasped quickly and moved away from their kiss. The two hobbits looked up at her with fright.
"What was that!" Pippin asked beginning to sit up, but Paddamill pushed him down.
"N-n-nothing! Nothing at all! Don't worry about it. Now you two go to sleep. Good night little ones!" Paddamill quickly gave them kisses on their heads, put out their candle, and pulled the wool blanket over the two then quickly turned and ran off. Pippin and Merry watched her leave then looked at one another. They laid their heads down trying to get over what they just saw. After a moment of lying in the dark breathing heavily Merry tapped Pippin's shoulder
"Pippin?"
"Yes?"
"Are you scared?"
"Yes."
"Merry?"
"Huh?"
"Are you?"
"Yes."
Paddamill ran quickly past the sleeping elf and dwarf, then past Sam and Frodo. She slowed down to see Boromir sleeping peacefully on a feather bed. She swallowed her fright wishing the pain in her stomach would leave. She frowned when tears began to form in her eyes. She looked away from the peaceful man and continued to run. She quickly ran past down steps towards where Aragorn was resting. She saw his tent and began calling for him.
"Aragorn! Aragorn!" He frowned hearing his voice being called. Slowly he moved the blanket off of him and leaned out to see Paddamill rushing down the pair of steps with tears streaming down her face.
"Paddamill?" He asked frowning. He quickly stood up and met her halfway. She gasped as she tried to regain her breath and stop crying. "Paddamill what is wrong?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried on his shoulder. A bit baffled by her action he simply put his arms around her waist.
"I saw him...he was on the ground with arrows. A Uruk-Hai was standing directly in front of him! He had an arrow! He's going to die!" Paddamill spoke fast, sobbing in between words obviously very hysterical.
"Who?" Aragorn asked letting his arms fall onto her waist. He pulled back looking at her red face.
"He was there! I saw it! They were attacking us! They were all over! Some dead some alive! They are so big and strong! They can't possibly be messed with!"
"Who is going to die Paddamill?" Aragorn questioned once more grabbing her shoulders and looking her in the eye. She looked into his eyes as more tears started to fill her eyes. He stood there waiting for her to tell him. Her chin quivered as she thought of the horrible scene.
"Boromir." She said lowly. He frowned and watched her close her eyes to let a few tears fall. He pulled her back into his chest and put his cheek on the side of her head closing his eyes trying to not think of what would happen tomorrow.
"Stay close young hobbits!" Paddamill rubbed her head looking around.
"Did you...hear something?" She asked Legolas who walked beside her.
"No."
"They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell." Gimli added. Frodo frowned when he heard someone whisper his name.
"Frodo."
"And are never seen again!" Gimli continued.
"You are coming to us is as the footsteps of doom... You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer." Frodo frowned even harder and looked around seeing Boromir walking steadily alongside Aragorn, Pippin Merry and Sam walking together, and Legolas and Paddamill looking around. He frowned looking forward at Gimli
"Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked noticing his odd behavior.
"Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily.
I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." He looked forward and silently gasped seeing Elves standing in front with their arrows quickly drawn.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." It was Haldir the elf standing guard over the forest. Aragorn stepped forth protective of his remaining fellowship. Haldir glanced at him but quickly adverted his eyes over to Legolas. He spoke lowly in elvish.
"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil." Paddamill watched Haldir speak then turned her glance over to the replying Legolas.
"Our fellowship stands in your debt." Haldir looked back to Aragorn and spoke once more in Elvish.
"Aragorn of the Dunedain...you are known to us." Gimli quickly huffed and rolled his eyes.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves! Speak words we can all understand!" Paddamill swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced briefly at Gimli. Haldir walked over to him and looked down upon him.
"We have not had dealing with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Paddamill looked over at Aragorn as Gimli spoke in the dwarvin tongue. It obviously was not sweet for once he was finished Aragorn turned and bent down to him.
"That was not so courteous." Haldir stood back and glanced at everyone.
"You bring great evil with you," he turned his glance upon Frodo then quickly back to Strider. "You can go no further." He turned to leave but Aragorn quickly walked towards him. As they spoke in private, everyone sat down waiting for good news. Legolas periodically looked up at the two. Paddamill knew Legolas could understand since the expressions on his face changed every now and then.
"Gandalf's death was not in vain." Paddamill looked up. Boromir was looking at Frodo with soft eyes. "Nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead." Paddamill frowned wanting to stand up and slap him for saying that. Carry the weight of the dead! How dare he!
Haldir came towards them with annoyance. "You will follow me." The group stood and walked for miles through forest's and wooded areas. The sun shining brightly ahead of them at all times. Paddamill could only worry as to where they were taking them. Merry and Pippin were too, since they stuck beside her at all times. They finally stopped nearly twenty minutes into the walk to look over at a large wooded area. A smile crossed Haldir's face.
"Cara Galadhan. The heart of the Elvedom on Earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light." Haldir proclaimed as he turned and held out his hand for them to follow the other two elves. Slowly they walked passed. Paddamill looked up at the man in his wool cloak and brown pants. He kept her eye contact until she couldn't see him anymore. There he fixed his eyes upon Gimli.
They all walked close together being led by Haldir. Once they all were stopped once again this time in the presence of a female and male elf with white clothing and white lights. Celeborn and Galadriel.
"The enemy knows you've entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." Celeborn spoke to them all making sure everyone got a hard glance from him. Paddamill never blinked as he held a stare with her. It were as if he were pondering her face. After a brief moment he continued to speak.
"Nine that there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." Paddamill frowned watching the man. He looked so familiar to her yet she knew she had never met him before. Her concentration was interrupted when the Lady Galadriel spoke softly.
"He has fallen into Shadow."
"He was taken by both shadow and flame. A balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Legolas added to the sad thought. Aragorn nodded feeling very uncomfortable.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. Do no let the great emptiness of Khazad- Dûm fill your heart..." Galadriel turned her attention over to Gimli, who stood quietly and still. "Gimli son of Gloin for the world has grown full of peril..." Paddamill watched her move her glance over to Boromir as she continued "and in all lands...love is now mingled with grief." Paddamill frowned heavily as she watched Boromir nearly break down into tears. Celeborn looked over them once more as he spoke.
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf hope is lost."
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all." Galadriel looked at him and spoke in a voice that was music to one's ears. "Yet hope remains while the Company is true." She turned to see Sam. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace..." Her voice trailed off as Paddamill watched her speak. All of a sudden she felt odd "Do not be alarmed my princess. In time the truth will come."
Paddamill sat in a clean white dress similar to the one Galadriel wore. She had met with her and allowed her to braid her long brown hair. The two barely spoke yet when she did it was fairly odd.
"She had asked me if I had seen the jewel." She turned to look at Sam and Pippin.
"I don't know what she could mean by that." Sam commented.
"Well one thing I do know, supper was delicious!" Paddamill smiled and let out a laugh.
"Peregrin Took, do you ever not think of food?" He smiled and let out a laugh as she ruffled his hair. The three looked at Legolas walking towards them.
"A lament for Gandalf." Paddamill stopped smiling and looked down at the ground as if thinking. A cool breeze flew by making her grin.
"What do they say about him?" Pippin asked looking up at Legolas.
"I haven't the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near." He nodded lightly as he looked away.
"Don't grieve too much Legolas." He frowned and looked at her
"Why shouldn't I? He was as good a friend to me as he was to all of us." Paddamill sighed and adverted her eyes over to Sam, who fixed his bed.
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them." Paddamill smiled as he stood up.
"The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green, or after thunder silver showers. Come falling like a rain of flowers. Oh, that doesn't do them justic by a long road." Sam quickly sat back down.
"I liked it, Sam." Paddamill smiled to him as he looked up at her. He shrugged and blushed.
"Thank you ma'am." Paddamill raised her eyebrows and looked away to see Boromir and Aragorn. Although she wanted to tell them all that Gandalf was going to be okay she couldn't find the heart to do so. She then listened as the two men spoke.
"... I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." She frowned remembering of the white city. Stories her mother used to tell.
"And then our... our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I, I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion. Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" Paddamill frowned thinking of her own home and how she missed it. Her family. The way things used to be. She looked back up to see Aragorn sitting in front of him.
"I have seen the White City. Long ago."
"One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: "The Lords of Gondor have returned."" Aragorn looked away to have his eyes meet with Paddamill's. Her eyes stung with tears only continuing to make more. As is he were ashamed of seeing her cry he lowered his head.
Frodo sat in a hollowed out tree where his bed was made. He leaned on the curve of the wall and looked out into the night thinking of Bilbo, thinking of the shire and most of all thinking about Gandalf. It might've been earlier in the day when Gandalf fell into the pits of Moria, but in his mind it happened every second. He saw his face of tired, of eagerness, and surprise. A tear rolled down his cheek as he leaned his head on the wall closing his eyes.
"Gandalf." He whispered in a sad tone. Paddamill stopped by the tree and looked at Frodo, lying there with tears on his cheeks yet peace in his emotion.
"I miss him too." Paddamill spoke causing Frodo's eyes to open wide. He didn't say anything for a moment but only sat up making room for her to sit.
"You shouldn't be so sad." Paddamill said looking at him as she took the seat he had made for her. He frowned and looked up at her with amazement.
"Gandalf was my friend."
"And I know that. He was a great Wizard, and a wonderful friend."
"He still is!" Frodo said pulling his legs to his chest. Paddamill watched him frown. Slightly she grinned
"That he is." She mumbled "That he is." The two didn't speak for a minute as if they were pondering on what to say. But Paddamill sighed uncomfortably and closed her eyes for a second before looking up to Frodo. He wiped the tears away from his face by the sleeve of his shirt and glanced over to see Paddamill looking at him.
"What?" He asked feeling worry rush over his body like if she were eyeing his ring instead of his face.
"Hold out your hands." She sat up turning to face him better.
"W-why?" Paddamill sighed
"Hold out your hands!" She said slightly grinning. Slowly Frodo pushed his sleeves up and held his hands out, palms up. "Listen to me Frodo," Paddamill whispered looking into his eyes "I am going to allow you to see into the future." Frodo frowned and sat up tall "This is only going to be a few seconds but whatever you see I want you to keep it fresh in your mind. When the time comes you'll know what to do. Understand?" Frodo frowned glancing between her face and her hands. He was worried at what he might see, yet he was excited to see something. He nodded after a moment of silence. Paddamill exhaled slowly and reached her hands over top of his then quickly grabbed them.
A loud crash of thunder and a flash of light, and Frodo was in another place. It was daytime and he was in a boat. He looked around frowning heavily as he saw he was the only one. He held onto an oar and was feeling very scared and saddened. He then frowned turning to see Sam splashing wildly in water.
"Sam!" He called out. But before he could do anything another clap of thunder and flash of light brought him back to Lothlorien inside the hollowed out tree still holding onto Paddamill's hands. He frowned and looked up at Paddamill who had a slight frown.
"What was that? What was going to happen?" He questioned.
"I don't know Frodo. But you must remember what you saw!"
"Why was Sam in the water? Sam can't swim!"
"I know Frodo!" Paddamill said taking her hands out of his palms and grabbed his face "It's okay. I didn't do that to scare you but I did it to help you."
"How will that help me?"
"It just will! Whatever is going to happen you later on you will not be alone! You will have Sam. I promise you that Frodo! I did that to help you in the task you face. Just to help."
Why did I do that? Why did I suddenly feel as if I should show him something? Paddamill wondered to herself as she walked around trying to keep her mind off of the aching in her hands to go to the ring. Although the question about showing Frodo a bit into the future was still heavy in her mind she couldn't forget about the ring. Paddamill had been noticing the urges getting worse. She'd lie awake at night and think of going over to Frodo and just snatching it off his neck. She'd take care of the ring. Polish it every day, keep it in a safe place besides wearing it around your stupid neck on an ugly chain that didn't even match the color of the brilliant gold! The beautiful, shining, pure, gold! It should be on my finger where it would look most beautiful!
"No!" Paddamill said lightly putting her head into her hands.
"Your urges...they're getting stronger aren't they?" Paddamill silently gasped and turned to see Aragorn walking towards her.
"Y-yes. I don't understand. I cannot stop them." She frowned looking away for a brief moment then back up to Aragorn.
"Mine too. Although we cannot stop them, we can at least ignore them. Fight against them." Paddamill nodded as he came to stand next to her. It was easier said than done. She had tried several times to think of something besides the ring. Maybe that was why she showed Frodo into the future...to keep his mind occupied with Sam and not the ring. It gave her a perfect chance to take it! Paddamill frowned and spoke quickly so she wouldn't hear herself think.
"I...I let Frodo see into the future." Aragorn looked down at her with slight concern.
"What did you see?" He asked almost immediately. Paddamill frowned shaking her head slightly
"He was in a boat..." She looked up at him "alone. He was paddling in the water when he turned and saw Sam."
"You saw Sam?"
"Yes. Sam was splashing in the water like a fish on dry land. Frodo said he can't swim." Aragorn sighed looking up from her face.
"That doesn't help at all." He mumbled obviously thinking. He held his right hand over his lips trying to think of what was to come ahead of them. He knew tomorrow they'd be traveling down the Great River, but they would all be together...or so he hoped. He frowned "Did you see anything else? Orcs? A band of Uruk-Hai?"
"No. Just Sam and an empty shore line behind him." The two stood for a moment. Paddamill kept looking up at Aragorn as he just stood holding his hand to his mouth. She bit her lower lip beginning to think too.
"Great River..." he whispered lost in thought. He frowned and looked at Paddamill with seriousness while she looked around thinking. "I'm going to let him go...aren't I?" Paddamill frowned and looked up at him.
"What?"
"The place...when you touched me before...he was standing in front of me holding out his hand. He asked me if I would destroy it."
"The ring?"
"Yes! The ring. It called my name, 'Aragorn....Aragorn...Elessar.' Where we were standing is on the shore's of the Great River. I was kneeling to him then my montage stopped. Now he is in a boat leaving the shore...alone. Sam wouldn't leave him. He has stressed that too much."
"You don't think-"
"They are going to Mordor, alone." Paddamill frowned
"How could you do something like that!" She said pushing his chest with fury.
"I haven't done it yet!" Aragorn said watching her begin to pace
"But you will!" She said looking up at him with wide eyes. For a moment the two stood there looking at one another. She inhaled strongly and looked around on the ground "I couldn't....I mean I shouldn't touch him. For all I know I could just see Frodo and Sam rowing in a boat and that would be useless!"
"Have you touched Sam yet?"
"No. I was too afraid to touch anyone." Aragorn grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes
"We must know what is going to happen. Whether it be good or bad. We must know." Paddamill frowned.
"Tomorrow." She said nodding once then walking out of his hold. "Tomorrow I will touch Sam." Aragorn nodded.
"We mustn't worry about this now. We need to rest." Paddamill rubbed her tired eyes and sighed
"Tomorrow."
Aragorn quickly retired to his own tent to where he would be sleeping. Legolas and Gimli too had retired early gaining all the energy they had lost that day. Paddamill was tucking in the hobbits wishing them a good night, just like she did anytime before sleeping. It brought her comfort to remember doing it for her brothers. In a way Merry and Pippin reminded her so much of little Tobey and Jack. The two most important boys in her life. Sam was more of a good friend and in a way he slightly resembled her father since they both mainly enjoyed talking about flowers and landscapes. She just wished she had someone to remind her of her mother and two other sisters since their faces were slowly beginning to fade from her memory. She smiled looking down at the two hobbits laying underneath the wool blanket.
"Goodnight you two!" Paddamill smiled as they grinned.
"Paddamill?" Merry said looking to her before she walked off.
"Hmm?" She said grinning.
"Can I give you a good night kiss?" She slightly blushed and gave him a sideways glance.
"Why Meriadoc I would be delighted to have a kiss." She said grinning at him.
"Oh! Me! Can I give you one too?" Pippin added.
"Of course!" She bent down allowing them both to kiss each cheek. At the same time they both sat up and pressed their lips to each cheek.
Merry and Pippin gasped when they saw Uruk-Hai standing in front of them. Before they knew they were over one's shoulder looking back to see Boromir standing in front of another Uruk-Hai. They couldn't make out what was going on due to their screams and blurred eyes due to tears. Paddamill gasped quickly and moved away from their kiss. The two hobbits looked up at her with fright.
"What was that!" Pippin asked beginning to sit up, but Paddamill pushed him down.
"N-n-nothing! Nothing at all! Don't worry about it. Now you two go to sleep. Good night little ones!" Paddamill quickly gave them kisses on their heads, put out their candle, and pulled the wool blanket over the two then quickly turned and ran off. Pippin and Merry watched her leave then looked at one another. They laid their heads down trying to get over what they just saw. After a moment of lying in the dark breathing heavily Merry tapped Pippin's shoulder
"Pippin?"
"Yes?"
"Are you scared?"
"Yes."
"Merry?"
"Huh?"
"Are you?"
"Yes."
Paddamill ran quickly past the sleeping elf and dwarf, then past Sam and Frodo. She slowed down to see Boromir sleeping peacefully on a feather bed. She swallowed her fright wishing the pain in her stomach would leave. She frowned when tears began to form in her eyes. She looked away from the peaceful man and continued to run. She quickly ran past down steps towards where Aragorn was resting. She saw his tent and began calling for him.
"Aragorn! Aragorn!" He frowned hearing his voice being called. Slowly he moved the blanket off of him and leaned out to see Paddamill rushing down the pair of steps with tears streaming down her face.
"Paddamill?" He asked frowning. He quickly stood up and met her halfway. She gasped as she tried to regain her breath and stop crying. "Paddamill what is wrong?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried on his shoulder. A bit baffled by her action he simply put his arms around her waist.
"I saw him...he was on the ground with arrows. A Uruk-Hai was standing directly in front of him! He had an arrow! He's going to die!" Paddamill spoke fast, sobbing in between words obviously very hysterical.
"Who?" Aragorn asked letting his arms fall onto her waist. He pulled back looking at her red face.
"He was there! I saw it! They were attacking us! They were all over! Some dead some alive! They are so big and strong! They can't possibly be messed with!"
"Who is going to die Paddamill?" Aragorn questioned once more grabbing her shoulders and looking her in the eye. She looked into his eyes as more tears started to fill her eyes. He stood there waiting for her to tell him. Her chin quivered as she thought of the horrible scene.
"Boromir." She said lowly. He frowned and watched her close her eyes to let a few tears fall. He pulled her back into his chest and put his cheek on the side of her head closing his eyes trying to not think of what would happen tomorrow.
