That night, as Frodo was getting ready for bed, Legolas knocked on his door,
"Frodo, Strider would like to speak with you alone."
Frodo quickly finished got out of bed and scurried over to the other room.
"Come in," Strider said and he pointed to a rocking chair in front of his bed.
"Taryn is wise beyond her years, she has been given the gift of magic, not something that can be taught, but something that has to be received."
Strider paused, as if waiting for a reaction, but when he didn't get one, he continued, "Taryn and I have been good friends for many years. We have taught each other many things, but she has yet to teach me the art and history behind reading and comprehending the mind."
"She can read minds," Frodo said and Strider contradicted, "Not reading the mind exactly, Frodo, but reading your emotions. Reading your heart."
Frodo was silenced by the tone in which Strider spoke, and wondered the real reason he had called him into his room.
"We," Strider went on, "Are going to be staying here a couple of days, for there is something I require of the king, and there is something that you must settle with the princess."
Catch.
"But what must I do?" Frodo asked bewilderingly.
"You must convince her to come with us when we leave. She has something we need, a piece of knowledge that can get us to Mordor."
"Do you love her Strider?" Frodo suddenly asked.
Striders serious face suddenly lightened and he threw back his head in a laugh.
"Yes, but only as a friend. Much too young for me, I think dear companion, and a little too short as well, eh?"
Frodo laughed too and readily agreed to spending the next few days with the lovely ruler.