Nine Companions, One Evenstar
By:
Arythiel
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's creations.
Genre: Angst/Romance (AN: This story will actually have just about every genre in it.)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: AU- What if Frodo hadn't healed in time for the Fellowship to depart? Frodo must go with the fellowship, but along with him shall come a elf-nurse, Arwen Evenstar. What events shall change? What will Aragorn think?
~*~**~***~**~*~
Prologue
~*~**~***~**~*~
'He has been stabbed by a Morgul blade." Aragorn stated, picking up the demonic weapon. As the blade turned to dust he cast it down and said, "This is beyond my skill to heal, he needs elvish medicine." He picked up Frodo's wounded form and began a quick pace away from Weathertop, towards Rivendell.
"But we're six days from Rivendell! He'll never make it!" Sam Gamgee exclaimed, despairing over his master's condition.
'He'll have to.' Aragorn thought. "Come on Frodo." They rested at a forested clearing with many horrendous statues. 'Look Mr. Frodo, it's Mr Bilbo's trolls!" Sam exclaimed, trying to lighten up the situation. Frodo merely continued gasping. The only coherent thing he had said since Weathertop was his yells for Gandalf.
Aragorn looked around uneasily. He turned to Sam, "Sam, do you know of the Athelas plant?"
"Athelas?"
"Kingsfoil."
"Kingsfoil? Aye, that's a weed." Sam confirmed.
Aragorn handed him a torch, "Take this. Try to find some, it may help to slow the poison." Sam ran off in search of the precious plant. Aragorn too went out in the forest in search of the Athelas. He found a small bush of the white and green flowers as he went to cut them, he found an elvish sword at his throat. "What's this? A ranger caught off his guard?"
~*~**~***~**~*~
~Sam's POV~
As I came back from trying to find the Athelas plant, I found a woman with Strider and Frodo. She seemed to glow like the moon. She spoke words that I couldn't understand, though they seemed to calm me. "Who is she?" Merry asked.
She had pointy ears.
I answered, "She's an elf."
"He's fading, he's not going to last." She stated at Strider applied some herbs to Mr. Frodo's wound. "We must get him to my father." I saw Strider pick Mr. Frodo up and put him on the elf woman's horse. She said, "I've been looking for you for two days, there are five wraiths behind you, where the other four are I do not know."
They spoke some more of the language I figured to be elvish. They seemed to be arguing. She finally said, "I do not fear them." She mounted with Frodo in front as Strider said, "Ride hard, and don't look back." She spoke some more elvish words and began to gallop off. This all seemed very wrong in my mind. "What are you doing?! Those wraiths are still out there!"
This was beginning to scare me. My master was dying, and just galloped off with some she-elf. However, the thing that scared me the most was that Strider looked worried and frightened too. ~*~**~***~**~*~
~Frodo's POV~
'I'm being taken away somewhere. I can't tell where. There's nine black riders behind me, suddenly my wound hurts more than ever. It's reaching for me. The green rider says something and I'm going faster. There's water, I'm at a river. One of the riders said something to the green rider, and it lifts its sword and says something. Everything's beginning to go foggy. Black shapes are coming towards me. Wait, water just washed them away. I can't breathe, everything is going white. I can see the face of an angel.
Is this what happens before death?
~*~**~***~**~*~
Rivendell
~Arwen's POV~
He is finally healed, it is a miracle. I had very little belief that he would make it. When we crossed the river, I thought he had already passed. He is healing very slowly, I fear it will never completely heal. He is a strong little hobbit, there is no doubt about that.
~*~**~***~**~*~
As Aragorn, son of Arathorn was walking through the halls of Rivendell, he came upon Lord Elrond. He bowed, "How is Frodo, my lord?"
"He is on the mend. He carry that wound for the rest of his life, though I fear he will not be in good enough shape to leave for quite a while." Elrond stated, then looking anxious he said, "But, that is not what I wished to speak with you about."
"What is it?"
"It is about Arwen."
"Is she alright?" Aragorn panicked.
"Yes, for the meantime, she is fine. Aragorn, the time of the elves is over. Arwen's time is over. Let her take the ship into the West. Let her bear away her love for you to the Undying Lands. There it will be evergreen."
Aragorn looked solemn, "But never more than a memory."
"I will not let my daughter die!"
"She stays because she still has hope."
"She stays for you!"
Aragorn grew silent, knowing it was true. He stayed long after Elrond had left, merely staring into the abyss.
~*~**~***~**~*~
Arwen walked slowly through the dying gardens of Imladris. Winter had set in, killing the beautiful radiance of the Last Homely House. In her heart, Arwen knew that though Spring would bring them back, the beauty would be dimmed and begin eternal death. Soon, the beauty of Rivendell would be a fading memory, gone from the world of men. For the world of elves would become non-existent, and that too would be a memory, a bedtime story of sorrow and loss.
A tear slid down her cheek, she knew that her time on Middle-Earth was near it's end. Soon, her father and grandmother would leave for Valinor and she would be the last elf on the face of Middle-Earth. But that was the path she had chosen, there was no turning back.
She felt a hand on her shoulder as a warm voice said, "With winter comes the bitter cold of death." Arwen turned to see her beloved looking at her with concern in his eyes. He continued, "But with it comes the promise of new life, a new splendor to cherish."
She looked away, "But eventually that life will fade, and darkness will submerge the light." She looked to the stars, tears forming in her eyes. "And when the light returns, there will be nothing to cherish." A cold wind whipped through her hair.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around her, "Do you regret your decision, my love? Do you wish to join your people and journey west?"
Arwen savored his warm embrace, "No, I do not regret any choices I have made in my life. But, knowing that I will be the last of my kind, a tribute to the memory of the Valar, I cannot help be feel alone."
Aragorn bowed his head, "You will never be alone. I will ever be by your side, until we meet in the afterlife." He kissed her gently, "I will always love you, Undomiel."
Arwen nodded, "I will forever love you." She rested her head on his shoulder, letting the tears she had held back for so long finally flow freely.
~*~**~***~**~*~
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Elrond said, addressing newcomers. Among them were Gimli and Gloin of the mountain halls, Legolas of Mirkwood, Boromir of Gondor, Gandalf the Grey, Frodo of the Shire, Aragorn heir of kings, and even Arwen Evenstar.
"Middle Earth stands on the brink of destruction. None can escape it, we will unite or we will fall. Each race is bound to the fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
The small hobbit timidly placed the ring on the pedestal in the center of the council. They all looked upon it with wonder and greed. "It is a gift," Boromir of Gondor stated, "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy."
"You cannot wield it, none of us can. The One Rings answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master." Aragorn countered.
"And what would a ranger know of such matters?"
Legolas of Mirkwood stood, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn son of Arathorn, you owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas added.
"Sit down, Legolas." Aragorn warned.
Boromir looked furious, "Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king."
"Aragorn is right. We cannot weild it, the ring must be destroyed." Gandalf said.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli raged, lifting up his axe he brought it down on the ring. The head of the axe shattered. Frodo drew a ragged breath. Arwen held his hand, as to give him strength.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft we here posses. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. There it will be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the fiery chasm from which it came. One of you must do this."
Boromir sighed, "One doesn't simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. Not with ten thousand men could you do this."
Legolas stood, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed."
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it? I will be dead before I let it fall into the hands of an elf. Never trust an elf!" Gimli roared.
The entire council jumped at that comment and begin fighting amongst themselves. Arwen sighed, she feared this would happen. Frodo stood, "I will take it." Arwen grabbed his arm, "Frodo, no!"
He shook his head and wrenched his arm from her grasp. "I will take it!" They all quieted, "I will take the ring to Mordor. Though I don't know the way."
Gandalf sighed, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is your to bear."
Aragorn stood, "If by my life or death I can protect you, then so be it." Arwen's eyes widened. "You have my sword."
"And my bow." Legolas added.
"And my axe." Gimli joined.
"You bear the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will have it done." Boromir stated, joining Frodo.
"Hey!" Samwise Gamgee exclaimed, "Mr. Frodo isn't going anywhere without me."
Merry and Pippin joined the group and they became a fellowship of nine.
~*~**~***~**~*~
Legolas, Gimili, Boromir, Aragorn, Gandalf and Elrond were talking amongst themselves the night before the Fellowship was set to leave. The Merry and Pippin were with Bilbo, Sam was walking in awe through the gardens and Frodo was resting.
Arwen rushed into the room, "I am sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I must have my say." She turned to Elrond, "Father, how could let Frodo bear such a heavy burden? I have just now attended to him and he barely had enough strength to make it through the council! You cannot expect him to be able to travel to Mordor. The ring weighs on his conscience already, you cannot ask this of him. At least let him heal properly."
"The ring has already been in Rivendell too long. Sauron's eye has been fixed here and he is ready to strike. It cannot stay here any longer." Elrond said sternly.
"Then you must find someone else-"
"There is no one else!"
"Father, there has to be another way. There is not any possibility that he will completely heal by tomorrow morning. You have to find someone to take care of him on the quest."
Elrond looked to the Fellowship, "None of them are qualified to do it. They are not skilled in healing enough. I am sorry my daughter but Frodo must bear this thing as long as he possibly can and find strength within."
Arwen looked at him with defiance in her eyes, "I will do it."
~*~**~***~**~*~
What do you think? Please review! If I get ten, I'll get the next chapter up in a week! Also, I hope it wasn't too obvious how ignorant I am of the elvish language. If there is anyone who could be my translator, I would greatly appreciate it!
By:
Arythiel
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's creations.
Genre: Angst/Romance (AN: This story will actually have just about every genre in it.)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: AU- What if Frodo hadn't healed in time for the Fellowship to depart? Frodo must go with the fellowship, but along with him shall come a elf-nurse, Arwen Evenstar. What events shall change? What will Aragorn think?
~*~**~***~**~*~
Prologue
~*~**~***~**~*~
'He has been stabbed by a Morgul blade." Aragorn stated, picking up the demonic weapon. As the blade turned to dust he cast it down and said, "This is beyond my skill to heal, he needs elvish medicine." He picked up Frodo's wounded form and began a quick pace away from Weathertop, towards Rivendell.
"But we're six days from Rivendell! He'll never make it!" Sam Gamgee exclaimed, despairing over his master's condition.
'He'll have to.' Aragorn thought. "Come on Frodo." They rested at a forested clearing with many horrendous statues. 'Look Mr. Frodo, it's Mr Bilbo's trolls!" Sam exclaimed, trying to lighten up the situation. Frodo merely continued gasping. The only coherent thing he had said since Weathertop was his yells for Gandalf.
Aragorn looked around uneasily. He turned to Sam, "Sam, do you know of the Athelas plant?"
"Athelas?"
"Kingsfoil."
"Kingsfoil? Aye, that's a weed." Sam confirmed.
Aragorn handed him a torch, "Take this. Try to find some, it may help to slow the poison." Sam ran off in search of the precious plant. Aragorn too went out in the forest in search of the Athelas. He found a small bush of the white and green flowers as he went to cut them, he found an elvish sword at his throat. "What's this? A ranger caught off his guard?"
~*~**~***~**~*~
~Sam's POV~
As I came back from trying to find the Athelas plant, I found a woman with Strider and Frodo. She seemed to glow like the moon. She spoke words that I couldn't understand, though they seemed to calm me. "Who is she?" Merry asked.
She had pointy ears.
I answered, "She's an elf."
"He's fading, he's not going to last." She stated at Strider applied some herbs to Mr. Frodo's wound. "We must get him to my father." I saw Strider pick Mr. Frodo up and put him on the elf woman's horse. She said, "I've been looking for you for two days, there are five wraiths behind you, where the other four are I do not know."
They spoke some more of the language I figured to be elvish. They seemed to be arguing. She finally said, "I do not fear them." She mounted with Frodo in front as Strider said, "Ride hard, and don't look back." She spoke some more elvish words and began to gallop off. This all seemed very wrong in my mind. "What are you doing?! Those wraiths are still out there!"
This was beginning to scare me. My master was dying, and just galloped off with some she-elf. However, the thing that scared me the most was that Strider looked worried and frightened too. ~*~**~***~**~*~
~Frodo's POV~
'I'm being taken away somewhere. I can't tell where. There's nine black riders behind me, suddenly my wound hurts more than ever. It's reaching for me. The green rider says something and I'm going faster. There's water, I'm at a river. One of the riders said something to the green rider, and it lifts its sword and says something. Everything's beginning to go foggy. Black shapes are coming towards me. Wait, water just washed them away. I can't breathe, everything is going white. I can see the face of an angel.
Is this what happens before death?
~*~**~***~**~*~
Rivendell
~Arwen's POV~
He is finally healed, it is a miracle. I had very little belief that he would make it. When we crossed the river, I thought he had already passed. He is healing very slowly, I fear it will never completely heal. He is a strong little hobbit, there is no doubt about that.
~*~**~***~**~*~
As Aragorn, son of Arathorn was walking through the halls of Rivendell, he came upon Lord Elrond. He bowed, "How is Frodo, my lord?"
"He is on the mend. He carry that wound for the rest of his life, though I fear he will not be in good enough shape to leave for quite a while." Elrond stated, then looking anxious he said, "But, that is not what I wished to speak with you about."
"What is it?"
"It is about Arwen."
"Is she alright?" Aragorn panicked.
"Yes, for the meantime, she is fine. Aragorn, the time of the elves is over. Arwen's time is over. Let her take the ship into the West. Let her bear away her love for you to the Undying Lands. There it will be evergreen."
Aragorn looked solemn, "But never more than a memory."
"I will not let my daughter die!"
"She stays because she still has hope."
"She stays for you!"
Aragorn grew silent, knowing it was true. He stayed long after Elrond had left, merely staring into the abyss.
~*~**~***~**~*~
Arwen walked slowly through the dying gardens of Imladris. Winter had set in, killing the beautiful radiance of the Last Homely House. In her heart, Arwen knew that though Spring would bring them back, the beauty would be dimmed and begin eternal death. Soon, the beauty of Rivendell would be a fading memory, gone from the world of men. For the world of elves would become non-existent, and that too would be a memory, a bedtime story of sorrow and loss.
A tear slid down her cheek, she knew that her time on Middle-Earth was near it's end. Soon, her father and grandmother would leave for Valinor and she would be the last elf on the face of Middle-Earth. But that was the path she had chosen, there was no turning back.
She felt a hand on her shoulder as a warm voice said, "With winter comes the bitter cold of death." Arwen turned to see her beloved looking at her with concern in his eyes. He continued, "But with it comes the promise of new life, a new splendor to cherish."
She looked away, "But eventually that life will fade, and darkness will submerge the light." She looked to the stars, tears forming in her eyes. "And when the light returns, there will be nothing to cherish." A cold wind whipped through her hair.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around her, "Do you regret your decision, my love? Do you wish to join your people and journey west?"
Arwen savored his warm embrace, "No, I do not regret any choices I have made in my life. But, knowing that I will be the last of my kind, a tribute to the memory of the Valar, I cannot help be feel alone."
Aragorn bowed his head, "You will never be alone. I will ever be by your side, until we meet in the afterlife." He kissed her gently, "I will always love you, Undomiel."
Arwen nodded, "I will forever love you." She rested her head on his shoulder, letting the tears she had held back for so long finally flow freely.
~*~**~***~**~*~
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Elrond said, addressing newcomers. Among them were Gimli and Gloin of the mountain halls, Legolas of Mirkwood, Boromir of Gondor, Gandalf the Grey, Frodo of the Shire, Aragorn heir of kings, and even Arwen Evenstar.
"Middle Earth stands on the brink of destruction. None can escape it, we will unite or we will fall. Each race is bound to the fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
The small hobbit timidly placed the ring on the pedestal in the center of the council. They all looked upon it with wonder and greed. "It is a gift," Boromir of Gondor stated, "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy."
"You cannot wield it, none of us can. The One Rings answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master." Aragorn countered.
"And what would a ranger know of such matters?"
Legolas of Mirkwood stood, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn son of Arathorn, you owe him your allegiance."
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas added.
"Sit down, Legolas." Aragorn warned.
Boromir looked furious, "Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king."
"Aragorn is right. We cannot weild it, the ring must be destroyed." Gandalf said.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli raged, lifting up his axe he brought it down on the ring. The head of the axe shattered. Frodo drew a ragged breath. Arwen held his hand, as to give him strength.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft we here posses. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. There it will be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the fiery chasm from which it came. One of you must do this."
Boromir sighed, "One doesn't simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. Not with ten thousand men could you do this."
Legolas stood, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed."
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it? I will be dead before I let it fall into the hands of an elf. Never trust an elf!" Gimli roared.
The entire council jumped at that comment and begin fighting amongst themselves. Arwen sighed, she feared this would happen. Frodo stood, "I will take it." Arwen grabbed his arm, "Frodo, no!"
He shook his head and wrenched his arm from her grasp. "I will take it!" They all quieted, "I will take the ring to Mordor. Though I don't know the way."
Gandalf sighed, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is your to bear."
Aragorn stood, "If by my life or death I can protect you, then so be it." Arwen's eyes widened. "You have my sword."
"And my bow." Legolas added.
"And my axe." Gimli joined.
"You bear the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will have it done." Boromir stated, joining Frodo.
"Hey!" Samwise Gamgee exclaimed, "Mr. Frodo isn't going anywhere without me."
Merry and Pippin joined the group and they became a fellowship of nine.
~*~**~***~**~*~
Legolas, Gimili, Boromir, Aragorn, Gandalf and Elrond were talking amongst themselves the night before the Fellowship was set to leave. The Merry and Pippin were with Bilbo, Sam was walking in awe through the gardens and Frodo was resting.
Arwen rushed into the room, "I am sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I must have my say." She turned to Elrond, "Father, how could let Frodo bear such a heavy burden? I have just now attended to him and he barely had enough strength to make it through the council! You cannot expect him to be able to travel to Mordor. The ring weighs on his conscience already, you cannot ask this of him. At least let him heal properly."
"The ring has already been in Rivendell too long. Sauron's eye has been fixed here and he is ready to strike. It cannot stay here any longer." Elrond said sternly.
"Then you must find someone else-"
"There is no one else!"
"Father, there has to be another way. There is not any possibility that he will completely heal by tomorrow morning. You have to find someone to take care of him on the quest."
Elrond looked to the Fellowship, "None of them are qualified to do it. They are not skilled in healing enough. I am sorry my daughter but Frodo must bear this thing as long as he possibly can and find strength within."
Arwen looked at him with defiance in her eyes, "I will do it."
~*~**~***~**~*~
What do you think? Please review! If I get ten, I'll get the next chapter up in a week! Also, I hope it wasn't too obvious how ignorant I am of the elvish language. If there is anyone who could be my translator, I would greatly appreciate it!
