~Any elvish translations I have may not be 100% correct so please don't shoot me. I tried as best I can. If any one knows of a place I can go for good translations of even better, where I can learn elvish, I'd appreciate the point out. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in a long time, things have been difficult over here, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to update more quickly from now on.

Aislin: I know it's been awhile sine my last update, but I finally got this typed out, Yah! Yes the song is from American Tale. It was on my mind and plowed it's way into the story :o) What would I do if I actually fell into ME? I'd probably laugh my self silly as well, I'm laughing now just thinking about it, lol! I wouldn't object to it though.

Blahblah: I'm not really sure what will happen to Shantel, my muses haven't told me yet, secretive they are… Ow! OW! And abusive they're hitting me, I'm sorry! I'm glad you like this, here's the update!

Elen: I've had a few comments that it has a neverending story touch on it, which is cool :o) I'm glad that you like it, hope you like this next chapter.

MaverickGirl: I like the book parts too with Scott and Nick. Here's the update, sorry it took me a bit.

Sakura: Shantel's name, well a co-worker of mine is named Shantay and I just played around until the name Shantel popped into my head for my character. I'm glad you like this. You have to like all the characters I would think, otherwise there would be no plot for a story :o)

Disclaimer: Don't own LOtR ::Sigh:: Bit Shantel is mine.

The days following nothing was found of the drow, and preparations were made to leave as scheduled. Each was clad in only light armor with little weapons, not wanting to attract attention to themselves. Lord Elrond supplied them with warms clothes, jackets and cloaks lined with fur and spares food as well. There was talk of hunting along the way. Shantel was dressed in breeches of brown made for her, with a white shirt and green tunic. Dresses would not be ideal for hiking around in. Boots of the finest quality were also given to Shantel, that reached up above her knee's, as a present from Arwen the day before.

All were gathered in the courtyard, as Shantel would call it, saying their farewells before embarking on the journey. Shantel still didn't understand why they were all so afraid of the ring, although it was still amazing that Gimli wasn't able to break it with his ax. By now all knew that she saw most of the meeting, except where it was mentioned that she was to join them. Looking around Shantel felt like the only one who had no one to say goodbye to. The hobbits were gathered around Bilbo, each hugging and talking of the Shire. Legolas was with the elves who had accompanied him, saying farewell to each, and Gimli was saying farewell to his dwarven kin. Boromir was with the men he traveled to Rivendell with and Shantel spotted Aragorn with Arwen behind some bushes.

When Gandalf walked out with Lord Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel followed behind them. They carried something wrapped but Shantel couldn't tell what it was. It couldn't be for her because she already had the elven made short sword and a bow with a quiver of arrows. They stopped in front of Frodo and presented him with the wrapped object. Frodo opened it to reveal a simple flask.

"It is water, nothing more, nothing less," Lord Elrond said. "But one sip will quench your thirst for a full day." Frodo thanked him, looking through eyes of someone carrying a heavy burden. At that moment Shantel felt sorry for him, and vowed silently to herself, that if the elves of Lothlorien could not help her that she would do what she can to help him out. Maybe she would help him out to the end then return to Lothlorien to go home, if they could send her home. Lost in thought she was surprised to find Arwen standing in front of her with Aragorn. She smiled and put a hand over her startled heart.

"You surprised me," Shantel laughed lightly. Arwen smiled and took Shantel's hand, opening it palm up. She put something in Shantel's hand and withdrew hers. Looking down Shantel saw a ring of silver with a blue stone.

"What is this for?" Shantel asked.

"Read the inside," Arwen said.

"Na ngalad Undomiel nin beriatha i," Shantel read as best she could. "I understand the light of Evenstar but can't make out the rest." Shantel looked up to Arwen.

"It is for protection is give this to you," Arwen said. "It reads 'the light of Evenstar will protect you."

"Wouldn't you rather give this to Aragorn." Shantel tried to give the ring back.

"No," Arwen said and smiled. "He already has a present from me." She looked to Aragorn with sad eyes. Shantel knew what she was feeling and pulled Arwen into a hug.

"I will watch over him for you, as best I can," Shantel whispered. Arwen looked at her and gave her a grateful look. Then lightly kissing her brow she whispered back.

"You do not know how much that means to me."

"I believe I do," Shantel looked pointly at her ring finger. She still wore the necklace Arwen gave her, the cross was safely tucked inside her book bag. Slipping the ring Arwen gave her onto the middle finger of her right hand. "Thank you." The turned as Lord Elrond started words of farewell for the whole group.

"This is my last word," he said in a low voice. "The ring bearer is setting out on the quest to Mount Doom." Shantel looked around as Lord Elrond spoke, all faces grim. She was having a hard time focusing on the words Lord Elrond said until Merry budged her. Surprised she looked around her gaze settling on Elrond.

"I ask again, Shantel, of another world, what will you do if the elves of Lothlorien can not send you home?" Lord Elrond paused waiting for an answer. He knew that she wasn't really listening to the first part of his speech and felt a blush slowly creep up her ears.

"I," Shantel swallowed then stood up straight. "If the company is willing, I will go with Frodo to the end to help him on his quest." Lord Elrond nodded, while Boromir made his way over to Shantel.

"Shantel," Boromir said in a loud whisper. "At least take refuge in my city, the city of Gondor. My people will protect you."

"Thank you for the offer," Shantel said. "But I promised myself that I would help Frodo, if I couldn't return home."

"And after that?" Boromir questioned.

"I don't know," Shantel whispered feeling pain at the thought of never seeing Scott again.

Boromir didn't know why he was so interested in this girl, this woman from another world. She was different granted from other females that he knew, but he wasn't sure why she captivated him so. At first when he found out she was to go with them, he wasn't happy about having to worry about someone else. Now he decided he would stand close to her and try to help her in any way he could.

"But go now with good hearts!" Elrond interrupted everyone's thoughts. "Farewell and may the Blessing of Elves, Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon all your faces." As they turned to head out, everyone could hear Bilbo call after Frodo about expecting a full account when he got back. Shantel turned, smiling but paused when she saw Arwen standing there, looking so forlorn. She knew what Arwen was feeling but at least she knew where Aragorn was going. If that was better or worse, Shantel had no idea.

Boromir placed a hand upon her back, she looked up at him and he smiled at her. Giving him a small smile back, Shantel continued out of Rivendell. It was dark, seeing how they were leaving at night, making Shantel shudder. They went on for fourteen days and nights, heading south to the mountains. Shantel would spar with Aragorn, everyday and switch with Boromir who was always more gentle with her. She could feel herself getting stronger and was hungry from not eating as much. The mountains were getting closer and Shantel took a deep breath. The previous days have been cold, and Shantel could not warm herself for anything. Gandalf stopped surveying their surroundings. He spoke of the lands, being called Hollin.

"It would be safe here to stop and rest, not only for today but for the night as well," Gandalf said.

"Can we have a fire," Shantel asked, sitting down and shivering. Gandalf turned and smiled at her.

"Yes, we may have a fire." The hobbits danced happily then scattered off looking for wood. Boromir went with them, while the rest talked of what is to come. The mountains didn't look too pleasing to Shantel. They looked pretty but forbidding. She didn't want to go there, in the cold. As the sun broke the clouds she was just starting to get warm. A fire was promptly lit, and Sam set to making some warm food for everyone. All seemed to be enjoying themselves a little except Aragorn who stood up and looked around.

"What's wrong?" Shantel asked as he stepped close to her.

"The lands have grown still," Aragorn said quietly looking around. "Something is here…" He trailed off as the noise of a squabble was made clear. Aragorn and Boromir stood ready with swords drawn, Legolas pulled out his bow. Gimli had his ax out, as Gandalf stood full alert. Shantel nervously pulled out her sword, like the hobbits. For a moment the sounds ceased then there was a scampering sound to the right, then there was a figure who was running towards them.

"Who are you?" Boromir shouted. The figure stilled, he was wearing a hooded cloak, which Shantel recognized immediately.

"That's who was in my room," Shantel pointed. The figure looked up at her, sending chills down her spine. A sound to the right distracted everyone for a moment, but when they all turned back the drow was gone.

"Stay on full alert," Aragorn said sheathing his sword. "Who knows where the foul creature has gone, or what else is around." All nodded and slowly settled back around camp. As the day continued, Boromir was practicing again with Shantel when Pippin and Merry playfully broke in with their swords.

"Do not worry fair maiden," Merry said.

"We'll protect thee," Pippin said with a smile. Shantel paused for a moment not understanding until Boromir stepped forward.

"You shall have no claim over this maiden, she is mine," Boromir quietly bellowed. Shantel looked back and forth then put her short sword away.

"Oh help me great hobbits," Shantel jumped out of the way as the hobbits charged, taking a seat next to Aragorn who was looking around smoking his pipe. The game turn into a lesson as Boromir gave instruction on how to step, block and attack. One blow hit Pippin.

"Ow!" Pippin cried as he dropped his sword.

"I'm sorry," Boromir paused letting down his guard which was a mistake.

"Get 'im." Merry yelled dropping his sword and tackled Boromir with Pippin. Shantel and Aragorn laughed as he fell back onto the ground laughing with the two hobbits.

"Dog pile," Shantel cried jumping over onto them careful not to hurt the hobbits. Boromir made a face pretending that the weight was too much for him, making Shantel playfully hit him on the arm. Their laughter was caught short as a cry from Legolas was heard.

"Crebain, from Dunland!"

"Hide," Aragon shouted pulling Frodo and Sam into bushes. Boromir pushed Merry and Pippin into some bushes and pushed Shantel down behind some rocks, while the rest hid. All lay quiet for a moment, Shantel thought her beating heart would give away their position. The cry of crows was heard with the thunderous sound of wings flapped overhead. As the sound of squawks filled the air Shantel grasped Boromir's arm, scared of what the birds might mean. It soon faded, and Shantel took in a much needed breath when she found herself holding hers. Boromir helped Shantel to her feet and all looked into the distance the bird went.

"Spies of Saruman!" Gandalf said stepping forward. "The passage south is being watched. We must take the path of Caradhras." Shantel looked up to the mountain feeling a tremble go through her. The one place she didn't want to go, it was too cold up there.

Just as Shantel thought, it was cold, no it was colder than cold. The bitter wind, seemed to find every crack in her cloak and jacket, making her shiver uncontrollably. And they weren't even at the point where the snow was it's deepest. How the hobbits could do this barefoot she had no idea. No more fires where lit, the last encounter was too close for comfort. Believing the drow was still behind them, Shantel was kept in the middle, Boromir ahead of her and the hobbits, while Aragorn and Gimli took up the rear.

"Are you cold Frodo?" Shantel asked.

"Freezing," Frodo replied. "I do not think a hundred furs could keep me warm."

"Not even two hundred," Shantel said.

"Or three," Frodo replied smiling which faded as he slipped, Shantel tried to catch him, but he slipped from her grasp being caught by Aragorn. As Frodo stood, brushing off the snow, he starting patting his chest. Shantel spied what he was looking for and went to grab it for him.

"Here you go Frodo," Shantel said, grabbing the ring itself instead of the chain. Once her hand closed around it, Shantel felt like whole shock went through her arm, into her. Time seemed to slow, as everything grew hazy. She burned with fire, but was freezing at the same time. Finding her eyes closed she opened them and was surprised to find an eye looking at her. The same speech that Gandalf spoke in the council was heard but the words seemed to come clear to Shantel this time. "Put it on, it will take you home. This has the power, to make all your dreams come true, put it on…"

Everyone watched as Shantel's eyes glazed over, falling to her knee's slowly. The hand holding the ring was brought close to her chest and her breathing seemed to cease.

"Shantel!" Aragorn called, getting a gasp from her. Forcing her hand open the ring fell from her hands into the snow. She took in big breaths of air, holding her heart. Now she knew why they feared the ring so. She knew it was only telling her what she wanted to hear, she heard them talk of its manipulation many times. Merry and Pippin put a hand on her shoulders, which she gratefully touched as she sat there in the snow trembling. Boromir stepped forward picking up the ring, by the chain.

"It's a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing…" Boromir looked at the ring, almost the same look Shantel had. Aragorn sighed feeling like he was repeating himself.

"Boromir, give Frodo the ring," Aragorn called. Boromir started like Shantel did, the shook his head giving the ring to Frodo.

"As you wish," He said with a small laugh. "I care not." Shantel looked over in time to see Aragorn removing his hand from the hilt of his sword. Was that to be for Boromir or for her had they not surrendered the ring?

Starting up again, the snow was getting deeper and deeper. Aragorn and Boromir had to start to carry the hobbits, while Gimli waded through the snow behind Gandalf making a path. Legolas was on top of the snow, not even leaving a print.

"That's not fair, Legolas," Shantel said through chattering teeth.

"What?" Legolas slowed so that he walked by her.

"That you can walk on top of the sno-oh!" Shantel slipped getting snow all over her face. Legolas laughed and pulled her out then started walking while carrying her.

"I can walk," Shantel protested as she shook her head to clear the snow away.

"I think I'll carry you, I've lost count of the times you have slipped," Legolas said then paused. "There is a foul voice in the air."

"Who fell?" Shantel looked around hearing him wrong.

"It's Saruman!" Gandalf yelled up ahead, letting Shantel realize what Legolas had said. He put her down as he stepped up to where Gandalf was. The wind picked up as the voice grew louder and louder. Aragorn was saying they should turn back, while Gandalf tried to counter the trembling that had started in the mountain. Shantel wasn't ready for the lighting bolt that flashed, or the crash of snow that came after it. She saw Gandalf pulled up against the wall, but was hit by the snow before she could back up, as she was buried with everyone else.

Everything was white, tight, and hard to breath. Shantel was freezing and couldn't move no matter how hard she tried. Feeling woozy, the white started to get dark. It must be night, Shantel thought. I'll just close my eyes and crawl out in the morning, besides she was starting to warm up.

Gimli burst through, followed by Legolas and Aragorn and Boromir. The two men pushed the hobbits onto the drift as Legolas helped Gandalf from the snow. Looking around to make sure everyone was accounted for they realized some one was missing, Shantel! They started to dig, not having any idea where she was.

"Here!" Called Sam. He was dangerously close to the edge. The men went over and started digging until they could get a grip under her arms to pull her out. She was cold from the snow, and she wasn't breathing.

"Shantel!" Boromir shouted. "Breathe!" Aragorn shook her slightly trying to get some response, her head only lolled back and around. "I'll make you breath!" Boromir put his mouth over hers, plugging her nose when his breath he breathed in hit him. He had no idea what he was doing, all he knew was he couldn't let her die. Shantel coughed into his mouth, letting Boromir know to back off. Shakily she drew in a breath and opened her eyes.

"What happened?" Shantel looked around confused until memory caught up with her and gasped. "Is everyone okay?" Shantel looked around.

"Everyone is fine, Shantel," Aragorn said. "Be still. Are you alright?"

"You weren't breathing," Pippin climbed over, followed by a shivering Merry. Shantel took in a deep breath, shivering herself. The wind picked up again, whipping hair and cloaks about.

"Gandalf," Aragorn shouted over the wind. "We cannot stay here!"

"This will be the death of us," Boromir joined as he helped Shantel up.

"Let the ring bearer decide," Gandalf said. Frodo looked to each member of the group. Nearly everyone was shivering with cold, the lips of the hobbits were a pale purple.

"I wish to go through the mines," Frodo shouted turning back to Gandalf. Shantel closed her eyes in silent thanks, missing Gandalf's look of distress.

"So be it," Gandalf replied. Silently Shantel was thanking whatever Gods or Goddess existed in this world that they were going to be getting off the mountain. Boromir and Aragorn picked up the hobbits again and Legolas put an arm around Shantel to help her.

"Can a dwarf get any help here?" All turned o see that only Gimli's head was visible in the snow.

"I could call up and enchantment to make you float," Gandalf lightly joked, trying to hide his smile like everyone else. Dwarves detested magic and all but Shantel knew this very well. She merely found Gimli's reaction funny.

"No!" Gimli protested. "Don't use any of that wizardry on me." All laughed as Gimli started to quickly burrow through the snow. As they headed down the snow slowed then eventually stopped all together. Next stop was the Mines of Moria.