Disclaimer: Only own Kuriko, the katana and the alternate of LotR... Everything else, sadly, I do not own. Which means I do NOT own YYH, IY or LotR so SOD OFF YOU DAMN ATTORNEYS!
Okay let me respond to the loyal reviewers before I ramble.
Winged Knight- Yea, I figured that. It's a smart thing to do, and I think several steps ahead as well. It's just detail that needs to be done. Rough idea's becoming the final product is the only thing I work on. As you know, the adapting is going to happen but like with all things, it takes time.
Star Silver Fox- ^o^
Angel of Twisted Souls- ^o^ Thanks. I always need the comic relief. You know the whole trying to keep people interested. As well for the direct quotes, its just me trying to keep myself along the story lines.
Vana... yume... who gives a damn... - Girl learn to shorten you name... As I answered to you before, no... Portal closed and you will ruin the story line. So uh... yeah.
Okay done with that. I guess its not completely horrendous the incoming reviews... Though I have a feeling more people read this than review it. In fact I know that for a fact. So those who do read but don't review. Just think about how you would like reviews as it only takes the pushing of a few buttons to do.
Ah well... cant force you. So I guess this will be me starting the chapter finally. Your probably going to think 'finally she gets to this point when you read it. Uh what else to say? Hmm... Read and enjoy!
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The sun rose making sure the caravan did as well. Though it was the sight of the sun alone that lifted the party's spirits. It meant that the horrid rain had finally ended. For now at least. They took their time getting ready to set out again. Strider, Kurama and Sesshoumaru left off to get some breakfast. As Hiei went off to get some wood that he could at least dry enough to use to cook with.
It seemed only 3 people were asleep for now, or 4. Frodo was resting, which everyone thought was best anyways. Yusuke was being his lazy self and stayed sleeping in. Kuwabara was heard still mumbling the same 4 comments over and over like a broken record. Making everyone else try very hard not to shove a boulder down his throat to shut him up. Back over to the wall, the hobbits were unsure of what was going on. Kuriko looked to be awake. Her eyes were open and her hand ready on the hilt of her weapon. Though she did not move. No sign of her even lifting a finger was made. Pippin and Merry sauntered over to her and let their curiosity come over her. Finally Pippin spoke up. "D'ya ever remember seeing her even sleep Merry?"
"Nope, not a bit. Eyes always open. Gives me the wiggles thinking that she's staring holes into me or something. Confuses me to why she don't go moving when its time for breakfast though. Everyone else seems to make at least a deep whiff of the food, but she just stays in one position not moving."
"I mean what kind of person would just leave food there and not be eating it?" The 2 hobbits looked aghast of the thought of such a thing. As if it were as big a sin as murder or something. Before their hobbit minds took over and went to poking to see if she'd move from at least that though, the gatherer's and hunters returned. The one with the fluffy tail growling at the 2 halflings. Thus driving them back to the side of the wall they stayed at. Though they noticed one of the three was missing. Where was Strider?
As if reading the hobbit's faces Kurama kindly stepped over Yusuke to them. "Your friend went to check up ahead. Make sure we hadn't gone too far off our designated path. Also once Hiei comes back, we will make breakfast."
The perian looked to have lightened in in their faces. Sam, who was no up had gestured for the food so he can prepare what he needed before it was cooked. All for his 'Master Frodo' of course, and himself with his two friends. Kurama handed the herbs and such to the fat hobbit with a friendly, neutral, smile as well. Sam just took them, not returning the smile and went to do what he did best. Kurama just shook his head at the poor mannerisms and went to gather his things.
Back in the darkest corner of the cave. Sesshoumaru was looking over the only girl in the group. Strider had told him of last night and the blood he saw. Sesshoumaru though said that he had smelled it since the battle. He was just waiting it out to have her heal herself. Though that obviously hadn't happened. Actually any of the group that had a higher than normal sense of smell could sense her blood. Which meant Kurama, and Hiei was in the same boat as Sesshoumaru in knowing of her wound.
It wasn't too long before Strider had returned. A look of reassurance wasn't present. "We have come too far to the north and we must find some way to turn back southwards again. If we keep on as we are going we shall get up into the Ettendales far north of Rivendell. That is troll country, and little known to me." A soft laugh was heard in the cave, but went ignored. " We could perhaps find our way through and come round to Rivendell from the north; but it would take too long, for I so not know the way, and our food would not last. So somehow or other we must find the Ford of Bruinen."
Hiei had returned with no wood, for none would dry enough around there. So instead they all just rationed what they had that didn't need cooking. After waking those still snoozing away they all set off. Frodo, being on the pony, stayed asleep somewhat for now. Slacking along at the end was Yusuke as usual; but even further behind was Kuriko. Still it wasn't too far back, so no comments were made.
They climbed down slowly the southern side of the ridge. Though the sloe was too steep and the pony could no longer burden and step. So Frodo had to climb for a bit. Luckily though the pony, the same one from Bree, picked up a knack for finding easy paths. Which gladdened everyone's spirits. Even Frodo seemed to feel better by the morn's light. Kuriko now at least kept up with Yusuke, who wasn't slacking as much.
Pippin was surprisingly ahead of the others. Suddenly he turned round and called to them. "There is a path here!" He cried.
When they came up with him, they saw that he had made no mistake; there were clearly the beginnings of a path, that climbed with many windings out of the woods below and faded on the hill-top behind. In places it was now faint and overgrown, or choked with fallen stones and trees; but at one time it seemed to have been much used. Though here we have, a ranger, a demon specializing in plants that can track down any path and another demon that can use his jagan to find a path as well. Okay they also had the pony... but that's something we already knew.
Following the track, they all stayed on guard. Anxiety growing as they went into the dark woods and the path grew plainer and wider. Coming out of a belt of fir-trees it ran steeply down a slope and turned sharply to the left round the corner of a hill's shoulder. Coming round the shoulder they saw the path over a level strip under the face of a low cliff over hung with trees. The stony was had a door hanging crookedly ajar open upon one great hinge.
They halted outside the door. A cave or rock-chamber behind but nothing can be seen. With the help of Sam, Merry and Kurama, Strider had opened the door. Having Merry and Kuwabara step in with Strider. Though not going far for Kuwabara had tripped on a huge old decrepit bone. Looking around they saw empty jars and broken pots. This thoroughly creeped Kuwabara out and quickly a high pitched girly scream was heard before he ran out. It was obviously a troll hole. Though was assured that it was abandoned long ago.
The path went on again from the door, and running to the right again across the level space plunged down a thick wooded slope. Pippin, not liking to show his Strider and the foreigners that he was still afraid, went on ahead with Merry. Sam and Strider were behind them, one on each side of Frodo's pony. for the path was now broad enough for four or five hobbits to walk abreast. Behind Strider and Sam came Kurama and Hiei, with Yusuke and Kuwabara behind them. Covering the rear was Sesshoumaru, keeping an eye on the still slacking Kuriko. But they had not gone very far before Pippin came running back, followed by Merry. Both looking terrified.
"There are trolls! Pippin panted. "Down a clearing in the woods not far below. We got a sight of them through tree trunks. They are very large!"
Strider picked up a stick and said, "We will come and look at them." Frodo said nothing but Sam looked scared. Hiei just looked to not care as Kurama showed no sign of emotion. Yusuke and Kuwabara though had a good 'conversation' that spurted from Pippin's news. "Hey Kuwabara, it looks like you actually have family here."
"Shut the fuck up Urameshi, or else I'll pound your face flat!"
"Your welcome to try Kuwabaka." Yusuke huffed out a laugh and went ahead to see the sight. Sesshoumaru nudged and said something softly to the dazed girl.
Now the sun lay high and it shone down through the half-stripped branches of the trees, and it lit the clearing with bright patches of light. They stopped at attention quickly, and looked through the tree-trunks, just as Merry and Pippin had done, holding their breath. Pippin was right, there were trolls: Three large burley trolls. One was stooping and the other two seemed to be just staring at them.
Strider walked forward nonchalantly. "Get up, old stone!" he said, and broke his stick upon the stooping troll. The others waited for a reaction, holding their breath, or at least their gaze on the sight.
Nothing happened though. The hobbits let out a gasp of astonishment, soon even Frodo laughed, joining in with Yusuke and Kuwabara's laughter. "Well," Frodo said finally. "We are forgetting out family history! These must be the very three that were caught by Gandalf, quarrelling over the right way to cook thirteen dwarves and one hobbit."
More laughter came from the only two that were laughing that were also not hobbits. Kurama held at least a smirk from the display and Hiei seemed, as usual, unimpressed. The last two that held the rear earlier though just didn't seem interested in the first place.
"I had no idea we were anywhere near the place!" Pippin exclaimed. Knowing the story well for Bilbo and Frodo had told it often. Though he only half-believed the story, now he wondered that maybe some magic could bring them to life again.
"You are forgetting not only your family history, but all you ever knew about trolls," said Strider. "It is broad daylight with a bright sun, and yet you come back trying to scare me with a tale of live trolls waiting for us in this glade!" Most of the new people either snickered or full out bawled in laughter. "In any case you might have noticed that one of them has an old bird's nest behind his ear. That would be a most unusual ornament for a live troll!"
Now everyone was laughing. Frodo's spirits visibly revived, from remembering Bilbo's reminder. he sun was not only bright, but very warm and greeting. They decided to take a break for another meal. Right under one of the shadows made by one of the trolls' large legs.
Merry, in his very high mood, after finished with his own meal brought up a request for a song while the sun was still high. Mentioning the whole not hearing one in days. Which was found to not be since Weathertop. The hobbits looked at him in hope of him singing, though he stated that he wasn't well enough to sing still. He did though, suggest that Sam dug something out of his memory.
"Come on Sam!" said Merry. "There's more stored in your head than you let on about."
Everyone sat comfortably looking at the pudgy hobbit, waiting for an answer. "I don't know about that," said Sam, "but how would this suit? It ain't what I call proper poetry, if you understand me; just a bit of nonsense." Thoughts of Hiei agreeing stirred in the newbies minds. "But these old images brought it to my mind." He stood up putting his hands behind his back. As if he was reciting something in school. He began to sing to an old tune:
Troll sat alone on his seat of stone,
And munched and mumbles a bare old bone;
For many a year he had gnawed it near,
For meat was hard to come by.
Done by! Gum by!
In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone
And meat was hard to come by.
Up came Tom with his big boots on.
Said he to the troll: "Pray, what is yon?
For it looks like the shin o' my nuncle Tim,
As should be a-lying in graveyard.
Caveyard! Paveyard!
This many a year has Tim been gone,
And I thought he were lying in a graveyard."
"My lad," said Troll, "this bone I stole.
But what be bones that lie in a hole?
Thy nuncle was dead as a lump o' lead,
Afore I found his shinbone.
Tinbone! Thinbone!
He can spare a share for a poor old troll,
For he don't need his shinbone"
Said Tom: "I don't see why the like o' thee
Without axin' leave should go makin' free
With the shank or the shin o' my father's kin;
So hand the old bone over!
Rover! Trover!
Though dead he be, it belongs to he;
So hand the old bone over!"
"For a couple o' pins," says Troll, and grins,
"I'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins.
A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet!
I'll try my teeth on thee now.
Hee now! See now!
I'm tired o' gnawing old bones and skins;
I've a mind to dine on thee now."
But just as he thought his dinner was caught,
He found his hands had hold of naught.
Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind
And gave him the boot to larn him.
Warn him! Darn him!
A bump o' the boot on the seat, Tom thought,
Would be the way to larn him.
But harder than stone is the flesh and bone
Of a troll that sits in the hills alone.
As well set your boot to the mountain's root,
For the seat of a troll don't feel it.
Peel it! Heal it!
Old Troll laughed when he heard Tom groan
As he knew his toes could feel it.
Tom's leg is game, since home he name,
And his bootless foot is lasting lame;
But Troll don't care, and he's still there
With the bone he boned from its owner.
Doner! Boner!
Troll's old seat is still the same,
And the bone he boned from its owner!
Most everyone was laughing now. Merry piped in, "Well that's a warning to us all! It is as well you used a stick and not your hand Strider!"
The short one that wasn't a hobbit rolled his eyes as did the royal looking demon. Is was obvious that the poem amused Yusuke and the baka ningen. Pippin asked where Sam learned that one. Mumbling came from his mouth. Then Frodo sneaked out that is came from Sam himself. Then joked about Sam becoming a wizard or warrior.
Finally while on much higher spirits they all set out in the afternoon. After several miles they stopped at a high bank perched above the road. The road had, at this point, left the Hoarwell rolling and winding eastward towards the Ford and the Mountains. Strider pointed out to a stone in a grass with rough cuts of old dwarf-runes and secret markings. They went on, going along the road which lay quiet under the early evening's shadows.
They climbed down, to few dismay, the bank and turned left as fast as possible. They came upon where the shoulder of hills cut off the westerning sun. Cold winds fleeing down to greet them from the mountains.
Knowing they couldn't travel long they looked for a decent camp site off the road, to camp the night away. Hearing a sound of hoofs behind, they scrambled off the beaten way and up into the deep heather and bilberry brushwood on the slopes above, till coming upon a small but still decent patch of thick growing hazels. Peering through the bushes, they saw naught yet. Though the sound of hooves clapped along the road again. Ringing was faintly heard as of small bells tinkling. Strider put a hand to his ear to listen better, a look of joy along his face.
Light faded. The sounds of the bell and hooves of quick trotting feet. T'was not long before into view came a white horse that gleamed in the shadows running swiftly. The riders cloak streaming behind with his hood thrown back. Golden hair shimmering in the wind of the speed.
The ranger sprang from hiding, alerting Kurama and Hiei to the recklessness. Leaping with a cry through the heather; but even before he'd moved or called, the rider had reigned his horse and halted. Looking towards the thicket where they hid. Seeing Strider, he dismounted and ran to meet, calling out 'Ai na vendei Dúnadan! Mae govannen!' His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in the hobbits hearts. The rider was one of Elven-folk. There was no doubt about that.
The elf came upon the traveling band and was introduced as Glorfindel who resides in the house of Elrond. He came along looking for Frodo specifically with the thought that trouble had befallen him along the road.
He relayed that Elrond had received troubling news about the nine riders being abroad. And that the group was brought astray bearing a great burden without guidance seeing Gandalf hadn't returned. Worried that they had gone far aside the road to avoid pursuit, Elrond had sent the few that can ride openly against the nine. Glorfindel rushed them all along with the news of five of the riders being behind.
Weariness rushed across Frodo and in the back of the camp same thing was similar, though hidden, to the only girl. As the sun had sunk Frodo's eyes had darkened. Shadows falling between him and his friends. Sounds of eagerness and anger spurted from the usually quiet ladies mouth. Ill conceived words shot out at the ones nearest. Sparks literally flying from her body darker than the shadows that surrounded.
Frodo swayed to the point that Glorfindel had caught him and looked over the wound, ignoring the woman's foreign rants. Strider recounted the attack upon Weathertop, and of the deadly knife. Taking out the hilt that he had kept and handed it over to the Elf. A shudder passing as his hand grasped it looking intently at it. "There are evil things written on this hilt. though your eyes cannot see them. Keep it Aragorn, till we reach the house of Elrond! Be wary and handle it as little as you may! Alas! the wounds of this weapon is beyond my own skill to heal. I urge you all to now go on without rest. I shall do what I can."
He placed his fingers along the wound. A chill that was there deadened and warmth snuck in. Light returning and the sight of his friends growing clear again. Pain subsiding with the shadows. New hope and strength returning. He was to ride upon the horse now, the stirrups shortened to the saddle-skirts, and was to sit as tight as he could. Not to fear for it wouldn't let any rider fall. A light and smooth pace guaranteed if danger pressed close by. Worry came across Frodo, he did not want to be sent away with his friends still a threat of the danger. Being assured that the threat would only follow Frodo and his burden, bringing safety upon all else.
No answer came from him. He was set upon the horse and the burdens of everyone else set upon the pony. Their march lightened considerably. Though many had trouble keeping up with the pace of a tireless elf's feet. The hobbits and Yusuke mainly was heard. Hiei, Kurama and Strider found no problem to the pace. Though Sesshoumaru didn't either, he stayed further behind to keep the apparently raging Kuriko from tearing anyone's head or, or run away. Kuwabara kept as far away from Kuriko, sensing major bad energy coming from her, so was stuck dealing with Hiei's tormenting insults up in front. Yusuke kept looking at his index finger, trying to figure out how the hell his attack had no effect on any of the cloaked attackers.
They did not stop till the grey of dawn peered through. Merry, Pippin, Sam, Kuwabara and Yusuke were basically stumbling upon the path sleeping. A slight air of slag came from Kurama and Strider's shoulders. Frodo still upon the horse and the rest just awake and dealing. Though the ranting of a crazed teenager seemed to help at least one stay up. The other was Hiei's amusement in constantly insulting Kuwabara. who remained awake to send pathetic comebacks to the demon.
It seemed like they barely closed their eyes before Glorfindel awoke them again. The mist of the night was now absent. He offered everyone a swig of his flask which contained a liquor which brought strength and vigor to all. They ate what they had left, which was dried fruit and stale bread, which filled their stomachs better than any other meal could.
They went on with the urging of the elf. Only allowed to brief halts the whole day. They had covered over 20 miles before nightfall and came upon a point where the road bent right and went towards the bottom the valley, headed straight for the Bruinen. no sign nor sound of pursuit came that the hobbits could hear; but Glorfindel would still halt and listen for a moment, if they lagged behind with a look of anxiety upon his face. Occasional words in elf-tongue passed from him to Strider.
It was obvious though to the guide that none could go any longer that night. Most everyone was walking dizzily along only thoughts of their feet and legs present. Frodo's pain redoubling and his sight clouded even more. Welcoming, almost, the coming of night, where the world seemed less pale and empty. Even now the ranting from the back of the group was sluggish where once so full.
Still weary they all set out in the morning. Many miles still resided between them and the Ford, and they pressed on at the best pace possible. Mutterings though from a certain person that they could be there in a minute with his speed, and remained somewhat ignored to from everyone. Kurama thanked himself for being so aware of plants and took advantage of a few that gave off an energy boost from eating the leaves of letting it reside in your mouth, sucking the nutrients from it. The rants were quieted somehow though her mouth remained moving. Sesshoumaru simply stated that it was a trick he learned from an imp.
They rushed along as the road steeped down and they came under the thick shadows cast by tall pine-trees. Plunging into deep cutting with steep moist walls of red stone. Echoes ran long as they hurried forward; sounds of many footsteps following their own. The road ran out again from the end of the tunnel into the open. At the bottom of a sharp incline they saw before them a long flat mile and beyond that the Ford of Rivendell. On the further side was a steep brown bank, threaded by a winding path and behind that the tall mountains climbed, shoulder above shoulder, and peak beyond peak, into the fading sky.
The echo as of the following feet cutting behind them remained. A rushing noise as if the current of the wind increased poured through the pine's branches. In a single moment Glorfindel turned and listened, springing forward with a cry. "Fly! Fly! The enemy is upon us!"
The white horse fled. The hobbits and Kuwabara ran down the slope. The rest remained as the rear-guard. They were half-way across the flat when the noise of galloping horses came. Out of the gate in the trees where they had recently abandoned a Black Rider had appeared. Reigning his steed in swaying in his saddle. His other four companions followed in after.
"Rode forward! Ride!" Glorfindel cried out to Frodo.
He was reluctant in obeying. Checking the horse to a walk, turning to look back. The riders standing their like intimidating statues, dark and solid. The woods and land about them receding into a dark mist. Frodo silently knew that they were their, commanding him to wait. Fear and anger at once took him as his left hand gripped the hilt of his sword and drew it with a red flash.
Glorfindel cried out again. "Ride on! Ride on!" Seeing no effect his voice rang out loud and clear to the horse in elf-tongue. "noro lim, noro lim Alfaloth!"
Right at its masters command. The white horse ran like the wind along the final lap of the road. The same moment the black horses fled in pursuit, a cry chilling the night air came from the Black Riders. To Frodo's dismay, it was answered by his friends. Whom had come out from the trees and rocks. Looking back he no longer saw his friends. The riders had fallen back for trying to catch up to the white horse in vain.
As two of the black steeds galloped madly to cut off the white blur. The laid ambush seemed to have guaranteed Frodo never reaching the Ford. The riders black cloaks cast away at some point, they remained robed in white and grey. Helms laid on their heads and swords naked in their pale hands. Cold eyes glinting they called out to Frodo in fell voices.
Fear only filled Frodo's mind. He jumped as he felt weight jump onto the white horse behind him. Looking behind he saw nothing but a cold blue shadow that slowly was turning grey. Arms wrapping across him and gripping the reigns, the jumper moved the horse along further.
At the top of the bank the black steed neighed fiercely. Nine riders at the waters edge below and Frodo's spirit quailing before the threat of their own uplifted faces. Warmth was felt from the greying shadow as a ball of piercing light came from behind him at the Nine. He closed his eyes and clutched onto the mane of the horse, thinking it would not work. Though the white steed would pass the foremost rider like wings set upon his feet.
Frodo heard the splash of water. Which foamed at his feet. Feeling the quick heave and surge as the horse left the river and struggled up the stony path. Climbing up the steep back. He realized that he was across the Ford now. He looked back and knew that nothing kept the ghostly riders from crossing as easily. He knew that it was that fact that made their faces seem so self encouraging earlier.
Yelling at the Riders with his sword. He ordered them to return to Mordor. Only to receive laughter at him. Bidding Frodo to come back to them so they may return with him. He mustered up his strength with a last effort, brandishing his sword. "By Elbereth and Lúthien the Fair you shall have neither the ring nor me!"
The leader, now half crossed the Ford, stood up and raised his hand. Frodo was dumb stricken. His sword broke and fell from his quivering grasp.
As the other Riders had set foot upon the bank a roaring and rushing sound came. The sound of loud water rolling many stones. Frodo faintly saw the river below climb, and came the plumed cavalry of waves. He could've sworn that he saw white wisps of riders upon horses with flowing manes. The crash upon the riders has overwhelmed them. Three were drawn away with the current as the others retreated to their own dismay.
Frodo soon passed out. His last moments his senses picked up a cry. A shining figure of white light and behind ran small shadowy forms of waving flames that flared red in the grey mist. Causing the black horses to flee in terror. The grasp of the now completely grey shadow loosened and felt colder than himself. He heard and saw no more.
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Okay if 8 pages on size 10 font in Word Processor aint enough to get you people happy on my returning and updating, I don't know what is. Those that actually have the book on hand or don't have a life and had memorized the book, you would see that much was direct quoting. Understand that in order to follow the storyline, the quotes are needed to show that I'm still on track in the book.
Not much of a teaser this time. Though we don't know of the shadow holding Frodo, or of the rest of the party. So save their fates by reviewing and having me speed this all up!