Thanks for all the reviews!! Wow. This is the most I've gotten for one chapter. I'm now up to 40!! Some of you liked it, some of you didn't, and that's cool. I'm just glad you gave it a chance!!!
Disclaimer: Not mine, nor will they ever. Unless I win the lottery a few times. Then they'll be all mine!! *Evil laugh*
The Silent Prince
Chapter 15: A Safe Place
Frodo dreamed. Each vision that paraded through his mind was more nightmarish than the last. He dreamed that he found Legolas beheaded, but that the body of his friend stood and lifted up his head so that he could speak to Frodo. Then he dreamed that Boromir took his sword and drove it through Ylana and Aragorn, impaling them to a tree. He watched as they stared at each other in shock, blood pouring from their mouths. He saw Sam, on fire, walking slowly towards him, shrieking Frodo's name from a black hole in the flames.
He finally awoke with a cry, feeling his heart pounding so heart it felt as if it would break his chest. He took a wild look around, making sure that what he had seen were indeed dreams.
There was Gimli, snoring away contentedly as always. Merry, Pippin, and Sam lay not too far away from him, each one seeming to be peacefully asleep. And there was Gandalf, sitting on a rock and puffing on his pipe as he stared at the sun which was just beginning to peek over the horizon.
The hobbit took a deep breath and closed his eyes, still trying to calm his wildly beating heart. ~It was just a dream,~ he told himself firmly. ~Just a dream...~
But the haunting image of a burning Sam just wouldn't go away.
Frodo knew that there was no way he would go back to sleep. Oh, he knew that he *could*. He was definitely tired enough. But the fear of more nightmares would keep him wide awake.
So with a sigh, he untangled himself from his bedroll that had gotten twisted around him as he had kicked and thrashed, climbed to his feet, and walked to Gandalf's side.
The wizard looked surprised at the hobbit's approach. "Frodo! What are you doing up? Arien has just now begun her journey. You should still be asleep."
Frodo shook his head as he plopped down on the ground at Gandalf's feet. "I've been having nightmares all night. I don't think I could go back to sleep unless my life depended on it."
Gandalf nodded sympathetically. "I'm not surprised. What with everything that's been happening these past few days---the Wargs, the Orcs, the Dark Spot... It's enough to give even those with the stoutest of hearts nightmares."
"They were awful," Frodo said with a shudder. "And weird." He quietly told the wizard of the headless Legolas, Boromir killing Ylana and Aragorn, and, finally, Sam aflame.
"I don't understand," he murmured. "I mean, I'm worried about Legolas. Who among us isn't, save maybe Boromir? But why was he beheaded? And how is it that he could still talk? The same with Boromir, Ylana, and Aragorn. I'm also worried about them, especially with Boromir along. I don't believe I trust him too much. But he seems to get along well with Ylana, so I think they'll be okay. And I guess that the reason I dreamed of Sam is because I'm always with him. Still..." He shook his head. "It was quite unsettling."
"Nightmares usually are," Gandalf said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"These were worse than ordinary nightmares," Frodo said stubbornly. "They seemed more...more *real*. Like they were actually happening before my eyes."
The wizard's brows came together, but he continued puffing placidly on his pipe. "Don't worry over them too much, Frodo. They're over and done with. By day's end we will be safely in Terin and these nightmares will be little more than a memory to you."
Frodo sighed as he leaned back against the rock that Gandalf was sitting on. "You're probably right. I'm sorry, Gandalf. I didn't mean to add more bad things to the pile. I need to be positive. At least we're alive."
Gandalf chuckled as he leaned down to briefly clasp the hobbit on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Frodo. No one can blame you for being negative. You carry a heavy burden on what seems like a hopeless Quest. It's sometimes hard to be positive."
"Still. I shouldn't lower everyone else's spirits." He sighed. "I wish I could be more like Sam and Ylana. They always seem to be able to find the good in everything."
"A good trait, I'll agree," Gandalf said. "But it sometimes comes at a heavy price."
Frodo frowned. "What do you mean?"
"For Sam, it's apparently an inborn talent. And that's a rarity indeed. He does it to keep you going. Of that I have no doubt. But, as for Ylana..." He shook his head. "For her, it's a completely different story."
Frodo turned enough so that he could face Gandalf but still see the tip of the Sun out of the corner of his eye. "Tell me, please."
The wizard sighed, finished his pipe, and put it away. Then he leaned slightly forward. "You're a well-learned hobbit, Frodo. I'm sure you know that Elves can die, despite what some people think."
The hobbit nodded. "Bilbo told me. He said that the Elves could die in battle or of a broken heart. Of grief."
"Correct. It is a very rare case that they do such, but I've heard it's quite unpleasant. They lose interest in everything around them, won't eat or sleep. Then they sort of just...pass away."
Frodo shuddered. "The Elves call it 'fading'. It sounds horrible." He paused, then frowned. "What does all this have to do with Ylana?"
Gandalf gave him a kindly smile. "Patience, my dear hobbit. I am an old man and like to ramble. We're getting there." He paused and let out a mournful sigh. "Ylana has been through much, seen many things that one should never have to see. She lost her father when she was young. His patrol was ambushed by Orcs. Fifteen years ago, both her mother and brother were killed when Rivendell was attacked by Orcs. It devastated her."
Frodo was staring at the wizard with wide eyes. To think that the carefree Elf who always seemed ready with a cheerful word had experienced so much pain! "I would imagine so," he said softly. Then he blinked. "Is that why you were speaking of Elves dying of grief?"
"Aye. I remember Lord Elrond being extremely worried about her fading. She was very close to her family. Especially her brother, Gallas."
"But she didn't fade," Frodo pointed out. ""She's still alive, and I had no idea that she had gone through so much. She certainly doesn't seem like someone who's lost her family."
The wizard smiled again. "And that is my point. You see, the day after her brother was buried---he didn't pass right away---she left to become a warrior. She survived by seeing a spark of good in a tragedy. It was a good lesson, but a costly one." He lifted an eyebrow. "Do you understand?"
"Quite a few things." Frodo turned back around so that he could watch Arien continue to push the Sun up over the horizon.
For awhile, neither of them said a word. They simply sat there, enjoyed each other's company, and the fantastic sunrise.
It was Frodo who broke the silence. He hated to keep sounding fatalistic---especially after what Gandalf had just told him---but it had been running around his brain and he couldn't keep it to himself any longer.
"Gandalf, do you think there's a chance we'll get Legolas back? And please, be honest with me."
The wizard let out a deep, soul-wrenching sigh. "Yes, Frodo. I strongly believe we'll get Legolas back. And that's what I'm afraid of."
Frodo fell silent. He had a good idea of what his companion was thinking of. He was afraid that Saruman would be sending them an Orc wearing Legolas's face. Or a mangled Elf. Whatever he gave them, it wouldn't be the same Legolas.
This frightened the hobbit beyond comprehension. Terrified him to the depth of his soul. Legolas had come to mean a great deal to him. He was an extremely skilled archer. Frodo felt safe with him around. And though he rarely spoke , preferring to keep his own company, he always seemed to know when someone was sad. A smile, a reassuring squeeze of the shoulder. The male Elf always seemed to know what someone needed and when. He had only been gone for a day, and Frodo already missed him something awful.
He missed the others as well. Aragorn had been his friend and companion since Bree. He had taken care of Frodo, doing everything he could to help the hobbit. He had volunteered to go on this Quest on his own. No one had to ask him to go along. And it wasn't just because Frodo was the Ring-bearer, but because the Man saw him as a friend.
He had known Ylana only for a few days, but he was already as fond of her as he was the others. She was kind, but could be firm when the need arose. He had watched, with surprise, as she had turned from a kind and caring Elf into a battle-hardened warrior as first the Wargs then the Orcs attacked. She knew how to best handle the situation, for which Frodo was forever thankful.
As for Boromir... Well, the human was a different story altogether. He was virtuous. That was definite. But ever since the Council, Frodo had found it hard to trust him. He had made it no secret that he wanted the Ring, thinking that it would do him good. But he had sworn to protect Frodo, and he was a skilled sword-fighter. Still, the hobbit was glad that Boromir would be away for a few days.
By now, the sun was halfway over the horizon, painting the land in rust red. Frodo thought he could hear the others beginning to stir, but didn't move. After all the horrors of the past few days, it was nice to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature.
~I'm watching the world wake up~, he thought with a smile. ~Watching everything come to life. That's what Bilbo always used to say when he would wake me up to watch the sunrise. But I've never seen a sunrise more beautiful than this.~
And it was true. Weather it was it was because he had managed to escape so many horrors unscathed, or if it was simply the will of the Valar, he could not remember such a glorious sun as the one that now rose between the peaks of the Misty Mountains.
Gandalf once again leaned forward to put a hand on the hobbit's shoulder. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he said in a soft voice, as if speaking to loudly might frighten Arien and cause her to take the sun away.
Frodo could only nod. There were no words to describe what he was seeing.
Gandalf opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a loud growl from behind them. "If you two are done playing Elf and staring at the sky," came Gimli's gruff voice, "then perhaps you would like to help us fix breakfast so that we can get started."
Gandalf let out a weary sigh, but there was a smile on his face. "Come, Frodo," he said, patting the hobbit on the shoulder and sliding to the ground. "The day awaits."
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It did not take the other three hobbits long to wake up after the air was filled with the smell of frying sausage, causing Frodo to grin. Once a hobbit, always a hobbit,~ he thought dryly. ~Even out here in the dangerous Wild, it is still food that is foremost in our thoughts.~
Pippin sat huddled slightly away from the others, silent with a haunted look in his eyes.
Frodo watched him in sympathy. He had little doubt as to what was going through the young hobbit's mind. ~He blames himself for what happened in the Dark Spot. Poor Pippin. It wasn't his fault that he tripped and fell. I don't even think Gandalf expected us to get through without *something* happeneing.~
Frodo left Sam fussing over the food and walked over to plop down next to his cousin. "Good morning," he said cheerfully. "It's nice to not have to worry about anything coming after us today. At least, we hope nothing's coming after us."
Pippin didn't answer. He drew his legs to his chest and rested his chin on his knees, staring at the fire.
Frodo sighed. ~This might not be as easy as I thought...~ "Pippin, I know you're probably upset about what happened yesterday. Don't be. It was an accident. Even wizard's like Gandalf have accidents sometimes."
This caused Pippin to look at Frodo, eyes wide. "So Gandalf's not---not mad at me?"
Frodo shook his head. "Of course not! Why should he? No one got hurt, we made it out okay, and by this afternoon we'll be safe in Terin." He gave the younger hobbit a mock frown. "And you are *not* allowed to be unhappy. I depend on you to keep me in good spirits. If you're unhappy, then *I'm* unhappy. If you don't cheer up, I'll have no choice but to send you back to the Shire. And you don't want to make that trip alone now, do you?"
Pippin blinked at him, then he was flinging his arms around his cousin, laughing and crying at the same time. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you so much."
Frodo laughed as he hugged his cousin back. "it was no problem. Like I said, I can't have you sad." He pulled away and held Pippin out at arms length. "Now, we'd better get over there and get out breakfast while there's still some breakfast left to get! I wouldn't trust either Sam or Merry around food for too long."
"I *heard* that," called Merry in a haughty voice. "Don't trust me, eh? Just for that, you're not getting any extra bacon."
Frodo grinned and winked at Pippin. "See what I mean? He's probably going to keep it for himself."
At this, all four hobbits broke out into laughter, startling Gimli and causing him to grumble about excitable hobbits.
From where he sat on a log still watching the sun rise, Gandalf smiled.
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Everyone in the small Company were more than happy to be moving again. To be moving further away from the Dark Spot and closer to Terin. Pippin was more cheerful, much to everyone's relief.
The Sun was now shinning brilliantly down on them. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky. It was a beautiful day.
Frodo felt his spirits lift, putting an extra bounce in his step. ~Things are looking good,~ he thought. ~This is all going to work out. We'll destroy this accursed Ring, and everything will go back to normal. And everyone will be okay.~
Or so he told himself. He had to. He couldn't forget the fact that one of his closest companions was currently being held captive by an evil wizard.
~Legolas will be fine,~ the hobbit told himself firmly. ~He's strong. He'll never let Saruman break him!~
~Right?~
The hobbits of the Shire were a simple folk who often celebrated simply having a happy life. Only on rare occasions were they sad, and even rarer were the times they were so stricken that they turned in on themselves.
Yet Frodo knew that something had happened to Legolas. Though he had never met the Elf before the Council of Elrond, the furtive glances Aragorn had shot his friend and the worried looks the Ranger had shared with Gandalf was enough to prove the halfling's suspicions.
Then Ylana had come along, and Legolas began to open up, reverting to what Frodo guessed was his normal self. The hobbit had been amazed at the difference.
Yes, something had happened to Legolas to cause his spirit to be so fragile. And Saruman was cruel, taking pleasure in causing harm to other people...
Frodo fervently hoped that Aragorn, Ylana, and Boromir got there on time.
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While Frodo had been lost in thought, Sam, Merry, and Pippin had all broken out into a loud, brawdy song. It was a simple one, and soon they had Gimli joining in. When Frodo realized what they were doing, he added his own voice to the mix.
Gandalf winced at the sound of off-key singing, but he smiled at hearing it at the same time. He was just glad to hear them singing at all. The wizard knew that the way ahead was going to be tougher than any of them could imagine, and he welcomed the carefree moment, knowing that it could very well be the last of its kind.
Frodo's strength had absolutely amazed Gandalf. He had know hobbits for quite some time, having been the one to send Bilbo and the Dwarves off on the Quest for the Lonely Mountain some sixty years ago. The halflings were a simple folk who liked to eat, drink, smoke, and detested change. They were not known for their bravery but, as Gandalf had discovered first with Bilbo and now Frodo---and even Merry and Pippin---this was not because they lacked bravery. It was simply because they never had a chance to be brave.
When the wizard had gone to Rivendell after escaping Saruman, he had expected to find a very dead Frodo and wondered how he would ever explain to Bilbo what had happened. But, much to his surprise and delight, Gandalf had found that, not only was Frodo alive, but that he was going to recover completely. Except for the fact that he would carry the mark of the Ringwraith's sword for the rest of his life.
Gandalf had received his next big surprise at the Council, when Frodo had volunteered to take the Ring to Mordor. The wizard could still hear the hobbit's words echoing through his mind.
"I will take it! I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though I do not know the way."
Gandalf had turned to Frodo then, hardly believing what he was hearing. He opened his mouth to say something, but was stopped by Lord Elrond's commanding voice, though it was spoken in gentleness.
"It seems as though this task was appointed to you, Frodo."
And now, the hobbit had yet again surprised the wizard. He had wanted to fight the Wargs, and had held his own against the Orcs. He hadn't panicked when they entered the Dark Spot, and how he had comforted Pippin. Now he was joining in with the singing!
That gave Gandalf hope. Hope that they could indeed destroy the Ring and rid Middle-Earth of the evil it symbolized.
"Gandalf!" came a call that brought him back to the present. Turning, he saw Frodo grinning at him, his blue eyes shinning. "Come, my friend. Join us in our song!"
The wizard chuckled and shook his head, dislodging his hat so that he had to push it back down on his head. "I thank you for your invitation, but I'm afraid that I must decline. I fear that my old, croaking voice would chase you all into silence and ringing ears."
Frodo also laughed. "There's no use in lying, Gandalf, for I know better," the hobbit pointed out. "You're always singing that song of Bilbo's---the one about the Road---and I've heard your voice. It sounds quite nice."
The old man blushed and ducked his head in embarrassment. "I thank you for your compliment. But I still must refuse. I must confess that I cannot sing and think at the same time, and, at the moment, thinking is much more important. However, don't let that stop you! It's good to hear you all sing."
The grin on Frodo's face never wavered as he bowed to the wizard. "As you wish, Gandalf. But keep a song ready! Next time you won't escape so easily."
Gandalf smiled as the hobbit turned back to the others. He did indeed enjoy hearing them sing. Though it was nowhere close to the singing of Legolas or Ylana, it would have to do since neither of the Elves were there to lift their voices.
Thinking of the two Elves caused a shadow to pass over Gandalf's heart. He wondered where they were, if they were safe.
~I know Ylana's safe,~ he told himself, chewing on a strand of his beard. ~Aragorn and Boromir won't let anything happen to her. Of that I'm sure. But Legolas... Hold on, lad. Don't give up. Help is on the way.~
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The Sun was beginning her slow journey down when they met the first boarder patrol from Terin. Gandalf talked to the patrol leader while the hobbits danced around happily. Gimli leaned against his ax, looking relieved.
The leader, having finished talking to the wizard, turned his eyes onto the hobbits and the Dwarf. Though he had the stern face of a warrior, his face relaxed into a smile. "You are more than welcome to our city. We assure you that we will do everything we can to protect you."
Frodo stared at him with a wild grin, feeling the sting of tears in his eyes. ~Finally,~ he thought. ~A safe place!~
Disclaimer: Not mine, nor will they ever. Unless I win the lottery a few times. Then they'll be all mine!! *Evil laugh*
The Silent Prince
Chapter 15: A Safe Place
Frodo dreamed. Each vision that paraded through his mind was more nightmarish than the last. He dreamed that he found Legolas beheaded, but that the body of his friend stood and lifted up his head so that he could speak to Frodo. Then he dreamed that Boromir took his sword and drove it through Ylana and Aragorn, impaling them to a tree. He watched as they stared at each other in shock, blood pouring from their mouths. He saw Sam, on fire, walking slowly towards him, shrieking Frodo's name from a black hole in the flames.
He finally awoke with a cry, feeling his heart pounding so heart it felt as if it would break his chest. He took a wild look around, making sure that what he had seen were indeed dreams.
There was Gimli, snoring away contentedly as always. Merry, Pippin, and Sam lay not too far away from him, each one seeming to be peacefully asleep. And there was Gandalf, sitting on a rock and puffing on his pipe as he stared at the sun which was just beginning to peek over the horizon.
The hobbit took a deep breath and closed his eyes, still trying to calm his wildly beating heart. ~It was just a dream,~ he told himself firmly. ~Just a dream...~
But the haunting image of a burning Sam just wouldn't go away.
Frodo knew that there was no way he would go back to sleep. Oh, he knew that he *could*. He was definitely tired enough. But the fear of more nightmares would keep him wide awake.
So with a sigh, he untangled himself from his bedroll that had gotten twisted around him as he had kicked and thrashed, climbed to his feet, and walked to Gandalf's side.
The wizard looked surprised at the hobbit's approach. "Frodo! What are you doing up? Arien has just now begun her journey. You should still be asleep."
Frodo shook his head as he plopped down on the ground at Gandalf's feet. "I've been having nightmares all night. I don't think I could go back to sleep unless my life depended on it."
Gandalf nodded sympathetically. "I'm not surprised. What with everything that's been happening these past few days---the Wargs, the Orcs, the Dark Spot... It's enough to give even those with the stoutest of hearts nightmares."
"They were awful," Frodo said with a shudder. "And weird." He quietly told the wizard of the headless Legolas, Boromir killing Ylana and Aragorn, and, finally, Sam aflame.
"I don't understand," he murmured. "I mean, I'm worried about Legolas. Who among us isn't, save maybe Boromir? But why was he beheaded? And how is it that he could still talk? The same with Boromir, Ylana, and Aragorn. I'm also worried about them, especially with Boromir along. I don't believe I trust him too much. But he seems to get along well with Ylana, so I think they'll be okay. And I guess that the reason I dreamed of Sam is because I'm always with him. Still..." He shook his head. "It was quite unsettling."
"Nightmares usually are," Gandalf said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"These were worse than ordinary nightmares," Frodo said stubbornly. "They seemed more...more *real*. Like they were actually happening before my eyes."
The wizard's brows came together, but he continued puffing placidly on his pipe. "Don't worry over them too much, Frodo. They're over and done with. By day's end we will be safely in Terin and these nightmares will be little more than a memory to you."
Frodo sighed as he leaned back against the rock that Gandalf was sitting on. "You're probably right. I'm sorry, Gandalf. I didn't mean to add more bad things to the pile. I need to be positive. At least we're alive."
Gandalf chuckled as he leaned down to briefly clasp the hobbit on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Frodo. No one can blame you for being negative. You carry a heavy burden on what seems like a hopeless Quest. It's sometimes hard to be positive."
"Still. I shouldn't lower everyone else's spirits." He sighed. "I wish I could be more like Sam and Ylana. They always seem to be able to find the good in everything."
"A good trait, I'll agree," Gandalf said. "But it sometimes comes at a heavy price."
Frodo frowned. "What do you mean?"
"For Sam, it's apparently an inborn talent. And that's a rarity indeed. He does it to keep you going. Of that I have no doubt. But, as for Ylana..." He shook his head. "For her, it's a completely different story."
Frodo turned enough so that he could face Gandalf but still see the tip of the Sun out of the corner of his eye. "Tell me, please."
The wizard sighed, finished his pipe, and put it away. Then he leaned slightly forward. "You're a well-learned hobbit, Frodo. I'm sure you know that Elves can die, despite what some people think."
The hobbit nodded. "Bilbo told me. He said that the Elves could die in battle or of a broken heart. Of grief."
"Correct. It is a very rare case that they do such, but I've heard it's quite unpleasant. They lose interest in everything around them, won't eat or sleep. Then they sort of just...pass away."
Frodo shuddered. "The Elves call it 'fading'. It sounds horrible." He paused, then frowned. "What does all this have to do with Ylana?"
Gandalf gave him a kindly smile. "Patience, my dear hobbit. I am an old man and like to ramble. We're getting there." He paused and let out a mournful sigh. "Ylana has been through much, seen many things that one should never have to see. She lost her father when she was young. His patrol was ambushed by Orcs. Fifteen years ago, both her mother and brother were killed when Rivendell was attacked by Orcs. It devastated her."
Frodo was staring at the wizard with wide eyes. To think that the carefree Elf who always seemed ready with a cheerful word had experienced so much pain! "I would imagine so," he said softly. Then he blinked. "Is that why you were speaking of Elves dying of grief?"
"Aye. I remember Lord Elrond being extremely worried about her fading. She was very close to her family. Especially her brother, Gallas."
"But she didn't fade," Frodo pointed out. ""She's still alive, and I had no idea that she had gone through so much. She certainly doesn't seem like someone who's lost her family."
The wizard smiled again. "And that is my point. You see, the day after her brother was buried---he didn't pass right away---she left to become a warrior. She survived by seeing a spark of good in a tragedy. It was a good lesson, but a costly one." He lifted an eyebrow. "Do you understand?"
"Quite a few things." Frodo turned back around so that he could watch Arien continue to push the Sun up over the horizon.
For awhile, neither of them said a word. They simply sat there, enjoyed each other's company, and the fantastic sunrise.
It was Frodo who broke the silence. He hated to keep sounding fatalistic---especially after what Gandalf had just told him---but it had been running around his brain and he couldn't keep it to himself any longer.
"Gandalf, do you think there's a chance we'll get Legolas back? And please, be honest with me."
The wizard let out a deep, soul-wrenching sigh. "Yes, Frodo. I strongly believe we'll get Legolas back. And that's what I'm afraid of."
Frodo fell silent. He had a good idea of what his companion was thinking of. He was afraid that Saruman would be sending them an Orc wearing Legolas's face. Or a mangled Elf. Whatever he gave them, it wouldn't be the same Legolas.
This frightened the hobbit beyond comprehension. Terrified him to the depth of his soul. Legolas had come to mean a great deal to him. He was an extremely skilled archer. Frodo felt safe with him around. And though he rarely spoke , preferring to keep his own company, he always seemed to know when someone was sad. A smile, a reassuring squeeze of the shoulder. The male Elf always seemed to know what someone needed and when. He had only been gone for a day, and Frodo already missed him something awful.
He missed the others as well. Aragorn had been his friend and companion since Bree. He had taken care of Frodo, doing everything he could to help the hobbit. He had volunteered to go on this Quest on his own. No one had to ask him to go along. And it wasn't just because Frodo was the Ring-bearer, but because the Man saw him as a friend.
He had known Ylana only for a few days, but he was already as fond of her as he was the others. She was kind, but could be firm when the need arose. He had watched, with surprise, as she had turned from a kind and caring Elf into a battle-hardened warrior as first the Wargs then the Orcs attacked. She knew how to best handle the situation, for which Frodo was forever thankful.
As for Boromir... Well, the human was a different story altogether. He was virtuous. That was definite. But ever since the Council, Frodo had found it hard to trust him. He had made it no secret that he wanted the Ring, thinking that it would do him good. But he had sworn to protect Frodo, and he was a skilled sword-fighter. Still, the hobbit was glad that Boromir would be away for a few days.
By now, the sun was halfway over the horizon, painting the land in rust red. Frodo thought he could hear the others beginning to stir, but didn't move. After all the horrors of the past few days, it was nice to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature.
~I'm watching the world wake up~, he thought with a smile. ~Watching everything come to life. That's what Bilbo always used to say when he would wake me up to watch the sunrise. But I've never seen a sunrise more beautiful than this.~
And it was true. Weather it was it was because he had managed to escape so many horrors unscathed, or if it was simply the will of the Valar, he could not remember such a glorious sun as the one that now rose between the peaks of the Misty Mountains.
Gandalf once again leaned forward to put a hand on the hobbit's shoulder. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he said in a soft voice, as if speaking to loudly might frighten Arien and cause her to take the sun away.
Frodo could only nod. There were no words to describe what he was seeing.
Gandalf opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a loud growl from behind them. "If you two are done playing Elf and staring at the sky," came Gimli's gruff voice, "then perhaps you would like to help us fix breakfast so that we can get started."
Gandalf let out a weary sigh, but there was a smile on his face. "Come, Frodo," he said, patting the hobbit on the shoulder and sliding to the ground. "The day awaits."
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It did not take the other three hobbits long to wake up after the air was filled with the smell of frying sausage, causing Frodo to grin. Once a hobbit, always a hobbit,~ he thought dryly. ~Even out here in the dangerous Wild, it is still food that is foremost in our thoughts.~
Pippin sat huddled slightly away from the others, silent with a haunted look in his eyes.
Frodo watched him in sympathy. He had little doubt as to what was going through the young hobbit's mind. ~He blames himself for what happened in the Dark Spot. Poor Pippin. It wasn't his fault that he tripped and fell. I don't even think Gandalf expected us to get through without *something* happeneing.~
Frodo left Sam fussing over the food and walked over to plop down next to his cousin. "Good morning," he said cheerfully. "It's nice to not have to worry about anything coming after us today. At least, we hope nothing's coming after us."
Pippin didn't answer. He drew his legs to his chest and rested his chin on his knees, staring at the fire.
Frodo sighed. ~This might not be as easy as I thought...~ "Pippin, I know you're probably upset about what happened yesterday. Don't be. It was an accident. Even wizard's like Gandalf have accidents sometimes."
This caused Pippin to look at Frodo, eyes wide. "So Gandalf's not---not mad at me?"
Frodo shook his head. "Of course not! Why should he? No one got hurt, we made it out okay, and by this afternoon we'll be safe in Terin." He gave the younger hobbit a mock frown. "And you are *not* allowed to be unhappy. I depend on you to keep me in good spirits. If you're unhappy, then *I'm* unhappy. If you don't cheer up, I'll have no choice but to send you back to the Shire. And you don't want to make that trip alone now, do you?"
Pippin blinked at him, then he was flinging his arms around his cousin, laughing and crying at the same time. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you so much."
Frodo laughed as he hugged his cousin back. "it was no problem. Like I said, I can't have you sad." He pulled away and held Pippin out at arms length. "Now, we'd better get over there and get out breakfast while there's still some breakfast left to get! I wouldn't trust either Sam or Merry around food for too long."
"I *heard* that," called Merry in a haughty voice. "Don't trust me, eh? Just for that, you're not getting any extra bacon."
Frodo grinned and winked at Pippin. "See what I mean? He's probably going to keep it for himself."
At this, all four hobbits broke out into laughter, startling Gimli and causing him to grumble about excitable hobbits.
From where he sat on a log still watching the sun rise, Gandalf smiled.
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Everyone in the small Company were more than happy to be moving again. To be moving further away from the Dark Spot and closer to Terin. Pippin was more cheerful, much to everyone's relief.
The Sun was now shinning brilliantly down on them. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky. It was a beautiful day.
Frodo felt his spirits lift, putting an extra bounce in his step. ~Things are looking good,~ he thought. ~This is all going to work out. We'll destroy this accursed Ring, and everything will go back to normal. And everyone will be okay.~
Or so he told himself. He had to. He couldn't forget the fact that one of his closest companions was currently being held captive by an evil wizard.
~Legolas will be fine,~ the hobbit told himself firmly. ~He's strong. He'll never let Saruman break him!~
~Right?~
The hobbits of the Shire were a simple folk who often celebrated simply having a happy life. Only on rare occasions were they sad, and even rarer were the times they were so stricken that they turned in on themselves.
Yet Frodo knew that something had happened to Legolas. Though he had never met the Elf before the Council of Elrond, the furtive glances Aragorn had shot his friend and the worried looks the Ranger had shared with Gandalf was enough to prove the halfling's suspicions.
Then Ylana had come along, and Legolas began to open up, reverting to what Frodo guessed was his normal self. The hobbit had been amazed at the difference.
Yes, something had happened to Legolas to cause his spirit to be so fragile. And Saruman was cruel, taking pleasure in causing harm to other people...
Frodo fervently hoped that Aragorn, Ylana, and Boromir got there on time.
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While Frodo had been lost in thought, Sam, Merry, and Pippin had all broken out into a loud, brawdy song. It was a simple one, and soon they had Gimli joining in. When Frodo realized what they were doing, he added his own voice to the mix.
Gandalf winced at the sound of off-key singing, but he smiled at hearing it at the same time. He was just glad to hear them singing at all. The wizard knew that the way ahead was going to be tougher than any of them could imagine, and he welcomed the carefree moment, knowing that it could very well be the last of its kind.
Frodo's strength had absolutely amazed Gandalf. He had know hobbits for quite some time, having been the one to send Bilbo and the Dwarves off on the Quest for the Lonely Mountain some sixty years ago. The halflings were a simple folk who liked to eat, drink, smoke, and detested change. They were not known for their bravery but, as Gandalf had discovered first with Bilbo and now Frodo---and even Merry and Pippin---this was not because they lacked bravery. It was simply because they never had a chance to be brave.
When the wizard had gone to Rivendell after escaping Saruman, he had expected to find a very dead Frodo and wondered how he would ever explain to Bilbo what had happened. But, much to his surprise and delight, Gandalf had found that, not only was Frodo alive, but that he was going to recover completely. Except for the fact that he would carry the mark of the Ringwraith's sword for the rest of his life.
Gandalf had received his next big surprise at the Council, when Frodo had volunteered to take the Ring to Mordor. The wizard could still hear the hobbit's words echoing through his mind.
"I will take it! I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though I do not know the way."
Gandalf had turned to Frodo then, hardly believing what he was hearing. He opened his mouth to say something, but was stopped by Lord Elrond's commanding voice, though it was spoken in gentleness.
"It seems as though this task was appointed to you, Frodo."
And now, the hobbit had yet again surprised the wizard. He had wanted to fight the Wargs, and had held his own against the Orcs. He hadn't panicked when they entered the Dark Spot, and how he had comforted Pippin. Now he was joining in with the singing!
That gave Gandalf hope. Hope that they could indeed destroy the Ring and rid Middle-Earth of the evil it symbolized.
"Gandalf!" came a call that brought him back to the present. Turning, he saw Frodo grinning at him, his blue eyes shinning. "Come, my friend. Join us in our song!"
The wizard chuckled and shook his head, dislodging his hat so that he had to push it back down on his head. "I thank you for your invitation, but I'm afraid that I must decline. I fear that my old, croaking voice would chase you all into silence and ringing ears."
Frodo also laughed. "There's no use in lying, Gandalf, for I know better," the hobbit pointed out. "You're always singing that song of Bilbo's---the one about the Road---and I've heard your voice. It sounds quite nice."
The old man blushed and ducked his head in embarrassment. "I thank you for your compliment. But I still must refuse. I must confess that I cannot sing and think at the same time, and, at the moment, thinking is much more important. However, don't let that stop you! It's good to hear you all sing."
The grin on Frodo's face never wavered as he bowed to the wizard. "As you wish, Gandalf. But keep a song ready! Next time you won't escape so easily."
Gandalf smiled as the hobbit turned back to the others. He did indeed enjoy hearing them sing. Though it was nowhere close to the singing of Legolas or Ylana, it would have to do since neither of the Elves were there to lift their voices.
Thinking of the two Elves caused a shadow to pass over Gandalf's heart. He wondered where they were, if they were safe.
~I know Ylana's safe,~ he told himself, chewing on a strand of his beard. ~Aragorn and Boromir won't let anything happen to her. Of that I'm sure. But Legolas... Hold on, lad. Don't give up. Help is on the way.~
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The Sun was beginning her slow journey down when they met the first boarder patrol from Terin. Gandalf talked to the patrol leader while the hobbits danced around happily. Gimli leaned against his ax, looking relieved.
The leader, having finished talking to the wizard, turned his eyes onto the hobbits and the Dwarf. Though he had the stern face of a warrior, his face relaxed into a smile. "You are more than welcome to our city. We assure you that we will do everything we can to protect you."
Frodo stared at him with a wild grin, feeling the sting of tears in his eyes. ~Finally,~ he thought. ~A safe place!~