A/N) Here is Chapter 2 and it deals mainly with Gandalf and the hobbits. A
little silliness has been added with Merry and Pippin, just to lighten the
mood before we head into the eventual darkness of this story. Review
Responses are at bottom of the page. Thank you!
~Chapter Two~
~The Three Hobbits of the Shire~
~1447 Shire Reckoning~
It was an ordinary day in the Shire. Many hobbits were busy in the market, selling provisions for the day, and talking to their friends. Some sat in the Green Dragon Inn, drinking bear and having a laugh with friends. Others farmed, or swept their houses. Little halflings ran through the fields laughing and joking, enjoying the calm the Shire gave to them.
Bag End stood blossoming in flowers and many colours. Sam had done a brilliant job in the years since the inheriting Bag End from Frodo, turning the front and back gardens into a symbolism of beauty. Sam's family had grown since Frodo's departure. He and Rose had been blessed with 13 children, the last of which Tolman was the youngest.
At 67 years of age Sam had aged since his journey with Mister Frodo, and yet the hobbits heart craved to see more of the world. There were many places he had yet to see: The Lonely Mountain for one. Bilbo had spoken of his adventures there, and Sam had always wished to go to that place. Yet his life was flowing away before his eyes. His hair was greyer; his face etched with a few lines, yet his heart still pumped strong, as he went about his daily business as Mayor.
Hobbits Pippin and Merry were due to arrive in the Shire any time that day, as they had been away in Gondor for a year with their families. Having just returned the two hobbits had spent time sorting through paperwork that had to be urgently sorted regarding their properties. They had been back a month, and Sam had been trying to meet with them for the past four weeks. The workload had been high for them, and deadlines had to be met. A month of hard work had flown by and it was time for their visit to Sam.
The sun was just dipping below the horizon when songs of merry-making were heard from the Hobbiton road. Sam opened his front door and waited till the horse drawn carriages drew par with his gate. He heard the voices of the hobbits, and a smile flashed across his face as he recognised the song they were singing:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
"That's Bilbo's song." Sam said as the two singing hobbits walked up his garden path. He hugged Pippin and then Merry, leading them inside.
Rose sat in a chair in the living room knitting a jumper for Tolman. The Gamgee's 13 children had been put to bed earlier on, and Sam and Rose had remained awake for the arrival of Merry and Pippin.
Pippin wore the armour of Gondor and Merry wore the armour of the Rohirrim. Sam stared in wonder at them. Though he had seen them in that gear before, he still found it unbelievable that these two were warriors of the Kings of Gondor and Rohan. Their swords were buckled at the belt in the intricately carved scabbards.
Settling down in a chair, Pippin pulled out a pipe, and started to smoke. He sat back relaxed in the comfortable surroundings that Sam had made his home. "It's good to be back in the Shire."
"How was your trip?" Sam asked, eager to learn of his friends in the East.
"Éomer is fine. Rohan has grown in beauty." Merry said. "They held a feast in our honour which was one of many."
"Definitely," Pippin piped in, "Strider held at least five gatherings during our time in Minas Tirith. One was for us arriving,"
"Second was honouring Pip's deeds as a hero in the war. Every year they celebrate the war and its victory. As Pippin was there it was extra special and held a special banquet in his honour, though I seem to recall after the first hour you collapsed?"
"I was drunk!"
"That doesn't matter."
Pippin waved his hand. "The third celebration was the 24th anniversary of Aragorn and Arwen. Just think they'll celebrate 25 this year!"
Merry laughed.
"What's funny?" Sam asked.
"Just remembering that we both got drunk on that night. Couldn't rise from bed the next day. Strider told us we'd ruined the night." Merry replied. Sam rolled his eyes, mouthing 'typical'.
"The fourth celebration?" Sam questioned.
Pippin shrugged. "Prince Eldarion's 16th birthday. That was in November. We left Gondor in January. Last banquet held in our honour. Music, songs and dancing. Quite fun."
"The Lady Éowyn and Lord Faramir was there," Merry re-countered. "Both of us asked her for a dance."
"Didn't you also dance with the Lady Arwen?" Pippin asked.
Merry nodded. "I'm proud. I got the Queen of Elves and Men to dance with me. Strider was not very happy, bearing at the time I was on the verge of collapsing." The hobbit grinned at Sam.
Pippin spoke up. "She was heavily pregnant, Sam. Strider didn't want their child damaged by Merry's drunkenness."
"Has she given birth yet?" Sam asked.
"No. But she was at least eight months. Arwen was confident that the child would be arriving at the end of the month."
Sam smiled. "I know what its like when your loved when is expecting. I've had to go through it 13 times! He had right to worry. If either of you came onto Rose I would be livid, especially if she was carrying our child. Be thankful after hearing what you did in Minas Tirith, I am even letting you into my home!" he joked.
Pippin laughed.
Suddenly a loud knocking on the door caused them to jump. Pippin's smile faded and Rose exchanged a glance with Sam, worry etching across her face.
They sat in silence and then another knock came on the door. Still they did not move.
Then a voice spoke up. "Samwise Gamgee, if you do not let me in I will blow the door down. Surely you will let an old friend come in?"
Sam's face lit up as he recognised the voice. He called out. "Gandalf?"
"Yes it is I."
The three hobbits traded glances, bright smiles crawling across their faces. Sam raced to the door, unlocked it, pulled it open and grinned up at Gandalf who stood outside, smiling.
"Gandalf."
"Sam." Gandalf said. "May we come in?"
"We?" Sam asked.
Then from behind Gandalf stepped Frodo. Sam's eyes brightened and he couldn't suppress his delight. Tears found themselves in his eyes and he brushed them away when they parted. "Mister Frodo!" The two hobbits embraced, as Gandalf shuffled into the living room. From that room, Sam and Frodo heard the joyous shouts of Merry and Pippin.
"I think its time you met your cousin again." Gandalf chuckled.
Peering round the wizards form came the faces of Merry and Pippin, and if they could have smiled any more then their faces would have stretched to the breaking point. They bounded out laughing and hugged Frodo, ruffling his hair like a child.
"What are you doing here?" Pippin asked, overwhelmed by it all. After all he was a bit tipsy.
"We're here on urgent business," Gandalf explained, "Evil has risen across the seas, and it comes to Gondor even as we speak."
"Across the sea?" Sam wondered, trading worried looks with Merry.
Frodo nodded, speaking for the first time. "A threat has risen from the sea. Have you heard of Morgoth and what happened during the First Age?"
Merry frowned, his hazy mind obviously remembering something. "I think in Minas Tirith Strider showed us some old manuscripts that had come from Rivendell detailing about a Great War of the Jewels? Was that against Morgoth?"
"Yes," Gandalf nodded, "Morgoth is the master of darkness, one of the Valar that chose to dominate the world and spread his agents of darkness across Middle-Earth. Believe it or not, Sauron was his servant, yet when Morgoth was captured, Sauron was not caught and remained in Middle-Earth, stirring up trouble with the peoples. It was he who caused the fall of Numenor and the sinking of that ancient land into the ocean. Yet, Morgoth has escaped, and we don't know why. He has raised Numenor from its depths and is preparing to attack Valinor where the elves now dwell. But like Sauron he has one thing he needs before his full strength is recovered."
"It's not another Ring is it?" Pippin asked, laughing, not really believing the events that were happening around him.
"It is not funny." Frodo said staring at his cousin sudden memories of the past assaulting his mind as he spoke.
Gandalf stared round at every hobbit, his gaze finally settling on Pippin. "No, it is not another Ring. It is a someone." The wizard's eyes became serious and the lightness in them faded. "When Morgoth was imprisoned in the void his power was used to give the Numenoreans a land of their own and the ability to live longer then normal men, though the elves do believe it was Elros, the brother of Elrond that gave the Numenorean's their long life, yet not all people were part of his line and I have a feeling that it was Morgoth's power giving them long life rather then Elros' elven blood. It says in ancient legend that Morgoth's power is what gives the surviving Numenoreans skills equalling the elves. Yet Morgoth's power is no longer widely spread and resides in only a few men left in this world. The majority of it lives in Aragorn. Being the rightful heir of Numenor, Aragorn bears the power of Morgoth, though I suspect he doesn't know this. Partly his unique skills are said to have come from the elven blood that has dwindled over the generations. Yet still it is Morgoth's power. Morgoth needs only Aragorn and his power will be restored. We know for a fact that he has sent the Great Knights to Gondor. A shadow passed through the wind not just two hours ago. Within three days they will arrive in Minas Tirith. I have come to reunite the Fellowship, and protect Aragorn at all costs, while deciding what we can do to counter-attack Morgoth." He paused for a few seconds. "I believe that Morgoth escaped because of the prophecy he and Sauron made. That at the moment is the most logical reason and the only one that fits what is happening right now."
"There will be another war?" Sam said. "And we have to fight?" he looked dispassionately at his wife who gave him a sad look.
Gandalf shook his head. "The Enemy has yet to threaten Middle-Earth. The only people he threats are those on Valinor: the elves. They are preparing for war, waiting for my return with the Fellowship. They do not wish to be involved; yet they know they will have to fight. The Valar will not intervene. It is up to us to fight." The wizard smiled gently at Sam. "You may not have to fight but as you were part of the Fellowship, it is likely you will partake in the war. Whether Morgoth succeeds in taking Valinor then Middle-Earth will be affected but not until then. I am hoping that it does not come to that."
"I do not wish to fight," Sam mumbled.
"You have no choice," Gandalf said, tenderly, "The fates have foreseen that one of you has a task still to do. Which of you it is, I cannot say. I have no clue myself. The Fellowship must be united if we are to face Morgoth in battle."
"Then we head for Minas Tirith," Frodo murmured, "so close to that of Mordor." He shuddered, his eyes going misty, then clearing. "I'm sorry. Memories." He smiled.
"Sam, if we are to leave, you must say farewell. It may be the last time you see the ones you love. We are heading into dangerous territory, a place where we may never return from if we fail." Gandalf spoke. "We will eventually go to Numenor. There we will face the evil that resides there. You must be ready for death."
Sam nodded, and he turned to Rose. He glanced back at the others and seeing the solemn expression on the Mayor's face, Gandalf hushed them all out of the room, leaving Sam and Rose alone.
"Be careful Sam my dear." Rose said, tears glistening in her eyes. She hated it when he went away. Into danger and darkness where his fate would be unknown.
"I will return," Sam vowed, "yet if it is my task to fall in battle, then do not weep for me. I will think of you everyday my love and prey each day to keep you safe and the children. Look after them. Tell them I love them. I will miss you deeply." He hugged his beloved, planting a tender kiss on her cheek.
Rose wrapped his arms round her husband's neck, pulling him close, kissing him long and hard. Then they parted and hugged once more, before Sam went to each of his 13 children and kissed them farewell. He asked Rose to explain he was going away for a year and that someone would have to volunteer to be Mayor during his absence. He didn't want the others knowing that he might never return. He hoped in his heart he'd return to the Shire once more.
Taking his sword and buckling it to his belt, Sam knew he was ready. Joining the others he sadly looked back at his home before letting Gandalf hoist him up onto the horse. Whether it was magic or not, somehow all five of them managed to sit upon the horse.
Sam sighed heavily as Gandalf urged the horse into a trot. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"It will be alright Sam." Frodo said. "You will return."
Sam felt a tear slide down his cheek. He wiped it away. "I know. I will fight, and I will prevail."
As they left the quietness of Hobbiton the horse broke into a run.
Back at Bag End little Tolman Gamgee wept silent tears as he watched his father leave from the safety of his window.
TBC
Next chapter: We head to Minas Tirith and meet the children of Aragorn and Arwen. Also the first appearance of the Knights and their steeds!
Reviewer Responses:
Galadriel Evenstar: Thanks for the comments! You're my first reviewer as well! I'm not sure about the character death, though. There are ways around it, I think. Even if I did kill a major character I wouldn't be able to stand it, so don't worry, if someone dies I do have a way of bringing them back. *g* Shhh, don't tell!
The Last Evenstar: I hope this story continues to fascinate you and that you stick to reading it. I have to say, I love your latest story! It's really caught my attention!
Frodo2(): Here is the next chapter for you!
Usagipegusus: I did spell that right, didn't I? Thanks for your review!
Annasun: Anna! My best friend, thanks for reviewing. I hope you're right about the prediction you made concerning this story. I truly hope it is fascinating and that you'll continue reading! Though I'll probably have to bombard you with emails...
DaisyBrownlockOfOverhill: I like your name, rather unique and it stands out! Yes, I have planned out this story, and I'll definitely keep on writing. I'm writing Chapter 7 now; I'm at the place where I wish people could read it, but as I say updates every week! Hopefully by the end of June I should be working on the sequel to this (yes that is planned as well!). Thanks for the review!
Ecthelion(): It took me a while to write out a decent plot and then write the first few chapters. I can't stop once I get started. Unfortunately this is only Chapter 2, whereas I'm typing Chap 7 where things are darkening rather drastically. I can't reveal too much yet. I was hoping someone would pick up on Frodo's thoughts of his journey. Basically he is *still* healing as the memories keep coming back every so often. Throughout the story we will have his thoughts and possibly some of his memories as he is thrust into situations so like his own before, that are not his own anymore. Does that make sense? I can't tell you much about Morgoth's escape. The truth is revealed later on in the story, with a brief explanation of Morgoth's escape in this chapter by Gandalf. Enjoy!
Grumpy(): Thanks for the review! Your support is welcoming! I hope you enjoy this update!
Review? Please? Was it even *that* good to be continued? Namárië!
~Chapter Two~
~The Three Hobbits of the Shire~
~1447 Shire Reckoning~
It was an ordinary day in the Shire. Many hobbits were busy in the market, selling provisions for the day, and talking to their friends. Some sat in the Green Dragon Inn, drinking bear and having a laugh with friends. Others farmed, or swept their houses. Little halflings ran through the fields laughing and joking, enjoying the calm the Shire gave to them.
Bag End stood blossoming in flowers and many colours. Sam had done a brilliant job in the years since the inheriting Bag End from Frodo, turning the front and back gardens into a symbolism of beauty. Sam's family had grown since Frodo's departure. He and Rose had been blessed with 13 children, the last of which Tolman was the youngest.
At 67 years of age Sam had aged since his journey with Mister Frodo, and yet the hobbits heart craved to see more of the world. There were many places he had yet to see: The Lonely Mountain for one. Bilbo had spoken of his adventures there, and Sam had always wished to go to that place. Yet his life was flowing away before his eyes. His hair was greyer; his face etched with a few lines, yet his heart still pumped strong, as he went about his daily business as Mayor.
Hobbits Pippin and Merry were due to arrive in the Shire any time that day, as they had been away in Gondor for a year with their families. Having just returned the two hobbits had spent time sorting through paperwork that had to be urgently sorted regarding their properties. They had been back a month, and Sam had been trying to meet with them for the past four weeks. The workload had been high for them, and deadlines had to be met. A month of hard work had flown by and it was time for their visit to Sam.
The sun was just dipping below the horizon when songs of merry-making were heard from the Hobbiton road. Sam opened his front door and waited till the horse drawn carriages drew par with his gate. He heard the voices of the hobbits, and a smile flashed across his face as he recognised the song they were singing:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
"That's Bilbo's song." Sam said as the two singing hobbits walked up his garden path. He hugged Pippin and then Merry, leading them inside.
Rose sat in a chair in the living room knitting a jumper for Tolman. The Gamgee's 13 children had been put to bed earlier on, and Sam and Rose had remained awake for the arrival of Merry and Pippin.
Pippin wore the armour of Gondor and Merry wore the armour of the Rohirrim. Sam stared in wonder at them. Though he had seen them in that gear before, he still found it unbelievable that these two were warriors of the Kings of Gondor and Rohan. Their swords were buckled at the belt in the intricately carved scabbards.
Settling down in a chair, Pippin pulled out a pipe, and started to smoke. He sat back relaxed in the comfortable surroundings that Sam had made his home. "It's good to be back in the Shire."
"How was your trip?" Sam asked, eager to learn of his friends in the East.
"Éomer is fine. Rohan has grown in beauty." Merry said. "They held a feast in our honour which was one of many."
"Definitely," Pippin piped in, "Strider held at least five gatherings during our time in Minas Tirith. One was for us arriving,"
"Second was honouring Pip's deeds as a hero in the war. Every year they celebrate the war and its victory. As Pippin was there it was extra special and held a special banquet in his honour, though I seem to recall after the first hour you collapsed?"
"I was drunk!"
"That doesn't matter."
Pippin waved his hand. "The third celebration was the 24th anniversary of Aragorn and Arwen. Just think they'll celebrate 25 this year!"
Merry laughed.
"What's funny?" Sam asked.
"Just remembering that we both got drunk on that night. Couldn't rise from bed the next day. Strider told us we'd ruined the night." Merry replied. Sam rolled his eyes, mouthing 'typical'.
"The fourth celebration?" Sam questioned.
Pippin shrugged. "Prince Eldarion's 16th birthday. That was in November. We left Gondor in January. Last banquet held in our honour. Music, songs and dancing. Quite fun."
"The Lady Éowyn and Lord Faramir was there," Merry re-countered. "Both of us asked her for a dance."
"Didn't you also dance with the Lady Arwen?" Pippin asked.
Merry nodded. "I'm proud. I got the Queen of Elves and Men to dance with me. Strider was not very happy, bearing at the time I was on the verge of collapsing." The hobbit grinned at Sam.
Pippin spoke up. "She was heavily pregnant, Sam. Strider didn't want their child damaged by Merry's drunkenness."
"Has she given birth yet?" Sam asked.
"No. But she was at least eight months. Arwen was confident that the child would be arriving at the end of the month."
Sam smiled. "I know what its like when your loved when is expecting. I've had to go through it 13 times! He had right to worry. If either of you came onto Rose I would be livid, especially if she was carrying our child. Be thankful after hearing what you did in Minas Tirith, I am even letting you into my home!" he joked.
Pippin laughed.
Suddenly a loud knocking on the door caused them to jump. Pippin's smile faded and Rose exchanged a glance with Sam, worry etching across her face.
They sat in silence and then another knock came on the door. Still they did not move.
Then a voice spoke up. "Samwise Gamgee, if you do not let me in I will blow the door down. Surely you will let an old friend come in?"
Sam's face lit up as he recognised the voice. He called out. "Gandalf?"
"Yes it is I."
The three hobbits traded glances, bright smiles crawling across their faces. Sam raced to the door, unlocked it, pulled it open and grinned up at Gandalf who stood outside, smiling.
"Gandalf."
"Sam." Gandalf said. "May we come in?"
"We?" Sam asked.
Then from behind Gandalf stepped Frodo. Sam's eyes brightened and he couldn't suppress his delight. Tears found themselves in his eyes and he brushed them away when they parted. "Mister Frodo!" The two hobbits embraced, as Gandalf shuffled into the living room. From that room, Sam and Frodo heard the joyous shouts of Merry and Pippin.
"I think its time you met your cousin again." Gandalf chuckled.
Peering round the wizards form came the faces of Merry and Pippin, and if they could have smiled any more then their faces would have stretched to the breaking point. They bounded out laughing and hugged Frodo, ruffling his hair like a child.
"What are you doing here?" Pippin asked, overwhelmed by it all. After all he was a bit tipsy.
"We're here on urgent business," Gandalf explained, "Evil has risen across the seas, and it comes to Gondor even as we speak."
"Across the sea?" Sam wondered, trading worried looks with Merry.
Frodo nodded, speaking for the first time. "A threat has risen from the sea. Have you heard of Morgoth and what happened during the First Age?"
Merry frowned, his hazy mind obviously remembering something. "I think in Minas Tirith Strider showed us some old manuscripts that had come from Rivendell detailing about a Great War of the Jewels? Was that against Morgoth?"
"Yes," Gandalf nodded, "Morgoth is the master of darkness, one of the Valar that chose to dominate the world and spread his agents of darkness across Middle-Earth. Believe it or not, Sauron was his servant, yet when Morgoth was captured, Sauron was not caught and remained in Middle-Earth, stirring up trouble with the peoples. It was he who caused the fall of Numenor and the sinking of that ancient land into the ocean. Yet, Morgoth has escaped, and we don't know why. He has raised Numenor from its depths and is preparing to attack Valinor where the elves now dwell. But like Sauron he has one thing he needs before his full strength is recovered."
"It's not another Ring is it?" Pippin asked, laughing, not really believing the events that were happening around him.
"It is not funny." Frodo said staring at his cousin sudden memories of the past assaulting his mind as he spoke.
Gandalf stared round at every hobbit, his gaze finally settling on Pippin. "No, it is not another Ring. It is a someone." The wizard's eyes became serious and the lightness in them faded. "When Morgoth was imprisoned in the void his power was used to give the Numenoreans a land of their own and the ability to live longer then normal men, though the elves do believe it was Elros, the brother of Elrond that gave the Numenorean's their long life, yet not all people were part of his line and I have a feeling that it was Morgoth's power giving them long life rather then Elros' elven blood. It says in ancient legend that Morgoth's power is what gives the surviving Numenoreans skills equalling the elves. Yet Morgoth's power is no longer widely spread and resides in only a few men left in this world. The majority of it lives in Aragorn. Being the rightful heir of Numenor, Aragorn bears the power of Morgoth, though I suspect he doesn't know this. Partly his unique skills are said to have come from the elven blood that has dwindled over the generations. Yet still it is Morgoth's power. Morgoth needs only Aragorn and his power will be restored. We know for a fact that he has sent the Great Knights to Gondor. A shadow passed through the wind not just two hours ago. Within three days they will arrive in Minas Tirith. I have come to reunite the Fellowship, and protect Aragorn at all costs, while deciding what we can do to counter-attack Morgoth." He paused for a few seconds. "I believe that Morgoth escaped because of the prophecy he and Sauron made. That at the moment is the most logical reason and the only one that fits what is happening right now."
"There will be another war?" Sam said. "And we have to fight?" he looked dispassionately at his wife who gave him a sad look.
Gandalf shook his head. "The Enemy has yet to threaten Middle-Earth. The only people he threats are those on Valinor: the elves. They are preparing for war, waiting for my return with the Fellowship. They do not wish to be involved; yet they know they will have to fight. The Valar will not intervene. It is up to us to fight." The wizard smiled gently at Sam. "You may not have to fight but as you were part of the Fellowship, it is likely you will partake in the war. Whether Morgoth succeeds in taking Valinor then Middle-Earth will be affected but not until then. I am hoping that it does not come to that."
"I do not wish to fight," Sam mumbled.
"You have no choice," Gandalf said, tenderly, "The fates have foreseen that one of you has a task still to do. Which of you it is, I cannot say. I have no clue myself. The Fellowship must be united if we are to face Morgoth in battle."
"Then we head for Minas Tirith," Frodo murmured, "so close to that of Mordor." He shuddered, his eyes going misty, then clearing. "I'm sorry. Memories." He smiled.
"Sam, if we are to leave, you must say farewell. It may be the last time you see the ones you love. We are heading into dangerous territory, a place where we may never return from if we fail." Gandalf spoke. "We will eventually go to Numenor. There we will face the evil that resides there. You must be ready for death."
Sam nodded, and he turned to Rose. He glanced back at the others and seeing the solemn expression on the Mayor's face, Gandalf hushed them all out of the room, leaving Sam and Rose alone.
"Be careful Sam my dear." Rose said, tears glistening in her eyes. She hated it when he went away. Into danger and darkness where his fate would be unknown.
"I will return," Sam vowed, "yet if it is my task to fall in battle, then do not weep for me. I will think of you everyday my love and prey each day to keep you safe and the children. Look after them. Tell them I love them. I will miss you deeply." He hugged his beloved, planting a tender kiss on her cheek.
Rose wrapped his arms round her husband's neck, pulling him close, kissing him long and hard. Then they parted and hugged once more, before Sam went to each of his 13 children and kissed them farewell. He asked Rose to explain he was going away for a year and that someone would have to volunteer to be Mayor during his absence. He didn't want the others knowing that he might never return. He hoped in his heart he'd return to the Shire once more.
Taking his sword and buckling it to his belt, Sam knew he was ready. Joining the others he sadly looked back at his home before letting Gandalf hoist him up onto the horse. Whether it was magic or not, somehow all five of them managed to sit upon the horse.
Sam sighed heavily as Gandalf urged the horse into a trot. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"It will be alright Sam." Frodo said. "You will return."
Sam felt a tear slide down his cheek. He wiped it away. "I know. I will fight, and I will prevail."
As they left the quietness of Hobbiton the horse broke into a run.
Back at Bag End little Tolman Gamgee wept silent tears as he watched his father leave from the safety of his window.
TBC
Next chapter: We head to Minas Tirith and meet the children of Aragorn and Arwen. Also the first appearance of the Knights and their steeds!
Reviewer Responses:
Galadriel Evenstar: Thanks for the comments! You're my first reviewer as well! I'm not sure about the character death, though. There are ways around it, I think. Even if I did kill a major character I wouldn't be able to stand it, so don't worry, if someone dies I do have a way of bringing them back. *g* Shhh, don't tell!
The Last Evenstar: I hope this story continues to fascinate you and that you stick to reading it. I have to say, I love your latest story! It's really caught my attention!
Frodo2(): Here is the next chapter for you!
Usagipegusus: I did spell that right, didn't I? Thanks for your review!
Annasun: Anna! My best friend, thanks for reviewing. I hope you're right about the prediction you made concerning this story. I truly hope it is fascinating and that you'll continue reading! Though I'll probably have to bombard you with emails...
DaisyBrownlockOfOverhill: I like your name, rather unique and it stands out! Yes, I have planned out this story, and I'll definitely keep on writing. I'm writing Chapter 7 now; I'm at the place where I wish people could read it, but as I say updates every week! Hopefully by the end of June I should be working on the sequel to this (yes that is planned as well!). Thanks for the review!
Ecthelion(): It took me a while to write out a decent plot and then write the first few chapters. I can't stop once I get started. Unfortunately this is only Chapter 2, whereas I'm typing Chap 7 where things are darkening rather drastically. I can't reveal too much yet. I was hoping someone would pick up on Frodo's thoughts of his journey. Basically he is *still* healing as the memories keep coming back every so often. Throughout the story we will have his thoughts and possibly some of his memories as he is thrust into situations so like his own before, that are not his own anymore. Does that make sense? I can't tell you much about Morgoth's escape. The truth is revealed later on in the story, with a brief explanation of Morgoth's escape in this chapter by Gandalf. Enjoy!
Grumpy(): Thanks for the review! Your support is welcoming! I hope you enjoy this update!
Review? Please? Was it even *that* good to be continued? Namárië!