The Ring That Binds

Author's Note: Well, here is the second part, and I'm so sorry that the story seems so boring at this point. I needed to give all the information, so that it will be a little bit more believable. The story will get more exciting, but until then, please bare with me. I was also wondering if you guys caught the reason why this story is titled The Ring That Binds. I tried to throw some hints out, but I'm not sure if it was clear. The full meaning will be made more clear as the story develops, but I wanted a title that had some meaning, and am not quit so sure if I have succeeded. And we are all tired of hearing this, but I don't own the Lord of the Rings, the only thing that is mine is Mindy. And also, please give me any advice, or comments. I'll even except flames. Just review. Please. I also have to apologize about the whole review thing, this is the very first fanfic I have every put on the internet, and for some reason, I was told that the story wasn't allowing people to review, unless they login, or something like that. I hope that I fixed that problem, because I really do feel bad, asking for reviews, and then having a stupid note come up, saying that I only except signed reviews. So I am so sorry for all of you who tried to review, but couldn't, and I really hope that the thing is working now, but if it isn't, please e-mail me at FireBird9900@aol.com. So to make up for my mistake, I decided to post this chapter a little sooner then intended. Enjoy, and if you can, please review.

Part Three: Returning Home

The cool ocean breeze, full of moisture in the morning light, shone with small rays of rainbows. A cool breeze swept across the water, causing a small shimmering noise sounding much like a row of small bells swinging in a song. But the beauty of the day did not help the feeling that had overcome the small group of people. The Elves on the ship waited patiently as a small figure cautiously walked toward the group that was waiting on the ground. The small person headed toward a small girl who stared at him in utter disbelief; nobody dared to break the silence, fearing that with a single unwanted noise, the small person would disappear. Finally the Elves on the ship broke the silence as their clear musical voices said their farewell's. In a moment the great white ship started to move away, leaving behind the three people it had carried across the sea. Still the group of people remained silent, until an old man cleared his throat. "Common, we should get back to Hobbiton, and discuss our next move," the old man said as the others nodded. "Here, I believe this belongs to you, ring bearer," the small Hobbit girl said as she pulled out a box from a pack on her side. "Thank you Mindy," a clear almost Elvish voice replied as a maimed hand reached out for the box.

The journey through the Shire was spent in silence, as the travelers spent their time taking in the scenery. "My, the Shire looks great," Gandalf said, as a small twinkle reflected in his eyes. "Yes, Sam has continued to care for the Shire in the spring, and he used his gift from the Lady to help heal the Shire after Saruman tried to destroy it. So now we have a land that is almost Elvish," Mindy said smiling proudly as Legolas laughed in his clear musical voice. "It's a little more Elvish then you may think. The Lady was very gracious in her gift, very few lands are blessed in the sand of her realm," Legolas said as the Hobbit's began to move uncomfortable. The ring bearer looked at them confused as they avoided the Elf's eyes. "Why do you act so guilty," the ring bearer asked making eye contact with the other Hobbit's for the first time. For a second the ring bearer feared that they weren't going to answer, but soon the girl Hobbit answered with a bitterness that confused all her companions. "Frodo, we don't deserve such a beautiful land. Sam never should have shared his gift with such a selfish race," Mindy said turning away as Gandalf gave her a dirty look. "It was not your choice on how the gift was used. Sam chose to share it with the other Hobbits," Gandalf said sternly as Mindy shook her head in annoyance. "Why do you think this Mindy?" Frodo asked softly as the girl turned away and gazed up toward the sky. "You know, ever since you left to meet the Elves, no one even noticed that you had gone. They never showed any interest in what you did, so why should they enjoy something that you and the rest of the Fellowship had suffered to save," Mindy said getting a disgusted look from everyone except the Hobbits. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound so bitter, I know it is the innocence of the little people that is so important, and with innocence come ignorance, I just can't help but wonder if the beauty of the Elves are meant for Hobbits," Mindy said noticing the disagreeing looks that the others were giving her. "Mindy, are you alright?" Pippin asked looking at his fiancé concerned, he knew when she was depressed, and knew that most of the time the cause of her grief was Frodo. "We're almost there," Mindy said looking up toward one of the Hobbit holes, trying to do anything but answer Pippin's question. Pippin only nodded his head in understanding, if she didn't want to talk to him, there was nothing he could do but let it be for the moment.

"Mr. Frodo!" a voice yelled as a plump Hobbit ran out of the hole that was Bag-End, "And Mr. Gandalf too," Sam said almost in tears as he and Frodo fell into a friendly hug. "I'm so happy you're back Mr. Frodo. I want you to meet my family," Sam said proudly as he led the group into his home, where Rosy waited for them with three young Hobbit children by her side. "You already have met Elanor," Sam said as his five year-old daughter looked at the people shyly from behind her mothers dress. Most of the people were new to her, the only one she knew real well was Mindy, since she was the family nurse, and had delivered all of Sam's kids. Mindy smiled as the girl looked at her and waved a pudgy little hand. Elanor the fair, was one of the few Hobbit children in the Shire to have golden hair, and even at her young age, she had a beauty that set her apart from all other Hobbit maidens. "And this Mr. Frodo is my son. We named him after you, begging your pardon," Sam said embarrassed as he pointed toward his son. Mindy's smile grew even more as she looked from Frodo, and Sam's son. Both of them looked so much alike, both had amazing blue eyes, and soft voices, but unlike the older Frodo, Sam's son was more of a flirt, and Mindy almost always found the boy around her, trying to imitate Pippin's attitude toward her. As annoyed as his parents would get at their son's infatuation with an adult, Mindy and Pippin found it adorable, and treated him a lot like the Frodo that they had lost. But at the moment little Frodo decided to leave Mindy alone as he looked at his adult looking double. "I don't mind Sam," Frodo said smiling as the little boy, much more courageous then his sister, walked toward him inspecting everything about the new Hobbit. "And this is our daughter, Rosy Jr.," Sam said as he pointed to the bundle in his wife's hand. Frodo looked up from the small Hobbit lad to look at Sam's third child. His eyes fogged for a second as he watched Sam and Rosy exchange a loving kiss, but the look passed before he picked up his little look alike. "You are so lucky Sam. It must be great to have a family," Frodo said his gaze falling on Mindy for a brief second, before he turned away. "Yeah," Pippin agreed as his gaze also fell of Mindy, but unlike Frodo, he didn't turn away. A small smile crept across Pippin's face as he thought about his wife to be. "Soon we will be just like Sam and Rosy," Pippin thought not noticing that Mindy was avoiding his gaze. It had always been her dream to start a family, but Mindy couldn't help but notice the longing looks that both Frodo and Pippin had given her. "God I hope I made the right choice," Mindy thought as she felt the cold metal on her finger, pressing into her skin as a constant reminder of her commitment to Pippin.

Dinner was an enjoyable event, as everyone enjoyed the great meal that Rosy had spent all day preparing. The group began to laugh, and the Hobbits began to act like they did when they were all in their tweens. Sam's son, having begun to feel more comfortable with the new strangers began his usual "flirting" toward Mindy, which left Sam and Rosy a matching color red, and caused everyone to laugh in amusement, especially Gandalf and Frodo. When the meal was finished, and Sam and Rosy had finally managed to get the kids into bed, Gandalf and the other bigger folks went out into the garden to discuss the next course of action. The Hobbits remained inside, where they curled up in the living room for the night. It was planned that the Fellowship would set out early in the morning, and head toward Rivendell, where they hoped to get some more information from Elrond's sons, and also to take a break and relax before they continued the journey. "We are not safe here in the Shire, and would only put the Hobbit's in danger if we stay any longer," Gandalf had said when Sam protested at dinner. But no matter how much Sam wanted Frodo to stay, he knew the old wizard was right. So with no protest, the four Hobbits had gone into the living room, preparing to get one last good nights sleep for awhile. But as the soft breathing from Merry and Pippin filled the room, two Hobbits lay awake starring at each other from across the dark void of night.

Mindy knew Frodo wasn't asleep, she had spent so many nights staring at him through the window, as he slept peacefully. And sometimes she had even entered his room, just so she could rest her head on his chest, and listen to the soft beat of his heart. Yet as she stared across the room, she felt his questioning gaze on her, and again she wondered about her choice to marry Pippin. "Are you nervous?" Frodo asked softly so that he wouldn't wake up his two cousins. "A little. I don't think that Gandalf likes me much," Mindy whispered back just as softly. "I doubt that. He's just a little too intimidating, but he loves all Hobbits. I think we kind of fascinate him," Frodo whispered back as Mindy snorted softly. "So why aren't you going to sleep?" Mindy asked trying to change the conversation. "I'm a little excited. This is the first time I have been in the Shire for years, and I really don't want to spend my only night here sleeping. What I really want is a good drink, and maybe some dancing," Frodo said turning to look outside longingly. "That's a great idea, lets go down to the old bar for awhile. It will be just like the old days," Mindy said cheering up slightly as she began to stand up. Frodo only smiled gratefully as the two Hobbits pulled on their cloaks, and silently slipped outside.

Hobbit's were rumored to be one of the biggest party loving creatures in Middle Earth. Unlike men, Hobbit's didn't go to bars just to get drunk, or to get a little action. And they are easy going creatures, so their parties never got as formal as Elvish parties. They had parties almost every night as a way to meet other Hobbits, and to hear or tell a good story. Plus, Hobbits always treated others as family, so new Hobbits found it easy to unleash their "wilder" side, and were rewarded with amused laughs. But as the two cloak Hobbits entered the small village bar, they were met with silence and odd stares. The moment they had walked in, the other Hobbits knew there was something different. They were both fairly young, but yet they held themselves as though they were of some form of wealth or royalty. The girl was unnaturally strong looking, while the boy was even more unnaturally skinny. But the thing that unnerved most Hobbits was their bright blue eyes that stared deeply at the inhabitants of the room, making them feel a twinge of familiarity. "Gaffer," the girl said as she pulled her hood off, and headed toward the old almost deaf Hobbit that sat comfortably near the small fireplace. "Is that you Mindy dear?" Old Gamgee asked as he welcomed the girl into a fatherly hug. "Gaffer, does Sam know you're out this late?" Mindy asked concerned as she checked over the old Hobbit for any sign of fatigue. "Stop mothering me dear, Sam does enough of that," the Gaffer replied noticing the Hobbit that stood nervously behind Mindy. "Who is this young Hobbit? I know it can't be Master Peregrin Took, he's too small," Mr. Gamgee said looking at the Hobbit carefully. "Hello Gaffer," Frodo said removing his cloak, and kneeling down by the old Hobbit as a form of respect. "Master Baggins! Why bless my soul, I thought you were dead," Mr., Gamgee said as the room became even more quiet. "Just like old crazy Bilbo..." one of the Hobbits murmured breaking the silence. "Do you think he brought home some more treasures?" another Hobbit said as more mummers began to fill the room. "And look, he has hardly aged. Just like the rest of the bunch. Some Hobbits get all the luck," a female Hobbit said as Frodo turned to face them. "Yes, I am back, and alive. But I'll be gone tomorrow, so I wanted to get a good drink, and hear a few good songs before I go back to bed. I do ask though, that you will all be kind enough to forget that I have even returned. So stop starring," Frodo said turning to smile at Mindy. "Would you like to dance?" Frodo asked holding out a firm hand. Mindy smiled as a very hesitant song began to play in the background. "Just like the old days, " Mindy thought as she took his hand. Hand in hand, Mindy and Frodo headed toward the center of the room, were they were shortly joined by other Hobbit couples.

In the corner, the Gaffer watched as Mindy and Frodo danced in a graceful movement that made them look like they were in their tweens again. The fire made the Gaffer's wise eyes shine with understanding as the years seemed to fade from the young couple. It was common knowledge that Mindy and Pippin were going out, but for the people who remember the couple from their childhood, it was quit obvious that Mindy had always been closer to Frodo. A fact that was only supported as the old Hobbit watched the two looking at each other longingly. But a rumor had spread throughout the Shire, that Mindy and Pippin were engaged, which meant that Mindy was obligated to remain faithful to him. "I wonder if Frodo knows?" the Gaffer wondered as Frodo began to play with the girl's tight bun.

Mindy laughed as she felt her hair fall out of the bun, and smiled inwardly as she saw the impressed look on Frodo's face. Her hair was now down below her waist, and curled around her face attractively. Frodo reached out an unsteady hand as he brushed her hair away from her face. Caught in the moment, Mindy's left hand covered his hand, as Frodo slowly brought his face toward hers. But as their eyes met, Frodo caught a glint of gold. Fearfully his eyes wandered away from Mindy's, and came to rest on the engagement ring, that seemed to glow in the fire light. Mindy noticed his gaze, and immediately pulled away starring at the floor ashamed. "Who is he?" Frodo said unable to hide his disappointment. "Frodo, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to go so far..." Mindy tried to explain as Frodo cuffed her chin, and forced her to look at him. "Who is he?" Frodo asked again, as Mindy's eyes wandered away from his gaze. "Mindy, who is he?" Frodo said more sternly as her eyes began to water. "Pippin," Mindy said as Frodo let go. "Congratulations." Frodo said turning to stare into the fire. "Frodo, you don't understand. I had no idea that you were going to come back. I waited, but I'm growing old, and soon my chance to have a family will be over. If I had known, I wouldn't have accepted," Mindy said trying to explain as Frodo turned to look back at her. "If you had said no, you would have broken Pippin's heart. You made the right choice. I knew when I left to go across to the Havens, that I would have to give you up. That is why I refused your love at Sam's wedding. I was a fool to think that I could return, and everything would be the same." Frodo said turning back to look at Mindy carefully as silent tears rolled down her face. "I don't plan to live through this. The last ring nearly claimed my life, the same will be so for this one. And if it doesn't kill me, I will return to the Havens. I don't belong here, 'to bare a ring of power is to be alone', this is my fate, I am glad that you will never have to suffer from the same thing. Pippin is the best choice for you, so don't regret your choice," Frodo said wiping Mindy's cheek. "Common lets get some sleep," Frodo said as he and Mindy said goodbye to the old Gaffer.

The next morning found the fellowship quietly making their way through the empty streets of Hobbiton. The old wizard stared forward with a keen gaze, while he carefully led the group forward. By his side, Legolas the Elf silently strained his senses for anything out of the ordinary, while a dwarf nodded half asleep behind his friend. Faramir and his wife rode hand in hand behind the Hobbits, as they glanced behind every few feet to make sure they weren't being followed. The four Hobbits rode in the middle with a protective eye on Frodo and Mindy. Even though Mindy had tried to prove that she was perfectly capable of watching out for herself, the three males couldn't stop themselves from being slightly protective of her, and since she was too tired to argue, she just rode silently with Pippin to her left and Frodo to her right. "What are you doing?" Mindy asked suddenly as Pippin tried to cover her hand. "I don't want Frodo to see the ring," Pippin whispered as Mindy rolled her eyes. "Give up Pippin, he already knows," Mindy said as Pippin shifted uneasily. "How?" he asked looking at Frodo, trying to figure out what his cousin was thinking. "Don't even bother trying, you know quit well that if I don't want you to figure out what I'm thinking, then there is nothing you can do. But I'll tell you this much, I'm happy for you two, and I hope that you two live a healthy life together," Frodo said smiling as Pippin sighed in relief. "Thanks Frodo, I will take good care of her," Pippin said childishly as Mindy and Frodo rolled their eyes. "Common, I want to get to Bree tonight. We must make haste, we already wasted too much time as it is, and soon the enemy will be upon us," Gandalf said harshly as he gazed back at the Hobbits. Mindy looked at him, and noticed that he was glaring coldly at her. "I don't understand, why does he seem to hate me all of a sudden?" Mindy wondered as the fellowship rode on in silence. Gandalf turned away when he noticed the hurt look on the Hobbit girl's face. He really didn't hate her, he just couldn't help but notice the tension between Frodo and Pippin. Both Hobbits were deeply attracted to her, and that attraction was causing jealousy, which could be a dangerous feeling when they had to deepened on each other to complete the task. "She could either destroy the fellowship, or save it. It will all deepened on who she decides to choose in the end." Gandalf thought as they silently continued on their journey.

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