DISCLAIMER: I do not own Lord of the Rings, or any of the characters within Lord of the Rings. They are all the work of the amazing J.R.R. Tolkien!!!! (Heh, and we can't forget Peter Jackson and Newline Cinemas...) I'm not earning anything from this, except maybe amusement. Please read and review. Onward to the story then....
Frodo felt something whisk past his shoulder, barely rustling the hair at the nape of his neck. The sound of it whistled in his ears. Thud. An arrow lodged itself deep within the Uruk's thick neck just as it emerged from the safety of the trees. Thud. Another arrow followed its flight. The fowl creature slowly came to its knees before collapsing to the ground completely.
The Hobbit gasped. He had not known the creatures had grown so close, despite the warning blue glow of Sting, now faded to a dim gleam, though not dissipating entirely. Frodo whirled around quickly, scanning the entire area. Who had saved him? Friend or foe? Then there was a hand upon his shoulder. For fear another of the fowl creatures had snuck up upon him yet again, Frodo desperately thrust his sword behind him, clutching the Ring in one hand
"Ai!" Said a musical voice, slightly distressed. The Elvish sword struck nothing but air, though Frodo was sure he had felt it connect with cloth. As Frodo had spun, he had done so in such a manner that he lost his footing upon the leaf coated ground. A hand gently lifted the sword from his hand and another swiftly moved to catch hold of the hood of his cloak before he fell. Slowly, dreading that his captor was akin to the rank creature that already lie dead before him, he looked up only to meet bright, glowing eyes. Legolas peered down at him, his head cocked to the side quizzically.
"Legolas!!" Panted Frodo, fright leaving him fleetingly. "Why you're no enemy at all! Alas, I walk through the woods and take little heed of the enemy yet attack my rescuer!" The Elf smiled and released him from his grip.
"Do not worry, no harm was done," said Legolas handing Sting back to him, hilt first. Frodo took it carefully and placed it back in its sheath.
"But look down...I've torn your shirt." Legolas looked down uninterestedly.
"So you have... I must compliment you then, you caught me off guard."
"As did you...but I hardly think of this as an accomplishment, considering your condition..." The Elf scowled.
"Has Aragorn gotten such things in your head as well?" Said Legolas, fiddling with the torn edges of his jerkin. Frodo smiled as Legolas turned to gather his arrows from the felled Uruk-hai. A comfortable silence followed. As comfortable a silence as there could be with Saruman's Uruk-hai roaming the wood. The Elf wrinkled his nose in disgust as he pulled his arrow free of the dead creature's flesh. Sliding the two arrows gently into the quiver amongst the others, he turned towards Frodo again.
"I take it you meant to leave us?" Frodo shifted his gaze away from the Elf.
"Yes...that was my intent..." Said the Hobbit, almost shamefacedly.
"And why was it your intent?" Questioned the Elf, his eyes filling with sorrow for he knew already what would be said.
"Because...Because I fear that the Ring...that it will take hold of you, as it did...Boromir," said Frodo, trying desperately to focus elsewhere than the Elf's piercing eyes.
"Alas! I thought it was so," exclaimed Legolas.
"I am sorry," said the Hobbit, staring down at his feet.
"Do not be. It is a wise and brave decision, one you have made as Ringbearer. Forsooth, I know not what the Ring may have done to our company, although I wish not leave your side for fear of an occurrence such as this. But I also do not wish to become changed and turned against you. Elf though I may be, I am not immune to the effects of the One Ring."
Legolas walked silently towards the Hobbit, placing a calming hand upon his shoulder, this time receiving no sword as response. Frodo gave him a weak smile. He had hoped to steal away unnoticed, although felt that it would not be so. Regardless, he was glad the Elf was here, for had he not found him, the Ring may very well have gone to Saruman by way of the Uruk-hai Legolas had slain.
"Do you still wish to travel alone?" Inquired the Elf.
"Yes. It is the least I can do to repay you and Aragorn, as well as the others, who have so faithfully stayed with me thus far. Gandalf once told me that 'all we have to decide is the time that is given us.' I have pondered his words...and have decided. This is what I will do with the time given me...I will destroy the One Ring. And I will spare all those that can be spared of the tempting the Ring offers. I have seen its effects on one man, I would that I did not have to see it again." Legolas smiled warmly at the Hobbit. However small he looked, he had taken a burden upon himself that even the great Grey Pilgrim had dared not attempt. And for now, it would appear that he was winning. "Speaking of which..." said Frodo cautiously, "what has become of Boromir?"
"I know not. I spoke with him briefly whilst I sought you, but did not press far into the matter of the Ring, though I had suspicions of what had occurred. I sent him back to the others and bade him tell Aragorn of what has happened. I have no doubt that they know you are leaving by now."
"Oh...I had wished to slip away unseen, but I suppose it is better this way." Legolas nodded his agreement. It was better that the others knew what had become of the Ringbearer instead of wondering in fear of what had come to pass. This way, at least, they knew that Frodo left their company unharmed. There was a stirring amongst the trees. More Uruks had followed in the footsteps of the latter, as both Legolas and Frodo had known they would. Legolas spun around and drew his bow in one fluid motion, letting two arrows fly at once. But this time he did not stop, but proceeded to shoot thrice more. Three thumps were all the proof he needed that his foes were felled. There was not time to retrieve the arrows, at least not now.
"I will guide you as far as the boats, and then, as you wish, I will let you take your leave, although I would rather linger by your side, till safer times at least. But, you have set your mind to this and I know I will not be able to deter you of it. I offer you my protection." The Elf bent low upon one knee to stare the awed Hobbit straight in the eye. "You are sure this is your decision?"
"Yes, as sure as I will ever be."
"Then we will be off," said Legolas, holding his bow ever in the ready. Inclining his head in the direction in which the river lie, he began at a slow jog so that Frodo would be able to keep pace. In truth, his side was aching quite horribly and he wished not strain his side more than was necessary, though he would fight to the very end to insure the Ringbearer's safe departure. Frodo followed the Elf, taking heed to keep close on his heels. Legolas' bow sang suddenly, as he tilted his head to the side. A black arrow whisked past his cheek, brushing his long hair past his shoulder. Then the assailant tumbling from the bushes, an arrow protruding between his eyes. Frodo watched in silent vexation at the Elven archer, striding tall and gracefully through the trees. He wondered now just how he had planned to make it to the boats alone.
By now Boromir had indeed reached the others. They had been in a state of concern. Frodo, who had been gone far too long to be occupied only with collecting firewood, had not returned. Nor had Legolas. And the man of Gondor had vanished unexplainably. Three members of the Fellowship had been absent without explanation until Boromir returned. His return had been all but joyous. The Son of the Steward had trudged drearily through the forest back to camp, his footsteps dragging. Aragorn was the first to question him, walking quickly in his direction with only an intense glare as welcome.
"Where have you been?" Asked the Ranger, very much concerned.
"I...spoke with Frodo." Aragorn's eyes widened. This was the last thing he had wished to hear.
"And what did you say?" There was a long pause. Boromir looked sadly at his boots, not wishing to meet the Ranger's gaze.
"I tried to persuade him to take the road to Minas Tirith...." Aragorn raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Is that all that you said?" Asked the Ranger, all the more suspicious.
"I..." Boromir's voice began to choke, "I tried to take the Ring." Aragorn scowled loudly. His heart sank nearly to his feet. Legolas had battled with Uruk-hai just that morning; the Ranger had no doubt that they still lingered in the forests, the Elf's uncharacteristic tenseness had been testament enough. It was the reason Legolas had been so avid about leaving, which was certainly not wonted of the prince of Mirkwood, asking to leave a forest.
"And what of Legolas? Have you seen him?" He said, trying to maintain his composure. Though he was sure that Boromir had not intended to take such an action, it had happened nonetheless and it could have dyer consequences. He had been suspicious of the man of Gondor since the very council that had decided upon this whole quest. Aragorn had found his hand grasping the hilt of his sword near the Son of the Steward all too often. Boromir was a good man, but Aragorn had always feared what effects the Ring may have on him.
"Yes. He was headed off in the direction Frodo went. He told me to tell you that the whole of the creatures he encountered this morning are upon us. He said also that he would take care of Frodo...I think that the Ringbearer intends to leave." As well he should, thought Aragorn angrily.
The rest of the Fellowship had heard of all that had taken place. Sam's face had turned as pale as the white clouds above. The thought that Frodo would leave without him or the rest of the Fellowship was horrible indeed.
"I promised Gandalf!" He suddenly exclaimed, leaping from where he sat. " 'Don't you lose him, Samwise Gamgee,' he said...and I don't mean to." Without waiting for further explanation, Sam grabbed up his pack and raced into the wood in the direction Boromir had come, his pots and pans clanking as he went. Merry and Pippin were quick to follow, drawing their smalls swords. They ran off into the woods after both Sam and Frodo.
"After them," said Aragorn. The last thing he wished to do was lose sight of the rest of the Hobbits. Now Aragorn too felt the presence of the Uruk-hai drawing far too close. All around it seemed as though they would spring from the bushes and surround them all. He could only hope that Legolas had successfully found Frodo. With that, Gimli, taking out an axe, ran as quick as his feet would carry him after the charging Hobbits, and Boromir soon came after, swinging his shield across his shoulder. Aragorn was last, taking up the rear lest the Uruk-hai truly decide to attack. His knuckles were white as he gripped the hilt of his sword.
Frodo followed after the Elf with some difficulty. Legolas' long strides took five of Frodo's own, and thus, while the Elf was scarcely jogging, Frodo was hustling just to keep up. As they ran, Frodo could see Legolas' hand move ever so slowly to his side. The Hobbit had nearly forgotten again that Legolas was hurt, probably more so every time he drew his bow or took a step. Yet he showed no sign of this, other than occasionally clutching his side and the scarce few times he had done so, it had been in attempted concealment.
Legolas' eyes were darting everywhere, from the thick trunks of trees to their reaching bows. The Uruk-hai could be hidden anywhere. Every so often a lone Uruk would appear, but these were easily dispatched by Legolas' bow. If one should choose to show itself, an arrow would be all that greeted it. Whenever the Uruk-hai shot back, Legolas was quick to dodge each shot, wary that he block the Ringbearer as well.
The familiar sound of the Hobbit's feet behind him ceased and were replaced with a rustling of leaves. Legolas spun around quickly. Frodo had fallen, though luckily not because of injury, but merely his own weariness and the aid of a root. The Elf bounded back to the Hobbit as fast as was possible. Pausing for even a moment would give their assailants time to gain space between them. Something caught the Elf's attention. Twang. The sound of a bow of Isengard. In desperation, Legolas leapt the final distance between himself and the Ringbearer and scarcely made it in time to block Frodo from the arrow. Unfortunately, the means by which he stopped the arrow were in no way particularly elegant, nor comfortable. The black fletched arrow tore threw the flesh of his upper arm, which he had been forced to use as the only available way to shield the Hobbit.
Gritting his teeth, he landed next to Frodo, a hand planted firmly against the leaf strewn ground. He gave the Halfling a grin before hastily getting to his feet, using a tree to pull himself up. Clenching a fist, the Elf snapped the arrow in half, tossing the black shaft aside, having no time to do anything more. Were he to remove the arrow, the blood would flow freely and he did not have any strength to spare through blood loss. There was no time to dwell on injuries. Frodo had gasped, but Legolas had quickly pulled him to his feet and urged him to set off again. That shot was meant for me...thought Frodo, staring with wide eyes at the crimson stain standing out greatly on the dark green jerkin and growing increasingly as they went.
At last, Legolas had been forced to grasp his arm as he ran, but not once did he slow, save to make sure that Frodo still followed. The Elf's steps were not as graceful as was habitual, but he proceeded without complaint.
After what had seemed like ages, they reached the boats. Legolas had untied it as fast as was possible, though his fingers, draped with blood, had fumbled unsteadily.
"Frodo, come." Said the Elf, beckoning for him to enter the boat. Uneasily, Frodo clamored into the Elven boat, trying as hard as was possible not to rock the boat too dangerously. Legolas hurriedly ripped a pouch from his waist along with his canteen of water. Handing them to Frodo, he gave him a grin.
"Lembas. You will need it on your journey." Frodo took it reluctantly, but gratefully nevertheless.
"Hannon le," said Frodo in response. Legolas smiled broadly.
"I must admit...I was worried when Elrond appointed such a small being for such an immense task, but I know now that there was naught to worry about. Hobbits are indeed a wondrous folk. Namárië, Frodo, take care of yourself...I look forward to our next meeting." And with that, Legolas pushed the boat into the Anduin. "I will be protecting you from the banks." Yelled Legolas after him, lifting his bow.
"Namárië..." Said Frodo, slowly taking up the oar from the bottom of the boat. As he was about to enter the current of the Anduin, there was a clattering of pots and pans in the distance. Legolas turned suddenly, a spreading grin across his face despite the arrow wound upon his arm. Frodo turned too, just in time to see a familiar face racing through the trees and towards the bank. The Ringbearer plunged the oar into the bottom of the bank, digging deep into the river bed and slowing the boat to get a clearer glimpse of who it was that raced towards him. A somewhat paunchy Hobbit, running as fast as he could and waving his arms as to attract Frodo's attention.
"Eglant no pheriannath..." whispered the Elf.
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Translations: Hannon le = Thank you.
Namárië = Goodbye/farewell
Eglant no pheriannath. = Praised be Halflings...
Well, I really hope you liked it! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and thank you silent readers as well. I also wish to apologize for taking so long to update. My soccer tournaments have finally started up again, and the rain that has been pouring for a few days straight now has finally let up and the archery range is dry again...more or less. School is only eight days away from ending! Then I'll have all the time I want for writing, and you won't have to wait nearly as long for me to update. Oh...I just want to warn you in advance...I will be gone the last week of June and first week of July (I'll be at Concordia Language camp...I'm working on learning Japanese), so there won't be any updates those two weeks...but I'll be sure to post a whole lot just before I go. Luckily, that's a ways off, so I'll have tons of time to write in the meantime.
Orliey: Thanks a bunch for the comment. I'm glad you think I have a good mix...I want my story to be original, and hopefully it is.
Deana: Yes...I suppose Legolas did get hurt in this chapter, but not seriously...I hope. What enthusiasm. Thanks.
Laurenke: Wow. Thanks so much for the compliment, it means a lot.
Eowyn: Thanks! I should be updating faster and faster as school draws to an end...
Gemini969: Thank you! Will do.
Tears of Eternal Darkness: Ah, yes. Hobbits do love mushrooms. Again, thank you!
Colagreenleaf: I'm glad you approve. I wanted to make sure I put Boromir's scenario into the story, because it is quite important. His death in the book and movie shows just how powerful the Ring can be...and just how treacherous. Thanks a bunch.
Well then...I'd best get to work on the next chapter! See you soon!
-Jamie (lintulina i luvasi ello eldar)