A/N: I think it is time to address the rating of the story. FrodoBaggins87 brought to my attention, or more of, reminded me that I had set the rating to PG-13/R; I will explain my reasoning now. I had originally intended for Frodo and Miranda to be more intimate and physically closer in the story, giving it a higher rating just in case. Yet, seeing how the characters have grown, I would say it was an incorrect rating. So, the story has been marked down to PG. I am asking the viewers to please, in your reviews, say what you think this story should be rated. Based on the majority, I will set the rating to that.
On another note. This story will have an epilogue! Good or bad? Find out
Red String
To Be Whole Again
The ponies and carriage moved at a rather fast speed as they continued on their path. They had followed a dirt road since they had left Bree. Merry had explained that this road lead through the Gap of Rohan, and past the ruins of Isengard. Rose and Elanor sat in the carriage as Sam drove it, Pippin and Merry ahead of the carriage. Frodo's pony, Strider, trotted along side the carriage. Miranda sat with Frodo, watching as the scenery went by. She held a small book in her hands with a quill, to record her own journey outside the Shire. Frodo had smiled at this.
A full day's ride later, Merry and Pippin had stopped. Sam stopped the carriage as well, and all eyes turned up to the large black obsidian tower, or rather, what was left of it. It shown brightly in the slowly increasing warm month of March. Miranda looked at Frodo who nodded slowly.
"Gaze friends, for there you see the Ruins of Isengard! The Tower Fortress of the formerly White Wizard, Sarumon." Merry said, as if he were instructing a tour. "The trees you see are part of the larger grown forest of Fangorn Forest, seen by the Ents."
"Ah…good old, slow, Treebeard." Pippin sighed happily, the memories surfacing. Rosie glanced at Miranda who shrugged. The group continued on their journey.
As they path continued in front of Isengard, Merry and Pippin were met with a solemn sadness. They found no Ents about, and felt disappointed that Treebeard and the others, such as Quickbeam, could not meet their friends and family. They sighed and continued on their journey, leaving the ruins and memory behind. Miranda watched over Frodo's shoulder as the Ruins and scenery slowly faded away into the background.
The next day they were greeted by the Riders of Rohan. They were doing as they had done in the days prior to the possession of Théoden, when they had been the true army of Rohan and not a band of outcasts. Merry spoke with them, and they received shelter and an escort to the Golden Hall of Rohan, it Edoras. It took two more days to ride to Edoras, and as the horses trapped up the large hill side, applause and cheers greeted the four hobbit warriors.
Merry and Pippin dismounted from their ponies, helping Rose and Elanor from the carriage. A guard quickly left his post and rushed into the Golden Hall to inform their King. Frodo slipped off Strider and helped Miranda down, smiling at her and looking up at the Golden Hall. The doors to the hall opened and out stepped the King.
King Eomer son of Eomund. He wore the crown of Rohan upon his brow, the one that Merry was accustomed to seeing Théoden of Rohan wear, not Eomer (he was used to seeing the tall rider in full on battle gear). Eomer smiled kindly at them and walked down the stone stairs. Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam bowed and the females curtsied in their suite. Eomer once again smiled and opened his arms out wide.
"Friends." He greated them, joining them. "Welcome back to my Golden Hall, especially you, Meriadoc son of Saradoc." He turned his gaze to the others. "Peregrin, Guard of the Citadel of Gondor. Samwise the Brave, and Frodo the Ringbearer." Frodo's eyes shifted to the ground. "And who are these three lovely women?"
"Well." Merry smiled and stepped aside. "This one, with the babe, is Rose Cotton Gamgee, wife of Samwise and mother of Elanor, whom is in her arms. The one beside cousin Frodo is Miranda Anne Chubb of Buckland, my homeland. She is a childhood friend, and companion to Frodo." He smirked at Eomer whose eyes lit in surprise for a moment. "Do not worry, King Eomer, nothing of harm shall come to your city with them being here."
They spent the night and the next few days after with King Eomer and his court at Rohan. Merry and Pippin were the ones that spoke the most to the King, and on the day of their departure they stopped by the grave of Théoden for final good-byes. Merry sat upon his pony as they rode away from Rohan, looking at the land he had pledged his allegiance to. He sighed and turned his pony, riding to catch up with the others as they left through Rohan.
As they entered the Realm of Gondor, Pippin pointed things out to them that Gandalf had told him of when they ran from Rohan. Pippin told the story of the meeting of Denethor, and the lightning of the beacons. Merry picked up from Pippin's story and told of how Rohan had responded to Pippin and Gandalf's acts. Miranda sat silently, listening, and glanced over at Frodo every so often. Frodo's eyes were towards the large mountains that were in the East, the ones that lead into the destroyed land of Mordor. Miranda frowned, knowing that his quest would haunt him forever.
Pippin stopped his friends with a hold of his hand. Rose looked out from the carriage. There stood the large White City of Gondor. The sun peaked through the dusky clouds, shinning down on the city as if to welcome them. Pippin smiled and began to trot down the hill, the others following. Miranda noted the happiness that Pippin carried in his eyes, the same that Merry had when they had come to Rohan. As they neared the city shouting as heard and the large gates of Minas Tirith were open.
Pippin and Merry trotted in, and Frodo moved Strider closer to the carriage. People gathered in the square and cheered for the return of the Halflings that had saved Middle-Earth. Miranda saw as Frodo and Sam's eyes met one another and both of their shoulders lowered. Pippin waved to all, and dropped his hand as he saw the soldiers of Minas Tirith march down. They cleared a way for the hobbits as a man came forward on a horse.
"I am Brethon, son of Heloth, I will lead you to the Citadel." The man said and turned on his horse. Merry and Pippin glanced at one another and followed him. Sam continued to drive the horses on the carriage and Frodo stayed behind the carriage. Miranda looked over her shoulder and saw people forming a crowd behind them as the soldiers escorted them. They all spoke in whispers about the carriage, and more of the red haired Halfling that rode with the Ringbearer. Frodo glanced over his shoulder and let out a deep sigh. Miranda looked up at him, but he shook his head.
Within an hour they saw those towering heights of the Citadel. Merry and Pippin removed themselves from their ponies and looked around as one of the guards left for inside. Sam jumped off the carriage and opened the door, helping Rose out as she held the small Elanor. Frodo helped Miranda down and held her hand. The hobbits headed to the entrance of the Citadel, Miranda's eye catching the White Tree of Gondor. Frodo smiled as the doors opened.
There stood King Aragorn Elessar, his crown shinning off the rays of the sun. By his side was Queen Arwen of the Elves. To his right was Faramir son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, and beside him was his wife, Eowyn the Shieldmaiden. Elessar smiled and came forward, his arms held out.
"My friends, welcome back to Minas Tirith." He smiled happily. Merry and Pippin bowed, both adorned in their armor. Frodo lowered his head and Sam returned the gesture. Miranda looked at Rose who shrugged, holding Elanor close. "It brings great joy to this city to have you four return…and with a large company as well," Elessar continued as he looked at Miranda and Rose, and finally Elanor. He smiled and turned his hand out to the open doors of the Citadel. "Let us speak of what has happened since we saw one another." Arwen smiled and stood aside. As the hobbits entered, Faramir and Eowyn lowered their heads in respect for the four.
They were taken to a large banquet table. Elessar and Arwen sat at the head, with Faramir and Eowyn on his left. Pippin sat on his right, with Merry beside him. Sam sat beside Eowyn, and Rose next to him. Frodo sat beside Merry, Miranda at his side. The food was brought and Merry and Pippin's eyes lit up. Elessar chuckled, knowing the appetite that hobbits came with. The food was served and they all began to eat.
"Tell me, how was the Shire when you returned home?" Elessar asked, watching his guests. Pippin and Merry looked at one another, then to Frodo and Sam. "I was afraid that something might have happened to your beloved Shire when you returned."
"Well, something did happen." Merry said.
"Sarumon had decided to take over the Shire after Gandalf destroyed his staff." Pippin said in between bites of food. Elessar and Eowyn's face turned to grave as Arwen sat silently. "He was powerless now, and so we confronted him. Grima was still at his side."
"Sarumon ordered Grima around like a dog." Sam muttered.
"So Grima killed Sarumon," Merry said. "And then, sadly….the hobbits killed Grima." Elessar glanced at Arwen, who was looking steadily at Frodo.
"There was also a battle." Frodo spoke up, letting his spoon down and looking up at Elessar. Elessar and Arwen's faces turned to frowns. "We had to fight against Sarumon's men at Bywater, close to mine and Sam's homes. We did not loose as many as they did….but, we still lost good people."
"Hrio hyn hîdh ab 'wannath." Arwen whispered, lowering her head. Frodo looked down at his food, and Miranda moved her hand over to his under the table, squeezing it. Frodo returned the motion.
"It couldn't have all been horrible." Faramir spoke for the first time. Everyone turned their eyes towards him. He placed down his fork and smiled. "After all, Master Gamgee has a lovely wife and daughter now." Sam blushed and mumbled something and Rose smiled.
"Of course!" Merry said, shaking his head at himself. "Forgive me for not introducing everyone," he motioned his hand to Sam and Rose. "This is Rosie Cotton Gamgee, and their daughter Elanor…and this," he motioned to Frodo who sat next to him. "Is Miranda Anne Chubb, a child hood friend of Pippin's and I's." he smiled at Frodo who continued eating.
"Lovely companions." Eowyn smiled. Miranda noted she had the same stature and poise as King Éomer did. "And lovely names as well, they must be very fine ladies in order to catch the eye of Frodo and Samwise." She and Arwen smiled. Elessar and Faramir glanced at one another and chuckled, Merry and Pippin joining in with them. Frodo looked over at Miranda who smiled at him in return and ate. Frodo smiled a little, silently agreeing with the Lady of Rohan.
"I take it that my brother Éomer was surprised to see you." Eowyn continued, eating a bit. "He had no idea that King Elessar had invited you all back to Minas Tirith. I wish I could have seen the look on his face, it must have been priceless."
"He was happy, although, probably not as happy as Strider was!" Pippin said, raising his mug and taking a drink of the ale within. Elessar smiled. "I still find it a bit shocking that our rugged ranger turned out to be the King of this large city."
Elessar smiled. "Sometimes I see that myself." He looked at Arwen who nodded. "We are throwing a party tonight in your honor, and Fellowship. It was Arwen and Eowyn's idea." Eowyn and Arwen smiled. "If you would all attend, it would seem like old times again." Merry and Pippin nodded eagerly, and Sam nodded. Frodo gave a nod and went back to silently eating. "And of course, your ladies are invited as well."
"We are so high from the ground." Miranda said, looking over the edge of the courtyard. Faramir stood beside her now, nodding. She looked up at him. "You have lived in this city all your life? So far from the ground?"
Faramir smiled. "Yes, Lady Hobbit, I have." He looked over the edge. "To Men we are always trying to build higher to the havens," he looked down at her. "Yet, it seems hobbit would rather stay closer to the ground."
"It is stable." Miranda said with a matter of fact tone. "The closer to the ground, the less chance of falling over." Faramir chuckled and nodded. Pippin joined them then, panting as if he had run around the entire city. Miranda looked at him, lifting her eyebrow.
"Everything is set up, Faramir." Pippin said. He took in a deep breath and smiled. "Where is Frodo? I haven't seen him since we ate. I didn't think he'd leave Miranda alone."
Miranda kicked him lightly and Faramir chuckled again. "He went that way," she pointed towards a small ally way below them. Faramir and Pippin looked at one another and frowned. "What? Is something wrong about the place?"
"That is the resting place for all stewards and kings." Pippin said softly. "He must be paying respects to Faramir's brother…"
"Boromir?" Miranda asked. Faramir looked at her with wide eyes, and Miranda looked at him. "Frodo told me of his quest. When he was speaking of meeting you, Lord Faramir, and you spoke of your brother's death, he was very sad and distraught." Faramir nodded and sighed. "Is it not good for Frodo to be there?"
"No, it is fine." Faramir said. "It just…means very much to me and my family name that the Ringbearer would consider doing such a thing."
"Boromir was a friend, even if he was taken by the Ring." Pippin said, placing his hand on Faramir's arm. "Frodo never truly thought bad of Boromir, and I am sure that he feels just as guilty as you and your father did." He looked over his shoulder and saw Frodo entering the courtyard. "Frodo! Frodo!" he called, rushing over to him. The two talked, Pippin's arms flaying everywhere. Frodo chuckled and laughed, nodding. The two rejoined the Steward and the hobbit lass.
"I must return to my post." Faramir spoke, bowing his head. "We shall see each other again tonight, farewell!" he turned and headed back into the Citadel. Pippin waved and turned back to Frodo and Miranda.
"I cannot wait! Do you remember the party they had after the coronation of Strider?" Pippin asked, Miranda rolled her eyes. He was acting like a child on his birthday. "All the people, dancing, the food…the ale! It shall be wonderful! If only Legolas and Gimli were here, then it would be as old times…sadly though, Gandalf is not with us anymore." He sighed sadly and scratched the back of his head. "Oh well, we shall dine and sing in their names! Frodo, will you be singing?"
"I am afraid not, Pippin." Frodo smiled. "I still remember the last time I jumped onto a table and sang." Miranda giggled at the image of that. Pippin shook his head. "Do not worry, I will be there. Someone has to carry you and Merry back to your beds!"
"And what of Miranda?" Pippin asked, eyeing her. Miranda lifted her eyebrow again. "What if she is too drunk to stand? Although, I doubt it, but you had better take her into first priority before worrying about me!" Frodo chuckled and nodded.
Miranda stood at the balcony, laying her arms on the rail that came to her neck. Frodo rubbed his eyes and closed the door, removing his cloak and lying it on a near by chair. He came up behind Miranda, watching the lights below in the city as they danced and sang. It was now late into the night; the two had decided to leave the party before Merry and Pippin decided to embarrass them in front of everyone.
"It is a beautiful city." Miranda said, standing up as Frodo wrapped his arms around her waist. Frodo nodded, looking down at her as she turned her head up to him. "I think I can see now why people at home would not believe you, these high buildings are hard to believe even though I am standing in them."
Frodo smiled. "Yes, it sometimes is." He looked out over the city again. "Although, sometimes I find myself torn. I want to return home to the Shire, but when I remember what is there and how lonely it is there, I want to stay here. It is a fantastic place to live, but I could not live with being called a savior." His voice dropped and the smile disappeared. Miranda frowned sadly. "It is almost like living a lie…I don't think I could do that."
"No one is asking you to." Miranda said, turning to him. Frodo sighed, looking down. Within a moment he had buried his face in her neck like a child and a mother. Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close. "Frodo, where you live and what you think of yourself are all up to you in the end. No matter of what others think or say, it is up to you….that includes me. If you wish to think yourself as a failure, I can deny it all I want, but it is up to you what you want."
Frodo smiled sadly. "How did a hobbit that has never left the Shire till now become so wise?" he teased. Miranda rolled her eyes, tapping him on the head in a playful scolding manner. He let out a small laugh and looked up at the city again before walking over to the bed and sitting down on it. Miranda closed the large doors that led to the balcony with great effort and sat down beside him. She laid her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around one of his. Frodo smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Do you wish me to escort you to a room?"
Miranda smiled, closing her eyes. "I am comfortable right where I am." She said in her matter of fact voice. "Besides it is not like we haven't shared the same sleeping place before, Frodo. We have ever since we left the Shire, even before then." Frodo nodded, even though she could not see it. He held her hand, moving his thumb in circles. He wanted Miranda to be by his side, not his sleeping lady. He thought back to what Merry, Pippin, Sam and he had spoken of after they received the letter from Elessar.
"Mira?" he asked, looking down at her. Miranda replied with a "hmm?" being close to sleep, but did not open her eyes. "Will you…"
Miranda opened her drowsy eyes and looked up at him. She couldn't have heard what she thought she did. She looked at Frodo steadily who returned her gaze. "What did you ask, Frodo?"
"Will you be at my side every night?" he asked softer than the first time he had asked. Miranda smiled at him, taking his hand in hers and holding them close to her heart. "If not…I understand…"
Miranda shook her head at him, tears coming to her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "Of course, Frodo. Of course." She felt him relax and lay his head against hers, holding her close. "You are so silly, Frodo, being all nervous like that." She moved her hand up to her eye and removed the tears that were forming. Frodo smiled at her, reaching his hand and removing the tears that came down her face. "You made me cry!"
"I am sorry melda, I'll try not to." He replied in the same playful and serious voice. Miranda laughed and hugged him again.
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A/N: Thank you everyone for reading RS and sticking with me through my writer blocks. This was the longest chapter I think. hugs everyone Thank you so much! I never thought a Frodo/OC would be so popular, seeing how much slash there is. Thank you thank you!! Arigatou!! The epilogue should be up within the next two weeks, since summer vacation starts in a week for me!
In the mean time, I ask you all to read my Van Helsing story, The Clans of Hunt. I haven't gotten any reviews, and I only know of two people that are reading it, which makes me sad frown. If you all can, please do read it! It does have spoilers though, gomen nesai!