Chapter 34 --- Mellon
Again the company was to sunder and the peoples of Lorien would depart unto their land while those of Rivendell and the hobbits traveled anon. Sam remembered little of his parting with the Lady and only knew that he wished to see the beauty of the Dimrill Stair and the grey twilight of Lorien once more. But he knew that he never would walk upon the silken hillcrests, or among the glimmering mallorn trees, or lie amongst the dusty golden elanor in that enchanted land ever again. He felt a pang of grief as it only existed now as a waking dream in his memory and for the rest of the journey he clutched his little wooden box close to his breast.
Sam was relieved that they passed around the mountain, though it took a great deal longer, he dreaded attempting to master the icy beast again. The air about was chill and Sam drew up his hood and kept a hand on Frodo's shoulder to guide him. They were never alone. The ponies walked beside them as riding through the rocky terrain was a danger the company was not willing to risk. Tall elves stood like sentries beside the hobbits and Merry and Pippin were never far either. If there were any orcs creeping about, Sam saw hide nor hair of them. The black sheets of rock shot up like walls of iron beside them and the straggling twisted forms of barren trees grew amongst the mire and foul waters.
The vile waters were still like black glass and Sam found himself clutching Frodo near him and casting wary glances at the water, expecting tentacles to come slithering out seeking his master once more. But naught of the beast was seen and Merry and Pippin were wary not to disturb the water.
They traveled as far as they could that day, the entire company eager to be far from that place. When they finally did choose to rest Sam sat with Frodo on a smooth grey rock and smoked pipeweed with Merry and Pippin silently. A fine haze hung over the mire and foul smelling weeds slithered up a crooked tree. Sam gazed at the flat grey wall of stone before him. He looked towards the sky that seemed very close and thick with clouds. He muttered as his eyes glanced past a faint glow that would be the moon. Gales of winds beat against the stone walls and battered back to buffet the company in a torrent of winds. Sam had to relight his pipe twice before giving up and simply chewing on the end.
Frodo clutched Sam's sleeve and shivered. It was not that cold but the winds cut through every layer of clothing and chilled the skin. Merry left without a word and returned later with thick woolen blankets. One he draped over the rock to soften their bed and the other he threw over all four of them. Sam smiled and pulled it closer over Frodo's lap. Sam lay on his back and put his hands behind his head to watch the clouds speed past the dark sky. Every so often the soft glimmer of a star would peer out from behind the steely prison and then be consumed again. Sam sighed sadly. "Above all shadows rides the sun and stars forever dwell," he murmured, clutching the wool of the blanket.
Sleep seemed far away, like it had disappeared beyond all recall after the Lady had gone. Sam sighed and looked about him. Merry was on the far side of the rock, one hand behind his head, the right one lying across his chest in an attempt to keep warm. Pippin was closer to him but all that could be seen of the young hobbit was his curls peering out from under the blanket and his hands clutching its end. Sam smiled slightly before turning to his right and finding Frodo, lying on his stomach, toying with the fabric of the wool and humming a child's lullaby.
Sam reached out and clutched one of Frodo's trembling hands, all four of Frodo's fingers fit into Sam's hand, they were cold. Frodo turned to face his protector, his nose and cheeks were flushed with cold but he did not seem to mind it. Frodo did not seem eager to sleep soon and Sam was in no mood to urge him to do so. So the gardener resumed his attempts to catch a glance at stars. He tried to remember when Legolas taught him their names but now he could not name them if he saw one without the others. So he sighed and waited.
With the great blasts of wind the clouds were beginning to abate. A few stars could be seen shimmering now and Sam could see the beginnings of Remmirath, or at least his gleaming belt. As the clouds began to wisp away Sam felt his eyes drooping and the thick haze of sleep began to comfort his troubled thoughts.
The warmth of sleep seemed to quell the howling winds and wrap him deep in the comfort of slumber he almost expected to open his eyes and see the ceiling of his hole in Hobbiton. Sam felt that any moment he would be strolling up the hill as the grey of dawn was washed away by the color of the sun. He could almost feel the soft curtains of Bag-End in his hands as he threw them back and cried, "Good morning, Mr. Frodo! I drew a bath and was wondering what you would like for first breakfast this morning."
Sam felt a cool, silver light on his cheek. He opened his eyes slightly and turned to his right where his master should have been lying. There the blanket rippled gently in the breeze but no hobbit beneath it. Sam sat up abruptly almost causing his head to spin. "Mr. Frodo!" his voice was shrill and hoarse with sleep. He scrambled to his feet and stopped dead as he looked before him.
The doors to Moria were gleaming and the stars glimmered in the icy, clear sky. Frodo was standing before them, small and clutching his arms as he shivered, his cloak sweeping behind him. But what froze Sam was the blackness before his master. The doors were opened.
Sam ran forward and clutched his master's trembling shoulders. Frodo turned to face him, his cheeks streaked with freezing tears. Frodo simply shook his head slowly and placed it on Sam's shoulder. "You don't understand do you?" Sam muttered, patting his master's back.
Frodo lifted his head and shook it again, carefully, slowly. He took a deep shuddering breath and whispered, "Mellon," as if the word echoed the darkest despair he could ever know. His eyes rose to meet Sam's and he said it again steadily, "Mellon."
Sam clutched Frodo's shoulders and led him across the camp at a near run. He stopped before Elrond and Gandalf as they sat, talking of things long past. The wizard stood nervously but Elrond eyed the two trembling hobbit's carefully. "You'll catch a chill," he said warmly before Sam could say a word. "Come and keep warm."
"Master Elrond, sir!" cried Sam, allowing Frodo and himself to be led near a fire. "He's gone and spoke again but not what he's been saying, not at all. He opened the doors to Moria, Gandalf," he turned to the wizard and trembled with fear or excitement, he wasn't sure which. "He's gone and spoke 'friend', sir."
"Did you hear him?" asked Elrond calmly, wrapping Frodo in a blanket.
"Well no, not the first time. But he said it to me. Twice he said it to me! He knows what it is, sir. Weren't no echo."
Elrond exchanged glances with Gandalf. The wizard sighed and turned away. "I will help with what I can."
"Help what?" Sam looked from elf to wizard and then at his master who seemed to be staring into nothing, not even noting Gandalf's close presence.
Elrond knelt before Sam and his grey eyes seemed to speak a desperation that could not be heard in his voice. "We have spoken long, Sam, of trying to force your master back."
"Why didn't you try this earlier, then?" asked Sam with a great deal of caution.
"I see now that he has some form of memory, the ability to recall past events and images. We could perhaps use that to give him a push."
"I don't like the use of these words 'force' and 'push'," muttered Sam.
"It will be difficult and not without risk."
"Gandalf?" Sam turned to the wizard who had turned away and stooped his shoulders.
"Elrond will tell you no lie, Samwise. Decide whether you would want this done for your master."
Sam looked at his master who was hunched over with a blanket draped over his shoulders. He was staring almost painfully down at his hands as if there were something he could not quite understand. "Yes," Sam said hastily. "And quickly."
"Now is as good a time as any." Elrond stood and placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder. The hobbit jolted and then turned to find Sam. Once assured that his protector was near he allowed the elf to lead him to a bed roll and lie down. Sam knelt beside him and placed his hand on Frodo's brow to comfort him. But Frodo looked about wildly and made an attempt to sit up. Sam coaxed him back down again and Elrond returned with Gandalf behind him.
The elf cast his hand over Frodo's wide eyes and they closed, his quivering chest rising to take a deep, slow breath before falling into a thicket of dreams. Elrond brushed aside a few of Frodo's curls and then laid his hand on the hobbit's brow. Whatever elvish words were said, Sam could not recall them. A haze seemed to be cast over his thoughts. He saw Gandalf, shimmering as snow and holding his staff aloft. His eyes were closed tightly and his lips moved in slight murmurs.
With a sudden jolt Frodo began to thrash and groan through gritted teeth beneath Elrond's touch. The elf did not move but Gandalf clenched his eyes shut tighter. Sam did not seem to find it necessary to move. His master seemed to be in peril but the gardener could not gather his scattered thoughts enough to even tighten his grip on Frodo's hand.
It was when Frodo let out a searing cry that Sam blinked and then pulled the hand to his lips. "Oh master," he murmured but his voice drowned away in the thickness of the air. Frodo took no heed, his eyes shot open and they gazed up wildly, tears streaming down the sides of his face. His lips curled into a sneer and he wailed into the cold air until his voice was trapped among the soundless chants of the elven healer. Still no good seemed to be coming of this.
Gandalf paused slightly, and lowered his staff as if in doubt, but swallowed hard and lifted it higher. The darkness must be broken but did that mean having to break Frodo as well. He must be able to break himself free somehow. But if he couldn't this was the only way.
Frodo arched his back and howled again but again his voice was caught in the air and devoured before it rang beyond the small group. Still the stinging sound was like ice and he writhed upon the ground in agony. He seemed strung taught, as if he would snap in a moment. His hands beat against the ground, between shrieks deep sobbing could be heard that trembled in his chest and stuck in his throat. His eyes began to cloud as he stared sightlessly at the sky. His curling lips issued forth no noise. His back arched another time before his body lie, quivering upon the ground, his legs twitching slightly and his arms struggling as if bound.
Elrond opened his eyes in that moment, seeming to leave his task unfinished. He whispered something as if to himself, "Stop this." Frodo lie quivering before him, his eyes beginning to clear but they were dim with confusion and despair and endless anguish.
Sam looked down at his master and held his breath. The hazy eyes cleared and then shifted, looking about with wild fear. He looked upon Sam and in an instant wrapped his arms about his protector and wept. Sam shuddered with tears and patted Frodo's back. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't mean to cause you pain. Oh please don't never trust me again."
"No, Sam," murmured Elrond. "I suppose I do not know what to seek in him that can reach any memory."
"You tried, sir," Sam whispered, bowing his head.
"We must find it in our hearts to trust to Frodo's own strength," said Gandalf.
"You asked too much of him before," Sam muttered with a bit of disdain. "And this is what happened. As strong as my master was, he had a breaking point like everyone else."
"Have hope, Samwise."
"Aye, I'll hold to it if I can. Never was anything else to hold onto anyway." Frodo was trembling but his grip did not loosen and Sam had to pry him away and help him stand. Elrond offered to walk the two hobbits back to where they had made their beds.
"Perhaps it is worth another try, once we return to the safety of Imladris," offered Elrond as Sam helped Frodo under the blanket. Sam seemed to think about this but did not answer.
The young hobbit settled in himself and welcome the warmth the wool offered. Merry and Pippin had not changed their respectable positions and, while Pippin was still unseen, Merry's mouth was open and he was snoring loudly. Elrond chuckled, "And perhaps you'd like to sleep by our tents tonight if you cannot tolerate the horns of Rohan."
Sam chuckled, "No thank you, sir. This is homier in a way. Though I do hope Mr. Pippin can breathe."
Elrond raised an eyebrow at the tuft of curls the peered out from over the blanket. "I'm sure he'll fare fine enough to chat a few ears off tomorrow."
"Without a doubt," said Sam. He turned to his master who was pulling the blanket close and shivering before curling up and sighing deeply. "Are you sure he'll be..."
"Fine as long as you are near, Samwise. I would not push him too far if I could help it. He's rattled and may stay that way for quite a long time."
"What did it do to him?" Sam whispered fearfully.
Elrond closed his eyes and spoke as warmly as he could. "I attempted to break the chains that bind your master but they are embedded within him too deeply. If they were to break then so would their prisoner."
Sam shuddered. "Then I'm not sure I want you to try again."
"Remember, Master Samwise, the fate your master now suffers is a greater terror than the end he might meet."
Sam shot a dark glare at the elf and threw the blankets over him, turning his back to Elrond and ending the conversation right then.
A/N: Wow almost to 400 reviews! Yippee! I'm so glad people are enjoying this. We shall see who the 400th reviewer shall be. I'm sorry this is taking long. Like I said, I've reached the end of prewritten stuff... grr. Just gotta work harder. I hope you are sticking by me and enjoying of course.
laurajslr - Well Envin was back briefly but he may appear again for a bigger scene in the near future. I'm trying to space it out properly. As for the visions you may reread the chapter entitled "Prophesies" and that'll clear things up a bit. But just a bit! I don't think Gandalf relaxed at all what with the fighing the Balrog for days on end and then dying and having to come back an all... quite a task. I haven't seen Eternal Sunshin! I'm soo mad too because now it's not in theatres and I gotta wait for the dvd! grr! Wanted to see that so bad too. Don't tell me about it I wanna be surprised. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Yahiko - Um... woot? Heehee. Hope you liked this chapter.
Bookworm2000 - Yes there should be a bit more about the visions though I don't plan on making things much clearer in the future. Mwahahaha! I'm glad you are following though, some people seem to be a little confused. I hope I'm not being too cryptic.
Stoneage Woman - I hope you feel better. Take one chapter and call me in the morning. Enjoy!
Nutty - ::pats head:: You are forgiven if you update your fic. Heh I wish I was the unmatchable genius that was Tolkien but alas. My boyfriend calls me "Tolkien-with-breasts" so that's close enough I guess. He's nuts... like you... I'm glad you see my writing has improved, it brings much happiness! Yay! I think I'm starting to write like you now. It's ok! Funness! Please don't feel so bad about missing some of the fic though, people do that and it's alright (it's a very long fic so it's understandable) But I do hope you continue writing. You have a gift and I enjoy your story.
ShireElf - Bad feelings! ::shudders:: I hate those. Well read and find out what will happen to this poor hobbit I'm just torturing endlessly. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Breon Briarwood - Well somewhat breakthrough. Hope you like. I plan on bringing them to Rivendell very soon. Next chapter or the one after. And then I have to bring in dear Bilbo! Ee! ::sniff::
Frodo's Gal - I've never really written a story centering around Merry and Pippin but it is a nice idea. I did write a short fic with Merry as the central character. Read it if you like "Of Crickets and Weavers of Words" nice and sweet though not so cliffy. And I never ever ever write slash. Check my bio. I get quite ranty.
Ailsa Joy - I'll forgive you for the lack of updates (::sighs impatiently:: I suppose) I hope you enjoyed this chapter and hopefully I'll get off my own arse and write some more. I'm going rather slowly myself.
endymion2 - That is a wonderful saying. I think I've heard it before, exactly like that so there really isn't and American rendition I suppose. Oh foo on those emails. This is what I said "Heh thank you very much for the list of abbreviations. I for one rarely use them myself but it's good to know. Now I know what you meant by "IMHO elves suck!" heh well I don't exactly loathe them as much as all that but I have never written a fanfiction about them. I can't say there is a single character created by Tolkien that I don't like. Thank you again for the list. And yes, America is where all the lazy people that create abbreviations thrive. I once was at a friends house and someone imed her while she was getting dressed. She told me to respond "cool" so I did and she freaked out at me because I didn't write "kewl" I just blinked and said "it takes the same amount of effort to write both doesn't it?" Oh well, I'm not much of a conformist, plus I like to express myself with some amount of formality even when I instant message. I shall update soon and I'm working on a number of other fics. You should read my recent one, it's short but it seems to be well received." (meaning "Too Much To Ask" though I did write another little ficlet, damn plot bunnies)
Iorhael - Yay for review. Update quickly so I may return the favor.
lovethosehobbits - I'll keep updating if you keep reviewing. I hope you are enjoying this fic.
Leia Wood - Thank you! Enjoy!
Again the company was to sunder and the peoples of Lorien would depart unto their land while those of Rivendell and the hobbits traveled anon. Sam remembered little of his parting with the Lady and only knew that he wished to see the beauty of the Dimrill Stair and the grey twilight of Lorien once more. But he knew that he never would walk upon the silken hillcrests, or among the glimmering mallorn trees, or lie amongst the dusty golden elanor in that enchanted land ever again. He felt a pang of grief as it only existed now as a waking dream in his memory and for the rest of the journey he clutched his little wooden box close to his breast.
Sam was relieved that they passed around the mountain, though it took a great deal longer, he dreaded attempting to master the icy beast again. The air about was chill and Sam drew up his hood and kept a hand on Frodo's shoulder to guide him. They were never alone. The ponies walked beside them as riding through the rocky terrain was a danger the company was not willing to risk. Tall elves stood like sentries beside the hobbits and Merry and Pippin were never far either. If there were any orcs creeping about, Sam saw hide nor hair of them. The black sheets of rock shot up like walls of iron beside them and the straggling twisted forms of barren trees grew amongst the mire and foul waters.
The vile waters were still like black glass and Sam found himself clutching Frodo near him and casting wary glances at the water, expecting tentacles to come slithering out seeking his master once more. But naught of the beast was seen and Merry and Pippin were wary not to disturb the water.
They traveled as far as they could that day, the entire company eager to be far from that place. When they finally did choose to rest Sam sat with Frodo on a smooth grey rock and smoked pipeweed with Merry and Pippin silently. A fine haze hung over the mire and foul smelling weeds slithered up a crooked tree. Sam gazed at the flat grey wall of stone before him. He looked towards the sky that seemed very close and thick with clouds. He muttered as his eyes glanced past a faint glow that would be the moon. Gales of winds beat against the stone walls and battered back to buffet the company in a torrent of winds. Sam had to relight his pipe twice before giving up and simply chewing on the end.
Frodo clutched Sam's sleeve and shivered. It was not that cold but the winds cut through every layer of clothing and chilled the skin. Merry left without a word and returned later with thick woolen blankets. One he draped over the rock to soften their bed and the other he threw over all four of them. Sam smiled and pulled it closer over Frodo's lap. Sam lay on his back and put his hands behind his head to watch the clouds speed past the dark sky. Every so often the soft glimmer of a star would peer out from behind the steely prison and then be consumed again. Sam sighed sadly. "Above all shadows rides the sun and stars forever dwell," he murmured, clutching the wool of the blanket.
Sleep seemed far away, like it had disappeared beyond all recall after the Lady had gone. Sam sighed and looked about him. Merry was on the far side of the rock, one hand behind his head, the right one lying across his chest in an attempt to keep warm. Pippin was closer to him but all that could be seen of the young hobbit was his curls peering out from under the blanket and his hands clutching its end. Sam smiled slightly before turning to his right and finding Frodo, lying on his stomach, toying with the fabric of the wool and humming a child's lullaby.
Sam reached out and clutched one of Frodo's trembling hands, all four of Frodo's fingers fit into Sam's hand, they were cold. Frodo turned to face his protector, his nose and cheeks were flushed with cold but he did not seem to mind it. Frodo did not seem eager to sleep soon and Sam was in no mood to urge him to do so. So the gardener resumed his attempts to catch a glance at stars. He tried to remember when Legolas taught him their names but now he could not name them if he saw one without the others. So he sighed and waited.
With the great blasts of wind the clouds were beginning to abate. A few stars could be seen shimmering now and Sam could see the beginnings of Remmirath, or at least his gleaming belt. As the clouds began to wisp away Sam felt his eyes drooping and the thick haze of sleep began to comfort his troubled thoughts.
The warmth of sleep seemed to quell the howling winds and wrap him deep in the comfort of slumber he almost expected to open his eyes and see the ceiling of his hole in Hobbiton. Sam felt that any moment he would be strolling up the hill as the grey of dawn was washed away by the color of the sun. He could almost feel the soft curtains of Bag-End in his hands as he threw them back and cried, "Good morning, Mr. Frodo! I drew a bath and was wondering what you would like for first breakfast this morning."
Sam felt a cool, silver light on his cheek. He opened his eyes slightly and turned to his right where his master should have been lying. There the blanket rippled gently in the breeze but no hobbit beneath it. Sam sat up abruptly almost causing his head to spin. "Mr. Frodo!" his voice was shrill and hoarse with sleep. He scrambled to his feet and stopped dead as he looked before him.
The doors to Moria were gleaming and the stars glimmered in the icy, clear sky. Frodo was standing before them, small and clutching his arms as he shivered, his cloak sweeping behind him. But what froze Sam was the blackness before his master. The doors were opened.
Sam ran forward and clutched his master's trembling shoulders. Frodo turned to face him, his cheeks streaked with freezing tears. Frodo simply shook his head slowly and placed it on Sam's shoulder. "You don't understand do you?" Sam muttered, patting his master's back.
Frodo lifted his head and shook it again, carefully, slowly. He took a deep shuddering breath and whispered, "Mellon," as if the word echoed the darkest despair he could ever know. His eyes rose to meet Sam's and he said it again steadily, "Mellon."
Sam clutched Frodo's shoulders and led him across the camp at a near run. He stopped before Elrond and Gandalf as they sat, talking of things long past. The wizard stood nervously but Elrond eyed the two trembling hobbit's carefully. "You'll catch a chill," he said warmly before Sam could say a word. "Come and keep warm."
"Master Elrond, sir!" cried Sam, allowing Frodo and himself to be led near a fire. "He's gone and spoke again but not what he's been saying, not at all. He opened the doors to Moria, Gandalf," he turned to the wizard and trembled with fear or excitement, he wasn't sure which. "He's gone and spoke 'friend', sir."
"Did you hear him?" asked Elrond calmly, wrapping Frodo in a blanket.
"Well no, not the first time. But he said it to me. Twice he said it to me! He knows what it is, sir. Weren't no echo."
Elrond exchanged glances with Gandalf. The wizard sighed and turned away. "I will help with what I can."
"Help what?" Sam looked from elf to wizard and then at his master who seemed to be staring into nothing, not even noting Gandalf's close presence.
Elrond knelt before Sam and his grey eyes seemed to speak a desperation that could not be heard in his voice. "We have spoken long, Sam, of trying to force your master back."
"Why didn't you try this earlier, then?" asked Sam with a great deal of caution.
"I see now that he has some form of memory, the ability to recall past events and images. We could perhaps use that to give him a push."
"I don't like the use of these words 'force' and 'push'," muttered Sam.
"It will be difficult and not without risk."
"Gandalf?" Sam turned to the wizard who had turned away and stooped his shoulders.
"Elrond will tell you no lie, Samwise. Decide whether you would want this done for your master."
Sam looked at his master who was hunched over with a blanket draped over his shoulders. He was staring almost painfully down at his hands as if there were something he could not quite understand. "Yes," Sam said hastily. "And quickly."
"Now is as good a time as any." Elrond stood and placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder. The hobbit jolted and then turned to find Sam. Once assured that his protector was near he allowed the elf to lead him to a bed roll and lie down. Sam knelt beside him and placed his hand on Frodo's brow to comfort him. But Frodo looked about wildly and made an attempt to sit up. Sam coaxed him back down again and Elrond returned with Gandalf behind him.
The elf cast his hand over Frodo's wide eyes and they closed, his quivering chest rising to take a deep, slow breath before falling into a thicket of dreams. Elrond brushed aside a few of Frodo's curls and then laid his hand on the hobbit's brow. Whatever elvish words were said, Sam could not recall them. A haze seemed to be cast over his thoughts. He saw Gandalf, shimmering as snow and holding his staff aloft. His eyes were closed tightly and his lips moved in slight murmurs.
With a sudden jolt Frodo began to thrash and groan through gritted teeth beneath Elrond's touch. The elf did not move but Gandalf clenched his eyes shut tighter. Sam did not seem to find it necessary to move. His master seemed to be in peril but the gardener could not gather his scattered thoughts enough to even tighten his grip on Frodo's hand.
It was when Frodo let out a searing cry that Sam blinked and then pulled the hand to his lips. "Oh master," he murmured but his voice drowned away in the thickness of the air. Frodo took no heed, his eyes shot open and they gazed up wildly, tears streaming down the sides of his face. His lips curled into a sneer and he wailed into the cold air until his voice was trapped among the soundless chants of the elven healer. Still no good seemed to be coming of this.
Gandalf paused slightly, and lowered his staff as if in doubt, but swallowed hard and lifted it higher. The darkness must be broken but did that mean having to break Frodo as well. He must be able to break himself free somehow. But if he couldn't this was the only way.
Frodo arched his back and howled again but again his voice was caught in the air and devoured before it rang beyond the small group. Still the stinging sound was like ice and he writhed upon the ground in agony. He seemed strung taught, as if he would snap in a moment. His hands beat against the ground, between shrieks deep sobbing could be heard that trembled in his chest and stuck in his throat. His eyes began to cloud as he stared sightlessly at the sky. His curling lips issued forth no noise. His back arched another time before his body lie, quivering upon the ground, his legs twitching slightly and his arms struggling as if bound.
Elrond opened his eyes in that moment, seeming to leave his task unfinished. He whispered something as if to himself, "Stop this." Frodo lie quivering before him, his eyes beginning to clear but they were dim with confusion and despair and endless anguish.
Sam looked down at his master and held his breath. The hazy eyes cleared and then shifted, looking about with wild fear. He looked upon Sam and in an instant wrapped his arms about his protector and wept. Sam shuddered with tears and patted Frodo's back. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't mean to cause you pain. Oh please don't never trust me again."
"No, Sam," murmured Elrond. "I suppose I do not know what to seek in him that can reach any memory."
"You tried, sir," Sam whispered, bowing his head.
"We must find it in our hearts to trust to Frodo's own strength," said Gandalf.
"You asked too much of him before," Sam muttered with a bit of disdain. "And this is what happened. As strong as my master was, he had a breaking point like everyone else."
"Have hope, Samwise."
"Aye, I'll hold to it if I can. Never was anything else to hold onto anyway." Frodo was trembling but his grip did not loosen and Sam had to pry him away and help him stand. Elrond offered to walk the two hobbits back to where they had made their beds.
"Perhaps it is worth another try, once we return to the safety of Imladris," offered Elrond as Sam helped Frodo under the blanket. Sam seemed to think about this but did not answer.
The young hobbit settled in himself and welcome the warmth the wool offered. Merry and Pippin had not changed their respectable positions and, while Pippin was still unseen, Merry's mouth was open and he was snoring loudly. Elrond chuckled, "And perhaps you'd like to sleep by our tents tonight if you cannot tolerate the horns of Rohan."
Sam chuckled, "No thank you, sir. This is homier in a way. Though I do hope Mr. Pippin can breathe."
Elrond raised an eyebrow at the tuft of curls the peered out from over the blanket. "I'm sure he'll fare fine enough to chat a few ears off tomorrow."
"Without a doubt," said Sam. He turned to his master who was pulling the blanket close and shivering before curling up and sighing deeply. "Are you sure he'll be..."
"Fine as long as you are near, Samwise. I would not push him too far if I could help it. He's rattled and may stay that way for quite a long time."
"What did it do to him?" Sam whispered fearfully.
Elrond closed his eyes and spoke as warmly as he could. "I attempted to break the chains that bind your master but they are embedded within him too deeply. If they were to break then so would their prisoner."
Sam shuddered. "Then I'm not sure I want you to try again."
"Remember, Master Samwise, the fate your master now suffers is a greater terror than the end he might meet."
Sam shot a dark glare at the elf and threw the blankets over him, turning his back to Elrond and ending the conversation right then.
A/N: Wow almost to 400 reviews! Yippee! I'm so glad people are enjoying this. We shall see who the 400th reviewer shall be. I'm sorry this is taking long. Like I said, I've reached the end of prewritten stuff... grr. Just gotta work harder. I hope you are sticking by me and enjoying of course.
laurajslr - Well Envin was back briefly but he may appear again for a bigger scene in the near future. I'm trying to space it out properly. As for the visions you may reread the chapter entitled "Prophesies" and that'll clear things up a bit. But just a bit! I don't think Gandalf relaxed at all what with the fighing the Balrog for days on end and then dying and having to come back an all... quite a task. I haven't seen Eternal Sunshin! I'm soo mad too because now it's not in theatres and I gotta wait for the dvd! grr! Wanted to see that so bad too. Don't tell me about it I wanna be surprised. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Yahiko - Um... woot? Heehee. Hope you liked this chapter.
Bookworm2000 - Yes there should be a bit more about the visions though I don't plan on making things much clearer in the future. Mwahahaha! I'm glad you are following though, some people seem to be a little confused. I hope I'm not being too cryptic.
Stoneage Woman - I hope you feel better. Take one chapter and call me in the morning. Enjoy!
Nutty - ::pats head:: You are forgiven if you update your fic. Heh I wish I was the unmatchable genius that was Tolkien but alas. My boyfriend calls me "Tolkien-with-breasts" so that's close enough I guess. He's nuts... like you... I'm glad you see my writing has improved, it brings much happiness! Yay! I think I'm starting to write like you now. It's ok! Funness! Please don't feel so bad about missing some of the fic though, people do that and it's alright (it's a very long fic so it's understandable) But I do hope you continue writing. You have a gift and I enjoy your story.
ShireElf - Bad feelings! ::shudders:: I hate those. Well read and find out what will happen to this poor hobbit I'm just torturing endlessly. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Breon Briarwood - Well somewhat breakthrough. Hope you like. I plan on bringing them to Rivendell very soon. Next chapter or the one after. And then I have to bring in dear Bilbo! Ee! ::sniff::
Frodo's Gal - I've never really written a story centering around Merry and Pippin but it is a nice idea. I did write a short fic with Merry as the central character. Read it if you like "Of Crickets and Weavers of Words" nice and sweet though not so cliffy. And I never ever ever write slash. Check my bio. I get quite ranty.
Ailsa Joy - I'll forgive you for the lack of updates (::sighs impatiently:: I suppose) I hope you enjoyed this chapter and hopefully I'll get off my own arse and write some more. I'm going rather slowly myself.
endymion2 - That is a wonderful saying. I think I've heard it before, exactly like that so there really isn't and American rendition I suppose. Oh foo on those emails. This is what I said "Heh thank you very much for the list of abbreviations. I for one rarely use them myself but it's good to know. Now I know what you meant by "IMHO elves suck!" heh well I don't exactly loathe them as much as all that but I have never written a fanfiction about them. I can't say there is a single character created by Tolkien that I don't like. Thank you again for the list. And yes, America is where all the lazy people that create abbreviations thrive. I once was at a friends house and someone imed her while she was getting dressed. She told me to respond "cool" so I did and she freaked out at me because I didn't write "kewl" I just blinked and said "it takes the same amount of effort to write both doesn't it?" Oh well, I'm not much of a conformist, plus I like to express myself with some amount of formality even when I instant message. I shall update soon and I'm working on a number of other fics. You should read my recent one, it's short but it seems to be well received." (meaning "Too Much To Ask" though I did write another little ficlet, damn plot bunnies)
Iorhael - Yay for review. Update quickly so I may return the favor.
lovethosehobbits - I'll keep updating if you keep reviewing. I hope you are enjoying this fic.
Leia Wood - Thank you! Enjoy!