"The Ringwraiths..." Avari whispered.
"Where is my daughter?" Elrond commanded, ignoring his guest now.
"She has came back; it was Arwen Evenstar who brought the Halfling here. His wound is deep and evil. My lord, you must come quickly. I do not believe he has much time."
"Where is Frodo?" Avari broke in. "Where is the Halfling? What has happened?"
"Not now," Elrond replied, "Your time now, Avari, is to be spent waiting. I must tend to Frodo immediately. Focus your mind upon other things.
"Asca, Eocrin. (Hurry, Eocrin.)" Elrond commanded sternly. Avari followed, but was held by another guard.
"Tampa! (Stop!)" she commanded, but Elrond was now out of the room and rushing to Frodo's aid. Avari's eyes blazed as she fought to be let loose, but the guard's strength did not weaken, nor his grip.
"Let me go! I must go to Frodo! Lle tyava quel? (Do you understand me?)" she shouted. Her voice echoed through the empty hallways, seeming to never end.
* * * * * * *
Sunshine beamed through the private room in which Avari rested.
Upon the walls were white ivory, gleaming in the sunlight. It hung playfully, swaying to and fro as the gentle breeze blew through the open windows. Golden candlestick holders reflected light upon the sandy-colored walls, as the lit candlewicks burned hot, illuminating a soft warmth in the room.
The surrounding walls were carved elegantly, the old Elvish designs shining. In the center of the room was spread the large, pure white bed. The covers wore Elvish symbols in shimmering silver and green. Behind the bed stood a copper statue of a young Elven woman, her arms spread wide, the robes flowing down her sides.
Upon the bed laid Avari: sleep had taken her long before. But instead of pleasant dreams, filled with wine and laughter, nightmares overcome with Wraiths, orcs, Mordor, and beyond occupied her mind.
"Death to all friends of the Grey Company!" Gaanon's voice shrieked.
"Have you been there before? Can you tell us about it?" Sam exclaimed, his face brightened at the mention of Elves.
"I've trusted you with my life, Aragorn. And I always will. You never let me down, and I know you never will. Now trust me, Aragorn..." her own voice whispered.
"Avari..." she stirred uneasily. "Avari! Awake! The time has come! Awake!"
* * * * * * *
Opening her eyes, an image of an old friend came into view. Puffs of smoke rising from his pipe, as his long, bushy eyebrows bristled under the grey-brimmed hat.
"My eyes cheat me..." Avari groaned, trying to awake fully.
"No," a familiar voice piped up, "They do no cheat you; that is, unless you see some other than an old friend."
"Gandalf!" she cried out, sitting up in her bed.
"Yes, Avari," Gandalf replied, softly smiling, "I have come to Rivendell. Surprised to see you, however."
"The Grey Pilgrim you are, indeed, my friend." she said with caution. "Sut naa lle sina re? (How are you today?)"
"That is an odd question to ask in times such as these. Nonetheless, I appreciate it. I have been better, is my answer."
"It's comforting to know after these years you have not forgotten such simple replies." she added, smiling warmly at the wizard. "How long have I been sleeping?"
"You have had a well-earned day's rest."
"Well-earned?" Avari replied warily.
"Elrond has told me of your conversation with him, just before Frodo-"
"Frodo!" she exclaimed, "Alas! forgive me! Frodo, how is he? What had happened?"
"Now now," Gandalf said slowly, "There is no need to stir voices. He is fine."
"The guard said the Wraiths had gotten to him. Mani marte, Gandalf? (What happened, Gandalf?)" she asked, falling back into the Elvish tongue.
"All shall be revealed in time. I do not believe Elrond would appreciate the tale to be told once again in his fair house. Once is enough."
"Please, Gandalf. What happened?" Sighing heavily, Gandalf gave.
"I will not recall the tale in full; only a briefing. You shall hear it all in time. But here is the brief that I will tell you from Aragorn's words.
"After you departed from the company at Amon Sol, Weathertop known in the Common Tongue, the Hobbits and Ranger made camp near the lower levels."
* * * * * * *
The Hobbits, weary from the long travel, flung off their packs and settled down. Strider opened a bundle, revealing four short swords. He hands them to the hobbits
"These are for you." Strider said, handing them one by one. "Keep them close. I'm going to have a look around. Stay here."
* * * * * * *
"According to Samwise, after Aragorn left, Frodo laid down and fell right to sleep. The rest stayed up for watch. During their watch, they became hungry and decided to light a low fire and fix a bite. Fools...It would later prove deadly."
* * * * * * *
Huddled around the fire are Sam, Merry, and Pippin, cooking a light supper.
"Can I have some meat?" Pippin asked, trying his hardest to satisfy his hunger. This was not a supper, not for a Hobbit at least. This couldn't even be considered a quick bite for an afternoon tea!
"Okay," Merry replied, then turning to Sam, "Want some tomatoes, Sam?"
"Great tomatoes," he added. Frodo awoke with a startle, turning to see the fire burning brightly in the darkness. Fear overcame him at being discovered.
"What are you doing?" Frodo cried out, struggling to reach them.
"Tomatoes, sausages, nice, crispy bacon!" Merry implied, showing his plate off to Frodo.
"We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo." Sam replied innocently. Frodo panicked, pushing his way through.
"Put it out, you fools! Put it out!" he cried, stamping the fire out with his own feet.
"Oh that's nice!" cried Pippin frustrated, "Ash on my tomatoes!"
* * * * * * *
"It was their own folly and foolishness that almost caused their end."
* * * * * * *
Suddenly, a Nazgul cry pierced the darkness. Startled, the hobbits jumped up, looking over the lip of the hollow. In the darkness below, they saw the shadows which they feared: five Nazgul closing in. Coming together, they unsheathed the small Elvish blades. Frodo motioned the others up the steps, towards the ruins at the top.
"Go!" he shouts, frantically.
Coming to the top, they came together closely, back to back.
"Where is Strider?" Frodo whispers hoarsely.
Coming up the steps, the black robes flow to the ground. Surrounding the hobbits are five of the Nazgul.
Unsheathing their long swords, the cold metal clanked against their metallic fingers. Coming in front of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin prepare to defend him.
"Back you devils!" Sam yelled, brandishing his sword.
Jarring forth, Sam clashed swords with the Nazgul, but swiftly was thrown aside. Merry and Pippin close the gap revealing Frodo, but they, too, were cast aside.
Backing across the hill, Frodo dropped his sword with a clatter, his body shaking uncontrollably. Stumbling, he fell backwards, trying to escape his pursuers. Backing against a fallen column, Frodo looks up: there was nothing there except an empty black robe, it seemed. Reaching into his pocket, Frodo felt the Ring.
Immediately, the Witch King felt its presence and approached Frodo, drawing a long dagger hidden in the black robes. Frodo scrambled back, terrified. There is nowhere else to go.
* * * * * * *
"The Ring took control of Frodo. A terrible thing to face the Witch King alone, but to take It out...is more than even I could fathom. But that is the terrible power of the Ring, and already, is has started to take effect on poor Frodo."
* * * * * * *
Desperate, Frodo slipped on the Ring, disappearing from the naked eye: the world had changed.
Looking up, the Nazguls' true form was revealed to Frodo, shining like ghostly kings. Slowly, Strider's words came to mind:
"They were once men. Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one falling into darkness."
"Strider!" Frodo called out, but none could hear him. He was alone...
"Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead."
"Strider!" he cried out, "Strider, help me!"
"At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One."
Frodo cried out, but no one heard him. He now, could not even hear himself.
"They will never stop hunting you."
Reaching out, the Witch King drew out his long hand. As if he were commanding, Frodo felt his hand pulling further and further away, the One Ring still upon it. But with desperate strength, Frodo pulls back, surprising the Witch King. With no time left, he drew his sword back and plunged it into the Hobbit's left shoulder, pinning him hopelessly to the ground.
"O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!" Frodo cried out. Astonished and feaful, the Witch King pulled back, removing the dark blade. Suddenly, the shadowy figure of Strider lept into view, attacking the Nazgul with sword and fire. With little strength left, Frodo reached down and removed the Ring; reappearing in the middle of the chaos with an anguished scream.
* * * * * * *
"If it were not for Aragorn, the Witch King would have gotten the One Ring, as well as the pleasure of finishing Frodo off, or leaving him to become as they: a Ringwraith." Gandalf whispered, his words lingering in the air.
"Alas! What terrible news!" Avari sighed.
"Indeed," Gandalf agreed, "Luckily, Aragorn arrived in time. If he were not there, things would have gone rightly amiss and it would be over. The Nazgul would have gotten the Ring, more than likely killed off Frodo and the rest, returned to Mordor," the candles hissed as Gandalf's voice lowered, "and we would be at the mercy of the Dark Lord."
"How did Frodo come to Rivendell, especially in his condition. I do not doubt the skills of Aragorn, but even he would not have the speed to rush the Hobbit here, especially with his extras."
"Oh yes. For it was Arwen Evenstar, the daughter of Elrond, who is to be thanked for carrying Frodo here. She was sent to find them, and with luck, arrived and carried him here to Rivendell, just in time. For Frodo was being drawn into the Shadow World..."
Avari sat in silence, pondering the events that had happened. Gandalf sighed, taking a smoke from his pipe. Finally, he got up from his chair and began to walk to the door.
"I believe enough has been told for now."
A/N: Finally, an update! I shall continue this story to the end now; hopefully, my old readers aren't too mad at me. Anyways, look forward to the next chapter VERY soon! And PLEASE PLEASE review!!!! Thank you!!! ^_^
"Where is my daughter?" Elrond commanded, ignoring his guest now.
"She has came back; it was Arwen Evenstar who brought the Halfling here. His wound is deep and evil. My lord, you must come quickly. I do not believe he has much time."
"Where is Frodo?" Avari broke in. "Where is the Halfling? What has happened?"
"Not now," Elrond replied, "Your time now, Avari, is to be spent waiting. I must tend to Frodo immediately. Focus your mind upon other things.
"Asca, Eocrin. (Hurry, Eocrin.)" Elrond commanded sternly. Avari followed, but was held by another guard.
"Tampa! (Stop!)" she commanded, but Elrond was now out of the room and rushing to Frodo's aid. Avari's eyes blazed as she fought to be let loose, but the guard's strength did not weaken, nor his grip.
"Let me go! I must go to Frodo! Lle tyava quel? (Do you understand me?)" she shouted. Her voice echoed through the empty hallways, seeming to never end.
* * * * * * *
Sunshine beamed through the private room in which Avari rested.
Upon the walls were white ivory, gleaming in the sunlight. It hung playfully, swaying to and fro as the gentle breeze blew through the open windows. Golden candlestick holders reflected light upon the sandy-colored walls, as the lit candlewicks burned hot, illuminating a soft warmth in the room.
The surrounding walls were carved elegantly, the old Elvish designs shining. In the center of the room was spread the large, pure white bed. The covers wore Elvish symbols in shimmering silver and green. Behind the bed stood a copper statue of a young Elven woman, her arms spread wide, the robes flowing down her sides.
Upon the bed laid Avari: sleep had taken her long before. But instead of pleasant dreams, filled with wine and laughter, nightmares overcome with Wraiths, orcs, Mordor, and beyond occupied her mind.
"Death to all friends of the Grey Company!" Gaanon's voice shrieked.
"Have you been there before? Can you tell us about it?" Sam exclaimed, his face brightened at the mention of Elves.
"I've trusted you with my life, Aragorn. And I always will. You never let me down, and I know you never will. Now trust me, Aragorn..." her own voice whispered.
"Avari..." she stirred uneasily. "Avari! Awake! The time has come! Awake!"
* * * * * * *
Opening her eyes, an image of an old friend came into view. Puffs of smoke rising from his pipe, as his long, bushy eyebrows bristled under the grey-brimmed hat.
"My eyes cheat me..." Avari groaned, trying to awake fully.
"No," a familiar voice piped up, "They do no cheat you; that is, unless you see some other than an old friend."
"Gandalf!" she cried out, sitting up in her bed.
"Yes, Avari," Gandalf replied, softly smiling, "I have come to Rivendell. Surprised to see you, however."
"The Grey Pilgrim you are, indeed, my friend." she said with caution. "Sut naa lle sina re? (How are you today?)"
"That is an odd question to ask in times such as these. Nonetheless, I appreciate it. I have been better, is my answer."
"It's comforting to know after these years you have not forgotten such simple replies." she added, smiling warmly at the wizard. "How long have I been sleeping?"
"You have had a well-earned day's rest."
"Well-earned?" Avari replied warily.
"Elrond has told me of your conversation with him, just before Frodo-"
"Frodo!" she exclaimed, "Alas! forgive me! Frodo, how is he? What had happened?"
"Now now," Gandalf said slowly, "There is no need to stir voices. He is fine."
"The guard said the Wraiths had gotten to him. Mani marte, Gandalf? (What happened, Gandalf?)" she asked, falling back into the Elvish tongue.
"All shall be revealed in time. I do not believe Elrond would appreciate the tale to be told once again in his fair house. Once is enough."
"Please, Gandalf. What happened?" Sighing heavily, Gandalf gave.
"I will not recall the tale in full; only a briefing. You shall hear it all in time. But here is the brief that I will tell you from Aragorn's words.
"After you departed from the company at Amon Sol, Weathertop known in the Common Tongue, the Hobbits and Ranger made camp near the lower levels."
* * * * * * *
The Hobbits, weary from the long travel, flung off their packs and settled down. Strider opened a bundle, revealing four short swords. He hands them to the hobbits
"These are for you." Strider said, handing them one by one. "Keep them close. I'm going to have a look around. Stay here."
* * * * * * *
"According to Samwise, after Aragorn left, Frodo laid down and fell right to sleep. The rest stayed up for watch. During their watch, they became hungry and decided to light a low fire and fix a bite. Fools...It would later prove deadly."
* * * * * * *
Huddled around the fire are Sam, Merry, and Pippin, cooking a light supper.
"Can I have some meat?" Pippin asked, trying his hardest to satisfy his hunger. This was not a supper, not for a Hobbit at least. This couldn't even be considered a quick bite for an afternoon tea!
"Okay," Merry replied, then turning to Sam, "Want some tomatoes, Sam?"
"Great tomatoes," he added. Frodo awoke with a startle, turning to see the fire burning brightly in the darkness. Fear overcame him at being discovered.
"What are you doing?" Frodo cried out, struggling to reach them.
"Tomatoes, sausages, nice, crispy bacon!" Merry implied, showing his plate off to Frodo.
"We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo." Sam replied innocently. Frodo panicked, pushing his way through.
"Put it out, you fools! Put it out!" he cried, stamping the fire out with his own feet.
"Oh that's nice!" cried Pippin frustrated, "Ash on my tomatoes!"
* * * * * * *
"It was their own folly and foolishness that almost caused their end."
* * * * * * *
Suddenly, a Nazgul cry pierced the darkness. Startled, the hobbits jumped up, looking over the lip of the hollow. In the darkness below, they saw the shadows which they feared: five Nazgul closing in. Coming together, they unsheathed the small Elvish blades. Frodo motioned the others up the steps, towards the ruins at the top.
"Go!" he shouts, frantically.
Coming to the top, they came together closely, back to back.
"Where is Strider?" Frodo whispers hoarsely.
Coming up the steps, the black robes flow to the ground. Surrounding the hobbits are five of the Nazgul.
Unsheathing their long swords, the cold metal clanked against their metallic fingers. Coming in front of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin prepare to defend him.
"Back you devils!" Sam yelled, brandishing his sword.
Jarring forth, Sam clashed swords with the Nazgul, but swiftly was thrown aside. Merry and Pippin close the gap revealing Frodo, but they, too, were cast aside.
Backing across the hill, Frodo dropped his sword with a clatter, his body shaking uncontrollably. Stumbling, he fell backwards, trying to escape his pursuers. Backing against a fallen column, Frodo looks up: there was nothing there except an empty black robe, it seemed. Reaching into his pocket, Frodo felt the Ring.
Immediately, the Witch King felt its presence and approached Frodo, drawing a long dagger hidden in the black robes. Frodo scrambled back, terrified. There is nowhere else to go.
* * * * * * *
"The Ring took control of Frodo. A terrible thing to face the Witch King alone, but to take It out...is more than even I could fathom. But that is the terrible power of the Ring, and already, is has started to take effect on poor Frodo."
* * * * * * *
Desperate, Frodo slipped on the Ring, disappearing from the naked eye: the world had changed.
Looking up, the Nazguls' true form was revealed to Frodo, shining like ghostly kings. Slowly, Strider's words came to mind:
"They were once men. Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one falling into darkness."
"Strider!" Frodo called out, but none could hear him. He was alone...
"Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead."
"Strider!" he cried out, "Strider, help me!"
"At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One."
Frodo cried out, but no one heard him. He now, could not even hear himself.
"They will never stop hunting you."
Reaching out, the Witch King drew out his long hand. As if he were commanding, Frodo felt his hand pulling further and further away, the One Ring still upon it. But with desperate strength, Frodo pulls back, surprising the Witch King. With no time left, he drew his sword back and plunged it into the Hobbit's left shoulder, pinning him hopelessly to the ground.
"O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!" Frodo cried out. Astonished and feaful, the Witch King pulled back, removing the dark blade. Suddenly, the shadowy figure of Strider lept into view, attacking the Nazgul with sword and fire. With little strength left, Frodo reached down and removed the Ring; reappearing in the middle of the chaos with an anguished scream.
* * * * * * *
"If it were not for Aragorn, the Witch King would have gotten the One Ring, as well as the pleasure of finishing Frodo off, or leaving him to become as they: a Ringwraith." Gandalf whispered, his words lingering in the air.
"Alas! What terrible news!" Avari sighed.
"Indeed," Gandalf agreed, "Luckily, Aragorn arrived in time. If he were not there, things would have gone rightly amiss and it would be over. The Nazgul would have gotten the Ring, more than likely killed off Frodo and the rest, returned to Mordor," the candles hissed as Gandalf's voice lowered, "and we would be at the mercy of the Dark Lord."
"How did Frodo come to Rivendell, especially in his condition. I do not doubt the skills of Aragorn, but even he would not have the speed to rush the Hobbit here, especially with his extras."
"Oh yes. For it was Arwen Evenstar, the daughter of Elrond, who is to be thanked for carrying Frodo here. She was sent to find them, and with luck, arrived and carried him here to Rivendell, just in time. For Frodo was being drawn into the Shadow World..."
Avari sat in silence, pondering the events that had happened. Gandalf sighed, taking a smoke from his pipe. Finally, he got up from his chair and began to walk to the door.
"I believe enough has been told for now."
A/N: Finally, an update! I shall continue this story to the end now; hopefully, my old readers aren't too mad at me. Anyways, look forward to the next chapter VERY soon! And PLEASE PLEASE review!!!! Thank you!!! ^_^