The Company

A/N: *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* I absolutely hate this chapter. The delay in posting was because of me second guessing entire chunks, and I kid you not when I say I considered scrapping it and starting over. Between characterization, plot consistency, and trying not to rush or shoehorn in subplots, I've just been pulling my hair out. Writing in general lately has been awful, to be honest. I just feel like I've hit a creative brick wall. It's really been a struggle, y'all. Any and all suggestions about… anything are greatly appreciated. Quenya translations at the bottom.

Talion took in the sight of three terrified hobbits and a wary man staring at Eltariel and himself. While the hobbits' eyes were fixed on her, the man's eyes were fixed on Talion, and he could guess why. Using the power of Isildur's Ring, especially against the Nazgul, tended to change his appearance. No doubt with his hood up, the only thing visible would be his eyes, and he would bet they were the orange-red shade of fire. He slowly lowered his hood, watching the man's eyes widen as he saw his face. Eltariel and the hobbits looked to him as well, the hobbits surprised and still fearful, while Eltariel looked dismayed. The man shook his head and reigned in his expression.

"I do not know who you are, but I must thank you. Had you not arrived when you did, we surely would have faced our deaths," the man spoke, lowering the flaming branch he held and dropping it into the Ford. "Might I know your names?"

"I am Eltariel of Lothlorien," she introduced herself, bowing her head respectfully.

"And I am Talion. I hail from Minas Tirith." The man's eyes seemed to light up at that.

"Well met, Eltariel, Talion. If I may ask, why did you come here?"

"The Nazgul threaten all that is in this world, and we were informed they were after something, a Ring known only in legend… Until it was discovered by a hobbit of the Shire." One of the hobbit's eyes widened in fear, knowing exactly what Talion was talking about, and the wariness returned to the man's eyes. "Eltariel and I have seen what these Rings can do, and took it upon ourselves to ensure the Nazgul didn't get their hands on the Ring your companion carries."

"A-And now?" one of the hobbits questioned. "If it's the Black Riders you're talking about, they're gone. What do you plan to do?" Talion met Eltariel's gaze with a questioning look. She raised an eyebrow at him.

"We would like to escort you to Rivendell," Eltariel answered. "Even with the Nazgul gone, the path there could still be riddled with danger." She met the man's eyes, not expecting the deep, piercing look he gave her, as if he could see straight into her heart, her soul. She looked away from his intense stare, and he fixed his eyes on Talion's next. Talion met his gaze without hesitation, daring the other man to find ill intent in them. The man was taken aback by this, but found nothing but truth and good intentions in his eyes. The man gave reassuring looks to the hobbits, who calmed somewhat under his confident gaze, before giving them an answer.

"We would be most grateful to accept your offer. I am called many names, but here I am simply known as Strider. This is Samwise, Meriadoc, and Peregrin," he introduced, indicating the hobbits as he named them.

"Just Merry is fine," Meriadoc spoke up nervously.

"And so is Pippin," Peregrin added shyly.

"Call me Sam," Samwise told them.

"A pleasure to meet you all," Talion told him, though the hobbits refused to meet his gaze. "Are you well enough to continue?" With a nod from Strider, the six of them set off towards Rivendell on foot, the company's thoughts lingering on their injured companion who had been rushed to Rivendell just minutes prior. They traveled for several hours, and while he did not tire as quickly as he used to Talion was reminded of just how much energy traveling on foot required. Eltariel, too, showed signs of tiredness, as did Strider, who was a bit worse for wear, but the hobbits looked absolutely exhausted. Talion, noticing this, motioned to them, catching Strider and Eltariel's attention. There was a silent conversation between the three before they decided it was best to rest for the night. The area they settled in was a fairly secluded area just off the path. A ring of trees surrounded a clear, even, grassy area that would draw no complaints of sleeping with tree roots poking someone in the back from Sam. When Strider offered to take the first watch Talion waved him off, much to Eltariel's amusement.

"Is this the part where you tell him you don't sleep?" she teased with a smug smile. Talion glared at her halfheartedly.

"That was once, and there was a reason behind that." Her expression turned serious, but her eyes held a glint of amusement.

"Still, all of us are weary, and there are no caragors guarding us this time."

"I could call her down to guard us. She's circling the skies near here," he suggested, referring to his drake, who was never far off.

"And scare the halflings to death? I think not."

"Still, I will keep watch for the night, Strider. I'm sure your journey has been more exhausting than ours today." Strider nodded in gratitude, bidding them goodnight and settling close to the hobbits. Eltariel regarded Talion with worry.

"Are you certain you'll be alright for the night?" she asked.

"I'll be fine, Eltariel. Rest," he insisted. With one last glance she relented, settling and making herself comfortable. Talion sighed, lying down and gazing at the starry sky as his thoughts turned towards the conversation he'd had with Elrond not too long ago. He remembered his hand gently grasping the New Ring before his vision faded to black.

XxX

When next he awoke, Talion was aware of a warm presence at his back and strong arms wrapped securely around his chest. He was still where they had stopped for the night, but now it was just the two of them, and Talion couldn't be happier. The stars shone brightly, and the night was pleasant. Talion felt a soft kiss being pressed to the side of his neck and he sighed contently. "Celebrimbor."

"Talion," he whispered, voice full of affection and wonder, pressing another kiss next to the first. "Why didn't you tell me?" At Talion's confused silence he sat up, prompting Talion to do the same, turning to face him.

"Tell you what?" Talion asked a bit nervously.

"After our first meeting like this, I took some time to re-evaluate the Ring, to find answers to my questions. We may no longer share the same body, but our souls are bonded in the New Ring. We are just as connected here as we were before, even if our contact is limited." Talion's eyes widened before it dawned on him just what those words meant. Blushing, he averted his eyes, turning away, only to have Celebrimbor gently take his face in his hands. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked again, softer.

"There was never time," Talion told him sadly. "By the time I had realized my feelings, the New Ring had already started to change you. You were becoming more and more distant, and there was never a moment that felt right."

"Avatyara ni, melda," Celebrimbor whispered, guilt in his eyes.

"There is nothing to forgive," he told him adamantly. "For I still cannot gather the courage to say those words to you," he admitted in shame.

"I know, and I will wait for as long as you need to hear them. But I know, Talion… And I feel the same way." Not believing his ears, Talion slowly raised his hands before resting them over Celebrimbor's, eyes full of hope and unbridled affection.

"Truly? Do you mean those words?"

Pulling them closer together, faces inches away, he whispered, "Yes." Talion, without hesitation, closed the distance between them, capturing Celebrimbor's lips in a gentle kiss the elf immediately reciprocated. Talion felt like he was in Valinor, and gasped as the kiss sent shivers down his spine, a feeling of completeness sweeping through him as the kiss became more intense, more passionate. Talion tangled his hands in Celebrimbor's hair, pulling a soft groan from the elf as he inadvertently tugged on the ebony strands that shone in the moonlight. It wasn't until they had to separate to breathe that Talion realized that Celebrimbor was on top of him, and that the only thing separating their bodies were thin layers of clothing instead of their usual armor. He flushed at the thought. Celebrimbor chuckled, the sound deep with amusement. "Patience, beloved. When this world is free of the Dark Lord's presence you may have your way with me as often as you wish, and I with you." Talion gasped and stole another quick, tender kiss before gently rolling them onto their sides to face each other again.

"How goes the battle with Sauron?" Talion asked, hating to ruin the blissful mood, but needing to know. Celebrimbor's smile faded, replaced with a frown.

"While his power is much greater than mine, it appears we are at a stalemate. Neither of our spirits is willing to yield to the other. It is tiring to fight day after day, but it is well worth it if it helps in your efforts to destroy the One Ring."

"The Ring-bearer should be close to Rivendell by now, and we shall reach the city again tomorrow," Talion told him, a hand gently caressing his cheek. Celebrimbor leaned into the soft touch. "I have a feeling my journey is just beginning."

"Shelob warned that you would have a long and perilous road ahead of you, and despite my distrust she has not been wrong yet." Talion hummed in agreement, tucking his head into the crook of Celebrimbor's neck as he pulled him into his arms again. He inhaled deeply, Celebrimbor's scent causing a wave of emotions to rise in him.

"I miss you," he whispered, heart heavy. He felt a kiss being pressed into his hair.

"And I you, but we shall be together again." Talion tightened their embrace when he felt his consciousness fading. No matter how much they would meet it still never felt like enough time. "Be strong, Talion," Celebrimbor told him as he once again felt his surroundings fade.

XxX

Talion slowly opened his eyes to see the sky showing the first signs of light, tree branches swaying in the gentle breeze of the early morning. The script on the New Ring glowed bright blue, warm to the touch in his hand, and Talion blushed at the memory of being in such close and intimate contact with Celebrimbor. Sitting up and dropping the Ring, his eyes fell on the rest of his companions, who were still fast asleep. His four companions. Looking around and then up, he spotted Strider perched low in a tree nearby, watching over the company until his eyes fell on Talion.

"Good morning, Talion," he called softly, hopping down silently. He made his way over to him with kind and tired eyes.

"Strider. How long have you…?"

"I had a feeling you were more weary than you let on. I slept for a few hours before I took over the watch. I didn't want to wake you. You looked… At peace." Talion couldn't help the gentle smile that came to his face.

"Yes, I was," he replied. "I trust you slept well?"

"As well as I could given the circumstances, but yes." He regarded Talion for a moment, his now blue eyes, face free of black veins and anything that indicated darkness. "I see sleep has dismissed the darkness from your features."

"That is a relief to hear. I apologize if my appearance startled you yesterday. The Nazgul tend to bring out the worst in me." His gaze fell to Isildur's Ring. Strider followed his gaze, and was struck by how the Ring… Called to him. It was faint, but he heard its whispers, and he exhaled harshly, taking a step back as he felt a stab of dread and, worse, a fleeting moment of desire, almost as if the Ring… Belonged to him. Talion watched his movements in concern, meeting his eyes once he'd regained his bearings.

"That Ring… It seems there is more to your story than meets the eye, Talion," Strider told him, still a bit shaken.

"I could say the same to you," he replied suspiciously, eyes falling on a slowly waking Eltariel and still sleeping trio of hobbits. "Though this is neither the time nor place for such conversation. Perhaps in Rivendell, when there is less of a chance of eavesdropping." There was a silent agreement between them before Eltariel joined them with a yawn.

"Did he actually stay awake?" Eltariel asked, face impassive but a smirk in her eyes.

"You have been awfully cheerful lately," Talion pointed out to her. She gave him a look.

"It does not do to dwell only on the negative. One finds lightheartedness in times of peril when one can," she replied simply.

"Perhaps you should speak with Pippin, then," Strider told her with a slight smile. "He has a knack for that himself." Eltariel turned to him warily, the moment from the day before still fresh in her memory.

"I assume the watch was uneventful?" she asked, ignoring the uncomfortableness settling in her gut at his gaze upon her.

"The animals are still on edge after yesterday's events with the Nazgul, but the forest is peaceful otherwise." As Strider's thoughts turned to the previous day's events, Talion noticed the concerned expression that took over his face.

"The Ring-bearer," Talion began. "When we approached we saw an elf carrying a hobbit on horseback towards Rivendell. I assume that was him." Strider looked to him and nodded grimly. "What happened to him?" Strider took a deep breath before answering.

"He was stabbed by a Morgul blade during an earlier point in our travels. His condition has worsened considerably since, and I fear for his life, though there are no more capable healing hands than those of Lord Elrond. I urged Glorfindel to ride swiftly with Frodo back to Rivendell. He would much rather have faced all of the Nazgul himself than leave us behind, but when the hobbits pleaded for him to save Frodo's life he could not deny them."

"Rarely have I seen someone emerge from a fight with the Nazgul alive, much less with only a singular wound. That he still lives, especially given a blade's effects, is remarkable," Eltariel told him.

"Its effects?" Talion asked.

"Had we been too late, Frodo would have passed into the realm of shadow and become a wraith, just like the Nine. It is not a fate I can imagine anyone suffering." Talion averted his eyes at that. Eltariel, noticing his discomfort, changed the subject.

"When the sun has risen enough, we should keep moving. I have no doubt the hobbits will be relieved to be reunited with their companion."

"Agreed. If we set out before noon, we should reach the city before sunset… Perhaps if we start breakfast, they'll awaken sooner," Strider added thoughtfully. "Though they have more than earned their rest."

Breakfast did indeed awaken the hobbits, though it was considerably lighter when it did. They thanked Strider and then Talion for cooking it, approaching him with an apologetic and friendly, yet still wary, manner. He waved off their apologies, bidding them to enjoy their meal before the group was to set out again.

XxX

The six arrived in Rivendell with plenty of daylight to spare, the company immediately inquiring about the state of Frodo. "He is currently being tended to by Lord Elrond," one of the sentinels told them, escorting them to the Last Homely House. "Glorfindel brought him here last night. It is a wonder that the halfling still lives as we speak."

"Can we see him, sir? I have to know that he's alright with my own eyes," Sam insisted to the sentinel.

"I cannot give you the answer you desire, master hobbit. Only Lord Elrond can," he told him, watching them enter the House with looks of awe. Strider watched them gape and gawk with a smile, glancing around with familiarity.

"I take it you've been to Rivendell before?" Talion asked him.

"I spent many of my early years here. Lord Elrond raised me like one of his own after my mother passed. Rivendell is as close to a home as I have." As he said those words, Elrond emerged from a room, looking exhausted after many hours of healing. His eyes brightened when they fell on Strider, who greeted him with warmth.

"It is good to have you back, though I wish it were under better circumstances," he told him after a short embrace.

"I am glad to be back," Strider responded. "How fares Frodo?"

Tiredly, Elrond spoke, "He is resting. Had he arrived here merely hours later, he may not have survived. I extracted a piece of the Morgul blade from his body, but even then its magic lingered. It has been many hours, but it is done. I believe he should wake in a few days after his body has had time to recover."

"And then?" Strider asked him. Elrond gave him and then Talion and Eltariel long looks.

"Then… a council shall be called."

"To discuss the Ring?"

"Yes, but we shall speak more on the matter when the time draws closer. You should rest while there is still time, for I fear you may not have much of it," he addressed the three of them, receiving three nods in response before sweeping out of the room. Strider turned to them.

"Thank you again for your help," he told them. "I trust I'll see you at dinner later?"

"Of course." With a respectful nod to them both, Strider took his leave, leaving Talion and Eltariel alone as the hobbits had flocked to Frodo's room as soon as Elrond gave them the go ahead. Eltariel met Talion's thoughtful gaze.

"What is it?" she asked.

"This council… Many events will be set into motion, and many things will be brought to light." His thoughts flashed back to Shelob's vision. Elves, dwarves, men, hobbits, warriors, and diplomats would all be in attendance. The One Ring would be there. Isildur's Ring would be there. The New Ring would be there…

"Of that I have no doubt. I only wonder what decision will be reached concerning the Ring." Talion didn't respond, gaze drifting to Isildur's Ring as it so often did, worried and weary.

XxX

Strider found Talion some time later in the night, long after the sun had set and the stars had come into view, sitting and looking out over the falls and the city, holding onto the chain around his neck. He sat down next to him in the grass, a line of trees and the falls secluding them from many outside viewers. "I often come here when sleep eludes me, or when I need to be alone with my thoughts. Perhaps I have spent too much time in the company of elves, but the roar of the waterfall and the vastness of the sky are most peaceful in times like these." Talion smiled slightly, though worry was still etched on his features from his earlier conversation with Eltariel.

"You wouldn't be the only one. A starry night sky will quiet even the loudest of my thoughts. A quiet night such as this… There is nothing like it." Strider caught the look in his eye.

"I feel there is more to that statement, just as there seems to be more to you than meets the eye."

"I could say the same to you," Talion responded, echoing his words from before. "We are both surrounded by mystery, for good reason, I assume." He was met with the same appraising look he received upon their first meeting, Strider unsure of the true meaning of those words for a few moments.

"What is it you'd like to know?" he finally asked.

"What are you willing to share?" The night passed with many tales. Strider told Talion of his childhood in Rivendell, raised alongside Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir and his daughter Arwen, growing up in a world of elves and wonders most men can only dream of. Upon discovering his heritage as one of the Dunedain he became a ranger, leaving Rivendell to experience the rest of the world and discover who he truly was. His life as a ranger eventually led him to Bree, which led him to Frodo and the other hobbits.

"I have spent a lifetime wondering what my fate would be, where my path would lead me. Now I fear the decision may be out of my hands," Strider finished.

"The council?" Talion questioned. Strider nodded with a sigh.

"If what I believe will happen comes to pass, I may have no choice."

"Is it the past you run from, or a future you do not wish to embrace?"

"I suppose it's a bit of both, the legacy of my ancestors and what I am expected to become." Strider thought on the question more before asking, " And you? What is it you run from?" Talion was silent for a moment.

"The truth," he settled on. It was then that he, once again, told his story, but this time he started from the very beginning. He told of his life growing up in Minas Tirith, meeting his wife, becoming a ranger, starting a family… and then losing his family and his life. He recounted the rest of his story much the same way he did with Elrond, only this time there was no Eltariel to finish the story when he choked on his words. Strider listened intently and without judgement, lost in thought as Talion finished his tale. Shock was the most prominent emotion he could feel when he finally gathered his thoughts.

Another Ring of Power? Being bound to a wraith, cursed to be banished from death? Isildur's Ring? Isildur… a Nazgul?! What shook him to his core the most was not the fact that the man sat next to him could potentially become a Nazgul, nor was it that another Ring of Power existed outside of those told of in legend. No. The fact that Isildur had been one of the Nine… The fact that he had lived centuries as a wraith before being granted true death… His eyes fell to the Ring on Talion's finger, and Talion followed his gaze before meeting Strider's eyes.

"What is it?"

"I…" Strider hesitated, feeling as if someone had ripped through his very soul. Could… Could he have that same weakness inside of him? Would he suffer the same fate given similar circumstances? "I just cannot imagine Isildur…" Strider looked on in despair, and Talion felt that the look was not just because of Isildur's fate.

"It goes against everything we've been told as children, that Isildur did not die as a war hero corrupted by power, but was reborn as a servant of Sauron."

"Yes," he agreed, still reeling from Talion's tale, gazing at him in wonder. "I have heard stories from rangers and warriors across all of Middle-Earth, but nothing they have told me can even begin to compare to what you've shared with me today. I'm honored to have your trust with such personal matters."

"And I am honored to have yours. You must not give it easily."

"I don't," Strider confirmed, expression conflicted. "Frodo nor the rest of my companions know my story yet, though it's not that I do not trust them. I suppose… I don't want to involve them in any more danger than they've already faced. We nearly lost Frodo. Sam, Merry, Pippin, any one of them could have shared the same, or an even worse, fate."

"I understand… Do you think their journey will reach its end after the Council, that they might return to their homes once a decision is reached?" Talion watched as Strider seemed to realize something, a defeated look falling on his features.

"I cannot say for sure, but… I have a feeling that their journey is far from over." A silence fell between them, the two eventually heading back inside before the night's end.

***avatyara ni, melda: forgive me, beloved

Closing A/N: If I don't post this now, I never will. Originally, the chapter was going to end with the Council of Elrond, but I'm too concerned with this part of the chapter at the moment to write that scene with a clear head. So, as much as I don't want to end with Talion and Aragorn's conversation, I will anyway. Also, apologies for all the negativity in these author's notes. Again, writing has been a whole struggle, but a lot of my WIPs have been unupdated the last few months, so I'm writing while I have time. Hopefully next chapter won't be as hard to put together as this one.