Disclaimers: I do not own The Simarillion and The Lord of the Rings. The Silmarillion, The Lord of the Rings and other Middle-earth works belong to J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers, Turbine and Standing Stones Games. All other canon material belongs to their respected owners. All original material—original characters, original locations, etc.—belongs to me, the authoress of this fanfiction story.

Inspiration Theme Music for Fanfic: Disney's film, "Prince of Persia" song, "I Remain".

Inspiration for Chapter 5: "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", shapeshifters, training grounds, "Kingdom Hearts" video game series, in which Sora, Donald, and Goofy are at Merlin's house during the first video game, and "The Battle for Middle-earth" video games.

*.*.*

I know, it's been a long time for this chapter to be posted. What happened was I ended up with writer's block, and then I finally wrote this chapter, deleted it because I thought it didn't look right, or I wanted Frodo's training sequence to be more intense. But now, I see that this chapter works for the next chapter, which fits into the storyline better.

That said, enjoy. :)

*.*.*

Frodo followed Gandalf down the hallway.

The high ceiling, as well as the white stone walls and floors, gave the impression that this was meant to be a place of healing. Obviously, he knew this, but the comfort of the books in certain areas, the study areas, as well as the rooms in the building made Frodo feel comfortable.

At last, he and Gandalf made it to the atrium, where Gandalf led them to the gazebo. Frodo took a seat on the bench next to the white robed wizard, who pulled out his pipe, filled it with pipeweed, and decided to smoke while they were in the gazebo.

"Ahh! This is good pipeweed," Gandalf said, pleased with himself.

Frodo smirked quietly. Oh, how he wanted more than anything to get over this session and get out of the Houses of Healing. Why were they still here? Was there something Frodo was missing?

"Gandalf, what did you want to tell me?" Frodo asked the wizard, curiously. "You've been keeping secrets from me. What is it you have to say?"

Gandalf blew a smoke ring. "Ahh! I knew Eru would want me to tell you this, at some point."

Frodo looked at the wizard, quizzically. "Tell me what?" He lowered his head in interest. "Please tell me this doesn't have to do with Sam—"

"It does not!" Gandalf said, point blank. "Frodo, you are a shapeshifter."

Frodo stared, wide-eyed and confused, "I'm a what?" What did he expect? It didn't surprise him that Gandalf kept this secret from him, but the way Gandalf threw it at him took Frodo by surprise. Still, it was intriguing to hear. "Gandalf, what?"

Gandalf chuckled to himself. "Would you like to hone your abilities? I think it would do you good, if you came with me to the training grounds. And since I'm a wizard, and you're a shapeshifter, this will come naturally to you."

"Gandalf, what are you saying?" Frodo asked, all smiles. Did he want to be a shapeshifter? Well, he was interested in the subject. It was another ability he had. Oh gosh! What would Sam think? "What would Sam say about this?"

"Ahh! You and Sam have been together since the quest, I take it. Yes, Sam will be much surprised to hear what you have to say. Bah! Why bother?" Gandalf stood up, gesturing for them to leave. "Come on. Your training awaits."

.

Minas Tirith's training grounds was situated on the sixth level. The high ceiling was popular amongst the buildings, but the houses remained cozy with their own rooftops at their own heights. The training grounds were covered with dirt and decked out in wide rectangular spaces.

The archers had their section. There were racks for the archers, where their bows, arrows, and quivers were set. The soldiers had another section for their sword fighting, where their weapons were set on weapons' racks.

The weapons included bows and arrows, but also swords, daggers, knives, javelins, crossbows, spears, and so on. New weapons were crafted in the smithies, which were scattered throughout the White City. These smithies often supplied the soldiers and archers with clean, fresh weapons, which they brought in and out for cleaning or repairing the weapons.

The building that joined the training grounds had its own smithy, as well as a waiting room for those who were waiting to meet up with their trainers. Some soldiers and archers spent their nights inside the training grounds' building, in case they reserved the rooms for their own use.

.

When Frodo entered the building, following Gandalf, the last thing he expected to find was soldiers and archers sitting around, talking. Frodo looked up at Gandalf as the wizard approached one of the men at the desk. It was clear that Frodo and Gandalf were supposed to reserve the training grounds.

"Ah, yes, Frodo and I would like to use the training grounds," Gandalf spoke to one of the workers.

"Go on," the worker said. "There's not a lot of people in there. We're celebrating the return of the king. But you're welcome to use the training grounds to your advantage." He stopped Gandalf immediately, telling him, "May I ask what this is about?"

Gandalf leaned in, whispering to the worker, "Frodo Baggins is a special case. He's the Ringbearer who defeated Sauron and he would like to work in the training grounds. He's a shapeshifter."

The worker nodded. He moved away from Gandalf, telling him and Frodo, "Follow me. We have a training grounds specifically for wizards. It's on the second floor."

"Thank you. Come along, Frodo," Gandalf said, heading upstairs.

"First door on your right! Yes!" the worker said, as Frodo followed Gandalf up the stairs.

.

The training room Frodo and Gandalf entered in had scores of books and scrolls, set about in bookcases. The room was wide and rectangular, perfect for casting spells. There were red cushioned chairs and benches, as well as a dark mahogany desk, fitted with elegant designs. In some parts of the room, there were lanterns, but there was also windows revealing the Pelennor Fields.

Frodo took one look at the room, looking quite content with himself. "So, you want me to become a wizard?"

"A wizard?" Gandalf shook his head. "No. You're a shapeshifter. You can shapeshift into whatever form you choose. This room is designed for shapeshifters. I know. Eru told me."

Frodo gasped, unsure what was going on. "I don't understand. You want me to tap into powers. What is wrong with you?" He shook his head. "I can't do it."

"You cannot escape your destiny," Gandalf said. "Now, transform."

"Oh please. You can't be serious!" Frodo exclaimed, complaining.

"Frodo, as your friend and mentor, I urge you to transform. Now transform!" Gandalf shouted.

Frodo clasped his ears. His ears rang violently. The noise… he heard it before, but where? He wasn't a shapeshifter. He was the Author of this story, wasn't he? No. He wasn't. So, how could he be a shapeshifter? How? The ringing stopped, leaving him perplexed.

Frodo stood up, knowing something had changed. He shrugged, telling Gandalf, "See? Nothing. Now, may we please move on?"

Gandalf's eyes slitted. He shook his head, right as a thought dawned on him. "Of course. Why didn't I think of that?"

Frodo stared suspiciously at the wizard, not knowing what tricks were up his sleeve.

Gandalf chimed in, chipper. "Maybe a more subtle approach will do."

"What are you talking about?" Frodo asked.

Gandalf faced him, telling him, "Well, you may not have abilities in the stories you wrote, but you soon will. You are the Author of the books you published, correct? You do have abilities you have not tapped into yet. Eru saw this and that is why you are a shapeshifter. All you need to do is to remind yourself of your gifts. It'll be your first test as an Author."

"Oh," Frodo said, realizing he remembered publishing fanfiction. He looked down at his hands. Sparks flew from his fingertips, leaving Frodo to see that he did have magic. He looked at the wizard, declaring to him, "Now, what do I do? It's clear I have magic."

"Light a torch," Gandalf said, pointing to one of the torches. "Over there."

"Okay," Frodo took a breath. He closed his eyes, guiding his hand towards the torch. He opened his eyes, finding his hand shot a fireball at the torch, lighting it. Frodo cackled, delighted in this. He closed his fist, dousing the flames. "So, that's how it works." He said, happily.

Frodo raised a hand, as Gandalf laughed. "Let me try something. A bird." Frodo said, closing his eyes and thinking of himself transforming as a bird. He was close at first to getting it, but to no avail, for he only got bird's feet in replace of his own. He tried again, focusing on the thought. He opened his eyes, finding this time that he had shapeshifted into a bluebird. He smiled, flitting about the place as he transformed quickly back into a hobbit. The moment was short, but it was worth it.

Gandalf laughed, enjoying the show. "You are a shapeshifter."

Frodo nodded. "Yeah. I didn't know I had it in me."

"Well, shall we join the others? You can keep practicing in this room," Gandalf said, pleased. "We'll leave this room reserved for you, if that's all right."

Frodo nodded. "Gladly. Now I know that I can do it, I wonder what I was complaining about." He sighed, taking a breath. He had succeeded in transforming into a bird and back into his hobbit form. He surely didn't want to regret it.

"Hmm. Um…" Frodo looked behind him. He was surprised he had a bluebird's tail. He closed his eyes, imagining the tail was gone. Lo and behold, the tail vanished, leaving his tailbone back to its proper place. Yeah, he still had some learning to do.

.

Frodo made his way downstairs, finding Gandalf was chatting away with Faramir, the new Steward of Gondor. Frodo looked up at the man with the long dark hair and rugged, fair features. Gosh, Faramir reminded Frodo so much of Boromir. How Frodo missed Boromir and wished the Gondorian Soldier was still around.

Frodo sighed, joining the wizard and the steward in the training grounds' waiting room.

"Ah yes, here's Frodo!" Gandalf inquired, as Frodo joined them. "Faramir, you remember Frodo Baggins?"

Faramir faced Frodo, his blue eyes meeting Frodo's. "Ah yes, it's been too long." Faramir extended a hand down to Frodo. "I daresay you completed your task."

Frodo sighed hotly. He'd get Beatrice back for this. "Yes, I did, in a manner of speaking. The Ring is destroyed, as all things are." He changed the subject on him, saying, "Where is my home in Minas Tirith? I shall like to know this before the night is out."

"That reminds me. You're in the guest house on the seventh level, along with the rest of the Fellowship. Your room is in there," Faramir said.

"Thank you. I should go," Frodo said, shaking his hand, before departing.

"Good luck, Frodo," Gandalf said, allowing the hobbit leave and get on with his day.

.

The second Frodo reached the seventh level, he was cornered by Samwise Gamgee. Frodo hadn't expected to see Sam so fast, but then Frodo hadn't expected his wounds to heal so quickly. His wounds… Frodo unbuttoned his shirt, finding his wounds were gone.

Frodo looked up in cheery amusement. His shapeshifting abilities healed wounds? This was a breakthrough! laughed, wondering what else was in store?

"Well, come on. Our rooms await us," Sam said, leading Frodo straight into the guest house, where they were welcomed by a warm fire.