Disclaimer: Please see chapter 6.
A/N: For all of you, who have been waiting patiently for the next chapter, my apologies and thanks. I've been busy and college has started. Time is not being too kind to me. But, I believe I have found time to get a few chapters done and I hope to finish the story. Now, without further comments, may I present the continuation of Little Ring Lost.
Chapter 7: The Unexpected Member
Samwise Gamgee felt as out of place as a fish in the air. He wasn't included in the briefing Elrond gave to Frodo, Strider, Legolas, and Gimli. In fact, he wasn't included in anything. Sam spent most of his time wandering around and wishing he was a man or elf so that people would not be able to ignore him. He felt it unfair that he was not to accompany Frodo through the portal. After all, he thought, Gandalf picked me to come with him this far. Why should I be left out now?
The next two days dragged on slowly. Provisions were made ready for the travelers and advice was given to them from some of the most respected Elves. At the beginning of the third day, the travelers were ready to head to the outskirts of Rivendell where the portal was to be found. It would be a day walk and only the most important elves would accompany them to the spot. This included Elrond and Glorfindel, as well as Gandalf.
Sam had asked if he could go with them to the portal at least, but he had been told that he could not due to the danger.
"You must stay here, Sam." Gandalf had said. "Elrond will see to it that you get safe passage to the Shire. Though, I warn you, do not mention the name of Baggins to anyone. If asked about Frodo, reply that you know not where he is or what his plans are."
"All right, Gandalf, sir. I'll do whatever you want." Sam now wished he could take that back. He wanted to go with Mr. Frodo more than anything. He hadn't even been given a chance to say good-bye to him. An elf had told him that all were too busy for such small things as good-byes. Sam knew that the elf wasn't trying to be mean, but it had hurt none the less. Oh, if only he could go with Mr. Frodo.
As Sam stood around watching, he noticed Strider talking to an elfin woman of great beauty. They were having an argument it seemed. He watched as Strider handed back to her a necklace of some sort. She adamantly refused and shoved it back into his hands. Sam would have continued to watch, for the spectacle was interesting and he was trying to make sense of it, but Gandalf and Elrond appeared from inside the house. Strider moved away from the lady elf.
"I have good news, my friends." Gandalf said with a smile. Sam noticed that he carried a pack in his hands.
"What is it, Gandalf? Did Elrond agree to your coming along?" Frodo asked, his eyes alight with hope.
"Indeed, my boy, he did. I will be your unofficial guide through the portal and whatever it may bring. Elrond agreed that it would be wise to send someone who knew at least something about these devices. And I am just the person, since my superior in this area is not here." A shadow crossed over his eyes and Sam wondered what memory was playing through his mind.
"Come, let us be off." Legolas exclaimed. The company of about ten started to move off. None of the company was on horses, save Elrond and a few other high elves. Horses would be of no use on the other side of the portal, even if they could get them to walk through it. Sam made his decision. Stepping quietly from the shadows, Sam followed in the wake of the others. None noticed him because, being a hobbit, he could walk on silent feet and not be heard by anyone. Besides, none of them were expecting him to disobey Gandalf and come.
Sam smiled to himself. "Well, you've done it, Samwise Gamgee. Off on an adventure. Gandalf would skin you alive if he knew you were here." Yet, despite that fact, he was happy he was following them.
A dreary day passed. Sam was happy that Gandalf had pushed him and Frodo on their way to Rivendell or else he would have not been able to keep up with the company. They were walking and riding at a very fast pace. Sam thought he might fall over soon, despite it all. It was hard for a little hobbit to keep up with long-legged men and elves. Though, he noticed that Frodo was doing a pretty good job of it, probably because he was with Gandalf. The two of them were leaning in close and talking.
As Sam walked, he noticed that the animal noises were slowing dwindling away. How odd, he thought. It must have something to do with the portal. Soon, there was nothing to be heard except the company's feet moving along the earth. All talking had ceased. Five minutes later, Gandalf called for a halt. The sun was slowly going down in the west. Sam dashed behind a tree to avoid being seen.
"Up there." Gandalf pointed his finger in the direction of a clump of trees. Sam looked and could see a slight glimmer through the trees. "That is where the portal is. Thank the Valor it hasn't moved from this spot. We don't have much time." The elves riding on horses disembarked and tied their mounts to the trees. Words of reassurance were whispered to them. The company moved forward, toward the glimmer. Sam followed at a distance.
They came within a few feet of the trees and the portal. The portal glimmered and shifted around. It seemed to be a live beast, wiggling about it an erratic pattern. Gandalf and Elrond stepped toward it. Elrond turned and addressed the crowd of elves, man, dwarf, and hobbits.
"This is the last step. None of you have to go through this portal save Frodo alone because he is now the Ring-Finder. Are you all still of one accord to go through?" The five members of the quest nodded their heads solemnly. "Very well. Gandalf shall lead and help you with whatever you may find on the other side. I pray to the Valor you will have a safe journey and that your quest will be successful." Elrond stepped away from the trees.
"Come, Frodo." Gandalf beckoned. "It is time."
Sam watched as Frodo stepped toward Gandalf and with him leading the way, they both stepped between the trees. They disappeared with not even a sound. Sam gaped. He couldn't believe it. He had thought that what Gandalf had said was all a big joke. It was shocking to see what actually happened when one walked through.
"I wonder what my Gaffer would have to say about that." Sam whispered quietly to himself. "He'd never believe it."
Legolas, Gimli, and Strider all looked at each other. They slowly walked up to the trees. With one deep breath, they all plunged into the portal. They were gone; all five of them, maybe never to return.
"And so the quest of the Ring begins." Elrond said. He and the elves gathered there turned to leave. Sam couldn't stand it. He knew he must go with Frodo. His heart compelled him. Jumping from behind the tree, he raced through to group of elves.
"I'm coming, Mr. Frodo!" He cried. The elves jumped in surprise and one of them (Sam later thought it was Glorfindel) made a move to grab Sam's arm. He wasn't fast enough. Sam dodged the hand and jumped into the portal. Without even a sound, he vanished like the five people before him.