The Protector in the Shadow

*I am really excited. OKAY, just know this is an Epilogue, but the story isn't over. I'll be posting Monday in this same story for the beginning of The Two Towers. I. Am. Pumped. On the down side I still don't have a proof-reader, but if anyone is interested simply shoot me a PM! Also my birthday is tomorrow, so don't be furious if I don't end up updating "The Lost Fawn". This story marks being my longest story, 20 chapters of story, 21 now 22 chapters in total. My last record was 8 chapters. -Ze*

Disclaimer: Must you remind me?

*Past*

*Present*

Chapter Twenty: Fellowship of the Ring (Epilogue One)

She watched the body float away from them down the river. Never before did she expect such utter grief and loss from the creature that had tired her life more than once. Aragorn seemed to watch over her with caution though didn't ask what she had seen, or what Boromir had said to her. He only stroked the fur on her back in means to calm her nerves. It was working to a point, but the guilt always came rushing back to her. Perhaps all the time she considered the harshness in Boromir's eyes it was nothing more than his shock and passionate feelings? The final whisper of Boromir had struck her even harsher than any sword or shield had done. That silent word she herself could hardly hear "Protect our king." He had said to her, "Protect the man which holds your heart." At first the cryptic message had confused Fëa herself, but now she was coming to grips of what the dying man had meant.

"Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the Eastern shore," Legolas said as he started to pull the final boat into the water. Aragorn looked to the Eastern forest with an uncertain expression. That was not their fate any longer. He says nothing, simply digs his fingers a bit deeper into Lyavain's thick pelt with a sigh. He was making a decision he himself hadn't wanted to make, "You mean not to fallow them?" Legolas questioned with a hint of disbelief in his voice. Almost thinking Aragorn giving up. Though Fëa knew what was to come, and she would accept that fate with open arms.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Aragorn said finally, moving slowly about camp to gather his smaller bits of weaponry.

There was a moment of bitter silence before Fëa fallowed in his feat; she would fallow Aragorn to her death's door and perhaps even further. Her mind was now on protecting those she had left to protect, and she would die before allowing harm to come to any of them. "Then all has been in vain! The fellowship has failed." Gimli said in a defeated tone. But Aragorn seemed to snap around, knife in his hand with a concerned expression on his face. Stepping toward his companions slowly, placing a hand on each of their shoulders causing each of them to put a hand on Fëa's shoulder blades.

"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left." He said coolly, a coy expression crossed his face that held passion. This man was a king, even if he had once denied his place; it was more than clear his bloodline was starting to show. The aura around him had shifted completely from the Ranger she had met months ago. She couldn't help the small wolfish grin that crossed her maw. This man never stopped amazing her, "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light." He instructed patting their shoulders as they all started moving. Aragorn finally looked over again; though his gaze settled mostly on Fëa, "Let us hunt some Orc." He spoke smoothly before dashing off into the forest. Fëa moved after him quickly her paws on a swift run. She seemed to move swiftly, though her gait was bouncy for she tried to stay with the group.

A new adventure began…And she loved every moment of the chase.

*Don't fret over the size of this one. I wanted to start from the beginning of the second movie, not spend thousands of years saying "and they are running…and running… and camping…and running." Don't worry okay? It's not over! Only the movie is! Haha! I'm more than likely going to post another chapter today just to make up for this abomination! Love you guys! Again, we're going to be badass and soon enough the beginning of the Two Towers will come. No Prologue for that though… It'll be a blast just you wait. -Ze*