The Guardian Of Life

by MissYuki1990

After centuries of being alone, of yearning for a place he could call home, of loving and losing over and over again, he had given up and decided to spend the rest of eternity alone. But nothing had ever gone according to plan with him, so why should it work now? SLASH, MPREG, RATED M FOR A VERY GOOD REASON

18. Parting Gifts

cut

Viresse and Luinil exchanged a glance. They were with Elrond and Boromir in the great library of Rivendell. They had told Elrond about their thoughts and feelings. The Elder's face was serious, his lips stretched in a thin line and his head was bowed as he thought about what the young Elves told him.

"You say that you feel as though you've known him forever," he summarized and looked at them.

"Not only known him," Viresse said. "It is as though we've actually lived with him. Like a far off memory from a long forgotten childhood."

"Do you know why, Lord Elrond?" Boromir asked.

"I have never heard of anything similar," Elrond answered gravely. "It could only be explained with you remembering your past life, but that is practically impossible."

"Not if the Valar want us to remember," Luinil countered and the others looked at him. "Master Ruthímiel is a powerful Wizard. He has lived for a long time. What I felt when I looked at him was so very similar to what I feel towards Viresse; a brotherly camaraderie. When I had first laid eyes on him I felt as though I was looking at a long lost family member."

"Me as well," Viresse added. "Please, Lord Elrond. Please help us remember," she begged with big, imploring eyes.

Elrond sighed and shook his head. "The only thing that comes to my mind is meditation," he said and took a seat. "If you have indeed met Ruthímiel in a past life, then you must return to it to remember."

"What must we do?" Viresse asked and Elrond stood up.

"Come with me. This will require peace and quiet."

"Can I come as well?" Boromir asked and Elrond nodded.

"You will not be allowed to move or speak."

Boromir looked at Viresse. "I wish to be there." Viresse smiled at him while Luinil cleared his throat and covered his mouth to hide a smirk. Boromir and Viresse blushed and Elrond raised an eyebrow.

"Come," he said. "There is no time like right away." He walked out of the library and down the hallway followed by the other three. They walked down hallways and beside many rooms. As they went lower and lower, the light of day was left behind and they entered an underground set of caves. They didn't know where the seemingly star-like light was coming from. The air was somewhat heavy and the darkness around them seemed to glitter.

"This place; it is filled with magic," Viresse said and Luinil nodded.

"You can feel it?" Boromir asked.

"It makes my skin crawl," Luinil muttered, obviously uncomfortable. "Master Elrond, what is this place?"

They came upon a small river and Elrond led them further down. "A long time ago Elves and Istari came here to meditate and practice." They entered a huge underground cave. The ceiling was high above them and the river turned into a pond there. "This light you see and the magic you feel; no one knows how it came to be here, but it helps in meditation." He stopped beside the pond and looked at Luinil and Viresse. "You must enter this pond, take seats on one of those rocks and allow the magic to pull you in. You must not resist it in any way. The consequences of resistance would be horrible."

Luinil and Viresse nodded and started taking off their clothes until both were left in their leggings and light, white undershirts.

"Viresse..." Boromir grabbed her forearm and stopped her. She looked at him with a small frown.

A moment later she smiled, approached him and kissed his cheek. "Worry not, Boromir of Gondor. Everything will be well," she whispered and he let go of her arm. She smiled at Luinil and he nodded at her.

Elrond walked over to Boromir and they watched as the young Elves entered the water. They swam over to the circle of flat stones in the middle and climbed them.

Boromir swallowed and moved back. He slid down the wall of the cave, crossed his legs and settled for a long wait. Elrond smiled and walked over to him. He took a seat beside Boromir and placed his hand on the Gondorian's shoulder for a second.

'Worry not. Both are strong. They will be fine.' Elrond's voice caressed Boromir's mind and the Man felt his shoulders relax.

Viresse and Luinil took seats on the rocks, crossed their legs and rested their hands on their knees. They closed their eyes and took deep breaths.

Moments later the air stilled.

The water rippled and Boromir shivered when he felt something crawl up and down his skin.

He swallowed and tried his best to relax. And so it begins.

cut

"Ruth!"

A voice came through the deafening, heavy darkness around him. Everything hurt. His limbs were heavy. His eyelids felt as though they were glued together. It was hard to breathe. It was hard to think.

He tried to unclench his fists.

He tried to take in a deep breath.

It felt as though lead filled his lungs and he started choking.

"Ruth, echuio!"(Ruth, wake up!)

'I can't!' Ruth screamed in his mind, fighting against the darkness. Scorching warmth enveloped him and if he could have he would have screamed.

Nar draut.

Ruth gasped in pain. It felt as though his very bones were burning.

Nar gaj.

"Ruthímiel! Echuio! An ngell nîn!" (Wake up! Please!)

'Haldir!' Ruth struggled against the pain. He fought against the darkness, fought against the pain, but the more he fought, the more it pulled him deeper.

Burzum ha.

'Haldir!'

Burzum zaduk.

'Haldir!'

Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul.

Light shone in front of him and the pain became unbearable. He couldn't breathe anymore and it felt as though his body was about to implode.

"Ruthímiel, echuio! Echuio!"

The light grew brighter as he struggled to open his eyes.

Ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.

"ECHUIO!"

"HALDIR!" Ruth jumped into a sitting position. His whole body was cramping up, he was shivering as though he was drenched in ice cold water, his sight was blurry and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't breathe in enough air for his starving lungs.

"Mai acáriel. Mai acáriel, Ruth." (You did well.)

Haldir's voice broke through the frantic haze Ruth's mind was in and he realized the Elf was holding him to his chest and running his fingers through Ruth's sweat matted hair.

"You did well. You are alright. You are alright…"

Ruth finally managed to take in a deep breath and he leaned on Haldir fully. His hands somehow fisted in Haldir's shirt on the Elf's strong chest and Ruth pulled himself closer to him. "I couldn't wake up!" His voice wavered and broke as he spoke, and Haldir hugged him tighter. "I couldn't wake up. I couldn't…"

"Vá," (Don't.) Haldir whispered and kissed the crown of Ruth's head. "Vá." He rubbed soothing circles in Ruth's back. "You are safe. You are with me. He cannot harm you. I swear to you, Ruthímiel, amin Calenim'othar." (my green paladin) Ruth swallowed difficultly and took another deep breath feeling the effects of whatever he just lived through easing up. "Lle naa varna." (You are safe.)

Ruth took a deep breath and slowly relaxed against Haldir. "Mani marte?" (What happened?) he asked and Haldir shivered making Ruth frown.

"You don't remember?"

Ruth shook his head before he buried his face in Haldir's chest.

"We were outside when you felt something. You just rushed inside without a word. I ran after you. I caught up with you in time to see you take the Palantír from Pippin's hands before Sauron could pull him into his mind. Unfortunately, because your magic reacted immediately we couldn't reach you." Haldir shivered again and Ruth tensed up. "The Palantír – you let go of it and in dissolved into nothing because of your magic. You collapsed. I thought…" Haldir's voice broke, and his hold on Ruthímiel grew stronger. "I thought I had lost you," he breathed out painfully, and Ruth's eyes widened.

"Haldir..."

"You weren't breathing. You weren't moving. Your eyes – Your eyes were wide open and they were – they were dead, and... "

"Haldir!"

"I thought I had lost you!"

In that moment Ruth moved in and pulled Haldir into a kiss. It was so full of desperation and love and pain that it broke Ruth's heart.

"Vá, Haldir..." Ruth whispered. He cupped Haldir's face with his hands and rested his forehead on Haldir's. "Vá. Amin naa quel." (Don't. I am alright.) He felt Haldir's arms tighten around his waist. Haldir flattened their bodies together and Ruth straddled the Elf's lap. Haldir buried his face in Ruth's chest and Ruth entwined his fingers in Haldir's hair. "Amin naa quel, Haldir," (I'm alright, Haldir.) Ruth murmured and kissed Haldir's forehead. "Amin naa quel."

"You are a bad liar," Haldir spoke in a broken, raspy voice and Ruth laughed breathlessly.

"You only know me too well," he answered warmly. Moments later Haldir's hold on him grew lighter and Ruth moved back a little. "Is Pippin..."

"You stopped Sauron in time. Pippin is safe, although I believe he is worried about you. Everyone is." The Elf swallowed audibly, brushing Ruth's hair away from that beautiful face with his fingers.

"Where are they?" Ruth asked and looked around. The great chamber they were in was empty.

"They are in the Throne Room. They must be killing themselves with worry."

Ruth swallowed and nodded. "We must go and talk to them."

Haldir frowned at him. "Can you even walk?" he asked and Ruth frowned. He moved slowly and Haldir followed him. Ruth stood up only to sway and Haldir caught him and steadied him. "Easy," he warned and Ruth took a deep breath.

"I'll be fine. We must talk with everyone. I fear the darkness is spreading quicker than we originally thought."

Haldir nodded and wrapped an arm around Ruth's waist as he slowly started to lead the Wizard out of the chamber.

They walked slowly as Ruth regained his strength. By the time they'd reached the Throne Room Ruth could walk without the Elf's help, but Haldir was still walking close to him never the less.

"Ruth!" Pippin cried out and broke into a run the moment they entered the Throne Room.

"Pippin!" Ruth fell to his knees and enveloped the Hobbit into his arms lovingly.

Pippin was shivering against him, holding onto Ruth as though he was afraid he would disappear. Ruth could hear Pippin muttering something, but couldn't understand what. The young Istar looked up and found relief written on every face in the room.

"What happened?" he asked and pushed Pippin away. He cupped the Hobbit's face in his hands and made him look into his eyes. "Pippin..."

"I'm so sorry, Ruth!" Pippin whimpered, fisting small hands on Ruth's chest. "I was just curious! I didn't mean..."

"I'm not hurt, Pippin," Ruth interrupted the hysterical Hobbit, gifting him with a small, reassuring smile. "What I need to know is if you are. Did he see you? Did he hurt you?"

"No." Pippin shook his head. "You took it from me before anything happened."

Ruth breathed a sigh of relief and rested his forehead against Pippin's. "Don't you ever frighten me like that again, Peregrine Took."

"Shouldn't we be the ones to say that?" Aragorn spoke up and Ruth looked at him before he stood up. "You have been hurt during this quest more times than any of us and you still insist on saving everyone."

"Because I can handle it, Aragorn," Ruth said. "I heal faster than any one of you. I can handle it."

"That doesn't mean you should, Calenim'othar," Gandalf said and Ruth looked at him.

"Like I said. I can handle it," he insisted. "Sauron didn't manage to contact me. My magic fought him off. The backlash locked my mind in the Void. I'm alive and well." Haldir cleared his throat and Ruth rolled his eyes. "Alright…" he grumbled. "I will be well."

"Did you see anything?" Théoden asked and Ruth shook his head.

"Nothing. My magic fought off the power of the Palantír. I didn't see Sauron. I didn't see his plans."

"Maybe you should have tried," Théoden pressed out through his teeth and any tenderness and warmth Ruth has previously had in the lines of his face vanished without a trace.

"I know far too much to allow Sauron to delve into my mind, Théoden King," the Green Paladin spoke in a tone dripping with a clear warning. "Yes, maybe it would be better had I seen his plans, but the connection would go both ways. Our knowledge would have been shared and trust me, my mind is filled with things no one should know, least of all Sauron."

"It would have given us an advantage," Théoden spat out. "We would know where and when to strike!"

"And Sauron would have the ultimate knowledge of Magic!" Ruth roared and Théoden flinched back while everyone in the room tensed up in shock. "Did you miss my title back when we defeated Saruman?! I am the Guardian of Life! I am the wielder of Deep Magic! One word, one thought and I can either destroy or create."

Too stunned to do anything, the gathered warriors stared at the Green Istar in absolute trepidation, gaping when loose raven strands started to dance around the lithe body as Ruth's magic awakened, answering his rage.

"I know the price of Magic. I know the price of reigning above Life and Death. Do you think Sauron would care? Do you think he would care about the price of using Deep Magic?! He would destroy everything in his path without the need for armies!"

Théoden had to fight hard to push down the need to stand up to the raging Wizard. He didn't even dare glance at anyone else, too taken by Ruth's scorching gaze to actually look away.

"Do not question my decisions mortal King," Ruth pressed out through his teeth, eyes darkening to a murky jade. "I have faced Evils greater than Saruman and Sauron and brought them to their knees. I fought things made out of your worst nightmares and lived. You, Théoden, have no rule over me or my decisions. I could have calmly stayed away from everything. Civilizations fall, Kingdoms fade. Nothing is constant. Nothing but Change," the Istar stressed out.

Ever so slowly his magic stopped raging, but Ruth didn't seem any less dangerous. His eyes were still dark, and the tone of his voice left no room for argument, daring anyone to speak up against him.

"This war will pass one way or another," by now Ruth's voice was hardly louder than a whisper, and yet it carried perfectly through the stunned silence. "Another King will come and go. The darkness will pass into light until another darkness comes. That is the Circle of Life. I could have chosen to stay away from this war. I could have chosen to sit to the side. I could have watched you struggle with this and yet I didn't. I chose to fight with you and beside you, despite everything I have lived through already, despite everything I could lose because I mingled into something that is not mine to solve."

Haldir's eyes widened at the sinister words, although the fact that he truly knew Ruth's heart calmed him down somewhat. Ruthímiel could have never decided to stay to the side. He cared for life too much to allow death to reign.

"Don't you dare question me, Théoden King," Ruth spat out and Théoden winced openly. "Don't you dare think yourself worthy of standing as my equal. My status is so far above yours you wouldn't believe it if I told you. While you will fade away and die, I will continue living and watching the changes of the world. Little can kill me and if something did I would only come back with the new shift of the tide. Trust me, I am far beyond anything you could ever comprehend. Do. Not. Underestimate me."

Théoden took a small step back and bowed his head a little. Ruth tensed up a bit when Haldir placed his hand on his shoulder, and he looked at the Elf. Haldir nodded at Ruth with understanding in his eyes, and the Istar let go of a wavering breath, shoulders relaxing for the smallest of bits.

"What do you think will be Sauron's next move?" Aragorn asked and Ruth sighed.

"I think we can safely assume that his next move will be to attack Gondor," he answered tiredly and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

"There is logic in that," Legolas said. "Gondor is one of the last free kingdoms. He will want it enslaved."

"And since we know nothing of Frodo and Sam…"

"They are alive," Ruth interrupted Aragorn and what was left of the Fellowship looked at him with hope and joy in their eyes. "They are alive and well. I don't know where they are, but I know that much."

"That is good," Gandalf said and heavily took a seat in the closest chair.

"Is there any way for you to find them?" Merry asked and Ruth shook his head sadly.

"Trying to locate them would only bring too much attention to them. It is better if we simply let destiny run its course for now. Sauron doesn't have the Ring yet, that much we can be sure of. What we need to do now is mobilize our forces and be ready when Gondor calls for aid."

"Why should we answer?" Théoden sneered and everyone looked at him with a frown.

"Father..."

"No," Théoden interrupted his son and the young man sighed and rolled his eyes. "Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?! Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in on us?! Where was G..."

"And where were you, King Théoden?!" Ruth thundered, his patience worn thin after having to deal with Théoden's misery for so long together with being tired and drained, and Théoden's eyes widened. "You were sitting in your chair with Grima at your feet, listening to the whispers of that foul rat. Do not blame Gondor for your own mistakes." Ruth looked at Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. "I'll ride out to Gondor. They must be warned."

"But Ruth..."

"I shall ride with you," Haldir interrupted Merry and Pippin.

"Your men need you to lead them, Haldir."

Haldir frowned at his Bonded and Ruth swallowed difficultly, knowing that he has already lost this argument. "You are not riding out on your own. My brothers can lead the army. They are well trained and capable. I am riding out with you, whether you like it or not."

Ruth chuckled and shook his head. "Very well."

Théoden left the room in that moment and Eowyn, Theodred and Eomer bowed their heads and sighed.

"Do not mind him," Ruth addressed the three shamed warriors. "He is a good King, but he is stuck in the past too much. He will need you, all three of you. The moment the beacons of Gondor light up, you must be ready to march for war."

"We will be," Theodred promised and Ruth nodded at him with a small smile.

"You'll be careful, right?" Pippin asked and Ruth looked down at him.

"You haven't been all too careful up until now," Merry muttered as he walked over to Pippin and Ruth.

The Green Istar sighed and kneeled on the floor, showing the two Hobbits come closer to him, and once they did he pulled them both into a hug. "I will be careful," he spoke in a whisper and shivered when they hugged him tightly, "but what I want is for you two to stay here when the horns of war are sounded."

"What?!" Merry snapped and pulled back. "You can't expect of us to just stay behind after everything that's happened!"

"Listen to me!" Ruth begged and the two shut up. "You two are Hobbits. You are braver than many men I have met in my long life. You are smart, crafty little creatures, but you are not warriors. In my eyes you are mere children and in my heart…" he hesitated, amazing eyes filling with tears, "you are like my children."

Pippin and Merry's eyes filled with tears and their hearts ached at the sight of Ruth's imploring, pleading gaze.

"I know I ask too much of you, especially since Frodo and Sam are in more danger then any of us, but please…" his voice lowered to a whisper, tears trailing down pale cheeks in small rivulets. "A long, long time ago, I've lost my son and daughter. I've lost my wife and many lovers. I've lost friends. I've lost men and women I have considered brothers and sisters. I've lost everything in life worth living for, so please, I am begging you, don't make me grieve your deaths. Don't make me lose you. I love you. All of you. A war is upon us and Death follows it on swift, quiet wings. Don't make my heart break again. I do not think I would survive that loss."

Merry and Pippin bowed their heads as tears streamed down their cheeks. Aragorn Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas turned their heads away from Ruth, the pain radiating from the Green Istar's imploring gaze too much for them to handle.

Eowyn, Eomer and Theodred had tears in their eyes; tears for a man they hardly knew.

Haldir placed his hand on Ruth's shoulder and squeezed tightly. His heart ached for his beloved. He knew so very little of Ruth's past and yet what he knew made his heart ache and fill with more love than he ever thought he would feel.

"We will stay behind," Merry said and relief colored Ruth's face.

"But you must promise us something as well," Pippin added and Ruth looked at him.

"What?" he asked, licking dry lips.

"You won't die," the two spoke at the same time and Ruth paled.

"You know I cannot promise you that," he spoke in a deep hollow voice.

"Yes you can!" Merry snapped stubbornly. "You can promise to us that you will give your all to come back. You can promise to us that you will survive no matter what." Ruth swallowed difficultly and nodded.

"I swear on my Magic that I will do everything in my power to always come back to you," he said and a wave of warm magic washed over them. Merry and Pippin smiled and jumped forward to hug him tightly.

"Thank you, Ruth," Pippin whispered.

"Thank you," Merry said and Ruth's lips tilted into a weak, watery smile which grew slightly when he looked up at the others and found them staring at him, their eyes telling him that they would hold on to that oath.

"When will you ride out?" Gandalf asked when Ruth let go of the Hobbits and stood up.

"As soon as possible." Ruth looked at Haldir who nodded at him.

"I must speak with my brothers. We can ride out immediately after that. We will only have to find me a horse that can keep up with Orion," Haldir spoke and Ruth shook his head.

"We can ride together," he said. "Orion can carry the both of us faster than any horse ever could."

Haldir nodded. "I shall take my leave then." He turned on his heel, leaving the room. Ruth sighed and walked with Pippin and Merry over to the others.

"So we part again," Gimli grumbled and Ruth smiled at him.

"Not for long, my friend. Besides, if I am not mistaken, Boromir, Viresse and Luinil should ride out of Rivendell as soon as Radagast reaches them. I have no doubt he is already with them. They will meet up with you and you shall join us in Gondor."

Gandalf stood up and walked over to hug Ruth. "Don't lose hope," he whispered and Ruth hugged him back tightly.

"I won't."

"Be careful, my brother," Aragorn said and walked forward to hug Ruth. Ruth returned the hug tightly and buried his face in Aragorn's neck for a second.

"You as well." Aragorn let go of him and Legolas took a step forward.

Ruth smiled when the usually stoic Elf hugged him. "Rima asca ar' naa varna, toror'amin," (Ride fast and stay safe, my brother.) Legolas said and moved back. "Tenna lye au'oment." (Until we meet again.)

"Until we meet again," Ruth said and looked at Gimli.

The Dwarf grunted something into his chin and waddled over to hug Ruth. "Take care of yourself, lad. I hope that crazy luck of yours serves you well," Ruth chuckled and nodded.

"Stay safe, Gimli." Ruth turned to face Eowyn, Eomer and Theodred and the three walked over to him. Ruth shook hands with Eomer and the proud man of Rohan nodded at him.

"We do not know each other well, but it will be an honor to fight by your side when time comes," Eomer spoke and bowed at Ruth.

"You are a good man, Eomer, and a great warrior. I am glad to know you will fight for Middle Earth. Take care of your sister." Eomer nodded.

Ruth looked at Eowyn next and the young woman blushed. After a moment of hesitation she moved and flung herself in Ruth's arms, and Ruth laughed and hugged her back tightly. "Stay strong, child," he whispered in her ear. "Your destiny is greater than you might think." They parted and she gave him a strange look.

Theodred grabbed Ruth's arms and hugged him tightly, making Ruth laugh again. "Thank you for saving my life and for suffering my father," Theodred said. "I hope we will meet again and one day look back on all of this together."

Ruth nodded and patted Theodred's shoulders. "Until we meet again, my friend."

"Ruthímiel?" Said man turned towards the doorway and found Haldir standing there. "I am ready when you are."

Ruth took a deep breath and steeled his stance. "We must move out then. If we ride only during daylight, we should reach Gondor by tomorrow night," he said and Haldir nodded.

"Let's go then."

Ruth turned and smiled at everyone. "Until we meet again," he said, turned his back on them and walked out of the room. Haldir nodded at everyone, their eyes telling him to watch over Ruth. He turned and followed after his lover, leaving an unspoken promise behind.

"Let's go," Pippin said, grabbed Merry's hand and broke into a run towards the back.

"Merry! Pippin!" Aragorn shouted and everyone followed after the two Hobbits.

They followed them through the village and over to the high tower at the front door. They climbed up and reached the top in time to see Haldir and Ruth disappear over the horizon.

"What was that blessing Ruth used a few times?" Legolas asked and looked at Gandalf.

"It is a blessing our Mother taught him," Gandalf answered, lips tilting into a small smile. "In translation I believe it says: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and until we meet again, may our Mother hold you on the palm of her hand." Everyone nodded and Gandalf sighed with a small smile. "Rith poe geerine tháro, merén," (Until we meet again, my friend.) Gandalf whispered into the wind. "Rith poe geerine tháro."

cut

"Mister Frodo!" Sam shouted and caught Frodo when a man of Gondor pushed him roughly on the ground. "Can't you see that he's weak?!" Sam snapped and helped Frodo take a seat.

"Is something wrong with master?" Gollum rasped out and crawled over to Sam and Frodo. "Is master hurt?"

"No, Sméagol," Frodo breathed out and smiled weakly at Sam. "I'm fine, really," he said and Sam frowned at him.

"Pardon me, Mr. Frodo, but I don't believe you."

Frodo laughed weakly and all three of them looked up when the leader of their captors walked over to them. "Tomorrow we will be in Gondor," he said. "Unless you wish to simply give me the Ring and you may be on your way."

Frodo struggled to get on his feet and Sam helped him. "Your brother would never do this, Captain Faramir," Frodo said and Faramir's gray eyes filled with shadows.

"He would. He would bring the Ring to our father."

"No he wouldn't!" Sam snapped. "Boromir had seen the darkness of the Ring! Master Ruthímiel showed him! Boromir swore he would protect us from your father! Master Ruth said he is lost in the Shadow! Why don't you believe us?!"

"Because I have my orders!" Faramir shouted and the two Hobbits and Gollum flinched back. "For all I know my brother could be dead. There has been no word from him ever since he left for Imladris!"

"He was alive and well when we last saw him," Frodo spoke stubbornly. "Listen to your heart, for my heart tells me he lives."

Faramir's eyes filled with doubt for a second before they hardened again. "No," he said and straightened. "Tomorrow you shall be taken to my father." He turned his back on them and was about to walk away when Frodo snapped.

"Your brother was almost driven to madness because of that Ring!" he shouted and Faramir looked at him over his shoulder. "Had Master Ruth not talked to him he would have tried to take the Ring and bring it to Minas Tirith! It would have killed him! The Ring is trying to return to Sauron! It will do anything to return to him! Don't you see?! It's destroying everything!"

Faramir frowned and turned slowly. "Who is this Master Ruthímiel you keep mentioning?" he asked.

"A great Wizard," Frodo said. Sam nodded while Gollum moved back a little. "A great man who risked his life for my safety, for the safety of the Fellowship and for our mission. A man your brother was willing to stay with because he was greatly injured while saving us. A man your brother respects. I dare say he even loves him. Boromir spoke of you to him; to us. I have no doubt that Master Ruth would be happy to meet you."

Faramir swallowed difficultly and turned his back on them again. "Then I hope your Master Ruth arrives here quickly. All of us need some wisdom in these dark times," with that he walked away and Frodo, Sam and Gollum relaxed a bit.

"We must try to escape," Sam said.

"There is no way for us to escape, Sam," Frodo answered and took a seat heavily.

Sam frowned and bit into his lip. He walked over to Frodo and kneeled in front of him. "Then – then just this once, put the Ring on." Frodo's eyes opened wide at Sam's words. "Put it on and run away from here. I'm sure Gollum can follow you. I'll – I'll stay here and stall them. You must..."

"Oh, Sam..." Frodo breathed out and tilted his head to the side with a loving smile. "I'm afraid I cannot do that, my dear, dear Sam."

"Why?" Sam whispered brokenly.

"The Ring is slowly taking over me, Sam." Sam's breath caught in his throat. "Sauron is looking for it. If I put it on he will surely find me. And besides, I could never leave you behind, my dear Sam."

Said Hobbit swallowed difficultly and bowed his head. "Then we must find another way," he said and Frodo sighed.

"Yes. We must find another way," he agreed and looked at the cloudy sky. "Before it is too late."

cut

Ruth woke up with a start and looked around in slight confusion.

"Me'a, Ruth," (Easy, Ruth.) Haldir whispered and wrapped his arms around Ruth. The Istar took a deep breath, closed his eyes and leaned against Haldir. "Umarth kaime?" (A bad dream?) Haldir as he rubbed suiting circles in Ruth's back.

"Ú," (No.) Ruth whispered and pulled himself closer to Haldir. "I have had a vision again. Frodo and Sam are in Osgiliath. Faramir of Gondor is holding them captive." Haldir frowned, but pulled Ruth back into a lying position. Ruth shivered and pushed himself closer to Haldir. He wrapped his arms around Haldir's waist and buried his face in Haldir's strong chest. "They are riding for Gondor tomorrow."

"We will be there in time to stop anything from happening. Frodo and Sam are crafty little creatures, just like all Hobbits. They will find a way to keep the Ring from Denetor for as long as possible."

"I cannot help but worry, Haldir," Ruth admitted and Haldir sighed.

He turned on his side, making Ruth let go of him, took the Wizard's chin between his thumb and index finger and tilted Ruth's head up. Haldir looked deep in Ruth's beautiful eyes and spoke quietly. "You cannot change the course of destiny. You can only affect it by trying your best. You cannot be at a hundred places at the same time. You have told Théoden that you could have easily stayed out of all this. Think, a'mael," (beloved) Haldir whispered imploringly. "How many would have died if you have not been around? I know for a fact that I wouldn't have made it past Helm's Deep were you not there to save my life at the risk of your own."

"Don't say that," Ruth whispered and shook his head. "Two times I have almost lost you. Two times that are constantly replaying in my mind whenever I close my eyes. I cannot handle the thought of losing you, Haldir. Please. Don't speak of it."

Haldir leaned forward and kissed Ruth with all his might. "Then stop blaming yourself for everything. Stop thinking of what you lost and think of what you shall have once this war is over. Hold on to the hope we all hold on to. Otherwise your heart will be what will kill you and not the blade of a sword or the tip of an arrow."

Ruth let go of a shaky breath and nuzzled closer to Haldir. "If only it were that easy," he said and Haldir sighed. He hugged Ruth tightly and buried his face in Ruth's hair.

"Then sleep and allow yourself to forget about it all at least for a while. Dawn is still a few hours away. Rest, lisse'amin. Rest." (my sweet)

Ruth closed his eyes and concentrated on Haldir's strongly beating heart.

Ever so slowly, sleep came to claim him.

And for once there were no dreams or nightmares plaguing him.

cut

"Heavens!" Ruth breathed out in fear when they stopped on top of a hill overlooking Osgiliath.

"They are under siege!" Haldir said. "Ruth!" he snapped when the Istar jumped off of Orion.

"Run, Haldir! We must help them!" Ruth shouted moments before he shifted into a huge black wolf and charged forward.

"Rima, Orion! Rima!" (Run, Orion! Run!) Haldir hissed and Orion climbed on his hind legs and neighed loudly before he charged after Ruth.

Haldir saw Ruth jump an Orc from the back, digging his claws into its torso. The Elf jumped off of Orion's back brandishing his sword and grabbing Ruth's sword from the holster before Orion galloped away.

"Ruth!" Haldir snapped and Ruth shifted quickly just as Haldir threw Ithiltincya to the Wizard. Ruth caught his sword, unsheathed it and cut off an Orcs head. Haldir slashed his way to Ruth's side and they advanced through the ranks of the mindless monsters, looking for any trace of Frodo and Sam.

"That is Faramir!" Haldir looked up when Ruth called out to him and saw a young man bearing a striking resemblance to Boromir fighting at the front. Haldir's eyes caught sight of something seconds before his whole body shivered and his breath caught in his throat.

"Nazgúl!" he roared and both human and Orc alike looked up when the Wright on top of a fell-beast flew over the ruins of Osgiliath.

"Frodo, what are you doing?!"

"Sam?" Ruth breathed out and looked around frantically only for his heart to sink into his stomach.

"Ruth, no!" Haldir cried out when Ruth ran forward. The Elf's eyes widened when he saw what had the Istar in panic.

Frodo was standing on an archway alone and the Wright was slowly descending towards him. Haldir looked around frantically and found a bow lying on the ground. He snatched it and ran forward. He bowed down and grabbed an arrow that was sticking out of an Orc's neck and prepared to shoot it.

"Frodo!" Ruth shouted and jumped forward, tackling Frodo to the ground. Two arrows embedded themselves in the fell-beast's neck. It screeched and flew away.

Haldir looked to the side and his eyes met wide, shock-filled eyes of Faramir.

Ruth and Frodo toppled down the stairs and Ruth twisted them around so that Frodo landed on him. A moment later he found himself looking at Frodo's blade, the Hobbit's eyes dark and filled with shadows.

"Frodo?" Ruth whispered and a moment later Frodo's eyes cleared. He whimpered and scurried back until his back hit a wall.

In that moment Sam, Haldir and Faramir ran over to them and Gollum crawled out of the shadows. Ruth hurriedly stood up and walked over to Frodo. He kneeled in front of the trembling Hobbit and took his face with his tender hold.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Frodo whimpered, tears trailing down his cheeks.

"Oh, Frodo..." Ruth whispered and wiped the Hobbit's tears away with his thumbs. "What has the Ring done to you?" He pulled Frodo in his arms and hugged him tightly to his chest.

Frodo hugged Ruth back as he sobbed in Ruth's chest, the Istar's comforting warmth enveloping him completely. Ruth looked up and saw Sam looking at him with wide, bewildered eyes. He smiled warmly at Sam and raised one arm, calling him over. Sam whimpered and broke into a run. He wrapped one arm around Frodo and the other around Ruth and the Istar hugged them both to his chest.

Sometime later, Sam and Frodo pulled away from Ruth and he looked down at them with a loving smile. "I am so happy to see the both of you alive," he whispered as he caressed their cheeks with gentle, loving hands.

"We thought we would never see you again, Ruth," Frodo whimpered and Ruth leaned forward to kiss Frodo's forehead.

"I promised we would meet again, iliathín," (youngling) Ruth said and Frodo gifted him with a small, weak smile.

"Yes, you have."

Ruth looked over his shoulder at Haldir and Faramir and slowly stood up. "I expected more from the brother of Boromir," he said and Faramir blushed heavily. "I was told that you held your father's will in high regard, but I thought you would know when to disobey him."

"My brother..."

"Is safe and sound in Rivendell. He should make his way back to Gondor soon," Ruth interrupted the young captain, and Faramir's eyes filled with hope. Ruth looked at Frodo again and his eyes saddened. "The Ring has grown heavier, has it not?"

"It has," Frodo whispered and Ruth's eyes saddened. He kneeled in front of Frodo again and pulled the Ring from under Frodo's shirt.

"I cannot do much. I can only buy you time and hope it will be enough. You must destroy it if you want to be free of it," Ruth said and Frodo nodded. Ruth closed his eyes and covered the Ring with his hands. The veins on his skin shone like liquid mercury and a light breeze ruffled his braided hair. Something glowed between his hands and Frodo took in a deep breath, his eyes rolling into the back of his head before he slumped forward. Ruth caught him and steadied him as the Ring fell out of his hands to dangle in front of Frodo's chest.

For a second it seemed like an orb of star-like light shone around the Ring, and once Frodo managed to stand on his own again, he opened his eyes and looked at Ruth. The shadows weren't all gone, but his eyes were clearer.

"What did you do?" he asked and Ruth smiled at him.

"I placed a sort of shield around the Ring. Like I said, it won't hold for long, but neither will Sauron be able to reach it, nor will it be able to poison your heart and thoughts with its venomous whisperings. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, for once this spell expires Sauron will be able to find you in a blink of an eye, but I couldn't let you go on like that."

Frodo nodded, raised his head and looked at Faramir. "Will you let us go?" he asked and Faramir forced down a swallow.

"Come. I'll show you the quickest way out," the captain of Gondor said.

Ruth looked at Haldir and the Elf nodded at him as Ruth followed after Frodo, Sam and Gollum. They came upon a small cave that led underground.

"This is the old sewer," Faramir spoke and Sam and Frodo looked at him.

Ruth looked at Gollum in that instant and the lowly creature cowered in front of him, making Ruth frown and bow his head a little, his eyes turning dark green for a second.

"It runs under the river through to the edge of the city. You'll find cover in the woods there." Frodo and Sam nodded at Faramir before they looked at Ruth.

The Istar licked his lips and moved forward to hug them both. "Although I am so happy to see you, my heart is breaking for we must part again so soon."

"Can you not go with us?" Sam asked as they parted and Ruth took a few steps back.

"I'm afraid not, Master Gamgee. I must take a different path. Go and may our Mother look down upon you kindly until we meet again."

Frodo swallowed heavily and nodded.

"Which path are you taking?" Faramir asked.

"Gollum says there's a path near Minas Morgul that climbs up into the mountains," Frodo said and Faramir and Ruth exchanged a dark glance. Ruth growled and rounded on Gollum, who screamed and scurried back. Faramir was quick though and grabbed Gollum's neck only to slam him against the closest wall.

"Is it Cirith Ungol?" the captain pressed out through his teeth and Gollum whimpered. "Is that its name?!"

"No! No!" Gollum screamed before Faramir growled and squeezed his neck tighter. "Yes!" he whined.

Faramir let go of Gollum before he looked at Ruth. The Istar was looking at Gollum with dark shadows covering his eyes. "You are taking them through Shelob's lair?" Ruth spoke and Gollum's eyes widened.

"How do you know about her?! Gollum! Gollum!"

"I ran into her once," Ruth growled. "My pity for that sad creature is the only thing that stopped me from killing her. But pity won't hold me back if you are indeed taking Sam and Frodo through those caves. There are other ways to enter Mordor."

"That is the quickest way," Frodo said and Ruth looked at him.

"Frodo, you stand no chance against Shelob. She is a giant spider that feeds on everything and anything that crosses her path. There is a way past the gates of Minas Morgul that would not lead you into her lair."

Frodo first looked at Ruth and then at Gollum. The creature whimpered and crawled back a bit. "Why, Sméagol?" Frodo whispered. Gollum looked lost for a second before he whimpered, pulled back a little and then ran away, disappearing down the tunnel.

"You will need to be careful," Ruth warned. "I have not the heart to kill him. His mind and heart were broken by the will of the Ring. He will not dare bring harm upon either one of you for as long as you stick together."

Frodo and Sam nodded in understanding. "Which way should we take?" Frodo asked Ruth frowned a bit before he walked over to them and kneeled in front of them.

He placed his hands on their foreheads and closed his eyes. "Once you reach the woods follow the path beneath the mountain until you reach the passage of Isenmouthe. The passage is thin and small, but wide enough for you two to pass through it." As he spoke images flashed through the Hobbit's minds. "It is the longer way around, but it is the safest way. It should take you no more than 5 days to enter Mordor this way. Once you do, only a vast field will stand between you and Orodruin."

Ruth opened his eyes and lowered his hands on Frodo's and Sam's shoulders. Their cloaks shimmered and Ruth smiled at them. "This is my final gift to you. Once you enter the valley that will lead you to Orodruin, pull your hoods low over your heads, leave behind everything but what you need. I have placed an invisibility charm on your cloaks and a Notice-Me-Not Spell. It will last for three days and three days only from the moment you pull your hoods on. You must be quick and you must not linger. Try not to run into any Orcs. If you do, hide behind whatever rock you find and wait until they leave. Frodo, under no circumstance should you put the Ring on your finger."

Frodo nodded and squared his shoulders.

"My heart and love are with you, iliathínethe," (younglings) Ruth said and stood slowly. "Be quick and stay safe. Until we meet again."

Frodo and Sam nodded at him before Sam looked at Faramir and smiled. "Captain Faramir, you have shown your quality, sir. The very highest."

Faramir smiled and chuckled at Sam. "The Shire must truly be a great realm, Master Gamgee, where gardeners are held in high honor." Sam blushed heavily and Frodo and Ruth laughed quietly at the bashful Hobbit.

"Go now," Ruth said and hugged the two for the last time. "Go."

The two ran down the small tunnel, quickly disappearing from sight.

Ruth looked at Faramir and the younger man tensed up, and Ruth smiled and placed his hand on Faramir's shoulder. "Your brother will be proud of you, Faramir. You have shown your worth."

"I will hang for this," he muttered and Ruth snorted.

"I wanted to have a word with Denetor ever since the first time I was in Minas Tirith. Fear naught, young warrior. Your father lost his mind a long time ago. Come. By night this city will be swarming with Orcs. We must abandon this city and your men must move to Minas Tirith."

"Ruth!" Haldir called out and ran over to them. He handed Ruth his sword and Ruth smiled at him.

"Thank you, a'mael," he said and looked at Faramir. "A war is upon us, Captain Faramir. We believe Sauron will attack Minas Tirith with everything he has. You must be ready."

Faramir frowned at that. "My father spoke of similar things."

"Spoke and did nothing," Haldir spat out and looked around. Faramir looked at him with an expression of confusion.

"What does an Elf of Lórien do so far from home?"

"We aided Rohan in their battle against Saruman," Haldir answered. "My men are still in Rohan, waiting for the Beacons of Gondor to signal the call for aid."

Faramir frowned at that. "My father will never allow that."

"Then we will simply have to go behind his back, right?" Ruth asked and smirked. "But first we must reach him. Gather your men, Faramir. You're moving back to Minas Tirith. Many lost lives already. Osgiliath is lost to you. It is time to defend what isn't."

Ruth and Haldir started to walk away with Faramir staying behind for a bit. His look of confusion turned into a small smile and he looked at Ruth's back. "Now I know why they spoke of you so fondly, Ruthímiel the Green," he muttered and walked forward, his expression turning steely again.

"RETREAT! RETREAT TO MINAS TIRITH! THE CITY IS LOST! RETREAT!"

cut

I adore Faramir, and if Eowyn and Faramir weren't one of my rare hetero-OTPs I would have paired him up with Harry.