Recently, I changed the end scene in the last section because I didn't like how it turned out; also, it reminded me of a conversation already written in the story. Anyway, that's fixed now.
Gurgi comes from the 1985 animated film "The Black Cauldron".
Chapter Twenty-One:
Preparations
The next morning, Aria found Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin in one of the chambers. They stopped the moment they saw her. Aria looked at Frodo and said, "Frodo, can I talk to you?"
"Sure," said Frodo. He stood up and followed Aria out of the chamber.
Sam attempted to go after Frodo, but was pulled back by Merry and Pippin.
Merry told Sam, "They'll be fine, Sam."
"I hope so," said Sam.
"Have we heard any news from the other heroes?" asked Pippin.
"You sound as if we know what they're up to," said Merry. He added, knowing something, "The Nobodies from the limbo world Terranus are going to come here."
"I thought that was a good thing," said Pippin. "They're not a part of Organization XIII."
"No, but Melissa is going to be with them. I doubt she'll want to talk with me," said Merry.
"I wonder what Mr. Frodo is discussing with Miss Aria," said Sam aimlessly.
"Who knows," said Merry.
o-o-o
Frodo brought Aria to a small retreat. There was a babbling brook flowing by an island of rocks and flowers. Surrounding the brook was more flowers, as well as a small hillock. Aria smelt the flowers, knowing, thanks to Rhyme's work, that the flowers wouldn't attack her as the first time.
Frodo got Aria's attention. "Aria, you know, when you leave, I'll always think of you."
"Who says I'm going anywhere?" asked Aria, confused.
"What changed your mind?" asked Frodo, stunned.
Aria looked at him then. "Ever since we returned to this city, my mind has been reeling over what happened in the woods. I nearly lost the four of you. I hadn't realized how much I would miss you, but it turns out I did."
"So, you're deciding on staying?" asked Frodo, curious.
Aria moved a finger across one of the smooth rock surfaces. "Well, I'm certainly not deciding on going back so soon. What with my dad looking as well as the police. I mean, why return somewhere where I don't belong? It isn't worth the trip."
Frodo grinned at her. "I know you miss your home. You can always go back to it."
"It's for that reason why I'm staying. Back home, I was hardly noticed. Here, I have fast friends that I may keep. I didn't have that at home. A lot of my friends went away," said Aria. "Or maybe that was partly my doing." She then said, "That's in the past now."
Frodo approached her, placing a hand on her waist. "I'm glad, but what about that deal we made?"
"I'd still consider it, just in case," said Aria. "Don't we have a torch to find?"
Frodo chuckled. He kissed Aria on the cheek, before moving to her lips. Their moment was touching and passionate, and neither wanted to let the other go. Before they got too deep, the two stopped upon hearing footsteps and noticing someone else was in the retreat. It was Elijah, who looked convinced over what just happened.
"Good morning," said Elijah. He looked around, "This is a nice retreat."
"I'll see you later," said Aria, moving away from Frodo.
"All right," said Frodo, still grinning at her.
After Aria left the area, Elijah spoke to Frodo. "What did you two discuss?"
"Aria's staying," said Frodo. "She's not going anywhere."
"Are you sure of that, or are you assuming?" asked Elijah, curious.
"Either way, it looks like I have her back," said Frodo.
"I wouldn't count on it," said Elijah.
"Why not?" asked Frodo, confused.
"Because, if Aria's like her mother, she'll stick to a decision and then complain about why she isn't elsewhere," said Elijah.
"Aria's not like Melissa," said Frodo. "She's different."
"Are you sure?" asked Elijah.
"I hope I am," said Frodo. He looked at Aria, moments before she disappeared from sight down the hallway.
Towards the second to last day of the week, the hobbits and Aria, who looked more and more hobbitish each day, gathered in a council area of the housing court. Joining them was an assembly of heroes. Melissa Snowberry and Nash Wimble were a part of the group, as were a few Nobodies. At the council area, a meeting was held to discuss how the hobbits were to leave Glamïre and head for the mountains. Three unicorns were there as well, and so was the creature Gurgi. Eventually, Gimli spoke up:
"This is ridiculous! You plan on bringing a young lass who doesn't know war, has never seen battle, join you on a dangerous mission."
"I know it sounds dangerous, but we can do it," said Frodo.
"Aria won't be alone. We'll be with her," said Merry, wrapping an arm around Aria.
"Humph. Well, I want to come. You'll need me to face stone-trolls," said Gimli.
Legolas stopped him. "No Gimli, this certain quest requires stealth. That's something the hobbits possess."
"Something I'm not good at," admitted Aria.
"We'll see. Won't we?" asked Frodo, assuring her.
"Ooh, ooh, Gurgi wants to come. I'll be big help to Frodo," said Gurgi, bounding towards the hobbit.
"No Gurgi. Here you must stay," said Frodo. "Watch Gimli if you must."
"Don't worry, lad. The little creature will be safe with me," said Gimli.
Gurgi huffed. "You don't scare me, beardy dwarf."
"How do we get into the mountains?" asked Frodo.
The Elf woman named Selindra showed them a map. "First, you'll want to make your crossing here, just underneath Cronos' cornerstone."
"Who's Cronos?" asked Sam, confused.
"A titan, one of the twelve," said Selindra.
"And titan means bad," said Sam, assuming.
"He tried to eat his children, but failed," said Melissa. "It doesn't get any worse than that."
"The last thing we want to do is release Cronos, but last I heard he was somewhere in Italy, on Earth, doing all right I reckon," said Selindra. "We shouldn't have to trouble with him."
"Yes, as long as he stays where he is," said Melissa.
Frodo turned to Selindra, "Go on."
Selindra continued, telling the hobbits where they needed to be. Since Aria was accompanying the hobbits, Sam figured they would have to have extra supplies. After the meeting was long passed, Aria met Frodo in his bedroom, where he was packing what he needed in his pack. Frodo whirled around upon noticing Aria was in the room.
"I thought you were packing for the trip," said Frodo.
"Is this really a good idea? We don't even know if the magic mirror and those trolls at the Wall of Memory will come through," said Aria.
"Don't worry. I believe we're doing the right thing," said Frodo.
"What's going to happen when we leave? Do we have any idea what's out there?" asked Aria, concerned.
Frodo looked at her. "Aria relax." He paused. "Look, I don't even know what we'll encounter. One thing's for sure, I'm going to try my hardest to keep you safe."
Aria held Frodo's maimed hand. "You should keep watch of yourself, too, Frodo. If the same thing happened to me, the way you lost your finger to Gollum…"
"I had that coming," said Frodo. "Not everything happens twice, but we're prepared for anything this time. You'll be with those experienced in journeying. As for this venture, it won't be like what happened here in the Ketterwold Forest."
"No. It'll be bigger," said Aria. "I'll go pack."
Frodo stopped her. "There's one more thing: considering we'll be journeying together…"
"I know. I won't wear a dress," said Aria. She admitted, "I was getting used to wearing leather armor." She grinned at him as she walked out of the bedroom.
Moments after Aria left the room, Frodo experienced a vision: He was inside the heart of the mountain they were traveling to. Standing on a pedestal was a lit torch wrapped in snake rings. When he picked up the torch, the vision ended.,, Frodo had no idea what happened, but he had a feeling it was foretold he would find the torch, or more specifically the Torch of Light, everyone was talking about. He wondered what would happen once he got there, but he couldn't be sure of anything at the moment. Frodo continued packing his clothes and needed supplies.