Around a great pillar in a fiery hall comes Gandalf, leading the Fellowship. A wall of flame whirls behind them.

"Over the bridge! Run!" The Fellowship flees. Gandalf does not follow, but turns, looking into the wall of fire. A great form of black shadow leaps through the flames, it's eyes of white fire great ash-black horns curling around a bull-like head.

It opens it's maw, rippling heat pouring out with a rumble. Gandalf turns, running after the Fellowship. A great, black, cloven foot stomps down into the hall, bursting into flame. A narrow bridge of stone appears in the fiery light, and the Fellowship crosses the bridge. Gandalf turns to face the Balrog.

"You cannot pass!" Gandalf yelled at the burning demon, and the Fellowship watched with terror, what was happening. Valerie held her sword hilt and was ready to help the wizard, but Rash stopped her from running, knowing that Gandalf had to take it from here, alone.

"I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor." Gandalf said, "The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udûn!" The Balrog strikes down on Gandalf, who parries the blow with his blade, shattering the Balrog's sword. Glowing embers run off the circle of light around the wizard. The monster bellows at the wizard.

Gandalf clenching his teeth, "Go back to the Shadow!" The Balrog steps onto the bridge. It brandishes a flaming whip. As the wizard raises his sword and staff together above his head and up into the air.

"You — shall not — pass!" Gandalf drives his staff into the bridge, causing a bright flash of blue light to appear. Flaring it's nostrils, the Balrog steps forward onto the bridge. The bridge collapses from under it as it moves towards Gandalf, and breaks before the wizard's staff. The demon plunges backward into the chasm, still wielding it's glowing whip. Gandalf, exhausted, leans on his staff and watches the Balrog fall. He turns to follow the others.

The flaming whip lashes up from the depths of the abyss and winds about Gandalf's ankle, dragging him over the edge. He clings onto the bridge but strains to keep his grip. Frodo rushes forward but, Boromir restrains him. "Gandalf!" The young hobbit yelled, with fear shown in his eyes.

The wizard grasps the bridge, looking at the Fellowship. He stops struggling. "Fly, you fools!"

To everyones shock, Gandalf let's go of the stone and falls into the chasm, spreading his arms the light of the Balrog glimmering far below.

"No!" Valerie cired, still in the arms of the knight who held her from running. Frodo was struggling form Aragorn and got free from his grip, but Boromir grabs a hold of Frodo from running to the broken bridge. The Fellowship had to leave up threw the stairs. As they left Orcs was attacking from the distance with their arrows, shooting at the companions.

The Fellowship gets out of Moria. Boromir tries to restrain Gimli, as the Dwarf let out his rage and sorrow. Merry consoles Pippin, who lies crying. Legolas had a look of shock and disbelief. Sam sits on the ground, bows his head onto his hands, and begins to weep.

Valerie felt herself shaking, as when panic slowly stiked her mind and sense. She turned her eyes which was filled by tears, to where Rash stood and he walked slowly up to her.

Valerie approached him as well, but on her way she sobbed quietly and let the sorrow in her heart out. For those four days Valerie thought she had lost Rash and Akandir. She now cried even harder, regretting what she had told the wizard, to her old friend back in Moria.

But the fellowship needed to continue on their quest, despite their heavy loss. Aragorn knew this in his heart, and even if his sorrow wanted him to stay still & let his heart cry out, he knew that Gandalf had given them a mission. So he could not mourn, not yet.

"Legolas, get them up!" Aragorn spoke aloud. Boromir then turned to Aragorn in anger & frustration, "Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" He shouted to the ranger. Aragorn knew Boromir spoke for all of them at that moment, but he could not let up.

"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs!" He almost shouted back, but held back his feelings. "We must reach the woods of Lothlórien." He stated calmly to Boromir, signaling for the others to follow. Frodo took a seat on a large boulder by himself, the expression of shock & sorrow apparent on his face. For the first time since they left the Shire, Frodo felt lost as Gandalf was not there to guide him anymore.

Rash was the one that stood closest to the exit. He looked into the shadowy tunnels that they had run out of. Something echoed, not orc, not man, but something that he thought sounded like the roaring of the Balrog that had chased them. The knight could feel that things were not as they seemed, as his heart was radiating with hope. Since he was a Maiar himself, just like Gandalf - he felt a special connection to other Maiar that were nearby. He could not know for certain, but what was most important was escorting Frodo to the mountain of fire & brimstone.

The knight walked up to Valerie & put his giant arms around her. She started sobbing uncontrollably, until she felt reassured again from Rash's presence around her. Her sobbing died down into a quiet whimper, and as she looked up at the knight with tears that had streamed down her face, he kissed her gently on the forehead. He then looked at Frodo in the distance & motioned with his head that they continue. Valerie nodded & they both walked up to Frodo. Valerie grabbed him by the shoulders but Frodo didn't react as he was completely shut off from the shock.

Rash then turned up in front of the Hobbit, pointed his finger at Frodo's forehead, making the Hobbit fall asleep. Rash then pulled Frodo up from his sitting position & placed him on his shoulders, and he slumped forward while having the knight's head as a pillow.

"Why did you do that for?" Boromir asked loudly next to Aragorn. Rash looked slightly at Boromir as he started walking next to Valerie. "He's no good at walking for now. The ring weighs heavily upon him." The knight spoke with clarity. Boromir nodded slightly in agreeance. Aragorn followed Rash with his eyes. He felt reassured to know that they still had one Maiar in their company. And he was the kind that could fully defend them if need be. He then switched his eyes to Valerie as she was walking next to Rash. He knew that there was something about her that none of the others had been informed about. Even for her small size, she could prove to be a power that was greater than any other in Middle-Earth. Aragorn reckoned the idea that if she would get her hands on the ring, Middle-Earth would be in great danger. He had hope that her willpower was enough to overthrow Sauron's whispering, should that ever happen.

But his trust in the fellowship had grown strong, and if anything, he was a person that trusted in friendship most of all.

Valerie, however, already heard whispers that constantly nagged at her mind. The whispers weren't from within, but echoed from the sword that was placed in it's hilt.

Smaug - the great fire drake that was slain before the battle for Erebor, had taken his place in the spiritual realm & infected the mountain with his presence. Valerie & the great Wolf, Akandir, had succeeded at subjugating the spirit of the dragon long enough for Valerie to perform a sealing spell. Sealing the spirit of Smaug inside the sword was like trying to contain a tempest in a small room. He was constantly trying to get out, and if he did, he would assume full control over Valerie's greed & desires - for that was his greatest personality trait.

So she needed to be constantly observed & guarded, something she knew fully well & accepted. After all, the one guarding her was the one she had chosen herself - even if he was given the mission from Gandalf to keep her safe.

With great sorrow in their hearts, the Hobbits, the elf, the dwarf & the men started making their way towards the great woods of Lothlorien.

The Fellowship walks across a grassy field, stopped under the leaves of a forest of tall trees. "Stay close, young Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell…" Gimli warned, as he mention the woman Frodo heard a feminine voice in his head calling his name. He started to look around himself and the others. "And are never seen again." Gimli spoke,

The feminine voice talked again. "Your coming to us." Frodo halts in his own tracks as the voice spoke again, a pair of blue eyes flash through his head. "Is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer!"

Sam walked up to Frodo as he placed his hand on his friends shoulder. "Mister Frodo?" He asked camly. "Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!" An arrow notched appears before his face. "Oh..." Other bows at the ready appear around the Fellowship.

Legolas was ready and already held his own bow out. The Fellowship looks around and were all alarmed, but a tall, golden-haired Elf appears from the armored elfs. "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." The elven male spoke, and his eyes lend the dwarf with disgust, made Gimli growl under his breath.

The Fellowship had no choise but to follow the elves, they stands on a platform in the rustling foliage. Haldir greets them. "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil." The elf male greeted well known of the son of Thranduil, Legolas nods with royal. "Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.

Haldir glances at Aragorn, "A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen." Oh, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us. The man answered, "Haldir." Then the elf turned to Rash and Valerie, who he have heard so much about, from both Thranduil and Gandalf. "Welcome, Rash the Wolf spirit." Rash showed respect and nodded. Then Haldir turned to Valerie. "We welcome you, Valerie Valyria. The daughter of the Moon." She also gived a slight nod, and now the Fellowship know the legends that stands infront of them.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" Gimli barked, and eyes from the elves lend on him. Haldir turned his attention to the dwarf. "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." Haldir calmy spoke. Everyone know that dwarves are pig headed, but they are a royal folk. It's sad that their relationship with the elves haven't gotten any better during the ages.

"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" I spit upon your grave! Gimli barked once more, now Aragorn grabbed him by his shoulder and gived an serious look. "That was not so courteous."

Haldir glances then lastly at Frodo. "You bring great evil with you." He turns and looking at Aragorn. "You can go no further." Aragorn argues with Haldir, angrily. "Boe ammen veriad lîn. Andelu i ven!" We need your protection. The road is fell! Haldir whispers back inaudibly. "Merin le telim." I wish we may come with you. Haldir answers quietly, again so that only Aragorn can hear his words. "Henio, aníron boe ammen i dulu lîn!" Please, understand, we need your support! Frodo looks slightly uncomfortably by this, and his eyes fall on Sam.

Aragorn continues to argue loudly with Haldir. "Andelu i ven." The road is very dangerous. Boromir spoke up now as well. "Gandalf's death was not in vain… nor would he have you give up hope."

"You carry a heavy burden, Frodo… don't carry the weight of the dead." Frodo ponders this. Haldir appears and looked less than happy.

"You will follow me." A caravan of Elves leads the Fellowship along a ridge, through the golden woods. Boromir glances at Frodo behind him. The group comes to the end of the high ridge and looks out. A great glade of trees rises above them.

The Fellowship was soon leaded to the Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light.

The forest of Lothlorien was both beautiful & haunting, as it was dark but lit with what looked like starlight. The elven structures in the great trees seemed to stretch for kilometres & great bridges were keeping the elven kingdom connected. The fellowship would have been struck with awe, was it not for the grief they all felt in their hearts. They followed Haldir & approached lady Galadriel, who stood in all her beauty & glory atop a set of royal stairs. Next to her was Celeborn & was a fair elf, but not even close to the beauty of Galadriel.

Celeborn looked upon the fellowship with observing eyes. "The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." He said with a clear annoyance in his voice. He kept observing the group, but none of them spoke, most - if not all, looked into the ground or around the surroundings. "Eight there are here, yet nine there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?" He continued, now raising his eyebrows, scanning for a reaction. The fellowship were visibly shaken, especially Frodo. He reacted by snapping out of a trance he had been in for a while. His eyes started to water.

Rash laid his hand on the young Hobbit's shoulder, reassuring him. Galadriel then switched her eyes to Aragorn, who noticed that she was seeking eye contact with him. He stared back at her. "For I much desire to speak with him… I can no longer see him from afar." Celeborn continued. Now Boromir reacted, as he tried to not look up at the royalty in front of him. He felt a knot building in his throat, as did Frodo & Valerie. Sam was starting to visibly sob next to Legolas, whom put an arm around Sam, trying to calm him.

Galadriel now observed the fellowship fully. "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow." She said with a certain somberness. Aragorn nodded at this slightly, looking down in to the ground again. Legolas then got eye contact with Galadriel. "He was taken by both Shadow and Flame, a Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." The elf prince spoke, also displaying a sadness in his voice.

Galadriel saw Gimli nodding sadly and she could see the guilt in his eyes. "Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose." She said with a voice that was now higher in tone than before, suggesting a certain knowledge of things to come.

Galadriel met eyes with Rash. The wolf knight looked back at her & nodded once, slightly. "You of all beings should know this." She said with a slight smile & nodded back to the wolf knight, as if they were exchanging thoughts.

The fellowship all looked up at her at that moment. Frodo's eyes shot up & looked at her with an expression of curiousity. He felt a small flicker of hope in his heart.

"Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin." She said as she observed the dwarf. "For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." She kept speaking, as she kept looking at him, making him feel less alone.

Celeborn looked at his queen & then at the fellowship. "What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." He said, seemingly uncaring for the group's grief. The queen then went with her gaze from member to member of the group, speaking as she did. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all." Then she landed her eyes on Sam, who had stopped sobbing. "Yet hope remains while the company is true." She said & smiled at him. As she did, Sam felt renewed in a strange way. Hope was building inside him too.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace." She waved her hands very calmly as she spoke, and smiled slightly again. "Welcome, Frodo of the Shire." Galadriel was now looking sideways, at Frodo who was standing next to Rash to the left of the group.

She didn't speak however, but he could hear her whispers in his mind.

The fellowship were then free to rest, taking their place in the elf tents that were located next to the roots of the great trees that stretched far & wide.

The Fellowship was now located to where their tents was under the sky which was glimmering by the starlight. Everyone had got food, drinks and a place to sleep for the night. Elf song can be heard above, it sounded very beautiful, but with a hint of sorrow. It was a lament for Gandalf.

Aragorn sharpens his sword sitting on his bed, Gimli had already fallen asleep, and snored loudly. "What do they say about him?" Merry asked, who still was awake, Legolas walked up and held a glass of elven wine in his hands. "I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."

Sam crouches down to make his bed ready, he looked at Merry. "I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them." He sighed and fixed his pillow. "The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green." He smiled and looked up at the stars, smiling of the memory from the fireworks Gandalf showed in the Shrie. Now Gimli snores very loudly at the moment Sam spoke, Aragorn turns to him clearly annoyed and swats the dwarfs pillow, eliciting a grunt from Gimli but he still sleeps.

"Or after thunder, silver showers. Came falling like a.. rain of flowers." The hobbit sits down on his bed again from standing up as he spoked. "Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."

Aragorn walks over to Boromir, who is seated alone on a great tree root. "Take some rest. These borders are well protected."

Boromir looked at him, he had a lot of thoughts on his mind. "I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now, there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." Aragorn takes a seat beside Boromir. "My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our… our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and, I... I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."

"Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" Aragorn nods, "I have seen the White City, long ago." He said. "One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call. The Lords of Gondor have returned!" Aragorn smiles slightly, then looks away.

The assassin had changed for the night, into a white tunic which she had losend by her collarbone, showing a little of her skin and tugged the ends in the waist under her skin tight leather pants. Her hair was hanging loose on her shoulders and shone bright by the moonlight.

Valerie're looking around the tents to find the knight. She didn't know where he had went. Legolas had found her wandering around, so he decided to walk up by her side. Resting a hand on her shoulder, she looked suprised up and he pointed over to one of the bigger tents then the others. "He is in there." The elf smiled to her, Valerie gived Legolas a smile, and slight nod before she walks to the tent.

Rash was inside his tent sitting on his bed, Akandir was placed next to him. Valerie opend the tent's opening and behind her she tied it back again. She could see him smile when he saw her. "I thought that I had lost you back in Moria.." She could still not understand he was here, alive and with her. Valerie had now taken her seat in his lap. "Rash, I want to stay with you tonight." She muffled as their eyes locked, her hands roamed his chest and her way up to his neck. Her nose just a few inches away from his.

"And you're very welcome to stay." Rash said shortly, staring back at Valerie. They carressed eachother & spent the night together, like they always had before. Valerie never felt really secure without the knight by her side. During their travels inside Moria, she felt lost & unprotected, even if the fellowship were made up of very capable individuals. Rash was a Maia himself, not unlike the kind of spirit that Gandalf was. Therefore, their power was always somewhat untold, since they were created at the dawn of time itself when Eru Illuvatar first created the universe.

One would think that it was this that made Valerie feel safe when close to Rash. But, it was the warmth of his bossom & the strength of his character that made her love him so. And he loved her back, just as much as he loved Akandir, the goddess & spirit of the Wolf.

The next morning, the fellowship were all getting ready to leave & continue their quest. The sorrow that was in their hearts had lifted just a bit, and Galadriel gave all of them a gift each before they got on their boats that were floating on the river in Lothlorien.

Aragorn was given the Elfstone, a royal heirloom belonging to the line of kings. It was a gem of high importance, as it was otherwise known as 'The Elessar'. It's legendary creation mentions that it was a gem that was as green as the blooming leaves & could trap sunlight inside it's core. Those who looked through it were said to see the withered or aged as whole and young again. It was even claimed to grant some power of healing to its wearer.

She also gave him a sheath, one which would grant a stronger blade when pulled out. The origin of the sheath was not spoken of, and it was not yet realized to which sword the sheath once belonged.

Boromir was given a golden belt that glimmered mightily & beautifully, It appeared royal, and Boromir was highly humbled by this gift.

Merry & Pippin each got a silver belt, each brought with a clasp that looked like a flower.

Legolas was given the Bow of Galadhrim - a bow which was strung by elf hair. This bow as longer & stronger than the woodland realm's. He accepted the weapon with grace & a smile, knowing full well the power of this weapon.

A small grey wooden box with a silver rune that was etched on it. Inside the box was earth from Galadriel's orchard. The box also contained a silver nut from a Mallorn tree, the last east of the sea and west of the mountains. This was given to Sam.

Galadriel then looked upon Gimli with a smile. "There is nothing, Lady Galadriel" said Gimli, bowing low and stammering. "Nothing, unless it might be - unless it is permitted to ask, nay, to name a single strand of your hair, which surpasses the gold of the earth as the stars surpass the gems of the mine. I do not ask for such a gift. But you commanded me to name my desire." He tried to say proudly.

Galadriel shone up with joy in her eyes & almost laughed. She pulled three strands of hair from her head & gave him, then kissing him on his cheek. He was overjoyed, and almost fainted.

Then lastly, but not least, Frodo was handed a phial which was filled with a liquid. The phial itself seemed delicate & beautiful, yet it didn't appear to have any function. "This." She began speaking. "Is caught the light of Eärendil's star, set amid the waters of my fountain. It will shine still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Remember Galadriel and her Mirror." She spoke, handing him the phial.

And with that, the fellowship continued on their journey, leaving the woods of Lothlorien.

The Fellowship passes out onto a larger branch of the Anduin beneath sheer cliffs. The Uruk-hai march along through the forest as the three boats carrying the Fellowship float along.

Darkness soon fell and they have to take a rest on an small island. Someone have been following them since Moria, it was Gollum. He hided from been unseen by the Fellowship but Boromir had seen him so Aragorn too. Gollum was an enemey here, he was after the ring. But the men didn't thought of that he would have the change to come close to them or it.

Sam had seen that his friend haven't eated anything since they left Galadriel and her lands, it worried the hobbit. "Have some food, Mister Frodo." Frodo looks at Sam, his eyes tierd then before. "No, Sam." He shooks his head, but Sam didn't give up. "You haven't eaten anything all day. You're not sleeping, either. Don't think I haven't noticed. Mister Frodo…" Frodo looks away from Sam and sighed. "I'm all right."

Now Sam protested, he wanst' the one who didn't say how he felt, he saw Frodo was not like himself. The ring changed him slowly. "But you're not! I'm here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would."

"You can't help me, Sam... Not this time.. go and get some sleep." Sam left Frodo and sat alone on a rock, while Frodo leyed down and looked at the ring in his hand. It whispers to him and he couldn't take his eyes off from it.

Valerie walked up to Sam resting a hand on his shoulder, while she taked a seat next to him. The hobbit looked up at her, and she saw he was worried. She too had been afriad over someone who she cared much for, because of something that also changed him.

"He will need your help, just don't give up hope on him." Valerie rest a hand on Sam's shoulder, she understood how he felt. "I have seen this before, not with the ring however, but it was greed over Gold. The dragon sickness." Valerie told Sam she and Akandir saved Thorin's life from Smaug in the spiritual dimension and she sealed Smaug's soul into her sword.

She drew out her sword from the hilt, the black blade with fine details begun to vibrated like a pulse, the heat come from the fine blade with the auburn color.

Now the Fellowship looked with suprise to see the sword of the great fire drake. "Is Smaug the great, really there?" Sam asked, Valerie nods and stroked her hand over the warm blade. She let him place a hand on the blade and the hobbit was now very excited.

Frodo had snapped out from his trans with the whispers coming from the Ring. He had heard Valerie telling that she sealed the dragon to her sword. It grabbed Frodo's attention and he walked to take a seat next to them. He also wanted to feel the sword. "May I?" He asked and Valerie smiled to him with a nod. Sam was glad over that Frodo was acting a little more like himself now.

"It's very warm.. if I hold my hands for too long I am afraid it will burn me." Frodo spoke, "Don't it burn you?" He asked and looked at Valerie, who held her sword with her both hands again. "Fire have never burnt me." She ruffled the two hobbits heads.

"Go and get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow." Valerie spoke and placed back her sword in the hilt. The hobbit's give her a smile and nods.

The fellowship were preparing their boats to continue the journey down river. While they did, Frodo wandered off in privacy so that he could get a peace of mind. The woods that sat next to the great river Anduin was full of curiousities & old structures. Frodo wandered around the woods, breathing deeply & letting the air of the quiet & calm forest fill his lungs & mind. His fingers wandered up to the ring that hung around his throat & he lifted it up, staring at it intensively, fidgeting with it.

"None of us should wander alone, you least of all." A gruff voice spoke behind Frodo. The young hobbit was startled & almost jumped out of his cape. It was Boromir who was holding a couple of logs in his left arm. He was gathering woods for the fire. "Frodo? I know you suffer, I see it day by day." Boromir continued, seemingly concerned for Frodo's well-being. "Are you sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo, other paths we might take." He said, stepping closer to Frodo. Frodo backed away for just a moment.

"I know what you would say, and it would seem like wisdom, except for the warning in my heart." Frodo answered, looking unsure as he met Boromir's gaze. The man was greatly insulted, staring back at Frodo in shock. "Warning? Against what? We are all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have..." He reacted angrily but fairly. "Don't you see? That is madness!" He half-shouted.

Frodo took another step back, while clutching the ring. "There is no other way." He said, now letting worry slip through his voice. "I ask only for the strength to defend my people!" Boromir said, wrinkling his forehead in a sad expression. He took another step forward & stretched out his hand slightly. "If you would but lend me the Ring." He said, like a beggar asking for food.

Down by the river, the fellowship were gathering materials & preparing lembas bread & provisions. "Where's Frodo?" Aragorn asked loudly. Gimli, whom was sitting down by a tree, was sharpening his axe. "Oh, he took a stroll through the woods." The dwarf answered, seemingly unconcerned. That's when Aragorn reacted, he turned around & started jogging into the woods behind.

Valerie & Rash reacted, as they were helping Legolas with provisions. They looked at eachother. "Boromir!" They both said at the same time, and turned around to chase after Aragorn who was now far ahead of them.

"No!" Frodo reacted, now clearly irritated & upset. He backed away again. "Why do you recoil? I am no thief." Boromir asked, now also visibly upset. "You are not yourself." Frodo answered. "Give me the ring!" Boromir shouted as he flew over Frodo. He tried grasping the ring several times, but as they wrestled in the leaves, Frodo used all of his strength to struggle free from his grip. He slipped the ring onto his finger & disappeared. Boromir was now very angry. "What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the Ring. And you will beg for death before the end!" He shouted even louder now.

Then silence fell, and Boromir could not hear Frodo anymore. Nothing, not even the cracking of sticks or the sound of birds chirping. That's when Boromir got his senses back. He realized what he had just tried to do.

"Frodo?" He asked silently, looking around as he was sitting in a pile of leaves. "Frodo i am sorry." He said again, hoping that his young Hobbit friend would hear him. "Frodo.." He said silently again, now sobbing at the horrible action he had tried to do.

Frodo are in the shadow world, he climbs up onto a stone platform framed by two stone eagles. A great shape looms before him from afar. The image rushes towards him and his vision rise to a pinnacle the dark tower of Barad-dûr, where the burning Eye of Sauron stares back. The hobbit tried to get the ring off from his finger but falls off of the platform and lands on his back. He sits up, trying to catch his breath. Before him is a high structure on the cliff edge, surrounded by the pines. A stairway runs up through its center, to a seat dwarfed by stone eagles on top.

Aragorn, Rash and Valerie approaches the hobbit. "Frodo?" His eyes drift up to the three. ”Where is the Ring, Frodo?” Aragorn asked, but the hobbit scrambles up and backed away from Aragorn.

”We all swore to protect you!” Aragorn spoke aloud, eyeing the hobbit. "Can you protect me from yourself?!" Frodo yelled with fear, as he held the Ring in his palm. ”Would you destroy it?” He asked, the ring then begun to whisper, so all four of them could hear.

Aragorn placed his both hands over Frodo's, and closes his hand over the Ring and pushes it to the Hobbit's chest. "I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor." He spoke with a small smile on his face, he calmed down Frodo.

”I know...” He nods, ”Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand." Valerie now walked up him and rest her hand on his shoulder. ”Sam will always understand you, Frodo. He is your friend not your enemy..” She said. ”Don't forget who the real enemy is.” She glanced down at his hand, where he held the ring. The hobbit nods, he understood she meant Sauron, he is their only enemy here.

Then they could see Sting's blade which had begun to glow. Orcs was close. They told Frodo to run, and he did so he would be safe from the attack of the orcs. Aragorn, Rash and Valerie draw out their swords and faced the orcs who’re incoming from the forest.

The orcs are here for the Halflings and the Ring. Merry and Pippin hide in a space under some fallen tree trunks. they both saw Frodo running, ”Hide here! Quick, come on!” Pippin yelled and waved for him. But instead of hiding with them, Frodo shook his head and ran away. ”He’s leaving.” Merry said, Pippin ran after Frodo but Merry stopped him. They're now out in the open, and several Urk-hai are coming down the hill.

Merry cups his hands and calls out to the Uruk-hai, ”Hey! Hey you! Over here!” He yelled and grabbed their attention. Both Hobbits run away from Frodo and the Uruk-hai troop, follows them. Now Frodo makes a break for it and ran in the opposite direction. "It's working!" Pippin laughed, "I know it’s working! Run!" Merry yelled to his friend.

At the hilltop Gimli and Legolas had joined the fight with Aragorn, Valerie and Rash. They continue to fight the Uruk-hai pack. While Merry and Pippin run across an old stone bridge, it's far end they stop and see Uruk-hai running towards them. An Uruk runs up to them, raising his axe but in comes Boromir, charging in he knocks the Uruk back and kills him with his own axe.

Three loud horn blasts was heard. "The Horn of Gondor!" Legolas spoke aloud. Aragorn runs alone down the slope towards the sound, but Uruks are between him and Boromir. Boromir sounds the Horn of Gondor again. Merry and Pippin stab some of them, helping as much they could. ”Run! Run!” Boromir yelled to the two halflings, but they could not leave him. They grabbed rocks and throw it at the Orcs.

The Uruk-hai leader walks into view, and Boromir fights on. Merry and Pippin continue to throw rocks at them to help Boromir. The leader aims a black-fletched bow at Boromir, who jerks backwards at the blow to his left shoulder. The Hobbits look at him in shock as he fell, Uruks come closer and Boromir gives a battle cry and rises as he swings his sword at one who falls. He lifts his bow, and shoots again as Boromir turns to look at him. A black arrow flies into Boromir's stomach. He drops to his knees again gasping.

Boromir stares at Merry and Pippin, who froze at the scene. Boromir then stands up, he swings his sword at another Uruk. The leader shoots one more arrow in his chest. The man falls on his knees, his horn is cloven in two. Merry and Pippin picked up their swords and attacked the Uruk-hai who lift them up and carry them off. Merry and Pippin struggled to get free as it walks away from Boromir. Who looks on helplessly, the chieftain snarls and pulls his bow back, ready to deliver the final blow. But Aragorn crashes into him and the arrow flies off harmlessly. He loses his sword and is thrown to the ground when he gets up, the Uruk-hai warrior throws a two-prong shield at Aragorn. Pinning him by the neck against a tree.

The Uruk raises his sword and strikes, but Aragorn slips beneath the shield and pulls out a knife and stabs the leader in his leg. The Orc roars and pulls out the knife, licks the blood from it and throws it at Aragorn. Aragorn bats the knife away with his sword. He closes in on the Orc and in a flurry of swordplay, slices his arm off and then stabs him through chest. The leader pulls himself up on the sword closer to Aragorn, snarling. He pulls his sword out of the Orc and swings it. He hacks off the Uruk-hai's head. The rest of the Orc falls to the ground. Aragorn pauses a moment, he then ran to Boromir.

Boromir was pale and bloodied, Aragorn kneels down next to him and saw the wounds. Boromir grabs Aragorn by his shoulder. "They took the little ones." He said with panic and looked around them, "Frodo! Where is Frodo?" he asked worried about the hobbit. "I let Frodo go." Aragorn said, Bormir give a slight nod. "Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him." He grew paler and begun to shake even more. "The Ring is beyond our reach now."

"Forgive me. I have failed you all." Boromir's strenght was leaving him slowly."No, Boromir. You fought bravely and you kept your honor." Aragorn reaches out to pull the arrows from his shoulder and chest. But Boromir stops him.

"Leave it. It is over.. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness... My city to ruin." Boromir spoke. "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall.. nor our people fail!" Aragorn said. "Our people? Our people." He reaches for his sword. Aragorn places the hilt in his hand, and helps Boromir clasp it to his chest.

"I would have followed you my Brother. My Captain. My King!" Boromir then fell into the after life. Aragorn touches his hand to his forehead, then to his lips in respect. "Be at peace, son of Gondor." He bends and kisses Boromir on the brow.

With a sad realization, Legolas sees Boromir's lifeless body before the kneeling Aragorn. He feels a knot build in his chest & he looks down into the ground. As Gimli arrives, panting, he sees it too. He supports himself with his axe & keeps himself from panting as he too looks down into the ground in silence.

Valerie & Rash arrive just after Gimli & Legolas, as they had been slaying Uruk's left & right to keep them from moving in on Frodo, who was now taking a boat from the beach on the river.

With adrenaline still pumping through their veins, the fellowship had naught time to know what to do from then. Rash, however, walked up to beside Aragorn who was still kneeling in front of the now deceased Boromir. The giant knight also bent a knee, so as to pay his respect to the valiant hero that Boromir had proved to be in his final moments.

"May you be blessed to walk in the eternal halls of our father." The knight said solemnly. Legolas, Gimli & Aragorn looked up from the ground & Rash for a moment. Rash looked back at Aragorn with what seemed to be a small smile.

"His strength of character & the good in his heart is more than enough to earn him the gratitude of Eru, and for that he will be rewarded greatly." The knight continued. The fellowship could feel that they weren't completely hopeless. They knew that Rash was himself a spirit, sent to help the inhabitants of Middle-Earth. When he spoke of things to come, they could feel themselves trusting his words. Just as they did Gandalf. Valerie smiled at Rash as he looked at her lovingly.

The rest of the fellowship now walked with the body of Boromir down to the riverside. They laid his body to rest in one of their boats & positioned him in a kingly display. The boat would float off towards the horizon, signifying Boromir's travel to the other side.

"We have to hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore." Legolas uttered, grabbing hold of his bow. However, Aragorn did not move. Nor did Rash or Valerie, they just kept in place. "You mean not to follow them?" Legolas asked, setting the end of his bow to the ground again.

Aragorn looked at Rash, then turned a little to look at the boat that was carrying Boromir again. "Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." He uttered silently as he held his hand his hilt, kneeling down & keeping the sword as a support. "Then, all this has been in vain. The fellowship has failed." Gimli said sadly, lowering his eyes to the sandy beach. "Not if we hold true to eachother." The heir of Isildur said, rising to his feet & grabbing hold of the handle to his sword. Rash also rose to his feet, observing Aragorn as he turned around to walk upwards the beach & into the forest.

"We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left." Aragorn said abruptly, marching up the slope. He turned around slightly to make sure his friends could hear him. "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light." He continued, and the fellowship obliged, only grabbing their weapons & leaving the preparations & food behind.

Aragorn turned around to face his companions, looking at all of them from left to right, now full of determination. "Let's hunt some Orc." He uttered, turned around & started jogging. The fellowship all reacted by smiling to eachother slightly, each beginning to jog after their king at a quick pace. "Yes!" Gimli roared with a joyful rage.

Chapter: The Two Towers

Frodo and Sam stand upon a hill, "Mordor. I hope the others find a safer route." The two're watching over where they could see Mordor from the far distance. "Strider will look after them." Sam said, "I don't suppose we'll ever see them again."

Sam looked at Frodo, half smiling. "We may yet, Mister Frodo. We may."

Frodo turns to him and smiled to have his friend by his side. "Sam, I'm glad you're with me." Frodo walks onwards. Sam stands for a moment, and then follows down a rocky slope. The two hobbits begin their trek towards Mordor.

The Uruk-hai continue marching with Pippin and Merry. Pippin took off his elven brooch off his cloak with his teeth, and drops it onto the ground. So the Fellowship can find them easier.

Aragorn is lying down with his ear pressed to the ground, he is listening to where the pack are heading. "Their pace has quickened. They must have caught our scent. Hurry!" Aragon runs off, followed by Rash, Valerie, Legolas and Gimli. "Come on, Gimli!" The elf called behind him, Gimli sighed, but ran along. "Three day's and night's pursuit, no food, no rest and no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell." The dward spoke while running.

The five of them run across plains, and the companions enter the valley where the Uruk-hai stopped. Valerie saw the the brooch and picks it up. "They may still be alive." She said and Aragorn nods. "Less than a day ahead of us, come!" He said and hurried.

Gimli stumbles and rolls to the ground to where the three stood. Legolas turned around and called for him. "Come Gimli! We are gaining on them." The elf ran after the knight, assassin and the king. "I'm wasted on cross-country. We dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous over short distances." Gimli shouted but kept running behind them.

The five of them come over a hill and halts, gazing across the plains. They have now come to Rohan. Also the place where Valerie was once held by her will. It's been more then 60 years. Terrasen which was once her home. But no longer could they see a land with hope, but only darkness. She felt sorrow to face those lands again, where men took her freedom and who wiped out the life from her home, right infront of her own eyes.

"There's something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures, sets it's will against us." Aragorn said.

The Fellowship have all heard the horror stories. How many innocent lives was taken that day, when one of the mad kings of men ruled the lands. How he had burned down villages, to get more power. Valerie had been the only one who survived the attack, watched as her grandparents died by the hellfire. Her friends and their families, she could still hear their cries in the flames. It was also the same year as when Valerie was caught and tortured by that king.

When she left with Gandalf for the adventure with the dwarven company, and her freedom was given back to her. She had sworn to herself to never again set her foot in Rohan.

Legolas scans the landscape before him, and he could see the area where Terrassen once should be. They all knew Valerie had once a home here and was growing up in those lands.

"Legolas, what do your elf eyes see?" Aragorn asked the elf prince, who turned to Aragorn, "The Uruks turn Northeast. They are taking the hobbits to Isengard."

"Saruman."

Saruman stands atop his tower of Orthanc. Gazing at the view over the plains, stretching for miles beyond, he ponders upon things to come. To the east, the mountains of of Mordor stretched to the skies & with it, black clouds of choking miasma & death. From Orthanc, The tower of Barad-Dûr was slightly visible inside the mountain range of Mordor. One such as Saruman could see as a large orange spot changed it's direction constantly atop the great spires of the gigantic dark tower. It was the eye of Sauron, always observing everything anything that wasn't behind walls.

"The world is changing. Who now has the strength to stand against the armies of Isengard and Mordor? To stand against the might of Sauron and Saruman and the union of the two towers?" Saruman spoke with clarity & confidence. As he spoke & looked down, he could see the forests of Fangorn being slowly ripped to shreds as Saruman was preparing for the warmachine of Sauron. Giant trees were felled in order to make weapons, spears, rams and ladders. One could listen well and hear the woods themselves moaning in suffering from the great pain they suffered.

"Together, my lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle-earth." The white wizard spoke softly, looking directly to the Eye atop Barad-Dûr. " The old world will burn in the fires of industry. The forests will fall. A new order will rise. We will drive the machine of war with the sword and the spear and the iron fists of the Orc. We have only to remove those who oppose us." Saruman coldly stated.

Saruman made a deal with the Dunlanders of Rohan - outcasts that were too violent & dishonorable to stay with the villages. He sent them off to pillage & destroy the villages of men around Rohan & together with the Uruk-Hai armies, they were unstoppable. Rohan was set ablaze from village to village, and there was naught much to do to stop it.

A princess rushes with her brother by her side, inside the halls of her uncle. Theoden, the king of Rohan, sat upon his throne, grayhaired, wrinkly & unmoving. "Your son is badly wounded, my lord." She uttered with teary eyes, looking up at Theoden king upon his throne. He didn't respond.

"He was ambushed by Orcs. If we don’t defend our country, Saruman will take it by force." Eomer said, standing by his sister. The king didn't respond to this either.

"That is a lie!" A dark cloaked figure with pale skin appears from the shadows. "Saruman the White has ever been our friend and ally." He whispered with his slithered tongue to the people standing in front of the king. "Gríma… Gríma…" The skeletal king whimpers, trying to speak. Gríma leans down close to the King. "My son...?"

Eomer then stepped up in front of her sister. "Orcs are roaming freely across our lands. Unchecked. Unchallenged. Killing at will. Orcs bearing the white hand of Saruman." He drops a helmet onto the ground, which topples over to reveal the white hand of Saruman. Grima stares at the helmet for a second, then looks at Eomer again.

"Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind. Can you not see? Your uncle is wearied by your malcontent, your war-mongering." He spit at Eomer with spite.

"War-mongering?" Eomer asked as he flew up in front of Grima & pushed him up against the wall next to the throne. "How long is it since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price, Gríma? When all the men are dead you will take your share of the treasure?" The horselord asked, clearly angry at Grima's presence.

Gríma’s eyes flicked to right, watching Éowyn as she walked by. Éowyn stopped to stare back for a moment before departing form the hall. Éomer jerked Gríma again and clutched his hand around Gríma’s jaw. "Too long have you watched my sister, too long have you haunted her steps." He growled, seemingly about to do something to Grima.

Grima just looks to the left & calmly relaxes as several other soldiers grab Eomer from behind & holds him against his will. "You see much Éomer, Son of Éomund. Too much." One of the solders punches Eomer in his stomach, making him cough. "You are banished forthwith from the kingdom of Rohan. Under pain of death!" Grima slithered as he ordered the men to throw Eomer out of the king's village.

Eomer screamt in fury as he was pulled out.

Sam and Frodo stops from their long journey to get some rest and to sleep.
But something is watching them, and have been following them since they left Moria. A figure climbs down from the rocks above where the two hobbit's are sleeping.

"You thieves. You filthy little thieves! Where is it?" The figure asked and slowly walked down to the ground. "Where is it? They stole it from us. My Precious." It creeps closer and closer to them. "Curse them! We hates them! It's ours it is... And we want's it!" Reached out it's hand towards Frodo. But the two hobbit's jumps right up and grab Gollum by his arms and pull him down. But he gets loose and jumps on Frodo, screaming as he sees the Ring around Frodo's neck.

Gollum desperately tries to get it, but Sam grabs him. Gollum got loose once more, and jumps on Frodo again. Sam gets a hold of him as Gollum bites him on the shoulder and clasps his arms and legs around Sam made him fall to the ground. Frodo draws Sting and holds it to Gollum's throat. "This is Sting. You've seen it before, haven't you, Gollum!" Gollum nods and shaked, "Release him, or I'll cut your throat!" Frodo ordered, and Gollum slowly loosens his grip on Sam and let's out a wail. The next morning, Frodo and Sam had tied Gollum by the neck with Sam's elven rope so they dragged him along.

"It burns! It burns us! It freezes! Nasty elves twisted it. Take it off us!" Gollum yelled holding the rope which was around his neck, but Sam looked at him and then at Frodo. "It's hopeless! Every orc in Mordor is gonna hear this racket! Let's just tie him up and leave him!"

Gollum looked at the hobbits, "No! That would kill us, kill us!" "It's nothing more than you deserve!" Sam spoke and looked at the pale creature. Frodo looks at Gollum. "Maybe he does deserve to die. But now that I see him, I do pity him." Frodo spoke, "We'll be nice to them, if they'll be nice to us. Take it off us. We swears to do what you wants. We swears!" Gollum kneels in front of Frodo, and begs him.

"There's no promise you can make that I can trust." Frodo said and looked at his friend, Sam who didnt like Gollum, he saw the villain he turly are. But Gollum didn't stop by begging. He tried again to gain the hobbit trust. "We swears to serve the Master of the Precious. We will swear on... On the Precious! Gollum... Gollum!" He chouhed at the end of the name Gollum and looked down to the ground. Like he changed.

"The Ring is treacherous. It will hold you to your word." Frodo said and looked at him. Gollum nods his head and looks at Frodo again from his trans of madness. "Yes... On the Precious... On the Precious."

Sam walks in, yelling. "I don't believe you! Get down! Get down!" Gollum was clearly scared and tried to get away but Sam jerks the rope and Gollum lands on the ground. Frodo grabbed Sam by his arm, looking at him with wide eyes. "Sam!" But Sam saw through who Gollum are. "He's trying to trick us! We let him go, he'll throttle us in our sleep!" Frodo approaches Gollum, who is panting and holding his throat. "You know the way to Mordor?" Gollum nods a few times, "Yes." He said. "You've been there before?" Frodo asked, and Gollum nods again, "Yes." Frodo then takes the rope off Gollum's neck, and Gollum was surprised. "You will lead us to the Black Gate." But then Gollum rushes off and the hobbits follow him in hurry.

"To the Gate, to the Gate! To the Gate, the masters says. Yes!"

Gollum starts talking to himself as he ran away from the hobbits. "No! We won't go back. Not there. Not to him. They can't make us. Gollum! Gollum! But we swore to serve the master of the precious! No. Ashes and dust and thirst there is, and pits, pits, pits. And Orcses, thousands of Orcses. And always the Great Eye watching, watching." Gollum looks at the hobbits and hisses at them, and then he disappears.

"Hey! Come back now! Come back! There! What did I tell you? He's run off, the old villain. So much for his promises." Sam yelled and hurried the way Gollum had ran. Then he reappears. "This way Hobbitses! Follow me!" He smiled wide and waved his hand to them.

Merry & Pippin were thrown to the grassy ground as the two Uruk's panted from exhaustion. The sun had gone down & the stars were shining bright in the sky. The orcs had reached the edges of Fangorn forest & they had to rest before continuing their way back to Isengard.

"We're not going any further until we've had a breather!" One of the Uruk's yelled at his captain, falling to the ground to catch his breath. "Then get a fire going!" The Uruk captain shouted to the other soldiers. The Uruk's scrambled to collect wood from around the edges of the trees.

Pippin had started crawling from the mass of orcs & got inches closer to Merry. His hands were bound, making it hard for him to crawl. "Merry, Merry!" He whispered loudly to his friend. He reached Merry, who was also lying on the ground with his wrists bound to eachother. He had a wound on the brow of his head. "I think we made a mistake leaving the Shire, Pippin." He silently said, exhausted & half-smiling. Pippin reacted with a broad grin as they both joked about their unfortunate situation.

The regular orcs had started chopping trees at the border of Fangorn forest. Deep moans were heard from deep within the forest, sounding beastly in nature. Some of the orcs reacted by stepping back from the trees. Pippin looked at Merry as they laid low, his face full of worry. "What's making that noise?" He asked Merry, staring at him. Merry slowly got up to his side, astonished at what they were hearing. "It's the trees." Merry said, half whispering.

Pippin looked with a nervously raised eyebrow at Merry. "What?" He asked, his voice shaking. Merry looked over to Pippin, filled with excitement. "Do you remember the Old Forest? On the borders of Buckland? Folk used to say that there was something in the water that made the trees grow tall and come alive." Merry explained.

"Alive?" Pippin asked, listening to his friend. "Trees that could whisper. Talk to each other. Even move." Merry said, now looking at the surrounding forest again.

"I'm starving. We ain't 'ad nothin' but maggoty bread for three stinkin' days!" A skeletal looking orc shouted, throwing a piece of bread to the ground, clearly angry. Another orc looked at him then looked at the Uruk captain. "Yeah. Why can’t we have some meat? What about them? They’re fresh." The orc slithered, resting his eyes upon Merry & Pippin who laid just a few meters from him.

"They're not for eating!" The Uruk captain shouted as he pointed at the orc who had just spoken. "What about their legs? They don't need those. Ooh… They look tasty!" Another orc said with a nasal voice, licking what was left of his lips.

The orc captain shoved at the orcs that were desperate for food. "Get back, scum!" He yelled with a growling voice. "Carve them up!" A mordor Orc yelled, pointing at the captain.

One of the mordor orcs skittered his way towards the hobbits. "Just a mouthful!" He said, drooling.

"No!" The Uruk captain moved up infront of the orc, raised his jagged sword & sliced the mordor orc's head off. The head bounced to the ground as the orcs lifeless body fell to the ground.

"Looks like meat’s back on the menu, boys!" The Uruk captain, as all the other Uruk-hai cheered & dove in to ravage the orc corpse. Intestines & parts of meat & bone flew from left to right, and Merry & Pippin tried to crawl their way out of the giant group of hungry Uruk-Hai & orcs.

A foot lands on Merry's back & Pippin is turned around on his back.

"Go on, call for help. Squeal! No one’s gonna save you now!" One of the grissly orcs were holding the hobbits in place, about to use his cruel knife to carve them up.

Suddenly, a spear is thrown into the back of the orc & it squeals in pain & falls over to the side. Mayhem ensues as the riders of Rohan emerge from the plains. Orcs & Uruk's alike are speared & chopped & beheaded.

Pippin gestures to Merry to make their escape, and they start crawling to the woods.

Meantime Rash, Valerie, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are still looking for the hobbit's who are kidnapped by the The Uruk captain and his pack.

"A red sun rises. Blood has been spilt this night." Legolas spoke, and the sound of horses is heard. The five takes shelter as a large group of cavarly appear in the distance. Aragorn comes out of hiding as they pass, Legolas, Valeire, Rash and Gimli walks up behind him.

"Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark?" Aragorn asked at a signal from Èomer, the riders make a quick turn and head towards the five companions, encircling them. As they stop and point their spears at the Fellowship.

Èomer looked at them, "What business does an elf, a man and a dwarf have in the Riddermark?" He then barked at them. "Speak quickly!"

Gimli're the one speaking up first. "Give me your name, horsemaster and I shall give you mine." The dwarf eyed Èomer, who gets off his horse. Aragorn puts a hand on Gimli's shoulder. "I would cut off your head, dwarf if it stood but a little higher from the ground." As Èomer had said that Legolas was quick and aims an arrow to his bow at Èomer, narrowing his eyes he spoke aloud to the human. "You would die before your stroke fell!" But Aragorn pushes down Legolas' arm holding the arrow and bow. "I'm Aragorn, son of Arathorn." Aragorn begin, then he looked at Gimli, "This is Gimli, son of Glóin. Legolas, from the Woodland realm. Rash the Wolf knight, and Valerie Valyria the Daughter of the moon." He introduced them to the humans, "We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king."

Èomer removes his helmet. "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. Not even his own kin." The spears are withdrawn from the Fellowship. "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over this land. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked." Èomer give Legolas a meaningful look. "And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."

Aragorn stepped forward, "We are no spies. We track a band of Uruk-hai westward across the plains. They have taken two of our friends captive." Èomer looked at him, "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night." Now the Fellowship froze, "Have you seen two hobbit's with them?" Valerie asked, now worry was shown. Aragorn nods, adding. "They would be small, only children to your eyes."

Èomer shook his head, "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them." He points where a smoke in the distance coming from. "Dead?" The dwarf asked with shock, Éomer nods, "I am sorry."

They fell in silnce but then Éomer whistles, "Hasufel! Arod!" A sign for two horses to appear by his whistle. "May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters." He nods, "Farewell." Èomer mounts his own horse. "Look for your friends, but do not trust the hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!"

Rash, Valerie, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli look on as the Riders depart. Aragorn, Gimli cheared one horse, Legolas and Valerie had the other, as Rash sprinted by their side by foot. They ride towards the burning carcasses.

Gimli starts to go through pile and pulls out a charred belt. "It's one of their little belts." He shouted for the others to hear. Legolas bows his head and closes his eyes, "Hiro hyn hîdh ab wanath." May they find peace in death. Aragorn kicks at an orc helmet and he yells as if physically injured and falls down to his knees.

"We failed them." Gimli spoke, Rash had walked up to him, resting a hand on the dwarf shoulder. The knight didn't however belive the hobbit's could be dead. Valerie looks to the side and find tracks on the ground, which catch her attention. She followed it, "Wait.. Someone of them laid here.."

She continued to search the ground, "Both of them have crawled.." Valerie spoke, as she starts to follow the tracks with Rash, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli behind her. "Their hands were bound, but their bonds were cut." She picked up a broken rope from the ground. "They ran over here, were they was followed." The belt from before was one of theirs, but they had to forget about it to save themselves.

Aragorn rest a hand on Valerie's shoulder, smiling to her. "The tracks lead away from the battle! Into, Fangorn Forest." The fellowship all look up into a very dense forest. "Fangorn! What madness drove them in there?" Gimli spoke aloud but now they knew where their friends had went.

Merry & Pippin were running far into the forest, seemingly unperturbed by the dangers around them. What did concern them, was the lone mordor Orc that had followed them into Fangorn.

He chased them upwards a tree where they had nowhere to run from, and the orc managed to grab Pippin by his leg & pull him down before he managed to climb the tree too far up. The orc threw Merry on the ground & readied his wicked blade. Pippin looked down at Merry in the horror of the moment, unsure of what to do next. Just at that moment, he turned his head just for a second & saw two eyes that were glaring at him from inside the tree. Pippin mouth opened as he was about to scream, but lost his balance as the tree began to move & pulling it's roots up.

A foot stepped out of the ground, and another one. One footlike stump rose high in the air, right behind the mordor Orc that was about to assault Merry. The orc was completely unaware of what was behind him, until he noticed the shadow that was appearing in front of him. The orc turned around slowly only to get crushed beneath the heel of the tree.

Merry laid just a couple of feet away, and the tree used it's branchy arms to pick the Hobbit up from the ground. Pippin now lost his balance completely & fell off, only for the tree to catch him too in it's other hand.

The tree resembled a person, having a head, eyes, arms, legs & hands. It was enormous in size & as it held Merry & Pippin, they were slowly squeezed by the strength of the being.

"Hoooom!" The tree breathed out from it's barky breath. Merry & Pippin looked at eachother, clearly nervous. "Little orcs!" The tree continued, clearly irritated in some manner. "The tree is talking, Merry." Pippin quickly said, panicked.

"Tree? I am no tree! I am an Ent." The tree said, seemingly bewildered at the fact that the hobbits would assume it was a talking & walking tree. "A tree herder, a shepherd of the forest!" Merry exclaimed, now having his nervousness turn into awe. "Don't talk to it, Merry. Don't encourage it!" Pippin quickly spoke again. "Treebeard, some call me." The tree said, now seemingly calm again. It had started taking long strides through the forest.

"And whose side are you on?" Pippin asked, clearly curious. "Side? I am on nobody's side, because nobody's on my side, little Orc. Nobody cares for the woods anymore." The treeherder said while wandering through the forest. "We're not orcs! We're hobbits!" Merry shouted to the treeherder.

"Hobbits? Never heard of a Hobbit before. Sounds like Orc mischief to me!" The treeherder said, now squeezing Merry & Pippin tightly in his apendages. The hobbits started squirming in pain. "They come with fire. They come with axes. Gnawing, biting, breaking, hacking, burning! Destroyers and usurpers! Curse them!" Treebeard became upset once again.

"No! You don't understand. We're Hobbits! Halflings! Shire-folk!" Merry tried shouting at Treebeard. The treeherder loosened his grip a bit. "Maybe you are, and maybe you aren't. The White Wizard will know." Treebeard said, taking even longer strides than before. Pippin looked at Merry with worry apparent in his eyes. "The white wizard?" He asked, staring at Merry. "Saruman." Merry said, swallowing a clump in his throat.

Treebeard almost dropped the Hobbits down onto the ground infront of a white light, and a white-robed figure took a step up in front of them.

Frodo and Sam are following Gollum through rocky terrain. "See, see, we've led you out! Hurry hobbitses, hurry. Very lucky we find you." Gollum jumps on a rock, Frodo walks past and Gollum cowers as Sam nears. "Nice Hobbit." Sam suddenly steps in to the swamp, "Whoa! It's a bog! He's led us into a swamp!"

"Swamp, yes yes. Come master. We will take you on safe paths, through the mist. Come Hobbits come! We move quickly." Gollum looks back and gestures for Sam and Frodo to follow him. "I found it. I did. The way through the marshes. Orcs don't use it. Orcs don't know it. They go round for miles and miles. Come quickly. Soft and quick as shadows we must be." Frodo, Sam, and Gollum have stopped to rest. Gollum eats a large worm, causing Sam to lose his appetite.

"I hate this place. It's too quiet. There's been no sight nor sound of a bird for two days." Sam let out a sigh, "No, no birdses to eat. No crunchable birdses. We are famished! Yes! Famished we are, precious." Frodo throws Gollum a piece of his bread, "Here."

"What does it eats? Is it tasty?" Gollum chokes on the Elven bread and looks at it with big eyes. "Aggh! It tries to chokes us! We can't eats Hobbit food! We must starve!"

Sam had enough of Gollum. "Well starve then, and good riddance!" He yelled with anger, as he had said it Gollum curled himself up to a ball, "Oh! Cruel Hobbit! It does not care if we be hungry. It does not care if we should die. Not like Master. Master cares. Master knows."

"Yes, precious. Once it takes hold of us it never lets go." Gollum reaches towards Frodo, but he shivered back. "Don't touch me." Little fires burn in the swamp, Sam sees all kind of different faces under the water. "There are dead things! Dead faces in the water!"

Gollum nods, continued walking. "All dead. All rotten. Elves and men and orcses. A great battle long ago." He turned to face the hobbits. "The Dead Marshes. Yes, yes! That is their name. This way. don't follow the lights."

Sam's foot slips again into the water. "Careful now! Or Hobbits go down to join the dead ones, and light little candles of their own." Frodo is in half-trance and follows the lights, he was drawn to one of the faces as he stares at it intently. Suddenly it's eyes went wide open, and Frodo falls into the water with a force. Sam saw the scene, "Frodo!" he yelled and ran up to where his friend. Under the surface, Frodo sees greenish, ghotsly faces, screaming and reaching for him.

Gollum pulls Frodo out from the water and saved him. Frodo looks at Gollum in disbelief, he couldnt belive he had actually saved him. "Gollum?" He asked, "Don't follow the lights!" Sam ran up to Frodo and helps him up from the ground. "Frodo! are you all right?" Frodo nods but he looked at Gollum, still with disbelief.

Night fall and Sam is asleep, but Frodo is awake. He held the ring in his hand and stared at it as the whispers yet again begun to speak to him. "So bright, so beautiful." Gollum spoke, as he did Frodo hides the Ring and looks up to see Gollum stroking the center of his palm, in his own bubble. "Our Precious."

"What did you say?" Frodo asked aloud, Gollum glanzed over at the hobbit who was awake. "Master should be resting. Master needs to keep up his strength." Frodo moves over and crouches in front of Gollum. "Who are you?" "Mustn't ask us, not its business. Gollum, Gollum." "Gandalf told me you were one of the River Folk." Frodo said, "Cold be heart and hand and bone. And called be travelers far from home. He said your life was a sad story."

"They do not see what lies ahead when sun has failed and moon is dead. You were not so different from a Hobbit once were you? Sméagol." Now Gollum looks up slowly at Frodo. "What did you call me?" He asked, "That was your name once, wasn't it? A long time ago."

"My... My name... Smé.. Sméagol." But then Gollum notices something overhead and screams. Sam was wide awake by the scream and looked up at the night sky. "Black Riders!" Gollum took shelter, yelling to the hobbits to hide. Frodo suddenly feels a sharp pain in his shoulder. Images of the Ringwraiths comes to him in flashes. "C'mon Frodo, C'mon!" Sam helped him up and hide beneath a bush, the Nazgûl appears riding a flying beast.

"I thought they were dead?!" Sam said, but Gollum looked at him and shook his head. "Dead? No, you cannot kill them. No." The Nazgûl lets out a loud scream. "Wraiths! Wraiths on wings! They are calling for It. They are calling for the Precious!" The call of the Ring is very powerful, and Frodo is taken over by it and tries to put the Ring on. However Sam grabs hold of Frodo's hand just as he reaches for the Ring and holds his hand. "It's all right." Sam small smiled and The Nazgûl continues to circle, then flies away.

"Hurry Hobbits. The Black Gate is very close." Gollum said and they could finally leave after when The Nazgûl was out from sight.

The five members of the fellowship - Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Rash & Valerie, were all walking carefully through the forest of Fangorn. Gimli was at the ready constantly, tense because of his worry that some unknown horror might enroach upon them. Rash was walking behind the other four, keeping their backs covered incase anything would happen. He tried his best at stepping over roots & branches that were beneath him, as his weight would crush them had he walked upon them. Because of the thick forest, he had a hard time seeing much since he was so tall. Leaves were brushing towards his face & he had to hold his hand in front of his head to cover himself so he could see.

Valerie was walking slightly to the left front of him. She glimpsed back at him for a second & giggled when she saw him fighting with the leaves of the forest.

Legolas smiled slightly, recognizing the humorous fact that a giant like Rash had problems with the most harmless of things.

"Orc blood!" Gimli exclaimed, as he looked down on the ground. Aragorn had already spotted it & he didn't reply. He had also spotted some tracks that seemed to be made by a large creature. "These are strange tracks." He said, as he kneeled down.

"The air is so close here." Gimli said, looking around. Legolas looked at his friend & smirked slightly. "This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory… and anger." He said with a sort of realization.

The fellowship could hear groaning that was deep & loud. "The trees are speaking to each other." Rash said, nodding to Legolas as they looked at eachother. "Gimli!" Aragorn whispered loudly. "Huh"? The dwarf asked, seemingly oblivious that he held his axe, prepared for a fight. "Lower your axe." Aragorn said, motioning to Gimli with his hand.

"Oh." Gimli said & let his axe calmly sink from his chest. "They have feelings, my friend. The Elves began it, waking up the trees, teaching them to speak." The elf said, seemingly at peace with his surroundings with nature. "Talking trees. What do trees have to talk about, hmm? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings." Gimli grunted.

Legolas then stopped slightly ahead of the fellowship. He gazed around in front of them, seemingly spotting something in the distance. He motioned with his hand to the fellowship in the back. "Something is out there." He said quickly, as he walked forwards abit.

Aragorn reacted to his elf friend. "Legolas, what do you see?" He asked, concerned. Legolas kept his eyes fixed on the area in front of them.

"The White Wizard approaches." Legolas uttered, his eyes now slowly gliding from right to the left as he was following the individual. "Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us!" Aragorn said quickly, but kept still. The fellowship tensed up but stood completely still. Aragorn squeezed his hilt, Gimli raised his axe, Legolas readied his bow & Valerie held her hands above her swordhilt. Rash hadn't pulled Akandir from his back, however, seeming perfectly calm.

"We must be quick." Aragorn said calmly.

At that moment, the group all turned to a white light that swelled in front of them. Legolas shot off an arrow, which was waved into pieces by a hand reaching out from the light. Aragorn's hilt & Gimli's handle on his axe started to glow with an intense heat, making them drop their weapons. Before Valerie had the time to pull out her sword, Rash's hand grasped her shoulder, motioning for her to stand down. She did, & she didn't pull the sword from it's sheath.

Valerie felt the worry she had over her chest leaving her, as when Rash carressed her shoulder and looked down on her with telling eyes.

The light dims and revealing Gandalf, who are dressed in white and holding a white staff in his hand. "It can't be." Aragorn spoke with wide eyes, "Forgive me. I mistook you for Saruman." Legolas aploziged. "You're back." Valerie smiled and breathed out with relief to see Gandalf again.

Gandalf looked at the five who who stood infront of him, all suprised. "I am Saruman. Or rather Saruman as he should have been." He said, holding his staff. "But you fell." Aragorn didn't understand how Gandalf had returned.

"Through fire. And water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead, and every day was as long as the life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt light in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done."

Aragorn smiled "Gandalf." The wizard looked at him and raising the eyebrows. "Gandalf? Oh, yes. That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name." He smiles.

Gimli chuckled, "Gandalf!" The wizard nods. "I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide." They begun to walk along the forest, "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed."

Gimli looked up at the tall wizard rising a brow, "Edoras? That is no short distance!" The dwarf asked, "We hear of trouble in Rohan. It goes ill with the king." Aragorn said, Gandalf give a nod. "Yes, and it will not be easily cured." The wizard lead the Fellowship in the forest while speaking.

"Then we have run all this way for nothing? Are we to leave those poor hobbits here in this horrid, dark, dank tree-infested..." Gimli spoke, as the trees started to rumble. "I mean charming, quite charming forest."

"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great power has been sleeping here for many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains." Aragorn smiled and eyed Gandalf, "In one thing you have not changed, dear friend."

Gandalf rose a brow, confused."Hmm?" He looked at the fellowship. "You're still speaking in riddles." Valerie spoke with a smile, that's when Gandalf laughed.

"A thing is about to happen here, that has not happened since the Elder Days. The Ents are going to wake up and find that they are strong."

"Strong? Oh, that's good." Gimli said, "So stop your fretting Master Dwarf. Merry and Pippin are quite safe. In fact, they are far safer than you are about to be." The wizard said sharply. "And this new Gandalf's more grumpy than the old one." Gimli murmured under his beard. Outside the forest, Gandalf whistles piercingly, an answering neigh is heard and a white horse appears from the plain. "That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." The elf spoke as the horse ran up to them and stops in front of Gandalf who pets it's mane. "Shadowfax. He's the lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers."

Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Valerie, Rash and Gimli approach Edoras. The people of the lands looked at the company, who came. They where sick and poor, from children to elders. It was almost like time had stand still here, at least for Valerie.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." Èowyn then ran out of the hall, she stands outside and sees Gandalf and the others who are coming. From where she stood a flag rips off the pole and floats down, landing near the fellowship.

Guards approach the company as they climb the stairs to the hall, "Ah." Gandalf spoke and Háma walked up to the them. "I can't allow you before Théoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of... Gríma Wormtongue." With a nod from Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli who give their many weapons to the guards. However Rash and Valerie kept theirs. As they could not handle their swords with the sealed souls over to the humans.

"Your staff." Háma looked at Gandalf. "Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Háma thinks a moment, gives Gandalf a knowing look then allows him to pass. Gandalf winks and takes Valerie's arm, as the company enter the hall.

Gríma sat down next to the King's side of the thorne. "My lord. Gandalf the Grey is coming. He is a herald of woe." He whispered to his king, Gandalf and the company walks up to the throne, and the white wizard spoke aloud for the king to hear him.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." Guards follow Gandalf and his party. "He is not welcome." Gríma snapped at the company. "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Théoden asked. "A just question my liege." Said Gríma, who stands up. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest."

"Be silent!” Gandalf barked at the snake man, ”Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" He raises his staff, and Gríma eyes went wide as he yelled at his guards. "His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Now Aragorn, Legolas, Valerie, Rash and Gimli fight the guards, allowing Gandalf to walk to Théoden. One of the king's guards moves to draw his sword, but is stopped by Háma.

"Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows." Gimli knocks down Gríma and puts a foot on his chest. "I would stay still if I were you."

"Harken to me! I release you from the spell." Théoden then laughs, "You have no power here Gandalf the Grey." He said, as he continued laughing, Gandalf throws aside his grey robe, revealing his white clothes. The king then startled and he leans back in his throne chair.

"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf points his staff at Théoden, who squirms in his throne. Èowyn rushes in and tries to go to Théoden, but is stopped by Aragorn. "If I go, Théoden dies." Théoden voice was a mix with Saruman's, but Gandalf points his staff again at Théoden and the King flies against his throne. "You did not kill me. You will not kill him."

"Rohan is mine!" Théoden spoke with Saruman's voice, "Be gone!" Théoden yell and jumps up at Gandalf, but flies back. Saruman flys backwards in his chamber at Orthanc. Èowyn rushes to Théoden, whose face begins to change, and soon he looks normal again.

"I know your face. Èowyn... Èowyn." He carressed her cheek, and then looked up at the wizard. "Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf smiled to the king who was back to himself again. "Dark have been my dreams of late."

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword." Háma brings the King his sword and Théoden draws it. Théoden examines his sword, then turns his gaze towards a cowering Gríma.

Gríma was thrown out of the keep, spasming to get up on his feet again. He was desperate & clinged to his hope that Théoden would spare & forgive him.

"My lord, please! I've only ever served you!" Gríma exclaimed, kneeling in front of his king. Théoden king was not willing to calm down however, and spat as he spoke whilst wandering towards the wormtongue.

"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" He shouted, furiously so. "Send me not from your side!" Gríma said, pleading with the king on his knees. Théoden then raised his sword, as to kill Gríma where he knelt. But before he had the time to let the blade fall, Aragorn stopped his arm & held him steady.

"No my lord, let him go." He said, keeping the king from delivering the killing blow. "Enough blood has been spilt on his account." He said, trying to calm the king from his anger. Aragorn then reached out his hand towards Gríma to help him up, but the wormtongue spat blood at his hand. Aragorn reacted by looking disappointedly at Gríma & shook of the phlegm from his hand.

"Out of my way!" The dishonored servant screamed at a crowd of people. Gríma then ran off into the crowd behind him, running to the stables for a horse.

"Hail, Théoden, King!" Aragorn shouted to the people around the village. Then he fell to one knee, as did everybody else, including the fellowship. But the king was not satisfied with being hailed, he was focused something far more important. ""Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" The king asked, looking around, tired & confused.

The king's son had died before his father was cured of the curse that had held him. Later during the day, a funeral was held for the honor of King Théoden's son.

Rows upon rows of sorrowful people stood gathered on all sides around the burial chambers. The fellowship stood just a few feet away from Théoden, as he was frozen in a state of shock. He did not move, he did not blink. He only waited for his men to carry the bier to the tomb in front of him. As the men carried Théodred, Èowyn sang a song full of sorrow & sadness, honoring her deceased cousin with tears streaming down her face.

The tomb was slammed shut after Théodred had been burried. The only ones left, standing outside the tomb - are Gandalf, Rash & Théoden. The others had gathered in the village again, and Valerie had wandered with Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli to leave the three men alone.

"Simbelmynë, ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son." Théoden said with a voice full of grief & overwhelming sadness. "Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house." He continued, as he turned his face to look at Gandalf & Rash standing to his side.

"Théodred's death was not of your making." Gandalf said promptly, tilting his head abit when speaking to Théoden. Rash nodded once & didn't take his eyes off Théoden. "No parent should have to bury their child." The king said, as his voice broke into a whimper. He covered his face with his hands as he began crying.

"He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers." Gandalf said, smiling slightly, looked at Rash to his side & then refocused his attention to the grieving Théoden.

Rash stepped up to the earth next to the tomb in front of them. He pulled Akandir from his back & pierced the ground with his blade as he knelt down & seemed to utter a prayer. "Westu hál. Ferðu, Théodred, Ferðu." Rash said with a deep voice, as he first looked onto the ground beneath the tomb, then he looked up at the cloudy blue sky, pulled his blade from the ground & placed it on his back again. As he walked by Théoden, he let his hand brush gently at Théoden's shoulder, comforting him.

Gandalf then noticed something as he turned around to look at the far stretching plains behind them. He saw how a horse walked up a steep hill, carrying two small individuals on it's back. Gandalf understood that they were children, and one of them fell off the horse as if collapsing from fatigue. The wizard then called for guards to retrieve the children, as their arrival was going to prove most important to the king of Rohan.