Mo Ghile Mear

Black Gates of Mordor

***Sera's POV***

We finally reached the Black Gates. And I could immediately see what Boromir had said about th Black Gates. Many Orcs, Goblins, and trolls were heavily guarding the place.

"The Black Gates of Mordor," said Gollum as we peered cautiously over the large boulders to make sure that we couldn't be seen. I noticed that even Gollum wouldn't look at the Gates. I know that he's had plenty of dangerous experiences there, and that's why it tortured him so badly. But that didn't mean that I trusted him. There was still something a bit off about Gollum and I didn't like it.

"Damn," was all that I was able to say.

Suddenly, the blaring of a horn sounded, causing us to flinch. We put our hands over our ears to protect them from the loud noise. The gates slowly opened and we could see an army of Men marching towards the gates. We watched, fascinated.

"We have to find a way down there," Frodo said.

At his request, I began to search. I managed to climb onto one of the rocks and found a narrow pathway towards the Gates. My eyes went wide with delight when I saw that narrow passage.

"I can see the way down!" I whisper-yelled triumphantly.

"Sera -- no!" Frodo cried out as I began to slide down the slope. The rock was not strong enough to hold me still, and I felt myself tumbling down the slope. I landed right into a hole that sank half of my body into it, up to my waist.

Shit! I was definitely going to get caught for sure!

I desperately tried to wriggle myself out of the sinkhole. Luckily, Frodo came to my aid. We were almost caught but Frodo managed to cover the both of us with his cloak. The two of us stayed incredibly quiet and still, too scared to move around, lest it alerted the enemy. Frodo's warm breath tickled the skin on my neck, causing goosebumps to arise on my flesh. He kept a secure, protective hold around my waist, causing my heart to race twice as fast as it had been earlier. By the way he was holding me, I could tell he was scared.

Finally, the soldiers walked back to their group. We got this as a chance to make our escape. Frodo managed to pull me out and we went straight to another rock, preparing to make our way to the Gates. Sam had caught up to us, his face pale.

"Are you alright, Miss Sera?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, Sam. Thanks," I replied.

I felt Frodo's warm hand on top of mine. He gave me a glowing, determined look.

"I do not ask you to come with me, Sera," he said in a firm voice.

"I know, Frodo," I answered, trying to keep my voice calm. I was prepared for the dangers that we were about to enter. I gripped his hand comfortingly.

"NOW!" Frodo blurted out. We were about to make a beeline for the slowly-closing gates, but Gollum stopped us by pulling me and Frodo back.

"No!" he wailed. I gave him a look of disbelief. "They catch you! They catch you!" Frodo tried to make his escape again, but Gollum stopped him. "Wait! There's another way! A much safer, much darker way!"

I immediately got furious and grabbed the evil thief by his shoulders, forcing him to turn and face me.

"Why haven't you spoken of this before?!" I burst out angrily, shaking Gollum out of fury.

"Because Master did not ask," the vile creature responded in a frenzied panic.

I lost my temper, shoving Gollum to the side. I did not trust this creature. Not at all.

"He's up to something!" I finally spat. Frodo, however, looked more thoughtful.

"Are you saying that there's another way into Mordor?"

"Y-Yes," the creature gulped. And he began to explain the route to us. I did not like this plan. I'd rather go through those gates and get caught by the enemy then to follow this traitor.

"Mr. Frodo, let's not," I pleaded.

"It's the only way," Frodo insisted.

"Frodo, no," Sam agreed, shaking his head. Frodo, however, did not listen.

"He's been true to his word."

"Please," I insisted in a small voice.

Frodo ignored us, which made me a little angry.

"Lead the way, Smeagol."

"Good Smeagol always helps," Gollum answered before hopping away.

We watched with defeat as the Black Gates rumbled closed.

We walked for a good long bit. I tried hard to not let my frustration get to me. What was wrong with Frodo? Sure, he was getting weaker each step we approached Mordor. But, still. I thought that he was stronger than that!

I decided to take the first watch for the night while Frodo, Gollum, and Sam slept. Angry tears finally streamed down my cheeks. Frodo had always been such a kind, loving, sweet, caring hobbit before this adventure. But now, I believe that the Ring is affecting him in such a negative way, forcing him to believe that Smeagol was the right guide. I didn't move until I felt someone sitting next to me. I realized that it was Sam.

"I'm ready to take the next watch, Miss Sera," he finally said.

I shook my head. "No, Sam. I'll continue to keep a look-out. Go back to sleep."

"A lot on your mind?"

I glanced back at Frodo, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully. But I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under his eyes. The way he clutched the Ring to him in his sleep made me feel so bad for him. He didn't deserve any of this.

"I wonder what made Frodo decide to trust Gollum in the first place," I finally admitted.

"I don't know, Miss Sera. But I think that it's the Ring that's making him think the wrong way."

"He was such a sweet, kind, caring hobbit before all of this happened," I ranted on as tears began to cloud my vision once again. I looked away from Frodo's sleeping body. "And he was much more mindful back then before he took the Ring."

I stared back at Frodo's sleeping form. Once this quest was done, I hoped that he'd go back to being the sweet, innocent, kind hobbit he once was. I hated to see him be this way. I looked back at Sam to see that he was smiling slightly.

"He fancies you, ya know, Miss Sera," he said out of the blue.

Although I already knew that he did, I couldn't help but blush.

"I know. And I do, too. I'm just really worried for him."

"We all are, Miss Sera." He smiled slightly at me. "Go and get some sleep. I'll take over this watch for you."

"But --" I began, but Sam stopped me.

"No buts, Miss Sera. Go to sleep."

I sighed, knowing that there was no way that I'd be able to argue my way out of this. I stood up and began to walk away.

"Good night, Sam."

"Good night, Miss Sera."

I approached Frodo's sleeping form. I gave him a sad smile before laying down at his side. I hesitantly reached out to hold his hand comfortingly in mine. He began to stir and slowly blinked his tired eyes open.

   I was terrified, at first, and began to pull away. To my relief, he gripped my hand for comfort. He cautiously scooted towards me until our foreheads were touching. As soon as our foreheads touched, he snuggled against me, causing me to smile softly at him. I wrapped a protective arm around his waist and brought him closer to my body, and ran my hand up and down his back and he nestled his face into my chest, causing my heart to flutter uncontrollably.

 I pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, just to let him know that I was there for him. And that I always would be. He was not alone.