The Secret 10th

We were laying on volcanic rock, lava flowed around us. Bubbles exploded and threatened to burn us with it's deadly droplets. Our deed was done, the one ring had been destroyed and Sauron defeated.

"We did it." I said, closing my eyes in relief.

Samwise Gamgee, aka Sam, smiled faintly,"Finally, that thing is gone."

Only my master was silent. I turned and placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes met mine and I saw silent turmoil within him. The dreaded ring of power was gone, but the addiction was still there. Faint, but still evident.

I kissed Mr. Frodo lightly on the cheek,"It's all done now."

He gave me a weak smile and closed his eyes. I remembered when he wasn't this faint shadow of a hobbit. When all was bright and beautiful in this world. I closed my eyes, trying to picture the Shire. Little children picking berries in the sunlight, parties at the tree, and the food, must not forget the food. I heard Sam murmuring things about Rose Cotton and I smiled, even here at the end of all things, love still remains. My conciousness was fading, I was in the land between waking and sleep. The cry of eagles reached my ears and I felt myself be grabbed gently by talons. I drifted into darkness as I was borne away. My dreams took me to the past, before all this trouble of dark lords and evil jewelry. I am Emerald Underhill, the secret 10th member of the Fellowship of the Ring.