The Unexpected | LotR Fanfiction

Chapter 25

Enjoy!

(sorry for those who have already read this, there's a part where the Ring talks and I realized it wasn't put in bold. Although every time I try to publish the change it doesn't keep what I changed! Very frustrating)

Howling winds snapped at our cloaks, stray stinging droplets of rain clawing at our faces. Only a sliver of the moon shone down upon my companions where they hid from the rain in an alcove. Many of these ancient trees had created little cavities where we could shelter ourselves.

Aragorn and Gandalf huddled together in an adjacent tree, whispering things to each other. A sense of distrust and betrayal ignited in me. They're planning against me, I know they are.

I looked down at Gimli just as a strike of lightning struck a nearby tree with a deafening crack.

Gimli looked up at me from under his low brows, "first time I've seen you with imperfect hair, elf-friend."

The dwarf shuffled on his feet and fiddled with his walking Ax/staff, "I must admit, it's an uneasy sight."

I held a clump of my dirty hair between my index finger and thumb, rolling it around. Indeed, it was filthy, I realized with shock. When had this happened? Suddenly aware of my filthy state, I could sense leaves brushing against my neck, the cold wetness that soaked through my clothes to my skin, water droplets hanging from my lashes. It was useless to use my fingers to try to get through the mass of tangles in my golden hair (now brownish from dirt and water). What made it worse was the water that made those tangles hang limp. I don't think I have even been styling my hair in the past few days.

Concern flashed through me—

None of that matters. All that does is getting to Mordor to keep your secret safe, save your friends, Father, and your people.

But unruly hair doesn't matter, all that does is getting to Mordor. My secret will be kept safe, so will my friends, Father, and people.

Glancing over, I saw Aragorn and Mithrandir eyeing me. I couldn't read their faces. But I did see their eyes, framed by water logged hair, drift down towards my chest.

I followed their gaze.

My hand, without my knowing, had reached up to hold onto the Precious Ring like a lifeline. I hurriedly tucked it back into my tunic. Feeling its power up against my skin gave me comfort.

"Where's Sam when you need him?" Gimli mumbled. I whipped my head around violently.

He froze under my stare.

I stalked out into the rain, barely registered it pounding against my body, barely heard the rain and wind shredding through the leaves.

But that part of me that delighted in nature was gone. Nature wasn't a concern of mine now. Not anymore.

So, I trampled through the bushes, grasses, and low hanging branches, not caring that I was harming them.

I had one goal: get to Mordor. Then Lumornel, the Hobbits, and my people would finally be safe. I can convince Sauron to spare them, under the influence of the Ring he'll have no choice but to help me. He'll b—

A weight landed on my shoulder and it swung me around.

"Where are you off too?" Aragorn's eyes went to the dagger I had pulled out not to protect me, but to discard anything that threatens to hinder me.

My lips pulled back from my teeth in a snarl. "Like I would tell you."

"Come back to the alcoves, mellon." He had a hand out to show he meant no harm, but his other hand hovered over Anduril.

I remembered all the halted conversations when I neared, the wary glances, the hushed whispers when I turned away. Remembered the words they said while they thought I was asleep.

I narrowed my eyes, "you're no friend of mine."

I didn't care that hurt flashed in his eyes.

"Please, we can help you."

"You're wrong."

Estel's eyes softened, "then let us prove you wrong." He shook his head, "that Ring is changing you into a stranger. Let Sam take that burden from you."

The Ring pulsated once on my chest as if it was wounded. Anger shot through my body like an arrow.

An unearthly scream ripped its way out of me as I lunged for Aragorn, my dagger angled for his neck, "the precious is MINE!"

He shoved my hand away from him, my dagger only leaving a thin line of red in its wake.

I went feral, my actions that of a wild animal. My weight pinned him down and I brought my weapon down upon his head with a strangled cry, but again Aragorn managed to deflect my movement. But it wasn't enough, my knife went through his ear. He only hissed through his teeth.

He used his free arm to reach for a weapon but I pulled my dagger out of the soil and thrust it into his arm. And twisted the blade.

I was rewarded with a scream as he arched his back, his head pushed back revealing his throat.

I saw the opportunity and I took it.

The dagger glinted through the air. Blood sprayed my face.

*********

"But I beg you two, Legolas and Gimli, at least to be friends, and to help me"

—Gandalf

The chapter is short because I really wanted to end it on this cliffhanger, but I pinkie-promise I'll get the next chapter up this week. At the latest, Sunday night. I already have a good portion of it done.

Did y'all witness the eclipse?

Novaer, mellonamin!