Runaway

Farewell to the Hobbits

They sat there wide eyed, staring at her then the bodiless head at their feet.

"That was amazing!" Sam whispered

"You saved us," Said Frodo. "From your own kind. But, Clove, before that... Why were you going to leave?"

Clove stood not knowing what to say.

"Oh um I just uh...." She looked down. "You were awake? I thought you both were asleep, even Gollum." She whispered back.

"No," said Frodo "One of us is always on guard, tonight was my turn to be on awake, but Sam didn't trust you enough so he stayed up too." Clove looked at Sam sympathetically.

"You don't trust me?" She asked. Sam looked up at her with sorrowful eyes.

"No I didn't trust you... Until now. You are an Orc and it is my duty of the fellowship to keep Frodo and the ring safe until it is destroyed. Especially safe from orcs. However, you proved me wrong. You aren't like other Orcs. You saved us from your own kind and proved that you are true." Sam looked at her with a look of apology.

"Oh, I forgive you, Sam!" She hugged him. But it was more like tackled him, since he was so small. "Not many people would even let me near their camp site." Then Sam choked out, "Clove, you're crushing me!" and she let go of him "Sorry." She said "I forgot, I'm a lot bigger."

Frodo sat up more and repeated his previous question she had avoided. "But why did you try to leave?" He asked. Clove looked to Frodo.

"Well I was trying to sleep, but my mind kept wandering to how I could help. I figured it was best that I leave because I jeopardize your judgement and safety. I decided it was best that I leave. All was clear until that Orc showed up. Most likely they are looking for me in Isengard because I didn't follow his orders. Therefore it is best that I go."

Sam and Frodo look at her with sad expressions. They knew it was true.

"At least we knew that you are leaving and nothing bad happened to you. Do you know where you are going?" Frodo asked. "No," She answered. "I might set out for Helm' s Deep; the abandoned city. It's just to north and a little to the west from here." She pointed in the direction.

"Will we see you again?" Sam asked.

"I don't know for certain, but I hope we will met again before the end and I will do all I can to protect you." With that I stood up, but the knelt back down and hugged them one last time. "Goodbye my friends! I'll miss you!" She whispered. Clove felt a tear run down her face. Then she stood up again grabbing her bag throwing it over her shoulder.

"Farewell." I said

"Goodbye Clove!" Sam smiled sadly.

"Thank you Clove you won't be forgotten!" Added Frodo.

She looked back at them and waved, they waved back and she ran into the forest.