(yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay new member! Welcome, ∂ я є α м! And yes, I'd say you can just walk into the setting, though we're kind of having two simultaneous storylines at the moment, as you can see. ^_^ Much like in the actual LotR books/movies, actually!)

Amara, sorry this post is super cliche and cheesy. I'm in a sad mood tonight and could use some damsel-in-distress action. XD Besides, I do like it when we can branch off from the movies a bit.)

Arabella tried not to look down as they crossed the Dead Marshes, but she knew that those lifeless faces in the water would haunt her dreams for months to come. She was so terrified that she hardly noticed when Frodo's grip on her hand slackened and he stopped walking.

It was for this reason that she blamed herself for the events that followed.

By the time she realized, Frodo had already fallen in. "Frodo!" Arabella screamed, scrambling over to where he had submerged. The terrain was harsh and unforgiving, and her Hobbit feet slipped on the murky ground. She got one foot stuck at one point, and by the time she reached Frodo, falling to her knees beside him, Gollum had already dragged him out of the water. "Frodo!" she gasped, brushing his wet hair out of his eyes and pulling him close. "What were you doing?" she whispered. "Don't scare me like that!"

She held onto him a few more moments before slowly standing up, taking him with her. One of her feet slipped into the water and stuck there, deep in the mud. She looked down, hoping to dislodge it so she could keep going, when suddenly it felt like a strong hand grabbed her by the ankle. She let out a scream as she was dragged under, water filling her lungs.

(Meh. Like I said, cliche and sort of repetitive, since Frodo just fell in, but my muse is temperamental tonight!)

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The tension in the Hall of Meduseld was so thick that one could have cut it with a knife. Legolas watched Estel and Mithrandir try to convince the king to fight, with little success. His eyes wandered to the two small children, innocent bearers of such ill tidings. The color had begun to come back into the boy's face, but fear still shone in their eyes, especially the little girl. He gave them what he hoped was a comforting smile, which faded as he saw Amara get up and leave them. Excusing himself, he followed her outside.

He found her standing at the top of the steps, looking troubled. "The King cannot wait forever," he remarked softly, coming up behind her. "He will have to make a choice. I can only hope that he chooses wisely." He gave a sigh, glancing at Amara. "What was it like?" he asked suddenly. They hadn't had time to discuss her captivity among the Uruk-Hai with all the excitement that had been going on. "I know you're worried about Merry and Pippin. You did the right thing. They will be safe among the Ents, my love." He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, leaning his head against hers.

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[Haha I agree with Arabella! ]

Amara took a deep breath and then nibbled on her lower lip, hearing what Legolas said to her. He then asked her a question about how it was, being captured by the Orc and Uruk-Hai. She then felt him wrap his arms around her waist from behind. She leaned back against him comfortably, placed her hands over his and then rested her head lightly against his. "They threatened to have us for dinner. The leader wouldn't let them hurt us, because he said that Sauron and Saruman wanted us alive." She said softly, remembering the horrible night.

Legolas knew her all too well. She had been worrying about Merry and Pippin. She hoped that they had been doing okay. She felt like she had just abandoned them, but she couldn't think that way. But, deep in her heart, she felt that it was her fault. "Melamin, I feel like I've done wrong. I shouldn't have left them alone... Who knows what the Ents will do to them." She said sadly, staring below to the city.

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Frodo didn't get much time to recover, before he heard a scream from Arabella. His eyes widened and he looked over to her quickly, seeing her fall into one of the marshes. "ARABELLA!" He yelled, scared. He was shaking and cold at this point, but he didn't care. The numbness didn't take him over. He had to get to her.

He pushed himself and his big feet to get through the marshes. It was really hard to get there, but he finally made it in time. He quickly grabbed her arms and pulled her out. He held onto tightly and was panting while crying a bit. "Are you okay?" He asked softly and wrapped his arms around her carefully. He wanted to keep her as warm as possible.

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(BTW, if you ever get annoyed with me and my super-fast posting, just tell me. XD I feel bad since you JUST posted a reply, but I can tell sleep isn't going to come easy tonight, since I'm so sick.)

She squeezed her eyes shut tight as the 'dead faces' in the water reached for her, twisting this way and that in order to avoid their lifeless grasp. The water here was even colder than the Anduin had been, and already it was difficult for her to move. Lights exploded before her eyes--she was running out of air. Somewhere above her, she heard a distorted voice, but she wasn't sure what was real and what was in her imagination anymore.

Just when she was certain her lungs couldn't take anymore, she felt arms come around her, and she was lifted out of the water. She gasped for breath, coughing and choking as she coughed up water. It seemed like she would never be able to breathe properly again. When she finally was able to drag air into her burning lungs, she looked to Frodo. "I'm--I'm fine," she shivered, her teeth chattering. "I...I wasn't paying attention...it grabbed my foot..."

"Miss Arabella!" Sam cried, joining them. "Are you all right?" As Arabella gave a miserable nod, Gollum came up behind Sam. "Girl should have listened," he said. "Don't follow the lights."

Arabella glared at the creature. "We should keep moving..." she told Frodo, though she still shivered violently. "We can't stay here."

-------------

Legolas frowned deeply at Amara's words. "I wasn't aware the enemy even knew what a Hobbit truly was...why would he specifically want them alive? And you too?" he asked, looking down at her and pulling away slightly. "What is it about you that he is so interested in? I don't understand..."

When Amara spoke of her guilt, though, he pulled her ever closer. "They will be fine. They are braver than even they realize, I think. They are quite resilient creatures, Hobbits. Particularly your dear friend." He frowned again, realizing that mentioning Arabella might make Amara feel worse. "You had no choice," he went on, lowering his voice. "No one blames you, my love."

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[I don't mind that at all!!! I like fast replies! ]

Amara nodded to what Legolas said and then slowly turned in his arms, looking up into his eyes. "What if I'm the one doing the blaming, Legolas?" She asked him softly and then took a deep breath. She rested her hands on his chest and then looked down to her feet, swallowing hard. She looked back up to him slowly and gently caressed his cheek with her hand, looking deeply into his eyes.

"I love you so much... And I always will." She whispered softly and then smiled a little to him. She stayed close to him and then let her fingertips go along his jawline, watching them in almost a trance. She took a deep breath and then cuddled close to him.

-----------

Frodo continued to hold onto Arabella and listened to her talk to Sam for a bit. He sniffled a bit and wiped his tears away, before looking up and listening to Gollum. He took a deep breath and then shook his head, before nodding to Arabella. "Alright, let's go." He said softly, kissing the top of her head before standing up with her. He kept his arms wrapped around her and then started slowly walking with them again.

They had quite a long time, until they reached Mordor.

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Arabella felt her heart break as she watched Frodo discreetly brush the tears off of his face, ashamed that she had caused so much worry and pain by her clumsiness. She vowed to be more careful in the future. "Hey..." she whispered. "I'm all right. I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

Her wet hair clung to her face and neck, and she pushed it away as Frodo helped her stand up. She watched him for a moment before something broke inside of her. "Come here," she said, in a soft, sad sort of voice. She took a hold of the still-damp collar of his shirt and pulled him close to her. She kissed him, more deeply than she had they night before, putting the power of her fear into the kiss. When she finally pulled away, she looked into his eyes, not needing words at that moment.

Gollum leading the way again, they walked through the seemingly never-ending Marshes. It seemed a long time before they finally stopped for the night.

-------------

"Don't," Legolas said immediately at Amara's words. "Don't blame yourself. It will accomplish nothing. What does your heart tell you about Merry and Pippin? Does it tell you that they are safe? Or Arabella, for that matter?" he said gently. "I know you feel guilt about losing her as well. Don't. They don't blame you, so you shouldn't place blame on yourself. You are far too strong for that to defeat you."

He smiled at her in the dimness. "I love you too," he whispered in Elvish before kissing her. "We will see our friends again, my love. I promise you."

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Amara smiled a little more to Legolas and what he said, before nodding her head. She kissed him back softly and then rested her forehead against his. "Thank you, my love. I just needed some affirmation." She said softly, before taking his hands in her own. She knew that she needed him. More than he realized.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly looked back out to the town. The sun was starting to set behind the mountains; creating a beautiful array of colors. She smiled slightly and then tucked some hair behind her pointed ear, nibbling on her lower lip. She knew that they were starting to reach a conclusion inside.

She could hear them.

-----------

Frodo walked with Arabella, before he heard her tell him to go to her. He felt her pull on his collar slightly to bring him close and then, when her lips were on his, everything temporarily disappeared around them. He rested his hands on both sides of her neck, kissing her back just as passionately as she was kissing him. He closed his eyes slowly and savored the moment, for as long as he could.

When they pulled away, he looked deeply into her eyes and took a shaky breath. "Come on." He said softly and kissed her once more, before holding onto her hand tightly and walking again.

Sam followed suit with Arabella and Frodo, smirking slightly.

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Kisses, Arabella was discovering, could mean many things. This was no exception. It meant that she loved him, of course. It meant that she was sorry for scaring him, for causing him so much distress when they were already so worried. It meant that she needed him, and it meant that she was terrified of what the future held.

She didn't want to pull away, but the need for air made her. She nodded a little to Frodo's words, and was surprised when he pulled her in for another kiss. When that one finally ended, they carefully made their way through the Marshes, holding on to each other carefully while Sam walked behind them.

When they finally stopped for the night, they were still in the marshes, though the terrain had changed slightly and the ground was rockier. They ate their lembas bread in silence, a despairing mood having fallen over all three of them. Frodo now seemed distant and far away. Arabella was exhausted, but she tried her best to stay awake. Soon, though, with a mumured, "I love you," to Frodo, she dropped off into a deep sleep, though it was troubled by the visions she had seen in the water.

She slept so deeply that she did not hear Gollum's words only a few hours later.

"So bright. So beautiful. Our preciousssss..."

---------------

He smiled, and they stood gazing out as the sun sank down over the horizon. "It is beautiful here," he murmured. "Would that our friends were here to see it too." He turned, looking over his shoulder at the Hall. "Perhaps we should go back and see if the King has made his decision," he suggested softly.

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Amara nodded in agreement to both of the things that Legolas said to her. She took a deep breath and then looked over her shoulder, toward the castle. "Yes, let's go inside." She said softly and then stood close to him. She took his hand in her own and squeezed it lightly, before making him look at her. "Amin mela lle." She said softly and then kissed him softly on the lips.

Slowly pulling away, she looked deeply into Legolas' eyes and smiled lovingly to him, before walking to the large doors of the castle. They needed to check on how progress was for the King and his decision.

(I say that we skip time on this part and just move to the next morning, because that would fit better with what happens next in the actual movie. It's day, when they ride out. What do ya think?)

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By the time night had fallen, Frodo had become a somewhat different Hobbit. The Ring had grown heavy and he wasn't his normal sociable self. He knew that Sam and Arabella noticed, but he didn't really care. He wasn't feeling good and he didn't have to talk. When, they all stopped to sleep, Frodo laid awake. He had heard Arabella say that she loved him and he smiled weakly. "I love you too..." He said in just a whisper.

After a bit of time passing, held the Ring in the palm of his hand and stroked it, mesmerized. Suddenly, he heard Gollum. "Sooo bright. Sooo beautiful," He then quickly put the Ring back inside his shirt. He looked up to see Gollum crouching away from him, stroking the center of his palm. "our preciousss..." Gollum added in a hiss. Frodo stared at him and then raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?" He asked Gollum softly. "Master should be resting. Master needs to keep up his strength." Gollum said to Frodo, nodding a bit and not looking at him. Frodo moved over and crouched in front of Gollum. "Who are you?" Frodo asked and looked over the creature's face slowly. "Mustn’t ask us. Not its business. *Gollum, Gollum*" He said almost to himself and then choked out the last part. "Gandalf told me you were one of the River Folk." Frodo said softly to Gollum and continued watching him closely. "Cold be heart and hand and bone. Cold be travelers far from home." Gollum said softly and swallowed hard, rocking back and forth slightly from where he was perched. "He said your life was a sad story." Frodo added softly. "They do not see what lies ahead, when sun has failed and moon is dead." Gollum mumbled softly, as if he was only speaking to himself.

"You were not so very different from a Hobbit once, were you... Sméagol?" Frodo asked Gollum and then Gollum looked up slowly to him. "What did you call me?" He asked, almost shocked. "That was your name once, wasn’t it? A long time ago." Frodo asked, feeling a little more courageous about what he was saying. "My name... My name... S... S...Sméagol…" Gollum said to Frodo and to himself, as if he were still trying to believe it. Suddenly, the piercing cries of the Nazgûl were heard overhead. "Argh!!" Gollum cried, while covering his ears a bit. "Black Riders!" Sam yelled and quickly got up from where he had been sleeping. "Hide! Hide!" Gollum commanded and started moving somewhere else.

Sam hurried over to Arabella and then started to find a hiding place with her. "Argh!" Frodo yelled suddenly. He started to feel the pain of the Nazgûl's sword piercing him and the call of the Ring. Images of the Ringwraiths came to him in flashes. He yelled again in agony. Sam then noticed and looked over to Frodo in horror. "C’mon Frodo! C'mon!" He yelled. Frodo continued to clutch at the Ring on his chest, immobilized. Sam hurried over to him and then dragged him across to hide beneath some bramble bushes. The Nazgûl appeared, tightening his hold on the reigns. He was riding a Fell Beast, swooping down across the marsh lands. Chilling screams of the Nazgûl filled the air.

Gollum then spoke to the Hobbits again. "Quick! They will see us! They will see us!" He said softer. Then Sam looked over to Gollum and glared a bit. "I thought they were dead!" He exclaimed. Gollum looked to Sam and shook his head quickly. "Dead? No, you cannot kill them. No." Another loud screech came from the Nazgûl flying high above the marshes. Gollum cowered from the sound. "Wraiths! Wraiths on wings! They are calling for it. They are calling for the preciousss." He explained to the three Hobbits.

Frodo felt the call of the Ring and groped for his necklace. Sam saw this and grabbed hold of Frodo’s hand. "Mr. Frodo! It’s alright. We're here." He said softly to his best friend. The Nazgûl continued to circle overhead and then flew off towards Mordor. "Hurry, hobbits. The Black Gate is very close." Gollum said to them and started moving again, motioning for them to follow him.

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(Sure thing!)

In her dream, Arabella was swimming, trying frantically to get away from the dead faces in the water of the Dead Marshes. Yet with every stroke, it seemed like they were gaining on her, as if she was moving backwards instead of forwards. They called her name, taunting her. "Come with us..." they called, their voices menacing yet strangely enticing. "Come to us, Arabella. You can see your family again if you do. Come with us..."

She stopped swimming, their offer strangely tempting. To get to see her family again...no! She couldn't let them catch her...

She surfaced in her dream and found herself facing a tall tower, stretching endlessly into the sky, with a flaming eye perched on the top. She knew it was the Eye of Sauron, and his gaze was fixed upon her.

Arabella jerked awake just in time to hear the unbearable shrieking. Her heart froze in her chest, and she knew that the Nazgûl had caught up to them at last. She looked to the sky, not caring that tears were streaming down her face, and gasped at the sight--were those dragons they were riding? She had never seen anything like it, so she wasn't sure. But now wasn't the time to marvel. She scrambled over to hide with Sam under the bushes, but stopped when she noticed Frodo hadn't moved.

"Frodo, come on!" she cried as loudly as she dared, but still he didn't react, only clutching his shoulder as if the pain had begun anew. Arabella raced with Sam to bring Frodo to safety, dropping to the ground beside him. "You're all right," she breathed, panting. "You're all right." She took hold of his face with both her hands, forcing him to look at her instead of the sky or the Ring. "Just look at me, you're all right..." The Nazgûl screamed above them again, and Arabella cringed. "It's all right..."

He was still in pain. Slowly, she reached down and placed on hand on his shoulder, performing another quick healing spell, one that left her shaking from head to foot as it drained her energy. Once Gollum declared it safe for them to keep going, Arabella remained where she was, trying to summon the strength to move. "Are you all right?" she asked both Frodo and Sam as she struggled to get to her feet.

---------------

Legolas had no time to ponder the King's decision the night before, but he awoke slightly irritable. Breakfast was a solemn affair, as it was obvious that all of his companions disagreed with the king's choice to hide the people of Edoras in Helm's Deep until the danger had passed. That will not be enough, he thought. They will not defeat Sauron by simply pretending the threat doesn't exist!

Mithrandir had annoounced that morning that he would be leaving, much to the chagrin of Amara and the Three Hunters. Now they followed him as he prepared to leave, discussing amongst themselves.

"Helm’s Deep!" Gimli said disdainfully. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"

Legolas remained silent, though secretly he agreed with the Dwarf. He cast a sidelong glance at Amara, trying to read her reaction to the situation.

"He’s only doing what he thinks is best for his people," Aragorn said quietly, once again trying to be diplomatic and supportive of the King. "Helm’s Deep has saved them in the past."

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[Ummm, okay. Honestly I've only been reading the Frodo-Sam story-line , so its probably best if I join in there. If that works, of course.]

Nearby, A figure was looming in the distance, coming closer. It could almost be seen as frighting, if she were not so frail. Step by fragile step she came closer, shaking, until she was in hearing distance of the frighted group.
"H-Hello?" she squeaked. "Is anyone in here?" She obviously had not seen them yet, they could still escape if it pleased them.


[It's short, but I'm not sure how else to introduce my character. ]

Amara sat at breakfast the next morning with the company and ate silently. She hadn't slept very well the night before, due to having terrible nightmares about Sauron and his army. Something bad was definitely going to happen. She swallowed hard and then finished eating some of her food. She listened to Gimli complain and then looked up to him, before looking over to Legolas who was looking at her. She gave him an uneasy look, before looking to Aragorn, who spoke next. "I believe that King Theoden is trying to protect his people. But, what if he's sending them into a trap? What if that's what Saruman wants?" She asked Aragorn and then stood up from her spot.

It was time for Gandalf to leave.

They walked into the stables slowly and Gandalf turned to Aragorn, almost urgently. There is no way out of that ravine. Amara is right... Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he’s leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defences HAVE to hold." He spoke and then rested his hand on Aragorn's shoulder. Aragorn nodded to Gandalf and then put his hand on his old friend's shoulder, as well. "They will hold." Aragorn said, reassuring Gandalf. Gandalf then turned to Shadowfax and stroked him gently. "The Gray Pilgrim... that’s what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I’ve walked this earth and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East." Gandalf spoke softly to Aragorn, Gimli, Amara and Legolas before getting onto the back of Shadowfax. Aragorn nodded to Gandalf and then opened the stall gates for Gandalf. "Go." He said softly.

Amara jumped back as Gandalf rode out of the stable and over the plains of Rohan.

---------

Frodo was gasping and panting, as the pain increased in his shoulder. He held onto Sam and Arabella, once the Nazgul flew away and then looked to Arabella as she healed his shoulder again. He swallowed hard and nodded to her. "I'm fine..." He said softly and then looked down. Sam nodded in agreement as well, to Arabella's question. "I'm alright too, Miss Arabella." He said softly and then helped the both of them to their feet.

Frodo could tell that Gollum was getting impatient in waiting for them to get a move on, so he started to carefully walk again. He kept his arms around Sam and Arabella's shoulders, staying in between the both of them. He took a shaky breath and stared ahead, focusing on his goal and trying to ignore some of the residing pain. He then stopped instantly, when he saw a shadowed figure in the distance. By the sounds of it, it was a woman. He raised an eyebrow and looked to Sam and then to Arabella.

He was curious.

"Yes! There's others here!" He called back and stayed in his spot, waiting for the shadowed figure to come forth.

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Callio smiled, seeing that she wasn't going to be scared off by these strangers. She limped over as fast as her weak body would let her, then came panting, clutching her sides.

"I'm sorry", she said, her voice faint. "But would you please help me? I've been lost for days on end...I used to be a part of Gondor, but...I just don't know where I am anymore..." she shivered, then glanced hopefully up at Arabella.

Arabella held onto Frodo a bit more tightly when they heard the strange female voice, not sure whether it was safe to trust them or not. "I thought you said no one knows about this passage through the marshes but you!" she said accusingly, looking at Gollum, who hissed softly. "They don't!" he said. "They don't knows it!"

When the blonde woman came into view, however, Arabella felt two distinct emotions. First, she felt an overwhelming degree of pity for the poor creature, as she could barely stand, let alone move. The other, she was ashamed to admit, was a bit like jealousy, she realized. She eyed the woman suspiciously, all the while knowing she was being ridiculous. Frodo loved her, she knew, and the appearance of this stranger could never change that.

"Who are you?" she asked, taking a few cautious steps closer to the girl. She was human, obvious by her size, and Arabella suddenly felt very small next to her. She'd almost forgotten how that felt, having been away from the Big Folk for so long, ever since the Fellowship broke. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?"

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Frodo took a deep breath and saw the woman walk into view, biting his lower lip. She looked horrible, from what he saw. He swallowed hard and then shook his head, not really feeling safe. He didn't like what was happening and where Gollum was leading them. The Ring was getting to be too much to bear for him. He took a shaky breath and then looked to Arabella, as she spoke to the woman. "Come on... We have to go to Mordor." He said to them, before starting to walk again.

After a long time of walking again, Frodo, Arabella, Sam and Calio climbed up a high rock that was overlooking Morannon. Gollum looked to them, after he followed up behind them. "The Black Gate of Mordor." He said softly and looked down. The enormous Black Gate came into view, with Orcs patrolling and standing guard on the towers and atop the walls. From the right, an army of Easterling soldiers were marching to the Black Gate. Sam shook his head a bit, as he watched everything. "Oh save us. My ol' Gaffer'd have a thing or two to say if he could see us now." He said softly. Gollum looked to Frodo. "Master says to show him the way into Mordor, so good Sméagol does. Master says so." He said softly, before Frodo nodded to him. "I did." He said reassuringly. He looked back down to the Black Gate and saw Orcs patrolling it. Sam made a face and then sighed. "That’s it then. We cannot get past that." He told the group.


Suddenly, a command was heard and an Orc sounded a horn, signaling for the Gate to be opened. Two enormous cave trolls stretched and growled and then pulled the mighty Gate open. "Look! The gate, it's opening! I can see a way down." He added and then moved closer to the edge. Suddenly, the rock underneath him gave way and he fell. Frodo's eyes widened and watched as Sam fell down. "Sam, no!" He exclaimed. "Argh!!" He groaned, as he fell further down. Frodo gasped a bit and then went down after Sam. "Master!" Gollum said. Two Easterling soldiers saw streams of dust coming down the cliff and made their way toward Sam and Frodo. They moved away from the troop to investigate. Frodo reached Sam who was stuck in the scree, quickly. As the Easterlings moved closer and closer, Frodo threw his Elvish cloak over himself and Sam. The soldiers were now directly in front of Sam, but their eyes saw nothing but rock. Frodo and Sam peered from underneath the cloak. The soldiers soon left and after a moment, Frodo threw back the cloak and pulled Sam out.

Frodo looked over Sam's face and took a deep breath. "I do not ask you to come with me, Sam." He said softly. Sam looked back to him and nodded. "I know, Mr. Frodo. I doubt even these Elvish cloaks will hide us in there." He said softly and then they prepared to make a run for the Gate. "Now!" Frodo whispered to Sam. Just when they were about to head out, Gollum pulled them both back. "No! No, no master! They catch you! They catch you! Don’t take it to him! He wants the preciousss. Always he’s looking for it! And the preciousss is wanting to go back to him. But we mustn’t let him have it." Gollum whispered to them, being scared for the Ring. Frodo tried to make a run for it, despite what Gollum said. "No!" He said again and then pulled Frodo back again. "There’s another way. More secret. A dark way." He added. Sam looked to Gollum and glared a bit to him. "Why haven’t you spoken of this before?!" He asked, aggravated. Gollum looked to Sam, acting dumbfounded. "Because Master did not ask!" Sam raised an eyebrow to Gollum and then looked to Frodo. "He’s up to something." He said softly. "Are you saying there’s another way into Mordor?" Frodo asked Gollum and he nodded in agreement. "Yes. There is a path, and some stairs, and then… a tunnel." Gollum spoke softly.

Frodo and Sam looked over and watched as the Black Gate closed. Gollum stroked Frodo’s arm and buried his face in his cloak. "He’s led us this far, Sam." Frodo spoke to Sam and gave him a look. Sam's expression faltered, showing Frodo that he wasn't feeling good about the decision. "Mr. Frodo, no." Sam begged. "He’s been true to his word." Frodo added and Sam shook his head and whispered, "No!" Frodo sighed and then looked down to Gollum. "Lead the way, Sméagol." He said softly. Gollum nodded to Frodo. "Good Sméagol always helps." He said softly and then started walking toward where they needed to go next. Frodo looked over to Arabella and Calio, as he nodded to them. He then followed Gollum, as Sam stared after him in disbelief.

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[oooh wow, I've missed a lot already. I apologize for being so inactive. School keeps me busy. ]

Calio dragged behind them, realizing that she hadn't said a word the whole time. She was trying to remain silent, so no one would suspected her dark designs. She tried to keep apace, but it was hard with her faltering steps. Weak though she was, she could still be strong, and have big endurance. Trying to keep her breath at a reasonable level, so she wouldn't seem so weak in front of the others, Calio spoke up. "Excuse me, Frodo, if that is your name, can you please tell me where you are going, and what is your errand? I believe I could be of assistance. I know much about Mordor and its people, er, I've been studying them." she added quickly, hoping no one caught the nervousness in her voice at being discovered.
(feel free to laugh )

She wasn't sure she liked this. The stranger hadn't said a word the whole journey, yet followed them like a duckling would follow its mother. Who is she? she wondered, sticking close to Frodo and Sam as they followed behind Gollum. What is her story? What does she want?

At the woman's question, Arabella faltered, glancing back. "We journey to Mordor," she said quietly, "but our purpose is not for me to tell. It is Frodo's mission, and we merely accompany him." As Calio spoke further, Arabella's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" she asked quickly. "Do you mean you've really been there?"

By the time they reached the Black Gate, Arabella was so weary she could barely stand. She watched in horror as the Easterling soldiers assembled. "Sauron is gathering his forces to him," she murmured. "I fear for our friends..." She blinked back tears.

Arabella bit back a scream as they watched Sam fall, and lunged forward too late to stop Frodo from tumbling after him. She grabbed Calio by the arm, cautioning her from following as well. "Wait," she whispered. "Wait til the danger has passed." Her heart raced in her chest. She longed to follow Frodo, but she knew that she could not. Her presence could jeopardize their safety even more.

Following Gollum again, the two girls carefully made their way down the slope of rock, arriving just in time for Gollum to pull Frodo and Sam back before they rushed the Gates of Mordor. Arabella rushed to Frodo's side, feeling hurt. Had he honestly been about to go into the Black Gate without her?

Alarm flared within Arabella as Gollum revealed there had been another way all along. Why would he hide such a thing? She longed to ask, but she wasn't sure. In her heart, she knew she wanted to trust the creature, or at least attempt to, but he made it so difficult sometimes.

As the plan was made to take the "secret way" that Gollum mentioned, Arabella looked back at Sam and gave a reassuring smile. "It'll be all right, Sam," she told him.

In truth, though, she wasn't sure.

She took Frodo's hand, stopping to brush some dirt and dust out of his thick curly hair as they walked along. "You frightened me, going after him like that," she admitted. She gave an angry little sigh. "I'm frightened all the time now," she told him. "Gandalf would be ashamed of me, I'm sure. I told myself I would be brave, that I wouldn't hide and wait to be rescued like a princess in some silly bedtime story. But just look at what happened when I fell in the Marshes, and when I healed Amara that first time...that's exactly what I have been doing." She sighed again, looking at him. "Look at me, so caught up in my own problems I forgot to ask. How are you feeling today?"

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