More Than Mithril by ArwenBaggins
Title: More Than Mithril
Author Pen-name: Arwen Baggins
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything relating to the Lord of the Rings in this story, in fact, the entire thing is taken from Tokien’s book, The Return of the King, Chapter 10: The Black Gate Opens.
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Chapter One: A Fool’s Hope
Setting: North Ithilien, March 16, 1419, Shire-reckoning
The leaders of Middle-earth had finally come to a consensus. War must be declared upon Mordor, if for no other purpose than to draw the Eye away from Orodruin, if the Ring-bearer were to fulfill his request. So that is what they had set out to do just that and were now riding towards Doom, in a last-ditch effort to aid the imperiled Ring-bearer.
Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, alongside Aragorn, allowing his mind to stray for once from the present and to the past – to Frodo. He had told Pippin back in Minas Tirith that there was no hope for Frodo, only a fool’s hope. Yet Denethor had called him the “Grey Fool” to his face, and he somehow did not resent the Man for it. For indeed to a Man of war like Denethor, sending two small Hobbits into the land of poison that was just coming into view would surely be seen as folly. Yet his own pride and corruption at the hand of Sauron – for indeed he had been corrupted through a palantír – forbade him from seeing the true circumstances surrounding the decision that had been made at the Council of Elrond, no more than a few short months ago. Though for all that had happened it may well have been many years.
The Council of Elrond! Gandalf sighed. He remembered arguing with Elrond about the fate of the Ring. He had first begun to fear that Frodo’s troubles were not over upon hearing the Elf-lord speak of the Hobbit’s resilience to the Thing’s evil with such admiration. All throughout the lonely nights, sitting by his bedside with Bilbo and Samwise after his wounding, he had berated himself constantly for not having found another Ring-bearer. But when Frodo had recovered his hopes had soared until he had seen it: the Light. The Light that had seemed to radiate from his body, seemed to fill it as though there was nothing else inside of him. Gandalf didn’t claim to understand everything regarding all of the Enemy’s weapons – the Morgul blades least of all. But when he had seen Frodo glowing he had known – right then and there – that he would never be the same again. The accursed blade had been removed from his side, and yet the effects of it somehow still lingered. By Frodo’s own words the feeling in his left side had been returning – a sign of the poison’s diminishing, and yet Gandalf could still see that some effect of the poison still lingered. Why it left such an impact of Light, and not one of encompassing Darkness, Gandalf did not even pretend to fully understand. But one thing was for sure: it would be permanent. It would never go away.
At that point, he had wanted to take Frodo, grab Shadowfax from the stables and return Frodo to the Shire – where he rightfully belonged- as quickly as possible. But it was not to be. Elrond had insisted that he rest and regain his strength. He had further argued that Frodo must be present at the Council to present his story, to answer any questions that may be brought up. Every piece of information he could give them – and indeed he could give them the most after his recent ordeal – would be of a great service in helping them ride Middle-earth the accursed Ring. But no one, none of all the Wise in Middle-earth could have seen Frodo standing up in front of the world leaders, volunteering to do that which made warriors of the “Big Folk” tremble with fear. But that was what had happened – and nothing could change it now.
Nothing could change that now. Why would he want to change it? Surely the life and well-being of one Hobbit, no matter how innocent and loving, could not be placed above that of all Middle-earth! If going back, knowing – as Elrond seemed to have – that Frodo was the only one capable of accomplishing that task, would he change what had happened that fateful afternoon of October 25, 3019? Nay, he wouldn’t. Much as he might want to, he would have to do all over again what he knew was right for Middle-earth. And that was for Frodo to bear the Ring. But then again, if he could go back – not that it was even an option – but if he could, how could he take the responsibility into his own hands? It was Frodo’s life, FRODO’S decision. No one else could make it for him. And it was in this knowledge that Gandalf found himself able to release some of the guilt that he had for Frodo’s and Samwise’s current predicament: he had asked them merely to see the Ring to the safety of Rivendell, and that they had done. Having accomplished that task alone was enough to earn them the respect of the Elves. No one had forced them to extend their commitment to the War against Sauron. Indeed none had even thought of such a thing until they themselves had volunteered to do the unthinkable.
The unthinkable – to destroy the One in the Fire of Doom. It was an impossible task for one to accomplish by oneself. With the Ring so close to Mordor, the weight of it would no doubt be heavy on Frodo’s heart and mind, and the thought of the torment his young friend must be going through at that time was so great that it felt like a physical pain in his heart.
The only comfort that he could find – was in the fact that Frodo had Sam. Nothing could separate those two – as Elrond himself had said even before the Council – and if they had each other, then their hope would not die. And as long as they had hope – they had a chance of survival, however slim it might be.
~To Be Continued~
16 Comments
I love it so far.Please continue the story.
This story is great so far.Keep on going.
O please update soon! I like this a lot for it is very well written. I always wondered what would happen if they brought forth Frodo as well, that maybe seeing him would weaken their heart’s decision. I am looking forward to see you theory so please update soon!!!
Please update! Very well-written. I can’t wait to see where this one goes! Cheers- Elf771
Am I stupid and that in the book, or am I not smart and that entire chapter is NOT in the book? Post more soon!!!!!!!!!!! PM me when you do.
Well done. I like how you told the story from the mouth’s point of view; you almost had me feeling sorry that Sauron fell. Almost. It kind of reminds me of years ago, when Sauron was a lieutenant in Morgoth’s army. This mouth guy seems rather innocent, in a way. If he had been born Gondorian, he would have been a good soldier *against* Sauron. It depends where you’re raised, I guess. It’s all chance.
Very well done; I was laughing out loud at some parts. Frodo Brandybuck. Cute. I like how you made the “two hobbits and the Elf” idea. I’m guessing Frodo was clever enough to lie (unless I have amnesia and don’t remember how many members were in the Fellowship). 😉
So, when’s the next chapter?
*sits on edge of seat*
*holding daggers, bow on shoulder, huge quiver filled with arrows, etc.* *mad glint in eye* YOU MUST WRITE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *turns around* RIGHT????
Army of readers: *similarly armed* RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
c’mon. UPDATE! Cheers- Elf771
Pleas, write on. I can’t wait for the next chapter. I just love it!
Oh, WOW! What an intriguing story! I was hooked as soon as I read the first lineS. The whole thing just swallowed me whole. Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase update soon! PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAASE!!!
This is a really good view of how the background of Mordor works. Good job on the emotions of the Mouth of Sauron. Please write more chapters!
Awesome story keep posting. I like the way you told the second chapter from the Mouth’s point of view. It gives more insight to the story. Great Job, post more when you can.
I really liked this last chapter! I find it very interesting. I can’t wait to read the next one! Please post it soon!
Wow. This was amazing. But the Mouth of Sauron missed his calling – the WORST form of torture is having to wait for the next chapter!!
*moan*
That’s great! Be sure to write more! I’m eager for the results!
hey , where`s the next chapter?? please continue writing!:-)