<YOU SHALL. MY RING IS GONE, BUT I STILL EXIST. I WILL LIVE AGAIN AND YOU WILL MAKE CERTAIN THAT IT COMES TO PASS. HEAR ME WELL, SARUMAN. YOU WILL RETURN TO ORTHANC AND SEND FORTH YOUR SERVANTS. THEY ARE TO FIND THE GOLDEN CHILD AND BRING HER BACK. UNHARMED. FOR SHE WILL BE THE VESSEL I SHALL USE TO RETURN TO MIDDLE-EARTH. YOU WILL PERFORM THE ANCIENT RITUAL OF THE PHOENIX. DO NOT FAIL ME AGAIN, DO NOT DECEIVE ME. IF YOU DO, I WILL CAST YOU INTO THE DARKNESS OF THE VOID. YOU SHALL BE TRAPPED FOR ALL ETERNITY, JUST AS I HAVE BEEN TRAPPED.>

Saruman bowed low and then felt the darkness overtake him once more.

<GO.>

He could feel something cold and hard underneath him. Daring to open his eyes, he realized, he was lying on a black marble floor. The familiar sight informed him that he had finally come home. Getting to his feet with the help of his staff, Saruman began to collect himself when a shadow moved from the far corner of the room.

“Master?”

Saruman turned and saw the crouched figure staring at him. He narrowed his eyes and could still hear the voice inside his head.

<YOU WILL SERVE ME. YOU WILL PERFORM THE ANCIENT RITUAL OF THE PHOENIX.>

“You have returned? What now my Lord?”

Grima Wormtongue bowed to his Master and stared up into the dark angry eyes.

“We have work to do.”

***

“How much longer until we arrive at our destination?” Asked Nicholas.

The Doctor, who was busy working on the switches and co-ordinates of his console, glanced up at the ex-crusader, and shrugged his shoulders.

“Patience, Nicholas. Traveling through time and space is not like taking a stroll down to the park. We should be arriving on Middle-Earth within the next few minutes. I have set the co-ordinates to take us to Bree. Frodo was making his way there last time I saw him.”

Nicholas looked at the mysterious time traveler in shock. “You-you saw him?”

The Doctor was about to reply when the TARDIS suddenly lurched, throwing all three figures from their positions.

***

The red vapor surrounded the blue police box careening through space and time. Gathering strength it tightened its hold.

<YOU SHALL NOT STOP ME, TIME LORD>

The Doctor heard a voice boom in his ears. Recognizing the voice and realizing the enemy knew of him, the Doctor rose to his feet and saw that the TARDIS main controls were now frozen.

Opening the scanner screen, the Doctor took a look of the vortex to see a red vapor surrounding the TARDIS.

“What happened? What’s going on?” asked Nicholas, who was being helped to his feet by LaCroix.

“Indeed, did you forget to pay some tolls?”

The Doctor only frowned at LaCroix and returned to his control panel, hitting every switch to see if anything at all worked. Nothing happened. Angrily, the Doctor swung his fist down on the panel. Still nothing. The Doctor looked at his two current companions and shook his head.

“He knows.”

Both Nicholas and LaCroix didn’t understand.

“Somehow Sauron has placed a barrier around my TARDIS. All my controls are frozen. We’re trapped in the vortex.”

“How? I thought Sauron was only a powerless form?” Asked Nicholas.

The Doctor almost laughed.

“Sauron’s power is infinite here in the Void. Unfortunately the void that he is also in, is where we are.”

“I don’t understand?” LaCroix grimaced impatiently.

“The TARDIS and other Time machines use a vortex to travel back and forth, sideways and so on. Without it, we and others, could not travel through time. It is an energy field that is a displacement in the cosmos. Think of it as a different dimension of sorts. Have you ever heard of Quantum leaping?

Seeing their faces, the Doctor sighed and tried again. “When Sauron was defeated his essence was cast out of the physical world and placed here. Here in this void.”

“Wouldn’t that have caused your kind problems with...traveling?” Asked Nicholas.

“No. First the void is quite a large area, so he doesn’t inhabit the entire vortex, just a small percentage. Second, he would have to know about our time vehicles and their set coordinates. Each vortex is like a string, ah, like a cable if you like, but many different cables. This cable is linked to Middle-Earth. Sauron was thrown away from Middle-Earth but was perhaps in another nearby section.”

“And he has caused one of these cables to entwine itself on to your Time Machine?”

The Doctor nodded with a smile. “Exactly. He would have had to use a great deal of his energy to entwine himself to us and to know about me and our attempt to get to Middle-Earth. As if dealing with Divia and Saruman wasn’t enough.”

“So how do we get out of it?” asked Nicholas.

The Doctor’s smile faded. “I don’t know.”

Shaking his head, he looked back at his controls. “To break free I would need a sizeable countered energy beam, but Sauron has frozen all my instruments.”

“Surely there is something you can do?” asked LaCroix. He could barely tolerate this waiting. He was eager now to return to Middle-Earth, to see the faces he now remembered. He longed to see Legolas. He longed to see Frodo Baggins once more.

“Yes, I can call for help.” The Doctor moved to the far end of the console and flipped a switch. He looked at the two Vampires and shrugged. “I will send a distress call to Gallifrey and hope they can help in some way.”

“What do we do in the meantime?” asked LaCroix.

“We wait.”

*He loves me. How is it possible after all I have done and all the hurt I have caused my dear Sam, that he still loves me so?*

Frodo lingered longer in bed. Already the shining light of day was coming in through a nearby window, casting a soft glow over his bed. Frodo knew he should get up and begin packing for the coming journey and yet still he delved deeper into the blankets and pillow. Ignoring the sounds of his cousins as they complained of hunger.

“We’ll bring back some food.” cried Pippin and shortly after, Frodo heard the door close behind them.

Frodo had hoped that Samwise would accompany them, to allow him a few moments alone with his thoughts, but he could hear soft footfalls coming in his direction. Eyes were upon him. Then Frodo felt the blankets being moved gently up and over his shoulder.

*Dear Sam, my dear sweet Sam. Always taking care of me.*

Through it all Sam had stayed by his side.

*Faithful and loyal to the end. Why does he believe in me so? How could he still love me after everything?*

Because of him, Sam had been forced to leave the safety of the Shire and journey with Frodo into the lands of Mordor. During their time with Gollum, Frodo had been so concerned with redeeming the pathetic creature that he had totally ignored and rebuked Sam at every corner.

At one point in their journey he had even told Sam to go home, believing the lies Gollum spread that Sam would try to take the Ring from him.

*By Elbereth, he had believed the vile and twisted creature.*

He could still see the tears in Sam’s eyes.

** “He has poisoned you against me!” Sam had cried. **

Yet, Sam returned and fought the great Shelob, wounding her, he drove her away in his attempt to save his beloved Master. Sam fought orcs, goblins and a deity spider, all for him.

*Why? Could his love be this strong? But how deep was it? How far did Sam wish to go? How far could he go?*

Even from early childhood, Frodo had felt different from the other hobbits. A great many had shunned him as he grew up. They had called him many names, one of them was that he was not a real hobbit, including bastard. That one had hurt the worst. Not a real hobbit? Frodo had often gone to Bilbo for comfort and the old traveler had only smiled lovingly down at him, saying that they were just jealous. But Frodo felt there was more then just jealousy his fellow Hobbits felt towards him. They always treated him with suspicion and indifference. As if he was a disease.

*Maybe I am? If only I had died along with the Ring, perhaps then Sam would be safe now with my cousins, not here with me on another dangerous journey. Sam would probably have married Rosie Cotton by now and would have been looking forward to his first child. Merry and Pippin would probably still be wreaking havoc with the nearby farmers, stealing bits of food for their ever empty stomachs, oblivious to all the outside world and its troubles. Instead here they were again, guarding and protecting him.

*How do I deserve such devotion? How could they possibly wish to protect me, when all I ever did was bring misery to everyone around me?*

“Master, Mr. Frodo.” The soft loving voice called to him and Frodo felt the wetness slide from his eyes. “Please, Mr. Frodo. Wake up. Its it’s morning.”

Frodo sighed, fighting within to rise, and yet a part of him wanted to retreat further into the bed.

*What of us, Sam? What of you and me? I love you more then words could say and you, you have proven your love to me over and over again and still I deny you. Hurt you. How deep is your love? I want to touch you, love you. But all my life it seems to be cast in shadow. Would my love poison you? Destroy you? Would you respond to my touch, or recoil? Yes, you love me. That is undeniable. But is it enough to overcome all the odds? Would there be a happy-ever-after for us? The love between two male hobbits would not be accepted in the Shire. It would not be accepted among men, nor dwarves. Elves? Would we be accepted within Rivendell? No, for they are leaving Middle-Earth. There would be no place, no comfort, no way our circle of love could be. It is hopeless, all hopeless. Dark, empty, cold-*

“Mr. Frodo. It’s time to get up. We must be getting on. Love?”

Frodo opened his eyes at the word love, and found two brown eyes staring devotedly down at him. Unable to help himself, Frodo moved forward. His lips pressed against Sam’s lips and for a moment time seemed to stop. In this moment, Frodo felt blissful and filled with boundless expectations and hope. Perhaps love could conquer all.

Pulling away abruptly, Sam blushed red and moved away to busy himself with packing and preparing a nearby container of hot water. All the while, he didn’t dare meet Frodo’s blue eyes.

“Ah, I will get your bath ready. Pippin and Merry went to get some food. We should be off in an hour or so I dare say we are making a late start. I talked to Mr. Butterbur and he said that he will get us four ponies to ride to Rivendell.”

On and on Samwise chatted, as he prepared his Master’s bath. Frodo watched in dismay and sadness. That was how far he could go and no further. Love after all has its limits. Doesn’t it? So there would be no touching, no warmth, no happy ending. Frodo had his answer and rising slowly, he stared at his hand, his four fingered hand, and silently wept.

*Now I know.*

A few hours later, after a hot bath, some food, Frodo and his fellow hobbits made their way out of Bree. Frodo lingered slightly behind Merry and Pippin, not hearing their light hearted songs and tales, keeping his eyes on the ground with his thoughts centered only in darkness and emptiness. He therefore did not notice Sam’s pain-filled eyes that would often look at him from afar. For if he had, perhaps Frodo would have noticed the regret within them.

Darkness came, and Divia awoke. Her hunger needed to be filled and Divia journeyed to several rooms in the Inn, helping herself from a few of its customers. Once sated, she returned to her room. The necklace was still around her throat. The Star of Lorien and the Crystal of Othorne were now fused together as one. As for the Seeing stone she had left it on the nearby night table covered in a blanket. She did not know yet how to control the orb and she knew also that she had to be careful with it.

Preparing to leave, Divia glanced back, wondering if she should take the orb with her or leave it here. In the end, she decided to take it. After all it might prove useful in the future. Making her way down the stairs, hoping to leave the Inn and continue her journey to find the elusive Frodo Baggins, she paused in mid step when several patrons speaking below caught her attention.

“Yes, four hobbits. Very well cloaked and one of them had four fingers. You don’t think it was THE Ring Bearer do you? The one that destroyed Sauron?”

“Don’t be stupid. Hobbits destroy Sauron? Ridiculous! That is almost as believable as the King of Gondor being a lowly ranger.”

“As you say, but they were quite a fascinating lot. I even asked them where they were heading and the smaller one of them had started to speak, when one of his companions covered his mouth. I watched them leave the city, covered in a mask of silence. I tell you trouble is brewing again, Marcus.“

“Oh stop it with your gloom and doom. I have had enough of it. Now come, let us have a few more drinks and then will head to Ithilien. I have a message that must be given to Lord Faramir and sent to the King. I must not delay too much longer. One more drink for the road.”

Divia watched the one who spoke hurry off into the bar of the Inn and disappear. She couldn’t believe her stroke of fortune. Her justice was at hand. The other man, however, lingered longer, then started forward intent on following after his companion.

Divia strolled slowly up behind him. “Excuse me Sir, if you please.”

Turning, the dark haired human looked down at the young child before him. She looked to be about twelve or thirteen years old. She was also wearing strange clothing.

“What brings you out into the night so? It is late. Shouldn’t you be sleeping, child?”

Divia narrowed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.

“It seems I am missing my party, I overheard your conversation. About the four halflings?”

“Hobbits.“

“Yes, they are...friends of mine. I was suppose to meet them here, but it appears my tardiness has cost me greatly. They have gone ahead of me. I would like to know what path they took if you please. So I may...catch up to them.”

She licked her lips, and as the Stranger was about to ask her how come she did not know where they were going if they were her friends, he felt a slight pull and a voice inside his head.

<Tell me>

And so he did.

Part Two Through darkness shall come light

The familiar landscape brought the Hobbits some comfort as they made their way slowly towards Rivendell. Frodo lingered behind the rest of his companions, allowing some of his dark thoughts to melt away at the thought of seeing Lord Elrond and Gandalf once more.

They were icons of Middle-Earth and the wisest of all beings whom he was sure would know what to do about Saruman. They also loved him as much as he cared about them. He would be safe in their arms. Safe and loved?

*Am I to forever wander the world alone or will I ever find rest in someone’s arms?*

As they traveled along the Great East Road, Frodo couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. Something evil was behind him and seemed to be coming closer and closer. Often Frodo would look back and stare off into the darkness of the trees and hills as if searching for something. But seeing nothing, he would eventually return his vigil to what was ahead of him.

The Sun had fallen a few hours before and, tired from the long trek, the four hobbits decided to stop and rest for the night. Merry started a fire, Pippin sat nearby warming his hands and singing a song he had learned from Faramir during their stay at Minas Tirith, while Sam cooked a late meal for them.

Frodo sat on a small boulder away from everyone and every once and awhile he would look behind him. Noticing this, Sam looked up at his Master with narrowed eyes.

“Mr. Frodo, is something wrong?”

Frodo faintly looked into Sam’s eyes and smiled sadly at his gardener. He wanted to shout at him and say

*Yes, yes everything is wrong.*

That he wished he could go back in time, back to when he had been oblivious to all the world and could once again enjoy songs and tales and a good drink of ale to warm his stomach. Now all was cold and dark. All was empty.

The One Ring had taken everything from him. There was no joy, no taste, no love, no hope. He wanted to shout at all of them to return to the Shire and to leave him. To let him make this journey and to allow what ever was to happen to come to pass. If death was to claim him, then so be it. It was what he deserved after all.

“Mr. Frodo?”

Frodo shook himself out of his thoughts and spoke softly to his loyal servant and friend.

“I’m fine Sam. Thank you.”

Not believing him, Sam left his place at the fire, picked up a nearby blanket and placed it around him. So close to Sam, Frodo could once again catch the scent of his servant.

Sam always smelled of green grass and roses. It was intoxicating and it lulled Frodo into a sense of peace. Only Sam’s presence made the pain lessen, only Sam’s presence could make him feel safe. Loved. Sam looked down upon him and for a moment their eyes connected. Once again Frodo felt as if time was standing still. But the spell broke when Sam turned away and returned to the fire without speaking another word.

Even with a blanket wrapped around him, Frodo could still feel the icy cold of his flesh. He almost felt as if he was drowning and he pulled the blanket even tighter around him. He could feel death approaching. It was coming for him. He could feel it.

***

She spotted the figures from the air. Keeping her presence secret, she dropped softly into the nearby trees and, putting the seeing stone into a small hedge in a tree, she gazed down at the four small figures next to the fire. She stared at each of them, sizing them up and trying to figure out which could be the one she desired.

There was a fat one, hovering over the fire cooking. He was rather pretty with his corn blond hair and smooth face. Actually, he was quite adorable and his scent was not quite familiar to her. The closest thing she could identify this hobbit was the smell of a garden filled with blooming flowers and growing things. But it was much more then that. He had a light that seemed to shine within him. Different, and stronger than most, and it set him apart. He may be fat, but there was a strength about this one that informed her that he was no easy target. A warrior that would stand against any who dared to harm that which he loved. An interesting concept.

She acknowledged the other two next to the blond. They were younger and, although not really attractive, they had a different lure about them. It took a moment to identify their scent. Both of them smelled of wood. Trees. They were ageless in their child like ways and they were marked as survivors. They had suffered greatly and yet still they carried with them a sense of virtue and joy for all life. Boundless energy was within them, shining like a beacon across the sea. She licked her lips, thirsting for a taste of that life.

It was then that her eyes fell to the last and fourth figure, and she knew at once that this was the one she had been searching for. Here she stopped. Here her eyes locked onto Frodo Baggins and she felt a sudden lurch within her body. Once again, she felt herself drawn to that elfin like face and eyes that she had never seen the like before. The fire cast an unearthly glow over him and Divia could see the brilliant radiance emanating from him. His beauty was ethereal and spell binding.

Here was a creature that many would have desired to obtain. The light within him was so bright that Divia had to turn away for a moment. He was even more celestial than the stars, even the moon could not compare with his splendor.

In the days of The Roman Empire her father would have snapped this creature up and would have proclaimed him as his own. This was a creature that would have been fought over. Hundreds would have gladly died to capture him for their own. In a way, he was perhaps a male version of Helen of Troy. But knowing of Helen of Troy, Divia was amused to realize that her beauty could not even match his.

Oh yes, there would have been a great many wars fought over this one. Even from her own kind. She knew if a Vampire had come to Middle-Earth and had spotted him they would not even have hesitated in staking a claim. She smiled at the thought of how foolish Nicholas De Brabant had been in leaving his son so easily behind, here without a protector to keep him safe.

Divia realized once again, a part of her wanted Frodo Baggins, as he was, as her property. This one would be quite the prize. All would drool over him and beg her to have him even for a few moments. He was a diamond in the rough and for another long moment, Divia played with the idea of having him become a vampire.

But then she remembered her father and Nicholas and all that they had done to her. They had to pay for what they’d done. It was a pity. She thought she would have so liked a thousand years with this creature. He was unique and the likes of his beauty would never again touch the earth.

However, her revenge was at hand and she would not rest until she threw the lifeless body of Frodo Baggins at LaCroix and Nicholas feet. Bending low she felt her eyes change and her fangs slowly came to the fore. It was time!

ATTACK!

***

There was a change in the air, Sam, Pippin and Merry looked up when a dark shadow seemed to appear above them. At once Sam put his hands to his dagger, while Merry and Pippin both reached for their swords.

A moment passed in silence and then came the sound of laughter. A dark, evil, laugh that caused all four hobbits’ hair to stand on end. Death was upon them.

She came down like lightening, striking fast and hard. Her claws took Pippin on the side of his cheek, before he could defend himself. Falling away, he cried out, feeling the hot wet blood gushing from the open wound.

Merry jumped in, attacking the small form. The dark shape turned, and upon seeing her red eyes, he knew at once that she was neither human nor a hobbit. He drew his sword and came in swinging.

“Leave him alone, you demon!”

Divia ducked the first swing and caught Merry by the wrist when he tried for a second thrust. Hissing in annoyance, she tightened her grip, causing Merry to cry out in pain and to drop his sword. With both hands, she grabbed him by his clothes and threw him backwards into a nearby tree, knocking him out cold.

Ready to return her attack on Pippin, she turned to confront the fat one. He stood crouched down and wielding a short sword, looking at her defiantly.

“Who ever you are, I am warning you to leave, or, you will have a taste of Sting!”

She only scoffed and leaped at him, intending to drain him of every ounce of his blood. But Sam was fast and moved away from her attack and taking a side step, he swung his sword, burying it deep into her flesh. Gasping in surprise, Divia pulled away. She stared down at the blood on her chest and the blood on the sword. Ignoring the pain and with enraged eyes, she hissed and struck out once more. This time she dove up into the air and came down directly behind him. Sam turned, bringing up his sword in defense, only to find that this creature had moved faster and brought up her legs, kicking him hard in the chest.

Sam fell hard on his back with his head connecting hard on a nearby rock. Oblivion claimed him. Seeing he was unconscious, she vowed to deal with him later, for now she turned to the fire to confront the last Hobbit, Frodo Baggins.

He was kneeling over Pippin, who was still dazed from the blow he had received on the cheek. Frodo had been trying to get Pippin to his feet and take a look at the wound, when he heard an angry hiss from behind him. He now turned and confronted the red eyed demon. Frodo stared on at her defiantly.

The wind picked up and, moving protectively in front of Pippin, Frodo dropped his hands to his sides. His eyes narrowed and, without fear, he looked on at her as if sizing her up.

“Do what you have come to do, but spare the others. It is me you want. Come!”

Divia grinned and slowly stepped towards him. Her eyes flashed again and her intent was clear as Frodo recognized the cold hunger on her face. Approaching him, Divia spotted a glittering object around his neck. Smiling, she grabbed the metal chain and ripped it away. A Crucifix? Odd, she thought. Where would a halfling have come up with this? Brushing that question aside, she flung the crucifix away and reached for him.

Frodo felt the hands ensnare him. One hand wrapped tightly around his waist, while the other hand curled around the back of his head. Chuckling in pleasure, she opened her mouth, allowing Frodo to clearly see her fangs as she pulled him ever closer to her cold embrace. Forcing his neck to the side, she prepared her final strike. She knew without a doubt his blood would be a flavor she would savor for the rest of eternity. She would make it slow and painful.

Her fangs, however, never got a chance to sink deep into the pale neck. A swift movement came from behind her and Divia turned to see the fat halfling had came to life and in his hands was a shining object of glass that glowed brightly in the moonlight.

“Release him, you abomination!”

Returning to his senses, Frodo could see the mysterious woman had turned to confront Sam and that she was wearing a shining large sphere like necklace around her neck. Not sure about the voice, which sounded much like the Lady Galadriel, he felt someone speaking to him in his mind, telling him to remove it from her.

Without hesitation, Frodo snatched the amulet from around her neck. Sharp pain was felt inside his head and then Frodo fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

In the meantime, Sam shouted out some strange ancient words and then Divia felt the true meaning of pain. She shrieked in agony as a stream of brilliant pure light flew from the glass like object and wrapped itself around her.

The anguish tore into her body and Divia helplessly dropped to her knees, forgetting her attack on Frodo. She could no longer see the Hobbits, nor the forest. She couldn’t even feel the ground at her feet. All she could feel was the burning of fire inside her mind.

A flame of white light began to focus itself into a form of a beautiful woman with pointed ears having long golden hair. Her gown was as white as the light that now surrounded Divia. Her face stared down at the dark vampire coldly, expressing no sympathy for the child of night.

At first all Divia could feel was the pain the mysterious woman overwhelmed her with, but soon the female began to speak first in a tongue that Divia didn’t understand and then, all at once, the dialect became translated into words that she understood.

A sense of growing fear and alarm began to take its toll as Divia found herself helpless in the presence of this angelic and immortal being.

“Hear me, Dark creature of the night. I am The Lady of light, Galadriel of the Galadrim. I speak to you now and I shall speak to you only this once. If you ever dare lay harm to this halfling again, by the powers that be, Elbereth, Queen of the Valar, wife of Manwe, you will be struck down and will be destroyed. For this Hobbit has her special grace and her divine protection.”

Defiant even in pain, Divia only stared up at the woman, promising herself only that she would make Frodo’s death even more excruciating. Once this thought crossed her mind, the pain once again slammed into her body. The throbbing grew so strong and wretched that Divia’s cries filled the air once more. She was sure now that she was going to die, and finally she began to realize what hell truly was.

“Hell?” replied Galadriel. “You have no understanding of that word nor of right and wrong. The evil within you has taken its toll. Your soul is dark as black as a starless night. The storm in your eyes, reveals no moral conscience. All your years you have taken and given back nothing to balance the cycle of life. You have left a trail of blood and death that is counted in the thousands. Your thirst for power and blood are equaled only by the fueled hatred you have for all living things. You have showed no mercy or compassion nor shall you be given any in return. You will be judged here and now for all that you have done. So shall it be, so shall it be so. Open your mind to me, see now the death you have plagued mankind. Hear their cries, feel their pain as they died in your cold embrace.”

The images flashed in her mind and all at once Divia felt the death of her victims. Feeling exactly the horrible pain they endured by her hands. Feeling their last screams and their last breath. Divia screeched in horror as she lived through each death.

All the while the Lady and Queen of the elves, stared down at her without a shred of mercy. What seemed to pass as a lifetime of uncontrollable and unending pain. Divia waited for some form of salvation with the ending of her existence and escape into the nothingness of death. But just as she thought it was all coming to an end, Galadriel struck another blow and to Divia’s dismay increased the already unbearable pain being brought down upon her.

“Do not think you will escape your judgment, Divia LaCroix. You have much to answer for. Much to absolve yourself from. Here now is another taste that you have yet to feel. The taste of your eternal damnation!” The white light changed and at once Divia found herself in a stream of molten lava. The flames burned her to ashes, consuming her, and the unimaginable pain worsened as she was forced to relive her death over and over again.

“Here is a taste of hell. The Eternity that you so craved waiting for you and its reward for your crimes against all life.”

Divia’s screams finally stopped. Unable to utter another sound, she curled herself up into a ball in absolute misery experiencing for the first time true suffering.

*Stop! Stop! Please stop!* She shouted in her mind.

But Galadriel only shook her head and towered over her. “The blood of evil was brought out by Sauron’s servant but your evil began long before he tainted you. The ancient line of Numenor flows within you but it is the blood of your maternal side that took hold. It is the blood of your mother that has decided your fate’ -It has poisoned you. Open your eyes!”

Galadriel ordered. “See! The true evil that you are! See what you are!”

NO! Divia cowered on the ground, unable to look up at the towering She Elf above her.

“See now what you could have been!”

Even with her eyes closed, Divia felt herself pulled into another place and time and there she saw herself. No longer a child like form but a woman grown. She could see herself standing in a garden with flowers all around her with a great city just beyond. She was happy and laughing, dressed in beautiful royal robes and a crown of diamonds set upon her head. In the garden with her were two small children dancing around her. They appeared to be the same age, one girl and one boy. They were laughing and were beautiful to behold. The girl had hair much like hers but the boy had chocolate brown curls and his eyes were as blue as the sky. He was handing her flowers and staring up at her with adoring eyes with love that was unending.

Divia cried out in shock as she saw her father from a distance. He was walking quietly along a pathway dressed in ancient Roman robes. He paused for a moment to look at her. He smiled and slowly began to walk away. Then beyond the path stood a dark figure, sitting on a stone bench, looking and waiting for her.

Divia knew without an explanation that this was the man that she was to have married, the man that would have brought her happiness and love. Then, just as she saw it all, it was gone and in its place was a lidless red eye and the abyss.

Sauron! She was falling now, falling fast into the nothingness. All was gone. All was lost.

The voice of Galadriel spoke once more. “By The Grace of the Valar, I cast you back as you once were. Let the darkness of Sauron’s servant poison you no longer. May it have no hold over you! Embrace your mortality once more. Here, Divia, you will be allowed one last chance to reconcile the evil that you have done to so many. One chance. One lifetime. Allow the darkness to take you again and you shall burn in eternity of Damnation!“

The darkness vanished and the light appeared and then, with one final scream, came oblivion. Divia knew no more.

***

Part Three Redeemed

The first sensation she experienced was the sound of voices above her. Still feeling a terrible sense of pain and ache coming from within her body she remained still, listening to what was being said around her.

“Its a girl, a human girl?”

“No human girl could do what she did.”

“Saruman must have sent her.”

“What do we do with her?”

“Is she dead?“

“I don’t think so, she’s breathing. Here Pip, let me look at your face. You’re still bleeding from where she clawed you.”

That startled her slightly, as Divia realized that indeed she was breathing. She could smell grass which she seemed to be laying on. But she was a vampire, they shouldn’t require breathing.

“Look Sam, I took this from around her neck.”

“What is that?”

“I’m not sure, but it must be something very important. I’ll hold onto it for now.”

“And her?”

“I think we should just tie her up and leave her here.”

“We can”t just leave her here, Sam”

“Frodo is right, she may come after us again.”

“We’ll have to take her with us.”

Sighing, Divia finally opened her eyes and found herself looking at four faces above her. Divia swallowed when she saw the distaste in the fat one’s eyes. The one she had clawed had taken a few steps back and was looking on at her pensively. But it was Frodo’s blue eyes staring down at her that made her want to cry. In his hands, he held the star of Lorien and the Time Crystal of Othorne, now formed into one pendant.

Cry? The feeling was unknown to her and yet she could taste the salt of tears running down her cheeks and into her mouth. Salty tears? Not blood tears? The memories returned and Divia could see the lives she had taken before her. Then she was consumed by a sensation of emotion that had been long forgotten- grief and guilt.

“What have I done?”

Pushing away from the Hobbits, she remained on her knees, weeping bitterly. She could see her father once again before her, the one man in her life she had loved, and see the hate in his eyes as he beheaded her. She could see now why he had done what he had done. She had become a hateful creature. A heartless killer. Sick in every sense of the word. Lucien LaCroix had been right. How could anyone love someone as grotesque as she was?

The Hobbits watched her for a moment. Sam still held the Star of Elendil in his left hand, all the while keeping himself close to Frodo who had Sting still tightly held in his right hand. Not sure what to do, they returned to the fire, staying in a circle and continuing their conversations. Merry and Sam returned shortly with rope and Divia did not fight as they bound her hands and tied her to a nearby tree.

“We’ll take her to Rivendell. Lord Elrond will know what to do with her.”

Later in the night, Divia remained where she was unable to stop herself from weeping in sorrow and pain as the memories of all that she had done continued to be relived in her thoughts, until finally sleep overtook her. Unknown to her, some time in the night, Frodo Baggins glanced at her from the fire. His eyes filled with deep sadness as he remembered another pathetic and pitiful soul that had briefly crossed his path. There was something about this creature that reminded Frodo of Gollum. Frodo had tried so hard to redeem the creature and in the end, failed.

After everyone had gone to sleep, Frodo rose from his place by the fire and placed his cloak gently over Divia’s form in an attempt to keep her warm from the cold of night. Frodo found no rest as he lay next to his Sam by the fire. Throughout the night he listened as Divia wept.

***

Gallifrey

“Lord President.”

The young military officer returned to the throne room to see the President was busy looking over several scrolls on the table. He looked up and, seeing the officer’s face, knew more trouble was coming.

“Speak.”

“We have just received a message from the Doctor. He is stuck in the vortex near the outer barrier near the south quadrant. He seems to have been ensnared by some sort of unbreakable energy field. He believes it is Sauron’s work.”

“ wouldn’ doubt it. His power has always been rather unlimited? For many long years in the early days of our own people, we had argued with Manwe that Sauron was not a force that should be allowed to enter into this the world of Arda. He did not pay heed to our words. Can we do anything to free the Doctor?”

“The Scientific Counselor is looking into it even as we speak.”

“What other news do you bring me?”

The young officer swallowed and shook his head. “The Time disruption has begun again. We have been using most of our own energy from The Eye of Harmony to keep it at bay, but it has finally broken through. It is only a matter of a few hours before it will start affecting all the outer worlds and begin to move towards all the other planets.”

“What planet will be affected first?”

“Earth and its entire solar system.”

The President shook his head helplessly. “How long before our world will be affected?”

“Less than eighty four hours…”

“And our Universe?”

“The Worlds will begin to form and collide...Not long.“

“So it is...it is soon to be the End of All Things.” Sighing, The President shook his head, determination showing in his eyes.

“All is not lost yet, do what ever you must to free the Doctor. He is our only hope. He must not fail us.”

The young officer bowed and with a salute left the room.

***

Middle-Earth

In the light of day, Frodo watched as Sam started a fire and prepared supper. Merry and Pippin had wandered off to gather some more wood and find some water, which left Frodo in charge of the prisoner. He had searched earlier to try to find his necklace, given to him by the mysterious Doctor, but unable to find it he returned to the tree to see Divia had not moved. She hadn’t even tried to escape. She just remained where she was sitting on the ground staring at the grass, with tears continuously falling from her eyes. She looked completely miserable. It did not appear that she was upset she had lost the battle to kill the hobbits, Frodo thought perhaps she regretted what she did.

It reminded Frodo of the ring and the evil power it cast over all good things. It had turned the great Warrior, Boromir, insane and ultimately caused his death. To this day, Frodo still felt a deep sadness at the thought of Boromir and his fate.

“My name is Frodo Baggins. What is your name?”

She didn’t speak, she only continued to stare at the grass and her feet. Taking a seat beside her, but being sure to keep some distance between them, Frodo tried again to speak to the mysterious girl.

“Please, what is your name?”

Realizing she was being spoken to, Divia looked up with tearful eyes and shook her head in confusion at the beautiful face staring at her with neither anger nor hate, which she deserved, but pity.

“Your name?”

“Divia....Divia LaCroix.”

“Hello Divia. Are you hungry? Sam is the best cook in all of the Shire.”

Divia lowered her eyes in despair. “I’m not hungry.”

“ìSome water then?”

Frodo held up a bottle and then slowly uncovered the lid and moved it to her mouth. Divia shrugged and allowed a few drops to fall across her lips. Astonished, a deep powerful urge consumed her, and Divia snatched the object with her tied hands and quickly began to drink all of the liquid as fast as she could. After she had drained it of all its contents, Divia put the empty bottle down and then touched her wet lips. Not red? And the taste, the liquid did not have the bitter taste of salt and copper. What was it that she just drank? Water? Is that what the taste of water was? It had been so long since she had tasted water, so very long. Two thousand years.

“Thank you.” She replied softly, realizing that Frodo’s eyes were still upon her.

“You’re welcome. Will you tell me now, who sent you? Tell me of your purpose here? I would like to help you. If you would let me.”

Divia was about to respond when there was a loud cry followed by another voice shouting. Moments later, Merry and Pippin came bounding towards them with Pippin holding something in his hands and under his cape.

“Now Pippin, this time DON’T look at it!”

“Really, you’re beginning to sound like Gandalf, Merry. I learned my lesson the first time. I won’ look at it.“

Pippin then put it by the fire next to Sam. Frodo got up and joined them looking at them questioningly.

“We found something behind a tree. I recognized it at once.”

Merry quickly cut in as Pippin eyed the object suspiciously.

“Remember when Gimli mentioned that the Seeing stone had gone missing. I think we found it.”

“Seeing stone?” Asked Sam.

Frodo nodded. “Its an object used in the ancient days for communication. It was brought from Valinor. There were seven in all, but many were destroyed. Only two now are known to be in existence.”

Pippin cut in, excitedly. “Denethor had one.”

“And Saruman had the other.” Replied Merry.

“Both are controlled by...you know who.”

Listening to the conversation, Divia idly played with the grass at her feet. Her eyebrows were drawn together in confusion.

“Pippin looked into the Seeing stone when we were in Rohan, before the War at the Pelennor fields,“ tattled a helpful Merry.

Pippin once again cut in, pleading innocence. “It wasn’t my fault. If Gandalf had just explained it in the first place, I wouldn’t have looked.”

“Oh yes you would have Pip, you always have to look.” shot back Merry in a taunting tone of voice.

Pippin stuck his tongue out at him.

Frodo shook his head. “This is a very dangerous tool. Gandalf spoke to me about it while I was in Minas Tirith.”

Turning to Divia, he met her eyes and held her gaze. “So you do work for him? Saruman? He sent you to kill me, didn’t he?”

Divia swallowed and bowed her head. What was the point of explaining? She had come to kill Frodo. Divia covered her face with her hands and began to weep once more. Frodo’s hard stare softened and he turned back to his companions to see Sam had returned to cooking breakfast.

“What do you think we should do with her?”

“Throw her off a cliff? Let her drown in the river?” suggested an annoyed Sam.

Frodo gave Sam a narrowed stare. “Do not tell me you are falling for her act, Mr. Frodo? Not like you did with Gollum? Do not ask me once again to trust in some villainous creature. She is evil.”

“She is not Gollum, Sam.”

“No, she is worse. I can feel it. I do not trust her and we should not bring her with us.”

“If we leave her here she may get back to Saruman and tell him where we are heading.” replied Merry.

Frodo sighed and looked back at Divia to see she was still crying, silently.

“We will take her with us. As we decided before, Elrond will know what to do.”

When breakfast was served, Frodo was true to his word and brought Divia a plate of food. But after they cleared up the camp and prepared to leave, Frodo returned to see that she hadn’t touched her plate. Minutes later they were on their way. Pippin had given up his pony for Divia and now rode with Merry. The four continued towards Rivendell, but this time with a prisoner in tow. Though Divia made no attempt to escape, Samwise Gamgee kept his eyes on her, and his fingers close to sting.

***

The days followed slowly as they continued to make their way across the plains and fields and rivers towards their destination. Frodo often looked back at Divia, his eyes always filled with pity. Sam recognized it as the same feelings that his Master had given to Gollum. His Master had always been a gentle hobbit and prone to compassion and pity towards others. Gollum had used his Master’s pity to create a wedge between them, it was how Gollum betrayed them and nearly sent them to their doom. Sam would not let it happen again.

***

“Here you go, Divia. Is that your name? Here’s some food and water for you?”

Divia finally glanced up and saw the smallest hobbit looking down at her. He had a bandage now on his cheek, the cheek she had clawed. She looked down back at her feet.

“Please, you must eat. Its been two days...you will get sick if you don’t.”

Divia only shook her head. Not knowing what to do, Pippin returned to the fire and shrugged at Merry.

“If she doesn’t start eating, Merry, she will die.”

“Good riddance then.”, mumbled Sam.

Frodo shot Sam an annoyed expression and Sam softened his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Frodo.”

“You should be Sam. What difference would it make between us and our enemies if we no mercy? No difference at all.”

Sam lowered his eyes and his face reddened slightly and he nodded, properly chastised.

“I just can’t help it. She is evil. I could sense it even before I saw her.”

“I don’t think she is evil anymore, Sam. She had power before...before the Light of Elendil was placed upon her. Something happened. I don’t know what, but something happened and it changed her. Please Sam. Everyone deserves a second chance. Am I so deserving...even after what happened at Mount Doom?”

Sam’s eyes shot up and stared at Frodo in surprise. Then after a moment he nodded again, finally understanding what Frodo was getting at. He still didn’t like it, and he still didn’t trust her, but he knew Frodo was right. He should at least give her a chance. But he wouldn’t trust her, he would never trust anyone who would try to murder his master.

Long after the others had fallen asleep, Frodo rose from his bed roll and moved towards the tree to which they had chosen that night to tie Divia. They had made it so her arms had some movement so she could at least feed herself and be reasonably comfortable, but as Frodo approached, he found the plate had yet again been untouched. The water bottle however had been emptied. At least she was drinking.

Seeing his questioning eyes, Divia looked at him and shrugged. “I forgot what the taste of water was like. I forgot how cool and refreshing it was, how it quenches the thirst...instead of making you yearn for more.”

Frodo stared down at her in confusion, then taking a seat beside her he once again placed his cloak around her shoulders. Once again her eyes locked on to Frodo’s and she felt herself gasp at the beauty within them. Frodo certainly had a mesmerizing way about him. He was incredibly stunning and yet his beauty was not only without, but within all at the same time. Their was a glow about him and he was beyond description.

“Divia, tell me about yourself.”

Divia shook her head. “There is not much to tell. I am a creature...I am a monster...I was a vampire and now I am mortal again.”

“Vampire?”

“A night walker...who feasts on the blood of its victims. Usually human.”

“Oh.” Frodo looked away grimacing slightly and then he turned back and smiled gently at her. “Tell me more.”

“I was born many years ago. In another place...Pompeii. It is difficult to talk about. In my day, it is not customary to speak about one’s past and to openly...talk about things that are left kept in the family. Secrets stay buried. Women in my day didn’t have a great deal of power or influence. To get what you wanted, you had to bargain, steal...sell your soul.”

She paused and then finally she gave in and decided to reveal her tale. “My Mother was...a Lady who catered to the needs of men of the city and travelers. She did not love me much. Mostly, I was just in the way. I was only the means to keep my father at her beck and call. My Father was a General, a great warrior. He loved me. But he would leave often. I hated it when he left. Because I didn’t...have anyone...Not even any friends. I was not very kind then. I was angry I guess. I didn’t understand it...I don’t know why I see it now? Perhaps it was because of her...that she Elf...I saw…”

She turned away and looked towards the stars. She sadly stared at their flickering lights. A part of her didn’t want to tell her tale, but the past was opening up before her and Divia felt the words coming from her lips and was unable to stop them. It was almost as if she needed to talk about it. Needed to relive it one last time. “I longed for him to return. I was so lonely. One night, one of the men that my mother catered for came into my room...he was drunk...and...and I cried for Lucius but he never came…--”

Frodo felt tears spring into his eyes as he realized what she was saying. He knew without a doubt she was speaking the truth. Divia swallowed and shook her head. A part of her told her to stop, that what had happened so long ago was no longer important. It was dead, like her. And yet she could still feel him, his weight upon him, the pain ripping through her body as he pressed his member into her small form. She had cried for her father to save her, but as always, there was no one, no one to save her then and no one to save her now. Why did the She elf, Galadriel, let her live? Oh how Divia longed for the oblivion of death. How she longed for silence. But all she felt was pain slicing its way into her heart, her now beating heart.

“Afterwards, my mother came...I told her but she just slapped me... she said that...it doesn’t matter, that was what women are for...I ran away then, I tried to leave. I was going to find my father but then...I got lost and I got sick. One of my Mother’s servants found me. She took me home. There I remained in my bed, dying from some illness I did not know. That was when he came.”

“Who?”

“Kahaha. He was so dark and charming. My Mother took to him at once. He said he was healer...He wasn’t. He was a servant of a dark lord coming from a far away place.”

She thought about explaining the connection of him to Sauron. That Kahaha had been a servant of Sauron and had come to Middle-Earth to bring back the Nameless one. She decided not to. What would it matter?

“He brought me across as he was. He had done so to many others in the past and in my world but none held his attention. He was searching for the perfect one. I was to be the one. He made me what I was, what I am. For a time I enjoyed the power and health of my body. I enjoyed feasting on the flesh of those that had hurt me. I wanted to kill them all, make them all suffer. But I wanted my father too. I wanted him back. Kahaha promised me that he would let me be with my father. But I had to do something for him. To perform a ritual...to lay with him....I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t let anyone touch me again like, like...I killed him. I killed my Master and I do not regret it! I do not!”

Divia lowered her voice and looked back at her hands. “I staked him and watched him die in the sunlight. Then I went to my father…”

Frodo sadly reached out and touched her hand. “Please go on.”

“I found he had returned from war to my mother’s home in Pompeii. I then knew that I never wanted to be parted from him again. I saw how my father was enticed by my mother, how he laid with her. I knew then...that the only way I could keep him was to make him like me...and so I did. I brought him across as a vampire. A rather easy procedure. You drain your victim almost to the point of death and then…you call them back and allow them to feed on your blood…just a bit…and they become a creature of the night.”

“What happened?”

“He then killed me.” Divia replied. She refused to explain why. It didn’t matter, she deserved it. Frodo felt shocked by all of her revelations and yet he also felt like he was missing something, that Divia had left something vitally important out of her story.

“I deserved it.” Divia replied softly. The tears slowly slid down from her eyes and fell past her cheeks and dripped one by one onto the ground. “I was vile, and evil. I killed and killed...and fed. I liked killing and hurting others. They deserved it...I thought they deserved it, after all, they never helped me when I was crying in the dark No one came to save me...why should anyone save them?”

Frodo finally spoke softly cutting in her sad reverie. “My Uncle Bilbo always used to say that people, whether they be human, dwarf or even an elf...they are still the same in the heart. When they are hurt, it is common to hurt in return. The problem is, that hurting back only increases the pain and makes things worse. It becomes a cycle of hurt and to be hurt. It goes on and on, and hate and bitterness feed off each other. It’s an never ending circle, unbroken. Until the one that hurts and does the hurting forgets even the reason why he does what he does. He just knows he needs to hurt someone. To strike out a deadly blow. But the cycle can be stopped. It can be ended.”

“How? Frodo Baggins? How is the cycle ended?”

“ìBy saying three words. I forgive you.”

Divia looked up in surprise and saw Frodo stare at her with a soft but kind smile. “I mean it, I forgive you, Divia. I forgive you for trying to kill me and my friends. I will speak to Elrond when we get to Rivendell on your behalf. To be lenient upon you. I can do no less.”

Divia stared at him in shock and shook her head. “No, do not speak on my behalf. I do not warrant it, Frodo. Don’t you understand? I am evil? I am the vile creature that your Sam speaks of. I am worse then this creature Gollum you speak of. Because I was given the freedom of choice. I killed many people. Men, Women, children....Oh, NO!”

Divia closed her eyes and felt the tears once more come down her face as she felt the pain lance inside her. She could see their faces once more, all those she had killed. The women, the men...the children. The children!!!

“No, no-no-no-no…” She chanted and curled herself into a ball and wept in complete misery. “I killed children...I killed children! I am evil...Oh no, by the Gods, I deserve death. I wish I had never been born! I wish I had never lived! How can I go on? How can I ever make amends? I am beyond forgiveness, beyond redemption!”

Frodo, feeling her pain, moved closer to her. His eyes filled with his own pain and Frodo, without another thought, pulled her into his arms and held her consolingly there. After a long time, he spoke softly at first, but loud enough for her to hear.

“Divia, we all do things that we regret. We all make choices that we regret. Sometimes they are small and of little importance in the long run. But there are some choices that turn our lives upside down and create a ripple in the water of consequences that we are powerless to escape from. Let me tell you a story…”

And so Divia sat, still weeping, but listening as Frodo began to tell the story of the One Ring and how it came to him and how he, of all Middle-Earth, chose to destroy it.

“I could feel myself being lost, bit by bit, day by day by the Ring. It was as if I were being torn in two...halved. I thought, if I could just save Gollum, that in the process I could save myself. But Gollum, in the end, chose his own path. I have never spoken of it, not even with Sam. I guess it was just too painful. Gandalf asked me about it once, but I just couldn’t talk about it. We made it to Mount Doom. There I was, and all I had to do was let it go. Let it fall back into the fires from whence it came and I didn’t. I claimed the One Ring as my own. My poor Sam, he was so horrified and screamed my name. I hurt him, it is funny isn’t it, how we always hurt the ones we love the most in this life? Yet he still loves me, he’s still loyal to me. But was I there for him? I wonder? I claimed the Ring and therefore sealed the fate of Middle-Earth. Oh yes, I would be the LORD OF THE RINGS. It’s evil had tainted and claimed me. I was Frodo no more. I lost a part of myself that day.-”

*The Ring is mine!*

“-All of Middle-Earth would have paid for my folly. I would have become like Sauron. I would have killed and destroyed all in my path. Even my Sam. All for the Ring. Men, women, even children. So am I any less like you? Am I not evil?”

Divia shook her head and finally stared into his eyes. “No, you couldn’t...you can’t...you’re not evil.”

“But I would have killed countless thousands, and destroyed all...Does that not make me as evil a creature as you?:

“But you didnít!”

“No, I didn’t. Because Gollum attacked me...and bit off the ring from my finger.”

Frodo held up his maimed hand for her to see. “My forever reminder of my failure and my shame. It was Gollum who fell in his glory and died with The One Ring. That which he loved...and hated. I failed Gandalf...I failed Middle-Earth...I failed Sam...I failed Gollum...I failed everyone...And since then I yearn for the nothingness, for death. I wish I had never been born. All that had come to pass. The World was saved...but not by me.”

“You give yourself little credit...You said that the Ring corrupts everyone who has held it in his possession...It would never have gotten as far as it did without you. You are a hero...and if you had listened to Sam in the first place and killed Gollum instead of pitying him...then the Ring wouldn’t have been destroyed. Don’t you see Frodo? I see it clearly, why can’t you> You are a hero...you saved everyone.”

Frodo smiled and met Divia’s eyes and shrugged. “I don’t know if I can ever see that. Gandalf said as much to me. So you, even you can forgive me...why then is it so impossible for you to be forgiven?”

Divia pulled suddenly away from his arms and shrugged sadly at Frodo. “Its not the same thing. Oh Frodo, I didn’t tell you everything...I didn’t tell you why my father...tried to kill me.”

“I think I know why...but tell me.”

“It is vile. It’s an abomination.”

“Tell me.”

“I loved my father, I loved Lucius. But I knew in my very soul that I would lose him. I wanted to keep him, and I thought maybe if I did...If I gave him what my mother gave him...that he would stay with me...forever.”

Frodo nodded allowing her to tell the truth of her past, the last part of her past.

“If I made love to him...Then maybe he would never leave me. He was disgusted when I said it. I wanted to stop...a part of me didn’t want to and yet a part of me did. I wanted to forget the one that had hurt me...that man...I had killed him of course, he was my first victim. But I wanted a new image, one that would make me forget...and I loved Lucius. I couldn’t stop, I wanted my father, I wanted him to stay with me...forever. That was why he killed me and had me entombed. For two thousand years I laid in that dark box. Hating him, all men, all life. Hating them for hurting me...for being like them! I realized then that he had never loved me, never. That no one loved me. That I would never be loved.”

Divia sobbed and then wiping her eyes, she shook her head and continued. “HE kept me alive...for a long time.”

Frodo wondered briefly who the HE was. He could guess it was Kahaha but inside he knew The HE was someone else altogether, someone he was all together familiar with.

“He let me feed off his essence and I healed and I grew stronger and I-I allowed the hatred to take over. The bitterness and anger was all that existed for me. Revenge. Someday I would be free...and I would find my father and...I would make him pay for what he did, for being like my mother, for being like them! I wanted to kill everything that he loved...so he would know exactly what it felt like...to be alone and unloved.”

Frodo held her hand and when Divia stared into Frodo’s eyes she was surprised to see they were not filled with disgust, but compassion.

“It’s hard to be alone Divia. I know, I have walked that path too. Galadriel said it once. To be a Ring Bearer is to be alone. I never wanted to be. When my mom died, when Bilbo left me...knowing that I would never have a normal life. A wife, children...it’s not easy. It hurts. No one understands the pain you feel, the loneliness. How it...fills your thoughts and makes life bleak and dark. Hopeless.”

Divia watched as the tears fell from Frodo’s eyes. Her fingers reached out and touched one of them. She held it to her face and stared at the salty tear in confusion and sadness.

“How it consumes you...such despair. You’re so afraid of being alone and being a burden all at the same time. I know. I know. I remember.”

Divia stared back at Frodo and moved closer towards him. Moments later she lay in his arms. Frodo stroked her hair softly and continued to hold her close.

“Even the ones that love us the most, never understand. We are set apart from all the rest. It is our fate. It is our destiny.”

“But you have...them? You have Sam?”

“Sam loves me, yes...But not the way I have come to love him. Eventually, I will have to let him go. Perhaps it is time, for me to let go...and you. Divia. My Uncle always said...You can’t go back and change the past. But you can always begin anew. As the sun rises and the dawning of a new day you can start over again and begin a new life. A better life.”

“Frodo, I don’t know how to do that. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I am no longer a vampire...she made me mortal and I don’t know how to start over.”

Frodo took her face into his hands and smiled. “I’ll help you.”

“Why? So you can save yourself?”

Frodo shook his head. It was only then that he realized why he had failed in saving Gollum. Because Frodo had not really wanted to save Gollum, only himself. This time would be different. This time he would succeed. With Divia.

“No...Because everyone, everyone deserves a second chance.”

She finally fell asleep. Rising slowly, Frodo returned to his bed roll, but as he leaned down to try to get some sleep, a soft hand touched his cheek.

Frodo opened his eyes and smiled to see Sam’s loving eyes staring back at him. Then Sam spoke. “Everyone does deserve a second chance.”

With that, Sam leaned in and to Frodo’s surprise pressed his lips against his own. A moment later, Frodo felt warm arms pull him into a loving embrace and Frodo went willingly. At least tonight he would not feel the darkness so close to his heart.

Part Four As The Worlds Turn.

*SARUMAN! THE TIME HAS COME. SEND OUT MY ORCS, SEND THEM TOWARDS RIVENDELL AND TELL THEM TO BRING BACK THE GOLDEN CHILD TO ME. UNHARMED!*

Staring at the darkness, Saruman wanted to shout that he wasn’t ready. He only had a small few orcs at his beck and call. He needed more time. But he knew already that Sauron would not accept any argument. He bowed and called for Wormtongue. Minutes later a half dozen orcs crept out of Isengard and made their way through the forest and towards Rivendell.

***

Vortex

LaCroix was losing his patience. He started hissing and as each minute passed he was getting louder. Finally annoyed, the Doctor popped his head out from under the console and grimaced at LaCroix. “Calm yourself! Your lack of patience has often caused you a great deal of pain. Getting angry is not going to help matters.

“I am tired of waiting. Divia is capable of doing anything and Saruman must be dealt with!”

The Doctor shook his head and returned to working on the console. Looking away, LaCroix saw Nicholas was staring vacantly out at the viewscreen. His face mirrored his thoughts. Despair and fear.

“Nicholas?”

“Its all my fault. I did this.”

“Nicholas, Mon fil...don’t.”

“I could have stayed. I wanted to stay in the Shire. To stay and watch Frodo grow up and stay beside Primula. But I also wanted to go home, the thought of never seeing...He warned me...an elf about you. About my future. I didn’t listen. You were right, LaCroix. I never listen. I do believe that everything revolves around me and my guilt. You were right. I always believed things to be black and white and I pictured you as the ultimate villain.”

With regret in his eyes, Nicholas turned to his father. “I’m sorry, LaCroix. I am so sorry. For all the hurt I did to you. For all that I have done.”

LaCroix’s eyes softened. “...You are not entirely at blame. After I killed Divia...entombed her, for a thousand years, I wandered the earth alone. Trying to bury the hurt inside of me. When I decided to have a family, I thought I would never let anyone hurt me like Divia did. I never wanted to suffer like that again. I thought I could control my feelings and all things around me...I was harder on you because...I came to love you as much and more so then I did with Divia. I took that love out on you in despicable ways. Nicholas. My Nicholas. My Son…”

Just as he was about to embrace Nicholas, the Doctor stuck his head out and shook his head.

“Excuse me, sorry to interrupt the family reunion, but could you hand me the sonic screwdriver...to your left?”

Nicholas smiled and handed the Doctor the object. Turning to LaCroix, Nicholas saw he was now staring at the view screen.

“Father?”

LaCroix pulled himself up straight at the name being called to him. Nicholas reached out and touched his shoulder.

“LaCroix.”

“I don’t know if I can do it again. Kill my daughter. Was once not enough? I know she was...is evil. But I still lov-...I still love her. I can’t help but wonder what I could have done differently, that would have not made her what she was, what she became. What part of my blood did she inherit. What part of my evil.”

Nicholas shrugged. “Father, please…”

LaCroix sighed and resigned himself for what was to come. “Don’t worry Nicholas. I won’t let her kill Frodo. When it comes down to it...I will kill her. Once and for all.”

***

Frodo didn’t feel too well. He paused and mopped his brow and then the next minute he was on the ground.

“Frodo!”

A chorus shouted, and when Frodo opened his eyes he saw four faces all looking down at him. Sam had Frodo in his arms and Divia was stroking his forehead. They appeared to be frightened, he tried to speak but found he couldn’t.

That morning, against Merry’s better judgment, Frodo had untied Divia. She had been good since then, keeping her head bowed and did not try anything. She had even tried to eat some bread and some of the rabbit stew Sam had made for luncheon. Frodo hadn’t eaten too much, but seeing the delight on Divia’s face as she experienced the taste of food after so many centuries, Frodo had happily given her his portions. She ate every morsel. Pippin had leaned against Merry and had kiddingly said that she may not be a Hobbit she could still eat like one.

As the day went on, Frodo grew paler and weaker. Sam had only just started to notice when Frodo fell off his pony.

“What’s wrong? What’s happening to him?” Asked Divia. “He’s burning up?”

“Its the sickness...its coming back...Frodo?”

But Frodo only stirred for a moment before falling back into a restless sleep, mumbling in gibberish.

“What do we do?” Asked Pippin. “Rivendell is still two days away.”

Merry pulled out the map and looked things over. “We could go to Rohan, its closer, less then a days journey.”

“Frodo needs elvish medicine.” Grumbled Sam, pulling Frodo even closer in his arms. He hurriedly brought Frodo under the shade of a tree. Taking out some blankets and with some help from Divia, he tried to get Frodo comfortable.

For once, as Divia laid a blanket over Frodo, Sam didn’t eye her suspiciously or with anger.

“We can’t move him right now. It would be too dangerous.”

“How long does the illness stay upon him?“

“Usually a day or so…”

“We can’t stay here...Saruman could be coming.” Divia swallowed at the name and finally sadly shrugged at the hobbits. “I was working with Saruman, but I left him. I was going to kill Frodo and all of you for my own personal reason. Saruman thinks he is working for his own ends and though I have no proof, I think, Sauron has control of him. Using him for his own will. You said something about The Seeing stone being used by Sauron?”

Sam nodded. “Yes.”

“I think Sauron has been behind this all along. He is going to come for us...all of us. We have to get out of here!”

Merry came over and, sitting beside Sam, he stared down at Frodo to see his cousin was moving his head back and forth but little other movement. He moaned quietly and then fell back into some dark place.

“We can’t move him? We can’t stay? What do we do Sam?”

Sam made his decision. “Pippin, you ride to Rivendell. Get to Gandalf and Elrond. Quickly!”

Pippin didn’t even look back as he got onto his pony and hurriedly set his pace into the woods.

Sam then faced Merry. “You go to Rohan and see if you get help there too.”

“I’m not leaving you and Frodo!”

“Do as I say!” Sam grabbed Merry’s arm and pulling him aside, he angrily faced down the Knight of Rohan. “We don’t have time to argue. Frodo doesn’t have time. I didn’t bring any Kingsfoil. I didn’t think it would happen so soon. Fool that I am...you must hurry. We need Elrond’s healing magic. Hurry!”

Hesitating only a moment longer, Merry turned to Divia and pulling out his sword, he glared at her angrily. “If you betray us, if any harm comes to my cousin...by Elbereth, I will kill you!”

Turning to his pony, Merry climbed up on her and hurriedly made his way towards Rohan.

After they were gone, Sam sat down beside Divia and taking a rope, he held it out meaningfully at her.

“I won’t try to run away.”

“That’s not why…”

“I won’t hurt him. I couldn’t hurt Frodo...not now...not ever.”

“I can’t trust you, Divia. My Master means more to me then my life, I will not allow anyone to harm him. Not while I have life in me.”

Divia sadly lowered her eyes and raised her hands. Sam quickly bound them.

***

The Orcs ran quickly through the forest, theretheir pace quickening.

***

“Sam, Sam...Sam where are you!”

“Mr. Frodo, Frodo I’m here. Your Sam is here.”

Frodo only continued to call out Sam’s name, not hearing his servants call. Divia sat quietly nearby, her hands bound and her face filled with remorse. She often turned to the stars as if seeking guidance or some sort of help. But none came. She finally turned back to Frodo and felt the tears come to her eyes.

“He loves you, you know. Sam.”

Sam didn’t look up from the fire. He placed more wood on it to keep it warm. “I know. I love him too.”

“No, I mean, he really loves you. Like a man and a woman kind of love.”

Sam smiled. “I know. It seems I have loved him the same way all my life.”

“You do? He, Frodo, doesn’t think that you feel that way?”

“I made a mistake in Bree. I was just so shocked when...he kissed me. I thought for a moment that he just did that because I wanted it...its hard to believe, to know that someone loves you just as much as you love them. I was a fool. I meant to make it right...just haven’t had the time.”

“You still have time.”

“No- not much longer.”

“What do you mean?”

“He is going to leave me soon and he doesn’t even know it yet.”

“He may not die.”

“I am not speaking of death. The Elves are immortal. Wise beings who have lived in Middle-Earth for a long time. But now they are leaving these shores returning to Valinor...into the west. The undying lands. Elrond spoke to me in Minas Tirith. He said that when the time came, if Frodo’s pain became too much for him...that the way would be opened as it had for his Uncle Bilbo. That he could go with the elves into the West. There he would be healed and cared for.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you get to go with him?”

“I don’t know...I didn’t ask.”

Divia looked down at Frodo and with her tied hands, she gently stroked Frodo’s dark curls. “What is Valinor like?”

“I don’t know. They say its a lovely place. Beautiful, full of light and lots of elves. No one ever dies. But I do not know what it is really.”

“Paradise, I suppose.”

“Perhaps.î”

“Frodo won’t want to be parted from you.”

“There will come a time when he won’t have a choice.”

“There is always another choice. Sam.”

A low moan erupted from Frodo, and Sam moved closer to his Master. He laid his hand upon Frodo’s chest and then stared back at Divia. “You really have changed haven’t you?”

Divia swallowed. A tear fell from her eye. “If I could undo all that I have done, I would. I can’t. Frodo is wrong though. He is not alone. He has you. Unlike me.”

Sam reached out and touched her face gently. “Please don’t...I don’t deserve any kindness or pity Sam.”

“No, Divia...it’s people like you that do deserve pity and kindness. Your father shouldn’t have done what he did. Aye, I heard the story. I am sorry for eavesdropping, something I have been accused of in the past. But I am not sorry for hearing your story. I do not try to understand days long past. When things were different and people thought differently. My Gaffer always said that one ill turn does not deserve the other. He is pretty smart, my Old Gaffer. I wonder sometimes, if I had been more caring to Gollum, as my Master was, if Gollum wouldn’t have betrayed us as he did. I have some regrets, not many, but some. I do know this, instead of trying to talk things out, people prefer to allow their anger to over rule good common sense. If your father had truly listened to you, if he had made time to try to understand you, perhaps you wouldn’t have sought out the wrong kind of love so desperately. Everyone wants to be loved, Divia. Even if they deny it, even when they fight it, even when they ignore it. Someday it comes out. Sometimes like fire, hot and burning, sometimes in water soothing and quenching. Sometimes it comes as Air. Sweet and refreshing, swift and gentle. But love, pure love, cannot be used, bought, or even fought over. Love can only be given. Someday you will understand this.”

Divia shyly shrugged. “Is that why they call you Samwise? Because you are so wise?”

Sam chuckled. “No, I am not wise. I don’t know much about books and lots of things, I just know a lot about gardening and growing things. Flowers are much like children. You plant the seed into the ground and watch them grow. They start off small, like a little seed...but slowly with water and sunlight and lots of attention and love its starts to grow and grow. You were once like a seed, Divia. But instead of being given water and sunlight and love...you were given only darkness. When that happens a flower can’t grow...or if it does it’s not very healthy and its not very pretty to look at. Often it is bitter.

“Like me?”

“Not exactly. You still have a chance Divia. To live in the light. To let the sunlight in and to feel the water around you. To feel the love that can surround you. You had it rough, and you took it out on the rest of the world. Now its time to move on.”

Divia sadly lowered her eyes. “How?”

“When this is all over...come to the Shire. Come live with us for a time. Bag End has plenty of room. I think Mr. Frodo would like you to come too.”

Divia looked back up into his eyes and felt the tears once again come to her face. “You don’t mean that?”

“I do...I think its time you learned a little bit about what real love is all about. Mr. Frodo and I will do what we can, to show you.”

“Second chance? I don’t deserve it. Sam, please. My father, he hates me. He said I was a grotesque thing...that no one could ever love someone like me.”

Sam moved over and untied her hands. Sam smiled at her and gently moved in and gently placed a small kiss upon her cheek. “Since you have no father, then I would be honored...if you would let me take his place. I will teach you all about growing things, and most of all, I will show you what real love is. Pure love. Real love. Frodo and I will help you find your way in the light. Help you see what life is really about.”

Divia touched her cheek and let the tears fall from her eyes. “You mean that?”

“I do.”

Divia wiped at her eyes and then felt a hand brush hers. She looked down and saw two blue eyes look up at her. Frodo was awake and he smiled up at the two of them. He reached out and took Sam’s hand into his own then turned back to Divia.

“Yes, come and live with me and Sam...in Bag End. I would like that very much.”

Divia stared at the two of them. Then,looking back at Frodo, she watched as he slowly slipped back into a deep sleep. Facing Sam, Divia smiled. “When this is all over. Yes, I will come and live with you and Frodo in Bag End. I would very much like to start over again with a new life.”

Sam nodded. “A new life, then you need a new name...let’s see...ah yes, I know the perfect name for you and won’t be too difficult to change from...Divina...it means Loved one.”

Divia stared at Sam in shock and then blushing, she smiled and then the tears came all over again. But this time they were of happiness.

***

Night fell, and Frodo still didn’t look better. Exhausted, Sam had finally fallen asleep and Divia now Divina sat quietly by the fire. She stared at the two sleeping hobbits for a long time and then she turned and stared into the fire.

*Can I truly start over again? Can I truly be accepted and loved at last? Did it take leaving my world and coming to this place to change me? But I have done so much evil- How could I be graced so easily with this life? Am I truly redeemed?*

Divia rose and slowly walked away from the fire. Moving to a small clearing she stared back at the stars and once more remembered the face of her father. LaCroix had said once not long ago, when she had been trying to kill him, that he loved her more then the Gods. Did he mean that? Or had he been lying? Not that she could go back. She never wanted to see him again. She couldn’t. She was sorry now, more sorry then anything. She wished she could change what she had done. She had not lied to Sam about that. Staring up at the stars she let the tears fall from her eyes and this time she shook her head hopelessly at the heavens.

“Father...Lucius. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Please, Forgive me, your daughter.”

Yes, she would stay here. She would see that Sauron was defeated and Saruman stopped. She would then return to the Shire. What ever time that Frodo had left, she would spend it with him and Sam. She would learn once again to be mortal. She would do things that mortals do.

*I will learn to sew...I’ll sew all Frodo’s clothes, and Sam’s...I will learn to cook and clean and I will even help my hobbit father in the garden.

* What would it be like, to spend the day in the garden? Bathing in the sunlight? Sam would be there patient and smiling, showing her how to plant the seeds and the right amount of water to give the plants. Frodo would read to her at night. Tell her stories about the War of the Ring and about the Elves. She would do good for others, she would try to make amends for all the harm she had done. She could do it. She could try and start all over again. It might take a lifetime but it would be worth it.

It was then that Divia realized that she had, in the span of a mere few days, forgotten the life she had in the darkness as a vampire, and was now ready to embrace the light of mortality. She had come to love Frodo and Sam. In time perhaps she would get those cousins of Frodo’s to accept her too. It would take time but she would try. The best part of all, was that Frodo and Sam loved her in return. Even knowing what she was and what she had done. They still came to like and accept her. They would be her family. They would love her, and she would love them in return. Yes, she was ready to start over again. Ready and waiting. But yet, there was still something that was holding her back.

Saruman...he still had the power to destroy her and he was hell bent on killing Frodo.

*I won’t let him, I won’t let him kill Frodo. I won’t.*

“Divia...Divina…”

Shocked, Divia turned to see Frodo standing behind her. He looked pale and sad.

“You aren’t leaving are you?”

Divia swallowed and moved towards him. He reached out his hand, trembling. She took it and gently sat him down in the grass.

“No. I just needed to think a little.”

“Sam tells me I think too much. You think too much too.”

“You should be resting.”

“I am feeling better. I think it’s passing. The sickness I mean.”

“Never the less, you should not be walking about.”

“What were you thinking about?”

Divia sighed and, seeing the determination in Frodoís eyes, confessed.

“I was thinking about my father. How I wish I could tell him I was sorry. How I wish I could have his forgiveness. It would make it easier starting over.î”

“Maybe someday...We could find him and together we can sit down and talk.”

“No...What I did to him...was unforgivable .” She smiled sadly and shook her head as the tears filled her eyes. “I feel...so alone, Frodo. I just wish...Everyone keeps telling me about this word love and...and I am trying so hard to know what it is and I..I don’t know. I want to know and I...I’m scared.”

Frodo nodded and reached out and pulled her close.

“Frodo.” She lowered her head upon his shoulder and sadly cried. “What if I turn back to what I was before...what if I lose what I have learned now? What if I become like that Gollum...and try to kill you. Oh Frodo! I’m scared. I’ve never been afraid before and now I am. I’m so scared...and so alone. I don‘t know how to be good.”

Frodo cupped her chin and brought it to his face. “I know what you mean. The One Ring. sometimes I still feel it. Still hear its call. I get so afraid that I may lose myself in the dark. That I will never find my way back, back to my Sam. He has given up so much because of me. Rosie Cotton...children. What can I possibly give him in return compared to all that?”

“I’ve taken life away and given nothing in return, Frodo.”

“I take from him and I take and I give him nothing in return.”

They paused and stared at one another and then there eyes met and a second later their lips touched.

***

Sam slept on in his dreams. As he lay there, he did not notice Sting laying at his feet, begin to glow blue.

***

“I-I’ve never done this before...I mean-”

Divia held Frodo in her arms and kissed him again and again on the lips. Frodo gently lowered himself to the ground and allowed Divia to be on top. He removed his shirt and the necklace of Othorne and Lorien and allowed Divia to touch the scar on his upper shoulder and chest area.

“I was stabbed there by the witch king of Angmar. A morgul blade. Its wound will never heal and I shall forever feel the blade.”

Divia narrowed her eyes and then bent down and kissed the wound with her lips. She pulled off her own shirt and then leaned down upon Frodo and kissed his lips once more. All the while Frodo touched her hands and arm, stroking her back and caressing her neck.

“Frodo, it’s wrong. Sam?”

“Tomorrow I will think of Sam, deal with him. Speak to him of this. Tonight...is for you. I want to show you what love really is about. Divia, take what I am about to give you. Take it and hold it deep in your heart. Let it carry you in the present and the future to come. Let the sunlight in and let life embrace you once more. For once in my life let me give without taking.”

“Oh Frodo...Frodo!”

Feeling suddenly hot and feeling emotions run through her she pulled Frodo’s pants down revealing the perfect body of the hobbit. Only his feet and head had hair. The rest was all skin and it glowed at her touch and Divia felt as if she was drowning. She now trembled with need and all thoughts left her filled the desire. The Fire burned within her and Frodo met that fire with his cleansing water.

***

She lay breathing hard over Frodo, her arms clutching him and still trembling from the aftermath. Finally finding words, she smiled at Frodo delving deeper into his arms.

“That was...I never knew...I never. Oh Frodo. Thank you, for this new memory. I shall remember this for the rest of my life. Is this what love is?”

Frodo smiled and held her closer to him. “A form of it.“ He still felt unwell, dizzy, but smiling he shook his head. “You’re welcome.”

Getting to her feet, Divia reached for her clothes, tossing Frodo his nearby vest and shirt. Frodo paused to pick up the necklace and place it into his pants pocket.

“I mean it, Frodo. Thank you. I never knew that it could be without pain, and that it could be something so...beautiful.”

Frodo nodded and buttoned his shirt. Feeling a bit of guilt, Divia shrugged. “We should get back to Sam before he wakes.”

Frodo did not argue. He would talk to Sam in the morning and tell him about what he and Divia did this night. He would not keep it a secret or try to hide the deed. He knew Sam would be hurt but it would hurt more if Sam found out about this from other sources. Frodo cared deeply for Sam, loved him more and more as each day went by, but he was also growing to care deeply for Divia. Divina. He didn’t know why. He no longer felt pity for her, but genuine love. She had been dealt a hard life and he wanted to give her something better. He knew that if he and Sam took her in that in time she would find a reason to bloom and perhaps find some happiness. That was why he did what he did tonight. He wanted to show her and give her something that she could hold in her heart. He only hoped Sam would understand. He hoped that this event would not cause Sam to turn away from him.

He hoped... Still feeling a bit dizzy, he looked to Divia with a smile. “I think I might need help back to the fire...I still feel a little bit weak…”

Divia smiled and helped Frodo to his feet, and letting him lean against her, he helped him back to the fire.

*Yes, she loved Frodo. Oh, how she loved him.*

***

They were almost back to the fire when the sound of clashing metal met there their ears. Feeling real panic, Divia started to run, and Frodo, ignoring the throbbing in his skull, and the pain in his shoulder followed after her.

“You UGLY beast! Back I say! Or I shall use my Sting!”

Reaching the fire, Frodo watched in horror to see Sam was holding Sting in his hands and was fighting two orcs that were trying to slice him in half.

“Sam!” Frodo, without thinking, raced forward. Sam turned to see his Master and cried out in horror.

“Mr. Frodo, no look out!”

Frodo never saw the other two orcs waiting behind the tree. The next thing Frodo felt was a hard hand come crashing down across his back and a stone smashing into his head. “Argh!”

“NO!” Divia screamed and hurried to Frodo’s side, but just as she reached him, she felt something grab her and pull her into the air. The Monster stood towering over her form. He was disgusting looking, something out of nightmare. He had grey skin with bumps all over his malformed body, although he looked human he was anything but. His eyes were the most horrible, they glowed a greenish color. He also had a distinct foul smell. He growled down at her and Divia screamed and started fighting with all the strength that she had. She kicked and bit and spat at him. He threw her hard against a tree. Divia felt something hard smack against her head and then there was darkness.

Sam seeing all this, laid a killing blow to the first orc and then, kicking the other orc away, he ran towards Divia and Frodo to try to rescue them.

“You pieces of filth! I will kill you!” The Large Orc, however, saw the fat one coming. He moved away from the swinging sword and brought his own sword forward connecting on the hard metal. With his other hand he brought it down on Samwise’s head. Sam felt the impact and then nothing.

The Orcs came out of the darkness. four of them in all. They slowly moved in, circling the three small unconscious victims. Howling in triumph, the orcs picked the three bodies up and turning, they raced back into the forest. Back to Isengard.

<TBC>

Book Five The conclusion May 2005

The End of All Things