3/?
Class: Slash
Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, Frodo/Sam, Nicholas/LaCroix
Disclaimer: I don't own them, but I wish I did.
Author�s note: I am aware that Celeborn did not leave Middle-Earth in Tolkien�s books with Galadriel, Gandalf and Elrond. It is rumored that he remained in Rivendell for a time but it is suggested that he eventually did go to Valinor, I am simply altering that in my AU series. This is just for all those that are book Tolkien fans and don�t email and flame me on this. Also I am aware that when Frodo returns to Rivendell after the destruction of the ring, Elrond invites Frodo to come with them to Valinor. I am altering that as well. The next part is full of angst those with soft hearts hang in there! I promise there will be a happy ending; just not right now!
Part one: The Return to Middle-Earth
Time and Place: One year after Return of the King. The Shire (Alternate world 1)
He felt the darkness all around him. Cold; so cold, and hot at the same time. He moaned helplessly. His hands clenched at his chest as he was consumed in agony. He needed it; had to have it, must have it! Lost! Lost forever.
He stood there, watching the events like a bystander. The moment when he had failed them all and had chosen instead to keep the ring; the horror and sadness on his dear Sam�s face as he watched his beloved Master become lost to him, followed by the madness; the insanity of evil as it consumed him.
�The Ring is mine.�
Then he screamed as pain ripped through him. The Creature, Gollum, now held the ring in his mouth along with his torn finger.
It was too much for Frodo Baggins watching helplessly as the Creature dance in glee at finally regaining his Precious back and then hearing the terrible cries as Gollum slipped and fell into the mountain of fire.
The Ring was finally destroyed, but not by him. He had failed. He had failed them all.
�No, no...please...�
The faces were all around him now, the goblins, the orcs and the Ringwraiths. They all reached out to him. He would belong to them.
�No! Please I don�t want to fade away. I want to live. To live! All lost, all gone.�
Out of the darkness a voice called to him. A safe and comforting voice.
�Mr. Frodo. Mr. Frodo. It�s all right. I�m here now. Your Sam is here. It�s all over. The Ring is gone. You�re safe.�
Frodo Baggins opened his eyes, filled with tears and sweat, to see he was home. Bag End. In his own bed. Staring up, he saw that a candle was lit and was placed by the nearby window. The window was open and a slight breeze was in the air. It seemed to be lulling a song to him of hope and peace. He was home again and he was with Sam. They had survived the destruction of The One Ring and Sauron. Mostly.
The sickness came upon him often and quickly. Returning to the Shire, Frodo had hoped that everything would return to normal. Like things used to be, before the Ring. Before all the bad things happened. When he had lost his finger, his innocence and his soul.
Frodo remembered the days after the ring was destroyed; how he had been cared for in Minas Tirith and worshiped by the people as their redeemer. It had saddened him greatly as they sang his praises, knowing that he had failed them all in the end giving in to the thrall of the Ring. But Gandalf, resurrected from the dead, had sat by his side with Sam and his old friends. Legolas had been there with Gimli, and of course, Aragorn. Dear Aragorn. How wonderful and changed he looked. No longer the dirty and rugged ranger he had known as Strider, but now a King.
Frodo had been happy and sad all at the same time at seeing them again. Grief had overtaken him and it was only Sam�s gentle touch that had helped to ease his pain.
Gandalf had told him repeatedly he had not failed. That he had done what he was supposed to do, to take the ring to Mount Doom. That was Frodo�s fate. But not to destroy the ring. That was Gollum�s fate. To destroy that which he loved and hated.
Frodo had tried to make sense of it, but still Frodo felt he had been unsuccessful in his quest.
Parties and celebrations had commenced. Frodo tried to attend them but found he couldn�t. He felt too ashamed. Often he hid in his room, staring out his window.
He had reluctantly participated in the coronation of Aragorn, lifting the crown and placing it upon his head. In return, the Ranger Frodo had once known was almost gone forever to his eyes, until Aragorn had bent down and had kissed Frodo lovingly on the cheek, and embraced him tightly in his arms.
A few days later Frodo watched the arrival of Lady Arwen along with her father Elrond. They came to visit him in his private chambers.
Frodo wept openly in Elrond�s arms. He had begged the kingly Elf to forgive him. But Elrond only held him close whispering words of healing and consolation. Arwen had stood by with her own tears falling bitterly at the scene before her, her heart going out to him. Frodo felt as if he should have died that day on Mount Doom and could not understand that his friends and all those around him felt themselves to blame.
In some small way, they knew in their hearts that Frodo had to do this, but they were also ashamed that they had allowed a small innocent to bear a burden that should have been carried out by one of them. This evil had been spawned many thousands of years ago and it was an evil that should have been dealt with by warriors and kings, not by a halfling, who had never been beyond the safe haven of his homeland.
Frodo paid the penalty of their own weakness. He was no longer the innocent master of Bag End, with a twinkling eye and a hearty laugh. No, he was a shattered creature, broken by the ring. It had taken much from Frodo. Not just his innocence, health and laughter but it had also shattered any peace or hope he would have in this life. He would never be fully healed or whole.
That was why Elrond cried that day and why he had vowed that the young halfling would not suffer needlessly forever. Even then he had started speaking to Gandalf on certain matters of Frodo�s future.
Frodo did not know or understand what they spoke about. He only knew that it was about him.
Shortly after Elrond and Lady Arwen�s visit, Aragorn had come to see him.
Frodo remembered how tall Aragorn stood at the door. Cleaned up and shaven and dressed like royalty, he had been quite nervous, not sure whether to bow or hug his old comrade. Then after a moment, Aragorn kneeled before him and spread open his arms invitingly. Frodo ran to Aragorn�s arms and hugged him.
Aragorn returned the embrace and clung to him for what seemed like a long time.
When Frodo had finally broken the embrace and stared up at the former ranger he saw the pain in the human�s eyes.
�What is it?� Frodo had asked, frightened that he had some bad news to bring him.
But Aragorn had only shaken his head unable to find the words and feelings inside at seeing this once healthy and happy hobbit now looking as brittle as ancient paper and as lost as a sheep from its flock.
He had remembered the first time he had seen Frodo Baggins. It seemed like a thousand lifetimes ago. It had been in Bree, The Inn of the Prancing Pony, that he had grabbed the halfling and forced him upstairs, shoving him angrily into his private bedroom.
Frodo had accidentally put on the ring in a room full of men and Strider, as he had been known then, intended to give the little one a well deserved scare in his na�vet�. But with one conversation with Frodo, Strider had found another piece of his heart being chipped away from him. He had only two great loves in this world, Lady Arwen and Prince Legolas Greenleaf. He had thought that these two loves would be enough to fill his empty heart, but somewhere underneath it all something still had remained empty. Seeing Frodo, Strider had recognized the last missing part and with it another part of his heart had been taken.
The months that followed in the company of Frodo Baggins after Bree, Strider had grown accustomed to the hobbit�s presence, and when they did finally part on top of Amon Hen, it had been as painful as leaving Arwen, his Lady love, back in Rivendell. The only saving grace had been Legolas, still loyal and by his side.
Although he had continued the quest from another direction, Aragorn�s thoughts had often strayed in worry over the current whereabouts of one little Hobbit.
He would never forget the horror when the Great Eagles had come and dropped the lifeless small forms at his feet. They had survived the lava flow of Mount Doom but almost perished by its poisonous fumes. For many days Frodo and Sam�s lives hung in the balance and it had been up to him to use every medical remedy he knew to save them. He was yet to endure the revulsion when Aragorn had attempted to wash the two heroes and cleanse them and became aware of other injuries Frodo had suffered on his quest. Aragorn was appalled at the whip lashes and the bruises that nearly covered Frodo�s entire body. Who could have done such an atrocity? How could someone have touched this beautiful and innocent creature?
When Sam awoke he had revealed Frodo�s three day imprisonment in Cirith Ungol. Aragorn�s heart had ached painfully at the thought. Three days! Three days in that hell hole? The Orcs had showed no mercy in their attempts to regain the Ring for their masters. It had only added to the guilt Aragorn would have to carry with him for the rest of his life. If only he had been strong enough to bear Frodo�s burden, if only he had taken the ring in the first place and gone to Mount Doom instead. If only...
�I failed you Frodo. I gave you my vow to protect you with my life. I am sorry; forgive me little one.�
Frodo had only nodded, unable to understand how everyone kept asking him for their forgiveness when it was he that should be asking for theirs.
Why did everyone feel to blame when it was he that had truly failed?
He had stayed there for many months, in Minas Tirith, supposedly healing from his wounds. But Frodo knew they had kept him there to keep him under protective eyes. In the beginning, he had been too weak to care; his thoughts had only been filled with his failure and the loss of the ring. After its destruction he still felt its pull. He longed for it, hated it, needed it, wanted it, had to have it! Slowly however, Frodo�s body began to heal. His soul, however, remained torn in half. In time Frodo felt other stirrings calling him home and the wish to see his Uncle Bilbo. But every time he had attempted to leave for home, Aragorn or Legolas would beseech him to remain.
After Aragorn and Arwen�s wedding, Frodo could bear it no more; the sickness for home was too much and only at his insistence he was set free. The parting with Aragorn was one of the most painful goodbyes Frodo was to endure. How he would miss his protector and mentor. He had wept in Aragorn�s arm�s, and Aragorn had held him tightly as if he was clinging to a lifeline. When he finally departed, Frodo could not even look back for one final farewell.
It had been a long journey towards home, but one that had given Frodo time to think.
Frodo was delighted to see that Merry and Pippin, his cousins, were now quite inseparable and seemed as if the adventures had been a growing up experience for them and had not conquered their boundless joy for life. As for Sam, Frodo knew his gardener and servant would be happy to finally be home so he could be with his fair Rosie Cotton. Frodo managed to hide his sadness every time Sam spoke about her and how he couldn�t wait to see her again.
Frodo knew Sam would have a long and happy life with Rosie and many little hobbits at his feet. But as for himself, he did not see the light at the end of the tunnel, nor any hope for his future. For he had no one waiting for him at home. The Ring had taken everything from him, and with it all hope. Everything was dark and cold and his body now ached for something that could no longer be his. He was lost and adrift. How many times on his walk for home had Frodo wonder why he had lived though this quest only to wind up alone?
They had stopped at Rivendell and Frodo knew as soon as he arrived that Bilbo would also be lost to him, for the elder hobbit was already preparing for a long trip. The Elves had asked the old hobbit to come with them to The Undying Lands. Bilbo couldn�t say no. It was a very heart wrenching ordeal for Frodo to finally know that this would be the last time he would ever see his beloved Uncle again.
Even Gandalf, who had come with them as far as Rivendell, had spoken at the banquet of his happiness leaving Middle-Earth and how his time here was ending. Even his beloved Wizard was to be taken from him? Gandalf had been more then just a friend but a grandfather to him. In his younger days, Frodo had been slightly in love with the grand and mysterious wizard and even in the heart of darkness, Frodo had not been quite so afraid as long as his wizard was at his side. Frodo had kept silent through out the meal, or as he thought of it, ordeal. He never felt more alone in his life. Even more so then when his mother had died.
Aragorn would live in Minas Tirith with Arwen. Legolas and Gimli had returned to Mirkwood forest for a time and as far as he knew Elrond, Bilbo and Gandalf would sail for Valinor with the Lady Galadriel and her husband Celeborn within the year.
So there it was, after all he had endured he survived, he had wound up abandoned.
He should have perished in those flames. He should have passed into death. At least oblivion would have been better then this terrible pain in his heart. Why had fate been so cruel? Why could it not at least spare him further pain? This was almost beyond his ability to endure.
That night he had cried himself to sleep. In the morning, even in the brightness of sunlight, Frodo only awakened to the pain. A pain that would never let him rest. A few weeks later, Frodo finished the last of his journey with his fellow kin and returned to his home, to his very empty and cold home.
But then, just as all the lights in his life had gone out, something happened.
Frodo did not understand it all, but the first night he was back Sam returned from his parents house and informed Frodo that he was moving in.
Stunned, Frodo asked about Rosie Cotton and about his Parents. But Sam only waved his hand away saying that Rosie was engaged to wed Bundy Took and that he no longer wished to remain living with his parents. Besides, his Master Frodo needed more then ever to be looked after and that was his job.
Hiding the small bit of happiness, fighting to come to eyes and lips, that Sam was not indeed going to marry and was going to stay by his side, Frodo felt some of the darkness lift within him. For along his journey Sam had always remained at his side, loyal to the very end. In that time, Frodo began to realize that Sam meant so much more to him then just a friend.
Merry and Pippin came to visit them and nearly every week after that. They would often sit by the fire and recount their adventures. The empty hobbit hole was not quite so empty as Frodo had thought it would be. Especially when a few months later Legolas and Gimli arrived at his door.
Frodo never did learn the truth why they came to Bag End to visit. They stayed almost a month. Legolas said it was just to visit old friends but Frodo knew something was amiss. Legolas would often go off quietly to speak with Sam, and would stay up most of the night and if he didn�t Gimli did. It was almost as if they had been sent to protect him.
Then, after a month�s time a letter arrived from Lothlorien. Lady Galadriel was setting sail with Elrond and Bilbo with her husband, Celeborn, and needed them to go to Lorien for an important but undisclosed matter.
Although Frodo wasn�t able to see the letter, while doing the dishes in the kitchen, he had overheard out the window of his garden, Gimli speaking to Pippin that someone had stolen the sightseeing stone from Minas Tirith and that some Crystal from Othorne had been taken from a hidden place in the East. He did not mention the name of the one that might have taken these things but Frodo knew that there was only one that would have stolen the objects.
Saruman.
Frodo was not oblivious to the Rangers, humans and elves that appeared on their borders one afternoon. Although none came near the Shire, Frodo knew who had sent them and that they had their orders to protect the Hobbits at all costs.
Things settled for a time. Time passed and then the sickness came upon him.
Now he opened his eyes and stared at the gentle face of Samwise Gamgee. Hovering so fearfully over his master and already trying to help by piling up some extra blankets and kissing his hand.
�You�re burning up, Mr. Frodo. You stay here and I�ll get you some cold water for you to drink.�
It was then that Frodo realized why Sam had moved in with his Master. Sam had given up his future of wife and children and instead had chosen an impossible love.
Not because Frodo did not return that love but because Sam deserved so much more then a broken halfling for a lover. Frodo knew then that he would have to leave. In time Sam would come to his senses and return to Rosie. It wasn�t too late and Rosie would take him back. As for where he would go he didn�t know.
Sam returned with the cup of water for his Master and, helping Frodo to sit up, he tipped the cup enough for him to drink it.
Finishing, Frodo watched as Sam moved to one of the old trunks and opened it. He rummaged through it for a few moments in search of something. He came back clutching an all to familiar object. Frodo smiled and reached out for the light of Elendil. Lothlorien�s most beloved star. A present he had been given by the Lady Galadriel herself. He still remembered her words to him and The Fellowship when they left her woods.
�May it be a light for you in dark places. When all other lights go out.�
Frodo clutched the crystal to his chest and at once felt the darkness vanish and the pain with it.
He could almost feel the presence of Galadriel beside him, smiling.
He was safe now, safe. Closing his eyes, he whispered softly as Sam took his place seated beside the bed to watch over his Master for the rest of the night.
�I love you, Sam.�
Sam remained where he was until the sun rose, and before he left to tend to the garden ,he kissed his master gently on his brow and whispered back.
�I love you too, Frodo.�
**
Frodo had heard the hurried steps of a horse and rising, he glanced outside his window to see Legolas leaping from his horse and going to Sam who was in the process of cutting some wild weeds in the garden. Keeping himself hidden from view, Frodo strained to hear what was being said.
�Where is Master Frodo, Sam?�
�Hello Legolas. He�s sleeping. What brings you to the Shire? Would you like to come in for some tea and cakes? I can check on Frodo and let him know you come?�
�I cannot stay. I only came to make sure he was all right?�
Sam had gotten to his feet and stared up at the elf in surprise.
�Well, he had a bad night. He was very sick. But I think it�s over now.�
�Let us check on him.� Legolas headed towards the window and Frodo hurriedly flew back into his bed and, covering himself with the blankets, feigned sleep.
He could feel the eyes on him looking him over and then he felt it was gone.
Opening his eyes carefully, he saw that two shadows by the window had drawn away. Risking it, he got to his feet and, crawling to the window, listened to the now lowered voices.
�Did he speak at all in his sickness, Sam?�
�A little. He always does.�
�Do you remember what he spoke?�
�Now, see here Legolas, I don�t see why you�re needing to know that. Frodo has the right to some privacy.�
�Please, Sam. Lower your voice.�
�I am sorry.�
�Tell me. It is most important?�
�Well I don�t remember all the words, but he spoke of fading and he wanted to live. I woke him after and he seemed fine then. I was very worried. I wasn�t sure whether or not to send word to you or to Rivendell. But I didn�t know what to do since Gandalf and the others had all left for The Undying Lands.�
�Gandalf and Elrond have not left and that bit information you must not reveal to anyone other than to Frodo.�
�They haven�t?�
�At present they are with Gimli and are trying to find...you know who?�
�That evil snake! You should have killed him when you had the chance. Is that why all those rangers are around the borders? You think he might come here and try to hurt Mr. Frodo?�
Frodo held a hand to his mouth when he heard the worried tones of Legolas.
�He has already tried something. I was able to stop him, and fix it but only just. He escaped and I am unable to find him. I left messages with Gimli and came here.�
�What should we do?�
�I know it is much to ask, but I think it would be best to remove Frodo from the Shire.�
�Oh no, Mr. Legolas, we just got home. Frodo is still adjusting, never mind his just being sick and all.�
�It can�t be helped Sam. Merry and Pippin will be here tomorrow and I want you to leave at dawn.�
�Oh rabbit�s foots and snake skins. What do I tell Mr. Frodo?�
�Tell him that Gandalf is in Rivendell and wishes for him to come and visit. That he has a personal letter from Bilbo that he needs to give to him.�
�But what if Frodo asks why he didn�t come himself and bring the letter here?�
The Elf sighed. �Sam, tell him anything but just get him out of here. He needs to get to a place of safety.�
�All right, but I don�t like it.�
�You don�t have to like it Sam, just do as I say.�
Frodo chanced a brief look and saw Legolas riding away and Sam staring worriedly after him.
Not sure what to think about all this, Frodo returned to his bed. Sitting there, he finally realized that his adventures were far from over and sadly he wondered if they ever would be.
***
It was late. He briefly checked on Sam to see he was sound asleep in his own bed. Closing the door, Frodo wrapped his cloak firmly around himself and made for the kitchen.
Everything was all packed. He had made his decision to head to Rivendell by himself early that morning. Hiding his decision from Sam was more than difficult, for Sam often could peer into his eyes and see if his Master was up to something. Keeping out of sight and staying in the study, Frodo managed to avoid any contact from his gardener for the rest of the day and, feigning sleepiness, he turned in early to avoid story telling by the fireplace with Sam.
He knew Sam would be deeply hurt by his choice, but he could never again put his dear Sam and his cousins in danger because of him.
He had plenty of food and provisions and just in case he had also taken the Light of Elendil and Sting. He had put on the mithrail shirt Bilbo had given him in Rivendell almost two years ago and now was ready for his next journey.
It was with a heavy heart that Frodo left the letter on the kitchen table and, even when he went outside into the garden, Frodo couldn�t help but take one last long look at Bag End and his Sam sleeping blissfully within. Frodo could only hope that someday the gardener would forgive him.
Sighing, he turned to the nearby road and started the long walk, alone and into the darkness of night.
***
Samwise Gamgee awoke to the sounds of birds singing. He rose from bed intent on setting up breakfast before having to tell Frodo of their departure, when he saw the letter on the table. Ignoring the loud laughter of voices outside in the garden that could only belong to Merry and Pippin, Sam ripped open the letter and read it.
The tears slowly filled his eyes as he read the loving words written hastily by his beloved Frodo.
�Dearest Sam. It is with great pain that I have to tell you I overheard your conversation with Legolas and I have decided to leave in the middle of the night to set out alone to Rivendell. I know you have always stuck by me, you are so faithful and devoted Sam, but I could not again ask you to come with me. What ever may come, I know I must face it alone. I know that you love me, Sam. I know, and I return that love with all my heart and soul. But you see, I cannot see any future for myself, only darkness and death.
You, however, still have a future, a life of your own to lead, and it is one that is without me in it. Return to Rosie. She loves you so much and you deserve to be loved and have lots of Hobbit children at your feet, living a long life here at Bag End, for that is my last wish- to give you and Rosie this home for your children. Oh Sam, my love, be happy.
Yours always, Frodo�
�Sam?�
The door to Bag End opened and two familiar young hobbits entered the foyer. Merry and Pippin were dressed for travel and the smiles and laughter that were on there faces fell when they saw Sam�s stricken expression.
�What�s wrong? Where�s Frodo?�
***
The Forest seemed to go on forever. So thick that Frodo had lost sight of the sunlight. Tired, he finally came to a stop and tried to catch his bearings. A sudden unknown noise caused him to look around but seeing nothing, he found a nearby tree and sat down. Taking out some water and his map he knew that Bree was only a few miles away. He would be there just after nightfall. He would stay over night in an inn and then get himself a horse and continue his journey to Rivendell.
A part of Frodo was slightly happy at knowing that Gandalf was still in Middle-Earth and that he would soon see his old mentor and friend again. He had known Gandalf since the day he was born. He had always been a friend and guide to him.
Yes, it would be good to see him and Elrond again, even under these circumstances.
Repacking his map, Frodo got to his feet and had just gone several steps when a loud noise got his attention. It was coming from everywhere and all around him. Not sure what to do, he took out Sting and held it up, waiting for whatever was about to happen.
Frodo, however, did not know what to make of the situation when a blue square box materialized before his eyes ten feet in front of him.
Blinking, his mouth slightly open, Frodo waited, unsure what to do. He glanced at Sting and saw that it was not glowing blue which meant there were no orcs in the area.
It was then the door to the box opened and a short human stepped out, dressed in light but strange clothing, with some kind of cap on his head. Frodo watched as he seemed to be looking around the forest with great pride and love then he stopped and turned noticing his presence.
The Stranger smiled widely at him.
�Hello Frodo Baggins. I�m the Doctor and I�m here to help you.�
Frodo continued to stare at the stranger completely bewildered.
***
Part Two: May it be*(The theme song in Fellowship, a very apt name for this chapter)
�I beg your pardon? Who are you?�
�My Friends call me the Doctor. Don�t be afraid, I won�t hurt you?�
The Traveler watched the small creature scurry several feet away seeking a safe distance from him. The Doctor tried to hold back the hurt in his eyes when he saw that the young hobbit was still looking at him fearfully and though he had put away his sword his small hand kept it near to grab it just in case.
�How do you know who I am?�
Thinking quickly, the Doctor decided to take a few steps away from Frodo and take a look at the surroundings.
�Who has not heard of Frodo Baggins, the Nine fingers.�
His face reddening in shame, Frodo quickly hid his four fingered hand behind his back. �A forever reminder of his failure on top of Mount Doom.�
�Now let�s see, usually you are not alone in your travels. Where is your gardener, Samwise Gamgee isn�t it? The one that is always eavesdropping on things. Oh yes, and what of those mischievous cousins of yours? Getting into one scrape after another?�
Frodo shook his head and sighed. �You know I am on my way to Rivendell?�
The Doctor nodded and smiled.
�Are you a friend of Gandalf�s?�
At the name, The Doctor smiled even wider. It was in that moment Frodo felt the fear slowly start to fade. The mysterious old man seemed to have an all too familiar twinkle in his eyes. It reminded him of Gandalf.
�Are you a wizard, too?�
The Doctor, despite himself, laughed and then, walking a few steps in a circle, looked on at the hobbit to see the fear was finally vanishing from his blue eyes.
�In a manner of speaking, yes I know Gandalf and yes, in a way I could be considered a wizard. But let us just stick to calling me the Doctor.�
At once Frodo bowed before him. �Frodo Baggins at your service sir.�
Shaking his head, The Doctor bowed slightly at him. �On the contrary I am here to be at your service. Now, let me guess, you decided to leave your companions safely behind you and travel to Rivendell all by yourself? Correct?�
The Hobbit shrugged at him looking more then a little guilty and slightly defensive. �I have already put them in great danger. I do not wish to do so again.�
The Doctor saw a nearby boulder and sat himself upon it. Patting the side of the rock, he gestured for Frodo to join him. Keeping a few inches away from the stranger, Frodo complied. For a long time they stared at each other in silence. It was finally the Doctor who broke the stillness.
�You did not put them in danger, Frodo Baggins, and what danger they were in was all for the love they had for you.�
�And that is why I chose to go alone this time to Rivendell. Gandalf is waiting for me. Do you know what it is all about, although I fear, I already know?�
The Doctor smiled and pulled a small bag out of his pocket and held it out to Frodo.
�Would you care for a Jelly baby?�
Frodo took a look, and slightly perplexed, grabbed a shiny red colored pebble that was shaped like small baby. Smelling it, he paused to see the Doctor help himself to a green one and proceeded to eat it. Seeing that it was safe, Frodo popped it into his mouth. At once the sugary treat hit his taste buds.
�Hmmm, it�s sweet?�
�Yes, they call it...candy. So you think it is better and safer to journey alone, Frodo? Ah, you will find your friends are not quite willing to permit that, for even as we speak they are coming.�
The Doctor held the bag out to him and Frodo gingerly helped himself to a few more. Frodo�s face did not hide the worry and fear from his eyes at this pronouncement.
�I suppose I should have known that. I guess the one consolation this time is that there are no Ringwraiths out to get me.�
The Doctor turned away, pocketing the remaining jelly babies, and whispered under his breath. �No, worse.�
Not hearing what the Doctor said, Frodo bent closer in confusion. The Doctor only smiled at the young hobbit.
�It has been a year since your quest. I am sure you thought that it was all over and done with. I am afraid to say it is not. But everything will be all right, little one.�
�How can it be?� Frodo looked tearfully at the Doctor. Frodo�s body was now tense and full of anguish. �I am nothing but a jinx, I keep leading the people I love into great danger. I wish I had never survived Mount Doom, I wish I had perished along with the ring!� Weeping now uncontrollably, Frodo did not resist as the Doctor pulled the hobbit into his arms trying his best to console him.
�Now, now is that anyway to talk? My goodness.� Taking out his handkerchief, he held it to Frodo and allowed the hobbit to wipe his tear stricken face.
�I have never felt so alone. Everyone has someone but me.� whimpered, Frodo.
�That is utter nonsense. First off you survived Mount Doom for a reason, Frodo, and do you know why?�
Frodo shook his head as more tears spilled from his large blue eyes.
�Well, I will tell you. Because you have so much more to accomplish and do.�
�I see no future, Doctor?�
�Well believe me, my little hobbit, you do have a future- a very important one! As for being alone? Oh, how silly can a hobbit get? You are hardly alone, why you have Merry and Pippin. Your Uncle Bilbo, not to mention Gandalf, Legolas, Elrond and Aragorn. Why you have so many friends the list just doesn�t stop. You are one of the most beloved hobbits of all time. Beings from worlds you will never see, people you will never meet will fall in love with you.�
Frodo felt his cheeks redden once more. �Me?� he asked in surprise.
�Yes, you!� The Doctor tapped him on the nose and finished wiping the tears from Frodo�s eyes. �But the one person that loves you the most, why he is just under your nose.�
�Sam?� Frodo asked unsure if that was who he meant.
The Doctor smiled. �Yes, your Sam. Everyone has someone Frodo. There other half, there soul mate. You two were meant to be.�
�But Sam...he should have babies and a family. He would make a wonderful father, if he stays with me he will never have that. I will be nothing but a burden.�
�Rubbish!� Retorted the Doctor. �Who says children are not in the cards for him or for you? Frodo, you sacrificed so much on your quest. You sacrificed your home, family, friends, even the prospect of having any normal life. They, the fates, know that. You will be rewarded, and I promise you, that all the dreams you ever had will come true. For if anyone ever deserved a Happy ever after, was you.�
Shocked and unable to find anything to say Frodo returned the hanky to the Doctor and stared on at the old man with new wonder.
�Who are you really?�
Setting Frodo back on the rock and rising to his feet the Doctor started back to his police box. �Who indeed? Well, I shall leave you to your travels as I must get onto mine. I can�t dilly dally here all day as much as I would like to. I just had to check up on you and make certain everything is still in order, time wise that is. Just one more thing.�
The Doctor turned and pulled something else out from his pocket. He handed it out to Frodo. Frodo looked at the piece of jewelry to see it was some kind of metal object. The Doctor seeing the hobbits confusion he put it around Frodo�s neck securing it in place. Once done, Frodo looked at the object realizing it was very pretty and even sparkled in the sunlight.
�No matter what happens Frodo Baggins, do not take it off. Not for any reason. Do you understand?�
Frodo not really understanding nodded anyway. The Doctor then turned back to the police box and lifting his hat made his goodbyes and disappeared into the Tardis.
�We shall see each other again, Frodo Baggins. Until then Good bye!�
Frodo watched quietly as the blue box started to emit a great grinding like noise and as it had come, vanished before his eyes.
Shaking his head, Frodo turned and started to continue his journey but every now and again he would turn and look back.
�How odd. How odd indeed.�
He was just reaching the Brandywine bridge when a distant cry was heard behind him. Cringing, Frodo hurried to the ferry, hoping to get to it in time, but even as he started to untie the rope the cries continued, becoming even louder. Releasing his hold and sitting down on the dock in defeat, Frodo watched as three figures came around the bend and started running towards him. One in particular had blond curly hair and was carrying what looked to be tons of pots and pans and every usable item possible for a long journey.
�Mr. FRODO! Wait for me, Your Sam is coming!�
Sighing, Frodo stared up at the heavens shrugging helplessly with a wry smile on his face.
** As Merry started to paddle out into the river, Frodo stood quietly on the ferry looking across the river and what lay beyond. Pippin was smugly standing beside him with his hands wrapped tightly against Frodo�s hands. All the while Sam stood slightly back, watching his young Master worriedly.
�Thought you could give us the slip didn�t you. Well, lucky for us I knew a short cut.� Grinning ear to ear, Pippin continued to rub Frodo�s cold hands. Finally turning to his friends, Frodo smiled at them and in seeing the smile, Sam�s own worry faded.
�Lucky for me, too.�
Part Three Time Clash
Alternate world 2
LaCroix felt his body tense at the sight of Divia standing in the doorway of the Raven. Moving forward, he pushed Nicholas behind him.
�Divia? You are alive? How?�
She smirked at her Father and slowly came into the room and paced around them, as if sizing up her attack.
�Alive, Father? You underestimate me. Hello Nicholas. My you are looking...dashing this evening. You and my father enjoying yourselves? Perhaps celebrating the fact of my...death?�
Her eyes flashed at him and then she looked back at Nicholas, seeing something shining in his hands. She took two steps closer to her prey.
�Divia! Your anger is with me.� LaCroix tried to bring her focus on him but Divia�s eyes would not be strayed. LaCroix prepared for her strike, intending to prevent her from it.
�You have something that I want, Nicholas De Brabant!�
Nicholas glanced down at the amulet in his hands and then back at her. He moved to the side, making sure he had at least an opening to make an escape if necessary.
His mind was filled with questions. Divia was alive and, more to the point, she had come wanting the amulet? What did she know of the Star of Lorien? Who had given her renewal of life once again? Something wasn�t right and Nicholas wasn�t going to allow her to leave until she answered some of his questions.
�Come and get it, if you want it.� Nicholas baited her.
LaCroix shot his son a confused look then refocused on his child.
�How Divia? How did you come back?�
�Wouldn�t you like to know, Father? I shall tell you. My master was a Maiar, a being exiled from Arda for being in league with Sauron, The Dark One. He came to our world and to me. In the other place Sauron was without a body and required a way to return and I was to be the one. But I am afraid I chose another path. I would be no mother to some ugly thing! It was he that kept me alive in my tomb after you...beheaded me. After you Betrayed me!� She hissed angrily and then continued speaking. �He was that which kept me alive. My Lord Sauron. Does that clear up a few questions? Good. Then you know why I am here. What I want?� She chuckled lightly and then she attacked.
She launched herself at Nicholas, who just barely caught her claws from tearing at his face. Holding her hands away and keeping her at bay, Nicholas turned to look at the amulet which had fallen in the act, landing several inches away.
�It will be mine, Nicholas! I want the Star of Lorien!�
LaCroix hurried to help Nicholas, intent on snatching Divia away, but seeing her father coming she lifted her right leg and kicked back, catching Lucien LaCroix by the waist and with the unexpected momentum sent him flying backwards into the nearby wall of the bar counter.
Keeping her in place, Nicholas pulled her forward and then, turning sideways, threw her forward into a wall. She flew into the air and smashed into it, connecting first with her head. Dazed slightly, she shook her head and, hissing started to rise, her eyes seeing only red.
Reaching for the amulet, Nicholas didn�t see the unexpected shadow enter the Raven. The next thing the knight knew was that a beam of blinding and burning light hit him. Gasping in pain, Nicholas covered his eyes, dropping the amulet and backing away in alarm. �Ah!�
LaCroix, who was just getting to his feet preparing to deal with Divia, saw Nicholas�s predicament. Turning to the doorway, LaCroix saw an elderly man standing there dressed in gray and white robes with a long beard. The name came to him as he recognized the face. Saruman? But how? What was happening?
Seeing his son in pain, LaCroix collected his thoughts to the pressing matter at hand and started towards Saruman. But Saruman spotted LaCroix and turned his beam from Nicholas onto LaCroix.
Hot, bright light bathed into his cold body. LaCroix backed away trying to get some distance, and therefore didn�t see Divia come up behind him. Smiling in glee, she held a long wooden peg. She had smashed to pieces a nearby wooden stool and now used it as a stake, slamming it deep into LaCroix�s chest.
Howling in rage and pain, LaCroix dropped to his knees, staring in horror at the protruding weapon. At that moment LaCroix wondered just how profound this all was. He had murdered Divia twice and now it seems Divia was about to get her longed for justice.
�Poetic isn�t it, Father.�
�NO!� Nicholas managed to get his sight back just in time to see what Divia had done and raced to his father�s side forgetting all about the amulet.
Divia moved away.
Saruman narrowed his eyes as Divia claimed the amulet, which was still lying on the floor.
�LaCroix?� Nicholas reached his father and pulled the stake out as quickly as he could. LaCroixs gave out a painful, strangled cry before oblivion claimed him. Frightened, Nicholas pulled LaCroix into his arms, trying desperately to find any form of life still coming from his Master.
Looking up, Nicholas saw Saruman moving towards Divia. Divia was now holding the amulet in her hands, delighting in the glowing aura. �Mine at last.�
�You have done well, my queen. Now hand it to me so we may get our rewards. Give it to me.� Saruman commanded.
Divia only looked up at Saruman and clucked in triumph.
�Oh yes, my just rewards. I have changed my mind Saruman. I�ve decided I don�t wish to share power.� She placed it around her neck. Her eyes began to glow. �I will go my own way. As I have always done.�
Before Saruman could wield a spell or an attack, the amulet began to glow in a bright stream of blue which suddenly burst forth, covering him completely.
�Go back to whence you came!� She moved forward and claimed the orb in his hands and then snatched the chained Time Crystal of Othorne from around his neck.
As Saruman screamed in anger, a blinding flash erupted and he vanished from his spot.
Alone with the objects now in her possession. Divia pulled the Time Crystal of Othorne towards the Star of Lorien. The two power sources began to glow even brighter and then, before her eyes, the two became one, forming into a star sphere around her neck. Laughing, Divia faced Nicholas, who was still holding LaCroix, watching her in bewilderment.
Coming slowly back to awareness, LaCroix groaned in pain and opening his eyes looked on at his daughter angrily.
�He was a fool, Father, like you, like Nicholas. Trusting me. You know who he was? Don�t you?�
She laughed at Nicholas�s confusion and LaCroix�s dawning expression.
�You never understood anything, Father. Not our true origins as Vampires or of my past and your own. No, and I just have far too much to do to stick around and explain it to you. Nevertheless, don�t worry, I�ll be back.� She then looked at Nicholas.
�I�ll even bring back something very special to you, Nicholas dear.�
Widening his eyes in understanding, Nicholas tried to get up, only for LaCroix to hold him back.
�Yes, Nicholas. I know of your little trip to Middle-Earth when you were a mere mortal man. I know of the son you brought into that world to save it. Do you know of him? Frodo Baggins is his name. Father knows him.�
Swallowing, Nicholas shook his head. �Please no.� LaCroix seethed on the ground wondering what the hell was going on?
�No? Well, soon you will. I�ll let you see the son you left behind die slowly by my hand, before I kill you. Both!�
�Divia!� LaCroix now tried to get to his feet but Divia only took a step back still smiling at them.
�IN fact, I look forward to it!�
Another flash of bright light appeared and when it was gone so was Divia. Alone in the Raven, the two vampires stared in horror at each other.
The silence ended when a loud whooping noise was heard. Staying low, Nicholas watched as a blue police call box suddenly appeared a few feet in front of him. A few seconds later, the door opened and a short little man wearing a hat stepped out the door. Seeing the two of them, the smile on the mysterious man�s face changed to annoyance.
�Oh no, don�t tell me. She has the Star of Lorien and the Time Crystal of Othorne? Tell me she did NOT get the sightseeing stone?� Seeing their faces the Doctor scowled. �Oh, what am I going to do with the two of you? Well, come on, get up. We have no time to waste. Come on, come on!�
Confused, but getting up, they allowed the stranger to usher them into the box.
Once the door closed, the blue police call box started to make the whooping noise again and vanished as it had appeared.
*** Frodo was exhausted by the time they arrived at the Prancing pony in Bree. Acquiring a room for four hobbits had not been difficult and now Frodo was practically asleep by the time he crawled into bed and under the sheets. He couldn�t even keep his eyes open. Merry and Pippin had gotten into their own beds and with one turn in position they were dreaming of fields filled with mushrooms and potatoes!
Sam was the last to get into bed. He blew out the last candle and tiptoed, not towards his own bed, but next to Frodo�s. He waited until finally a blanket was raised. Without another thought he was in bed with a warm body cuddled up next to him.
�Mr. Frodo.�
�Yes, Sam.�
�Don�t ever leave me again.�
A soft sigh was heard and then Sam felt lips press themselves against his cheek.
�I won�t Sam. Goodnight.�
�Frodo.�
�Yes, Sam.�
�I love you.�
�I love you too, Sam.�
A moment later they were both sound asleep.
***
She appeared in the dark street. Collecting her wits, she ignored the passing men who eyed her suspiciously and with great menace. She glanced around and could see that the sun would be rising soon. Spotting a nearby sign, she read the words �Prancing Pony Inn�. She would get a room and sleep for the day. Tonight, she would begin her hunt for the elusive Frodo Baggins. But first...
Spotting her target, she snatched the human as he made his way down the street and pulled him into a dark alley. Alone, she drank him completely of his lifeblood. With her hunger now under control she came out of the alley, licked her lips with the last drops of blood, and entered the Inn.
***
Nicholas stared at the large white sized console room. None of it made much sense to him. Surely this couldn�t be right- the police box was not this large?
The stranger that had appeared was looking over a small panel in the center of the room and was hitting several gadgets, apparently forgetting his guests.
Sitting LaCroix down and leaning him up against the wall, Nicholas got to his feet, intending to get to the bottom of all this.
�Who are you? I demand to know what is going on! Where are you taking us?�
The Doctor ignored the ex crusader and completed the last of the coordinates before he finally was finished. Sighing, he turned to Nicholas and his other guest.
�First, I am the Doctor. As for where you are being taken- to Middle-Earth. As for what is happening-Well, that is going to take a little longer to explain.�
Seeing LaCroix stared at him with a cold and hungry expression, The Doctor suddenly realized he had to prioritize the situation.
�Ahm, Wait here.� The Doctor hurried out of the room into another corridor, he came back a few minutes later carrying several bottles in hand. He handed one to Nicholas and one he put down next to LaCroix.
Catching the scent, LaCroix snatched up the bottle and, removing the cap, quickly began to drink the red liquid within. Its taste was elusive but to LaCroix it tasted delicious and filling. The hunger that had been upon him faded.
Nicholas looked at the bottle in his hand, also removing the cap, and sniffing it gingerly. It was blood, but the identity and source of it was not known. It wasn�t human?
�I�m sorry, but I usually don�t keep human blood around my ship but this will do in a pinch. It�s ok, Nicholas. Drink. It will help to curb your thirst.�
Nicholas glanced at LaCroix to see he was now smiling and looking less pale.
�Fascinating. Yes, Nicholas, drink.�
Obeying his master, Nicholas drank the bottle empty. Moments later, Nicholas also felt the burning thirst vanish and in its place a warmth spread throughout his body.
�What is it?�
�Tisanian blood, very rare now a days but similar to human blood. The difference is that it has strong healing abilities and will keep a hungry vampire sated for about a week. I need you both to be at your peak without draining every mortal we meet.�
�I don�t kill,� replied Nicholas, his face reddening in shame, as it seemed this Doctor knew who they were. �Not any more.�
The Doctor looked at Nicholas and shook his head, still not liking the fact he had two blood thirsty night creatures in his TARDIS. �Yes. Not anymore. Well, I suppose an explanation is due.�
Regaining some of his strength, LaCroix got slowly to his feet. Checking his wound, he saw that it had closed and was already on its way to being only a painful reminder of meeting his hate-filled daughter.
�Please do.�
�Let me explain first that I am a Time Lord, meaning I travel through time and space in this...my ship, the Tardis.�
Nicholas mopped his brow, still feeling quite warm from the quantity of blood he had digested. He felt light headed.
Glancing at Nicholas, the Doctor patted him on the shoulder. �I apologize, Nicholas. I forgot you are not accustomed to drinking human blood and Tisanian blood is quite richer then human. You will be all right in an hour or so as your body adjusts.�
Moving to the side, the Doctor faced the two vampires and shrugged.
�Now as for what is happening. Earth is tied to another world- you can call it a parallel world if you wish, but they are both entwined with each other. Life exists there and when it dies it is born again in this world and vice versa. This other world is called Middle-Earth, a world similar to your own, except that its time lines are not quite the same. Middle-Earth is much like how earth was back in the early 12th century. Only in this world exist mystical and magical creatures. Dwarves, Elves, humans. A world that has been at war for many ages. It began with the forging of the great rings, Three were given to the elves, the wisest and most beautiful creatures, immortal. Seven to the Dwarf lords in their hall of stone, and nine were gifted to the race of men. Each of these rings was formed to help govern each race in this world. In return, a dark creature emerged at this time intent on world domination. His name- Sauron. He forged in secret a master ring, a ring to control all rings. Eventually, he was defeated and the ring of power was lost. He continued to survive but in a shadowed, powerless form. In time, he gained some semblance of power and began a search for The One Ring for if found he could once again assume form and rise to power. With me so far?�
Nicholas nodded vaguely, while LaCroix kept curiously silent.
�This ring was eventually found and lost and found again. Until finally it wound up in the hands of the most unlikely creature imaginable. A Hobbit. Halflings. Know of them, Nicholas?�
Nicholas didn�t reply, he simply swallowed and lowered his eyes.
�What does Nicholas have to do with all this?� asked LaCroix.
�In a moment, LaCroix. The hobbit who found this ring was Bilbo Baggins. He unknowingly brought the ring into the shire of his peaceful village. And unwittingly he gave it to his adopted heir and nephew, Frodo Baggins. A young man that he had taken in after the death of his mother, Primula Baggins.�
Nicholas bit down on his lower lip and found himself barely holding on to his sanity.
�How, how did she-�
�No one knows. One can speculate. Some say she drowned herself in the river because she couldn�t deal with the loss of someone she loved and thought she would spend the rest of her life with. Someone that crossed her path when her own husband perished.� Nicholas swallowed again feeling himself sag slowly to the floor.
�Nicholas?� Confused and frightened for his distressed child, LaCroix narrowed his eyes warningly at the Doctor.
�What are you talking about?�
�Or perhaps it was a simple accident. Frodo Baggins was a simple and innocent creature that was originally born to Primula and Drogo Baggins, but a certain wizard was cast out for his alliance with Sauron and managed to retrieve the Sightseeing stone, and the Time Crystal of Othorne, powerful crystals that were created even before the Great rings of power. He used these crystals to go back in time and kill Drogo Baggins. When this was done the timeline for Frodo Baggins was ended, altering many lives and many worlds. To change and alter time is one of the things that is forbidden by my people, The Time Lords. We are, in a way, guardians of time, and try to maintain order throughout the universe. When this was done, we had to amend it. The Elves, specifically Lady Galadriel, was summoned and she in turn sent for someone to be brought to Middle-Earth to repair the damage. To bring forth Frodo Baggins.�
�Me?� Nicholas asked. �Why me? Why not someone else on Middle-Earth? Why go to another world?�
LaCroix looked at Nicholas in horror. Frodo Baggins, the face he had seen in his dreams and past life visions was Nicholas�s son? But then wouldn�t that mean that Legolas, if Nicholas being Legolas from a past life, that Frodo would also be his son too?
�You personally? I am not sure you are ready for that, but let�s just say that life was taken from Middle-Earth that was not supposed to be and my people allowed the elves to make the decision and choice of who would be...called.�
�If I had stayed,� Nicholas asked mournfully, �Would Primula have lived?�
�Perhaps, but most likely no, her death was a necessity. I know that you cared for her, in the brief time you had together, but she had to die so that Frodo would be taken in by Bilbo Baggins. So that he could carry out the intended fate and purpose of his existence on Middle-Earth.�
Nicholas finally straightened and stared into the Doctor�s eyes.
�Go on.�
�The story continues that Frodo, along with his companions, Sam his gardener and his cousins Merry and Pippin, journeyed with him. Along their journey they were met by Strider, a Ranger.� The Doctor glanced at LaCroix who looked back at him coldly.
�He led them to Rivendell, but along the way Frodo was wounded, badly. Sauron has many servants and nine Ringwraiths, shadow creatures enslaved to his will. Eventually, they, along with Gandalf the grey, a wizard, Strider who was now known as Aragorn, Boromir Steward of Gondor, Gimli the dwarf and Legolas Greenleaf, an elf from Mirkwood forest, accompanied Frodo on his quest to destroy The Ring- to cast it back into the fires of Mount Doom, the only place it could be destroyed.�
Nicholas gasped at the name Legolas. So that was how he fit into all this.
�Through many trials and tribulations the group was eventually separated and Frodo and his faithful servant, Samwise Gamgee, continued their quest to Mordor together. To make this short, Frodo succeeded in getting to Mount Doom, but was not able to throw the ring into the fires of the volcano. Fate of course stepped in and the mission was completed, and Frodo and Samwise were rescued. The wounds however, would never heal for the halfling. Frodo was wounded by sting, tooth, poison and-�
Nicholas angrily stared at the Doctor. �I see, my son was to do all this, save this world and for his reward he is granted a lifetime of torment and pain.�
�Do not be so quick to conclude what is in store for Frodo Baggins. You are not one to speak of judgment, Nicholas De Brabant.�
Nicholas pulled his anger back and tried to calm his emotions. His son-he had a son and his name was Frodo Baggins and he was a hero. Not like his father, a vile creature of the night.
�So as I was saying, Frodo completed his mission and returned to his home, the Shire. Alas, Saruman the wizard that had betrayed those he was to protect, still existed. Though his power was mostly crushed it did not still his vehemence and bitterness. So his one thought was to destroy Frodo Baggins. He was, as you are aware, prevented but escaped. He eventually made it into this world.�
�He was the one that brought Divia back to life?�
The Doctor turned to LaCroix and nodded. �Although Divia would have perished centuries before by your own hand, another greater and stronger force kept her alive. Sauron�s powers are quite beyond normal boundaries.�
�Sauron? How does he connect with Divia? Who is he exactly?� Asked Nicholas.
�Sauron had tried many different ways to bring himself forth into this dimension, since he had lost his ring, he had also lost any physical form. He sent a servant to this planet back in the days of the Roman Empire. In the days before the destruction of Pompeii, to find one creature that would be perfect to use as his doorway to re-enter the physical world.� The Doctor smiled sadly as LaCroix realized what the Doctor was saying. �Yes, LaCroix, your daughter was to bring forth Sauron, and you know exactly why he chose you and her. The perfect revenge.�
Nicholas, thinking he was out of some kind of loop, turned to LaCroix for an explanation, but LaCroix looked away and began to pace the room slowly.
It explained a great deal. Aragorn had helped in the destruction of Sauron on Middle-Earth and took eventual control, control that would have been Sauron�s. Sauron�s hatred must have been infinite. Somehow he had traveled down Aragorn�s reincarnated lifeline and when he saw the birth cycle of LaCroix found his mark, with his daughter. The perfect revenge indeed. What better revenge then to make his sworn enemy�s offspring bring back the nameless fear.
�But Divia didn�t. She killed her own master and came to me.�
The Doctor didn�t disagree.
�And in turn, you killed her and placed her remains in the tomb. Sauron however, does not think in the lines of time; he is after all an immortal spirit. He had time, plenty of time to keep her alive and wait for the right moment to bring her back into this world.�
�My daughter. My sweet daughter.� LaCroix suddenly felt sick. Once his daughter had been good. Once his daughter had been pure. Surely she had not been born evil? Not by his own blood?
The Doctor moved silently behind him and placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
�You were once a king of men, proud and powerful. The path you chose was of your own doing LaCroix. It cannot be undone. None of it.�
�There is something I must know. I have lived with this guilt for a long time. I must know if the evil that is Divia was because of me or is it from Sauron�s poisonous touch?�
The Doctor pressed his lips tightly together and shaking his head, he shrugged his shoulders. �I cannot say. I know only that the servant of Sauron that brought Divia across was the first Vampire created when he was exiled by the Valar for his loyalty to Morgoth. Sauron enlisted his aide to create another breed of servants that would be enslaved to his will. Yes, LaCroix, that is why Vampires were born; not to be superior beings, or leaders or even Kings, but to be servants and slaves to the Dark Lord. His perfect weapon.�
�That explains a great deal,� replied Nicholas. �Why we are unable to live in the light, and why we are repelled by sacred things.�
The Doctor nodded. �Yes, Nicholas. That is exactly why.�
�But I thought Sauron was killed after the Ring was destroyed?,� Asked LaCroix.
�You above all else should know, LaCroix, that evil is never completely ended; it always comes back, just in another form. Sauron still exists, waiting. Waiting for the moment that he can return in body to this dimension. Our Universe.�
Sighing, Nicholas leaned against the wall, folding his arms around himself.
�So let me get this straight then. Saruman, intent on taking over Middle-Earth, brought Divia back to help him get the amulet LaCroix and I had. The Star of Lorien? In return, Divia, remaining true, betrayed him, and is now making her way to Middle-Earth to kill my son because of what LaCroix and I did to her?�
The Doctor lightly laughed and moving to the console, began to check his readings. Everything was still on course.
�I wish it was that easy, Nicholas. But that is not exactly what this is about. You see, the Sight Seeing Stone was one of the devices that was controlled by Sauron himself. Only a very strong minded person could control it, and only a very few could. Saruman, though intelligent, is not so strong minded. Ever since he has used the sightseeing stone he thinks that his plans had all been his own. They were not.�
LaCroix swallowed, dawning in understanding. �Sauron�s life force is within the stone? He is using Saruman?�
�Yes. Sauron is always searching for the doorway to re-enter and he is going to use everyone and everything to accomplish this since he longer has the One Ring.�
�Divia?�
The Doctor faced the two vampires and nodded. �You see, there is more at stake then just Frodo�s life, Nicholas, LaCroix. The entire universe is in jeopardy. If Sauron successfully manages to open the doorway and enter in a physical form, there will be nothing that anyone can do to stop him. No Elves, no men, hobbits, vampires, not even a Timelord. That is why we must find Divia at all cost and this time, the sightseeing stone must be destroyed. The problem is, the only way to destroy it is by the Time Crystal of Othorne and the Star of Lorien, which Divia has in her possession along with the Stone.�
Nicholas now understood why the Doctor had been annoyed with them when he arrived at the Raven. In fact, he was kind of annoyed himself.
�The one thing that is on our side is the fact that Divia does not know fully how to control these devices, at least not yet. So our objectives are to find Divia and retrieve the Star of Lorien and the Time Crystal of Othorne. In doing so, we can destroy the sight seeing stone and with luck prevent Sauron from ever gaining access to this dimension again.�
�And Frodo.� added Nicholas. �We must save my son.�
The Doctor looked at Nicholas and smiled. �And save your son.�
(TBC)