action.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo arrives rolling and tumbling across the floor.

There was a great shadow over him then, something with a terrible stench and legs too numerous to count. And now, light. He shields himself from the brightness and scoots back until he bumps against the wall, then scrambles to find shelter behind a couch. It hurts his eyes. The air is suddenly too clear, everything too clean. He fears it is a trick.

He speaks in a hush, afraid to alert the enemies but more afraid of being alone. ]

Sam? Where are you, Sam?

Comments

[bronwe]

[ He just tightens his jaws and sets his gaze to the ground in front of him. A serious little hobbit. He speaks out loud next. ]

Why do you trust me?

[inafadingcrown]

I told you once before, Frodo of the Shire, that this task has been appointed you; that has not changed.

You have shown great endurance under your burden- more than most could withstand. It is not without reason, I think that you were chosen, nor that Gandalf placed such faith in you.

[bronwe]

[ Was it appointed, though? He did say he would take it but then he wondered if that was truly his voice. He certainly had no say in losing his parents, becoming Bilbo's heir, inheriting the One Ring.

Perhaps it was. And what a terrible thing to appoint anyone to and he doesn't even know the half of it yet. He speaks without voice next. ]

I would not appoint anyone else in my stead.

[inafadingcrown]

[Some things are meant to be. Galadriel is very much aware of the greater powers at work in their world and she cannot believe that they did not have a hand in it.]

You bear a heavy burden, I know. If I would that I could ease your burden.

[bronwe]

[ But she can't. No one can. Not even Sam.

Frodo tightens his jaw and just keeps walking. He doesn't think he has enough faith in himself in this regard, but Galadriel is wise and Gandalf was too. ]

Wow, what was that last sentence in my tag even? Just pretend I can use grammar

[inafadingcrown]

[And she'll lead him to the third floor, where her room is, and open the door for him. The first thing he'll see is essentially a sitting room- not nearly so grand as her home in Lórien, but comfortable enough.]

IT TOTALLY MADE SENSE TO ME

[bronwe]

[ Frodo holds open the door, and glances over his shoulder before walking in to stand in the middle of the sitting room and look about somewhat warily. ]

WELL GOOD

[inafadingcrown]

[And she will just walk past him and open a second door. This room in more bare. A few things of Rin's are left in place, too large or cumbersome for her to have taken with her, but for the most part it's just furniture.]

It is not as pleasing a place as I might wish, but it should be comfortable enough. A dear friend has recently removed herself from my care, else I would not have the space to offer at all.

[bronwe]

[ He follows her at a distance, checking out whatever things were still there. The room doesn't compare to Lothlórien of course, but he is still awestruck at the thought of taking the room.

Frodo makes his way toward the bed, placing one hand on the sheet. Who could call Galadriel a friend, an equal? ]

This is already more than I would ask of you.

[inafadingcrown]

Then it is fortunate you did not have to ask. [It was natural for her, to offer what little protection and safety she was able to provide. It was no different than what she had done in Lórien, though her means were more limited here.]

[bronwe]

[ Frodo watches her, though he drops his gaze to her feet after only a moment. ]

You can ask me whatever questions you must come morning.

[inafadingcrown]

And so I will [She moves to the doorway.] But now I will leave you to rest.

[bronwe]

[ He tries a grateful smile, which doesn't come easily if only because he's still rather awestruck. ]

My thanks.

[inafadingcrown]

OF course. [And with a nod and a smile, she'll leave him to his own devices.]

[bronwe]

[ And Frodo will take off most of his soiled cloak and jackets and such before crashing into bed to sleep for infinity and beyond. ]