Author: Sam

Story: Leather-bound: 12 of ?

Series: n/a

Setting: Lothlorien as related in The Red Book of Westmarch.

Song Note: The Power of One by Donna Summer. This song came from the Pokemon 2000 movie soundtrack.

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.oocities.org/samwise_baggins/index.html

With a sigh, the old Hobbit shifted and massaged his age-worn hand. Such a cramped position shouldn't come from writing. Wearily, knowing the missing bits he would be filling into the story, he tried to put it off by turning back to a part already written. The words quickly overcame him and he was lost in the writing once more.

I found myself pushing away, falling away, from the mirror, pain and horror near overwhelming me. Gasping for breath, almost writing with the tearing at my soul, I was helpless to do anything save lie there and review the horror. My eyes must have been on Galadriel the entire time, though I saw her not, so lost was I in the mental pictures I had been given from her pool of clear waters.

I felt so small, so insignificant, so... helpless.

As the images began to fade my eyes focused once more on the shimmering light of the beautiful Elven Queen. Her expression was one curiously hard to read: at once harsh and kind equally. I had to know if she were friend or foe, and so I offered her the Ring. What happened then was more terrifying than all of the trials of Mordor... even more breath-taking than the Elf woman who stood before me. Galadriel became darkness and light and brilliance and mystery. She was evil personified in that one moment of breathless time... and I felt drawn to her very essence as only ever the one ring had drawn me.

It was ended moments later. She once more stood pure and good and wise and beautiful. I barely registered her words of relief at having passed my test of her. Instead, I heard only the misery of my own soul. I would not be rid of the ring in this place out-of-time. I would have to continue the quest... endanger my friends or leave them to protect them. I would need to continue alone...

Rebelling at the overwhelming loneliness and misery that thought brought to me, I desperately looked to Galadriel for aid. I think I was calm but am sure she could see the despair in my eyes, hear it in my voice.

"I cannot do this alone."

Her voice grew suddenly harsh, her face stern. I knew I would not get the sympathy I had secretly craved.

"You are a Ring Bearer, Frodo. To bear a Ring of Power is to be alone."

I could not stop the overwhelming misery at the confirmation of my fears. Trying to make this Queen of Elves understand was beyond my ability. Instead, I merely looked at her, not bothering to hide my emotions. Something must have shone through, for suddenly she softened and Galadriel held out an elegant, pale hand.

On her finger was an intricately crafted ring... a ring which seeming to sing to one's soul, call out to one's heart. It was truly beautiful, made specifically for its wearer, I was certain. "This is Nenya, Ring of Adamant, and I am its Keeper."

I slowly started to see... her sadness, her isolation, her hope. The Lady Galadriel was a Ring bearer as well. The quest came into focus. I knew, beyond any doubt, that each of those involved had something to do, and Galadriel merely confirmed that knowledge.

"This task was appointed to you and if you do not find a way, no one will." A soft, sad, but somehow stern look was in her eyes.

I could not resist... would not. I would accept my fate however without hope it might be... no matter that it lead me to my own death and the demise of the Fellowship. And I was certain that demise would be how it ended for them. But I would do what was needed to do. "Then I know what I must do. It’s just..."

I glanced at the Ring nestled so quietly, so ominously in my tiny hand, then once more gazed into those star-kissed blue eyes. They were filled with sad understanding. The next words bubbled forth as if force from a shaken wine bottle, but the relief in the saying was great.

"...I’m afraid to do it."

Galadriel bent towards me, coming down to my eye-level. She wore a gentle, proud smile and my heart swelled with pride for my decision.

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

My heart started to sing in a whisper of bold determination. I was the Ring bearer and I would not fail in my quest to destroy the One Ring of Power.