Lasarra Daelam:417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAgSMplUjm

I walk down a path. It's a typical road with ledges on each side, formed from the constant passing travellers. Upon the ledges are some trees with their overgrown roots protruding from the ground. Up front, I see the road make a turn and lead somewhere.

I can't help but sigh. I do not know where this road leads. For among all the things I can forget, it had to be a map.

For months now, I have wandered, not knowing where to go or where I am headed. I would stop every once in a while to hunt for food to eat and to refill water to drink as I have eaten all the provisions long ago.

Hope seems lost for me. I feel darkness is spreading through the land and yet here I am, wandering around in the wilderness. I have done nothing. But I cannot stop now. 

There must be something. Anything. At least a sign to tell me where to start.

"Oof!" The air is knocked out of me when something crashes into me.

I was able to do a swift flip and land on my feet, facing whatever it was that crashed into me.

What I see are four persons piled in a messy heap. They look small. But are not children either. They all have curly hair. Two have brown hair, one having a lighter shade. The third and chubby one has blonde hair. And the fourth, and who I presume is the youngest, has black hair and striking blue eyes like mine.

Could these folks be hobbits? I've never met one before but I've read of them from books.

"I think I broke something!",  one with brown hair says in an Old British accent, pulling a broken carrot from his back. He frowns and then pouts once he realizes it's a carrot. "Awe."

The hobbits struggle to get up from the heap they are in. And once they're up, the three lighter haired hobbits start to bicker among themselves.

The dark haired hobbit is the only one to notice me. He looks at me with confused eyes, tilting his head a bit to the side as if analyzing me.

"Who are you?" He says after some time. His words are said in the same accent as the previous hobbit who spoke a while ago.

"Lasarra." I tell him with a smile. "Lasarra Daelam.  And you are?"

The three other hobbits have now stopped their bickers and found their way beside their friend.

"Frodo...uhhhh... Underhill.", he replies, looking unsure. "And these are my friends. Peregrin Took..", he gestures to the light-brown haired hobbit. "Meriadoc Brandybuck...", he gestures to the brown haired one. "And Samwise Gamgee.", he lastly gestures to the blonde one.

"Hello.", I say with a friendly smile. "I'm Lasarra Daelam. Nice to meet you."

"She's friendly.", Peregrin whispers rather loudly to Meriadoc.

Meriadoc slaps Peregrin on the head. "Shush! She can hear you."

"Ow!" Peregrin whines.

I chuckle at their behavior.

But then, I feel a sudden surge of evil energy coming from the right. I turn to see what is there. I see no one on the road. However, the wind blowing from that direction tells otherwise.

"Get off the road!!" Frodo half yells and pushes his friends up the ledge. "Lady Lasarra, hide!" He yells to me and ducks behind some large roots of a tree along with his friends.

I run to the opposite direction, scaling the ledge and hiding behind the roots of another tree. In a few moments, a hooded figure riding on a black horse stops near the tree where the hobbits are hiding. I look away, hiding myself further into the overgrown roots of the tree.

I hear something land on the ground, making me risk a peek. I see the hooded figure had gone down the horse. It takes a hold of the large roots from the same tree where the hobbits are hiding and I fear for them. If it finds them, there is no telling what it would do. 

And so, without thorough thinking, I take my bow and aim an arrow at the dark creature. "Pilin en' templa", I whisper a spell to enchant my arrow. It now glows in a soft golden color. (Magic Arrow)

And then, I let go, launching my attack. The glowing arrow pierces the enemy's head and let's out a small explosion due to the spell.

But for some reason, it does not end the creature's life. Instead, the creature lets out an ear piercing shriek and turns to me. I can only look at it in horror.

Now that it has turned to me, I realize what it is. Nazgûl.

"Run!" I yell at the hobbits and take off to a random direction.

I run as fast as I can, not looking back at the wraith. But then I hear the sound of horse gallops from behind me and it fuels me to run even faster.

"Lady Lasarra!!" I hear Peregrin's voice from the right. "This way!!"

Swiftly, I change my direction. Now, I am following the four hobbits who are also running scared for their lives.

It even surprises me to see them keep up to me despite their short legs. I suppose fear makes one faster.

I hear the horse gallops gaining on us, making my heart beat faster in fear. We have to get out of this and fast. Before our heads get chopped off from our bodies.

I do a quick scan of our surroundings, but not slowing down even a bit. That's when I see an opening of a cave. It's small but big enough for me and the hobbits to fit in.

"In there!" I point to the cave. "Now!"

We all change direction, heading for the cave. I look behind and I see the wraith brandishing it's sword furiously. It's already unto us so I have no other choice but to face it for us to escape.

I look in front again and see a thin tree just in front. As I pass it I grab a hold, swinging myself around the tree swiftly. And with the momentum I get from the swing, I was able to hurl myself high enough to kick the wraith from its horse as it passes.

The wraith falls to the ground, shrieking. "Lady Lasarra! Come on!" Frodo yells to me.

And so, without wasting another second, I run to the cave. The hobbits enter and I follow thereafter. All five of us slide down, into the cave.

Once I land, I look up at the opening. There must be something I can do to close it. It might be small but I am not taking any chances.

I see large rocks just near us and I remember a spell that might be of use. "Ram en' ondo." I chant. The rocks near us shake violently and they fly to the opening of the cave, forming a wall and closing it tight just before the wraith can enter. (Wall of stone)

"That should hold until we get out of here." I tell the hobbits, turning to them. That's when I catch them gaping at me.

"Is something the matter?" I ask them.

"Nothing." Samwise replies for all of them. "We just don't see a lady cast magic very often."

I smile at them but a loud thud coming from the stone wall makes me turn to it and frown. "We better go." I tell my companions. "The wall might not hold for long."

"Where do you suggest we go?" Meriadoc asks. "We're trapped in here."

I look at all of them. The three lighter-haired hobbits seem to have little hope now. But Frodo looked different. He stares at a golden ring strangely. I see a strong desire in his eyes. Desire to what, I do not know.

I want to get a closer look at the ring. But Frodo had already kept it in his pocket.

Then, something else catches my attention, my thoughts of the familiar looking ring forgotten - the pressure of the air.

"We're not trapped here." I tell the hobbits as I close my eyes and inhale, feeling the air around us. "The air here is not heavy. There must be another opening not too far from here."

"You sure know a lot." Pippin says. "But I hope you are right."

"I am right, Peregrin." I reply surely. "Now follow me. I will lead you to the opening."

We travel on and on within the cave, resting whenever the hobbits feel like it. I do not talk much to them as they do not talk much to me. But I do what I can to protect them. They are naturally clumsy, as what I can observe. Especially Peregrin. So, from slipping and falling to getting themselves hurt, I am there to aid them.

By dusk we are able to find another opening.

"It's good to be out!" Peregrin exclaims, breathing the fresh air and stretching out his arms in what seems like a relieved way.

"Shhhh!" Samwise is the one to scold him. "That thing might still be out here."

Peregrin doesn't say anything more, also fearing the nazgûl. And as if on cue we all hear shrieking from out of nowhere. I tense my muscles, gripping the sword that's strapped to my right hip and looking around attentively.

"We have to get to somewhere safe." Frodo whispers loud enough for us to hear.

He then takes off to a random direction, stopping to hide behind some trees and looking around for enemies. We all follow him with me on the rear so I can see all four of them. 

We continue travelling like that for a few moments.

"Anything?" Samwise calls to Frodo who had now taken a few paces from us, hiding behind a tree.

"Nothing." Frodo replies.

We all walk to him with me, still looking around.

"That black rider was looking for something." I hear Meriadoc say to Frodo. "Or someone." He emphasizes the last word. "Frodo?"

Meriadoc suspects that Frodo is the one the nazgûl is hunting. And by the way Frodo looks at Meriadoc, it tells me Meriadoc's suspicions are right.

"Get down!" I half whisper as I pull all four of them down in time before the black rider that comes into view can see us.

We look at it, all tensed and afraid. We heave a sigh of relief once it goes down the other side of the hill.

"I have to leave the Shire." Frodo says, turning to Meriadoc. "Sam and I must get to Bree."

I keep silent and just listen to them. I do not know what is happening here or why these hobbits are hunted by Sauron's forces. But I do know that I am not leaving their side. For some reason unknown to me, I want to protect them. I just do.

"Right." Meriadoc says, not asking any more questions. "Buckelbury Ferry. Follow me."

I do not know what Meriadoc means when he said that. But the other hobbits follow him once he stands and walks off and this tells me they know what he's speaking of.

But wait. I feel something evil from the direction they are headed. "Wait!" I call to them but it was too late.

The black rider appears in front of the hobbits, riding on its horse. It lets out an ear-piercing shriek as it tries to snatch Frodo from the ground.

For fear of the wraith harming my companions, I take a dagger from my holder and launch it to the wraith's hand, careful not to hit the Frodo. The Nazgûl lets out a shriek when the dagger hits its hand. I run to Frodo.

"Run!" I tell Frodo as I pull him to his feet and push him to run in front of me. The other hobbits are already far ahead of us.

"This way!" Meriadoc yells for us to follow. "Follow me!"

We run as fast as we can. And when I see where we are headed, which is to a raft, I figure the hobbits might need time to detach the ropes.

"There it is!", Meriadoc says in between his pants. "Buckelbury ferry. Hurry!"

I unsheathe my sword. "I'll buy you time to detach the ropes.", I say. "Ama poldora!", I cast the spell on myself, empowering myself with strength. On my arms, there appear some swirls that are glowing in a golden color. (Strength)

And with that, I turn around and slash at the enemy. I hit the horse, cutting through its neck. And it falls to the ground, dead. Black blood flows from its wound.

But the fight is not over yet. The wraith stands and takes its sword from its sheathe. I stand firm, holding my sword. It's just one wraith. What could possibly happen?

I hear more shrieks from the woods and four or five more wraiths appear, riding on their horses. I groan. Great. Here come reinforcements.

"Hobbits!", I call. "Is the raft free yet?"

"Just a moment!", I hear Peregrin's voice.

"Russe tuulo' moriloomir", I say, and my hand glows with lightning. It sparks in different directions, keeping the wraiths at bay. (Lightning)

"Hurry!", I shout to my companions.

The wraiths shriek angrily, trying to get near me but I send them back by pouring more energy to my hand, causing more lightning to spark everywhere.

"Lady Lasarra!", Frodo calls. "It's done!"

And that was all I was waiting for. I spin around and take off to the raft, the wraiths all after me. 

The hobbits all shout for me to make haste, fear evident in their eyes. No doubt they have never seen such horror. I don't blame them.

I hear unsheathed swords not too far behind me. I run faster for fear of my head being chopped off.

Luckily, I am able to jump unto the raft before I'm killed. I almost fell during the process, since the raft is not that big. My new hobbit friends were able to pull me before that happened though.

I take a look at the wraiths. They had stopped on the edge, seemingly afraid to get into the water.

"How far to the nearest crossing?" Frodo asks his friends.

"The Brandywine Bridge.", Meriadoc replies. "20 miles."

I look at the wraiths as they take off on their horses. To where, I do not know. But I hope it's not to where we are headed.

"So where are you headed?", Peregrin asks, looking at me.

"I have nowhere to go as of now, Peregrin.", I reply. "And  I think I am lost. Do you mind if I come with you for a while?"

"Sure, My Lady.", Meriadoc replies.

Frodo and Sam are suspicious of me though but are not saying anything. 

"Please..", I say, directing it to all four of them. "Just Lasarra will do. Lady is not necessary."

"Then you can call me Pippin.", Peregrin says with a grin. "My friends call me that. Although you're not my friend but you can still call me that."

Meriadoc hits him. "Pippin!", he scolds.

I giggle at them. "Oh I am sure we will be friends, Pippin.", I say, smiling.

"And you can call me Merry." Meriadoc says grinning.

I turn to the other two hobbits who're not saying anything. "Frodo.. Samwise..", I say their names and it gets their attention. "I know you're not confident with me. After all, I just appear all of a sudden and start helping you."

Samwise looks at me in a shy kind of way. "You are right about that, Lad-" he cuts himself off. "I mean..Lasarra." He says. "Forgive us."

"There is nothing to forgive, my friends." I reply. "I understand that trust is not given freely. It is earned."

Frodo and Samwise both smile at me. And I smile back. "So where are you distinctly off to in Bree?" I ask.

"To an inn known as the prancing pony." Frodo is the one to reply. "We are on an errand.. Of secrecy." He adds the last part lowly.

"I see. Get some rest then." I tell them. Not asking them any more questions. "You will need it."

~~~

We all get off the raft once we reach the crossing.

"Which way now?" Pippin asks in his usual cheerful voice.

"This way." Frodo says and takes off to the left. We follow him.

I stay behind and just follow the hobbits, looking around attentively for signs of enemies. 

It's already dark and raining when we reach a closed wooden gate. Luckily, I'm wearing a hooded cloak and so did my companions. 

I stay behind them when Frodo knocks on a door that's a part of the gate. A tiny window opens and someone looks through it. Once the person doesn't see anyone, he closes the window and opens another below. 

There, he sees my companions. "What do you want?", a slightly strained voice says from the other side. I assume it's an old man.

"We're heading for the prancing pony." Frogo almost shouts to make the man hear him through the sound of the rain.

The window suddenly closes and a door opens. An old man with a rather long nose  looks at us. "Hobbits? Four hobbits and a man?"

"Woman." I correct him. I don't blame him though. I do look like a man by the way I dress. And I kept my golden hair in a braid and hid it. And, not to mention how dirty I have gotten since I left Isengard. 

"Right." The old man says, nodding but giving me a last curious look before turning to the hobbits. "Well what business brings you to Bree?"

"We wish to stay at the inn." Frodo replies for all of us. "Our business is our own."

The old man nods slightly and steps aside. "Alright young sir. I meant no offense." He waits for us to come inside. "It's my job to ask questions after nightfall. There's talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful."

Now that we're inside the gate, we walk through a path. When we reach a place that seems like a little village, I look around. There are many folks like me walking about, minding their own businesses. 

I walk just behind my friends, looking for the inn known as the prancing pony. In no time, I see a sign hanging from a metal rod.

"Watch where you're walking!" Someone yells at my companions when they accidentally bump on him.

I look at the hobbits. They all look nervous. There is no doubt that they have never been to these places before. Neither have I. But I try to hide that.

I go near them and pat their heads. All look up to me. I smile. "I found the inn."

We enter the inn. The smell of ale greets me. I've never been fond of that smell. The sound of laughter from care-free men and women can be heard all around.

My companions now pull off their hoods but I keep mine on. With my golden hair, I would stand out here. Thus, it might bring attention to us.

"Excuse me?" Frodo speaks to the man in charge of the place.

The man leans over to see all four of my companions.

"Good evening, little masters. What can I do for you?" The man says. "If you're looking for accomodations, we got some nice cozy hobbit-sized rooms available. Always proud to cater to little folk, Mister...?"

He leaves the sentence unfinished, silently telling Frodo to tell him his surname.

"Underhill." Frodo answers after some time. "My name's Underhill."

"Underhill, yeah." The man in charge says, nodding. I just keep myself silent behind my companions, listening to what is said.

"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey." Frodo adds. "Can you tell him we've arrived?

Wait. Gandalf? Gandalf the Grey? This catches my attention. I know Gandalf. He is a wizard just like father. A good person, he is. And he knows about me. Father had kept me secret from any other person but to Gandalf, Father told him without hesitation.

"Lasarra." I hear Pippin's voice, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Yes?" I say.

"Let's have a drink while we wait for Gandalf." He says.

I was about to protest since I am not that fond with ale but he already dragged me to the table where his fellow hobbits are taking their seat. Well, I'll just sit with them then. And so, I take a seat beside Frodo.

Once I do, I settle with silently observing our surroundings. I keep my head low to make the shadow of my hood hide my appearance.

"What's that?" Pippin asks Merry, who is carrying a whole mug of ale.

"This, my friend, is a pint." Merry replies, looking at his mug of ale like it's something so priceless. I can't help but shake my head at that. I will never understand why men have to drink ale.

"It comes in pints?" Pippin asks as if it's the most unbelievable thing in the world. "I'm getting one." He stands and heads to the counter.

"You've got a whole half already!" Samwise tries to stop Pippin but Pippin just ignores him.

"That fellow's done nothing but stare at you since we arrived." Samwise tells Frodo, gesturing to a person sitting in a dark corner of the inn.

I look at the person. It is a man, no doubt. I cannot see the face as it is hidden in the dark.

"Excuse me." Frodo says to the man-in-charge as he passes near us. "That man in the corner. Who is he?" Frodo asks, gesturing to the same man in the corner.

"He's one of them Rangers." The man-in-charge replies after taking a glimpse of the man Frodo' taking about. "They're dangerous folk they are, wandering the wilds. What his name is, I've never heard, but 'round here he's known as Strider."

"Strider." I hear Frodo repeat the name but I don't turn to him. I keep my eyes locked on the ranger, observing his movements.

When I turn back to Frodo, he is fiddling with his golden ring, closing his eyes as if remembering a memory. It must have some value to him if he's always looking at it.

And now that I'm sitting beside him, I can see a clearer view of the ring. And might I say it looks quite familiar. I just can't remember where I've seen it before.

"Frodo.." I get his attention, snapping him off from whatever trance he's into. "If I may ask. Did Gandalf tell you anything about where he was going before meeting you here?"

He looks at me in a way that says 'how-did-you-know-about-Gandalf?'

"I heard you when you talked to the man in charge." I answer his unasked question. "And besides, I know Gandalf. He's a friend of my.." I pause. "My father."

He seems uncertain at first before breaking into a small smile. "That's good to know." He says. "If you're a friend of Gandalf, then I'm sure I can trust you."

Samwise who's listening to our conversation also smiles at me, indicating that he also trusts me now.

I smile at both of them. "Indeed you can.", I reply, directing my words at Frodo. "I do not know what burden you are carrying but perhaps I can help. Now, do you know where Gandalf went?"

"He said he's going to meet a friend of his." Frodo replies. "Someone powerful and wise."

My suspicions might be true. There is no other person Gandalf goes to when he asks for council other than Father. Unfortunately, he is an enemy now. If that's the case, then Gandalf might be in need of dire help.

"Baggins?" I suddenly hear Pippin's voice shout, cutting me from my thoughts. "Sure I know a Baggins. He's over there." He points to where Frodo is. "Frodo Baggins."

Frodo immediately stands up and makes his way to Pippin, forcing his way through the people in his way. "Pippin!" He calls to Pippin, reaching for him.

I stand up to help Frodo but I stop myself once I see what happens. Frodo had tripped and when he did, he reaches out for something. But I cannot see what it is. And then, he vanishes.

I just stand there, stunned. It could be a spell. But I doubt Frodo knows any.

Then, I feel strong evil energy radiating off the space where Frodo had tripped. That's when I remember.

The ring. I knew I recognized it. I've read it from Father's books. I just didn't see the resemblance right away, since the writings on the ring are not visible. But it has to be it. I've never felt such strong evil energy radiating off anything. It's calling for the wraiths. It wants to be found.

In a few seconds, Frodo reappears not too far from where he vanished. He seems breathless and looks afraid. I am about to go near him but someone else was faster. A man, wearing dark clothing - Strider.

He drags Frodo up some stairs and into a room. He then slams the door close.

"Mr. Frodo!" Sam shouts.

Sam, Pippin and Merry all grab weapons and follow the ranger who took Frodo. And by weapons, I mean a stool and a candlestick.

I follow the hobbits, grabbing my bow and loading it with an arrow. Whoever that man is and whatever he wants with my friends, he's going to have to deal with me.

We stop in front of the door where Frodo's been taken. I take my place behind the hobbits, aiming my arrow for anything hostile when we open the door.

"Arrrrg!!" The hobbits yell as they push the door open.

I aim my bow at the man who comes into view. He has unsheathed his sword, ready to slash at the hobbits.

"Let him go!" Samwise threatens the stranger. "Or I'll have you, Longshanks!"

The man does not lower his sword.

"Do not even think about harming my friends, Stranger." I say, my voice sounding so threatening I cannot believe it's my own. But surprised as I am, I maintain my seriousness. "One wrong move and I'll end you."

The man stares at me. Then he puts his sword back inside the sheath. "You have a stout heart, little hobbit." He states calmly, directing his words to Samwise. "But that will not save you."

"You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo." He tells Frodo seriously. "They're coming."

By the way he says it, he knows what he's talking about. But how he knows it, I cannot tell.

Strider gestures us to enter the room, which is probably his, and closes the door. He tells us it would be safe if we stay in his room.

And so, after convincing us we can trust him, we stay in his room.

~~~

"Tell me." Strider says, looking at me. "How long have you travelled with hobbits?"

I look at my companions. Three of them, namely Merry, Samwise and Pippin are fitted in one bed, asleep. While Frodo is awake, sitting on the bedside.

"Just this morning, I came across them while I was travelling." I reply. "It seems a nazgûl was looking for them. I had to help. That's why I ended up with them."

"Where were you headed?" Strider says.

"Honestly, I do not know." I reply.

He looks at me in disbelief. "You travel but do not know your destination? That's curious."

"And I think it was not mere coincidence when I came across the hobbits." I honestly tell him. "I know this is where I'm supposed to be. To aid their purpose. To protect them in any way I can."

Sam suddenly jolts up, gasping. He probably had a bad dream. I stand to go to him. But multiple sounds of loud shrieking  stops me. I look out the window, careful as to not reveal myself.

The shrieking comes from the room where my companions and I were supposed to stay. Luckily, Strider told us to stay in his room. If not, we would probably be dead now.

Now Merry and Pippin are awake too, awakened by the ear piercing sounds that the nazgûl are making.

"What are they?" Frodo asks as another shriek sounds.

"They were once men. Great kings of men." Strider answers. "Then Sauron the deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one, falling into darkness."

I remain silent as Strider tells my hobbit companions the story of the nazgûl. I, myself know their story but it would be better if I let Strider tell it.

"Now they are slave to his will." Strider continues. "They are the Nazgûl.. ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the ring, drawn to the power of one." He looks at Frodo in all seriousness. "They will never stop hunting you."

There is silence after that. The nazgûl had stopped their shrieking and had rode away. And none of us say anything.

Strider looks out the window. "Get some rest." He says, breaking the silence. "You'll need it for the journey tomorrow."

I nod at him and curl myself on the bed, just below the hobbit's feet. They're so short, they could only occupy at least half of the bed. Frodo stays seated on the bedside.

"Frodo, you need to sleep." I tell him. "You probably didn't sleep well last night. Judging from the way you look."

"Is it really that evident?" He replies with a half smile and then he turns serious again. "I don't think I can sleep, Lasarra. Not with so much happening right now. And I.. I don't know what to do anymore."

I sit up. "Come here." I stretch out my hand for him to take.

He hesitates for a while but takes it after a few moments. I pull him to the bed, letting him lay down beside the space where I'm occupying. "Sleep, my dear. Everything will be alright." I tell him as I stroke his dark curly hair. "Lanta kaima", I say the spell soothingly. (Sleep)

His eyes slowly droop until he closes them, falling asleep almost in an instant.

I smile at his peacefully sleeping figure. So little. So innocent. And yet he has to carry such a heavy burden. My dear Frodo.

"You know elvish?" Strider suddenly speaks up. "And spells?"

I nod at him. "I only know a little of the elvish language." I reply. "Most of it are spells."

"How?" He asks. "How did you learn?"

"I just learned." I reply. The pain of leaving Isengard resurfaces again. "And I can tell you nothing more."

I feel Strider's eyes on me. But I ignore him, tucking myself beside Frodo. I fall into slumber after a few moments.

--