Run It Back Again (Part 2)

Chapter 9

Soon enough, we were sitting in Bilbo's kitchen as the hobbit made us some tea.  I rubbed my sore shoulder and smiled for his sake.  Beside me, Gandalf spoke with Bilbo about how he planned on leaving tonight, after the party.  Finally, Bilbo turned and looked at me.

"You've gotten so big, Era...  You remind me of the shapeshifter you were named after!"  One look from Gandalf told me that Bilbo didn't know that had been me.  I smiled and accepted the tea.

"What was she like, Uncle Bilbo?"  He chuckled to himself.

"So much like Skyrena, but she looked so much Thorin.  She could have passed as their daughter."  He shook his head.  "She was a great warrior...  All she wanted was what was best for everyone.  Shame she died at the hand of such a foul creature as Azog the Defiler."  He sighed and looked over at me.  "She save Thorin and I from being killed by those Orcs once before, too.  But, he somehow got her before she could finish him."  I lowered my gaze and nodded.

That was why Father didn't want me to fight.  I'd already been a fighter, and it got me killed.  Right before his very eyes...  Saving his life...  Gandalf smiled as he patted my shoulder.

"But, that was a long time ago.  So, tell us how Thorin and Skyrena are."  I smiled and nodded.

"Mother has been in charge of helping Father rule the kingdom, and Father's up to his elbows in Orc attacks.  Within the last week before I left, 18 Orc packs had attacked Dale."  Gandalf nodded, a dark look crossing his face.

"I'm sure he's worried about what is to come..."  I nodded.

"He is..."

Standing by Gandalf's cart, I heard whispering, but I didn't really pay attention until I saw a firework go off from behind me.  Fearing an attack, I leaped and turned to see two hobbits, their faces black with soot, smiling up at the sky.  Walking over, I crossed my arms.

"Care to explain what that was about?"  They both turned and looked at me, their eyes wide as Gandalf came over to see what was going on.

Calling them by name, he set them to work.  I watched as Bilbo made his speach before disappearing and returning home.  I followed him back to the house and waited for him.  When he reappeared and saw me, he smiled.

"There you are, Era..."  His smile turned sad.  "I do wish your parents were here to see me off, though."  I nodded.

"I know..."  He looked over at me.

I need you to do me a big favor."  I frowned as he continued.  "Will you stay here with Frodo for a few days and help him?"  I stepped back a bit.

"Frodo doesn't know, does he?"  He shook her head, worrying me.  There was no telling how he would handle the news.  Before I could speak up, Gandalf arrived.  Bilbo packed quickly as Gandalf and spoke with him.  Finally, I spoke up over all of them.  "So, all you want me to do is help a poor fellow get over the disappearence of his uncle?"  I shook my head.  "I won't do it.  It wouldn't be right."  I walked off towards the door and stood there, watching for Frodo.

"Era...?  Please come here..."  Recognizing Gandalf's voice, I followed it to the dining room.  I lowered my head as I entered.

"Yes?"  He smiled over at me and spoke in a low voice.

"I suggested that we ask that you stay behind because we believe Frodo may be in danger.  However, Bilbo doesn't know that."  I frowned as I looked at him.

"What do you mean?"  He glanced around nervously.

"I can't explain it right now, but I need you to watch over Frodo.  Will you?"  Frodo, that gentle boy, was in danger?  I really couldn't bear the thought, so I nodded and agreed.  As he walked out, I began to pace the room.  Soon enough, Bilbo was gone, and Gandalf was ready to leave.  However, he had other plans in mind.

"I wish to wish the boy luck before I leave..."  Before I could speak, someone came in through the door.

"Uncle Bilbo?"  Gandalf and I turned and saw Frodo come in the door.  Something seemed to be bothering Gandalf, but I was more worried about Frodo, who shook his head as he walked in.  "He left, didn't he?"  I nodded, watching him carefully. 

"He always spoke of leaving, but...  I'd just hoped that he wouldn't."  Gandalf nodded and looked between us.

"He left you Bagend...  And the ring."  Frodo frowned as he looked at the ring Gandalf offered him.  "Keep it safe.  I'll be back in a few weeks."  Frodo nodded as Gandalf walked out the door and looked over at me.

"Why are you still here?"  I smiled a little as I answered.

"I promised to stay behind and help you out for the next few days..."

A few weeks later, Frodo and I had just gotten back from the market when someone pulled him in the door.  I backed off, growling as my claws unsheathed.  Seeing Gandalf, I relaxed and retracted my claws as I went through the door.

"What the heck?  Trying to scare us?"  I swallowed hard as I held onto the necklace Father gave me years ago for my birthday, where I kept all my stored energy.

"Is it hidden?  Is it safe?"  Before I could ask him what was going on, Frodo went to retrieve the small, golden ring from its hiding place.  As he did, Gandalf snatched it and threw it into the fire.

"What are you doing?"  I stared in horror as the ring lit up in the fire, glowing faintly, while Frodo protested.  Pulling it out from the fire, Gandalf handed it to Frodo.

"Tell me...  Is there any writing on it?"  I frowned as I examined the ring from the side.  As the firery lettering appeared, I gulped.

"It can't be..."  Looking up at Gandalf, I shook my head.  "I thought he was defeated a long time ago!"  Gandalf huffed and shook his head.

"Sauron can't fully be defeated unless the ring is destroyed as well."  I looked between Frodo and Gandalf, disbelief blooming in my chest.  "Why didn't you just tell me?"  Frodo looked between us as we agrued for a little while.  Finally, he spoke.

"What do we do?  I could hide it, and no one would ever find it!"  Gandalf shook his head.

"No...  The Ringwraithes are coming for it."  I narrowed my eyes at Gandalf.

"Oh, now I have to protect Frodo from the Ringwraithes?!?  Is there anyone else here thinking that I should have been told this a while ago?"