As we slept that night the stars continued to dance in the far off sky. Tauriel seemed to shine the brightest. Legolas volunteered to take watch for the remaining of the night. Just as I was dozing off I heard a sound; like shuffling feet.

Legolas heard it too, for he strung his bow and stood up ready to defend our camp. As the sound grew nearer I could hear heavy breathing. The figure drew near and Legolas let his bow drop but he still kept a defensive manner,

"Who are you?"

A deep voice breathed heavily and said, "I am- am Thrim, son of Thrum, son of Thriump. I have come from the Iron Hills.

"State your business Thrim."

"First I must know who you are."

Legolas stood erect and said, "I am Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood."

The stranger nodded and asked, "Are you alone?"

"I am traveling with my company, we are journeying to the Iron Hills."

The visitor sighed, "It is you and your friends who I am seeking. I bring grave news. It is best everyone hears at once."

Legolas nodded and went to wake us. I sat upright and shook Frodo, Merry and Pippin awake. When we were all up and alert Legolas explained who Thrim was.

"What news from the Iron Hills?" Gandalf asked with a worried tone.

"This night the last of the magic rings vanished from sight. The king was looking upon them and suddenly they disappeared, and left in it's place was this note."

"Far behind me on the road is a company

go to them quickly, give them this message:

The time, you see, is ending near

I must go after the dark evil  ones

Before my heart is filled with fear

Middle earth will bow to me by the tons" 

"Where is he going?" Boromir asked.

"Nine for mortal men doomed to die" Gandalf said in a low voice.

"He can't do that?" Frodo exclaimed.

"And why not?" Gandalf said angrily.

"So he can travel space and time." I said.

Aragorn nodded sadly

"We have to stop him." Legolas stated

"How?" Pippin asked.

"Must you always ask such questions?" Gandalf bluntly asked.

Thrim, who was felling a bit uneasy with all of the excitement, said, "I must return home and tell my people the message has been sent."

Legolas turned to the dwarf and gave a small smile, "Yes, thank you."

Thrim turned and walked back home while the fellowship returned to their conversation.

"He left no direction as to where the black riders are." Aragorn said

"And they can no longer follow the ring while he is in the light world." I added.

"What shall we do?" Merry asked.

No one had an answer to give. The situation seemed impossible.

"What did they do?" The tot on my lap asked.

I give a chuckle remembering how anxious I was thinking the same thing.

"Why did the pretty elf have to die?" Asked the little on the floor.

I smiled, "She died out of love. I watched as she jumped in front of that arrow that was meant for Legolas. She knew what she was doing."

"Let Grandpa finish the story." Elanor said.

"As I was saying, the situation seemed impossible."

A/N

Hope I didn't confuse anyone. The last part is taking place in the present. Thanks for everyone's feedback.