Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes.

Lembas. Elvish waybread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man.

How many did you eat?

Four.

Every league you travel south, the danger will increase. Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the white hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so. Le aphadar aen. (You are being tracked) By river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros.

My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin.

These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage. And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope made of hithlain.

Sam: Thank you, my lady. Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?

And what gift would a dwarf ask of the Elves?

Nothing. Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth.

Actually, there was one thing. No, no, I couldn’t. It’s quite impossible. Stupid to ask…

I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear. Am meleth dîn, i ant e guil Arwen Undómiel pígatha. (For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish.)

Aníron i e broniatha, ad ae periatham athar i methid en-amar hen. Aníron i e círatha na Valannor. (I would have her leave these shores and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor._

That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. Namárië. *Farewell.* Nadath nâ i moe cerich. Dan, ú-’eveditham, Elessar. (There is much you have left to do. We will not meet again, Elessar.)

Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star.

May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.

I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me.

What was her gift?

I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three.

Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria. I had hoped we would lose him on the river. But he’s too clever a waterman.

And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts, it will make the crossing even more dangerous.

Have some food, Mr. Frodo.

No, Sam.

You haven’t eaten anything all day. You’re not sleeping neither. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Mr. Frodo.

I’m all right.

But you’re not. I’m here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would.

You can’t help me Sam. Not this time. Get some sleep.

Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there we can regroup. Strike out for Mordor from a place of strength.

There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us.

You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that. You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are, of what you are.

I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city.

Frodo. The Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.

We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north.

Oh, yes? It’s just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!

Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see.

That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf.

Recover my…?! Grrrrrr.

We should leave now.

No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness.

It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near. I can feel it.

Recover strength? (turns to Pippin) Pay no heed to that, young Hobbit.

Where’s Frodo?

None of us should wander alone. You, least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo? I know why you seek solitude. You suffer, I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo. Other paths that we might take.

I know what you would say. It would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart.

Warning? Against what? We're all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us, to destroy what hope we have, don't you see that is madness?

There is no other way!

I ask only for the strength to defend my people! If you would but lend me the Ring…

No!

Why do you recoil? I am no thief.

You are not yourself.

What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the Ring. And you will beg for death before the end!

You fool!

It is not yours save by unhappy chance! It could have been mine! It should be mine! Give it to me! Give it to me!

No!

Give it to me!

No!

I see your mind. You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us! You go to your death, and to the death of us all! Curse you! Curse you and all the Halflings!

Frodo? Frodo? What have I done? Please, Frodo. Frodo, I'm sorry!

Frodo?

It has taken Boromir.

Where is the Ring?

Stay away!

Frodo!

I swore to protect you.

Can you protect me from yourself?

Would you destroy it?

Aragorn … Aragorn … Elessar …

I would have gone with you to the end. Into the very fires of Mordor.

I know. Look after the others. Especially Sam. He will not understand.

Go, Frodo.

Run. Run!

Find the Halfling! Find the Halfling!

Elendil!