Ranger Lovin' Frodo opened his eyes. He felt so sore. "Where am I? What time is it?" He asked to the void. A familiar voice answered "In the house of Elrond. And it is ten o'clock in the morning. It is the morning of October the twenty-fourth, if you want to know." Frodo recognized this voice. It was Gandalf. He sat up, forgetting about his shoulder. He cringed as the pain reminded him. Even though it hurt, he couldn't help but smile. He had missed Gandalf so much. He wished he had been there the entire time. Not that Strider was a bad guide, but he did trust Gandalf more. In fact, he was glad Strider had come with them. They'd most likely be dead if not for him. Sam hadn't trusted him, but Frodo didn't understand why not. Strider had come on strong and mysterious, but had later opened up and Frodo felt that he really was beginning to understand him. The only thing Strider had ever done to him was be nice…with the exception of that night in Bree, where he nearly scared the hobbits out of their skin. After Gandalf and Frodo talked for a while and Gandalf had shared a tale or two with Frodo, Gandalf decided he was going to leave. Frodo said his good-byes and smiled. Then Sam ran into the room. "Frodo!" He yelled, "Bless you! Your awake!" "Sam!" Frodo smiled. That was all he could say. Any more, and he feared crying in front of Sam. He had missed his best friend dearly. Even more than Gandalf, Frodo was glad to see Sam. Just as they were about to talk, an elf came in. Sam nudged Frodo in delight. Sam had been so excited to see the elves. "Excuse me, Master Gamgee, I hate to interrupt, but you are needed with Master Took and Master Brandybuck. And Frodo needs his sleep." He replied. His voice sounded almost like a song. Sam sighed and nodded. He didn't want to leave, but there was something about the way the elf spoke, Sam would have done anything. Sam kissed Frodo's hand and ran outside. The elf glided up to Frodo and handed him a letter. "From the one you call Strider." Frodo nodded his head in thanks. Frodo opened the letter. He began reading, then froze as he continued. This letter was worse a blow to him than the Morgul Blade. It read as follows: Dear Frodo, I want to thank you for being yourself. I hope I have been of service to you. I want to let you kn0w something that has been on my heart and mind since Bree. Maybe you could help me. I am in love. Madly. Head over heels, one might say. I believe I have found my soul mate, the one I was meant to be with. I spend my nights crying over this person. I hope the feelings are mutual. My heart would break if they weren't. The person has been on my mind all night and all day. Maybe you could talk to that person for me. The person is…you. Yes, Frodo it's you. I am madly in love with you. Your soft skin, your big blue eyes. I have fallen under your spell and I want to be with you forever. Yours Forever Strider Frodo swallowed hard. He felt like crying. What was wrong with Strider? What was he talking about? He started to shake. Then he felt tears run down his face. Then he realised the elf was standing next to his bed, waiting for a response to bring back to Strider. Frodo quickly scribbled: Dear Strider, I regret to tell you that the feelings are not mutual. My heart belongs to another, and I am sorry that you feel that way. Frodo He folded it up and gave it to the elf. The elf walked out side and Frodo laid his head on the pillow. He began sobbing. Why had Strider said those words to him? He didn't like the way the words crawled over his skin, reminding him constantly. Frodo fell asleep and finally woke up when the elf had returned with another letter from Strider. Frodo hesitated to open it. Eventually he did and it read: Dearest Frodo, I am sorry. That must have been such a shock to you. I know you didn't mean what you said, so I will let you respond again. I love you, Frodo! Your Love, Strider He sighed. Half angry, half sad. He wrote back as his fury grew. Dear Strider, I was not mistaken in my previous response. I don't believe that two men should be together. Especially a man and a hobbit. I am glad we are friends. But no more than that. Frodo He thrust it into the elves hand and waited without sleep this time until the elf returned. He gave him the letter. Frodo asked the elf, "Are you reading this?" The elf shook his head. Frodo sighed as he opened it. Frodo, I am very sorry you feel that way. I guess I have no reason for living now that the love of my life no longer loves me. I might as well sleep with the Morgul Blade since I cannot sleep with you. ~Strider~ Frodo knew what he was doing. Strider was trying to put him on a guilt trip. Frodo wouldn't have it. He wrote down in anger: Strider, You have never lost love, Strider, for I have never loved you. I am sorry if I lead you on in any way, but I honestly didn't think you were like that. I'm sorry you feel that way, Frodo He gave it to the elf, "If he writes me back, I don't want it. Tell him I'm not accepting any more messages today." The elf nodded. Frodo closed his eyes. Why was this happening to him. He couldn't tell anyone. This would ruin everything if he did. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. He had a dream. He was in the forest, with the hobbits and Strider. Then the hobbits disappeared and Strider began walking towards him. Frodo screamed but nothing came out and he could feel Strider look at him in a way he didn't like. Just as Strider came closer and was about to pick up Frodo, eh woke up. He was in a cold sweat. Then he realised it was a new day. He could start fresh. Plus, Elrond said he would be able to walk around today. He got out of bed and got dressed. He walked outside of his bedroom and began wandering down a long corridor. And who should be the first person he runs into? Strider. He froze. Strider smiled in a way that made Frodo shudder. He wanted to get out of there. But Strider wouldn't let him. "So, Frodo, are we feeling better?" Strider smirked. Frodo nodded. "Well enough to accept letter, eh?" Strider continued. Frodo swallowed. He changed the subject. "And how are you feeling, sir." Frodo spat out quickly. "Oh, just fine." Strider smiled. Frodo faked a grin the tried to walk away. Strider continued, "Don't you want to know why?" Frodo froze, "Not really…" he mumbled. "What?" Strider asked. Frodo tried to hold back tears, "Of course, how rude of me not to ask." Strider grinned as he stood close to Frodo. They were nose to nose when he replied, "Because I know I'll get what I want in the end." Frodo couldn't bear it. He felt a tear run down his face, but ran away so quickly, Strider couldn't tell. He ran and ran. The corridor was so long, but eh was determined not to stop until he found something that would help him. He ran smack dab into Sam. He felt flat on his back. Sam blushed as he helped Frodo up. "So, sorry, Mr. Frodo!" Sam replied. Then he noticed Frodo's tears. "Why, what's wrong, sir? If you don't mind me asking." Frodo was actually relieved someone asked. He didn't want to hold it in. He lead Sam into his room and they sat on the bed. He took a deep breath and began to pour out his heart and soul. "…And I hate the way it makes me feel. He makes me feel like nothing but a prize. I feel so dirty, knowing he lusts for me. I hate it, Sam." He felt hot tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Frodo. I didn't know-" Sam was shocked. "I know you didn't, Sam. But it's just strange. Of everything in Middle Earth, he chose me, a lowly hobbit. I don't understand it. I like being a lowly hobbit and I'd rather he didn't choose me, or make me feel this way." Frodo sighed. Sam tried to cheer up his master, "You are not a lowly hobbit, Frodo. And, well, you could take it as a compliment. Of everything, even the lasses, he chose you. And Frodo…I don't blame him." Sam felt his face turn red. Frodo grinned a quirked smile. "Thank you, Sam. But I just wish I knew…I mean- is this what love feels like?" Frodo asked. Sam looked confused. Frodo elaborated, "I thought the love was mutual, not dreaded." Sam understood. "Frodo, I can tell you that that is not love. Love is felt by both, and they must be comfortable around each other. Love is nothing to be dreaded. There is no love in this case Frodo. Just pure lust, and that is not to be well thought of." Sam replied. Frodo embraced Sam. He was glad to have such a wonderful friend. Because of the ring, he could trust nobody any more, except Sam. "Well, I am flattered you feel that way Frodo." Sam replied. Frodo froze as he realised he had thought out loud. "But I can tell you that not in every instance will someone be weakened by the ring, but something else." Frodo gritted his teeth, why'd he have to say it out loud? "What's that, Sam?" Frodo faked a smile. "Its you, Mr. Frodo. Your personality, your looks, just you. The ring is not the only tempting thing you bear." Sam replied. Frodo dwelled on that thought. It struck him a bit funny. Frodo felt a bit embarrassed to ask, but he did. "Sam, you're not…well you know, you like the lasses, right? Not the lads?" Frodo felt his cheeks turn red just by the thought of it. "Oh, of course not! My heart belongs to Rosie. I am just giving you a compliment, Mr. Frodo. Just saying what's on my heart. Beggin' your pardon, sir, but you have quite a few enemies right now, and if I can be of any service, I will be glad to help. I am always here for you, Mr. Frodo. You are like a brother to me. Well maybe not, if you think of how Hamson is to me!" Sam laughed. Frodo smiled. Hamson had always beat up Sam and teased him. Sam patted Frodo on the back. Frodo grinned at the thought of a hobbit so much younger than him comforting him and being so wise. Then there was a momentary silence between the two. Sam broke the quietness. "Would you like to go for a walk, Mr. Frodo. It won't be far, considering your condition, but enough to get you some fresh air." Frodo nodded. "Much needed fresh air, Sam!" He got up off the bed and they walked out into the corridor where just an hour ago Frodo had the strange encounter with Strider. They walked around the gardens and long hallways. They glanced into rooms as they slowly shuffled down the hallway, going slowly as not to tire Frodo. They heard laughter and Sam could see a giant grin form on Frodo's face. They recognized the laughter as their companions, Merry and Pippin. Frodo tried to quicken the pace, but Sam slowed him down, "They aren't going anywhere Frodo, take your time." Frodo slowed down a bit but nearly as much as a Sam would have liked. They walked through an arched doorway into a garden with a large fountain. It smelled so sweet and Frodo could feel the aroma seeping into his lungs and healing them. Then he froze n his tracks as he saw why the younger hobbits were laughing. Merry and Pippin were with Strider. They were laughing and playing. Frodo shuddered. He took a few slow steps backwards trying not to get noticed by the others. He backed into Sam behind him. Frodo jumped and Sam caught him as he almost fell. Sam looked into Frodo's eyes. They were so deep and blue. But now they weren't full of their usual joy. They were full of fear. They looked as if a part of Frodo was missing. They didn't have their usual innocence. They looked as if any moment, tears might start flowing out of them. There was a sense of urgency in his eyes. Sam didn't let go of his grip on Frodo. He just tightened it and spun him around. He felt as if it was his duty to protect Frodo not just with matters of the quest, but with these personal matters too. If Frodo had trusted him enough to confide in him, he would help him. They scurried silently and quickly out of the room and Frodo prayed that nobody had followed or noticed. They were scurrying back when the ran smack dab into Gandalf. They froze and looked up at him. They wanted to hide the urgency, worry, and fear in their eyes, but they couldn't hide it from the wise wizard, and all three of them knew that. They didn't speak. Gandalf broke the silence, "What's this?" "T-t-taking a walk-" Sam stuttered trying to come up with an excuse. "I asked Sam to take me for a walk and it was just a bit too much for my first day. He's helping me back to my room." Frodo interrupted. Sam admired how Frodo could take control of a situation even considering the circumstances. They went back to the room, and Sam laid Frodo down for a nap. "You need your rest Frodo. It will all get better." Frodo nodded and then dozed off into sleep. Frodo felt some pressure against his stomach. It was hard to breath. He took a gasp of breath. It felt as if somebody was pushing on him. He opened his eyes. Somebody was on top of him. Strider was on Frodo. Frodo tried to scream, but Strider covered his mouth. "I told you I'd get what I wanted in the end." Strider grinned. He began unbuttoning Frodo's shirt. Frodo struggled to get out. Strider was much stronger than himself. He kept struggling until he couldn't anymore. He gave into Strider. He tried pleading with him. But it didn't work. Strider unbuttoned his pants and as he went to pull down Frodo's pant, there was a knock at the door. Frodo shot out of bed. It was another dream. He was covered in sweat. He began sobbing. It seemed so real. Just then Pippin walked in. "What's wrong, Frodo? Shoulder hurt? Maybe I should get Strider." He replied. "NO! I mean no, that alright. I just had an unpleasant dream." Frodo said a little too quickly. Pippin sat down on the bed and began talking very nonchalantly, "I don't know why you don't like Strider. He's very great. I think you're jealous that he's taking our attention." Pippin said, half teasing, half real. "Pippin, don't, please don't say things like that. You know its not true." Frodo plead. He now knew he couldn't tell Pippin the situation. "No, Frodo! You're just angry. You need to give him a chance. He's not gonna betray you or kill you." Pip replied. "No, but he might do worse…" Frodo muttered. Pippin just looked at him and left. Frodo closed his eyes and felt tears stream down his face. He began crying. In fact, he was crying so hard didn't hear a knock on the door. The door creaked open and in walked Strider. He walked over to Frodo. He stared at the fragile creature shaking on his bed as he cried openly. Strider knew what was bothering him. He leaned over Frodo. Frodo could feel someone breathing down his neck. He opened his eyes to see Strider over him. He froze and his eyes open wide. This had to be another dream. He knew he had to do something. "No, Strider." Frodo commanded and kicked Strider where it hurt. *He won't be able to use that for a while * Frodo couldn't help but think as he ran out of the room as fast as his little legs would carry him. He heard Strider call for him then he could hear footsteps coming after him. He ran faster. But it wasn't fast enough. He felt someone grab his arm, hard. Strider spun him around and pressed him against the wall. Frodo's eyes filled with fear. "I'm not going to do anything, Frodo." Strider replied. Frodo calmed down a bit. "I want- I need to apologize to you. I'm sorry for making you feel the way you did. Nobody has to live like that. And from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry." Frodo's breathing slowed to a normal pace. He looked into Strider's eyes. He could see he was genuinely sorry. "Alright, Strider. I will give you another chance." Was all Frodo said, then he walked away to his room. Strider stood against the wall, thinking. Frodo laid on his bed and fell asleep. But this time, his dreams were pleasant.