Oliphaunts.

Oh dear. Oh no. oh dear.

This wasn't good. Not at all. I didn't even need to tell the Hobbits, this wasn't a good idea. They knew that all on their own.

How could I be that stupid? How could I get so upset and sentimental?

The past was the past and that's exactly where it needed to stay: in the past!

During my moment of weakness we'd been approached by four cloaked men, they were armed and their faces were hidden. Soon they lowered their weapons thinking we were no threat to them.

How wrong they were. If they had any idea what I was capable of then they would have held their swords to our chests a little longer I have no doubt.

I would never kill them, of course I wouldn't but I could give them a little burn if it was necessary. Just like my sister had healed that man in the woods, our light could be used for many things…

But I had to be careful with it, better to not use my light unless I had no other choice.

The most important thing on my mind was ensuring these men did not take the ring from the Hobbits.

Without the ring, all hope would be lost.

I needed that ring.

I was no fool, I knew how dangerous it was. It corrupted all who touched it.

Just because I was a star, didn't make me invulnerable- with my light I was sure I could become a great power over Middle Earth if I allowed the ring to influence me. I could rule this land and it's people for ages to come.

But that wouldn't happen. I would allow the Hobbit to bare the ring for as long as possible before I claimed it. The both of them- Frodo and Sam were walking to Mordor already. I wouldn't hurt them if I could help it, I was a star, and by nature good. I would take the ring and send them on their way before we reached the fallen Maiar.

I had no desire for power or to rule the world, I took pleasure only in watching it and loving it from afar.

"We shall return swiftly, you will be guarded while we are away. Stay hidden from sight." The leader of the company shot me a wary glance before hurrying off somewhere, sword drawn with one of his companions. Leaving another two men to watch over the Hobbits and I.

Gollum had slunk off somewhere, before we'd been found. I hoped for good. The sight of the creature drew little but pity from me.

Sam spoke to me for a while about a Hobbit he and Frodo had known- Bilbo. I was familiar with him, he had been on great adventures over the years. I mostly sat and listened to his tales, vaguely interested until the sounds of fighting and swords interrupted his recollections.

The clanging of metal did not last long before it was overshadowed with thunderous noises what drowned all else out.

The ground shook suddenly, the earth moving around us, tree's trembling.

I ought to have known really that the Southerners would have more than swords and archers at their disposal.

"What…what…" Sam opened his mouth, eyes wide looking at me.

"Tis an Oliphaunt." I said simply, unimpressed. I had seen many over the years, they were no different from foxes and horses, bar their size. I could see why, a Hobbit would find them so interesting.

I smiled at Sam as he wandered towards the hill where our guards stood, slowly. His reaction was quite enjoyable. He came back, minutes later, eyes shining with wonder- almost as brightly as the stars.

It seemed hours, though the sun had moved little by the time the man returned with his companion- bringing a whole host of men with him.

"Put these on Lady." One of the men spoke kindly to me, handing me a pair of breeches and a shirt. He was very young, barely past childhood. He stood in front of me biting his lip and pushing his long dark hair behind his ear nervously.

I almost didn't take them. But that would have looked quit odd. Humans are uncomfortable without clothes. I think they're awful. They're tight and they smell and they brush roughly against your skin while you move. At least I discovered they were quite loose. I'd still much rather have continued on with the eleven cloak wrapped around me, it felt better- more free.

"You are too kind." I half smiled at the child, who blushed before me. He'd given me the bundle of clothes thinking I'd be grateful for them- it wasn't his fault that I would rather wear naught at all, and damn the opinions of those around me.

I doubt all of them would mind my nakedness very much, judging from the boy's red face.

I'd forgotten what it was like to cause a blush, my smile widened, this time it was completely genuine.

I still knew not why it pleased me to be treated kindly. But the attention of others had always left me, almost…smug. It was nice, knowing that people saw qualities that they liked in me. Unfortunately there was only one being alive whose attention I craved.

Never again, I reminded myself sadly.

It did not take me long to put the clothes on and return to the Hobbits and group of wary men.

There were lots of eyes on me again, but I stood my ground at the Hobbits side. I suspected I looked terribly loyal. That thought made me quite sad for some reason.

I had no one left bar the stars in the sky to be loyal to…

I learnt much by listening and more by watching the faces of the men and the Hobbits.

It seemed the man my sister had saved was the kin of one of the rangers. The leader, Faramir son of Denethor.

I didn't like Denethor very much. He dabbled with Sauron through their plantirs, only a fool would be so reckless. I wondered how alike Denethor and his sons might be, eyes wandering to the little dark haired Hobbit in front of me.

Before too long we were being ushered along with few rangers to guard us as we walked. I listened closely as they discussed much behind me. The ring, the Fellowship, The grey Wizard, Boromir, Gollum…and then talk turned to myself.

"Your other friend…how came you by her?" I could almost feel his eyes on me as he spoke, his voice low and serious.

"She was lost…" I missed my footing and tripped to the ground as Frodo spoke.

How could I possibly explain being in Mordor? What possible reason did I have for looking for my lost sister there?

"Let me help you." Frodo and Faramir rushed to my side, the man taking my hand in his to help me to my feet.

"Thank you." I looked up into his face…trying very hard to look innocent. He kept my arm rested on his as we continued to walk. I couldn't take the silence much longer. I knew I'd have to give some sort of explanation, before Frodo spoke and revealed where he found me wandering…wearing no clothes.

"The Hobbits found me in the Dark Lands my Lord" I said slowly.

The whole company stopped eyes on me. I would likely have been better if I had started my defence differently, but continued desperately, lying on the spot I stood in.

"My Family…I…we were taken by men from the South, I know not why…My sister and I escaped…I was scared…we got lost…I just want to find her and return to our home."

He looked at me for a long time, I looked back.

I wondered how well I had lied, I had never needed to lie before. He ushered his men to continue walking and turned away from me.

"These are dark days indeed my lady." He spoke very softly and sadly.

"Yes my Lord. I am not use to such evil." I said honestly.

"What was your sisters name?"

"It matters not." I replied quickly. Stars don't have names. How could I invent a name for her?

"If you tell me her name, Lady Tiri then I might better help you seek her?"

I left a long pause for far too long again.

"I do not want you to know her name. I would keep my business to myself Lord." I said warily. I had no clue what to say, but I was sure that this could only cause more trouble and questions for myself.

"Lady, how do you expect to find your sister, if you will not speak her name?" His eyes flashed as he spoke to me, full of mistrust.

I could feel the hobbits eyes on me. They were still shaken up from our capture and the ambush from the men of the South. But I was sure they thought me harmless. Why was everything making this task so difficult?

All I wanted was to find my sister and return to where we belong. It felt as though every obstacle was being planted in my way to stop me.

I had landed so close to Modor, why hadn't the Hobbits just walked through the black gates? Then there was that creature, Gollum always lurking, now these men were obstructing me once again. Stirring trouble with their questions.

"Sir, I do not need your help to find my sister. I will find her alone." My voice sounded strange as I spoke. It was cold and detached. It didn't sound like my voice at all.

I realised too late that I had sounded angry. It took so little to set off emotions in this body. He had only been trying to help, he had no ill intent.

"Forgive me." I started, the sudden rage I had felt left as quickly as it had come "I am…I am tired. I did not intend to be so rude." I finished avoiding Faramir's eyes.

For a human, he seemed quite quick witted. He was not one to be fooled easily. He knew of the one ring already, yet he had not taken it for himself and his country…

I always disliked being surprised. Men were supposed to be weaker than in years past, perhaps even after Sauron had his ring there was a chance they might survive.

The thought lessened the guilt that had been creeping up on me over the last few days. I would do what had to be done to return home, no matter what.

To return where I belonged.

Just like the men wished me no harm- I wished them none.

I wasn't doing anything to be cruel or wrong. I was just doing what needed to be done….

It has been too long, I've had birthdays, exams and far too many easter eggs than is good for me since I last updated…so I guess I'm gonna have to upload another chapter tomorrow to say sorry! It was totally worth the wait after ALL THEM REVIEWS AND FOLLOWS AND FAVS.

WHY ARE YOU GUYS SO KIND? seriously, I'm so poo at updating- but chaper 9,10,11,12 will be the younger star and I WILL UPDATE. because I like the younger star better. But Tiri is still cool...in a totally misunderstood kind of way, ANYHOW:

Firstly;- -you have no idea how much I agree with you. There is not enough Glorfindel in this world, he is amazing.
Calla Mae - I really don't know where I'm going with Tiri any more, She's sort of damaged goods after Glorfindel, she knows the difference between right and wrong, she doesnt want to hurt anyone she just wants to go home :( Glorfindel will totally make an appearance in this story, but whether he'll forgive Tiri for being a bit evil...meh.
Crimzon stained - NEMO RIGHT? :') I am super glad you're good with Glorfindel, why is he so perfect?! I just hope I can do him justice when he makes an appearance...(ps, i am totally into your profile picture. Castiel for the win.)
Varda Gilthoniel- ah thank you, i wish i was better at updating. I am busy and easily distracted! Tiri, sort of doesnt like the pain that comes with being human, the guilt/sad/anger/pain, I think she just wants out because she doesnt think Glorfindel will forgive her, or that she deserves him any more...after sort of betraying him :( As far as STARS/MORTALITY is concerned, I think a star is immortal as long as they don't use up their light, once their light is gone, that means they can't be stars again and are stuck as humans to live and die. it's a hard life!
MyCephei – I'm glad someone likes Tiri! I didn't like her selfishness much in this chapter, but she has something to do and she's gonna do it, unless the guilt is too much or Faramir finds her out...she kind of thinks she's above mortals which she kind of is and kind of isnt, she's definately going to change during the story and become more human...I prefer the younger star too! and I like writing her better, which is who the next four chapters will be about! My writing comes much easier :) i literally do love getting such detailed reviews they really help me cement ideas!
Theta-Mcbride- Hi there! thank you very much! I like the younger star better too, innocence is just so endearing! I think Tiri is more of an, 'i need to get the hell out of here as quick as I can' kind of person, she literally isn't bad- or doesnt want to be, she just wants to belong somewhere, unfortunately she doesnt quite belong in the sky either :(

THANKS FOR REVIEWING DESPITE ME IGNORING THIS STORY! i'm so bad. but i'll get better, especially over the summer...summer makes me write like crazy... until next time! which will be soon ;)