Chapter Text
Frodo watched with apprehension as the old elf (and wasn’t that a thought? An elf old enough to have salt-and-pepper hair?) set down a star that they held in their palms. The star unfurled, and the light transformed into a small figure, impossibly bright.
- Put the Ring on the anvil, dear hobbit.- the old elf said, not unkindly. - We will try to save you more deathly experiences.-
Frodo did as he was bid, even as curiosity budded in his chest. The Ring was silent ever since the star was in the room, the lack of constant whispers a bigger relief than he thought it would be.
-Who are you, sir?- he asked before he could help himself, stepping back to stand under the wall of the cellar.
The elf smiled at him, teeth just a tad bit too sharp, and eyes gleaming in the dim room. It should scare him, probably.
He couldn’t bring himself to care. The light of the star was calming.
-I'm one of the Seven. The last one.- the elf shrugged, leaving the star-being on the anvil beside the Ring and standing next to Frodo, shielding him with their body. - I’ve been called many names. But that doesn’t matter. Now, close your eyes tightly, little one. My sister knows her job.-
He squeezed his eyes shut, and a terrible brightness filled the room. Something screeched horribly, and the tug in his chest that he had not even noticed evaporated into thin air, leaving a soft, gentle ache behind.
The world seemed to freeze, as if waiting.
-It’s done, little one.- the elf patted his shoulder, voice light. - Sauron is no more.-
Frodo opened his eyes just as the world took its first free breath, and the many-colored light of the star bounced off of the elf, making them seem ethereal.
-Sauron is no more.- he echoed, incredulous.
The star-being on the anvil clackled gracefully, as if laughing, and threw itself at the elf, who caught it with ease.
- Frodo Baggins of the Shire, meet Calima Silimariliel, my sister.- they extended their palm towards him, the being smiling brightly at him from there. - She wanted to see you in person.-
-Well met.- he stammered out, eyes wide. She chittered something back, bowing in a quite elvish fashion.
- Now, come on. We must share the news.- the elf threw their head back and laughed, throwing the being into the air where she morphed into a brilliant gem. They hid it in their pocket, silver eyes glimmering with madness. - Come, Mister Baggins! Sauron is no more! Sauron is no more! -
The words reverberated with Power , and suddenly Frodo laughed too, tears falling from his eyes.
Sauron was no more.