The Dragon's Gift

[glints_on_snow]

It was only when she rode back to Rivendell that Diamond realized just how far the mare had carried her through the night. Diamond had dozed on the horse's back on her outbound journey, but she was wide awake for the entire ride back. She couldn't stop thinking about Smaug's warning.

But, I think it would be dangerous if wielded by any lesser

Comments

[iolaus_lj]

Iolaus was still far from calm. He was, in fact, frustrated and mentally kicking himself at the same time. He'd promised Diamond that he would accompany her to see the dragon, and protect her if need be. And here she'd not only gone off to see the dragon unescorted, but also played nursemaid to a creature that could have snapped her up in one bite. No, he was definitely not calm. But he was also resigned. What was done was done. No use crying over spilled ambrosia.

What do you suppose this is?

"Nothing good," he grumbled as he looked at the small circlet in her palm. It seemed harmless enough, but Iolaus knew well how dangerous seemingly inanimate objects could turn out to be. "The dragon makes it sound like it's a weapon of some kind."

[glints_on_snow]

Yes, I agree! And yet, he seemed to think that it would be safe with me.

[joxer_tm]

It was his ring... he could feel it, tugging at his soul. He didn't move though, if anything he was frozen in his seat except maybe to flintch away as it's brought out and shown to him.

"It's the ring... the one that... that..." That had left him like this. He didn't want it back, he didn't want it any where near him.

[glints_on_snow]

*horrified* This is the ring that hurt you? But...how could Smaug have had it?

[iolaus_lj]

Iolaus looked at Joxer with concern.

"Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost or . . . something . . ." Iolaus suddenly looked back to the ring in Diamond's hand as realization dawned. "That's it, isn't it? The cursed ring you got stuck with!"

[joxer_tm]

"I... I don't know how he could have gotten it. But that's it. I... I'd know it anywhere." He could feel it tugging even more at him and he backed away from her a bit. "Elrohir had it last... I though he'd distroyed it..."