Here's Chapter 1! It's really long chapters because each chapter is each book! I hope you enjoy this chapter! It might take me a little while to get chapter two up as I haven't even started it yet! But I will get it up as soon as I finish it! :D ~ Phoebe x
By the 3010's, the darkness was nearly overwhelming. Orcs from Mordor were killing and creating chaos in nearly every village that was defenceless. Ana and Aragorn were aware of the darkness and of Sauron's power and tried to save every village they came across that was in danger. Aragorn and Arwen had split; Aragorn had come back from Lorien in tears. It was because Arwen's feelings had changed for Aragorn. She saw him more as a brother instead of a lover now, apparently, and had refused his hand in marriage when he had asked. It took Aragorn nearly ten years to get over Arwen completely. Ana started to talk about Legolas more, hoping to get Aragorn's attention on the elf that pined for the rugged ranger, and the two planned to visit Mirkwood just before they headed back to Rivendell. Ana still hadn't found anyone that caught her eye but she didn't particularly care. She was still too busy keeping Orcs at bay to be in love.
Gandalf found them in Bree in 1317 and told them of a creature named Gollum who he needed capturing. He asked one of them to find and bring the creature to Mirkwood Forest for him to question.
"It is about the One Ring." Gandalf admitted, making both Aragorn and Ana choke on their drinks that they had just bought. The pub was loud, as usual, so no one took any notice but Aragorn and Ana still checked for listeners before turning to Gandalf in amazement.
"We've been hearing rumours about the Ring for months now. Is it really back?" Ana asked, becoming even paler than usual. She had heard the story from her father many times about how he had tried to get Isildur to throw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom and how Isildur had refused.
"I have my suspicions about where it is. I believe Frodo Baggins may have it; Bilbo left it to him when he left the Shire, but I'm not sure. I need to make sure it is the right ring. That is why I asked you two to guard the Shire." Gandalf explained quietly. "And it is why only one of you can go to capture Gollum. I need one of you to stay here until I return."
Ana and Aragorn glanced at each other, having a silent conversation with their eyes, before they both nodded and Aragorn spoke up.
"I will track Gollum. I am the better tracker out of the two of us and my friend here is more patient than me so she will not mind sitting in this pub and outside the Shire for hours at a time." Aragorn drained his drink as he spoke before pulling his hood up. "Where am I to start, Gandalf?"
"I will accompany you to the edge of Bree before sending you on your way. Farewell for now, Ana." Gandalf stood and Ana hugged the wizard warmly in farewell.
Ana turned to Aragorn and folded her arms before speaking, "Be careful, Estel. I won't be too happy if you come back with an arm or both legs missing so do try to come back in one piece."
"I'll try." Aragorn smiled softly before pulling Ana in for a hug. Ana hugged him back tightly before pushing his shoulder gently. "Ok, I'm going! Have fun, little sister."
"I am older than you!" Ana called after Aragorn indignantly as he left the pub with Gandalf before sighing and draining the last of her drink. She knew she would be in Bree for a while.
It was six months later that Aragorn returned.
Ana was just about to let an arrow fly to kill a rabbit for dinner when she heard approaching footsteps. She spun around, bow and arrow still raised, to find Aragorn in front of her holding up a money bag that jingled nicely whenever he moved it.
"Feel like a dinner at the pub?" Aragorn asked, grinning.
Ana placed her bow and arrow back into their original places on her back before laughing and hugging Aragorn in greeting as she replied, "Of course! But where is that all from?"
"Gandalf paid me well for catching Gollum." Aragorn admitted before shuddering slightly, "That creature is foul. I am glad you never had to meet him. Gandalf was just finishing up questioning him as I left. It sounds like Frodo does have that ring. Gandalf passed me half a day ago on his way to warn Frodo. It seemed Gollum escaped somehow from Mirkwood, Gandalf thinks the spiders helped him, but Sauron's Orcs caught him and tortured him. They know where the ring is. Gollum told them the entire story. We are to meet Gandalf at The Prancing Pony inn after he has warned Frodo and gone to Saruman for advice. That should be in about three days. Frodo will join us here too."
The two entered the pub, making the noise lower for a second before starting up again, and ordered a drink and a meal each. They sat at their regular table, right at the very back but with a good view of the entire room and the door, and ate in silence for a few minutes.
Aragorn finally broke the silence by muttering, "Gandalf says we must take Frodo and the Ring to Rivendell, to your father. He knows the most about destroying the ring. A secret council will be held between the elves, dwarves, men and Gandalf and Frodo. We are invited to it. You are because your brothers are and we all know you'll find a way of listening in anyway. I am because I am a ranger and future king. Of course, I'm hoping that won't be revealed."
Ana rolled her eyes and mumbled back, "Knowing your luck, it will be. Well, it looks like our trip to Mirkwood will have to be delayed."
"I'm Mr. Underhill. I'm looking for Gandalf the Grey."
Ana nudged Aragorn, who was resting his head on the table, in the ribs sharply. Aragorn shot up and glared at Ana who rolled her eyes before looking pointedly at the group of hobbits that were talking to the inn-keeper. The two rangers pulled their hoods up in sync so their faces couldn't be seen before staring at the group as all four hobbits ordered drinks. They knew which one was Frodo immediately. Gandalf had described him to Aragorn who had then described him to Ana.
"I thought it was just Frodo coming." Ana breathed to Aragorn who she felt shrug beside her.
"Maybe there were complications. Look around. Do you see Gandalf? That inn-keeper is right. Gandalf hasn't been around here since you last saw him six months ago. Something's gone wrong, Shadow." Aragorn murmured back, using Ana's alias since the pub was nearly full. They tried not to use each other's real names while in the pub in case anyone was listening in.
Ana listened in to the Hobbits' conversation, Aragorn being able to listen in too because of his elf-like hearing thanks to growing up in Rivendell, and giggled slightly when the Hobbit who had been called Sam by Frodo mentioned that they were being watched by them.
Frodo asked the inn-keeper who they were. The inn-keeper glanced at them before telling the group, "Those two are Rangers. They generally live in the wild, only coming into towns for a drink or the occasional meal, and are dangerous folk if angered. But those two are okay I suppose. No one knows their real names, never heard them use them to be honest, but around here they're known as Strider and Shadow. They're probably just curious."
Aragorn chose that moment to take a puff on his pipe which made the top half of his face illuminate from the glowing embers at the end of the pipe. Soon enough, the hobbits lost interest in them and carried on drinking. Ana and Aragorn were just debating quietly whether to introduce themselves or not, Gandalf was meant to introduce them so that they would be trusted, when Frodo cried out.
"PIPPIN!"
Ana and Aragorn shot to their feet silently as Frodo fell to the floor and the ring he had been holding slipped onto his finger, making him disappear. The two glanced at each other as people shouted in surprise at the disappearance, wondering where the hobbit had gone, when they both felt someone bump into their table. They glanced down just in time to see Frodo reappear.
Aragorn grabbed him by the shoulder and pushed him up the stairs while Ana stared pointedly at Sam until he looked at her. She jerked her head towards the stairs before running after her brother. She caught the door just before it shut and slipped inside. She could hear Sam calling the names of the other two hobbits, Merry and Pippin, already.
"Who are you?!" Frodo asked the two of them. Aragorn threw his hood back and looked at the hobbit calmly but before he could reply, Sam burst into the room with Merry and Pippin.
"Leave him alone or I'll 'ave you, Longshanks!" Sam cried, holding his fists up.
Ana laughed and threw her hood back too, revealing her face and elf ears, before telling the hobbit, "It's Strider actually but that's a good one! I'll have to remember that one to annoy you with, Estel."
"Y- You're an elf!" Sam squeaked, staring at her ears for a moment before tearing his gaze away to stare at her face.
"That I am. I am Ana by the way. This is my adopted brother and best friend, Estel, but around here he is called Strider. We are rangers who have been guarding and watching the Shire and Bree for years now as a favour to Gandalf." Ana explained kindly before glaring at Aragorn who was still frowning and scowling. "Stop it! There is no time to sulk, Estel. It is obvious Gandalf isn't coming and those riders will be here soon. We shall have to set out in the morning."
Aragorn sighed before turning to the Hobbits and telling them, "You'll have to stay here tonight so we can protect you. Take the bed. Ana doesn't need sleep as she is an elf and I don't sleep at night much either. It's one of the advantages of growing up around elves. You pick up a few helpful traits from them."
The hobbits nodded warily before crawling into bed and falling asleep immediately. Aragorn sat in a chair near the window and kept a look-out through the curtains with Ana stood next to him, peeking out above his head. At around midnight, the black riders came riding in and headed for the room where the hobbits were meant to sleep. After a few minutes there were high pitched shrieks that made Ana shiver, the ring-wraiths affected her more than Aragorn for some reason, and the hobbits shoot up from the bed. Frodo was already sat on the side of the bed as he had woken up earlier and hadn't been able to get back to sleep.
Aragorn explained what the ring-wraiths were and how they could feel the ring whenever someone put it on before making the hobbits go back to sleep. While they slept, Ana made Aragorn rest for a while so he could have his strength for the morning. Aragorn finally surrendered to sleep and Ana spent the rest of the night watching the road outside.
Ana woke Aragorn and the hobbits just before dawn. Once all four hobbits were reasonably awake, Ana started to help Aragorn pack some food.
"You must come with us." Ana told the hobbits as she tightened her belt that held her sword and daggers. "Gandalf was meant to arrive before you and he never did. Something has obviously delayed him and we can't stay here in case those riders come back. I hope you are all ready for days filled with walking. Gandalf will catch up with us."
Ana and Aragorn donned their cloaks, both throwing their bows and arrows on their backs after, but left their hoods down. There wouldn't be many people about at the crack of dawn. The hobbits followed their actions before following them down the stairs and out the door. The few people that were about gave the group a few glances but didn't stop them. They were too afraid of Ana and Aragorn. Ana borrowed a pony from the stables and they all put their bags and belongings on it so they wouldn't have to carry it all before heading out of Bree.
They walked for about half an hour in nearly complete silence before Sam started talking quietly to Frodo. Of course, Ana and Aragorn could hear him thanks to their excellent hearing.
"How do we know we can trust this Strider fellow and Ana woman, Mr Frodo? Where are we going?" Sam asked quietly, shooting looks at the two rangers' backs which they could feel.
"We don't, Sam. But they say they know Gandalf and they're the best hope we have." Frodo murmured back as they walked.
"Oh and to answer your question, Master Gamgee," Aragorn stated, both he and Ana turning just in time to see Sam turn red in embarrassment, "We're going to Rivendell."
"Rivendell?! We're going to see elves Mr Frodo!" Sam exclaimed as all suspicion was replaced with delight.
"What do you call me then?" Ana asked jokingly before smiling softly and telling the hobbits, "Rivendell is my home. Estel and I haven't been back in a very long time so it will be good to see our family and friends."
Ana smiled mischievously at Merry and Pippin before telling them, "If the twins are home, I do believe you two will get on quite well with them. I hear you two are quite the pranksters and comedians. Elrohir and Elladan are just the same, even though they are both over two thousand years old."
Pippin's eyes lit up while Merry smiled happily before Pippin asked, "Can you tell us about Rivendell, Ana?"
Ana laughed softly before nodding in agreement. As they walked, Ana spoke about the gleaming city that was her home. The hobbits seemed to enjoy her story so much that she immediately started to tell them about all the adventures she and Aragorn had been on. Aragorn stayed silent through most of the tales but he interrupted every little while to add in his own comments about their adventures. It seemed to make the time fly by and it was nearing nightfall when Ana finally stopped talking.
"Wow! So many adventures!" Pippin exclaimed a few moments after Ana finished telling her last story. "Are there any more?"
Ana grinned at the youngest Hobbit before reassuring him, "I have been alive for well over one thousand years Pippin, although my adventures didn't really start until I ran away to join Estel, so yes there are more stories. But I am tired of talking now and I'm sure you are all tired of my voice. I know my brother must be as he has to put up with it every day and Rangers usually don't talk so much. Anyway, we will be stopping soon as night is nearly upon us. Maybe tomorrow you four could tell my brother and me all about the Shire and Hobbiton. We may have watched and protected your land but we haven't been properly into the Shire before. Your folk do not like change, do they? And I doubt they would take to two rangers, especially since I am an elf, walking across your land. So tomorrow you shall tell us all about your lives in the Shire!"
"Alright!" Pippin agreed cheerfully, "But our stories will not be as exciting as yours!"
"This is where we shall camp for the night." Aragorn interrupted the conversation to gesture around the sheltered rock they had climbed up to. "Stay here while Ana and I go have a look around."
Aragorn passed each of the hobbits a sword before the two rangers slipped off together. They lit a torch each so that the flames could help them see further and see enemies quicker. They were just heading back when a cry reached Ana's ears.
"The hobbits! They are in trouble!" She exclaimed to Aragorn and the two of them ran back to the sheltered rock. They found the hobbits on Weathertop, an old lookout post, so they launched themselves up onto the stone wall. The Nazgul, Ring wraiths, had knocked aside Merry, Sam and Pippin and the chief Nazgul had just stabbed Frodo in the shoulder.
With shouts of rage, Ana and Aragorn brandished their fiery torches at the creatures while fending them off with their swords. A few caught fire with some well-aimed jabs with the torches from the two rangers before the Nazgul gave up and fled.
At once, Aragorn dropped his torch and collapsed next to Frodo to check his wound. Ana rounded up the three hobbits and checked they were alright before joining Aragorn.
"What's wrong with him?!" Sam asked as Frodo gave a loud and painful gasp and his eyes seemed to flash an electric light blue.
"He's been stabbed by a morgul blade." Aragorn informed everyone as he inspected the wound. "I can't heal this. Neither can you Ana. We need Rivendell and Lord Elrond's healing."
Aragorn shot to his feet and gently put Frodo over his shoulder before taking off at a run. Ana and the hobbits followed immediately.
"But Rivendell is six days from now, Estel!" Ana cried, passing her torch to Merry so she could hold her sword in case any Nazgul came back. "We'll never make it!"
"We need kingsfoil!" Aragorn called over his shoulder as they ran through the woods. He glanced around before slowing to a halt and lying Frodo on the ground. "Sam, do you know what Athelas is? Kingsfoil?"
"Kingsfoil? Aye, that's a weed!" Sam stated, frowning.
"You must help me find some. It may slow down the poison." Aragorn told the little hobbit who nodded and ran off with the ranger to help.
Ana sat by Frodo with Merry and Pippin but Sam returned minutes later empty handed. He explained he couldn't find any.
"Maybe Strider will find some!" Sam said hopefully before gaping at something behind Ana.
Ana spun round, suddenly hearing footsteps, and came face to face with Arwen. Arwen gave her a small smile before dropping to her knees and looking at Frodo.
"She's an elf too." Sam breathed to Merry and Pippin as Arwen's pointed ears poked out of her hair.
Moments later, Aragorn entered the clearing and dropped next to Arwen. It was obvious he had seen her already.
That must have been an awkward reunion! Ana thought, watching as Aragorn chewed the kingsfoil he had found and put it in Frodo's wound, making the ill hobbit gasp with pain again.
Ana rolled her eyes as Arwen and Aragorn argued over who should take Frodo to Rivendell then smirked when her sister won. She set off with Frodo in front of her on her horse at great speed.
"Hey! Where's she taking him? What were you saying?" Sam cried, worried for his friend.
Ana made the Hobbits walk at a brisk pace as she explained, "That was Arwen, my sister, and she's taking Frodo to Rivendell. They'll get there quicker by horse and Arwen is the quickest rider. Arwen and Estel were debating who would take Frodo but my sister won as always."
"Your sister is just as sly and cunning as you sometimes." Aragorn said grumpily. "Sometimes I wonder why I put up with you both."
"Because we are your family!" Ana told her brother firmly, smiling.
"Apparently so." Aragorn mumbled, pushing Ana slightly in annoyance.
"Oh you're just annoyed because that was the first time you've seen Arwen since you two split up!" Ana teased gently, making the three hobbits behind her laugh behind their hands. "Strider and Arwen were together for many years, hobbits, but they broke up. That was the first time Arwen and Strider have seen each other since then."
"Oh be quiet! Let's quicken our pace now! If we run, we might make it in three days!" Aragorn exclaimed.
Merry, Pippin and Sam gasped as they rounded the corner and Rivendell came into sight. Ana and Aragorn led the hobbits down the steep path, stumbling a little in their haste to reach their home, and into the courtyard where Ana and Arwen had first met Aragorn.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Master Hobbits!" Aragorn chuckled as the hobbits just stared. Elves started to approach, calling out to the two rangers who hadn't been home in over 50 years.
"Come on! Move out the way! Let us through!"
The voice of Elladan pierced the air and moments later the owner of the voice and his twin appeared.
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Ana cried as she flung her arms round her brothers. "I've missed you!"
Once Ana had stepped back and Aragorn had hugged the twins too, they introduced them to the hobbits.
"Is Mr. Frodo alright?" Sam asked anxiously, looking around.
"Do not fear, Master Gamgee!" Elladan exclaimed cheerfully, ruffling the gardener's hair. "Master Baggins is perfectly alright. Our father healed the wound well and now we are all just waiting for the little hobbit to wake up. We shall take you to him if you like. Gandalf is with him now."
"Gandalf's here?!" Ana asked, her eyes widening. "Where's he been?"
"It seems Saruman has changed sides in the war." Elrohir stated darkly as the twins led the way to Frodo's room. "He's with Sauron now. Gandalf only managed to get away last night. He arrived this morning about an hour before dawn. He hasn't left Frodo's side since he found out what happened."
"This war is getting worse with each day!" Ana growled, glaring at the ground. "I'm all for adventures but this is stupid."
The twins stopped outside a room and nodded to it. Ana got the message and pushed the door open gently. The sight of Gandalf and her father leaning over the unconscious Frodo met her eyes. Frodo looked terrible.
"Mr Frodo!" Sam cried, pushing past to stand by Frodo's side.
Lord Elrond straightened up and looked at Sam then Ana, Aragorn, Merry and Pippin. He gave Sam a comforting smile before telling him, "Do not worry Master Gamgee. Frodo will be fine. He just needs to rest and that is what he's doing. Hopefully he will wake up within the next few days. You may stay with him if you like."
Sam nodded eagerly before taking a seat next to the bed. Lord Elrond led the rest of the group out of the room before turning to Merry and Pippin.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Peregrin and Meriadoc. I hope you will find everything to your liking here. You will stay here until Frodo wakes up then we will discuss what will happen next." Lord Elrond told them gently, waving forward an elf that was waiting near by. "You must be hungry. Why don't you go down to the kitchens and find some food for yourselves and Sam? You may bring it back up to eat in Frodo's room."
Merry and Pippin followed the elf happily, both chatting quickly and cheerfully as they went. Ana smiled at the sight before she was pulled into an embrace by her father.
"I have missed you, Ada." Ana told Lord Elrond as she hugged him back. She pulled back and smiled softly, "Over seventy years is a long time to be away from home. I'm glad to be back."
"I missed you too, my daughter. Do not be gone for so long next time." Lord Elrond said, making Ana sigh but nod in acceptance.
"Estel, it is good to see you. I am sorry to hear you and Arwen are not together any more." Lord Elrond said lightly but there was a spark of joy in his eyes.
"I admit I was devastated, Lord Elrond, but I will not force Arwen to have feelings for me. I am finally moving on but seeing her was a bit of a shock." Aragorn murmured, bowing slightly, before clapping Ana on the shoulder gently and striding in the direction of his room.
"You shouldn't sound so happy, Ada." Ana reproached her father as she frowned after her best friend. "Aragorn loved Arwen with all his heart and she made him happy. He hoped to marry her one day. Have a bit of sympathy and compassion for Estel."
Lord Elrond opened his mouth, anger and sadness in his eyes, but Gandalf stopped him from speaking by putting an arm round Ana's shoulders.
"I would like to borrow your lovely daughter for a while, Lord Elrond, so she can tell me what happened in Bree and on the journey here."
Ana shot Gandalf a grateful smile as he pulled her away from her father.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins."
Ana stepped out from behind her father as he welcomed Frodo to Rivendell and smiled at the small hobbit with relief.
"It's good to see you awake, Frodo. We've had to drag Sam out to eat most days. You certainly have a very loyal friend there, little hobbit." Ana spoke softly, smiling. "Would you like to come with me? I have someone who I think you would like to see."
"Alright." Frodo frowned, swinging his legs out of bed. Sam helped him up and helped him get dressed while Ana waited outside. Gandalf and Lord Elrond walked off, debating something in whispers. It was obvious what it was about. The ring.
Ana's thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of Frodo and Sam. Although he was pale, Frodo was able to walk by himself.
"Strider will be happy to see you up, Frodo. He has been quite worried. It's taken the twins and me quite a while to calm him down. He was saying it wouldn't have happened if he had stayed with you while I went to look." Ana admitted, rolling her eyes. "My brother can be quite over-dramatic and depressing some times. Ah! Here are two more people who have been worried about you!"
Ana laughed as Merry and Pippin nearly knocked Frodo over with their hugs. Ana let them have a minute to talk before she tapped Frodo on the shoulder. Frodo looked up at her and Ana pointed to the nearest bench with a grin. Frodo followed her finger and cried out in happiness at the sight of Bilbo.
"Uncle!" Frodo ran to Bilbo and hugged him happily.
"Frodo, my lad!" Bilbo replied, laughing, "Come! Sit down!"
Ana smiled at the scene before walking away. Their guests would be arriving soon.
Ana let out a cry as she spotted the familiar white-grey horse, cantering towards the House of Elrond, from her spot on one of the balconies.
"Yallume! (At last!)" Ana exclaimed as she ran through her home, dodging elf, hobbit, dwarf and man alike, until she reached the courtyard where the horse had just come to a stop and threw herself at the rider whose feet had only just touched the ground that second. She was swung around as her hug was returned just as enthusiastically.
The familiar scent of trees and pinecones reached her nose and the sound of Legolas' light, musical laugh filled her ears.
"We have an audience, Mellonamin. (My friend)"
Ana let go of Legolas and looked around to find his words were true. The elves of Rivendell that were around, the elves that had accompanied Legolas and both Merry and Pippin were staring at the two with shock and amusement. Merry and Pippin were grinning from where they stood. The ranger winked at the two hobbits before shrugging to Legolas.
"Let them think what they want. You and I both know we are only friends. Even though Ada wants us to be more." Ana muttered, scowling at the thought of her father. Lord Elrond had hoped she and Legolas would marry one day but both elves had vehemently refused once they found out, stating that they both had only platonic feelings for each other. They had tried courting, of course, even before they found out Lord Elrond's plans but they soon realised that they weren't meant to be together. Ana smirked at Legolas suddenly and pointed out, "I distinctly remember you telling me you have a thing for rugged, good looking rangers anyway."
Legolas' reply was cut off by the arrival of another guest. The elves of Mirkwood made their way into the House of Elrond, Legolas shooting Ana a look of annoyance before he left, as Ana stepped forward to greet the Steward of Gondor's son.
"Greetings Boromir, son of Denethor, and welcome to Rivendell." Ana smiled, bowing to the man in front of her. Ana may not have been in love but she knew when she was looking at an attractive man, she would openly agree with anyone that Legolas and Aragorn were both very good looking, and Boromir was definitely not lacking in the looks department. He had a large and well muscled frame and broad shoulders that told Ana that he exercised regularly. The son of Gondor's hair was a light brown and fell to his shoulders, untamed and windswept. His eyes were a blue-grey colour that sparkled with awe and curiosity at that moment at the sight of Rivendell's beauty and his jaw, covered with a slight beard, was strong.
Boromir was the definition of masculine.
"Thank you for having me, My Lady." Boromir's voice was deep and gruff but filled with confusion. He was probably wondering why she was dressed in a tunic and leggings, normally worn by male elves, and why she had bowed and not curtsied like a normal woman. "It seems you know my name but I know not yours."
"I am Ana and your guide if you need one. Please call me Ana, not My Lady or Lady Ana. Rivendell is my childhood home so I know it well. You are the last of our guests to arrive." Ana introduced herself as she led Boromir through the halls of her father's house. "The council will be tomorrow. I shall be there too."
"You? But you are a female!" Boromir exclaimed, his hand grabbing Ana's arm to stop her walking.
"I am glad to see your eyes are in working order, My Lord." Ana replied with a grin as she tugged her arm out of Boromir's grip. "But I know what you meant. I am only invited because Lord Elrond knows I will find a way to be there anyway."
"Forgive me, My L- Ana." Boromir apologised, stopping himself from calling her 'My Lady' at her pointed stare and using her name instead. "It is just unusual to see females involved in such councils."
"I am no ordinary female, My Lord." Ana admitted as she paused in front of a door.
"If I must call you Ana then you must call me Boromir." Boromir insisted as he smiled softly at her, making Ana smile back.
"Very well. Here is your room. I hope it is to your liking. Feel free to explore Rivendell. Just don't get into any fights with any of our other guests. Save that for tomorrow." Ana grinned as she spoke, pushing open the door slightly. "Your clothes and belongings will be safe in here. I must find Prince Legolas. Good night, Boromir."
Ana turned and made her way down the darkening corridor, smiling to herself when she heard Boromir wish her good night too. She soon found Legolas. He was sat in the gardens.
"Aragorn and Arwen are not together anymore."
Legolas spun round and nearly fell over at the words, making Ana giggle behind her hand, before staring at Ana with shock and a little bit of hope.
"You better not be lying, Ana! Not about this!" Legolas exclaimed, taking a step towards her.
"I'm not, Legolas. I promise. You know I said Aragorn was in Lórien when I last came to see you? When I met him after I left Mirkwood, he was in tears. Arwen turned down his hand in marriage because she said she loved him like a brother after all the years apart." Ana explained, sitting on the bench near them and making Legolas sit next to her. "I spoke about you often to Aragorn. We were going to visit you before we came home but we had to put that idea on hold once we heard about the Ring."
Legolas trembled for a moment before a frown marred his face. He mumbled, "But Aragorn likes women, Ana. He was in love with Arwen for over fifty years! He would be disgusted to find out I have feelings for him!"
Ana laughed lightly before telling her oldest friend, "When you spend as much time with Estel as I do, you start to notice things. Aragorn has disappeared with men for the night quite a few times since he and Arwen stopped seeing each other. He always comes back looking satisfied and with curious looking marks on his neck. They looked remarkably like bites. He has also confessed to me, while drunk I have to admit, that you are the 'prettiest' elf he has ever seen, including Arwen, and that he thinks you have nice lips."
Legolas' fair skin had turned a light pink as he listened to what Aragorn had said about him. Ana sat and grinned at her friend while he recovered before she stood up and looked at the night sky.
"I haven't rested in about a month so I think I should go rest now. I can rest the whole night now, knowing that I am somewhere safe." She mused before bending and kissing Legolas on the head. "Good night, my friend."
"Legolas was very quiet at breakfast this morning." Aragorn stated as he and Ana took their seats at the edge of the council. Ana was meant to sit with her brothers and father but had decided to sit with Aragorn since he was her best friend and her leader while she was a ranger. "He hardly looked up from his plate and when he did, he didn't look at us. Is he offended that I didn't come to greet him yesterday? I was going to find him in the evening but I got side tracked by Boromir and Arwen."
Ana, who had been slouching in her seat while waiting for the rest of the council to turn up, straightened her posture and turned to Aragorn, "Boromir? Arwen? What happened? Then I'll answer your question."
Aragorn explained how he had met Boromir the night before while the son of Gondor was examining the shards of Narsil and how Boromir had dropped the handle of the sword when he noticed the ranger and just walked off.
"So I put the handle back and Arwen appeared, saying how I was only Isildur's heir and not Isildur himself. We had a long talk. We sorted everything out and I believe we will be perfectly ok when around each other. Now we have had chance to talk, I've realised my feelings are only brotherly towards her now too. I am in love with her no more." Aragorn admitted, grinning with relief, before his eyes darted to Legolas who had just sat down with his company of wood-elves. "Now you must answer my question."
Ana giggled quietly, making Legolas glance up at her briefly before he turned back to the conversation he was having with Gandalf, before she told Estel in almost silent whispers, "I might have told Legolas of your drunken confessions."
Aragorn looked horrified but Ana stopped him from talking by carrying on in a mumble, "I wouldn't worry, Estel. Legolas doesn't like women but likes men. He told me when I visited Mirkwood while you were in Lórien. He admitted you were very good looking too, if you were wondering. Don't make things awkward, will you? He's one of my oldest friends and you're my best friend. I don't want to be stuck in the middle."
Aragorn sighed but nodded in agreement, sending Legolas a small grin when he looked at them questioningly. Legolas' cheeks turned slightly pink but he grinned back and nodded, making things much less tense, before turning his gaze to the dwarves that had sat down.
"Uh, was it really the best idea to put the dwarves next to the Mirkwood clan? Everyone knows their history..." Ana mumbled to Aragorn, watching Legolas and Gimli, son of Gloin, glare at each other with irritation.
"I think your father was hoping they would drop their grudges to save Middle Earth. Apparently not." Aragorn muttered back, smirking slightly. "This council will end in an argument."
Their conversation was cut off by the entrance of Lord Elrond and Elrohir and Elladan. The little conversations that everyone had been having quickly ended and there was soon silence. Elladan and Elrohir took their seats either side of Lord Elrond, shooting Ana amused looks while her father sent her a sharp glance before beginning.
"Strangers from distant lands... friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite... or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate... this one doom..." There was absolute silence as Lord Elrond spoke. Ana watched as her father turned to Frodo. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo cautiously stood and made his way to the stone plinth where he put the ring before returning to his seat. Ana sent him a small, comforting smile.
"So it is true!" Boromir breathed, staring at the ring with awe.
"Sauron's ring! The ring of power!" Legolas exclaimed in disbelief, staring at the ring then at Frodo then back at the ring.
"The doom of man!" Gimli grumbled, glaring at the ring with hatred.
"It is a gift!" Boromir countered excitedly, standing up. "A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, held the forces of Mordor at bay... by the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy... let us use it against him!"
"You can not wield it!" Aragorn spoke up hotly, rising to his feet. Ana stood up with him in case she needed to hold her friend back. He was famous for his short temper when it came to idiotic plans like Boromir's. "None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone... it has no other master."
"Estel is right! Think about it Boromir!" Ana cried out, grabbing Aragorn by the arm to stop him from moving forward.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir scoffed, turning to Aragorn and Ana with a glare. "And a she-elf too!"
Aragorn stayed silent; Ana too with a bit of trouble, but Legolas leapt to his feet in defence of the man he loved and his friend.
"This is no mere ranger! He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance!" Legolas snapped, taking a step forward.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked quietly, looking Aragorn up and down in disbelief.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor!" Legolas reminded Boromir before pointing at Ana. "And this she-elf, as you call Ana, is a ranger and also rode into battle with your grandfather and the king of Rohan! So do not underestimate either of them!"
Ana had to admit she was quite impressed with Legolas' words. He certainly made some good points. Aragorn, who was trying not to grin at Legolas' rant, waved at the blonde elf and said gently, "Havo dad, Legolas. (Sit down, Legolas.)"
"Gondor needs no king." Boromir mumbled as he and Legolas both sat down, with thunderous and gleeful expressions respectively.
"Aragorn is right." Gandalf stated, speaking for the first time. "We can not use it."
"You have only one choice then. The ring must be destroyed." Lord Elrond told the group, looking at each of them.
"What are we waiting for then?" Gimli shouted. He picked his axe up and swung it down on the ring. There was a deafening crack and the dwarf's axe was split into three. The ring sat in the middle of the plinth unharmed.
"The ring can not be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. It was created in Mount Doom-"
"-And it can only be destroyed in Mount Doom." Ana finished for her father, cutting him off. She had heard the story many times and knew it off by heart. "It has to be thrown into the lava and there it will melt and Middle-Earth will be safe once again."
"Exactly." Lord Elrond nodded, looking annoyed that Ana had interrupted him but proud that she remembered the story he used to tell her when she was very young. "One of you must do this."
There was silence for a moment then Boromir sighed and said exasperatedly, "One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust...the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas cried, jumping to his feet once more.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli asked, glaring at Legolas as he got to his feet too.
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir interrupted, glaring at everyone as he joined in the argument.
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli roared and almost all at once, everyone was on their feet shouting and arguing. Legolas spread his arms out in front of his company of elves to stop them attacking the dwarves before shouting at Gimli. Aragorn started arguing with Boromir and Ana got in the middle of Gimli and Legolas.
"This madness has to stop! You are not your ancestors! Legolas, Gimli is not his father! And Gimli! Legolas is not his father!" Ana pointed out hotly, pushing in between the two.
"You are just a woman!" Gimli snarled, trying to push her out the way. "You might be a ranger but you are still a woman! This quest is not for you!"
"I have been alive a lot longer than your father, dwarf!" Ana cried out in anger, turning to the dwarf and looking down at him. "I met Thorin Oakenshield when he was just a child and he called me 'sister'! We were as close as Aragorn and I are now! I mourn for him every day! Why do you hate me now? You seemed perfectly fine with me when Estel and I visited your mines!"
Before Gimli had a chance to reply, and Aragorn had a chance to strike Boromir across the face in anger, a tiny voice spoke up confidently.
"I will take it! I will take the ring to Mordor!"
Everyone fell silent and turned to look at Frodo who had turned pale but didn't back down.
"Though I do not know the way." Frodo admitted quietly, biting his lip.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo, for as long as it is yours to bear!" Gandalf told the hobbit gently, standing by his side.
"If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." Aragorn stated firmly, standing behind Frodo and putting his hand on the hobbit's shoulder. "You have my sword."
"And my axe!"
"And my bow!"
Gimli and Legolas joined the group, both looking disgruntled when they ended up next to each other, before Boromir spoke up.
"You carry the fate of all of us, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done." Boromir promised, standing next to Gimli.
"Well someone's going to have to keep you all in line and stop your arguments and I need to look after my little brother so you have my daggers, Frodo Baggins." Ana told the hobbit, smiling at him.
"Lord Elrond!" Boromir exclaimed loudly as everyone started to mumble at Ana's declaration. "You must stop this elf! She will get hurt!"
"Lord Boromir," Elrond started in almost a bored tone, "If you can tell me how to stop my daughter from running off into battle, I will be amazed. I haven't managed to stop Anadriewen yet and it's been over 1000 years."
"Y-your daughter?" Boromir stuttered, eyes flicking between the two, as Ana made a face. Her father was one of the few who insisted on using her full name all the time.
"Can't you see the resemblance?" Elrohir finally spoke up, grinning, "Both our sisters look like Ada. You won't stop Ana, My Lord, even if you try to tie her up. Last time we tried to stop her, she ran off with Estel and became a ranger for eight years before returning home."
Ana sent Boromir an innocent grin before taking her place next to Aragorn and stating, "I go wherever Aragorn goes. He is my chief, fellow warrior, best friend and my little brother."
Aragorn scowled and nudged Ana in the ribs, "You were making me sound alright until you added the little brother part."
"Here!"
Ana's reply was cut off by a shout. A moment later, Sam popped up from behind a bush and elbowed his way past Gimli and Legolas to stand next to Frodo.
"Mr Frodo's not going anywhere without me!" Sam told the council firmly, folding his arms.
"No, indeed... it is hardly possible to separate you... even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." Lord Elrond replied, sounding quite amused.
"Oi!" Merry's voice came from behind some more bushes and he and Pippin tumbled out before scrambling to their feet and joining their friends. "We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."
"Anyway, you'll need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... quest... thing." Pippin stated proudly, nodding.
"Well that rules you out, Pip." Merry muttered to his best friend, making Ana and Aragorn laugh at how similar the two hobbits were to them when annoying each other.
Lord Elrond watched the group for a moment before sighing and seeming to give in.
"Ten companions... so be it." Lord Elrond spoke in a deep and thoughtful voice. "You shall be the 'Fellowship of the Ring'."
"Great!" Pippin exclaimed happily. "Where are we going?"
"Ana?"
Ana turned from where she had been braiding her hair to keep it out the way to find Elladan and Elrohir at the door.
"Come in." Ana smiled gently, tying the top of her bag together to stop everything from falling out.
The twins entered her room and smiled at her sadly before Elladan pulled something out from behind his back as Elrohir stood behind Ana and finished her braid for her.
"We have a present for you." Elrohir stated as Elladan handed over the gift. "It is a new scabbard for your sword. Your old one was covered in scratches and the gold was dented so we made a new one for you. We were going to make you new scabbards for your daggers but you love your original ones so much we thought it-"
"Oh stop talking!" Ana laughed, half crying. "I love it! Thank you Ro! Thank you El! Come here!"
Ana hugged the twins at the same time, nearly strangling them with how tight she was holding on, before removing her old scabbard and replacing it with her new one. Her new scabbard was made of black leather with gold leaves and vines twisting around the entire thing. She slid her sword into it, grinning when it was a perfect fit, before throwing her cloak on. She put her bow and arrows on her back, picked up her bag and turned to look in her mirror.
"How do I look?" She asked, grinning slightly, as she played with her evenstar pendant. Her sister had one too but Arwen's was silver while Ana's was gold. Her brothers had matching necklaces that were a bit more masculine compared to their sisters' pendants.
"Like a true warrior and ranger." Elrohir told her, both twins smiling with pride.
"Just come back to us in one piece, alright?" Elladan requested as the three left Ana's room.
"Course I will!" Ana said, pulling her brothers closer to her. Elrohir and Elladan each threw an arm over Ana's shoulders so she was right in the middle of them without any personal space. They walked her down the steps outside their house like this where they met their father and the rest of the fellowship who were waiting for her. Ana and Arwen had already said goodbye the night before. Ana extracted herself from her brothers' grip, hugged them once more, and then stepped into her father's firm embrace.
"Namaarie, Anadriewen. (Farewell, Anadriewen)" Lord Elrond murmured to her as he held her, "Come back to me soon."
"I will Ada. I promise." Ana replied, burying her head into her father's neck for a moment before stepping back and roughly wiping away a few stray tears that had fallen. She stood next to Aragorn, who took her hand in comfort, and looked at her father and brothers. Legolas, Aragorn and Ana all looked at each other before all saying to the three elves, "May your ways be green and golden."
Elladan and Elrohir grinned while Lord Elrond smiled before all three said together, "May the wind fill your sails."
Gandalf nodded at the farewells before leading the Fellowship towards the steep path that led out of Rivendell. Once they reached the top, Ana paused. Aragorn, who still held her hand, paused too and looked down at their home with her. Ana could just make out her brothers and father standing in the courtyard. She suddenly grinned.
"Namaarie Rivendell! (Farewell Rivendell!)" Ana called down, the valley making her voice echo round their home. Aragorn chuckled before copying her action, his echo a lot gruffer and deeper than hers. The two turned to find the rest of the Fellowship watching them with amused expressions.
"Now that everyone has heard your farewells," Legolas smirked, nudging Aragorn as he spoke, "Shall we continue? We have a long journey ahead of us."
Aragorn smiled at Legolas before letting go of Ana's hand to throw his arm over the blonde elf's shoulders and say enthusiastically, "Let us go, Legolas! I look forward to seeing how soon Ana and I can annoy you!"
Legolas groaned but Ana noticed he looked very pleased when Aragorn didn't move his arm until he had to.
Ana dropped next to Aragorn on the rock and watched as Boromir taught Merry and Pippin how to sword fight. Sam was cooking by the rocks nearby and Frodo was watching him. Legolas was keeping watch on one of the higher rocks while Gandalf and Gimli conversed where they sat.
"Good! Very good!" Boromir grinned at Merry before turning to Pippin, "Your turn Pippin! And one! Two!"
"Move your feet!" Aragorn called before taking a puff on his pipe, grinning when Ana waved her hand in front of her face to get rid of the smoke that he exhaled.
"Quite good Pip!" Merry cheered when Pippin managed to stop Boromir.
"Thanks very much!" Pippin grinned, swinging his sword by his side, before quickly lifting it when Boromir attacked him again.
"AH!"
Pippin dropped his sword as Boromir caught his hand.
"Sorry!" Boromir apologised, stepping forward. "Is it bad?"
"GET HIM!" Pippin yelled, jumping on Boromir. Merry joined in too and soon the two hobbits had Boromir on the ground and were tickling and jabbing him mercilessly.
"Please! Stop!" Boromir laughed, jabbing the hobbits back.
Ana laughed at the play-fighting in front of her before Sam spoke up, making everyone pause.
"What is that?" He asked, pointing to the sky where a dark shape was moving closer.
"Just a wisp of cloud!" Gimli guessed, turning away.
Boromir got to his feet looking worried and exclaimed, "It's moving fast... against the wind!"
"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas shouted, leaping from his rock to the floor without tripping.
"Hide!" Aragorn roared as he and Ana leaped to their feet and grabbed a hobbit each. Ana grabbed Sam while Aragorn grabbed Frodo.
"Merry... Pippin... take cover!" Boromir told the two hobbits before just picking them both up, one under each arm, and diving under some bushes.
Ana backed into crevice made in the rocks and held Sam to her, covering his mouth gently so he wouldn't talk. She saw Aragorn hide under some bushes with Frodo like Boromir had.
It seemed like they hid forever but Ana knew it was barely a minute. Once the crows had turned back around and flew back South, Aragorn rolled out from under the bushes and helped Frodo out. Everyone crept out from their hiding places and looked to Gandalf.
"Spies of Saruman. The passage South is being watched." Gandalf said, glancing at Aragorn before deciding, "We must take the pass of Caradhras!"
"Boromir!"
The shout made Ana jump. She had been walking with Gandalf and Legolas, discussing the journey, when Aragorn suddenly called out. All three turned, making the rest of the group turn, and saw Boromir picking up the ring from the snow.
"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing... such a little thing." Boromir murmured, staring at the ring in a trance-like state.
"Boromir... give the ring back to Frodo." Aragorn ordered quietly, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.
Boromir stared at the ring for a few more seconds before he seemed to snap out of the trance he had been in. He laughed before handing the ring back to Frodo, saying, "As you wish. I care not."
Aragorn let go of his sword hilt as Boromir ruffled Frodo's hair and turned back round to continue the journey. Ana sent a small smile to Boromir when he looked her way but he seemed to be deep in thought and didn't return the action.
The blizzard howled as most of the Fellowship struggled up the mountain towards the Pass of Caradhras. Legolas and Ana walked lightly on top of the snow, their elf-feet giving no weight making it impossible for them to sink, in front of the group to keep watch and check the way was safe. Just because they could walk on the snow, however, didn't mean they weren't struggling. The wind and snow tore at their faces and the two elves had to look back frequently to blink the snow out of their eyes.
"Can you hear something?" Legolas asked suddenly, coming to a stop.
Ana strained her ears and suddenly a deep, cruel voice reached her. She nodded to Legolas, trying to peer ahead.
"There is a fell voice in the air!" Legolas called urgently to Gandalf as the two elves moved closer to the rest of the Fellowship so they could hear them.
"It's Saruman!" Gandalf exclaimed, raising his staff.
Rocks suddenly started falling from above their heads, making the hobbits cry out.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Aragorn shouted urgently, pulling his hood forward more to try and shield his face from the biting cold and snow. "Gandalf! We must turn back!"
"No!" Gandalf replied before he started to retaliate against Saruman's spell with his own spell. But Saruman seemed to be stronger because, just moments later, a snow avalanche thundered towards them from above. Legolas jumped towards Gandalf and pulled him to safety while Ana leaped over the wizard's head and landed in front of Merry and Pippin, who she pulled towards her so they wouldn't be lost in the snow. She grabbed them just in time. The avalanche fell upon them and all Ana could see for a minute was darkness. Then she pushed her head out of the snow and saw Aragorn's head pop up next to her.
"The hobbits! Where are they?" Aragorn cried, looking around.
Ana pulled her arms out of the snow and with them came Merry and Pippin. They were shivering and trembling with cold and fright.
"I got Merry and Pip!" She called to her best friend who had started to dig with Boromir. Moments later they found Sam and Frodo, who were in the same state as Merry and Pippin.
"Are you two alright?" Ana asked Merry and Pippin, pulling their cloaks around them for them to keep them a little warmer.
"F-Fine. Just a b-bit cold." Pippin piped up, his teeth chattering, while Merry nodded in agreement.
While Ana was fussing over the two hobbits, she kept one ear on the conversation now happening. It appeared Boromir wanted to make for the Gap of Rohan and go past his city to get to Mordor but Aragorn had pointed out that Rohan took them too close to Isengard. Gimli suggested going through the mines of Moria which Gandalf made a face at.
"Let the Ring-bearer decide!" Gandalf finally said and turned to Frodo, who looked frightened at the idea of having to decide.
As Frodo deliberated, Ana picked up Merry and passed him to Boromir who was gesturing for her to pass one of the hobbits. Boromir held Merry in his arms under his cloak, making the hobbit warm up slightly, and Ana decided to do the same to Pippin.
"Pip, hold on to me. I'll wrap my cloak around the both of us and hopefully we can keep each other warm." Ana told the youngest hobbit, not mentioning that elves weren't too bothered about being cold. Pippin nodded and curled into Ana's side. Ana smiled and picked the hobbit up, tucking the side of her cloak that was closest to Pippin around him tightly.
"Better?" Ana asked, smiling down at the hobbit.
"Much. Thank you." Pippin replied, his teeth no longer chattering, before staring at Frodo from his place.
"We will go through the mines." Frodo decided, looking up at Gandalf.
Gandalf sighed but nodded.
"So be it."
SPLASH!
Ana looked up from where she was sat on a rock to see Merry and Pippin throwing rocks into the lake to pass the time. Gandalf was trying to work out the password to open the doors of Moria and they had been waiting for a quite some time. Ana shot to her feet, ready to stop the two hobbits, but Aragorn beat her to it.
"Do not disturb the water!" Aragorn warned, grabbing Pippin's arm before he could throw another rock. Boromir and Ana shared looks of apprehension before Boromir shared the same look with Aragorn.
"It's a riddle!" Frodo suddenly exclaimed, making most of the company jump. "What's the elvish word for friend?"
"Mellon!" Ana and Gandalf spoke at the same time, making the wall with elvish writing turn into two doors. The doors swung open, revealing darkness. The fellowship entered cautiously, everyone looking round into the darkness.
"So, master elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves; roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin...and they call this a Mine... A Mine!" Gimli cried, sounding offended at the simple name of the place.
Gandalf's staff suddenly glowed, giving the group some light, and Ana let out a gasp of horror. The Fellowship were surrounded by Dwarf skeletons, most embedded with arrows and axes.
"This is no mine... it's a tomb!" Boromir muttered grimly, drawing his sword.
"Oh no... No... No!" Gimli mumbled, horrified.
Legolas pulled an arrow out of the nearest skeleton, examined it then spat out, "Goblins!"
Everyone drew their swords, Ana pulling out one of her trusty daggers too, and backed towards the entrance.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here." Boromir stated as he backed away. Suddenly, Frodo cried out and made everyone turn around. He was being pulled towards the lake by a long tentacle. Aragorn and Boromir rushed forward and hacked at the tentacle until it let go of Frodo. Frodo made for the entrance but another tentacle caught him and held him in the air. Ana pulled her bow out and loaded it with an arrow, waiting for the perfect moment. Aragorn swung his sword down onto the tentacle, cutting it off. Frodo fell through the air and landed in Aragorn's arms.
"Into the mines!" Gandalf called, gesturing wildly.
"Legolas!" Boromir shouted, slicing another tentacle.
Legolas and Ana nodded at each other and let go of their bow strings at the exact same moment, making both their arrows hit the creature in the head at the same time. The monster recoiled in pain, giving Boromir and Aragorn time to run into the mine. The entire Fellowship ran down the hallway of the mine as the creature tried to get in. It ripped the doors off, making the ceiling collapse.
The monster was crushed but the Fellowship were trapped in the mines.
"Behold! The great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf!"
After hours of being lost and trying to find the right way, Gandalf eventually announced that they were in the dwarf city. Ana heard Frodo gasp at the brief sight of a vast roof, far above their heads, upheld by many mighty pillars hewn of stone. Before them stretched a huge empty hall, with black walls, polished and smooth as glass.
"Well there's an eye opener and no mistake!" Sam exclaimed with awe, looking around. Ahead of them, a wooden door had been smashed. Black arrows were embedded in the timbers. Two goblin skeletons were in the doorway. Gimli rushed ahead, ignoring Gandalf's calls.
The group followed Gimli into a vast empty chamber lit with a narrow shaft of sunlight that beamed in from a small hole near the roof. Dwarf and Goblin skeletons were piled high. In the far corner sat a stone walled well. A shaft of light fell directly onto a stone table in the middle of the room. It was a single oblong block, about 4 feet high, topped with a great slab of white stone. Gimli fell to his knees in front of it.
"No... No... Oh no!" Gimli sobbed, resting his head on his axe as he cried.
"'Here lies Balin, son of Fudin, Lord of Moria.' He is dead, then. It's as I had feared." Gandalf sighed, reading the tombstone. He carefully lifted the rotting remains of a book from the white stone slab. It had been slashed and stabbed and appeared to be covered in Dried Blood. The pages cracked and broke as Gandalf opened it.
Legolas, who was stood in the middle of Ana and Aragorn, whispered urgently to them, "We must move on, we can not linger."
Aragorn patted Legolas' arm in reassurance before turning back to Gandalf who was reading from the book.
"'They have taken the Bridge and the second hall: we have barred the gates...but cannot hold them for long...the ground shakes...drums in the deep...we cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. Will no- one save us? They are coming.'"
The words un-nerved everyone. But Pippin was so terrified he stumbled against the well, sending a precariously balanced armoured skeleton tumbling in. Merry reached out, grabbing hold of Pippin before he fell. The Fellowship froze as the armoured skeleton clattered down the deep well, echoing loudly.
Gandalf turned angrily to Pippin and snapped, "Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!"
Ana moved to Pippin's side as he looked down, his face filled with shame and hurt, and pulled him in for a one-armed hug before glaring at Gandalf and saying sharply, "Pippin didn't mean it Gandalf! Do not speak so harshly to him!"
Gandalf started at the telling off but his face softened once he had caught sight of Pippin's expression. He rested a hand on Pippin's shoulder and said, "Forgive me, Pippin. This darkness makes me uneasy but I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you."
Pippin smiled softly before mumbling that he forgave the wizard. A sudden boom made the Fellowship freeze once more. BOOM...BOOM... It was as if the caverns of Moria were turned into a vast drum. A great horn blasted nearby. Answering horns were heard then running feet and harsh cries.
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam cried, pointing at Frodo's belt. Frodo unsheathed his sword, showing the group that it was glowing blue.
"Orcs!" Legolas exclaimed as Aragorn and Boromir ran to slam the doors shut. Boromir stuck his head out the door before pulling it back abruptly as an arrow flew by his head, missing by mere inches.
"They have a cave troll!" Boromir groaned as he rolled his eyes, sounding just simply annoyed instead of terrified or wary. The tone that he used made Ana laugh, even as she was preparing for battle, and Aragorn chuckle.
"Let them come!" Gimli yelled as he snatched up two rusty dwarf axes. "There is one Dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!"
BOOM! The door burst open in a shower of wood fragments, and at least 20 Goblins charged into the tomb, followed by a huge cave troll. Gimli ducked a blow and immediately buried his Axes in 2 Goblin helmets. Aragorn and Boromir waded into the mass of Goblins with their swords. Legolas fired deadly arrows into Goblin throats, desperately trying to shield the Hobbits. Gandalf clutched his sword and joined in the battle. Ana held her sword in one hand and one of her daggers in the other, using both weapons when possible. A Goblin swung his axe at her but Ana just simply ducked and sliced the Goblin's abdomen with her dagger before moving on. She soon found herself fighting back to back with Boromir. She could feel the Gondorian's muscles tensing in his shoulders and back every time he delivered or blocked a blow. Ana suddenly had an idea.
"Boromir!" She called over the clash of fighting. "Grab my leg and swing me around!"
Boromir gave her a strange look but didn't need to be told twice. He slashed a Goblin's throat before ducking and grabbing each of Ana's legs with a tight grip. Ana felt the room slide as Boromir yanked her legs backwards so she lost her footing. He didn't give her time to hit the floor though. Within a split second, he was spinning as fast as he could while swinging Ana in front of him. Ana held her arms out straight to the side with her sword and dagger facing the enemy and soon any Goblins that were near the two warriors were sliced to death.
"Let me go! I'll be fine!" Ana shouted, getting ready to land.
Boromir hesitated for a moment, still spinning, before just simply letting go. Ana flew over everyone's heads and somersaulted just in time to push off the wall with her feet and crash into a group of goblins. She was on her feet within a second, stabbing and hacking at the stunned goblins she had knocked over. Ana turned to see Boromir fighting again and looking only a little dizzy. Boromir winked at her before he stopped the cave troll from delivering a killing blow to Aragorn. The slice that Boromir gave the cave troll spurted green blood as the troll roared in pain and anger.
Sam was backing up against a wall, a sword in one hand and a saucepan in the other. Ana started to fight her way towards him but Sam simply swung wildly at a Goblin with the saucepan. It keeled over and Sam looked surprised. He walloped another Goblin and it dropped too.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this!" Sam shouted to Ana excitedly, swinging with his trusty saucepan once more.
Ana laughed as she fought before shouting back, "I think you are! Keep it up Sam!"
Sam suddenly screamed and Ana whipped round to see Frodo with the troll's spear in his chest. The entire Fellowship went crazy, stabbing and hacking as fast and as furiously as they could. Ana could see Aragorn crawling towards Frodo, calling his name desperately.
Within minutes, all the Goblins were dead. Legolas fired one last shot at the troll and it toppled over, defeated. The group rushed over to Aragorn who was just turning Frodo over. Everyone gasped as Frodo coughed and sat up, breathing heavily.
"I'm alright! I'm not hurt!" Frodo gasped out as he panted, massaging the spot where the spear had struck.
"You should be dead. That spear would have skewered a wild boar!" Aragorn exclaimed, helping Frodo to his feet.
"I think there's more to this Hobbit than meets the eye!" Gandalf chuckled, his eyes sparkling.
Frodo opened his shirt to reveal a Mithril Vest. The Troll spear hadn't pierced the Mithril.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!" Gimli laughed, grinning at the Hobbit.
Suddenly, the sound of drums was heard again.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf rumbled, pushing everyone towards a door. "This way!"
They hurried down a hallway towards a distant door as Goblins start scuttling down the Pillars behind them like cockroaches. Everyone looked with horror at the overwhelming Goblin army that soon surrounded toward them. Suddenly, a deafening roar filled the air. A fiery light danced down the hallway, the pillars casting eerie shadows. The Goblins froze. They backed fearfully away from the approaching noise, melting into the darkness.
"What is this new devilry?" Boromir asked, his voice filled with wariness and slight terror.
A huge shadow, surrounded by flame, fell across the hall as the ground shook and an unearthly sound rumbled through the mine.
"A Balrog... A demon of the ancient world! This foe is beyond any of you! Run! Quickly!" Gandalf shouted, pointing towards the door.
The Balrog, a massive creature, rose from a chasm. It was a great 40 foot man-beast, with a mane of flames. In one hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in the other, a whip of many thongs. Aragorn led the fellowship to the top of a dizzying stairway. Gandalf ran next to Ana, leaning heavily on his staff when he stopped.
"Lead them on, Aragorn! The bridge is near!" Gandalf told Aragorn, breathing heavily. Aragorn hesitated so Gandalf snapped, "Do as I say! Swords are no more use here!"
Aragorn led them to the bridge where they all had to jump over a large gaping hole to get to the other side of the bridge. They all made it over; Gimli had to be pulled to safety by his beard. Just seconds later, the part of the bridge that they had been standing on before collapsed. They raced across the rest of the bridge but when they all reached the other side, they realised Gandalf had stopped and was facing the Balrog.
"Gandalf!" Frodo cried, his face filled with horror.
"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun." Gandalf rumbled as he stood with his sword and staff. "Go back to the shadow!"
The Balrog slashed at Gandalf with its Sword of flame and Gandalf blocked with his sword. There was a ringing clash and the Balrog's sword shattered into molten fragments.
"You shall not pass!" Gandalf boomed as the Balrog made to attack him again. The Balrog placed one foot onto the bridge. Aragorn and Boromir raced forward, swords drawn. Gandalf thumped the bridge with his staff and a blinding sheet of white flame appeared. The staff shattered as the bridge broke right at the Balrog's feet. The stone bridge dropped away into the gulf from under the Balrog. For a moment, the great Beast remained poised in the air then it plunged down.
Ana let out a cry of relief but it soon turned into a cry of shock. The Balrog's whip had caught Gandalf's ankle and the wizard was holding onto to the edge by his fingertips.
"GANDALF!" Frodo screamed as he tried to run towards the wizard. Ana and Boromir both grabbed a shoulder each to keep the hobbit still, knowing Frodo would only get hurt.
"Fly, you fools!" Gandalf said fiercely before he gave up and let go, disappearing into the abyss. Frodo cried out as Boromir scooped him up and ran towards the archway. Ana forced the rest to follow, tears falling down her pale cheeks unashamedly.
"We have to go!" Ana choked out, pulling Aragorn by the arm. "Aragorn! We have to protect Frodo! The Goblins are coming back!"
Aragorn stared at the ledge where Gandalf had fallen for a moment more before he nodded and ran with Ana to the archway that led them out of the mines.
The Fellowship tumbled out of the Great Eastern Gate on to a grassy sunlit hillside. Sam, Merry and Pippin fell to the ground, sobbing. Aragorn turned to Legolas, Ana and Gimli.
"Legolas! Get them up!" Aragorn said urgently, his eyes scanning the hillside.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" Boromir cried, hugging Merry and Pippin to his side.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien." Aragorn explained as he gestured wildly. "Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up. On your feet, Sam."
Aragorn helped Sam up, dusting his cloak off gently, before catching sight of Frodo. He was heading off in a trance-like walk. Ana and Aragorn traded puzzled looks before Aragorn stopped the hobbit by calling his name. Frodo turned around and Ana could clearly see the numb shock on his face.
"Come along, Frodo. We will reach Lothlórien by the evening if we hurry." Ana comforted the hobbit as they set off. "The Lady of the Wood will help us. She is very kind and very powerful."
Ana heard Gimli snort in disbelief but she ignored the dwarf as she continued to walk with Frodo.
Aragorn scoured ahead of the company, as they stumbled on in the fading light. They finally reached the start of a large wood. It was Lothlórien. The fellowship ran across a forest floor strewn with yellow flowers. Above was a roof of golden leaves, held up by silver pillars and the trunks of huge, grey trees. Ana smirked as Gimli looked around nervously.
"Stay close, young hobbits." Gimli told the four hobbits, gesturing for them to walk near him. "They say a Sorceress lives in these woods. An elf- witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again."
Ana suddenly wasn't smirking.
"Watch how you speak about my grandmother, dwarf." Ana snapped, spinning to face Gimli with her daggers out. "You will lose your head if you speak of her like that again."
"I... uh... I mean..." Gimli sputtered, trying to find something to say. He looked to Aragorn and Legolas for help.
"Don't look to us for help. You just insulted the Lady of the Wood and, by extension, all three of us." Legolas said, pointing to Aragorn, Ana and himself.
Gimli turned away, red faced, as Aragorn laughed.
"Did I forget to mention that the Lady of the Wood is Ana's grandmother?" Aragorn asked, grinning. "Sorry Gimli."
Gimli glared at the ground before muttering, "I won't be ensnared so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"
The Fellowship were suddenly surrounded by armed Elves. Deadly arrows were aimed at their heads.
"What were you just saying, Dwarf?" Ana asked, smirking again. Gimli didn't reply but Ana wouldn't have heard him even he had. Her eyes were trained on the Elf that had just stepped forward.
Ana had met many elves throughout her long life but she had never met an elf like the one in front of her. His hair was long and blonde, like Legolas' hair, and he was beautiful even by Elf standards. Ana couldn't help but stare.
"The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark." The Elf said in a smooth, amused voice as he stared at Gimli with disdain. His eyes scanned over the group before they came to a rest on Ana.
The Elf immediately bowed.
"Lady Anadriewen! I was not informed that you were among the group arriving! Forgive me. I am Haldir, captain of the elves of Lothlórien." Haldir introduced himself. The company of elves with Haldir bowed too.
"There is nothing to forgive, Captain Haldir." Ana assured the beautiful elf, smiling, as she bowed back. "I do not remember you from my last visit so you must have taken over as Captain in the time that I have been away. Please, I would feel better if you just called me Ana. Everyone else does."
Haldir frowned at the request before saying, "That is correct, My Lady. I became Captain ten years after you left."
Ana rolled her eyes at the title. All elves of Lothlórien liked to use formalities with her, no matter how many times she told them not to. They had only just started to call her Ana when she left the last time.
"Haldir of Lorien, we come here for your help." Aragorn spoke to Haldir before Ana could reply. The way he stood with the Elf told Ana that her brother had met Haldir before. It was probably when Aragorn had visited Lorien just a few years ago. "We need your protection."
"Aragorn! These woods are perilous. We should go back." Gimli stated, backing away slightly.
"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back." Haldir told the dwarf simply, smirking at the look of uneasiness that Gimli had acquired. Haldir glanced at Frodo before saying, "Come. She is waiting."
Ana, Legolas and Aragorn followed Haldir immediately. Boromir walked behind them with the hobbits while Gimli sulked at the back of the group. The company of elves surrounded them and walked through the woods around them.
"If you don't mind me asking, My Lady, I was wondering why you are part of this group. I know what it is you are doing." Haldir said as Ana walked by his side. Aragorn and Legolas were having a conversation behind them quietly.
"Please. Just Ana. Else I shall have to call you Captain Haldir all the while we are here and I do not like such formalities." Ana told Haldir before admitting, "I am not like my sister Arwen. I do not like to sit around all day. I am a warrior and ranger at heart and I refused to let Estel go without me."
"You are the Lady's kin and are royalty here. I would never call the Lady by just her given name so I shall not call you by just your given name." Haldir explained, shrugging slightly, before smirking and admitting, "Your friend, Aragorn, might have told me that you dislike your full name too, when he was here before, and that I should use it as much as possible when I am around you."
Ana shot a glare at her brother over her shoulder but her glare softened at the sight of Aragorn and Legolas walking closely together, their heads nearly touching as they spoke. She turned back to Haldir.
"Call me Anadriewen and I shall put a sword to your throat, Captain." Ana said matter-of-factly as she smiled innocently.
"I suppose I could call you Lady Ana. I would hate to upset you." Haldir chuckled, his hair glinting in the sunlight that filtered through the trees.
"Or you could just call me Ana?" Ana suggested, grinning.
"Not likely, My Lady." Haldir shook his head before turning back to look at the rest of the group. "We are nearly there!"
The Fellowship stepped onto a wide fleet filled with a soft light. The walls were green and silver, the roof gold and in its midst was the trunk of the mighty Mallorn tree. Celeborn, Ana's grandfather, stepped forward to greet them. His hair was long and silver, his face grave and beautiful, with no sign of age upon it. Next to him stood Galadriel, the Lady of the Elves and Ana's grandmother. She had hair of deep gold and timeless, unsurpassed beauty.
Celeborn looked hard at Aragorn.
"Nine there are, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." Celeborn stated, looking round at the group with an impassive face.
"...He has fallen into shadow." Lady Galadriel answered for the group, her eyes on Frodo, before turning to Aragorn. "The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all...Yet hope remains while the company is true."
Lady Galadriel turned to Sam and smiled softly before saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace."
The Lady of the Wood stared at Frodo again for a moment before telling a nearby elf to take the Fellowship to where they could sleep. Ana stayed behind to talk to her grandparents.
"Welcome home, Anadriewen. I wasn't surprised to hear you had joined this quest." Lord Celeborn admitted with a small smile upon his face.
Ana made a small face at her full name before replying, "I am glad to be back, even if it is only for a little while, grandfather. Captain Haldir was very welcoming and kept me entertained all the way here."
Ana shot a small smile at Haldir who was stood at the side who smiled back before nodding in thanks.
"I believe you should go rest, my dear. There is nothing to be wary of here." Galadriel smiled before gesturing to Haldir, "Captain Haldir, show Anadriewen where she is sleeping."
"I would like to sleep where my friends sleep, grandmother." Ana told Galadriel firmly but politely.
"Very well. Captain Haldir?" Galadriel turned to Haldir who nodded.
"Of course, My Lady." Haldir spoke smoothly and politely before turning to Ana, "If you would like to follow me, Lady Anadriewen."
"It's Ana!" Ana growled as she followed Haldir, ignoring her grandparent's laughter. "Honestly! Even Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn call me Ana sometimes!"
"I apologize. Is there any way I can make it up to you, My Lady?" Haldir asked as the two descended from the fleet in the Mallorn Tree. "Other than not calling you 'My Lady' of course."
Ana grumbled under her breath for a moment before telling Haldir, "I would very much like it if I could come with you while you are on patrol tomorrow. My friends will be exploring Lorien but I know it well enough to walk around blindfolded. I would like to be part of your patrol group, Captain."
Haldir deliberated for a minute before saying grudgingly, "From what I have heard about you, I believe you would only follow my patrol group if I refused to let you join anyway so you might as well. But why would you want to spend all day with me when you could spend the day with your friends instead?"
Ana paused as she spotted the Fellowship a few yards away before turning to Haldir and smiling happily, "There's just something about you, Captain, that makes me want to spend time with you."
Ana walked towards the Fellowship, calling over her shoulder, "Good night, Captain Haldir."
She smiled softly as she heard Haldir call back, "Good night My Lady."
Gimli, Legolas, Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam were resting in a pavilion set among the trees near the fountain. They were lying on soft couches as Elves left food and wine for them. Mournful singing drifted down from the trees above.
"A lament for Gandalf..." Legolas explained sadly to the hobbits and dwarf as he stared up at the trees that glowed thanks to the lamps from the singing elves.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked curiously, sitting up.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near." Legolas replied as Ana stood up and took her place by his side. She took his hand silently and squeezed it, smiling sadly when Legolas squeezed back.
Ana looked up at the trees with her oldest friend before the two joined in with the slow and sad singing.
"Stay within the forest and you will be safe." Ana told the hobbits, Gimli and Boromir as she strapped her scabbard into place. Legolas and Aragorn had been gone when they had woken up an hour earlier but a nearby elf had told them that the two were exploring the forest together.
"If it's so safe, why are you carrying weapons?" Pippin asked, his head tilted slightly in confusion.
"Because I'm joining the patrol group today that guards the edge of the forest. Captain Haldir agreed to let me join." Ana admitted as she pulled her cloak on and shouldered her bow and arrows. "Now have fun and try not to get into too much mischief! The Elves of Lorien are not as relaxed as the Elves of Rivendell."
"I'll keep them out of trouble. Do not worry, Ana." Boromir smiled, looking fully rested for the first time since they left Rivendell. "We shall see you later."
Ana waved before heading towards the edge of the forest. She soon found the patrol group in the trees. She climbed the rope ladder quickly and found herself standing in at the edge of a group of ten elves plus Haldir.
"Ah, you managed to find us then, My Lady." Haldir smiled at her slightly. "We were just about to set off."
"Let us go then!" Ana grinned before looking at the rest of the elves, "I know most of you from before. For those that haven't met me before, just call me Ana. If anyone calls me My Lady or Lady Anadriewen, I will personally cut off all your hair while beating you to the ground."
"Lady Ana has a slight issue with her name so I advise you to follow her requests." Haldir told the group before they set off.
"So you tell your patrol group to call me Ana but you still call me Lady? How does that work?" Ana asked grumpily as she and Haldir left the patrol group after circling the entire forest. It was late evening and another patrol group's turn to guard the forest. Haldir had to guard the main entrance to the forest, the entrance that the Fellowship had used, all night and Ana had decided to join him.
"I believe in treating such a beautiful and skilled elf like you with respect and honour. Is that so wrong, My Lady?" Haldir asked quietly as they walked slowly towards the entrance. Ana didn't know how to reply but Haldir saved her from replying by pausing by a tree and stating, "We will guard the entrance in this tree tonight."
The two elves climbed the tree and perched in one of the highest branches so that they could see for miles but nothing could see them. Ana stayed quiet for a while before breaking the silence.
"Forgive me for not thinking, Captain Haldir." She murmured quietly so that any stray elves around couldn't hear her. "I have gotten used to my friends calling me Ana so it is a shock to hear such a formal title. And I am not that beautiful. You have met my sister, Arwen, surely?"
"Lady Arwen is attractive but, in my own honest opinion, I believe you are the most beautiful elf I have ever met. You are as beautiful as Lothlórien itself."
Haldir's words caused Ana's cheeks to turn red. She was glad it was dark so that she could hide her blush slightly by looking down. Haldir's eyes probably picked up the blush, of course, but he said nothing about it, which Ana was grateful for.
As the two sat in companionable silence through the night, Ana's mind and heart rate seemed to speed up. Never had she been so affected by a man or male elf before. She had been with plenty of men while living as a Ranger. Aragorn had managed to get her properly drunk one night and she had ended up in bed with one of the men that had been travelling with them. After that, it was not uncommon for her and Aragorn to bump into each other as they snuck out of someone else's inn room early in the morning. Ana had even slept with a few elves before, including Legolas, who had been her first, but no one affected her like Haldir and he hadn't even touched her.
Ana was hyper-aware of everything to do with Haldir that night. She knew exactly how far away Haldir was and how far she would have to move her hand to rest it on top of the Captain's hand and she knew when Haldir was looking at her. His gaze burned her but she liked the feeling.
When morning arrived, and another elf arrived to take over their guarding, Haldir and Ana walked back to the Fellowship's camp in silence. The silence was filled with little glances and small smiles though. Eventually Haldir spoke.
"I hope I did not make you feel uncomfortable last night with my words." Haldir said, looking at Ana with an unreadable expression. "If I did, it was not my intention and I apologise."
"You have nothing to apologise for, Captain." Ana told him, looking up at the elf through her lashes. "I can not remember the last time a man complimented me like that."
The two walked in silence again. This time, it was Ana who broke the silence.
"I shall miss you when we leave tomorrow, Captain Haldir." She admitted, looking down at the ground.
Haldir didn't respond for a moment but then he murmured quietly, "I shall miss you too, My Lady. Must you leave so quickly? We have only known each other for a day but I have become quite fond of you."
Ana sighed sadly before replying, "Yes we must. The darkness is spreading. We need to help Frodo finish his task as quickly as possible, especially with Gandalf gone. We are spending the day training and practicing today then we leave in the morning."
The two elves slowed to a stop as the rest of the Fellowship came into view. Everyone was practicing with swords, bows or axes. The two watched the fighting and training for a moment in silence before Haldir let out a loud sigh of sadness.
"I have to go. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel wish to see me then I have to patrol again. I'm afraid this is goodbye until you return to Lothlórien again. I will be patrolling tomorrow morning too." Haldir admitted sadly. "I wish I could see you off but I have to watch the forest."
Ana shook her head, laughing, "Who says I will return? You know what our task is. I might not make it back."
Haldir stiffened before saying calmly, "You will. You are an admirable fighter. The Lady of the Wood likes to boast about you and Aragorn a lot. We have all heard many of your adventures, Lady Ana."
"I'm leaving tomorrow. Won't you call me Ana just once?" Ana asked, smiling up at blonde elf.
Haldir thought about it before shaking his head slowly, "No. Not yet."
"When will you then, Captain Haldir?" Ana asked, grinning.
Haldir looked down at her and smiled softly, "When I next see you again. Then I will call you by your preferred name."
"And what if you don't see me again?" Ana asked, biting her lip as she stared at the Fellowship.
"I will." Haldir said firmly before murmuring quietly, "I have to."
Ana turned to Haldir and surprised the elf by pulling him in for a hug. Haldir froze for a moment before returning the hug carefully. He pulled away and stared down at Ana with an unreadable expression. Haldir leaned down and kissed Ana's cheek softly before speaking in her ear.
"Goodbye, My Lady."
Haldir straightened up, turned around and walked away, not looking back.
Ana touched her cheek with trembling fingers.
Ana rested fitfully that night, even after a whole day of training and fighting hand-to-hand with Aragorn and Boromir, but eventually slipped into the trance-like state that she called sleep around midnight. The next time she 'woke up', it was dawn and the rest of the Fellowship were getting up.
The group quietly washed and breakfasted before making their way to the river. They would be rowing down the river in boats made by Elves. Ana didn't know how they would get to Mordor now, Gandalf had non-verbally been appointed leader of the group, but she knew that if anyone could get them there it was Aragorn.
"It is nearly time for you to go." Galadriel stated as the Fellowship approached her and Lord Celeborn. A company of elves stood nearby, watching. "But before you do, I have some gifts for each of you."
One of the elves stepped forward and Lady Galadriel presented each of them with an elven-made cloak.
"This cloak will shield you wherever you are. The cloak is light so you will never be too hot but it will keep you warm when you are cold." Lord Celeborn explained as each person put their new cloak on. The clasp on the cloak was in the shape of a leaf and Ana knew that they wouldn't break easily.
"Now for your own individual gifts." Galadriel told them as she took a silk bag from another waiting elf. She turned to Frodo first. "Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star."
Ana gasped quietly as her grandmother gave Frodo a small phial that glowed slightly. When used, it would emit a brilliant light in the darkness. Frodo's gift was truly exquisite.
"May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out." Galadriel smiled softly at Frodo before moving onto Sam. "For you, Samwise Gamgee, I give you some of our very own Elven rope. It is much stronger than any other rope and the knots you tie will not come undone unless you are the one to tug the rope."
Sam looked at his gift with awe for a moment before hastily bowing to Galadriel, repeating his thanks many times. Galadriel nodded at the hobbit before moving to stand in between Pippin and Merry.
"I believe these will be some use to you two." Galadriel smiled down at the two hobbits before presenting them both with silver belts with gold flower-shaped clasps. "These belts are favoured by the elves of Lorien. We believe you both should have one. Take care, Meriadoc and Peregrin."
Galadriel moved onto Aragorn as Merry and Pippin compared belts with amazement. The Lady of the Wood smiled softly at Aragorn before saying, "I have two things for you, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. The first is just a piece of advice that I believe will help you."
"Any advice of yours would most definitely be helpful, My Lady." Aragorn told the elf-woman as he pushed a stray strand of hair off his face.
Galadriel smiled gently at the ranger as she told him, "My advice is to see what is right in front of you. The talk we had yesterday? Keep that in mind while thinking about my advice."
Ana looked at Aragorn curiously as he nodded slowly, frowning. What had he talked about with her grandmother?
"My next gift will be far more helpful in your quest I believe!" Galadriel said cheerfully as she pulled a scabbard out of the silk bag. "Any sword sheathed in this scabbard will never break. I have been told of your adventures with my granddaughter. I think an unbreakable scabbard will be perfect for you."
"This gift is perfect, My Lady. Thank you." Aragorn murmured as he ran his hand along his gift. "And I will think about your advice too."
"I am glad." Galadriel stated before she turned to Legolas. She rested her hand on Legolas' shoulder and smiled happily. "It has been good to see you again, Prince Legolas. It has been many years since you've visited Lothlórien and I am glad you have had as much fun exploring as you did when you were just a child."
"Lothlórien will never fail to excite and inspire me, My Lady. It is truly beautiful and I am sad that I haven't visited much since I started to help my father. Perhaps I will return when all this is over." Legolas mused as he smiled back at Galadriel.
"I believe my beloved would like that. You both are admirable bowmen and I think you could both entertain me with an archery contest." Galadriel laughed softly, gesturing to Celeborn who smiled and nodded to Legolas. "Your gift might help you with that, as well as your task."
Galadriel retrieved from her silk bag a great bow with long, sharp arrows. Ana's jaw dropped as she recognised the bow. It seemed Legolas had recognised it too.
"My Lady...!" Legolas gasped, taking the bow from Galadriel with uncertain hands.
"I present to you, Legolas, son of Thranduil, the bow of Galadhrim." Galadriel announced, smiling at the look of awe and amazement on Legolas' face. "May it help you on your quest."
"That bow was made deep in Lothlórien many years ago." Ana whispered to the rest of the group as Legolas thanked Galadriel profusely. "It's strung with elf-hair. It's the best bow an elf could ask for."
Galadriel moved onto Gimli and frowned at the dwarf, "I do not know what a dwarf would want from an elf. So suggest something and I will see what I can do."
Gimli shuffled his feet, turning slightly red, before muttering, "I can think of nothing else I would want but a single strand of your hair, My Lady. It would serve as an heirloom of my house and a sign of good will between the Dwarves and Elves."
There was a murmur at the request. It was a very bold thing to ask for. Ana smiled though. It seemed Gimli had gotten over his aversion for elves while in Lorien. Galadriel smiled happily at the dwarf before lifting her hand and plucking not one hair but three from her head. She gave them to Gimli gently.
"Here is your gift, Gimli, Son of Gloin, and I am glad that your time in Lorien has changed your opinion of elves. Take care." Galadriel told Gimli before standing in front of Boromir. "Boromir, son of Gondor, I give to you one of our solid gold belts. I hope it aids you and gives you hope while on this quest."
Boromir took the solid gold belt from Galadriel with a small smile and murmured thanks. The belt was shaped like linked golden leaves and suited Boromir perfectly when he tried it on.
Galadriel turned to Ana and smiled softly before reaching into her silk bag and saying, "For you, Ana, I have a special gift that I think you will like."
Ana took the gift, which was wrapped in leather, and carefully unwrapped it. She gasped as a beautiful, but lethal, dagger was revealed. The leaves of Lothlórien had been carved into it carefully and painstakingly.
"Lady Galadriel... Grandmother... It is beautiful." Ana whispered as she ran her hand carefully over the tip of the dagger.
"It is not from me." Galadriel stated, smiling happily. "It is handmade and a gift from Captain Haldir. He asked me to give it to you when he visited me yesterday. He has great fondness for you."
Ana's breath hitched at the thought of the blonde haired elf that had her affection. She wished she had something to give to him so he knew how she felt about him. After all, it was likely they wouldn't meet again. There was a very high chance that Ana wouldn't survive the journey to Mordor.
As Ana stared down at the dagger, a glint caught her eye. It was her necklace, the evenstar, reflecting the sunlight...
"Can you give a gift to Captain Haldir for me?" Ana asked her grandmother as she stored her new weapon in her belt carefully.
"Of course, my dear." Galadriel nodded, tilting her head slightly. "I shall deliver it personally to him."
Ana nodded before carefully removing her Evenstar necklace and putting it into her grandmother's hand. She heard Legolas and Aragorn's sharp intake of breath. She ignored them as she looked her grandmother straight in the eye.
"Tell Captain Haldir that I want him to have this and that I'm coming back." Ana stated seriously before smiling sadly, "Farewell, Grandmother."
"Goodbye, my dear." Galadriel kissed Ana's forehead before stepping back. Celeborn strode forward and kissed Ana's forehead too, hugging her gently.
The Fellowship silently got into the boats. Ana ended up in a boat with Boromir, Merry and Pippin. Boromir was rowing.
The company of Elves and Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel waved them off as Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir started rowing down the river. It was silent for a few minutes before Boromir spoke.
"What was that necklace you gave Lady Galadriel? The Evenstar? Why did you give it to Captain Haldir?"
Legolas and Aragorn, who were rowing nearby, both laughed loudly as Ana scowled at them half-heartedly.
"My sister is in love with the Captain!" Aragorn howled as he rowed, grinning at Legolas with a sparkle in his eye. "After all these years, I never thought it would be an elf from Lothlórien that stole Ana's heart! What say you, Legolas?"
Legolas grinned back before replying, "Me neither. I thought it would be a Rivendell elf or maybe even a ranger. I thought she would love a ranger until he died then sail to the Undying Lands. I thought it might even be you, Aragorn."
"No! Never!" Ana protested while Aragorn looked slightly green. "He is my brother!"
"What's so special about your necklace?" Pippin asked innocently from where he was sitting opposite Ana.
Ana sighed before explaining, "The Evenstar necklaces have been passed down through my family. Arwen has one too but hers is silver. My brothers have a more masculine version. We get our necklaces when we are first born. Most elves give their beloved something which lays a claim on them, saying they are taken. For our family, it has always been the Evenstar for the females. I don't know why you're all making a big deal out of it. Captain Haldir may not return my feelings. He might just put the necklace away to keep safe until he next sees me."
"You are blind." Legolas stated, rolling his eyes. "Everyone saw your conversation with Haldir yesterday. His feelings are most definitely more than platonic."
"So if Haldir wears your necklace, it shows that he returns your feelings?" Boromir asked, rowing slowly.
"Correct." Ana replied, her cheeks a light pink.
"I can't believe you gave your necklace away like that. When you said you had a gift, I thought it would be something else. It shocked me." Aragorn admitted, glancing at Ana. "Never have I seen you look at a man like that. Haldir will be a good partner for you. He will not hold you back but he will protect you too."
Legolas suddenly chuckled, making everyone look at him. He explained, "I'm just wondering what Elladan and Elrohir's reactions will be when they see Haldir's new addition. They visit Lorien quite a lot these days to convey messages between Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."
Ana groaned as Aragorn joined in with Legolas' laughter.
"We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot." Aragorn stated as he and Ana pulled the three boats on to the wooded shore. They had stopped for a rest after rowing for a few hours. The rest of the Fellowship were resting on the shore or helping to start a fire.
Aragorn let go of the last boat before continuing what he had been saying, "We approach Mordor from the North."
"Oh, yes, just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks. And after that gets even better...a festering, stinking marshland, far as the eye can see." Gimli said in a gloomy voice, frowning at Aragorn.
"That is our road." Aragorn said firmly before smirking at Gimli, "I suggest you take rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."
"Recover my-" Gimli muttered indignantly, not finishing his sentence. He opted to glare at Aragorn instead.
Legolas turned to Aragorn and grabbed his arm before saying, "We should leave now."
"No. Orcs patrol the Eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness." Aragorn explained, resting his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"It is not the Eastern shore that worries me." Legolas muttered, glancing at the surrounding trees. "A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near, I can feel it."
Aragorn and Ana shared a look before Aragorn nodded to Legolas knowingly, squeezing his shoulder in comfort. Ana glanced at Sam, smiling softly when she noticed he was asleep. Merry dumped a pile of kindling for the fire at Gimli's feet before glancing around.
"Where's Frodo?" Merry asked, frowning. Sam sat up with a start. Aragorn spun round and swore in three different languages when he caught sight of something.
"Estel!" Ana laughed slightly, "Was that Troll you just spoke?"
Aragorn shot her a sheepish look before pointing to Boromir's abandoned shield. "We must find Frodo and Boromir! Boromir told me in Lorien that the Ring kept calling to him!"
Everyone jumped to their feet and shot into the woods. Ana and Legolas went one way together while Aragorn headed the other way.
"Boromir won't do anything will he?" Ana asked her oldest friend as they ran through the trees together. "I thought he had been getting better since Rivendell."
"He is a Man, Ana. The pull of the ring has always been impossible to resist, especially to men. You and I don't feel it as strongly as the others as we are the opposite of darkness and evil. Only few elves have ever joined Sauron out of free will." Legolas reminded her, pushing a tree branch out the way.
"Aragorn has resisted it so far." Ana stated, straining her ears for any sound.
"Well Aragorn is different." Legolas murmured, his fair skin turning a light pink.
Ana was about to tease Legolas when the sound of fighting reached them. The two shared a look before sprinting towards the sound.
They found Aragorn fighting a swarm of Uruk-Hai. He was quickly being surrounded. Legolas let out a shout and let three arrows fly, one after the other, into the crowd of beasts. Aragorn looked up and sent them a look of relief before killing two more Uruk-Hai. Gimli appeared with a roar and began cutting the Uruk-Hai into pieces with his axe.
Ana charged into the battle with a cry. Legolas followed her, still letting arrows fly. Ana smashed into the Orcs with her shoulder, ignoring the flare of pain that came with the action, before stabbing and slicing with her sword and dagger.
The Uruk-Hai around the four warriors were nearly all slain when the sound of a horn echoed round the woods. Aragorn sprinted in the direction the sound had originated from, slaying beasts as he went.
"The horn of Gondor!" Legolas exclaimed.
Ana took off after Aragorn. Gimli and Legolas followed her, cutting down Uruk-Hai as they ran, but Ana soon left her two comrades behind. She was just pushing the creatures out the way and leaving them for Legolas and Gimli. She was more worried about Boromir. He wouldn't have blown the horn unless he was in real trouble.
Ana skidded to a halt as she took in the scene in front of her. Aragorn was fighting the last and largest Uruk-Hai furiously, keeping it away from Boromir who was gasping for breath on the ground. Ana sprinted to Boromir's side as Aragorn defeated his opponent. She winced at the sight of the three arrows buried in Boromir's body.
"Let me-"
"No!" Boromir interrupted Ana, grabbing her hand and stopping her from touching the arrows with a wince. He turned to Aragorn who had just collapsed next to him. "They took the little ones! Frodo! Where is Frodo?"
"I let Frodo go." Aragorn admitted as he tried to stop the blood flow from one of Boromir's wounds.
"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the ring from him." Boromir told them as he breathed heavily.
"The ring is beyond our reach now." Aragorn stated as he took his hand away from the wound.
"Forgive me, I did not see... I have failed you all." Boromir muttered, eyes flicking from Aragorn to Ana. "My dear Ana, you have been so kind to me through all of this. Thank you. You care for Merry and Pippin as much as I do. You must find them."
"You don't need to thank me, Boromir." Ana murmured, choking back tears, before pushing a strand of hair out of Boromir's eyes. "You are my friend and it's how friends treat each other. Of course I'll find the Hobbits. I won't rest until I do."
"No, Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept your honour." Aragorn told Boromir as he tore a strip of cloth off his shirt. He tried to pull one of the arrows out of Boromir but Boromir stopped him like he had stopped Ana.
"Leave it! It is over... the world of Men will fall and all will come to darkness and my city to ruin... Aragorn..." Boromir choked out.
"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you... I will not let the White City fall, nor your people fail..." Aragorn promised, tears falling as he finally realised that Boromir was going to die.
"Our people... our people..." Boromir corrected Aragorn weakly, making Ana smile through her tears. He reached for his sword, smiling gratefully when Ana pressed it into his hand gently. He held it to his chest, breathing harshly, before turning back to Aragorn and telling him confidently, "I would have followed you, my brother... my captain... my King."
Silence fell.
The sound of Boromir's laboured breathing had stopped.
Aragorn rested his forehead on Boromir's and murmured, "Be at peace, Son of Gondor."
He kissed Boromir's forehead gently before getting to his feet. He held a hand out to Ana and helped her up. The two rangers turned to see Gimli and Legolas watching from a few feet away.
"He's dead." Ana stated quietly to her two friends, wiping the tears off her cheeks. "He was trying to protect Merry and Pippin."
"They will look for his coming from the white tower... but he will not return." Aragorn said sadly, staring down at Boromir.
"We can't leave him here. The Orcs will find him." Ana said firmly. "We shall send him down the river in one of the boats and over the waterfall."
Her three companions nodded in agreement before Aragorn and Legolas picked Boromir up between them. The two grimaced at the weight, Boromir had a lot of muscle and his dead weight made him even heavier, before following Ana and Gimli to the shore. A boat was missing.
"Frodo must have taken it. Sam's stuff is gone so he must have gone with Frodo." Aragorn muttered as he and Legolas lifted Boromir into the closest boat. Ana put both of Boromir's hands over his sword and laid the broken horn next to the son of Gondor before she helped to push the boat off the shore and into the water.
The four friends watched sadly as the boat made its way down the river and went over the waterfall. Ana bowed her head for a moment before turning to look at Legolas who was speaking.
"If we are quick, we will catch Sam and Frodo before nightfall." Legolas pointed out, turning to Aragorn when the ranger didn't reply or react. A frown marred the elf's face. "You mean not to follow them."
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Aragorn told the group quietly as he looked at Legolas.
"Then it has all been in vain... the fellowship has failed." Gimli growled, kicking at the ground.
"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death, not while we have strength left." Aragorn stated, finally looking away from Legolas and turning to his pack.
"I promised Boromir I would find them. It was his dying wish." Ana replied as she turned to her own pack. "I am with you, Estel."
"Leave all that can be spared behind." Aragorn told them, a steely glint in his eye. "We travel light. Let's hunt some Orc!"
"Yes!" Gimli roared, grinning viciously. "Ha!"
Ana and Legolas shared a determined look before they and Gimli followed Aragorn into the woods, following the Uruk-Hai trail.