The Light of Valar

Chapter 3:

The wind blew through her hair, tossing it around her shoulders and across her face. She had long since removed the silver circlet of leaves, as soon as it was proper to do so, and nothing stopped the breeze from blowing through her brown locks of hair.

Aeothen looked out over the land before her and was filled with great sadness. At first, when she had joined the Fellowship, she had felt excited and proud to be included in such a journey. Now, she was sad, for she would be leaving the great city she called home, in less than a month's time. She suddenly wished that there had been no prophecy for her, that she could stay with her family in Rivendell. But she was a part of this, and she would see her role done, for she had promised Frodo that she would help him. And help was what he needed most at that time.

The room behind her was filled with laughter and the talk of the well-being of such great lands, but she held no interest in it. Aeothen had stayed for the feast, but when the men, elves, and dwarves began their chatter, she felt the urge to leave. She did not want anyone to question her decision, as she knew they would, and she did not wish to give them a chance to. She hoped that outside, where her heart was fondest; they would not find her, for the chilling wind was too bitter for most.

However her idea of solitude was broken when she heard footsteps behind her as someone stepped out into the night.

"My Lady?"

Aeothen gently turned in her place and found Boromir standing in the midst of the door. He looked troubled, but by what she could not say and he slowly approached her until he stood at her side by the railing.

Aeothen bowed to him and he politely returned the gesture, but still his eyes held a look that she could not decipher. "I had wished to speak with you, my lady, but I found that you were not inside though you attended the feast," he told her.

Aeothen wondered what he could want to speak to her about, but she replied, "I prefer the quiet to the noise. And the matters of which those inside speak could no longer hold my interest."

Boromir nodded in understanding and Aeothen waited for him to continue, but he appeared to have no words for what he wished to say.

"You wished to speak with me, my Lord. May I ask the nature of this conversation?"

"My Lady, forgive me for being forward, but I believe it is wise for you to remain behind. The road which we will follow is no place for a woman," he said.

Aeothen lowered her head. She had expected that to be the subject, but she had still hoped that it wasn't. She looked back up at him, to find him watching her with careful eyes.

"My Lord, I appreciate your concern, but it would be better served elsewhere. Lord Elrond has faith in me and knows the part I shall play, which is enough for me to tell you that your worry is unneeded," she told him.

Boromir looked at her with shocked eyes, as if not believing that she had stood up for herself.

"My Lady, what help could you give us? There is little use for a woman in such matters and in so few numbers we cannot worry about protecting ourselves as well as you," he stated.

Aeothen felt annoyance rise in her. He believed her helpless! He thought she would be a burden more than a use! She did not need protecting, she could handle herself, and for him to say so made her wish to yell at him from her spot.

"My Lord, believe me when I say that I am capable of handling myself. I do not need protection from anyone else and I wish to only serve the Ringbearer. That was my promise and if you have any concerns about that, then I do not wish to hear them," she growled, slowly losing her temper.

"There is great evil which you do not understand…"

"I know more about this evil then you may think, my Lord! I have seen the darkness for myself, I know of its power! Do not believe me innocent to that which destroyed my life!" Aeothen interrupted, now shouting directly at him, all civility gone.

Boromir towered over her, and though he did not shout, his voice gave away his frustration. "You know nothing of what his minions can do. They have destroyed cities, killed hundreds of people!"

Aeothen was silent for a moment as she attempted to regain control. "You sit in your white towers as innocent people are slaughtered. Do not think I am blind to what is happening in the South. They will take over your city and when they do, who then will protect your people?" she hissed.

Boromir stared at her in shock. "No…my people are safe."

"They are suffering and you and your father sit drinking your finest ale and fresh bread!"

"NO!" Boromir roared.

His hand flew to her face and he struck her across the cheek. Aeothen recoiled in shock and horror, her hand touching her cheek gingerly. It stung from the force and it felt painful to the touch.

Aeothen looked back at Boromir, anger and hate in her eyes. She wished for him to hurt, to strike him back, but the look in his eyes stopped her. He stared with wide eyes from her to his hand.

"My Lady…" he began.

Aeothen stormed away towards the entrance before he could say another word.

She pushed her way through the crowd, making her way towards the exit for her room, while ignoring the voices around her. She had no care for what silly chatter they shared, she only wished to get away to her room.

In her haste, she was not aware of where she was going, and soon bumped into someone, sending her tumbling backwards. She nearly fell, but a strong pair of hands grabbed her arms to prevent her from hitting the ground. They pulled her to her feet and only then did Aeothen realize that she had run into Prince Legolas.

"I am truly sorry, my Prince. I will better watch where I am going." She had tried to say it politely, but the anger was still hot inside her and she imagined her words coming out as a hiss.

Legolas looked at her questioningly, confirming her thought, and said, "The fault is mine, my Lady. May I ask what has you so angry?"

Aeothen looked ashamedly at her feet. She had not wished to show her fury to anyone, especially not the Prince of Mirkwood, and now she would have to explain herself.

"It is nothing, my Prince. Only a matter between myself and those who think I am incapable," she said, her eyes darting back to the door where Boromir still had not come through.

Unfortunately, Legolas had seen this and followed her look towards the door. His eyes narrowed and he frowned.

"I apologize for him, my Lady, for men can be stubborn in their beliefs and unwilling to accept new ideas. He only needs time… then he will realize that you are as strong as any of our group."

Aeothen looked up at him and a smile formed on his face. "Aragorn has told me of your skills with a blade and arrow. I believe you will be an important member in our Fellowship. And though I fear for you myself, I have been warned of your temper and wish not to experience it while it is directed at me."

Aeothen realized that Legolas only believed that Boromir had asked for her to remain behind, not that he had hit her. And she wished to keep it that way.

"Thank you, my Prince, for comforting me so well."

Legolas held out a hand, as if to stop her from speaking. "My Lady, we are companions now. I wish you to call me by my given name, not Prince."

Aeothen smiled. "As long as you no longer call me, 'My Lady', then I shall not call you, 'My Prince.'"

Legolas smiled back at her and Aeothen placed a hand on his shoulder in farewell. "Goodnight, Legolas," she said.

He placed a hand gently on her shoulder and nodded. "Sleep well, Aeothen."

Aeothen smiled and stepped away and walked back in the direction of her room. She did not look back over her shoulder and so she did not see the elf frown and disappear through the back door, out to where Boromir still stood.

The day the Fellowship would leave Rivendell came slowly, and Aeothen did not hasten to meet the others. She thought that if she had had 'the light', she would be very sick right now, for her heart was breaking just to pack her things. She was not carrying much, only a few changes of clothes and a blanket, her Elven bow and arrows, and a few small provisions.

The only personal thing she would carry was a silver pendant that Elrond had had crafted for her. In the center was a beautiful crystal and the silver encasing was engraved with Elvish, words of comfort and wisdom, to help her never stray from her path.

Aeothen looked down at her belongings, wishing that she had had more time. Though she had spent her whole life in Rivendell, she thought that there was so much more she could have learned and now it was being taken away from her. She did not know if she would return from Mordor, and the thought saddened her, for she did not wish to lose her family.

Slowly she turned to her tall dresser and opened it wide. Inside were many of her beautifully made garments, ones that she may never get to wear again. Aeothen bent down and reached for the base of the dresser, where her hand clasped around something long and rigid. Carefully she pulled it from the confines of the dresser and laid it in her lap.

She had not set eyes on it since it was given to her all those years ago. Aeothen pulled the sword free of its sheath and stared at it with wonder. The blade looked as if it was brand new, unscratched and polished. As she turned it over she noticed for the first time, that the blade had words carved onto it. They were Elven, and she felt her heart beat quickly as she read them.

She stared at them for a long time, until she finally re-sheathed the sword and strapped it to her side. It belonged to her and she would use it in honor of her fallen family.

Aeothen strapped her bow and quiver to her back, picked up her pack and left her room, wondering if she would ever see it again.

The elves in the city were cheerless and Aeothen could tell that they were saddened by her leave. Many of these elves had been like brothers and sisters to her, and now that she was leaving, they mourned for their loss.

Aeothen reached the gate and found she was the last one to arrive. Legolas saw her first and he smiled before walking over to her. She met him at the steps and tried to smile, knowing that she was failing miserably.

"How are you, Aeothen?" he asked, concern now filling his eyes.

Aeothen sighed. "I do not wish to leave my home and family, but I feel as though the weight of the world rests on my shoulders," she said.

Legolas looked at her sympathetically. He then took Aeothen's pack from her hand and threw it over his shoulder. "You do not have to carry it alone," he said.

Aeothen smiled and they walked down to meet the others. Aragorn and Gandalf stood together, talking in hushed whispers. Boromir, who she had avoided since the night of the feast, stood away from the others. Gimili stood alone, while the Hobbits talked together in their own group. Aeothen watched as Frodo became detached from the conversation and his mind drifted elsewhere. This journey would be hardest on him, she knew, and she swore to do whatever she could to ease his pain.

When Aeothen and Legolas reached the group, everyone looked up. Aragorn came over to her and hugged her tightly.

"You do not have to do this, Aeothen. You do not have to follow if you do not wish too," he told her.

Aeothen shook her head. "No, Aragorn, I must do this. Whether I wish it or not."

He pulled away from her with sad eyes. She knew that he worried for her, but this was something she must do. It wasn't her choice, it was the will of the council, and she would honor the promise she made.

Soon, Elrond and Arwen stood before the group, both with heartbreaking looks on their faces. Elrond was watching her intently, but Arwen was looking somewhere else. Her sad eyes were focused on the person beside Aeothen and when she looked over, Aeothen found Aragorn staring at his feet.

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath, nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you," Elrond said.

Aeothen slowly approached Elrond and was enveloped into a hug.

"I will fear for you the most, my child," he said, holding her at arms length. "Do not stray from your path, for it will be difficult to find it again in the dark."

Aeothen nodded and Elrond kissed her gently on her forehead. "I love you Aeothen, as if you were my own. I will miss you."

Aeothen smiled and embraced Elrond once more before she turned to Arwen, who had tears in her eyes.

"Do not cry for me Arwen. We will see each other again," Aeothen said as she gave her a hug.

"I still remember the day you came to Imladris," Arwen told her. "You were so small, only a child. Now you have grown and you are leaving again."

"I will return, Arwen. I promise," Aeothen replied.

Arwen nodded and embraced Aeothen once more.

"Please…make sure you both return," she whispered.

Aeothen knew exactly who Arwen was speaking of, and she nodded and returned to the Fellowship.

With Aragorn and Legolas on either side of her, Aeothen looked to Gandalf, who was acting as their guide. He looked at her for a moment with sad eyes, but then smiled.

"The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer," he said.

Frodo looked at him in surprise and the slowly stepped forward. He walked towards the gate and took one step out of Rivendell before turning back around.

"Mordor, Gandalf…is it left or right?"

They traveled for many days and many nights over the empty plains that rested between Rivendell and the way south to the Gap of Rohan. To the East lay the Great Misty Mountains and to the West the river Bruinen.

Aeothen was kept amused by the Hobbits along the way, whose carefree nature often was the only thing to pass the time. Legolas also often kept her company, telling her stories of his home and his people, and she found him to be just as gentle and warrior-like as she first thought. Aragorn did his best to be with her, though he was often in discussion with Gandalf, whom she had very little chance to speak to. Gimili usually kept away from her, as he did with most of the group, but she often found herself answering questions about the Elves and getting rude comments in return. Aeothen still was trying to avoid Boromir, though she was finding it more difficult without the help of the maze-like settings of Rivendell. He often tried to speak to her, though she walked away saying that she must go help Aragorn with his planning. It was childish of her, she knew, but her stubbornness acted against her in such situations.

The sun was setting as the group stopped to set up camp for the night. Aragorn had quickly got a fire started, and Sam was busy preparing the night's meal, though Aeothen found she had no appetite. She missed Elrond and Arwen, and it pained her to be away from them. She thought of what they would be doing at that moment. Elrond would be in his study, reading or thinking of the Fellowship and Arwen would be in her room, as she often was when she was upset. Aeothen wished to feel the great presence of the Elves once more and she wished to return home to her family.

"May I join you?"

Aeothen's thoughts were interrupted and she turned from her place to see Legolas looking down at her. She smiled and nodded before turning back to the direction of the sunset. Earlier she had wandered a bit away from the group and sat down on a low rocky perch to think. She had needed some time to herself, but was not angry at Legolas for interrupting. In fact, she was glad, for she found that his presence calmed her.

"It is quiet out here," Legolas said as he sat down beside her.

Aeothen nodded. "It reminds me of when I first traveled to Rivendell. My brother and I would sit and watch the sunset and wonder if our mother could see it too from the Undying Lands," she said.

Legolas watched her carefully and Aeothen sighed. She had told him all about her journey to Rivendell and he had shown great sympathy. He felt sorry for the loss of her mother and brother, but Aeothen had wished for him not too. She knew that they had both died to protect her and she felt grateful that she was alive. She did not want herself, or others, to dwell on the darkness of her past.

"The lands between Rivendell and Isengard looked much smaller on the map," Aeothen complained, making Legolas smile. He had grown used to her frequent whining and Aeothen was glad that it did not bother him as much as it did Aragorn.

"I would have thought living with the Elves your whole life would have granted you some patience," he said, amusement in his tone.

Aeothen began to laugh, but it was interrupted when Aragorn walked over.

"Legolas, your help is needed. Gandalf and I are trying to decide where we should go after we reach Isengard," he said.

Legolas nodded, bid goodnight to Aeothen, and left with Aragorn.

It grew dark, but Aeothen did not leave her place. Her thoughts filled her mind and she drowned out everything else around her, the crackling fire, Merry and Pippin's laughter, even Gimili's snoring. That was why she did not hear anyone approaching, until it was too late.

"My Lady?"

She pretended not to have heard him, but it was difficult when he sat down beside her. Aeothen did not turn to look at him, she kept her eyes forward, but he still began to speak.

"My Lady, I am sorry for what I have done. I should not have done what I did, for you did not deserve it. You were right. My city is failing. Destroying the Ring is our only hope," he said.

Aeothen still did not acknowledge him, though she listened carefully to his words. It seemed like a true apology, but she was still unsure.

"My only wish is that you can forgive me for the horrible deed I have committed."

He got up and turned to leave. However he had only taken a few steps when Aeothen called to him.

"Boromir!"

He turned back to look at her, his face full of hope and guilt. Aeothen stood and approached him slowly, leaving a fair distance between them.

"What you did was unforgivable, but I too have been terrible in my actions. I should not have said those things, for it was unjust. I forgive you so long as your forgiveness is graced upon me," she said.

Boromir stared at her for a moment, shock in his eyes, until he nodded. "You are forgiven, my Lady," he told her.

Aeothen smiled a small smile and stepped forward. She placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "My name is Aeothen."

He smiled and Aeothen left him and headed for the campfire, where she would find her pack and rest for the night.

The day was bright as the sun shone down on the company, who had found rest in a nestle of great rocks. The Hobbits had grown weary, having not eaten second breakfast, and Gandalf had allowed the Fellowship to stop and rest. Sam was busy preparing the meal, while the others found ways to busy themselves. Gandalf was waiting patiently, sitting on a high rock and smoking his wooded pipe, while Gimili huffed nearby him. Legolas was furthest from the group, his eyes scanning the land behind and ahead of them. Boromir had agreed to help Merry and Pippin with their swordsmanship, and so he was practicing with each of them while Aragorn and Aeothen looked on. Aragorn was also smoking his pipe as he looked on amusedly and Aeothen watched and laughed at the comments that often came from Pippin's mouth.

"Two, one, five," Boromir instructed as he slowly swung his sword at Pippin, who raised his own sword to block the attacks. "Good, very good."

"Move your feet," Aragorn added.

Pippin did so and Merry said, "You look good, Pippin."

"Thanks!"

Aeothen chuckled as Boromir quickened his pace. The Hobbits had improved greatly since they left Rivendell and though they were still not strong enough, Aeothen found comfort in knowing they could hold their own, at least for a while.

"If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note they're not, I'd say we were taking the long way round."

Aeothen turned in the direction of the voice to see Gimili climbing over rocks towards Gandalf, who was watching him carefully.

"Gandalf," Gimili continued, "we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome."

Aeothen watched Gandalf for his answer. She had been told the evil that lurked in those once great halls and she knew that Gandalf did as well. Though crossing the path of Moria would cut down the days they spent traveling, they could not take that risk.

Gandalf briefly met her eyes and confirmed that he knew what lay in the shadows there.

"No Gimili, I would not take the roads through Moria unless I had no other choice," he said.

Aeothen sighed in relief, for she did not wish any of their company to have to face that darkness. She turned back to Merry, Pippin, and Boromir who was still fighting Pippin. Boromir lightly brought his sword down and accidentally hit Pippin in the hand, for he had not being paying attention.

"Sorry!" Boromir apologized as he reached down to help the young Hobbit.

Pippin yelled and kicked Boromir's shin, who stumbled back in surprise.

"Get him!" Merry cried, and he and Pippin rushed Boromir who fell to the ground with the weight of the two Hobbits.

Aeothen and Aragorn laughed, smiling as Boromir tried to pull the other off him.

"For the Shire!" Pippin yelled. "Hold him! Hold him Merry!"

Aragorn chuckled and stood from his spot, leaving his pipe behind him. Still laughing, he walked over to the three and said, "Gentlemen, that's enough!"

He tried to intervene but was thrown into the uproar, causing Aeothen to laugh harder.

"He's got my arm! He's got my arm!" Merry cried.

Aeothen's laughter died down as she watched Legolas jump from one stone to another, his eyes watching for something far away in the South. She looked out to where he was looking, and saw what appeared to be a black cloud in the distance.

"What is that?" Sam asked, causing the rest of the group to stop and look.

Aeothen stood and walked over to Legolas, who kept his eyes focused on the cloud ahead of them.

"Nothing, it's just a wisp of cloud," Gimili said.

Boromir looked out at it and said, "Its moving fast… against the wind."

Finally Legolas realized what it was and shouted, "Crebain from Dunland!"

"Hide!" Aragorn ordered and everyone split up to find shelter.

Aeothen jumped from the rock and ran over to her pack, quickly grabbing it up and slinging it over her shoulder. All around her the Fellowship hastily hid their belongings and ran for cover, even Sam had thought to put out the fire. Aeothen ran looking for shelter, but was finding none. Behind her the cries of the flock of Crebain grew louder signaling their approach.

She was about to head towards an outcrop of rocks when she was pulled beneath a low bush. An arm went around her waist and a hand flew over her mouth to keep her from moving or screaming.

"Quiet! You're safe!" a voice whispered behind her.

Aeothen recognized the voice as Legolas' and relaxed a bit, though she was still startled. She looked out above her were a large flock of black birds flew overhead, cawing loudly. They circled the area a few times, before flying back in the direction they came. Back to Isengard.

Aeothen saw the rest of the Fellowship begin to come out of their hiding places and made to move, but found it impossible. Legolas had removed his hand from her mouth, but his other arm was still wrapped tightly around her middle.

"Legolas?" she whispered.

At first there was no answer, but then he said, "Oh! Sorry."

He freed her from his grip and Aeothen crawled from their hiding place. When she got out she saw Aragorn looking around frantically, but he relaxed when his eyes rested upon her. Then Legolas emerged, brushing the dirt off of his clothing, and Aragorn raised an eyebrow. Aeothen ignored him and thanked Legolas, just before Gandalf began to speak.

"Spies of Saruman!" he exclaimed, climbing out from behind a tall rock. "The passage south is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras."

Aeothen looked east to the great snowy mountains of Caradhras and groaned.

Never before had she felt such cold. In Rivendell it did not snow and the winters, though the winds were bitter, were not harsh and uncomfortably icy. She supposed that had they been, it would not have mattered, for the Elves could not feel the cold. Legolas proved that fact by walking ahead of the group in nothing except the clothes he had been wearing earlier, making Aeothen wish that it had been one of the traits she had inherited from the Elves. Alas, she shivered and pulled a blanket given to her tighter around her shoulders.

Behind her she heard an exclamation of surprise and looked over her shoulder to see Frodo tumbling down the slope towards Aragorn, who was near the back. Aeothen stopped and watched as Aragorn stopped him and helped him to his feet. Frodo raised his hand to his neck, and finding that the Ring was missing, looked back up to where he had fallen.

Aeothen followed his gaze and saw a glint of gold against the pure white snow. She made a move to return it to him, but found that Boromir had already reached the Ring. Slowly he picked it up by it chain and held it before his eyes.

"It is a strange fate we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing," he muttered, his hand reaching toward the Ring.

"Boromir!"

He was shaken from his thoughts as Aragorn called his name sternly. "Give the Ring to Frodo," Aragorn demanded.

It seemed that Boromir hesitated, but he then walked towards Frodo, and held the Ring out to him.

"As you wish," Boromir said. "I care not."

Frodo quickly snatched it away and put it around his neck, all the while watching Boromir with cautious eyes. Boromir smiled and ruffled Frodo's hair affectionately, before turning and walking back up the slope. He passed Aeothen, but gave no recognition of her being there, his eyes unfocused and his gaze set ahead.

Aeothen turned back to Aragorn and noticed his hand relax on the hilt of his sword. She realized how close they had come to an outburst, all over such a seemingly insignificant object.

Aragorn placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder and steered him towards Aeothen. They reached her and Aragorn said, "Watch over him."

Aeothen nodded and took Frodo into her arms before turning and heading back up the hill with him. He shivered slightly and Aeothen felt his cheek, recoiling when her fingers touched his icy skin.

"You're freezing," she muttered and quickly opened the blanket and wrapping it around his shoulders. He was like a child, she thought, moving closer to her and relishing what little warmth she could give.

They continued up the hill and soon Frodo began to grow drowsy. Aeothen picked him up and cradled him against her to block the harsh winds from reaching him.

"He looks even smaller in your arms."

Aeothen looked up and saw that Boromir had stopped and was waiting for her to catch up to him. Aeothen did so and then responded, "He may appear small, but his heart is quite big. I have never met anyone who carries as much will as he."

Boromir nodded and fell into step with her. They were now the last of their group, except for Aragorn who still lingered at the back. They walked together in silence for a while, Frodo resting easily in her arms, until Boromir spoke again.

"He is like a child," he said referring to the sleeping bundle in her arms.

Aeothen nodded and looked down at Frodo. "He is. I think that is what makes me feel obligated to care for him," she said.

Boromir looked at her questioningly. "I do not understand."

"If you were this small and helpless, would you not want someone to care for you?" she asked. This made her think of how Aragorn had been there for her after the death of her family. He had been the one to take care of her, until she had entered the care of Elrond and Arwen, and she would always appreciate that.

Boromir inclined his head slightly. "Like a mother and her child?"

"I suppose," Aeothen answered after some thought. "I'm not implying that he needs a motherly figure or that I am very good at it, but I am doing whatever I can to help him. At the moment, that is to care for him as a mother would her child."

Silence surrounded them once again, but it was not long until Boromir spoke. "Whether it is what he needs or not, you are doing a good job of it," he said.

"Thank you," Aeothen answered.

She looked over to Boromir, who had a look she had not seen before on his face. His smile was not mocking or teasing, but light and kind. And his eyes were not suspicious as they often were, but curious instead.

"It makes me wonder…how is it you do not already have a child of your own?"

Aeothen's eyes widened and she felt heat rise to her cheeks. She did not understand why she was blushing, but she could not stop it, so she looked to the ground in hopes that he had not seen.

"I have spent my time learning, not searching for a mate. I do not carry the same troubles as most woman would, having not found a husband by this time, for I have been brought up by the Elves who find time endless. Also, I fear I would not know the first thing about caring for a family…my skills tend to exist in weaponry and knowledge alone."

He did not answer straight away, and Aeothen was beginning to become uncomfortable under his gaze. Clearing her throat nervously, she added, "Besides, Aragorn would not let any man spend more than a moment with me without becoming dangerously suspicious."

Boromir chuckled and nodded his understanding. More seriously he said, "From what I have seen, you would not be hopeless. Any man who finds himself in your care would be very lucky indeed."

Aeothen looked at him again, a million questions running through her head. Not a fortnight ago, she would not talk to him, and now he was being courteous and encouraging. Why had he found that so difficult when they first met? Why was he asking so many questions about this part of her life?

A voice from the front of the group rang in her ears and Aeothen pulled away from her thoughts. Both she and Boromir looked forward to see Legolas watching them, a frown on his face and his eyes slightly narrowed. Aeothen looked at him questioningly, but his gaze was fixed on Boromir.

"Boromir! Come! I wish to speak with you of your home lands!" Legolas called.

Boromir nodded and bid farewell to Aeothen, who was left looking confused and troubled. She had not noticed she was standing still until Aragorn came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you well?" he asked, following her gaze towards the Man and Elf ahead.

Aeothen nodded and began to walk again, this time with Aragorn at her side.

"I couldn't help overhearing…"

"Of course you couldn't," Aeothen interrupted a grin on her face.

Aragorn smiled and laughed slightly. "I couldn't help overhearing what you said to Boromir. If it was your wish to find a mate, I would understand. You mustn't blame me for being overly protective of you."

"Aragorn I understand," Aeothen said. "It is not an interest, nor has it ever been, for me to have a husband. Who would I have courted anyway? Up until a while ago I was convinced I could not marry an Elf, for he would live longer than I. But even now that I know I will see many centuries, it has not changed the small need that marriage is."

Aragorn watched her carefully, as if to detect a lie, but he found none and he smiled. "I am glad, for no one shall take you from me."

Aeothen laughed. "And if I wished to escape you?"

"Impossible."

Aeothen laughed loudly, causing Frodo to stir in her arms. She looked down at him and smiled, as he slowly opened his eyes.

"Are we in Mordor yet?" he asked.

Aeothen continued to smile, but shook her head. "No, Frodo. Mordor is far away from here. But know that I shall be here still when we reach it."

Frodo smiled back at her and they continued on their way up the mountainside.

Caradhras was unforgiving. The Fellowship climbed the side of the mountain, all but Legolas buried deep in the snow. His light feet carried him across the surface and the merciless winds did not affect him.

Aeothen had long since given Frodo away to Aragorn, for she could barely find the strength to keep herself up and she feared that she would drop the poor Hobbit. She walked behind Gandalf, her hood drawn high over her head and wrapped in many blankets as the snow whipped across her face, stinging as it hit. She could no longer feel the tips of her toes or fingers, and her nose was so cold that if it had fallen off, she would not have noticed.

The Fellowship trudged on through the snow and howling wind, hoping that they would reach the end of the mountain soon. Suddenly, Aeothen heard a voice being carried by the winds and it sent shivers down her spine.

Legolas ran ahead and then shouted back to Gandalf. "There is a fell voice on the air," he shouted, his voice barely heard over the roaring winds.

"It's Saruman!" Gandalf cried.

Aeothen heard a loud crack above them and saw snow tumble down from the cliff above. She quickly threw herself against the side of the mountain and covered her face as the small avalanche passed.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!" Aragorn yelled, cradling Frodo in his arms. The Hobbit looked absolutely frozen and Aeothen agreed with Aragorn completely. She worried that if this storm continued they would not make it to the other side of the mountain pass.

"No!" Gandalf shouted. He took a step forward, out of the snow, and raised his arms wide.

"Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho i 'ruith! (Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wrath!" he chanted.

As Gandalf fought against Saruman's spell, a bolt of lightning struck above Aeothen sending another avalanche into motion. The snow and ice fell too quickly and Aeothen could not pull herself from the snow fast enough. She raised her arms above her head as the snow crashed onto her.

All she could see was darkness and all she could feel was cold. The air around her was tight, as if there was little of it, and she did not dare to open her eyes. She knew she was buried deep beneath the snow and there was little chance for the others to find her, but she yelled for them anyway.

She could not hear much, but the muffled shouts were enough to tell her that they could not find her. Aeothen took a breath, realizing that it was becoming harder to do so, and began to pray. She sent her thoughts out to the Lady Valar, to spare her and to save her.

Above her, the shouts were becoming louder and more urgent, and she cried out again in hopes they would hear her. Suddenly a hand broke through the snow and grabbed at her.

"I found her!"

Another hand appeared and grabbed hold of her other shoulder and began to pull. Aeothen felt herself rise out of the snow, little by little, until she could hear the howling wind and feel the ice hit her face again.

"Aeothen! Can you hear me?"

She nodded slightly and was pulled against something hard, but she was not sure of what. She felt tired and wanted to sleep, but she fought against it.

"We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!"

That was definitely Boromir, she thought, as she strained her ears for the next voice.

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!"

Aragorn. Aeothen was certain of that voice, but was disappointed when he sounded far away.

"If we cannot pass over a mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the Mines of Moria."

Unmistakably Gimili. His voice sounded sure, but Aeothen knew of what waited there. Seeing as she could not find the strength to speak, she hoped someone would refuse that option.

After a while a voice said, "Let the Ring bearer decide."

That was Gandalf, but she refused to believe he would risk the danger of Moria.

"We cannot stay here! This will be the death of the Hobbits," yelled Boromir's voice.

"Frodo?"

Aeothen felt eyes on her, though she could not tell who they belonged to. She knew one pair would be Frodo's, but she prayed he would be wise and not choose Moria because of her current state. They must not go through the Mines.

"We will go through the mines," Frodo decided.

No.

"So be it," Gandalf said.

She must have blacked out after that because the next thing Aeothen remembered was waking up and seeing the night sky. At first she wondered if the deliberation on Caradhras had been a dream, if they had chosen the right path and not traveled to Moria, but this idea was quickly diminished.

"You're awake."

She looked to her side where Legolas sat, both a smile on his face and concern in his eyes. She smiled at him and pulled herself into a sitting position. Looking around, she found that they were no longer on Caradhras, or anywhere near it, but they were surrounded by huge grey rocks and she could hear the faint rushing of water in the distance.

"Where are we?" she asked.

Legolas frowned. "Near the Gates of Moria. We could not pass over Caradhras, so we have decided to enter the Mines."

"No!" Aeothen cried and attempted to pull herself up. She found that her arms were weak and her legs weaker, so she could not move from her place.

"Mithrandir!" she called.

Suddenly Gandalf appeared followed by Boromir and Aragorn, who rushed to her side.

"Aeothen, you're awake!" he exclaimed.

Ignoring him completely, Aeothen said, "Áva kare (Don't do it) Gandalf! We cannot go into the Mines! You know what sleeps there!"

Gandalf looked at her solemnly. "I have no choice, my child. The other paths are being watched. We cannot risk Saruman's minions," he told her calmly.

"But you will risk the darkness of the ancient world?"

Gandalf seemed startled that Aeothen knew such a thing, but showed no sign of having heard it.

"You should have rest before we leave again," he said and walked away.

Aragorn and Boromir looked at her for a while, before they too left, talking in hushed whispers.

Legolas stayed by her side, but it was long before he spoke. "We thought you had fallen from the cliff on Caradhras. I thought…"

Aeothen looked at him questioningly, but he did not continue. Instead he smiled and said, "I'm glad you are well. Perhaps we should join the rest of the group."

She nodded and allowed him to help her up and walk her over to the rest of the group, who appeared to already be preparing to leave. As they approached the Fellowship, Aragorn walked towards them.

"Gandalf has decided we should move quickly," he said. "We have lost enough time already."

Aeothen and Legolas nodded and followed the group. They walked along the walls towards the West Gate of Moria for what seemed like an eternity to Aeothen. Legolas acted as her support, though they did not talk once the entire way. Aeothen kept playing his words over in her head and she did not know what to make of them.

'We thought you had fallen from the cliff on Caradhras. I thought…'

What did he think? Aeothen went through all the possible answers in her head, but could not think of one that seemed logical. She was contemplating just asking him, when Gimili's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"The walls of Moria!" he said, awe filling his tone.

Aeothen looked ahead of her and saw a vast stone wall along the edge of a dark gloomy lake. She did not understand why Gimili was so impressed, for she herself saw nothing more than a filthy lake and another rock.

They continued to walk along the wall and soon they were on a path between the lake and the rock face.

"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed," Gimili said, an air of pride in his voice.

"Yes, Gimili, their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten," Gandalf answered, leading the group along the wall.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Legolas muttered, causing Aeothen to smile.

Eventually, the Fellowship reached a part of the wall and Gandalf stopped completely, running his hands over the rough stone.

"Well, let's see," he muttered. "Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight."

As Gandalf said those words, the moon broke through its grey cloudy cover and shone upon the wall. Where there was once only solid grey, there was now an illuminated archway detailed with Elvish scripture and markings.

Above the arch were the words 'Ennyn Durin Aran Moria. Pedo, mellon, a minno.'

"It reads, 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter.'" Gandalf said.

Aeothen saw Merry look incredulously from the door to Gandalf. "What do you suppose that means?" he asked.

"Oh it's quite simple. If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open," Gandalf answered.

Aeothen watched as Gandalf placed his staff in the middle of the stone arch and spoke in the Elvish tongue.

"Annon Edhellen edro hi ammen! (Gate of the Elves open now for me!)"

Nothing happened.

Gandalf looked at the door expectantly and continued.

"Fennas Nogothrim lasto beth lammen! (Doorway of the Dwarf-folk listen to the word of my tongue!)"

"Nothing's happening," Pippin pointed out, earning an annoyed look from Gandalf.

Gandalf leaned his shoulder against the stone and pushed into it, but the door remained shut.

"Perhaps we should sit?" Legolas suggested quietly.

Aeothen nodded and was led over to a rock by the door, where she was able to sit down. The rest of the Fellowship followed their lead and went about their own ways of waiting.

Time past as Gandalf tried again and again to open the door, but to no avail.

"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of the Elves, Men, and Orcs," Gandalf said, beginning to sound defeated.

"What are you going to do, then?" Pippin asked.

Gandalf looked at him with irritation and said, "Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions I will try to find the opening words."

Pippin went silent and Gandalf turned back to the door.

"Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa! (Gate of Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!)"

Aeothen sighed when the doors did not move. To pass the time, she looked around at the rest of the group. She noticed Merry and Pippin throwing rocks into the still lake, and felt her heart sink. Something about it was wrong but she did not know what. Aragorn quickly came over to them and stopped them, looking at the lake as he did so. Merry and Pippin too looked at the lake at his words, and as soon as Aragorn left they dropped their stones and backed away from the edge.

"Oh, it's useless!"

She looked back at the door and watched as Gandalf threw his staff to the ground and sat on a rock beside Frodo, mumbling and muttering to himself. Aeothen saw Frodo look at the doors for a while and then stand.

"It's a riddle," he said. "Speak 'friend' and enter. What's the Elvish word for friend?"

"Mellon," Gandalf said.

To everyone's amazement the doors slowly opened, revealing a dark entrance inside. Aeothen stood (with Legolas' help) and followed the others inside the doorway.

It was too dark for her to make out any shape in the darkness and so Aeothen relied on Legolas to guide her into the mine. Soon everyone was inside, only the moonlight pouring through the doorway to illuminate their way.

"Soon, master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves," Gimili boasted as he walked further into the room. "Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A mine!"

Aeothen suddenly got an eerie feeling, like they weren't supposed to be there. Her feeling was confirmed when Legolas stiffened beside her and Boromir spoke.

"This is no mine…," he said, looking around at his feet. "It's a tomb."

Aeothen's eyes finally focused to the dark and she looked at her feet, only to gasp in horror at what she saw. Scattered across the floor where the bodies of many dead dwarves, their axes still in hand, but pierced by the tips of arrows. Aeothen looked around and found that there were many in the entranceway alone, and wondered how many more were strewn throughout Moria.

Gimili too had looked at his feet, but his reaction was one of pain and suffering. "Oh! No! Nooo!!!" he cried, rushing to the fallen body of one of his kinsmen.

Legolas left her side for a moment and knelt beside one of the bodies. He pulled an arrow from its chest, examined it for no more than a second, before tossing it back to the ground in disgust.

"Goblins!" he told the others as he drew and arrow from his quiver and put it to his bow. Aeothen was reminded of her first impression of the Elf, where she had pictured a bow and quiver on his back. Now that she saw it, it fitted him perfectly.

"We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here," Boromir said. He and Aragorn had their swords drawn and were carefully and readily looking into the darkness.

Aeothen reached to her side for her sword, but found it was not there. She looked down wondering how she had not realized this before, and figured that someone must have taken it off her while she was resting.

"Now get out of here! Get out!" Boromir ordered.

Aeothen took a careful step backwards, as well as the four Hobbits, who were closest to the exit. Everyone backed away from the darkness, prepared to turn and leave. Suddenly Aeothen heard a scream and she spun around to see Frodo being dragged out of the cave by a long tentacle. Her heart stopped for a moment, but she soon flew into action, chasing after Frodo and the creature that held him.

"Strider!" Sam called as he rushed out after her, calling for Aragorn's help.

Frodo was being pulled towards the water, grabbing at anything he could reach, when Aeothen finally emerged from the shadow.

Sam ran forward with his sword raised and yelled, "Get off him!" Bravely, the small Hobbit slashed at the tentacle and cut it from the rest of the creature, releasing Frodo. The tentacle reseeded into the lake and Aeothen looked around her for some type of weapon. Looking back to where she had been sitting earlier, she saw a pack still left on the ground with her sword lying on top of it. She quickly ran over and reached for the hilt, just as a shriek pierced the silent night.

Many tentacles shot out of the water, knocking the Hobbits back and grabbing Frodo again, pulling him into the air. Frodo screamed for help and Aeothen rushed into the water, cutting tentacles out of her way to get to him. Only then did she notice the creature emerge from the water, baring it great sharp teeth.

An arrow flew past her head and hit the tentacle holding Frodo causing the creature to flinch. Aragorn and Boromir were suddenly with her, hacking and slashing at the tentacles, as they worked to free Frodo, who was being flung through the air screaming as he went. Boromir sliced the tentacle holding Frodo, who fell from the sky. Aeothen held her breath as Boromir caught him and retreated back into the mines.

Aragorn and Aeothen continued to fight against the creature, as it took on a new fury. For only a moment, Aeothen looked back to see if Frodo was alright, and was knocked to her feet. It did not even occur to her that she was bleeding, for she was picked up and pushed towards the cave by Aragorn.

"Into the mines!" Gandalf shouted as Aragorn and Aeothen raced towards the entrance.

Boromir, who was just ahead of them with Frodo in his arms, yelled for Legolas who responded by shooting an arrow into one of the creature's eyes. The creature recoiled, giving Aragorn and Aeothen enough time to run into the mine. The creature lashed out against the rock of the doorway causing rocks to fall from high above and bury the entrance.

Aeothen breathed deeply as they were engulfed in total darkness. She could now feel every muscle in her body screaming and was aware of the sticky blood running down the side of her face. Her sword was heavy in her hand and her arms felt as though they were detached from her body.

A faint beam of light grew in the darkness and Aeothen looked to her left, where the tip of Gandalf's staff was glowing. The dim glow illuminated the faces of the rest of the Fellowship, and Aeothen was relieved when she counted nine other faces.

"We now have but one choice," Gandalf said while stepping forward. "We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world."

Aeothen followed the rest of the group towards the stairs, carefully avoiding the many bodies that littered the ground. As they walked up the steps, Gandalf said, "Quietly now. It's a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."