Nothing belongs to me, only my OC Araella
The river lazily flows on its way, taking us with it. I often caught Aragorn and my brother whispering to each other and looking... for something. Beyond their few whispered words it was silent. Looking around a bit myself, all I saw was trees and grass and rock. The silence had a smothering feel to it.
Surprisingly it was Gimli who broke the silence. "I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Haugh, henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me," He says with a soft sigh. I smile slightly at the obvious affection in his voice.
'My, my, my it seems our dwarf is smitten with the Lady Galadriel.' I think with a small laugh.
"What was it?" Legolas asks Gimli.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three," Gimli says a little choked up. Legolas only smiles at this. Gimli then falls into a dreamy silence. I take this time to talk to Legolas.
"Do you know when we shall be landing to take a breather?" I ask him. At the sound of my voice he looks at me a soft smile, barely noticeable, plays his lips.
"It should not be long Lady Araella," he replies and continued to row the boat. "Might I inquire the reason for her ladyships hurried wish to return to land?" My cheeks heat up and I look over at my brother who is rowing one of the other boats close by.
"I... I was hoping to perhaps start the lessons you promised me," I start soft but end strongly. Sitting upright with little emotion revealing my true feelings, I look every bit a lady, as any noblewoman ought to be. Having noticed my change in appearance he softens his features and nods.
"If that is the wish of her ladyship," Legolas replies. "For now, it would be best to recover your strength."
Night was drawing nearer and we had landed on the shore for a quick rest. Not unpacking much we all take this time to stretch our aching muscles. Sitting in one place for long periods of time can really begin the hurt. Once my muscles have relaxed a bit I look for my brother. My eyes catch him talking to Aragorn near the water's edge.
"Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria," Aragorn whispers to him. Boromir's eyes begin to quickly scan the surrounding area. A nervous feeling deep inside me rises. Something bad was going to happen... my vision...
"I had hoped we would lose him on the river. But he's too clever a waterman," Aragorn continues as he watches a floating log that has also caught my brother's attention.
"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous," Boromir says with a warning tone. Silently I agree with him but try to keep my features passive as I continue to listen in on what they are saying.
"Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know it. From there we can regroup…strike out for Mordor from a place of strength," my brother continues as he walks away from the water and closer to Aragorn. A presence behind me slightly catches me off guard as I turn slightly around to see that it is Gimli.
"Hard times are upon us lassie," he says as he watches the two with me. "We must work together, they will see this soon." A soft smile crosses my face and I nod, quickly going back to the conversation.
"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us," Aragorn replies. I bristle at hearing this. 'He dare say that about my city! And before me and my brother,'
"You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that," Aragorn slightly shakes his head and begins to walk away, but is stopped when Boromir grabs his arm and turns him back to him. "You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the shadows!"
My eyes dart around quickly to see if anyone else has witnessed this moment. My spirits dampen when I see almost every eye on them. Most of them look rather accusingly at my brother. This angers me to see and it takes everything in me to not jump to his defense.
"Scared of who you are, of what you are!" Boromir continues. Though he lets Aragorn go, only for him to turn his back on my brother.
A few moments later he suddenly turns back. "I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city," A slight menace laces his voice. Now I feel the need to strangle the man.
"Aragorn!" I shout after him as he pushes past me. My anger rises when he ignores me. With that I briskly walk after him, pushing anyone who got in my way aside. "You bastard!" I scream after him. Instantly he turns around and marches up to me.
"Silence yourself Lady Araella. Or is it your wish to give our position away to any Orc that might be within hearing distance." Finally not being able to contain myself I struck him across the face. This act silenced everyone, and we now had their full attention.
"What right have you to say that about my city? Is it because you are Isildur's heir?" My voice had risen. "Well I am here to inform you that you have given up that right! You chose exile, and now you think you have that right to speak ill about my city, my father." My vision began to blur as a few tears fell, though I swiftly wiped them away. Aragorn's face showed no emotion throughout this whole event. "Tell me! Tell me why you must speak so ill of my home," I grab him shirt tightly, almost as if to shake the truth out of him. Suddenly I felt arms around me and pulling me away. My grip tightened, but the arms pulled even stronger. Releasing my grip was hasty, causing the one pulling on me to stumble slightly before regaining their footing. I turn my head to find that Legolas is the one responsible for stopping me. Though he wasn't entirely looking at me, most of his attention was on Aragorn.
Within moments my brother is there beside me. "I believe we should get moving." Aragorn says. Instantly everyone is up and ready to go.
Piling into the boats we set sail. Soon two great statues are before us. Looking at them, they seem rather familiar. My thoughts are interrupted by the voice of Aragorn.
"The Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin," he says, giving me a sharp look. Instead of cowering I sent him an even sharper glare. Tension was beginning to rise between us, and everyone can feel it. Though the sound of rushing falls draws our attention away. Rowing swiftly we reach the rocky beach and the men pull the boats ashore as the hobbits, dwarf, and I start to bring out the necessary supplies. Once finished with my task I look over at my brother and see a troubled look on his face, almost as if he is fighting something within himself. Once more my ponderings are interrupted by Aragorn and his 'mightier-than-you' voice.
" We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north," he almost commands as he starts to set up his bed.
"Oh, yes?! It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!" Gimli says with false excitement. Most of the hobbits and I give him a look hoping that he is jesting. "Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see!"
"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf," Aragorn replies as he walks away.
"Recover my…?!" Gimli sputters out, obviously outraged at the mere thought of such a thing. I hold back my laughter and look away from Gimli's face.
"We should leave now," Legolas says to Aragorn, a warning in his voice. The latter replies to this by shaking his head.
"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness," he states simply. Legolas doesn't seem to have been swayed.
"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near...I can feel it!" Legolas says looking around for any danger that could be lurking nearby.
"No dwarf need recover strength!" Gimli's voice cuts through the tension as he looks over a Pippin. "Pay no heed to that, young Hobbit." A rustling sound quickly draws my attention as I turn to see that it is just Merry. Returning with wood for the fire.
'This is the place of my vision,' I think slowly. My thoughts were halted by the sound of Merry's voice.
"Where's Frodo?" Merry asks looking all around for him. Soon all of us are looking for the little hobbit.
"Wait!" I shout, drawing all their attention. "Where is my brother?" Many eyes follow Aragorn's to see my brother's shield along with his pack, but he is not to be found among them. My pulse instantly races and I start to run off.
"My Lady!" Aragorn shouts behind me. "You mustn't run off by yourself." He says once he has caught up to me. I look frantically around me, hoping to find a trace of him.
"You don't understand Ranger!" I say rather frantically. "I had a vision of sorts, it was here and I saw my brother and... and Frodo..." my voice trails off. "We must find them!" Aragorn nods and hands me my belt with my weapons attached.
"You might be needing this," Aragorn says as I strap it on quickly and draw one of the daggers. Swiftly I follow him into the wilderness.
We stop at a sort of ruined fortress, only to find Frodo there... without my brother. Instantly Frodo looks at us with suspicion and backs away when Aragorn steps toward him.
"Frodo?" Aragorn softly calls out and slowly moves forward with his hands shown up. Almost like one would act toward a frightened animal.
"It has taken Boromir," Frodo simply informs us. Instantly my defensiveness starts to come out.
"What do you mean by 'it has taken Boromir'?" I ask at the same time Aragorn asks. "Where is the Ring?" This receives a glare from both of us to each other.
"Stay away!" Frodo shouts as he scrambles backwards, away from Aragorn. This only causes Aragorn to slowly come after him. Aragorn calls out to Frodo again. Stopping him in his tracks.
"I swore to protect you!" Aragorn says as he comes closer and kneels in front of him.
"Can you protect me from yourself?" Frodo asks as he holds out the Ring. At this Aragorn looks closer, almost as if he is entranced, and to say that I was not also would be a grievous lie on my part, but I must be strong and resist this temptation. "Would you destroy it?" My pulse races when I see Aragorn reach out for the Ring. Only to use both his hands to close over Frodo's and push the Ring away from him.
" I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor," Aragorn says as he stands back up and moves away from the hobbit.
"I know. Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand," Frodo partially asks with a small smile. Aragorn nods. For a moment Frodo's eyes lay on me. "I bear you no ill will my Lady. May you yet live through this and return to your home." I smile and nod my head, almost as if to return what he said. Aragorn stands still and looks pointedly at the sword. Swiftly Frodo pulls it out a bit and sees it glow blue.
"Go, Frodo," Aragorn says as he pulls out his sword. Swiftly I pull out my other, knowing that danger is near. "Run. Run!"
As Frodo's small figure starts to disappear Aragorn leads me out from underneath the ruins only to find a horde of Uruk-Hai advancing on us. The half-smile on Aragorn's face slightly frightens me, but I push that aside and focus on what is going on. With a sign of acceptance to the challenge the Uruk-Hai charge at us. Aragorn manages to cut many down before they even reached me. Though the ones that did, didn't live much longer. My survival instinct has brought out a strange burst of endurance and I begin to bring down many foes.
Though many more come in replace of those that fell, causing us to be forced up the steps of the ruin. Throughout all the blows coming towards us I am able to figure out who the leader is and see him almost calling out to Aragorn. One particular Uruk-Hai draws very close and there are too many to fight off. Within the blink of an eye an arrow flies past my head and into the Uruk-Hai. Seeing the arrows and hearing Gimli's battle cries I know that they are their. Looking around I find an opening and I run off the edge of the ruin and do a quick back-flip. Instead of landing on my feet I land on the shoulders of an Uruk-Hai. Before he can register what is going on I sheath my swords and snap his neck with my hands. moments before I hit the ground with him I jump off and unsheath my swords.
My heart stops when I hear a familiar horn sound in the distance. My body takes over as I continue to slash at the oncoming enemies.
"The Horn of Gondor!" Legolas calls out to Aragorn.
"Boromir!" Aragorn shouts as he starts to run past the Uruk-Hai. I start to run after him but am stopped by Legolas.
"No my Lady. It is too dangerous," he says before his attention is once again diverted to the Uruks.
"It's just as dangerous here!" I shout over the cacophony of noise. "Besides that is my brother out there, I must find him!" With that I run off towards the origin of where the horn sounded.
The sight before me nearly drove me to my knees. Before me stood my brother with not one but three arrows piercing his flesh. Even the screaming of Merry and Pippin can not draw my gaze away. The captain then moves closer to Boromir and draws another arrow. Within moments my brother's gaze mets mine and I feel a small, cold bit of moisture hit my cheeks. I start to run out but he just shakes his head. Not wanting to lose one moment with my brother by looking away, I stare right at him.
Right before the arrow is release Aragorn attacks the Uruk-Hai captain and the arrow is released harmlessly into the air. Once Aragorn has diverted the attention of the Uruk enough I rush out to where my brother is and kneel beside him.
"Why brother? Why?" I cry out to him as tears rush down my face. "You dolt! We were supposed to go home together. Remember? The guards and the people will cry out that 'the Lords and Lady of Gondor have returned'. And... and then Father would throw a great feast and you and Faramir would fight off all my unwanted suitors..." my voice cracks at many points. Boromir only reaches up and places his hand on my face and cups my cheek.
"I love you sweet sister... always remember that..." his breathy voice rasps out. Footsteps are heard behind us. Instantly my guard is up and I am swiftly on my feet with my swords out. Ready to protect the man that has always protected me. It takes a few moments for me to register that it is just Aragorn who at once kneels before Boromir.
"They took the little ones," my brother says as he grabs Aragorns shoulder. Quickly I take my brother's empty hand in mine and hold it close to me.
"Be still," Aragorn replies.
"Frodo. Where is Frodo?" Boromir asks hurriedly. Seeming to be fearing the worst. Smiling I give his hand a comforting squeeze.
"I let Frodo go," Aragorn says as he looks over at me, almost as if to see how I am faring with all this. Through his eyes I can see my tear-stained face. Not a heartbeat later my eyes are back on him.
"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him," Boromir says with sadness laced in his voice.
"The Ring is treacherous in its deeds," I whisper to him. "You are the strongest man I know. How could the Ring not pick you." My brother only looks at me with kind eyes and shakes his head slightly.
"Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed you all," my brother continues, speaking to Aragorn and me.
"No, Boromir, you fought bravely! You have kept your honor," Aragorn says as he tries to pull out the arrows.
"You have not failed us at all brother," I say hoping to comfort him in some small way. "I suppose I do envy you that you will get to see mother..."
"When I do, I shall tell her of how beautiful and brave her daughter turned out to be," he whispers. "Know that she would be very proud of you." My tears once again begin to fall.
"Leave it! It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness… and my city to ruin," he says to Aragorn with despair.
"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall…nor our people fail!" Aragorn promises him.
"Do you really think I would allow that to happen?" I ask with a short, saddened laugh. Boromir only smiles slightly and beckons me closer. Instantly my body moves closer. With much strength he pulls my face closer to his and places a light kiss on my brow.
"You will live through all this, and marry a man worthy of you..." he whispers to me before he pulls away and looks at Aragorn again.
"Our people? Our people," he says as if trying to get something out. My brother then begins to reach for his sword, Aragorn grabs it and pulls it toward him and lays it on his chest.
"Promise me that she will live through this... promise me," Aragorn nods. "I would have followed you my Brother…my Captain…My King!" The light faded from his eyes and all sound ceased to exist, all color in this world washed away. A breaking shattering sound booms all around me. It is only a few moments later that I realize that it is the sound of my heart breaking as I stare at my brother. Slowly my trembling lips move closer and I place a light kiss on his brow and cradle his head on my lap. Absently I begin to run my fingers through his hair, as I had once done as a small child. Closing my eyes I try to block out everything and just remember what it was like before we left home. A happier time for us. Since I had no memories of my mother, my brothers' were always there to tell me stories about her, about what she looked like.
One memory burst out from the vault my mind had just tried to lock. The first time I had ever held a sword.
The day was hot and my brother Boromir was out practicing with the guards while my brother Faramir was inside with his music teacher. Once again I was running away and hiding from my nursemaid. Knowing that Boromir would be outside I ran their since she would first look for where Faramir was.
The sight before me was beautiful. The dance of swords, as my eight year old self called it. As always it looked as if my eldest brother was winning the game, as I considered it. Surprisingly it didn't take long before they all noticed my presence and stopped what they were doing, even my brother.
"This is not a place for children Araella," Boromir said as he waves his hand, as if to send me away. "Go back to your room and your dolls."
"But I wanna play to!" I said stamping my foot. "Faramir won't play with me cause he is busy with important things. So I want you to play with me." I continue, putting as much authority in my little voice.
"Be careful sister. You are beginning to sound a lot like father with that tone," he says as ruffles my curls. "Now run along." I simply crossed my arms, stuck out my lip, and stood my ground.
"Please big brother?" I ask, well more of a demand than anything. "I want to play that game with you too." With a sigh he sunk down to one knee and spoke to me, eye -to-eye.
"This is no game sweet sister," he says softly, trying to explain it. "These men here protect this city and everyone in it. They are the reason that all of us are safe, and they need to practice to help keep them ready incase something bad happens."
"Like the dance lessons Father has me?" I ask. He laughs at the comparison.
"Yes, something like that. Now I need you to run along so I can help these men get better," he shouts the last part of his shoulder. The laughter of the men cause me to giggle.
"So tell me big brother. Are you like these men too?" I inquire, excitement shining through my eyes. He nods. "I want to help big brother."
"What do you mean by that?" he asks with genuine confusion on his face.
"I want to be just like you one day," I reply as I try and grab his sword out of his hand. With a smile Boromir lets go of the grip lightly so I would feel the whole weight of it. Looking at it I frown.
"Why can you hold whilst I cannot?" I ask slight exasperated. The guards chuckle at this and one comes forward.
"If you would allow me, my Lady. I would like to bestow upon you your very own sword," the guard says as he holds out a light, small sword. With a grin I grab it from his hands and try to move around like my brother did before me. A shriek is heard from the entryway. We all turn around and see my nursemaid standing there, looking ready to faint. All laughs abruptly stop when my father steps out next to her.
Immediately everyone is on silent and all eyes are on him. A grim displays across father's face as he scans the courtyard.
"Tell me, my son. Where is your sister?" he asked as he looked straight at him. Boromir was standing straighter than any of the guards. "Well has anyone here seen her?" Silence meets him. It was my light giggles from behind one of the guards that gives me away. Upon hearing this Father moves rather quickly through the line of guards. Once I am in front of him my giggling stops.
"You found me Father!" I squeal as I drop the sword and throw my arms around his waist. Father smiles softly as he pats my hair. His eyes soon catch sight of the sword and he picks it up.
"A lady should not be using one of these," He says as he hands it off to one of the guards. "Come your lesson's await you."
"I don't wanna," I say as I stay put. "I want to help big brother when he fights the bad men." father instantly turns on Boromir.
"How has she gotten this idea?" he asks looking at all the men. "Come. Now!" I only shake my head. By now everyone is shocked, though not all show it. Walking up to the guard that had my little sword I grabbed it and looked at my brother.
"Teach me." I say, completely ignoring my father. "I want to fight the bad men. I too want to help protect the people here." My father turned around at that. Before he can say anything Boromir steps in.
"If you will let me, I shall train her myself. No harm shall come to her during these lessons," he says with a slight bow. "If you will allow me." Looking from my brother to me father finally let out a sigh.
"Alright, but one scratch and these lessons are over," he says before he stormed off. A great smile crosses my face as I hug my brother tightly.
That was how our lessons together were started.
My eyes open when I feel someone trying to pull me up. Looking around I realize that almost no time has past... and my brother was still gone. Blonde hair and bright blue eyes enter my vision as I see Legolas kneeling there before me.
"Please my Lady. We must be going, and it is time to put your brother to rest," He says as he helps me up. Not really thinking of what I was doing, as soon as I was up I hugged him tightly as I let the last of my tears fall. Shock fills me when I feel his hand pat my curls.
How we ended up back at the river with the boats confounds me. Trying as hard as I can to keep the tears at bay, a few unwantedly slip out as I see the boat carrying my brother follow the river over the fall.
"Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore," Legolas says as he starts to push the last boat into the water. My gaze goes to Aragorn as he simply stands there and says nothing. "You mean not to follow them?"
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," Aragorn says as Gimli comes up and stands next to him.
"Then it has all been in vain! The Fellowship has failed," Gimli laments looking down.
"Not if we hold true to each other," Aragorn places his hand on Gimli's shoulder. "We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let us hunt some Orc!"
At this Legolas and Gimli look at each other and grin. Gimli looks at me with a great smile.
"Yes! Haha!" Gimli shouts. "Come lassie. Think of this as a way to get your grief out." I smile slightly at this.
"Yes! It will be a most excellent way to help me with my grief. Kill all the bloody bastards that ever thought of harming my brother!" I shouted excitedly. With a smile my way Aragorn swiftly runs into the forest. Followed by Legolas, Gimli and me.
'I promise you brother. I will make you proud!' I say softly as I catch up to Aragorn, who was far in the lead.
Here is the ending to "The Fellowship of the Ring"
I really hate sad endings so I wanted to make it somewhat happy. I know that her brother just died (and believe me she won't be all "ok thats cool" later to come) and she should be really sad (which she is) but she knows that she has something that needs to be completed. Also she knows that this is what her brother would have wanted. Sorry if the ending sucks or if you think she isn't reacting the right way from her brother's death. Just remember that grief is different for every person and this is how she is going to deal with it.
As always
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-Kiro