(AN: Something I've noticed when it comes to LOTR stories is that if your not getting flamed and don't think it's necessary to get police protection, then your story is probably good.
Also, I need reviews like I need peanut butter and blood. That's right, I'm a peanut butter vampire! )
Thunk!
My arrow hits dead center in the target, and I grin pulling out another arrow.
"Your skilled with a bow." Startled, I jerk slightly on the release, causing the arrow to hit off center, I frown.
Agitated, I turn and see Legolas grinning mischievously.
"You know, you shouldn't startle people who are holding a weapon." I snap, while pulling out another arrow.
Legolas ignores my comment, and pulls out his own bow, hitting the center of the target every time.
I admire his skill, even if I were to distract him as he did with me, I held no doubt that he would continue to hit the targets center.
Deciding I should at least try to get along with the people I'll be traveling with for an indefinite amount of time, I try to start a conversation.
"Your skill with a bow far surpasses my own, and many say your skill is unmatched. Where did you learn?"
Legolas practically exudes pride when I say this. I can tell he takes great pride in his archery.
"Mirkwood. I've been diligent in my training." I nod, pulling the arrows out of the target, and replacing them in my quiver.
"Most Elves are." I say with a small smile, and Legolas grins back. At least I got a grin out of him. I doubt I will have any problems with the blond elf.
"It was nice speaking to you Mi'Lord." I say with a quick duck of the head, before heading to practice my swordsmanship.
I arrive in the sparring space to find I am not alone.
Boromir is nonchalantly practicing his sword swings, and Aragorn sits under a tree a few feet away smoking a pipe. I wonder if all he ever does when hes not fighting is smoke, it appears that way.
"Good evening gentlemen." I greet while pulling out my sword. Aragorn nods politely in my direction, while Boromir grimaces at my appearance. I knew he still did not approve of my coming on this journey. But I also knew it wasn't just to be cruel.
From the time I've spent with men, I have seen how they have treated women with almost a reverence. Women were treated respectfully and gently, almost as though they might break with the speaking of a harsh word. The woman's lives were held above the lives of men in all situations. I learned that women were mans most valuable asset for only they could carry the life that was necessary for their empires. It wasn't that women could not fight as well as men given training, its just that they could not afford their deaths.
"Have you decided to learn sword work? Or do you plan on us rescuing you My Lady?" Boromir scoffs at me, while Aragorn rolls his eyes.
I give Boromir a crooked smile. Men could be so foolish…I quickly draw my sword, and stand to face Boromir.
"Lets see if there is any truth in your words. Or is the noble son of Gondor afraid?" I bait him intentionally.
Boromir rolls his eyes, and slashes his sword at me. I easily block his blows. Although his blows are powerful, I can tell he is holding back…
I hook my foot around Boromir's ankle, and yank. Sending the man flat on his back. Before he can recover, I plant a foot on his chest, and place the tip of my blade to his throat.
"Your overconfidence and inability to see me as an equal are your folly." I lecture angrily, while stepping off Boromir, and sheathing my sword.
"If you can past these hindrances, then we may be almost, evenly matched."
Aragorn chuckles quietly, but Boromir simply glares.
"You will serve to be only a burden to our quest." Boromir snaps, as though his words held truth, while they only held ignorance.
"The only burden will be the one carried by the ring bearer, and your own ignorance." I promise seriously, looking Boromir dead in the eye. But Boromir only shakes his head.
"As you wish." He mutters, before walking away.
(AN: Anyone who was hopeing for a Boromir bashing isn't getting it. He is a tragic hero, not a sexist bastard.)
"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." Lord Elrond said as he looked into each of our faces with all seriousness. When he looked at me, a small flash of worry flitted across his eyes, and I sighed quietly.
I could guess what he was thinking. He was worried about sending, Sauron's heir to help destroy, Sauron's Weapon. Not only for the danger of me being taken by the rings power, but of the danger of sending to things that Sauron wanted into a quest to Mordor. Two things he could use against us….
"Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you." he said as he spread out his arms in goodbye. Aragorn, Legolas and I placed our hands over our hearts as we bowed slightly in farewell. I didn't know if I would see this place again.
I see Pippin looking through his pack, and I mentally go over my pack contents. I packed the bear minimum, two pairs of leggings, two tunics, and a bit of food and medical herbs. I prefer to travel light.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer." Gandalf said as we all looked at Frodo who turned around and starts to walk under the arch that we were standing underneath and out onto the road. Gandalf followed along with Merry and Pippin and then I, Legolas, Sam with the pony named Bill, Gimli, Boromir and lastly Aragorn.
As I passed Aragorn, I gave him a nod before I noticed that he was staring at someone. I quickly looked over my shoulder to see Arwen standing there, watching. A smile came to my face, there love was truly the purest I've ever seen. I thought, and followed the two little hobbits in front of me as they turned left.
(AN: Yes its short, but this was all I had today. R&R.)
