Special thanks to 'evil spapple pie' for editing this!

Author's Note: Thanks to Cheysuli for spotting my typo in the last chapter. I meant Valinor and wrote Valannor. So brownie points go to her for her attention to detail!

*mops up drool off keyboard and monitor* LOL, I am glad you all got a healthy dose of Legolas in the last chapter because we stay with the main body of the fellowship for a little while before going back to him.

Chapter #10 ~ The Breaking of Oaths

Once Gimli got the gist of rowing a boat, the trip down the Anduin proved to be a great deal more pleasant then it had been originally. Merry, the hobbit, might not have agreed with that assessment, as it had taken three capsized attempts before Gimli did learn how to steer but, now that they travelled smoothly Gimli was starting to feel quite happy with his achievement. It was still awkward, and the large paddle felt somewhat clumsy in the dwarf's grip but, still, things were definitely improving. In front of him Merry was still pointedly ignoring the dwarf, while trying to dry out all of his things, but Gimli found the hobbits indignation rather amusing, and took no serious offence.

The dark waters around them churned lazily, propelling the boats on at a brisk pace. For all that, the company was simply glad at the chance to rest their overused legs. They all seemed to be using the transportation as a chance to rest, for none of them knew when such luxuries would be afforded to them again. Perhaps not until the end of the quest, on their way home from Mount Doom. If they were still alive to come home, that was.

Gimli let his eyes wander over his companions. Frodo and Sam lay sleeping in front of Aragorn, their small forms stretched out taking up a surprising amount of the boat. Gimli was just glad that Frodo seemed peaceful and untroubled, for it was obvious to all that he still mourned Gandalf's loss heavily.

Aragorn sat behind the young hobbits, steering his vessel with enviable ease. His grey eyes were scanning the banks of the river, and he seemed somewhat on edge, though Gimli could not understand why.

Pippin sat hunched over the rail of his boat, his small face and buoyant sandy curls hovering dangerously above the water's surface. He was peering down intently, half leaning out of the boat, and would occasionally point down and yell back to Boromir that he had see a fish. He would then begin to question about that chances of catching and cooking such a fish would be. The man of Gondor would laugh lightly or agree half-heartedly when the young hobbit did this, before sinking once again back into his own thoughts. The ring lay heavily upon the man, and Gimli wondered if he was finally sensing what Legolas had been alluding too many days before. Gimli found himself missing the insights the elf could have supplied him in this, and he felt torn over what he should do.

In the end he decided that there was nothing he could do but continue to watch. It was a decision he later came to regret, for had the company formed a more open communication of the ring and its power, certain tragedies could never have come to pass.

~*~

Boromir paddled the boat in a semi-trance. His eyes were seeing the world around him, his voice was talking occasionally to Pippin and his body was steering his boat, but Boromir himself felt very far away from all of this. It was as if someone else was in his body doing these things, and he was merely sitting there observing it all as a detached bystander. It was a strange and somewhat disconcerting feeling.

Rarely was Boromir confronted with these feeling of powerlessness, and the longer he seemed trapped in this limbo reality, the more frustrated and fearful he became. What was happening to him?!

It was the dark whisper in the back of his mind that answered him, as it always seemed to do these days. Like the silkiness of the night sky it spoke reassuringly and, as it did, Boromir found it impossible to disbelieve the words.

You worry for your people, it murmured, and it was right, for he did. When he thought of Faramir and his father and the dangers they faced he was filled with such despair, for he knew he would return to them with no hope. He would bring back nothing for their cause. How could he disappoint them so?

You do not have to, came the gentle reply and, again, that was true. Within his grasp was the ring of power. A device of such magnitude that not even Sauron could stand against it. Yet it would never be harnessed as a weapon of that sort. It would never become a source of hope for his people. It would be destroyed.

Hope would be destroyed.

Bitter resentment filled Boromir. How could these people not see?

Because they have not faced the shadow as you and your people have. They have not known only war. They could never understand what your people face, the sacrifices they have made, yet they take what hope you could have away, without care. Will you let them do that, son of Gondor?

Boromir was slightly surprised by the question. It was the first time he had been asked something directly by the voice. He paused to consider it, and felt as if his soul were being torn in half with the weight of such a choice. He did not know! He had sworn an oath to aid Frodo and, above all, Boromir valued the integrity of the sworn word, yet what of Gondor?

But in the end all would be better for your choice. The darkness would be defeated if you but claimed lordship over the ring. Does not that end justify your actions? Could anyone blame you if Sauron met his downfall by your courage?

How could he know?. It was asking too much of him. The only way he would be able to know which was the correct choice would be by hindsight in the future, and by that point it would be nothing but a lingering sense of pride or regret, given the outcome. He shook his head, trying to clear it of his clouded vision.

He felt so lost.

He wanted so much at that moment to reach out to one of his companions, and beg for their assistance in overcoming his traitorous thoughts, but his body remained leaden to his commands and his voice soundless.

You are not lost, so long as you find purpose. The question is, do you have purpose?

Yes, he had to protect Frodo. The halfling was his purpose. Saving his people was his purpose. Finding hope was his purpose. *Preserving* hope was his purpose.

Away from Boromir, and his inner turmoil, the golden ring shone dully underneath Frodo's shirt, burning lightly against the hobbit's chest.

It was calling for a new master...

~*~

For three days the company travelled thus. They all knew that they should keep going as quickly as possible for they had had the benefit of secrecy before, but now the stakes had been raised. They were being followed, or so Galadriel had warned, and none took those words lightly.

Still, as night once again darkened the world and the light grew too little to steer their boats by, they were once again forced to halt. They ate quickly, risking no fire, before settling down into slumber. It was Boromir who offered to take first watch and, since all were tired, none argued the issue with him, yet Aragorn remained awake. He listened quietly as the breathes of his companions slowed, until he was sure all slept. Rising silently he walked over to where Boromir sat, and lowered himself down next to his fellow.

"You are troubled Boromir. Is there anything I might do to lift this from you?"

"Can you not sleep?" Boromir asked, ignoring the original inquiry.

"Nay, I cannot. Perhaps I can take your watch for you. Get some rest, my friend."

"I will find no rest, son of Arathorn. Not here, not now."

"Boromir, please, tell me what troubles you. Ease your burden by sharing it."

Boromir was silent for a long moment before speaking, "I think on my father and the fall of Gondor. The elves spoke of keeping hope, but I cannot. It has been too long since we last had that. I cannot even see hope."

"There is always hope. See it in Frodo, if you can see it no where else."

"Estel, Legolas called you. Are you not the bringer of hope then, Aragorn? Our people have waited for your return for so long. Will you not bring them some relief from the darkness they endure, or has your mind been so clouded by your time with the elves that you forget your people?"

Aragorn bit back the surge of ire and guilt these words caused him, and tried to speak peacefully through his own doubts. "I have not forgotten, nor will I."

"I would see the glory of Gondor restored," there was almost a plea for understanding in Boromir's voice as he spoke those words. A bright light seemed to consume his eyes and he stared at Aragorn, while his mind was obviously remembering his beloved city. "Have you ever see it Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of trumpets?"

"I have seen the white city," Aragorn replied softly, moved by the passion in Boromir's voice.

"One day our paths will lead us there. We should make that our destination. Bring hope back to us, Aragorn! Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there we can regroup. Strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."

"Nay, Boromir. There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us."

"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 honour to be found in men. But you will not see that! You are afraid. All your life you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are, what you are!"

Aragorn patience snapped at this point, as Boromir's well chosen words struck Aragorn in the very centre of his own insecurities. "I will not lead the ring within a hundred leagues of your city!"

Boromir and Aragorn glared silently at each other, both seething with displeasure and disappointment. "So the King of men will give nothing to those who trust to hope?" Boromir spat.

"The ring must be destroyed, Boromir! You know this!"

"I know you would have it so."

Aragorn's glaring eyes narrowed even more. "What is it you are suggesting, son of Denethor?" he asked scathingly.

"Only stop to consider, Aragorn! Our people need aid," again, there was a beseeching note to his tone.

"I speak with reason. The ring is evil and will only lead to our downfall, and the death of Middle-Earth. I would preserve this land! I know what it is you would have me do, but I will not. I will not become merely another Isildur, whose weakness betrayed my bloodline! If this quest is no longer to your undertaking, then return to Gondor, but we will continue under our original goal! The fellowship will not falter while I yet draw breath to lead it."

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Boromir heard the Lady Galadriel's voice speaking to him again. Her words soothing and full of such promise: Remember always that a people are only as strong as their leader, and when you doubt your own strength look to those who you would follow. There is still yet hope, my lord. Yours will be a course of redemption should you otherwise fail. Look to those you remember for wisdom, know what you cannot endure, and be prepared to seek the aid of others when you lose your own way. There is no shame in requesting help.

Yet her advice proved hollow. There was no aid to be found from the one he would call King. There was no hope but that which he would make himself. He stared once more at Aragorn, silently praying that the ranger would help him away from the shadows in his mind, and away from the doomed path he seemed trapped in, but the ranger seemed oblivious to his inner struggle and only awaited an answer.

Answer him. Reassure him. He is weak and trusting. Put him off guard, came the insidious whisper of the dark voice from within him. Somewhere, far from his body, the spirit of Boromir choked on a sob, but nothing of that grief and powerlessness showed on his face, as it turned impassively towards Aragorn's gaze.

"I have sworn my services to Frodo, and this fellowship. I might have doubts which linger over our purpose but that will not stall my hand in time of need. You need not fear *my* loyalty, son of Arathorn."

There was a double meaning behind those words, but Aragorn seemed to accept them without question. "We are both tired. This journey has taxed us all beyond what any could have expected. Already two of us have fallen, and we merely hold our breathe before we must part with another of the company. It is difficult to keep faith in these dark times. I do not blame you for your doubts, Boromir, but there is no other way."

There is always another way, came the voice from within Boromir, who nodded his head to both the assertions from within and without.

It was at this moment that Boromir lost his battle with the call of the ring, and slipped completely under its influence. Sitting there, in the cold of a starless night, he realized there was only one course of action for him to take, and he need only wait for the right time before acting.

The ring of power would be his...

Ok, it is not my intention of making Boromir evil in any way… only that he succumbed to evil through original pure intentions. I hope I captured that struggle well. Please let me know what you think. Was it to confusing or were you able to follow it with ease? I have been avoiding writing from Boromir's perspective until now because I wanted to do it right, when I finally worked up the courage to try that is… I think I am happy with this scene as the end product.

Cheysuli ~ Again, thanks for pointing out my typo. *blush* I mean I know I am an amateur at all of this but that was a pretty obvious mistake. Legolas' role is going to become a major part of the story in the next few chapters as you will see. Thanks for the continuing, encouraging reviews!!! =)

Artemisa ~ I will work the twins in for you eventually. I have promised and I am a lady of my word, lol. I am glad you got a kick out of Legolas talking to Galadriel in only a pair of pants (and bandages of course). It is pretty funny when you think on it. Yeah, I know there are not a lot of elven children so I imagine they are pretty protective of the few there are which is why Galadriel was semi-mothering in her scene with Legolas. Glad you approved!

tenshiamanda ~ Don't die on me yet, lol, cause Legolas still has plenty of scenes in this story! Yeah, that scene was a little tribute to all of those other Legolas worshippers out there! No one should be allowed to be that drop dead sexy, lol!

MoroTheWolfGod ~ I am so glad you came back and are still enjoying! When I have readers come back to review again I know I am doing a good job because your interest is still sparked. Here is more, just for you!

merrylyn ~ Yep, Legolas is a contradiction if ever there was one: young, yet old. I wanted to try and portray both sides. Among the elves he is just a young adult but among humans he is ancient. It is an interesting contrast and one of the reasons I am so taken with his character. You nailed the interpretation of what I was trying to portray in Haldir who is all bark and no bit. I am glad I was successful with him. I am glad you enjoyed it because I was worried that people would be getting bored with my long and intense conversations. I am glad to be proved wrong! =)

Goma-Ryu ~ *sips on a cool Moutain Dew feeling smugly pleased with herself* Thanks for the drink and in return here is your next chapter, lol. I love bribes! I am glad you are still enjoying it and I will keep updating asap just to please you wonderful reviewers!!

evil spappple pie ~ Sorry that you didn't make an appearance in the last chapter, lol. I figured the mental picture alone would be gift enough. Yeah, Galadriel did make things sound black and so they will be. I have written the next few chapters and I was cringing at some of the things I was writing. I think you guys will all approve!

She-Cat ~ Thanks for your review and I am glad to be back as well. Some times you simply have to make the time for important things, right? I love writing and reviews just put me on cloud nine so why not treat myself. Did you know it has been just over a year now since we both joined ff.net. I thought that was a pretty cool thing. Hope you continue to enjoy.