Chapter Twelve – Anger and the Ring

Perhaps one half an hour later, I heard loud footsteps coming in my direction. With the thought in mind that it might be Boromir, I stepped lightly behind a tree as he came into view. His face could have been carved out of stone, his anger literally palpable from my position by the tree. I had never seen such a dangerous kind of anger before, and when he picked up a fist sized rock and threw it violently into the water, I gasped.

Stepping out from behind the tree, I called to him, forgetting my caution. "Boromir! What is wrong?"

Indeed, he whirled around, his eyes flashing. "You..." he snarled, stalking toward me. I shrank back slightly as he stood in front of me, but I did not walk away. "You knew!"

At first I was confused, but then it dawned on me what he might be talking about: his rejection by Ehlon. His statement, especially the way it had been spoken, made me angry in turn. "Yes, I knew, Boromir. But what would I have said to you?" I shot back, and his hands curled into fists.

"But you knew," he growled darkly, and this was when I had the sense to back up a few steps.

"Yes, I did. I am Ehlon's friend," I said, forcing my voice not to waver.

"And you planned this all together, didn't you? You plotted away, didn't you?" he spat, and I stepped forward again.

"We did no such thing!" I hissed, and then I watched his eyes ignite again with that deadly anger. Something came together in my mind at that moment.

"Boromir..." I gasped, "This is not you speaking, it is the Ring!"

The anger left his face and shock replaced it. "What?" he gaped, and then he backed away from me several steps. "Amira, forgive me, I-I,"

I shook my head. "You frightened me, Boromir, but it was merely the Ring that spoke through you."

He fell to his knees in front of me. "Whatever am I to do? I cannot control it. It comes into my mind, Amira, and it is far too powerful!" His face now was panicked, and I observed that suddenly he looked very young.

"I do not know," I said softly, "but I know that the Ring preys on scattered emotions."

Boromir hung his head, "I did not realize how weak I have become!"

I touched his shoulder tentatively, "It spoke to me too, Boromir."

His head shot up, and I retracted my hand. But his face was calm now. "It did?"

I nodded, feeling strangely weary. "Yes, and it preyed on my doubts about my own abilities. It tried to corrupt me, tried to see my ability as something that would eat me up."

Boromir's eyes widened. "You cannot mean your healing power?"

I sighed, "Yes. I have my own weaknesses, like anyone else."

He stood suddenly, his moment of fragility very much over. "You are one of the strongest women I have ever known, other than Ehlon."

My smile was rueful. "I wish I were, for I would be better equipped to resist the Ring."

His confusion was evident now as he looked down on me. "But you have resisted it!"

"It will continue to attack when I am at my weakest, I know," I said slowly, and he frowned.

"It will continue to attack me as well, then," he murmured, but then he threw his shoulders back, a kind of rigid will entering his eyes now. "I will not let that occur again."

I smiled a little, "You are always stronger than you believe, as Gandalf used to say."

Boromir met my eyes after a moment of silence. "You know Ehlon far better than I do, Amira. How will I face her now, after what I have done?"

I tensed slightly, but I gestured toward the bank. "Let us sit down for a moment," I said, and he joined me on the grass, his expression expectant.

I sighed, asking tentatively, "What did you do, Boromir?"

He winced slightly. "My pride will not have me tell all of it," he began, "but I went to her so I could state my love for her. When she did not reflect this back to me, my words were very harsh. I was not in control of myself at that moment." He paused, and then he sighed, "I feel terribly now, Amira."

I hummed in response as I mulled his words over. "If you ask her for forgiveness, I am certain things would be right again between you," I finally said.

Boromir's eyes lit up. "Do you think so?"

I smiled, "Certainly. She would be foolish not to. Despite some of your actions, Boromir, you have proven yourself many times to be a noble man, a respectable warrior. Once your battle with the Ring is over, things will be easier."

My sincere words had their intended effect, and he rose. "Then I will see her now."

"Good," was all I could say.

He sighed, looking down at me. "I hope you will overlook my earlier actions, Amira. I value your friendship highly. You have been far too kind to me."

"I've been as kind as I see you deserve, Boromir," I returned, and he smiled.

"I am very glad you were chosen for the Fellowship, my friend," he murmured before turning away and striding up the small hillside, disappearing quickly out of sight.

Tilting myself backward, I let my back touch the grass as I lay down fully. I was weary after a strange and eventful afternoon, yes, but I was also glad of the good that had come out of it: my increased connection with Ehlon, and Boromir's surprising befriending of me. So much had gone wrong after the Mines of Moria, but I was beginning to feel that the Fellowship had undergone changes which would ensure its strength for our future road, wherever it might lead us...

I bumped into Marchwarden Haldir, the Elf that had led us into Lórien, on the path later that afternoon. He looked distracted, as though he were searching for someone, but he took the time to bow his head and bid me a good afternoon.

"And how are you enjoying your stay in Lórien, my Lady?" he asked politely, and I was puzzled by many of the Elves continued titles for me. I was far from a "my Lady".

I smiled, "I am enjoying it very well. I have never visited here before, and it is far more beautiful than my dreams could depict."

"My heart sings to hear it," he said sincerely, and then he glanced quickly down the path in the opposite direction. "Forgive me, my Lady, but I am searching for Prince Legolas of Mirkwood from your Fellowship. Have you seen him?"

"He was inside our pavilion perhaps an hour before," I murmured, "but I'm sure he would have left since then."

The Marchwarden nodded, "Thank-you. I will continue my search."

"Then I bid you a good afternoon, sir," I said formally, and his smile was back, the sun catching on his golden hair.

"And I for you, my Lady. Apologies for my haste," he returned, bowing slightly and then turning as I did to walk away.

I continued my slow walk to the pavilion, and was greeted by the Hobbits inside.

"Amira!" Pippin cried, having looked up from the card game they were playing.

"We had thought you might have got lost on the paths," Merry exclaimed, and I just shook my head with an amused smile.

"They are indeed confusing at times, but nay, I was merely enjoying my afternoon wandering around," I said, and I saw Frodo smile.

"It is beautiful here," he murmured.

"It is," I agreed, and then Sam let out a whoop.

"Now this is truly beautiful, fellows," he cried, and I raised my eyebrows at Frodo, who was looking much less pale and weary.

"He's been beating us at nearly every game we've played," Frodo explained.

"And he's getting a big head about it, too," Pippin grumbled.

"Beginner's luck, I'd say," Merry put in, and I laughed at their expressions.

"Do you have room for one more?" I asked, and immediately all of their faces lit up.

"Oh, yes! Do sit with us!" Sam cried, patting the place next to him, and for the rest of the late afternoon the Hobbits taught me the tricks of the card game they were playing. I had never heard of it, but it was one of those bluffing games that require tact. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, my heart forgetting its heavy grief...

Yes, I am aware that this is a very short chapter, which is why I am going to upload Chapter 13 directly after I publish this one. :) As you have read, it seems that the Ring is beginning to start some trouble...What will come of it? You'll find out soon.

What are you thoughts regarding the characterization of Boromir? It is difficult to do him justice at times, and at others, equally difficult not to fall into the trap of making him out to be a villain, which I have tried my best not to do.

Please comment and review. I am always very happy to receive them. Thank-you my friends!