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The next day and the days after, Aria spent time with the Fellowship, showing them the sights or simply taking long walks with Legolas as they recalled old times long gone by and thrust into the faded closet of memories. Legolas spent much time with the Elves of Lothlorien, eager and glad to be among his own people, but he did not abandon the Fellowship completely. All of the Fellowship were impressed by Lothlorien's beauty and majesty, but one. Boromir had not yet gotten over the shock of the trees coming to life around him. He was wary of the Elves, especially Aria and Galadriel. This Aria felt and it was with a pang that she realized he would be none too pleased to find her accompanying them upon their journey. The dwarf Gimli, though his true love was of rocks and of the great mountain halls of the Dwarves, he did enjoy the sights of the fair woods. Often Aria would have to smile and shake her head when she saw Legolas walking alongside the short dwarf, pointing out certain trees that he especially liked and the birds that nested in them. And though Gimli pretended indifference for the things he saw, at times he could not conceal his interest from Legolas.
But the days passed till the day arrived when the Fellowship knew they must depart from Lothlorien. They gathered their weapons and provisions, meeting in the entry hall that they had first met the Lady of the Wood. Their eyes shone with the simple joy of being in the Lady's presence as she bid them farewell. But before she ended, she lifted her hand in the air and Aria stepped behind her, her eyes suddenly bright and aware. The Fellowship stared at Galadriel, taking in her beauty and the utter difference between her beauty and her sister's. Apart they were beautiful, but together they were two times as beautiful, for Galadriel's countenance was likened to the bright sun and her sister was likened to the deep, dark beauty of the moon and the night sky. Galadriel caught her sister's gaze for a mere moment before her silvery voice spoke once more. "I am fully aware and compassionate to your sorrows in the passing of Gandalf the Grey. I offer to you a guide in his place, to see you and the Ring safely to Mordor." The Fellowship's eyes widened with surprise, save for two pairs of eyes, those of Aragorn and Legolas. Both thought alike in many things, and both had sensed the lady's actions. Both smiled and gazed upon the beauty of the queens, one dark, the other light, as the lady of the dark stepped down from the sun to take her place alone alongside the Fellowship.
Galadriel stood still a moment, watching her sister as she took her place beside Aragorn, her face set firmly, her bow and arrows tied securely to her back. "I will accompany you to the river." She whispered, almost too softly to hear. As she walked away, Aragorn placed his hand on Aria's shoulder. "It is a brave thing you do, one you should not have to do." He said gently. Aria gazed at him knowingly. "I would rather perform this task than any other, for I am with friends and I am truely doing good. I shall be putting the Ring in the place that it belongs." She said quietly, her voice becoming softer.
As they walked steadily to the river where boats awaited them, Legolas caught up with Aria's long strides. "I sensed you would do something, but I did not think that the Lady Galadriel would let you perform such a task as this." He said knowingly. Aria smiled and turned to him. "She almost did not allow me to go. She was set against it." She replied cynically. "What changed her mind?" Legolas asked. Aria paused midstride, her face gaining a look of confusion. "You know, I really don't know. She never gave the reason. She simply said she washed her hands of me and wished me to do as I would." But neither the Elf queen nor the Elf of Mirkwood knew that the Lady had done this to fulfill the vision she had seen many times since the Fellowship had arrived.
When the grey has fallen,
Let it be replaced by one,
So fair and full of grace.
To wield and take her place as guide,
In the lands where the shadows lie.
Aria stepped lightly on the shore, waiting for the others to enter their boats. "Aria, I would have you go with Legolas and Gimli. For I would feel better to have two Elven warriors in the same boat rather than separated." Aragorn called out over the waters. Aria nodded, slipping lithly into the boat and taking up an oar. Legolas turned to her and a smile crossed his fair face. "It will be just as in olden times." Aria in turn returned his smile, placing her paddle in the water. "I hope you are not abject to our company good Dwarf. For I can surely request another boat." Aria said, leaning over so as to see the small Dwarf sitting in front of Legolas. Gimli turned and shrugged, replying with rough indifference. "It makes no difference to me whether there is one Elf or two. It matters not for Legolas will be jabbering about his trees and that's about as worse as having two Elves in the same boat." Legolas frowned and stared at the Dwarf. "I beg your pardon? I do not jabber." He protested. The Dwarf snorted and shrugged once more before turning around. "Good Dwarf," Aria started. Gimli turned around to face the Elf maiden expectantly. "What if I were to ask you to tell me of the great halls of the Dwarves? Indeed, would you not "jabber" as well, when speaking of a subject so loved?" She asked cleverly. Gimli sputtered, but did not reply to the lady's question.
As they set off, the boat took them past the shore on which Galadriel stood, watching them go. Her gaze fell upon Aria and it lingered there for more than a moment. She slowly raised her hand in blessing, a wistful smile crossing her face. Aria's face melted as she smiled, raising her hand. It was all that was needed, for the two were sisters and inside them there was a bond forged more deeply than any Elven sword, a bond so deep that when exposed, their innermost thoughts were laid bare to each other, as it was in this moment. But once the boat passed the Lady of the Wood, Aria did not turn to look back, she simply looked forward across the great expanse of water and the expanse of time.
Together, she and Legolas rowed fast, speeding ahead of the others, the wind flying in their faces, ruffling their hair and clothes. Aria drank it all in as if she were drinking water, breathing the wind mixed with the smell of forest and river was richer than any wine or fine drink. At one point in time, she lay her oar across her lap and raised her hands to the sky in exultation. Legolas glanced behind her and would have done the same had Gimli not laid his hand over the Elf's hand. Legolas eyed him and the Dwarf grunted. "If you do not row then we will come to a standstill." With regret, Legolas made himself be content by simply breathing the air that flowed into his face and in his nostrils.
It was during one of these times that the hobbit Frodo's eye was upon Aria and her figure. He thought as she raised her hands to the sky, her eyes tight shut, a smile spread across her features, that if she had wings or if the wind had a notion, she would be swept into the sky among the clouds and lost to them forever. But she finally lowered her hands, opened her eyes to see the things around her and her hands grasped the oar laid across her knees. Her eyes chanced to look across at Frodo and she smiled at his solemn face. "Would you not smile hobbit? Not even for the beauty of these earth and skies?" She asked, her tone sweet and conjoling. A smile passed over Frodo's face as he took in Aria's smiling face. "I would smile simply because you asked me to my Lady." Aria laughed loudly and strongly. "Then I challenge you Frodo, I challenge you to fly like I! Fly Frodo! Simply let all your troubles fall from you! Aragorn, row faster so the hobbit can fly like I!" Aria called excitedly. A smile passed over Aragorn's face as he began to row faster. "I fear that no one can fly like you can my Lady. But I would try to give the hobbits the same experience that the Elves feel." He said, his hand pushing the oar faster and faster.
Sam clutched the side of the boat, his eyes filled with worry as the water sped past them, small droplets coming up and landing on his nose and face. Frodo's face paled, but even as he clutched the side of the boat, his eyes widened with excitement as they began to go faster and faster still. "Let go Frodo! Fly!" Aria yelled as they passed them once more, Legolas rowing for all he was worth, his face set and determined, his eyes flashing with excitement. Frodo looked at the Elf maiden as her hands were flung into the air once more, then looked at his own hands, clutching the sides of the boat tight. And as he did, Sam grabbed hold of his shoulder. "Oh don't chance it Mister Frodo! You'll fall and be killed and then what will become of me? Of us both?" Sam asked worriedly.
Frodo looked back down at his hands, then at Aria who looked at him expectantly. He slowly closed his eyes and slowly but surely, released his hold on the edges of the boat. Sam's eyes widened and he covered them with his hands. Slowly, Frodo's hands raised above his head. The wind rushed through his hair and all around him as they sped along, now alongside the boat holding the Elves and the Dwarf. Aria grinned, her hands still trying to touch the heavens. "Reach Frodo! Reach! You're flying!" Frodo's eyes were closed during this time, but he opened them as his hands groped for nothing and everything, and above him he saw the expanse of sky, the clouds rushing by him and he smelt the smell of the river and forest combined. And for one glistening moment, he felt the pleasure and passion that the elves feel for the trees, for nature, for their lives, for each other.
The exultation in Frodo's being, though a marvelous thing, was all together too much for a hobbit to handle, for an Elf feels this passion all the time, but it is rare when a hobbit feels such emotions. Frodo's hands remained in the air as the sped along and the wind continued to blow in his face as they sped faster and faster. But this feeling had reached such a climax that it had muddled his thinking. Frodo's eyes opened wide as he saw the river rushing beside him, the sky above him, and he became dizzy. Had Sam not grabbed the back of Frodo's cloak, he surely would have fallen forward into the water. When Frodo had recovered from his small fainting spell, he found the Elves' boat beside the boat he rested in as he lay back on Sam. Aria's hands were on the sides of the hobbits' boat, but the rest of her inside her own boat as she gazed at him with concern. When he finally stirred and opened his eyes, Aria's face relaxed.
"Thank heavens! I forgot that you hobbits do not take well to such things for long. I am sorry Frodo. I forgot. I was simply caught up with everything," Frodo's hand rested on her hand. "Don't apologize. I was glad to feel it, if only for a moment." He said with a smile. "Well don't think you're going to do it again Mister Frodo! No sir! You could have fallen in and if I hadn't caught you, well you remember what Gandalf said!" Sam spluttered. Aria chuckled and laid her hand on the hobbit's shoulder. Almost instantly he ceased talking and he locked his gaze with her. "He will be alright Sam. I promise you that I and the others will never let harm come to him. Especially if you made a promise to Gandalf. We shall help you keep it." She whispered comfortingly.
As her hand dropped from his shoulder, Sam felt the most wonderful sense of peace. He would describe it as, "Feelin' like all my worries got washed clean and I didn't have to worry so much about them. Of course I still worry, but thats beside the point." Aria smiled at Frodo's reclining form and returned to her own boat, where Legolas handed her an oar. "Do you want to actually row so we can get to our destination instead of sticking your head in the clouds and making a complete fool of yourself?" Gimli grumbled as she stuck her oar in the water. Aria laughed loudly. "I would rather fly to the clouds Master Gimli, for then I would bring you all with me and we would reach our destination much quicker." The Dwarf shook his head and mumbled under his breath.
Finally they landed at their destination, the shore rising up to meet the boats with a satisfying rush. Aria jumped from the boat lithly, bringing several packs with her, pulling the boat till it was completely on shore. She walked over to the other boats and helped Pippin and Merry out, then turned to see Sam and Frodo being helped by Boromir. She watched intently as Boromir held out his hands to Frodo. Frodo looked at his hands then looked up into the man's face, almost expectantly. They stood there like that, Frodo staring at Boromir, Boromir staring at Frodo. Aria's hand slowly reached behind her towards her quiver as Boromir's gaze traveled from Frodo's eyes to his neck. She knew what he sought. Her hand had grasped an arrow before Boromir shook his head and lifted Frodo nimbly and setting him on the ground. She placed the arrow back in her quiver, her eyes still locked on the man's face. Boromir stared after Frodo a bit, then turned his head, facing Aria. They stared at each other, man and Elf, the man paled, the Elf's eyes narrowed slightly as if she was searching him, searching his mind. Boromir quickly turned away, back to the boats to get things out of them.
"What was that about?" Legolas whispered behind her. Aria didn't turn, but kept her gaze on Boromir's back. "I don't know. I fear for Frodo and the Ring." She replied quietly. "You don't think that Boromir," Legolas began. "I don't know. I hope not." Aria cut him off, knowing what he asked. "Come, we must go and get the rest of the things from the boat." She said, looking up at Legolas. He stared at her. The two were almost the same height, both tall and noble in appearence. Finally he broke his gaze and nodded, walking with her to the boats. When she had finished, Aria looked about to make sure all were accounted for. Boromir was sitting alone by his shield, eyeing his sword. His gaze flickered upwards to meet hers and quickly dropped. Aria shook her head and it was then that she saw Frodo leaning against a tree, staring hard at something in his hand.
Aria sighed and approached him, thinking he was worried about Boromir and also wanting to convey her own worries. She startled him as she stepped quietly behind him. He jumped and clenched his fingers, his eyes wide. Aria rushed to him. "It's alright Frodo, it is only I." She said comfortingly. It was then that she saw the delicate necklace hanging out of his clenched fingers. Frodo stared at her as her eyes began to focus on it. He sighed and slowly uncurled his fingers. Aria quickly sucked in her breath as he revealed the Ring, glowing and still in his palm. Aria's eyes widened and her fingers began to tremble. She could not take her eyes off the Ring, it seemed to draw her in slowly, her hand lifted slightly. "It's so beautiful. It's craftsmanship is unrivaled." She whispered, her deep eyes fixed on the Ring. Then, just as her hand rested a few inches over Frodo's hand, she lifted her gaze to look at Frodo. His eyes were wide with fright and anticipation as he stared at her. There was pleading in his gaze. He did not want her to turn against him for his burden. She stared at him, her blue eyes wide.
"Close your hand Frodo. Close it lest I cannot control myself." She whispered. But Frodo could not close his fingers, an invisible block seemed to stand in front of him. Then he remembered what Gandalf had whispered to him it seemed like ages ago, in the forests of the Shire, Remember, the ring wants to be found. Aria closed her eyes tight and opened them a moment later and it seemed to Frodo that the blue had turned a darker shade, almost black. "It calls me Frodo. It calls my name." She whispered, her hand still resting mere inches above the ring. "Know this Frodo, I would use this Ring to help my people. I could become a great Queen. My people would love me and I would help them. I could save them. Let me have it please." She whispered, her voice wheedling. Her hand dropped a few more inches, her fingers trembling as it rested centimeters away from the glittering gold. But even as she had spoken so convincingly, so cleverly a moment ago, her voice broke out again, but this time, it was likened to that of a small child, pleading. "Please close your hand Frodo." She whispered. Then like lightning, her other hand flew over her eyes, the hand that rested above the Ring fell to her side. Frodo quickly drew the Ring close to him and shrank against the tree.
Aria put her hands on her face and fell to her knees. Frodo stared at her, then slipped the necklace over his neck, tucking it safely in his shirt. Tentatively he laid his hand on her shoulder. Her hands slipped from her face and to Frodo's surprise, there were streaks of tears resting there. She smiled and placed her hand on Frodo's. "I pass the test of the Ring." She whispered before continuing. "I vowed the day we left Lothlorien that I would guide you and the others safely to Mordor, and that I will fulfill. But I also made another vow. That I would protect you with my life, go as far as the road leads, to the end of the earth if necessary. I knew this would mean facing the tests of the Ring, and I promised myself that I would pass. I would not allow you to see me as an enemy. I pray that you do not now." Aria said softly, her hand grasping his and squeezing it tenderly. Frodo smiled gently. "I could never see you as an enemy. You are too brave and true to your cause to be seen as that. And besides, what have you to worry about? You passed the test. You have fulfilled one vow today." He said tenderly. Aria closed her eyes, more tears slipping from beneath her dark lashes. "I thank you Frodo Baggins and I swear this day on this shore that I will protect you from all those the Ring draws." She said, standing to her feet proudly. Frodo smiled gratefully. "And I know you will." He replied.