Lament - by Cunien.

Sorry for the delay - and the length of this chapter - I hope my reviewers haven't deserted me, otherwise I might have to whip out my harmonica and sing the blues. Nah - I just suddenly realised that I desperately need to start my A level art project, and had a bit of a panic attack.

Summary: O full of scorpions is my mind...!' - Macbeth.

Disclaimer:
Things I Would Do If I Owned Lord Of The Rings -
4. Find out what Rosie Cotton really does. I mean, sure, she says she's a barmaid, but I think it's clear she's some sort of loose-hobbit woman. The brazen hussy.

Chapter 5 - The call of the Ring.

There is nothing anyone can do.

Nothing but death will release him now.

I can give him that release.

It is for the best.

*

Boromir paced back and forward along the flet. He seemed utterly oblivious to the fact that he was storming around a flimsy deck built into a very high tree.

Merry and Pippin however, were quite aware of this fact, and watched the Man in silent worry.

Legolas and Gimli, quite strangely, seemed to be becoming fast friends, and had been housed together, if housed' is an appropriate word to use when one is sleeping in a very large tree. Frodo and Aragorn had been at Sam's side with the Lady Galadriel for hours now. And that left only the two youngest Hobbits, sharing their tree with a Man twice their size, and who's sanity they were beginning to fear for.

For the past hour he had been striding back and forward, muttering darkly to himself. He had barely noticed the hobbits when they had returned from visiting Sam, and he didn't seem to be aware of their presence now.

Do you think he's alright Merry? asked Pippin.
Merry shook his head silently. Orcs I can handle, he thought, yes, they're scary, but at least you can see it. Now this one, he's a different kind of scary - it's all on the inside. I'll never understand these big folk. What's wrong with him?

Maybe we should ask Gimli and Legolas if we can stay with them tonight.
suggested Pippin. He didn't bother to lower his voice, and the comment was made with all the subtlety of an oliphant. It didn't matter though, because Boromir obviously wasn't listening.

Well yes Pip, that's a good idea. But first we'll have to get past him. said Merry, gesturing at Boromir, who was indeed pacing right in front of the only ladder that led down from the deck.
Pippin shrugged. I could distract him, then you could go for help.

Merry decided that Pippin was enjoying this far more than he should be.
And what would we say? he put on a little whiney voice and said Oooh, Aragorn! Please come and save us! Boromir is walking really fast and it's scaring us!
Well we can't just sit here all night! Pippin sulked. Besides, I'm hungry.
You're always hungry.
That's not the point. And there's obviously something wrong with him.
Maybe your chattering has finally driven him crazy.

*
I can't do it! How could I do it? In cold blood! I have my honour.
But it would be for Gondor.
No!
You would only be putting him out of his misery - it is clear to us all that he is suffering - you can end that!
Yes, he is suffering....
It would be quick and painless. He will die slowly and in pain otherwise. If he were conscious he would be begging for you to do it anyway!
But Frodo....he..he would not be able to stand it... No, No I can't.
You must!
I could not bear the looks on the little ones faces! I could not live with it!
You've killed before -
Not in cold blood - not a defenceless innocent - he should not even be here, he should be at home with his family.
For Gondor
Gondor....
End the little one's suffering.Take the Ring. Use it to defeat the Enemy. You will not regret it.
For Gondor.
For Gondor.


TBC....
(sorry, I'm cold and tired and aint feeling well, so if any of you are actually reading this, you'll have to wait for the next chapter. It should only be a day or two. Hopefully)

Thanks to - everyone who reviewed, you are all very kind people. Please stick with me!

shirebound - thanks so much for all your reviews - you've been very kind and I love your stories!
Nienna - I don't mind about the ....'s - just thanks for reviewing again!
Quantum Weather Butterfly - keep filling me in on your odd phrases - they crack me up!
Niphrandl - thanks for the review again - I agree about Pippin - he's brave for not going through with it - just try telling him that! Nah - as you can see he's getting back to his old state of mind now, which is nice, because I missed him.

Ok, everyone - go read and review The Redhorn Pass' now! Pleeeease?