Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
Chapter 10 Choices
Several weeks later, after the disastrous attempt to cross Caradhras, and the sorrowful journey through Moria, the Fellowship members were relieved to be allowed to rest in Lothlórien. Their grief at the loss of Gandalf ran deep and it seemed natural that Aragorn should take over as the leader. He had spent much time with the Istari over the years and was well aware of the route they were to take, and the dangers ahead of them.
None of the travellers were impressed with the mistrust and even prejudice they were greeted with when they entered Lothlórien. Aragorn managed to convince Haldir to allow them to seek protection in the forest, reluctantly agreeing that all should be lead blind-folded to Caras Galadhon. Fortunately he had the favour of the Lady of Light, who sent word that all should walk freely to her city.
As they stood on the slopes of Cerin Amroth waiting for Haldir and Frodo to finish their walk to the hilltop, Aragorn cast his mind back to a more pleasant time, for it was here amongst the nephredil and elanor that he and Arwen had plighted their troth.
"This place holds fond memories for you, does it not?" asked Legolas quietly. The smile in Aragorn's eyes was all the answer he needed. "Fear not, for she will wait for you."
"I know, but I am beginning to feel that she will give up too much for me. I do not wish to see her waste away and die as a mortal; for that is the price she must pay to stay with me."
"The choice is Arwen's. She has given you her heart, and would willingly live a mortal life with you. That speaks to me of a deep and abiding love, and you would do well not to forget that immortal though we may be, we can not prevent our light from fading when our heart and soul grieves for a lost love," counselled Legolas.
"Yes, I remember Thranduil telling you to beware of becoming too close to a mortal." Aragorn said, thinking back to when they had first become friends. It seemed so long ago.
"I too will bear the consequences, one day, but I would not choose otherwise," said Legolas sensing his friend's thoughts. Aragorn smiled gratefully for the open affirmation of their friendship.
The eight companions found peace and tranquillity in Lothlórien, and it was all too soon that the time came for the journey south to continue. Celeborn suggested to Aragorn that they would be far safer travelling by boat.
"We will travel faster and more safely down the River than we will on land," Aragorn said to Legolas as they discussed their plans one evening. "It is time we were leaving. Although the days pass slowly for us in this fair land, for those living outside these borders, it is not so."
"Yes," agreed Legolas. "The Shadow is growing in power and is moving swiftly to destroy the West. Even here I can feel it, though it is but a dim shadow in my mind while we are under the Lay's protection. The sooner the Quest is completed, the better it will be for all."
"It is not only the evil from without we have to fear," Aragorn said deciding to confide in the Elf. "I can hear the call of the One Ring whispering my name, trying to draw me into its power."
"I too feel it, but for me it is as if an evil darkness is slowly devouring the light within me. It will seek to destroy us all, but I fear that it is preying on the weakness of Men," he said looking pointedly over to where Boromir sat, lost in his thoughts of Minis Tirith and the great weapon he believed the Ring to be. Aragorn nodded.
"I fear that it already has a stronghold on Boromir. Frodo also believes he will try to take it and wield it himself."
"All the more reason to make haste and be rid of it, for none of us knows how long we can resist its call." Legolas said fervently.
"Both you and Gimli seem to be stronger, more able to keep from succumbing to the Ring's power. I hope you will continue to remind me of the dangers," said Aragorn
"Ai, the Dwarf and I have lived long with the threat close to our homes, and perhaps that is why we are better able to resist its call. Have no fear mellon nin, I will give you what strength I can, should you need it," Legolas said reassuringly.
"That is a comforting thought, my friend and I thank you for it. But speaking of friends, how is it that you and the Dwarf are almost inseparable since arriving here?" Aragorn asked, curious as to the Elf's seemingly sudden change of opinion regarding Gimli.
"I have come to believe that the Quest will be in vain if the Nine cannot find peace and friendship amongst themselves. How can we destroy our enemies, if we are not united? My heart grieves for Gandalf, but also for the magnitude of the loss suffered by Gimli at Moria. I would be devastated to find Mirkwood in such a state," he said with tears in his eyes at the thought. "Our stay here has opened my eyes to the prejudice of some of my kinfolk, and I find that I am pleased to call Gimli friend."
"You are really very compassionate, my friend," Aragorn said, clasping Legolas' shoulder. "Perhaps you should speak to Boromir again, for I sense his distrust of Elves has returned."
"I doubt it ever really left him," Legolas replied.
Aragorn remembered the Elf's words when Boromir confronted him one night as they made camp on the riverbanks. The Man of Gondor accused Aragorn of having more faith in Elves than in his fellow Man, of failing to see that men had courage and honour as well as weakness. Aragorn could not deny that there was some truth in Boromir's tirade and in his accusation that Aragorn feared to face his own destiny.
The argument was heard by both Legolas and Frodo, the latter becoming more fearful that Galadriel's prediction would come to pass, and that Boromir would try and steal the Ring. Legolas waited until Boromir had settled down for the night before approaching Aragorn. He sensed that his friend was angry and upset by the remarks, and offered the silent comfort of his company.
When Aragorn finally spoke, there was sadness in his voice. " I am afraid you were right about Boromir and his fear of Elves."
"I know," Legolas replied simply, eliciting a smile from Aragorn. "However, I feel that part of his fear is a result of the sway the Ring holds over him, it is clouding his mind and his judgement. I think Boromir is an honourable and courageous Man trying to deal with a burden that is far too heavy to carry alone."
"I suppose you are going to say that I should help him and Gondor and that I should claim the Throne and unite the world of men in the battle against Sauron?" asked Aragorn.
"No, I do not presume to tell you what to do; you must look into your own heart for that answer. Do not be afraid to do what you know is right, but also do not forget that you are not alone." Aragorn took great comfort from the words of his friend.
As they passed through the Argonath, he felt the gaze of his forefathers on him, and he was suddenly filled with pride at being heir to such a worthy line. A new courage and strength of spirit filled his heart and soul, and for the first time he truly felt like the King he was to become. He glanced over to Legolas, who smiled and managed a courtly bow, acknowledging the heir of Isildur. 'No,' he thought. 'I am not alone.'
It was this strength he called upon at Amon Hen when Frodo had been forced to flee from Boromir's attempt to steal the Ring. As he approached the hobbit to placate his fear, the evil voice called his names.
"Aragorn... Elessar."
The time he had always feared had come. Sauron was taunting him, daring him to take the Ring. Aragorn knew if he did, he would fall into the shadow, and that his people would be defeated. With the pride of his ancestry and the strength he drew from Legolas's and Arwen's faith in him, he denied the voice and refused to let the Ring hold sway over him. He let Frodo go and turned to fight the Orcs, his battle cry of "Elendil!" ringing through forest.
The battle was fierce and although outnumbered Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli fought bravely until called by the horn of Gondor. Aragorn arrived too late to save Merry and Pippin from being captured, but took great satisfaction in defeating the leader of Saruman's minions.
It was with deep sadness that he realised he was also too late to save the courageous Boromir. As he bid a sad farewell to the Man of Gondor, he vowed to do whatever he could to keep the White City and his people safe. The Ring Bearer would have to continue his Quest, accompanied by Sam. He and the Elf and the Dwarf would track the Orcs and hopefully rescue the Hobbits.
"It would seem you have finally made your choice," Legolas said as they watched the grey Elven boat disappear over the falls.
"As I promised Boromir, I will do whatever the strength in my blood allows. I will not see the Hobbits harmed, nor will I see the White City fall to such evil."
The determination in his voice left Legolas with no doubt that the King of Gondor was ready to come out of exile and reclaim his throne.