That path is yet before her... Each splash of the paddle dipping into the water of the Anduin river. The grip on the paddle was so strange compared to the tight grip he kept on his sword. Very different. The strange feeling that he felt did not fade. Lead them on Aragorn... He was their guide, their steady path through the winding maze of shadow. So suddenly, it seemed, that he was living in a dream; a mist that covered everything he had once known, only allotting him vision of those standing about him. She stays for you... Each breath, each shift of those about him seemed louder than the screech of the steel of a sword against the sword and the anvil. The shrill silence that consumed him seemed almost defining compared to the twitter of the forest or the bustle of an inn. They had traveled so many roads, so many leagues since they had left Rivendell. Though, they seemed further than the count of leagues or days. Fly you fools... The darkness of Moria grew over him. The hiss of the searing fire of the Balrog invaded his very thought. There was no longer the two shores, the boat or water beneath him. But in their places, the cold, stone floor of Moria, the icy chill of the depths of the deepest chasm. Each fleeting moment ran slower than the melting of snow in winter.
"Aragorn?" Boromir called from over his shoulder. The shocking realization that he had stopped paddling, and was seemingly staring off into nothingness, caused him to come swiftly back to reality.
"Which way?" questioned Legolas. Which way indeed...Which path do I lead... Who do I follow, who do I trust? Studiously, he glanced about them, observing a fork in the river's path. One flowed with smooth, undisturbed water, while the other ran with rapids and unsettled shores. The smooth stroke of the paddle resumed at his side. Skillfully, he glided between Boromir and Legolas' boats. With the push of the current, the three began to near the fork. Longingly he looked at the rapids. Each burst of white water, each lifted stone; full of adventure. Who knew where it lead, or what it held beyond the bend into the forest? Then with eyes long weary of vigorous travel and long years of exile, he gazed down the clear waters. No rock broke the surface. It simply flowed its course. It ran through the border of the forest and beyond to the lands of Men.
Let her go... Again his eyes followed the white foam of rapids. Let her take the ship into the west...Let her bear her love for you away to the Undying Lands, where it will be ever green... The splash and sprits of the water hung in the air. The thoughts of Moria haunted him further for a moment as he tried to bring his mind to a decision.
Once more, he came to the glassy waters. This path is already laid before your feet... A voice as clear and warming as the kiss of sunshine through a stormy night came to him. If you trust nothing else... Trust us...
The strong push of the paddle suddenly pushed in the water, causing it to swirl and dance in the mid-afternoon light. Togeather the boats pushed down the river. "This way."
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Fin