Throughout the feast, Aragorn couldn't help but glance at his best friend. He would frown every time Kagome laughed at something Boromir told her. Aragorn tried not to let Boromir's flirting bother him, but the more the Gondorian spoke with Kagome, the more Aragorn felt a burning feeling in his gut. He didn't understand what he was feeling; Aragorn didn't think he was jealous; why would he be? He was in love with Arwen, wasn't he? Aragorn finally decided that his feeling were only his protectiveness for Kagome, she was his best friend, and the last thing he wanted to see was for Kagome to get heartbroken.

While this was going on, Arwen watched Aragorn; she smiled sadly. Perhaps her suspicions were correct, and Aragorn felt more for Kagome than only friendship. She knew that Aragorn was in denial and that he loved her, but not in the same way Aragorn had in the past. Aragorn's attention was divided between Arwen and Kagome, and maybe it was for the best. Only time will tell.

Once the feast had concluded, Kagome offered to show Boromir around Rivendell if he wasn't too tired. Boromir smiled and accepted Kagome's offer. He pulled out her chair for her and offered his arm, Kagome gladly took it, and she led Boromir on a tour of the gardens. Aragorn and Legolas watched as the two left the excellent hall arm in arm, jealousy filling Legolas while a strange sensation filled Aragorn that he could not identify. He decided it would be best to ignore it and spend time with Arwen while he still could.

Meanwhile, Kagome showed Boromir around Rivendell. They walked through the gardens and admired the beautiful scenery. As Kagome and Boromir walk, he tells her about Gondor and how beautiful the white city is. They trade stories back and forth; then Kagome takes Boromir into the hall depicting the Battle against Sauron.

Boromir examines the mural, then he notices the broken sword on a pedestal, "The shards of Narsil...the blade that cut the Ring from Sauron's hand."

Boromir picks up the sword and gently touches the Blade. A small bloom of blood appears on Boromir's finger.

"Still sharp," Boromir muttered in awe.

It was at that moment that Kagome and Boromir noticed Aragorn in the shadows; Boromir placed the blade back, "But no more than a broken heirloom."

The blade clattered to the floor, and Boromir abruptly left the hall, leaving Kagome and Aragorn alone. Kagome picked up the sword and placed it back. She turned toward Aragorn and smiled, but her smile fell when she saw the sad and worried look on Aragorn's face.

Kagome studied his face and stared into Aragorn's eyes. She knew her best friend better than anyone, "Estele, why are you worried? Just because Isildur is your ancestor does not make you like him."

Aragorn smiled at Kagome; he was always amazed at how well she could read him. But then he frowned again, "The same blood flows in my veins...the same weakness."

Kagome walked toward Aragorn and took his hand, "Your time will come. You will face the same evil...and you will defeat it. And I will be there to help you, as always," Kagome told him, then hugged him.

Aragorn relaxed in Kagome's embrace. She was the only one who could ease his fears and insecurities; not even Arwen could do it as well as Kagome. At that moment, Arwen walked in and saw them embracing; she wasn't jealous of their affection for each other, but she knew that if Aragorn and Kagome let it, their friendship could develop into something more. Oddly enough, Arwen was comforted by that. If something ever happened to her, Arwen knew that Kagome would always take care of Aragorn.

Arwen sighed; she could feel Aragorn's love changing, even though the Ranger couldn't see it yet. Kagome suddenly pulled away from Aragorn and looked behind him. Aragorn turned and smiled at Arwen; Arwen instantly changed her face so that he would not notice her sadness and greeted the two Rangers. Kagome nudged Aragorn towards Arwen, and she excused herself to leave the couple alone. Aragorn smiled at Arwen and joined her as they left the hall. His heart swelled with love for the Elf Maiden, but something was nagging in his mind; he missed Kagome in his arms. Aragorn shook his head and dismissed the idea, and focused his attention on Arwen as they talked and enjoyed the evening together.

**SORRY IT WAS SO SHORT. I'LL TRY TO MAKE IT LONGER NEXT TIME.**