I have had horrible writer's block on this story and then lost my original paper that I wrote it on. But then considering that it was one inch wide and about twelve long, that's hardly surprising I suppose. Anyway, here's chapter four, which I'm making up as I type. *g* wish me luck!
Once again, some urge brought all nine members of the fellowship to the same place at the same time. Aragorn was still rather bemused by such "coincidences" but was growing more used to them since he had no clue how long he had been in Valinor, nor did he care. In fact, the one curiosity he truly had left about time there, was whether he would even notice that any had gone by before the rest of his children arrived. They hadn't as yet, but he suspected that that was merely Iluvatar's arranging events so he wouldn't be completely overwhelmed.
Boromir was the last to arrive in the clearing they had 'selected' for this reunion. He was still looking rather uncomfortable, but also like a man about to be given a reprieve. As they all found positions for the conversation, the steward's son sat bolt upright as if the ground was as uncomfortable as in Arda. Everyone else sprawled out haphazardly, except Pippin, who had chosen to hang upside-down in a tree from his knees. Since hobbits weren't particularly fond of heights, normally, this was highly amusing.
Clearing his throat to draw everyone's attention though, the man of Gondor met their eyes and said, "I was granted entry to this land, but under conditions. I am not permitted the comfort you enjoy until I tell all of you my whole tale of what happened during our journey."
Everyone was quiet and had their eyes fixed on his.
"I'm sure everyone remembers that I wanted the Ring from the moment I saw it. It knew my weaknesses and drew me to it so I became fixated. I would have done anything in my power to get it and almost did at Amon Hen. I watched Frodo go off alone to think and then followed. When I came to him, I tried to get him to give me the Ring of his own will, and when he refused I attacked him and would have killed him. My mind was not entirely clear at the time of this, but some part of me did know that I was doing wrong. After he vanished and ran off, I regained my sense, but knew I had forever lost his trust.
For that reason, I returned to you, but could not bear to tell you the whole truth. When you charged me with the safety of Merry and Pippin, I hoped to do some good to redeem myself, and did in fact do so, but it was not enough. It brought me to this place of life, but my own perceived guilt has prevented me from its enjoyment. Therefore when I arrived, Iluvatar told me that when the last of the Fellowship arrived, if I could obtain all of your forgiveness, I would be made whole."
He stared blindly around, obviously believing he had truly done the unforgivable. Then Frodo stood and walked over to him. "My friend, of course I forgive you. I know full well the power of the Ring for it completely ensnared me before the end and I in fact failed in my Quest for Smeagol was the savior of Middle Earth, not myself." He held out a hand to Boromir and the two clasped hands tightly.
Then Aragorn and Legolas came up together. "Now don't you start this again Frodo, you know perfectly well that it was only because you saved Gollum that the Quest succeeded. The king glared momentarily at the elf as he said this, just to remind him of their long ago conversation in Minas Tirith.
Legolas smiled back. "Yes, I know, there is enough guilt to go around if we all feel like rehashing it. However, since I know I will get trounced if I do start that old debate again, I will merely leave it at this: We all forgive you, Boromir, and we all did a very long time ago, even without having heard your story." He looked around at the others, and there were five more nods.
"So with that out of the way, how about we share old stories instead, such as the time Aragorn…" Legolas went flying into a tree, having been thrown there by a mildly annoyed Ranger.
Boromir laughed and relaxed for the first time. Now that his load of guilt was gone, it was amazing what a nice place Valinor really was. He looked over to where Aragorn and Legolas were still 'fighting.' "How old did you say you were?" he asked mockingly. He was then tackled by the pair. Then the hobbits decided that there was a pressing reason why they really needed to be piled on top of the three. That left only Gandalf and Gimli at loose ends. With heaving sighs, they shrugged at each other, and decided that there was an equally pressing reason why the hobbits (and everyone else) needed to be tickled, tossed, and generally maltreated.
This was the sight that Faramir beheld as he was drawn to the glade. He raised his eyebrows. He had known that the Undying Lands brought youth back to men, but it couldn't change their natures, and he had had no idea of the true natures of the heroes of the War of the Ring. As a matter of fact, though, he was a heart also very playful, though he had hidden this before the King of Gondor, since he did not wish to appear foolish. Seeing him so engaged, however, he was unable to resist.
Diving into the mass of insanely laughing friends, he grabbed his brother by the arm and gave him a quick hug, whispering, "Come on, we can take 'em!"
And Iluvatar smiled upon them, shaking his head. Giving in to his own joie de vivre, he (or his Son, rather) decided it was time to show his own sense of humor and joined in the fun.
A/N I know, its corny, but what can I say? I had all these wonderful notes for a much more serious chapter but they are missing so this is the result. And of course I included a cameo for Faramir in thanks to Lireniel (sp) in thanks for inspiring me to finally get this written. If anyone has any ideas of a better way to have concluded this, feel free to hit the review button and tell me.