Disclaimer: we don't own it, don't sue, blah blah blah.
A/N: PLEASE read and REVIEW people!!! I am sooooo sorry it has taken so long to post this, but with the evil exam cloud of doom hovering over my head it has been rather hard to concentrate as of late. I apologise for submitting you all to two Claire (AA #2) chapters in a row, but Sara will be doing the next two chapters; or just one really long one, she hasn't decided yet. Any way enough of my babble! Please read on and enjoy!
Ch 6. The Breaking of the Fellowship and the Departure of Boromir.
The swift elvish boats drifted calmly down the large river. The going had been uneventful since leaving Lothlorien, but every now and then the two friends exchanged knowing glances, and Claire shivered as Boromir muttered to himself. By the time they drew into shore for the night, Sara had even stopped trying to engage Legolas in conversation.
The Fellowship was sleeping around a small fire on the shore one night when Claire and Sara slipped off into the trees.
'This is it, decision time.' Whispered Sara.
'You mean which way do we go?'
'Yep, I vote with the elf, the man and the dwarf. Agreed?'
Claire sighed. 'Sure.' Sara put a comforting hand on her friends shoulder.
'It's for the best you know.'
'I know. But it still hurts.' Claire sighed and pulled her Sindarin reader from her pack. Sara pondered this as her friend skimmed through her book. She had not yet considered what would happen when the war was over, when everyone, including Legolas, went their separate ways.
They made their way back to the camp. Another night passed without event, and the day following. The next evening they were pulled into shore once again.
The group sat in silence. The days light was failing. Sara was fishing through her bag for something and Claire was cautiously reading her Sindarin dictionary, not wanting to be discovered.
'Eureka!' Sara shouted, punching the air in triumph.
The entire group stopped what they were doing to stare at her. Pippin's mouth hung half open, mid-chew.
'Sorry.' Sara sat down quickly, her face beetroot red.
'What are you playing at?' Claire hissed, unable to hide a smirk.
Sara held up a small purple rectangle and waved it smugly in her friends face. This was shortly followed by a mad race around the camp with squeals of 'Give it to me!', 'No! It's mine!' and 'Share or I'll drown you!'
Aragorn seized Claire by her shoulders and held her firmly in place. She stopped struggling when she saw his expression. Sara stood triumphantly on the other side of the fire and gloated at her friend.
'What is the meaning of this?' Aragorn demanded. Boromir was eyeing him and when he made no sign of releasing Claire he stood and began to walk over, but Aragorn released her when he saw this.
'She has chocolate and she isn't sharing!' Claire pouted and stamped over to Boromir. He had resumed his seat and she planted herself firmly next to him.
Sara raised an eyebrow and went to sit next to Legolas. The girls stared at each other.
'And what, may I ask, is chocolate?' Asked Gimli.
The girls looked at him so sharply he blushed. They scanned the circle to find every face showing the same blank or curious expression. The awful reality hit them; the fellowship had never tasted chocolate.
After about two minutes of the girls staring and mouthing silently Aragorn and Legolas were seriously discussing fetching some water from the river with which to wake them from their trance like state. Upon hearing this though the girls were able to snap themselves out of it.
'Goheno nin.' Claire muttered. Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and even Frodo were looking at her a little shocked. They soon looked more amused, and Aragorn and Legolas exchanged a glance and tilted their heads in acknowledgement.
'What the heck did you say to them?' Sara hissed.
'Forgive me, that's all I swear. They don't know the extent of my Sindarin so it was probably just a surprise.'
Legolas smiled as the girls spoke quietly to each other, he could hear them as plain as day.
'So, you've really never heard of Chocolate?' Sara asked incredulously. The group shook their heads.
'But surely you have something similar?' Claire gawked.
'If we knew what it was, perhaps we could say we do.' Sam said irritably. Claire and Sara formed a conspiratorial huddle just away from the group. After much arguing they returned. Claire looking mischievous and Sara looking not a little dejected.
'We have decided to let you all try a piece.' Claire smiled. Sara scowled. It was her only bar. Luckily though, it was king size.
Several moments later and the entire Fellowship were sat in utter silence around the campfire, pondering the many wonders of chocolate.
Upon tasting, Gimli had promptly thrown his piece on the ground and stamped on it, cursing in Dwarvish and muttering something about 'so sweet, teeth screaming...'
Legolas had a similar opinion of chocolate, but had had enough dignity to pass it quietly back to Sara, trying his hardest to keep his face impassive.
The hobbits had all taken to it delightfully and were happily munching on their third piece each, forth for Pippin.
Boromir had not enjoyed it either, but the funniest reaction had to be Aragorn's. He had swiftly begun choking. A few more chunks of chocolate and the Heimlich maneuver later, and only four (not including Sara and Claire) members of the fellowship had enjoyed their first taste of a modern food substance. 'Oh well...' Sara thought; there was always coffee, candy floss, Jelly bellys...
Sara stood on the shore in nervous readiness; they had reached Amon Hen, she had recognized it instantly.
'You should rest.' Legolas stood beside her. Sara let out a breath of relief.
'No. It isn't right here; I don't want to be caught off guard.'
'Then you have felt it also. The Shadow.' Legolas looked at her gravely. She nodded, her gaze shifting to the steady water and the roaring of the distant falls.
'Something is coming. Soon. Isn't it?' He whispered.
Sara swallowed, her throat tight, she nodded slowly. Legolas's jaw was set, his eyes grim. The majesty of the Eldar made him terrible in this moment, and Sara could not look at him.
'When this dark thing comes, stay as far from the danger as possible.' Legolas said decidedly. Sara blinked.
'Excuse me?'
'Leave the fighting to the men, the dwarf and myself. Stay with the Hobbits and keep out of harms way.
'Oh no! You are NOT going all protective boyfriend on me!' Sara fumed. It wasn't until she noticed Legolas's raised eyebrows and the silence from the camp behind her did she realize how loud she had spoken. She closed her eyes and counted to five. When she opened them again Aragorn had joined them.
'Something wrong?' He asked quietly. Legolas and Sara looked at each other for a moment. Then Legolas shook his head and returned to the others. Aragorn nodded to Sara and they followed.
She sat next to Sam, who was looking thoroughly exhausted. 'Poor little hobbit' she thought. He looked at her and gave her a sad smile. Without thinking Sara pulled him into a tight embrace. When she let him go he looked at her and blushed a little.
'What was that for?' He asked.
'You deserve it.' Sara said softly. 'You'll see.'
Half an hour later Sara's heart dropped into her stomach as Legolas and Aragorn stood surveying the trees, and Merry returned with firewood. It was time. Sara's heart stopped beating as she realized, Claire was no-where to be seen.
'Boromir!'
Boromir whipped round. He looked sweaty and pale, and positively furious that he had been caught leaving camp.
'I know why you go this way, and what it is you plan to do.' Claire said quietly, almost inaudibly. 'Please, Boromir, I'm begging you, don't do it, don't leave me.'
He eyed her for a minute and she stood frozen to the spot. Claire found it impossible to tell if Boromir was about to burst into tears or stab her. They had already wandered a long way from the camp, and it would take even Legolas long enough to locate her if she screamed. Slowly Boromir's expression softened and he walked towards her. She sighed with relief as he drew her into an embrace and whispered in her ear.
'Forgive me.'
Claire opened her eyes, his tone was not right and his body was rigid and shaking. She pulled back sharply but Boromir quickly pulled her into a deep kiss.
When she drew back she saw the truth in his eyes and felt her own burn with tears. Boromir took a step back and brought his sword down with accurate strength. Claire's body crumpled and she lay motionless on the earth before him.
Boromir knelt down and kissed her brow tenderly. 'Forgive me.' He whispered once more.
He stood and walked away into the forest, wiping away what trace of tears had stained his face. There was only one thing he had left to do; take the ring; and then he could return to Gondor with pride, and hand to his Father the thing that would save them all.
Claire stumbled through the forest blindly; there was a thumping pain in her head where the hilt of Boromir's sword had connected and a thick line of blood trickled down the side of her face. She tried to make her way towards the noise as quickly as she could. She didn't even stop to consider what the noise was. Clashing of metal on metal, war cries, death cries...
'CLAIRE!' Sara screamed. She rushed over to her friend and examined her head. 'It's not that bad.' Her voice was uncertain and shakey.
'Boromir!' Claire tried to explain but her friend stopped her.
'He's already tried to take it, the Uruk-hai are here.' Sara's voice was higher than usual. 'You'd best get out your sword or else you could find yourself in a sticky situation. Come on, we have to help.'
The two girls rushed towards the top of the hill, panting, their swords held ready, though the weight of them made their arms weary. The first time they ever saw a true Uruk-hai in real life, it was a sight they would never forget. The Uruk charged them, heavy sword raised above its head. In a split second of panic Sara ducked and thrust her sword into the beast's gut. It screeched before falling to the ground, convulsing wildly before laying still. Claire looked at her friend, breathing heavily. Sara wrenched her sword from the creature and nodded at her friend. They let out a cry as one and charged the nearest enemy.
Steel sliced through flesh and clashed against more steel. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were not far away, Claire could see them now, she ducked another blow and sliced an Uruks belly. As she turned an Uruk-hai loomed over her, snarling triumphantly. Then, with a sickening slice, thud, thump, the Uruk-hais head left its neck and rolled across the ground, followed by its body. Sara grinned at her friend, they hi-fived and continued to fight.
Sara was avoiding a nasty Uruk-hai when she turned and found one behind her; she felt the blow before her mind even registered the Uruk had raised its sword. She fell to her knees, not even noting the noise that meant only one thing.
'The horn of Gondor!' Legolas cried. The Uruk-hai disappeared towards the sound.
Claire was torn, she was about to run after them, panic in her face, when she saw the figure kneeling on the ground, panting and grasping her side... 'Oh no.' She breathed, all the noise stopped and for a split second the panic took over and she stood, catatonic. She was snapped back into action as Legolas and Gimli disappeared after the Uruk-hai and Sara screamed at her. She ducked just in time to miss the Uruk-hais sword and retaliate with her own swift stroke.
Without even thinking Claire ran to her friend, hoisted her up under her arms and pulled an arm over her shoulders. The two stumbled away from the battle, struggling down the back to the shore.
As they reached the waters edge the boat was retreating towards the opposite bank. 'That's it then.' Claire whispered. 'The Fellowship has broken, I couldn't save him.'
Sara knelt on the ground, heaving and panting. With one hand she tried to steady herself whilst clutching her side with the other. Claire helped her into a sitting position, trying not to flinch as her friend cried out in pain. She moved her hand a few inched to inspect the injury. It was bad. A long, though thankfully shallow slash across her abdomen.
Claire found her pack and began to search desperately for a bandage of some sort. Both girls screamed in unison as someone addressed them from behind.
Aragorn looked a little shocked until his eyes moved to the blood on Sara's tunic and Claire's hands. Sara tried to move away as he knelt before her.
'I'm alright, really! Nothing a plaster can't hold!' Aragorn frowned over this last expression but ignored her pleas, inspecting the wound. Claire hurried back with the bandages and balm she had had stored in her pack.
'Will these do?' She asked him. He nodded but could not hide a gasp as she produced a handful of dried Athelas. 'And this?'
'Where did you learn..?' He began but clearly decided this was no time for questions. He shook his head and poured some water from his flask over the wound. Sara drew a sharp breath.
'Where is Legolas?' She asked suddenly, seizing Aragorn's hand. He looked slightly annoyed but answered none the less.
'He and Gimli are fetching Boromir.' He broke off as Claire gave a small sob. His own expression heavy with emotion. 'Of course' he thought, they would have known, and soon enough he would confirm it.
'I don't want him to see me like this.' Sara whispered. Aragorn was taken aback, but after a moment he nodded and began to bandage her wound as quickly and carefully as he could.
They sat in silence, but for the occasional sharp drawing of breath from Sara. Claire stood on lookout for Legolas and Gimli, but her eyes were unfocussed. Silent tears stained her cheeks and her arms hung limply at her side, her back hunched over as she sat on a small boulder.
'She and Boromir...' Aragorn began quietly.
'She knew it could never be. That she shouldn't get attached, but she just...' Sara's eyes began to well up. Aragorn looked at her in a new light in that moment.
'You have a lot of love for your friends. Several times you have proven your courage and honour. And I am honoured to call myself your companion on this road.'
Sara sat in stunned silence as he pulled her tunic down and helped her to her feet. It still hurt, but the athelas and another dressing Aragorn had used deadened most of the pain. She could not find the words to reply to him so instead she bowed low, remembering something she had read.
'Le hannon, Hir nin.'
Aragorn smiled but the smile did not reach his eyes. 'You're welcome.'
The five stood around the boat as the pilled the weapons of the enemy at the feet of their friend. They each said their goodbyes. Claire was the last to approach.
'I forgive you for your actions.' She held back a sob. 'I'm sorry I couldn't save you.' She whispered, bending over Boromir's lifeless form. 'But I want you to know; you saved me.' She kissed his brow tenderly and stood to join her friend as the men hoisted the boat into the water.
Aragorn laid a hand on her shoulder. 'He asked me to tell you, he's sorry, and he loves you.' Claire nodded but did not reply. The second part of her and her friends greatest adventure was about to begin, and yet, she could not even bare to speak, it was Sara's adventure now, she had lost hope. As Galadriel's words echoed in her head she wondered if the Fellowship needed her at all, but she did not voice her thoughts, she kept her silence.
The remaining members of the Fellowship were stood on the river bank; Legolas began to heave a boat into the water. The girls had discreetly washed all the blood they could off their hands and clothes, passing the rest off as Uruk-hai blood. Sara seemed well enough, though the glint in her eyes gave away her pain, as did the lack of any emotion at all in Claire's.
Sara and Claire didn't listen to the conversation until the three hunters looked at them expectantly. They stood together and placed their hands on their companion's shoulders. The group looked at each other before Aragorn said firmly, 'Let us hunt some Orc.'
END
A/N: I hope you liked it! Sorry if it was too angsty, please include some constructive criticism in your reviews if you have any suggestions for future adventures!!! And I've heard the platforms in the trees of Lorien referred to as both flets and Talan, so anyone kind enough to point out which is the correct one, will have me indebted to them for all eternity...
A/N: PLEASE read and REVIEW people!!! I am sooooo sorry it has taken so long to post this, but with the evil exam cloud of doom hovering over my head it has been rather hard to concentrate as of late. I apologise for submitting you all to two Claire (AA #2) chapters in a row, but Sara will be doing the next two chapters; or just one really long one, she hasn't decided yet. Any way enough of my babble! Please read on and enjoy!
Ch 6. The Breaking of the Fellowship and the Departure of Boromir.
The swift elvish boats drifted calmly down the large river. The going had been uneventful since leaving Lothlorien, but every now and then the two friends exchanged knowing glances, and Claire shivered as Boromir muttered to himself. By the time they drew into shore for the night, Sara had even stopped trying to engage Legolas in conversation.
The Fellowship was sleeping around a small fire on the shore one night when Claire and Sara slipped off into the trees.
'This is it, decision time.' Whispered Sara.
'You mean which way do we go?'
'Yep, I vote with the elf, the man and the dwarf. Agreed?'
Claire sighed. 'Sure.' Sara put a comforting hand on her friends shoulder.
'It's for the best you know.'
'I know. But it still hurts.' Claire sighed and pulled her Sindarin reader from her pack. Sara pondered this as her friend skimmed through her book. She had not yet considered what would happen when the war was over, when everyone, including Legolas, went their separate ways.
They made their way back to the camp. Another night passed without event, and the day following. The next evening they were pulled into shore once again.
The group sat in silence. The days light was failing. Sara was fishing through her bag for something and Claire was cautiously reading her Sindarin dictionary, not wanting to be discovered.
'Eureka!' Sara shouted, punching the air in triumph.
The entire group stopped what they were doing to stare at her. Pippin's mouth hung half open, mid-chew.
'Sorry.' Sara sat down quickly, her face beetroot red.
'What are you playing at?' Claire hissed, unable to hide a smirk.
Sara held up a small purple rectangle and waved it smugly in her friends face. This was shortly followed by a mad race around the camp with squeals of 'Give it to me!', 'No! It's mine!' and 'Share or I'll drown you!'
Aragorn seized Claire by her shoulders and held her firmly in place. She stopped struggling when she saw his expression. Sara stood triumphantly on the other side of the fire and gloated at her friend.
'What is the meaning of this?' Aragorn demanded. Boromir was eyeing him and when he made no sign of releasing Claire he stood and began to walk over, but Aragorn released her when he saw this.
'She has chocolate and she isn't sharing!' Claire pouted and stamped over to Boromir. He had resumed his seat and she planted herself firmly next to him.
Sara raised an eyebrow and went to sit next to Legolas. The girls stared at each other.
'And what, may I ask, is chocolate?' Asked Gimli.
The girls looked at him so sharply he blushed. They scanned the circle to find every face showing the same blank or curious expression. The awful reality hit them; the fellowship had never tasted chocolate.
After about two minutes of the girls staring and mouthing silently Aragorn and Legolas were seriously discussing fetching some water from the river with which to wake them from their trance like state. Upon hearing this though the girls were able to snap themselves out of it.
'Goheno nin.' Claire muttered. Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and even Frodo were looking at her a little shocked. They soon looked more amused, and Aragorn and Legolas exchanged a glance and tilted their heads in acknowledgement.
'What the heck did you say to them?' Sara hissed.
'Forgive me, that's all I swear. They don't know the extent of my Sindarin so it was probably just a surprise.'
Legolas smiled as the girls spoke quietly to each other, he could hear them as plain as day.
'So, you've really never heard of Chocolate?' Sara asked incredulously. The group shook their heads.
'But surely you have something similar?' Claire gawked.
'If we knew what it was, perhaps we could say we do.' Sam said irritably. Claire and Sara formed a conspiratorial huddle just away from the group. After much arguing they returned. Claire looking mischievous and Sara looking not a little dejected.
'We have decided to let you all try a piece.' Claire smiled. Sara scowled. It was her only bar. Luckily though, it was king size.
Several moments later and the entire Fellowship were sat in utter silence around the campfire, pondering the many wonders of chocolate.
Upon tasting, Gimli had promptly thrown his piece on the ground and stamped on it, cursing in Dwarvish and muttering something about 'so sweet, teeth screaming...'
Legolas had a similar opinion of chocolate, but had had enough dignity to pass it quietly back to Sara, trying his hardest to keep his face impassive.
The hobbits had all taken to it delightfully and were happily munching on their third piece each, forth for Pippin.
Boromir had not enjoyed it either, but the funniest reaction had to be Aragorn's. He had swiftly begun choking. A few more chunks of chocolate and the Heimlich maneuver later, and only four (not including Sara and Claire) members of the fellowship had enjoyed their first taste of a modern food substance. 'Oh well...' Sara thought; there was always coffee, candy floss, Jelly bellys...
Sara stood on the shore in nervous readiness; they had reached Amon Hen, she had recognized it instantly.
'You should rest.' Legolas stood beside her. Sara let out a breath of relief.
'No. It isn't right here; I don't want to be caught off guard.'
'Then you have felt it also. The Shadow.' Legolas looked at her gravely. She nodded, her gaze shifting to the steady water and the roaring of the distant falls.
'Something is coming. Soon. Isn't it?' He whispered.
Sara swallowed, her throat tight, she nodded slowly. Legolas's jaw was set, his eyes grim. The majesty of the Eldar made him terrible in this moment, and Sara could not look at him.
'When this dark thing comes, stay as far from the danger as possible.' Legolas said decidedly. Sara blinked.
'Excuse me?'
'Leave the fighting to the men, the dwarf and myself. Stay with the Hobbits and keep out of harms way.
'Oh no! You are NOT going all protective boyfriend on me!' Sara fumed. It wasn't until she noticed Legolas's raised eyebrows and the silence from the camp behind her did she realize how loud she had spoken. She closed her eyes and counted to five. When she opened them again Aragorn had joined them.
'Something wrong?' He asked quietly. Legolas and Sara looked at each other for a moment. Then Legolas shook his head and returned to the others. Aragorn nodded to Sara and they followed.
She sat next to Sam, who was looking thoroughly exhausted. 'Poor little hobbit' she thought. He looked at her and gave her a sad smile. Without thinking Sara pulled him into a tight embrace. When she let him go he looked at her and blushed a little.
'What was that for?' He asked.
'You deserve it.' Sara said softly. 'You'll see.'
Half an hour later Sara's heart dropped into her stomach as Legolas and Aragorn stood surveying the trees, and Merry returned with firewood. It was time. Sara's heart stopped beating as she realized, Claire was no-where to be seen.
'Boromir!'
Boromir whipped round. He looked sweaty and pale, and positively furious that he had been caught leaving camp.
'I know why you go this way, and what it is you plan to do.' Claire said quietly, almost inaudibly. 'Please, Boromir, I'm begging you, don't do it, don't leave me.'
He eyed her for a minute and she stood frozen to the spot. Claire found it impossible to tell if Boromir was about to burst into tears or stab her. They had already wandered a long way from the camp, and it would take even Legolas long enough to locate her if she screamed. Slowly Boromir's expression softened and he walked towards her. She sighed with relief as he drew her into an embrace and whispered in her ear.
'Forgive me.'
Claire opened her eyes, his tone was not right and his body was rigid and shaking. She pulled back sharply but Boromir quickly pulled her into a deep kiss.
When she drew back she saw the truth in his eyes and felt her own burn with tears. Boromir took a step back and brought his sword down with accurate strength. Claire's body crumpled and she lay motionless on the earth before him.
Boromir knelt down and kissed her brow tenderly. 'Forgive me.' He whispered once more.
He stood and walked away into the forest, wiping away what trace of tears had stained his face. There was only one thing he had left to do; take the ring; and then he could return to Gondor with pride, and hand to his Father the thing that would save them all.
Claire stumbled through the forest blindly; there was a thumping pain in her head where the hilt of Boromir's sword had connected and a thick line of blood trickled down the side of her face. She tried to make her way towards the noise as quickly as she could. She didn't even stop to consider what the noise was. Clashing of metal on metal, war cries, death cries...
'CLAIRE!' Sara screamed. She rushed over to her friend and examined her head. 'It's not that bad.' Her voice was uncertain and shakey.
'Boromir!' Claire tried to explain but her friend stopped her.
'He's already tried to take it, the Uruk-hai are here.' Sara's voice was higher than usual. 'You'd best get out your sword or else you could find yourself in a sticky situation. Come on, we have to help.'
The two girls rushed towards the top of the hill, panting, their swords held ready, though the weight of them made their arms weary. The first time they ever saw a true Uruk-hai in real life, it was a sight they would never forget. The Uruk charged them, heavy sword raised above its head. In a split second of panic Sara ducked and thrust her sword into the beast's gut. It screeched before falling to the ground, convulsing wildly before laying still. Claire looked at her friend, breathing heavily. Sara wrenched her sword from the creature and nodded at her friend. They let out a cry as one and charged the nearest enemy.
Steel sliced through flesh and clashed against more steel. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were not far away, Claire could see them now, she ducked another blow and sliced an Uruks belly. As she turned an Uruk-hai loomed over her, snarling triumphantly. Then, with a sickening slice, thud, thump, the Uruk-hais head left its neck and rolled across the ground, followed by its body. Sara grinned at her friend, they hi-fived and continued to fight.
Sara was avoiding a nasty Uruk-hai when she turned and found one behind her; she felt the blow before her mind even registered the Uruk had raised its sword. She fell to her knees, not even noting the noise that meant only one thing.
'The horn of Gondor!' Legolas cried. The Uruk-hai disappeared towards the sound.
Claire was torn, she was about to run after them, panic in her face, when she saw the figure kneeling on the ground, panting and grasping her side... 'Oh no.' She breathed, all the noise stopped and for a split second the panic took over and she stood, catatonic. She was snapped back into action as Legolas and Gimli disappeared after the Uruk-hai and Sara screamed at her. She ducked just in time to miss the Uruk-hais sword and retaliate with her own swift stroke.
Without even thinking Claire ran to her friend, hoisted her up under her arms and pulled an arm over her shoulders. The two stumbled away from the battle, struggling down the back to the shore.
As they reached the waters edge the boat was retreating towards the opposite bank. 'That's it then.' Claire whispered. 'The Fellowship has broken, I couldn't save him.'
Sara knelt on the ground, heaving and panting. With one hand she tried to steady herself whilst clutching her side with the other. Claire helped her into a sitting position, trying not to flinch as her friend cried out in pain. She moved her hand a few inched to inspect the injury. It was bad. A long, though thankfully shallow slash across her abdomen.
Claire found her pack and began to search desperately for a bandage of some sort. Both girls screamed in unison as someone addressed them from behind.
Aragorn looked a little shocked until his eyes moved to the blood on Sara's tunic and Claire's hands. Sara tried to move away as he knelt before her.
'I'm alright, really! Nothing a plaster can't hold!' Aragorn frowned over this last expression but ignored her pleas, inspecting the wound. Claire hurried back with the bandages and balm she had had stored in her pack.
'Will these do?' She asked him. He nodded but could not hide a gasp as she produced a handful of dried Athelas. 'And this?'
'Where did you learn..?' He began but clearly decided this was no time for questions. He shook his head and poured some water from his flask over the wound. Sara drew a sharp breath.
'Where is Legolas?' She asked suddenly, seizing Aragorn's hand. He looked slightly annoyed but answered none the less.
'He and Gimli are fetching Boromir.' He broke off as Claire gave a small sob. His own expression heavy with emotion. 'Of course' he thought, they would have known, and soon enough he would confirm it.
'I don't want him to see me like this.' Sara whispered. Aragorn was taken aback, but after a moment he nodded and began to bandage her wound as quickly and carefully as he could.
They sat in silence, but for the occasional sharp drawing of breath from Sara. Claire stood on lookout for Legolas and Gimli, but her eyes were unfocussed. Silent tears stained her cheeks and her arms hung limply at her side, her back hunched over as she sat on a small boulder.
'She and Boromir...' Aragorn began quietly.
'She knew it could never be. That she shouldn't get attached, but she just...' Sara's eyes began to well up. Aragorn looked at her in a new light in that moment.
'You have a lot of love for your friends. Several times you have proven your courage and honour. And I am honoured to call myself your companion on this road.'
Sara sat in stunned silence as he pulled her tunic down and helped her to her feet. It still hurt, but the athelas and another dressing Aragorn had used deadened most of the pain. She could not find the words to reply to him so instead she bowed low, remembering something she had read.
'Le hannon, Hir nin.'
Aragorn smiled but the smile did not reach his eyes. 'You're welcome.'
The five stood around the boat as the pilled the weapons of the enemy at the feet of their friend. They each said their goodbyes. Claire was the last to approach.
'I forgive you for your actions.' She held back a sob. 'I'm sorry I couldn't save you.' She whispered, bending over Boromir's lifeless form. 'But I want you to know; you saved me.' She kissed his brow tenderly and stood to join her friend as the men hoisted the boat into the water.
Aragorn laid a hand on her shoulder. 'He asked me to tell you, he's sorry, and he loves you.' Claire nodded but did not reply. The second part of her and her friends greatest adventure was about to begin, and yet, she could not even bare to speak, it was Sara's adventure now, she had lost hope. As Galadriel's words echoed in her head she wondered if the Fellowship needed her at all, but she did not voice her thoughts, she kept her silence.
The remaining members of the Fellowship were stood on the river bank; Legolas began to heave a boat into the water. The girls had discreetly washed all the blood they could off their hands and clothes, passing the rest off as Uruk-hai blood. Sara seemed well enough, though the glint in her eyes gave away her pain, as did the lack of any emotion at all in Claire's.
Sara and Claire didn't listen to the conversation until the three hunters looked at them expectantly. They stood together and placed their hands on their companion's shoulders. The group looked at each other before Aragorn said firmly, 'Let us hunt some Orc.'
END
A/N: I hope you liked it! Sorry if it was too angsty, please include some constructive criticism in your reviews if you have any suggestions for future adventures!!! And I've heard the platforms in the trees of Lorien referred to as both flets and Talan, so anyone kind enough to point out which is the correct one, will have me indebted to them for all eternity...