Chapter Four

Leannan felt her heart lighten with relief as she exited the council and stepped into the airy, open hallway. She almost felt faint and knew that as soon as she reached her chamber, she would fall into a deep sleep that hopefully would last a long while. Her head ached from the intense knowledge she'd gained, and her heart was weary from the emotional battles she fought that day. She didn't even want to think about Legolas' sudden appearance; she'd have plenty of time for that later.

A pang pierced her heart, and she paused at the top of the stairway leading down to level ground. She had been so absorbed with her inward struggle on whether to follow Aragorn and Frodo that she had not even given thought to the fact that Legolas himself had pledged his protection to Frodo as well! Ah! Leannan clung to the railing as dreadful thoughts raced through her mind. This was a nightmare! She could not go on that perilous journey with that elf. That elf.

Leannan sighed wearily. There was no time to ponder this now. She needed to sleep.

A voice broke through her fatigued thoughts. " Leannan..."

She turned and found Aragorn standing next to her at the top of the stairs. He looked at her with regretful eyes and a furrowed brow.

She tried to smile, but it came out lopsided and insincere. " Walk with me, friend." She moved down the steps, and Aragorn followed at her side.

" Leannan, my child, why did you not tell me?" His voice was so filled with hurt that Leannan inwardly cringed. Why had she not told him?

" Aragorn..." She stammered and then paused with a sigh. They walked on in silence for a moment and then she said, " I gather that I was ashamed of my failed love."

"Ashamed?" Aragorn questioned, raising his brows.

Leannan wondered how she could explain to him what she had been feeling after that dire moment two years ago. "I was ashamed to admit failure to you, Aragorn; you, who taught me to be brave and courageous. I was ashamed." She repeated.

" But Leannan, you are nearly my daughter. I raised you and taught you! And you did not tell me that you were aggrieved? How could I have been so blind!"

They reached the bottom of the staircase and Aragorn kicked a stone down the path.

"Leannan, what has happened to you…" Aragorn began; both of them paused walking and they faced each other. "I want you to know, it breaks my heart. I can't believe I was so blind before."

Leannan looked at the man with deep affection. With her gray eyes betraying her heart, she wrapped her arms around the man who had been like a father to her.

Aragorn, a bit uneasy at first, for the two of them did not usually exchange such affectionate gestures, held Leannan and smiled at her muffled, "I am very lucky to have you."

Leannan moved about her chamber, a bit nervously. She had slept since the end of the council and was now getting ready for tonight's festivities. She was anxious, because tonight she would most likely exchange some sort of conversation with Legolas, just to be polite of course. But the thought frightened her terribly! It had been almost three years! How would he respond? Would he act like things never happened or would he bring up the past?

Leannan sat down in front of her mirror to re-braid her hair, which was tousled from hours of unusually pleasant sleep. The sky was just beginning to darken and music could be heard from the grand dining hall, where folk were probably beginning to gather for supper and merriment. She did not feel like wearing a dress, and instead wore her tunic and pants that she had worn to the council. Before she exited the chamber, she strapped on her thick, brown belt with her knives and sword. Usually, she wouldn't wear her weapons to the dining hall, but with newcomers present, she felt better having them close.

She descended the side steps of her chamber and began to walk the pathway leading to the house of Elrond.

The night was peaceful. Insects buzzed melodiously, and the sound of the falls echoed throughout the lovely Rivendell. The night was warm, yet a cool breeze rustled the leaves.

As she neared the building, joyous music met her ears and the sound of many voices. She ascended up a set of stone stairs and stepped up onto a large porch. Several elves roamed the large terrace, and Leannan was greeted by many. She strolled through a screened doorway. She nearly retreated a step when she entered the loud and boisterous hall. A rush of warm air brought a flush to her fair cheeks, and her ears pounded with the sound of loud, merry music. Adjusting quickly, her face radiated a lovely smile.

"Ho there, Leannan! Join us, won't ye?" Cried Merry as Leannan approached their table. On his face was a cheerful grin and in his hand was a goblet of ale. The other hobbits echoed him and Leannan laughed. "I should love to join you, hobbits, but I would care to find my companion first."

Pippin turned to his fellow hobbits. "The lady does not wish our jolly company! I am offended, what say you all?"

They banged their mugs on the table and shouted good-naturedly, "Offended we are, Lady Leannan!"

"Offended my foot!" Said Leannan with a laugh. "I'll be back!" She danced away from the table and got pulled into the crowd of elves and other creatures.

She scanned the room for Aragorn, but caught no sight of him. Instead, she found Gandalf exchanging conversation with Bilbo.

"Hello there." Leannan greeted them breathlessly.

"Ah, Leannan. Have you recovered from the long day? You looked rather weary when we parted company later this day." Bilbo smiled at the young woman.

"I have indeed. Now may I ask you two, have any of you seen Aragorn?"

"Last I saw of him, he was in the main dining hall." Replied Gandalf. " But don't go bothering the lad now, m'dear. Why don't you dance a bit or perhaps after supper you will sing us all a song?"

Leannan looked uncertain. "Perhaps, Gandalf."

Suddenly, the bell sounding supper rang loudly and a hush fell over the crowd. "Please join us in the main dining hall for a lavish feast!" Came the resounding announcement. The music quieted down to a soft melody in the background, and the people shuffled through an archway leading into the main dining hall where a large banquet table was set with rich and extravagant foods.

Elrond was seated at the head of the table and on his one side sat Glorfindel, on his other Gandalf. Leannan suspected that Elrond favored Glorfindel well, and he was quite a respected elf in Rivendell. She studied him as he sat proudly next to the grand Elrond. He sat tall and straight; his hair like shining gold, his face young and full of joy; his eyes were bright and fearless and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.

Leannan was astonished at her thoughts of the elf. She thought very highly of Glorfindel and admired him greatly, but did she have any affection for him beyond mere esteem and respect? Leannan was not angry at her thoughts, but they troubled her some all the same.

Bilbo must have noticed her uneasy expression for he questioned her softly as they took their seats, "Are you unwell, m'lady?"

Leannan blinked at the hobbit and managed a reassuring smile. "No, I am very well. Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts."

Bilbo chuckled and began to hum a tune as platters and pots began to be passed around the table and many voices joined in harmony. Leannan looked about, but caught no sign of Strider. Where had he gone? She wondered.

Bilbo was chattering on about one of his adventures to Pippin next to him, who seemed more interested in his food than Bilbo's story. Leannan nibbled at her food, but really had no appetite. A servant had brought her a tray earlier before she went to bed after the council.

Leannan felt her heart beat faster, and her stomach fluttered with excitement as she watched Legolas walk swiftly into the dining hall with a trail of servants at his heals.

Leannan smirked. Ah, so the prince is late for supper at the table of Elrond.

The servants pulled out his chair, and Legolas gave them a flustered look before sitting down and turning to Glorfindel at his right. He was on the opposite side of the table, though several seats down.

Leannan took a deep breath and tried to avert her obvious stare from him. He had definitely noticed for Leannan had recognized that amused twitch of his mouth before he set his features back to that indifferent, regal expression.

She looked down at her plate and knew she could eat no more. She was much too befuddled with Legolas' presence. It was all too odd, having him near. It had been so long, yet she remembered everything like yesterday. She had blocked him from her mind for so long, but now memories flooded back and she felt that warm feeling when she remembered their beautiful times together. And the little things about him she remembered so well. Like the twitch of his mouth when he was amused or his furrowed brow when in thought. Leannan wasn't sure if she liked the directions of her thoughts. The more she thought of him, the deeper the ache of regret bore into her heart.

Leannan shook her head slightly to erase her thoughts, and then felt her face grow warm. She was doing it! It was an embarrassing habit she did often. And she hated it because it was so obvious when she was thinking something she didn't want to. It wasn't an obscene shake of her head, just a slight tilt.

Her eyes darted down the table to make sure Legolas hadn't noticed.

She sighed with relief. He wasn't looking her way. He was speaking with Glorfindel. The two seemed very engrossed in their conversation, and Legolas' brow was creased.

Supper lasted for at least an hour and a half. Soon afterward, folk began to move back into the large hall next door for continued festivities.

The hall was smaller than the main dining room, and it had single tables and seats outlining the walls where groups could drink and chat. In the middle of the room was a floor for dancing, and jovial music was playing while the elves hopped merrily around the floor. Against the wall was a gigantic fireplace that reached up almost to the ceiling. It was carved beautifully with gems set in the smooth marble stone. A great fire was burning now, and many chairs decorated the fireside where quite a few elves sat about smoking and conversing. Legolas and Glorfindel had made their way to the hearth to discuss the day's earlier happenings with several other elves and some of the council members.

Leannan strolled over to fireside and slowly lowered herself into a plushy seat. She stretched out her legs, crossed her booted feet, and then folded her arms behind her head. The beautiful, rugged woman received several stares from the strangers and greetings from acquaintances. She then settled deep into the chair and sighed contently as the murmur of conversations buzzed around her and the fire crackled. She was near to the fire and could feel the warmth that began to make her drowsy. It was a satisfying feeling; being surrounded by friends and in the beauty of Rivendell and the elves. She cast the troubles of the Ring and heartache of the past aside and began to doze off into a peaceful slumber; lulled asleep by the faint music in the background and silvery tones surrounding her.

It must have been at least twenty minutes later that Leannan was jolted awake by the sound of loud cheering.

" Leannan! Leannan!"

The conspirators were the hobbits. They had seen Leannan fast asleep and began chanting her name. When everyone else heard the hobbits, they joined in too and began to cheer for Leannan to perform.

Leannan's face grew warm, and she laughed nervously. She stood from her seat where she had been so comfortably sleeping and raised her hand to stop the wild bravo.

"My good people, what is your request?" She questioned with her voice raised as loud as she could.

" A song! A song!" They cried back. They wanted her to sing?

Leannan let out a breath and laughed merrily. "As you wish!" She called out and took a bow as the crowd began to cheer and applause.

Several servants rushed away at the orders of Lord Elrond, and the room fell quiet when they returned carrying an exquisite harp that was so beautiful it took one's breath away. They set it in front of Leannan, and she felt her heart leap with amazement and her fingers tingle with delight. The harp was Aerlinn O Minuial. It was said that this ancient and magnificent harp was crafted in the woods of Lorien and its music surpassed all other. To play on such an instrument!

"Thank you." She whispered with deep emotion and sat upon the stool.

She lifted her delicate fingers to the harp and began a brilliant tune. The entire building was silent as all had gathered near the hearth to watch the beautiful woman play the legendary harp. And then, her voice broke the silence, and it was like the crashing of cymbals, for its beauty pierced the hearts of all listening and the words sung were heartfelt.

Pilgrim, how you journey

On the road you chose

To find out where the winds die

And where the stories go

All days come from one day

That much you must know,

You cannot change what's over

But only where you go.

One way leads to diamonds,

One way leads to gold

Another leads you only

To everything you're told.

In your heart your wonder

Which of these is true;

The road that leads to nowhere,

The road that leads to you.

Will you find the answer

In all you say and do?

Will you find the answer

In you?

Each heart is a pilgrim,

Each one wants to know

The reason why the winds die

And where the stories go.

Pilgrim, in your journey

You may travel far,

For pilgrim it's a long way

To find out who you are…

When the lady finished her song, all were in awe. With her eyes closed, Leannan rested her head against the harp, and there was silence as she smiled softly. Then, she stood and the entire hall burst with loud applause as the radiant lady took a bow, her face lit with a breathtaking smile.

From his seat near the fire, Legolas had watched the lovely maiden sing with bitter anamnesis in his heart. She had looked so gorgeous with the firelight dancing upon her delicate face and the jubilant smile that lit up her entire being. Her voice plagued his mind even after the music had stopped and applause filled the hall, and he knew it would haunt him when silence descended upon the night and he lay in his bed with bitter memories. The elf sat in his seat by the fire, unnoticed, for all had swarmed around the lady to admire and congratulate her. He sat in the lonely shadows with the firelight flickering upon his flaxen hair. He stared into the flames with his brow deeply furrowed and his heart aching within him. Would the pain ever cease? The elf wondered. How his heart had ever fallen captive to the mortal maiden, he did not know.

Leannan quickly slipped away from the dance floor and once again made her way to the hearth. She hadn't been dancing long, so she wasn't exhausted, but she had noticed the earlier council members and other nobles moving towards the fire and was anxious to join in on the discussion. She had noticed Aragorn was a part of the crowd, as was Legolas and Glofindel.

She moved through the crowds and finally reached the grand fireplace, where she stole a seat in a dark corner, hoping to pass unnoticed. She was on the right side of the hearth and shadowed by an ornate tapestry. The fire gave enough light so she was able to see the happenings, and she was close enough to hear the hushed discussion. A voice was louder than the others and when he spoke the rest quieted down to listen.

"I do not know what you are thinking, Aragorn, allowing this women to come on the journey!" The voice accused.

"She is capable, Boromir." Came the smooth reply.

Leannan clenched her teeth. Boromir! That knave! He was stirring up trouble about her being a part of the Fellowship of the Ring. Leannan felt her insides boil with anger and dislike. How dare he!

" I do not think so. The fairer race should not be permitted to travel such a perilous journey, no matter how good their skill may be!" Boromir spat the words out, causing Leannan to stir angrily in her remote seat. The nerve of that man! She leaned farther out of the dark corner to get a look at the man.

He stood before the group, his entire air reeking of arrogance. He addressed them with a slightly raised voice that portrayed his disapproval.

The crowd that had gathered before the hearth was silent. They watched the skeptical man accuse Leannan of not being worthwhile and stirred uncomfortably in their seats. The man was being irrational, yet no one felt it was necessary to reprimand him; he had already been told otherwise about Leannan and he just was stirring up trouble.

Leannan, on the other hand, was trying to keep her aggravation under control. The man was being completely preposterous! Her blood boiled, and she was glad no one could see her in the secluded corner. But as Boromir continued to argue, she could no longer keep silent.

She stepped coolly out from the shadows and sauntered over to face Boromir. She glared at him with a look that pierced and then said, "Perhaps, Boromir of Gondor, the only way I can prove my worth is by…" She paused and waved her arms about the room, nonchalantly. "A duel, eh?"

Boromir smirked. "A duel, young woman?" He looked to the crowd and cried mockingly, "I should hate to hurt such a beautiful and delicate creature!"

Leannan fumed and spat out, "Then let me show you, sir, that I am not as weak as you accuse!" She raised her voice and turned to the crowd. "This man has insulted and falsely accused me, so my good people, I challenge him to a duel!" She called out.

"Leannan, this is foolish." Aragorn growled, standing to his feet.

Leannan scowled at him. "Stay out of this, Aragorn."

Several servants rushed away, and now a much larger group had gathered as the word spread through the building that a duel was about to take place.

Leannan and Boromir moved towards the marble dance floor and the crowd closed in around them. Leannan felt her cheeks grow warm, and she broke out in a sweat as the people surrounded her and Boromir. She took a deep breath to calm herself. What was she thinking anyway? Challenging the stranger from Gondor to a duel! Now she was the one being irrational. But Leannan buried her doubts and replaced them with determination and calm. This was her moment of glory, to prove herself to not only Boromir but also the other folks that gathered. Now was her chance to exhibit all that Aragorn had taught her. Confidence set in and she pulled out her cherished sword.

Aragorn, who kept protesting to Leannan's challenge, stood by her side as she prepared her weapon. "You are being a fool, Leannan. Do not do this." He hissed.

Leannan replied indifferently. "Aragorn, do not worry so. I will be fine."

"Do not mistake me. It is not for your safety I worry, but your reputation."

"It is already soiled." Leannan whispered bitterly, and moved away from the disapproving Aragorn and made her way to the center of the floor, where Boromir already waited with his sword drawn.

She strode over to the man with her chin raised confidently. When she met him in the center of the room, she challenged him with her eyes, and he glared back at her with a penetrating look. Both were confident. Both were ready. Both determined to conquer the other.

He snickered and boldly gave her a mocking bow. When he threw back his shoulders and straightened, Leannan was still standing erect, staring defiantly. The crowd waited in silence, and the only sound was the rustle of Leannan's hands going to her hips.

"Are you not going to bow?" He questioned with raised brows.

Her mind screamed for her to refuse. Why did she have to bow to the arrogant man? But Leannan swallowed her selfish pride and humbled herself before the man. He gave her a contented nod when she gave a slight bow and the crowd applauded.

Gandalf relayed several rules and then called for the duel to begin.

Leannan felt her entire being shift into her battle stance. Her mind focused on her opponent, and her body readied itself for the attack. She let him take the lead and waited patiently for him to strike his first blow. Her entire body tingled with anticipation, and she felt her hands become one with her weapon.

He studied her intently and watched the flash of emotions on her face as she cleared her mind of everything but the present. The shouts and huzzahs of the crowd faded away, and the only sound she heard was the beating of her heart and the breathing of her opponent.

They circled each other with their swords gripped tightly and anxiously waiting for contact. Boromir deferred his attack, and Leannan drew in a breath as she waited. The crowd fell quiet as they also waited in anticipation for Boromir's blow. Leannan felt her ears pound with the disturbing hush. Why did he dally so? Leannan feared he was waiting to catch her off guard, and she tightened her grip on her weapon. Whatever it was he planned to do, she was prepared and ready.

And then the crowd cried out just as Boromir charged at Leannan. He was within seconds of her, and Leannan braced herself for the blow, but abruptly thinking, she pivoted and he plowed directly past her. It took him a moment to catch his balance and stop himself from charging into the crowd, who had stepped back several feet now.

Boromir had strength, but Leannan was small and quick. She was keen and remained calm, whereas Boromir was already red in the face from humiliation and anger.

Leannan finally charged at Boromir and their swords met with a loud clang. Leannan felt the impact surge through her entire body and her legs wobbled a bit. The man had strength. Boromir's blade was met by Leannan's counter swing, and the small woman returned with a determined strike of her own.

The crowd was awed. They had never seen the young woman fight before, and it was even more thrilling to watch her combat the warrior, Boromir. She moved with elegance and poise. Her brow was knit into a frown of determination. Her feet moved as if she was dancing to the sword song. She was calm and nimble, moving in harmony with her weapon.

The slashings and clangs touched the air with sound that caused the crowd's hearts to be with anticipation and wonder. Sweat ran down the face of Boromir and Leannan was puffing as the two continued to battle and time crept on. Leannan began to wonder when it would end. She did not have the endurance Boromir had. She needed to think of something swiftly, before her strength ran out.

And then, in the blink of the eye, Boromir was charging her. He let out a roar, and Leannan had no time to think before he lunged into her, knocking her to the ground. Her alarmed gaze darted to where her sword skidded along the tile floor. It was out of her reach. She was trapped! Her heart pounded in panic, he was coming towards her now.

But Leannan, thinking quickly, rolled around him and hoisted herself off the ground. Before Boromir had a chance to turn around, she gave a kick to the back of his legs which gave her enough time to race after her sword. Can't remember if that was in the rules, Leannan thought as she regained her weapon and made her way to the man of Gondor.

Leannan gave a cry and a torrent of energy surged through her body. With strength she knew not she possessed, Leannan plunged at Boromir. Her sword struck his with an earsplitting clangor. Leannan sprang back and in the blink of an eye, produced a smaller blade. With the knife, her token weapon, swirling in her other hand, Leannan allowed Boromir to take the offense. Their blades met in an instant and eyes met. The woman captured Boromir's weapon between her knife and sword and with all her energy twisted the man's sword right from his hands.

Boromir gave a howl and silence embarked upon the room as his sword hit the floor and skidded over to the crowd, who backed away as if the sword was cursed.

A haunted silence. Could it be? Had the young woman defeated the strong warrior? When their minds had cleared from amazement and wonder. The crowd noticed that, indeed, Leannan, pen tithen, had won the duel against Boromir of Gondor. She trudged over to where his sword lay, her footsteps echoing and pounding in the hearts of those who watched. With a cry of triumph, Leannan plunged the weapon into the air, and the crowd erupted into boisterous applause.

Boromir stood with his head hung low and his chest heaving. Perspiration ran down his face and dripped onto the floor.

Leannan turned from the praise coming from the onlookers, and slowly made her way over to her former opponent.

She placed her hand on his back, and he lifted his gaze to look into her eyes. "Well done, friend. You have fought a good fight. "

Boromir stared into the gray pools full of humbleness. " And you," He said hoarsely. "You, pen tithen, have proven yourself worthy of this fellowship. I am honored to embark on this journey with you."

Legolas exited the dining hall and entered into the cool night. She had fought well. He was proud. But the pain was immense. He had watched her battle, his mind flooding with excruciating memories as she used tactics he had taught her himself and his heart aching with pride as he watched how beautifully she used them.