Chapter20

After telling Merry and Pippin about our being included and what not, I went to roam the halls for a while.

And it seemed that every where I went, people knew who I was.

I was no longer just 'the female halfling'. And I heard mutters of scorn for being the only female in a company of all males, along with words of hope, encouragement, and doubt.

I turned them a deaf ear, but I also knew that the rumors had been started by someone who had been in that council. And I knew almost for sure who that could possibly be. Boromir.

But, being the plucky lass that I am, I just brushed it off, and decided that I would just have to work extra hard to prove myself.

Later that day, I made it a point to find, and greet each one of my future companions separately. I sought out Legolas first. Knowing that he was the easy going one. When I found him I started with a proper elf greeting.

He smiled and nodded at me. And I knew I was right to start with him. I smiled back and asked, "Do you mind if we speak common? My elvish isn't the best."

"That's fine by me. So...you're Merna. The tenth companion and representation for all of middle earth's women." He said, all knowing like.

"Yes, that would be me." I said nodding, "I was just wondering...what is your opinion on my being allowed to go. I already know that some are not too happy. I guess you could say I am scouting out allies. Trying to find who's friend and who's foe, that such thing." I said, very comfortable.

"Ah, I see. Well my young halfling, you may count me friend. I see no problem with allowing women to fight. Of my own kind, we don't discriminate. All of our women can defend themselves with a bow, as well as the occasional sword. It is good you are going. A lesson of sorts to others." He said slowly.

And I knew that even though his looks are young, he had the wisdom of one beyond my year reckoning. I finished my talk with him quickly, and moved onto my next target: Gimli.

I found him lingering by the kitchens, probably hoping for ale. So, seeking different tactics, I sneaked around into the other door, filled two mugs, and managed to walk out right in front of the very disgruntled dwarf.

"Oh!" I said, seemingly very surprised, "Gimli son of Gloin, I did not see you there!"

"Hrumph...I guess that's ok lass." He said, taking good notice of the drinks in my hands.

"You are gracious," I said, laying it on thick as I took a seat beside him. "Here," I said offering him the other mug. "I can usually only drink one anyway. I don't know what possessed me to get two."

"Well, then I thank you for it." He said, eyes already on the amber liquid. I smiled inwardly; I had him half into my net...

"It surprised me, didn't it surprise you?" I asked, all innocence, sipping quietly.

"Hmmm? What surprised you?" He said looking up from his drink.

"Well, that Elrond should allow Legolas to accompany the Fellowship. I knew that it needed an elf, but I mean really...With knowledge at hand of the past grievances between his father and your father. I would have made a different decision, myself."

I said, silently praying that this would not effect their future bond in any way.

"I know what you mean lass. Any elf is bad enough, but the PRINCE of Mirkwood?"

"But I guess there's nothing for it though is there? We are a Fellowship and all. And we do have a lot of different people coming. There was bound to be conflicts. Like for say, you and the elf," I said, noting his smile as I called Legolas 'The Elf'.

"And well, I am sure that Boromir wishes that I would not be going at all..." I finished.

At the mention of a conflict with me, he looked almost guilty. As if he had been thinking that way himself.

"Do YOU mind that I am going?" I asked, giving him a bright but troubled smile.

He hesitated, then said, "Nah...you're a good lass. Mayhap you'll be useful in the end."

I smiled. "Thank you Gimli. Does that make us friends then?"

"Aye, that it does." He said as he hopped off the bench. "Thanks for the brew."

"You're welcome." I said.

I had found my second ally. Now it was onto what would surely be my toughest challenge yet...Boromir, Man of Gondor.

I found HIM in the courtyard practicing weapons. I had already come up with a tactic perfect for this cause, I hope. I tied up my hair tightly, before approaching. Wanting to firstly, get rid of a couple of my feminine qualities.

When I came into sight and out of the shadows, he gave me his attention. So, I began...

"Boromir, why do you doubt me so?" I asked, the question also in my eyes.

He stopped mid-stroke, "Doubt you?" He snapped, plainly not amused.

"Yes, doubt. That is the only excuse I can think of, that justifies your atrocious behavior towards me. Do you think that I am so weak, I will fail the Fellowship? I am stronger than you know." I snapped back, ready to play his game.

"Women have no use in battle and war." He said quietly, going back to swinging his sword.

"How would you know?" I snapped again, not appreciating at all, his dismissive tone towards me.

"Have you ever accompanied a woman into the battle field? And just how is it that you have the infinite wisdom to judge my worth, when you don't know the slightest thing about me?"

"I know that you are a woman." He said smugly.

"And I know that you are as sexist as they come. But complements won't get us anywhere." I said, glaring impudently.

He guffawed, but didn't say another word.

"We are stuck as companions anyway you put it." I started. "And none of the others find me unsatisfactory for my part. But what bothers you about me so badly that you have to go and start talk and rumors behind my back?" I finished severely.

"It goes against the grain." He mumbled.

"This all does! Or have you not noticed? A Shireling ring bearer, a Fellowship of hobbits, men, dwarves and Elf kind? I mean really, what is normal about it?" I said, voice heightened.

"Women still...." He started.

"Enough Boromir, eldest son of the Steward of Gondor. I have heard you petty excuses. But you have not presented anything that would keep me from even thinking of not going."

Then he just shut his trap, and refused to speak to me anymore, as it would now seem.

"I would die for you Boromir." I almost shouted, "WE are companions... and though your head may be full of rocks, and your will stubborn, we are STILL companions. And a day may come when we have to choose between life, and one another. What will your choice be?" I finished wisely.

Then I turned on heel, and left him standing there, decked out for glory, but having received only a sound lashing from my sharp tongue...

Author: I hope you all liked. I am still very hurt that my review numbers have gone down so low. But thank you to those faithful to me.

I hope I portrayed the characters well. I know some of you were interested to meet Legolas, but I didn't put much here.... yet.

Let me know what you thought! And as always, REVIEW!

Thanx, Pippinsgal011890