A/N: I'm sorry these chapters are so short, they didn't look it until I uploaded them.

DISCLAIMER: LOTR not mine.

FOOL OF A TOOK

Chapter Six: Boromir's Innocence

Galadriel was waiting for them at the River. The water sparkled where the starlit sky was reflected in its gentle waves. Everything looked so peaceful, and belied the chaos that was falling over the world.

There were three long canoes tied up at the edge of the water. Some Elves were running back and forth, stocking them with strange-looking loaves of bread, wrapped in leaves, and fresh water.

It was all Legolas could do to restrain Frodo. He was determined that Boromir had the Ring and was willing to go to any lengths to get it back. Galadriel crossed over to where they stood and put a hand on Frodo's dark curls. She murmured something in Elvish, and Frodo was suddenly calmer.

Legolas relaxed his hold on Frodo. "Thank you, Milady," Boromir sighed, sinking to one knee and mopping his brow with his sleeve.

"Frodo," Galadriel said earnestly, "Boromir did not take the Ring. Your heart was right to warn you, but it was not he who betrayed the Fellowship. Your fellow shireling, Peregrin Took has taken it."

At those words, Merry stopped struggling as well and his jaw dropped. "Pippin? Took the Ring? But…but…he wouldn't steal from…I mean…why?"

Galadriel turned her attention to the other Hobbit. "Pippin came to speak with me last night at my behest, and I'm afraid he has taken my advice in rather the wrong way." She paused and put her hand on Merry's shoulder. "Pippin has decided to take the Ring to Mordor, and spare Frodo of this burden." She turned again to Frodo. "You should count yourself among the lucky few indeed, to have such a friend as one who would lay down his life for yours."

Frodo and Merry were stunned. "But…he does not know how to get to Mordor," said Frodo.

Galadriel's gentle expression turned serious. "You are right, Frodo Baggins. Although Peregrin Took is brave and very noble, I fear for the quest of the Fellowship. Pippin does not have the strength or the food necessary to complete this trip alone."

"Aye," agreed Gimli, who himself could scarcely believe this was all happening. "Nor does he have the wits about him."

Galadriel raised her eyebrow. "Gimli, son of Gloin, I did not think you were so quick to judge others. Pippin managed to leave Lothlorien unseen, and such a thing has not been done since the Second Age of this world. Do you call that a simple task?"

Gimli was red-faced as he stared at the ground. "N-no, Fair One. My apologies. I meant no harm," he stammered.

Galadriel smiled at him. "No harm done, dear Gimli." To Aragorn she said, "You must follow Pippin, and quickly. There is growing danger, now from Isengard, as well as Mordor."