Chapter 10: Division of Ties

Neither Serena nor Frodo spoke of their meeting with Lady Galadriel the night before. The next morning brought a sense of forthcoming as they left for the quest once more. They assembled as they did the first day at Lorien, in the presence of the great splendor of the Forest. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had wanted to meet with them.

Lord Celeborn stepped forward and addressed with words of parting and offered them Elven boats for their journey down the Great Auduin. He then nodded to Haldier who was standing closed by. He had given each of them an Elven cloak that could cover them in the midst of danger. Each captured the essence of colours of Lorien. There were other small provisions which would come useful when the time comes with fresh supplies of food, the Elven food lambas and water from the springs of Lorien which could quench their thirst for many nights. As well as a rope of hithlain that Sam rejoiced over.

"I am pleased that you enjoy such gifts, my dear Master Samwise Gamgee but I too have to present my parting gifts to you all," said Lady Galadriel.

Sam grew red in the ear when he heard the comment and the others could not help but smile at the sight. Lard Galadriel peered into theirs hearts to test their true intentions for this was the last and only time they could turn back. She spoke words only they could hear in their minds, words with an unearthly tone of wisdom and caution. Aragorn nodded at her and they shared a secret moment for Lady Galadriel was pleased of the love that he had for her granddaughter, Arwen Evenstar. She lingered upon Boromir, the Steward of Gondor, whose eyes diverted elsewhere when he felt that she was prying into his heart. The Hobbits began shuffling around but they had no intention of going back. She came to Gimli the Dwarf, who took in the sight of the great lady and she learned forward and gently placed a kiss upon his head. Now, there was only Legolas and Lady Serenity left. The Lady of the Golden Wood knew that their hearts were pure but still she felt that much darkness hang upon Lady Serenity and she hoped that the love for each other would be enough in the end.

To the nine before her, it seemed as though an eternity had passed but just as quickly, they snapped out of their reveries. Lady Galadriel spoke once more and produced her parting gifts to the nine companions. To Aragorn, a sheath was made for Anduril. No blade drawn from the sheath shall be stained or broken even in defeat, she promised. Also, she produced a stone, "For Elessar, the rightful holder of Elendil," she said. Aragorn bowed his head in reverence Boromir was given a belt of gold, Merry and Pippin were granted small silver belts. Sam received a small box of soil for his garden and no matter where he sprinkled the earth, beautiful plants shall bloom. Sam thanked her humbly.

"Master Dwarf, what do you desire?" she asked.

"Nothing, my dear lady. I had laid eyes upon the Great Lady of the Golden Woods and that is enough for me."

All the Elves were shock at the comment but still she insisted. Gimli thought for a moment, "If you insist then I merely ask for a strand of your hair as a heirloom for my people."

She consented and gave him three golden hair, "This should be a tie between our people, Master Dwarf."

To Frodo, she gave him a small crystal phial with the light of Earendil, their most beloved star. "It shall burn brightly when all else fails."

To Legolas, she gave him a bow used in Galadhrim and a quiver of arrows. Finally, she stopped and looked upon her last guest. Serena held out her hand, "I desire nothing for I am content with a moment of tranquillity upon the forest of Lorien."

"My last gift to you, Child of the Moon, Holder of the Last Crown, is a promise that when all is lost, you shall be granted your heart's greatest desire."

--oo--

With that the Company set out once more, but this time in the great Elven boats. Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in one boat, were leading the way at the front. Followed closely by Boromir, Merry and Pippin in another boat. Finally, Legolas, Gimli and Serena bringing in the rear with most of their

supplies. All were experienced with trips down the river and that experience would be handy as they trekked the great Auduin.

Frodo felt a presence the entire time and he tried conversing with Sam about it but Sam had not seen or heard anything along the river. Frodo uneasily set back onto the boat, but little did he know that he was not the only one who felt it. Serena was in the last boat but constantly she was on alert for she knew that there was someone or something along the river. At times, she felt the beady eyes of another creature. She had kept her hood of her cloak on the entire time for her golden hair would create too much of a distraction and drawn upon too much attention.

None talked much except for the occasional chatter of Legolas and Gimli who had developed a friendship after their meeting of Lady Galadriel. Pippin and Merry talked amongst themselves for Boromir was focussed on Aragorn's boat but he was mumbling about something that neither Halfling in the same boat could make out. Frodo asked Aragorn about his suspicions and the only reply was that it was due to the presence of Gollum.

--oo--

They journeyed down Auduin for many days, stopping only at night at the command of Aragorn. They took turns in taking watch at night. It was Serena's turn to relieve that of Legolas. She wrapped her arms around his waist and tightened her grip slightly. He turned around when he realized that it was her and kissed her on the lips and then her forehead. With that, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and went into the shadows. Serena smiled in his direction before turning toward the river, alert of her surroundings. She had no idea of the time but it was near day break when she felt that somebody was behind her.

She turned and saw Aragorn and tilted her head in question. "I am afraid that I am plagued by thoughts that prevent me from sleeping." He said as a form of explanation.

"I, too often am plagued by similar thoughts."

"But, I am certain that Legolas is creating many pleasant dreams for you, Lady Serena."

Serena could not help but smile at the comment as she leaned against the tree beside her for support. "As I am sure Lady Arwen is creating many pleasant dreams for you," she said in return.

The two relished in the memories of their loves. "We shall embarked upon the Pillar of Kings today. Long have I desired to gaze upon the statues that of my ancestors, yet for just as long I have avoided taking that journey. Do you recall that day, Lady Serena, when we first met, the

conversation that we had?"

"Of course, you desired a break from destiny, yet destiny has brought you here once more."

"The blood of the Numenor runs deep within me ..."

"Thus their strength shall guide you to the end..."

"What about you, Lady Serena? What has destiny in stored for you?"

"The only thing that I am certain about my destiny is that no matter how much I try to fight it, my fate has already been decided."

"And that is?"

The two turned suddenly towards the noise behind them. Frodo was struggling in his sleep and Serena began to shake him awake. "It's alright, my dear Frodo," soothed Aragorn - who at that moment had turned back into Strider once more. Frodo woke up from his invisible enemies. He pulled out Sting, though it was only a faint blue, he knew that Orcs were not far behind.

Aragorn frowned at the sight, "Come, we must leave once more."

With that, they shook the rest of the company awake and journeyed once more. This time, the rapids were much more fierce and it took the expertise of Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas to bring them upon the right path. As Aragorn had said to Serena, they passed between the pillar of Kings. Aragorn stood regal and tall at his spot on the boat and crossed his right hand across his chest. His silver double serpented ring shone in brilliance as he took in the sight of Kings of Old. Frodo and Sam looked up to see a King before them. "I am Elessar, Elfstone, son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil, Isildur's Son, heir of Elendil," they heard him uttered the royal title.

--oo--

As they reached the end part of the river, they must choose whether to go east or west. Boromir was set on going the way of Minas Tirith, that of his home but Aragorn was skeptical. His judgment had been clouded since the death of Gandalf. "The Ringbearer must choose for the task is brought upon his shoulders."

All turned towards Frodo and Boromir especially had particular gleam in his eye. None noticed except that of Serena. She had felt since the day during the council of Lord Elrond that Boromir had hidden intentions for the Ring. "Give me an hour to decide," Frodo finally said.

Aragorn nodded but Legolas came forward and spoke in his ear. With that, the two walked off by themselves. Gimli helped Pippin and Merry to unload their supplies and pulled the boats onto the shore. Boromir went off in search for firewood. Frodo went into the trees for some peace. Serena saw that Boromir was going in the same generation decided to follow them.

--oo--

The Man of Gondor wanted the Ring as he followed the Ringbearer on the pretense of gathering firewood. However, the proud Steward was blinded by the powers of evil that he failed to realize that it was indeed a bane that must be destroyed. Frodo, scared at this predicament, slipped on the Ring and became invisible. Leaving the Man behind, Boromir's cries were met with silence.

Frodo kept running with the ring on until he heard a cry "Take it off, you fool..."

He immediately pry the ring off of his finger. When he reappeared, he found himself upon a hill. He left out a sigh of relief. "You carry a great burden, little one. For that, I admire your strength."

Frodo turned and saw that Lady Serena was behind him. "Have you come for it as well?"

"No, you too have seen the power in which I possess. I know that it is a burden that you alone must and can bear."

They looked toward the land of Mordor for a moment before Frodo turned to her once more. "I understand what I must do."

"Then you must go, my dear Hobbit."

"Take care of Sam for me, he will not understand," Frodo said at the verge of tears.

"I think he understands you better than you give him credit. Do not despair for we shall meet again I assure you." With that, they hugged once more.

"Farewell, Ring bearer," Serena murmured as she watched the disappearing figure.

Suddenly there was the sound of a horn in the distance. She turned towards the origin of the sound and with a flash of bright light, her Cosmetic sword and the gleaming of Uranus appeared in her hands.

oo--

Aragorn and Legolas were conversing when they too heard the call. "It is the call of Gondor. Come, Boromir is in trouble."

As the two warriors ran towards the source, they found that Gimli the Dwarf had joined up with them. "Where are the Hobbits?" he cried.

Aragorn had a look of fear that crossed his face but it was replaced by that of determination. Elendil held firmly in his hand. Sam was not far behind. "Come Sam! Frodo may be in trouble," he called.

Sam hurried as fast as his legs could keep up but eventually he fell behind. As he pondered, he realized, 'Frodo must want to go alone as he did before. He is probably making his way back to the camp. Well, he would not leave without Samwise Gamgee.'

With that, he did not for Samwise was determined to follow his master to the very end and Frodo secretly grateful for the company, gathered some of their supplies and went forth on their own.

oo--

Boromir was holding his own as he blew into his horn. He was trying desperately to protect Merry and Pippin from the Orcs. His sword gleam with smoky vengeance when suddenly he was hit from behind. The Orc before him was about to deliver the final blow when suddenly another block its execution. It was the blade of Lady Serena. Boromir grabbed his sword and fought with a renewed strength. The Hobbits fled but they were trapped by another army of Orcs. Serena saw that so she desperately tried to fight off her enemy. "Moon Tiara Action!" A bright beam came out from the palm of her hand. Her wings appeared as she flew toward the captors.

Yet upon the hill, an Orc with a white hand mark upon its face had its bow drawn back. A succession of arrows were shot and hit the mark of Serena's wings. She fell to a terrible thud to the ground. Her previous wounds, that on her shoulder felt the poison of the Orc's arrow

manifest itself once more. It burned worse than that of Mars Flame Sniper Arrows or that of Saturn's Death Revolution Attacks. Serena tried to activate her Crystal but it was slower due to the dark magic of Saruman.

Boromir saw the fall of Lady Serena but he was also worried about Merry and Pippin. His sword cleared a way for him and he was valiant and displayed the full glory of Men. The Orc upon the hill too shot his arrows at the Steward of Gondor. One ... Two ... Three ... but Boromir fought on until he could do no more ...

--oo--

The rest of the Company ran towards Boromir. Aragorn slain all that he stood in his way, while Legolas' bow sang with precision. To his side, Gimli slashed his enemies with the expert work of his axe. One by one each of their foes fell around them. Aragorn sustained many cuts until the last is slain. When he came upon Boromir, the son of Denethor was breathing shallowly.

"They ... took the Hobbits... I could not save them... I am sorry."

"Was Frodo with them?"

"No, I chased him away. I said something that I should not. ... sorry, my King ... my brother."

"No, my dear friend, you have fought bravely until the end. I shall not let the hope of Men die and I shall restore it to its former beauty."

"I know, thank you ... "

With that the Steward of Gondor was no more. Aragorn wrapped the sword of Boromir upon his chest and stood up nobly. It was how Legolas and Gimli found him. However, Legolas' attention was drawn to Serena who was lying on the ground, moaning with arrows on her wings. He ran toward her and holding her head on his lap. Gimli and Aragorn joined his side soon after.

"The poison of the Orc arrow that she had taken is working its poison in her body," Aragorn said gravely.

Legolas spoke no words but for an Elf who rarely displayed discomfort or sadness, he could not help but shed tears. The tears fell upon Serena's face. Gimli grimly pulled out the arrows and they too disintegrated in his clasp.

Serena looked upon the face of love and reached up to touch his face, "Oh Legolas ..." she murmured.

With that, a bright light erupted ...

End of Chapter 10