I don't own Lord of the Rings or its characters and places. I only won Mÿne.


They had been in Lothlorien for a week. The elves provided them with all sorts of provision and clothes for their stay. The kindness of the elves knew no boundaries it seemed. They even lend them small boats so they could cross the river Anduin tomorrow, when their journey would continue.

After lunch Mÿne wandered off among the huge trees that made Lothlorien what it was. Thick branches with golden leaves hung over her head when she passed the pond were the fellowship bathed. She swept them away with her hand and walked on, to broad stairs that rose before her, circling the trunk of the massive tree. She started to climb them and stopped on the first platform she encountered. She stood there for a moment, silent and gazing upon the elves below her. She tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear and crossed the bridge before her, that led to another platform. She walked like that for a while, sometimes climbing stairs, sometimes crossing wooden bridges between trees. Eventually she reached the border of the well protected centre of Lothlorien.

The view was spectacular, she could see the top of the trees of the forest of Lorien. She saw birds flapping their wings and flying over the forest. Even in the far distant she could see the pass over which they had came to Lothlorien. A small sun reflected on a small part of Mirrormere. Mÿne pulled her gaze from the trees and looked to the platform above her. A small ladder led to it and she walked over to it. When she came up she saw some elves looking at her.

She knew Aragorn and Legolas came here often, to look at the view, or to talk with the guards. She had been with them once, amazed by the view. Mÿne nodded at the guards and walked over to a friendly face.

"Hello, we missed you at breakfast." Mÿne said to the blond elf, whose legs were dangling over the edge of the platform as he looked at her.

"Yes, I'm sorry. It seems I have forget." Legolas said.

For the past days in Lothlorien, Legolas had been by himself. He ran off in the morning and returned sometimes even after sundown. Aragorn told them to let Legolas do as he pleased. He was among his own kin now. It was a special place to him. Mÿne could tell. Legolas was absent-minded, and talked less and less in the Common Tongue. Mÿne couldn't blame him. She would have done the same if she could pass the borders of Lothlorien. She would love to explore the forest of Lorien by herself, but the elves wouldn't let them pass. It was of utter most importance to stick together and be safe.

"Aragorn send me. He wanted to talk with you about tomorrow." Mÿne said.

Lately Aragorn didn't seem to like taking decisions without consent of the other members, especially Legolas. Aragorn had great trust in him.

"I will see him in a moment." Legolas said as he looked at the mountains in the distant.

Mÿne walked over to the small fire the elven guards had made. She pulled out her wooden pipe, stuffed it with some leaves from a small bag in her pocket and lit it with a stick from the fire. While smoking she sat down with Legolas and gazed at the trees with him.

"Why do you like it so much up here? Don't you have tall trees to in Mirkwood?" she asked him after a while. Legolas smiled.

"Yes, we have trees. But not as tall and strong as these. They don't whisper either."

"Whisper?" Myne asked, looking around at the golden leaves and thick branches. She didn't hear anytthing but the steps of the elven guards or the small crackling of the fire.

"Some trees or forests whisper, or even talk." Legolas said, "Like the Fangorn forest in Rohan. Some just whisper, like these trees. But most of the forests are silent. They never learned to whisper or how to talk."

Mÿne closed her eyes and tried to listen really hard. Even after sitting there for a while, she never picked up any soft voices, let alone words. When she opened her eyes she saw Legolas looking at her.

"I don't hear anything." she said, raising her eyebrows.

"That's because you're not actually listening." Legolas said, matter-of-factly. He smiled softly.

"They say the race of Men has neglected their abilities to listen to trees long ago. No Men can listen to trees anymore. Nature is not close to Men for they don't want to anymore. The race of Men has grown selfish and chose fire and blood above trees and water." Legolas said, his expression turning a bit sad.

"So... what do they say?" Mÿne asked, looking at the golden leaves again.

"These trees are old. They tell each other stories about the old Dark Days. They sing soft songs, sometimes in a language even I cannot understand." Legolas said.

They remained silent after that for a while, enjoying the view from the treetops. They returned when Mÿne's pipe went out, saying goodbye to the guards and walking down the stairs.


"I use to come here when I was younger." Legolas told her when they crossed the first bridge.

He pointed at some platforms and told her stories from when he came to Lothlorien. Mÿne thought he too had been bit of a loner back then. His father King Thranduil always remaining home; his best friend Aragorn being a ranger. Mÿne listened to him breathlessly. She laughed with him and had a great time. She loved his stories.

"Oh, please, tell me one more!" she said as they reached the bottom of the last stairs. Legolas shook his head. "It's too much for one time. Another time perhaps." he smiled. His attention was suddenly pulled by something else. A lady in white stood before them, her smile gracing her face and her hands resting by her sides.

"Lady Galadriel." Legolas said as he bowed. Mÿne quickly followed his example and gazed at the ground. She avoided eye contact, not wanting the Lady's voice in her head, as Boromir had said to Aragorn.

"Goodafternoon to both of you." Galadriel responded. "The view up high the Mellorntrees are magnificent, isn't it?" she asked as she smiled to them. "Mÿne, I would like to share something with you." she said as she gestured her arm to follow her.

Mÿne nodded at Legolas as she followed Galadriël further into the woods. It was rude to decline Galadriel's offer.

For a long time they did not speak. Mÿne didn't know what to say and it might've been rude to be the first to talk. Galadriel seemed to be in thoughts with herself as well, Mÿne did not want to disrupt that. Their footsteps led them to a part of Lothlorien Mÿne had not seen yet.

They stopped at the midst of a small clearing. Many vines grew here and it seemed so different from the rest of Lothlorien. It seemed so wild and deserted, yet beautiful and glorious. Seven white benches circled the clearing. A small white marble table stood in their midst, although it was empty.

"I come here when I need to think. Where I can be with myself." Galadriel said as she took place on a white little bench on the side.

"It used to be a place where the White Council could come together. But ever since the Council-room in Rivendell, there is no use left for it." and she stroke the bench with her pale hand. A sad expression flashed over her pretty face.

"Come sit with me, for I sense you are with troubles." she suddenly said as she pointed next to her.

Mÿne blinked with her eyes in suprise as she sat down. It was true she had been worried about the days, maybe even years that laid in front of her and the fellowship. But she had never expressed them to anyone.

"Do you remember the first time you came to this forest?" Galadriel asked and she smiled again. "I sensed a little girl, full of curiosity and eager to know everything there ever was. You were brave enough to look into my mirror..."

Mÿne gulped. "Yes." she said, "I remember that, milady."

"Now," Galadriel said. "I sense a maiden who is nervous, tensed and worried. Tell me your troubles child and I will tell you a secret."

Mÿne took a deep breath. "I don't know milady. I am afraid for what will come. With Gandalf gone, I can sense strive and anxiousness in the Fellowship. None of us know what will come, where to go. I feel lost, yet the purpose and destination of our journey is clear."

Galadriel looked at her and smiled, "There is more, not?"

Mÿne gulped again, averted her eyes to the ground and stayed silent. She could not tell Galadriel about the pressure of the Ring. Or about how she was attracted by it. How she kept the Ring in mind and how it weight down on her in such a heavy measure. If she would tell, Galadriel would know she was a great danger for the Fellowship. Just like Boromir.

"It is the One Ring, is it not?" Galadriel asked.

Mÿne doubted if she guessed it. Galadriel had probably searched through her mind with those deep blue eyes and her elven wisdom.

"It is true that the Ring is known for its grasp on Men. It feels the race of Men is weak for its power and is easily to manipulate."

Mÿne nodded, she had known it for herself, what the Ring could do with one.

"I will share a secret with you." Galadriel said as she stared into the distant. "Two nights ago I let the Ringbearer look into my mirror. He saw what will happen if the Fellowship would fail. And he offered me the One Ring."

Mÿne looked at her in shock. To offer the One Ring to another, Frodo must've had his doubts about the Fellowship too.

"I declined." Galadriel said. "I do not seek that power. It would only bring doom and despair upon the world. And the Ring would not be destroyed, evil would roam further into the world. No. I will go West and remain Galadriel." she said. "About the Fellowship I cannot say. As long they will stay true and keep trust, it will hold. Aragorn will do his best to lead them. But he cannot do it alone." she said and looked at Mÿne.

"I'm scared. I'm scared to be weak. To fail." She admitted and she hung her head. "I cannot help this feeling of misfortune that is rushing towards us."

Galadriel placed her hand on Mÿne's shoulder. She led her attention to her other hand where a ring was visible.

"This is Nenya, the ring of Adamant. With this I protect Lorien. It is what I have to do, or all in this forest and in the North will perish." she said as she let Mÿne look at it.

It was beautiful. A small stone shimmered in the middle of the ring. It was there, shining bright, yet so subtle.

"Sometimes we have to accept our task. Facing difficult times requires courage. Finding that courage can be hard." she paused for a second. "You didn't go on this journey for naught. There is a reason behind it." Mÿne stopped looking at the ring and turned her gaze back at the beautiful face of Galadriel. She pulled something from her dress and gave it to Mÿne. It was a small sack.

"Open it. It is my gift for you." Galadriel said. Mÿne pulled at the strings of the sack and it opened. She grasped with her fingers inside and pulled a little silver chain out. On the chain hung a small flower, forged from silver, with an even smaller white stone in it. It shimmered brightly.

"When I received my ring, this trinket came with it. It's power has already faded, but every time I wear it, it gives me hope and courage." and Galadriel helped to put it around her neck.

"It is beautiful, thank you milady." Myne said, not yet really believing what had happened.

"May this trinket give you the wisdom to make great choices and to be brave when needed. You will find your courage, just as I did. From now on I will name you Gwethilcylleth. Sister-Bearer. We are connected, not by blood, but by stone." and Galadriel placed a small kiss on Mÿne's forehead.

With that Galadriel stood up and left the clearing with the vines. Mÿne stayed behind, fingering the new necklace around her neck and watching Galadriel leave. It seemed strange but for an instant she felt braver. Like the world was new and she wanted to explore everything, do things she never wanted to do. She watched Galadriel turn around and smile at her, and after that she disappeared from Mÿne's sight.


It was their last night at Lothlorien. The elves had really outdone themselves. Meat, fruit, fish and bread stood on their table. They even had some fine wines an beers brought over for the hobbits and Men. Legolas was with them this time. He gave her a look when she sat down at the table.

"You look refreshed." he said. "You're glowing." and he stared at her for a moment.

Mÿne started to blush and she pulled out the necklace from the hem of her shirt. Legolas remained calm but his eyes betrayed his surprise.

"Now that's a royal gift." he said.

She smiled a little as she soon hid it back under the collar of her shirt. She found it mysterious how such a small thing could have such a heavy effect on her.

They soon feasted and ate until the table was empty. Pippin belched loudly and rubbed against his stomach. "I cannot wait for desert!" he said. They shared a laugh.

Merry gave him a slap on the arm and they provided themselves with another ale.

One by one they vanished from the table to conversate or to be alone. Mÿne wanted to look upon the treetops one more time, may it be evening and the sun had long gone. Aragorn and Legolas decided to go with her, they wanted to see it one more time as well.

They walked up the stairs and the bridges, enlightened by the little blue lights of the forest. Many guards walked among the stairs now, taking their positions on the different platforms. The guards on the platform greeted them, as usual and continued their watch. Aragorn and Mÿne lit their pipes at the fire and sat on the edge of the platform with Legolas. They discussed the view and shared stories. Eventually Aragorn looked at Mÿne.

"Legolas told me Lady Galadriel had a word with you this afternoon. Now, it's not any of my business but-"

"She gave me courage." Mÿne said, already knowing what he wanted to know. She pulled the necklace out again. "It contains the same stone as the Ring on her finger."

Legolas took another look at the trinket as Aragorn stared at her, dumbfounded.

"She named me Gwethilcylleth, Sister-Bearer." Mÿne said, a little embarassed by the sudden interest from both.

"This is an high honour." Aragorn said, raising his eyebrows.

"And I will keep that honour." Mÿne said strongly as she looked at the dark mountains before them.

Aragorn smiled and patted her on her head. "You're growing too quickly, I fear. I cannot keep up." he said.

They blew circles for a while, and held a competition in which Legolas needed to judge which one was bigger. It wasn't long after that that they decided to go back and rest.

"You still owe me a story." Mÿne said to Legolas as they parted their ways to their mattresses. Legolas just smiled.


The next day they got up early. There was a small pond that led to the great river, so they did not need to leave Lothlorien with an escort. They reached the small shore in little time. Their provision was already there as a couple of elves to help them pack the boats. Even Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were with them.

"We wanted to say farewell and give you blessings on your journey." Lord Celeborn said and he gestured to a row of elves with cloaks. They walked up and clasped green cloaks around the members of the fellowship. It was a light cloak, but it was thick and warm.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Lord Celeborn said to them.

Then, Lady Galadriel came to them, followed by elves with gifts.

She passed each and everyone of them, softly speaking encouraging words to them as they received their gifts. Finally, Galadriel came op to Mÿne.

"We already had our little exchange, Gwethilcylleth. You now have only to choose what you will become. Pull yourself more in and cower at your insides, or pull yourself up and rise as high as Luthien, the bravest female there has ever been. It's your choice to make." and she gave Mÿne a stern look before her hand found the necklace.

"Namarie, Gwethilcylleth. We will not meet again." and with a sad look she walked over to Gimli.

Mÿne looked at the ground. So...did that meant one of them was going to die? 'We will not meet again.'... She felt sad. She would love to return here when all was over. But hadn't Galadriel said she would go West? Mÿne was confused.

The packing was done in half an hour. Legolas was just putting the last packages in the boat as he pulled something out of one of them.

"Lembas." he said, happily. And he ate a small piece. Mÿne watched him from the shore. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of an grown man."

Merry and Pippin watched him as he walked away, finished with packing the boat. They didn't look so happy.

"How many did you eat?" Merry said, and Mÿne laughed instantly.

She walked away to get Frodo and Sam. Hobbits and water was a dangerous and stupid combination, but there was no other way. She helped them into the boat, keeping the boat steady so they would trust it. She then walked over to Aragorn and said they were ready to go. He nodded, looked one time at Galadriel and walked to the boats. Mÿne shared her boat with Boromir and Pippin. Merry, Legolas and Gimli were in the second one, and Aragorn, Frodo and Sam were in the third. Pippin sat in front of her and gazed hesitatingly at the water.

"It will be all right Pippin. Trust us." Mÿne said as she grabbed a paddle.

Boromir sat behind her and although she wasn't really sure if she liked it, he was a strong man. Aragorn took the lead and pushed his boat away from the small shore. Boromir copied his movements and a moment later they could hear Legolas do the same. Mÿne put her paddle in the water and pushed the boat over the water. It was surprisingly easy. From across the water Galadriel stood on the grassy border, holding up her hand as a greeting. They nodded at her, bowed their heads and kept peddling, to the River Anduin.

The Anduin was a bit more difficult. There was more current and sometimes they had to steer the boat stronger. There were more waves but overall it went pretty well. Pippin had fallen asleep against her knees. Boromir and Mÿne spoke in whispers, not to wake him.

"So she gave you a jewel, I heard." Boromir said, his tone dark.

She had suspected he had all kinds off questions, and because of his infatuation with the One Ring, she decided she wanted to stop his eagerness at the first moment.

"It holds no real power, Boromir." Mÿne said, "It is just a necklace. Really feminine. Do you want to borrow it? It would go nicely with your eyes..."

Boromir laughed softly.

They chatted for a long time about themselves. It seemed he had a little brother, Faramir.

"I miss him." Boromir said. "He can be so reckless. Pippin reminds me of him sometimes."

"Well I hope your brother is a bit taller then young master Peregrin over here." Mÿne chuckled softly.

"He's a ranger too, you know? From the south." Boromir continued.

"Oh really?" Mÿne said interested.

"Oh yes, he roams in the forests of Ithiliën. A lovely place, weren't it for orcs. You should visit one time. I think you would get along pretty well." and Boromir smiled.


At sundown they steered the boats to a stony shore at their right. The Hobbits were glad to be on ground again and started to make a fire. They ate lembas and sat around the fire for some time. Mÿne had a lot of respect for the elves but...they weren't cooks. The lembas tasted like dried leaves and could use some seasoning. It seemed that the only one actually enjoying the lembas, was Legolas. He chewed on it happily.

Mÿne put hers away after eating a quarter. Her hunger was gone but she had a dry mouth. She drank water from one of the leather pouches and brought out her pipe. The Fellowship was tired and although it was a bit early, everyone seemed to make himself comfortable. They set up a watch, and Mÿne was first with Gimli. They smoked together but didn't really speak.

Mÿne looked at the water for distraction, but it seemed even the water was tired. No movement whatsoever and no sounds were made. Eventually Gimli started snoring really loud so Mÿne had to wake him up by smacking him on his chest. He was a bit grumpy after that, but stayed awake.

By the time they had to wake Aragorn and Boromir for the next watch, everything was pitch black. No moon, no stars. She woke Aragorn and laid down on his spot, wrapping the long elvish cloak around herself. Her eyes closed and she slept soon...

...To be awakend by the sound of voices. She suspected it was not an hour later.

It was Boromir, he was talking to Aragorn.

"...it would make the crossing even more dangerous."

It fell silent for a moment. Mÿne was about to turn around and go to sleep again when Boromir got mad.

"Minas Tirith is a safer road, you know that." he said, sounding hopefully. "From there we could regroup, strike out to Mordor from a place of strength."

"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us." Aragorn replied harshly.

"You were quick enough to trust the elves!" Boromir said angrily, pointing at Legolas who, lucky enough, was asleep. "Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness, there is frailty. But there's courage also, and honour to be found in men. But you will not see that!" Boromir raised his voice, angry and desperate now.

Mÿne clenched her teeth, waiting for Aragorns reply. Boromir grasped him by his collar, stones scattering over the shore, making noise. Mÿne quickly glanced at the rest of the Fellowship, but only Frodo seemed to be awake. Mÿne placed her finger over her lips as she looked at the worrying hobbit.

"You're afraid!" Boromir exclaimed, "For all your life, you've been hiding in the shadows! Scared of who you are and what you are!"

Aragorns voice was full of venom. "I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!"

After that it was silent. And although she was extremely worried how things would be tomorrow, Mÿne fell back to sleep.


As she had expected, the tension between Aragorn and Boromir was worse. They had just started on the River and Boromir was giving Aragorn dirty glares, angry and foil. Aragorn glared back as they continued their journey. Today, Boromir didn't want to talk to Mÿne. Secretly she was glad. Pippin, however, chattered happily with her.

"I'm a singer!" he said to her. "I can play the banjo as well! Back in the Shire I used to play with party's and such. There was this great party of Fatty Bolger, the entire Shire was invited. Me and my cousins, why, we played a lot of songs..."

But she wasn't really listening. Her attention was drawn to the sides of the rivers. Something was moving through to forest, fast and it was not friendly. Mÿne couldn't see what it was, but Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir had noticed it too. She even thought that Frodo might've noticed something.

They decided to rest early this day, as they reached to waterfall of Rauros. They could not continue further with the boats so they needed their strength tomorrow to continue the journey on foot.

Mÿne instantly had an strange feeling about that place. It was dark and although the waterfall was close, she could not hear it. Soon Legolas started to whisper with Aragorn but he would have none of it. He dismissed Legolas and remained by himself, thinking.

Frodo said he would gather more firewood and take a look around. Aragorn let him go alone, and Mÿne was feeling more uneasy because of that. What if he was attacked by an orc? Or worse? Aragorn told her not to worry, but she could not shake off the feeling. She pulled out her pipe and started to stuff some leaves in it when someone noticed that Boromir had disappeared.

Mÿne was alarmed instantly.

"We should go looking for them. It will be getting dark soon." Sam said, as he got up. They agreed.

Mÿne was to stay at camp, to look after their belongings and wait if Frodo or Boromir came back. Reluctantly she sat down and lit her pipe with the little fire they could make from the twigs. She enjoyed her little time alone, thinking about how to get to Mordor, now that they had crossed the Anduin. But she was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a loud noise.

A horn.

BWAAA BWAAA BWAAA

She got up and listened again.

BWAAA BWAAA BWAAA

It was no orc-horn, nor an elven one. It was the horn of Gondor and Boromir was in trouble. She picked up her sword from the rocky ground, took one last look at the campside and raced into the woods.