Chapter 3

Ariana stood once again at the highest point of Minas Tirith, looking down over Pelennor Fields. The ground was littered with corpses…human corpses. Ariana felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she searched for any sign of orc corpses but none came. Black clouds engulfed the land, as if Mordor had expanded to every horizon. This had not been a battle…it had been a massacre…and Middle Earth had never stood a chance…but who could have done this. A voice jerked Ariana out of her thoughts.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked. Ariana turned to her side and gasped…it was him…the man from her nightmares…the one who was helping Sauron. She took a deep breath before speaking to him.

"Who are you?" she demanded. The man smiled at her before answering.

"So you've decided to talk to me…interesting…here I am known as The Dark One, but in our world my name is Aden…so… you are Ariana…the savior of this world…pretty young if you ask me," he said laughingly. Ariana scoffed at his comment. "I'm old enough to kick your ass," she said defiantly. "And what's with the name? The Dark One? Melodramatic much or are you just as much of a loser in this world as you are in ours?"

"I'd watch that tongue if I were you; for you may soon find your situation more dangerous than you realize," he hissed.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping Sauron?" she continued. There was a short pause and the Aden was in hysterics before her. "Helping Sauron? Girly, you've got your wires crossed. I'm helping myself!" He exclaimed, all traces of humor draining from his features. "Because we can never go home, and if this is going to be the shit hole I'm stuck in for the rest of my life, I will rule it…oh….they didn't tell you that?" he asked when he saw her expression. Arianas' knees went weak and it was all she could do to remain standing. She would never see her parents again. She would never again get into shoving contests with her older brother. Never again would she and her older sister drive around the city, music blared and singing intentionally off key. Her friends, her home…her life would never return to the way it had been. She would spend the rest of her days in a world that was not her own, cut off from everyone and everything she ever loved."….Well, this is a surprise…no Ariana…we can never go home…and so I decided to choose a different destiny for myself…once I have summoned Morgoth I will find the Sillmarils and use them to steal his power. I will defeat him and rule this world as my own…and you…you shall be my queen," he finished, a cruel smile forming on his lips. Ariana backed away from him quickly and spread her wings, only to find that they where now black instead of white. Her cloths had also changed; the garments Elrond had given her were gone, in place of them was a black bell sleeved gown. Ariana felt her cloths before looking back at him in anger.

"What have you done to me you bastard?" She yelled, placing her hands at his throat. With a wave of his hand she was back against a stone wall. He moved closer to her, grabbing her by the throat. Her hands grasped his as she tried to free herself. A shiver went down Aden's spine as he touched her. He smiled wickedly, closing the gap between them and planting a searing kiss on Arianas' lips.

"I have done nothing Ariana. Everything you see before you will be your doing. Your foolish quest to stop me will lay waste to this land, and many more, killing all who inhabit them. And the fellowship? I will take pleasure in torturing each and every one of them, until they are all just as dead as Frodo will be!" He said laughing. Ariana closed her eyes and tried to concentrate. She wasn't like him. She would never let him hurt the fellowship, or anyone else for that matter. She was a good person…and she wasn't going to let any of this happen.

Ariana slowly opened her eyes. She was in a beautiful room that looked as if it were made into a tree. It was nightfall, yet a strange pale light seemed to emanate from every surface. Ariana sat up to realize she was in a large bed and was dressed in a midnight blue, empire waist, bell sleeve, satin gown that was specked with flecks silver. The dress reminded her of the night sky. The room around her was the polar opposite to the one she had woken to in Rivendell. Realization dawned on her that she was actually inside of a tree every furnishing of the room was made from the live branches of the tree in which she stood. She got out of bed and walked over the ethereally glowing floor to what seemed to be balcony doors, pulling them open.

She sucked in a breath at the sight her eyes beheld. She gazed upon a world of gigantic trees, each giving off its own, seemingly enchanted glow. Below her, on the forest floor, flowers of every color filled gardens of royal splendor. She could see elves walking along the forest floor, not as she did, but with a grace that was truly other worldly. As she stood, gazing upon the magnificence that was Lothlorien, she did not here the door open, nor did she register the sound of soft footsteps approaching her from behind. A woman's voice woke her from her daze.

"It is beautiful isn't it," said Galadriel from behind her. Ariana spun around to meet Galadriel's gaze. Ariana quickly dropped her head and bowed in her presence. What she heard next was something she never could have thought possible…laughter. She rose to see Galadriel laughing happily, yet with her own mysterious grace. The sound of her laugh was rich and full, yet still harkened to the tinkling of wind chimes. When Galadriel had stopped laughing a small smile broke across her face as would the breaking of the dawn illuminate the shadow of the night.

"My child, it is I who should be bowing to you, she said lightly. Ariana looked at her, wide eyed, as if this was some poorly conceived joke, and she was the punch line.

"You deserve to bow to no one my lady…least of all me," said Ariana graciously. Galadriel's smile grew as she moved to Ariana' side.

"Is it yet possible you do not know who you are, or are you really that humble," asked Galadriel.

"I'm afraid that I really don't know who I am anymore my lady, but I must be very important to have you thinking that you should bow to me," Ariana replied. Galadriel sighed before looking out at Lothlorien.

"You, my child, are the savior of middle earth…I know this may be hard to understand, being just 21, but you are the most important person in this world right now. You hold within you great power, that can be used for good or evil, but either way, you will shape and determine our world by your actions," said Galadriel. Her face then turned slightly grim. "The Dark One talks to you in your dreams, does he not?" she asked. Ariana felt like commenting on the fact that Aden's new title was I little narcissistic, but suppressed the urge to do so and simply nodded. She also wondered briefly how Galadriel could possibly have known that she spoke to him in her dreams, but settled on the fact that Galadriel must know EVERYTHING. Galadriel smiled weakly and nodded, before looking back to Ariana. "Aden was brought here by accident, and the doors between worlds only allow a person in…to our knowledge, the door cannot be reversed…you, were brought here to fight against him. You posses the same power, yet his powers work for evil ends, for his heart has been darkened. You are more powerful than he could ever be, but you need to learn to master and to control your powers before you can challenge him, he has already planted seeds of doubt in your mind through the dreams you share. He is trying to make you lose faith, and if he succeeds all will be lost; for only by having faith can you find the will to stop him," Galadriel continued.

"How can I stop him? I don't even know how to use all of the elements yet," said Ariana.

"First, and most importantly, you don't usethe elements, they use you. You are a vessel through which they can travel, and through you, their will can be done…now I have some things for you," Galadriel replied. Galadriel smiled her knowing smile before waving her hand. By magic, items appeared on the bed. A beautiful white halter-like corset laced with intricate silver designs, a warrior's skirt, trimmed with the same silver inlay, and accompanied by a pair of white boots which seemed to be made from a suede-like material.

Ariana's mouth figuratively hit the floor at the sight of the corset and skirt. "These cloths are very special. It took twenty of the best elven seamstresses a week to make it. It was made especially for you and the corset has a unique design so that you can spread your wings at will. Also, it can never be torn or stained…," said Galadriel. She waved her hand again and even more items appeared on the bed. Galadriel picked a long and delicate looking silver chain off of the bed and put it around Ariana' neck. At the end of the chain rested a clear, diamond-like jewel. "This is the Silmarill which was cast into the sea by Maglor at the ending of the second age. No evil can touch it and it will produce its own divine light when your powers are strongest as well as when it is near its sister stones," Galadriel continued. She then carefully picked up what looked like gigantic s-curved blades with no grip or hilt. "I have heard of how you defeated the orc hoards in Moria and so I had these made for you. Every edge is lethal and you can use your powers to pitch them as you please…I think these will come in handy very soon," she said. Ariana just looked at her for a moment, not able to speak. Galadriel smiled before turning to leave.

"I know you are troubled by what has happened today, but if you tell the fellowship what you know, they will not have to morn any longer, and your conscience can be clear…do not be afraid to trust…soon, they will be all you have…good night Ariana…may there be light within you when darkness falls," said Galadriel before disappearing through the door. Ariana sat on her bed, holding the Silmarill Galadriel had given her in her hand.

The fellowship had set up camp on the forest floor. The hobbits settled down to rest, and in the trees, the elves singing could be heard:

A Olorin i yaresse ( Olorin, who once was...)

Mentaner i Numeherui... (sent by the Lords of the West...)

Tirien i Romenori (to guard the lands of the East...)

Maiarion i Oiosaila...(wisest of all Maiar...)

Mana elye etevanne...(what drove you to leave...)

Norie i melanelye? (that which you loved?)

"A Lament for Gandalf," said Legolas, looking up into the trees.

"What do they say about him," asked Merry.

"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near," Legolas replied.

"Grief that is unnecessary and which I should have spared you from," said a soft female voice. Everyone in the fellowship turned to see who had spoken and were all shocked at what they saw. There stood Ariana in her white skirt and corset, her necklace hanging from her neck, her wings folded behind her back. Frodo immediately turned away from her; the others, however, stared at her in amazement when they saw what lay at the end of the chain around her neck.

"Is that…a Silmarill?," asked Legolas breathlessly. Ariana nodded in reply.

"Why have you retuned…have you not caused us enough pain," said Boromir contemptuously. Ariana simply nodded before continuing.

"I suppose I deserved that for not telling you the truth before now, but I do come with good news, and if you will listen, I can take this pain you all share away," at this, even Frodo looked back at her.

"So….what is this good news you speak of lass…we could all use some cheering up right now," said Gimli. Ariana sighed and a smile came to her face.

"Gandalf lives," said Ariana. This immediately sparked everything from happiness, to outrage amongst the group.

"What do you mean he lives? We saw him fall!" cried Boromir. Frodo just stared at Ariana in utter disbelief.

"Yes, Gandalf fell into shadow, this I could not change, but he defeated the Balrog and in doing so was given a new life and greater power, in a week or so, we will reunite with Gandalf…I give you my word…,"she said. The fellowship was quiet for a long time. Ariana, seeing it as a sign, began to walk away. A hand grabbed her, mid-step and spun her around, Ariana came face to face with Legolas, who had a trusting smile on his face. Almost immediately, the stone around Ariana' neck lit up, as if it had been waiting for this moment. Ariana looked at it for a brief moment before maneuvering herself out of Legolas' grasp. The light from the stone instantly subsided. The fellowship just watched with silent confusion. Ariana looked from the stone to Legolas, and back to the stone before she finally understood.

"The Sillmaril will glow when my powers are strongest…," she mumbled.

"What was that?" he asked. Ariana shrugged at him. Everyone was now looking at her in a somewhat calculating way.

"…When he is near? No, that can't be it…can it?," she mumbled to herself. It was so cliché, so ridiculously absurd that it hardly warranted rational thought. Legolas lifted her chin so that their eyes met. His eyes searched hers, as if trying to read her thoughts through them, but she quickly pulled away, backing away from the group. "I…I will see you all in the morning…good night," she said before walking briskly in the direction of her room. Legolas watched her depart with a mixture of disappointment…and another emotion that he now knew to be affection.

The light from the trees shone like moonlight into Arianas' bedroom. She felt bad that she had a room while the others had to sleep on the ground, but her need for a good night's sleep soon overcame her thoughts. A cooling breeze flowed through the room as Ariana lay in bed, contemplating what had happened earlier on the forest floor. If the jewel was right, then she was most powerful when near Legolas, and Ariana found this to be both exciting, and shocking. Could it be that through all of the arguments that they had shared, Ariana had grown to love Legolas? Had Legolas seen in her eyes the truth that she had hidden, even from herself? Had he seen what she was trying to hide in her heart? She dwelt on all of these questions until at last she drifted off to sleep. Atop the dresser on the other side of the room sat a bouquet of budding white roses. As Ariana slept, the rose buds flowered. Ariana' third element had awoken.

Ariana woke early the next morning. She looked around her room for her cloths and gasped at the bouquet of roses that had been only buds the night before. In place of the immature buds sat twelve gigantic white roses, each flawless and perfect. Ariana threw on her cloths and necklace and started down the stairs toward the forest floor. While the hobbits were still asleep, the rest of the fellowship was busy taking up camp, though they did it without the usual urgency…it was still early morning, and they were not to leave for hours. Ariana walked into the camp and looked around. Legolas, who had been busy cleaning his bow, turned to look at her. He gave her a pleasant smile before returning to his task. Aragorn and Boromir were busy camouflaging the fire ashes, while Gimli was struggling to roll up his cot.

"Do you gentlemen need any help," asked Ariana thoughtfully.

"No lass…I think…we'll manage," said Gimli through his grunts. Ariana shook her head. Waving her hand, Gimli's cot rolled effortlessly and a string was tied around it. Gimli almost jumped out of his skin. "What did I tell you! This place is bewitched!" he yelled. Aragorn and Boromir both laughed, for they knew it had been Ariana who had done it. Gimli just looked around as if everyone had gone mad. Ariana walked over to where the fire had been. Aragorn and Boromir sat around it, trying to figure out how to disguise the scorch marks it had made. Ariana knelt down beside them and put her hands over the scorched earth. After about a minute, Ariana realized that, for now, only when she was near Legolas could the element of earth be used. Ariana lifted her head up and called to Legolas.

"Legolas…could you help me for a moment," she asked. Legolas nodded and walked over to her.

"What is it that you wish of me," he asked. Ariana took his hand in hers. A light reappeared in the Sillmaril around Ariana' neck. Ariana placed her free hand over where the fire had been. Instantly, a plot of thick green grass grew over the scorched earth. It looked as if the fire had never been. Aragorn and Gimli looked at one another before looking back at Ariana and grinned mischievously. It took a moment to realize why they were smiling at her like that. She was still holding Legolas' hand. Ariana immediately let go of him and stood abruptly. Aragorn couldn't help but laugh, as did Gimli.

"Now there's a pair of love birds if I've ever seen em," said Gimli, chuckling under his breath. Ariana glared at Gimli, cheeks flaming, before looking back at Legolas. He had a wry smile on his face. Ariana quickly backed away from them.

"Whatever you guys are thinking, stop thinking it," said Ariana before walking back in the direction of her room.

Ariana had gotten the door halfway closed when it stopped. Someone had placed their foot in the door. Ariana opened the door and immediately looked down at her feet. Legolas stood in front of her, a small smile on his face.

"I was sent with the apologies of the men. They…we did not mean to upset you," he said kindly. Ariana shook her head.

"I wasn't upset, I was embarrassed…they think that we have feelings for each other, and I know I haven't heard the last of this. I don't like to be teased," she said looking back up at Legolas. "But you are so good at teasing others," he said slyly. Ariana blushed a deep crimson. "So-you have no feelings for me," he said. It was more of a statement than a question. Ariana looked at him open mouthed. Had Arwen been right all along? Why was he asking her this now? In the midst of all of this? Was he seriously asking her this at all? For all of the thoughts that were going through her mind, she could not answer him…and that in it self was an answer to him.

"Legolas, we shouldn't be talking about this…this is ridiculous,"

"Yet you still haven't answered my question…do you have feelings for me Ariana?" he asked again. Ariana hadn't noticed that he had backed her up into a wall…she had no place to go.

"….What if I said yes?" Ariana asked.

"Then I would have to do this," said Legolas. His Pushed Ariana up against the wall, and, holding her in place he planted a soft kiss upon her lips. Ariana struggled not to give into the kiss but her efforts were in vain. His kiss set a fire in her soul that she had never known before. She tangled her hands into his beautiful blond hair before deepening the kiss. Suddenly, both of them were hit with an almost blinding light. They broke the kiss and looked down only to see Arianas' necklace, the Sillmaril shining like the sun. Ariana quickly pulled away, but it took a moment before the light died away. Ariana looked up at Legolas; face flushed, and shook her head.

"…We…we can't do this Legolas…we just can't…," she said before moving past him and out of the door.

Hours later, the Fellowship pulled out onto the river in grey elven boats.

As the Fellowship canoed down the river, Ariana looked back at the shore as Galadriel raised her hand in farewell. Ariana looked at the other boats and quickly spotted Legolas. She had asked to be placed in a separate boat from him, yet she still couldn't get him off of her mind. Ariana decided to leave the past in the past…they were fast approaching there next battle and Ariana knew that she needed her mind clear if she had any hope of surviving the next few months.

After two days, the Fellowship reached Parth Galen and pulled their boats onto the beach. Ariana had spent the last two days staying as far away from Legolas as possible. She knew that she could never truly rid herself of the feelings that she had for him…but lying to herself worked just as well. As they disembarked on the gravel beach of Parth Galen, Ariana noticed that Boromir looked troubled and appeared to be fighting a conflict within him. Ariana sighed sadly when she realized that he had only hours left to live. The Fellowship had started to make camp when Aragorn decided to speak.

"We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north,"

"Oh yes. It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better! Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!" said Gimli sarcastically.

"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength master dwarf." Aragorn replied.

"Recover my...? Phrrrrr…," said Gimli, sounding offended.

"We should leave now," said Legolas to Aragorn.

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness," Aragorn replied.

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near...I can feel it!"

"You are right Legolas…but we have a better chance of coming out of this approaching fight alive if we stay on this side of the river. There will be an attack no matter which side we choose…but for the moment, we can rest," said Ariana. At that moment Merry, returning with some wood for the campfire, looked around.

"Where's Frodo?" he asked. Sam, who was half-dozing, roused with a start. Aragorn looked over the camp. His gaze stopped on Boromirs' shield, lying with the baggage.

"Oh no…not this early…! Aragorn, find Frodo now! He's in danger from Boromir!" said Ariana alarmingly.

Frodo wandered into the forest. He stood by an immense stone head, lying with its side on the ground. Boromir, who was gathering wood, saw Frodo and approached him.

"None of us should wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo? I know why you seek solitude. You suffer; I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take," said Boromir

"I know what you would say. And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart," Frodo replied.

"Warning? Against what? We're all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have. Don't you see that is madness?"

"There is no other way!" yelled Frodo.

"I ask only for the strength to defend my people!" said Boromir, throwing the gathered wood to the ground. "If you would but lend me the Ring…,"

"No," Said Frodo flatly.

"Why do you recoil? I am no thief," said Boromir,"

"You are not yourself," Frodo replied.

"What chance do you think you have? They will find you! They will take the Ring and you will beg for death before the end!" yelled Boromir, growing increasingly maddened. Frodo ran in fear from Boromir. "Fool!" Boromir continued. "It is not yours save by unhappy chance. It could have been mine!" Yelled Boromir, tackling Frodo. "It should be mine! Give it to me!" he cried.

A struggle soon ensued and in a last attempt to get away, Frodo slipped on the Ring on and disappeared. He kicked Boromir and ran away into the forest.

"Frodo?" said Aragorn finding Frodo on his back near the steps of Amon Hen.

"It has taken Boromir," Frodo cried.

"Where is the Ring?" said Aragorn intensely.

"Stay away!" Frodo yelled, scrambling to retreat from Aragorn.

"Frodo! I swore to protect you!" yelled Aragorn.

"Can you protect me from yourself? Would you destroy it?" Frodo asked, showing the ring in his palm to Aragorn. Aragorn, looked at the Ring, slowly approaching Frodo with a puzzled expression. He reached out. With both hands, closing Frodo's hand over the Ring and pushing it to the hobbit's chest.

"I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor," said Aragorn.

"I know. Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand," said Frodo. It was no sooner that Aragorn had nodded to Frodo, that he saw Frodo's sword sting, glowing blue from the presence of orcs.

"Go on Frodo. Run. Run!" cried Aragorn before walking out from beneath Amon Hen to meet a troop of Uruk-Hai advancing towards him. He gave a half-smile before half-swaggering towards them, holding his sword up to his face as an acceptance to the challenge. He cut several down, but they forced him up the stairs of the Seat.

"Find the Halfling! Find the Halfling!" yelled the leader of the Uruk-Hai troop.

At that moment, Aragorn jumped into the crowd of orcs and began slicing through them. Legolas and Gimli and Ariana, who had just arrived at the battle, ran forward from behind Amon Hen. Legolas shot three Uruk-Hai with his quick bow-work, Ariana made quick work of five orcs with her spinning blades, and Gimli landed blow after blow with his axe.

"Aragorn! Go!" yelled Legolas. Ariana looked over in semi-mock shock as Merry and Pippin lead some of the orcs off of Frodo's trail. The Uruks closed in, both in front and behind. An Uruk ran toward Merry and Pippin, raising his battleaxe, but Boromir came charging in, knocking the Uruk back, and killing him with his own axe. He threw a knife at another. Legolas, Aragorn, Ariana and Gimli continued to fight the Uruk-Hai. In one smooth move, Legolas stabbed one Uruk with an arrow then shot it out at another. Gimli wielded his axe. Aragorn stabbed one behind his back. Ariana stood, learning the finer points of slicing Uruk-Hai, taking out four or five at a time with each slingshot of her blades. Legolas shot an Uruk who had closed in on Aragorn. Out of know where, three loud ox-horn blasts where heard.

"The horn of Gondor!" yelled Legolas.

The group ran down Amon Hen towards the sound, but Uruks were between them and Boromir. Boromir, who was still fighting against the mounting Uruk-Hai, blew the horn of Gondor again. "Run! Run!" he yelled to the hobbits.

Ariana watched in horror as the Uruk-Hai leader walked into view, and, lifting his bow, shot a big black arrow into Boromirs' left shoulder.

The hobbits looked at him in shock. Boromir dropped to his knees, breathing hard, and looked at the hobbits. Uruks came closer, but he gave a battle cry, rose, and swung his sword at one, who fell. The Uruk-Hai leader growled, and lifting his bow, shot again. A black arrow flew into Boromirs' stomach. He dropped to his knees again, gasping. But he swung his sword at another Uruk and got back up. The Uruk-Hai leader shot Boromir one more time, in the chest. Boromir fell on his knees and stayed there, swaying a little and blinking. Merry and Pippin looked at him, aghast and with all the courage they could muster; they took up their swords and attacked the Uruk-Hai. They never had the chance to strike. The Uruk-Hai lifted them up and carried them off. Merry and Pippin waved their arms frantically. The Uruk-Hai troop walked away from Boromir. The Uruk-Hai leader, now left alone, stopped ten feet from Boromir and took aim with his bow. Boromir swallowed and stared back at him. Just then Arianas' voice was heard.

"You will not touch him again!" She said, angrily. The Uruk-Hai leader turned to face Ariana but was to slow. Ariana waved her hand and through him hard against a big tree. He hit the ground hard, but was still moving. Ariana flipped him over and glared at him. She took out her sling blades and began to twirl them around, until they were shinning blurs, then, without warning, she flung the blades at the orc. His anguished screams could have been heard miles away. When it was all over, only pieces of the orc leader were left. The group then raced to Boromir, who was pale and bloodied, and was now lying on his back, his head close to a tree.

"No!" yelled Aragorn, kneeling near Boromir.

"They took the little ones," cried Boromir

"Be still," said Aragorn.

"Boromir…they will live….I promise you that," said Ariana. Boromir nodded to Ariana, and in that nod was the understanding that she had known of his demise and could not change it.

"Frodo, where is Frodo?" Boromir asked.

"I let Frodo go," Aragorn replied.

Ariana stepped away from Boromir and Aragorn. She bumped into Legolas, who placed a caring hand on her shoulder. Ariana turned around and hugged him tightly, tears starting to stream down her face.

"…it is not easy losing anyone…even if you know they are destined to die," said Legolas, stroking Arianas' hair.

"You…you knew...and you said nothing? Why?" Ariana asked.

"Even I know that no one should know the time of their own death…it is not natural. You did everything in your power to save him and that is all that can be asked," Legolas replied. Ariana looked up at him and gave a small, yet grim smile. He had known…all along…and he didn't condemn her for letting it happen.

Legolas looked sadly toward Aragorn and Boromir. Gimli bowed his head and turned away.

The group laid Boromir to rest in one of the boats. His sword rested with him, his shield above his head, and his cloven horn at his side. The boat slipped over the falls of Rauros, then dropped into the mists below. Gimli watched the boat disappear. Aragorn strapped on Boromirs' vambraces in his honor. Ariana touched the ground, making a patch of beautiful flowers grew in Boromirs' honor.

Legolas suddenly began pushing a boat into the river. "Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore. Aragorn stood still and said nothing. Legolas looked back at him and a look of understanding fell over his face. "You mean not to follow them," he said.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," Aragorn replied.

"Then it has all been in vain! The Fellowship has failed," said Gimli. Ariana stood and walked back towards the group.

"Nothing is ever in vain Gimli," she said.

"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some orc!" Said Aragorn triumphantly. Legolas and Gimli looked to each other, grinning.

"Yes! Ha-ha!" yelled Gimli. Aragorn ran into the woods, followed by Gimli. Legolas was about to follow them but turned back to Ariana, who was looking in the direction that Frodo had gone.

"Ariana…what is it?" he asked. Ariana turned back to him and sighed.

"It's just…the beginning," she said. Legolas nodded in understanding, and together they began the next leg of their journey.

This Chapter didn't really warrant a lot of change. I've revised it about seven times and I think this will be the finished product. Let me know how you like the progression of Ariana and Legolas' relationship. I'm not very good with details or emotion so it's an up hill battle to try to get things just right. Please review. Your comments are like air to me:p