Alassea: That's what I feared…I hope I can redeem myself with this chapter.
Elrohir lover: That's only the truth girl! Down with haughty-and-mighty Gryffindor! Anyway, no need to apologize for your English: as I said, it's not my mother-language as well and if it wasn't for Daughter of Olorin – I'll never thank her enough – this story could be worse…
And now, the show must go on…
CHAPTER IX: LAST DAYS AND DEPARTURE
Author's note:
Mole Antonelliana: symbol of the city of Turin (Italy), it's a building that resembles a tower. Have you ever seen the logo for Turin Winter Games 2006? Well, that's the Mole. More or less. No connections with furry animals, spots on human skin or breakwaters.
Frodo's eyes rose from his breakfast. His sharp Hobbit ears had detected Victoria's approaching footsteps. It was impossible not to recognize them, thanks to the strange shoes she wore. As soon as she appeared in the doorway, he realized that something was wrong. Differently from the others, he was learning how to interpret the signals Victoria gave away with her movements or with the expression of her eyes.
"Maybe it's because I watch her more often and more closely than the others…"
He had no sooner formulated that thought than a malicious voice inside his head implied that he liked watching Victoria, maybe not only watch her.
The Hobbit drove away that voice, trying to believe it had been the Ring and not a port of his own subconscious. The sounds of angry voices shook him awake from his reverie. It looked like the storm had just broken out…
Victoria barely held back an annoyed face when she saw that the "baleful dwarf" had taken her place at the Fellowship's table. She slowly walked to their table and stopped next to her usual seat, folding her arms and staring insistently at Gimli.
After long minutes – minutes that the other members of the Fellowship spent doing their best to pretend that they were not watching those two – the Dwarf raised his head to look at her face.
Gaute Victoria said very calmly, even if her eyes flashed.
Excuse me? Gimli asked, not understanding that strange word.
Gaute, go away, move over, get-out-from-under-foot. Do I have to write it or to call an interpreter?
That was a voluntary provocation, because Victoria knew perfectly well that the only language that everybody understood was that kind of English mixed with some words from the Ancient Runes, and that surely that "Common Tongue" didn't sound the slightest bit like the dialect spoken in her city, under the shadow of the Mole Antonelliana.
I didn't saw your name written upon this chair. Gimli growled back.
Well, if you insist… Victoria slid a hand in her pocket to grab her wand and whispered a spell as she shove him off the chair, letting him fall gracelessly on the ground. Then she knelt down next to the chair, took her jack-knife out form her pocket, pulled out the blade and started carving some strange signs on the wooden seat, under her fellows' astonished gaze. She dusted the seat and swept Gimli's plate, knife, fork, spoon and glass away with her arm before she sat down and started her breakfast.
Aren't you hungry today? she asked when she saw that no one, the Hobbits included, was eating.
Boromir smiled amusedly and shook his head. That girl was impossible.
As soon as Victoria left, they all immediately checked if she had really had the nerve to carve her name on an Elvish chair. If they had known her a little bit better, they wouldn't need to check. On the seat there was carved the name "Torey" in capital letters.
Frodo ran his hands through his dark curls and burst out laughing, while not even Aragorn could hold back a smile.
The rest of the day passed more or less like the others had, scanned by the preparations for the imminent departure. Yet, Victoria looked strangely far away. Boromir, that watched closely as usual, noticed it but he had to wait until sunset to talk to her alone.
He found her sat near a fountain in the garden, humming one of her strange songs.
Are you all right, Merilìs? he asked as he sat down by her side. Today you're a little bit…absentminded.
Victoria shrugged her shoulders and Boromir sighed.
It's…it's because of what happened last night, isn't it?
Well… the girl murmured … I can't say I slept well after remembering all those things…and yeah, it's connected with my memories in a certain way.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
He hesitatingly put an arm around her shoulder but the girl, instead of stiffening, leaned against him.
They stayed silent for a long time, then Victoria spoke again.
You know…I was thinking about my father. She let out a sigh. He was a good man and he did his job well…But sometimes I wonder if he ever remembered that he had a daughter.
I'm sure he did, Boromir answered, caressing her hair. No one could forget a daughter like you.
When I was a child, my father was my hero… I think all the children pass through this phase. Even if, personally, I'm not sure I ever got over it. Another sigh. You know, my father had always been… not absent, no. Distant, that's the word. He was right in front of me but at the same time I couldn't reach him, do you know what I mean?
She turned to look at him.
Perfectly.
Victoria bit down on her nail.
Maybe that's why I connected more with Draco, Mark and Adrian than with the girls down in Turin…Or why I felt so bad when Adrian wrote me that letter… She trailed off.
Maybe you're right, Merilìs… Or maybe you were closer to them than to the other maidens because they were your Housemates and the lived by your side, sharing your same experiences that other people couldn't understand.
Yet you understand me…I know it. I feel it.
Boromir half-smiled. I try. It's almost incredible, don't you think so? You world is so distant from mine, and yet in certain ways they are so close. He turned his gaze toward the dying sun. Sorrow and Evil are not so different. They are common experiences to every world, I think. Just what is outside the world's limits is deprived of them.
What is outside the world's limits…Do you mean a kind of Hereafter?
I do. Elves don't die when their time comes, they travel over the sea…I think there's a kind of Refuge for us Men as well, somewhere.
Victoria frowned and Boromir cast her a worried glance. The girl shook her head.
That's nothing. It's just that… well, I guess I'm more far away from home than what I thought. She closed her eyes and, thinking about what Boromir had just told her, she whispered a phrase that had stuck inside her mind like a flash of light. "Verily I say unto thee, Today thou shalt be with me in Heaven"… She reopened her eyes and she saw the warrior of Minas Tirith looking at her confusedly. That's a quote from the Gospel, the holy book of my religion.
I see…
Victoria's eyes stopped on the mountains that surrounded Rivendell.
Boromir… if something happened to me, if I died in this quest…or even if I survived and I had to stay here for the rest of my days…well…do you think I'll go there as well?
In the…heaven you were talking about?
I don't know what its exact name is… she shrugged her shoulders The Bible calls it so, but the Bible – even if it's the Book of God – had been written by men. Whatever its name is, there must be a place, even undefined, where there are my father and my mother and Draco, Mark, Adrian, Cathy, Isobel, Shaun, Caroline, Kevin, Blaise, all my schoolmates from Slytherin… But will I go there as well? Will I be able to reach it?
Boromir hesitated in front of those eyes that stared at him full of hope. He badly wanted to tell her she would, but he couldn't, he didn't know much about those kind of things…If only Faramir had been there, surely he would have known how to answer her question. A lie, even if it was told with good deeds, would have been useless, so his answer could be nothing but the truth.
I cannot tell you, rei neién. I can just hope that it shall happen.
It's my fault, I shouldn't have asked a question no one can answer… Victoria murmured, hugging herself.
I cannot tell you anything, Merilìs…But maybe somebody else can.
Who?
Gandalf, for example. Or Legolas. In the end, he's an Elf. His kin was favored y the Valar and he spent more time on this Earth than you can imagine.
Victoria shrugged her shoulders. Yeah, maybe I'll ask it to Legolas…
By the tone she said it, Boromir understood that with "maybe" she meant "never," so he added, I'm sure he would be glad to talk with you about this problem.
Another shrugging of shoulders came from her. She looked so sad, so lost, that the Man couldn't help but caress her hair, like he used to do with his little brother when they were children.
Do not, despair, Merilìs. Remember, you are not alone.
Victoria smiled at him. Beside sword-wielding, you should teach me Gondor local speech! You keep on calling me with words that I don't understand and it kinda gets on my nerves.
I have no problem with this.
Good. So, would you mind telling me what "Merilìs" means? I noticed that you use it very often…
Boromir let out a small sigh. It means "morning star" and it comes from the union of "Mérin," morning, and "lìs," star.1
And why did you chose to call me so?
The morning star is the last one that leaves the sky. And you are the last one of he Lost House of Slytherin.
Not to say that I don't die so easily.
I hope so. She turned to look at him and he took her hands. I want you to be safe.
Victoria smiled wordlessly. The dinner-call rang.
Come on, said the warrior, rising. They're waiting for us.
What a bore, it's so comfortable here…
Come on, you lazy girl! Boromir replied, smiling. Suddenly he bent down and, after grabbing her, he launched her over his shoulder.
Hey, let me go! she shrieked, struggling. Do you think I'm a sack? Put me down! I can walk on my own!
Now, don't whimper
Victoria tried uselessly to free herself from his iron grip. Then she tried to punch him on his back, obtaining more or less the same results. Truth to be told, she wasn't really putting up a fight. Her blows would have left no mark and she was about to burst out laughing, even she tried to hide it. Along the corridors, they passed near Legolas. Seeing the Elf's puzzled and scandalized face, the young witch couldn't hold back anymore and let out a resonant, vibrant laughter. Afraid he would hurt her, Boromir put her down with some difficulties caused by her laughter. Still laughing, they entered the great hall side by side and sat down at the Fellowship's table. Victoria started helping herself with some Elvish food and then moved as to pass the dish to Boromir, who stopped her.
Don't you think you eat too little food?
When we're on the road, you'll be glad that I don't eat much, she replied, turning to stare insistently at Merry and Pippin, who lowered their gaze. Every time they saw Victoria, they felt bad for the prank they had pulled on her. It had been Merry's idea to disguise themselves as Black Knights and lock her on the balcony to make her pay for the bad figure they had cut when she had scolded them in front of half Rivendell. They didn't think she would have reacted that way. As if it hadn't been enough, then, Frodo hadn't forgiven them yet and he constantly bugged them to make them apologize.
Now, now, said the warrior of Minas Tirith filling Victoria's plate. This is probably the last decent meal you'll have in a while…
The fact that this is a "decent meal" is definitely an opinion… Victoria replied as she made a face and started salting her food.
Why, what's the matter with Elvish food? Legolas asked.
Do you want the truth? It's totally tasteless
The Elf opened his eyes wide. Tasteless?!
It's like being in the Hospital Wing! How can you compare it with spaghetti or lasagne or bagna cauda2?
Lasagne? Sam couldn't help, and soon the Hobbit and the witch were engrossed in a culinary discussion.
Frodo listened to their exchange of advices, opinions and recipes without averting his gaze from Victoria. He didn't even realize he had finished the food in his plate, so concentrated he was on the girl's face, her smiling eyes behind the two usual locks of dark hair, her red cheeks… Suddenly, he pulled himself together.
"What I am thinking about! We're about to leave for an important mission and I indulge in these thoughts? Congratulations, I'm really a responsible Ring Bearer!"
Gandalf couldn't hold back a fatherly smile. He knew perfectly well what was happening in the young Hobbit's mind and heart.
The last day passed almost too quickly. That evening, after dinner, Lord Elrond summoned the whole Fellowship in one of the halls of Rivendell. When Victoria arrived, she discovered disappointedly that all the seats had already been taken. She narrowed her eyes and watched the others behind her locks of hair. She was ready to bet that they had done it purposely. She approached them calmly and then she sat down in Boromir's lap freely and easily, astonishing everybody, first of all the warrior of Minas Tirith. Boromir started staring insistently at her, trying to keep a straight and stern face. Feeling his gaze, Victoria turned to look at him and raised her eyebrows, as she had been asking "Is-there-something-wrong-?"
Comfortable? the Man asked her, folding his arms.
Yeah, please, the girl replied, turning again and leaning herself against him.
Those words and that scene made them all burst out laughing, Dwarf and Elf included.
You are terrible, Merilìs, Boromir remarked as soon as he recovered from his fits of laughter.
Victoria smiled evilly. I know!
She moved as to stand up, but Boromir put an arm around her waist, stopping her.
You aren't going to sit on the floor, are you? she nodded and he added. Stay, you don't bother me.
Are you sure? If I hurt your legs, tell me and I move away…
Don't you worry, you are light as a feather.
Elrond and Gandalf's arrival cut off the conversation and Victoria re-adjusted herself, leaning against Boromir.
Frodo's laughter hadn't join the others'. He had felt that strange fire eating him up from inside again, like the previous evening when he had seen them together. He didn't trust Boromir, he really couldn't manage it. On the other hand, Victoria did trust him, maybe too much… The warrior of Minas Tirith was much larger than him, and yet Frodo had swore to himself that if Boromir had ever tried to hurt Victoria, he would have had to pass over the blade of his fateful sword Sting first. A movement above their heads, near the ceiling, had caught Frodo's attention. He had seen Duke, Victoria's hawk, roosted on a beam, staring at the men who surrounded his mistress quite unfriendly. Frodo had turned his gaze back to the young witch and he had seen her whispering with Boromir. He had cast a brief glance to the hawk and his eyes had returned to the girl.
"He cares for you as well, Victoria. He wants to protect you too."
Gandalf and Elrond had arrived and Frodo's reverie and all the whispering had been interrupted.
The two wise men explained which direction they were going to take: first on the West side of the Misty Mountains, then through the Gap of Rohan and finally they would turn Eastwards, toward Mordor.
All those names didn't mean a thing to Victoria, who started toying absentmindedly with the button on the left cuff of her blouse. Unfortunately, the thread that held the button had been consumed by washings and chose right that moment to break. Victoria found herself with the button in her hand and the arm half-uncovered.
…Any questions? Lord Elrond asked in the end.
Victoria raised her left hand, uncaring of the unbuttoned sleeve.
Speak, Lady Victoria, the lord of Rivendell sighed, as if he had known what that saucy girl had in mind.
Can I go to the toilette? she asked as if she was at school.
The men of the Fellowship of the Nine (plus One) tried to hide or to choke down their laughter as Elrond nodded, looking quite annoyed.
Go, he told her, and from his voice it was clear that he would have gladly told her to go to Hell.
Thanks, Victoria stood up and walked toward the door. As she walked by, she met Frodo's gaze and winked at him.
After a few minutes, she came back. Elrond had already left and the others were quietly chatting.
You have been quite fast to go to the privy and come back. Legolas noticed with a strange smile, folding his arms.
Who said I went to the privy? she replied, sitting down on an empty chair and lighting a cigarette. It was just to annoy Lord Elrond, she explained, smiling back at Legolas.
Excuse me, Vicky, but…What's that thing on your arm? Frodo asked, getting to his feet and coming near her.
Where? Victoria asked, then she understood Oh, this!
Victoria rolled up her left sleeve. From elbow to wrist, her arm was covered with the drawing of a strange animal, which was hard understand what it was.
What's this?
Don't you see it? It's a dragon! Pippin said, peering over Frodo's shoulder to have a better look.
It looks more like a snake to me, Merry remarked.
You're both right, Victoria explained, shifting her arm so they could have a better view. It's a Chinese Dragon-snake. It cost me a lot of money, but the result was more than satisfying…
It cost you? Legolas repeated, not understanding what she meant. Signs of this sort usually are carried from birth…But I must admit that I have never seen such a drawing before, he added, studying it. The dragon began at her elbow and wrapped around Victoria's forearm to the wrist, not leaving a single millimeter of skin uncovered.
This is a tattoo…A kind of…well, let's call it "embroidery." In the end, it's the same principle.
You mean that…that you had your own arm embroidered?! Boromir cried out, shocked.
Well, you see…I just wanted to take a small precaution.
Against what? Aragorn inquired.
Victoria grazed her tattoo with her fingertips. You see…In my world, the Death Eaters are branded with the Dark Mark, a kind of hidden tattoo that disappeared, so no one noticed it. V…the Dark Lord of my world chose a skull with a snake that came out of its mouth. She lowered her gaze. That's why I have this. Because I felt like doing it…And because so I'll never be able to receive the Dark Mark, even if I fell under the Imperius Course. This tattoo has been made in the Muggle way, "embroidering" the skin. They can't place another one upon it, not even by magic.
Wasn't there any other way? Boromir asked. I mean, getting that…thing must have been painful, judging how it was made and the space that covers…
Well…truth to be told, it hurt like Hell, but it was worth it.
You chose a strange subject… Frodo murmured, softly grazing her tattoo, almost afraid to hurt her …didn't you? He rose his gaze to meet her eyes.
It's a double symbol, not to forget – a snake because this animal is the symbol of the Lost House of Slytherin, a dragon because that's what "Draco" means in the ancient tongue of my country.
I see, the Hobbit nodded, feeling a strange pang of sadness and envy in his heart.
Boromir came near the girl and laid a hand on her shoulder. He felt that it wasn't over yet.
Victoria smiled sadly. Draco was a year older than me and I used to call him a "lucky bastard" because he would have left school before me… She sighed. We used to say that the last school day would have been something memorable, apart from the "Seventh Year Party" – that probably, thanks to the Gryffindors and the others, we wouldn't enjoy much nonetheless. Draco, Adrian, Mark and I knew some secret passages to sneak out of school secretly and, needless to say, we used them often.
Wasn't it…let's say "very against the rules"? Legolas asked.
You can bet your life, Victoria replied calmly, lighting the second cigarette and taking deep drag.But what can I say…We Slytherins aren't exactly famous for sticking to the rules, especially Gryffindors' rules… A strange light flashed in her eyes. …And then, what's so fun in following the rules?
And then what happened? Pippin asked, curious.
Well…We kept on sneaking out after Mark and Adrian left as well. Her eyes filled with tears, and certainly it wasn't because of the smoke. Draco and I used to say that when he graduated, we would sneak away from school and from that boring party and we would have hung around and had fun on our own.
What would have you do? asked Aragorn, who didn't trust their concept of fun.
We said that we would dance until we dropped on the floor exhausted and drink until we roll under the table, all drunk… She closed her eyes, trying to drive the tears back. …but we never did it.
She searched in her pockets and pulled out the packet of cigarettes again, watching it closely as if she had never seen one in her whole life. Finally, she put it back, resolving to help herself for the third time.
We planned to do the same for my graduation – that would have taken place this year.
It means that you won't be able to get your diploma, since you're here. Frodo realized.
Victoria shrugged her shoulders. Probably I wouldn't get it nonetheless. We're in October and the school year ends in June. It's a lot of time to spend at Hogwarts… She frowned. …And nobody ever said I would have reached graduation. Not whole, at least, if I know my schoolmates.
Don't you think you're exaggerating, girl? Gimli spoke up, earning himself a dirty look from Boromir, Frodo and Legolas and making Victoria shrug her shoulders again.
You weren't there, Gimli. You weren't there when they slaughtered my Housemates. You didn't have to endure their insults and their accusations unable to shoot back or you risked to end up more in trouble than you already were. You weren't ambushed and beaten to a pulp "by unknown persons" in the privy.
Don't tell me they had the nerve to such a thing! said Aragorn, astonished, as Boromir stiffened visibly and Frodo opened and closed his mouth, unable to say a word. Legolas and Gandalf watched the girl sadly and Merry, Sam and Pippin couldn't help but feel guilty.
How do you think I got this? Victoria said, pointing at a scar on her left eyebrow, broken by a punch. Certainly not bumping into a door.
Dear Valar… Boromir murmured, hanging his head and squeezing her shoulder tightly.
Victoria stared at the floor, but, after a few moments, she forced herself to recover.
Okay. I think it's enough. Goodnight to everyone.
Victoria rose and walked toward the door, but somebody caught her by the hem of her sweater. She lowered her gaze and met Merry and Pippin's eyes, full of tears.
I'm sor-ry, Vicky, Pippin sobbed, hugging her and bursting into tears.
For…for the prank we pulled on you. We shouldn't have locked you up on the balcony… Merry murmured trying to keep his self-control but with little success.
Victoria smiled. Frodo felt his soul trembling inside of him. By the Valar, how pretty she was when she smiled…But she was always pretty.
It doesn't matter, guys. There was no way you could know it and then I know that you didn't want to hurt me, she said, hugging them.
So…you forgive us? Pippin asked, almost not daring to hope.
Of course! she replied, ruffling their hair. Now, it's better if you go to bed. Tomorrow will be a hard day.
The two Hobbits wished them all goodnight and walked to their rooms. Victoria turned to look at the others over her right shoulder. I'm speaking to you as well…
The group broke and everyone went to his or her own room.
On entering hers, Victoria decided to check the backpack with her things again. She had just finished her task when somebody knocked on her door. She answered and found herself face to face with a quite embarrassed Boromir.
Is everything okay? Victoria asked, stepping aside and letting him in. Troubles in sight? If you're here to convince me to stay…
Oh, I abandoned all hope of managing to persuade you long ago!
Just that, I hope. Boromir didn't reply. Do you wish to talk to me? The girl asked, coming near him.
More or less…You turned seventeen a month ago, didn't you?
She nodded. Exactly a month ago. Why?
Well, I imagine that you didn't celebrate much…And since turning seventeen means coming of age in your parts, then… He didn't end hi sentence and handed her a packet. It took Victoria some seconds to link everything together and come back to her senses.
But Boromir, you didn't have to…
Come on, open it.
Curious, the girl untied the ribbon and unwrapped the paper. Her mouth fell open when she found herself holding a small crown in her hands.
Boromir, are you out of mind? You can't give me such a gift!
Well, one's daughter coming of age doesn't exactly happen every day. He let it slip.
It doesn't mat…Sorry, what did you just call me?
Daughter… he answered, lowering his eyes.
Victoria came near him and gently forced him to raise his gaze. Then she smiled at him.
Well, now I can tell you without feeling an idiot…Boromir, since I arrived here you've been the closest thing to a father I've ever had.
You see… Boromir started, gently taking the chaplet from her hands and slipping it around her head, on her forehead. …this coronet has belonged to my family for many generations, since before the King left Gondor. As the horn is passed down to the older son, this chaplet was passed to the daughters, who wore it until they married. He took a couple of steps back to get a better view of her. It does suit you well.
Boromir… I can't accept such a gift. Victoria moved as to take it off, but he stopped her.
I want you to have it. It must stay in the family.
Victoria threw her arms around his neck, hugging him as tight as she could. Sometimes I wonder what I would do without you… she whispered against his shoulder. I love you.
I love you too, élif neién. Seeing her puzzled look, he added It means "my daughter".
Victoria smiled amusedly. Does it mean that I can start calling you "dad" from now?
If you wish… He didn't say that he would be glad if she did so.
Okay…dad. She giggled nervously You know, I've just realized that I never called "dad" my, ehm, "real" father.
Well…Neither Faramir and I called "dad" ours.
Our parents weren't exactly there for us, eh? Victoria sighed.
Aye. This time it was him who take her in his arms. Remember, Victoria: whatever happens, I will always be there for you, understand?
Victoria nodded, than something came into her mind. B…dad?
Aye?
Would you mind calling me "Torey"?
Torey? he repeated.
She nodded again. Draco used to call me like that…I liked it, more than my full name.
All right…Torey, He kissed her forehead. Tais rei neién…My child, He broke the embrace. Do not forget it.
I won't.
He smiled at her. Now I must go. I kept you awake for too long. Sleep tight, dilàrlis. [Author's note: "little star"]
'Night.
Victoria heard the door closing and sat down on the armchair next to the fireplace, thinking. A sigh left her lips. For the first time in years she felt safe, at home. She couldn't help but smile joyfully. Her hands raised to her forehead and slowly she took off the chaplet and studied it at the firelight. It was a thin but robust circle of silver, with a tiny silver wire wrapped around in a spiral.
Silver… she murmured, grazing the coronet with a finger, as if afraid to spoil it. …just like one of my House colors.
Victoria rose and walked into her bedchamber. From her trunk she took one of her white and green Slytherin scarves she had decided to leave there and wrapped it around the chaplet. Then she put the bundle in the backpack she was going to carry with her. In spite of the dangerous mission that was waiting for them, she felt her heart light as it had never been.
She fell asleep with a smile upon her face, which hadn't happened in a long time.
…I bet she's still sleeping! Gimli the Dwarf grumbled as they left the hall where they had had their last breakfast. He was talking about Victoria, who was outstanding in her absence.
You have no proof to say so, master Dwarf. Boromir replied, even if deep down he thought that he was right and placed the blame upon himself for that. Probably Victoria was getting back the sleep he had made her lose the previous night.
Gandalf was about to intervene, but right in that moment they came out in the main court and a voice brusquely rebuked them.
It was about time! Victoria cried out, raising from the wall she was leaning against. To be nobles you have a concept of punctuality absolutely depreciable. Didn't mama tell you that it's not polite let a lady wait?
What lady? Legolas shot back grinning. Victoria made a face at him. If it had been Gimli to say such a thing, she would have transformed him into a snail, at least. With Legolas, things had gone better during the last days. Now, Victoria treated him like every girl treats her older brother – teasing him and reminding him that he was "too old for this kind of things" (and she was quite right, since the Elf was about 2914 years older then her). Obviously, Legolas repaid her attentions completely.
I've been waiting for you for twenty minutes, Victoria said glaring at them and tapping her watch with her index.
Sorry, Frodo apologized for everyone.
Lord Elrond, Arwen and her brothers Elladan and Elrohir arrived to say goodbye to the departing Fellowship. It took Arwen about ten minutes to recover from the "Cross rib-crashing hug" that Victoria gave her. Aragorn and she couldn't say goodbye but with their eyes only, but one of those looks was worth a thousand words.
Good, we may go, Gandalf said finally. Let us leave.
They left Rivendell and set out on the road.
They met the first obstacle sooner than they thought. To leave, they had to cross a stone bridge that leaned on the two riverbanks without any pillar of sort. The Fellowship had just crossed it when they realized that Victoria was still on the other bank. Still as a statue and pale, she stared at the bridge and at the river with her eyes wide with fear, hardly breathing.
Frodo watched her. He wanted to help her, but he didn't know what to do…He didn't know anyone who suffered of vertigo like that. A dark spot moved out of the corner of his eye. Boromir was crossing the bridge. He laid an hand on Victoria's shoulder, awakening her from her trance. The two humans spoke quietly for a few minutes, than the girl nodded. Boromir moved by her side and lifted her up in his arms as if she had been weightless, then carried her across the bridge.
Frodo kept his eyes on the young witch. He saw the way she put an arm around the warrior's neck, how she buried her face against his shoulder as they passed over the bridge…How he wished to be the one who carried in his arms like, the one who hold her close…
The two arrived safe and sound. Boromir put Victoria down.
Thanks, the girl murmured, embarrassed.
It was a pleasure. the Man replied smiling at her and taking up his shield.
They resumed their walking. A screeching verse ripped the air. Victoria raised her head and smiled when she saw Duke, her hawk, flying in the sky above them.
1 "Merilìs means "morning star" etcetera: I know, it sounds Mary-Sueish. But remember this detail: usually, everybody knows Mary-Sue as "Morning Star" and calls her so, while Boromir is and will always be the only one who calls Victoria with this nickname.
2 "bagna cauda": Name untranslatable. It's a kind of typical Piedmontese soup, made with garlic and anchovy…