Senshi of books: Truth to be told, I should thank for that's one of the best compliments I've ever had. I'm glad I've been useful, somehow…
Empress Guinevere Sparrow: Thank you, I'm really glad you liked this trait of her personality for some did not…
CHAPTER X: SOUTHWARD
How do you fare, little soldier? Boromir asked as he came near the young witch during a break.
I'm still on my own feet, Victoria replied, smiling at him.
The Man bent down to ruffle her hair.
Come on, get up, said Gandalf, picking up his staff. I wish to go further before darkness falls.
Yes, sir,. Victoria replied, throwing on the ground the cigarette she was smoking and stubbing it under her heel.
Things were going quite well by now, but nobody knew how long it would last.
Boromir, Aragorn Gimli and Legolas – especially Legolas – kept their eyes and their ears open wide, ready to intercept any suspicious noise. Apart from Bill the pony, the only other animal in the Fellowship was Duke, who usually soared above their heads or simply stayed roosted on Victoria's shoulder, coming and going whenever he wanted. The witch often joked about herself being more a perch than a master to Duke.
Legolas turned to Aragorn. Somebody is watching us.
Aragorn nodded, his blue eyes scanning the sky and the plain.
Suddenly, Duke took off from Victoria's shoulder, flying towards a group of trees ahead of them. They heard the hawk letting out his cry, immediately followed by another bird's cheeping. Victoria stopped walking, astonished. She saw a kind of pigeon fly out from the trees, wounded, and turning North-Eastward, but it was immediately attacked by a dark, fast shadow…Duke. Victoria tried to whistle, but the hawk ignored her. It had never happened before. When Duke came back, his claws were stained with blood.
What the heck is the matter with you? Victoria hissed.
Don't be harsh to him, Enchantress, Gandalf said, watching closely what was left of the other animal. I'm almost sure that it was the spy Legolas and Aragorn were talking about.
Really? Victoria asked, bewildered. Gandalf nodded and she turned to the hawk. Well, if that's why you did it…good job, boy, she said, stroking his feathers.
So, they're already spying on us… Boromir murmured, worried. His gaze shifted from the young witch to the two youngest Hobbits.
Why didn't you tell us anything? Gimli asked, staring at Legolas warily.
We didn't want to alarm the enemy, the Elf replied, almost daring him to doubt his words.
Here we go… Victoria muttered, quickening her pace. She didn't want to get tangled into one of Legolas and Gimli's unending discussions.
About four hours later, they set up a camp. They were all tired –except maybe Legolas – but the weariest were the Hobbits and Victoria. The young witch had done her best to ignore the fatigue and her aching feet and keep on moving. As soon as they stopped, the first thing she did was taking off the trainers she wore. They were comfortable, but after all that walking her feet felt like two omelets. She lit up a cigarette to relax a little, covering the flame with her hand.
They didn't risk lighting a fire for their dinner. They had gotten rid of a spy, but there could be others around. They ate a cold meal and then the watches were assigned. This brought up an argument between Victoria and the rest of the Fellowship, because she wanted to do her part as well by also keeping watch, which went against Boromir and the others' judgment. After long minutes of heated discussion, Victoria gave in.
Okay, okay, I give up! If even Billy Yank and Johnny Reb teamed up against me, then… she cried out, waving toward Aragorn and Boromir.
Why did you call them so? Frodo asked as Victoria sat down next to him.
The girl sighed and started explaining. Once, in a Country of my world, a civil war broke out between the North and the South. The typical soldier of the North was Billy Yank, from "Yankee," while the typical soldier of the South was Johnny Reb, from "Rebel"…Boromir comes from the South and is quite passionate, while Mister What's-his-name spent his life with the people of the North…Does it make any sense to you?
Aye, it does. Frodo nodded, a slight smile upon his lips.
Hey, if I had known it, I would have told you about my little nicknames sooner!
If you had known what?
That they would have made you smile, the girl replied. Your smile is beautiful, you should smile more often.
Frodo looked away, not noticing that Victoria had blushed also.
The girl yawned. Well, I'll go to sleep. 'Night everybody
Sleep tight, Merilìs, Boromir said, half-smiling.
You too, Johnny Reb. Have a nice watch, Billy Yank, she added turning to the Ranger, who had the first watch.
The Hobbits couldn't help but giggling.
The next day was even harder. To keep her own moral high and scan the pace, Victoria had started singing to herself. She was very off key, but it was always a distraction in that perilous journey. The only one who wasn't the slightest bit happy about it was obviously Gimli. It looked like he had something to say about everything. That was why Victoria called him "Grumpy," which made him grumpier still.
Why on Middle-Earth are you always singing? What reason do you have to sing so? he asked, cutting her off in the middle of the chorus of a song.
Victoria looked at him seriously. I sing 'cause I have no reason at all to do so, she said in a voice they had never heard before from her, a voice that sounded serious and sensible at the same time. Before the Dwarf could reply, Victoria passed him by and moved ahead on the queue.
Frodo slowed down a little, falling in the back of the line and ending up by her side.
I didn't mind you singing…Indeed, I kind of liked it.
The girl thanked him with a small smile.
You two, try not to remain behind, Gandalf called them.
Sir, yes, sir, Headmaster, Victoria shouted back at him, quickening her pace.
You have found a nickname for everyone… Frodo said that evening, as he sat down next to Victoria. After Grumpy, Headmaster, Billy Yank and Johnny Reb, what shall we expect from you?
Well, there's Hawkeye, she replied, nodding toward Legolas. Then we have your cousins Dork and Dorkest. Frodo laughed faintly at her words. And Sam…well, he's Sam.
And who am I?
You…you're Frodo blue-eyes.
The Hobbit blushed deeply. We should find a nickname for you as well… he said out loud for the others to hear.
You can call me as you like… Victoria said, shrugging her shoulders. When I was at Hogwarts, they used to call me many names and the kindest was "filthy snake." I leave the other ones to your imagination…
You are not in Hogwarts now. Frodo laid a hand on her arm. And you won't get back there.
Victoria smiled at him, praying he wouldn't notice how red she had become or how fast her heart beat.
The journey became harder and harder. The evening of the fifth day Victoria was so tired that she refused to have dinner and laid down to sleep immediately.
Poor girl, she must be exhausted , but I haven't heard her complaining yet, Legolas noted.
Boromir, watching Victoria's blanket raising and falling in time with her soft breathing, muttered something about Slytherin pride.
"I hope she'll get her rest…Valar, she is so pretty when she sleeps. She looks so undefended…" Frodo thought as he watched her.
In that moment, he noticed that Duke had landed on a rock nearby, almost watching over his master.
The next evening, because of the chilly air, Gandalf agreed to light a small fire. The Hobbits were about to drop on the ground out of weariness, but the thought of a hot meal was enough to wake them up a little bit. It couldn't be told the same about Victoria: she was so tired that she fell asleep with her mouth full.
Boromir, who sat next to her, bent down over her and tried to call her a couple of times without results. He had to grab her by the shoulders her and shake her awake forcefully.
Eh, who-what-where-how? the girl muttered, cracking her eyes open.
You fell asleep, Torey, the Man of Minas Tirith explained.
Ah.
A couple of bites later, he had to shake her again, for she had fallen right into Morpheus' arms.
The third time Victoria put down her plate and leaned on Boromir's shoulder. In about thirty seconds her breathing had become deep and regular and an earthquake probably wouldn't have woken her.
I won't wake her, Boromir clarified in a low voice after looking at her peaceful and relaxed face.
He put down his bowl and managed to get on his feet and lift the sleeping girl in his arms without waking her up. He carried her to her improvised pallet and put her down gently, as if he had been afraid to break her. He hadn't realized that the other members of the Fellowship were watching his every move, so worried he was not to wake her and not to hurt her. He laid her down on the big blanket she had brought, place the cloak she still wore tightly around her body and covered her carefully with what was left of the blanket, not to let her catch a cold.
Victoria shifted in her sleep, laying a hand on her backpack that she used as a pillow. Boromir was a crude warrior from the South, hardened by the fire of hundreds of battles against Sauron's forces, and yet, as he watched that sleeping girl, he felt a great wave of tenderness invading him.
Acting out of instinct, as he often did, he bent down to kiss her brows. Victoria turned on her side and reached out a hand to him, murmuring a foreign word.
Pap…
Boromir smiled. Victoria had told him that in her native tongue that was an informal way to say "father." He held her small hand between his owns.
I'm here, rei neién…And I'm not going anywhere. He whispered.
Victoria smiled in her sleep. She did look like a child. The Man of Minas Tirith gently stroked her hair, then he rose and went back to the others.
Boromir had the fourth and last watch. The night was peaceful and quiet, everything looked all right. The only sounds were Gimli's snoring and his other sleeping companion's deep breathing. Suddenly, he heard another noise. It sounded like a choked moan, like somebody who couldn't breathe… Boromir jumped to his feet and came near his sleeping companions, trying to understand who had let out that sound. A sudden movement caught his attention. He turned around and saw Victoria tossing and turning in her sleep. Another painful moan left her lips and Boromir was immediately by her side. Victoria's fist clenched and unclenched, as if she was trying to hold something or somebody who was slipping away, and Boromir, remembering his brother's nightmares, held her hands between his owns. He leaned over her to whisper comforting words and finally, after long minutes, the girl calmed down. The warrior sat beside her, watching over her sleep until dawn, caressing her hair from time to time.
Boromir, it's your turn to wake Victoria up, Aragorn announced in the morning.
How come that it's always my turn? Boromir argued, faking a glare.
Because you don't care to risk to have a shoe thrown at you, Legolas answered him, remembering what had happened three days before when it had been his turn to wake the witch up. It had been only thanks to his Elven reflexes that he had managed to dodge the trainer Torey had thrown against him.
All right, I'll go Boromir mumbled, raising and approaching the girl.
Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin ran to get a place where they could enjoy the show safely. Objectively speaking, "Torey's wake" wasn't such a news, but it amused them nonetheless.
Boromir knelt down next to the girl and stared calling her gently
Torey…Torey, wake up, it's time…
Victoria turned wordlessly on her other side, covering herself with her blanket.
Come on, don't be such a child. It's time to go
Nothing.
If you don't get up immediately, I'll throw a bucket of icy water over you, and you know I'm going to do it, Boromir threatened her.
Five minutes… Victoria mumbled, turning on her back without opening her eyes.
Just one, the Man replied.
The girl cracked an eye open: One? No way. I said five.
Do you want me to tear that blanket away? One minute, not a second more.
Four. She opened the other eye too.
No way. Two is all I can give you, he said firmly.
Four or nothing, Victoria argued.
I said two.
Four, she insisted.
Two and half, he offered.
Never! she cried out
Then you get up immediately.
No!
Yes!
I won't go below four.
I'll let you three minutes. Take it or leave it
I'll take it, Victoria surrendered, dropping back on her backpack.
A wise decision, Boromir agreed, raising and walking away.
After a couple of steps, he stopped and looked at her over his shoulder, grinning
Hey Torey… Two have already passed.
Go to Hell, Johnny Reb!
Boromir and the others laughed. The show was repeated every morning with little differences in the script, but it was always a funny scene.
They quickly ate their breakfast, then Gandalf put on his hat.
Well… he started, but Victoria cut him off. We know. Okay, guys, it's time to leave.
During the march, Boromir came near Victoria.
Did you sleep well last night, Merilìs?
More or less… the girl answered. At first it was okay, I even dreamt about… she trailed off, blushing.
Your father? Boromir asked, trying to hide the faint sadness that filled his heart.
No. You. She turned to look at him, confused. I dreamt that you carried me in your arms and put me to sleep…and you told me you weren't going anywhere. She averted her eyes to the horizon, avoiding his gaze. My father had never done such a thing for me, not even when I was a child. If I fell asleep somewhere, he shook me awake. Boromir laid a hand on her shoulder and she turned to him. That wasn't just a dream…was it?
No, it wasn't.
Victoria smiled.
What happened then? he asked her.
She shrugged her shoulders. I had a strange nightmare but I don't feel like talking about it. It was as if…as if all the bad things that happened in my life had mixed into a unique dream. It isn't the first time I dreamed about my past, but…I've never had a dream like that, all together. She folded her arms, holding them tightly against her chest. …It's so weird...
Boromir hesitated. I do not know what to say, Merilìs…I know not what could have caused you that nightmare. Maybe it was the tension and the worry for our journey.
Probably… She shrugged her shoulders. But it was just a dream. And now it passed.
They kept on walking in silence. Later, when the Fellowship set out again after a short midday break, Boromir and Victoria were separated. Victoria walked in the front of the line, occasionally exchanging a few words with Frodo, while Boromir was in the rear with Aragorn.
Hearing a familiar cry, Victoria raised her eyes toward the sky to watch the majestic fly of the hawk with a faint smile upon her lips.
Vicky…
The girl started, turning around to look at Legolas as she muttered curses against the light feet of the Elves.
Is coming up behind my back like that so funny? Suddenly, she realized that his face was very serious. What's up? Any trouble?
I couldn't help but overhearing the conversation you had with Boromir… he said.
I shouldn't call you "Hawkeye," I should call you "Radar" just like Patil the gossiper… she remarked.
Legolas ignored her remark. I wish to talk with you about that strange dream…And don't tell me that it was just a dream because you don't believe it as well. I know you have been thinking about it for the whole day…And I know it isn't the first nightmare you have had. The girl threw him a puzzled glance and he added, You had one two nights ago during my watch.
I see. What do you want to know? she asked, admitting defeat.
I don't want to know anything. I just want to warn you. I have reason to believe that your bad dreams are caused by the voice of the Ring.
Victoria looked away, gazing at the far away mountains. I hear many voices in my dreams…But I've never heard the Ring's and I can grant you that it's a not voice that can be easily mistaken.
The Ring can mask its own voice very well…And if It didn't speak to you directly, It may have used one of its mysterious powers. I know it. I felt it.
There's no way to avoid that Goddamned thing, is there?
The Elf shook his head. I fear there is not. But you must be on your guard, Victoria. I believe that the Ring is speaking to another person, but with a different propose than giving him nightmares.
Automatically, Victoria's eyes fell over Frodo, but Legolas spoke again immediately. No. Not him.
Then who…?
Think about it. Who is the most probable candidate? he replied.
The girl turned toward the end of the line. Her eyes fell on the figure of a Man who carried a big shield on his back.
Boromir… She turned to Legolas Are you sure? Absolutely and mathematically sure?
No. It's just a feeling, a suspicion…But you must keep your eyes open. And be careful, all right?
Be careful about what exactly? she asked
Not to be too involved. He laid a hand on her shoulder. I don't want you to suffer.
Victoria would have almost preferred not believing him. She opened her mouth to reply, but she found herself looking at him in his eyes. What she saw there reflected all his sincerity. She couldn't do anything but nod. Legolas nodded back at her and walked away, but she barely realized it. She turned to look at Boromir over her shoulder and then raised her eyes toward the sky, looking for Duke. She let out that particular whistle and the predacious bird flew down on her arm ready to greet him. Victoria started caressing his feathers, but her mind was a thousand miles away, it had come back to her world. She thought about a boy of sixteen who once had kissed her and told her he loved her. She thought about a boy of sixteen who had fought on his own against everyone and finally had fallen, fallen but not in the Shadow. But the gap he had left was big, a lot bigger then the one left by Adrian, who had fallen in the same darkness that Draco had always fought. Yes, Draco would have always come first in her thoughts…For no reason but being the first victim of the Shadow she had known and who had suffered the most. He had been the most important person of her whole life. And looking at Duke, she really couldn't help but thinking about Draco. For no reason but Duke being all Draco had left her, apart from the memories she kept in her heart and sometimes hurt.
Victoria turned on her side. That was useless, she couldn't sleep. She had walked all day, fought with the dwarf a couple of times and she was tired. Yet she couldn't fall asleep and she knew perfectly why.
Some of her Housemates – like Ralph Sinclair, Helena Sheldom, Caryson Denham and Martha Tabrann – never managed to sleep before an exam because of their nervousness, while to others – Ianto Dawson, Roger Wong, Sheryl Steel, Blaise Zabini, Shaun Hillray – it happened before a Quidditch match. To all the six First Years – Aibrill O'Brien, Kevin Wolf, Caroline Kelso, Bernard Clover, Thomas Rhys and Dimitri Kowalsky – sleeplessness happened because of their homesickness, while Gawain Morgan sometimes didn't sleep because of his "visions," for the boy had the Second Sight.
"It's a pity that he was only a Second Year…Who knows, maybe if he had been a Third Year and he had already had a whole year of Divination, then perhaps…perhaps things would have ended up differently. Oh, for Heaven's sake, Torey! Hadn't you realized that divagating is useless? You know perfectly well that it's not them who keep you awake!"
The only thing who could keep Victoria Cross awake was the worry for a person she held dear. She turned around a little, briefly glancing over her shoulder. Boromir sat still in the shadow.
The girl slipped out of the blanket and slowly approached him. She was about to tap his shoulder when suddenly she found herself with his sword pointed at her throat.
Torey, did you lose your mind? Didn't you know that you could get yourself killed? he cried out, sheathing his sword. I almost had an heart attack when I saw it was you…Why are you still awake?
I…I couldn't sleep, so I thought I could keep you company…if it doesn't bother you, naturally, she added.
Boromir smiled at her, his features relaxed: You could never bother me, Merilìs. Here, sit down.
They stayed like that for a while, enjoying each other's company. After a while, Boromir cleared his throat and asked her, You couldn't sleep because of your memories?
Well…yeah, also because of that. I must confess to you that I've never been one who goes to bed early…And then, this is a bright and clear night. It's perfect to resolve a certain problem I've been delaying for too long. With these words, she raised her eyes toward the sky again.
You meant to look at the sky? But you always do it.
I like to do so. I've always liked to. But I'm not looking at the sky, I'm studying the stars. Victoria explained.
Are you knowledgeable about astronomy?
Victoria nodded. I was the first in my class. Even if I didn't take Divination in my Third Year, I've always liked Astronomy. The stars have always fascinated me and then they could help me understand where I am.
Boromir nodded and left her to her studying for a while. Finally, Victoria lowered her head with a sigh.
Is it something wrong? he asked her.
More days pass and more I realize I'm far away from home… She raised her eyes again. I don't know these stars, she sighed. Definitely, I'm not in another dimension. Yet, this place is similar to Earth that… She shook her head. Is it possible for me to have traveled so far? she whispered under her breath, talking to herself more than to her father.
Boromir, as he always did when he saw she was depressed, put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her near.
You know what? Victoria whispered. I think I'll never return home… She turned to look at him. …and this is definitely a good thing! A broad smile brightened her features.
Truth to be told, you haven't much to go back to. But what will you do if you stay?
Oh, I don't have the slightest idea. But I'll find a way out.
Boromir decided to expose her to a certain idea he had had in his mind since a couple of days before to comfort the Hobbits Victoria had reminded them that their quest and the war would have been long, but it wouldn't last forever.
Nothing lasts forever, Victoria said as she laid a hand on Frodo's shoulder, who tried to smile at her. Think about what you will do when you come back home. I mean, you must have some plans, don't you?
Sam will ask Rosie to marry him!Pippin spoke up, gaining himself a dirty look from the other Hobbit.
They all burst out laughing seeing Sam's crimson face, half-embarrassed and half-furious.
I was thinking… Boromir said, a little bit uneasy. …that you could come to Minas Tirith, my city, if you want to. In the end, you are my daughter, aren't you?
Victoria didn't say anything and threw her arms around his neck.
I love you, Torey, Boromir murmured, kissing her forehead and caressing her hair.
I love you too, dad, Victoria whispered.
They spent some time side by side chatting. They talked about their childhoods, about the messes they have done when they were kids and – especially in Victoria's case – also when they were a little bit older.
About three quarters of Boromir's watch had passed when Victoria fell asleep against his shoulder. The warrior of Minas Tirith didn't move an inch, trying to justify staying by telling himself that he didn't want to wake her up. Truth to be told, it was because it felt good to him to have this girl near. It was a strange sensation to him – but incredibly beautiful.
"This must be the way it feels to be a father…" he thought as he listened to her deep breathing.
When Legolas woke up for his watch, he helped Boromir to lay Victoria down to sleep.
The next morning it was quite hard to wake her up. Fortunately, once she was up, everything went just fine – well, almost.
As the evening approached, Victoria started feeling the loss of those missed hours of sleep. It was hard for her to walk and to keep her eyes open. She often slipped in the back, to Boromir's great worry.
At a certain point, since she had been left behind by the Fellowship, Boromir told the others to go on and he went to get her back.
You cannot go on like this, Torey! Look at yourself, you're exhausted! You cannot even keep you eyes open!
That's not true… she replied, choking back a yawn.
Don't be silly.
Listen, I'm doing my best! I'm sorry if I slow you down so much, but I can't help it!
I think you can… he replied. Come on, climb on my back.
What? Come on, dad, don't be ridiculous! she said, disbelievingly.
If you cannot walk, then this is the only way! he argued back.
I can walk.
Aye, sure…Come on, Torey, don't be such a child.
Victoria bit down on her nail, looking at him quite unsure. Are you sure you can carry me?
Of course. Come on, climb, he said, kneeling down a little.
Victoria climbed on his back and put her arms around his neck. Put me down if I'm too heavy.
You are not, you are as light as a feather, he lied.
In a few minutes they caught up with the rest of the Fellowship. As they walked on the table-lands, Frodo often turned around to glance at Victoria.
Tonight we shall rest here, Gandalf announced, finally.
How does Victoria fare? Legolas asked, since he had noticed that the girl had been awfully quiet for the whole day and especially during the last part of the road.
She fell asleep a mile ago, Boromir replied, turning to look at her with tenderness.
I'll help you to lay her down, Aragorn volunteered.
Gandalf, can you pass me Victoria's sack, please? Frodo asked.
Here, but why do you ask for it?
Well… Frodo blushed crimson, praying it wouldn't bee too evident in the faint light of dusk. …I'll prepare her pallet.
I'll help you, Mister Frodo, Sam said, approaching. You shouldn't…
Oh, I don't mind, really, Frodo answered.
Here, I'll help you too, Merry added, since he still felt guilty toward the young witch.
Luckily, the next morning Victoria had recovered. She was so much better that the first thing she did in the morning was fight with Gimli because he never stopped complaining about "weak, useless girls." If Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir – helped by Frodo – hadn't stepped in, surely it would have ended up badly. For Gimli.
Frodo, can I have a word with you? Victoria asked nervously the next evening.
Of course, sit down, he replied, making room for her.
Thanks. I need to ask you to explain some about your calendar… she explained.
Sorry if I ask you, but why are asking me about it? You should talk with Legolas or Gandalf…Not that you're bothering me, but they would be more suitable than me, he quickly added.
I see, those two would be the most obvious choice…But you're the first I thought to talk about it. You always treat me as an equal. Legolas sometimes makes me feel like the silly, thorn-in-the-side little sister, and with Gandalf…well, it feels like talking with my old Headmaster, she explained.
He's not so bad… he said.
Merry and Pippin might disagree with you…But it's not because of him. They said my Headmaster is a good person too, but…I'm not at ease and then, every time I ended up in his office, it wasn't exactly for a pleasant chat.
Frodo nodded. I see. What do you want to know?
Victoria started bombarding him with questions about years, months and days, writing everything down on a small notebook.
When the explanation ended, Victoria thanked him and started making strange calculations, chewing on her pencil nervously.
Frodo watched her out of the corner of his eyes. She was bending over the notebook that she had placed on her lap, her pencil clenched in her right hand, her left one keeping the hair fallen from her half-loosened braid away from her face, her expression serious and attentive.
Suddenly, some strange words escaped from the girl's mouth. Frodo couldn't understand a thing, but he would have bet a basket of mushrooms to a plate of boiled cabbages – which he detested – that she was swearing.
Where is Torey? Boromir asked with a slight note of worry in his voice when, awaking, he realized that Victoria wasn't by his side – where she had fallen asleep the previous night – anymore.
She went that way, answered Gimli, who had the last watch, gesturing vaguely toward the wood. She said she had private matters to attend and that it was going to take a long time…
And how many hours ago did she say that? Legolas asked, almost as worried as the Man.
About one hour and half ago.
And don't you think it has been too much time ago? Legolas asked polemically.
Gimli shrugged his shoulders and muttered something about weird and crazy females.
It's better if we look for her, Aragorn said.
All of us?
No, not all of us, Gimli. Boromir and I will be enough.
What are we waiting for, then? Boromir muttered, picking up his sword and shield.
I'm coming with you, Frodo announced, taking Sting.
Sam laid a hand on his arm. Mister Frodo, are you sure that it would be wise? He cast a brief glance toward Boromir. He didn't trust that Man.
Victoria took me to Rivendell risking her own life. If she is in trouble, I cannot abandon her. The Hobbit replied firmly. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her.
I don't think you should worry so much, young Hobbit, Gandalf told him with a light of amusement in his eyes. But if you wish to go with them, than go.
Thank you, Gandalf, Frodo replied as he came near the two Men, closely followed by Sam.
The light in Gandalf's eyes went out and the Istari spoke to the Ranger.
Keep an eye on him, Aragorn.
Don't you worry,The Ranger nodded.
The four men left the camp, heading to the forest.
It was quite improbable that Boromir would have tried anything, he was too worried for "his little girl," but Sam didn't stop watching his every move nonetheless.
Frodo suddenly stopped and came back. He thought he had seen something among the branches.
He moved away a couple of low branches and held his breath.
Hey, I have found her.
Boromir, Aragorn and Sam came near. They could see a small clearing beyond the trees and Victoria was there.
Boromir was about to step out from under the trees and call her, but Aragorn stopped him.
Let her be… I think it must be something important.
At first he had thought the scene that lay in front of their eyes strange, but now he felt its solemn atmosphere.
Victoria had stuck her sword into the ground and she had hung around the handle her necklace, from which hung a strange cross-shaped pendant.
The girl was on her knees in front of the sword and the necklace with her hands clasped and her head bowed, whispering words in her strange language. She had put on some clean clothes and probably she had taken a bath in the nearby stream. She wore the Slytherin scarf around her neck and around her head the silver chaplet that Boromir had given her before they left Rivendell.
Frodo stared at her spellbound. That scene radiated a sense of peace, of comfort and warmness he hadn't felt in a long time. There was a strange magic in those gestures, in those words he could barely hear and he didn't understand. Victoria, with her dark hair vividly contrasting with the small silver coronet and framing her peaceful and trustful face, was a sight absolutely enchanting.
That image was carved in his heart and no one, not even the Ring, could ever erase it.
Let us not interrupt. Let us leave… Aragorn said.
One of us should stay here to protect her, Boromir whispered.
Frodo was about to volunteer, but he didn't have time.
I don't know how she would react if she saw us… Aragorn murmured. …You shall stay here, Boromir, then I will send Legolas. He is very silent and he knows what to do not to be seen.
Boromir nodded unwillingly. Not that he didn't trust his companions, quite the contrary indeed…It was just that he didn't like that it would have been somebody else to watch over his daughter.
Come, Mister Frodo, Sam said, awaking the other Hobbit from his trance.
Aye…I'm coming, he murmured, casting one last glance to the girl in the clearing.
Victoria approached her companions – who desperately tried to act as if everything had been normal – and folded her arms.
I didn't think you were such meddlers!
What about you? Disappearing for hours without telling anyone where you are going? Obviously one gets worried! Boromir replied.
Yeah, yeah, I know, it's dangerous, etcetera…But one needs a little bit of privacy.
Frodo was about to add his two cents, but Aragorn, under Gandalf's suggestion, stepped in: Would you mind continuing your discussion as we walk? We have already lost too much time.
Sir, yes, sir! Victoria shouted, springing into a salute and clicking her heels, then she turned around and marched rigidly to her backpack. She slipped inside her bag her coronet wrapped in the white and green scarf.
Frodo saw that she had put on again the necklace with the strange pendant.
May I ask you a thing, Victoria? Frodo asked as he came near her.
The question had been burning in the back of his throat for the whole morning, but only now, during the lunch stop, he had decided to ask.
'What were you doing on your knees like that?' Did I hit the target?
Absolutely, the Hobbit murmured, embarrassed, as he scratched his head.
Aye, we would like to know, Aragorn added.
Victoria let out a sigh: I was praying.
You were praying? Merry asked, puzzled.
Yeah, do you ever pray to your Gods? How do you call them, the…
The Valar, Boromir suggested.
Yeah, right, them. Do you ever pray the Valar?
Aye, of course, but why did you kneel down before your sword like that? Aragorn asked.
Victoria shrugged her shoulder: So? I'm not the first one who uses a sword stuck in the ground as a cross. In the end, the shape is quite similar…And then I had hung my cross on the handle.
She took off her necklace and gave it to them to see.
I still don't understand… Merry murmured, watching the crucifix.
Aye, be more clear, Pippin spurred her.
Victoria took a deep breath. Ok, come on Torey, you can do this…
Patiently, she started explaining about her religion and her God.
…and Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us from our sins. To us Christians, the cross is His symbol, she concluded.
Now it is all more clear, Frodo remarked. But why did you go away to pray today? I've just realized that you did it also other times, in the morning and at night, but you never felt the urge to leave before.
Do you remember all the questions I asked you yesterday about your calendar? Frodo nodded. Well, I've made a couple of calculations and I've realized that today in my world is Sunday, the Day of Lord. Theoretically, we Christians should go to church every Sunday. I didn't always do it – I'm a Christian but I don't get along with priest and at Hogwarts there was no church – but I've always prayed in a slightly different way on Sunday, she explained as she helped them pack.
I see. Frodo murmured.
Hey, Vicky! Pippin said. Excuse me, but isn't you surname Cross?
Yeah, why?
And you are called "Cross" because you are a Christian?
The girl smiled. More or less. The family of my father came from England, where most of the people are Christian Protestants. It all started around 1530. The founder of my family belonged to an English Muggle family, but he refused to convert to Anglicanism and preferred to stick to their old religion, Catholicism. So he left his home and changed his surname to "Cross." He could have kept his old surname, but he didn't 'cause his family had never accepted him because of his powers. This is the origin of my surname, but really it doesn't mean a thing. "Cross" is a common surname in Anglo-Saxon countries.
Does your name have something to do with your religion, too? Frodo asked.
No, it comes from Latin and it means "winning girl."
Strange… Merry commented. In the Shire usually girls are named after flowers or gems. The boys' names do not have a specific meaning.
Oh, your nickname surely has. And in my native tongue, also "Frodo" has a meaning, but it's not very flattering1…
Why, what does it mean? asked said Hobbit.
It doesn't matter, said the girl, waving his question away.
They took off again and, after a few hours, Legolas approached Victoria.
Excuse me, Vicky, may I talk with you for a moment? It's about what you said today about your religion.
Shoot.
Well, there are a few things that don't sound quite clear to me…
When they stopped for the night, Legolas and Victoria were still in discussion.
My goodness, Legolas! You're asking me questions not even theologians can answer! the girl cried out exasperatedly, running her hands through her hair.
Think about it. How can you be sure that…
Just because nobody ever saw my God, it doesn't mean that He doesn't exist. I mean, have you ever seen your Valar? she argued.
Personally no, but…
Legolas… Victoria cut him off. … saying "I believe it, I don't believe it" is not enough to be a Christian, you need something else
What? he asked
Faith. With this last word, Victoria got to her feet and stormed off, moving away from them.
She was restless and they knew it.
And they talk so much about "the wisdom of the Elves"… Boromir muttered.
But… the prince of Mirkwood started, but the Man didn't let him continue.
Legolas, how is it possible that you didn't understand?
Understand what? the Elf asked.
Understand that to Victoria, her religion is more than some prayers to a divinity, Gandalf spoke up. Victoria comes from another Universe we know nothing about, more distant than we can imagine.
Frodo spoke in a low voice. She believes it. It is like…like she had a light, something more, something that keeps her together in spite of everything that happens. I do not know how to explain it…but it must be the faith she talks about.
That was a good try, Frodo… the Wizard tried to reassure him. Comprehending Victoria, her faith and her world is very difficult to us.
Legolas lowered his eyes, ashamed. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… he trailed off.
We know, Legolas, Boromir reassured him. You merely wanted to understand her religion…But try to put yourself in her position. She has lost her home, her family and her friends, she is in an unknown world…If you take her God away from her, what would she have left?
I shall talk to her, the Elf decide, raising.
Good, remarked Boromir.
Frodo followed the Elf with his eyes. He saw him coming near the young witch and sitting down next to her, then the two started talking.
They came back about an hour later.
Are you all right? Frodo asked when Victoria sat down next to him.
The girl nodded, holding tightly the small silver cross in her right hand.
That night Boromir was keeping watch when he heard a noise behind his back. He sprung to his feet immediately and unsheathed his sword, but, to his great astonishment, he saw it was Victoria again.
Torey, you must not come to me like that when I'm keeping watch! Do you realize that I could kill you?
Sorry.
He sheathed back his sword and sat down again, motioning for her to do the same.
You could not sleep? he asked.
Victoria shook her head. No, I wanna talk to you.
Any trouble? he asked, frowning.
No, not at all…I just wanted to thank you for bringing Legolas back to his senses, she explained.
I wasn't the only one. There were also Gandalf and Frodo
Yeah, but you started it. Thank you so much.
It was nothing… he tried to change subject May I ask you why you brought along the coronet I gave you? Not that I mind, but I thought that you had left it in Rivendell with your trunk.
Victoria shook her shoulders. Because. I didn't feel like leaving it in Rivendell. Today I wore it 'cause it's Sunday, and usually on Sunday one puts one his or her best clothes… she trailed off.
Do you like it? he asked, smiling softly.
A lot, but I still think that you shouldn't have given it to me.
No arguing. I gave it to you and now it is yours. End of the story, he replied firmly.
Well… The girl nervously combed her hair back. …in this case, I've something to give you too.
Victoria…
No discussions, she replied thrusting a small box in his hand Come on, open it.
Boromir opened the cover. The box contained a silver cross a little bit bigger and more square than Torey's one.
I know you're not a Christian, I'm not trying to say that your Valar don't exist or anything like that… the girl whispered, standing in front of him. …but I'd like you to wear it.
Boromir raised his eyes. It is very beautiful…Are you sure you want me to have it?
Victoria looked at him in the eyes as she nodded, then her gaze shifted over the cross.
Last time I saw my father, it was two years ago, when I came back home for Christmas. She swallowed hard. I knew I wouldn't see him for a while and that I couldn't write him. He was going to fight against the Dark Lord. I was so proud of him and so scared…That's why I bought him this cross. She raised her right hand, grazing the cold metal with her fingertips. So a part of me would have always been with him. She took her hand back and held it against her chest, her eyes full of tears that probably she wouldn't have been able to hold back.
Did they find it on his body? Boromir asked in a low voice. He felt as if he was walking on a frozen lake.
Victoria shook her head. N-no. I've…I've found it…it was still in that box…closed in a drawer. It was hard for her to speak as she tried to choke down her sobs. The first tears were already falling down her cheeks. He had…he had been gone for more than two years…and during that time he never came back home. This was my last gift for him, but he didn't want to bring it with him… She swallowed hard, trying to calm down her breathing. For all that time I had been thinking that…that my father was carrying it as my keepsake…that there was a connection between us, but…but…
As soon as he embraced her, Victoria burst into tears, muffling her sobs against his shoulder.
Boromir didn't say anything. Telling her not to cry would have been useless and then why shouldn't he allow her to pour out her sorrow?
He held her close, softly caressing her hair. When her sobs died down and her breathing became normal again, he wiped away her tears as only fathers can do.
Are you sure you want to give it to me, Torey? he asked as he picked up the box and took out the necklace.
Yeah, the girl answered firmly, her eyes still puffy from her crying. I bought that cross for my father. Nobody else can have it… She took his hand. …so no one but you can wear it. I told you, Boromir: you're the closest thing to a father I've ever had.
The warrior of Minas Tirith nodded and the girl helped him close the chain around his neck.
No painter could ever paint the light that shone in that moment in Victoria's eyes, nor there is a writer so good to find the words to describe what Boromir felt.
I will do whatever is within my power not to delude you, my daughter, he said, holding the cross in his hand.
Victoria smiled at him. Now it's better if I go to sleep, or tomorrow I'll be dead. She excused herself as she started to walk toward her pallet.
Torey?
Yeah? she asked, turning around again.
You are the best daughter one could wish for.
Again that smile and a veil of tears over her eyes…but this time, they were tears of joy.
And you're the best father I've ever had.
Go to sleep, now. Goodnight, dilàrlis.
Goodnight… She realized she didn't know the word she wanted to use. …dad. You shall teach me Gondor dialect one of these days.
All right, but now go to bed.
Yes sir, she murmured as she laid down.
In a few minutes, she was peacefully asleep.
So, Johnny Reb, are you ready for my first lesson? Victoria asked, marching alongside with Boromir.
Truth to be told, I do not really know where to start teaching you… he admitted, embarrassed.
Well, let's work like this. I'll say a word and you'll tell me how to translate it. The pupil's propose was immediately accepted by the teacher.
They had been confabulating for about a quarter of hour when Aragorn – who was in the rear and could understand and speak Gondor's local speech – caught a word of the lesson. Knowing the meaning of the word, he thought he had misheard it, but then he caught another one on the same tone and another again. When he heard the fourth word, he knew he hadn't misheard at all.
Boromir! he shouted What in Middle Earth are you teaching her?
Exactly what she asked me to teach her, the Man replied, irritated for the intrusion.
Really?
Yeah, Victoria said. You see, Billy Yank, I think that the first thing one should learn when he or she studies a foreign language are the bad words. So, if somebody tells you to sod off or worse you can always answer back.
Well, there's a certain logic in this, Legolas commented, as the Hobbits giggled.
Do as you wish… Aragorn muttered, shaking his head.
Gandalf called them and they took to the interrupted march again. They were going Southward, along the mountains.
1: In Italian, "Frodo" means, more or less, "to defraud, to cheat, to swindle." It's the first singular person of the simple present. (Poor Hobbit!)