Kerla: No problem. Since I'm not an Elf-fan, I don't know much about them, so mistakes are bound to pop up here and there. Thank you for the correction.

Alassea2: I haven't noticed that Sues tend to slap Frodo…Oh, well, next time I'll have Victoria punch him. Just kidding… Thank you very much for your compliments about the last chapter, I hope you'll enjoy the Fellow's break in Lothlorien.

Empress Guinevere Sparrow: I'm glad you like it and I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter…

Olwyen: I can't really say who she'll follow – though I've always believe it was quite obvious… ; ) Unfortunately, it will take them so time for them to work on their relationship, since I don't really believe in "during-the-quest" romances. I hope you'll have the patience to wait until then and that you won't be too bored.

And now…

CHAPTER XV: ARRIVAL IN LOTHLORIEN

Author's note: this chapter was born from a mistake. Let me explain: I don't own the DVD nor the video extended edition of "The Fellowship of the Ring," just the theater version. In a fanfiction I read there was mentioned the dialogue-argument between Aragorn and Boromir, but I misunderstood everything and started planning the chapter thinking that said dialogue had taken place in Lothlorien. When I discovered that it wasn't so – thanks to my dear friend Ale – it was too late: I couldn't find a way to change the scene anymore. That's why here it doesn't coincide with the movie anymore.

They kept on walking for the whole morning without a break, burdened with pain and weariness. Fortunately, the fresh air, the sky and the sun had given them some new confidence.

Victoria passed a big part of the journey by Frodo's side but, from time to time, silent and quick as a ghost, she moved along the line, walking now by one's side, now by the other's, laying a hand on a shoulder, squeezing a hand, exchanging a few low words. Very few, but they felt good.

After that, she came back by Frodo's side and stayed with him until she noticed another sign, another mute cry for help. Then she lightly laid a hand on his shoulders and he raised his face to look at her in the eyes. Every time the same silent conversation. They didn't need to talk. With a rapid eye movement, Victoria showed him who needed her and then her eyes turned back to meet Frodo's blue ones. "May I?"

Frodo looked at her and nodded. "Go."

Then he watched her leave and approach another member of the Fellowship. Until she was back by his side, his eyes never left her. Maybe he feared that, if he had let her out of his sight for a second, she would have disappeared in the thin air. He wasn't jealous of the others: he knew that they needed her as much as he did and maybe even more, but…Every time she walked away, even if for a short distance, he missed her. Sam was trying to stand by him, but Victoria was the one that he needed. Only her. Frodo didn't want to burden the others with his pain since they were suffering as well. Sure, she was suffering too, but differently. She hadn't really had much time to get to know Gandalf and the thought that he might have been able to send her back home – united with his vague resemblance with the Headmaster of her school – had always kept her away from him.

An old wound was bleeding, but Victoria ignored it. She must take care of the others. No one could do that better than her. Because, you see, she understood. She knew.

They crossed a shallow, crystalline river and entered the legendary Golden Wood. Mistaking it for a common wood would have been impossible: a sublime light brightened every branch, every single blade of grass, the leaves fell on the ground almost dancing, the very air they breathed had something incredible. Victoria and the Hobbits looked around amazed: that place was absolutely enchanting and indescribable.

Stay close, young Hobbits…and you, be very careful, Gimli warned them. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an elf-witch of terrible power. All those who look upon her fall under her spell… Frodo suddenly turned his head around: he thought he had heard his own name in the air. …and are never seen again.

The Halfling swallowed hard, worried. He tried to dismiss that absurd thought, but then he felt it again. There wasn't any doubt left: a voice, a female voice had called his name and it couldn't be Vivi who wanted to pull a prank on him, no, it was impossible. That wasn't her voice and after Gandalf's death, even Merry and Pippin had lost their will to joke. He heard it again. "Your coming to us is as the footsteps of doom," it was whispering. "You bring great evil here, Ringbearer."

In his mind flashed for a moment the imagine of two blue eyes, then he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He raised his gaze and found himself staring into Victoria's violet eyes, Sam's anxious voice ringing in his ears, Mister Frodo?

You okay? Victoria whispered worriedly.

Unable to speak, Frodo only nodded and Victoria straightened herself up, leaving her hand on his shoulder. She had a strange face, as if she didn't believe him.

Victoria looked around. She almost had the feeling that somebody was trying to slip into her mind…She took a deep breath, remembering the few lessons of Defense Against the Dark Arts she had attended in that year. Few, but quite important for they taught you how to fight Legilimens1 and the Imperius Curse.

She concentrated deeply, shielding her thoughts and her memories, trying to make them slippery and elusive. After long seconds, she knew she had won, even if she felt exhausted. She felt like she had been fighting for ages, but just a few moments had passed. At first she had thought that it was the Ring, but it wasn't so: essence and methods were different, she could feel that.

Gimli was boasting as usual. Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily! I have the eyes of an hawk and the ears of a fox! He stopped suddenly, finding himself face-to-face with an Elvish arrow. Many blonde Elves clad in gray appeared around them, aiming their arrows at them.

Gimli, it's better if you get your sight checked the next time we see Lord Elrond, Victoria growled through her clenched teeth, clutching her wand. "Damn it! Right what we need, now that I'm weak from the fight against that…that thing. But the Elves weren't on our side?"

A blonde, tall and martial Elf approached, his face unreadable. The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark.

Aragorn took half a step forward, outlining a quick bow. He murmured a few words in Elvish, but the other's face remained impassive.

Aragorn! Gimli said. These woods are perilous! We should go back! Behind him, Victoria kicked his shin. The Dwarf didn't feel confident enough to turn his back on an Elvish arrow, so he had to be satisfied with glaring at her over his shoulder.

Legolas, who had followed the exchange, rolled his eyes. "Ladies and gentlemen, after a long truce we declare that hostilities are officially re-opened," he thought.

Frodo let out a sigh as the two started a glaring contest, which was interrupted by the newcomer's voice: You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back, He turned to the Ring Bearer. Come. She is waiting.

It didn't take much time for Victoria to link the witch from Gimli's legend and the attempted intrusion in her head with the Lady the blonde Elf had mentioned. Playing dumb, she came near Legolas, Tell me, Radar, do you know who our hostess is?

The Elf nodded. She is Galadriel, the great queen. By the way, when we will be admitted to her and her husband Celeborn's presence, I suggest you to mind your poisonous tongue, he added, watching her sternly.

The girl snorted and rolled her eyes. Okay, okay, I understood the message. She wasn't keen on meeting her. Not at all. She found some comfort in the thought that their journey would have lasted many hours.

They reached Calas Galadhon, in the very heart of Lothlorien, at dusk. If the caves of Moria had surprised them, the Elvish capital was a real shock. The trees were huge and so tall that they looked like they could reach the sky. Surely, they must have been thousands of years old. The sunrays hardly made their way through the thick leafage, creating works of lights and shadows almost magical.

Always following Haldir, the Captain of the March Wardens who had "greeted" them, they reached an enormous tree. Around its trunk, there was wrapped a spiral stair. Victoria raised her head upward and felt her head spinning. She stumbled, but a firm hand quickly supported her. She turned around and met Boromir's eyes. The young girl smiled at him gratefully, squeezing his hand for a brief moment. They had been apart for the whole travel, but she hadn't forgotten their quick embrace outside Moria.

Are you all right, Merilìs? he asked her.

Yes, édnie, don't you worry. I was just a little dizzy. She turned to look at the staircase. I guess I have to, eh?

Boromir nodded: I fear there's no other way,

The witch sighed and adjusted the strap of her backpack on her shoulder. Okay, then.

Hesitantly, she began climbing the stairs behind the others, swearing under her breath.

Boja d'na miseria schifa! Ai mnieisa n'accident on all the Elves of Middle Earth, on their damned craze for heights and on their Goddamned stairs! [Trans: "Damn it! A plague…]

For the Valar's sake, Victoria! Aragorn cried out. You clearly don't know what respect is! You are talking about the Elves, they are…

Six words, Billy Yank, just six words: shut up and keep on going! she replied

Victoria! Legolas spoke up, scandalized by her behavior.

Oh, don't you "Victoria" me, Radar! Don't you know, oh "wise" Elves, the saying "live and let swear"?

Merry turned to look at her, folding his arms, Are you sure that this saying is correct?

No, but I don't give a damn.

Aragorn cut them short brusquely. Let us go. It's not polite to let the Lord and the Lady of Lothlorien wait.

If they lived at the ground floor, we would have already been there! Victoria added acidly.

Somebody laid a hand on her shoulder. That's enough, Torey, Boromir told her gently.

The girl let out a sigh and unconsciously raised a hand to cover her throat. Sorry, I know I'm unbearable, but…First we spend four days between darkness and stairs, then the battle and the bridge and what happened to Gandalf and the attempt of intrusion in my head and now this and they won't even let me swear… she trailed off, shaking her head.

And, what is more,… Boromir added, …you spent a good part of the journey trying to reassure us. He laid a hand on her cheek. You are very brave, Little Soldier,

Victoria smiled faintly, Thank you,

He ruffled her hair. Hold on, Merilìs. We are almost there.

The resumed their climbing. Five minutes later, Victoria was swearing again, but it was just out of habit.

Finally, they found themselves facing a shorter staircase. Suddenly, a light as bright as a star lit its top and slowly, surrounded by that shining light, the Lord and the Lady of Lothlorien advanced.

The nine surviving Fellows stared at them, unable to move as if they were in a dream. Aragorn bowed his head, the Hobbits and the Dwarf were watching the two Elves almost spellbound, just like Boromir. The only one impassive to all that beauty was Victoria. She stood by Boromir, arms folded against her chest and expressionless face. Closed, barred, ready to face anything: just like when she was back in Hogwarts. She was standing on the defensive. As safe as she had felt when she had set foot in that enchanted wood, so deeply her equilibrium had been compromised by the "attempted housebreaking"…or rather mind-breaking. She didn't feel at ease with those Elves. There was something strange about them she couldn't quite put her finger on, especially with the Elf-woman…She was something between Divination teacher Sybil Trelawney (but more gloomy and less ridiculous) and the Transfiguration teacher Minerva McGonagall, with a sharp prevalence of the latter. And Victoria and Professor McGonagall had never got along. The young witch was impassive, but deep down she felt nervous and dirty. She would have gladly smoked a cigarette, but it wouldn't have been polite. "…and then Billy Yank would blow a gasket if I did."

Lord Celeborn's eyes ran along the line of the travelers slowly, then the lord of Lothlorien spoke, Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him.

Aragorn, to whom the question was directed, did not answer, barely raising his gaze.

It was the Elf-woman who answered, He has fallen into shadow,

If Victoria had needed it, that would have been the final proof that she hadn't been wrong about their hostess.

Galadriel's eyes watched the remaining members of the Fellowship of the Ring, lingering one moment too much on the young witch, which made her raise her guard even more. The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. The Elf's eyes fell on Boromir, who felt like he was freezing. He couldn't hold her gaze and hung his head.

His daughter laid a comforting hand on his arm and then cast a death glare to the Lady.

The two women's eyes met. Victoria's sent forth sparks, while Galadriel's still held that sharp and piercing gaze. She was still looking for an access to the young witch's thoughts, but the latter tried not to let her in.

Finally, the Elf-woman turned to look at somebody else. Samwise Gamgee the gardener, to be more specific. Yet hope remains while the company is true. She raised her eyes toward the sky and then looked at them again. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now, and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace.

A servant appeared to walk the guests where they could clean themselves and rest. Victoria fell back purposely. She hadn't liked the way that Elf-woman had looked at the Ring Bearer near the end of her speech. She hadn't liked it at all. She was the last to exit, turning back to throw a warning look to the Lady of the Golden Wood. Said Lady didn't need to use her powers to understand the girl's message, "Be careful what you do. And stay away from them."

As soon as she got out of the Lords' sights, a cold shudder shook Victoria from head to toe. Brrr…

Is there something wrong? Boromir asked her immediately.

Before answering, Victoria lit up a cigarette. No. Everything's fine.

To their great relief, they had had the opportunity to bathe and change their clothes and now they were getting ready to sleep, camped under on of the huge trees. In the air spread sad, almost angelic voices.

Legolas raised his head, listening carefully. A lament for Gandalf… he murmured.

What do they say about him? Merry asked in a low voice.

The Elf turned on him his blue eyes full of sadness. I have not the heart to tell you…For me grief is still too near.

Frodo bit down on his lip, feeling a weight on his chest, where his heart was. Victoria wasn't with them. He wondered if she could hear those voices and how she felt in that moment.

Victoria sat huddled in a tub full of water that was starting to cool down, her wet hair sticking to her head. A faint tremble shook her body, it wasn't because of the cold. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks and fell in the water around her. She had held them back for the whole day but now she could finally get them off her chest for a while. She didn't want to cry in front of the others, not because she wanted to act tough, but because she wouldn't have been able to see their sorrow if she cried. They needed someone to comfort them, she did not. She had learned to deal with her pain on her own. The song went on, but her tears started falling less and less abundantly until they stopped altogether. With a sigh, she got out from the now cold water and started adjusting herself mechanically. They must not see that she had cried.

Take some rest, Aragorn said as he approached the warrior of Minas Tirith, who sat on the root of a tree, far away from the others. These borders are well protected.

I will find no rest here, he answered dejectedly. Aragorn turned to look at him. I heard a voice inside my head…She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor… He raised his gaze on Isildur heir, who stood still, and lowered it again. She said to me "even now, there is hope left"… He shook his head. …But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. Aragorn didn't say a word and sat down beside him. My father is a noble man, Boromir said proudly, turning to look at him. But his rule is failing, and now our... He hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. …Our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I would do it, I would see the glory of Gondor restored. He turned to the other Man for a moment, then his eyes lost their focus, as if he had been gazing at something very far away. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze? It was hard to discern the different emotions mixed in Boromir's voice. Pride. Love for his country. Nostalgia. And buried under those, a vague worry. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?

This time Aragorn couldn't avoid answering. I have seen the White City, long ago.

Boromir looked at him in the eyes and spoke in a firm voice. One day, our paths will lead us there, and the tower guard shall take up the call, "the lords of Gondor have returned!" Once again, Aragorn was silent. Boromir spoke up again. You don't look too eager to reach it…And yet, soon we'll be there.

Aragorn raised his head slowly, Who said that we will pass through Minas Tirith? His voice was ice cold.

Well, that' the only road left if we want to continue…not to say the safest. From there we can regroup. Strike out from Mordor from a place of strength.

Aragorn stood up. There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us.

A dark cloud fell on the other warrior's face. You were quick enough to trust the elves! Have you so little faith in your people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be among Men. But you will not see that. He said the last sentence looking him in the eyes, almost accusingly. Aragorn threw him a cold glance and moved to leave, but Boromir sprang to his feet and didn't allow him to walk away, catching him by the arm and forcing him to turn around, to face him. You are afraid! All your life you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are, of what you are!

Aragorn pulled himself free form his grip and walked away. Suddenly he turned around, staring at the warrior of Minas Tirith with a face of stone. I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city.

Before Boromir could answer that, he walked back to the camp.

Is everything all right?Legolas asked him, seeing so troubled.

Not exactly…Aragorn answered.

Right in that moment, Merry raised his gaze for he had heard approaching footsteps coming from a nearby path. Hey, Vicky. That was about time…

We had started thinking that you had melted… Pippin said, the ghost of a smile upon his lips for the first time in many hours.

Victoria smiled back at him, sitting on the ground. Maybe I didn't melt, but I'm quite sure I lost at least ten kilos.

How you exaggerate, Legolas remarked.

The girl shook her shoulders and started brushing her slightly damp hair, enjoying the simple pleasure of that act. It had been a long time since she had last let her hair down. She hated tying it up, but when it had become too dirty she had resigned to gather it in a ponytail or in a braid.

Frodo watched her. Now that they were all together, he felt a little bit better, a little bit safer.

Victoria couldn't sleep. Even if that day had exhausted her, she couldn't fall asleep. Maybe she feared that Galadriel could slip into her mind as she slept or maybe it was the fear of the dreams she could have had that kept her awake. However, she was lying there in the Wood, watchful and on edge just like when they were still in Moria. She stared at the great tent under which they rested, listening to the other's breathing. Suddenly, another sound attracted her attention: a rustling of cloth against cloth, faint footsteps…somebody else was awake. Victoria turned just in time to see Frodo slipping out of the tent and walking away, bathed in the moonlight. She sighed and turned her back to him. Even if she didn't really trust their hostess, she knew that he was safe. She decided that it was time to leave him alone for a while.

The young witch kept tossing and turning for more than an hour, unable to sleep. Then she decided to get up and have some water, but, when she slipped out of the tent to get to their packs, she discovered that Frodo hadn't wandered off as far as she had thought. In fact, he was sitting on the root of a tree about ten meters away from the camp. She tried to take up a flask and drink as silently as she could, but he heard her nonetheless.

Oh…it's you. he murmured, turning around to look at her.

When she saw his haunted face, Victoria threw her good purposes out of the window. It was better if she had a small talk with him. She had to, for she knew very well the expression on his face. She had seen it a lot in her own mirror during the last two years.

You can't sleep as well…can you? she asked, dropping down beside him.

Please, Victoria….let me be he replied, shaking his head. You didn't know him…You don't…

I don't understand? Think about that, Frodo. She looked straight ahead, her eyes unfocused. I do understand perfectly. You feel a weight in your chest right where your heart is, don't you? And a great cold inside, as if your soul was trapped in a frozen lake…And you keep on wondering why it happened and if you could have done something to save him, to avoid all of this. The more you think about it, the more you feel like you were dying. She turned to him. Tell me, am I right or no?

Forgive me. I had forgot that… he didn't have the strength to complete his sentence.

Lucky you. I never forget it, she replied dryly, laying down on the grass-covered ground.

Frodo hesitated for a moment, then he lay down beside her, silently staring at the sky. All of this would have never happened if it hadn't been for the Ring… He whispered suddenly, then turned to her. Gandalf said that I was meant to have it. Do you think that…that he was meant to…to…

Victoria hesitated, I don't know, Frodo. I don't believe in destiny, but…undeniably some things are out of our control. Gandalf told me how Bilbo found the Ring and…well, even someone like me has to admit that if it was just an accident, than it was really a weird one.

The Hobbit was silent for some moments. Vivi…Is it true that time heals every wound?

She desperately wanted to tell him yes…But Frodo wasn't like the other Hobbits. He was different. A lie would have been useless. It can heal some wounds, Frodo…But the loss of a friend is a wound that heals difficultly… She lowered her gaze. …and even when it happens, it always leaves a scar. Her sleeves had slipped up a little, uncovering the tattoo and the scar.

Frodo gently took her left arm between his hands, grazing the dragon with his fingertips. A bigger, darker hand closed around his own. His eyes traveled up the arm to the shoulder and the face, until they met Victoria's own. In my country there's a saying: "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." She lowered her gaze, not letting go of his hand. I wanted to help you, but maybe I'm not the right person…

The Hobbit clung to her, not allowing her to get up and leave. You are. You…you understand what I feel now. That's enough to me.

Frodo…

Sssh, he placed a finger on her lips. You don't have to say anything. He leaned against her and after a few seconds she hugged him back. She held him tightly, trying to chase away the cold of death that had fallen on his soul. She didn't have to make a great effort to remember how it had been when she had lost Draco and Mark and Adrian. She wondered if the Elves had sung that lament not only for Gandalf, who couldn't hear it anymore, but also for his remaining friends, so the music would have eased their suffering a little. She knew very well that in that kind of situation, music could be a balm for one's soul. Almost without realizing it, she had started humming a tune from her world, a song she had listened to so often when she was sad that she had almost consumed the record.

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world of woe
But there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go

Well I'm going there
To meet my mother
Said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds
Will gather 'round me
I know my way
Will be rough and steep
But beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed
Their vigils keep

Well I'm going there
To meet my loved ones
Gone on before me, one by one
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I'll soon be free of earthy trials
My body rest in the old church yard
I'll drop this cross of self-denial
And I'll go singing home to God

Well I'm going there
To meet my Savior
Dwell with Him and never roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home 2

The last syllable faded in the air.

That's a pretty song, Frodo said.

Victoria startled, she had been so caught up in the melody and in the lyrics that she almost forgotten where she was.

Yeah…It's a good song. She briefly caressed his cheek and then stood up slowly. I'll go to sleep…are you coming, too?

In a minute, he replied. I think I'll stay here for a while.

Victoria nodded quietly. Okay,

She went back inside and lay down under her blanket. Half an hour later, she vaguely heard him coming back, but then she fell asleep and she knew no more.

Frodo lay down as well and fell asleep watching her.

1) A Legilimens is a kind of wizard/witch who can magically intrude and influence the mind of another human being. The only way to fight this is Occlumancy. Legilimens and Occlumancy belong to J.K. Rowling.

2) Natalie Merchant, "Poor wayfaring stranger" from "The House carpenter's daughter." I just wish to add that I've never heard the song, I just like the lyrics, so, since I've heard that Natalie Merchant is a rock singer, imagine Victoria singing it in a slower rhythm.