Alassea2: I don't think they would be in the mood for a make-out session...Rolls her eyes Great observation, by the way. I'm glad you liked that and I hope you'll enjoy the next Lothlorien chapters.

Summer holiday are over – well, almost… but it doesn't count anyway – so probably I'll update more regularly.

CHAPTER XVI: CONFRONTATIONS – PART ONE

When Victoria woke up, she immediately realized that her father wasn't there. Outside, the others were eating breakfast.

Did you see my…Johnny Reb?

Aye, he went for a walk, Merry told her.

I hope it'll help him… Pippin spoke up. He looked tired this morning. I don't think he slept well.

Ah, Victoria said, pursing her lips until they became barely more than a thin line.

Merry elbowed his cousin. Ouch! What did I say?

Victoria sat down by them, pouring herself some tea. "I bet that the masca paid a call on him last night. After all, he had said that he wouldn't have found any rest here…" [masca = "witch" in Piedmontese dialect. ]

Right in that moment, Gimli started to sing the praises of Lady Galadriel. …I hope we'll see her again before leaving this wood.

I hope we won't, Victoria remarked dryly, taking another sip of her tea.

Gimli frowned. Excuse me, what did you say exactly?

I said I dearly hope that I won't have anything to do with her. She has on me the very same effect that Professor McGonagall had: the less I see her, the better I am!

Moderate your language! Aragorn reproached her. Remember that we're in her kingdom!

And that's a real pity, 'cause this would be a beautiful place if she wasn't here, annoying everybody. And I'm saying it out loud, I don't care if she hears me!

Mind what you're saying! Gimli warned her. You must thank your God that you are a girl, or I would have given you a lesson!

Oh, I'm soo scared! You didn't think so high about her yesterday…

That… the Dwarf roared. …happened because I had yet to gaze at the grace and the beauty of the Lady!

Oh, that's a good criterion to judge people! Congratulations! If you want to know, I think that your "gracious Lady" is a slippery Gryffindor, that's my opinion!

You'll get yourself kicked out if you keep on saying so, girl! Aragorn spoke up.

So much the better! I don't like being less than 10 km away from miss Wiseacre! she replied.

Enough, Victoria! That's the limit! Legolas shouted. You should respect more the Lady Galadriel!

I'll respect her when she'll respect me and my mind! Her face darkened. I don't like those who speak in your head. The last time it happened, they were trying to convince me to throw myself down my own house's roof, excuse me if I'm a little bit wary!

Your diffidence is offensive and unjustified. You are talking about the wisest of the Elves! Legolas replied.

If she was wise, she'd know that it's not a good idea go messing around with other people's mind, especially mine! I'm already quite messed up on my own without her coming to bring damage, thank you very much!

She must have had her reasons to… Legolas started, but he never had the chance to finish his sentence.

I don't give a damn! I've my reasons not to want an Elf fumbling in my mind too!

Afraid that she might discover something, aren't you? Gimli implied poisonously. What do you fear she might find out?

Mind your own business, taca borniu c'a sertu dalla Fiat! she replied, furiously. I've nothing to hide, but I don't want to risk her awakening bad memories. It's already hard enough keeping them at bay on my own

Galadriel does know what she's doing, Aragorn tried to shoot her.

Oh, really? One wouldn't think so…

Victoria, you're talking about one of the oldest Elves! She's more than five thousand years old! Legolas cried out.

I'll ask her which lines-proof face cream she uses! And at her age one should stop sniffing coca!

The Elf and the Dwarf, for once by mutual consent, shot her a death glare. What is it supposed to mean? Gimli asked in a low, menacing voice.

It means what I know it means. Since you like her so much, go to madamin Know-it-All and ask her to explain it to you!

That's enough! Aragorn tried to intervene, but Victoria cut him off.

No, I've had enough of all of you! She got to her feet and walked away.

Where are you going? Aragorn shouted after her.

None of your business!

Not even the peaceful atmosphere of the Golden Wood could calm the young witch marching between the trees.

Torey?

Hearing that voice, she stopped in her tracks. Édnie! Where have you been? She ran to him and hugged him. I got so scared when I didn't find you this morning… She raised her face toward him, looking for his eyes. Galadriel didn't let you be not even while you where sleeping, did she? Boromir didn't answer and looked away, which was like an admission. Doesn't she have anything better to do?

Boromir avoided looking at his daughter. Maybe she's right… he whispered.

What do you mean, dad? she asked worriedly.

It's just that…the Ring is so strong and then… he shook his head. Yesterday, while we were getting here…You told Sam that we were like a chain and that we weren't going to be broken, but every chain has its weak link, Torey… he took a deep breath, not looking at her. …and I fear it's me.

Victoria was silent for some moments. It's because of the things Billy Yank said, isn't it?

He turned to her. How can you know that we…

That the two of you have had a heated discussion? Don't look at me like that, I didn't eavesdrop!

Are you sure? he asked her sternly.

Oh, okay, I eavesdropped! But don't try to change subject. It's because of the things he said or not?

Yes, it's also because of that. But there are other things… He ran a hand over his eyes. I'm afraid, Torey. I fear that I won't be strong enough, that I won't be able to prevent Gondor's fall, that I will fail my people…that I won't be able to protect those I love. He turned to look at her. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you, Torey. I don't want to ruin you.

Listen, Boromir… the girl said as she laid a hand on his shoulder. Billy Yank is wrong. Maybe he knows the Elves, but I know Men… She gently forced him to look her in the eyes. …and above all, I know you. I know that you're fighting a bitter battle, but I'm sure you'll come off well. She let out a sigh. It's not easy, I know…The enemy takes advantage of our own strong points and uses the thing we're trying to cling to as weapons against us…but if we can turn his own weapons, that after all are our thoughts and memories, against him as well, it's already finished. Even if it's easier said than done.

Boromir smiled softly at her, caressing her cheek. You are a precious gift, Merilìs. More than any ring.

The girl smiled. They sat down under a tree and just stayed there silently, lost in their thoughts. Victoria closed her eyes and breathed in deeply the cool air. When she opened them again, her gaze fell on her father's face. Hey… she asked, moving a little. …what are you thinking about?

Do you remember what Gimli said some time ago? he asked.

Who, taca borniu c'a sertu dalla Fiat? She made a face.

Boromir raised his eyebrows, Another nickname?

It means "start playing your harmonica, ye blind beggar man, for the workers are coming out of the factory" and considering how far Gimli can see…

The Man burst out laughing. You are terrible. Anyway, do you remember what he said about us, the three Humans of the Fellowship, a couple of days before the pass of Caradhras?

Victoria nodded, an unreadable expression on her face. He said that anyone who saw us near would have thought that I was Aragorn's daughter because I have dark skin and dark hair… she turned to the warrior of Minas Tirith. …but I'm your daughter. "Am I not?" her eyes added.

You are and you will always be my little girl, he reassured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Even when you will be married with half a dozen of children.

The girl threw her head backwards, laughing loudly. Where could I find a man so crazy to marry me?

Oh, you'll find him, you'll find him…

Victoria pretended to glare at him. Hey, you ain't plotting something, are you?

Of course not, you silly girl! He replied, laughing.

Oh, well, I was just wondering… She smirked.

By the way, why were you so angry when we met?

She made a face. I've had a small discussion with the others about our hostess…

I see, the Man nodded.

The girl took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his own. You know…I think Gimli made that comment wondering why I was closer to you than to Aragorn. But after all, physical resemblance doesn't count.

Maybe you should have chosen him…

Oh, please! She looked at him in the face. Aragorn could never be my father, even if we do look alike. But he grew up among the Elves and is closer to them than to us poor mortals. Another face. Elves may be the most beautiful, the wisest and brighter than a 600 watt electric-light bulb, but sometimes they look too perfect to me. She shrugged her shoulders. Like Mrs. Galadriel. She's too much of a Gryffindor for me. I prefer the Mankind: at least, they don't make me feel dirty or inferior…

I can understand you perfectly, he agreed.

Yeah. And then they are at fault as well! I mean, who forged the Rings of Power? The Elves! They should stop being so haughty and mighty! she concluded passionately.

It shall be better if Legolas does not cross your path for a while, he smirked.

You can say that! She nodded seriously.

Boromir sighed and stood up. I think it's time to go back for me.

I prefer to continue my walk, Victoria replied, standing up as well. There's a couple of things I must take care of.

Be careful not to end up in trouble, he warned her.

Don't worry, it's not in my schedule for today. The Man nodded, not really convinced, and started walking away. Hey, Johnny Reb…

Aye? he asked as he turned around.

Victoria approached him and touched lightly the cross she had given him. Have faith.

I will try. But it's not easy…

Don't tell me… She sighed.

They parted. Victoria returned to the camp just in time for lunch. She didn't speak to anyone, ate quickly, took some things from her backpack and disappeared again.

She came back at sunset, after having dinner on her own. Hey, Johnny Reb! she called, motioning for him to come near.

What, Merilìs?

Here, take it… she murmured, slipping a small bottle filled with a dark blue liquid in his hand. I've made you this sleeping potion. Drink two sips before laying down and you'll sleep like a stone. She winked at him. Effects guaranteed.

Boromir smiled at her. I'm sure it will work. Thank you very much, Merilìs.

Oh, that was nothing, she murmured, lowering her gaze. Then, suddenly, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. I love you, édnie.

I love you too, dilàr neién, [Gondorian dialect, "my little one".]

The next day, around the same time, Boromir and Victoria were coming back after a little sword practicing, chatting friendly. Right in that moment, Haldir the Marchwarden entered the small clearing, his face serious and impassive. The two Humans hurriedly joined the others to hear what was going on.

Well met, Haldir, Aragorn greeted him. Why are you here?

I must escort one of you to the Lady, for she desires to speak with that one.

I'm coming, replied Isildur's heir, who had already been summoned a couple of times before.

Haldir shook his head. This time it's not you, but her, he said, pointing to the only female of the group.

Me? Victoria said, puzzled.

The Marchwarden nodded. I am under orders to escort you to the Lady.

The girl made a face. I guess I can't refuse, can I?

Absolutely no, the blonde Elf answered.

She sighed, shrugging her shoulders. Okay, I'm coming. Don't stay up and wait for me, you know how long these meetings take… Without being seen, she briefly squeezed Boromir's hand and then followed the Elf, turning around for a moment to wave them goodbye.

As usual, she had acted tough and uncaring, but she was very nervous. As she had said more than once, she didn't like Galadriel at all and the thought of having a meeting with her wasn't exactly attractive. She heard a faint flap of wings and then Duke, her hawk, landed on her shoulder. She stroked his feathers, feeling a little bit better. At least she was not alone.

Merilìs= come on, you should know by now…."morning star" in Gondorian dialect. See the first footnote in chapter nine.

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