CHAPTER 2 July 1, 3018
Lothíriel and Boromir were standing in a hallway of Minas Tirith somewhere on the fourth level. It had been only a day since they returned from Osgiliath. The Swan Knights, the soldiers of Dol Amroth, returned to Minas Tirith only to rest for a few days and join the celebrations of their victory before riding home.
"I do not think it wise for you to accompany me to Rivendell," Boromir told her. "My father has given me a task that I alone-"
"The One Ring," Lothíriel mistakenly said aloud.
Boromir looked at her. "What?"
"That is why you are leaving, is it not?"
Boromir took a step toward her.
"Were you eavesdropping?"
"On whom?"
"On me and my father the other day in Osgiliath?"
"You do not deny the quest's purpose then?" Lothíriel said breathlessly.
Boromir inwardly chided himself, but he would not lie to her.
"It is rumored to have something to do with that, yes," he admitted.
"Why are you needed in Imladris that has to do with the Ring?" Lothíriel wondered. "What purpose can you serve?"
"I do not fully know. The weapon has been found. My father says Elrond Half-Elven of Rivendell has called a meeting and representatives of Men, Elves, and Dwarves are to gather there. I am to take a few representatives of Men."
"So much for doing your task alone," Lothíriel retorted, arching her eyebrow.
"My father wants me to bring back the weapon," Boromir said, ignoring her jibe.
"Weapon?" Lothíriel repeated, slightly surprised. "When used by Sauron, yes. But we are not to use it as such."
"My father has plans otherwise."
"Nevertheless, I am coming. I'm experienced, I'm willing, I know how to handle things."
"Lothíriel-" Boromir started.
"You're to take representatives with you, correct?" Lothíriel inquired.
Boromir nodded.
"I'm a princess! Surely that's representative enough," she half shouted, throwing her arms into the air.
Boromir shook his head but he could not hide a smirk.
"Will it be perilous?" Lothíriel looked up at him with a light ablaze in her eyes.
"Perhaps."
"All the more reason to come."
Boromir thought for a moment.
"Alright, Thíri, alright. I will decide with my father who shall accompany us as representatives. I'll request you join."
"That's all I ask," she said as she turned to leave.
"Lothíriel," Boromir called after her.
Lothíriel turned back.
"Why do you wish to go to Rivendell so badly?"
She paused a moment before answering.
"I wish to see it again," Lothíriel smiled as she thought of the days she spent with the Company in the Elven home. The glorious feasts, Bombur's songs, Fili's presence, and the beautiful falls.
"It holds many memories for me, and I could not pass the chance to see it."
July 4, 3018
Boromir, Lothíriel, the youngest of her three older brothers Amrothos, and Lothíriel's friend Irolas were the chosen representatives for Men and were up at the crack of dawn preparing to ride out.
"Goodbye, Father." Lothíriel received a kiss on the top of her head as she hugged her father, Prince Imrahil.
"Goodbye, my darling. He approached her brother, Boromir, and Irolas. "Take care of her."
"I think she can take care of herself," Amrothos said with a smile as he secured his pack to his horse. "She's seen so much of the world. Maybe you should be telling her to take care of us."
Lothíriel hugged her eldest brother. "Goodbye, Elphir. Take care."
"And you, Lothíriel."
"Safe travels, Thíri," her other brother Erchirion said kissing her forehead.
Boromir mounted his horse and everyone followed suit.
Faramir had come out to say farewell. He kissed Lothíriel's hand and shook Irolas' and Amrothos'. He looked up at Boromir with a look of sadness mingled with respect in his eyes.
"Remember today, little brother," Boromir said.
He trotted off as the others followed.
"Noro lim, Firlas," Lothíriel ordered her dark brown horse to "ride on."
So, what do you guys think? Falling asleep yet?