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Lacy here peoples with the next chapter of Zera. So, end of last chapter, not the happiest in the world. Yeah, losing Gandalf will do that. This will probably be the last chapter for the first movie, as there isn't much left. So, have fun.
Disclaimer: I only own Zera.
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Zera's knees gave out shortly after they left the mine. She collapsed onto the nearest rock and allowed tears of grief and exhaustion fall down her face. Even though it happened right before her eyes, she couldn't believe they'd lost Gandalf.
"Legolas!" her brother's voice broke through her grief. "Get them up!"
Zera wiped her eyes and looked at Aragorn.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!" Boromir cried out.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs!" Aragorn said. "We must reach the woods of Lothlorien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli. Get them up." he helped Sam up. "On your feet Sam." he moved over to Zera. "Come Zera. You, out of all of us, need to get out of this place."
Zera accepted Aragorn's hand and stood. "You're going to have to give them time to grieve, brother. Be it now or later."
Aragorn's face softened. "It has to be later. We're not safe here."
"How do you know the queen will welcome us?" Zera asked as she sheathed her sword.
"We have to hope." Aragorn said before looking around. "Frodo?" he found the hobbit a ways off from the rest. "Frodo!"
They all saw the numb shock on Frodo's face as he stopped and faced Aragorn. This wound would take an unforeseeable time to heal.
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The moment the group entered Lothlorien, Zera fell to her knees and touched the soil.
"What is she doing?" Merry asked.
"Just give her a moment." Boromir said as Zera's eyes slipped shut.
Zera felt her strength return fast as the magic of the wood flowed into her. It only took a fraction of the time it normally did for her to return to full strength. Opening her eyes, she pushed off the ground and nodded to Aragorn.
"We can continue." she said.
Aragorn nodded and led the group deeper into the woods.
"Stay close, young hobbits," Gimli said from behind Zera. "they say a Sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell..."
Zera looked over her shoulder at the dwarf. "And what, may I ask, is wrong with a sorceress, Master Dwarf?"
Gimli, not knowing what Zera was, replied. "They're evil creatures. Everyone knows this."
Boromir smirked. "She is a sorceress, Gimli."
Gimli's face fell some. "I, uh,"
Zera suppressed a smirk. "It's alright, Gimli. I won't cast as spells in revenge."
"My apologies, my lady." Gimli said, addressing Zera by her royal label. "You are the exception. And this is one dwarf the elf-witch won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."
The second those words left Gimli's mouth, the group was surrounded by elves, all pointing arrows at them. A familiar elf stopped in front of Aragorn and Zera moved to her brother's side so he would see two friendly faces.
"The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark." Haldir said, giving Gimli a look.
"Haldir of Lorien," Aragorn said. "we come here for your help. We need your protection."
"Aragorn!" Gimli called out. "These woods are perilous. We should go back."
"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood." Haldir said. "You cannot go back." he locked his eyes on Frodo. "Come, she is waiting."
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Zera stuck close to Aragorn and kept her eyes down as they followed Haldir. She'd seen the beauty of this Elvin realm before and knew, just like Rivendell, she was not welcome. It didn't matter what their leader practice the same sorcery.
"Hold your head up, sister." Aragorn said softly. "Lord Elrond holds just as much power as Lady Galadriel. As long as you wear that ring, you are welcome."
"Your brother is right, Zera." Haldir said. "Do not hang your head."
Zera exhaled slowly before doing as her brother and Haldir told her. She lifted her head and took in the great elf realm. A mysterious blue glow fell over the whole land as night fell and everything was lit with silver and white lights. It was breath taking.
They stopped at the top of the stair case, which was lit with a soft light that appeared to be coming from nowhere.
Two elves, beautiful and perfect beyond words came down the flight of stairs in front of the group. The male, Celeborn, had long silver hair and his face was grave and beautiful, with no signs of age on it. The woman, Galadriel, had deep golden hair and timeless, unsurpassed beauty. They were a sight to behold.
Celeborn looked at Aragorn. "Nine there are, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."
Zera's eyes fell to the ground again as a new wave of grief hit her.
"He has fallen into shadow." Galadriel said softly. She looked upon Aragorn and Zera. "The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while company is true." she looked over the group. "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."
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"Zera,"
Zera looked up from where she was resting on a large tree root. She'd removed her shoes and her bare feet rested in front of her while her knees were drawn to her chest.
It was Haldir she found in front of her. She bowed her head.
"Haldir."
Haldir held out a necklace to Zera. "Lady Galadriel has asked me to give this to you."
Zera took the necklace. "May I ask why?"
"My lady knows of your gift and knows how certain lands can leave you drained." Haldir said. "This is enchanted so no matter where you are, you will never be powerless."
Zera looked at the pendant on the silver chain. It was a silver amulet with a swirl of black onyx in the middle. She looked back at Haldir and nodded.
"Tell Lady Galadriel thank you for me." she said.
Haldir nodded. "Of course."
The elf walked away and Zera secured the necklace around her neck. She looked at the pendant and the ring she now wore. Maybe the elves weren't as mistrusting as they appeared.
She wrapped her arms around her shins and listened to the mournful singing coming from the elves in the distance. She felt more then heard Boromir sit on a root near here and turned to look at him.
"Are you alright, Boromir?" Zera asked seeing the fear on the man's face.
Boromir looked sharply at Zera. "I did not realize you were there."
Zera smiled. "I blend well with the night."
Boromir took in Zera's black hair and dress and nodded. "So you do."
Aragorn joined them. "Take some rest, both of you. These borders are well protected."
Boromir shook his head gently. "I will find no rest here."
The siblings looked at him in confusion and concern.
Boromir's voice shook as he spoke. "I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. And she said to me, even now there is hope left." he looked away. "But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope."
Zera and Aragorn moved to sit closer to Boromir.
The man looked between the two siblings. "My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing and our..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. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? Zera? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"
The two shared a look as they recalled the last time they set eyes on the White City.
"We have seen the white city." Aragorn said softly. "Long ago."
Boromir gave a small smile. "One day our paths will lead us there, and the tower guards shall take up the call 'the Lords and Lady of Gondor have returned.'"
Zera and Aragorn returned the smile even though in Aragorn's heart, and Zera's as well, the chances of them retaking the throne were slim.
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Zera sat in the front of one of the boats, Legolas and Gimli behind her. Her hand rested over the necklace she was given while she watched the quiet woods around them. The waters were quiet, there was no breeze, leaving the trees still. It was very peaceful and yet she still felt as if something was wrong. Very wrong. With a deep, calming breath, Zera tried to push the feeling from her mind, figuring it was from losing Gandalf.
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Zera's jaw fell as she took in the Argonath, two giant pinnacles on either side of the river carved into the images of Gordorian kings of old. For years had she and Aragorn dreamed of seeing them. She looked over at her brother and saw the awe she knew was mirrored on her own face.
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As the boats slid onto land, Zera climbed out and grabbed her things.
"We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot." Aragorn said. "we approach Mordor from the North."
"Oh, yes, just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks." Gimli said. "And after that gets even better. A festering, stinking marshland, far as the eye can see."
Zera tuned Gimli and her brother out as she and Legolas stared into the forest.
"Do you feel it?" Legolas asked.
Zera nodded. "We shouldn't wait for nightfall."
Legolas moved to Aragorn. "We should leave now."
Aragorn shook his head. "No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."
Zera looked at her brother. "It is not the eastern shore that worries us."
Legolas glanced into Parth Galen forest. "A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near. Zera and I can feel it."
Aragorn looked at them both, letting them know that he understood what they were saying.
"Where's Frodo?" Merry asked as he dumped a small pile of wood next to Gimli.
Zera and Aragorn looked around as Sam woke with a start. Zera's head spun around to find Boromir, only to see his shield laying alone against a tree.
"Aragorn," Zera said in warning.
Aragorn saw what his sister did. "Come,"
The two took off into the forest, the others following behind.
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Zera caught sight of Frodo just as he fell backwards off the ruins.
"Frodo!" She shouted, catching her brother's attention.
They reached Frodo as he sat himself up.
"Frodo?" Aragorn said softly. The hobbit still jumped.
"It has taken Boromir." Frodo said, almost sounding numb.
Zera looked around the forest while Aragorn stepped forward.
"Where is the ring?" he asked, his tone urgent.
"Stay away!" Frodo backed away quickly.
The move surprised the two.
"Frodo, we swore to protect you." Zera said.
"Can you protect me from yourselves?" Frodo asked.
Zera and Aragorn's eyes were drawn to Frodo's hand as he uncurled his fist, revealing the ring to them.
"Would you destroy it?" Frodo asked.
The two siblings drew closer to Frodo, each reaching out a hand towards the ring as they heard faint voices in their heads calling their names. Breaking what hold the ring tried to take, they knelt before Frodo and closed his hand, covering it with their own.
"We would have gone with you all the way." Zera said.
"In the very fires of Mordor." Aragorn said.
Frodo's eyes softened. "I know. Look after the others. Especially Sam. He will not understand."
The two went to nod when their eyes were drawn to Frodo's sword. Seeing the blue glow from the sheath, they stood and pulled their own.
"Go Frodo." Zera said.
Frodo frowned, not understanding. He pulled Sting and quickly understood.
"Run!" Aragorn said. "Run!"
Frodo took off and Aragorn and Zera moved to the side of the ruins where at least two hundred Uruk Hai stood, ready to fight.
"You should go back." Aragorn said.
Zera shook her head. "Given how many there are, I'll end up fighting any way." she lifted her sword. "For Frodo, brother."
Aragorn lifted his own sword. "For Frodo."
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Zera turned, slicing through an Uruk Hai as a horn caught her ears.
"The Horn of Gondor!" Legolas said.
"Boromir!" Aragorn said, taking off into the woods.
Zera, Legolas and Gimli followed close behind. As they ran, Zera used her sorcery to pull roots up from the ground, tripping the Uruk Hai as they came closer, making them easier to take out. She reached as far ahead of them as she could, knocking down the ones heading for Boromir as fear gripped her heart that they wouldn't make it in time.
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Zera fell at Boromir's side just as Aragorn took the head off the lead Uruk Hai.
"Boromir," Zera said, her voice a whisper. She took his hand and held it tightly as Aragorn fell next to her.
"They took the little ones," Boromir gasped out.
Aragorn tried to stop the bleeding from Boromir's shoulder.
"Frodo," Boromir said. "where is Frodo?"
"We let Frodo go." Zera said, tears pooling in her eyes.
"Then you did what I could not." Boromir said. "I tried to take the ring from him."
"The ring is beyond our reach now." Aragorn said.
"Forgive me, I did not see," Boromir said. "I have failed you all."
Zera shook her head. "No Boromir, you fought bravely. You kept your honor."
Aragorn tried to bind Boromir's wound.
"Leave it!" Boromir said. "It is over. The world of men will fall and all will come to darkness and my city to ruin."
Boromir tightened his grip on Zera's hand while putting his other hand on Aragorn's shoulder. His eyes pleaded with them.
"I do not know what strength is in our blood," Aragorn said. "but we swear to you, we will not let the White City fall nor our people fail."
Boromir looked between the two. "Our people. Our people." he held his hand out for his sword. Zera laid it in his hand and he brought it over his chest. He looked first at Aragorn. "I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my king." he turned to Zera. "My queen."
Zera's tears fell as Boromir drew his final breath and his hand fell from hers.
"Be at peace, son of Gondor." Aragorn said softly before kissing Boromir's forehead.
Zera repeated his words and actions. She heard Legolas and Gimli come up behind them, stopping just short of the three.
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Zera watched the boat carrying Boromir's body float down the river towards the waterfall. As they could not take him home, this was the next best thing. Tears slid freely down her face as the boat vanished from view. Wiping her face, she walked over to Aragorn and wrapped a cloth tightly around the cut on his arm.
"Hurry," Legolas said as he pushed one of the boats towards the water. "Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore."
Zera and Aragorn looked across the lake, resigned expressions on their faces. They watched Frodo and Sam move through the trees on the other side but made no move to follow.
"You mean not to follow them." Legolas said.
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Zera said as she sheathed her dagger.
"Then it has all been in vain." Gimli said. "The fellowship has failed."
"Not if we hold true to each other." Aragorn said as the four stood close together. He put a hand on Legolas and Zera. Zera rested her own hand on Gimli, who wrapped his around her forearm. "We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death, not while we have strength left." he moved away and sheathed his hunting knife. "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light." he looked back at the others. "Let us hunt some orc."
Zera smiled as Aragorn took off into the forest. Looking at Legolas and Gimli she laughed and took off after her brother. She heard Gimli's laughter as he and Legolas followed.
The fellowship was broken and splintered but the bonds it formed still held strong.
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And we reach the end of the first movie. Only four chapters. I get the feeling the others will take up more then four. Either way, let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading.
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