The Rose of the Fellowship
Song: Ghosts of Reach
Album: Halo 2 (Original Soundtrack)
AN: The chapter title is different, so make sure you have the right song! I just thought that "Ghosts of Reach" wasn't fitting for the title of the chapter, but the song is exactly what I want ya'll to hear! And please note, when I am talking about a group of soldiers, I mean "men" in the sense that they are soldiers under someone's command, not their race.
Disclaimer: Any and all things mentioned in this story that are copyrighted do not belong to me. I am just using them for enjoyment and inspiration with this story, and no profit is being made with these copyrighted things.
Chapter Five: Ghosts of Lorien
We all stumbled out of the mines, and stopped on the rocks outside. I looked around at the others, all who were either crying or close to tears-save Aragorn. I knew that Aragorn was as sad as the others, yet he needed to be strong for them. Even though I knew what Gandalf's fate was, I still felt their sadness. I watched Aragorn as he turned to us.
"Legolas," he called over to the elf "get them up."
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" Boromir snapped at the ranger. I could see where the red-haired man was coming from. The hobbits were all extremely close to Gandalf, and the loss had shaken them deeply.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs!" Aragorn replied, sheathing his sword "We must reach the woods of Lothlorien."
"He's right," I added, moving next to Boromir. "There will be a time and place for grief, but not here, where there is great danger." I squeezed the Gondorian captain's hand. He turned to me, then nodded.
"Come, Legolas, Gimli, get them up!" Aragorn repeated, and they did. We caught up with Frodo, whom had started on his way already. We then made our way towards the woods. On the way, I thought back to how I had felt everyone's sadness.
It was something I always lived with, this extreme sense of empathy. It was so strong that, if a certain emotion was felt strongly by those around me, that I would start to feel it, myself, even if I was not feeling that way at the time. It was never easy, being so in-tune with the emotions of those around me, and it was what had led to me becoming so shy. People never like it when someone knows exactly what they're feeling, and that led to me never being able to really make friends. No one really wanted to be friends with the girl who was never sure of herself. I never wanted to offend anyone, and I was never comfortable with this-as I saw it- God given gift.
We reached the outskirts of the forest, and took more care when we entered. From the height of the trees, and the knowledge that elves such as Lady Galadriel inhabited these woods, I could feel the age of the realm, and I-rightly so-felt humbled by its power. I heard Gimli warn the hobbits about Lady Galadriel, and I heard her voice.
"You have come far, Sarah," Galadriel said, her voice echoing in my head. "I shall speak with you personally when the Fellowship is brought before us." When I was able to observe my surroundings again, I saw that we were surrounded by the elves under Haldir's command. Their bows were aimed at us, and Aragorn was telling Haldir that we were in need of protection. The fact that their bows were still aimed at us angered me. We were tired, in need of protection and rest, and we were being treated as if we were orc spies! I understood that Haldir's role as Marchwarden had him protecting the boarders of the woods, but could he not see that we ourselves were not evil?
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous," Gimli called to the ranger, nervously eyeing the arrows aimed at him "we should go back!"
"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood," Haldir told the dwarf "You cannot go back." he then cast his gaze on me, and I could see slight interest in his eyes, along with severe distrust.
"Come," he said "she is waiting." When Haldir started walking away, I noticed that his men still had their bows aimed at us.
Something that the others did not know about me is that, while I am not angered easily, when things build up emotionally for me and I feel severe emotions, I can get VERY angry. Those who have seen me truly angry have told me that I am very scary. This doesn't happen very often, but it is a real fault of mine that I let my emotions bottle up. Seeing the bows aimed at us, along with the buildup of emotion from everything that happened in the mines, caused me to snap.
"Marchwarden Haldir of Lorien!" I shouted in elvish, causing everyone to turn to me in shock "Have you men lower their bows at ONCE!" I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as everything I was feeling came to the surface. "While what we carry among us is evil by nature, we ourselves are not, and I demand that you give us the respect we deserve!" Everyone was shocked at my outburst, especially those who understood me, and I hastily tried to wipe away the tears that had slipped out. I saw Haldir nod to his men, and they lowered their bows.
"Forgive me, my lady," Haldir said gently, in his native tongue "please understand that it is my duty to protect these boarders from threats." I nodded.
"I do understand," I replied shyly, also in elvish "and please, forgive me for my outburst." I saw Haldir nod, and we set off on our way. As we followed Haldir through the woods, I could see that the others wanted to ask me about my outburst, but were too nervous to do so. I decided, then, that I would just clear the air. I was beaten to the punch, however.
"Are you alright, Sarah?" Boromir asked. I was surprised that he was so concerned for me, but also touched that he cared.
"I'm fine, now." I replied, smiling at him "It's just, with everything that happened in the mines, and seeing those bows aimed at us, I couldn't help my anger." I could see Boromir nod out of the corner of my eye.
"We all feel the burden." Aragorn said, walking up beside me. I smiled at him. "Though I must say," he added, chuckling "I've never seen anyone raise their voice to an elf such as Haldir." the three of us couldn't help but chuckle at that. Soon enough, we were in the depths of the forest, and climbing the stairs to meet with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. We gathered before the stairs, and watched as the two rulers of Lothlorien descended to meet us. Lord Celeborn observed us.
"Nine there are, here," he stated "Yet ten there were sent out from Rivendell." He turned to Aragorn. "Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him." Lady Galadriel looked from myself to Aragorn, and learned the answer.
"He has fallen into shadow." she stated, and saw Aragorn nod very slightly. She then turned to the rest of us.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all." she declared, casting her gaze to Boromir. She then gave a small smile. "Yet hope remains, while the company is true. Don't let your hearts be troubled." she added "You must rest, for you are weary with sorrow, and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace." She turned to one of the guards, and he began to lead us away.
"Not you, lady ranger," Lord Celeborn said, surprising me. "Lady Galadriel wishes to speak with you alone." I could see the others were concerned, but I smiled to show them I would be fine, and gave Aragorn my weapons. I turned to the two elves.
"Of course, Lord Celeborn." I said in elvish, bowing. The others left, and I followed Lady Galadriel up the stairs that she had descended when she came to meet us. We entered what I assumed to be a private meeting area, and she turned to me.
"Tell me, how have you fared with all that has happened so far?" she asked, kindly not in elvish. I wasn't all that surprised that she was concerned, since she was the one who brought me here to Middle Earth.
"I have fared as well as I could, given all that has happened." I replied. "Though I do have a question."
"And what is that?" she asked, a small smile playing on her pale lips.
"How is it I am able to understand and speak all the languages?" I questioned. Lady Galadriel gave a small laugh.
"That was my doing." she replied "I thought it would be easier for you to complete your task if you knew the languages of those you were to comfort." I nodded.
"That makes sense, I guess." I muttered. We both laughed a little at that. Lady Galadriel then beckoned me to follow her. I did, and she brought me to a room that had a few chairs and a changing screen. She then handed me a light blue dress, with long panel sleeves. I took it and followed her nod behind the changing screen, then proceeded to remove my traveling clothes.
"You are aware that, on the morrow, I will be giving the others gifts to aid them in this quest, are you not?" she asked, taking my clothes when I placed them on the screen.
"I am." I replied "why do you wish to know, my lady?" I pulled the dress over my head, and stuck my arms into the sleeves. I stepped out from behind the screen, and Lady Galadriel handed me a simple gold belt. She spoke as I tied it around my waist.
"Along with this dress, I will give you your gift tonight," Lady Galadriel said "for you must accomplish something before you can use it." I was curious as she retrieved an ornately carved box, and opened it. Inside was a beautiful violet crystal pendant, about the size of a half-dollar, carved into the shape of a heart and strung on a long silver chain.
"To you, Sarah, I give the Heart of Lothlorien." she stated, taking the pendant out of the box, and placing it around my neck. The heart settled between my breasts.
"It's beautiful." I whispered, picking it up and looking at it. The pale light of the room flickered in the crystal, and I could feel it hum with power.
"This will allow your empathetic sense to be heightened, to the point where you can know the emotions of those with whom you are connected, even if they have not yet met you." Lady Galadriel informed me. My heart started racing at this, feeling the burden fall upon my shoulders.
"I don't know, milady." I stuttered, looking her in the eye "This may be too much for me."
"I would not give this to you unless I knew that you were able to handle it." she replied "The Heart of Lothlorien can only be given to one who has a big enough heart to handle the power within." I was shocked at what she said. I was not used to someone having such faith in me. I then remembered something.
"My lady," I started "you said that I must accomplish something in order to be able to use the Heart of Lothlorien." Lady Galadriel nodded.
"You must conquer the demons of your past, before you are able to tap into its power." she replied. I was confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked. She placed a hand on my shoulder.
"The ghosts of your past that are keeping you from being who you truly are." she said kindly, looking me in the eye. "the enemies who made you suffer and all the hurt you were forced to endure. These you must conquer." I nodded, unsure of how I would to it, and Lady Galadriel had one of her guards escort me to where the others were, after handing me my pack. I came within sight of the others, and I could see Aragorn smile.
"Given your personality," he said with a laugh, causing the others to look at the two of us "I never thought we would see you in a dress!" I gave a small laugh.
"It was a gift," I replied, placing my pack with my weapons "Lady Galadriel gave it to me when we spoke together." I then began to comb out my hair, and everyone else went about their business. I watched as Boromir and Aragorn walked off. I followed them while Legolas went to get water, and stood a little ways off as Boromir and Aragorn spoke.
"…..and the tower guard shall take up the call," Boromir said to Aragorn "The lords of Gondor have returned!" I walked up to them as he said that.
"The white tree will blossom once more when you do." I added, startling the two of them. Aragorn then got up and returned to our camp. I walked a small ways past Boromir, and started to think on what Lady Galadriel had told me.
My past….it wasn't a happy one. I was constantly teased from when I was a kid, all the way through high school. I never had friends, and the bullies were merciless. Any and every thing that a bully can do to their victim, they did to me. There were days that I didn't even want to get out of bed, but I always returned to school. I was either trying to be strong, or was a glutton for punishment, I didn't know which. My hand drifted to the Heart of Lothlorien, and I felt tears well up in my eyes. How would I ever be worthy of this gift?
"Sarah, are you alright?" Boromir asked, walking up beside me. I turned to him and gave him a smile, which faded quickly.
"I am, thank you." I replied. Boromir then stepped in front of me. I could see that his 'Big Brother' instincts were kicking in.
"Don't lie to me." He said, looking me in the eye "I can see the sadness in your eyes. What is bothering you so?" thinking of my past had caused my temper to shorten.
"You wouldn't understand, Boromir." I shot at him, walking past him into the forest. I could hear him follow me.
"Then help me to understand!" he shot back, running to catch up to me "Help me understand what has made you so upset!" I stopped in my tracks and whipped around to face him.
"You could never understand!" I shouted, tears falling down my cheeks "For your entire life, people have loved you! Did you ever suffer through name-calling, harassment, mental abuse?" I could see Boromir was shocked at my words, but at that moment I didn't care "Did you ever feel as if you were less than nothing? That your life did not matter?"
"No." he replied quietly. There was a pause. "How long have you suffered so?" he asked. I wiped away some of the tears.
"My entire life." I responded. Boromir had us sit on a nearby log, then placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Then you have wrongfully suffered." he declared, looking me straight in the eye "And you are wrong about something."
"What is that?" I asked, tears streaming uncontrollably down my cheeks.
"I DO understand." he replied "Do you think that Faramir had it easy growing up? I understand what it feels like to be hurt, especially by those you trust."
"Then you know how it can make one feel." I stated. Boromir nodded in response.
"I do, but still, tell me," he beckoned. "you will feel better." I then felt the dam within me break, and it all came pouring out. I told him everything, all that was done to me. All the hurt I had suffered. With each tale, my tears grew, until I was sobbing outright. Boromir gathered me close, and I clung to his shirt as I cried. All of the sudden, through my tears, I noticed that he had started singing a tune.
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I'll be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
I looked up at Boromir as my sobs finally ceased.
"What song was that?" I whispered. The man whom I now saw as a brother moved some of my hair out of my face.
"It was something that Faramir had written a while ago," he replied "something that he said made him feel better when he was saddened." I smiled, and sat up, wiping tears away. Boromir then reached for his right hand, and pulled something off his finger. I saw that it was a gold ring. The band was wider than normal, with a small ruby embedded in the center.
"Here, take it." He said, handing it to me.
"What is this?" I asked, taking the ring and studying it.
"Faramir had them made for us." Boromir replied "They're to symbolize our brotherhood. He has one as well."
"It's very lovely, but why give this to me?" I questioned, looking him in the eye. I saw the red-haired man smile.
"Even though we are not related by blood, I still consider you to be my sister." he replied, shocking me. No one had ever come to think of me in such a way after so short a time before. "Knowing Faramir, he will as well. I want you to have this so he knows that I felt that way." I smiled at him, and put the ring on my right middle finger. I then took both of Boromir's hands in my own.
"By taking this ring, I swear to you that I will watch over our brother." I declared, and I saw Boromir smile when I said 'our brother' "And make sure he lives a long, happy life." he nodded, and we both stood and went back to camp. On the way, I felt a shift in the power of the Heart of Lothlorien. I grabbed it, and realized that I was now able to use it. I concentrated on Boromir, and found that I WAS able to know his emotions. He was tired, happy for me, and underneath all that, he was scared about what was to happen to his people in Gondor. I couldn't help the smile that came to my face. I was able to use the gift I was given. The spirits of the Valar thought I was worthy. We reached camp, and I could feel Aragorn's concern as he saw my-undoubtedly- red and puffy eyes. I smiled at him, showing him that I was alright. I could feel his relief, and he smiled back at me. I settled down next to Merry and Pippen. I could see that they wanted to sleep, but couldn't.
"Are you alright, you two?" I asked them.
"Can't sleep." Merry replied, giving a yawn. I gave a small smile as my maternal instincts kicked in.
"Would you like me to sing something?" I asked, and I could see them both nod tiredly. I thought for a quick minute, then knew the perfect song.
The first time I laid my eyes on you I knew.
We'd spend this life side by side.
I still feel the same though you're so far away.
I swear that you'll always be mine...
Forever, love. I promise you.
Someday we'll be together.
Forever love. I won't give up, No matter what.
I'll be waiting for you. Forever love.
That was as far as I got, since it was soon after that the two hobbits fell asleep. I smiled at them, then looked up to see Aragorn was watching me.
"You sing as though you have been in love." he observed, speaking quietly as to not wake the young ones sleeping around us. I smiled up at him.
"I am," I replied "I just have not met the man yet." Aragorn smiled at my logic. We all then fell asleep, my heart uneasy, as in the back of my mind I knew what would happen tomorrow.
End Chapter Five
AN: Well, what do you think? And yes, I used different portions for the verses of "You Are Loved". They were the ones I thought fit best. I liked that moment. Boromir is, above all else, a big brother, and I like to think that he would react like that when comforting someone younger than him that he saw as family. As always, rate and review, please!
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