Chapter 12: The Only Two Women

Everyone stood in a line before the Lord and Lady of Lothlòrien, the boats almost fully stocked and packed, as several Elves wrapped and pinned grey green cloaks around their shoulders, the pins in the shape of a leaf from one of the large trees above them. They were incredibly light and thin but warmed them all against the morning chill.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," Celeborn spoke proudly of the material as he looked along the line of the Fellowship.

"May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," Galadriel was next up, a gold and silver circlet fitted her head making her look stunning as always. A line of Elves stood behind her with objects hidden under large pieces of cloth. She walked to Legolas first and one of the Elves came forward, pulling of the cloth and revealing a beautiful bow.

"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin," She gently placed the bow in Legolas' hands and he held it with wonder, drawing the string back and smiling as he tested it. Smiling at his childish joy she moved on to Pippin and Merry, two more elves came forward and handed the two their gifts.

"These are the daggers of the Noldorin, they have already seen service in war," Merry happily drew out his dagger and admired the blade, but Pippin was more hesitant.

"Do not fear, young Peregrin Took, you will find your courage," The words lifted Pippin's face a little and he too started to inspect his dagger. Sam was next and Galadriel gently handed him a large coil of rope made of hithlain.

"Thank you, my lady," Sam said, being the first one to actually voice his thanks. Naomi couldn't help but chuckled as he inquired as to whether there was another shiny dagger for him. Galadriel found it rather amusing as well but didn't say anything and moved on, leaving Sam with his rope. When the Lady came to face Gimli Naomi found that she had to look away, feeling like she was intruding on a private moment for the Dwarf was completely smitten with the Elf Lady. Instead she looked to her left where Tess stood adjusting all her items. The Elves had given her new clothes as they had said they would, but had also repaired, shined and replace all that she had before. Light brown breeches were tucked into thick boots that actually fit her and a maroon tunic with sleeves to her elbows reached down to the middle of her thighs, the thick Dwarf belt she had during the mine repaired and strengthened was tight around her waist holding two of her redone and shined daggers. Naomi had no idea where the other three were or if she even had them anymore.

It had taken Tess over an hour this morning to get completely dressed as she kept putting things on, taking them off, rearranging them, putting them back on, taking them off again over and over again until she was satisfied. Naomi had watched with interest as she had first pulled on an off-white long sleeved shirt with only slightly floaty sleeves and a drawstring front and tucked it into her breeches, then put on a leather vest with no sleeves and that had a low cut front and a high back. The vest was done up with cords and for a while Tess couldn't figure out what type of knots she wanted to use. Next up was the chain mail. The Elves had to get rid of the old Dwarvish mail in the end but made her new proper fitting mail that was very light and breathable. Tess had pulled it on and said she hardly felt it, even though it came down just passed her waist and down to her elbows. She was pleased that it didn't make noise or pinch like the rusty old mail she had used before.

Naomi's outfit hadn't changed except for the addition of her new Elven cloak which hung over the top of her black cloak she got in Rivendell, she found she didn't have the heart not to wear it as it reminded her of Arwen and her friendship. Galadriel now stood before Naomi, who was second last in the line so she became confused when still four Elves with items remained. The first Elf came forward and unveiled a black bow with blue and white patterns running up and down in intricate swirls. A black quiver full of arrows with feathered ends rested underneath it. Galadriel gently placed the quiver in Naomi's hands first and after a moment of inspection pulled an arrow out and slung the quiver onto her shoulder.

"It's beautiful," The smooth black arrow was thinner than her pinky but felt incredibly strong, the feathers on the end were blue with black stripes, a white tip on the end.

"Blue Jay feathers, the song bird is adaptable and aggressive but if its blue feathers are crushed, the blue disappears as the structure is destroyed," Galadriel said whilst running a finger of the feathers gently, then her finger slid down to the tip of the arrow.

"Its beak is strong, for it must crack the toughest of nuts in order to survive," Ever so slightly the Lady's eyes flicked in the direction of a specific blonde elf that was helping load up a boat with Lembas bread. Naomi coughed and her face tinted pink whilst placing the arrow back and taking the bow, which now that she saw it up closer had tiny blue birds flying and intricate little white flowers painted on the silky black surface. The second gift Naomi was given was a plain silver comb as big as her hand. Engraved in one corner was a flower with a single bird flying around it, a Blue Jay she guessed.

"Good luck," The voice of Galadriel resonated through her head and Naomi bowed, thanking her many times for her wonderful presents. She gave a quick smile to Tess before she too made her way to the boats where everyone was waiting. Tess stood staring intently at her shoes as Galadriel stood before her, and the two remained in silence for a while. It was the fair Elf woman who spoke first, her hand tucked under Tess' chin to get the girl's brown eyes to meet her own blue ones.

"You will find your place and your meaning," Wordlessly the last two Elves handed Tess her gifts. Leather Gauntlets with a flap to protect the top of her hands were under the first piece of cloth and a short sword under the second. The blade glinted in the light and was as long as her shin.

"Thank you my lady…for everything," Tess gestured down at herself, at everything they had given her. Galadriel said nothing else but stroked the side of Tess' face one last time before returning to Lord Celeborn's side. The brunette woman stood motionless for a minute, mulling over the fair lady's words, before tying the sword sheath to her belt and pulling on the leather gauntlets.

/\\

The ten members of the fellowship had divided into the four boats provided. Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in the first, Boromir, Merry and Pippin in the second, Legolas and Gimli in the next (both of who had become surprisingly fast friends during their time in the Elven city) leaving Naomi and Tess in the last. So far they had traveled five days down the river and had had no trouble, except for a mysterious floating log that seemed to be following them. From the beginning of the morning of their sixth day of paddling Naomi had taken the back seat and paddled, although she fully intended to swap that job with Tess within the next five minutes. So absorbed was Naomi in her thoughts that when Tess spoke she jumped.

"Why was Lady Galadriel making references to you whilst talking about the bird cracking nuts?" Tess' question was so out of the blue that Naomi stopped paddling for a moment to fully comprehend what had been said.

"Well ah…you know with the…the…thing going on and the….person?" Naomi stuttered, unconsciously staring at Legolas' back. A stare which Tess caught.

"Uh huh, cut the crap and just admit you like him," She called over her shoulder.

"I like him," It was Tess this time that was caught unaware, unsure of what to say to such an honest confession. Turning in her seat to face Naomi she plotted what to say.

"I know what you gonna say, 'geeze Naomi, fall for the out of your league Elf Prince why don't you?' well guess what? I-,"

"Am completely worthy of him, and he is totally within your league," Tess cut in, Naomi licked her lips and stared before speaking again.

"Really? I had a whole speech planned and then you go and approve? Thanks a lot," She joked, but when she saw the serious look on her friend's face she stopped.

"What if when all this is done and over, what if we complete what we came here for…and we can go home?" Naomi stopped paddling again and let the current drag them for the time being as she contemplated the words spoken to her. In all honesty she had not thought of returning home once since she was in Rivendell. She stared hard at the bottom of the boat as she answered.

"I'm not sure that when this mission is over…I'll want to leave," Slowly after some time of silence she looked back up and found Tess staring at her shocked.

"Tess I-!" Naomi was cut off as the boat jerked violently, making the two girls grip the sides of the boats.

"We are coming up onto the Rapids of Sarn Gebir! Steer carefully!" Boromir shouted back at them. Tess and Naomi waved to show they under stood then swapped positions, Tess having had more experience with canoes than Naomi.

"Hold on tight," Was all that Tess managed to say as the current picked up and the sound of water gushing over and around boulders increased. Within a few minutes it was impossible to hear anything over the rapids, and the current was getting harder to fight against though so far no one had hit any rocks. That all changed when Boromir cut across Tess and Naomi to avoid a rock he had not seen.

"Shit!" The curse flew from both women's mouths as Tess dipped the paddle in low to avoid the boat. Things only got worse as the paddle became trapped and the wood slipped from Tess' grasp as the boat spun.

"Shit fuck shit shit fuck shit fuck mother fucker!" Foul language escaped Naomi's mouth at a high pitched scream when the side of the boat slammed into a rock. Tess had a large scowl on her face and her lip was bleeding from where she had bitten into it too hard. She was extremely upset with the way things were going. They had veered off course and were flying down the more dangerous route down the rapids, cracking into rocks left and right.

"If we survive this I'm going to kill you!" Naomi cried out angrily.

"Who? ME! What the hell did I do!" Tess asked outraged at this sudden confession of Naomi's.

"You let go of the goddamn paddle!"

"I did not! It got stuck!"

"Because you dipped it in so low!"

"BECAUSE IF I HADN'T WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO BOROMIR!" The fight was stopped for a second as they slammed into yet another rock, water flying around and drenching them both. Once water was clear of her airway Naomi retaliated to Tess' last answer.

"Yeah well you could have swerved the other way!"

"I was preoccupied and that was the quickest way!"

"You shouldn't have been preoccupied whilst driving!"

"It's your fault!"

"HOW!

"YOU TO ME YOU DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE!" that was the last thing either of them could say as the boat slammed into and long and threw them both into the cold water. Bubbles burst from Naomi's mouth as she let out a gasp when her back hit a rock, winding herself as she tried to swim to the surface. Her head broke free and she found the boat, though it was filled up with water and had large cracks in both sides. With no other escape Naomi just concentrated on keeping her head above water and avoiding large rocks. She was shivering and getting tired when the rapids finally ended and she managed to swim to shore before collapsing in a heap on her stomach in the shallows. A sloshing sound followed by a splat next to her indicated that Tess had made it alive as well.

"I'm sorry," Came her voice between heavy breathes.

"I just don't wanna lose you again," Slowly Naomi turned her head and saw that Tess was lying on her back facing the sky, her brown fringe plastered to her face and a shallow cut on her left check bleeding.

"I'm sorry too, but I won't leave you Tessabell, I need you and you need me too I mean c'mon there is no one else that can be as awesome as me in your life," Naomi boasted proudly, to which Tess burst out laughing followed by her. The other boats pulled up next to them and the two girls sat up.

"By the land, are you alright?" Boromir asked as they jumped out of the boats to see if the girls were alright.

"Fine, we're fine," Tess chuckled as she stood, wringing her hair out. Legolas was by Naomi's side in an instant checking to make sure she was indeed in one piece.

"Legolas I'm okay, just a bit wet," It was then Naomi noticed Tess pulling off her clothing.

"What ARE you doing?" Naomi asked with a raised eyebrow, Tess simply pointed to the half sunk boat trapped between two large boulders in the middle of the river. After laying out her cloak, tunic and chain mail in the sun to dry she pulled off her socks and boots, then waded into the water and began swimming out.

"Ah Tess? I don't think it's gonna float no more…," When Tess didn't stop Naomi rolled her eyes and sat down, pulling off her own boots and pouring the water out of them in a thin stream.

"What were the two of you screaming about? We could hear ye over the rapids," Pippin said sitting next to the dripping Naomi.

"I was…annoyed that she had let go of the paddle," Naomi admitted, before chewing on her bottom lip nervously.

"I think Boromir is very upset about how he cut in front of you guys, he didn't mean to," Merry said sitting the other side of her, Naomi looked over to the Gondorian Captain who was like Aragorn and Legolas pulling the boats out of the water so that they may stop for lunch and a rest. A loud cracking sound made everyone's heads turn to the boat, which was now sinking as Tess swam towards shore.

"And the point of that was? All the food will be soaking," Naomi called out as Tess waded back to shore.

"That may be so, but I thought you might want you stuff," The drenched brunette told her as she dumped the leather pouch with Naomi's comb on her lap and handed her her weapons.

"Oh…Thank you!" Naomi grinned as she placed everything in the sun. Tess smiled before shaking her body like a dog, water droplets flying around and wetting Naomi again. After that she lay down next to Naomi and spread herself out, trying to get as much sun as possible. The rest of the boat disappeared under the water and Naomi sighed.

"Tess and Naomi, the only two women in the history of Middle-Earth that were able to sink an Elven Boat," Naomi laughed, joined by the rest of the group soon after.

/\\

It was the eighth day of their journey by river and the sun had set long ago, but on Aragorn's word they had all taken to the water again in hopes of reaching their destination sooner, yet that was not the only reason they voted to keep going. Earlier that afternoon strange sounds had been heard from the Western shore, the side they spent their nights upon for the Eastern shore was patrolled by orcs. So after resting for a small time the group had moved on. Naomi had jumped into Gimli and Legolas' boat whilst Tess had joined Boromir, Merry and Pippin. From her position at the front of the boat Naomi could see Frodo curled up with Sam as watchman at the front, Tess meanwhile was spread out asleep with her head at the front of her boat with Pippin and Merry sleeping against her stomach. Naomi was just closing her eyes when a whistling sound caught her attention, the sound of something hitting the water following it.

"What was-," Her question was cut off as the twang of bow strings sounded and several arrows rained down on them. Most hit the water but a few found marks, one through the top of Aragorn's hood that he had pulled over his head, another into Frodo's back. The hidden Mithril shirt however proved its worth yet again and the arrow merely fell out.

"Get down!" Legolas whispered to them, Naomi and Gimli complying and ducking their heads so that the side's of the boat protected them. More continued to rain down but most of them missed and Naomi guessed their Elven cloaks hid them from view quite efficiently. Everyone tried to remain as silent as possible so as not to give their enemy a better target, but Tess couldn't help gasping out loudly when an arrow found her.

"Tess!" Pippin whispered loudly as he sat up to go to her, but Tess lurched forward and pushed him back down just as another arrow imbedded itself in her forearm where the Hobbit's head had been moments ago.

"Stay down," Tess growled lowly as she herself ducked back down.

"This way!" Aragorn's call was heard by them and the other two boats followed his to the Western shore. A better word would have been side for there was no shore here, only large over hanging bushes that provided cover for them. In a combined effort they pulled the boats together and moored them side by side, but even when the boats were still Tess would not allow anyone to tend to her and instead pointed to the sky. Legolas muttered something and stood, picking up his bow and stringing an arrow before aiming at the dark winged creature that was advancing. Everyone ducked down low and from her boat Tess saw Frodo wince in pain. The arrow Legolas had strung was let loose and the black shadow in the sky gave a croaking screech before it fell from the sky, vanishing into the trees of the Eastern shore. With a final cry the Eastern shore grew silent and the Fellowship let out a soft sigh as one. With light movements that barely made the boats rock Legolas jumped into the boat with Tess and looked at her right shoulder, his eyes being the best in the dark night. After a minute of lightly touching the arrow he pulled it out and smiled grimly.

"The mail protected your shoulder, there is no blood on the arrow but I say there shall be a bruise," Legolas announced softly. Tess sighed out and gently rolled her shoulder, it had only been the impact that had caused her pain. Next up was her right forearm and everyone was relieved when Legolas confirmed that the arrow had not made it through the leather gauntlet.

"Lemme guess, another bruise?" Tess asked as the Elf pulled out the arrow and cast both into the water.

"You guess correctly,"

"Thanks," Tess told him as he jumped back into the other boat.

"I believe it would be best if we stayed the night here, rather than face another possible attack," Boromir suggested, to which everyone agreed.

"I shall take the first watch," Boromir said softly as everyone else settled down for the night. One by one everyone's eyes closed, until it was just Boromir and Tess remaining awake. Tess found that no matter how she tried her eyes would not stay closed, so instead she hung her head over the side of the boat and looked up to the stars, counting all those she could see through the cracks of the leaves.

'ninty-two…ninty-three…ninty-four…ninty-,'

"What ails you my lady?" The soft question had come from Boromir, who had been watching her for a while.

"Sleep will not come to me, it appears I have too much on my mind," She spoke back in a whisper, not wishing to wake the Hobbits with their little heads resting on her lap.

"Perhaps if you share some of what is keeping you awake, rest shall come easier?" He offered. Tess straightened her head back up and turned to him before looking down and Pippin and Merry.

"I just wonder what will happen to me when this is all over, where will I go? What will I do? … will I get to return home?" Boromir remained silent and Tess gave a sad chuckle.

"Sometimes I wonder whether I still have a home, if maybe it was destroyed and only Naomi and I survived…I have so many questions and each day I receive no answers for them," Gently Tess pulled a hand through Pippin's curls, brushing them out of his peaceful face.

"I do not think you shall be without a home, you seem to enjoy being around the Elves and I am sure they would take you in or perhaps you could come stay in Minas Tirith with my brother and I," At the mention of his City and his brother Boromir's face grew soft.

"Tell me about your brother," Tess asked, a small smile pulling at her lips when Boromir's eyes lit up.

"Faramir is my younger brother by five years, he is gentler than I, preferring books to swords, but he has much strength within him and I hope that one day my father shall see that," Boromir told stories of him and his brother and Tess shared some stories of her own family, the two talking until Aragorn woke to take over the watch. At last Tess was tired enough to sleep and her eyes closed to the sound of Boromir and Aragorn talking softly.

/\\

After paddling for most of the day the group finally came upon The Argonath, colossal statues of men built into the sides of the mountains.

"Wow," Naomi's gasp was mostly unheard as she craned her neck up to see the faces of the stone statues, the clouds behind them stained pink in the afternoon light. With everyone in awe the boats passed between the two statues where the river flowed into a massive lake, the Falls of Rauros beyond that. Finally the boats pulled up onto the Western Shore and after pulling the boats up beyond the tide line everyone unpacked while Gimli started a fire so that they could have a late lunch. When the food was finished everyone occupied themselves, Merry went off for firewood with Naomi, Legolas stood guard watching the trees intently, Sam sitting in the corner of some old ruins tapping his fingers on his sword, Gimli and Pippin sitting next to the fire, Aragorn pulling some last minute items out of the boat to pack while Tess walked around the edges of the trees, weaving in and out trying to follow Frodo's back with her eyes until she could no longer see him. The Hobbit had told her he wished for a walk to have a moment to himself and after telling him not to go too far Tess had let him. With a sigh she sat down near the trees and started stacking small rocks on top of each other.

"We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats then continue on foot, 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 spoke to Aragorn, who patiently waited for the Dwarf to finish speaking.

"And after that, it gets even better!" The Dwarf exclaimed sarcastically, Naomi obviously having had some impact on the group with her foreign manner of speaking. Pippin meanwhile was growing more and more concerned as Gimli talked of the perils they would have to face.

"Festering, sticking marshland as far as the eye can see,"

"That is our road," Aragorn said at last to which had Pippin looking, for lack of better words, apprehensive and distraught.

"I suggest you take some rest to recover your strength Master Dwarf,"

"Recover my-!" Gimli just grumbled unhappily. Legolas walked over to Aragorn to tell him something when Merry and Naomi returned, Naomi accidently stepping heavily next to Tess tower of rocks. With an innocent whistle she walked away, only to wince when a small stone hit her in the back of the head. With a pout she glared over her shoulder a Tess who was sitting back whistling looking in the other direction. Merry and Naomi dumped their piles of wood, Gimli still grumbling about how he didn't need to recover strength at all. After a moment of looking around Merry turned to Aragorn and Legolas.

"Where's Frodo?" It took a second but the realization dawned on Aragorn and Sam was suddenly wide awake. Everyone gathered their weapons in a rush to go and look for the Ring Bearer. Everyone except Tess who sat building up her pile of pebbles again.

"He just went for a walk," She said distractedly, halting all movement in the camp for a moment before Aragorn strode forward and hoisted her up by the arm and told her to lead the way, knocking over her tower of pebbles in the process. With a sigh Tess snatched up her sword and with hunched shoulders walked onwards, Aragorn following her while everyone else split up.

"He was just left to take a walk, and besides I think Boromir went after him,"

"That is what I was afraid of, not only that but Legolas thinks something is approaching, a threat," Aragorn pointed out as he looked for signs of either of the missing males. Tess said nothing more and the two walked on in silence looking for Frodo. Aragorn took over lead as he apparently found a good trail and Tess followed silently, the invisible trail leading them to some old ruins. Aragorn followed some invisible trail to the left while Tess went to inspect the ruins.

"I don't think Frodo is around here Aragorn, unless he's somehow hiding and just decides to pop out of nowhere," The sound of someone falling followed by a cry made Tess look up, just as Frodo crashed into her, knocking them both to the ground.

"…found him," Tess groaned weakly as Frodo lay puffing on top of her before slowly sitting up and looking around, then back down at Tess.

"Sorry," He muttered before clambered off and away from her, just as she was about to ask what was wrong Aragorn appeared.

"Frodo?" The Hobbit looked up with fearful eyes before shifting back a little more.

"It has taken Boromir," He managed and Tess eyebrows disappeared into her fringe.

"Where is the Ring?" Aragorn asked moving forward, obviously scaring the Hobbit who cried for him to stay away as he scrambled to his feet and retreating to the ruins for protection.

"Frodo!" Aragorn cried following, confused by the Hobbit's behavior.

"I swore to protect you," He reasoned from a distance as Tess slowly walked to where he stood.

"Can you protect me from yourself?" Frodo asked before holding out the golden Ring.

"Would you destroy it?" Tess watched carefully as Aragorn slowly walked forward towards Frodo's open hand. Silently Tess trailed behind, keeping her eyes fixed on Frodo rather than the Ring. His blue eyes held fear as Aragorn kneeled before him, his larger tanned hand curling around Frodo's pale one to hide the Ring from view.

"I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor," Aragorn said, his voice thick with emotion as he pushed Frodo's hand to his chest before letting go. Tess was confused, not understanding as to why this sounded like a goodbye.

"I know…look after the others, especially Sam, he will not understand," Suddenly she knew.

Frodo was leaving.
On his own.

Author's Babbling:

So that is chapter 12! Chapter 13 is the big Battle of Amon Hen and the LAST CHAPTER for The Fellowship of the Ring! Then it is on to The Two Towers and ROHAN (squee!)

Reviews and Faves make Me smiiiiiiile

XD

Lots of love

AxM

A funny point: I had to change the original design for Tess' clothing because the original design involved a bit more armor and was navy blue with maroon stripes. I had to change it because she was starting to look a BIT(heavy sarcasm) too much like the cartoon version of Anakin from star wars for my liking. I really hope at some point or another I can find the time to sit down and draw all the different outfits that Naomi and Tess wear, and if any of you want to try your own adaptations of how they look go for it (just let me know so I can see it too!)