Hello there people of the Lord of the Rings fan variety! In case any of you would like to know what I imagine Brenir to look like, I've posted a link on my profile page to a picture that looks like him.

It was early morning and the low sun shone through the trees and landed, gleaming on the river. The fellowship was milling about waiting for the arrival of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Alarain was particularly nervous, for she had not met the Lord and Lady yet. Gimli saw the expression on her face and came over, sitting beside her on a root.

"Don't worry lass. The Lord and Lady aren't that scary." he joked.

Alarain smiled back at him. If Gimli could handle them, than so could she! They got to their feet as she spotted elves come floating through the trees. Standing in a line, the fellowship bowed their heads respectfully as the elves approached. Alarain peeked up through her hair and almost gasped. Two elves stood in front of them. The man was tall and fair, with long hair and a hard, but kind, face. The woman was beautiful. She too, had long blonde hair that shone brilliantly, and her face was calm and friendly.

Lord Celeborn signaled, and more elves stepped forward. They carried cloaks in their hands, and as they came to the fellowship, they draped them around their shoulders. Using gorgeous leaf brooches, they secured the cloaks in place. Alarain could not help but admire her new piece of clothing. It was warm, but light and easy to move in.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people." the Lord said as the elves finished. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."

Next, Lady Galadriel stepped forward and eyed the group. She then began to present her gifts. To Boromir, she gave a golden belt. Merry and Pippin both got silver belts, each with a small dagger, and Legolas received a beautiful bow. Sam got a small box containing earth from Galadriel's garden. In the box was also a nut from a Mallorn tree, which was the type of huge tree that grew in the elf forest. He also received a coil of elvish rope. Alarain wasn't sure what Aragorn or Gimli were given. The dwarf's gift must have satisfied him though, for he could not stop smiling for a long while after.

When Lady Galadriel had reached her, she paused. "Ah, Alarain." she said, and Alarain let out a small gasp. Her voice was the one she had heard in her dream when they arrived! She was sure of it! "You're gift will be revealed in time." the elf Lady said, and continued on. Alarain was confused. Very confused, and slightly disappointed at not receiving anything. She even gave Brenir a bone for crying out loud!

Frodo had gotten the most beautiful gift of all. A small phial which she had called 'the light of Earendil'. "May it be a light for you in dark places. When all other lights go out." she had said to the hobbit.

As she finished, Lord Celeborn pulled Aragorn away to speak with him in private. The others began to set their supplies in the boats they had been given, but Alarain couldn't help but peek over to watch as the Lord spoke to Aragorn. Her eyes moved and landed on the Lady. She was watching her. Quickly, she looked away, hoping she had not been caught spying.

The fellowship began to get into the boats and Alarain laughed when she saw the look on Sam's face. He didn't trust boats and gripped the sides in fear. Frodo joined him as Legolas helped Gimli into another. Boromir was just climbing in with Merry and Pippin, so she went to join the elf and dwarf. Picking up her dog, she heaved him in. His legs shook as the boat wobbled, but she quickly sat down behind him and held him still. Aragorn soon came to join them and climbed in behind Frodo and Sam. Sam's eyes widened as the boat rocked. Alarain wasn't to fond of boats either, but she trusted them enough to keep her afloat.

Getting comfortable in the middle, she looked back to shore and saw the Lord and Lady watching. Galadriel raised a hand in farewell as they passed and her eyes didn't move from Frodo.

"I have taken my worst wound at this parting, for I've looked my last upon that which is fairest." Gimli muttered in front of her. "Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me." he sighed.

"What was it?" Legolas asked curiously and they both looked to Gimli.

"I asked her for one hair from her golden head." He paused before finishing in a whisper. "She gave me three."

Alarain looked back to Legolas and they exchanged a smiling glance. Turning forward again, she watched the dark water passing by and soon grew bored.

After what felt like years of silence, Aragorn signaled from the front to take their boats to the shore as light began to fade. Legolas paddled up beside the others and jumped out. He pulled the front onto the bank and Gimli and Alarain climbed to shore. Brenir leaped to the ground with a happy 'woof' and immediately went to relieve himself. She let out a snicker when she saw how happy Sam was to be on solid ground again too.

Before long, a fire was started and Sam began passing food around. The lambas bread from the elves was good, but Alarain craved something juicer. She got to her feet, and crept out into the forest when no one was looking. Hoping to find berries of some kind, she wandered around in search of her prey.

A snap sounded from behind her and she turned quickly, jumping when she almost bumped into Boromir. He narrowed his eyes at her. "You shouldn't be wandering around alone." he said accusingly, his eyes shining in the minimal light.

"I'm not alone." she grumbled.

Boromir tilted his head.

"You're here."

He laughed. "Well I am now, but you were alone."

"Yes. I was. You're very observant." she said, continuing on her quest for berries.

The man was silent. "Is something wrong?" he asked carefully.

Alarain stopped. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired." she said, not fully knowing herself why she was being so ignorant.

He followed when she kept going. "What are you looking for?" he asked.

"Berries."

She heard him stop. "You're flouncing around out here... for berries?"

"Yes."

He chuckled. "Alright... May I help?"

Turning, she eyed him. "Only if you don't tease me about wanting berries."

He put his hand on his heart and bowed. "I promise." he grinned in a goofy manner. "Now let's go find us some berries."

Alarain rolled her eyes at the man before wandering off again. It was quiet apart from their footfalls and not even a bird song was to be heard.

"It's awfully quiet out here." Boromir observed. "Almost too quiet."

Suddenly, Alarain stopped in her tracks. Boromir paused behind her. "What is it?" he asked.

Alarain crouched down and picked something up. Standing, her heart started to pound. Boromir looked over her shoulder and growled. She held in her hands, a grubby leather helmet. What bothered her though, was the white hand print that was splattered across the top.

"Saruman!" Boromir spat. "I swear I'll kill anything bearing that mark to come within a hundred leagues of me." he said murderously, causing Alarain to tense up and her heart to twist in fear. "Come. The others need to see this." With that he sprang off, glancing back to make sure she was following. Alarain gulped and went running after him.

They burst into camp and the others sprang up in alarm. "What's going on!" Gimli asked, staring into the dark with his axe held high.

"Where have you two been?" Aragorn snapped, glaring at them, though mostly at Boromir. Alarain held out the helmet and there was a gasp, followed by murmurs.

Aragorn snatched it out of her hands. "Where did you find this?" he asked, worry in his eyes as he stared at her.

"Not far from the camp." Boromir answered. "Someone has been here before us." His voice had gone low and dangerous.

"Perhaps not someone, but something." Legolas said, grimacing at the smell of the helmet.

Alarain had not said anything. Her heart was still racing from the find, and also at Boromir's words. Aragorn glanced at her and then at the helmet. A look of realization came over his face and he spoke quickly. "We should not stay here tonight. Let us pack the boats and be off. We can still paddle in the dark."

There was a quiet groan from the hobbits, but they did not protest further. Everyone packed in a hurry and Sam put out the fire. Throwing the bags into the boats, they hopped in. Brenir whined but he too was soon sitting in the boat with Alarain's arms wrapped around him. Her heart was in her stomach as she stared wide eyed out into the trees that lined the bank. Legolas pushed off and hopped in. With Aragorn's boat in the lead, Boromir's in the back and their's in the middle, they set off again.

Alarain's eyes grew heavy after many hours spent staring into the forest. Though she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, there was the feeling of fear out there. Gimli had fallen asleep sitting up a while ago and Alarain felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Go to sleep Alarain." Legolas ordered softly.

She nodded and let her eyes close. She soon opened them, but not to the rocking of the boat. Darkness surrounded her and she heard screams nearby. Struggling to her feet, she tried to get up and run to help, but a sudden pain made her fall. The White Hand was steaming with heat and it burned her whole arm.

Looking up from her scar, she saw a vision in front of her. Ugly orc-like creatures were thundering towards her. Their skin was dark and they were dirty and slimy. Each creature had a white hand somewhere on their armour and they were growling viciously. Their footsteps pounded in her ears and she tried to block it out with her hands, but they kept coming and were almost on her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she wished for it all to stop.

Suddenly, it did. But then, a voice came. The voice of Saruman. "Alarain." he said, sending shivers down her spine. "I have a task for you." Alarain tried to ignore his words, as they sounded like Nazgul screeches to her ears. "Don't try and deny that I'm taking control of you my dear." His voice sounded sweet, but she heard the malice behind it. "You will do as I say Alarain!" he yelled when she did not respond. Against her will, her feet pushed up from under her and she was standing. Peeking up, she saw him in front of her, a look of greed on his face. "When the time is right, you will kill the Ringbearer." Alarain stared at him in horror. "When you have taken the Ring, you shall bring it before me. Then, you will be rewarded greatly for your troubles." He smiled an evil grin and she forced her eyes closed.

"I will do no such thing." she growled, heart pounding.

"Oh, but you will... and soon. Also, if you fail, you will be punished. Severely." With that, he began to laugh a loud cackle as he faded into the blackness.

Alarain snapped awake, rocking the boat as she did, and Gimli let out a shout. "Careful!" he exclaimed. "You nearly plunged me over the side you crazy woman!"

"Sorry." she muttered, mind still on her dream. She glanced back to see Legolas watching her curiously. Her eyes quickly ducked, as she knew the elf would be able to see the terror hiding in them.

Looking around, she realized it was daytime and the sun was high. The dream seemed to only last a few moments, but she must have slept for ages.

Much time passed, and Alarain still could not get the dream out of her head. Aragorn beckoned and they all paddled up beside each other. "We will stop and scout the shore. If their are no signs of the enemy, we'll stay. Guards will be posted throughout the night to ensure everyone's safety."

They brought the boats up on shore and clambered out. As they moved along the bank, Alarain heard a whisper. She swung around and her eyes landed on Frodo. The Ring! Tearing her gazw away, she noticed that Boromir had a pained look on his face. I wonder if he heard it as well, she thought. After that, she tried to stay as far from the hobbit as possible.

When no evidence of their enemy was found, they set up camp. Keeping most of the packs in the boats, they only took the food to shore. In case they were attacked during the night, they would be able to make a quick escape. Aragorn insisted on no fire being lit, so the fellowship was huddled around in a slightly circular shape, silently thanking the elves for their wonderful new cloaks that kept the wind out and the heat in.

The ranger, as always, volunteered for first shift, and stood gazing out into the forest, ears alert for danger. The hobbits were the first to fall asleep and were soon followed by Boromir, who was exhausted from two days and a night of paddling. Gimli was next and then the elf. Alarain was quite amazed that Legolas had stayed awake for so long when he too, had been paddling for days.

She looked to Aragorn and was even more impressed. Legolas was an elf, so she could understand his steady strength, but Aragorn was no elf. And yet, he still stood there, eyes and ears open for any sign of danger. He wandered quietly over to a boulder and sat down. As he leaned against it, she could see the way he lowered himself stiffly though. He was probably just as, if not more, exhausted then the others.

Alarain grew tired, but fear of another terrible dream haunted her, and she forced herself to stay awake. She accomplished this by watching the ranger. She watched the way his hair fell over his face when he looked down, and how his eyes glowed when he thought he heard something. He blinked slowly before shaking his head and pushing sleep away.

She gazed at him, and was practically in a trance when he turned his eyes on her. She stared back and he sent her a nod. Blushing, Alarain moved her eyes from him and immediately felt her eyelids falling. As they closed, she heard the elf's voice telling Aragorn to get some sleep, and that he would watch the night for a while. Aragorn rose and went to crouch beside her. He gazed at her closed eyes for a moment before settling down close, but not to close, at her side.

"Don't forget to sleep Aragorn." Legolas whispered from across camp.

Alarain opened her eyes to see that Aragorn had been watching her. He looked slightly embarrassed and turned onto his back to avoid her gaze. Her cheeks heated up and she smiled to herself. She wasn't troubled by Saruman that night.