I am so sorry it has taken me an age and a half to get this going but its a long chapter at least! A lot happens and I will try my very best to continue on with this story. School starts next week and I want to say I will try to update monthly perhaps the with longer chapters like this one. Hope you enjoy and happy reading! Thanks for everything everyone! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own anything its all Tolkien.
Chapter 8
Back to Grace's Perspective.
As I opened my eyes I found Boromir gazing over me with a wet cloth wringing water in my face. As I swatted at the droplets I could taste a strong metallic flavor in my mouth. It coated my throat and teeth as if I had been chewing on a blade. I quickly felt queasy.
" Ah the lady is awake." Said Boromir in jest. He wore an easy smile, one of a good nights rest. His eyes were alight and no longer sunken in as they had been only a day before. His skin looked warmer and he was in far better spirits then I was.
But the unpleasant feelings in my stomach did not stop and instead I doubled over in the hopes it would ease the strong pins that felt embedded in my lower abdomen.
" Lady Grace are you well?" Asked Boromir.
I could not answer, the pain was unexpectedly harsh and so I only grunted in response.
" Perhaps it was something you ate?" tried Boromir.
He looked unsure of what to do and so I felt him sit down beside me. All I could do was close my eyes in the hopes that the cramps would stop.
" Water." I said and I looked up at Boromir with a slight pained expression on my face.
" Water! Merry get me my water skin!"
Merry ran to us and thrust the water skin into Boromir's hands, he put it to my lips and I drank greedily. The metallic taste did not fade much but the pain in my stomach had lessened enough.
" Lady Grace, what ails you? You seemed to be sleeping soundly only mere moments ago. Tell me what pains you?"
I felt Boromir attempt to soothe me by rubbing my back but it only helped to agitate me further.
With gritting teeth I replied " Please, I think I just need a moment."
I was shocked I had managed a please despite the pain. Boromir left me quickly easily sensing I needed space and as I looked up I saw that the company had dispersed somewhat. Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn and Gandalf were gone, the hobbits were practicing fighting yet again and were preoccupied. From behind a pillar I saw Gandalf emerge and I felt slight relief wash over me.
As he approached he wore a look of worry and it in turn set me on edge.
" You do not look well." Said Gandalf .
As I stood, I let the pain in my stomach wash over my legs and I felt the nausea leave but the tightness in my stomach was still present. It felt like someone was gripping my heart with a fist, squeezing with a chain that swung from side to side down to my stomach.
" I do not feel well." I replied taking another swig of the water skin. Letting the cool liquid calm my hot throat. My skin felt unbearably tight. Gandalf surveyed me with a hard eye.
" We must not linger here. We are about half day's journey to the gate. Will you be able to manage?"
I took a deep breath and tried to let the pain sink into my bones, letting it spread so that I could handle it better. I took a deep breath and let it go.
" Yes. I can manage."
I put the pain and the strange dream out of my mind and instead readied myself to continue on. Frodo can carry the ring; I will carry my pain too. I retrieved my things and packed away my bedroll. As I stuffed my things to the bottom of stack I found that I had sliced my hand on a bit of paper I had packed away. I withdrew my hand from my pack quickly. I would investigate it later as to what it was.
The rest of the company returned and we made our way toward the direction Gandalf had decided upon. It did not smell as bad which left me in a slightly better mood. I snuck small glances at Legolas letting my eyes wander over his profile. Watching how he pursued his lips into a tight line. If he noticed me he did not say anything.
As we descended the stairs I took notice of how quiet it was. The silence was loud. So loud it made my ears ring. As we reached the great city of Dwarrowdelf my eyes could hardly open wide enough to take in the surroundings.
" Incredible." I whispered.
The stone arches carved and carried like torches to the great skill of dwarves. We walked swiftly through the tall, grand halls but I could not help but look in awe and stumble every so often.
" Gimli this place must make you proud does it not?" I asked gently.
We had been walking side by side and he seemed in good cheer.
"Indeed Lass. It great to look upon these halls though I am unsure of the quiet. Normally such a place would be aglow with lights and fires and smells. The sounds of hammers and hardy laughter would be bounding off the stone in waves yet here… it is not."
I nodded unsure of what to say next. I felt an urge to give Gimli a hug. He would have hated it I was sure but I could not help my feeling. My want to comfort him only increased when suddenly, he sprinted into a small antechamber.
" Gimli!" Shouted Gandalf.
But Gandalfs cry did not reach him and instead the fellowship followed closely behind.
I heard Gimli's tortured wail and I knew. At once I realized that not only were we in danger but soon we would also be in grief.
The room was crumbling with a window that sunlight could stream through. After so many days in the mines I felt the sun upon my face again and I welcomed it.
" It is as I feared." Lamented Gandalf as he read from a Dwarfish book of records.
" He is dead then."
I walked up the Gimli and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked up at me and I saw small round tears in his eyes. There was despair but also anger and I felt a strong connection to Gimli in the moment for anger was a stronger power then sadness at times.
"We can not linger." Said Legolas and I couldn't help but shoot him a look of disapproval.
He wore a cold face and did not show any emotion as I had expected. We stared at eachother briefly and I noticed he a had a look of remorse or guilt? It was so fast I could hardly catch it before he had turned away swiftly. I knew he was preoccupied with thoughts of the danger, but could he not see that Gimli had lost someone dear.
As Gandalf read from the old book I let my hand continue to rest of Gimli shoulder trying to comfort him in a way I thought would be the least intrusive. He seemed to welcome the touch has he slightly leaned into my hand. I felt my heart grow heavy for him.
" Drums- Drums in the deep. We cannot get out. They are coming." Finished Gandalf.
We rested in an uneasy silence. Letting in the final words sink in around us.
But I jumped from my skin at a loud clanging and I whipped around to see Pippin wearing a face of complete regret.
He had knocked over a corpse and the resounded clangs fell deep into Moria. We all waited in a tense silence and I felt a looming dread wash over me. It was too quiet.
" Fool of a Took. " said Gandalf but as he shut the book of records I heard the faintest sound of drums.
My heart stopped and I felt the hair stand up on my neck. As the drums grew in speed and volume Boromir rushed to the doors. I ran beside him quick to bind them shut on impulse.
There was moment then as we stacked pieces of shields against the door that Boromir looked to me with a face of valor. He wore the smile of a devoted general, someone who would ease his soldiers into battle and I felt a strange surge of courage. For all my fears of the world perhaps there is goodness if everyone.
It was that moment that I came to understand Boromir and though I had not settled with him, and though I did not entirely trust him I understood him and that was better then what it had been.
" Get back. Stay close to the hobbits!" Shouted Boromir to me.
I did as he asked knowing that now was not the time or place to take offence. The hobbits would need the most protection and I would give them it. I rounded back to face the broad doors and I shifted into a wolf. The largest one I could muster for a bear I did not have the energy for.
The doors burst open and flood of spears and arrows came through. I lost sight of Legolas quickly and felt guilty for I had not thought too much about what he had said to me the night before and now was not the time either. Perhaps there would never be a time and I felt sad at the idea, my heart ached.
As a Goblin approached from my right I attacked. Feeling the surge of power whip through me I ripped open his sword hand and crushed his wind pipe.
I lashed around just in time to see a goblin attack Merry. I leaped onto the goblin mercilessly and clamped my teeth around his throat. It was a killer blow. With one swing of my head the goblin laid dead and Merry worse for wear but not dead which was good thing.
I felt a hand wrap around my torso and fling me across the room. I yelped as I slammed into the wall with great force. The troll looked to me wildly, surprised at my endurance and lumbered toward me with great speed. Gimli swung wildly at his feet which only angered him more. I saw Legolas leap on top the troll and plunge 4 arrows deep into his skull before leaping off but to no avail. The troll only changed his target.
As the troll grew more and more angered his movements became jagged, less timed and more aggressive. I smelled fear.
I rushed up and swung my paws at whatever Goblins I could get my hands on. As I stole a glance behind me I saw Boromir had killed a Goblin that I hadn't seen. We nodded in silent acknowledgement. I owed him.
" Frodo!" Screamed Sam.
As I turned around I saw that the troll was cornering Frodo with a giant spear and so I leaped onto his shoulders. I bite relentless at the fat of its back and with one angered swing he grabbed me by my hind legs and threw me flat onto the ground.
I saw the world swim before my eyes and I felt a howl in my throat that threatened to escape. The world became blurry as I tried to focus on my breathing.
Time slowed to a crawl as my labored breaths came in waves. I tried to focus on my lungs letting them fill with air and expand slowly then exhale. If I panicked my wounds would worsen and we still had reach the gate.
I felt the troll fall by my feet and then a hand on my snout . I looked to see Legolas. He was trying to lift me up and as he pulled me onto my four legs my eyes grew wide. Frodo?!
" He's alright but we must hurry to the bridge! Come!" He shouted as he made sure that I was running after him.
My legs burned and there was pain in my lungs but my adrenaline was flooding my blood and so I ran with all my might. At my tail I could hear the hordes of goblins running behind us, their snorts and howls and sharp tongues slapping at their lips. I ran beside the hobbits and pushed at their hands in an attempt to get them to ride upon my back. They did so quickly and immediately our pace had hastened for even Gimli could keep up. Dwarven warriors were faster then I had expected.
Despite our running we were soon surrounded. I rolled back my gums exposing my shining white teeth. I snarled and let the spit slip from my mouth. Let them try to come close I tempted.
But in the dark a shadow stirred and a great roar erupted from the depths like thunder against my ears. The goblins and orcs that had been so eager lay quiet and instead stole weary glances back into the darkness. They fled the great hall and all at once I felt the blood drain from my face with great fear.
" What new devilry is this?" asked Boromir his voice apprehensive and fearful.
I looked to Legolas whose face too, was lost in terror. He brought up his bow and set an arrow despite his trembling hands. But he could not aim and let his bow drop to his side. I reached out to him with my eyes but he did not dare look my way. I looked away at the coming danger.
Another roar with fire, the smell of smoke and ash so strong it made my eyes water. Then a crack of a whip in the dark made of flame set the hall alight.
" A Balrog. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!" Shouted Gandalf.
We ran. I stole glances at Gandalf to help ease my fears but his face was shrouded in worry. I could not catch my breath but I ran with my paws thumping against the stone like boulders from the mountainside and I felt my heart beat in my throat.
As we reached the bridge I felt the flames at my back like hot stones. I stole a glance behind us as the Balrog reached up into the darkness at full height and roared. As the hobbits clambered off my back they quickly ran across the narrow bridge. I followed with great haste. Gandalf was left alone on the bridge to face the Balrog as the company watched in horror.
" I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass!" Yelled Gandalf.
Watching him I felt dread sink into my stomach. I looked to Boromir who put the horn of Gondor to his lips. As he sounded the horn I howled as loud as I could.
The goblins shrank behind in the darkness at our call but the Balrog stood firm and let the fires around him dance with great power. The fiery sword of the Balrog swung against Gandalf but he stood firm, the white light of Glamdring glittering in the darkness.
" You cannot pass!" He shouted into the dark and the Balrog hissed and roared in response, the shadows around him growing like a great cloud and billowing like stacks of smoke.
With a great cry Gandalf slammed his staff against the bridge. I held my breath as the stone crumbled beneath the Balrog's feet and with a great roar he fell. I could not believe it!
But still poised the Balrog swung his whip and curled around Gandalf's feet dragging him out to the edge.
" Gandalf!" shouted Frodo.
I rushed back down toward the bridge but Aragorn and Boromir stopped me in my tracks.
I howled again trying to push passed them. I could get to Gandalf I could help him!
" Fly, you fools!" He cried and he disappeared into the abyss. He was gone. The whirl of his grey clock disappeared into the darkness.
I felt my heart plummet and my breath became ragged. What had we done! We could have saved him! I could have saved him!
The company stood in shock as the fires and heat died and we were left in dark.
"Come!" Yelled Aragorn. As ran up the steps. " I will lead you now!"
"Grace! You must follow!"
I felt arrows falling beside me and so I turned heel and ran to catch up beside the hobbits. I let them ride upon my back once more and felt their hot tears crashing as they wept together. I found myself weeping too. The salt burning my eyes and still I ran faster letting the tears fall away into my fur. All at once we crashed out of the darkness of Moria through the Great Gates and the sun and sky and wind greeted us in full.
Pale clouds, wide rocks and a great forest lay beyond the shadow of the mountain. But I could not see the beauty of the land for my heart was heavy in grief.
As the hobbits climbed from my back I could do nothing to ease their quivers and quiet wails. The shock and grief took me and my body shook as I shifted back to my Elven form.
With a great heave I sank atop the stone and let my body fall back onto the rock. I stared up at the sky. My stomach twisting and turning like a snake in my gut. My tears that had flowed so freely had stopped and instead I could do nothing but feel the pain in my heart that threatened to swallow me hole.
In the distance I heard Aragorn shout " Get them up! Boromir, Legolas!"
" Give them a moment for pitys sake!" Yelled Boromir in response.
" By nightfall these hills will be crawling with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothien!"
I could hardly hear them. My head was pounding I would surely die here in my grief and pain and join Gandalf wherever he would be or perhaps he was still falling, for Moria was a deep chasm, perhaps he had not yet died. The thought brought on more aches and I could do nothing for the tightening of my gut and my heart. What will we do now? What will we do? What will I do without him?
I watched the clouds move above my head when Legolas came into view. He took me by the arms and forced me up. He held me by the shoulders but said nothing. We looked into each other's eyes but I could not stare for more then a second because I felt he would undo me and we were still in danger. I needed to be strong now, my grief would have to wait and so I shrugged away from him and even then the pain did not lessen it only grew but I let it numb me. Let me be like the dead until we reach the woods.
I could not speak and I ran beside the hobbits that were too taken by their grief to say words either and we all ran in silence until we reached the entrance to the Golden wood. I felt relief as we disappeared into the close air of the forest.
" Lothlorien." Whispered Legolas.
I turned around and had not even noticed how he nearly had been trailing me. But I looked down at the ground and could not answer not for awe or of sadness and I felt Legolas hasten his pace and walk beyond me till he was in stride beside Aragorn.
I let the peaceful sounds of the forest fill my ears. The silence of the falling leaves, my footsteps on the moss, soft and dull like owls wings in the dark. I stopped and took a deep breath but quickly continued on. I felt grounded again against the trees and the deep roots.
Our pace was merciless for Aragorn feared the retribution of the darkness of Moria. But quickly we stopped once the hobbits could no longer fathom another step. It was a convenient time for it was right beside a river and I felt my heart lighten at the thought of slipping into its cool waters.
"I deem this is a safe place to rest for tonight beside the river. If darkness falls and we are uneasy we will move on until we reach the gates." Said Aragorn glancing around wearily.
He looked worse for wear, as did all the members of the company. Boromir was uneasy and Gimli with the help of Merry and Pippin set to strike a fire fast and quick. They disappeared into the woods to gather timber. Legolas stood at the stream and my eyes wandered over to Frodo and Sam.
I watched Sam plunk onto the ground and reach to his shoulder. My eyes widened in realization.
" Sam you're wounded! Why did you not say something? That cut is not clean by any means! We need to rinse it quickly."
I rushed over and Sam looked to me with a surprised expression.
" Lady Gra-"
I put a finger to his lips and looked into his eyes. He was tired, frightened and embarrassed.
" Do not worry Sam I am not skittish when it comes to cuts and bruises. I will tend to your wound. But Frodo how do you fair?" I asked looking over at him.
Frodo was at a loss. His face was red and his eyes tired beyond sleep. He was hurt without a doubt for he held his face tight and grimaced.
" Aragorn!" I called out and I looked behind me to see Aragorn rushing to my side.
" I'm alright really, all I need is some food and a little rest." Whispered Frodo looking to me in exhaustion.
" No! Let us have a look and see what that troll did to you. I still marvel that you are alive at all." Said Aragorn.
I focused on Sam's wound and dug into my own batch of medicines and ointments. As I peeled away the fabric from Sam's shoulder I could see the nasty flecks of infection beginning to settle in. Sam looked to me in worry.
"Mmm It is an ugly wound that is true but is not poisoned and will heal with time Sam. I reckon that when you return to Shire it will a be a story you will be able to tell with the scar to match." I said with a smile. With a wink I added " Perhaps to show your sweetheart."
Sam blushed crimson and Aragorn looked over to Sam eyeing the wound as well.
" Many have received worst payment for the slaying of their first orc Sam it is true."
Aragorn turned back to face Frodo and gently inspected the black and purple bruise that had exploded around Frodo's torso. The ring lay on his bare breast and from afar I inspected how well the rough skin had fared through Moria. It had all but disappeared and all that was left was a small rough patch that did not sit beneath the ring at all. I frowned and turned back to Sam. I did what I could without hot water and let the wound rest in the fresh air after applying herbal ointments to it to ease the pain.
" How does that feel?" I asked gently putting my fingers close to the entrance of the wound.
" It is fair Lady Grace. It is better then what I could have ever asked for." Said Sam with a smile.
I smiled in response. Sam would keep Frodo in check for sure for he was the most grateful hobbit I ever had met.
" That is good. I hoped that the pain would lessen a bit before I would rinse the wound. Once Gimli gets a fire going I will steep water and we will rinse the wound. Until then I would recommend you rest as best you can."
Sam nodded eagerly. " You have all my thanks Lady Grace. Truly you are a wonder to behold."
" Think nothing of it Sam." I replied.
Gimli had made quick work of a fire and Merry and Pippin and had enthusiastically gotten to cooking up a meal for the company. I walked over the river and scooped up the fast moving water into a steel bowl. Walking back over the camp I realized that Legolas had taken a seat beside the river a little ways from camp. I frowned and turned back to the fire.
" Gimli when this water is heated would you let me know. I just want to talk to –"
" Yes, Lassie go on and talk to your little elven princeling." Said Gimli with a harty chuckle.
I felt my cheeks blush and Gimli smiled mischievously but turned his back and began to heat the water. I turned around and slowly made my way to Legolas. He looked too peaceful sitting beside the river. His legs outstretched in front of him and his back against a tree with his bow in his hands.
" Would you like some company?" I asked gently.
He looked up at me his eyes deep and blue, glowing in the darkening light of the forest.
" Your company especially." He said with a small smile and I felt my heart flutter as I took a seat beside him.
We admired the water together, the effortlessness of it, how easily it flowed without a care or worry in the entire world. I scooted closer to the waters edge and took off my boots. I slowly let my feet sink into its cold embrace. I stiffened at just how cold it was but it helped soothe my sore feet and calves. I sighed and felt Legolas take a seat closer to river as well. I turned to look at him.
" Legolas."
" Hm?" He answered not taking his eyes off the waters surface.
" What can I do?" I asked.
I tentatively put my hand on his and he took hold of it tightly. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and lips. My heart was beating fast like a hummingbird held to my chest. He looked up at me in sorrow. He moved my hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it letting his lips linger there for a minute.
" You already do much for me Grace. I can not ask more of you." He answered and looked back to the river.
"You say so but why let your heart be troubled alone. I am troubled too." I said.
He looked back at me with a smile, his eyes warm and inviting. I wanted so badly to take away his pain.
"I can not speak of grief. Not here, not now and not to you for fear that all the strength I have left with leave me and it cannot Grace. We are in danger, even here beside the gates of the Golden Wood, for Moria is still near and this is not the place to grieve." He said peering behind him into the forest.
He looked back at me and we looked into each other's eyes. I held my head down slightly feeling the weight of what he had said. He lifted his hand to my face and gently brushed my hair behind my ear. He shook his head and sighed.
"We are weak with one another when we must be strong. I would like nothing more then the rest beside the river with you, my arms heavy around you and the summer drifting in around us. But let us only speak of it this once and leave such moments to a safer time." He said with a sad smile.
I sighed, feeling my heavy heart. But at the same time I let myself be content with our hands peacefully hold one another's. It did not take long for my mind to begin to wander and I felt a small longing for his kiss. His lips and his hands wrapped around my waist like trees bending in the spring wind. Why couldn't the ring just disappear? As if it had never existed? Or better yet why not take it and runaway with it? Hide it deep in the woods, in the mountains where not a soul could hope to find it.
Taking the ring suddenly felt like an attractive idea. I could be with Legolas peacefully, command all things that were evil and cruel and condemn them to exile. They would not return and I would be happy and Frodo would not suffer and the entire world would be better off. Why not?
I felt a chill run through me and I let go of Legolas's hand. I jumped into the cold water, shocked at my own thoughts and the coldness of the river brought me back.
The ring was all together evil as Gandalf had said. I sunk under the water and held my breath before reappearing above the water.
When I resurfaced Legolas was laughing. It felt good to see a smile on his face.
" You are like an elfing still or did you fall in by a mysterious force?" He asked laughing. His smile was bright, his eyes had come back to life and for a moment we forgot the ring and the looming dangers.
I could not help but smile in response for his laughter was infectious and I felt it chase all the dark thoughts of the ring away.
" Hardly! I could no longer stand the scent of my own skin. Only when I sat beside you did I realized how badly I must be in need of a bath if you smell worse then I."
I said with a laugh.
Legolas wore a lighthearted frown but I could tell he was not angry. Gimli was walking our way.
"Lassie, if only you could have smelled a group of dwarves right and filthy after a long days work. You would be right to jump into the river with such haste. "
My face squirmed at the thought as I swam about the river letting my body soak in the cold water. Gimli took a seat beside Legolas and took off his own boots to soak his feet.
Legolas made face and scooted away from him.
" Gimli perhaps there is a better seat for you somewhere more comfortable, perhaps that mossy outcrop just over there?" tried Legolas with a polite smile.
But Gimli would not have it. He swung is short arm around Legolas and tucked him close to his chest.
" Laddie, I would like nothing more then to sit beside you. After all it is not everyday that an Elven Princeling smells just as ripe as dwarf. I am relishing in this opportunity. "
I smiled ear to ear at the sight of Gimli holding Legolas with a heavy embrace and Legolas somewhat struggling to get out of his grip.
" I do believe the Princeling could do with a bath, don't you agree Lassie?"
I smiled wildly and thrust myself out of the water and onto the riverbank. The air was not cold yet, but there would be a chill in the night if I did not change my clothes. I would worry about that later.
" I do believe that would be a grand idea Master Dwarf." I replied sweetly.
Together Gimli and I took a strong grip on Legolas's upper arms. But Legolas was not having it. He struggled and he was stronger then I had originally expected, especially when he wanted to get away desperately. I looked over to see Aragorn smirking in our direction.
" Aragorn, Make yourself useful and come aid us!" said Gimli.
Aragorn only shook his head while Frodo and Sam watched us with amused faces.
" We will throw you in too if you do not help us!" I threatened. " You could both use a bath. Honestly Aragorn , you are nearly as bad."
Aragorn sighed but got up from his seat and made his way to us. Legolas squirmed in our grips but I held tightly. The ground beneath our feet was softer and it was getting harder to hold on to him.
" This truly isn't necessary. I do not smell like a dwarf I –" Started Legolas.
" Laddie, your scent is just as hard to manage as my own and I will be the first to say it is a rare sight indeed." Said Gimli taking to shoving Legolas harder toward the river.
Aragorn took to pushing Legolas's back and quickly Pippin found his way beside Gimli. I could not help but laugh as we attempted to heave Legolas into the river. It did not take long with all of us, despite having kicked up enough mud that we were all ankle deep. With a great heave we shoved Legolas in but he did not go alone, for as he flew forward he grabbed a very surprised Aragorn and laughing Gimli. Pippin, unprepared at the sudden lack of weight fell in as well and I quickly grabbed him to make sure he did not injure himself. He was laughing so hard I could hardly hold on to him and we fell on our backsides into the muddy riverbank.
I looked back to the fire at Frodo and Sam who were laughing as well. It was hard not to for Aragorn was sporting a crown of river weeds wrapped around his head like a crown and Gimli looked shrunken with his wet beard and long hair. But Legolas by far took my breath away. His usually neatly combed hair, braided and beautiful was clearly matted with various river plants, a lily pad was placed comically on his head, its leafy mess dripping down his face like a muddy vein. His tunic was stuck close to his body like a second skin, with blades of long grass slapped against his chest. I fell over deeper into the mud at the look on his face. He wore a slight scowl, but it was good-natured and looked mildly pleased with having giving Aragorn the same fate as him. They both looked incredibly ridiculous regardless and I dissolved into fits of giggles again as my elbows sank deeper into the mud.
" This is hardly the place for such foolish and childish games." Said a voice.
I turned around quickly and saw Boromir leaning against a tree. He wore a stern look and a well saddened face.
" Have you all forgotten? Moria is but a breath away and without the wizard to guide us we are in even more danger. You are acting as if there is no danger, no war! As if we had been blissfully traveling along without the enemy at every turn. Because of you it would be wiser for us to travel now after the noise you have stirred in this place surely the Orcs will have heard you all! The nazgul fly quieter then you, playing like children in the river! " Shouted Boromir in frustration.
I did not know what I was doing. I stood up and with all my might thrust Boromir into the river.
The silence that followed was horrible. Boromir sputtered and quickly heaved his body from the water. He did not look in my direction and instead sulked back toward the fire where he quickly took a seat.
One by one the company climbed out of the river, not amused by the cold realization Boromir had drew out of the dark. Aragorn extended his hand to me to pull me out of the mud. I looked to Legolas who looked saddened once again and Gimli too looked worse. I felt horrible, where there was once joy Boromir had planted darkness again. Who was he to ruin our small joys? I suddenly felt angry as my mood soured.
" The Elves will keep watch this night for all of Moria is after us and they think it wise to frolic like petty children. Not all are immortal here." Said Boromir turning to us.
I was about to retort hotly but Aragorn beat me to it and threw me a look that said to calm myself.
" Boromir let it lie for it is not the fault of Grace or Legolas. To serve watch as punishment is not a feasible way to remedy this. It has been a difficult day for us all and we have forgotten ourselves. It is done. "
Aragorn took to changing out of his wet clothes. I quickly made my way into the woods to change. I wanted so desperately to punch Boromir. Again a strange surge of rage from nowhere, arguably I had been frustrated by less but to feel so enraged it was not my own and I felt violated. I quickly returned and began to steep the herbs meant to cleanse Sam's wound. The ring was acting on my grief and I would not let it take me for a fool. I would keep it at bay.
" Perhaps Boromir is right Aragorn? It may be best to continue on. We still have a few hours left of light if we make haste we may reach the gates by nightfall." Said Legolas.
He did not look in my direction but instead to the slightly setting sun.
" But the hobbits-" I began but was quickly silenced by Boromir.
" They may ride upon your back as they did in Moria. We will be faster that way. You are an elf and you will not tire." Said Boromir sternly taking to sharpening his sword.
I was silent for a moment.
" I will tend to Sam's wound and then we will leave.-" I began and Boromir looked at me harshly but I did not stop speaking with my demands. My voice turned sour and strict in my throat.
" Only after the hobbits have eaten and rested some will we leave. They are not immortal either and they are wounded-"
" They are hardy and they will manage." Said Boromir quickly cutting into my statement.
I suddenly felt overcome with emotion, my grief and anxieties turning to anger.
" But of course a Great Man of Gondor would not think of anyone but himself! Is this how you treat your soldiers? What type of general puts his wellbeing before his comrades! Besides you forget I was human once you self righteous piece of orc!"
I had put the herbs down on the ground and had steadily made my way to Boromir. I had my finger at his chest now and was stabbing it into his leather tunic.
Boromir was completely calm and it only helped to aggravate me further,
" You are incredible! First you dole out punishment like some King and then you expect everyone to bow down to your every whim and whip!"
I shoved him hard and he slid back a good two feet.
"Grace, That is enough!" Shouted Aragorn.
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
" You've proved your point. The hobbits will rest and they will ride the rest of the way upon your back. Go tend to Sam's wound, he is more important then your petty squabbling."
I knew it was an order and my lips fell into a tight line as Boromir smirked.
I turned around, picked up my herbs and sat beside Sam as I began to mash them again furiously.
There was tense silence and I could not help but feel betrayed by Aragorn. Men siding with men, of course and I was a woman alone amongst them.
Sam laid down and I gently rinsed the wound clean. After, I generously applied the paste. Sam grimaced slightly but I didn't take notice until he made a slight peep.
" Oh I'm sorry Sam. I know that must sting a bit. I'll be a little more gentle." I whispered.
" Don't worry Lady Grace. A little burn wont phase me." Said Sam with a smile.
I sighed and place my hand on the wound. Sam was a good man, Aragorn too had a point but for know I let the bitterness sink into my stomach. The skin became tight around my fingers to make the entrance of the wound less flimsy. I wrapped it in bandages.
" There you go Sam. Now get yourself something to eat."
Sam got up gingerly and made his way to the rest of the hobbits. They ate quietly and in silence. I could not bring myself to eat and instead I shifted into a bear. This time though there was sickening pop from my rib and I realized I had forgotten about being thrown on the ground by a troll.
I huffed and took deep breaths. It had healed somewhat when I had transformed back to an elf and now it was being tousled about. I walked back away from the company to take a seat beside the stream and dipped my large paws into the water.
Grief took away my mind and I could only listen to the Golden wood, the quiet breeze like a whisper spoken by lovers. I wanted to cry but I could not find the will.
I hearn Gimli snorting into his food while a took a peek at Aragorn sitting quietly smoking. Legolas's voice rang out in quiet surprise.
" Do you hear the voice of the Nimrodel? You know she lived beside this stream a great many age ago. Before we leave her side I think it best a sing her song."
No one objected and I listened intently to his voice weaving between the shadows of the forest.