This chapter has been updated!
So sorry it's been over a week since the last update! I didn't want to put up a chapter just for the sake of putting up a chapter, I wanted to ensure that it was finished. Midterms are coming up and that has impacted my schedule. I will get another chapter up hopefully by next Sunday and once my exams are over I'll get back to regular updates! Thank you so much to everyone who has read the story and I always love reviews!
The next day Eredhel took pity on Merry and Pippin, they had grown nervous around Boromir. When they were about to depart she took him aside, an idea coming to her. "Boromir I have something to ask of you."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Would you go with Legolas and Gimli? I cannot take another day of the dwarf's grumbling and the two of them are constantly bickering." A wide grin split across the man's face and he chuckled.
"Of course, you are more than welcome to take my place with the hobbits."
"Thank you." She smiled gratefully and went to tell Merry and Pippin. The day passed peacefully, the current carried them at a steady pace and except for steering there was little need to row. The two hobbits chatted cheerfully, allowing their fingers to slide along the surface of the water. Often they would point to an odd looking bird in the sky, asking Eredhel to identify it. "In the Shire we mostly just have robins and chickens," said Pippin after she had named a white throated sparrow. "You should come visit when this is all over. We'd have breakfast and second breakfast,"
"Don't forget elevensies!" interjected Merry.
"Yes, elevensies and lunch then afternoon tea, supper and even dinner considering that it would be a special occasion," he finished impressively. Eredhel stared at the them in shock, momentarily lost for words.
"You mean to say that you eat seven meals a day?" she asked incredulously. "You're half the size of a man yet you eat twice as much!" They smiled and Pippin puffed out his chest proudly.
"Would you come then?" Merry's expression was hopeful. Eredhel imagined them bustling around a kitchen, tasting soup and testing roasted meat. She hesitated, wondering whether to tell them it was unlikely that they all would return from their mission. But something about their naive optimism softened her and she decided against it.
"Yes of course, I have been in the Shire before, it's quite green and peaceful," They began telling her stories of midsummer parties and their lives in Buckland. They seemed to enjoy creating mischief. But most of all they had a love for a simple life and evenings at the inn, at the talk of which an argument started about who could hold the most beer. Eredhel looked on contently, often she and Gandalf had discussed the Shire, full of the queer little folk who were unconcerned with the world outside their borders. She hoped that the darkness of Sauron would not reach it, it was in places like the Shire where she liked to retreat from the world for a while.
In Gimli and Legolas' boat the dwarf and the man were speaking of wars of their people. Legolas was listening but his attention was drawn by a laugh from the boat ahead of them. He started at the sound for it was one that had almost vanished from his memory. It was clear as water and he smiled as he saw Eredhel beaming at the two hobbits. Rarely did he see her so happy and content. Tears of merriment shone in her eyes as she turned and met his gaze. Her grin widened when she saw him and he was overtaken by an urge to pull up alongside the other boat and pull her into theirs. But the hobbits could not paddle it alone so he had to settle for speaking with her in his mind. When they stopped for the night he was happy to hear that she would be returning to his and Gimli's company the next day.
It had been a week since their departure from Lórien and they were camped on a high bank. Little streams gurgled among the pebble lined shore, journeying towards the river. Gimli sat beside the fire while the others carried supplies from the boats. Aragorn and Legolas were sitting to the side, speaking quietly as the man stroked his chin in thought. There had been much debate as to which way they would now follow to Mordor and they had no idea in what shape the land was laid around the river. The two reached some sort of agreement and they stood, drawing the attention of the others. "We will go to look what lies farther down the shore. We may yet have to carry the boats to the Argonath to avoid the rough rapids," explained Aragorn. Eredhel however seemed troubled by his announcement and rose as well.
"Wait."
"Someone must look ahead Eredhel, we cannot continue on blindly," said Aragorn.
"Yes I know but, dartha sí, tiro i hesto, (stay here, watch the Captain,)" she reasoned. "Legolas and I will go, two pairs of elvish eyes will serve better than one."
"Very well, but do not be long." The two elves nodded and disappeared into the trees. The day was foggy and mist hung in the air, causing water to condense on their upturned faces. They found a trail easily enough and discovered that the rapids were only a half mile below them. Beyond, the water became clearer and the rowing would be easy. When they reached a wide bank they stopped, searching for signs of their enemies on the opposite side of the river but the fog hid most of it from view. Eredhel bent down and allowed the cool water to slip past her fingers, relishing in its glassy surface. As she straightened Legolas came up behind her, his eyes still scanning the far shore. After twenty minutes they still had not caught any sight of their pursuers so they started back along the beaten path.
When they reached the Fellowship the others were relieved that it would not be a difficult journey to move the boats past the rapids. Aragorn and Boromir carried the boats while the others made second trips for baggage. When they had finished they were hot, their clothes made sticky by the moisture in the air. They were tired and collapsed on the rocky shore. Aragorn declared that they would go no farther that night and after a brief supper the companions began to drift off to sleep. It began to rain as Legolas found a dry spot under the boughs of an ancient tree to take the first watch. The sound of drops on the water and leaves was peaceful and the air was cool. Once the others were asleep he searched the site, his eyes falling on the lone elleth. She was lying on her back, her braided hair over one shoulder. Though she appeared to be sleeping Legolas knew better. The rise and fall of her chest was quick, an obvious sign that she lacked the peaceful oblivion of dreams.
"We both know you are awake." Her eyelids opened at his voice, confirming his thoughts. Eredhel rose and joined him under the tree, leaning into his shoulder. Her eyes were the same grey as the water and she smiled as she listened. Legolas' lips lightly brush her ear as he spoke softly. "Well ermelui (lovely one)." Eredhel shivered as a tingle ran down her spine. He leaned in closer and she could feel his warm breath. "Is something wrong?" Legolas asked innocently. He chuckled as his mouth once again found her pointed ear. Eredhel growled and twisted around, pinning him where he sat. She was met with a smug grin, the other elf clearly pleased with the effect he was having on her.
"No, nothing at all," she replied as an idea came to her. She pushed his shoulders back against the tree and kissed him hard. Legolas' grin widened and he was about to pull her closer when she dodged him and moved down to his neck. Eredhel felt him inhale sharply as her lips slid over his warm skin. She moved from his collarbone to trace his jaw, giving a soft laugh when she felt the pulse in his neck quicken. When she was content with her revenge she returned to her seat next to him, a satisfied smile on her face. Legolas simply looked at her and shook his head.
"How unfortunate that we are not in Mirkwood."
"As beautiful as that is, you do not often feel the rain under the great eves of the forest," she said, reaching out her hand to allow the drops to slide down her fingers.
"You love when it rains." He chuckled.
"You remember then."
"Of course I do, how could I forget?" During a storm in Rivendell he had found her sitting against a tree, listening to thunder. At first he had suggested they go inside but Eredhel had simply grabbed his arm and pulled him down next to her. She put a finger to her lips and indicated for him to copy her position. Slightly confused, he had turned his face towards the sky and closed his eyes. After a few moments he suddenly became more aware, of the drops trickling down his cheeks and the feel of the wind in his hair. He found that the raging storm somehow calmed him. The same sensation filled him now, the eternal process of water returning to the earth gave him a sense that the world would endure the present darkness, that centuries from now someone would be feeling the same water hit their face. Legolas twisted a strand of Eredhel's wet hair and they passed the remaining hours of the night listening to the rain, occasionally murmuring stories of previous storms that had ravaged the earth.
They had been rowing for nine days when they came upon the Argonath. Enormous statues of Isildur and Anárion, the sons of Elendil, guarded the realm of Gondor. Aragorn smiled and tapped Frodo on the shoulder, drawing his attention to the monuments. "Look Frodo, long have I waited to look upon the Pillars of the Kings. I feel as if I am in the presence of my ancestors of old." The two of them stared up at the white pillars, lost for words. As they passed between them a group of black swans passed overheard, their reflections sweeping across the rippled water. Boromir bowed his head in respect to the statues and even Gimli, one who had spent his entire life in carved halls, was impressed. He elbowed Legolas in the arm and he started. Blinking, he gazed up at the stone kings but kept some of his attention on paddling, and more importantly his silent conversation with Eredhel.
They had been in deep discussion for the past hour, on the same topic that they often fell on ever since hearing the disagreement between Aragorn and Boromir. The Captain now seemed troubled, constantly fiddling with his hands or pacing. Their keen ears picked up his mutterings from the boat ahead and it wasn't unusual to see Merry or Pippin throw a nervous glance his way. He had also argued with Aragorn as to which path they should take, saying it would be wiser to go farther south before turning east. When he realized that Frodo would trust Aragorn to whatever end he had warily agreed to go as far as Tindrock before turning towards Minas Tirith. "I do not know what will happen when we reach Tol Brandir," said Legolas, finally tearing his eyes from the figures.
"Neither do I, I fear that Boromir will try to convince Frodo to accompany him to the White City. Whether we like it or not, the Ring's influence has been growing on all of us and he is the most affected by it. If something is not done he will go mad." Eredhel's voice was grim.
"Then let us hope for his sake the he goes to the city alone, though we will suffer without his strength." They did not know what the approaching days would bring, their final destination was now in doubt. Their boat took a sudden surge through the water and they came up alongside Frodo, Sam and Aragorn. Eredhel looked over at Frodo and was glad to see him marveling at the carved figures. The feeling was lost a moment later when the familiar whispering started in her mind. The past few days had been worse than usual and whenever she was within close range of the hobbit she could not seem to get the voice out of her mind. Eredhel shook herself and tried to focus on the horizon.
A few hours later they stopped on a rocky shore. It was mid afternoon and sun shone brightly as they hid the boats among dense bushes. After finding shelter behind a group of boulders they set down their load and took some rest to regain their strength. Sam was throwing some tubers in a pot when Aragorn came bearing the bag of food. "There are Orcs on the Eastern Shore, they will be watching for us. We can have no fire, we will cross Nin Hithoel by night. The boats of Lórien will be easy enough to hide, we will then continue on foot to Mordor."
"What's Mordor like?" asked Pippin curiously.
"It's a volcanic plain, where naught but sparse brush grows," explained Gimli. "The air is dry and ash fills the sky. A great, stinking, marshland surrounded on three sides by mountains."
"Well that doesn't sound pleasant, people must not go there often," said Merry.
"Folk rarely enter, and when they do they do not come out," added Legolas. "Eredhel has traveled along the mountains but no farther. It is a grim place, nothing but evil lives there."
"Is it as bad as they say Eredhel?" questioned Merry. The elf looked over distractedly, taking her eyes off Frodo.
"Hmm? Oh, ah yes. The land is black and pervaded by death. Emyn Muil is covered in jagged rocks and the Dead Marshes are full of the bodies of fallen warriors. Elves, men and orcs alike." Merry and Pippin had both gone slightly pale and she rose, grabbing her bow from beside her. Looking around, she spotted an old, dead tree on the edge of the forest behind them. Continuing away from the Fellowship she halted when she was a challenging distance away from it, her makeshift range parallel to where the others sat. The voice of the Ring had not left her mind and she needed to clear her head. Nocking a grey flecked arrow, she pulled the string back to her cheek, inhaling deeply. Eredhel aimed for a deep knot in the center of the tree and released her shot. Much to her frustration it hit the branch above it. She sighed in irritation as she tried to silence her thoughts. But the influence of the Ring was strong, it made her think of all the reasons to abandon the quest. She growled and drew another arrow but her vision flickered as she brought it level with her target. It was impossible to focus, arrow after arrow missed the knot in the wood. Finally her anger got the best of her. In one quick motion she pulled her knife from her boot and flung it into the tree, snarling. Her outburst drew the attention of the others but with one glare from her they quickly averted their eyes. She felt a soft grip on her arm and turned to see Legolas looking at her with knowing in his face.
"It is affecting you as well then," he said quietly.
"Yes, I can hear it. But there is something else, a weight hanging over us."
"I can feel it as well. I have not been able to relax since we stepped ashore. Something foul is on the wind."
"We should not linger here. It would be wise to tell Aragorn." They walked past the others to the dark haired man. He was standing apart, adjusting the bracer on his arm. Hearing their approach, he paused in his movements and his face hardened when he saw their grim expressions.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I believe it would be best for us to leave," replied Legolas, getting straight the point.
"Impossible, you know that we are being searched for. We must wait for the cloak of night if we are to avoid being discovered by the orcs on the eastern shore."
"Aragorn, it is not the opposite shore that we need to worry about. You can feel it in the air, the trees and the birds are silent," insisted Eredhel.
"Yes, it has been growing on my mind, evil is near," added Legolas.
"Well perhaps if we-Eredhel?" Aragorn paused as he saw his friend whip around, her eyes frantically searching the camp. She had just noticed that the voice of the Ring had diminished. Though relieved, she knew that it could only mean one thing; that the distance between It and herself had increased. Before she had a chance to explain her actions Merry piped up from behind them.
"Where is Frodo?" Everyone froze in what they were doing and immediately looked around for the Ringbearer. But it was not the absence of a hobbit that frightened Eredhel, it was the presence of a master less shield. It had been placed on top of the man's bedroll but he was nowhere in sight.
"Boromir," breathed Eredhel, and realization dawned on Legolas and Aragorn's faces. In one motion she had turned and taken off into the trees, drawing her bow as she did so. Within seconds Aragorn was dashing after her, throwing an explanation to the others over his shoulder. Trees flew by them as their ears strained to catch a snatch of conversation or the snap of a branch. After a few moments they stopped and began to scan the ground. Aragorn soon picked up the footprints of the hobbit and they followed them up a steep hill, on the slope of which they also found the footfalls of a man. Aragorn's heart was full of fear, the same fear that had plagued him since Gandalf's fall, that he would fail and wouldn't be able to protect Frodo from the peril of the Ring. Beside him Eredhel suddenly stopped, turning her head to the side. "I can hear their voices, distantly but to the right," she hesitated, her eyes widening. "Boromir, he's angry, we don't have much time. Follow me." He nodded and once again the elf sprinted ahead, her lean form weaving through the trees.
When they reached the top they came upon the Seeing Seat, an ancient stone seat atop a watchtower. The chair was enchanted and the one who sat in it could see telescopically for miles. The staircase was guarded by two carved eagles and when they approached Eredhel could hear ragged breathing. Motioning to Aragorn, they slowly came around the corner to the back of the tower. It was here that they found Frodo, sitting awkwardly on the ground. "Frodo?" said Aragorn gently. The halfling jumped and looked up, startled.
"The Ring, it just, Boromir, there was nothing I could do. It has taken him." Aragorn's eyes widened and Eredhel's hold on her bow tightened.
"Where is the Ring?" demanded Aragorn, starting towards him. But Frodo scrambled up, retreating from the Ranger nervously.
"Stay back!" he cried. Confusion clouded the rangers face and pity welled in Eredhel's eyes.
"I swore to protect you, I gave you my word," said Aragorn gently.
"Can you protect me from yourself?" demanded the hobbit. "I have seen what the Ring can do, it has been affecting all of you, I am not blind. Look!" He thrust open his hand, exposing the golden band. Aragorn slowly approached him, his eyes fixed on it. Behind him, Eredhel moved slowly, trying to clear her head. Her friend would have to face this test alone, just as she had always known he would. The man knelt and clasped his hands around the Bearer's. To Frodo's surprise he pushed his closed hand back towards him, having resisted the temptation.
"We will not try to stop you," said Eredhel quietly.
"Indeed, we would have followed you to the very fires of Mount Doom."
"I know. Please explain to the others, they will want to chase after me but you mustn't let them, especially Sam, he won't understand," Frodo then turned to the elf. "Thank you, for protecting us," he added sheepishly. She smiled and was about to reply when she backed away, nocking an arrow.
"Yrch! (Orchs!)" she exclaimed and Aragorn drew his sword as he noticed the bright blue glow of Sting. "Frodo you must go, NOW!"
"Run!" urged Aragorn. They turned their backs on him and ran around the crumbling, stone edifice. They could now see the group of orcs sprinting up the hill, cries of battle pouring past their black lips.