- - BOROMIR - -
"It's alright, I'm here." Gray eyes glared daggers up at the crowd that was forming around them. Though his gaze was scalding, his words were soft, "I won't let them near you, I promise." Her arms remained wrapped around his neck in a deathlock. He could feel her entire body shake against him. By now, a decent sized crowd had gathered around them, mostly consisting of the Elves that had been chasing her along with a few others. A group of Dwarves had trailed along as well, wondering what all of the ruckus was about.
Elrond stepped to the center of the crowd and looked down at the duo. The Elf couldn't help but notice the man's furious stare. "I was told that I would receive hospitality upon my arrival, but after seeing what you've all done to my sister makes me doubt that invitation." Boromir said, trying to keep the fury from his voice.
A murmur rolled through the crowd. Elrond took a long look at Calina, his eyes searching for answers as she sat petrified in brother's arms. He was rewarded with nothing. Elrond returned his gaze to Boromir, "But you are a human and she is—"
"Family is not determined by the relation of blood, but by closeness of heart." Boromir shamelessly interrupted. Silence rang between them while a prominent stirring of whispers danced through the crowd. For a moment, all was hushed until another round of footsteps could be heard rapidly approaching.
Four Half-lings arrived and pushed their way through the crowd, with an old man cloaked in gray in tow behind them. Upon their eyes landing on the scene, the Hobbits' eyes widened, and the old man set his jaw. The Hobbits instantly closed the distance between them. Initially, Boromir was perplexed at this but upon seeing the concern in their eyes, relaxed and said nothing as Half-lings began sprouting questions.
"What's happened?" One of the ginger Hobbits asked worriedly.
"Ask Lord Elrond." Came Boromir's blunt reply. His grip gently tightened on his voiceless sister. Five sets of eyes turned towards the Elf in question.
The brown haired Half-ling whipped around to face the Elf Lord. He was livid, "What did you do to her?!"
"I did nothing." Elrond contested evenly.
"Your sons are to blame for this." A voice from the edge of the crowd declared.
"I beg your pardon?"
The crowd then parted, and a brown haired man stepped onto the scene. "Elladan and Elrohir tricked Merry and Sam. They told them Frodo and Pippin would be along shortly, and offered to keep watch until their arrival. Seeing as how your sons had left only good impressions on the Hobbits, they believed them. So, Merry and Sam departed. It was in their absence they cornered Calina in her room."
"Be that as it may, she still attacked my sons."
"She was only defending herself." The man refuted. The murmuring began again.
The old man – whom, upon further assessment, Boromir could only assume was a wizard – pressed on, speaking directly to Elrond, "Let go of the past. Holding onto it will only bode ill for tomorrow."
"Are you suggesting I relinquish my grievances against her?" The Elf Lord then let his arms slip from the sleeves of his robe, revealing heavily scared forearms, the skin mangled and a putrid shade of gray. A new round of chatter broke out from the crowd. Elrond pulled his hands back into his sleeves as he awaited the wizard's reply.
"Yes. I am." The wizard countered plainly. The crowd continued to gossip amongst themselves as the wizard held his ground. Elrond's expression turned to steel as he and the wizard maintained some sort of unspoken quarrel between themselves.
"If this is supposed to be the famed hospitality of the Elves, then I want no part of it. We will be going." Boromir announced as he came to his feet, lifting his sister up as he rose. Without a moment's hesitation, Boromir turned with Calina still in his arms and took a step towards the edge of the crowd, set on leaving.
However, Elrond's voice broke out before he had even taken two steps, and the words that followed halting the man in his tracks. "All corners of Middle Earth must be represented at the Council, Boromir. You are the only one here who can represent your father. And I believe you would have a difficult time explaining to Denethor why Gondor would be left to flounder alone during this impending war."
Though Boromir's blood began to boil, he said nothing. After a short silence, he walked straight up to the Elf and spoke, "We will stay. But my sister is not to leave my sight. That includes during the Council meeting." To the man's conditions, an immediate stream of chatter ran through the onlookers.
The Elf Lord opened his mouth to protest, but another voice boomed first, "I think that's a marvelous idea, don't you Elrond?" The wizard interrupted, already beginning to lead Boromir out of the crowd with a hand on his shoulder. "Having her brother around would be a great ease on her fraying nerves. Yes, I believe this is a most excellent idea! Boromir, I'll escort you to her room." The wizard continued to ramble distractedly and Boromir simply let himself be led away, with the Hobbits and brown haired man close behind, none of them paying any mind to the dumfounded group of Elves and Dwarves they'd left in their wake.
As they walked, introductions were made and after a few moments the party arrived at Calina's room, to which Gandalf quickly ushered Boromir inside. He paused only to give instructions to the ranger and Hobbits, who now waited in the corridor. "Find Arwen. Bring her here and inform her of what's happened. Tell her I have a task for her. It is nothing dire, but a task nonetheless." He then nodded and took off immediately.
The Gandalf turned to the Hobbits, looking down at them as he spoke, "You four will remain here. Keep watch and let no one inside, and do not leave under any circumstances. We shouldn't be long." The wizard then stepped into the room, and closed the door behind him with a 'click'.
Boromir had already set Calina on the bed and was sitting beside her, an arm still wrapped securely around her shoulder. "What now? Elrond's patience will not hold." Boromir began.
Gandalf moved quickly across the room towards the balcony, "That, it will not." The wizard then released the thicker blinds that were tethered to the wall and drew them shut, and the room plummeted into darkness. The wizard blew onto the top of his staff, and a pale white light was then cast across the room.
"I don't understand," Calina said suddenly, breaking from her daze, "Those Elves touched me and I didn't hurt them."
"That is because they were using their physical strength and not their magic against you." Gandalf answered. The wizard kneeled before her, "Now, there is something I would like to try. It is a spell. Admittedly, it is similar to the one Elrond attempted, but slightly different. It will bring the magic within you to a safer balance, giving you more control over the darkness." She couldn't restrain the nervous gulp that slid down her throat. However, after a moment, she nodded tentatively. "I promise, I did my research. This will not go wrong as it did with Elrond." Gandalf said assuringly. Calina clutched her brother's hand in apprehension. The wizard then placed either of his thumbs on her temples, with his fingers coming to rest on the back of her skull.
An incandescent light sprouted from Gandalf's fingertips. Calina gasped, pupils dilating as the blackness in her eyes began to recede. The radiance intensified, and her eyes began to glow with the same shimmering brightness. After a few more anxious seconds, the light died away from both Calina's eyes and Gandalf's hands, leaving the room once again peacefully lit by the glow of the staff. Gandalf walked across the room and a single motion flung the drapes open, allowing the afternoon sunlight to pour into the room, "Now, tell me: how do you feel?"
Calina turned and beamed at him. The blackness of her sclera was now gone, save for a lingering halo that circled her irises. "Wonderful." She said breathily. "It's like a weight has been lifted."
"So everything went well then?" A new voice piped in. They all looked to see that the door was cracked and the heads of four Hobbit were now peering at them, stacked comically one on top of the other.
"Sorry to intrude, but we saw the light from under the door and got curious." Samwise admitted from his place crouched on the ground. He suddenly flinched, "Ow, Pippin!" He hollered at the Halfling above him, "Your foot's crushing my back."
"Sorry!" The younger Half-ling shifted. "But really, things went well?" Pippin asked curiously.
"Never have I met such a peculiar group of Hobbits." The wizard admitted, the look of undying curiosity clear on all of the Half-lings' faces.
"We may be peculiar but at least we show interest, unlike most Hobbit-folk." Merry defended from above Pippin.
Boromir continued to laugh in good humor, "Interest, or perhaps overindulged curiosity."
"Overindulged indeed." Gandalf agreed, chuckling along with him. "But to answer your question: yes, everything went well." The wizard turned to look at Calina, who was now giggling at the sight of the Half-lings.
"What's all this then?" A fair voice rang in from the hall. The door was pushed open, and the Hobbits tumbled into the room, half-laughing, half-groaning as they tried to untangle themselves from the heap they'd landed in. From the open doorway came the Aragorn and Arwen. Though clearly humored, the She-Elf went straight up to the wizard, "I was told you have a task for me?" She inquired.
"Yes. I would like you to keep an eye on Calina this evening during the Council. After seeing how far your brothers went in their attempt at vengeance, there may be others who might try the same. Your presence will be enough to deter them along with any others."
"Of course. I'm only sad to hear they were the cause of all this. I never knew their anger ran so deep."
"I don't think any of us did." The wizard then looked to Calina, who was now leaning her head against her brother's shoulder with droopy eyes. Gandalf began again, addressing the entire room. "The spell has taken quite a toll on our friend. Let us leave her to rest."
The Half-lings sprang into action. Frodo grabbed Calina's hands as she stood up and shuffled both her and her brother out of their way while Merry and Pippin pulled back the covers and Sam fluffed the pillows. Boromir stepped back and admired the scene. The Hobbits, now finished with the bed-making task, stepped back and let Boromir guide his drowsy sister to bed. He towered at least two heads above her, yet helped her with such carefulness that it was obvious he adored her. Boromir pulled the blankets up over her, drawing back as Calina immediately fell into a deep sleep.
"Come along." Aragorn said as he began to usher the Half-lings out of the room. Gandalf followed, but Boromir lingered, giving his sister one last look before following the wizard out. Arwen remained, already taking up her post in the armchair with a book in hand.
Out in the corridor Gandalf let out a huff, although it was an accomplished sound. He then rounded on the Half-lings, shooing them away, "Now, off with you. There are a few things I must discuss with Aragorn and Boromir."
The men and wizard then began to stride off, but were interrupted after taking a few steps. "Wait!" It was Pippin. "Are you sure she'll be alright?" They could see the traces of worry lingering in his eyes.
The wizard turned and smiled, "As long as Arwen is with her, no harm shall come to her. If you like, after lunch you may join Arwen in keeping watch over her so long as you let her sleep." To the wizard's suggestion, their faces lit up and the four Hobbits turned and began to run down the corridor.
"We won't be long then!" Frodo yelled, sprinting to the lead.
"Just a few sandwiches and we'll be back in a jiffy!" Merry said as he bolted after the Ring Bearer with Pippin right at his heels.
Sam groaned, "Why do we always have to run?" He then puffed along after them as they all turned around the corner and headed as fast as they could to the communal dining hall.
The wizard turned and began to walk in the other direction down the corridor, the two men at either side. His staff tapped on the ground as they motioned along. Boromir was the first to speak, cutting right to the point. "So what did you really do, Gandalf? I have seen the extent of her abilities, and I find it hard to believe that you could have so easily washed the dark magic away." Though at times hot-tempered, Boromir was no fool. He knew Gandalf had made sure to speak his words carefully up until that point.
Gandalf held a palm up in defense as they walked into a sunlit courtyard, "Know this," they stopped as the wizard turned to face them, "I am not a conjuror of cheap tricks. I assure you, I was able to remove darkness within her mind, but that which lies in her heart remains. That is something she must overcome on her own. However, she has already proven to be full of surprises as she is strength of will."
"That she is." Aragorn found himself adding.
To this particular comment, Boromir shot the other man a look, "And then there's you. Calina has told us of your encounters, but now you're defending her. What changed?"
"That is another story entirely." The ranger admitted.
"Then I will leave you both to it and return later." The wizard then gave them a wizened nod before pulling out his pipe, stuffing it, and walking away to enjoy his smoke, humming a soft tune as he went.
Boromir and Aragorn watched him go before finally turning away and beginning a walk off on their own. Initially, they discussed the tender topic surrounding the ranger's initial hatred towards Calina, and his recent change of heart towards her. Aragorn also honestly explained his relationship to the Elves. Once the air was cleared in that regard, the conversation fell on Aragorn's avoidance of his role as King of Gondor, as well as the state of things in the kingdom since Denethor's rise to power.
By now, evening was beginning to settle in around them. They took a turn into another courtyard whose tree leaves were already deeply colored with the presence of autumn. By that point, the topic of conversation had flowed into the story of how Boromir and Calina first met. "I was young when my mother died. After her death, my father became a scornful man, and we became a pathetic excuse for a family. But then Calina came into our lives and managed to mend those broken tethers and brought us back together. Goodness knows where we'd be without her. It is amazing how many hardened hearts she can change."
"Indeed it is." Aragorn agreed as they sat down on a bench in a quaint garden. A silence hung between them. The nearby fountain gurgled. The falling sun played brilliantly against the white stone walls. A handful of birds flitted about in the shrubbery.
"She truly remembered nothing prior to waking outside the White City?" Aragorn asked abruptly.
"Nothing. Not even her own name." Boromir answered.
At that moment, Gandalf reappeared and chimed in, "Then you will be pleased to know that with the presence of the spell, her memories will begin to return. So do not be surprised if she eventually remembers another name for you to call her by."
"How soon before she starts to remember?" The brother asked, hopeful.
"That is a question I cannot answer. It could be hours, days, or even weeks. Let us just hope that they only help her during the war to come."
"My sister will have nothing to do with this war." Boromir replied instantly, making no effort to mask his opposition.
"What will you do, lock her away? You cannot decide her fate for her. She must walk that path on her own. Whether or not you allow it, she is not one to stand aside and let those she loves get in harm's way without her there to defend them." Gandalf's matter-of-fact declaration earned a sigh from Boromir, who rubbed the back of his neck nervously, forever wrought with concern for his sister's wellbeing. Gandalf rested a hand on the man's shoulder, offering him a smile, "Have faith in her." The man managed a nod, letting the wizard pull him towards a particular path. "But now we must be off. The Council meeting is about to begin."
"I take it you won't let me wake her, then?" Boromir asked.
To his inquisition the wizard, still smiling, shook his head, "No, I will not."
The brother sighed and then looked at the wizard curiously. "I'm starting to think you planned it all to turn out this way. But why that is, I cannot even begin to guess." The Son of the Steward then followed the wizard out of the courtyard, the ranger following silently behind them, lost to his own musings as they went.
"And you never will." Gandalf promised. With that, the three of them walked along, the sun beginning its daily descent across the city as they set out to help decide the future of the One Ring.
- - CALINA - -
Everything had been beautifully quiet as Calina slumbered, lost to a deep and dreamless sleep. It was magnificent. She couldn't recall a rest that was as peaceful as this, as uninterrupted and truly revitalizing as it was. But in the midst of her relaxation, something disturbed her and she stirred. Though still asleep, she furrowed her brow as a deep pounding began to tear through her mind. The blissful peace was lost and then further disrupted as the gnarled voice returned.
'Ash nazg durbatulûk'
The malicious voice had slithered out of the darkness to torment her. Even in her sleep, she began to struggle against it.
'Ash nazg gimbatul'
The words grew steadily louder and Calina began to toss and turn. From across the room, Arwen looked up from the book she'd been reading, watching silently as she sat unmoving.
'Ash nazg thrakatulûk'
Her struggle intensified, but Arwen remained where she was. The hair on the back of her neck was prickling, for she could sense the darkness was attempting to invade Calina's mind once again. But the She-Elf could do nothing. So she remained silent and awaited the incident's outcome.
'Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!'
Calina let out an enraged yell and bolted upright as the malevolence vanished again as swiftly as it had appeared. She was still half-asleep and very dazed. But after a few gulps of air, Calina collapsed back against the pillows and was once again lost to the void of sleep.
From across the room Arwen let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She brought a hand to her heart, feeling its rapid pounding begin to wane. For a moment, she watched Calina as she slumbered, the light from the setting sun now pouring into the room. Indeed, the young woman at last looked at peace as she rested. Arwen rose and went over to the bed, pulling the disheveled sheets back up.
For a moment, Arwen stood over Calina, a small smile now peeking out across her lips, "There is hope yet."
.
"Will she wake up soon?" Someone said from a few paces away.
Another replied from a bit farther off, "In good time."
"I hope that happens sooner rather than later." A third voice finished, seeming to just enter the room.
'Perhaps it was all a dream?' Calina wondered idly, trying to shake the heavy sensation of déjà vu she was experiencing. She opened her eyes, hoping for a different scenario compared to the first time she awoke in the city.
At first glance, a wave of relief passed through her. Arwen was standing on the balcony, looking serene beneath the glow of the early morning sunlight. Gandalf was also present sitting in the chair, knuckles to his chin deep in thought. Calina's eyes wandered to the door as she heard someone lift its latch. Her heart skipped a beat, fearing it was Elrond. But she calmed when her brother stepped into the room instead.
She let out a yawn and sat up, earning looks from the other occupants of the room. Boromir was beside her in an instant, "Calina." He sat down beside her, gently thumbing her cheek, "I'm glad you're finally awake."
She rubbed her eyes, "How long was I asleep?"
"Three days." Gandalf answered nonchalantly. To this, Calina's eyes turned to saucers. But before she could make any comment about it, the wizard continued, "Don't be alarmed. Extended amounts of sleep is a common side effect of such a spell. Arwen, the Hobbits, and Aragorn kept watch over you when your brother could not."
Calina looked across the room, "Thank you all for watching over me." She said earnestly.
Arwen smiled. "It was nothing." She then turned remorseful, "It's the least I can do after what my brothers tried to do to you."
"Brothers?" Calina inquired, perplexed. Her abruptly eyes widened in realization. "Oh. So Lord Elrond is your father too." Arwen nodded. Calina glanced away, ashamed at the upheaval her presence had once again caused the city. She looked back to the She-Elf, "I can't blame them. People will go great lengths to avenge the ones they love."
"Be that as it may, I must apologize for their behavior. They cannot seem to forget the past. My father included. It's quite childish of them to behave like this. He can't keep you here forever." She said in an uncharacteristically frustrated manner.
"Ah! I have an idea." The wizard exclaimed suddenly. "It may convince Elrond to change his perspective. Boromir, come. I will need your help. Arwen, please explain to Calina what transpired during the Council." Gandalf was already beyond the threshold of the door before he had even finished speaking, with Boromir scrambling off after him.
Calina looked at Arwen, a cutely baffled look on her face, "What was that all about?"
Arwen smiled, "Who knows." She then sat down beside Calina as she began to explain what had occurred during the meeting, "It was decided that Frodo would remain the Ring Bearer and deliver the Ring to Mount Doom so it can at last be destroyed. A Fellowship has been formed who will go with him."
"Who's part of the Fellowship?"
Arwen began to count the members off on her fingers, "Aragorn, Gimli the Dwarf, Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm, the Half-lings, Gandalf, and your brother."
"I see." Calina became pensive and the room was silent for a moment, the only sound coming from the world beyond the balcony. Birds chirped their melodies and leaves danced quietly to the ground as they were brushed from their branches. In the distance, an Elf could be heard singing an ethereal tune.
"Gandalf's spell is a true wonder. I don't feel as on edge as I usually do when I'm surrounded by so much light magic." Calina said after a moment with a happy look.
Arwen set her hand on top on Calina's, smiling, "I'm happy to hear–"
A violent gasp sprang from Calina, "What is it?" Arwen asked, her fine brows now creased with worry.
Calina let out a handful of shaky breaths, "I saw it. What happened after I'd collapsed. I chased after you. And I was so angry…" her voice dropped to a fearful whisper, "The magic wanted vengeance for what you did to the Wraiths. It wanted me to kill you…" She peeked up at the She-Elf, "How can you even stand to be near me?"
"Because that was not you." Arwen paused, grasping Calina's hand. "This curse has forced you to act against your will. I will not blame you for something that was beyond your control." After one last gentle squeeze to the younger woman's fingers, Arwen rose from the bed and floated across the room toward the bureau, rummaging through one of the drawers, "Now, you have spent quite enough time in bed. I believe a hot bath is in order." She then draped a dress over her arm. It was silvery blue and was trimmed with a pearly white hem and navy stitching.
This suggestion sent a blazing smile across Calina's face. She tossed back the sheets and bopped toward Arwen gleefully, "Lead the way!"
.
Calina let out a gloriously content sigh, her eyes a shade lazy, but happy. The bath had been by a good dose of medicine, and the meal she and Arwen shared afterwards was full of friendly conversation and delicious food. Per Arwen's perceptiveness, the She-Elf had decided they would eat in her private sitting room so as to avoid any unwanted attention.
Arwen set down her tea cup, watching as Calina pulled her hair behind her ear. She was struck with an idea, "Would you like me to braid your hair?" To her immense amusement, Calina had agreed most energetically. They shifted their seating arrangement and Arwen got to work. A short time later, Calina was adorned with two delicate braids intermingling among the locks that framed her face. A larger braid that trailed down her back that blended subtly in with the remaining long layers below. Arwen presented her with a mirror, and Calina thanked her endlessly. With their lunch over, the two of them returned to the corridors in search of the Hobbits.
From beside her, Calina caught Arwen suppressing a grin as they walked past three Elves. She glanced in their direction, to which all of them instantly averted their stares, trying to look anywhere except the two ladies as they drifted by.
They turned a corner and burst into a fit of laughter. "They hardly recognize you." Arwen said gaily, leading Calina into one of Rivendell's larger gardens. "Just where have those Hobbits run off to?" Arwen wondered aloud as they meandered along the paths. "I'm surprised Merry and Pippin haven't run into any mischief."
Calina smiled from beside her, admiring the fall colors. "Agreed. And they're quite good at appearing when you least expect them."
"You've got that right!" Without warning, Calina was attacked from either side by two sets of little arms. She was so startled that she wobbled before steadying herself to see Merry and Pippin had latched onto her from either side in a fierce hug. Arwen let out a joyous laugh at their comical entrance and Calina's flabbergasted expression.
"We're so glad you've woken up!" Merry exclaimed, stepping back.
Pippin nodded in agreement, "Yes! We were starting to wonder if you'd been reduced to some sort of vegetable." The honest sincerity of his tone and expression were enough to send them all into a fit of laughter. Pippin only looked confused, "What?" He asked quite seriously, "What's so funny?"
"Ahh Pip, you're always a hoot." Merry said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.
"There is no one else like him." Arwen said, regaining her poise, still smiling brightly. "Do either of you know where Frodo and Sam are? I'm sure they'd like to know Calina is awake as well."
"As a matter of fact we do. We'd be more than happy to show you the way." Merry said as he held his arm out to Arwen. She laughed again, taking his arm before letting him lead her down yet another one of the garden's stone paths.
Pippin mimicked his friend, going a step further, "My dear lady, would you allow me to be your escort on this lovely afternoon?" He serenaded dramatically, offering her his hand with a flourished bow, his expression was suave and accented with a charming smile.
Calina grinned and cutsied, "I'd be honored, good sir. Lead the way." She took his arm, and they were off following behind Merry and Arwen, the ladies both still tittering at the Half-lings comical behavior. They meandered through what seemed like an endless sea of late blooming flowers. The trees radiated autumn's presence with their vibrant hues of gold and orange. Fortunately, the air was still comfortably warm as the group wandered along the clear-cut stone path through the beautiful garden.
Calina was in awe of the scenery, which Pippin noticed. He then began talking to her about the flowers, trees, and the best places he'd found to take naps. She giggled, still blown away at the serenity of the landscape. Her gaze left a cluster of white flowers and looked ahead, seeing two familiar curly haired Hobbits sitting under a large apple tree. Frodo was reading a book as he rested against the trunk. Sam was picking up the fallen apples, a large number of the vibrant red fruits already in his arms.
Merry cupped one of his hands next to his mouth, "Hey-o!" He hollered, instantly earning looks from Frodo and Sam. "Look at who's finally decided to rejoin us!" He said, jutting back to Calina and Pippin as they came up from behind.
Their reactions were priceless. Sam instantly dropped the half dozen or so apples and Frodo threw his book to the ground, sprinting over to them. As before, Calina was enveloped in a surge of hugs and cries of happiness. "I'm so glad you're awake!" Frodo declared joyously.
Sam nodded in agreement, "I was starting to wonder if whatever magic Gandalf did had done more harm than good."
A familiar voice called out from further down the path, "Is that so, Master Gamgee?" The group looked to see Gandalf walking towards them. "Perhaps I should use more of my magic," Gandalf said facetiously, "and change you into a toad." Sam visibly paled while the others laughed.
"You know he's only joking Sam." Merry assured.
"Indeed," Gandalf confirmed, grinning in spite of himself, "while the look on Master Gamgee's face is quite amusing, I must inform you of all of the latest happenings." There was a pause until the remaining snickers subsided and all eyes landed on the wizard. Gandalf carried on, "We have finally reached an agreement with Elrond."
To these words, looks of shock broke out across all of their faces. "How did you manage that?" Arwen asked, amazed.
"I proposed that Calina join the Fellowship because such an agreement would improve the unsteady relations between Rivendell and Gondor. Boromir's presence was particularly helpful, for he aided in selling the idea."
"So I'm joining the Fellowship?" Calina added, dumbfounded at the turn of events.
The wizard's expression became bothered, "There is a catch. First, you must pass a series of trials. Elrond requires this because," he paused, sighing, "he wants to ensure that you are capable of being more than just a burden."
The Hobbits burst into an uproar. "How can he even say that? She's protected us time and time again! Why can't that be enough?" Frodo yelled hotly, hands balled into angry fists.
"He would not have it any other way. He wants to see her skills for himself." Gandalf concluded as an aggressive breeze shot past.
To the surprise of all, Calina spoke next, "If that's what I must do, then so be it. I'm tired of running and hiding." Although her words were controlled, her eyes were blazing with unparalleled grit. Arwen put a hand on Calina's shoulder, admiring the younger's fortitude despite her father's display of cunning.
"We'll cheer you on from the sidelines." Pippin took one of Calina's hands and gave it a squeeze.
She looked down at him and smiled, "Thank you Pippin." She looked back at the wizard, "So when do the trials begin?"
"Tomorrow."