Chapter 15: In Which a Fellowship is Formed
"It's cold," Boromir said, walking up behind her. "You should be inside, by the fire."
Luna had heard his footsteps approaching, but she kept her eyes out over the wall, towards the south. "It's been almost two months," she muttered, drawing her shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Are they even an inch closer to forming a plan?"
"If there is one thing I've learned living amongst the Elves, its that our patience is most tested by their immortality. What is two months to us is probably two weeks to them."
"And Aragorn just returned last night. Elladan and Elrohir too. No news from the South. No news from the West. Nothing at all, not even bad news."
"You need to rest your mind," Boromir said, standing behind her and wrapping her in his arms. She savored the warmth of him, closing her eyes and letting out a small sigh. Two months had passed since the Council meeting. They were well into December now and still, Luna and Boromir had spoken no more words of whatever feelings were passing between them. She had tried, but found that the words did not so easily come to her mouth. When she thought about it too hard, the thoughts became jumbled and overwhelming. She was positive she had been right in saying that they could not talk of whatever was happening between them so far from home in these uncertain times. But that had not stopped them from acting in whatever small ways they could without drawing attention to themselves. In quiet moments like this, she often found her hand in his, his thumb gently stroking there. Or like she was now, safe and warm inside his embrace. And yet, they did not talk about it.
Boromir couldn't help himself. Whenever they were apart, he craved her company. And whenever they were alone, he craved her touch. When she had told him that her heart was free, he believed her and he meant to earn it, even if she had been right that now was not the time to act on his feelings. He could wait.
Now that he knew what the Free Peoples of Middle-earth had in their possession, he no longer feared for Gondor's future. Yes, it needed to be destroyed, he gave no arguments against that logic. But Gondor was the shield to the Lands of Men from Mordor. To get to Mount Doom and destroy the Ring, Frodo, Sam, and whomever made to accompany them would have to near Gondor and then Boromir would take his chance. He had already formed a plan and met with Aragron this morning, though he did not speak of this plan to him. He had to do it, to protect his country. To protect her.
"There is news, actually," Boromir said. "I came here to tell you."
She stiffened, and she felt his body react. "You tease me with silly Elvish wisdoms. What is the news?"
"Elrond has chosen who will accompany Frodo and Sam to Mordor."
She stepped forward, out of his grasp. "Who?"
"He says the company will be made of nine. At least one being from each Free Race will join, to solidify the meaning of the quest. Gandalf, of course, was the first decided."
"He started this journey with Bilbo all those years ago. Naturally, he would want to finish it."
"Legolas, the Mirkwood prince will go as well. Gimli, son of Gloin for the Dwarves. Aragorn met with Elrond after his return last night. He will go as well."
"That is only six names. You said nine were to go."
"Two names have yet to be decided. Elrond had suggested Glorfindel, but I do not think Gandalf was particularly in agreement with that proposal."
"And who's is the seventh name that has been decided?"
Boromir took a deep breath, bracing for her reaction. "I will accompany Frodo on his quest."
She made little reaction other than to stare into his gray eyes for a few seconds. Then, without warning, she took off, past Boromir and towards the entrance to Elrond's house."
"Luna, wait," he called, grabbing her arm once he caught up to her, but she yanked it from his grasp and kept walking. "Luna, I know that this isn't safe. Hardly, it is the most dangerous place for any person in Middle-earth to go, but I promise, I will do everything in my power to keep myself from death's way. You needn't bother Elrond with any concerns on my account."
She stopped abruptly in her tracks. "Concerns on your account? You think I'm marching to Elrond's house to beg for your safety?"
"Well…yes."
She shook her head. "You do not know me at all."
She was wrong, though. He did know her. Sometimes it just took him more than one guess to figure out what was going on in that head of her's.
"Luna, no. You are not going."
"I don't think you are in charge of that decision, my lord," she snapped, picking up her pace into a jog.
She had reached the door to Elrond's study as Boromir caught up behind her. "Do not knock on that door," he ordered. She knocked sharply on the door, three times.
Gandalf opened the door, his bushy eyebrows raised in concern. Frodo and his three Hobbit companions were seated inside with Elrond and Aragorn and all looked very serious (except Pippin, whose eyes held a look of great excitement).
"My lord, may I enter?" she asked, quickly catching her breath.
"You are out of sorts, my dear," Gandalf said, glancing between her and Boromir. "Perhaps another time when you are-"
"May I enter now, please?" she said, slightly harsher this time. Gandalf managed to somehow raise his eyebrows even higher and stepped aside, gesturing her into the study. "Lord Elrond, it has come to my attention that today, you have decided who will accompany Frodo on his quest."
"Child, if you are here on Lord Boromir's behalf-"
"As much as he wishes that were the case, no, I did not come to you to speak of Boromir."
Lord Elrond stood and made a gesture towards the door. "Young friends," he said to the Hobbits. "Let what has been discussed between us be as so. Go now, and prepare."
Luna stepped aside as the Hobbits left in single file, Frodo last, giving Luna a look that she couldn't quite put a name to. Boromir moved from their way and made to enter the study, but Gandalf blocked his path with his staff. "I believe we should hear what Luna has to say without your interference, Boromir, for the time being." Boromir bowed his head and backed into the hall, giving Luna one last pleading, frustrated look before Galdalf closed the door. "Whatever you have come to say, has him quite out of sorts, it would seem."
"He knows what I came here to ask, and he does not agree."
"And what did you come here to ask?" said Aragorn.
"Boromir told me of your plan. That Frodo will be accompanied by eight companions to destroy the Ring in Mordor. I wish to be one of the nine."
Gandalf, Elrond, and Aragron all exchanged a look. "And why, pray tell, would you wish to join his fate, for most in this world consider it a dark and daunting task." said Elrond.
"Please do not think I am naive to this cause," Luna said, sitting down in a nearby chair. "I have felt what the Ring can do, and even then, I do not believe I am fully aware of all it is capable of. But I do know that, until it is destroyed, I cannot return to Gondor."
"Why is that?" Aragorn asked.
Luna let out a deep sigh. "You know Lord Denathor ordered Boromir and I to return the Ring to Gondor. He ordered this of me, in the Hall of Kings and I swore to it, 'ere my life be forfeit. And I cannot return until there is nothing left to return with. I believe Boromir intends for me to wait here to escape this vow, but I cannot sit behind these walls any longer. Lord Elrond, you have been a magnificent host and I am forever grateful for your generosity, but I can bear it no longer. Years of my life now have been spent serving Gondor. It is time I stopped hiding behind walls and resumed my service."
"You are gallant of heart to offer your services to the quest," Elrond said. "However, the nine companions have already been determined."
"Boromir said there were still two left to fill."
"Alas, Masters Peregrin and Meriadoc have offered their services, and they were not denied."
She looked between the three of them. Elrond was standing tall and strong, his shouldering of responsibilities not showing any ounce of waver. Gandalf had taken a few steps back. She did not know the Wizard well enough to tell what he was thinking. And Aragorn, he was staring at her with an expression she could only assign as pride or admiration, perhaps. It was to his side she walked and grabbed his hand. "Please, Aragorn."
"You know little of the wilds, no matter how successfully you led Boromir here," he said, lowering his eyes. "The roads we will take are not the roads you have come to know. No skill with a sword do you possess. No battle experience have you ever met."
"The same can be said for the four Hobbits who now make up half of your party. I have seen them train with Boromir. At least my use of the bow is practiced. Besides, my aid is not in battle, it is in knowledge. I have been studying the maps in Lord Elrond's library. I can help navigate to Mordor by multiple routes. I know more about the wild plants than any other name in this party, except maybe you, Aragorn. I am a hunter and a healer. You know I would not be a burden on this journey."
Slowly, Aragorn raised his eyes back up and looked into her's. She could not tell what he was thinking behind them, but when his hand finally squeezed her's back, her heart leapt with excitement. He moved his gaze from her to Elrond. "She is right. Frodo would not be with us but for her aid."
"Nine have already been named," Elrond said. "You mean for me to break an agreement with another who has already been promised a place on this quest."
"We raise the number to ten," Gandalf said. "Ten is not so different from nine, after all."
The Elf let out a gentle sigh. "I must admit, I am still reluctant. I fear accepting your offer would stir great conflict with Boromir. Conflict that is better avoided in these circumstances."
"You didn't ask Boromir to accompany Glorfindel to find Frodo and his party," Luna said. "So, there must be a part of you that sees my contribution as a greater aid than his. He will be upset at first, but he will come around. He always does."
There was a pregnant pause throughout the room. Finally, Elrond lifted his head. "So be it. Ten there shall be that make haste to Mordor. Go now and ready, the three of you. For the journey that awaits you is long and likely full of peril. In seven days, the company shall depart."
Luna joined Aragorn and Gandalf in a small bow and made for the door. To no one's surprise, Boromir remained on the other side and as soon as he made out the look of satisfaction on Luna's face, he gave the three one stiff nod and left at a brisk pace down the hall.
"He does not look pleased, I should say," Gandalf muttered.
"He will be," Aragorn said. "As our young maiden has stated, he will come around. Besides, I suspect he would rather have you nearer than far in the coming times. He just doesn't know it yet."
Boromir shook his head as he walked out of the hall and out the main entrance to Elrond's house. He wore only a tunic and regretted leaving the warmth of the hall almost immediately, but he needed to clear his head. Of course he should have known she would volunteer to go along with him. Their one separation in these last almost six months had him perpetually anxious until her return and she had told him she felt the same when they had been parted in these strange lands.
If she were to come with him on this journey, he had no chance of persuading any of the party to bring the Ring to Gondor. She was too adamant about its destruction. She had made that incredibly clear. Perhaps he would have to persuade her as well, for how could she not see it? The grace that had come to save their people. In the early days of their travels, it was the one thing they knew they both shared in common, that Gondor needed to be saved.
He could not be upset that she had decided to volunteer. In fact, he felt rather thick for not predicting her reaction. After all, if she had done what he had, Boromir certainly would have gone to Elrond and demanded a place in the party, just as she had, if only to not be parted from her. To stay as close to her as possible and ensure her safety. At least he would have the peace of mind having her close.
"She did not do this to spite you," a voice said behind him. Aragorn was walking toward him.
"I know that. She is not a spiteful person, even when she tries to be."
"You love her." It was not a question.
Boromir looked to the ground. "I tried not to, believe me."
"I do believe you, for she seems a hard one not to love."
"For a while, I thought my brother had fallen for her, but I later learned he simply befriended her as a favor to my cousin. And then I suspected that same cousin wrote for her concern because he loved her, but again, I now think that a false assumption, as I became aware of their childhood friendship."
"It appears as though you were reluctant to love her."
"I am reluctant for any permanency in this war, Aragorn. You have not seen the White City in days of late. I can only imagine what state she has fallen into since my departure. If not for my brother's capable hands, I would never have left. I fear until this war has ended I will see little point in love."
Aragorn shook his head and lay a gentle hand on Boromir's shoulder. "Love is most important in times of uncertainty. For often, it is the only thing we can be certain of. You are lucky to love a woman granted permission to accompany you on a journey few in Middle-earth would even consider."
"Is it luck?" Boromir asked. "For I do not feel lucky. I feel burdened, somewhat. To keep her safe, to keep her happy."
"Of course you feel like that is your responsibility, but in the end, she is responsible for her own safety and her own happiness." He dropped his hand and gestured towards the east direction. "Now, what's done is done. Little good it would do to dwell on this decision that you have no impact on to change. Come with me, I wish to show you something."
Aragorn led Boromir towards the smithy of Rivendell. Boromir had been there a time or two to sharpen his blade or borrow a sparring sword for his training with the Hobbits. Smoke was billowing through the chimneys as Aragron opened the door and gestured for Boromir to enter.
Aragorn walked to the head blacksmith and spoke to the Elf in his own tongue. A moment later, the blacksmith pulled a sheathed sword from beside the grinding wheel and handed it to Aragorn. "You came to Rivendell to seek the sword that was broken," Aragorn said, grasping at the sword hilt. "Narsil, it had been named, until now." He pulled the sword from the sheath. Intricately designed, Boromir made out a trace of seven stars set between a crescent moon and a rayed sun. He had to squint to look at it, for it seemed to glow in the dark smithy, as if the light of the sun was cast from its very blade. "Anduril, Flame of the West," Aragron named it. "Reforged from the shards of Narsil. I will wield it on our journey, as Isildur's Heir. And when our journey is complete, I will return with it to Minas Tirith. Our people will not fall, Boromir."
For the first time in a long time, Boromir felt something akin to hope. All thoughts of the Ring left his mind since he first laid eyes on it two months ago. And he allowed his mind to think of something he had not thought of for what seemed an age. Boromir thought of his future. Not just his next few days, but well into years, allowing himself to think of what it would be like with no war and Luna by his side.
Aragron gave Luna's arm a gentle squeeze as Boromir stormed away. "I will speak to him, go and start to pack. Seven days seems both a long time and not so long at all. You should waste no time."
She nodded in thanks as Aragorn took off after Boromir. "He will calm down," she said to Gandalf. "Once he realizes this was my decision to make and not his, he will calm down."
"I do not worry for young Boromir," Gandalf said, pulling a pipe from inside his gray cloak. "What you say is undoubtedly true."
"Gandalf?"
"Mmm?" he replied after a short hesitation, lighting his pipe.
"I have been told, more than once in my life, that I am destined for more than sitting behind stone walls. That I am destined for adventure."
She paused again and Gandalf drew on his pipe and let out a wisp of smoke. "Do you have a question, my dear?" he asked.
"It's just…how is anyone supposed to know what their destiny is? And how is it so easy for people to see this in me when I hardly see it in myself?"
"It would seem, to me, that a girl from a distant land brought here by powers unknown to even me, must be destined for something beyond a stone wall, indeed." He noticed her surprise look and took another puff from his pipe. "Yes, Elrond told me of your secret and he has shared it with no one else. Nor will I, for that matter. He was hoping for my insight to your situation, though regrettably, I have none. There are some mysteries in this world even I cannot solve. However, your "destiny", as you put it, does not seem to be a mystery at all. I do not care for talk of what is or isn't meant to be, but if you must, then my advice is this: your life is what you make of it. If something is meant to be, then you will make it happen. Not the words and predictions of other people. Are you going on this quest because you were meant to go on this quest? Or are you going on this quest because you want to go? Either way, the conclusion is the same. And to me, that is a comforting thought."
"Bilbo once told me not to ask the Elves for advice because they will say both yes and no."
Gandalf let out a small chuckle. "Too right, and I suppose these last few months of council have been rubbing off on me. But now I advise you to heed Aragorn's words. Go now and begin your packing. Light, it must be. We will bring no horses."
"No horses?" she said, surprised. "We are to make the entire journey on foot?"
"If your feet are not stout enough, perhaps we go back into Elrond's study and tell him so."
"No, not that. My feet are fine. I just didn't think I would be leaving my horse behind."
"Ah yes, the black mare in the corner of the stables. Glorfindel praised her, and that is a high compliment. Alas, no horses will we bring. They are too cumbersome and we mean to travel quietly. Now, make haste back to your rooms. We have had quite enough wisdom for one day."
She nodded and made her way back to her room, her mind wandering through Gandald's words. She found that what the Wizard said made sense, even if it did not comfort her as much as he thought it should. Really, what pulled her from her thoughts was the realization of having to leave Pepper behind. More than that was the fact that there was now yet another person in Middle-earth who knew of her mysterious past. And if the Wizard did not know of the magic that brought her to this world, then perhaps she never would find the answers.
She looked around the room that had become her temporary home as she entered the doorway. Housekeepers were supposed to come in every day to tidy up, but she had dismissed their services long ago, for she didn't want anyone to know that Boromir slept in her room nearly every night. He slept on the chaise near the balcony, so there was nothing for anyone to gossip about, but she doubted that would stop anyone. Thus the room was in quite a state. The bed linens were certainly in need of a wash and her clothes were strewn about the wardrobe. Her bow and quiver were perched against the far wall, near the balcony. As she took it all in, she realized that she had traveled here with saddlebags strapped to Pepper. She had nothing to carry her possessions in on the road. She walked to the wardrobe and began sorting through the mess, folding her clothes meticulously into two separate piles; what to take and what to leave behind.
A knock sounded on her door after she discarded her worn saddle trousers into the "leave behind" pile. "Come in," she called, hoping to find Boromir on the other side.
But Boromir it was not. Luna found herself speechless as the beautiful she-Elf that had raised her cup to Luna at the feast entered her room. "Luna of Dol Amroth," the Elf said in a voice that mirrored a violin, stepping inside and bowing her head.
"I-I'm sorry for the mess," Luna stuttered, kicking a stray boot under the chair and stumbling over to her.
She raised her hand in a comforting gesture. "These quarters have always been meant for you to use to your liking. A bit of clutter does not bother me."
"Forgive me," Luna said. "I recognize you from the feast, but I don't know your name."
"Arwen," she said, gesturing to the chairs by the fireplace. Luna sat down with her. "Lord Elrond is my sire."
"I assumed as much. You look like your brothers."
She smiled. "They are a fair looking pair. This is a compliment."
"My lady," Luna said, her hands fidgeting with each other. "I mean this with no disrespect. Why have you come here?"
"My father tells me you are to join Frodo in taking the One Ring to the Dark Lands. I must say, I was both surprised and nonplussed by this news, for you seem right for the task, even if it was unexpected of you."
"To be completely honest, I didn't expect it myself. Once the idea was in my head, I knew no turning back."
"For that stout mind and spirit, I admire you. And I have brought you a gift."
"A gift? We have never even spoken. Why would you bring me a gift?"
Luna pulled her eyes away from Arwen's enchanting face to find that she was indeed carrying something. "I crafted this in the tanneries," she said, handing it to Luna. "I've heard you are all to make the journey on foot. Perhaps this will aid in your packing, for I suspect your supplies will outgrow those of your companions."
It was a leather pack, about the size of Luna's torso. It held several pockets and the main compartment ran deep with plenty of space for Luna's belongings. It smelled of rich, unused leather and was sturdy and unyielding to the touch. Luna could not think of a leatherwork more beautifully crafted. "Thank you, my lady. But again, I don't know why you would gift this to me."
"I have a favor to ask, not that the gift is contingent on the favor. I give it to you freely. But it is a favor, nonetheless."
"What could I do for you?"
"There will come a time on this journey that Aragorn will begin to doubt himself. Doubt his future as Gondor's King. When that time comes, I would only ask that you use these." From her pocket she pulled out two silver pieces of metal and handed them to Luna.
Luna inspected them. They looked somewhat like hooks, but she wasn't sure. "What are they?"
"When the time comes, you will know."
"How very cryptic," she said and Arwen laughed.
"Mortals always feel as if they need to know everything all at once. But you will take them, then?"
"Of course. I just hope I use them in the way you intended."
"I've no doubt you will. Now, we must part. Another guest waits for you behind the door." She stood and bowed her head at Luna once more. "I wish you the best of luck on your journey, Lady of the Tides." Luna stood with her and tried to muster up another thank you, but found herself speechless. Arwen opened the door and Boromir stood there, a shocked expression on his face at seeing the beautiful Elf. "Lord Boromir," she greeted before departing back toward her father's Hall.
Boromir's eyes followed her as she left before turning back to Luna. "What brought her to your doorstep?"
"She brought me a gift for the journey," Luna said, tucking the silver pieces into a pocket of the pack and holding it up for Boromir to see.
"Might I come in?"
She smiled and stepped out of the doorframe. "Of course."
"I owe you an apology," Boromir said, running a hand along the back of his neck. "This was your choice, to go to Elrond and request a position in the party. I had no right to input my opinion."
Luna shook her head. "It is not your opinion that angered me. Of course my going would be a worry on your mind, just as your going worries me. It is the ordering me about, demanding I not go, demanding that I stay behind. I thought we were past that."
"We are past that. It is why I apologize to you now."
"I accept your apology."
He smiled and stepped closer to her, reaching forward and tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I am not happy that you are coming," he said. "I would prefer you stay here, where the safety of the Elves can protect you. And yet, despite all of that, I cannot be upset. I am not ready to part with you just yet."
"Boromir," she said slowly. "Things will be different on the road. Different between us, I mean. No more chances to sneak away, no more solitude."
"Aye, unfortunately, you are correct."
"And until the quest is complete, we cannot return to Gondor. We cannot…move forward, as it were. For so much is still uncertain."
"Again, yes."
"So for now, before we depart, might I…"
"Yes?" he asked.
She closed the short distance between them and lifted herself onto her toes to reach his face, her lips meeting his. She knew not what had come over her, and she shoved the nagging voice of her father to the distant back of her mind. She did not care in this moment that it was not her place to kiss the son of Gondor's Steward. Numerous times these last few months had she found herself in the position to kiss him, but she always kept herself at a comfortable distance. Their simple, innocent touches when no one was watching had to be enough. It was easier that way, to not think about what this would mean for them when they returned home. To not worry about a future that was already so uncertain. But the thought of losing her chance, for the road would be dangerous and unpredictable, she had to take it while she could. To satisfy this curiosity of what it would be like, kissing a man she cared for.
Boromir tensed at first as their lips met, but it did not take long for him to reciprocate, his hand reaching up into her hair and holding her face to his. She felt his fingers knot there and with his other hand, he reached and held her cheek, stroking it with his thumb. His simple, gentle actions made her pull deeper into the kiss and she lay her hands on his chest, feeling his breathing rise and fall beneath his thin tunic. She savored the taste and feel of him, his calloused hands, the tender brush of his beard. And after what seemed both a long while and yet not long enough, she pulled away.
Boromir's eyes were closed and he kept them that way, pulling her forward and placing another kiss on her forehead. "I think that will do until the war is won," he said, before stepping away, giving her a small bow, and leaving her alone in her room.
The next few days were a full frenzy of preparations. She spent many hours with Aragorn and Galdalf in Elrond's library, studying maps and planning out the course they would take to reach Mordor and the Fires of Mount Doom. She spent time in the kitchens, preparing strips of salted meat and bags of dried fruit to help sustain them in times where they could not hunt. She found her few moments of spare time in the stables, saying her goodbyes to Pepper. She practiced in Rivendell's barracks with her bow, gaining insight from Legolas who was a skilled archer himself.
"You are well suited as a hunter," he noted. "Not quite quick enough for a battlefield, but I would wager we could make a marksman out of you. You will be handy from a distance, if it should come to it."
Boromir, meanwhile, spent a good deal of time with the Hobbits, training them on the use of their swords. Luna had been right in her assumption that they were not a practiced bunch. Truely, they all fumbled about quite a bit, especially Sam, but Boromir was determined to help them improve, at least enough to hold their own in a tight pinch.
But soon, the time for preparations was ending and Luna found herself standing in front of Rivendell's gates with her new companions. Her pack was hefty, yet bearable. She carried only essentials, a few changes of clothes, some soaps for cleaning, medicines she had crafted whose ingredients she did not think would be easy to find on the road, as well as her fire flint, maps of their road ahead, and her sleeping mat and blanket that she had brought from Minas Tirith. A butcher's knife for skinning and cleaning any animals she hunted was kept in her right boot and her bow and quiver, full of newly crafted arrows from Legolas, was strapped to her back. Everything else was in the pack Arwen had gifted her, along with the two mysterious pieces of silver. She was dressed in clothes gifted by Elrond. Though winter was now upon them, she found herself rather warm beneath the fur-lined, thick fabrics. At Aragorn's suggestion, she had tied her hair up to the nape of her neck and wore a scarf around her head, hoping to both hide its bright color, and the fact that she was a woman. If they encountered any strangers on the road, friendly or not, it was best they did not automatically assume she was the weakest link. Aragorn was certain that would be the best way to keep her from harm. The others in her party all traveled in a manner as light as she did, with very little in the way of even weapons. Each Hobbit, Aragorn, and Boromir all carried only a sword. Legolas carried both a set of long knives and his bow. Gimli favored the classic ax of his people, and Gandalf carried a sword and his Wizard's staff. Everything else, including their food, spare clothes, and blankets were saddled to the pony named Bill that she had found the Hobbits traveling with on the road to Rivendell.
Elrond stood before them and the gate, ready to see them off. "This is my last word," he said. "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom. On him alone is any charge laid. Neither to cast away the Ring, nor to deliver it to any servant of the Enemy, nor indeed to let any handle it, save members of the Company and the Council, and only then in greatest need. The others go with him as free companions, to help him on his way. You may tarry, or come back, or turn aside into other paths, as chance allows. The further you go, the less easy it will be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road. And thus I name your company The Fellowship of the Ring."
Many members of Elrond's House stood with him to send the Fellowship on their way. Bilbo was there, sending his warm wishes to Frodo. Arwen stood with her brothers behind her father, her eyes fixed onto Aragorn. Elladan had Pepper perched beside him, holding her reins and Luna was grateful to have one last look at her steed before she parted. With one last glance and a deep breath, Luna turned with the rest of the Fellowship to the gate and began to walk towards the unknown.
