CHAPTER 24

"Do you even trust Boromir?"

The rhetorical question slips out of my mouth before I have a chance to catch it. Aragorn, silent guy that he is, pauses in his studies of the infinite amount of snow to give me his now curious attention. I don't stop walking, indicating that he shouldn't either; we are at the back of the group as it is. Eyes so blue that they are practically gray now watch me from under his shaggy auburn hair. His face is thin but proportionate with a rugged beard that dusts his cheeks. He'll make a fine husband for Arwen when the time comes... but that's not what I accidently asked him.

My question was low; a whisper that was not meant to be uttered, let alone heard but now that it's out there in the open I can't take it back without being suspicious. The state of the feelings my group mates might feel for each other was never that important to me if I'm being honest. I can admit the I was more than a bit absorbed with saving Thorin and the boys, so I didn't really care how anyone else felt about each other. I was blind to everyone's individual feelings and battles but now... Having a healthy dose of familiar understanding is in order. With the way the ranger's eyes continuously watch Boromir, I've begun to wonder if I'm the only one who is being cautious. Regardless, the fallen monarch doesn't appear to want to answer me straight away and I need a straight answer now that I've put the question out there.

"... I don't mean do you trust his skills either. I mean really trust him kind of trust him." Might as well make this awkward conversation at least seem somewhat useful "With… you know… the more important things in life."

"..." a sigh is his simple answer in return to my ramblings "I do."

"With your life?" he nods slowly as I tilt my head skeptically "With mine?"

"He would not harm a woman, let alone a Queen, if that is your fear." Even as he says this, Aragorn's gaze dances over towards Boromir's form. It makes me nervous but... not. I know that Boromir wouldn't actually hurt me. Annoy me to death, sure, but not hurt. But Aragorn doesn't fully believe that the man is truly altruistic, even if he says he does "He would quicker cut you with his tongue than his blade."

"... Is that so?"

"Do you not believe so?"

"... I will have to take your word on it because I won't be testing it out." the ranger chuckles lowly, drawing a small grin to my face before it drops again "And Frodo?"

"Do I trust him?"

"Ha, no no. Not that."

"Then? What of him?"

"... Do you trust Boromir with Frodo's life?"

"Do you have reason to believe that I should not?"

"..."

"Your majesty... Boromir is the eldest son of Denethor II, who watches over the throne of Gondor. Denethor raised his sons to be men of great strength; Boromir has earned himself both the loyalty and admiration from his people."

"I'm aware."

"Then you are also aware that he is a man of his word. He has sworn to protect the ring and its bearer." I do not remind the lost king that while he did kneel before Frodo, Boromir made no such promises of protection. I'm not so petty though. Aragorn turns to me when I remain silent, with a stubborn look on his face "I trust that no harm will come to Frodo, or the ring, by his hand."

But it will. Boromir will lose himself for just long enough that his mistake will frighten Frodo into fleeing. The Fellowship will be broken and Boromir will die. 'And I will have foreseen it all along and will have done nothing. Who would be proud?' The nasty little piece of me called compassion rears its sensitive head once more. I don't even like Boromir but I don't want to see him dead either. I remain quiet for a while longer, determining if I should warn someone, anyone really, about the coming hurt. I can't outright block the swords but… I could give him a fighting chance...

"If your faith is true," I speed up my step to rejoin the group, throwing the sentence over my shoulder before I can change my mind "then don't be so quick to draw your blade."

"..."

"But if you must draw, understand why it isnt necessary to swing and when it will be."

"What do you-"

Just then, Frodo stumbles over the slippery snow covered rocks. He loses both his balance and the ring in an instant. The item glitters brightly in the snow and a soft childlike giggle echoes in my head, causing me to roll my eyes with a smirk. I quickly shake it off, refusing to allow myself to be pulled in by the illusion of innocence. The demon ring is anything but innocent and I need to remember that. The laughter is soon quieted and replaced by what I feel to be inquisitiveness as Boromir wraps his hand around the chain. Aragorn, ever the gentleman, quickly helps Frodo to his feet as everyone stops to see what has happened.

I only have eyes for Boromir in this instant; biting my lip to restrain myself from yelling as I watch him dangle the ring on the chain. If I stopped him now, would he have more strength to fight it later, keeping him from missing the small pack of orcs descending on him until it is too late or would that just make it worse? I don't want to just let someone die but there are too many others who could take his place if I don't. It would be too much if Sam falls like Gollum did. What would come of anything if any of these events change? They are too perfect to tamper with. I'm too uncertain to change anything, and yet... I can't let it remain the same. My chest tightens at the conflicting emotions within and I reach a hand up to my heart in an attempt to relieve the tension there. The decision of yelling or staying quiet is made for me when Aragorn calls to the transfixed man.

"Boromir?"

"It is a... strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing..." the band of gold twirls with the trickery of being harmless as his eyes remain locked on it. A giddy feeling scratches at my belly, leaving the impression in my mind that the ring is in a playful mood. I drop my hand to cover the already hidden writing on my torso, knowing the rings fun would no doubt end in sorrow and blood shed "Such a little thing."

"It's always the little things in life that make the biggest impact." my statement draws the man's focus to me and I frown at his unusually goofy smile "What?"

"It really likes you," he says, attention moving back to the ring as it swings like a pendulum; arching highest in my direction "doesn't it?"

"Boromir..." Aragorn tries again, moving forward slightly to stand between me and the seemingly near crazed individual. His hand moves to grip his sword, just as I knew it would, confirming that while Aragorn wishes to trust Boromir, he can't in this instant. I only truly warned him because I knew he could afford to hesitate here. Only here. It is the only time I want him questioning his ability to trust in Boromir. At least not when it comes to the ring "Give the ring to Frodo."

Let us play

"No." I whisper harshly under my breath "Go back to sleep."

My command is met with a low whine, meaning that the ring can hear me just as well as I can hear it. 'Great. Just what I always wanted: A spoiled demonic ring with one mean papa.' Who the ring is talking to doesn't matter, I just need it to stop. Be it me or Boromir, the sickeningly sweet voice makes me gag in the back of my throat at how much I'm unbothered by the sound of it. Thankfully no one pays me much mind, all fully engrossed in the scene as it plays out. Poor Frodo's eyes look like they are going to pop with how much worry is filling them. Gandalf on the other hand, watches the proceedings with a calculating expression as always. The ring itself swings back and forth wildly, much harder than a normal inanimate object should be able to but Boromir doesn't seem to mind; smiling at the small trinket with that same grin.

I WANT TO PLAY!

"As you wish." Boromir suddenly snaps out of his trance and carelessly hands the ring back to a stunned Frodo. The ring pushed too hard and broke whatever hold it was trying to take on the man. For that, I am grateful. If he can find the strength to stay alive, I'm not going to really complain "I care not."

"Great. Let's go then." I breathe a sigh of relief as we begin to move again but as I pass Aragorn it catches in my throat. He's looks as though he accidentally punched a baby; fisting and unclenching his hand repeatedly. I cough to gain his gaze before tugging on his sleeve to lead him forward again "Don't wear such a distressed expression, your face might get stuck like that. Arwen isn't going to recognize you when this is all over."

"Arwen? How did… Are you…" he seems at a loss for words, collecting his thoughts after a few test tries "You... know more than you should."

"Ha… well… I…" I huff before shrugging "Who is to say how much I should and shouldn't know? Maybe I'm a good guesser."

"No. Do not lie." he whispers hurriedly, looking around at the turned backs of our companions "There is no point. That the one ring seeks you out was reason enough to believe there was something… different about you."

"… That's a nice way of putting it." I mutter

"Not to mention, history claims you to have married the Dwarf King over 50 years ago. A fact confirmed within the last year. Their are stories."

"I did NOT kill Smaug. That was Bard."

"That much, I know. The tales of that man spread far and wide but the dwarves kept their stories hidden."

"That's not unusual for dwarves though."

"No. I suppose not. What few stories that escaped state that King Thorin Oakenshield reclaimed Erebor and married the sole female on that quest. A being favored by the Valar with many gifts, including that of farsight, strength, and great speed. It has been on my mind since you were introduced."

"...I won't lie but I won't answer every question."

Well, someone did their homework. The quest for Erebor and the BOFA was a big thing... for the dwarves. Smaug wasn't anyone's problem outside of the region for like 100 years. While his death would have been a hot topic, especially since a man killed him, it wouldn't have really mattered for too long to anyone not involved. Even if it did, some girl with no standing outside of the company would have all but been erased for everyone who couldn't see the plaques in Erebor. I never expected to be recognized outside of Erebor to be honest. Yet, Aragorn knows not only that I existed but has an idea of the gifts I had too. He's either a historian or did his research on this group. I smile softly.

"Are you the same woman from the stories of Smaug's demise? If so, am I to believe then that you rival our wizard in otherworldly abilities?"

"I am the same woman, though I dont think I'm a rival to Gandalf. We both... guide this world. Though he's been doing it much longer than I."

"... Are you part elf or another immortal of sorts?"

"No, no. I'm just... complicated..."

"Are you an oracle?" I duck my head but he bends low to catch my gaze and with a sigh, I shrug with a half nod. I mean, I wasn't but then I think it became one of my gifts that the valar said I always had. They weren't too clear on that. I'm like, half seer maybe? So a shrug and nod are the best answers I have "Do the others know?"

"A few but by the end, I'm sure they will all be aware of my many talents."

"Tsk" he hisses wordlessly as we follow behind the group. The ranger runs a hand through his hair while blowing out air as I just keep putting one foot safely in front of the other without slipping "... Are you a witch then?"

"You know, my husband thought the same thing when he became aware." I take no offense to his hesitant question, as it's a good one "No. I am not a witch. I was blessed with a few gifts at birth that only manifested after I came… after I met my husband. The majority of them came from the Valar."

"You have convened with the Valar?"

"Yes, on occasion." maybe teleportation got confused with speed? I'm ok with that, I guess, but it could also be a faulty assumption in the long run "They had a mission for me to fulfill during the Quest for Erebor."

"Which was?"

"..."

"... Are you one of the DuneDain then?"

"Not that I know of."

"You are too long lived. How?"

"It's a long story. Maybe I'll write a book about it one day." I'll call it: The Valar suck butt and have poor instructional skills. Yeah, that sounds about right "Long story short, I'm not your average Queen, woman, or native middle earthling."

"I… what… I do not…" Gandalf glances back at us and I shrug at his grin, as even with the distance he is clearly aware of Aragorn's confusion "Why share this now? With me?"

"You're the one who called me out on it."

"Yes... but you could have, maybe should have, lied."

"Maybe but... I won't insult your intelligence and act like you're crazy. This isn't something I ever intended to hide. I can't. The validity of my original marriage date is actually based in the fact that I've got amazing longevity. Besides, Gandalf already knows. Legolas already knows. Elrond knows. I'm sure Gimli knows something but how much is anyone's guess." Pippin runs around us with Merry on his heels; one laughs and the other gripes at his childishness. When they have returned to the front of the group, I continue "You are the next royal in line to acquire this little tid bit of knowledge. Use it wisely."

"Royal... in blood only."

"Well... I dont have royal blood at all, so youre doing better than me."

"You have birthed royal children."

"You'll have your own, so..."

"... Will I?"

"YES."

"..."

"Plus, you need your blood to live, right? Who is to say your people don't need it too?"

"... I do not wish to speak on this." I hum in the back of my throat, not caring to speak on it either if it bothers him. He'll come around. I have a good hand when dealing with throneless kings "You wish for me to use this knowledge wisely. What does that mean?"

"Mmmm. It means not at all, I guess." I say, grinning at his frown "Just trust me to know what I'm talking about when I start saying things I have no business knowing."

We call the conversation to an end after that. He has a lot to think about. Spending the rest of the day with Gimli, I notice immediately when we arrive at the place I don't want to go. It's not because of the snow, or Saruman trying to bring the mountain down on us. No, it's a waste of time and effort. Why would I want to climb a mountain just to come alllll the way back down to go under it? We stop walking as we meet the base of the Caradhras pass and begin making a small lunchtime pit stop.

"Rest quickly!" Gandalf announces, claiming a spot of his own and taking out his pipe "We will ascend to the Caradhras pass through the mountains."

"Hey... Gaaandalf." I inch my way over in an almost comical fashion. What I'm requesting is selfish at best and stupid at worst. I'm sure the wizard will tell me as much but a girl has to try "Let me argue my case before you shut it down."

"... Go on, then."

"So... Might I suggest that you all go ahead... without me?"

"Why ever would we do such a thing?" puffing lightly on his pipe, the wizard doesn't even look concerned "Surely you know that we cannot leave you behind? Young Gimli at the very least would not allow such a thing. Not to mention the ring."

"Gimli… yeah, probably not without a little upset... Regardless, the ring won't stop me." I roll my eyes at the thought "It'll just whine the whole time I'm gone."

"So you can hear it's call." it isn't a question

"Who has come calling?" Frodo asks, rolling through the camp before us, unsuccessfully attempting to break away from Guardian Sam

"Just my stomach, dear Frodo." Gandalf responds with a chuckle, pulling off the lie easily enough "It shall be quieted soon enough."

"I told you before, but I can give you details now. I don't think knowing will affect much."

"..."

"Saruman is going to stop you from taking that path and you'll just have to come back down." Gandalf chokes on his pipe and I promise that I gain no joy from the slip up "No offense, really, but I didn't leave my kids to walk mindlessly up and down a mountain."

"No I do not suppose you did but-"

"Yeah, exactly!" I agree, crossing my arms and nodding excitedly "But I think you all should go anyway so that Saruman doesn't get suspicious. He's keeping tabs on you after all. Do you think he even knows I'm tagging along yet?"

"It is unlikely that he is aware of exactly who the party-"

"And it would be best to keep it like that so I'll-"

"Be silent for just a moment, Thia Malcolmson." my jaw snaps shut at the quiet yell. I've never heard anyone yell in a whisper but Gandalf does it well. I wait for him to calm down and continue, knowing I may have gotten ahead of myself "... Even if I supported your separation from the group, which I most certainly do not, what excuse would you give the others?"

"… I hadn't thought of that." I tap my chin in thought, glancing at the rest of our group as they eat a light lunch "I was talking to Aragorn and the stories about me. Some say that I have super speed. I didn't really correct the assumption, so you can play on that. Like... I can catch up to you all even if you go ahead."

"They would insist that someone stays behind with you."

"Not if they think my gift is speed. I wouldn't be able to carry someone and move quickly."

"… Are you sure this is what you desire?" I blink in surprise, having expected more of a fight from the wizard. I can tell he doesnt agree with me "It is true that this separation has been difficult for you. If this minor separation will do you good, then I will not fight it."

"..."

"But!" there is a dangerous glint of michief in his eye that makes my stomach queasy "I will not be held responsible for the outcome of this. If you think this is best, then your temporary leave is permitted."

"... I do think this to be best, and not fully on a selfish level."

"But partially?"

"Ha, yeah. Since I shouldn't be here anyway. With Saruman attacking you all so directly, it'd be best if I stay out of his sights. Even if he knows a member is missing, he won't get a good look at who that member is." I flop back on the rock and watch the clouds run by "Saruman never really met me, so I'd like to keep out of his sights. I don't want him looking in Erebor's direction for any reason.

"I see." he pats my hand gently in understanding "It is a Queen's duty to secure the safety of her people."

"You know... I did a similar thing with the company for the misty mountains, only then I accidently fell OFF said mountain… It still worked out."

"So be it." he stands from his place, with a definitive nod "I will keep your absence unnoticed for as long as possible. Do not find fault in any reasoning I come up with when it becomes known."

"I won't!" Hopping up, I'm glad that I'll have some time to myself even if it's only or a day or so "Thank you."

"Hn, do not thank me just yet. Make yourself scarce. We are leaving." he walks away, only to turn back to me, slightly wary "Do be careful, my dear."

"Don't worry, you guys won't get very far." his look of consern quickly turns into elderly annoyance "I'll be careful though, and we'll meet again in no time."