The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

This started as a labor of love about a year and a half ago. It arose from a desire to see everyone’s favorite elf have at least some form of love life. It has taken many people to bring it about and I am grateful to all of them.

While based on the movie, there are portions from the book. Basically, all scenes either meld with or pick up pretty well with scenes from the movie. Just imagine the lines being delivered prior to what is written. I’ve tried to make it obvious as to when we are in the tale, and tried to get it to flow. Everything about the new character is explained, but like many things in the Tolkien universe, it may take some time. Anything in italics is elfish or another language, everything else the common tongue.

My thanks go out to the following people: J.R.R. Tolkein, for his incredible tale (we will ignore the severe lack of women)…without you NONE of this would have been possible; To Jen and Heidi…for the drinks and the many nights at your place watching the first part of the trilogy…explain to me again how it took us so long to figure out we could use captions to get the lines; To all others who have read and help contribute, especially Kristen, Melanie (go AMC 21 Line Party), Chuck, and Lewis; To the wonderful people at SeatofKings.com… for posting the transcripts of the movies…and making my dialogue work so much easier; To Fran Walsh, Phillippa Boyens, everyone at New Line Cinema, and especially Peter Jackson…words do not even begin to express my gratitude at your brilliant work…you took something and made it alive for millions and brought The Lord of the Rings to so many people; Finally, and especially, to Andy, Hugo, Cate, Ian H, Christopher, Liv, John, Dominic, Billy, Sean A, Elijiah, Ian McK, Sean B, Viggo, and Orlando…where would I be with out Gollum, my foster-father, my foster-grandmother, Bilbo, Sarumon, my foster-sister, the dwarf, the sweet hobbit, the mischievous hobbit, the caring hobbit, the hero hobbit, my favorite wizard, my “bas---d-easily-seducible-but-in-the-end-very-noble-and-hard-to-kill-older brother”, my king, and my love eternally.

Disclaimer: all characters except for Illanir and Elromeniel belong to Peter Jackson (New Line Cinema) and J.R.R. Tolkein. Much of the dialogue also belongs to Peter and J.R.R. I use it only in the deepest respect and in no way endorse plagarism. I fully acknowledge that this is not a completely original work. Any similarities between characters and people living or…no animals were harmed in the writing of this fan fic…yada yada yada, you get the idea…

****

“I am the faster rider,” Arwen said softly, urgently.

“She is, you know,” a voice said from above them. Strider spun and pulled his sword and Arwen reached for hers. Sam and the others scrambled back. Frodo looked up and was dimly aware of a hooded figure, sword unsheathed, standing on one of the hulking figures above them. The person jumped down, and the hood fell back, revealing hair the color of sunrise. Bound tightly in a braid, it showed her eyes, which flashed a strange mixture of blue, gray, and green.

“Illanir!” Arwen said in a mixture of relief and surprise.

“A Ranger and an elf off their guard,” she smiled ruefully as she walked toward them, sheathing her sword. She embraced Arwen and looked like she was about to bow to Strider, but he stopped her. “You’re losing your touch… Strider.”

She said his name carefully, as if she was testing it. He nodded ever so slightly and it seemed Illanir gave an exasperated sigh, but acquiesced.

“What are you doing here?” Strider asked.

“I set off about a half a day behind Arwen,” she answered, examining Frodo. At her touch, it seemed that some of the cold crept back, like on a crisp spring morning when the sun rises.

“Can you do anything more?”

“I may have been trained by Lord Elrond,” Illanir said, whistling softly. A chestnut-colored horse came from out of the woods. Illanir reached into one of the bags and withdrew a vial containing a golden-colored liquid, some of which she applied to the wound. More of the cold withdrew as Illanir finished. “But I do not have his magic.”

“Then we go to Rivendell,” Arwen said. Aragorn started to object. “If I can get him across the river, the power of my people will protect him.”

“It is too dangerous,” Aragorn said, slipping back into elfish.

“I will ride with her,” Illanir answered. Aragorn still looked uneasy, and afraid.

“I do not fear them,” Arwen said. Aragorn took her hand a squeezed it. He whispered something the few caught before helping her onto the horse behind Frodo.

“Arwen, ride hard; don’t look back,” he said urgently. Arwen nodded and urged the horse forward. Illanir was about to kick off behind her when Aragorn grabbed the reins.

“Illanir-”

“They’ll never touch her,” Illanir said. “I swear it.”

With that she kicked the horse and took off behind Arwen, catching up almost instantly.

“What are you doing?” Sam shouted desperately. “Those Wraiths are still out there!”

Aragorn said nothing as the horses disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

The two rode all night without stopping. The horses needed little rest, and moved faster than normal ones. By the time the sun had reached its midpoint, the woods that surrounded the ford were in sight. They rode into a copse of trees when they heard another set of hoofs and the rustle of fabric behind them. Illanir’s horse neighed as more joined in. Out of the corner of her eye, Arwen saw a flash of black. Even her skin crawled as the horrible screech filled the air. Frodo felt the coldness creep back. Arwen felt a sharp pain in her cheek as a branch scratched it.

“Arwen!” Illanir yelled.

“I’m fine,” she called back. “Keep ridding!”

With that the two burst from the trees and headed across the plain. Neither had to look behind to know that all of the Nine were on their heels. Slowly, the black horses gained on them. The lead Rider reached for Frodo, who was growing paler.

“Arwen!” Illanir shouted in warning. Arwen responded by urging Asfodel on, and Illanir’s horse followed. The two gained some space on the Riders and saw the first trees ahead.

“Split up,” Arwen shouted. “You know the route.”

Illanir nodded and split from Arwen just as they reached the trees. The two knew the forest well and crossed in and out of the trees, all the while inching closer to the river and keeping away from the Riders. Illanir was back behind Arwen as they made their way down the path and into the water. They crossed to the other bank as their pursuer’s horses faltered.

“Ride to Rivendell and get my father,” Arwen ordered.

“I promised Ara-”

“Go!” Arwen ordered. Illanir hesitated, and then turned her horse.

“Be careful,” she said as she kicked the horse. As she headed into the forest she heard a Wraith hiss something. Then, a minute later, she heard the roar of water and turned to see the white foam of cresting waves go crashing down the river. She rode into the courtyard to see Lord Elrond coming to meet her.

“My lord, Ringwraiths, at the-” she stopped as she saw Gandalf come behind him. “Mithrandir!”

“We know, Illanir,” Elrond said, mounting a waiting horse. Gandalf followed suit, smiling at the young woman before him. He could hardly believe it had been twenty summers…

“Is Frodo with her?” Gandalf asked as they kicked off, a host of elves behind them.

“Yes, but he’s been hurt by a Morgul blade,” Illanir said. Gandalf’s face went as gray as his robes and he urged his horse on faster. The river was soon in site and Arwen could be seen cradling Frodo in her arms.

“Frodo!” Gandalf cried, leaping from his horse.

“Arwen!” Illanir said, doing the same. Elrond came up and took Frodo from his daughter, who seemed to waver slightly. Illanir helped her up as Elrond handed Frodo to the elves and set off for Rivendell.

“He’ll be alright,” Arwen said. “He should be.”

“Where are the others?” Gandalf asked.

“Behind us, but on foot,” Illanir answered. “We should send horses.”

“The Ringwraiths?”

“Without mounts, for now,” Arwen said, climbing up onto Asfodel. “That should slow them, for a time.”

“And make the paths safer for the others,” Illanir said. “I’ll ride with the group to find them.”

“Thank you,” Arwen said, smiling at her. The two rode with Gandalf back to Rivendell.

****

“I’m not like you, Bilbo,” Frodo said

“On the contrary, Master Frodo,” a soft voice said from behind them. “From what I have seen, you are very much like Master Bilbo.”

Frodo turned to see Arwen and Illanir coming up behind them. Arwen was in white dress, her hair cascading behind her, and Frodo knew now why she was the Evening Star. Illanir was a deep green and brown dress tunic, her hair swept up on her head and held in place with a comb of wood.

“Ah, my boy, let me introduce her Ladyship, Arwen Evenstar, daughter of Lord Elrond,” Bilbo said, climbing down and presenting his nephew. “And this is Lady Illanir, daughter of Denethor, Stewart of Gondor, foster daughter of Lord Elrond.”

“Please, Bilbo, you make me sound much more important than I am,” Illanir said, laughing. She bowed slightly to Frodo. “We have met already, though not formally.”

“I cannot begin to thank you-”

“It was our pleasure,” Arwen interrupted him. “It is reward enough to see you better.”

“Oh Bilbo, I didn’t know you had finished it,” Illanir said, seeing There and Back Again.

“While you were away,” Bilbo smiled as Illanir picked up the book. “Unfortunately, there is one ahead of you to read it.”

“I know, and I shall never forgive him,” Illanir said to Bilbo, though her eyes laughed at Arwen. She put the book down, hugged Bilbo, and whispered in his ear. “I want it as soon as he is done.”

“We will of course all want a preview at the feast tonight,” Arwen said. “If all have arrived by then. We should go now and watch for them.”

Bilbo bowed and the two women moved off. Frodo watched them leave. As different as night and day, the two seemed to be united.

*****

Arwen and Illanir stood at one of the balconies, watching the yard below. The sun was passing mid-day.

“I don’t see why I cannot sit at the council for men,” Illanir sighed, pacing. “I am a daughter of Gondor-”

“You are also my foster sister, and have been here in Rivendell for more than half your life,” Arwen said softly.

“And still no closer to knowing why I was sent here…” Illanir said, hinting.

“You must be patient,” Arwen smiled. Illanir shot her a look, but smiled. “Look, they are arriving.”

The first to enter the courtyard surprised Illanir.

“Dwarfs?!”

“The lead one is Gimli, son of Gloin,” Arwen said, watching as the dwarfs looked around with a mixture of awe and something else.

“The threat must be real if your father would send for them,” Illanir said, her brow furrowing.

“The threat is real enough for them to accept,” Arwen answered. A minute later, a group of horses ran into the courtyard.

“The representatives of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood,” Arwen smiled. They were all fair, and the shimmering brown and green could be seen beneath their traveling cloaks.

“I can recognize your relations, Arwen, I am not ignorant-” Illanir stopped as the lead elf dismounted and looked around. He carried a bow and a set of elfin knives, and his eyes were the color of the sky on a clear morning. Something in Illanir stirred, something she had not felt before. “Who is that?”

“Legolas, son of the king,” Arwen answered, watching her friend. “They say he can shoot the eye of a sparrow from a league off.”

“Has he ever been to Rivendell before?” Illanir asked.

‘I don’t believe so,” Arwen said, a smile on her lips. “Why?”

“Its just that…its like I’ve seen him before,” Illanir said, her voice distant. She watched him for a second before shaking herself. “So, who is to represent men if I am not?”

“You should listen more carefully,” Arwen laughed. “My father said you should not represent men alone.”

“And what does that mean?” Illanir asked. Arwen just smiled and turned. “Arwen, who?!”

“He should be here soon.”

“Who?!” Illanir half burst. “Is is a lord of Rohan? Did Theoden send someone-”

Illanir stopped as a horse came into the courtyard. On it, a rider with sandy hair and the gray eyes of Gondor carried a large shield and a horn tipped with silver. His leather wrist guards were emblazoned with the White Tree.

“I don’t believe it!” Illanir half shouted. “Boromir!”

Boromir looked up as he dismounted. A smile broke over his face. Illanir ran down the steps and into the courtyard.

“Illanir!” Boromir shouted as the two met half way. Illanir nearly knocked him off his feet running into his arms and he laughed. “My dear sister! You may have grown up but you haven’t changed.”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Illanir laughed. “How is Faramir? How is Father? How is-”

“Illanir, there will be plenty of time for questions,” Lord Elrond said, coming up with Arwen and Gandalf. “For now, let your brother rest. We have given him the western room, just above the falls. Would you show him the way?”

“As you wish, my lord,” Illanir said, bowing. Boromir followed suit and let himself be led away by his sister. The three watched them.

“Did she see him?” Elrond asked his daughter.

“She did,” Arwen smiled.

“And?” Gandalf asked.

“It seems the Lady was correct,” Arwen said.

Elrond nodded. “Come, we have a feast to attend, and the council in the morning.”

*****

Arwen and Illanir wandered through the palace, the warm night air drifting over them. The feast had been pleasant, and the dwarfs had managed to behave themselves, though they did complain about the lack of ale. They approached the statue that held the shards of Narsil, and in the moonlight Illanir saw her brother holding a portion of the blade. Strider was watching silently from the shadows. Boromir ran his finger along the edge and jerked back as he cut his finger on the tip. She heard him whisper something and then sense he was being watched. He turned as the two women came closer silently.

“But no more than a broken end,” Boromir said, rather carelessly placing the pommel back on the altar. It slipped off the edge and the sound echoed through the courtyard. Boromir halted for a second and seemed to look over his shoulder, then move off. Strider stood and moved toward the dropped shard.

“You should go to him,” Illanir said. Arwen nodded and Illanir doubled back and caught up with her brother.

“Boromir,” she said softly. Boromir turned and she moved toward him, reaching for his hand. “Let me see that.”

“I was right,” Boromir said, letting her examine the cut on his finger. “Nothing has changed.”

“I’m still taking care of you and keeping you out of trouble,” Illanir said, smiling. “Remember the time you ran into the wall and thought your arm was broken?”

“I only ran into the wall because you two were chasing me,” Boromir said as she finished. He looked over her head at the shadowy figures by the altar, who were now moving off. “Who is he?”

“A friend of Gandalf‘s, a Ranger,” Illanir said, avoiding her brother’s gaze. “Raised, like myself, in Lord Elrond’s house.”

Illanir waited for her brother to ask more, but he didn’t. She walked him back to his room, and wandered out onto the balcony overlooking the falls. Her eyes wandered into a small glade shaded by trees where she saw two figures walk up onto the bridge. She smiled, recognizing the lovers. She began to sing the tune…

O mor henion I dhu:
Ely siriar, el sila
Ai! Aniron Undomiel…

Her brother stood in the doorway, listening as Illanir continued. Below, the dwarfs looked up, not understanding the words, but enchanted by the tune. Gandalf and Elrond stopped their conversation and listened. The hobbits listened as Bilbo translated the words and told them the story of the first elves. A few rooms down from Boromir, the Mirkwood elves came out onto the balcony and were amazed to see not one of their own, but rather a human. Legolas felt something stir inside of him. On the bridge, Arwen and Strider looked up and could see Illanir. They smiled, and found contentment from the troubles of the world for a few minutes…

****

The morning autumn sun streamed through the golden leaves of the trees as the council slowly assembled. Elrond sat, flanked by his two sons, just under the balcony where the shards were held. To their right was Strider, then a lord of the north, and then Illanir and Boromir. There were a few more lords of the north, and then the dwarves. The elves of Mirkwood sat next to them, and, though not saying anything, they were not pleased with the seating. Next to them sat Gandalf, and rounding out the circle was Frodo. Each member of one race eyed the others with apprehension and a bit of resentment. Illanir caught the look that Legolas sent towards Gimli, and then saw her brother looking past her to Strider. She sat up a bit straighter as Elrond stood, breaking her brother’s gaze.

“Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction: none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom.”

Elrond looked to wear Frodo sat and motioned him forward.

“Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.”

Frodo stood slowly and walked toward the pedestal at the center of the gathering. As he put the Ring down it seemed to land with a heavy thud. Frodo breathed a sigh of relief and walked back to his seat.

“So it is true,” Illanir heard Boromir whisper next to her. Other members of the council watched the ring warily. Each felt its pull. Even Illanir heard the whispering in her head.

“The doom of men,” one of the lords said softly.

“A dream,” Boromir said, standing slowly. Illanir watched her brother. “I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the west…voices crying: your doom is near at hand. Isildur’s bane if found. Isildur’s bane…”

Boromir slowly moved forward, toward the Ring. Illanir caught Strider’s alarmed look.

“Boromir!” she whispered harshly. She stood, but before she could reach him, Gandalf spoke.

“Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!” the wizard intoned loudly. The sun seemed to hide, the elves cowered and stopped their ears, and even the dwarves seemed afraid. Boromir backed up slowly, afraid. Illanir covered her ears, her legs growing week. She let out a cry of pain that snapped her brother’s concentration. He turned as the wizard finished to see her half collapsed next to her chair.

“Never before has any voice uttered that tongue in Imladris,” Elrond said to Gandalf, sounding very unhappy. Strider made a move to help Illanir, but Boromir already had her and was helping her into her chair, his concern obvious, and the Ring temporarily forgotten.

“I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond,” Gandalf said, slightly weakened. Boromir sat next to his sister, watching the wizard. “For the Black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west. It is all together evil.”

“It is a gift,” Boromir said, standing again. “A gift to the foes of Mordor.”

Illanir watched her brother carefully as he addressed the council.

“Why not use this ring? Long has my…our father,” Boromir said, looking at his sister, “the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay; by the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!”

“You cannot wield it; none of us can,” Strider said firmly. Boromir turned to look at him. “The Ring answers to Sauron alone.”

“And what would a Ranger know of these things,” Boromir said, the challenge evident in the tone of his voice.

“Boromir-” Illanir started softly, but she was cut off.

“This is no mere Ranger,” Legolas said, jumping to his feet. Boromir looked over his shoulder and Illanir turned sharply. “This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.”

The courtyard had gone silent. Illanir’s gaze was furious and sharp toward the elf and Aragorn sighed softly.

“Aragorn?” Boromir said incredulously. “This is Isildur’s heir?”

He turned to look at his sister, who met his gaze and then looked down.

“And Heir to the throne of Gondor.” Legolas continued.

“Keep your mouth-” Illanir started, her voice a harsh whisper. Aragorn stopped her with a motion from his hand.

“Sit down, Legolas,” he said. Legolas sat slowly.

“Gondor has no king,” Boromir said to the elf. Then he turned to Aragorn. “Gondor needs no king.”

He returned to his seat. Illanir tried to say something, but he refused to look at her.

“Aragorn is right,” Gandalf said, breaking the slightly awkward silence that followed. “We cannot use it.”

“You have only one choice,” Elrond said. “The Ring must be destroyed.”

“Well then what are we waiting for?” Gimli said, springing from his seat and grabbing his ax. Before anyone had a chance to stop him, he brought it smashing down onto the Ring. There was a blast as the ax shattered and Gimli was thrown back. The Ring remained where it was, completely unscathed. The dwarf looked up from the ground where his companions had moved to help him. Few but Gandalf noticed Frodo wince in pain.

“The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess,” Elrond said. “It was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this.”

The courtyard grew silent.

“One does not simply walk into Mordor,” Boromir said, rubbing his forehead. Illanir’s eyes were troubled with the memories of nightmares she had tried to forget. “Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly.”

“Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?” Legolas said, springing from his seat again. “The Ring must be destroyed!”

“And I suppose you think you’re the one to do it?” Gimli shouted scornfully.

“And if we fail, what then?” Boromir said, standing. “What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?”

“I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!” Gimli cried out. That set off the rest of the Mirkwood elves. “Never trust an elf!”

Illanir was on her feet then. Aragorn, Elrond, his sons, and Frodo were the only ones left sitting. Illanir was trying to keep her brother calm and away from the Ring while at the same time glaring at Legolas and the dwarves. Gandalf was yelling at all of them, and in the confusion, no one noticed Frodo. He began to hear a deep, haunting voice and the Ring seemed to engulf the reflection of the Council in flame. Slowly, the sound filled his ears till he could stand it no longer, and he stood from the chair.

“I will take it!” he said loudly, though few heard him. He repeated himself, louder. “I will take it!”

The entire Council heard him this time and slowly quieted. For a long moment no one said anything, but just looked at Frodo. Gandalf sighed sadly and turned to look on the young hobbit.

“I will take the Ring to Mordor,” he said, faltering a little, “though I do not know the way.”

“I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins,” Gandalf said, stepping to him and placing a hand on his shoulder “As long as it is yours to bear.”

“If by my life or death I can protect you,” Aragorn said, standing “I will.”

He walked to Frodo and knelt in front of the half-ling. Illanir caught the look that passed between Gandalf and Elrond.

“You have my sword,” Aragorn said.

“And my bow,” Legolas said, stepping forward.

“And my axe,” Gimli said, not to be outdone by the elf. Legolas did not look pleased as the dwarf joined the group.

“I will go as well,” Illanir said, stepping towards the assembled group.

“Illanir, I-” Boromir started to object.

“I have to return sometime; you know I have obligations to Gondor, and besides,” she said, turning back to face Aragorn, she lowered her voice, “one of those obligations is to protect a…friend.”

Aragorn gave her a sad look, but seemed to assent. Illanir turned to look at her brother. Boromir stepped forward, and seemed to consent. He looked at Frodo.

“You carry the fate of us all, little one,” he said. He took his place next to his sister. “If this is the will of the Council, Gondor will see it done.”

“Hey!” a voice called out from behind them. They turned to see Sam run from his hiding place up next to Frodo. “Mr. Frodo’s not going anywhere without me.”

“No, indeed, it is impossible to keep you separated even when he is called to a secret council and you are not,” Lord Elrond said, a wry smile crossing his lips. He had known Sam was there for a few minutes.

“Oi!” We’re coming too!” came a shout from behind them. Merry and Pippin came running up. Elrond was not pleased with this at all. The two stood next to Frodo and Sam, Merry taking the lead. “You’ll have to send us home in sacks to stop us from coming.”

“Besides you need people of intelligence on this mission…quest…thing…” Pippin stated. The rest of the group tried not to laugh.

“Well that rules you out, Pip,” Merry said softly. Gandalf just looked at Elrond and shook his head.

“Ten Companions,” Elrond said, surveying the group. “You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.”

“Great,” Pippin said. “Where are we going?”

****

“I wish you would wear it down,” Arwen said as Illanir was finishing her hair.

“Right,” Illanir said, tying the braid off. “Me, who never had time to learn how to keep it down without getting in my face. I wear it down, it distracts me, and the next thing I know some minion of the Dark Lord has taken away my king and your reason for becoming mortal.”

Illanir regretted the words the second they left her lips. She turned from the mirror to see Arwen’s face.

“Arwen, I didn’t mean-”

“I know,” Arwen said, holding up her hand. “I am just so scared, so afraid.”

“I know,” Illanir said, crossing to where her belt was on her bed.

“Where is he?” Arwen asked softly.

“I believe he went to the grave of his mother,” Illanir said, buckling her belt.

“It will be good for him,” Arwen said, smiling.

“Oh, truly,” Illanir said sarcastically. “I saw your father following him, and that is exactly what he needs now. ‘The power is yours, why don’t you take it?’ and who knows what else.”

“Have you and your brother spoken further on the subject?” Arwen asked, smiling at Illanir‘s impression of her father.

“We haven’t had much of a chance,” Illanir said, turning away. “Not that I think he would if we did.”

“He doesn’t believe?”

“It isn’t so much not believing as not wanting to believe,” Illanir said, sitting on the bed. “The Stewards have watched over Gondor for thousands of years. We have withstood much, but in recent years…”

Illanir faded off, stood, and walked over to look into the yard where the rest of the Fellowship was gathering. “My last visit home was…my father is not the man he was when I was younger. My relationship with him aside, things have gotten worse. There was…is…something wrong. I hinted at the King’s return-”

“You what?!” Arwen said, coming to stand next to her.

“I said nothing definite,” Illanir said. “I believe Aragorn to be my king, and I will keep my oaths to him. I did not break the promise I made to him, as much as I disagree with it. Why do you think my brother was so upset at the Council? I have told none of my family.”

Arwen smiled and crossed to one of the tables where something lay wrapped in a silver cloth. She came back to Illanir and held it out to her.

“I want you to have this,” she said. Illanir carefully pulled back the cloth to reveal a sword. The pommel’s handle was a deep wood and the guard was the leaves of the oak in gold.

“Arwen I can’t-”

“You will,” Arwen said. “It does not have the power of the ancient forges, but-”

“To one who is a friend of the Evenstar,” Illanir read the runes running down the blade. She sheathed the sword and looked at Arwen, not knowing what to say.

“Use it well,” Arwen said. “And please, protect him-”

“You don’t have to ask,” Illanir said, stopping her. The two embraced for a moment and then made their way down into the courtyard. Aragorn stood, waiting silently, in one of the entranceways. Elrond was walking towards the group and away from the Ranger.

“I should leave you two,” Illanir said. She did not like the look on the Ranger’s face as she walked past him and made her way into the courtyard, where she joined the rest of the Fellowship save Frodo and Aragorn. The group busied itself with last minute preparations, and Illanir was distracted as one of the hobbits, Merry or Pippin, she was still working that out, lost his pack. Frodo came first carrying what most recognized as Sting. He was followed by Bilbo. Aragorn came a minute later, followed almost immediately by the rest of the elves. She glanced up at Arwen and did not like the look on her face.

“The ring-bearer is setting out on a quest to Mount Doom,” Elrond said, looking at the group. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid on you to go further than you will.

“Farwell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of elves, men, and all free folk go with you,” he proclaimed.

“The Fellowship awaits the ring-bearer,” Gandalf said, motioning to Frodo. The group parted as the hobbit moved forward

Frodo and Gandalf went first, Legolas and Gimli next, Merry and Pippin behind them, followed by Sam with Bill the pony, and then Illanir, Boromir, and finally Aragorn. As they crossed out of the yard, Aragorn stole a look back to see Arwen watching him from just behind her father.

****

They had been on a path south, heading toward the gap of Rohan. Gandalf was hoping that it was still open. They had stopped for the night and Boromir had taken the first watch. Illanir had waited until most of the others were asleep before slipping from her bedroll and walking silently over to the fire.

“Are you still not speaking to me?” she asked softly. Her brother looked up.

“I was never not speaking to you, Illanir,” he said, but she saw the anger in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Would you have believed me if I did?” Illanir said, kneeling next to him. “Honestly Boromir, do you believe it now?”

“I don’t know,” he said after a short pause. “Why should I? It’s not as if-”

“Not as if what? We don’t need it?” Illanir asked, her voice full of scorn. “Boromir, I may have only been in Gondor a few times over the past years, but I have seen what is happening, and I know you have, too.”

“How long have you known?” Boromir asked after a pause, not looking up from the fire.

“About ten years,” Illanir sighed, realizing she would not get a response about Gondor from her brother. “He swore me not to tell anyone and I promised-”

“You always were the one who believed in the lore,” Boromir smiled slightly. “More than any of the rest of us, more so on your visits home. I should have guessed.”

“But you are the one that wears the ring of the Stewards,” Illanir said, looking at the silver dragon on her brother’s finger. “The ring of the Protector.”

“It is only a symbol,” Boromir said.

“I shouldn’t have lied to you that night in Rivendell,” Illanir said. “Its just, if you knew him the way I do, the way I have known him since I came to Rivendell-”

“Your allegiance is to Gondor,” Boromir said, frowning. “Not Rivendell.”

“I know where my allegiance lies, Boromir,” Illanir said, her voice tipped with anger. “I know it well. I know what my future holds, and I go on this journey to see that there is a future for Gondor, and Aragorn on the throne may be the only thing to ensure that future. My question is: why do you go on this quest?”

Boromir looked up, his gray eyes flashing with hurt. He knew what Illanir meant. He looked over at Frodo…

“We shouldn’t fight,” Illanir said, calming herself. “I’m sorry.”

“It is alright,” Boromir smiled, taking her hand. “You always were the one to keep me on the right path.”

Illanir smiled back and stood. She paused for a second, looking over at Aragorn’s sleeping form.

“I’m not asking for you to take the vow of our ancestors, to see that ring as anything more than a symbol,” Illanir said. “But I am asking you to give him a chance. You may find yourself a believer.”

Illanir moved off back to her bedroll, leaning to cover Pippin, whose blanket had slipped down. Boromir watched his sister and then turned to watch the sleeping form of Aragorn.

****

They had been on the path south for a few more days when they stopped at a rocky outcropping. Gandalf was smoking, Sam cooking, and Legolas was on watch. Boromir, who had taken a liking to the younger hobbits, was trying to teach them some sword work. Frodo, Aragorn, and Illanir were watching.

“Five, four, three,” Boromir instructed.

“Move your feet,” Aragorn added from the side.

“Good,” Boromir said, turning to Pippin.

“Boromir, please be careful,” Illanir said. “You are three times their size.”

“If someone was to ask my opinion, which I note they’re not, I’d say we were taking the long way around,” Gimli said. “Gandalf, we could go through the Mines of Moira. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome.”

“No, Gimli,” Gandalf said, his voice serious. “I would not go through the mines unless I had no other choice.”

Legolas darted from one side of the outcrop to the other. Illanir snorted softly.

“Does he ever stop looking?” she half said to herself.

“You do not like Thranduil’s son?” Aragorn asked.

“I do not like the fact that he can not keep his mouth shut,” Illanir said, turning to Aragorn. “Tell me: did you make everyone who knows who you are swear an oath of silence or just me?”

“Just you,” Aragorn said, turning back to the fight.

“Oh, thank you very much for-” Illanir was cut off as Boromir came down a bit to hard and knocked the sword from Merry’s hand, catching him with the edge at the same time.

“OW!” Merry cried out, shaking his hand.

“Sorry!” Boromir said, dropping his sword and coming forward.

“Boromir, I told you to be-” but Illanir’s scold was cut off as Merry kicked Boromir in the shin. It took him more by surprise than pain, and before he knew it, both hobbit’s were tackling him to the ground.

“For the Shire!” they cried out. Aragorn stood and walked to the tussling group.

“That’s enough,“ he said, sounding serious but not meaning it. Merry and Pippin paused for a second, and then caught Aragorn by the knees and toppled him to the ground. Illanir went to their defense, pulling Pippin off as Aragorn and Boromir dealt with Merry.

While this happened, Legolas spotted a dark spot coming towards them. Sam was the first to say something.

“What is that?”

“Nothing, just a wisp of cloud,” Gimli said.

“It’s moving fast,” Boromir said, standing slowly. “Against the wind…”

“Creblan from Dunland!” Legolas shouted.

“Hide!” Aragorn warned. He grabbed Frodo as Sam put out the fire. Boromir and Merry ducked under a bush while Illanir and Pippin hid not far away. The rest were hidden seconds later. There was dead silence and then the squawking of the black birds filled the air. As fast as they had come, they were gone. Slowly, the Fellowship came out of hiding.

“You want to give us a bit more warning next time?” Illanir said, picking Pippin up and brushing him off. Legolas glared at her, but Gandalf cut in.

“Spies of Sarumon; the passage south is being watched,” he said, turning toward the huge, white capped peak above them. “We must take the pass of Carradahas.”

****

The group slowly trudged up the side of the mountain. Gandalf had the lead, helping Sam with the Pony. Gimli and Legolas came next, the elf barely sinking into the drifts. Illanir helped Merry and Pippin, keeping them in front of her, but Frodo was falling behind. Suddenly, he slipped and rolled back into Aragorn.

“Frodo!” Aragorn called, catching the hobbit. He got Frodo on his feet, and the hobbit instantly felt at his throat. The group stopped and turned. Frodo looked back up the mountain to see Boromir lean down and pick up the Ring, still on its chain. Illanir took a step or two back toward her brother.

“Boromir…” Aragorn ventured, his hand going under his cloak.

“It seems a strange fate that we should suffer so much for such a little thing,” Boromir whispered, putting his hand under the Ring. “Such a little thing…”

“Boromir!” Aragorn’s voice snapped the other man out of his thoughts. “Give the Ring back to Frodo.”

“Of course,” Boromir said, walking forward, and holding the Ring out to Frodo, who snatched it back. “It matters not to me.”

Frodo eyed Boromir, who laughed and ruffled the hobbit’s hair. He turned, shifted his shield up, and walked back toward the group. He passed Illanir, who smiled at her brother. She looked back down and saw Aragorn remove his hand from his sword hilt. The smile faded as she met his gaze, and Aragorn saw her remove her own hand from her left side.

****

Gandalf led the group through the ever-growing drifts of snow. Boromir had Merry and Pippin under his arms. Aragorn was next, carrying Sam and Frodo. Illanir helped Gimli last, leading Bill the pony. Legolas walked on the drifts, barely sinking into the snow. They reached a ledge at a turn in the path as the wind picked up and the snow swirled around them. Legolas stepped ahead of the group and listened.

“There is a fell voice on the air,” he said as the wind ripped around them.

“It’s Sarumon!” Gandalf cried out as some boulders fell from above them. The storm seemed to increase in fury.

“He’s trying to bring down the mountain,” Aragorn yelled over the sound. “Gandalf, we must turn back!”

“No!” Gandalf asserted. With Legolas’s help he climbed up onto the snow and bellowed out against the wind. “Sleep Caradhras: be still, lie still, hold your wrath!”

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning smashed into the rocks above them. Snow crashed down around them. Legolas pulled Gandalf back as Aragorn and Boromir covered the hobbits and Illanir dove over Gimli. The snow settled and for a second all was silent. Legolas was the first to dig out, followed quickly by Aragorn and Boromir, pulling the hobbits. Illanir’s hand shot up through the top of the snow and Legolas came over and helped her out, and then the two pulled up Gimli, sputtering and grunting.

“We must get off the mountain!” Boromir shouted. “Make for the Gap of Rohan, or take the west road to our city!”

“The Gap of Rohan leads us too close to Isengard,” Aragorn objected.

“If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it,” Gimli asserted. “Let us go through the Mines of Moira.”

Gandalf hesitated. “Let the ring-bearer decide.”

Frodo looked up from under the protective grasp of Aragorn’s arm. He looked back at Sam, who was shivering violently.

“This will be the death of the hobbits,” Boromir urged. Merry and Pippin were turning blue. “We cannot stay here!”

“Frodo?” Gandalf asked.

Frodo took another second. “We will go through the Mines.”

“So be it,” Gandalf said, nodding his head.

****

Slowly the Fellowship picked its way down the mountain. They approached an old riverbed that was mostly dry and walked along it for a while. Gimli moved closer to the front now, and Illanir took charge of Marry and Pippin. Gandalf called Frodo forward for help and talked with the hobbit as they walked. Then, before them, an imposing wall of gray appeared.

“The walls of Moira,” Gimli gasped, obviously excited. The Fellowship picked their way along the path between the walls of rock and a dark lake. Frodo slipped and his foot went into the water. He quickly pulled back, its touch dark and slimy.

“Dwarf doors are invisible when closed,” Gimli said, knocking his axe against the stone as they walked carefully along the path.

“Yes Gimli,” Gandalf agreed, carefully examining the walls as well. “Their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Legolas asked. Gimli glared slightly without turning around while Illanir smothered a laugh. Aragorn looked at her, surprised.

“What, it was funny,” Illanir glared at him. Gandalf stopped at a place in the wall, running his hands along something.

“Well, let’s see. Ithildin…” he said, looking up at the sky. “It mirrors only starlight, and moonlight.”

Above them the clouds slowly parted revealing a clear, nearly full moon. The outline of an arch appeared, with runes running across the top and other symbols placed inside.

“It reads: the doors of Durin, lord of Moira. Speak friend and enter,” Gandalf read out loud.

“What do you suppose that means?” Merry asked.

“Oh, it’s quite simple,” Gandalf said. “If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open.”

Gandalf intoned a rather long phrase in elfish as Gimli straightened himself and prepared to enter. The wizard finished…and nothing moved. Gandalf looked puzzled and tried another. Once again, all remained still.

“Nothing’s happening,” Pippin said, looking up at Illanir.

“I once knew every spell in the tongues of elves, men, and orcs,” Gandalf muttered, troubled.

“What are you going to do then?” Pippin asked.

“Knock your head against these doors Peregrin Took, and if that does not shatter them, then I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions,” Gandalf turned and yelled impatiently at Pippin, who shrank back next to Illanir. “I will try to find the opening words.”

“I suppose Gimli could try smashing them with his axe, but that didn’t work so well last time,” Illanir said, trying to cheer Pippin. This time Legolas had to fight not to laugh. Aragorn looked at the elf this time.

“What, it was funny,” he said, looking at Aragorn. The Fellowship settled for a few minutes and rested. Boromir and Illanir stood against the wall, Legolas not far off. Gimli sat by the doors, with Frodo opposite him. Merry and Pippin stood at the water’s edge, peering in. Gandalf continued to try different phrases. Aragorn and Sam unhitched Bill and released him. The pony took off down the path. Sam looked concerned and Aragorn put a comforting hand on the hobbit’s shoulder.

Merry and Pippin had found some stones and began to throw them as far as the could into the lake. Pippin was about to loose one when Aragorn caught his arm.

“Do not disturb the water,” he warned, releasing the hobbit’s arm. At the doors, Gandalf stepped away and tossed his staff on the ground.

“Oh, its useless,” he said, sitting next to Frodo. Over by Merry and Pippin, Boromir and Illanir joined Aragorn in looking out over the lake. The disturbance in the water from Merry’s last throw hadn’t calmed yet…

“It’s a riddle,” Frodo said, standing and looking at the runes. “Speak ‘friend’, and enter. What’s the elfish word for friend?”

“Mellon,” Gandalf said. A sudden cracking sound came next, followed by a groaning as the doors opened slowly. Gimli jumped to his feet as Gandalf went in first. Still carefully watching the water, Aragorn, Boromir, and Illanir followed. Placing a crystal in the top of his staff, Gandalf gently blew on it and let the light grow.

“Soon, master elf, you shall know the famed hospitality of the dwarves,” Gimli said to Legolas. “Roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone.”

“Elves don’t eat red meat,” Illanir said scornfully, eyeing the darkness.

“This is the home of my cousin Balin,” Gimli continued, ignoring her. “And they call it a mine. A mine!”

The light from Gandalf’s staff cast a dim glow in front of them. Shadowy figures could be seen on the floor, and it was only a second before their eyes adjusted to see. Frodo slipped on something and looked down to see the skeleton of a dwarf in front of him. Other bodies were scattered around the ground.

“This is no mine,” Boromir said silently. “It’s a tomb.”

Gandalf’s light increased and it was soon easy to see that there had been a massacre in the hall.

“No,” Gimli shouted. “Noooooo!!”

Legolas leaned down and grabbed one of the arrows from the closest corpse. “Goblins!”

“Does he ever stop stating the obvious?” Illanir said, unsheathing her sword, only half serious. Legolas had his bow out, and Aragorn and Boromir their swords.

“We make for the Gap of Rohan,’ Boromir said urgently. ‘We should have never come here. Now get out; GET OUT!”

Behind them Frodo and the others were backing up when Frodo felt something grasping at his heels. He stumbled as he saw tentacles coming from the water and wrapping around his ankles. They pulled him backwards toward the lake on his stomach, and he cried out.

“Strider!“ Sam cried out. The others ran back toward the entrance. The rest of the hobbits hacked at the things holding him, and they let loose. A second later, though, a huge beast reared up out of the water and knocked the hobbits off their feet and into the rest of the Fellowship. The monster lifted Frodo high into the air as water went sloshing everywhere.

“Aragorn!” Frodo cried out as the beast waved him in the air. Aragorn and Boromir charged into the water, slashing at the tentacles as Legolas shot at the monster. Illanir pushed the hobbits into the cave and grabbed the rope from Sam’s pack. She grabbed one of Legolas’s arrows and tied one end of the rope onto it.

“Aim for the one holding Frodo!” she ordered, handing it to Legolas. He took aim and hit the tentacle just below where it was grasping Frodo. Illanir swung the rope, wrapping it once around the arm, and pulled hard.

“ARAGORN!” she shouted, struggling against the beast’s thrashing. Aragorn sliced at the momentarily captive tentacle, and Boromir was waiting below to catch Frodo as he fell.

“Into the mines!” Gandalf shouted as Illanir let go of the rope.

“Legolas!” Boromir shouted as he came rushing toward the gate. The elf fired right over his and Aragorn’s head, hitting the beast just below the eye. The monster started grabbing the stone, and the doors began to collapse as the Fellowship dashed into the mine. Boromir dropped Frodo, who was grabbed by the other hobbits. Legolas reached for Aragorn, and Boromir pushed Illanir in front of him. With a final thundering crash, the stones fell and darkness descended over the group.

“We now have no choice but to face the long road through Moira,’ Gandalf said darkly, striking his staff against the ground, causing the crystal at the top to cast an eerie glow over everything. “Be careful: there are older and fouler things in the deep places of the world. Let us hope our presence goes unnoticed.”

****

With no daylight, it was hard to tell how long they had been underground. The hobbits stayed together, with Gandalf and Gimli in the front, and Aragorn bringing up the rear.

They passed a large chasm and Gandalf felt along the wall, his hand touching veins of silver.

“The wealth of Moira was not in gold, or jewels,” he said softly, extending his staff over the abyss below, “but in mithril.”

The light showed old mining equipment, ropes, and carts. Gimli gasped slightly as the light reflected back. A silver glow shone out from below them. Merry leaned forward and was about to slip when Pippin but a restraining hand on his shoulder. The light of the torches was hardly needed as the clear light of the remaining veins glowed on their faces. Slowly, almost reluctantly, they moved on.

“Bilbo had a shirt of mithril rings that Thorin gave him,” Gandalf said as they moved forward.

“Oh, that was a kingly gift,” Gimli said enviously. Frodo self-consciously reached up to his shirt.

“Yes,” Gandalf nodded. “I never told him, but its worth was greater than the value of the Shire.”

Frodo looked up, trying to hide his shock.

They climbed up many stairs and through many broken walls before reaching three doors. Gandalf hesitated a minute.

“I have no memory of this place,” he said softly. A few minutes later, the group was settled, waiting for Gandalf, who sat, thinking.

“Merry?” Pippin asked

“What?”

“Are we lost?”

“No.”

“I think we are,” Pippin answered.

“Shh,’ Merry silenced him. “Gandalf’s thinking.”

“Merry…”

“What?”

“I’m hungry.”

Illanir stood, looking down the way they had come when she noticed Aragorn fingering his arm. She walked over to him and saw a rather nasty gash.

“Let me look at it,” Illanir said, reaching for him.

“I’m fine,” Aragorn said, shrugging her off.

“Rangers,” Illanir snorted half-jokingly, grabbing his arm. “You are as stubborn as an elf.”

Legolas looked over his shoulder and met Illanir’s challenging gaze. She turned back and finished tending the small wound.

“He’s not happy in here, is he?” Illanir asked, as she cleaned the gash.

“All elves prefer the open light to the closed darkness,” Aragorn said. “You know that as well as I do.”

“True,” Illanir said. She finished with the wound. As she did, she heard shuffling and looked up to see Boromir. He was watching Frodo, who was looking into the abyss below. She turned back to Aragorn, who was looking at her intently.

“On Caradhras,” he said softly, “after Frodo slipped…”

“I love my brother Aragorn,” Illanir said. “But that does not mean that I am blind, and I have not been blind since the council.”

“He is-”

“He is what he is, but he is my brother,” Illanir said. She paused. “Do you know why I came on this journey?”

“I know,” Aragorn said. “But what kind of king there is to protect-”

“That was only part of it,” Illanir said as she met his gaze. “I will not watch as my home is destroyed. I know the shadow of Mordor and I will not see that infection spread. Destroying the Ring will stop it. I did also come because though my brother may not believe it, and you may not want it, you are the heir to the throne of Gondor, the leader that could unite all of us. And if my brother will not accept his duty as the son of the Steward of Gondor as Protector, then the daughter of the Steward will accept the duty.”

“Illanir-”

“Let me finish,” she said, her eyes flaming. “I also do this for Arwen. I love her, as I would love a sister; more so. I am here because she asked me to protect you, to bring you back to her alive.”

Aragorn reached for the glittering pendant at his neck.

“Do you know how much she loves you?” Illanir asked, her voice slipping to a whisper. “She is willing to give up her people, her family, her very life, all for the love of you. And I should think that if you loved her as much as you say you do, then you would be willing to take a risk for her.”

Aragorn’s gaze as he looked up was harsh, and hurt.

“And if you are not,” Illanir said, “then maybe my brother is right: Gondor has, and needs no king.”

Illanir pushed off from the wall and walked away. Aragorn did not follow, but watched, thinking.

Illanir walked slowly over to where Legolas was leaning against the cave wall. For all he was trying to be stoic, Illanir could see how uncomfortable he was. In spite of herself, she felt a bit sorry for him.

“They say the woods of Mirkwood are often darker than any dwarf cave,” Illanir said.

“But there are at least places where you can see stars,” Legolas said, looking up at the ceiling. He looked down, his blue eyes flashing. “I would have thought a human would care little.”

“How little you know of the race of men,” Illanir smiled. She paused, sighing. “We did not start out well, and that may have been my fault. I have been blaming you for something that I should not be, and I am sorry. So, shall we start fresh?”

Legolas eyed her warily, but then nodded.

“Good,” Illanir said. “Now close your eyes.”

“Why?” Legolas asked.

“Because an unhappy elf is an elf that misses orcs and shoots friends.”

“I have never-”

“Just do it,” Illanir said. Legolas assented. “Good. Now, I have never been in Mirkwood, but I have been to the Misty Mountains with Aragorn and Arwen’s brothers. Do you know where the River Gladden flows into the fields of the same name?”

“I do,” Legolas answered, his eyes still closed.

“Picture that place in your minds eye,” Illanir said, her voice dipping and softening. “Put yourself there. It is night, but the full summer moon is as bright as day, and casts a silver shadow over everything. You can hear the running of the water, and you can see the woods, and you can feel the fresh air on your face. All is open above you, and the stars are shinning. Picture yourself there, and keep a part of yourself there as you open your eyes.”

Legolas did and he seemed better. He looked at Illanir surprised. “How did you-”

“I just seem to have a talent for it,” Illanir smiled.

“I should have guessed,” Legolas said. “You were the one we heard singing the song of Luthien.”

“It was one of the first ones I learned when I came to the Lord Elrond’s house,” Illanir said.

“It was lovely,” Legolas said. Illanir smiled, and then looked away. She was saved as Gandalf, who had been talking to Frodo suddenly declared he knew the way.

****

The Fellowship moved down the stairs until coming out on a landing. The darkness seemed very deep, giving no idea of the area in front of them.

“Let me risk a little more light,” Gandalf said, extending his staff ahead of him. The light grew slowly, and the shadows raced back. Above them and in front was a cavernous hall filled with pillars so high their tops were almost still hidden in the shadows. The stone work was immense and yet detailed. Their circumference would have taken four men linked arm to arm to equal. The cavern stretched back into the darkness.

“Behold, the great realm of the Dwarf-city of Dwarrowdelf,” Gandalf said. The rest of the Fellowship looked in wonder.

“There’s an eye opener, and no mistake,” Sam said in awe.

“Are you thinking of home,” Illanir asked, stepping next to her brother. He nodded, looking up into the cavernous hall. The group walked down the rest of the steps and into the hall. They had been walking for only a few minutes when Gimli spotted a door of to their right. He made an excited sound and raced toward it.

“Gimli!” Gandalf called, but the dwarf ignored him. The Fellowship followed him into the room, which was strewn with corpses. In the center was a white tomb. Gimli was already kneeling in front of it by the time they all made it in.

“No!,” he said softly. “Oh no!”

“‘Here lies, Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moira’” Gandalf read sadly. “He is dead then. It is as I feared.”

Boromir moved next to Gimli as Illanir examined the room. Gandalf handed his hat and staff to Pippin before taking a book from the hands of one of the dead dwarfs.

“We must move on,” Legolas whispered to Aragorn. “We cannot linger.”

Gandalf opened the book near to the end and began reading. “‘They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long…The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out…A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out…they are coming…”

Pippin, who had been slowly backing up, bumped against a well. The skeleton of a dwarf sat there, and arrow in his chest. Pippin reached up and pulled at it, but the skull fell off and down the hole. The entire Fellowship startled at the sound, and then the rest of the skeleton, as well as the bucket and chain that it had been holding, followed the skull. The noise seemed to echo through the entire mines, clattering and smashing down. When it stopped, no one moved for at minute. When no other noise answered back, they all seemed to relax. Boromir and Illanir let out the breath they had been holding and Aragorn lowered his head.

“Fool of a Took!” Gandalf exclaimed, snapping the book shut, dropping it, and snatching his staff and hat back from the hobbit. “Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity.”

Pippin looked down, ashamed, when a deep, booming sound seemed to reverberate back from far away. It grew in volume and intensity quickly. Other sounds could be heard, higher pitched and screeching…

“Frodo!” Sam said, looking down at Sting. Frodo pulled the sword out slightly, and saw the bright blue glow. The screeching grew in volume and drew closer and was joined by a scuffling sound of many feet running across stone…

“Orcs!” Legolas said.

“Once again, the obvious,” Illanir said as Boromir ran to the door to look out into the hall. Suddenly, two arrows whipped right by his face and into the door inches from his nose.

“Boromir!” Illanir shouted. Aragorn ran up to Boromir as he slammed the door shut.

“They have a cave troll,” Boromir said, sounding none too pleased. Legolas and Illanir threw whatever they could to Aragorn and Boromir to try and secure the door.

“Stay close to Gandalf!” Aragorn ordered the hobbits as he raced back to the front of the tomb.

“Illanir, get back with the hobbits,” Boromir ordered as he joined Aragorn and Legolas in front of the grave.

“Not a chance,” Illanir said, drawing her sword as the sound of scuffing feet grew louder and there was a pounding on the door.

“Then at least stay near me,” Boromir said quietly, stepped slightly in front of her. She glared at him, but assented.

“Brothers,” she grumbled, smiling.

“Let them come!” Gimli shouted, leaping up onto the tomb. Legolas and Aragorn had out bows, while Boromir, Illanir, Gandalf, and even the hobbits had out their swords. Sting shone bright blue in Frodo‘s shaking hand. “There is still one dwarf in Moira who still draws breath.”

Slowly, hacking with swords and other weapons, they started to break through. Legolas shot an arrow through one small hole and the howl of pain from the other side confirmed he had hit his mark. Aragorn shot through another hole, and also hit something, but the door collapsed. A mass of orcs came flooding in. Aragorn got off one more shot before having to reach for his sword, but Legolas continued to shoot, including one that came crawling in along the wall. The horde crashed into them, and as Gimli let out a warrior’s cry, Gandalf and the hobbits joined the fray. Aragorn swung and took the head of one completely off.

A loud growl and the thunder of heavy steps seemed to pause even the orcs for a second. There was a crashing around the doorway and the stone work fell as the cave troll punched its way into the room, a huge club in its hand. Illanir swore in elfish as the beast lumbered closer. The orcs were having trouble controlling the wild beast. Legolas shot at it, but the arrow did little damage, and only seemed to make the thing crazier. It broke loose from the orcs holding it, and locked on Sam, who was crouched in its path.

It swung down with the club, barely missing the hobbit. Sam dove under the troll’s legs. It turned around, and would have stepped forward to crush the hobbit if it hadn’t felt resistance from its chain pulling it back. It looked back. Aragorn, Boromir, and Illanir were pulling as hard as they could on the chain. Sam scampered away quickly, just in time for the three to duck as and orc swung. Illanir rolled away, and Aragorn dodged the blow, both of them letting go. Boromir also ducked, but when he came up, he saw he was the only one holding the chain. The cave troll saw it as well and whipped the chain, throwing Boromir into the wall opposite his sister and Aragorn. He slammed into the wall and onto the floor. He managed to retain consciousness, but was dazed and stunned so that he didn’t see the orc bearing down on him.

“Boromir!” Illanir shouted from across the chamber. The orc was about to swing when Aragorn threw a dagger, killing it. The falling body seemed to bring Boromir more out of his stunned state, and he looked up at Aragorn. The other man nodded as Illanir let out a quick sigh of relief before slashing at the orc charging her.

Legolas was on the upper level, shooting with deadly accuracy. The troll was bearing down with its club on Gimli, who, in the process of dodging an orc, had slipped. Legolas fitted two arrows and shot, throwing the troll off enough that Gimli was able to get to his feet and get away. Soon, however, the elf had to reach for one of his knifes to slash at the growing number of orcs. He took out one coming up behind him, turned, and was about to deal with a second when its head went flying from its shoulders. The body crumpled, and Illanir cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Well done,” Legolas said, looking over her shoulder. “Down!”

Illanir ducked as Legolas swung over her head and took out another orc. “You too.”

The troll swung its chain down just behind Legolas. Illanir jumped back behind the pillar, and Legolas jumped the other way. The two continued this dance as the troll continued to try and swat them. Finally, the cave troll swung again toward Illanir, but Legolas pulled her away, and the chain wrapped around the pillar where she had retreated before.

Stomping her foot where the chain crossed over itself, Illanir looked up at Legolas. “Go!”

The elf sprang lightly up the chain and up onto the troll’s head. He got off one shot before Illanir had to jump down to avoid an orc and the chain snapped. She landed a bit clumsily right in the troll’s lumbering path. Legolas got off one more shot. He jumped down and grabbed Illanir, dragging her out of the way.

“Thanks,” Illanir said.

“My lord elf!” Gimli shouted from across the room. Illanir saw an orc over Legolas’s shoulder and pulled him to the ground, rolling away.

“Thank you,” Legolas said. Illanir smiled and then realized he was on top of her. Legolas realized it as well and the two sprang up immediately and rejoined the fight. Sam had taken to using his frying pan and was taking out a fair number.

“I think I’m getting the hang of this,” he said, knocking another orc down.

Up on the second level, Merry and Pippin pushed Frodo in front of them, trying to keep him from the troll. No longer distracted by the elf on it’s head, the troll zeroed in on the hobbit. It swung down with its club, smashing the stone. The three were separated, and Merry and Pippin had to take refuge behind a different pillar than Frodo. He managed to evade the troll twice, moving around to opposite sides. Just as he let out a sigh of relief, believing the beast had given up, the troll appeared right next to him and growled. Frodo jumped back as it reached out for him.

“No!” Frodo cried as the troll grabbed him and dragged him out of the corner where he had taken refuge.

“Frodo!” Aragorn cried out as he heard the hobbit yell and saw him held by the beast.

“Aragorn!” Frodo called as he struggled in the trolls grasp. “Aragorn!”

Frodo clipped the trolls hand with Sting and was dropped. Just as the troll raised his club to smash the hobbit, Aragorn jumped from where he was, holding a long spear. He thrust upwards, and the troll dropped his club, but the spear barely pierced the tough hide. Merry and Pippin threw whatever they could, including some of the food, at the beast. The troll swatted at the spear, sending Aragorn flying into a wall. Frodo came to Aragorn’s side and tried to rouse him, but to no avail. The troll had picked up the spear and brought it down at Frodo. The hobbit dodged once, and then a second time, but the troll attacked again, and this time the spear hit home.

“Frodo!” Sam cried out. “FRODO!” Frodo gasped in pain and fell forward. From the upper level, Merry and Pippin jumped onto the cave troll’s head, attacking it as best they could with their blades. The troll was able to grab Merry from his back, and held him dangling as Legolas and Gimli attacked. Gimli struck at the leg, followed quickly by Gandalf, and the pain caused the troll to drop Merry. Illanir ran and scooped him up and away as Boromir made quick work of the few remaining orcs.

Pippin stabbed the troll in the back of the neck, causing it to open its mouth and let out a groan of pain. Legolas was ready and shot into the beast’s mouth. The arrow hit home and the cave troll stumbled slightly. Illanir stood by her brother, making sure he wasn’t too badly hurt, as he watched warily. The cave troll collapsed forward, throwing Pippin onto the floor. And all was silent.

“Aragorn!” Illanir whispered urgently as she finished with her brother. She ran to where the Ranger was slowly shaking his head and propping himself up. Illanir reached him and saw that he had only hit his head. He crawled away from her grasp towards where Frodo lay. Sam came up to them slowly, crying.

“Oh, no,” Aragorn said softly, reaching out and turning the hobbit over. As he did, Frodo let out a painful gasp, but he was quite alive. The rest of the Fellowship came up quickly.

“He’s alive!” Sam said, relieved.

“I’m alright,” Frodo said as Illanir stepped over Aragorn and tried to check him. “I’m not hurt.”

“You should be dead,” Aragorn said. “That spear would have skewered a wild boar.”

“I think there’s more to this hobbit than meets the eye,” Gandalf said, stepping closer and peering down. Frodo pulled open his shirt slightly and the silver mail shone out, even in the dim light.

“Mithril!” Gimli said, amazed. “You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!”

There was a second of relief before the distinct sound of more orcs roused them.

“To the bridge of Khazad-dum!” Gandalf said, urgently.

*****

They raced down the cavern, following Gandalf. Behind them, a sea of orcs followed, and the number only grew. Soon they were coming from above as well, scampering down the columns. They were more than halfway there when the orcs surrounded them. The Fellowship rounded into a tight group as the orcs growled at them. Boromir tried to put himself in front of his sister, but Illanir wouldn’t have it. The orcs started to come closer…

Suddenly, a huge booming sound echoed through the halls of stone. The orcs looked up in what seemed to be alarm. There was another booming sound and the walls seemed to shake. A red light slowly grew from where they had just come. The orcs shrieked and started to scamper out of sight. Gimli let out a cry of triumph. The crashing sound grew closer and the red light increased. The Fellowship turned and looked.

“I don’t think that was us,” Illanir said, eyeing Legolas, whose face was filled with fear. “I do not like it when elves are afraid.”

“What new devilry is this?” Boromir leaned over to ask Gandalf. The wizard leaned up against his staff and sighed.

“A Balrog,” he said quietly. The Hobbits looked at him and huddled closer together. Even Aragorn looked scared. “A demon of the ancient deep. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!”

The Fellowship took off, heading for an entranceway at the end of the hall. Boromir went first, running down the steps. The steps ran out and he dropped the torch.

“Boromir!” Illanir shouted as she came behind Legolas. Just as Boromir was about to lose his footing, Legolas, grabbed him from behind and pulled him back. Illanir helped them both to their feet and then ushered the hobbits on. Gandalf stopped at the top of the steps and waited until Aragorn was there.

“Gandalf!” Aragorn said, concerned.

“Lead them on Aragorn! The bridge is near,” Gandalf said. Aragorn hesitated, and Gandalf pushed him forward. “Go! Swords are no more use here!”

They reached a portion of steps that had fallen away. Legolas jumped first, as light as a cat. Illanir jumped next, but as she did she heard a whizzing sound and felt a sharp pain on the back of her shoulder. It threw her off, and she landed awkwardly, crying out in pain.

“Are you alright?” Legolas asked.

“Fine, I just landed wrong-” when suddenly, another arrow shot over their heads. Legolas whipped an arrow into his bow and took out one of the orcs that had started shooting at them. The booming continued behind them. Gandalf came over next, as Aragorn and Legolas started to shoot back. Aragorn stopped long enough to throw Sam over into Illanir’s arms, and he then turned to Gimli.

“Nobody tosses a dwarf!” Gimli said, jumping the gap. He didn’t quite make it, though, and Legolas reached for him but grabbed his beard instead. “NOT THE BEARD!”

Illanir reached out and took Gimli’s hand and pulled him and out of the way. Boromir took Merry and Pippin under his arms and jumped. That left Aragorn and Frodo. They were about to jump when the ground shook so hard beneath them that part of the stairs they were standing on fell away. Aragorn gripped on and climbed back up, but then another quake dropped a piece from the ceiling onto the stairway behind them. They were left on one lone island of stone that was becoming very unstable.

Aragorn and Frodo balanced themselves as the rest of the Fellowship looked on: there was nothing they could do. The rock started to sway.

“Hold on,” Aragorn said. “Lean forward!”

Slowly, the rock came toward the rest of the Fellowship. Boromir, Illanir, and Legolas waited at the other side. The stair came toward them, and with a crash Aragorn and Frodo came over. Aragorn was caught by Illanir and Legolas while Frodo was caught by Boromir. The stair fell away as the Fellowship continued to run down and toward the bridge.

It was growing brighter and hotter, and flames were coming up behind them. They reached the corridor before the bridge where the flames seemed to cover the walls. Illanir looked over her shoulder, tripped over a piece of debris, and hit the ground. She felt her ankle wrench and cried out in pain.

“Illanir!” Boromir started back toward her, but Legolas got there first. He leaned down to check her ankle as Gandalf came up to them.

“I’m fine,” she said, trying to stand.

“No, you are-” Legolas was interrupted as a loud roar echoed through the hall and suddenly the Balrog appeared before them. It was more flame and smoke than solid, and had horns and eyes that pierced and burned. Legolas and Illanir looked horrified for a split second before Legolas scooped her up and started to run. She didn’t object.

“Over the bridge!” Gandalf shouted. “Fly!”

Legolas and Illanir were across first, followed by Gimli and the smaller hobbits. They started up the stairs, and could feel the fresh air of the outside wash over their faces, and could see the hint of daylight ahead of them. Aragorn and Boromir were across next, followed by Gandalf. The wizard stopped, however, and turned halfway across the bridge. The Balrog stood, seeming to grow in height.

“You cannot pass!” Gandalf said fiercely. The Fellowship stopped on the other side of the bridge and turned.

“Gandalf!” Frodo cried out. Aragorn and Boromir stood, not knowing what to do. In Legolas’s arms, Illanir hardly breathed.

“I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Arnor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Undun,” Gandalf shouted, raising his sword and staff. The Balrog brought down a sword of fire and smoke, only to have it shatter against a blue shield of light that surrounded Gandalf. The creature stumbled back and then brought out a whip and stepped further out onto the bridge.

“Go back to the shadow! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!” Gandalf shouted. He brought his staff and sword crashing down onto the bridge in front of him. The Balrog took one more step forward, and half of the bridge collapsed, taking the demon with it. Gandalf let out a sigh and turned to the group, who also relaxed slightly.

Suddenly, one tendril of the whip shot up from the abyss and wrapped around Gandalf’s ankle, dragging him to his knees and then off the bridge. He grabbed onto the edge, trying to drag himself up.

“No, No!” Boromir said, grabbing Frodo as he tried to run back onto the bridge.

“Gandalf!” Frodo cried out, wrestling in Boromir’s grasp. Gandalf pulled himself up a bit more, and looked at the group.

“Fly, you fools!” he ordered. And then he let go, plummeting into the abyss.

“NO!” Frodo shouted as Boromir carried him away. “NO!”

“Aragorn!” Boromir shouted as he followed Legolas and the others out. A hail of orc arrows came from across the bridge towards them, clattering onto the stone. Aragorn stood transfixed for a moment, but then turned, dodged an arrow, and followed Boromir up the stairs toward the exit.

The Fellowship ran out into the sunlight and slowly stopped. The full weight of what had just happened seemed to hit them then. Boromir was holding Gimli to prevent him from running back into the mine. Merry was holding Pippin, and Sam was not far away, crying. Legolas put Illanir down, and tried hard to comprehend what had happened. Illanir was in tears. Only Aragorn seemed to hold his composure.

“Boromir, get them up,” he said, wiping his sword clean.

“Give them a moment, for pity’s sake!” Boromir cried.

“By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with orcs,” Aragorn said. “We must reach the woods of Lothlorien before nightfall.”

“Aragorn’s right,” Illanir said, trying to stand. “We should keep going. He wouldn’t want us to stop.”

“Come, Boromir, Legolas, get them up,” Aragorn said. “Illanir, can you-”

“I’m fine,” she nodded. She tried to stand, but grimaced in pain. Legolas came over and had her sit. “You don’t-”

“Just hold still,” he said. Pulling gently, Legolas turned the ankle. Illanir grimaced, and then the pain was gone. Illanir stood without pain and nodded.

“Thank you,” she said. She went to Pippin and helped him to his feet. As she pulled him up, she felt a burning sensation run through her shoulder. She reached back and brought her hand back to show some blood. She said nothing and went to her brother. Aragorn had gotten Sam to his feet and was calling for Frodo. The hobbit had wandered away from the group down the rocks. He turned back, and the tears were evident in his eyes.

*****

They had been running for a while, with Legolas and Aragorn in the lead. Illanir was trying to keep up, but she was having trouble keeping pace with the hobbits. She felt woozy and warm. Aragorn looked back and halted the group.

“Illanir, what’s wrong?” Aragorn asked, turning.

“Nothing,” she panted, wiping the sweat from her eyes.

“You can usually keep up with me,” Aragorn said, starting toward her.

“Its just my ankle,” Illanir said, starting to walk forward shakily. “We should keep going.”

“Your ankle should be fine,” Legolas said, also starting toward her.

“Illanir-?” Boromir said, looking at his sister closely.

“I said nothing is-” and with that she half collapsed before her brother was under her.

“Illanir!” Boromir cried. Aragorn and Legolas were helping him a second later to ease her down. Frodo and the rest crowded around.

“What’s wrong with her?” Pippin asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Nothing is wrong with me,” Illanir tried to shrug off Aragorn and Legolas. “Boromir, just get-”

“Aragorn,” Legolas said softly. Aragorn looked to where Legolas had found the tear in Illanir’s shirt on the back of her shoulder.

“That isn’t what I think it is,” Boromir said, his voice edged with fear.

“She must have been hit when we were running,” Aragorn said, pulling off Illanir’s pack and moving the shirt aside before reaching into his own bag. Frodo saw a nasty scratch that was festering around the edges and turning a disgusting shade of green.

“At the stairs, actually,” Illanir hissed in pain as Aragorn applied something.

“What is it?” Merry asked.

“Orc poison,” Legolas explained, helping Aragorn. “Sometimes they tip their swords or arrows with it. I’m not sure what we can do for her out here.”

Frodo reached up to his own shoulder as the memories of that night on Weathertop came flooding back.

“We have to get to Lothlorien,” Aragorn said, packing up. He picked up Illanir’s pack but Pippin stopped him.

“I’ll take it,” the hobbit said.

“Do you want me to take-” Legolas offered as Boromir picked up Illanir.

“No, I have her,” Boromir said.

“Let’s move,” Aragorn said.

****

They reached the edge of the wood and slowed. Aragorn and Legolas went in first, with Boromir, still carrying Illanir, brining up the rear. Gimli was in front of Frodo and Sam.

“Boromir, put me down,” Illanir said, trying to free herself from her brother’s grasp.

“Illanir, I don’t think…” he started to object.

“You can do little for either of us if you can’t get at a weapon,” Illanir said. “Now put me down before I make you put me down.”

The tone in her voice left little room for argument. Boromir dropped her to her feet, but she did leave one arm around his shoulders. Legolas looked back over his shoulder, the concern in his gaze barely masked.

“Stay close, master Hobbit,” Gimli whispered to Sam and Frodo. “They say an elf witch lives in these woods. A sorceress of great power. All who look on her come under her spell, and are never heard from again.”

Frodo…Frodo jerked as a haunting voice came into his mind.

“Master Frodo?” Sam asked, concerned.

You bring great danger with you, Ring bearer… a pair of bright eyes flashed in front of Frodo’s eyes.

“This is one dwarf she will not ensnare,” Gimli growled. “I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox-”

Gimli stopped suddenly as he found an arrow pointed at his nose. The entire Fellowship was surrounded by elves in light sliver with bows pointed at them. Illanir and Boromir reached for their swords and Legolas had his bow ready to fire.

“The dwarf breaths so loudly,” a tall dwarf said as he stepped forward, “we could have shot him in the dark.”

Gimli snarled back. “Aragorn, we should leave this place.”

“And they are worried about the faults of men-” Illanir started before collapsing fully into her brother’s arms.

“Illanir!” Boromir cried out. “Aragorn!”

Legolas lowered his bow and shoved aside those that were covering him. He ran to the two.

“She’s burning up!” he said over his shoulder to Aragorn.

“Haldir of Lorien,” Aragorn said, bowing. The elf seemed surprised and then a slight recognition passed over his face. “We need your protection, and your help.”

Haldir waved his hand and the rest of the bows were lowered. Two of the elves went over to Boromir and one lifted Illanir with more ease than Legolas had done in the Mines. Legolas whispered something in elvish and the two Lorien elves set off into the woods. Boromir started to object, but Aragorn stopped him.

“She will be alright,” he said. “Come.”

The group followed Aragorn and Haldir into the woods.

*****

“You bring great evil with you,” Haldir said, gazing over to Frodo. He contemplated the hobbit for a while before looking back to Aragorn. “Your companion will be healed and then returned to you. You can go no further.”

“Healed or not, one should rest after being poisoned-” Boromir started to object before Aragorn restrained him. Aragorn pulled Haldir to the side and started to argue fervently in elfish with him.

*****

“Do not fear,” Galadriel said, as she finished looking at Boromir. She turned slowly to look once again at Legolas. “Your companion is well, and will soon be with you again.”

Boromir stopped shaking, and Frodo caught the look of relief in Legolas’ eyes.

*****

The group spread out among the tents that had been made ready for them. Legolas brought water. A soft singing had started not long after they had been brought to their encampment.

“A lament for Gandalf,” Legolas said, turning his face upward to catch more of the song. Frodo sat in the crook of one of the great trees and tried not to cry.

“What do they say?” Merry asked.

“I cannot tell you,” Legolas said, turning. “For me the grief is still to near.”

“I bet they don’t mention his fireworks,” Sam said sadly, standing from he was unrolling a blanket. He thought for a moment.

“The finest rockets ever seen
They burst in stars of blue and green-”

Aragorn looked over as there was a snort from where Gimli had laid down. The dwarf snored again, and Aragorn hit him. Boromir had started to pace off into the woods, and Aragorn followed.

“Take some rest,” he said as Boromir settled on a rock some distance off from the group. “These borders are well protected.”

“I will find no rest here,” Boromir said, very unhappy.

“Illanir is in good hands,” Aragorn assured him. “She will be-”

“It is more than that,” Boromir said, looking up at Aragorn. “I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me “Even now, there is hope left,” but I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope.”

Back at the tents, Sam continued with his verse.

“Or after thunder, silver showers
Came falling like a rain of flowers-

Oh, that doesn’t do them justice, not by a long road,” he said dejectedly.

“No, master Samwise, it does him a very good…”

Suddenly the elf saw a glimmer out of the corner of his eye. He turned, and Merry and Pippin, saw the look of wonder on his face.

“…tribute.” he finished, setting the water down, his eyes not moving from the two figures coming down the steps toward them. Merry and Pippin came out to see what he was looking at, and Frodo and Sam soon joined them. Frodo thought another of the Lady’s representatives had come to visit them, but then he saw the hair.

It was Illanir, but never in Frodo’s dreams he could have ever imagined her like this. She was on Haldir’s arm, and even the elf seemed taken by the mortal that he was helping. She seemed to glow more than the silver dress she was wearing, and her eyes caught all of the color around them. Her hair cascaded down her back, free and loose.

“Illanir!” Merry and Pippin broke the awed silence. Illanir looked up as the two hobbits raced toward her. She let go of Haldir’s arm and bent to wrap the two in her arms. She walked with them over to where the rest of the group, who had now been joined by Gimli, waited.

“It is good to see you well,” Frodo said as Illanir and the hobbits came up.

“It is good to be well,” Illanir smiled, bending to hug him and Sam.

“You are as lovely to see as a dawn after a dark night,” Gimli said, taking her hand.

“My lord Gimli, it is still me,” Illanir said, her tone embarrassed. “I just happen to be in a dress, which I promise you will not last for long.”

“I think you look as lovely as the Lady Arwen,” Pippin said.

“Never could I hope to be half a beautiful as my foster-sister,” Illanir laughed. She met Legolas’s gaze and smiled. “My Lord Legolas seems to have lost his tongue.”

“It is unable to speak, for it knows not how to describe the loveliest mortal my eyes have seen,” Legolas said, taking the hand Gimli had held.

“Then your eyes have seen few of the race of men,” Illanir said, but Frodo saw the blush. For a split second it seemed the two were in a different world, a different time. Illanir shook herself gently. “Where is my brother?”

“He is with Strider, just beyond those trees,” Pippin said, pointing to where the two had gone.

“I should go to him-” Illanir said, starting toward where Pippin had indicated. She stepped past Haldir and then wavered slightly.

“You should be careful, Lady Illanir,” Haldir warned. “You are still not completely well. I will take you to your brother and the Lord Aragorn.”

“No, I will take her,” Legolas said. “If the Lady will allow me.”

“Of course,” Illanir nodded.

“I will also join you,” Gimli said. “There is much to see in this land, and I fear we will be here too short of a time to see it all.”

“Who would have thought?” Illanir smiled as she took Legolas’s arm. “A dwarf anxious to see more of an elfin land.”

Aragorn had heard Boromir’s desires, and his fears. He knew well the power of the Lady. As he heard Boromir describing their return to Gondor, he had to wonder if it would ever truly happen. He tried to give the son of Denethor an encouraging smile, but the doubts in his own heart clouded his attempt. He saw Gimli and Legolas walking toward them with a third person…

“You say you see no hope,” Aragorn said, standing as he recognized Illanir. “I see some now.” Boromir looked up and blinked in surprise. He stood slowly as the three, the human, the elf, and the dwarf, came toward them. Legolas was telling them a story and the other two laughed.

“She looks like our mother,” Boromir said. Illanir looked up to see the two men watching them. She disengaged herself from Legolas’s arm and ran toward her brother. A second later she was in his arms. He held her closely. “Are you alright?”

“I am,” Illanir said.

“I have never seen you like this,” Boromir laughed, holding her arm’s length and smiling.

“Few, if any, have had that pleasure,” Aragorn said, coming up behind the two.

“Aragorn,” Illanir said, hugging him gently. She let go and moved back to her brother, and Aragorn noticed that some of the sadness and darkness had lifted from Boromir’s eyes.

“Come, we should return to the tents,” Aragorn said. “The Lady will have sent food.”

As the group headed back to where the hobbits had already started on the food, Aragorn noticed the look that passed between Legolas and Illanir. He smiled gently, remembering. It was the same way he had looked when he had seen Arwen for the first time.

****

The next few days were beautiful. The remaining members of the Fellowship spent their days wandering among the silver birches. The hobbits stayed close, while, to Illanir’s pleasured surprise, Aragorn and Boromir spent some of the time together. Sometimes they were discussing what path to take after they left Lothlorien, but other times Aragorn would listen as Boromir tried to embarrass his sister with tales of their youth in Gondor. Not that she didn’t try to do the same with him. Soon, however, she spent more and more of her time among the Galamdring, joining Legolas and Gimli as they talked with the elves, or with each other. By the second night the three would not return to the tents, but spend it together, watching the sunrise over the trees. They talked about everything, from lore to fighting styles.

It had only been a few days since they had come to Lothlorien, but under the watchful eye of the Lady Galadriel, Illanir had regained her strength and then some. The sun was just beginning to slip beneath the horizon when Aragorn called a meeting.

“Where’s Illanir?” Boromir said, sitting on a large root next to where Aragorn was standing.

“She went off with Legolas and Gimli this morn-” Aragorn had started to scan the trees when he was cut off by a playful yelp. Illanir came bounding into the clearing with Legolas fast on her heals and Gimli not far behind.

“Boromir, Aragorn, help-” Illanir was cut off as Legolas grabbed her hand and wrenched her to the ground. Boromir jumped to his feet, but Aragorn restrained him as Illanir laughed, kicking Legolas feet out from under him, knocking him into Gimli. She rolled toward her brother, and took refuge behind him, laughing as Legolas quickly sprung to his feet, helping Gimli up as well.

“My apologies, Aragorn,” Legolas said, eyeing a smiling Illanir.

“Her Ladyship should perhaps continue to wear a dress,” Gimli said, panting ever so slightly. “Perhaps then she would be easier to catch.”

“Did I injure your dignity, my Lords“? Illanir smiled, bowing slightly. “Or was it the fact that I beat you both in-”

“You wished to see us, Aragorn,” Legolas said, cutting Illanir off. The Fellowship sat, with Pippin and Merry moving to be closer to Illanir and Boromir. Legolas and Gimli sat opposite them, with Frodo and Sam rounding out the circle.

“It is good to see that you have your strength back, Illanir,” Aragorn smiled. “It seems it is time for us to move on with our quest.”

“Don’t suppose you could lie and say it would take a few more days?” Pippin said to Illanir. She smiled and gently smacked the back of his head.

“We have tarried long enough,” Aragorn said, looking at the hobbit. “The choice isn’t so much about if we should leave or not, but what we should do when we reach the end of the river.”

“Amon Hen flows to the falls and there the path divides,” Boromir said after Aragorn has finished. “We turn west, and travel on to Minas Tirith, to aid in the coming war…”

“Or travel to the east, and head toward…” Aragorn started, but did not finish.

“Mordor,” Frodo said softly, doing it for him. His face paled. While it had always been in the back of their minds, Mordor had been overshadowed by the beauty and safety of Lothlorien. A cloud seemed to shadow the light coming from the trees. Pippin and Merry got closer to Boromir and Illanir. Legolas looked lost in thought, and Gimli grunted.

“The journey from here to the Falls is about four or five days in length,” Legolas said. “Less so, if we row all night and do not stop.”

“And from there to Mordor is another…who knows how long it will take?” Illanir said.

“Why go to Mordor?” Boromir asked, indignant.

“Because that what we set out to do,” Frodo said, eyeing Boromir carefully.

“But going to Minas Tir-”

“The Ring would be no safer in Gondor than it would have been in Rivendell,” Illanir said gently, taking her brother’s arm. “Perhaps less so, and the danger to Gondor would be greater.”

Boromir sighed, disappointed. Aragorn looked at the Fellowship and thought of Gandalf, uncertain about how to proceed.

“To journey to Mordor is folly,” Boromir said softly. “I will turn to Minas Tirith, to my city, as is my duty. I will travel with the company to the Falls, however. It not in the men of Minas Tirith to desert their friends. From there, I will travel alone if my help has not earned the reward of any companionship.”

Boromir stood, but his sister caught his hand before he could move off. He looked down, and saw the regret and pleading in her eyes.

“It is a number of days until the Falls,” Boromir said, nodding. Illanir smiled.

“Boromir is correct,” Aragorn said. The other man looked a bit surprised. “No decisions need be made immediately. The path of each individual must be chosen by that individual. As Lord Elrond said, no oath was placed on any member to go farther than they would.”

The Fellowship slowly wandered off. Illanir excused herself to Legolas and Gimli, choosing instead to go with her brother that night. The two wandered off alone. Aragorn watched them go, not knowing how to feel.

“Aragorn,” Gimli said, coming up. “I will follow you. Where you go, I will go.”

“As will I,” Legolas nodded. Merry and Pippin had headed back to the tents, as had Sam, after hesitating when Frodo didn’t join them. Frodo had waved him on, and Aragorn joined them now, looking over his shoulder at the young halfling.

Boromir and Illanir returned a few hours later. The hobbits, including Frodo, had fallen asleep. Legolas and Gimli were talking not far away. Aragorn watched as Boromir cast himself onto his bed, falling into a troubled sleep. Illanir watched for a few minutes before joining Aragorn.

“I have managed to convince him to stay with us till Cair Andros,” Illanir said. “By the time we reach the Falls I should have him throwing the Ring into the fires himself.”

“I hope you are right,” Aragorn smiled wryly, and Illanir returned it. Aragorn looked above to the blinking stars. “If only I knew what Gandalf had been planning on doing.”

“There’s no saying my brother would have agreed with Gandalf if he were still here,” Illanir said. “It is your choices that are guiding us now, and you must trust them.”

“I had planned to go to Minas Tirith,” Aragorn said softly. Illanir looked shocked, and sat next to him. “I believed the dreams to be a summons; I still do, and I thought perhaps it was time for Elendil’s heir to…strive with Sauron.

“But when Gandalf fell in Moira…how could I leave Frodo to go on alone if he decided not to go with Boromir?”

Illanir looked down and thought in silence for a minute. Then she looked at Aragorn’s face: it seemed more worn with cares than she had ever seen it before.

“You know my mind on this, Aragorn,” Illanir said. “I go to protect Gondor, and you are Gondor’s future. I believe it, and it seems my brother does also, at least a little.”

“What, taking a risk?” Aragorn smiled at her.

“You weren’t lying to me just then, when you said you would have gone with Boromir,” Illanir said, standing. “It’s not everything, but it is something. I have been patient this long, as has Gondor. We can wait a little longer.”

“Thank you,” Aragorn said. Illanir smiled.

“You should get some sleep,” Illanir said. “Who knows when we shall sleep this safely again?”

“Are you saying that as the Protector?” Aragorn smiled.

“No,” Illanir said, “as a friend.” She moved off to the tent, laughing as Legolas and Gimli, who were also getting ready to at least rest, glared at her. There was no anger behind it, though, and the three laughed softly as Aragorn stood and walked into the tent.

****

Illanir opened her eyes slowly. She could have sworn she heard someone call her name. She thought she had dreamt it, as she believed she had dreamt Frodo going with the Lady a few hours earlier.

Illanir…

This time Illanir knew she had heard her name called. She sat up and looked around. The others were still sleeping, but the gray light of dawn was just tipping the silver trees. Legolas stirred next to her, and Illanir saw an elf appear at the door to the tent. She didn’t need to ask anything. Taking the comb from beside her bed, she swept her hair out of her face and softly made her way past the rest of the Fellowship. She followed the elf across the courtyard and up the steps to the chamber of the Lady Galadriel. Illanir bowed low as she entered and saw Galadriel.

“My Lady,” she said softly. Galadriel crossed to her and raised her gently. She looked into Illanir’s eyes, and for a while, Illanir could hold the gaze. But she soon felt her own doubts surface and avoided the Lady’s eyes. “I have been meaning to thank you for your help and healing-”

“That is not necessary; it is my duty to help those of my family,” Galadriel said, walking a few steps away. “You have grown much since I first saw you. I see Elrond has done well.”

“Not as well as he would have liked,” Illanir admitted, smiling. “I am afraid I am not quite the proper foster-daughter he would have liked.”

“I doubted you would be,” Galadriel said. “But you are a good foster-sister to my granddaughter, and a good friend.”

“I have tried to be,” Illanir said.

“I also understand that you wish to know why you were sent to Rivendell?” Galadriel asked. Illanir looked down, knowing that the question more likely came from her own mind than from anything Arwen or Elrond would have said. “Could you not just believe that it was for your benefit to be raised among the elves?”

“I was brought from my home by Gandalf,” Illanir said, a bit sadly, remembering how he had let her ride with him for most of the trip, comforting her. “And no one is just raised in Lord Elrond’s house, not without a purpose. My lord Aragorn, for example.”

Galadriel smiled, nodding. Her face then became more serious. “I know you wish to know why you were sent, by my request to your father-yes my request,” she continued, answering Illanir’s astonished look, “but the time is not yet right for all things to be revealed. I ask you to be patient for a while longer.”

Illanir nodded, remembering her own words to Aragorn earlier that night.

“I would also ask that when the Fellowship continues tomorrow, you remain here,” Galadriel said. Illanir involuntarily gasped and took a step back. She was utterly speechless, and her mind was racing.

“My Lady-”

“I have seen things,” Galadriel said, stepping to the rail and looking down to the mirror far below them. Illanir joined her and saw the shimmering silver. “If you also wish-”

“No,” Illanir said softly. “I will trust you.”

“I have seen what you will experience if you continue,” Galadriel said, turning to Illanir. “There will be much sadness, and much grief. Things will happen which you cannot stop, but you will be close, and you will feel pain because you cannot prevent them. I do not wish to see you hurt.”

“Have you seen what will happen if I don’t go?” Illanir asked softly after a few minutes. Galadriel smiled softly, pleased at the girl’s intuitiveness.

“I have not,” she said. Illanir turned and walked a few paces away before turning back.

“My Lady, I have a tendency to not always do what I am told by everyone who tells me to do it,” Illanir said, glancing at the floor. She looked back up and tried to hold Galadriel’s gaze as long as she could. “But you I will obey. If you command me to stay, I will stay.

“But I would beg you not to give me that command,” Illanir finished. Galadriel sighed, and came up slowly and stroked Illanir’s cheek. She considered her for a minute or two before smiling.

“I will not command you to stay,” Galadriel said. Illanir breathed a sigh of relief. “But on one condition.”

The Lady reached behind Illanir and pulled the comb that had been holding her hair. It tumbled down in red curls behind her.

“It is not appropriate for one of Gondor who is yet unmarried to wear their hair up,” Galadriel said.

“But I am be-” Illanir started.

“You are not married yet,” Galadriel stopped her. “Do not worry, we have a few hours yet before you must join your companions. There is time to show you how to wear it down without it becoming a distraction.

“And I believe,” Galadriel said as two female elves joined them, “you will find it easier to learn than you think it is.”

****

The Fellowship rose the next morning and readied themselves to leave. Boromir flicked at his sister’s hair playfully before she batted his hand away, smiling at him. They gathered in a grove, where nine elves awaited them, holding capes that seemed to shimmer in the light of the dawn.

“Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people,” Celeborn said solemnly as the elves fastened the capes of silver-gray around the Fellowship. “May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes.”

There were other gifts from the Lady Galadriel. As they loaded the boats with food and supplies, each member was called forth. Illanir was one of the last.

“You will not change your mind?” Galadriel asked.

“Unless you change yours, my Lady, I will not,” Illanir said, bowing. She looked over at her brother who was helping load the boats and Aragorn who was talking to Celeborn. “Besides, I have promises that must be kept.”

“Then take this of me,” Galadriel said, holding out a jeweled clip. She turned Illanir and removed the leather strap that had been holding her hair in the braids. She clipped it on and Illanir turned back.

“Thank you, my Lady,” she smiled.

“I feel that what I have given is too little, so I also give you this,” Galadriel said. She presented Illanir with a silver ring with a white stone in it.

“My Lady, I cannot-”

“You are of the race of men, but you have been a friend to the elves,” Galadriel stopped her. “This ring is yours, and with it will come much more, as long as you are patient to wait for it.”

Illanir smiled and bowed. She walked to where they were loading the boats. The rest of the fellowship except for Aragorn was there already. Legolas seemed unable to take his eyes off his new bow, and Gimli seemed in a dream. The young hobbits were talking with Boromir, and Sam was trying to get seated in his boat. They waited for Aragorn, who was talking quietly with Galadriel. From the look on Aragorn’s face, it wasn’t hard to tell what they were talking about. He bowed to her and came to the boats. Illanir smiled and went to him.

“Being attacked from all sides?” she asked. Aragorn gave her a sad smile, but nodded. She placed a hand on his shoulder and they started to get into the boats. The younger hobbits jumped into Boromir’s boat just ahead of Illanir.

“Oh, Illanir, sorry, I mean here…” Merry muttered, starting to shove Pippin out. The boat rocked violently and Illanir and Boromir grabbed it to stop it.

“No, no, you two are settled and that in itself is a small miracle,” Illanir said. She looked over to Gimli and Legolas. “I will join you, if I may.”

“Of course,” Legolas said as Illanir walked over to their boat. He offered her his hand, but she ignored it and was in the boat with little trouble. Boromir got in with the halflings, and Aragorn had Frodo and Sam. They said farewell to the elves and set off down the river. For a while they just sat silently, thinking.

“I have taken my worst wounding at this parting, for I have looked my last on that which is fairest,” Gimli said from behind Illanir sadly. Illanir turned gently and looked upon the dwarf. “Henceforth I shall call nothing fair unless it is her gift.”

“And what did she give you?” Legolas asked.

“I asked for one strand of hair from her golden head,” Gimli sighed. “She gave me three.”

Legolas and Illanir smiled.

“And she gave me mine,” Illanir said softly, turning back.

“My lady does not like-” Legolas started.

“No, no, I do,” Illanir said quickly. “It will just take some getting used to.”

She reached back and fingered one of the red curls. For all her heart was troubled by the lady’s warnings, she felt a lightness, and even the dwarf could see it.

****

Illanir and Legolas had gone to collect fuel for the fire. They stayed close, with their ears alert.

“You didn’t have to come with me,” Illanir said. “I can take care of myself.”

“Yes, but there are…things in these woods that I would not leave Aragorn alone to fight,” Legolas said, grabbing some branches.

“Something hasn’t been right,” Illanir said, nodding. “I shall be glad when we get to the Falls and hopefully get away from…whatever it is.”

“Will your brother continue with us after Cair Andros?” Legolas asked as Illanir bent to pick a dead branch.

“I think I can convince him,” Illanir sighed. “I thought I had him convinced to go with us that far, but ever since we left Lothlorien he has been…more afraid. He is anxious to return to our father. I think he fears what the Lady hinted.”

“He did not hold her gaze long when we met her,” Legolas nodded.

“Did you?” Illanir asked, not liking his tone.

“Of course, but I am an elf-”

“So only elves have the strength to withstand her?” Illanir challenged.

“I did not say that,” Legolas responded.

“You didn’t have to,” Illanir said, turning away. “I recognized the tone. I heard it almost constantly from Lord Elrond, his foster daughter though I am.”

“What do you mean?”

“He didn’t believe in the strength of men,” Illanir said, turning to lock eyes with him. “And I have met few elves who did, and I see you are no exception.”

“I did not mean that at all,” Legolas said, moving from where he was standing.

“Then what did you mean?” Illanir said, her voice stopping him. “For all that I love the elves, I see them leaving Middle Earth to fend for itself, leaving these shores as if they care nothing about what happened here. They see no strength in the race of men and so they flee, like cowar-”

“They might be justified, since it was the race of men that let the Ring continue to exist, who have succumbed to its power,” Legolas countered. “Or was I mistaken when I watched your brother at the Council?”

“I never said the race of men was perfect,” Illanir said, the truth stinging. “But if I remember correctly it was your people that mistook Sauron himself for a simple sorcerer when he was on the northern borders of your land. And it is the elves that I fear will not help in the coming fight. So far as I have seen, no race in Middle Earth is perfect.”

The two stood in silence, glaring at each other, before breaking eye contact at the same time.

“Your brother is a good man,” Legolas said. “He is better when you are around.”

“I know he is,” Illanir sighed. She looked to the stars. “I am just concerned for him; for all of us. It does no good to argue amongst ourselves.”

“That will only lead to a victory for Sauron,” Legolas nodded. They looked at each other and smiled. Then they heard the sound of something.

“Raised voices,” Illanir said quickly. She and Legolas grabbed the wood they had and raced back to the clearing by the river. They reached the clearing and stopped just out of sight. Aragorn and Boromir were arguing.

“I would not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of you city,” Aragorn said harshly to Boromir. He turned away and Boromir was about to go after him. Legolas heard Illanir breath in sharply. She rose from where they were and stepped forward.

“We have more fuel,” she said cheerily. Boromir stopped and Illanir dropped her wood and went quickly to her brother. “Come, the elf and I will take next watch. You two should sleep.”

“Of course,” Boromir smiled, placing an arm around his sister. Aragorn and Legolas saw some of the worry and fear lift from his face. She got him settled before turning back to Aragorn. The two just looked at each other before Aragorn moved to his blankets next to Frodo. Illanir looked down and then back up to see Legolas watching her.

****

The pulled the boats up on the western shore of the lake. Illanir saw her brother shake himself and went to him quickly. He waved her off, saying he was just tired. She nodded and helped the hobbits unload the boats. Legolas went to the edge of the trees and eyed them warily. Gimli got a fire started.

“We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats, and continue on foot” Aragorn said as he pulled more from his boat. “We approach Mordor from the north.”

“Oh, yes?” Gimli queried. “Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassible labyrinth of razor sharp rocks, and after that it gets even better-”

Pippin looked from where he was sitting next to Gimli up at Illanir, who gave him an encouraging smile as the dwarf continued.

“Festering, stinking marshlands, as far as the eye can see!”

“That is our road,” Aragorn said. “I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf.”

“Recover my…pwhaff…” Gimli muttered as Illanir tried to not laugh out loud. Legolas came from where he was to stand next to Aragorn.

“We should leave now,” he said urgently.

“No, orcs patrol the eastern shore,” Aragorn said softly. “We must wait for cover of darkness.”

“It is not the eastern shore that worries me,” Legolas said, scanning the tree line as Illanir came to stand next to Aragorn. “A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind.”

“I hate to admit it, but I agree with the elf,” Illanir said. “We should keep moving.”

Merry looked up from Gimli’s continued grumbling. “Where’s Frodo?”

Aragorn’s eyes shot quickly around the encampment. Frodo was nowhere in sight, but someone else was missing that worried him just as much.

“Where’s my brother?” Illanir said softly, her eyes coming to rest at Boromir’s abandoned shield at the same time Aragorn’s did. The two looked at each other, Illanir barely able to conceal the fear.

“We’ve got to find him,” Sam said, taking off into the woods.

“Sam, wait,” Aragorn cried out. But it was too late. The hobbit dashed off into the woods. Aragorn started after him. “Legolas, take Illanir and Gimli and try to find Boromir. Merry and Pippin try to catch up with Sam. Let’s try to get back together as soon as we can.”

Illanir didn’t object as she, Legolas, and Gimli set off. Aragorn ran into the woods and up towards the cliffs overlooking the falls, while Merry and Pippin went on the path below, following Sam.

****

Illanir, Legolas, and Gimli followed the tracks as far as they could. They found their way to where a huge head had fallen. A sudden breeze caught a sound that caused Legolas to turn.

“What?” Illanir said, seeing the elf take a few steps back toward the falls.

“Something is not right,” Legolas said softly. “The trees speak of evil.”

“I have hardly known any trees to speak of anything-” Gimli started before Illanir cut him off. Slowly, she heard something: unnatural sounds, similar to orcs, but different in some way. Then she heard the clash of swords.

“Aragorn,” she said softly, urgently.

“This way,” Legolas said, dashing off towards the sound. Illanir and Gimli followed, the sound growing in number and volume as they drew closer. They saw the beasts as they neared the stone works at the top of the cliffs.

Aragorn was doing his best to hold off the Uruk-hais, but their number was growing. As Illanir and the other two came up the hill, he jumped off the stone works with a cry, landing on two of the uruks. Before he could get up, though, another was bearing down behind him.

The elf fitted an arrow and shot the orc just as it reached Aragorn, and a second later the three had joined Aragorn, evening the odds slightly. Illanir cut down two with one swipe as Legolas kept many of them at bay. Gimli swung his ax with deadly efficiency, taking out a fair share. Aragorn smacked one’s head against the stone and stabbed him with the knife before being grabbed by one and pinned against a tree. After repeated punches, he managed to get away from the tree and turn the beast so its back was facing Legolas. The elf took careful aim and took the uruk out. Illanir ran to make sure Aragorn was OK.

The clear sound of a trumpet echoed through the air. All seemed to stop for a second listening.

“The Horn of Gondor,” Legolas said.

“Boromir,” Illanir half-whispered. She started to run toward the sound. “He’s in trou-”

She had just made it to one of the first trees when an Uruk-hai reached out with his arm and cloths lined her right across the chest. She went down hard, slightly dazed. The beast raised his weapon over her and was about to strike when Illanir was dimly aware of a growl and the uruk hai arching backwards. Gimli wrenched the thing off his ax as Legolas ran to where Illanir lay, still shaking her head.

“Aragorn go!” he cried, taking out a few uruk hais that lay in Aragorn’s path. Aragorn sheathed his knife and took off toward the sound of a second blast, and then a third, that was cut off. Back at the top off the hill, Illanir managed to get back to her feet and the fighting continued in earnest. She tried to make her way towards the sound, but the number of Uruk-hais running that way seemed to have increased. Those at the rear were putting up a stiff fight, covering the retreat. Slowly, however, the number dwindled. When Legolas took out the last one in sight as he disappeared over a bump in the hill, the three stopped for a second to catch their breath.

“Have you heard the Horn?” Illanir asked.

“Not since Aragorn went down,” Legolas said. Illanir turned in the direction Aragorn had gone, and took off running, Legolas and Gimli fast behind her.

****

Aragorn knelt next to Boromir. There was nothing he could do. He could only hope Illanir was occupied elsewhere…

“Forgive me, I did not see,” Boromir said, obviously in pain. “I have failed you all.”

“No Boromir, you fought bravely,” Aragorn said, trying to comfort the dying man with the truth. “You have kept your honor.”

A rustle from behind Aragorn made him turn and reach for his knife. He saw Illanir running toward him, with Legolas and Gimli right behind her. Illanir stopped by a tree and saw Aragorn and her brother.

“No…” she said softly.

“Legolas, hold her!” Aragorn shouted, but it was too late. Just as Legolas reached for Illanir, she slipped from his grasp and ran to her brother’s side. The tears were already forming in her eyes.

“No, no, no!” she cried, holding her brother. She looked up at Aragorn. “Help him!”

“Leave it!” Boromir said as Aragorn reached for one of the arrows.

“No, please let him help-”

“He can do nothing now,” Boromir said, grasping his sister’s hand in pain. “Nor can you. I shall not be returning with you to the White City.”

“No, you will,” Illanir, trying to choke back the tears. “You’ll chase me through the city, and we’ll dance, and we will-”

“The world of men will fall,” Boromir said, shaking his head, “and all will come to darkness, and our city to ruin.”

“No, Boromir, no…” Illanir pleaded softly, trying to stop the tears.

“I do not know what strength is in my blood,” Aragorn said. “But I swear to you I will not let the White City fall. Nor our people fail.”

Illanir looked up, shocked, the tears momentarily forgotten. Boromir struggled for breath.

“Our people,” he smiled. “Our people. Illanir…”

“I’m here,” she said, gripping his hand.

“You knew our duty better than I did, and now it seems you are called on,” Boromir freed his hand long enough to pull off his glove and remove the dragon ring from his finger. “You know the oath, you always have. Speak it now, and swear to me you will protect him.”

“To protect him as my king, to put his life before my own,” Illanir said, placing the ring on her own finger and locking eyes with Aragorn. “This I, Illanir, daughter of Denethor, child of Gondor, swear by the White Tree.”

Boromir nodded satisfied, and then reached for his own sword, which Aragorn handed to him. Boromir placed it to his breast.

“I would have followed you,” he said softly, “my brother, my captain. My king.”

“Boromir?” Illanir said softly. But it was too late. Illanir fell forward onto her brother, weeping openly.

“Be at peace, son of Gondor,” Aragorn said, leaning forward and kissing him gently on the forehead. Tears came silently from his eyes. Legolas and Gimli came toward the three, the sadness in their hearts beyond words. Aragorn pulled Illanir to her feet slowly, holding her close.

“They will look for his coming from the White Tower,” he said softly, feeling the tears.

“But he will not return,” Illanir finished.

****

“May the river carry you home,” Illanir said softly. “And may you find peace until we meet again.”

She kissed her brother gently and then stepped back. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pushed the boat until the current caught it. Illanir watched as the boat drifted closer to the falls until it was lost in the mists. Gimli watched Illanir as Legolas scanned for the other boat, eventually spotting it on the eastern shore being abandoned by the hobbits. Aragorn laced the wrist guards as Legolas started to push the last boat into the water.

“Hurry, Frodo and Sam have reached the Eastern shore,” he said. He looked up to see Aragorn not moving, but watching as the two disappeared into the trees. “You mean not to follow them.”

“Frodo’s fate is no longer in our hands,” Aragorn said as Illanir finally turned and came slowly up to join them.

“Then it was all in vain,” Gimli said ruefully. “The Fellowship has failed.”

“Do not say that,” Illanir said forcefully. “I will not have that said about my brother’s last journey.”

She looked at Aragorn, half-begging him to prove her right.

“Not if we remain true to one another,” Aragorn said. “We shall not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death.

“Illanir, if you wish to go to Gondor-”

“I meant what I swore, Aragorn,” Illanir said. She stepped forward and finished fastening the writs guard. “I go with you, my King, and I go to avenge my brother.”

Aragorn nodded and started gathering a few things. “Leave all that can be sparred. Let’s hunt some orc.”

Legolas, Gimli, and Illanir looked at each other. Gimli let out a whoop and Illanir and Legolas just smiled. They set off behind Aragorn into the woods, and into their future.

The End (of the story...not the epic)

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