Daughter of the Shapeshifter (A Lord of The Rings Fanfiction)

Chapter 20

*Era's Pov-

"So, tell me what all happened while you were gone, Era."  I smiled politely as I told Haldir everything, from the Shire to Rivendell to Moria.  I left out all the parts involving Boromir, too confused to bring him up.  Why was Boromir so distant?  I shrugged the matter off and examined Haldir.

"What happened here, Haldir?  How'd you become captain of the guard?  What happened to Trudruff?"  Haldir hung his head.

"Shortly after you left. we were attacked by a whole pack of Orcs.  Trudruff was killed...  Ever since, I've had to wisen up and remember that I'm no longer a child..."  I swallowed hard.  He had changed so much, it was almost as if he wasn't Haldir any more.  He smiled at me, shrugging.  "Either way...  Are you here to stay?"  I stopped short, watching him carefully.

"I don't know...  I mean, I'm journeying to Mordor to help destroy the ring.  I wish to see this through, Haldir."  Something in him seemed to darken.  "Why, Haldir?  What is it?"  He swallowed hard.

"I don't like the idea of you travelling with a bunch of people you just met, especially with that human."  He shook his head.  "Why don't you stay here, Era?  I can protect you here..."  I shook my head.

"I swore I'd do whatever it took to free Mother.  Right now, this is my best option.  Sides, I don't have anything tying me here at the moment..."  Haldir hung his head.

"What about me?"  I frowned as he picked up the bronze leaf around my neck.  "Era..."  He shook his head as he looked me in the eye.  "You remember how I said there was something I wanted to ask you?"  I nodded.  "I want to ask you this...  Will you marry me?"  I froze and felt both my jaw and my heart drop.

*Boromir's Pov-

"I want to ask you this...  Will you marry me?"  I felt my chest rise and fall a few times as Legolas and Aragorn looked at me.  Era seemed lost for words, but I expected that she'd agree and fling herself into his arms here in seconds.  Finally, she spoke.

"Haldir...  I...  I don't know."  The hobbits squirmed in their hiding place, snowballs in hand.  I smirked and nodded at Legolas.

"On your mark..."  He smiled and nodded back.

"Go..."

*Era's Pov-

"I mean, Haldir..."  I started to groan in frustration when we were attacked by a bunch of snowballs.  Jumping out from the trees came the hobbits, Legolas, Boromir, and Aragorn.  Haldir chuckled as he pushed me behind a tree.

"Go, Era.  Get back to your room."  I laughed and started to run off, only to be blindsided after a few strides.

I looked over and saw Boromir getting to his feet, a huge smile on his face.  I stood up and threw a snowball at him.  He batted it away as he approached me.  I squealed as he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.  As he took off running, I laughed and pounded my fist into his shoulders, demanding he put me down.  He just laughed as he ran.  Soon, he finally did, the smile gone.

"Era..."  I doubled over, trying to catch my breath.  "Era...  There's something I want to tell you."  I shook my head as I looked up at him.

"What is it, Boromir?"  He sighed as he looked around, as if making sure we were alone.

"I...  I love you, Era."  I felt my heart leap up several feet before dropping.  Truth was, I loved him, too, but...  Ugh, why did everything have to be so difficult?  I backed off, not sure what to say.

"Boromir..."  He ran a hand through his hair.

"I know the elf asked you first, but, Era, I want you to marry me.  I love you."  I felt tears well up in my eyes.  "I have since I saw you by the fountain in Rivendell."  I sank to the ground, tears streaming down my face.

"Boromir...  I love you, too."  He knelt down beside me and hugged me.  "I want to marry you, but..."

"Then do it!"  I jumped at the voice and looked up.  It was Haldir, who was staring at the both of us.  "Go ahead, Era.  I don't care."  With that, he took off.  I stood up and chased after him, leaving Boromir.

*Boromir's Pov-

I should have know it was a bad idea, but I couldn't help it.  I couldn't lose Era...  I just couldn't.  I knew it would kill me...

*Haldir's Pov-

Stupid humans...  Always so selfish!  I should have known this would happen.  Those of us who live forever tend to fall for those who don't.  She was about to become a victim, and I tried to save her.  However, I only made it worse.

"Haldir!"  I could hear the pain in her voice and kept running.

*Era's Pov-

"Haldir!"  I leaped into the trees, hoping to get far enough ahead of him to cut him off.  Finally, I dropped down right in front of him only to get run into him.  I jumped to my feet as soon as I recovered.  "Haldir, please..."  What was I going to say?  He shook his head.

"Go on, Era...  You should go back to the human."  The way he spat the word made me angry.

"What do you have against Boromir?"  When he didn't respond, I hung my head.  "Look, I'm sorry.  I love you, but..."  I shook my head.  "I don't know who to choose, Haldir."  His gaze softened.

"Choose me...  Humans grow old and die.  Save yourself the heartbreak!"  I heaved a sigh and shook my head.

"You have as much of a chance dying as he does.  We can be killed in battle, and you know that.  I just..."  Tears streamed down my face.  "I don't think I can choose!"  He sighed and shook his head.

"Then don't..."  He bowed his head to me.  "I hope to see you again, Lady Era."  With that, he was gone.  I sank to the ground, tears streaming down my face.  It just wasn't fair.

"Era?"  Boromir came running, followed by the others.  I swallowed hard.

"We have to leave...  Tomorrow."