There Is No Time For Fear (Aragorn x oc)

six

Aragorn POV

We rest in a small cove under the cover of a large tree. I sharpen my sword

"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas says looking up into the trees.

"What do they say about him?" Merry asks.

"I have not the heart to tell you." Legolas answers. His eyes brimming with tears. "For me, the grief is still too near."

I get up and walk out to where Legolas stands. The voices of the elves echo through the trees. I move towards Boromir.

"Take some rest. These borders are well protected."

"I will find no rest here. 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." He says, grief fills his face. "My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing, and our ... our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right ... and I would do it, I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze ...have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

I feel awkward standing next to him. I have never experienced that. I should have, but I have not.

"I have seen the White City ... long ago." I answer.

"One day, our paths will lead us there, and the tower guard will take up the call "the Lords of Gondor have returned." Boromir says, his face filling with hope.

He walks with me back towards the others. Iston turns the corner. He wears robes the colors of the white lights of Lorien. A small circlet sits on his forehead. He shines.

"Do you feel it?" He asks, speaking to no one in particular. "Even the trees fill with sadness."

He places a hand on the tree beside him. It responds to his touch and he leaves a blue outline of his hand as he pulls it away.

"You look..." Merry starts.

"Different." Pippin finishes for him.

"I'm sure when you are in your home, you look different as well." Iston says.

"I thought you were from Rivendell." Boromir says, I can tell he's nervous to say anything to Iston after his interaction with Galadriel. 

"My father is from Rivendell. But my mother grew up here. And I did as well. I used to know every single branch of every tree of this forest. This place runs deep with magic."

"Is this where you get your magic then?" Sam asks, sitting on his blanket.

"Yes." Iston looks around. "You are all safe here. Please rest."

He walks towards me.

"Walk with me." He says and I follow him away from the group.

We descend from the pathways and lights of Lorien and down to the ground. It is darker down under the trees and I can still hear the elvish song in the distance.

I look over him and see that his posture has relaxed.

"You love it here." I say.

"Yes." He says back.

I don't know why he has brought me here but he answers my question before I can ask it.

"With Gandalf gone, it is clear that he intended you to lead." He walks forward through the trees. "What is your plan?"