The Edge of Night

The Falls of Rauros

Gimli, it seemed, was in a similar mood over their parting as Elfwyn. "I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest." Elfwyn chuckles at this and even Legolas smiles at Gimli's lament. "Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."

"What was her gift?" Legolas asks, and everyone turns an ear to listen.

"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three."

"I see even the hardest of hearts can be softened by the Lady of Light." Elfwyn comments softly. They make good time, arriving where their little river meets the great Anduin before midday. The current is rougher here and it takes much concentration on her part to not fall into the swift waters below.

They come to shore that night and while the others go about setting up camp and handing out rations, Boromir and Aragorn appear to be inspecting the water. "Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria. I had hoped we would lose him on the river, but he's too clever a waterman."

The Ring's power is already starting to set hold in Boromir, making him anxious. "And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts, it will make the crossing even more dangerous."

The others watch on in silence, while Sam does his best to coax Frodo to eat the helping that was given to him. "You haven't eaten anything all day, and you're not sleeping, neither. Don't think I haven't noticed." Elfwyn leaves them be before going and joining Legolas by their sleeping packs.

"We need to talk." She says quietly, if a little roughly.

Legolas looks down at her hands. "I see you have picked up the language of the Elves quite easily. However, I believe that there isn't much left to discuss. I suppose I should offer you my congratulations, but since I know how this ends, I find I cannot."

"Neither you nor I know how this ends. What I saw was just one possibility of what is to come."

"And should his life be threatened, will you still sacrifice yours?"

"He is my husband now, Legolas."

"And if you die, it will still kill him."

"And vice versa. But we do not know what the future will bring so can you please just be happy?"

He sighs. "I shall try. I worry for you is all."

"I understand. But this is what I want. Haldir and I understand the consequences of our actions."

Their conversation is interrupted by Aragorn and Boromir having a heated argument. "Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there we can regroup, strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."

"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us."

"You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men, but you will not see that. You are afraid! All your life you have hidden in the shadows, scared of who you are, of what you are."

"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city." Aragorn vows before stalking off in one direction while Boromir goes in the opposite.

Elfwyn sighs. "It has begun. The beginning of the end. I will go check on Boromir." She whispers to Legolas before heading off in the direction Boromir went. She finds him pacing a couple yards from camp. "Why must you provoke everyone? Do you take thrill in being on everyone's bad side?"

"I am not in the mood for your wit tonight Elfwyn."

"Yet, still you shall receive it. You are a strong man, Boromir. But I fear that your heart, and the need to please your father, will be your undoing. Surely you can see why taking the Ring ostentatiously to Sauron's front door would be problematic. While there may be strength in Gondor, there is also trouble."

"What would a woman of Rohan know of the plight and suffering of the kingdom of Gondor?"

Her nostrils flare. "Because we face our own struggles. While you face a direct onslaught from the Dark Lord, we face daily battles with his puppet Saruman. While your father's mind is turned by the hunger for power, my father is naught but a puppet, there to serve the will of the 'advisor' Saruman put in place. Do not act like your's is the only suffering that matters. And I beg of you, change heart, before it is too late. You are a good man, Boromir. I pray you don't forget that." With that, she leaves him to mull over her words.

The next morning finds everyone tense, walking on eggshells around each other, save for Legolas and Elfwyn, who have finally come to a place of understanding, mostly. The Fellowship is quiet as they continue down the river, the only noise being heard is that of the current that carries them.

They pass through the Aragonath at midday before coming to rest just before the Falls of Rauros. They unpack what little they need and get a fire going, eager to get a bit of rest before they must continue their journey. "We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats, and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North." Aragorn explains. Legolas is pacing the tree-line, causing Elfwyn to become anxious and approach him, her unasked question bright in her eyes.

"Oh yes? Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impossible labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks? And after that, it gets even better. Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see." Gimli complains, causing the Hobbits to look startled.

"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf." This causes Elfwyn to cough to cover up her laughter, particularly at the look on Gimli's face.

Legolas rushes to Aragorn. "We should leave now." He whispers.

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near. I can feel it."

"We would be foolish not to heed this warning." Elfwyn adds. "You know it as well as I that elves instincts are seldom wrong."

They're interrupted when Merry brings back firewood. "Where's Frodo?" He asks, after looking around. This causes Sam to jump up from where he dozed.

Elfwyn looks around and spots Boromir's shield and pack on the ground, their owner not to be found. "Boromir is missing as well."