Gleina na Agar: LOTR story (Reader)

The River Anduin and Amon Hen

You rose early, just as the morning sun peeked through the trees and set the woodland aglow in a dim light. The air was cool and fresh, adding to your newfound strength the night had given you. Your clothes had been cleaned of all the black residue of orc blood and sweat, feeling softer against your skin. Grabbing your belongings, the fellowship was lead down to the river bank among the clearing mist to pack up the small boats. The elves had indeed blessed you with many supplies and gifts. Each of you received a special cloak pinned together with a broach of Lorien for concealment.

With grace, Galadriel came by each one of you to gift you with many things. You were among the last she spoke with, smiling at your departure, "I have nothing greater to give than that which is already given," She placed her hand delicately upon your staff, remembering Gandalf, "But I shall give you this," She pulled out a small dagger to hand to you, "Once forged by the high elves of Gondolin. This dagger has already seen battle and will serve you well in times of need."

Running your fingers over the intricate leather, you couldn't help but smile, "Thank you M'Lady."

She nodded her acknowledgment, "Farewell, Gilthoniel... May we meet again."

A touch of sadness embraced you as your feet left the land of Lothlorien to sit in the delicate boats. This place will remain a lasting memory of peace for as long as you lived. Legolas and Gimli climbed in around you, waiting patiently for Aragorn as he spoke his last farewells to the Lord and Lady of the wood. Your eyes darted over to him occasionally, seeing many different expressions that made your very curious about their subject. No other words were exchanged when he returned and your boat glided across the waters of the Anduin and out of the safety of the wood.

Occasionally, you would take turns with Legolas paddling the little boat. It didn't take long for you to get the hang of steering amongst the water, and the fact that you were headed downstream took most of the difficult work away. Even with that advantage, your shoulders grew increasingly sore, but stronger over the day. In fact you felt like your whole body had grown stronger on this quest, leaving any extra weight replaced with lean muscle and a hardened mind from battling Sauron. Galadriel was right. You were not the same girl that had appeared in Middle Earth so many moons ago.

After a long day on the Anduin, Aragorn signaled that you make camp for the night on the shores away from the treeline. Something about the shadows of the woodlands made you uneasy, and you agreed wholeheartedly at the thought of some food and rest. No fire was lit that night, making you suspicious about any information Aragorn might have received about the enemy's whereabouts. Instead you huddled inside your new cloak beside the hobbits who quickly dozed off after a light supper of Lembas bread. Placing your bedroll beneath your head, you tried to find some sort of position that wouldn't feel like rocks were sticking into your sides. That was one thing you could never get used to. Sleeping in very uncomfortable places.

You snorted at the sight of Merry and Pippin snoring gently and squirming among the pebbly beach. Those two could sleep anywhere at anytime. Trying to close your eyes and block out the noises, your ears couldn't help but perk at the voice of Boromir behind you, "Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that... From there we can regroup. Strike out at Mordor from a place of strength."

Aragorn answered quietly, making it difficult to distinguish his words, "There is so strength in Gondor that can avail us."

"You were quick enough to trust the elves!" You could clearly hear the frustration behind Boromir's voice, wondering if you should try to block out their words and scold yourself for eavesdropping, but it simply couldn't be helped, "Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness and there is frailty, but there is courage also and honor to be found in men! But you will not see that!" Boromir's patriotism quickly turned sour at the silence of Aragorn. From the clattering of pebbles, you could hear Boromir grip Aragorn to face him, the tension rising with his voice, "You are afraid! All your life you have lived in the shadows! Scared of who you are! Of what you are!"