Lady Hope of Middle Earth

Chapter 3: The Party and After

Hope's POV:

When we enter the Grand Hall there are numerous tables sprawled throughout the room. Hosting many different types of creatures. "Who all is here?" I ask him quietly, trying no two embarrass myself with not knowing what all species reside in Middle Earth.

"Well you know of the elves Legolas brought with him. The Steward Prince of Gondor is here. That's him right there. He is called Boromir. Then the dwarves. Be careful when around elves and dwarves at the same time. They cannot stand each other. Oh, the Hobbits are over there."

He points each person out. "Is Frodo still asleep?" I ask him. "Sadly yes, but Elrond predicts that he will wake up tomorrow." He says. I nod my head in understanding. I then spot someone he didn't mention. "Since when is Gandalf here?" I ask, pointing him out.

"Huh, I don not know. I had not realize that he was here." He tells me. Just as he says this Boromir walks over to us. "I am going to go talk to Gandalf." Aragorn whispers to me. I try to object, but he is already gone. Asshole.

"Hello my lady I could not help but notice your beauty from across the room. You are human, not elf, yet your beauty rivals that of Lady Arwen's. I am Boromir, the Steward Prince of Gondor." He say, bowing and kissing my hand. I stiffen.

I don't do well with encounters like these. "My name is Hope." I say, trying to keep my voice calm. "Well Lady Hope, would you care to join me and my companions in our discussion?" He asks, gesturing to the other humans across the room. They look like brutish men. No thank you.

Before I can say anything though Legolas cuts in. "Sorry Lord Boromir, but I have been looking for Lady Hope all night." He says, saving me from having to reject him. "My apologies." With that he is gone. I let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm going to kill Aragorn for leaving me to deal with him." I growl under my breath. Legolas laughs. "I would like to see that." He says, a smile on his face. With that he leads me over to Arwen so we can all talk. Aragorn soon joins us When he reaches my side I elbow him.

"What was that for?" He asks. "For leaving me to Boromir." I grumble. He laughs at me and I elbow him again. "Hope please stop, that is not lady like." She says. "Well he's lucky we're in a crowd." I say, smirking. Aragorn just rolls his eyes. We all continue talking well into the night.

I dance a few times with Aragorn and Legolas and even Merry and Pippin a few times. The Hobbits truly are joyful creatures.  When the night comes to an end I excuse myself to go back to my room. When I get there I take my hair down and brush it out.

I slip on my nightgown and climb into bed. For the next hour I toss and I turn before deciding that I will be getting no sleep. So in an attempt to calm my mind I get out of bed, throw on my robe and head out of my room, walking towards the gardens.

As I walk through them I notice someone standing in front of the statue of Isildur. I walk over to see that it's Aragorn. "What are you doing here?" I ask, making my presence known. He turns to look at me, smiling softly. "Nothing, just came to read." He says. I know that look though.

I had seen it in his eyes when he told me who his ancestor was and what kind of decision he made. I sigh. "Walk with me." I say. He nods and walks over. I link my arm with his and we trek through the gardens. "You do realize you are not Isildur, right?" I ask him. He sighs.

"But I am. He and I have the same weaknesses." He says. "I told you about my family. My entire family has been on the wrong side of history my entire life. My dad murdered thousands. Millions probably, but that is not who I choose to be. Just like you." He goes to object.

I stop him. "You do not wish to be a repetition of your family's cowardice. That's why you forged your own path." I say, coming to a stop at the stop of the bridge in front of him. "I know I have, but I am still weak." He says.

"No, you're human, I know plenty of humans who have made different choices to be good. Have I ever told you the story of my Aunt Cami?" I ask him. He shakes his head. I smile. "She was the one person who ever saw any good in my father besides my Uncle Elijah." I start.

"She was good and yet her entire family line was dark. She chose to be good because she did not wish to be like her family before her." I tell him. "You really think I will not ever make the one wrong mistake that could cost everyone everything?" He asks.

"I do. You see you are going to make mistakes, but you're going to do the right thing when it truly counts and that's what matters. Not your family's past. Your decisions define you." I say. I smiles down at me. "Thank you Hope. You always know what to say." He says.

I smile softly up at him. Then I remember something. "Would you walk me back to my room?" I ask. He nods and we begin the walk. When we reach the door he goes to say goodnight when I stop him. "One moment. I have something for you." I say.

I ignore his confused look as I run into my room. I grab what it is I was looking for and then walk back out. I hand him the small silver box. "What is this?" He asks. "Something I had made." I say as he opens it and pulls out the necklace. "Hope what is this?" He asks, looking at me confused.

"Well the stone is called Lapis Lazuli. It's the same stone in my moon necklace. I spelled it so that whenever you're in danger I will know and I will find you. Just something for when you're out there in the world. It'll give me peace of mind. I've lost too many loved ones." I explain.

I look down and play with the sleeves of my robe. I feel a finger under my chin and my head is lifted to look directly into his eyes. "Thank you Hope. I love it." He says. I smile at this. "Well, I better go to bed. Goodnight Aragorn." I say. "Goodnight Hope."

With that he kisses my forehead and leaves. Smiling I enter my room, closing the door behind me. I take my robe off and climb into bed. I fall asleep smiling, awaiting the day to come.