"Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst!"
Gandalf reprimanded Pippin as they made their way towards the stables. They were followed by Merry who spoke to Pippin.
"Why did you look?" asked Merry, "Why do you always have to look?"
Merry's voice held frustration but his eyes held fear. He worried for his dear friend.
"I don't know," replied Pippin, "I can't help it."
"Don't you understand?" asked Merry, "The Enemy thinks you have the Ring. He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here."
"And you-you're coming with me?" stuttered Pippin with a small voice.
All three of them carried on their journey to the stables but were stopped by a shout from behind them.
"Pippin!"
They turned to see Salandiel running down to meet them. She knelt down in front of Pippin with a mournful face.
"Now is not the time, Salandiel," replied Gandalf, "We must make haste."
"Please Gandalf, just one moment," pleaded Salandiel.
Gandalf grumbled but still turned around back to the stables to prepare his horse, giving them a moment. Merry also turned away, standing off to the side.
"Pippin," began Salandiel, "Please forgive me. I have done you wrong, I should not have frightened you the way I did."
A sad smile grew on Pippin's face.
"No need to apologise, I understand why you did it," replied Pippin.
Salandiel felt the relief wash over her and closed her eyes in thankfulness.
"You truly forgive me?" asked Salandiel, opening her eyes again.
"Of course," said Pippin, "I cannot be mad at my drinking partner for too long."
Salandiel let out a small chuckle. They both turned to look at Merry who was awkwardly kicking the dirt, waiting for them to finish.
Pippin turned back to Salandiel.
"Look after him, will you?" he asked quietly
Salandiel smiled and replied, "Of course."
Salandiel stood and looked down gravely at the two young hobbits. Merry had come to stand beside Pippin again.
"I bid you farewell, Pippin, and may the Grace of the Valar go with you," said Salandiel who put a hand to her chest.
Before she could let emotion take hold of her, she turned on her heel and made her way back to the hall, her mind spinning. She wondered if she would ever see Pippin again...
~~~~~
Legolas found Aragorn standing on the watch tower overlooking Gandalf and Pippin riding towards Gondor. Aragorn had much on his mind; the thought of the coming war, his ascent to the throne, leading, but in all that he thought, he could not stop bringing his mind back to one person.
"Something weighs heavy on your heart," said Legolas, cutting through Aragorn's thoughts.
Aragorn looked out into the distance and a long pause commenced before he spoke.
"Will I ever be good enough to rule one day?" asked Aragorn, "Will I ever be able to lead and have my people follow me?"
"Aragorn," started Legolas, "You are a great man and you seem to forget the great deeds that have done in your life. When we left Rivendell, that day long ago, I knew that I could follow you as my leader."
YOU ARE READING
The Captain of Gondor (A LoTR/Aragorn fan-fiction)
Fantasy"I swear an oath to protect my people, to serve my people and to fight for my people, until I am released by my lord or death do take me" What does it mean to be a soldier of Gondor? As the first female Captain she was revered by many, loved by few...
