Where Shadows Lie

[Lady Lily]

Read please, no comments in here...

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"Lalaith Elerrina of Mirkwood." She heard her name called, but she didn't look up. Her eyes rested on the ground in front of her feet, staring at the autumn leaves sleeping on the dewy grass. Slowly she raised her eyes to the person addressing her. She stared up at Haldir with uninterested eyes.

"What can I do for you, Haldir?" She asked softly, her voice also conveying the disinterest showed in her eyes. She had been asked to leave her city and come to LothLorien to do a special task set by the Lady of the Wood herself. Her brother had urged her to go and do as she bid, despite father laid up in the healing rooms. Lalaith fought to regain focus on Haldir as he began to explain the task.

"We need you to ride to Rivendell. You must attend an important council, Lord Elrond has asked for you, as well as your Lord Legolas." Haldir regarded her with a strict expression, making sure she would do as she was asked.

"What is this council for?" Lalaith questioned, her guard automatically coming up. What would they need with her? What could she possibly offer them? Why didn't Lord Elrond just accept Lord Legolas?

"He did not wish to speak of it here. You are to leave today and arrive there by dawn tomorrow. Your lord has already been informed and he will meet you there. A horse and provisions have already been prepared for you. Now you must leave." Haldir ordered, beginning to turn away

Lalaith held up her hand, "No."

Haldir turned sharply back to her, grabbing her shoulder, "You must, Lalaith. This isn't just a group gathering to check on the elves of Middle Earth. This is a serious matter and Lord Elrond bids your presence."

Lalaith shoved his hand off her shoulder and drew away from him, "And what could he possibly do with me there? What do I have to offer Lord Elrond with this serious matter you speak of?"

"Just go, Lalaith. I do not have the answers you seek." Haldir turned away then, as another elf approached Lalaith and handed her the reins to a beautiful black mare. Lalaith lowered her eyes again to the leaves on the ground as a tear found its way down her cheek. There was no time to go back home to tell her brother and father of her task. She could only hope that they would be ok without her.

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Eh, its a start. Enjoy.

[Lady Lily]

I note - Lalaith isn't in love with Legolas, nor is she going to fall in love with him. So there....

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Lalaith rode slowly into Rivendell, her eyes taking in the wonders of the beautiful sights before her. She had always enjoyed visiting Rivendell in the past, but not today. Today she couldn't enjoy the waterfall or laugh with her kin. She was expected on a serious matter, and serious she was going to be.

"Lady Lalaith." Lalaith looked up to find Legolas addressing her, coming swiftly towards her. His eyes regarded her intently, reading her facial expressions. He dismounted and approached her horse.

Lalaith dismounted her own horse and bowed her head, "My Lord," she replied, waiting for him to address her again before she raised her eyes. She felt his hand under her chin and she raised her eyes in question.

"Something troubles you. What is wrong?" He asked softly, removing his hand from her chin and placing it on her shoulder. He led them to a close by bench and took her hands in his.

She looked away from him, "Ada, e lhaew. Ha bretho guren." ( Father, he is sick. It breaks my heart. ) She turned to look at him, tears in her grey eyes. "Im toltha ah ú pedo namarie." ( I was summoned and there was no goodbye )

Legolas nodded and placed his hand on her shoulder again, keeping a steady eye contact with her, " Le innas govad ad." ( You will meet again ) he assured her. When she nodded he smiled at her, "Come, let us join the council." He stood up and began to head towards the council room.

Lalaith closed her eyes for a moment and looked off towards the sunrise, "I will return to you, Ada." She whispered to herself, hoping that it would be sooner rather than later. She glanced up to find she had an audience. "May I help you, milord?" She asked politely, standing up.

Boromir smiled at her, "No, milady. I was just concerned. An elven maid as fair as you should not be so troubled."

"And what would you know of my troubles, milord?"

"I don't, and I'm sorry if I have bothered you. I'm Boromir, son of Denethor and captain of Gondor." He introduced himself, stepping closer to the elven maid.

"Lalaith Elerrina of Mirkwood," she replied with a small smile, "If you don't mind, Captain, I must join my kin at the council." She lowered her head respectfully before walking swiftly away. She smiled to herself a little as she took her place behind Legolas at the council.

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[Lady Lily]

Ready?

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Lalaith glanced around the council, her eyes resting on the hobbit sitting next to Gandalf the Grey. His eyes were locked on Elrond, there was worry in his eyes. A worry she didn't understand. She looked away and glanced at the dwarves, and the men. What was so important that they had called upon each race? She raised her eyes to Elrond, regarding him with a renewed sense of interest. His eyebrows were drawn together in concentration. It was then that he spoke.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate--this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo."

Lalaith's eyes widened. The ring? She exchanged a glance with her own kin, and shifted in her seat. This couldn't be the same ring that brought Middle-Earth to near destruction 3,000 years ago, it had been lost. Never to be found. Lalaith watched the hobbit, Frodo, place the golden ring on the pedestal and she gripped the arms of her chair. Her eyes were now locked on the ring.

"So it is true," Boromir said, sitting up in his seat. Lalaith turned her gaze to him, sensing a new emotion in the air. Her eyes narrowed on him as he stood up, "In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found." Lalaith sat forward as he rose his hand and let his finger hover over the ring. "Isildur's Bane."

"Boromir!" Elrond shouted

"Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul,
ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." Gandalf jumped up, chanting. Lalaith sat back and gripped her chair again, the earth began to shake, the sky growing dark. She looked over at Legolas in confusion and then slowly the darkening sky withdrew to the light.

Elrond glared at Gandalf, "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris!"

Gandalf rasped, "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! The Ring is altogether Evil!" He shot a scathing look at Boromir before taking his seat again.

Boromir leaped up, not bothered by the show, "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!" He paced around the circle, a smile on his face.

"You cannot wield it. None of us can!" Aragorn spoke up, his eyes locked on Boromir, "The one ring answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master."

"And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

Lalaith's eyes swung to Legolas, who had suddenly stood up. "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." Lalaith was overwhelmed, as she took in the ranger with new eyes. He was Isildur's heir?

"Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?" Boromir asked, his eyes disbelieving.

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas hissed

"Havo dad, Legolas." Aragorn spoke up, gesturing for Legolas to return to his seat.

Boromir walked back to his seat slowly, his eyes taking in Aragorn, "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king."

Lalaith watched Boromir slouch in his seat and her eyes met with his, her confusion softened to pity. She wanted to understand what had possessed him to think the ring could be used for good, when it was only tainted with evil.

"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf spoke up, drawing Lalaith's attention back to the matter at hand.

"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond muttered, staring at the ring sitting on the pedestal. But how? Lalaith questioned to herself. With such power, it could not have been easy.

"Then what are we waiting for?!" Lalaith looked up to find one of the dwarved running up to it with its axe. He swung it hard and then he was flung back, his axe breaking into peices. The ring began to chant in its black tongue.

"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came." Elrond announced, his eyes resting on each of the different races, "One of you must do this."

Lalaith breathed carefully, unsure of what she could possibly do to help. Her eyes swung to Boromir as he began to speak,

"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!"

Legolas jumped up again, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!"

Gimli jumped up as well, "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!"

Boromir snarled, "And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

Gimli ignored him, "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!"

Lalaith stood up then, her rage centered on the small dwarf standing infront of Legolas, "And you think you could do any better? Hiding underground has whittled your knowledge of our world, dwarf!" She shouted, her hands tightened into fists.

Arguements erupted around them, everyone having something derogatory to say to the other. Lalaith stopped suddenly, her ears picking up a small voice. "I will take it!" She turned around, as did the others, to stare at the small hobbit standing before them.

"I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor. Though, I do not know the way." Frodo stared up at them, his eyes vulnerable. Lalaith felt her heart soften, and she smiled at him and his bravery.

"I will help you bare this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear." Gandalf encouraged.

Aragorn stepped forward and knelt before him, "If by my life or death, I will protect you. I will." He gripped his hands, "You have my sword."

Lalaith watched her lord step forward, "And you have my bow."

"And my axe."

Boromir stepped from behind Lalaith, "You carry the fate of us all little one. If it is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

Lalaith raised her chin, "I, too, shall help protect you, courageous hobbit. You have my guidance." She took the hobbits hand and smiled, before stepping in line behind Legolas.

Lalaith smiled as three more hobbits joined their unlikely gathering. She raised her eyes to Elrond as he began to speak again. "10 companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

Lalaith let go of a sigh, her eyes catching Boromirs. He walked up to her and bowed his head, "I have never met a lady as courageous as you." He said, raising his eyes to hers.

"Aye, I am not as courageous as I might seem. I but feel the call of duty tugging my hair." Her eyes dropped to the ground, small tears dropped from her eyes, "Excuse me, milord. I must go prepare." She walked swiftly away, her hand swiping away the tears from her cheeks. She didn't notice the way Boromir stared after her.

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[Lady Lily]

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Lalaith picked up the sword that was given to her and stared at it warily. What had she gotten herself into? She knew very little about fighting. The only thing she could provide the small hobbit with was her knowledge of the lands. Lalaith put the sword away and sat down on the bench just outside her room. She stared at her hands, smooth despite her hard work at home. She was a courier, one who traveled back and forth to cities that needed her aid. She could heal, yes, but she wasn't suit to do it without healing rooms. She learned how to use a bow, but she never practiced it enough to be good at it.

"Here you are, troubled again. As I said before, a lady as fair as you should not be troubled so."

Lalaith looked up to find Boromir standing infront of her again, "If I didn't know better, milord, I would say you are following me." Lalaith said cooly, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't up to visitation and she was beginning to wonder why Boromir appeared wherever she was.

Boromir shook his head, "I happen upon you by chance, honest." He smiled, "And you can call me Boromir, milady." He took a seat next to her on the bench and shifted to look into her eyes, "Would you mind telling me what is bothering you?"

"I do not wish to share my problems openly with a stranger, milord." Lalaith answered, putting emphasis on milord. Never had she been so unkind to someone, and she she was shocked by her own words. She looked away, "I am sorry. I am a little disgruntled, so to speak." She found herself looking at him again, and admitting, "I do not know how to use a weapon."

Boromir laughed, "Is that all?"

Lalaith smiled slightly, "Not all of it, but the rest I will not dwell on."

Boromir stood and unsheathed his sword, "Come on, stand up. Grab your sword, I will show you."

Lalaith stared at the tip of sword pointed at her and stood, "I will not fight you." She stated, her hands on her hips, eyes not leaving the tip of the sword.

"You are stubborn enough for fighting, that is for sure." Boromir muttered, "If you don't grab your sword, I will grab it for you. Please, I wish to help." He smiled at her, lowering his sword to give her time to grab her own weapon.

Lalaith stared at him for a minute before she moved into her room to grab the sword. She thought for a moment before she closed the door and leaned against it, she laughed out loud. She put her hand to her mouth to quell her laughter, but it was too late. Boromir stood just outside the door, "Lalaith? Oh come on, open the door." A wave of her tinkling laughter reached his ears and he smiled, "Lalaith, open this door!" He began to pound on it, knowing that she was leaning up against it, "You aren't getting away without any training."

Boromir looked around and found one of her windows was open. He snuck sideways a bit and leaned his head in, "You ready to practice now?" He asked easily enough and smiled when she turned to face him, her eyes wide with defeat. He was pleased to see her smiling in spite of it all.

"Yes, yes. Let me find my sword. Oh and Boromir?" She waited until he looked her in the eyes, "Thank you for this." He nodded and she smiled again, turning away to find her sword.

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Yeah, I know. Gross. Blah blah. Say what you want in the OOC

[Lady Lily]

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Lalaith removed her dress, replacing it with her courier outfit. She braided her hair and stood back and stared down at the sword lying on her bed and she smiled softly to herself. Boromir had been a wonderful teacher, she had learned many techniques and was just beginning to get good at them when they called it quits for the night. She picked up the sword and swung it around, getting used to the feel of it, before she strapped it to her waist along with the bow, quiver and arrows on her back.

Lalaith felt a wave of grief wash over her as she thought of the reason why she had to carry the weapons. Of all the corruption Middle Earth had gone through, she missed the days of peace and alliance. When there was no bitterness between clans. She placed her hand over her heart and closed her eyes, whispering softly to herself in Elvish before she turned around. She gasped when she was Legolas standing before her. "Milord," She breathed, bowing her head.

Legolas approached her slowly and placed his hand under her chin, lifting it slowly, "Lalaith, you don't need to bow your head to a friend," He placed his hand on her shoulder, "Are you sure you're willing to go through with this? I know what troubles you and what you face at home, il'er ."

Lalaith squared her shoulders and raised her chin higher, "I am not going to let that sweet little hobbit face this without my help, I may not be able to offer much but I feel the need to help."

Legolas nodded and smiled, "You have much courage, come, we head out soon." He left on that note, headed towards where the council had met the day before. Lalaith watched him go before following him, her determination beginning to take over.

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[Lady Lily]

Here we go...

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Boromir glanced up to find Lalaith entering the council area, her stance was guarded as she took her place behind her lord. He watched her carefully, feeling his heart tug at the sight of her. There was something about this elven maid that drew him to her, but he couldn't place it. He smiled when he caught her eye, and felt pleased when she smiled back before turning her eyes to Lord Elrond.

Boromir took his place in the fellowship as they headed out, his hand on his sword as they marched out of the protective coven of Rivendell. He kept his pace behind the rest of the group next to Aragorn, watching in wonder as Lalaith led the group. Boromir walked up next to Legolas, "What do you know about Lalaith?" he asked softly

Legolas watched Boromir out of the corner of his eye, tensing slightly, "That is not my information to share, Boromir. Lalaith tends to be very private, she doesn't like to share with others." He regarded Boromir with a warning in his eyes, "Don't meddle in her life, Boromir, she can't afford to deal with more than she already has."

Lalaith stopped, carefully stepping out of the way so Frodo wouldn't run into the back of her legs. She turned to Gandalf, "We should rest here for the moment, Gandalf." She smiled when he complied and turned to gather wood for a fire to eat around.

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Hee hee hee.... I'm tired....

[Lady Lily]

I borrowed some of Gandalf's lines as Lalaiths.... I know, bad story telling, whatever.... but its not much. I don't own any of their lines! No plagiarism here.

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"Get away from the blade, Pippin. On your toes, very good. I want you to react, not think." Boromir was coaching Pippin how to sword fight, and Lalaith smiled to herself. She also had gotten this same lesson. She circled around the two, taking in the lesson and remembering, "Move your feet Pippin. Good."

Boromir whirled on Lalaith, swinging his sword at her. Lalaith reacted quickly, jumping back and unsheathing her sword she deflected his blow. He swung again, counter acting her and she deflected again. Boromir twisted and lunged at her, but Lalaith was quicker, she was behind him in an instant with the tip of the blade pressed to his back, "I learn faster than you think, Captain." She laughed and let him go, sheathing her sword she walked to stand by Gandalf.

Gimli approached them then, " If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note they're not, I would say we are taking the long way round. Gandalf, we can pass through the mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome."

Lalaith's eyes widened slightly and she exchanged a glance with Gandalf, "No, Gimli. I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice." Lalaith relaxed a little, and let her mind wander. Lalaith knew a lot about the lands of Middle Earth. She didn't trust the mines of Moria.

"Get him!" Lalaith looked up to find Boromir being tackled by hobbits. She laughed aloud and strode over to pick them off of him and found herself under their assailment as well.

"Don't you know its not proper to tackle a lady?" She heard Boromir tell the hobbits, she gave him a look that said save me and he picked the hobbits off of her. He held out his hand to help her up and she gladly took it, despite the fact she could get up on her own.

Boromir held her hand in his own, even as she had already been standing. He cupped her hand in both of his and smiled at her, "Are you all right?" He asked softly, squeezing her hand gently. Lalaith felt her heart squeeze as well, and smiled at the feeling. She nodded once, not wanting him to let go of her hand.

"What is that?"

"Nothing, just a wisp of cloud."

Boromir looked up at the sky, where Legolas was looking. He still held Lalaiths hand in his own, "Its moving fast... against the wind."

"Crebain for Dunland!" Legolas shouted, and suddenly Lalaith found herself in Boromirs arms underneath a bush, the others scattering to hiding spots as well. Boromir crushed Lalaith against him and they looked through the leaves as the unusually large crows descended upon their camp. They began to circle, cawing aloud as they did so. They began to wheel away again, flying where the group had come from.

Boromir let go of Lalaith, letting her crawl out from under the bush. She turned to help him out after her. Once he was up she looked at Gandalf, "Spies of Saruman. The passage South is being watched," She announced, "We must take the pass of Caradhras."

Gandalf nodded in agreement. The group began to gather their belongings. Boromir took Lalaiths arm, "I want to learn more about you, Lalaith." He said softly, his hand taking hers once more, "You intrigue me like no one before."

Lalaith smiled gently at him, "Nin sui mae." (Me as well) She turned then, her eyes sparkling with her delight.

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Eww, mushy.

[Lady Lily]

Woot! Sorry I haven't written for over a month.

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"Where are you from?" Boromir asked Lalaith gently, they walking next to each other up the mountain pass. Boromir sludging through the snow, while Lalaith walked easily next to him, her feet not even sinking into the snow.

"I hail from Mirkwood, though I'm not there for long. I'm sent from place to place to deliver news and messages from kings and queens. Though most recently, my ada has fallen ill. He grieves for my mother." Lalaith stopped talking and looked at Boromir, "I wasn't able to say farewell to him before Lord Haldir called for me and sent me to Rivendell."

"It must be hard on you." Boromir said softly, his hand reaching out to touch hers. Before his fingers laced with hers, Frodo slipped and tumbled down the mountain. Boromir turned and started to follow, but stopped short upon seeing something lying in the snow.

Aragorn helped Frodo up and noticed Boromir had picked up the ring that had fallen from Frodo's neck. "Boromir?"

"It is such a strange fate, that we should suffer so much fear and doubt... over so small a thing." Boromir muttered, his finger caressing the ring. Lalaith felt a tension and her eyes narrowed on the ring, feeling it draw him in. She looked up at Aragorn and exchanged a pleading glance with him.

"Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo." Aragorn called again, his hand moving to his sword. Lalaith felt her heart pound as she moved forward, gently putting her hand on Boromir's shoulder. He jumped and then looked at her, before centering his gaze on Frodo's wary face.

"As you wish. I care not." Boromir smiled and ruffled Frodo's hair, before turning back around and heading up the mountain. He took Lalaith's hand and pulled her with him, so they could continue to talk. Lalaith glanced behind her, watching Aragorn let go of his sword and Frodo put the ring back around his neck.

She could still feel the tension still surrounding them. The ring hadn't let go of Boromir's heart, and it was going to be the death of him. She sincerely hoped that they could rid of the ring before that fate befell him, and claimed his life.

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Dun dun dun.....

[Lady Lily]

I watched all three EE movies today at school so I'm inspired to add...

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Lalaith pulled her cloak tight around her shoulders, the wind playing with her hair and throwing it in different directions. Behind her, the group stood waist deep in snow with more snow swirling angrily around them. She stared out at the passage ahead and faltered - it was different. Legolas came up next to her, "Man cenich?" (What do you see?)

Lalaith turned to him, her eyes troubled "Andelu i ven" (The road is too dangerous) "Nad no ennas" (Something's out there) She carefully takes a step back and faces the rest of the group, "The passage has been corrupted. If we must take this way, I suggest we go about it with wary hearts."

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Ok, Its really late and I don't want to lose what I already have so I'm just gonna post this for now and I'll add more when I'm not half asleep

[Lady Lily]

*****


Lalaith glanced behind her at her companions, almost regretting her decision as she saw all of them shivering on the snow covered mountain side. She wished she could have helped them but she was no use to them unless she could find a way to get them through this pass safely. She froze in her spot, her ears picking up a voice not uttered by that of her fellow travelers. She raised her chin a little bit and turned to Legolas, who walked up beside her again. He listened closely as her heard the voice upon the wind. "There is a fell voice on the air."

Gandalf stopped his struggling, "It's Saruman." He uttered just as thunder and lightning crashed above them, raining snow and rock by them. Lalaith pushed herself up against the mountain, turning her head just in time to miss a rock hitting her nose. The others ducked under their cloaks as best they could. Lalaith closed her eyes, trying to think of a way to get them through this safely.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain. Lalaith, we must turn back!" Aragorn shouted at her, his voice urgently trying to convince her to bring them to safety. She shook her head vigorously, dispelling the images in her mind. She wouldn't take them the other way, it was more dangerous than the path they were on now. She hadn't stepped foot in the mines in over 1,000 years. She was not about to lead others to that destruction.

Gandalf jumped up, chanting out at the storm to calm their wrath. The storm slowly starts to listen before Lalaith heard Saruman's voice grow louder and deeper. His spell began to strengthen the storm, as snow and ice began to batter their faces ruthlessly. Another crack sounded above them, this time stronger than before. Legolas ran forward and yanked Gandalf back against the mountain just as an avalanche of snow broke down upon them. Lalaith fell to the ground, snow piling all around her until she couldn't see where she was. Hard packed snow crushed her down, squeezing the mobility out of her body. Determined, she fought the snow until she could see light above her, greeted by Legolas' hand and the desperate faces of her companions.

Boromir's frantic voice reached her first, "We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!" She looked at him carefully, wanting to take that route but she shook her head calmly.

"The Gap of Rohan, takes us too close to Isengard" Aragorn said for her, rescuing her from having to say it herself. She closed her eyes again, pulling her strength to push on.

Gimli grumbled, "We cannot pass over the mountain. Let us go under it! Let us go through the mines of Moria." He stared directly at Lalaith as he said this, shifting his eyes once to Gandalf. He stood still, distantly thinking of the mines. Lalaith knew exactly of what he was fearing. Gimli's ignorance of the matter dwelled in her heart, hurting for what he might find awaiting for him is not what he expected to see. She opened her mouth only to close it again immediately. It was not her place to inform him of his private affairs with his people.

Gandalf spoke up, "Let the ring bearer decide."

Lalaith felt her heart drop. Frodo, who had not seen the outside of the Shire until just this year, was going to lead them into destruction. She looked at him urgently, trying to convey her thoughts to him. He stared at Gandalf with undecision as he said. "We will go through the mines." Lalaith nodded slowly as a tear rolled down her cheek.

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I don't own any of the lines from the movie. Just so I don't get arrested for copy right. Those belong to whoever the hell made them.

[Lady Lily]

I'm bored so I'm writing another one lol

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Lalaith sat on the ground, her legs cross legged and her arms folded around her bow. She watched the others gather around the camp fire to get warm. While the others looked to her for her company, she just sat there in her own thoughts. She could not let them go through Moria, it would be the end of the Fellowship and Middle Earth as they knew it.


Boromir walked up to her and sat down, directly in front of her. Lalaith focused on his eyes as he leaned forward, "What did I tell you about troubles, Lalaith Elerrina of Mirkwood?" Boromir asked softly, his hand reaching to her shoulder. She just stared at him, not wanting to share her thoughts. Boromir focused on the feeling in her eyes, seeing fear and worry. He tilted his head, a strong urge to protect this she-maiden in their odd quest. What could he possibly do for an elf? They were so much stronger than man, more knowledgeable and heck they lived longer.

Lalaith's eyebrows drew together as she read his face, "um dartha ammen! Avo cen le?" (Evil waits for us! Don't you see?) she said coldly, getting up from her spot and walking away from the group. She didn't count on Boromir following her. She drew her dagger and pressed it to his neck when he grabbed her arm to stop her. Sighing, she lowered it and pulled her arm back. "I can not let this Fellowship fall, Boromir. I can't be responsible for that. Leading us into Moria is setting our doom. Middle Earth depends on this quest, we can not fail it."

"And who's to say that we will fail, Lalaith? We have the best of each race in this one fellowship, shouldn't that count for something? We can defeat what comes our way." He said comfortingly, taking her arm again and pulling her closer. "I know that I'm just a man, that I am mortal and can't defend you like your kin. I want to promise that I'll protect you, that I'll keep you safe." He drew her into an embrace, his hand resting on her soft hair at the nape of her neck.

Lalaith accepted the embrace, wanting so badly the comfort of her home and the promise of safety. When they pulled away, Lalaith had a confused expression on her face, "Why do you offer such a high promise, Boromir?" She questioned softly, her voice telling she already knew the answer.

"You, my lady, are intriguing to me. I believe that I might have lost my heart the moment you called me 'Milord' after I asked you to call me by my name." Boromir said seriously, his hand coming up to grab hers. Lalaith couldn't hold back her smile at the memory, but her confusion was still apparent, "Is there something wrong with that, Lalaith?" His heart felt a pang at her possible rejection.

"You don't know me, Boromir." She said quietly as she turned and walked away from him.

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