"I think that, with our help, he will manage. Frodo has a strong heart. Now many could have done what he did." Maethien nodded.
"No." She agreed, then looked at Aragorn, her eyes directly meeting his. "Why didn't you tell the hobbits who you are?"
"I do not wish to be that man. I have no desire to be King. To lead people." They had reached the statue of his mother and he turned away to look at it. Maethien stepped beside Aragorn and set a hand on his shoulder, causing him to turn back to look at her.
"You already are leading people Aragorn. You lead the hobbits here safely, you protected them from the Wraiths that had chased them. Not many could have done what you did at Weathertop." Maethien cursed mentally when Aragorn's eyes widened slightly, she knew immediately she had slipped up. "Merry and Pippin." She said as if that explained everything, then smiled and shrugged.
Aragorn shook his head. "I can survive. I can protect... that is all." Maethien scoffed and laughed, she reached out with her other hand and placed it over his other shoulder, prompting him to turn and face her.
"You and I both know that that is not true." Maethien refused to look anywhere but at Aragorn, wanting him to see and feel the truth in her words. "You are a King, Aragorn, whether you wish it or not. You may not believe in yourself, but everyone around you does." She smiled. "Only you can lead us to victory." All through her little speech, Aragorn had not been able to look away from the enchanting elleth, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"You have a way with words, Maethien. You make one want to believe in themselves." And yet, Mae saw the denial in his eyes. He had, once again, denied to himself the truth. She smiled sadly and removed her hands from his shoulders.
"I believe in you, Aragorn. As do all of your friends. All that is left is for you to believe." Intending to leave him with those words in mind, Maethien stepped back. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."
"No." Aragorn instantly spoke and set a gentle hand on her elbow to keep her from leaving. "Stay. I enjoy your company." Maethien tried not to smile like an idiot at his words. She was very happy to know that he enjoyed her company, very happy indeed.
Maethien could feel a goofy grin on her face the next morning as she prepared herself for the journey, her mind still lingering in the time she'd spent with Aragorn last night. She had known that he would be a good man from what she'd seen in the films and heard from Elle when she'd read, but they really couldn't be compared to the real thing. He was real now, and he had a real personality. A really honorable and brave personality. When they had first met, she had been a complete stranger to him... and yet ha had been concerned enough to insist to take her plae on the hard ride to Rivendell with Frodo. Granted, perhaps he had only wished to accompany Frodo himself but then, when he had arrived in Rivendell a few days later... he'd asked if she was well. The stranger who had taken his dear friend days earlier. Then last night, he'd been so... kind and charming, yet s very infuriating a well! Maethien breathed a quiet laugh. Was this the true Aragorn?
"So, where did you go off to last night?" Mae turned around to find Saeleth leaning against the doorframe of her room.
"I went for a walk in the gardens. I found Aragorn," Maethien smiled wide and laughed. "I gave him a lecture about how he would make a great King one day if he would only believe in himself."
"Who needs to believe in himself?" Ann walked in and asked the question aloud, she was apparently having some trouble fastening on her right wrist gauntlet... her left hand was not her dominant. Saeleth chuckled and took her right hand in both of hers.
"Aragorn." She answered as she worked on the gauntlet.
"Oh! You spoke to him? How'd it go?" Ann asked eagerly, smiling brightly at her older sister.
"Fairly well. He's a good man." Maethien did not hear the warm admiration in her voice, but her sisters did. Elle and Ann looked at each other with raised brows, a silent conversation passing between their eyes and they both smiled softly. "He just needs to believe in himself." Ann opened her mouth to speak but Saeleth instantly elbowed her. She did not have too much confidence in Anoreth's subtlety.
"Well, that's why we're here." Elle spoke, ignoring the glare Ann tossed at her. "To defeat the darkness. We cannot defeat it if Aragorn does not come to believe in himself and accept his right to be King."
"Yes, you're right." Maethien nodded solemnly, her eyes on her armour but her mind on Aragorn. Just then, there was a knock on the door. The sisters all turned and found Arwen standing there looking as beautiful as ever, she wore a timid smile upon her face.
"I was told you were going on the quest." Arwen stepped forward hesitantly, her hands clasped together over a small wicker basket she had with her. "You are all very brave." Maethien smiled at the pretty elleth.
"Thank you Arwen."
"May I help you with anything? Packing? Perhaps with your armour or your hair?" Arwen offered with a smile. Anoreth stood and smiled kindly the elleth, gesturing for her to come closer.
"Please come in. You've come just in time." Mae smiled as Arwen helped Anoreth strap on her body armour. The elleth seemed eager to help so once everyone had fastened on their armour, Elle sat on the bed and looked to Arwen.
"Arwen? Could you do my hair? Please?"
"Of course." Arwen smiled and went to stand behind Elle, her hands immediately going to Saeleth's golden hair, her nimble fingers began to dance across her head. Arwen started the thick plait just above Elle's right ear and she continued to plait up and around the top of Elle's head, leaving plenty of loose hair behind to frame her face. The plait ended at the crown of Elle's head, there Arwen took the rest of the liquid gold and rolled it elegantly into a bun, she then inserted a golden pin to keep her creation from falling. Several loose tendrils and strands of hair had fallen free and framed Elle's face, they somehow made the look complete.
"There, it will not fall unless you remove the gold pin." Saeleth took a look at Arwen's creation and smiled grandly. She didn't even want to touch it for fear of messing it up.
"It looks beautiful, Arwen. Thank you!" The dark haired elleth smiled, a blush rising in her cheeks.
"Thank you, Saeleth." Ann then stepped forward eagerly with her hand raised above her head.
"Me next, me next!" Arwen laughed softly and gestured at the eager woman to sit where Elle had sat before. Ann quickly sat and bit her lip excitedly. Arwen's hands moved swiftly as she plaited two locks of Ann's hair at her temples. She let the two plaits remain loose as she moved to take the rest of Ann's creamy blonde hair, she created yet another two plaits at the back of her head. Arwen then took the two thinner plaits at Ann's temples and pulled them back and around the crown of her head, there she pinned them so that they would not come undone. Arwen moved on to the other two thick plaits and, after pausing for a brief moment, twisted them into a loose bun just below the two plaits on her crown. One she was finished, Arwen inspected the style, then she reached out and pulled a few lock of hair free so that they framed her face.
"There we go." Arwen stepped back and let Anoreth look at her hair, the young woman gasped softly and reached up hesitantly to touch her hair. A smile then broke free and she turned to thank the talented elleth with a hug, Arwen tensed in surprise, but after a moment she relaxed and returned the hug, a smile rising on her lips.
"Maethien?" Once Ann had released Arwen, she turned to the last sister with a smile. Maethien shrugged and laughed.
"Well, why not?" She walked over and sat where her sisters had before her. Four plaits soon appeared on either side of Maethien's head. Curious to see what Arwen had in mind Elle stepped closer and watched with wonder struck eyes as the elleth began to take each plait and twisted and twirled them into a large messy yet somehow elegant bun at the base of Mae's neck. As she formed the bun of plaits, Arwen placed a few golden pins in strategic areas on Mae's hair so that they would not fall apart. Finally, she took out a thin golden headband, it was woven into a simple plait as well, and placed it around Maethien's head
and hiding it among the many plaits in the back of her head.
"Finished." Arwen said proudly and watched eagerly as the last of the sisters looked at herself, she was very happy when the honey haired elleth smiled wide and laughed joyously.
"I love it! Thank you, Arwen." The elleth's smile widened and she bowed her head slightly in thanks.
"I am glad to help. I have also brought you some food and water skins for your journey." Arwen picked up her forgotten basket and helped the sisters put them into their bags. Maethien smiled and watched as Anoreth asked Arwen how it was she'd learned to do hair so quickly and beautifully, then her smile faltered when she realized that the dawn had arrived.
"It's time." Mae said quietly. Ann nodded then turned to Arwen once again.
"We're glad to have met you, Arwen. I hope we meet again one day." Ann gave Arwen a hug, this time the elleth was not startled by her show of affection and returned the embrace immediately. "No i Melain na le." She said to the three sisters with a brave and kind smile.
Maethien smiled and bowed her thanks to the elleth, urging her sisters to do the same. "Na-den pedim ad." With that said, Mae lead her sisters out to where the Fellowship waited. Dressed in their armour, the girls all looked very different, they looked strong and capable, like warriors. Anoreth was very pleased when Legolas did a double take at the sight of them, a surprised and impressed look on his face, a slight curve forming at the corner of his lips.
Saeleth smiled when the hobbits made their entrance, but when her eyes found Frodo her smile faltered and a look of concern arose in her eyes, he looked rather solemn and apprehensive. She could see the fear in his eyes. So, while Anoreth went to talk to the handsome elf princeling, and Maethien turned to kneel before a very sleepy looking Pippin, Saeleth walked to Frodo and set a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you alright Frodo?" The hobbit looked up at the golden haired elleth, the unease in his eyes was undisguised.
"I'm just... I'm afraid. There is so much out there that I've never seen," His eyes wandered up to the sky for a moment. "I don't know what's coming, Saeleth. I don't know if I can do this. I'm..." With nothing else to say, Frodo looked back into the wise deep amber eyes of the elleth before him. Both were unaware that they had drawn the attention of the rest of the Fellowship, all standing silently behind Saeleth, their attention intent on Frodo.
Saeleth felt her heart ache for her little friend, but at the same time... she felt a sudden rush of frustration. She knew what strength Frodo was capable of, but it seemed that he could not give himself the benefit of the the doubt. Saeleth believed in how strong and special this little hobbit was, and she wanted Frodo to believe in himself too.
"Frodo..." Saeleth sighed and tried to focus the words forming in her head. Shaking her head, Saeleth listened to the emotions swirling inside her and looked at the hobbit directly, a look in her eyes that held onto Frodo.
"The unknown is something we all fear," Everyone was silent, there was a tone in Saeleth's voice that stunned everyone, that demanded silence. "Inevitable encroaching death making it all the more real. Shall you meet your end on adventure's road, a road unknown? It's better to avoid it all and stay safe at home." There was a certain harshness to the words, everyone felt it even Saeleth, so she softened her voice and smiled kindly at Frodo, his saddened eyes still on her.
"Yet you forget the fight you pledged yourself to. A cause greater still than we may ever truly know. If you choose to stay home, how long will you have," Saeleth directed the question to Frodo. "Before your haven is within evil's grasp?" A breath escaped the hobbits mouth, the truth sinking deeper with every word.
"How will you feel then if you knew, there was something you could do? To avoid the bloodshed and pain." Eyes all around went to the ground. "A sacrifice you could make that would never be in vain." Saeleth shook her head to emphasize her statement, then nodded solemnly to emphasize her next statement.
"Yes you may meet your end on this road, on this great quest. But your sacrifice will never be vain if you but try your very best." Saeleth paused and set a hand against Frodo's cheek, moving his face so that his eyes met hers. She pushed every emotion inside her, outward and tried with all her might to help Frodo see through her eyes. To see himself the way she and all those around her saw him. "Make your choice here and now. To take up arms or, to fear, cow." Saeleth felt a rush of joy when she saw a glimpse of defiance in his crystal blue eyes. Standing tall, Saeleth tried to transfer her own confidence to the hobbit with her eyes and strong smile.
"I however, shall take a stand, fear of the unknown be damned! Listen now to your loved ones' plight. Decide whether you wish to join my fight." Saeleth stood tall with an encouraging smile upon her face, deep gold eyes gleaming bright. Only she could feel the light stinging sensation that was burning upon the corner of her left eye, she knew what that meant... another mark. What could this one symbolize?
Anoreth wanted to applaud. She restrained herself though and smiled wide, a similar smile on Mathien's mouth. No one spoke for a long moment, then finally Gandalf stepped forward to stand by Frodo's side, a grand smile on his face.
"Such wisdom from such youth." The wizard spoke deeply, his twinkling eyes on Saeleth, who was struggling against the blush threatening to rise to her cheeks. "Frodo?" All eyes turned to Frodo, waiting expectantly for his decision. The hobbit shifted uneasily for a moment, nerves rising from being beneath the stare of the entire Fellowship, but his eyes met those promising amber gems and his tension dissolved. A small smile touched his mouth, and he nodded slowly.
"I'm ready." He said quietly. Smiles rose in the faces of the Fellowship, Merry, Pippin, and Sam went to their friends side to comfort and encourage his further. Meanwhile, Gandalf set a pair of questioning blue eyes on Saeleth.
"It seems you three share a gift for words." The girls smiled softly, but those smiles nearly fell when Gandalf's eyes moved upward to focus on their foreheads. Uh-oh. The tension rose to their shoulders, they knew what question the wizard was going to ask. It was obvious. "I wonder... Who gave you the gifts upon your-" Relieved sighs silently escaped the girls when Lord Elrond, Arwen, and a few other elves arrived to bid them farewell.
Gandalf's question went unasked as Elrond stepped forward to give the Fellowship his blessings. "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose . May the blessing of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you." Lord Elrond spread his arms wide and Aragorn and the elves all bowed their heads with their hands over their hearts. Gandalf then looked to Frodo.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer." Startled, Frodo looked to Saeleth for a brief moment before he slowly began to lead the way to the arch, at the fork Frodo looked at the paths in front of him. He hesitated.
"Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?" He whispered.
"Left." Gandalf answered. So the Fellowship turned left and left behind the peaceful city of Rivendell for the uncharted journey ahead of them.
The journey began and the girls each reacted differently to the new change.
Maethien grew quiet. She spent most her time walking as close to Frodo as possible, her eyes analyzing everything around them as they continued on their quest. She knew what was going to happen most of the time, since she had seen the film more than once but... well, she wanted to be prepared either way.
The Valar had told them that the dark forces they were up against would do anything in their power to stop them from succeeding, they were bound to send forth challenges that the girls were not expecting. So, rather than to be caught off guard, Mae tried to be as vigil as she possibly could, causing her to, unintentionally, be quieter and much more solemn than before.
Elle and Ann were well aware their sister's sudden silence. So was Aragorn for that matter, and when they all stopped to take a rest he purposely moved to sit near her. He said nothing as he pulled out his intricate pipe while Mae
thien, very aware of his presence, relaxed as best she could on the rock she sat on as she waited, rather anxiously, for him to say or do something. She hoped he spoke soon because he was making her immensely nervous.
"You've become very quiet." Aragorn said finally, smoke wafting from his mouth in an array of swirls and curls. "Is something troubling you?" He looked at Mae directly when he asked the question. Maethien froze and looked at Aragorn with surprised eyes, had she gotten quiet? Sure, she had been very focused on the journey, trying to keep on eye out for danger but... quieter?
"I- Oh," Mae blinked once more and suddenly laughed sheepishly. Aragorn lifted a brow and smiled softly as he watched the beautiful elleth laugh at herself. "I hadn't realized I'd become so serious. I'm just trying to be observant and aware of my surroundings. To keep Frodo safe." Mae explained, with a smile and sheepish shrug, as she leaned back against the large boulder at her back. Maethien breathed a calming sigh and watched Frodo as he walked in the distance.
Aragorn nodded, considering her words in his thoughts, and relaxed against the boulder as well, his eyes trained on her. "I see. I understand. Though remember," Mae looked up when he paused and found his eyes already on hers, holding her gaze. "Don't feel you need to take the burden from us all, we're all here to help protect Frodo."
The man made sense, Mae thought as their gazes remained on each other for another long moment.
"Your right." Mae nodded and smiled at Aragorn. " I don't have to do it alone." She laughed softly and looked to where Elle was sitting upon a rock meditating and Ann was helping Sam with the food, her smile grew and she felt a sudden warmth overcome her. "I suppose, since I'm accustomed to taking care of my sisters on my own, I feel I need to be the one to protect everyone at all times." Mae shrugged, as if to brush away any seriousness from her words, and smiled at Aragorn.
Maethien decided to take some time to rest, unaware that she was being watched by Aragorn as she lifted her legs onto the large rock she sat on, straightened her back, and closed her eyes, fully intending to test out that meditating sleep thing that Elle had told her about once. After another moment of getting comfortable, or as comfortable as she could get on a giant bumpy rock, she finally felt her shoulders un-tense and her mind relax.
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