warning of the heart (boromir)

[frodo baggins]

After days of travel, the fellowship was once again stuck in one place, as Gandalf had to decide which of the three paths was the right one to take. Frodo wanted to talk to Gandalf a bit, but he also wanted to get away from the others for a short time. He wouldn't go far, he would just get enough of a distance so that he could be at peace. Just for a little while. Frodo knew that it would take Gandalf some time to figure out which path seemed to be the right one, so he didn't feel uneasy about leaving his companions for a time. That and they couldn't really press on without him being there, so he was not worried. Perhaps it was a foolish thing for him to leave the safety of the group, but he needed time and some space to think about all that happened and all that might occur. He was already starting to believe that he should set out on his own. The fellowship while being helpful and nice couldn't last. Or Frodo didn't believe it would be able to. Something would go wrong, he felt it in his heart. While he hoped that he was wrong about that sense of foreboding, he did think it was only a matter of time before something happened. He was not naive enough to believe that everything would be fine. Frodo knew better then that.

While some of his fellow hobbits started making some food, and the others set down their belongings, Frodo drifted silently away, making for the path they had just come from. Maybe he would just go look at that place where the mithril could be seen and then come back. And perhaps he'd just walk a few paces and then return. Frodo really didn't care how long he stayed away from his companions, he just needed time. As he moved away, his eyes caught sight of a creature a distance below him and everyone that seemed to be following. The creature was very quick though, it moved out of his sight shortly afterward. Frodo glanced back in the direction of Gandalf and the others. Maybe he should say something....but no. The wizard had other things to worry about at that moment. Since the skulking creature had yet to do something, Frodo wasn't too concerned. At least not at the moment. Perhaps things would change, but he didn't wish to think too far ahead. He was already trying to think of how to get to Mordor, and wondering if he'd even make it that far. So many were counting on him to accomplish this deed. Knowing this was overwhelming.

Frodo walked for some time before he realized he had gone too far. He turned to go back, and was startled and a bit alarmed when he realized that there was somebody standing there. He nearly let out a cry in fear before he realized that it was a member of the fellowship. Frodo took a deep breath and let it back out to calm himself before he could allow himself to speak. "Boromir..." Frodo greeted the man quietly, making it clear that he was surprised by his sudden appearance through his expression, if not through his voice. He didn't want to alarm the others. "What are you doing?" He asked, although really Boromir could ask the same thing of Frodo and he would have no reasonable answer really. The hobbit remained distant from the man of gondor, because he felt suspicious of him. Frodo felt uneasy to be alone with this man, even though he knew that the man had a kind heart. There was just something about him that made Frodo want to avoid him at all costs. And so he started to head back towards the group, to try to avoid starting a conversation.

[boromir]

The crebain had alerted them to the fact the the Gap of Rohan was being watched and trying to pass over Caradhras had been a colossal mistake. That had left them with only two options: to go back to Rivendell (an unthinkable option that no one had brought up) or to go through the Mines of Moria. Gandal had been guiding them faithfully through the mines until they reached a point that branched into three different paths and Gandalf's memory failed him. Every moment they lingered in here was one moment that brought them closer and closer to danger. Just because the dwarves at the entrance of the mines had died a long time ago it didn't mean that those who killed them had left the mines. Boromir had had an uneasy feeling the moment they stepped foot into Moria; and that feeling hadn't left him yet.

How much of that uneasiness had to do with what creatures may still be lurking in the dark places of Moria and how much of it had to do with the Ring around Frodo's neck, Boromir didn't know. What he did know was that the rest of the Fellowship seemed a lot more at ease than Boromir thought was safe. As the other settled down while Gandalf pondered this latest dilemma, Boromir kept his gaze on Frodo. He was the only one who saw the hobbit wander off on his own. For a moment, fear gripped his heart as he thought Frodo might be doing more than taking a leisurely walk for the sake of having something to do while Gandalf thought about which path was the correct one; for a moment, Boromir thought Frodo might just wander right out of the mines and get himself picked up by some servants of the enemy.

Boromir only needed that one thought to convince himself that he needed to follow the hobbit. He could be quiet for such a big man. Granted, not as quiet as a hobbit but quiet enough that someone like Frodo, with so much on his mind, wouldn't hear him following. When Frodo finally turned around, Boromir stopped in his tracks. Was Frodo startled at having been followed or was he startled because of who had followed him? Boromir had to surmise that it was the latter. The things he had said at the council hadn't won him any praise but, rather, condemnation from everyone.

He let a soft, friendly smile cross his face, one that would be hard to see in the dark, as he said, "I didn't mean to startle you." What had he been doing following Frodo? He couldn't tell the hobbit that he had been following him to make sure that he wasn't sneaking away from the Fellowship. So, instead of the truth, he had to go with the most obvious second choice. "It's dangerous out here," he answered, "None of us should be wandering off on our own." And then Frodo started to walk forward again, clearly trying to get back to the others. But Boromir wasn't going to allow that to happen. He stepped backwards, keeping his eyes on Frodo, doing his best to block his path. "What are you doing out here?" he returned the question.

[frodo baggins]

If he were to follow his instincts, he would have just ignored all cordiality and simply gone back to his companions. But Frodo did have this sense that he needed to be polite and friendly with Boromir, even though he felt uncomfortable around the man. Perhaps things would get better when they were all more accustomed to traveling together. And then perhaps not. Frodo would remain wary anyway, just to be on the safe side. If they had a normal conversation, then Frodo would let himself relax. But until then he would try to stay away. It was for multiple reasons really. He wanted to make sure that he could run if he needed to, or to keep the ring from being taken if worst came to worst and Boromir tried to take it from him. He didn't think that he would do so, but it never hurt to be cautious. Of the fellowship, it was Boromir that Frodo was least comfortable around. Then again, neither of them had spent much time together unless it was with the group. And somehow, he felt that Merry and Pippin got along with this man from gondor easier. But they didn't have as much to worry about.

In fact, even though they were in peril, the two of them acted like nothing had changed. At times it was endearing, and other times Frodo just wanted to tell them to go home already. They were needlessly sending themselves through the danger. But they chose to come with, and if they ever wanted to return home, they could do so. As Elrond had told them in Rivendell, they were bound by no oath to go any further than they wished. And with that, Frodo had no choice but to accept their friendship and their willingness to go as far as they may with him. He admired and loved them for it, but he wished they didn't force themselves into a situation they did not have to be in. It was too late to change that now though. At least until they left the Mines. Frodo figured he needed to forget about them for a time. At least about trying to persuade them. Merry and Pippin were young, so their need for adventure was perhaps greater than his own. Who knew really? There was a time where Frodo longed for his own adventure like Bilbo's....but the way his turned out he only bore it because he had to.

While Boromir smiled at him, Frodo didn't have the slightest desire to smile back. But smile he did, albeit a very small smile, with incredible reluctance. The entire time he felt this great desire to rush back to the other members of the fellowship. It was very difficult for him to control that temptation. But another factor was that he felt as if the ring weighed a bit heavier than before. Frodo couldn't explain why, but the general assumption was that the power of the enemy was growing. It made Frodo that much more eager to get the fellowship to continue as quickly as possible. "It's alright. Thank you." Frodo replied quietly, thanking him for apologizing, figuring that would be all. But instead Boromir told him of the dangers of wandering about on his own. While Frodo had behaved a bit recklessly, he hadn't actually believed anything would attack. Now that he thought about it, that was a rather stupid thing to believe. "I understand. I did not intend to go too far." He explained, although he felt it probably didn't matter much.

Boromir would believe what he wanted about him, and Frodo would have no chance but to deal with that. Frodo felt less and less comfortable being alone with him the more time went by. Especially when Boromir stopped him from returning to the group. Frodo couldn't help but frown, wondering why he had stopped him after mentioning the dangers. Frodo felt this was incredibly contradictory. "I needed some time to think. It is not so easy when you are surrounded by others." Frodo answered as he stepped forward, half-expecting and half-hoping that Boromir would let him pass. He did not wish to remain standing there with this man. But most likely he would have to deal with that anyway.

[boromir]

Frodo's own admission of not meaning to have gone too far should have been enough to settle Boromir's fear but it wasn't. When he was so near Frodo--so near the Ring--the thought that the hobbit was going to end up betraying them all would never leave his mind. How could a hobbit stand up to the will of Sauron? The plan that the council had decided on (everyone, that is, except Boromir) was doomed to fail from the beginning. It was only going to be a matter of time before that failure happened, and then all would realize that Boromir had been right, what little good it would do them to figure it out at the end of all things.

When Frodo stepped forward, Boromir stood his ground. He couldn't let the hobbit get away from him so easily. The others, especially Sam, always kept their eyes fixed on Frodo. The opportunity of ever catching him alone again would surely never come or, if it came, not until who knew how long into the future and by then it would be far too late to make their way to Gondor. Letting Frodo go now would mean giving up all hope that he could change the hobbit's mind about the course that they were currently on; Boromir wasn't going to give up hope while there was still time left to change at least Frodo's mind.

"It's the Ring, isn't it?" he said, his glance straying to the chain around Frodo's neck. "There is no need for you to carry this burden alone, Frodo...There is no need to carry it at all if you but let me take it back to Minas Tirith where my people will keep it safe." There were the barest hints of pleading in Boromir's voice. He was desperate to get the One Ring to Gondor just like his father had asked of him. Whether it really would be safe there would be a matter of debate. Boromir wasn't sure he'd be able to give the Ring up to his father who had changed so much since his wife had died.

And then it struck Boromir: How easy would it be to overpower the small hobbit right here and right now, take the Ring...and then what? The entrance to the mines was blocked off, thanks to the Watcher in the water. He could try and find some other exit but that was as hopeless to think about as it would be to actually do. He didn't know his way around here. Even Gandalf who had been in here once was now at a lost as to where they needed to go next. Reasoning was all that Boromir could do right now with Frodo; he just hoped that the hobbit had enough reason in him to listen.

[frodo baggins]

Frodo felt threatened by Boromir. He had been warned that he had to be careful of attack from within the fellowship. Gandalf had told him to remain cautious. It was important for him to do so, no matter where he was or with whom he was. Frodo wished to avoid Boromir because he didn't agree with what he wanted to accomplish. It wasn't that Frodo couldn't handle disputes or anything, but it bothered him that Boromir thought the ring could be used. Frodo had only borne the weight of the ring for a small time, but he already knew its danger. The ring was not something that could be used. The entire purpose of this venture was to keep the ring away from Sauron and destroy it. Only then would the people of Middle Earth be able to be at peace. And only then would Boromir's people be safe as well. The man believed that using the ring could help, but from all that Frodo had already come to understand about the ring, he knew that was not true. Lord Elrond had explained what needed to be done. The ring had to be destroyed. This was what had caused many arguments with the council, and clearly Boromir's viewpoint had not changed from then.

Frodo hoped that perhaps he could change the man's opinion, but he doubted that he would be able to. He could understand loyalties to the place a person came from. After all, Frodo was a hobbit, and he would always hold the Shire as a special place in his heart. It was his home. But Frodo tried not to think too much about his home while he journeyed to Mordor. He didn't want to lessen his resolve with his desire to return home. No, Frodo would not see the Shire again for a long time if ever, and he was going to accept that. While the other members of the fellowship had their attachments and such, he would continue with as little attachments to places as possible. There was every bit of possibility that the ring could take his life in the end, and he would be willing to accept that knowing he had done his best to try to free the peoples of Middle Earth from this evil. Still, he was determined to find a way to succeed. Frodo knew that there was a small chance of success, but he would do his best. Even if people like Boromir couldn't understand why he risked his life needlessly or whatever it was he thought.

The hobbit watched Boromir with a blank expression, not wanting to show his displeasure in listening to what he had to say. Frodo did not agree with any of the things the man of Gondor suggested to him. While Frodo had heard of the magnificence of the city of Minas Tirith, he did not believe the ring would be safe there, despite what Boromir said. In fact, Minas Tirith seemed as if it would be the worst place to send the ring. In the hands of men, so close to Mordor, how would anyone be able to manage the ring? And not just manage, to use it. Using it there would be the greatest damage that could be done as far as Frodo was concerned. "I understand that you are devoted to your people, but the ring will not help keep them safe." Frodo responded carefully, not wanting to offend him but also not wanting to give him any false hope or anything. He would decline Boromir's request as kindly as he could. "I think that taking the ring to Minas Tirith is far too dangerous." He added softly, and smiled apologetically at the man, although he couldn't tell if he'd even notice that with the fact that it was so dark in the mines. "I understand your reasoning though. I too wish to protect something dear to me. It is for that reason that I do not mind bearing this burden." Frodo finished explaining, wondering if that would be enough to satisfy Boromir, or if he would try to draw out this...whatever it was. It wasn't really a dispute yet, but by the way that Boromir stood in front of him, Frodo could see it turning into one. He remained patient, hoping Boromir would give up on it.

[boromir]

He should have known that this wasn't going to be easy to do. The very fact that Frodo had offered to take the Ring at the council should have been enough to alert Boromir that a few soft spoken words wouldn't be enough to change the hobbit's mind. He felt like he was the only one who had thought everything through. Maybe Frodo had a point in saying that it was dangerous to take the Ring to Minas Tirith; Osgiliath was the only city separating it from Mordor. But it would still be a lot safer in his city than taking it into Mordor to try and destroy it once and for all.

Frodo could be as noble and courageous as he wanted to be about this journey but Boromir was going to stand by his surmise that it was going to fail. "And a halfling taking it into the very heart of Mordor is not dangerous?" he said, the barest traces of anger seeping into his voice. "There is no way that what the council decided on can succeed." Boromir was sure that they all knew there was little to no hope of any one of the nine members of the Fellowship making it into Mordor alive, much less all of the way to Mount Doom, and Boromir felt that it was his duty to try and stop the foolishness before it was too late. Surely someone in the Fellowship would come to their senses before it was too late.

Boromir had the feeling that that someone wasn't going to be Frodo, nor would it be Sam because Sam always followed in Frodo's footsteps. He didn't have much hope in being able to persuade Gandalf. The wizard was going to stick by the council's decision no matter what happened along the way. While Boromir was already starting to grow fond of Merry and Pippin, he didn't think they'd abandon Frodo's side. Legolas and Gimli might listen to him but he couldn't help but feel that they'd go along with whatever decision the majority of the Fellowship chose. And that left Aragorn. Aragorn might listen to him, even if it meant bringing the rightful heir to the throne to Minas Tirith.

He let out a small sigh as he realized the futility of his hope that his words would be enough to persuade Frodo to change his course. "We better get back to the others. Maybe Gandalf has remembered the way." He wasn't going to apologize for what he had said because he knew he was right, but he also wasn't going to press the matter right now because there would still be ample enough time once they got out of Moria to bring it up again, this time to Aragorn who would be more inclined to listen to him.

[frodo baggins]

Their discussion was going nowhere, and Frodo knew it. He hoped to end the conversation in a peaceful way, but was afraid that Boromir would not allow him to do so. He knew that the man wanted the ring brought to his people, and Frodo was not sure just what he would do to try to bring it there. He hoped it wouldn't be as drastic as he thought it might become. He didn't want to become enemies with Boromir. As far as Frodo could tell, Boromir was a nice man. It was just hard for him to feel safe around him. Impossible even. Gandalf had warned Frodo that he could not allow himself to feel secure even in the Fellowship. Because the ring would try to work it's evil to find itself in the hands of one who'd give it up to Sauron more willingly. And as he'd already learned, it was because of men that the ring survived. And that was plenty of reason for Frodo to want to keep away from Boromir as best as he could. He knew the same caution was needed around Aragorn, but Frodo trusted him more. Aragorn had done all he could to help the hobbits on their way to Rivendell. Frodo had been forced to trust him before, but now he knew that the trust was rightfully given.

Frodo listened to what Boromir had to say silently, and a feeling of great pity overwhelmed his desire to escape this man. Boromir had lost hope, that must have been it. Frodo could understand that a person who fought against the evils of Mordor might lose will, or lose sight of the hope in the task set before Frodo. It was a weak hope, that was true, but hope nonetheless. His pity sort of found it's way onto his face as he watched Boromir. He truly did feel sorry for the man, because he knew that without hope, there really could be no understanding of this cause. And Frodo wasn't exactly stupid. He knew that the chances of him succeeding were small. But there was a chance, because Sauron would never believe that anyone would wish to destroy the ring. It was so powerful that it would ensnare any bearer with the desire to keep it for himself. Frodo did not have that desire yet, but he knew that the ring would grow stronger in the coming days. It was already getting heavier, he could fee it. Frodo wanted to be able to carry it all the way to Mordor. That was his quest. He would not allow himself to give in, even if there was only a small chance for success.

Frodo had little hope himself, but he knew that the Fellowship would help him. He believed that Gandalf would know the answer to each problem, and thereby help Frodo get to Mordor. Of course that would make sense. He did not put all his faith into Gandalf, but he trusted the wizard more than anyone right at that moment. "I'm sorry that you have lost hope Boromir. There is a chance that this can be accomplished. And you're right, it is dangerous. But I'd rather it was this danger, than the danger of practically handing the ring to him. Which is what I fear I would be doing if the ring went to Minas Tirith." Frodo explained patiently, and calmly, not wanting to upset the man of Gondor. He didn't think he could persuade him to his side, but he figured he could at least have Boromir understand where he was coming from. At least then the man could know why Frodo refused to take the ring to Minas Tirith, or more so, give Boromir the ring. Frodo genuinely believed that would be the worst plan. Frodo nodded at Boromir's words and stepped toward the group, ready to rejoin the fellowship. "It's probably best that we do. I'm sure Gandalf will figure it out soon." Frodo walked toward Boromir since he was blocking the path and started around him, figuring he might as well go back first.

(ooc: sorry this took so long. but if you want to thread more you could add Boromir into the fellowships thread. he could talk to Gandalf or something. Just a suggestion. xP)

[boromir]

Boromir couldn't think of a single thing that was dangerous about taking the Ring to Minas Tirith. Frodo's words were baseless but Boromir knew that no matter what he said right now Frodo was going to stick by them. Osgiliath, which had already fallen once to the enemy, was all that would stand between the Ring and Sauron if Boromir had his way. But Boromir had a lot more hope and faith in the men of his city than Frodo or the others members of the Fellowship had. They were still strong enough to resist Sauron for as long as they could.

But getting into that disagreement with Frodo at the moment wouldn't be a good idea. He had made some kind of a start today and would just have to make sure that at every opportunity he could find he would bring up his idea again and again, until some of the others started to believe that maybe he was right; maybe the Ring should be brought to Minas Tirith and there they could make their last stand for the protection of Middle-earth. Until then, Boromir would have to bide his time carefully and not be too overtly aggressive in trying to get the others on his side.

And that was why Boromir stepped aside so Frodo could get past him without a comment. He wasn't going to apologize for frightening Frodo again with his views because he knew he was right. Frodo could hold onto his hope that he'd be able to make it into the heart of Mordor to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom; Boromir was going to hold onto his hope that the Ring would help Gondor destroy Sauron once and for all if he could but get it to Minas Tirith. With that thought fixed firmly in his mind, Boromir followed behind Frodo.

ooc: Felt the need to right a short wrap up post here, and I will definitely look into joining that other thread...hopefully a little bit later today!