Chap. 18 - Jealousy Conquers All

After we ate a small serving of elven bread, I went to my sleeping pad, eager to get some rest. It was quite dark. I passed by Boromir, who was sitting by himself underneath a small tree. I leaned down, "Boromir, you should rest."

"I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me 'Even now there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it," Boromir said, and looked down.

I put my hand on his shoulder, and stood up. He put his hand on top of mine. I quickly pulled my hand away, "All of this is getting to your head. You should rest to clear your mind of troubles."

He stood up, and gathered me into an embrace.

"And you are right," he said into my hair.

He let me go, and walked into the tree where the sleeping pads were. I stood, dumbfounded that he had done that. I turned around, and Aragorn was standing in the shadows. His eyes were lit by the dim candle light.

"What were you doing?" he asked quietly. He seemed hurt. Apparently, he had not heard what we were talking about earlier.

"I was telling him to rest. And so should you," I said and looked away.

"But you embraced him," Aragorn said, "You also embraced him after we left Moria."

I sighed, and whispered back harshly, "No! Lady Galadriel spoke to him about the fall of Gondor. He seemed troubled, so I told him to rest. He took my advice, and hugged me. I did not hug him. And at Moria, I was overcome with sadness. He was there to comfort me; while you were not."

Aragorn stared at me with sadness in his eyes, and he looked away. I frowned to myself. He's jealous. A small smile played on my lips. I faced the tree, and started to walk away.

I heard light footsteps, and he gently grabbed my shoulders and turned me around. I gazed into his eyes, as he gazed back. He pulled me into a loving hug.

"I should have been there to comfort you. I apologize. Something is changing in Boromir. Stay away from him," he said, and smiled, "Get some rest. Lady Alex."

I laughed, and he let me go. I flicked his shoulder as he left. "Good night, Lord Aragorn."

Hehe, jealousy!