(Y/n) ignored the sound of Gimli, Glóin and Legolas' voices, as she walked away. Just as she had expected, as soon as they had all left the meeting, the three had been around her trying to tell her that she was being foolish; that such a quest was not meant for her. That it would be best that she return to the Mountain and help the family prepare for what evil could come to their home; but she would hear nothing of it. She had made a promise to Bilbo, a promise to Frodo, and it was a promise that she would keep no matter what. The princess not about to be told what she could and could not do; and she would not appear as a coward and change her mind. So, her family would just have to come to terms with her decision. (Y/n) sure that Glóin was already writing a missive to send to the Mountain, perhaps hoping that a reply would come from a father, telling her that she could not go with Frodo; that she must come home and do her duty by her dwarven family, and people. But (Y/n) knew that her mother would intervene. That even though the queen would worry for her, she would still tell her father that it was what (Y/n) had to do. This her chance to prove herself, to find her way and do something good, by helping Frodo and the others bring about an end to the evil that threatened their world. The princess sure that her father would have plenty to say to her when she returned; but that could be a long time in the future, if at all. So, for now, she would content herself with making sure that she had all she needed, before the Fellowship finally left Imladris. (Y/n) stopping and looking out over the magnificent realm of the elven Lord; wanting to take it all in, to remember as much as she could of the First Homely House west of the wild lands of Rhovanion over the Misty Mountains, just in case she never got to see it, again.

"You should listen to them.........." A voice came. (Y/n) turning around to see Boromir. The princess turning her attention back to the settlement; its buildings bathing in the bright light of the early afternoon sun.

She still hadn't forgiven the captain after what he had said last night about her family; and she had certainly not liked how he had spoken and acted at the Council. It seeming obvious that the Ring had had more of an effect on the man, than he might admit. And the way he had been so rude to Aragorn, had made her think so differently of him. For the man that she had believe to be a Ranger until that morning, had proved himself to be nothing but a decent and honourable man. (Y/n) not blaming Arwen for being in love with him.

"Your uncles I mean..........."

"And why would you say that.........?" (Y/n) countered, having a terrible feeling that the High Warden of the White Tower was about to say something else she didn't like.

"Because you are a woman......a princess. Women do not belong........" That the last word she would take. (Y/n) turning and storming over to him; glad that she had been the one to inherit the height of the elves. Imagining that she wouldn't appear half as intimidating if she were looking the man in the navel.

"You have no idea, who I am, or what I can do, Captain Boromir. And if you think that a woman cannot fight, cannot face an enemy and spill blood alongside those they care for, then the women of Gondor must be so very different to those who raised me. So different from dwarrowdams and elleths. I will have you know...captain........." (Y/n) poking at Boromir's chest; the princess stepping forward, as he stepped back.

"My grandmother, the elvenqueen of Mirkwood, was captured and killed by Orcs during the Greenwood-Angmar war. My mother, the Queen under the Mountain, is one of the greatest warriors to ever be born in Mirkwood; she was one of my father's Company and fought orcs, wargs, goblins and a damn dragon, before fighting alongside the dwarves in the Battle of the Five Armies. Even facing Azog the Defiler, along with my father on Ravenhill. My aunt Dis is one of the fiercest dwarrowdams that you could ever meet and even though she has never been in battle, that old dwarf could put the fear of Mahal into the heart of even the bravest man. So, if you wish to tell me that women cannot fight, that they do not deserve to be on a quest such as this, I will gladly introduce you to my mother and aunt, and see how unscathed you remain, by the time that they are finished with you." (Y/n) continued. Boromir's eyes widening, as his back suddenly pushed up against one of the ivy and honeysuckle covered columns.

"I have as much right as you, if not more, to be on this quest. For if my family, if Legolas, Gimli and poor Frodo are going to fight this evil, then I will be there too; and there is nothing that you, or they, can say that will stop me. Now........" (Y/n) finally backing away from the oldest son of Denethor, straightening out her dress.

"I have better things to do than stand here and try and persuade a man that obviously believes women are good for nothing but cooking, cleaning, and birthing children, that they can also fight. So, if you will excuse me........" (Y/n) turning with a dramatic flourish and leaving the shocked captain to wonder what he had just faced.

                                                           >>---------------------------------<<

"You are very brave.........." (Y/n) looking up and smiling, as she saw Aragorn leaning against the wall next to him.

After her dramatic departure from dealing with the Gondorian, the princess had found the most secluded place that she could think of in the realm of the peredhel. The princess enjoying the peace that the place brought her, before she and the others would have to venture out into the wilds. Her anger forgotten as she watched the dragonfly's flit over the water of the nearby pool. As the butterflies sipped the nectar of the brightly blooming flowers, and the birds seemed to sing just for her.

"If you have come to try and dissuade me..........."

"No, no, princess. I would not dare......." Aragorn replied, shaking his head and chuckling as he pushed himself off the wall and made his way over to her. (Y/n) nodding as he looked at the seat next to her.

"I have heard much of the fury of dwarven females; and your uncle Legolas has told me all about your mother, Celeblaswen. So, I can only imagine how fierce the daughter of elves and dwarves might be, and do not wish to see it, firsthand. No, I just came to tell you, that I believed that you were brave. Legolas tells me that you are only fifty-five, so you are still young in the eyes of your family......."

"But I am older than all of the hobbits, and older than Bilbo when he joined my father's Company...........though........" (Y/n) tried to defend herself. Letting out a heavy sigh as her thoughts turned to Frodo.

"I do not think I am brave at all. Certainly not as brave as those hobbits, especially Frodo. Nor as brave as you, my uncle or Gimli. No, not brave, though I do hope to find that courage as we go. To prove to you.......all of you; to my mother and father too, that I am strong; strong enough to do what I must. To do what needs to be done, despite the dangers. That I can face any foe and fight for what is right, and good and true. And even if it means that I lose my life, I will not back down..........."

"I think you underestimate yourself, princess. All that sounds like bravery to me........." Aragorn told her. (Y/n) smiling along with him, as they looked at one another.

"I believe that Frodo and the Fellowship are lucky to have you coming on this journey. And I for one, will be honoured to fight by your side........." He added as he got to his feet.

"I will leave you to your peace........" Aragorn nodding to her, before turning to leave.

"Aragorn..........!"

"Princess..........?" The Ranger turning around.

"Thank you for your words, but the honour will be all mine......and Arwen was right.........you are wonderful........." She said. The two smiling at one another again, before Aragorn finally left.