Lothlorien. That was without a doubt the beautiful place I ever saw, next to the white city of Minas Tirith. I will always remember our first night there, how we slept among the silver branches of Mallorn trees and saw the new morning light filter through its golden leaves. There was peace and safety that none of us had known since Rivendell.

I will always remember too, the beautiful Lady Galadriel, especially the way she looked into my mind. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to think of anything else. I felt as if she knew me better than I knew myself. She knew the desire of my heart even before I did. I had no idea why she was doing this, and even less idea why Lord Celeborn was not. He undoubtedly had that ability, and yet, I sensed somehow that he was warning her against it. I must admit, it seemed to serve no purpose and I was uncomfortable with it. When Aragorn made it clear, however, that there was no evil in Galadriel or in her land, my feelings turned from apprehension to curiosity

Aragorn would make a fine king, I have no doubt about that, and yet he is afraid. He fears the past, thinking he is bound to the fate of his ancestor Isildur. Even now he doubts his ability to lead. Should a strong man fear corruption or doubt his abilities? I think not. If I did not know Aragorn as I do, I would consider this a sign of weakness.

With the exception of our stay in Lothlorien, this has been a terrible time for all of us. Gandalf has fallen into the dark pit of Moria and now the quest stands on the edge of a knife, as Galadriel so rightly pointed out. If it fails, what will Aragorn have to rule over?

And the little Ring-bearer, what must this be like for him? He mourns the loss of Gandalf more than any of us, having known and loved him since he was a child. He also suffers from a stab wound that will never fully heal, all the while carrying the fate of all Middle Earth around his small neck. Frodo is brave; he endures all this without complaint; and yet he suffers. These things wear at him cruelly. Is right to expect, or even allow him to continue like this? I will take him to Minas Tirith. I will free him from this awful burden and see that everyone honours him for his spirit and his courage. He is intelligent and well educated, for a hobbit. I will make him see the wisdom of this, if he does not already.

Yes, the Ring will go to Minas Tirith. I will become the new Ring-bearer, but for myself alone, or even for my family. I will do it for all of Gondor and Lothlorien. I will do it for the peace and freedom of all Middle Earth! I will strike down our enemy with his own weapon! Thank you, Lady Galadriel, for making it clear to me what must be done!