As soon as Boromir stood during the Council of Elrond, I knew things were going to be bad. His arrogance. His total lack of respect. His...arrogance. And it was so like Aragorn to just overlook it. Really, he should learn to speak his mind more often.

When he isn't plastered. Though I admit that part was partly my fault. If I hadn't momentarily forgotten the effects of elven wine on mortal men...perhaps this wouldn't have happened. But, in the long run, perhaps, everything will work out for the best?

But I'm rambling without mentioning what the problem is. Very sorry. I'll be short: upon having more wine than is usually recommended, Aragorn and Boromir decided to be honest with each other. The scene was not a pretty one, and I'm sure all who witnessed it, as I had, felt that it did not bode well for our newly formed Fellowship...or the quest itself.

Now, having said that, I must also admit that...maybe...I'd had a bit too much to drink as well, and what happened next is a direct result of that, and hobbits that were too cooperative. I had thought, in all my many years of 'wisdom', that forcing the two Men of our little group to spend time together might alleviate some of the tension between them. That, in and of itself, was not the worst of ideas, but I foolishly discussed my intentions with the hobbits, Merry and Pippin, who then suggested what seemed like an even better idea.

That being, we should tie them together. A plan that ultimately resulted in the both of them swiping some shackles from the dungeons of Imladris, and the three of us sneaking up to the Men as they slept.

I don't think I need to explain what happened when those elements met.

Of course, admitting that it may not have been the best choice of action does not mean I am not enjoying their plight. Watching them wake up, hung over and chained together at the left wrist, and try to comprehend what was going on...I don't think I've laughed so hard in nearly a century. Though it was lucky that I wasn't near them, as I don't think they would have appreciated the hilarious show they displayed.

Also, they have not, so far as I know, begun to suspect any of the Fellowship for their situation, though I'm sure very soon they will run out of others to accuse. As Arwen surely would do nothing of the sort, nor would her father, and the twins, Elrohir and Elladan, seem to be nowhere to be found.

Despite themselves, they are doing wonders for morale. Watching them fumble around with simple every day tasks, arguing over the smallest of things, it gives the rest of us, Frodo especially, a distraction from the trials ahead. Almost regretfully I remind myself that, in a few days, I will have to end all this and set them loose for the start of our journey. Heh heh. Alas...

For the time being though, watching them attempt to bathe is most amusing. Most often, Aragorn passively follows Boromir to wherever he will lead them, not, as I had hoped, asserting himself and making his opinions known. Even when Boromir insulted him because of his rugged and 'ranger-esque' appearance --and smell, apparently-- and demanded that he bathe. For that moment, it seemed, the man from Gondor forgot that he was attached to Aragorn. He was quickly reminded though, as he was pulled to the bath-house.

Another admission I must make: I've followed them. How could I not really? Such entertainment from such interesting, and attractive men. It was a moment of weakness.

But, where were we? Ah yes. The bathing of Aragorn. I do wish I could see the look on Boromir's face now as he is forced to undress as well, since one cannot stay clothed and dry while the other steps into the pool. Even in the routine task of bathing they argue, though I am glad of it for the moment, as Aragorn seems to have shaken off his apathy for the duration. It appears that Boromir thinks if he wets the shackles enough they will rust and fall away, giving him the chance to escape. Even with my elven hearing, it is hard to make out anything that is said over the clinking of the chain that holds them together.

The most I have been able to catch is something about Boromir not wanting his hand to go *there*. Perhaps it is a trick of the eyes, but...as the moments pass it almost seems that they are getting along better.

Ah, but I am fooled. For as they step out of the water --presenting me with *quite* the view-- they once again resume their bickering and fussing. Hmm. And it seems as though they will be shirtless for the remainder of our stay here in Imladris...having torn the sleeves of their shirts to remove them. Aragorn has not failed to note that this most recent development is all Boromir's fault. At least he seems to be getting over his...'shyness'.

For most of the day I have followed them after the bath. What I saw pass between them in the water there seems to be just as I thought, a foolish notion. They have done nothing but fight and tug each other in opposite directions, filling the halls of Lord Elrond's home with a terrible racket. But now they are silent, presumably asleep in their room. Finally.

Or not. Thudding. More jangling of chains. Swearing? I know better than to move closer to their door, but...I do anyway. Why not? They are making so much noise there is little chance they would hear me, if, in fact, I was careless enough to be heard. Closer now, it is glaringly apparent what is going on behind the door. Along with what I heard before there is moaning and panting, and the almost inaudible sound of skin against skin.

Interesting. I never would have thought. A strange twist of fate, and my plan has worked better than I ever expected. Now then, I do believe that it wouldn't hurt much at all if I were to just...stay and...make sure...my conclusion is correct. Would it?