E.

The party emerged from Mordor, each looking thoughtful. Aragorn spoke
first.

'It is needless to say that we all regret the loss of Gandalf. He was
truly a person of eminence and grace'.

'Yet', interrupted Legolas, 'The cynical and suspicious might find
your heartfelt grief at his untimely demise perhaps lacking a touch
of sincerity, given that his death at this time perforce elects you
to leader of our little group'

' The implication in your words, Legolas, I find disturbing in the
extreme', answered Aragorn.

'As do I, although the implication in question is perhaps a different
one', said Boromir. 'Why is Aragorn, as you say, 'perforced elected'
to leadership? Surely this matter should be referred to a larger
referendum than just yourself, Legolas, intelligent though you may be'

'I used the specific appellation...', began Legolas. Gimli
interrupted.

'Regardless, and I must say I find these small-minded squabbles of
yours irksome and inappropriate, we are on the borders of Lothlorien,
a realm whose inhabitants have certain unusual customs, which the
unwary traveller often falls foul of. I suggest that our friend Frodo
renders the Ring on to me until we are through Lothlorien and in a
place of more condign safety, or perhaps an even greater period of
time'.

Pippin frowned. 'Your suggestion has merit, although I would deem it
wiser that someone more suitable, for instance I, should have the
laborious and dangerous duty of actually carrying the Ring...'