The fire had long died down and all the little people had since gone to bed. Yet as tired as I was I knew I would not be getting any sleep. I could feel eyes burning into my skull. Gandalf had said I was safe, and I believed him. But, there was no way I was going to be taking any chances. Every now and then I could hear hushed tones drift my way. I knew they were talking about me, but as to what they were saying I was completely in the dark.
The wind started to pick up, bringing strong gusts through the camp. Even wrapped in a blanket the cold still went right to my bones. Violently shivering I pulled the blanket closer to my body and tried to shift closer to the nearly non-existent fire. I sighed as I put my head back on my knees; how on earth was I going to get out of this mess? My actions did not go unnoticed.
I jumped when a hand came down on my shoulder. Snapping my head up I met the handsome face of Legolas. I am sorry, he said softly, I had not meant to frighten you.
Its alright. I managed to get out, my voice rougher than I had anticipated. He shifted his grasp from my shoulder to my elbow and gave a gentle tug. I awkwardly stood and he tucked my arm into his. He lead us right past his companions and off into the dark. This confused and slightly worried me. Where are we g-
We had figured that you would prefer to dress in a more private setting, my lady. He explained before I even had a chance to voice my concern. When you have finished, he said as he handed me a pack of neatly folded clothes, just walk back in a straight line. We will be waiting for you. With that he turned on his heels and walked back. I dropped the blanket from my shoulders, immediately feeling the cold air intensify, and began to lift up my shirt. If you take more then ten minutes we will come to get you. He warned.
I wont lie; it made me jump. Not wanted to risk them finding me undressed I quickly stripped my clothing. Teeth chattering I pulled up a pair of leggings and yanked a tunic over my head. The clothes were too big on me. I felt so small, but so much warmer. Draping the blanket over my shoulders and clutching my rumpled clothes I made my way back to camp.
I had no need to announce my presence. True to his word, Legolas along with the other two men were waiting for me. When I came into full view the three of them broke into quiet laughter. If I may, my lady? The dark haired man asked as he came towards me. Unsure of his intent I hesitated before nodding. Upon receiving my approval he took my clothes from me and disregarded them on the ground. He knelt to the ground and cuffed my pants. Once satisfied with the length he moved up to my sleeves, rolling them back until my hands became visible. He then reached around to the tie that I seemed to have forgotten and tied it: in hopes of keeping my shirt down and my pants up.
Thank you, I spoke after a moment of silence. I dont remember my voice ever sounding so small.
You need not thank me, my lady. He told me. Legolas lent you the clothes, I merely made them easier to move in. He guided me back to my spot by the fire and sat me down. He made to leave me but I reached out to stop him.
Im sorry I bit you.
He laughed for a moment, amusement clear in his eyes. There are still a few hours before dawn. Get so rest. With that he left me alone.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was staring into the face of my new favorite person: Boromir. Lovely. The sky was a lovely shade a pink, and the air had returned to s slightly bearable brisk feel. I got to my feet and made to walk over to the others when a hand roughly grasped me by the arm and pulled me back. You may have the elf and ranger fooled, he seethed pulling me closer, But, I am less convinced. If you make one move I will make sure it will be your last.
He tightened his hold on me to emphasize his point and I gasped out. Trying to free my arm from his grasp I chocked out Youre hurting me! He didnt lessen his hold so I tried again. Please! Let me go, youre hurting me! He showed no signs of bending to my will until the ranger started to come over. Boromir quickly released me and took a few steps back
Is there a problem here? he asked, glancing over me and then looking to Boromir.
None at all, my friend. Boromir replied. I was merely informing the lady that she should be making her way over to get breakfast seeing as we have a long day ahead of us. The ranger looked over to me to see if it was true, and I nodded, not entirely trusting my voice at the moment. With that settled we made our way over to join the rest of the group.
Once I was seated I was immediately handed a plate of food by the light haired, smiling child-like man. We all ate our fill and an awkward silence seemed to hang over the group. Focusing my attention on what little food was left on my plate I tried to ignore everything around me. I never really did like meeting new people, and this was killing me inside. I just wanted to run and hide under a rock until they all forgot about me Risking a glance at my new companions I realized that all eyes were focusing intently on me yet again. Oh, joy!
My lady, one of the short men called out to me. Forgive me, but I have yet to learn your name. The rest of the group seemed to come to the same realization at the same time and seemed to eagerly await my response.