Chapter Two

Over the next few weeks the fellowship made good time and were quickly approaching the mountains. Gimli tried relentlessly to convince Gandalf that the safest passage for them would be through Moria, but Gandalf knew something the others didn't and refused to go there.

Rill continued on with them as well. She had spent time traveling with her father and other rangers from the north so traveling with men did not bother her. It took them a few days to get used to having her, Gimli the most. Dwarves were known for having filthy mouths and it took Gimli a little longer to remember to watch his mouth in front of her, though she didn't mind having spent many months in Ered Luin.

Boromir still had his doubts about having her with them and decided to speak with Aragorn one afternoon as they walked.

"I still fear it is not wise for her to travel with us"

Aragorn was not surprised to hear this. He could see it in the Gondorian's eyes that he was still not pleased that she was there. He himself wasn't happy with it either, but having raised her he knew it was a losing battle. "Would it ease you to know that she has traveled many times across great plains? Often alone, and with very little. I do not doubt her skill"

"Would you rather see her here than safe in her home?"

The ranger laughed. "I have spent many years wishing she was safe at home, but home is not a place she enjoys"

"Why is that?" Boromir asked, looking ahead to where Rill was walking with Legolas. Since he Aragorn told him about her heritage the two slowly started spending more time together, most often at night while the others slept, foe neither of them needed to rest as often.

"She was born a half blood of unfortunate circumstances. While most Elves as excepting of her there are still some who like to remind her of how different she is. She doesn't feel she belongs anywhere, instead choosing to wander, much as I did at that age"

"And how old is she then?"

"21 in a few weeks time"

Boromir scoffed. "If it were my child at such an age I would have most certainly sent them home. A young woman such as her should not be on a dangerous quest"

Aragorn stopped walking and turned to face the Gondorian who also stopped. "You are an honorable man, would you not raise your child the same?" the other man nodded unsure of where he was going. "So when your child, son or daughter, comes before you to tell you they wish to fight for the honor of their kingdom would you say no? Would you tell them to forget all you have taught them and lock them away? In our history all those who have done great things did them because they knew it was right to. Just as we knew it is right to help Frodo, so does she. I will not send her away while I do the very thing she also wishes to do. I do not have to like it, but I will not stop her" Without another word Aragorn turned and continued after the other who didn't seem to notice that the two had stopped.

Up ahead Legolas chuckled, causing Rill to shoot him a questioning glance. "If there was ever a moment that I did not believe Aragorn to be a father, I surely will never question again" Still confused Rill turned around to see her father walking with blank face, and a stunned looking Boromir walking behind.

"What did he do?" She asked turning back to the Elf.

"He merely put Lord Boromir in his place for questioning you" He smiled.

Rill shook her head. "Of course he did. Never one to pass up an opportunity to scold someone, I can assure you" The two shared a laugh before continuing on in comfortable silence.

A little while later Legolas remembered something Aragorn had said and he found it odd. "Your father said you have traveled alone many times" He said turning slightly to watch her face.

"Yes, but never past the Misty Mountains. My travels are mainly to and from Ered Luin"

"Why? Is that not a Dwarfish kingdom?"

"Yes ,the Broadbeams clan as well as many Longbeards live there. Ered Luin is close to the sea where most Sirens are rumored to come from. I wanted to go there, to find the other half of who I am"

"And did you?" Legolas asked.

She nodded. "I found one, and from there I met more. I learned I have half sisters, though I have only met two, the others live farther out at sea. I would alternate staying with the Sirens and with the Dwarves, and over time I felt at home with both races"

"But not with Elves?"

"No," She shook her head "Though Elves are kind there always seems to be an uncomfortable atmosphere between us. It is no secret the hatefulness they harbor for my kind. While Dwarves can be bold and often times rude, they do not judge, and for that I am grateful. Also any creature Elves hate, Dwarves go out of their way to love it seems" Rill chuckled.

Legolas was quiet for a moment, taking in all he was told. True it was no secret that Elves did not like Sirens, nor was it a secret that the Sirens held no love toward the Elves. Thousands of years ago the two races were friends, until something happened between the two and a great resentment formed. Elves drove the Sirens to the sea for an act of treachery that no one seemed to remember.

"I do not hate you"

When they had finally reached the Misty Mountains Gandalf allowed them to rest. Sam went straight to work on making lunch for everyone while Boromir took Merry and Pippin aside to practice sword fighting like they did most nights. There was a small stream nearby and Rill was instantly drawn to it, though she was careful not to get to close. Her and her father both agreed that it would be best to keep her heritage a secret, unsure of how Boromir and the Hobbits would react.

From atop a large bolder Legolas scouted the area for any impending danger. Once he was satisfied that they would be safe he shifted his gaze toward Rill. She lay flat on her stomach, legs kicking back and forth lazily in the air. Her head rested on her forearms as she watched the stream just in front of her. He could almost feel her longing to touch the water and briefly wondered how long she could spend on land.

He hadn't realized how long he had been watching her until Boromir's voice caught his attention. "It's moving fast, against the wind"

Legolas' eyes turned quickly toward the sky. "Crebain from Dunland!"

"Hide!" Aragorn shouted as he started grabbing their packs and shoving them under rocks and in bushes. The others quickly followed suit and within seconds it looked as if they had never been there at all. The large black birds circled over head noisily for a minute before they continued on.

Once the cost was clear the Fellowship emerged from their hiding spots. Aragorn took a moment to help Frodo before he dashed down the rocks to where Rill was. His panic on lasted a minute before she stumbled out of a large bush. She barely had time to right herself when a two strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her into a warm hug. She didn't hesitate to return it, having also worried for him.

"Spy's of Saruman. The passage to the south is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhras" Gandalf's voice drifted down breaking the two apart. Worry was clear on both of their faces. Aragorn grabbed her pack and pulled her along with him back up to the others.

"Gandalf are you sure? You know she cannot go that way" The ranger huffed trying to regain his breath.

The wizards face was unreadable as he thought it over. He knew Aragorn was right, for snow was merely a form of water and the second it came in contact with her warm skin it would melt. "She must go around" He decided.

"Are you mad? If Saruman is watching the passage she will surely be caught" Boromir said turning from his pack to face the wizard, who had a small smile on his face.

"Yes he is watching the road, but not the river" He sent a quick wink in Rill's direction before going to gather his bag from its hiding spot.

Excitement rose within her at the wizards words. "The stream we are by now flows south into a river that cuts through the mountains. It ends close to where we should descend. We will met you on the other side" Aragorn whispered in her ear. She nodded and gave him one last hug. "Promise to be safe" Rill nodded against her father's chest and pulled back. With a quick wave to the confused Hobbits she grabbed her pack and ran down the hill back to the stream. It wasn't big enough for her to swim in so she would have to wait until she reached the river.

The Fellowship watched her go, most of them confused at why she had to go around instead of travel with them. Legolas placed a comforting hand on his friends shoulder as they watched her disappear over a hill.

"She will be alright my friend"

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