Aragorn let his mind wander as he made the walk over to the healing quarters. If Gandalf had indeed brought back someone wounded then they would be in that direction.
His mind wandered over the conversation he had with Arwen. He was sad but he was also at peace with the mutual agreement they had come to. He had loved her but it was not an all-consuming love for either of them. There was too much between them for them to have the future both wanted. She would always hold a place in his heart though.
He glanced up to make sure he was still on course before going back to his thoughts. The ring was back which meant darkness was coming. The betrayal of Saruman was great. That left basically only Gandalf as the only Ishtari to help them. Radagast would not get involved unless he was left with no choice. The blue wizards were no hope as they had not been seen in forever.
There was also the unknown person named Kagome. They would have to discern quickly whether or not she was a threat quickly. He would trust Gandalf's judgment on that once the female was awake. She would not be able to fool the wizard long and after Saruman's betrayal he would probably be even more careful in whom he chooses to trust.
He moved to the side as a group of healers exited a room and made their way down the halls. He was just in time as he caught a glimpse of Gandalf standing beside a bed with a black haired female lying in the bed. It must have been this Kagome woman.
"Gandalf," Aragorn greeted as he opened the door and stepped into the room. His eyes scanned the room and were pleased to see it was just him and the unconscious woman inside.
"Aahhh, Aragorn. It is good to see you all made it back," Gandalf greeted back.
Aragorn moved to stand next to Gandalf while looking him over to check for any injuries. Finding nothing wrong with him he put a hand on his back in greeting. "I am glad to see you as well my old friend. I heard you ran into some trouble as well," he told Gandalf with a hint of questioning and curiosity in his voice.
Gandalf put his hand on Aragorn's shoulder with a grave look on his face. "Saruman is a fool. He has betrayed everything he ever stood for by turning to Sauron. But there is some hope," Gandalf stated while gesturing towards the bedridden young woman.
Aragorn took the time to finally study the woman in detail. He noted her long hair and her pointed ears. "Had Arwen not told me she was unknown to her people, I would think her an elf," it came out as a whisper as he continued to study her. Her hands were long and delicate looking laying on top of the blanket but there was some muscling to her that suggested she could handle work and perhaps even a weapon though her hands didn't seem calloused enough for a sword. He wondered if perhaps she used a bow then.
Gandalf was quiet as he watched Aragorn study the young woman. He knew the thoughts in the Ranger's mind were many and heavy. Things were coming and Aragorn was going to have to stop running and embrace his destiny or the world of men would fall to darkness. These thoughts he kept to himself for now.
Aragorn decided he had studied the woman enough for the moment. He would find out more once she was awake. For now he wanted to know the tale of how Gandalf had met the woman and to talk about the upcoming council meeting. "How does she figure into all of this?" He asked.
Gandalf quickly told Aragorn what he had seen and his thoughts on the matter. "She stood against everything that Saruman threw her way. She did not give into torture and it looked as if she had been there at least a few days before I arrived. Her will could not be moved no matter what was thrown at her. For weeks Saruman tried to break her and she took the abuse. She will have to be carefully watched as I don't know what this jewel was or did to her. I only know that Saruman wanted it desperately and was willing to do anything to get it."
They both turned to the bed as they heard a groan. The young woman was shifting on the bed. She lifted up and stretched before opening her eyes. She seemed to freeze when she noticed the two men in the room with her. She didn't scream or freak out but glanced at Gandalf and then looked at the other one in the room with her and studied him. His aura definitely stood out to her. It told her that he was strong and while he was conflicted he was good deep down. She had already studied Gandalf's aura.
"You are not an elf," Kagome stated. They were supposed to be with the elf's but this one in front of her was not one. She had thought that they stayed to themselves though she really only knew little of elf's and considering her source she should probably reconsider a lot of that information.
Aragorn couldn't stop his laugh. "You are correct milady." He gave a small bow as he introduced himself. "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, at your service milady."
Kagome couldn't stop the blush from appearing on her cheeks. She ducked her head as she had never gotten use to formalities. "Please, Aragorn, just call me Kagome." She peeked up at him through her lashes. Her hands clasped the blanket tightly to her as she realized the situation she was in. The only thing keeping her calm was knowing that Gandalf was there.
"Gandalf?" Kagome started while looking up at the wizard startled, "are we with the elves?" She wanted to make sure they were safe. She knew so little of this world but the jewel had told her she could trust the elves and the one named Gandalf and Radagast.
Gandalf leaned on his staff as he stared intently at Kagome on the bed. He stared long and deep enough for her to fidget. "The eagles brought us safely to the elves. You are in the elven city Rivendell ruled by Lord Elrond." He finally decided to answer her. She was handling all of this rather well.
Kagome smiled but then sighed as she stared down at the bedding. She had been on that tower of Saruman's long enough to accept the fact that she wouldn't get back to her friends if she destroyed the tower but that didn't mean she would stop missing them. What was weighing on her mind now was how to explain to these people how she got here though she knew they'd have to believe a part of it as Gandalf himself had witnessed her transformation. It wasn't everyday though that you had to explain to people that an evil bad guy had learned of a wishing jewel and had you ripped from your time so he could have a powerful body though she had heard he was looking for some ring of power so maybe they would believe it.
