I awoke to extremely loud shrieking and inhumane screaming. I jolted up in my bed and held my dagger at the ready. I saw the Hobbits stir and sit up afraid. Aragorn was watching something in the street with much concentration. I sighed and pulled my legs over the side of my bed. I stood, and put my dagger in my thigh strap.
"What was that?" Frodo asked.
"They were once men… Given nine rings of power from Sauron- they took them without question. One by one they fell into darkness. Not dead, yet not living. They now walk the earth, drawn to the One Ring of power." Aragorn whispered. I walked to the window to look down into the street where the five of the nine riders mounted their black horses and rode off down the muddy streets.
"We leave at dawn. Sleep then. I shall keep watch." Aragorn spoke, though I could tell he was weary. Darkness under his eyes took form and along the edges of his blue eyes- redness spread. I smirked. The wearier he is, the easier the kill. He seemed to notice my attitude change and sighed, "Sleep Eva." He whispered. I went back to my bed and lay down. Pippin and the others were already laying down, trying to sleep.
I watched Aragorn watching the outside and wondered why he wanted me along. He couldn't possibly be that self-righteous, thinking he was going to save me from myself. He wanted something else from me… My skill… but why? Aragorn turned and looked at me. I glared.
"I will keep watch. Your wounds have not healed yet. Sleep will give you energy." I said, standing. Aragorn didn't move.
"I do not trust you. Yet." He said and frowned at me. I sighed.
"You will not be useful to the hobbits, dead." I whispered, smirking. Aragorn's upper lip lifted in disgust.
"You do not have to pretend to enjoy killing in front of me. I know you do not like it." He responded, knowing it would annoy me. I approached him and leaned against the window, while the Hobbits snored quietly.
"You seem to know a lot, ranger. But you do not impress me. I am not swayed by your goodness, nor do I believe you have good intentions." I whispered harshly. Aragorn looked up at me and just lit his pipe. The tobacco burnt slowly and the smell was strangely comforting and soothing.
He did not say anything. I looked down at him and realized he was ignoring me. I walked back to the bed and lay down, turning away from him. I shut my eyes and fell into a sleep.
I awoke to Aragorn telling us all to awaken. I got up quickly, put my daggers in my pockets, tied my shoes, and pulled on my still wet cloak. I sneezed.
"You are getting sick?" Pippin asked. I did feel … off. But that never stopped me before. I thought back, when was I sick last?
"Nay. Now get ready." I said. Pippin looked a little hurt but nodded and went to collect his things. Namely a vest. We were all ready to go within a few minutes and Aragorn lead us out into the cold morning hours of dawn. The sun had barely risen and Aragorn looked a little more tired. It must be his wounds. Apparently he did not have the essential tools to completely heal the cuts.
"What about breakfast?" Merry asked and yawned widely as we left the Bree. The other Hobbits looked up hopefully. Aragorn nodded, "Once we are deep in the woods we will halt for breakfast." He said. I took up the rear and Aragorn led us into the forests just outside the Bree. It was cold and quiet during these hours. I wrapped my cloak around my body tightly and walked on. The Hobbits looked miserable. My head hurt and my throat itched with irritation. I was getting sick. This did not help my tough image.
When we finally did stop for breakfast, I was surprised I was offered some. I took it and ate silently. The Hobbits spoke easily and smiled- laughed… I was not aware I was staring at them until they turned and looked at me smiling.
"The Shire is a great place!" Sam said, "Have you been there Eva?" He asked me. I snapped out of my daze and shook my head.
"Nay. I have not." I said and looked over at Aragorn whom was eating and watching our surroundings. He seemed pale.
"It is lovely! You should visit! Meet all the kind folk!" Merry chided. I wasn't interested. Instead I ignored them and they looked a little sad by this. I glared. Their innocence was revolting.
"I don't understand why you are so rude!" Pippin admits, frowning at me. Aragorn chuckled. I ignored them. We set off again and wandered along the forests. We neared higher altitudes and thus it got colder and snow appeared in the grasses and hills. Aragorn was obviously still suffering from his wounds for he was lingering to the back more. He was less talkative and pale…
"Ranger, we will halt here for dinner." I said. It was still light out and would be for another hour, but I was getting tired of watching Aragorn pretend he was alright. The Hobbits threw down their things (Sam and Frodo, since Merry and Pippin did not have anything with them) and Aragorn looked at me in surprise.
"We do not stop for another hour." The ranger protested. I brushed him off.
"Sit." I ordered. Aragorn didn't move.
"SIT!" I growled. He sat, upon a large rock and looked at me with surprise. I reached into my side pockets and pulled out a thick thread, with a needle. Aragorn raised an eyebrow at me.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I have to give you stitches. Take your tunic and cloak off." I said. Aragorn didn't move.
"You are weak. You will continue to grow weak if I do not stitch you up. So I suggest you listen to me." I said frowning. Aragorn watched my eyes carefully.
"TAKE OFF YOUR TUNIC!" I yelled, angry now with repeating myself.
"No." He responded, stubborn as ever. I glared.
"Take it off!" I growled. The Hobbits looked a little nervous. Aragorn grunted annoyed and unfastened his cloak. The Hobbits went back to making hot soup. They talked amongst themselves. Aragorn pulled off his tunic and I smiled. He looked at me uncomfortable since he was shirtless.
"I will start with your sides. They are the most vital." I said and pushed his right arm back, while kneeling to get leveled with his side. He kept his right arm back as I wiped at the blood around his wound with my cloak. I then proceeded to thread the needle. Aragorn watched me the entire time of course.
"This may sting. I do not have alcohol or herbs to ease the pain." I said, holding the needle before his wounds. Aragorn nodded, "Yes. It matters not." He said. I nodded and pushed the needle into his skin. I stitched up the bloody wound, which was a good five inches long, and stood to move to his other side. I kneeled once more and noticed he was shivering. Well it was freezing and snow was all around us…
"You have skill with a needle. How did you learn it?" Aragorn asked. I glanced up at him.
"In my profession I have had to learn so I could stitch myself up." I said. Aragorn frowned and considered this. I punctured his skin again and carefully sewed the wound shut. I then moved to the insides of his arms, the upper inner part, by the muscle. I tried not to care that I was standing so close to him- and he was watching me.
"You have many scars." He stated rather than asked. He was implying my quickness and proficiency of stitching. I sighed and nodded.
"Yes. I do." I muttered. Aragorn watched me stitch his arm.
"Are you not… willing to leave the darkness behind? Move into the light? For I know you wish to. It is just a matter of taking a step forward and trusting some people in this world." Aragorn said and looked up at me as I moved to his other arm.
"It is hard to move away from all you know, and as I have said before, my master will find me and kill me." I admitted and threaded the needle again.
"Do not call him that. He is not your master. You are no slave." Aragorn said; a frown on his face. He obviously felt strongly about it. I punctured his skin and started to slowly stitch his wound.
"Apologies. I just have not heard of such angering situations in some time." Aragorn mumbled. I raised an eyebrow.
"Why does it anger you? You do not know me." I said and finished up the stitching. I handed him his clothes. I didn't know why, but Aragorn taking me under his wing and telling me I would be safe from my … care giver, gave me great hope and I believed him… But my habits dared not trust him and wanted to push away his help.
"I know your eyes." Was all he said as he put his tunics back on, and fastened his cloak. Sam handed us dinner and walked briskly back to his fellow Hobbits. I sat with Aragorn in silence and ate my food.
"Thank you." Aragorn said, taking a spoon full of soup into his mouth. I sipped my soup and felt comforted with the hotness of it.
"Hm." I grunted. Aragorn smirked.
The Hobbits cuddled with each other for warmth that night and I slept leaning against a tree. Aragorn kept watch again, protesting when I asked to help. The next two days went the same, I barely talked to them and I wasn't interested in any of them. I felt myself wanting to leave, but my word was bound to the ranger. I could not leave. Aragorn was distant but seemed to be healing nicely.
As we approached the great watch tower of Amon Sul, Aragorn told us it was where we would sleep for the night. The structure was large and abandoned. It was extremely dark and the structure's walls were crumbling and deteriorating. We walked through a tall hallway and up a whirling stair case. We stopped at the top where Aragorn suddenly decided to give Hobbits swords he had been lugging around. I was confused as to why he hadn't before.
"Stay here. I will take a look around. Protect the Hobbits." Aragorn said the last part to me. I nodded and sat down along with Frodo. I felt myself nod off and didn't wake until I heard Frodo scream to the other Hobbits to put something out. I stood quickly and realized the other Hobbits had given away our location. The loud inhumane screeching was back, and I whipped around to look over the ledge of the watch tower. There were five of them approaching the watch tower, with long swords raised.
"Get to the top now, useless Halflings." I growled.
"Strider told you to call us Hobbits!" Pippin protested but ran along- they all drew their swords.
"Well Strider is not here!" I snapped and pulled out my two main fighting daggers I used at all times. Non-disposable. As we waited in the center of the watch tower, the Hobbits were shaking with fear. Where was Aragorn? Eh, if they die it is on him.
The Nazgul appeared slowly from the shadows and walked towards us- their swords raised threateningly. I withdrew my dagger in my right hand and took out a disposable dagger. I threw it as hard as I could, and was rewarded with a loud shrieking and the disappearance of one. The other four, realizing I had range on my side, rushed towards us. I started to fight with one wraith as Sam, Merry, and Pippin were thrown out of the way so the other three could get to Frodo. I considered my chances- I could throw a dagger at the one closing in on Frodo- but I would risk getting stabbed myself.
"Eva! Help him!" Sam cried out, his eyes wide with fear- and before I knew it- before I could smirk and ignore the Halfling's life- I threw a dagger at the one getting ready to pierce Frodo- showing my weakness to the enemy.
"AGH!" I cried out in pain as the blade pierced my side, missing the lowest rip on my right side and my right hip bone. I threw my best dagger at the one that had stabbed me- and fell to my knees. I pulled out three more and panted wearily.
I heard a war cry and suddenly Aragorn was there- fighting away the rest of them, with such agility, strength, and courage- I felt admiration grow for him. I held my wound and stood. I staggered over to the Hobbits.
"Are you all alright?" I demanded. They looked up at me- and something I had not seen in many years- flashed in their eyes. They looked at me with absolute gratefulness and trust. I tried not to look too surprised.
"Thank you…" Frodo whispered. I nodded and saw the ring he held in his hands. I felt a sudden urge to snatch it- use it to protect myself from my old care taker- with the Ring I would never be hurt again… I would be free… Frodo shut his palm and put the ring away. I shook my head and winced.
Aragorn finished off the last Nazgul and ran over. He inspected us.
"You are hurt." He stated and ordered me to sit and lift my tunic.
"I am fine." I rejected, though I knew I would be immobile in a few minutes. I was poisoned with darkness. Aragorn frowned knowing of my condition.
"Come, we must make haste for Rivendell." Aragorn ordered, and rushed us down the watchtower. I stumbled down the hallway, gasping and trying to hide my pain. The poison was spreading quickly and my body was shutting down. I felt my vision blur and the sound of my heart was loud in my ears- thundering.
"Ngh…" I groaned and fell to my knees as we just ran into the dark forests once more- away from the watchtower. The Hobbits stopped and the two red heads rushed to my side.
"Strider! Eva is hurt!" Pippin yelled. I was beyond confused. I was never nice to them- why did they care? Why were they worried? My side burned and every time I took a- breath jolts of electric pain coursed through my side. Aragorn's face was above me in a moment.
He picked me up and ordered the Hobbits to follow him. He ran for a few minutes into the forest while I groaned and tried to suffer in silence. My life had definitely taken an interesting turn. Aragorn put me down then asked Sam something and they both left to look for something. Merry, Pippin, and Frodo were at my side.
"That blade was meant for me." Frodo whispered looking down at me guiltily. I panted and grit my teeth- the poison was working quickly…
"Nay, or it would be you laying here." I ground out. Frodo used his cloak to wipe the sweat from my brow and I watched his face. His eyes were impossibly blue- innocent… and he was so very worried. I couldn't figure out why.
I suddenly saw… light- a bright light to my left and was drawn to it. It was- it felt good… It made the pain go away- or lessen it. It was a tall man, with long blonde hair… he was built, and rode a white horse. I realized he was an elf… an old elf- not wrinkly and staggering but his posture- eyes and face just held great wisdom. I groaned.
"Ah, Eva the Man-Slayer. Never would I think I should be the one to save your life." He said in a silken voice- yet it was stern. I couldn't respond- he was the only light within the darkness circling my mind. I suddenly felt someone pull my tunic up quickly and saw Aragorn above me. He put some herbs in his mouth and chewed them. He was barely being illuminated by the elf's light.
"Listen to me. I am Glorfindel. Stay with mine voice- stay in the light, away from the darkness." Glorfindel said. Aragorn put whatever he'd been chewing into my wound and I cried out in pain.
"Fuck, Aragorn!" I yelled. Aragorn watched me with worried eyes and then turned to talk to the elf named Glorfindel. They were speaking elvish- Sindarin. I didn't know he could speak elvish… Glorfindel turned to me and looked down at me with a small smile.
"I will take you to Rivendell, young one… Yet you must fight against the darkness." Glorfindel spoke as he picked me up and walked with incredible grace towards his horse. I stopped trying to pay attention to my surroundings and concentrated on staying conscious and … in the light.
"Take care of her." Was the last thing I heard until I woke next. I was still with Glorfindel on his horse- racing through the woods and plains- it was now in the middle of the afternoon and my wounds were ever more painful.
"You are awake." I heard Glorfindel say behind me. I was sitting in front of him on the horse and his arms were around me holding the reigns. I didn't respond I was in too much pain.
"I know it hurts." He said. I then realized we were being chased by two of the wraiths. My mind wandered to Aragorn and the Hobbits… Were they okay?
"They are fine. Aragorn is a strong man, for now concentrate on yourself." Glorfindel said. I groaned and slipped backed into unconsciousness. I barely regained consciousness for the remainder of the journey. I saw snippets- Glorfindel stabbing a wraith and laughing in pride… Glorfindel humming as he threw a dagger at another wraith… Glorfindel complaining he was slightly famished. Then blackness.
I opened my eyes slowly to extreme brightness. I was lying in a fluffy white bed in a very… open room. The windows were open on either side of my bed, and the cream curtains swayed in the fresh breeze. There was a door opposite to my bed- thick and wooden. There was a dresser and another door leading to a marble bathroom to the right of the door leading from the bedroom. I breathed slowly and pushed my blanket off from over me. I was not wearing my usual clothes. I was barefoot wearing a fitting cotton night gown that was very soft. My wounds were wrapped and I was feeling better- even my cold was gone.
I got out of the bed though I really just wanted to cuddle into the bed and sleep again. Unfortunately, I was in danger- I did not know if I was safe- in this Rivendell place and though it was a place that was… so very beautiful… I'd never seen anything so beautiful. I walked to the door slowly and put my hand on the golden door handle. My feet weren't even cold and I was actually very comfortable with the weather.
Just outside I saw two elves on either side of the door holding long spears and wearing silver armor. I got in a defensive stance. The one to the left turned to me- he was very tall, had blonde long hair and blue eyes. He had a strong nose and thick eyelashes.
"You are awake- we shall send note that you have risen. Please remain in your chambers until we have sent Lord Elrond and or Lord Aragorn." He spoke, his voice cold and distant. I smirked, I guess he wasn't a fan of my work.
"And if I refuse, elf?" I asked and calculated my next move.
"Then under Lord Elrond's orders we are to subdue you and tie you to your bed." He said without missing a beat. The two soldiers looked very capable and there was a reason I shot down assassinations of elves- they were too smart… and… strong, fast, you name it. I nodded.
"Alright then." I mumbled and went back inside. Once there I went to the windows and peered out. I was high up, in a room that was built into a large hillside. Rivendell was beautiful, it was a small valley city surrounded by large hills and mountains. Everything looked golden and peaceful. Gardens surrounded pathways in and out of the city, and to and from different housing areas. I saw a mortal man standing within a garden and frowned. It was Denethor's son! Boromir! Was he sent to make sure I accomplished my job?
I backed away from the window in annoyance. I had to get out of here. These people would surely execute me and if I tried to escape the penalty might be worse. I cringed at the thought and took little comfort in my surroundings.
A light knock came at the door. I turned and watched as Aragorn walked in, he was clean- washed, and wore a long purple robe. Lord Elrond followed gracefully behind him. Elrond was taller and had long brown hair, a small golden headdress placed on his head. He wore a brown and green tunic with golden hems.
"You are awake." Aragorn said with a small smile and approached me. I felt vulnerable without my original clothing on and my daggers. This flimsy white night gown made me look… like a harmless maiden.
"Yes. Where are my clothes? My weapons?" I asked and glared at them both.
"My, she really is as you described her." Elrond said and smiled at Aragorn who just nodded and watched me carefully. I backed away and looked around for possible weapons.
"They shall be returned to you once they are washed. We will send new clothing to you and one of the Ellith here will help dress you." Elrond said his eyes studying me- he was analyzing me… I felt like a guinea pig.
"Ranger, release me!" I spat at Aragorn whom lifted his head slightly, watching me. He was silent a moment.
"Nay. Do not ask it of me anymore. For I will release you when I see the light within you." He said. I growled angrily and paced back and forth.
"What do you want from me?" I asked angrily. Elrond put up his hands and approached me slowly.
"I have been told of your unique skill- and I have also heard you saved the Hobbits… I may have a … way to instill the lacking light within your heart and return you to who you were before the darkness took hold." Elrond said. It sounded very tempting.
"Nay. I do not trust you. No man or elf can be trusted." I retorted and thought the lamp on the night table may be a useful weapon. Elrond was silent and Aragorn frowned.
"I know you have been around men who live to lie, steal, and hurt innocent people. Yet you must believe there are men and elves in this world who wish to help- who you can trust." Aragorn said in a hopeful tone. I stopped and watched them. Elrond didn't look mischievous at all. In fact he looked honest and patient with me.
"Why- why do you wish to help me?" I asked. Elrond smiled.
"For you have never been helped or nurtured in your life. Evil has had its clutches in you, and for far too long it hasn't let go. Now we will help you, for you are very special and you are important to this world." Elrond said with a small smile. I felt whatever darkness in me churn and growl while the small light in me reached out- wanting the help.
"How can you possibly know that?" I whispered. Elrond just smiled knowingly, then turned to Aragorn, nodded, and left the room. Aragorn turned to me and walked closer to me. I got in a defensive stance. Aragorn sighed, "You do not need to fear me. Any of us. Here you are safe and none will lay a hand upon you." He said.
"Habit." I mumbled. Aragorn sighed.
"While you are here, you may not carry weapons. It is a trust and honor you must earn. You may not wander after dark and you may not leave Rivendell." Aragorn said, apparently establishing rules for me.
"Right." I mumbled watching my feet.
"Trust, honor, and friendship is hard to earn, yet try your hardest and you will receive it. From here on forth Elrond has accepted you in his home. Whenever you are out in this world and have nowhere to go or you are injured- know you have a home in Rivendell. It is your home now." Aragorn said. I frowned.
"But- he does not even know me? How can he take me in so easily?" I asked in shock. This was… too good to be true. Aragorn smiled.
"I have told him you are my responsibility and he knows you are able to be saved." Aragorn said his voice soft. I wondered why Aragorn wanted to save me. What his motives were.
"Now I leave you, an elf maiden will arrive shortly and give you your new clothes. Lunch will be in an hour and you are required to go." He said. I sighed and watched him turn to leave.
"Ranger!" I called before he could put his hand on the door handle. He turned to me curiously.
"I… This is very uncomfortable to me. For long I've been in darkness and I've no idea how to be… kind nor, do I fear, I have … manners." I said shakily. This was a complete culture shock and I was so very uncomfortable.
"Milady, take comfort in the knowledge that I and the Hobbits are on your side. You will find the elves are very understanding of men and their pasts. Do not be afraid." Aragorn said and shook his head lightly. I guess I was wrong about the guard elf. He gave me an encouraging smile and then left. I sat on my bed and sighed deeply. Then there was a knock at my door and I thought Aragorn had forgotten something. Yet it was an elf maiden.
"Hello, I am Yalandir." She smiled, her perfect blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. She wore a white robe which fit her figure perfectly and flowed her hips with grace. Her face was round and sweet looking. She held a pretty light blue dress. I felt my heart race and I wanted nothing more than to jump out the window in fear.
"Do not fear young one, this fear you feel will not last forever and soon you will grow comfortable here." Yalandir said smoothly. She then placed the blue dress/robes on my bed. I watched her for a moment before nodding curtly.
"Come, let me dress you." Yalandir said, beckoning me forward. I walked towards her and stopped nervously before her. She was tall (like every other elf) and her eyes had wisdom. So she was an older elf…
"Your name is Eva, correct?" She smiled. I nodded and after a few minutes I was dressed in the nicest dress I had ever seen or worn for that matter.
"Uh, thank you." I mumbled. Yalandir smiled and nodded.
"Come, I will show you around until lunch." She said and led me to the door. The elves that had been outside were gone and I took in the grand hallway. It was pretty wood- blue almost, and different doors lined the hall. My room was at the end so we could only turn left and proceed down the slanted declined hallway. A few elves passed and looked upon me curiously. Once we exited the hallway we stepped down from a light blue step and onto solid ground.
In front of me was a beautiful circular garden with many flowers growing from the bushes. An elven statue stood in the center of the garden. To the left the city continued on, and to the right were fewer elven houses. The paths winded and zagged to and from the city. It was October so it was chilly but not so much where it made one uncomfortable.
My new flat delicate shoes walked over the grass lightly, as if not to crush it. Yalandir walked with extreme grace and smiled at me.
"It is beautiful here, is it not?" Yalandir asked with a silken voice. I did not answer. We walked to the right towards the main building which held Elrond's library, his guests of honor, the hall of fire, and the dining halls. Yalandir showed me the branched off hallway which was cream white, and held the bedroom chambers of Glorfindel, Aragorn, and numerous other people I did not know. She led me to Glorfindel's study and showed me an elf's study, named Erestor.
"This is all you may need to know. If you have any questions- do not fear asking me. You may walk within the gardens, but remember you have to be in your chambers by night fall or if there are festivals and social meetings, you must have someone escort you." Yalandir spoke. I grit my teeth. I really wished I was back in the Old Forest, wandering and fending for myself.
"Yes." I mumbled. Yalandir then turned from the library which was where we ended the tour and led me back to the dining hall. I was regretting that. I was very nervous and uncomfortable walking into the dinner hall and especially when I realized Yalandir and I were the last to enter. She led me to a chair next to a man-… great, Denethor's son.