Ch 8: Journey to Helm's Deep
They traveled until the sun began to set and the king called for a stop. Finley was exhausted from the long day of riding, and she slid from the back of the mare and proceeded to untie the bed roll strapped to the back of the saddle. She gasped when Legolas suddenly appeared on the other side of Werregast.
"My lady," he said as he untied the bed roll from his side of the mare. "You look exhausted."
He pulled the bed roll out of her hands and walked around to her, where he lightly touched her elbow and guided her away. She felt incredibly vulnerable. She knew he could see right through her. She WAS exhausted. She wouldn't last five minutes in a fight at that moment.
"It's been a long time since I have spent so many hours on a horse. It gave me a lot of time to think," she commented. "I think I'm emotionally exhausted, too."
"Yes, of course," he replied. "I'm sure this has all been quite..." He paused, as though trying to think of the right word.
"Overwhelming?" he nodded at her question. "Yes. Quite."
"Here," he said, putting the bed roll down near another and then clasping her shoulder. "Get some rest. We will reach Helm's Deep tomorrow."
She took a deep breath as he walked away. The way he looked at her made her heart flutter. That was dangerous, Finley thought, shaking her head as if to clear it. She didn't know him, and she certainly hoped to be returning home, so there was really no point in entertaining thoughts about a relationship that would never be. Although he undoubtedly was handsome and seemed like the type of guy her parents would have approved of. She shook her head again as she laid out her bedroll.
"Stupid Fin," she muttered under her breath. "Should be figuring out how to get home."
She pulled her weapons off and laid them next to her bedroll, then lay down on it on her back. She laced her fingers together under her head and stared at the stars. After a few minutes, it dawned on her that she recognized some of the constellations and she propped herself up on her elbows and paid closer attention. Yes, she definitely knew some of these constellations. But what did that mean? How far was she from home? She just didn't know.
She laid her head back on the ground and closed her eyes. It wasn't long until exhaustion took over her thoughts and she was sound asleep.
"You need to eat something."
Finley's eyes fluttered open and she let out a surprised shriek. Aragorn was standing over her head looking down at her.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" she asked him, placing her hand on her chest as she sat up.
"A what?" he replied as he squatted down beside her.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Nevermind."
"Here," he said, seemingly now used to her unusual phrases and held a bowl towards her. "You need to eat."
She took the bowl from him and thanked him. He nodded and walked away.
She looked around. It was still dark, and she wondered what time it was and how long she had slept. She felt rested, but it didn't seem like she had been asleep that long. She looked at the bowl in her hand, surprised that Aragorn had brought her something to eat. Her stomach growled as she smelled the food, and although it was unappetizing to look at, it smelled okay, so she decided to give it a shot. She was pleasantly surprised to find that it tasted good.
The first signs of dawn began to light the horizon when Finley finished her breakfast. She wasn't sure exactly what she had eaten, but it had been tasty, so she decided not to ask. She probably didn't really want to know. She set the bowl to the side and stood up and stretched. The camp was starting to pick up activity, so she bent to roll her bedroll back up and get ready to leave. When she was done and her weapons back on her back, she took the roll in one arm and the bowl in another and set off to find a place to clean it.
She found a group of women cleaning up and did as they did, then went in search of Aragorn to return the bowl. She finally found him with the horses.
"Thank you," she said as she held out the bowl to him.
"Are you ready to ride?" he asked after he took the bowl from her hands. She nodded.
"Good," he replied. "Your horse is ready for you." He pointed behind Finley's shoulder where Werregast stood patiently.
Finley looked at the mare and back at Aragorn, "Oh. Thank you again," she said, wondering why he was being so nice to her.
"Don't thank me," he commented.
She looked at him, confused, and he glanced away and nodded his head. Finley followed his gaze and saw Legolas tightening the cinch on the gelding he rode.
"Oh," Finley said again, her cheeks flushing when Aragorn looked back at her.
"Legolas doesn't need the kind of rest that you require. He's already gotten several horses ready to help us get an earlier start."
Finley flushed darker. The meaning behind Aragorn's words was clear. Legolas wasn't helping her, he was just doing what he needed to be done. Her stomach tightened. How could she be so disappointed? She frowned at herself as she walked over to Werregast and tied her bedroll to the saddle. She then pulled herself into the saddle, adjusting her skirt around her once more and then waited quietly, mentally preparing herself for another long day.
"Good morning," a voice said, breaking her concentration.
She looked up to see Legolas, his gelding standing along side Werregast. He was looking at her expectantly.
"Good morning," she replied. He grinned and her heart fluttered. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks and she looked down at Werregast's mane and wished he would go away.
She felt his hand touch her shoulder lightly, the warmth of his touch spread through her clothes and she looked back up at him, surprised.
"Stay close to me or Aragorn today," he told her, his tone serious.
She furrowed her brows in confusion. "Alright," she agreed.
The corners of his mouth rose faintly, as though he wanted to reassure her that it was ok, but knew better. Her stomach tightened with anxiety.
He nodded his head and gave his horse a nudge.
She watched as the horse trotted away, the anxiety stuck in the pit of her stomach. She felt sick now. Why would he ask her to stay close to him or Aragorn? Did he suspect her of something, or was he apprehensive about something happening? She looked around for Aragorn. When she found him, the concerned look on his face made her worry. Something wasn't right.
TBC
