Hey guys! I am really sorry I've been gone for so long! I've had trouble writing this chapter for some reason..I hope you guys like it, and please give me some feedback! I hope some of this chapter makes enough sense! Please let me know!
The darkness was choking me. Consuming everything in its wake. I couldn't move or breath. Suddenly, a red-orange light began to glow in front of me. It started as a sliver and slowly grew into a great oval With a line of black in the middle. The heat of the flame was blazing on my face, and it felt as though a hot wind was blowing at me. My stomach flipped as I instantly recognized the Eye of Sauron.
Dread spread through every part of my body, all the way to my fingertips. The heat was unbearable. It covered every surface of my skin, burning without respite. I could hear a voice.
Tell me... Tell me...
Without warning images began appearing in my mind. I saw my house, my family. Before any more appeared I could hear someone calling to me. Just faintly, as if it was barley there. The burning only intensified. I could feel it from the inside out, as though I am going to be reduced to only a pile of ash.
Tell me.. You know... Tell me..
The voice came again with images of Aragorn and the hobbits when I first arrived in Middle Earth. But this time I ignored it the best I could, and attempted to shut it out. I wasn't going to let any thought slip into his grasp. I closed my eyes and blocked out the menacing voice and tried to tell myself to wake up. I knew I couldn't keep this up for much longer. I could feel myself become weaker. Suddenly I felt a burning sensation on my left hand. I looked down to find that what looked like a line of fire had snaked around the base of my thumb and to my palm. I heard myself screaming as the pain finally hit me. I closed my eyes tighter and searched for the voice I faintly heard before. I could hear it becoming louder.
"Alana! Alana, wake up!"
I open my eyes with a start, still feeling the dull burn of the flame. I felt strong hands on my shoulders, preventing me from moving. Panic instantly took me as I thrashed in the persons's grasp, but they were too strong. I attempted kicking them, only for them to quickly retreat the the side. As soon as my arms were free I withdrew my sword and pointed it at my attacker.
"Alana! Peace! It is only me!" As soon as my eyes focus on the figure in front of me, recognition fills my mind and I dropped my sword out of shock, catching my breath.
"Aragorn!" I exclaimed, my voice cracking with remaining fear.
I shakily let out a breath as I lower myself to lean against a tree behind me, noticing I've broken out in a cold sweat.
"I'm s-so sorry." My voice was shaky as I attempted to speak. Guilt and shame took me as I lowered my gaze, realizing what I almost did.
"There is no need to apologize." He simply brushed off my apology. "Though, might I ask what caused you to be so frightful?" I looked up at him to find he was only looking at me with concern.
I looked back down at my feet as I drew my knees to my chest as I replied, "I do not wish to speak of it." Aragorn must have gotten the message, because he changed the subject quickly, though still seemed suspicious.
"I came to wake you and check on your wounds." His eyes seemed to be searching my face for something.
I was only half-aware as I said, "Alright..." Until an instant panic came over me and I sat up quickly. "Wait, how long have I been asleep?" Aragorn placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and in a calm voice replied, "Do not worry, it has only been a little less than a day since we stopped." Relaxing slightly, I released the tension in my shoulders. "Now, I must check on your side."
Aragorn motioned for me to lift my shirt to observe my wound before he spoke any further. I complied by gently raising my tunic to reveal the bandage. While Aragorn unwrapped the wound, I couldn't shake the burning sensation from my dream. It felt even worse in my left hand. I glanced down at it for only a moment, only to be shocked by the marks on it. I looked at the palm of my hand. A newly made red burn mark started from the center and continued in a bit of a swirl around my thumb and down to my wrist. I clenched my teeth as I could still feel the heat of it. I suddenly grew anxious and hid it from view. I didn't want anyone to see it.
It wasn't until then that I noticed Aragorn observing my side with what looked like awe. I looked down, expecting to see the painful wound just starting to heal, but surprisingly, there is only a red mark in the line of the scratch, surrounded by the bruising on the skin. I could not have healed that quickly. That's not even possible..
I watched as Aragorn's expression changed to confusion as he looked at my side. He wrapped it a bit more loosing this time and said with what I believed to be amazement in his voice,
"Well, it is definitely healing well..." He looked up at my with his eyebrows risen, as if waiting for an explanation. I simply shrug my shoulders in having none. He slightly shook his head as he stood said, "No matter. Come, it is time we move on." He offered me his hand.
Though when I was up, my head began to sway a bit as a bout of dizziness and heat came over me. I stumbled a bit, but was able to find my balance. Almost as soon as it came, the dizziness was gone. I jogged a bit to catch up with Aragorn who has already set at a brisk pace, coming to a clearing. There I saw Gimli sitting to the side, sharpening his axe, discussing something with Gimli.
"I tell ya princeling, an axe is much more handy than a stick with a string." Said Gimli while motioning to Legolas's bow. Legolas simply smirked slightly and said, "Though I do believe I have slain more enemies with this, "Stick with a string" than you have with that axe." His face carried a touch of annoyance, but overcome with amusement and mirth.
As Aragorn approached he stated, "Come, we must continue. The trail of the Hobbits is still fresh." I complied by gathering my weapons and preparing to leave. As I followed, I began to notice the slight throb in my side, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the day before. As I brushed away a few stray hairs from my face, I noticed that it was still in the braid. I instantly grew hot as I remembered that I fell asleep as Legolas braided my hair. Pushing down the feeling of embarrassment, I followed Aragorn's long strides. Though I realized something different about my ears, and brought a hand to one once again. I traced my hand across the slight point it came to. Suddenly feeling nervous, I quickly removed my hand and brought my hair to cover my ears.
We walked for a fairly long time. Not much in the scenery changed. I often would become nervous when the trees sounded as though they were groaning, though I noticed how Legolas would keep looking around, and sometimes closing his eyes as he listened. It was obvious how comfortable and curious he was in Fangorn. Honestly, I could do without the lack of sun and the roots sticking up as if to deliberately trip you.
Cautiously, I lifted my left hand and examined the mark that snaked around it. I was almost too afraid to touch it, as if it would burn again, or something terrible would happen. Though the latter did not occur when I brought my right hand and gently ran my fingers on the curved line. It was a sort of faded red, and it blended into my skin well enough that it was not that noticeable at a first glance. A shiver ran up my spine as I remembered the dream. He knew that I was here and where I was. He knew that I had more knowledge of how events were to play out than anyone.
I quickly suppressed the thought and lowered my hand as Legolas approached my side. For a very long time he didn't say anything, though it seemed as though he wished to speak of something. I simply looked forward or at my feet, very aware of his tall figure very near my smaller one. Though the silence was not awkward, I was slightly relieved when he spoke.
"You seem to be fairing well." He didn't look at me as he said it, but instead kept his eyes in front of him. Not really knowing what to say, I awkwardly replied, "Yes, I'm actually rather fine, considering everything from before. But what of you?" I felt slightly daring as I inquired him. I look up for a moment and see him with a slight smile pulling his lips. The silence seemed to drag on until he finally replied with a hint of the smile in his voice,
"I assure you that I am also fine." Silence again. This time it dragged on for what seemed like forever. Every small sounds became apparent to me. The shuffling of Gimli's heavy steps not far ahead, the slight brush of Aragorn's cloak and quiet step, but there was a sound that was absent from this. The sound of footsteps that should be right next to me, is not there. Instead, I watched Legolas's feet move without even a scuff. All the more reason for me to have felt inferior, as I am reminded once again of his elvish abilities. Not only that, but his unbelievable age, which also reminded me of his eternal life. An unexpected feeling of regret arose at the thought. Though I didn't really want to admit it, that was a constant reminder of something that caused me to want to not talk to him.
His voice startled me out of my thoughts. "How is your side?" I risked a glance at his face. Though it did not hold any interest as he continued to stare forward, there was something in his voice that said otherwise.
"It's fine. It hardly hurts at all." I replied. Which really was the truth, because there was only an occasional dull throb. Startling me, I heard a whispering, almost too quiet to hear. I hastily turned my head back and forth, trying to find the source of it, my heart beginning to race. While doing this, I didn't notice Legolas looking down at me with slight confusion and concern. A gentle hand on my shoulder snapped my attention back to him as he looked down at me, confusion etching his features.
"What is it you hear?" His voice seemed almost deeper, trying to read further into something, with his intense eyes staring into mine.
Nervously, I stuttered to answer. "I-I Don't know...It sounds almost like a whisper...But I don't understand it.. d-do you hear it too..?" Hesitantly I asked him. I watched his face change to something I could not read, and he replied slowly with what I believed to be a sigh, "Yes, I do." When he didn't say anything else, I garnered some more courage and asked, "..What is it..?" I watched him look up and around, seeming to avoid my gaze as he replied, "It is the trees." When he turned to look back at me, I thought I could see in the blue eyes a bit of suspicion. Confused, I simply looked back at him. I opened my mouth to say something, "I thought it was only-" Aragorn's voice broke off what I was going to say.
"We should rest hear for the night. I cannot see the trail well enough to be sure of our direction and the trail. We will wait for light."
I didn't realize until then, that it certainly had grown darker. I was hardly able to see my feet, much less the ground. I agreed with Aragorn, but I did not want to rest. From beside Legolas, I said, "I will take watch." When I watched Aragorn's face turn to uncertainty, I added, "I have not done so as often, and I would not be able to sleep." Aragorn seemed thoughtful for a moment until he complied. "Alright. But if you ever feel yourself needing rest, wake one of us."
"I assure you I will be fine." I replied. As the others settle down to sleep, I find a tree and sit to lean against it. I noticed Legolas was still looking at me. I couldn't really see his face, but I could feel his gaze boring into me as I lowered myself to the ground. I watched as they found fitful enough spots to rest, and noticed when Legolas did not lay down, but simply sat with his back to me. I wanted to roll my eyes as I thought of him not believing me capable enough to simply keep watch. I sigh as I move my hand over my bow.
I'm not sure how long it had been, but after a while every sound became apparent, and I had already felt restless. I listened as I could hear the scuffling of some small creatures, and the buzzing of insects. It wasn't until then that I noticed the leaves were shuffling, but no breeze could be felt. I listened harder and realized that it was indeed the branches moving, and not wind of any kind. I could hear the movement, and the quiet moaning of the trees. I closed my eyes as I began to hear a faint whispering as I did before. This time it was a bit more louder, or I could hear it better. The voices were strange and foreign, filled with emotion, but I did not understand the words spoken. It sounded like a different language.
Suddenly, somewhere in the distance, a twig snapped. jolting out of the peace of the whispers, quickly looked around the sleeping forms of Aragorn and Gimli. I couldn't see anything, not even my hands. growing uneasy, I took my bow and stood as silently as possible. I noticed that Legolas seemed to be in the same position as before, though he did not react. It is then I realized he must be in the elvish dream-state. silently, I stood there leaning forward, trying to listen for any other sound. I decided that I must investigate at least a small amount just to see if anything is near. Quietly, I stepped forward and walk past Legolas. I headed in the general direction I believed to have heard it. Lightly walking across the mossy ground, I lean in to listen further, though there is no other sound. It is then that I considered the possibility that it was only my imagination, and I must be paranoid.
That is, until I felt a hand lightly touch my shoulder. Gasping, I quickly turn around to face my attacker. Though I'm surprised when I recognize the long, silver hair, appearing gray in the lack of light. He quickly grabs my other shoulder gently and stops me from moving.
"I-I thought I heard something.." I did not dare speak above a whisper. Though Legolas did not answer right away, and the silence seemed to grow as I felt him gazing at me. I looked down, my face growing hot.
"I would not advise you to continue deeper into the forest on your own, Alana, especially when you cannot see." Feeling ashamed, but not sure exactly why, I felt my face grow hotter.
"Go back to the others. I will have a look around." His voice was gentle bit stern all the same. But I was not about to agree. "I would not advise you to be alone, either." I said, my voice defiant. He replied quickly, sounding almost little annoyed. "At least stay here. We cannot leave the others while they still sleep." Realizing that he was right, I inwardly rolled my eyes. "All right." I answered in a whispered sigh. I stepped back, realizing that his hands were still on my shoulders. As soon as they were gone, I couldn't help but miss their warmth. "I will be quick." He said curtly. Looking at me once more, he quickly turned around and silently walked away. I leaned against a tree and looked in the area the others were sleeping. I could barley make out in the slightest the form Gimli. At least I could hear his snores, that was a bit more comforting. As I leaned against the trunk of the tree, I noticed that the whispers once again grew louder to my ears. They were so soft, but I wished I could understand them. Sooner than I thought, I saw Legolas's shape appear through the trees.
"I did not see anyone, but I too heard the sound before. I will stay awake as well. I feel there is something lurking in the night." His ominous words chilling me, I had to suppress a shiver from running down my spine. The groaning of the trees increased for a moment and startled me. The whispering suddenly became more intense as well. It startled me so much I jumped slightly. I could sense Legolas leaning forward a bit closer. "So you are able to hear their voices?" Hesitantly I answered, "..Yeah, but I don't understand a thing they say.. I've been hearing them all night." slowly, I added, "I know it may just be my imagination, but it seems almost like they are addressing me.." I wasn't sure why I said it, it just felt right to tell him. But it made me feel almost like I was self-centered, believing the trees were speaking to me specifically.
"It may not be your imagination." His voice sounded thoughtful as he spoke quietly. I watched as he inclined his head and looked around the tree tops. "It is strange that you would be able to hear them though, because it was the elves who started waking the trees. They can sense the Light of the Eldar in one. That is how they speak to my kind." Very, very slowly, the wheels started to turn in my head. Once again, I brought my hand up to my ear to feel the slight change in it.
Is it possible..?
"What happened to your hand?" Legolas's voice suddenly sounded almost cold as he looked at the marks. I quickly pulled my hand back down, only for him to take it gently but firmly in his grasp. He ran his slender fingers over the swirling lines and examined them closely. I quickly pulled it from his grasp, covering it with my sleeve. "It is nothing."
I watched as Legolas did not look convinced at all, and seemed to look down at me scrutinizingly. "That is not simply nothing, Alana." His voice suddenly sounded dark and serious. But I was not going to explain now. "Now is not the time. Come, we do not want to be found missing when the others wake." Without another word, Legolas seemed to comply as they both turned to walk back to the camp. When we arrived, I decided to sit a little further away from the others. I tried to not pay attention to Legolas as he gracefully sat back down. I stared into the trees, a million things running through my mind. What did it mean that I could hear the trees? Is it really possible that there is something different about me? I don't understand... Without noticing, I began to feel my eyes become heavier. Annoyed at my sudden tiredness, I stood and paced for a little bit. But after a while of not walking, my side had grown stiff and caused me to limp in the slightest.
"Alana." Slightly angered, I turned to face Legolas once more, whom I believe was watching me the entire time.
I watched as he stood and removed his cloak and laid on the ground. "I will take watch for the remainder of the night. Come." Unsure, I slowly walked over to him and he motioned to the cloak. "Rest. You need it." I was about to argue, but decided it was pointless because I knew he was right, and I let out a sigh of annoyance. I winced as I lowered myself to the ground, but ignored the twinge in my side. I could still feel his gaze on me, and I was absolutely certain he knew my side was still sore. I did not lay down right away. Instead I stayed sitting up, watching the darkness, listening.
A hand on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. "Alana." I turned to see Legolas kneeling next to me. He seems to be looking at me, searching for something. "You are still healing. You must rest." I almost disagreed once again, but also thought better of it. Sleep already claiming me, I nodded and laid on the ground. I watched as he backed up a bit and sat near in front of me, back facing me. Slowly, I let sleep take me.
It felt as though it had only been a few minutes when I felt someone nudging me awake. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked a couple times until my vision cleared. When I was able to see, I looked up and saw Aragorn, hand on my shoulder, waking me.
"Come, it is time we continue." I nod in understanding and stretch my sore muscles. As I got to my feet, I again couldn't help but wince as I felt that my side had stiffened. It took me a moment to be able to put much pressure on that side of my body. As I stretched, I looked down to realize that my bow and quiver were neatly laying beside where I was sleeping. I suddenly couldn't remember if I actually took those off before falling asleep. Shrugging off the thought, I knelt to pick up my bow and Legolas's cloak. It took me a moment to find him. When I did I walked over to where he was standing, holding out the cloak.
"Thank you for letting me use this." I said as I handed it to him. I watched as he eyed me intensely and replied, "There is no thanks necessary." he reached to accept the cloak, but when his fingers barely brushed mine it felt as if a bolt of electricity ran up my arm. The feeling startling me, I jerked my hand back quickly, noticing that he did the same. For a moment we just stood there, still looking at each other. Did he feel that too?
Those eyes are so..Intense.. I couldn't help but think.
"Come, let us move on." Aragorn's voice snapped me back to the present, and I quickly jerked away.
This time I kept my distance from the elf, still trying to process what everything meant, and I could't think clearly when I was near him. I still did not understand why I felt as though I was different, in some ways not including my ears. I felt, almost more.. Capable..
We walked for a while, and I continued to wonder when we would run into our old friend. It had been how long in Fangorn? I couldn't think of how long we were supposed to be in there. Though literally not long after the thought crossed my mind, Legolas stopped dead in his tracks.
Aragorn, nad no ennas!" He called.
"Man cenich?" asked Aragorn.
"The White Wizard approaches!" cried Legolas. He pulls out an arrow and draws back. Aragorn draws his sword, and Gimli readies his axe. A blinding flash of white light appears in front of us.
"Do not let him speak, for he will only put a curse on us." stated Aragorn. I placed my hand around the hilt of my sword even though I know that there is no threat. I stood between Aragorn and Legolas as they and Gimli prepare to attack. Legolas releases an arrow, only for it to deflect and hit a tree to the side. Gimli attempts to throw his axe, only for it to clash to the side. Aragorn quickly drops his sword as if it burned him, letting out a hiss of air.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits." A clear and deep voice rang out.
"Where are they?!" Aragorn demanded.
"They passed this way and met someone they did not expect. Does that ease your heart?" The voice replied. I knew exactly who it was. I struggled to keep myself from grinning with happiness.
Aragorn only looked on with growing curiosity, and what seemed to be a spark of hope glinted in his eyes. It quickly turned to disbelief and awe as the bright light slowly calmed down to a small glow, emitting from a tall figure who was clad in white robes and holding a long staff.
With the emotion his eyes betrayed evident in his voice, Aragorn spoke, "You fell."
"Yes, through fire and water. I fought my enemy days before I smote him down with the last of my strength. I awoke on a mountainside and was brought to Lorien by one of the eagles."
"Gandalf" Legolas said as he pressed his hand on his heart.
For a moment, Gandalf looked confused. But soon his face turned to recognition as he said, "Yes, that is what they used to call me, Gandalf the Gray." I am now Gandalf the White. Or, Saruman as he should have been."
"My dear, it certainly is a pleasure to see you." His voice sounded the slightest bit different, but I could tell he was the same Wizard we had come to know and love. Though I could not help but notice that he seemed to glance suspiciously toward my hidden hand, and back to me with almost a stern expression. Since no one else seemed to observe the encounter, I quickly changed the unspoken subject.
"Gandalf!" I exclaimed as I rushed forward and pulled him into an embrace. He seemed slightly stunned for a moment but quickly recovered as he lightly returned the gesture with a chuckle. As I pulled back, I looked up at his ageless face and said, "I feared the future events I knew of would not come to pass."
Gandalf simply smiled and replied, "A rock cannot stop a river from flowing."
I heard Aragorn let out a soft chuckle behind me. "You still speak in riddles, my friend." I stepped back to allow Aragorn a place in front of Gandalf, suddenly feeling quite insignificant. I strolled to stand near Gimli as I heard Gandalf say, "Come, it is time to move on." He turns and begins his long strides with his white robe trailing behind him. I have to slightly jog to catch up with the others, minding the roots from the trees, and at the same time strapping my quiver and bow on my back and sheathed sword around my waist.
Legolas and Gimli were walking side-by-side, the elf sharing stories of old. Nothing from our previous encounter seemed to strike the elf at all. Aragorn strode next to Gandalf, discussing something in elvish. Feeling the slightest bit left out, I caught up with Gandalf and fell into pace with him. When I approached the other side of the Wizard, he bent down and spoke barley above a whisper, startling me,
"It seems you have been through quite a lot." Sheepishly, I looked up at him with my face burning. Not being able to hold his gaze for very long, I found my feet very interesting. I didn't know why, but I felt guilty of something, though I had done nothing wrong. I quietly reply, "So it seems. Though I could say the very same about you." At the same time I was discreetly pulling my sleeve further over my burned hand. Gandalf let out a small but rich chuckle as he once again looked forward.
"That, my dear Alana, is quite right as well. Though I have shared my story, perhaps you shall do the same." Though he spoke hardly above a whisper, I still nervously glanced around, hoping no one else was listening. More quietly, I added, "One will share their own story when they are willing to do so." I looked up once more at the aged wizard and noticed he looked thoughtful.
"Yes.. I do believe that is true.." Sensing that as the end of the conversation, I simply looked forward and focused on attempting to match Gandalf's long, quick strides.
It was not long until I noticed that I could see light not far ahead. Suddenly feeling excited, I kept up easily with the quick pace of the others until we found ourselves under the sun's rays. I relished in the warmth on my skin and hair as I felt the free air once again. Though I felt almost regretful leaving the restless trees behind, I was relieved to be in the free air again. I knew what was coming as soon as I heard the impossibly high, beautiful notes Gandalf whispered into the rolling plains. Almost instantly, I could hear the neigh of a horse, and saw a gorgeous white stallion galloping towards us, with whom I recognized as Hasufel and Araod at his heal. It truly was an unbelievable sight, watching them running to us.
"Unless my eyes betray me, that is one of the Mearas." Legolas's voice sounded from behind with awe. The horses approached quickly until the white one came up to Gandalf, and he put his hand on the horse's nose.
"Shadowfax." He said with delight. "Lord of all horses." I could tell he loved The great horse lord, or at least held a good amount of respect for him.
"Come." He said as he mounted Shadowfax. "We must make great haste." I watched for a moment as Aragorn and Legolas did the same, and Gimli stood near Arod awaiting to hoist himself on his back with Legolas. Not really being sure of what to do, I awkwardly walked over to Aragorn, but he saved any uncertainty I had of where I would ride.
"Come Alana. You shall ride with me." He directed Hasufel to the side and offered me a hand.
"I can manage." I said, brushing away his hand. I noticed his lips were upturned a bit into a small grin of amusement. Aragorn moved his foot out of one of the stirrups, so I was able to use it to get up. Nervously, I placed my foot in it and swung my leg to the other side, using Aragorn as a balance. I felt fairly proud of myself, because I had never gotten on a horse with someone else before. Not sure of where to put my hands, I simply rested them on my thighs. That is, until we started moving. Gandalf had started at a brisk pace, which with other horses followed suit. The horses had already broken into a gallop, and I jerked back a bit before I quickly wrapped my arms around Aragorn's torso, letting out a small yelp of surprise. I could feel Aragorn chuckling.
"Not used to riding?" He called over the wind. Tightening my grip as the course became more bumpy, I replied, "Not like this, at a gallop." I let some of the smile I already wore sound in my voice as I called to him. I could feel him laughing once more as we continued onward.
I let myself enjoy the ride for most of the day, feeling the sun on my back and wind blowing at my face. The scenery was great too, which I couldn't help but admire. Though after a while I couldn't ignore the pain in my side from being jostled so much. Almost every bump hurt my side. Almost the same moment I wondered when we would arrive, Shadowfax slowed his pace in the distance and turned towards us. When we reached them, Gandalf said,
"We must rest for but a few hours. The horses are tiring." He then turned to me and added, "And some grow weary." Flushing a bit from embarrassment, I looked away. I wasn't really tired, just really sore. I wasn't used to riding for so long.
"Well I must say I am grateful." Said Gimli as he all but slid off the back of Arod. I grinned slightly at him, and inwardly giggled. Aragorn swiftly dismounted in front of me, landing gracefully on the ground. Feeling incredibly stiff, I lifted my leg over the horse's back and slowly lowered it to the ground. Again, I winced with the stiffness in my side. When I had both feet on the ground, I felt like I wasn't going to be able to move for a long time. My entire lower body was incredibly sore, let alone my side. Noticing that Gandalf was sitting on the ground a little separated from the group smoking his pipe, I decided to sit as well.
I had to gingerly lower myself to the ground, still not able to completely move, and again, wincing in the process. I sat for a while, watching as Gimli laid back in rest, and Legolas and Aragorn spoke softly. I let my mind wander for a while, thinking what things could be like at home. I really hoped everything was alright, but I didn't want to dwell further on it. Without realizing it, my mind had wandered to Legolas. I didn't know why, but I kept on replaying the conversation in Fangorn again. Not only that, but pretty much every interaction with him so far. What did he think of me..? Did he find me annoying, or incapable? Hopefully not... Shaking my head to clear it, I couldn't figure out why I was so worried about it. But at the same time I kind of did.. I realized I genuinely cared what he thought of me...
Shaking the thought from my mind, I stood and walked to where Gandalf was sitting. Hesitating a little, I stepped forward and sat next to him, looking forward. Without turning towards me, he spoke.
"Alana." His voice held so much in it, like he was asking me an unanswered question or was answering one of my questions. I turned to him and watched as he continued to look forward and smoke his pipe, little puffs of smoke blowing away. After a very long silence, he spoke and looked a bit at me.
"You seem to have grown more into this place since we last met." I listened as he continues. "And you seem to have grown close with them." He turned his head to look forward once more, and added more quietly, "Perhaps, even, closer with one other."
My eyes widening and heat rushing to my face, I quickly looked down at my lap, feeling myself blush. Did he mean Legolas? What kind of closeness did he see? Whatever it was, it was probably rather one-sided, because there was no way he saw me like that..
"I.. Uh.. I don't know.." Not really sure how to reply. When I risked to glance up again, I saw that Gandalf was now holding his pipe and looked at me with a smile. He looked back forward and put the pipe in his mouth once more and said, "But there is another thing, Alana, that is different about you." Feeling slightly panicked, I once again, slowly brought a hand to my ear.
"I could hear the trees." I said quietly. Gandalf then looked at me again and said in a thoughtful voice, "Did you now?" and let out more puffs of smoke.
"Gandalf.." I began. "What.. What does is mean?" I grew more nervous awaiting an answer.
"What does it mean? Why, it means that you are growing into this world." He answered. His voice held a tone that sounded as if I should have known so already. Still confused, I looked at him again in question, and he looked back at me, and then forward again.
"It means the light in you has begun to reflect on the outside." Still, not following, I tried to understand what he meant.
"There is still much you have yet to learn, my dear. Tell me, what do you believe it means that you have the ability to hear the trees in Fangorn? That you have have a talent for fighting even when you had no previous training before. What do you believe that means?"
Silent, I sat there and pondered over his words. What did it mean?
You know what it means.. I hardly dared think that thought. It couldn't be possible.. perhaps..
"Do I have the light of the Eldar?" I asked timidly. It's something I've wanted to ask somebody since I noticed any differences in my abilities. Almost regretting it as soon as I asked, I awaited nervously for Gandalf to reply. It felt like an eternity until he finally spoke up.
"Yes… It would seem so." His voice was thoughtful as he put his pipe in his mouth once again.
Waiting for him to continue, I wait, but when he does not say anything else, I gather some courage to ask another itching question.
"So, Am.. Am I an… an Elf..?"
once again, I waited for an answer, but it was a while until I got one. He turned to look at me once more.
"You have the light of the Eldar in you, yet you are not technically an elf regarding the race. You do have elvish capabilities though, and you share the same qualities."
Slightly confused, shocked, and almost not surprised all at once, I asked, "So.. I'm not an elf, but I am just like one in my personality and abilities..?" This wasn't exactly making much sense to me.
"In a way, you are becoming an elf the longer you stay and adapt to this world, though you are not the race itself. For example you are not kin to Legolas, or Elrond. You are your own self, with elvish qualities."
He took another puff of smoke.
"That is why Lord Elrond believed you to seem apart from other humans when he met and healed you."
While I began to understand it, another question arose.
"Does that mean I am immortal?" I was not sure if that is what I wanted or not, but I was even more uncertain of my next question. "Or am I to return home?"
The silence stretched for a very long time.
"That, my friend, is up to you. You can choose your own fate. Though, I must say, I believe you were sent here for a reason that is not yet clear to us."
Finally understanding, but not sure if I was happy with it or not, I bent my head and looked at the necklace that Galadriel gave to me. It had not one speck of dirt, after everything that I had been through.
"That necklace was made specially for you." Looking up at Gandalf, I listened as he continued. "The Lady Galadriel knew of what you were to become, and believed that a token as such would be a helpful reminder." Feeling the pattern of the jewels, I looked up.
Gandalf continued, "It has a beauty in it Alana. Though, it is not from the necklace itself, but from the light in you." I looked down once again.
"It is not a coincidence that you chose the name 'Alana' When you first arrived here. You carry the name well."
Again, my name is mentioned. Aragorn spoke with me about something about the name 'suiting' me well.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like to be with my thoughts for a while." Gandalf spoke once again. Feeling dismissed, I stood and stiffly walked over to where the horses were resting. I approached Arod as he stopped in his grazing and moved his head up to me. Slowly, I reached out to rub his nose, when he soon pressed it further into my palm, nickering. Laughing quietly, I continued to rub his nose until I moved to his neck and patted him.
"So you like me, huh?" I whispered to him. "Well. I like you too." I added as I continued to scratch him.
With one last pat, I turned to sit down once more with the others, noticing Legolas and Gimli chatting a little to the side. Aragorn watched me as I sat down, and I tried really hard not to wince, though I wasn't very successful. After I sat down, I noticed him watching me thoughtfully.
"How does your side fair?" He asked. I shifted in the grass, replying, "fine." I didn't want him to think me weak, so I did my best to ignore the twinge. For a long while, I sat there discerning one thought from another.
Did Gandalf mean that I could choose whether or not I stayed in Middle Earth? Did he mean there really was a way I could return home? The thought of home made my throat close with sadness. How could I return home, after getting to know everyone here? But then again, what would I do if I were to survive this thing? There's no life for me here when the war is over... Maybe.. I should return home...
"Come. We must continue with haste." Gandalf's voice interrupted my thoughts as he strode to Shadowfax with his staff. "There are still many leagues to cover before we reach Edoras.
I stood as quickly as I could, and grabbed my bow and put it on my back once more. As I approached Aragorn with Hasufel, he looked at me thoughtfully and said,
"Perhaps you should ride with Legolas this time. He is a swifter rider and it would be better for your side if you rode on Arod." Suddenly feeling nervous, I interjected, "I was fine riding on Hasufel.. I am only not used to riding for such a distance." I couldn't ride with him. I was trying to keep my space from the elf.
"Alana, do not think I have not noticed that you are still in pain. You shall ride with Legolas. Gimli, with me." He motioned to the dwarf who was standing next to Legolas, watching the exchange. Aragorn's voice held finality in it, so I did not argue further. Hesitantly, and slightly angered, I walked over to Legolas and Arod. Without a word, I waited for Legolas to mount first, but he motioned to me to go ahead. Inwardly rolling my eyes, I very ungracefully lifted myself onto the horse's back, which was very difficult with no stirrup. I wasn't completely on and before I could object, Legolas's hands were around my waist, guiding me upright. while I tried to ignore the feeling of his hands though they were already gone, he mounted in front of me. Suddenly having trouble thinking with his close proximity, I attempted to leave space between us and left my hands at my sides.
"Hold on to me." His voice was slightly demanding, but not rude as the horse began at a slight trot. Feeling myself begin to slide back a bit, I inwardly groan with frustration as I wrap my arms around his torso. I almost tried to ignore the feeling of his strong muscles, but instead let my guard down. As the horse began to run after Shadowfax, I tightened my grip to prevent myself from falling, pulling myself closer to him. The warmth of his body was soothing, and I almost completely forgot of the pain in my side. His hair tickled my face as it blew back, and I couldn't help but noticed how good it smelled. Though, I learned it's very difficult to get used to riding without a saddle. Arod leapt a small dip in the ground at full speed, and I yelped as I was jerked backwards, nothing holding me in place. Instantly Legolas gripped my hands that were wrapped around his waist, as I tightened my own hold on him. He did not move them away any time soon.
Instead, he spoke softly, in a deeper voice than I was not used to,
"I promise I will not let you fall."
Nothing could stop the flutters I felt in my stomach as I tried to tell myself it meant nothing.