Traveling Back Towards The Truth!

Judging from where the sun was residing, it was now midday, we had been walking for several hours now and my thoughts always stayed with our lost companions. I only hoped that Gandalf wouldn't be to cross at our sudden reappearance.

After what happened yesterday, I was a little surprised that everyone around me was in a better mood than what they originally were. Maybe it was because I explained Gandalf's role to play that put their mind at rest, I don't know. Though the atmosphere was quite pleasant. Glancing at Dwalin, I still was very wary of him.

His words did hurt me but really, it was his axe that he was holding onto, that freaked me out. I really thought he would have used it on me. After all, I was used to being a pin cushion, thanks to my dear old mother!

I was shocked when Dwalin apologised to me, even though, it was my fault his brother and the others were now down in that cave, being held captive by those goblins. I prayed they were going to be okay, especially Bilbo.

After everything that has happened, I really had no idea if Bilbo would encounter Gollum. For once in my life. I actually hoped that he would find that ring. For without that ring, I had a feeling, things would be ten times worse than what they are now.

Trying to think of something else, I began to hum a melody from a film that Maddie insisted on watching none stop. The song had always been a favourite of mine before seeing the film, wish I could say the same for the film, however.

I used to like the film, but after seeing this every day during every school hoilday, it drove me a little barmy. Maddie said she loved the story. I wasn't convinced, the actor was attractive and I remembered thinking that she always went googly eyes whenever he appeared on scene. God, I really missed Maddie and hoped that she was safe, wherever she was.

As I continued humming to myself, I became aware that the chattering around me, had ceased to exist. I thought that rather strange and turned my head and saw that Fili and Co were watching me with bemused looks on their faces. This caused me to stop my humming, noticing the frown on Fili's face.

"Why did you stop?" Fili asked "It was nice."

"Um...yeah!" I mumbled, suddenly feeling self conscious.

"Oh, please don't stop, lass," said Gloin "that is a sweet tune you hummed."

Again I felt my face flush a little and returned my attention back at the front.

"No," I shook my head, feeling the blush deepen "I think I'll pass."

"Tis a shame, lass," replied Dwalin "You hum like an angel."

I turned and looked at him.

"Have you ever met an angel Dwalin?" I ask him, with a slight smile. now hearing a few laughs behind me.

"Well, no, lass. I haven't." He admitted with a light chuckle "but I'd imagine they would sound like you."

I returned my attention at the front, knowing full well I did not sing like an angel. Truth of the matter was, I was tuneless. I remember when I was little, I had to sing a solo piece during school assembly and I thought I sounded terrible. I vowed then, that I would never sing in front of people again.

Yet here I was, in a new world, humming a song, without a worry in the world. Just what the hell was the matter with me? I never sing pronto. It was Maddie who had the voice of an angel. After all she was the one that wanted to be on stage and be in a musical.

That was before she went missing. Since being here, I have been looking everywhere for a clue or a sign that she is all right, but so far, nothing. I had this strange feeling that every time I was on the right track in finding her, something always pulled me back. Which was so frustrating and I hated the fact that at this precise moment, I couldn't do a thing about it.

"Lexi!"

My head instantly turned around when my name was called, knowing full well it was Fili. He was the only one that called me 'Lexi', everyone else called me by my full name.

"Are you okay?" Fili asked, walking in step with me.

"So-so!" I confessed.

"Lexi, you can't keep blaming yourself for what happened. We'll get them back." reassured Fili.

"Though getting everyone back is my priority," I began, returning my attention to what was in front of me "I was actually thinking about Maddie!"

"Lexi I'm sorry, I didn't think."

"It's fine," I reply, gracing Fili with a smile "I know The Doctor is searching for her, which I'm thankful for. Even though he did appear to be off with everything around him."

"Off?" asked Thorin "What does that mean?"

"It means he seemed distant," I reply to him, turning my head and acknowledging Thorin before turning back "The Doctor seemed...distracted by something. Didn't you all notice?"

"No, I was looking at something else entirely." admitted Fili, sheepishly, causing me to blush.

"I did not notice," replied Thorin "I thought he was always like that."

A smile formed on my lips at his answer.

"He's normally optimistic and full of life. Yet seeing him around the table, he looked..."

I just couldn't think of a word to describe what the matter was.

"Lost!" suggested Aragorn.

"Exactly!" I glance at Aragorn and nodded "It was like, his body was there but his soul was millions of miles away."

Thinking back, The Doctor really looked sad and I knew I should have pressed on for an answer to what the matter really was. I just hoped that this was not an omen for things to come. A Doctor spacing out when danger is nearby, is not the best solution to anyone.

When we last met, he was still a little quiet for my liking. Though he appeared like his usual self, again I had this feeling he was hiding something. The Doctor's eyes were sad. I prayed that he was still in Imladris but something told me, he would not be there.

Then my thoughts went back to Gandalf, I had no idea how I could reach him when we returned. I knew he was in the Council meeting with Lord Elrond but, there had to be a way to see him. Glancing at Aragorn, I decided to ask him. After all, he has lived there for most of his life.

"Do you have any idea on how I could reach Gandalf?" Aragorn furrowed his eyebrows and I quickly added "At this second, Gandalf is at a meeting with Lord Elrond. Do you know the whereabouts to where that is?"

A smile slowly descends from his mouth as he looks at me and I wonder what the reason was.

"Though I've lived there for most of my life Alexandria," began Aragorn "even I do not know everything about Lord Elrond."

I frowned in defeat, knowing what he had just said was true.

'Bang goes that idea!' I thought.

I knew that no one in Rivendell would tell me the whereabouts of The Council, which is understandable, but how could I reach Gandalf, without causing a scene?

"When we reach Imladris, you should ask Lindir."

I arch my eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, but who is that?"

"He was the one that greeted us, when we first arrived." replied Thorin, a litte gruffly for my liking.

Then it dawned on me, I knew who they were referring to. A dark haired elf that will one day hear Bilbo's poem when he would return to Rivendell many, many years later.

"Oh I know who he is, though I have never met him." I admitted to them.

"No, you were currently unconscious when we came to Rivendell the first time round." points out Oin.

"Oin!" spat Fili and Thorin together, causing me to glance at them both, glaring at Oin.

I then looked at Oin and could see that he regreted what he had said. Gracing him with a smile when he finally looked at me, he said,

"Forgive me Alexandria, that was rather thoughtless of me to say that."

"Think nothing of it," I chuckled "I know you meant well."

I return my attention to where we were heading. I glanced up at the sky, praying we would return to Imladris before it got dark. The longer we left our comrades in that ghasty cave, the longer I was getting more anxious.

"What were you humming? asked Fili, causing me to look back at him "I've never heard that tune before."

I grace him with a smile, noticing his eyes went on my lips, which made my cheeks feel warm once again. I've only known him a short while and yet, he is the only one that makes me blush like this.

"It's just a song from the world I used to be a part of," I admitted to him "it's always been a favourite of mine."

"I would like to hear the words," said Fili, quietly "to the tune we heard you hum."

I shook my head.

"Never going to happen!"

I could tell that Fili was about to counter my answer but the sudden sound of horses hooves heading towards us made everyone including myself, stop walking. Glancing at everyone, I could see Thorin and the others, preparing to use their sword and axes as their eyes narrowed to what lay in wait for us.

Just as I had a horrible feeling of fighting off whatever was on the horses, Aragorn stepped forward raising up his hand. Whoever was heading our way, seemed to be very eagar to edge nearer to us.

While Aragorn walked on ahead, the others were now preparing to attack at any given moment. My eyes stayed on Aragorn however, wondering what he was about to do. One of the horses, slowed down and I somehow knew that whoever was riding those horses, was not an enemy.

For a few minutes we all waited as Aragorn appeared to be having a deep conversation. While that was going on, the rest of my companions were becoming very agitated. Glancing at Thorin, I could see his blue narrowed eyes watching Aragorn closely.

Turning back I saw one of the riders dismount and head towards us. Of course I knew this would get a reaction and sure enough, I heard many weapons get ready to strike out, should this lone figure in gold and silver armour mean any harm to us. Judging by the way he was walking, I had a feeling he was an ally and not a threat at all.

"It is good to see you all again."

Thorin brushed past Fili and I, holding his sword very tightly in his right hand.

"Who are you?" He demanded.

"Have you already forgotten me, Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror?"

The person in front of us, proceeded to take his helmet off and a smile came across my face, as I saw one of Lord Elrond's sons smiling back at us.

"Allow me to reacquaint myself, I am Elrohir, son of Lord Elrond."

My smile broadens, while I could hear many grunts behind me. I wondered why Elrohir and his troop were out here in the first place, but then remembered, that many Orcs roam around the outskirts of Rivendell and were probably knocking them back to keep them at bay.

Thorin lowered his weapon, but I could see that he was still very wary of Elrohir. Glancing behind me, I saw the others do the same, but when I caught sight of Fili. He was glaring at Elrohir.

It reminded me when he was hostile towards me in the training grounds and I didn't like it. Without thinking, I placed my hand on his arm to reassure him that he was one of the good guys. His eyes met mine and his face softened.

"He might know where Gandalf is!" I point out to him, as all but Fili and myself walked forward "Or Elrohir could bring Gandalf to us. Either way, it's a win win situation."

"What would happen if Gandalf is unattainable and can not be found," replied Fili, facing me fully now "He does have a tendency to walk of without anyone realising, until much later on!"

I frowned, knowing what Fili said was the truth. For someone very tall, (he was even taller than me) he had his nack for walking into the unknown. I knew that he always had a valid reason for walking of to the unknown, but he could at least inform everyone that he would be leaving for a while.

On the other hand, he does explain to Thorin and Co a little later on, that he will be leaving them for a short while, but that wouldn't happen just yet. After what has happened so far, I wasn't certain if things would go according to plan and that was a worrying thought indeed.

"Well, let's just pray Gandalf is still there, I'll worry about the what would happen scenarios if I come to it."

"No," whispered Fili, startling me by cupping my cheek with his right hand "you won't worry. You can stop with the 'I'll worry' motto right this second. We're figure something out together."

"Fili." I started to say, but his blue eyes bore into mine, rendering me speechless.

He stepped closer and pressed his forehead on mine.

"We'll worry about it together." Fili whispered.

For a split second, it felt like there was no one there, except Fili and I. His warmth radiated around me and I found myself wrapping my arms around his middle. He made a soft contented sigh, causing me to look up into the blue pools of his eyes.

"Lexi," He breathed "I lo-,"

"Will you two hurry up," shouted Gloin "We need to hurry!"

Stepping back a little, I turned my head to where Gloin was situated, noticing him frown and huff, before turning his back to me. I could see where Gimli got his temper from. I scanned the others and saw Aragorn, Elrohir and Thorin smile back at myself and Fili.

"Fili and Alexandria," I heard Oin say, shaking his head in shock "are they courting?"

I felt my face burn even more, while Fili just laughed softly, taking hold of my hand.

"Seems like it," replied Dwalin "when we find the others, remind me to get my winnings."

I frowned and was about to reply when Dwalin walked off, knowing full well that he and probably the rest of the company, had placed bets on us. Fili more or less nudged me, which snapped me back to the present.

We walked to where Thorin was, who still had a small smile upon his face, before he himself turned around and started walking beside Elrohir which shocked me a little, but a smile of my own slowly came from my lips at seeing these turn of events.

'Time can be written.' poped into my subconscious mind and for once I hoped that message had a positive outcome.

Maybe, just maybe, the dwarves and the elves will heal their rift with each other, sooner, rather than later.

o0o

It was nearly dark now and while Elrohir's troop had galloped of ahead, Elrohir had decided to stay with us and was now holding the reins of his brown horse, while now walking besides Aragorn, right at the front.

While Dwalin, Gloin and Oin were in front us, I was sandwiched between Thorin and Fili, though I wasn't really paying attention, I was thinking on what to say to Gandalf. I hoped to god, he wouldn't give me his stern look, I was nervous enough as it was.

"Are you alright Alexandria?" asked Thorin, breaking me out of my thoughts "You've been very quiet."

I felt Fili brush his thumb on the back of my hand as I turned my head in Thorin's direction.

"I'm fine." I reassured him.

Judging by the way he was looking at me, I knew he was not buying my answer.

"What is troubling you?"

It must be a family thing, I surmised. First Fili and now Thorin can read me like an open book. I wasn't sure if I liked that notion. I try really hard to hide my true emotions and yet since being here, that just isn't the case.

"I just don't want Gandalf to be to disappointed that we have returned."

"Lady Alexandria," I turned my attention to the voice who called me, who happened to be Elrohir with a gentle smile on his face "Gandalf already knows."

I furrow my eyebrows, completely lost with this news. How on earth did he know we were returning for his help? Elrohir chuckled softly and my frown increased.

"My father informed us of your return. Though he never said anything more. Only where you were now situated," carried on Elrohir, glancing at everyone now "but judging from the small group here, I have a feeling that all is not what it seems. Where are all the other dwarves and that hobbit?"

"Why do you want to know?" demanded Thorin and I groaned inwardly.

Elrohir only graced him with a smile, which told me that he didn't take it to heart that Thorin was being standoffish yet again.

"I was just curious. I do hope your men are alright."

Glancing at Thorin, I could see a glimmer of a smile appear on his face while he nodded his head slightly, but said nothing. Well at least he didn't have a frown on his face anymore, that was a promising start.

o0o

We walked for a while, in silence when both Aragorn and Elrohir stopped walking. I wondered why we had stopped when I realised we had finally returned to Imladris. Sighing in relief, we picked up our speed whch spurred Aragorn and Elrohir to walk again.

As we slowly reenter, I saw a dark haired elf and knew at once that this must be Lindir. He walked up to Aragorn and welcomed him. He then turned and glanced at the rest of us and gave a nod when he met my gaze.

"Follow me." was all Lindir said and without much ado, we followed the elf to wherever he was taking us.

We walked on a high bridge, which I had no idea existed. I look at the sky and saw tiny white stars gleaming above our heads. It was beautiful to look at and I only wished I could stop and admire them but, I knew time was not on my side.

As we followed Lindir, we are now approaching a stairway and I somehow knew someone was waiting for us up there. Again I felt a little apprehensive, to what lay ahead of us. Even though Ganfalf now knew we were back, I was still cautious of everything.

I knew I was being stupid for thinking these thoughts in the first place, but I just couldn't help it. I think it started when I lived with my mother. When I finally got away from my mother, it had taken me a long time to build the shattered confidence that she kept gnawing away with her constant digs at me. If it wasn't for Maddie and her family, I think something bad would have happened to me.

It was when I shivered from that thought, I felt Fili let go of my hand and instinctively wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. His warmth soon made that shiver I had disappear.

Finally we reached the top and I saw Lord Elrond and Gandalf approach us and I found myself swallowing hard.

"I would say it is a pleasure to see you all, but," began Lord Elrond "I can tell at once that you wish to return to your men Thorin. However, before you leave with Gandalf, could I have a private word with Alexandria?"

I was dumbfounded. Why did Lord Elrond want to speak to me? Unless of course, he had news on Maddie. My green eyes went on his, who was quietly watching me and I bit my lip, hoping it was good news.

"What do you want with her?" asked Thorin, looking at Lord Elrond with suspicion.

"We have to get back to the others," I say to Lord Elrond.

"It will not take long." He reassured me.

I was not convinced and as I turned my head in Thorin's direction, I knew he thought it too. Again I had that anxious feeling hitting me hard in the pit of my stomach and I swallowed hard, willing it to just disappear.

"I know you mean well but," Thorin began, who caught me watching him and realised I had a somber expression on my face "I'd rather Alexandria be with someone, should she need any guidance."

Lord Elrond watched Thorin, before he acknowledged Thorin's request with a nod.

"Very well," replied Lord Elrond, noticing Fili hold me protectively "perhaps yourself, Alexandria and your nephew would like to accompany Gandalf and myself."

With that, Lord Elrond turned around and walked to a wooden door that had little carvings around the edge of the door. I was transfixed on them and wanted to see them closer but Gandalf coughed a 'Hmm hm' causing me to look at him.

He smiled at me and gestured for Thorin, Fili and I to follow him through the door. For a second, I hesitated before Fili coaxed me to move and led me towards the door that was Lord Elrond's room.

When we entered his study, I noticed Thorin was by my side as I waited for what was about to happen. Why did I feel so nervous? Lord Elrond was a kind elf and yet I was worried. He was now sitting by his desk and he gestured with his hand for all of us to sit and we quietly sat down, waiting.

"Relax Alexandria," smiled Lord Elrond "I just want to talk and give you this."

I watch him as he opens his drawer and pulls a black cloth out. He then returns his attention back to me and hands it over to me. For a second, I just look at the satin cloth wondering why Lord Elrond gave me this.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I gently unwrapped the cloth and my eyes went wide when I saw what was staring back at me. On my lap, was Maddie's necklace and I found myself frowning, as I clearly remembered placing this necklace in my bag.

"I must have dropped this." I whispered more to myself, than to anyone.

"I do not understand Alexandria. What did you drop?"

I look up and return my attention towards Lord Elrond.

"Well," I began, glancing again at the green jewel encased with little diamonds on the outside "this was originally in my bag. I must of knocked this out while searching for clean clothes."

"That is not possible."

I looked up again, meeting his grey eyes.

"Oh and why is that?"

"Because I have looked after this very necklace for a very long time."

I was getting confused and I found myself gently place the necklace on the table, while I went for my bag. While I was unbuckling my bag, I vaguely saw Gandalf nod his head but I was more concerned about Maddie's necklace.

I delved deep in there and my hand found something cold and I slowly pulled it out and looked at it. There in my palm, was Maddie's exact same necklace to what was on the table.

"I don't understand. Why is there a duplicate necklace?"

I heard Lord Elrond sigh and he now had his eyes on Gandalf with a somber expression on his face.

"You clearly haven't told her, have you?"

I watched them both as Gandalf shifted somewhat in his seat.

"The Doctor had told her that her father is here in Middle-earth, but that is all."

"And not about her mother?"

My ears were ringing. Why were they now talking about my evil mother? It made no sense to me. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and I demanded to know what my mother had to do with these necklace.

"Alexandria, seeing as Gandalf has failed to tell you your heritage, I will tell you about your mother."

I swallowed hard, I didn't want to know about my mother. For nearly all my life, I have lived with the knowledge that my dear mother is a nasty, cruel woman. I didn't need to be told about her life story.

"Your mother," I closed my eyes, trying to block out what was about to be said, feeling Fili grab my hand trying to reassure me in his own way, that nothing can hurt me now "died in childbirth while giving birth to you."

My eyes snapped open, shock clearly etched on my face.

"I- don't," I found myself stuttering "That can not be right!"

"Oh but it is. The mother you knew, is not your real mother." informed Lord Elrond, gently.

My head was buzzing with all this new infomation and I felt a little lightheaded. I needed to get my bearings. I stood up, surprising everyone as I gently took my hand away from Fili's, before facing the door, before walking towards it.

"Alexandria, where are you going?" asked Gandalf.

For a second, I stopped, but I didn't turn.

"I'm going to try and save Bilbo and everyone else in that cave." I reply, opening the door and stepped out of the room.

Hearing footsteps behind me, I turn and saw Fili watching me with a concerned look on his face. Without any warning, he pulled me towards him and wrapped his arms around me, holding me, while Lord Elrond's words ring out in my ears.

~~Gandalf's POV~~

I had no idea on how Alexandria would take the news that her earth mother was not her real mother. I waited with a little apprehension, as Lord Elrond informed her of her real mother. I watched her as she silently listened and was not at all surprised with her reaction.

I knew she would be shocked, but I had no idea she would walk out like that. I gently took the black cloth and wrapped Alexandria's necklace inside the cloth and decided to hold on to it, until she was ready to talk about her mother.

"You should have told her the truth," scorned Lord Elrond "Alexandria couldn't get out of this room fast enough."

"Aye, for once I agree," remarked Thorin, causing me to roll my eyes "She has been through so much and yet you knew all this time about her real parentage. I wouldn't be surprised if she ever speaks to you again Gandalf!"

Thorin got up from his chair, bowed his head at Lord Elrond, then slipped out the door, leaving us alone.

"I do understand why you never told her Gandalf, considering her past, but you should have told her about her mother. When she finally asks about her, tell her, because the way I see it, if you keep withholding secrets about her own heritage, it could cause her to lose her way. Is that what you want?"

"No, of course not! I will speak to her when everything is settled down again, regarding that cave," I reply standing up "A woman scorned is not what I want."

o0o

~~Lexi's POV~~

We were back on the road and like before, I was sandwiched between Thorin and Fili who refused to leave my side, especially as Fili took it in himself, to hold my hand, as if I would run away, if he let go. Gandalf was in the front speaking to Aragorn, but my head was all over the place, with the knowledge that my mother on earth was not even related to me.

I knew Gandalf kept secrets but when it revolved around me I didn't like it one bit. I actually felt hurt that he never told me himself. I sighed, as my eyes watch Gandalf closely. I had a feeling there was more to come and I only hoped I would be prepared for it, when that time came.