Chapter 14

Present – Willow's POV

I gently moved my body away from Aragorn. It was getting light outside, and dawn was approaching. My heart was beating loudly; I would not be surprised if Aragorn could hear it. I had given him my past I had told him in enough detail for him to understand. For a moment all was silent. I noticed Aragorn's eyes had shifted to the next room. I wondered if anyone had heard this conversation. But for that moment a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I even managed a smile. All those tears and fears floated out the room. I felt safe around Aragorn.

'Willow, this quest may bring back your fears. But now that I know you will not face them on your own. Do you understand that?' I did. 'Come let's get some food before we start training you. Today we will stop before it becomes too warm.' Legolas was waiting for them.

'You were in the other room, were you not?' I asked looking at Legolas, for a moment he looked a little confused.

But smoothly replied, 'You are observant.'

'No, Aragorn is not as subtle as some people, he looked at the door for a while and then he looked disappointed. I knew it was not me he was directing that too, and I don't know can you see through doors as well?'

'No I cannot. I did not mean to listen, elvish hearing is not like the hearing of a man.'

I turned to Aragorn, 'Why didn't you stop me?' I asked, but turned back towards my room, before he could answer, to collect my things. First thing tomorrow I would leave this place and the people in it.

A candle sat on the desk I picked it up and chucked it across the room. It felt good to throw something, so I started throwing everything within my reach. I threw a small mirror but the crash did not come, I looked up and saw Legolas holding the mirror in his hand. He quickly crossed the room before I could throw the last candle and grabbed my arms roughly, 'Drop it'.

'No', I glared at him. 'How could you listen to that conversation? It was not meant for your ears.' I cried as I pushed him. I started kicking him.

Before I knew what was happening I was on the bed face down hands pinned. 'Shhhhh mellon shhh I will repeat this to anyone. Just know that you now have my help. I do not judge you for your actions. You are brave and strong, let me help you. Please. I do apologise for listening in, I understand you do not trust me enough to know your past. But I do now. I am sorry.' He slowly let me go and helped me up. He pulled me into a hug,'Let me help you.'

'Why?' I whispered.

'I care, as does Aragorn. Let people care for you. This was not his fault you should apologise.'

'Where is he?' We walked down the many staircases and out to a small lake.

'I shall take my leave now. We are both on your side.' I turned to see if he was coming over with me, but he had gone.

I would have to ask how he did that. I walked over the bridge, Aragorn had not noticed me. So I stood there not knowing what to do. Should I speak? I did not want to scare him. Should I announce myself?

'I'm sorry for snapping at you. It is not your fault elves have impressive hearing.' Slowly Aragorn turned and walked to me.

'All is forgiven mellon, let us put all this behind us.' And that was that, from that day on we hardly talked about the past and my dreams had become manageable.

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The day finally came to leave. And I was sorry to see that day. I had grown fond of the Elves. I watched Aragorn give his final farewell to his Princess. I thought that this was a much better love story than Twilight. I remember on my last day at school before the invasion our teacher sat us all down and made us watch Twilight. I did not mind the story but the acting put me off.

A hand rubbed my shoulder breaking my train of thought. Concerned blue eyes looked at me. I shrugged Legolas's hand off and told him I was fine. At first we walked in silence but once we got into a rhythm the Hobbits started chatting and Gimli soon joined in. Aragorn and Gandalf were leading us, and talking but I could not hear what they were saying. That left Legolas, Boromir and I to have some mind numbing chit chat about the weather. Boromir I forgot to say goodbye to his brother, I slowed my pace down feeling guilty.

'What troubles you Willow?' A smooth voice asked, I looked up at Legolas and Boromir.

'I did not say goodbye to your brother. I am very sorry I just forgot.'

Boromir smiled gently and placed a hand on my shoulder, 'It matters not for when we have finished this task, I shall take you back to my dear brother and you will be welcome to stay in our home.'

'I had no idea you knew how to comfort a person. I am impressed.' I head a cough behind us and found Legolas trying to hold in a laugh. Maybe this would not be such a bad quest after all I was not alone.