Chapter 38

No one POV

Aragorn frowned having noticed how tense the room had become when Hermione had entered. He looked to his friend for answers, but found his face blank of all emotion. Aragorn sighed as he remembered a time in their past when Legolas had been through grief. He had explained to Aragorn that he shuts down completely and removes himself from his emotions until there is nothing left in him. He only would ever do as commanded in times like this. Aragorn feared this would once again be the case. After making sure Hermione would be ok, he walked quickly out of the hall to follow his friend.

Hermione was left standing there flooded in emotion and guilt. They're going to hate me she thought sadly to herself wanting nothing more than to jump to her death.

Aragorn found his friend on the top wall looking out in the distance. Aragorn approached him slowly,

'What has transpired between you and Hermione?' Aragorn asked wanting to get to the bottom of whatever was bothering the elf before the Uruks came. He needed his elf to be focused on the battle ahead.

'Nothing has happened my Lord.' He said in a blank tone.

Aragorn closed his eyes, as much as he wanted to take his time to help Legolas he knew that time was not on their side.

'Very well then tell me why did you walk out of the room?'

'My Lord?'

'Do not tell me everything is fine. You are speaking to me much too formally for it to be so. We have 10 thousand Uruks marching upon us, I do not have much time to help you my friend. But I need you focused on the task ahead. If you wish to tell me anything then do so. But I do not want you to feel rushed.' Aragorn said as he watched Legolas,

'I will do as you command. My Lord.' Legolas replied not looking at Aragorn,

'Very well, I command you to tell me what is troubling you.'

'I cannot,' Aragorn became more and more annoyed at his friend,

'If you are going to act like and Elfling, tell me why should I not treat you like one?' Aragorn asked, knowing full well this would cause Legolas to feel uncomfortable.

Aragorn did not like making his friend uncomfortable but he hoped that this would make Legolas respond. Of course Aragorn would never resort to treating him like an elfling he would help Legolas through his troubles but time was limited. His Elf needed to come back to him.

'My Lord. What do you mean?' Legolas asked as his face turned a light shade of pink.

'I think you know what I mean.'

'I do not,' he replied his voice slightly shaking,

'Legolas, stop making this harder on yourself.' Aragorn waited patiently for a response.

Legolas looked away knowing full well he was being childish. But he also knew war was coming and they were both very much needed. With that thought in mind he replied,

'I shall answer any question you have.'

'Very well then. What has made you become so distant Elfling?' Aragorn asked

'I was so broken when I heard you had not made it. I wanted to jump in after you.' Legolas whispered, 'But Hermione, she was. She did not respond to any of us. As soon as we got here, I took her away from the people. And I let her cry.'

Aragorn felt his heart ache for the girl. He wished it had been him that could offer the comfort she so needed. But he was glad that it was Legolas who offered it to her. Even though he knew Legolas would have been hurting himself. Aragorn wished he could have comforted Legolas also. Aragorn waited for Legolas to continue.

'Something happened between us. Emotions were high. We both felt lost and lonely. Before I knew what was happening – I'm sorry, I think you should speak with Hermione about this.' Aragorn frowned,

'I'm asking you. Tell me what happened. Now.'

'She kissed me. I responded. Before anything got out of hand I pulled away. I went to find the King but ran into you and well you know the rest. My Lord, I have felt something for her, for a long time now. But she does not look at me the way she looks at you.' Aragorn was shocked into silence,

'I am sorry my Lord.' He went onto say. Aragorn finally found his voice,

'Enough of this, my Lord business. I am Estel or Aragorn to you. Do not be sorry for what has happened. Emotions can be both a curse and a blessing.'

'I am sorry Estel.'

'I know you are. For now, know that I am proud of you for speaking to me. Come now, no more of this guilt you have inside of you. All is well my friend. There is nothing to forgive,' in truth Aragorn was a little shocked Hermione and Legolas kissed.

Aragorn wondered if she had enjoyed it. But he also knew he could not dwell on this thought. He understood that both his friends would have been very much upset thinking he had died.

'Estel.'

'Hmm.'

'I think we should have a quick talk with Hermione. We need her mind on the battle ahead also.'

'I agree. But perhaps you should leave this one to me Elfling.'

'Estel I have to speak with her. I have to make her understand.' Argaorn nodded,

They found Hermione sitting against a wall. People rushed past her but she took no notice. Her mind was swimming with conflict. Oh how she felt guilty for kissing Legolas. Did she enjoy the kiss? Sure it was nice but the situation was not a nice one. But not only that she felt guilty about betraying Ron. No he is dead, it matters not what he thinks, he only wants me to be happy I am sure – Hermione thought to herself. She dug her nails into her skin wanting to cause herself pain.

Legolas sat down on one side and Aragorn on the other side. Hermione tensed but did not move – she wanted to cry feeling like she were truly a slut sitting in between both men whom she had kissed. Would they want to know which she enjoyed more?

'Whatever has happened in the past is just that. I need your mind focused on the battle ahead. If there is anything you would like to say then I suggest you say it.' Aragorn started,

Hermione said nothing but she had stopped digging her nails in her skin,

'I would like to apologise for this incident. I meant to comfort you.' Legolas went on to say,

Hermione knew it was neither their fault but rather her own. She had certainly buried herself into a big hole.

'Your right it was a mistake. One I wish I could take back.' Hermione whispered, feeling her heart pull in both directions and knowing that both were not an option.

They sat in silence for a moment,

'I would see to it that your heart is free from any guilt you are holding. How can I help you past this?' Legolas went on to say,

'Trust me, you cannot help me. Not this time. I have committed the worst crime. I went behind my boyfriend's back. I cheated on him. And I hurt both of you in the process. I was selfish to do so. Worse still you have both been friends for a really long time.'

'Do not worry yourself about Legolas and I, we will never stop being friends. If Ron cared for you he would only wish you happiness. He would not want you dwelling in the past.' She knew Aragorn had a point. But it hurt so much.

'I'm so confused right now. And I feel like I'm drowning from the inside and I don't know how to surface.' Hermione whispered, trying to hold in the tears.

Hermione knew she had to get herself under control but she just couldn't. She wished to be back home in her bedroom reading next year's books for school and have her mother bring up hot tea for her.

I should not have thought of that – Hermione thought sadly,

'When you are ready, you will be able to make decisions based on yourself and not on your past life. But until that day comes, just know you are not alone. I wish I could keep you safe from all of this. But I cannot, you have to be strong. I know you can be.' Aragorn replied whishing there was more he could say.

'Your right, we're about to be overrun by Orc's, was it? And here I am sobbing like a teenage girl.' Without any warning Hermione stood up, shoved everything out of her mind and turned to look down on the Elf and Man,

'Right this war is not going to win itself.'

So this will be my last update for a while I know that really really sucks. But I am going overseas so please forgive me. I have updated quite a few chapters for my other story Dark Lonely Warrior so check it out and review if your interested :)

In the meantime let's have a vote who will Hermione end up with?

Man or Elf? (That is if Hermione survives the upcoming war!) Will she survive?

Or perhaps she chooses neither! What do you think?

Do you think she will ever get rid of her guilt towards Ron?

Who is excited for the final Hobbit movie to come out on DVD? I am because then I can have the epic day of watching all three Hobbit and LOTR's movies.

So see you later my lovely readers :)