THE DAYSTAR
BY: GABRIELLA THE FAIR
Chapter 30
OLD TRUTHS
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
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"These horses are very quick."
"Yes, they are bred for speed and strength." Raquel said, watching the trail as she went by. Legolas pulled his horse up next to Raquel's. She looked very weak still, often she could be seen slumping in her saddle or closing her eyes wearily.
"Then how can your horse, Thalionfëa keep up?" Gimli asked.
"Please, call her Artemis, she likes it better" the horse gave a soft snort, "But to answer your question, she has some Rohan blood in her, I bred her to be extremely fast and strong, but her dignity makes up for the other missing parts."
"Sounds familiar." Legolas whispered and Gimli chuckled, though Raquel's ears picked it up.
"If you were to say that to any other man, it would mean you were challenging me, so do it properly." she said to Legolas, "Though, I would love to see you fight, it would be amusing." she gave him a sideways look. "But altogether sad, it would hurt me up to know that you died young." he glared at her, but she continued. "Also, for me to teach you to use a sword, I ask you to return the favour."
Legolas looked at her, quite startled, "What is it, O Lady? What dost thy heart desire?"
She gave him a quick glance, looking back to the ground, "Teach me to ride without saddle or rein."
"But, you know how to ride bareback." Legolas said, "The first night I met you, you mounted Artemis and rode bareback."
"Yes, but I was not taught, only save a little, in bareback. And, they never taught me how to give verbal commands. You know how to do that, so, teach me."
"Demanding and eager are we?" Legolas turned to her.
"One can never know to much." she said calmly.
"Yet one can ask politely for the opportunity to learn." he retorted, feeling proud of his own making of lore.
"Yet, when you have a chance to learn, do not pass it up, even if it means taking chances and acting crude."
He stopped and shook his head, "Fine you win, this time, I will remember what you say." he gave her a meaningful glance, "How do you come up with such things?"
"It is a gift." she smiled childishly.
"What are you two saying?" Gimli said, taking a cautious hand and tapping Legolas on the shoulder.
"What did you say Gimli?" Raquel asked, not noticing that she spoke in Elvish.
Gimli glared at her, "Speak in Common, it is very irritating to not be able to understand what you are saying."
She sighed, "Sorry Gimli."
At that, Aragorn stopped and dismounted, looking at the prints below the horse. He walked a ways, off the trail.
"There is little to see." he said, looking very fatigued, "The horsemen's prints are covering and mixing any signs of orcs or hobbits."
"Then let us go further and see if we can find anything there." Raquel said. Aragorn agreed, as did Gimli and Legolas.
"Let us ride slower, we need to be aware of any signs of hobbits. The may have tried to get away." Aragorn rode off, Artemis following close behind. Raquel, despite her anxious mood, was comforted by the return of her old friend. Artemis bore her just like any other day in Rivendell, as though she had never left.
The day was a dreary overcast as they hastened forward. Finally, at afternoon, they came to a smoldering pile of ashes. They dismounted and searched the ground, though Raquel did not search, her energy had been already used up, the sickness was starting to take control. They searched far and wide, turning over every leaf and kicking up every grain of sand, in hope of finding the hobbits.
"There is nothing to find, we have come to the end of our journey. Just as the Fellowship failed, so have we." Gimli sat down on a fallen tree, his head in his hands. He gave up, both his body and spirit drained from his existence.
"The hobbits own bones" he went on, "are in that glowing pile of orc filth, I'm sure."
"Well, I know tonight we may not go on, we need light and I wish to treat Raquel with those leaves." Aragorn said. Raquel sat on the ground, her body leaning against a tree.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Here, take this."
Aragorn handed Raquel a piece of cloth that had been soaked in the water. She took it and placed it on her shoulder, feeling the sting surge through her body.
Aragorn said to the others, "Start a fire if you would like, but cut no living wood! It is said that wood cut from the Fangorn Forest is perilous."
Gimli grunted something and left to find some fuel for a fire. Legolas stood in the open, leaning forward, as though he were listening to some far off voices. Raquel sat and cleaned the wound, wincing as she did so. Gimli came back and lit a little fire, throwing on more kindlings until it grew. The four of them gathered around it and warmed themselves, shrouding their faces in darkness with their hoods.
"Look!" Legolas pointed upwards, "The tree is happy with our fire." They looked, a happiness rising in Raquel as she watched the tree reach its boughs out to their fire. It may have been the night, fatigue, or the dancing of the flames that may have tricked their minds. After that, there was a length of silence.
"Why did Celeborn warn us in not coming here?" Gimli asked.
"There are fables that the wood is alive, somehow. It may be true, since the wood is so old, but what better than a wood Elf to know of this matter? Even you Raquel, surely you know Celeborn's mind." Aragorn looked at each of them.
"You have traveled farther than I. Only in song did I hear of the Onodrim, or what the men call Ents. I know little of their existence." Legolas said, looking back up at the tree.
"And what of you Raquel?"
"You say I know Celeborn's mind, the Lord of the Galadrim, and you speak so lightly of him. Hardly," she scoffed "How do think he got the name Celeborn the Wise?" she lightened her tone, her voice becoming soft, "But I did hear tales of them, long ago. He would tell me, Gandalf would tell me of Treemen." she smiled, looking past everyone around her, "Yes, how silly a tale. Trees that can talk, eat, run, and do normal things like us. I deemed them to be hardly true."
"Yet, did you believe them?" Gimli asked, intrigued in what she was saying.
She gave a little laugh as she thought on her childhood, "Why, of course I believed them! Who would not?" she smiled broadly, "Gandalf told them, he tells the best tales in all the lands! I was a child and had a mind of one." she lowered her eyes, staring at the fire. Her eyes filled with a longing compassion, one the others had rarely seen on her face, "But, before he left each time, he would tell me a story, one of distant lands, of Men, Elves, and Dwarves living in peace and war. Various times at night, I would lye in bed, or be in the gardens dreaming and imagining myself on these adventures. Of me meeting the Ents." she turned her head away, "But my own adventure turned out to be quite different." She was silent after that. Everyone else looked away from her, either lost in thought or scared to talk.
"Well, I think we should get some rest, we all need it." said Aragorn, "We will draw lots to see which of us shall watch tonight, though I humbly ask that you, Raquel, sleep. You are sick and weary, and rest is much needed."
She did not argue, getting up wearily to find her pack. The others drew lots and Gimli ended up being the unfortunate one to stay awake.
Aragorn moved to his pack to get his blanket when Legolas spoke in his thoughtful voice.
"She longs for her home more and more each day." he said, watching Raquel as she slept soundly, not far off.
"Yes, she would do anything to go back to them, I wonder why she stays." Aragorn said, glancing over to Raquel as he shifted through his things.
"Aragorn," Legolas spoke, "this has been plaguing my thought for a long while. How did she get the name Raquel? Gilwen is a beautiful name, as is Menelanna. Why does she go by Raquel?"
Aragorn looked long at Raquel, "Raquel.I gave her that name long ago. I was but a child, though, she and I were inseparable for a long while. One day she came to me and asked me to give her a name from the race of Men. Her reasons she never mentioned, but I was so filled with compassion for her, I gave her the name Raquel." he shook his head, "Though, after that day, she asked many to call her Raquel, and almost instantly, her other name was forgotten. It was then that she told me about her royalty, in exchange that I tell her who I was. Elrond had hidden it from Raquel and Arwen, though I told her in secret. I was not surprised to hear of her lineage, she looks just as the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. She was like the older sister I never had."
"She sounds like she was so happy." Legolas said.
"Yes, she was the gayest (ok guys, grow up if you're giggling!) and most innocent child the world had ever seen. A smile was always found on her fair face. Many pitied her, for the lose of her mother and no father, having to work as a slave. Though, she smiled at life, never sad."
Legolas frowned, "How did she change then? Now she is cold and hard."
"War. War hardened her." the frown on Aragorn's face deepened, "Death, smoke, blood of her people, none of this had she faced until Sauron came. She hated them, she hated the Orcs, goblins, anything that destroyed her life. But still, she stayed sweet. Many during this time looked to her to lighten the dark days. She pleased them with her always-smiling face. It was not until Elrond asked her to take up weaponry that she did it. And even then, she stayed the same, though she showed more amounts of." he went off, "I cannot find the word to describe it, she was stripped of her innocence."
Legolas sat next to him listening anxiously, he was getting more information than he had ever imagined. Raquel, to him, had always been a mystery, hidden deep inside herself she seemed to lock away every feeling except that of hate.
"So.?" Legolas asked, eager to hear more.
"So she went on learning and fighting. As time quickened, she grew more irritated, replacing her smile with her look of kill, seeing bloodshed had robbed her of her innocent thinking. Sooner or later, she erased all traces of happiness, replacing it with cold anger. She locked her old self away within her mind, and even then, that may be lost to grief." Aragorn shook his head, feeling tears close, "She has never been the same."
"She sounds." Legolas hesitated, not finding words, "like, she was a dream."
"She was, men from all over proposed, though she denied them with a bittersweet smile, thanking them and saying she was waiting for a certain someone. Sometimes she said she was not worthy, a humble servant she was." he looked to Legolas, "But you still think her beautiful?"
"More than anything else." he said, "I believe you when you say she was the most beautiful thing found, I would do anything to see her smile once again, to really smile and laugh."
"Maybe someday you will, I pray she does, but we must be getting off to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us." he nodded to Legolas and grabbed his blanket, making his way back to the Dwarf and Elf.
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"What are you doing?"
"I cannot sleep." Raquel said, sitting up and wrapping her blanket around her shivering body tightly. Really, the pain in her arm had been unbearable until a few minutes ago, but she did not say that. Aragorn lay on one side of her, sleeping soundly, as did Legolas, on her opposite side.
Gimli only nodded, running his finger around his blade thoughtfully, enjoying the Elven eyes watching the wilderness around them. He had felt uncomfortable near these woods. He heard a tree rustle, but thought nothing of it. The Elf beside him stared into the night, her eyes first peering dialated. She reached a trembling hand for Legolas, shaking him out of his sleep.
"What is it?!" he asked in alarm, as he sat up, she shrunk away at his side. Aragorn awoke, startled by the sudden movement.
At the edge of the firelight stood an old man, leaning on a staff, his cloak and hat covered all his features. Raquel hid herself behind Legolas, though she knew not why.
Aragorn called out to the man, "What can we do for you, Father? Come, be warmed by our fire!" Raquel flinched. The man did not move, though Raquel felt his eyes fixed on her. She couldn't move, sweat appeared on her brow. He still did not move, and rAquel cringed even harder, gripping Legolas' shoulder. Aragorn strode forward, but the man disappeared.
They searched the ground, but no traces were found of the man. Raquel did not stray far, she stayed near either of her companions. She heard the sound of retreating horses.
"The horses!" Legolas cried.
Raquel turned, "No, Artemis, where are you going? Come back!"
Raquel ran to the place where the horses were last seen, falling to her knees and weeping.
"She is gone!" she cried, "Why did she leave? We had just come back not even a day." she buried her face in her hands, morning the loss of her friend.
"Stop Raquel, she will be back, stop crying. You are being childish." Aragorn said, no pity in his voice. He was frustrated with their bad luck, though he wished to take back he last comments. Raquel got up and walked to him, staring at him silently. He wanted her to speak, at least that would hint what her next move would be, though no word was uttered from her mouth.
"Raquel." Aragorn said, though she cut him off.
"Do not ever scold me like I am some kind of child." she looked at him angrily, "Just leave me be!" she pushed past him and ran away, though they were not sure which direction she chose.
"We will have to continue on foot." Aragorn said, not looking at either Legolas or Gimli. Legolas stared at him in silent anger.
Gimli only nodded and left the two. Neither of them made a move. Legolas never took his eyes off Aragorn. Aragorn looked toward the ground, somewhat abashed. They sat in that silent state for what seemed like days. Finally, one spoke.
"Good job Aragorn, you helped her smile. I could not have done it any better." was all Legolas said, leaving in the direction Raquel had run. Aragorn turned.
"Legolas, I meant no harm!" he said, close to tears. This whole journey had taken a toll on everyone, even one that was as high-strung as Aragorn.
"Of course you did not, but you did. Does that make it right?" Legolas spoke over his shoulder not turning to Aragorn. "Someday we will all determine her heart, and maybe learn from it." he turned and disappeared as Aragorn watched, his sadness overwhelming him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Raquel?"
He saw nothing, though he could have sworn he heard a rustle near.
"Of course," he thought, "she does not want me to find her." he lightened his step, moving on with as much speed as possible. He looked and listened, though could find no sign of the Elf.
"Raquel where are you?!" he said, worried of what may become of her. He could not forget how she had responded to that old man. Finally, after some few minutes of searching he gave up, leaning against a tree.
"You sit here as though you are not on a dangerous journey." Legolas awoke to felt a cold metal run along his jawbone, "Foolishness leads to folly."
"Raquel, where have you been?!" he asked.
"Right here. You speak with such confidence while I hold sword to you." she said, looking down on him.
"You would not kill me, I told you that long ago." he moved his head and gently touched the sword. "You have been here the whole time? I looked for you everywhere though!"
"You may not find me at will, though when needed I appear." she said. "Something troubles you, pray tell." she sat down across from him and looked on with much severity.
"I am not exactly sure what troubles me." he said, picking up a leaf.
"Was it the man?" Raquel asked.
"Somewhat, yes."
"Then you do know." She raised her brows slightly, "Are you lying to me, or do you just not want to tell me?"
He sighed, laying the leaf back down, "No, it is more than just one thing that troubles me. The old man is one. I cannot remember them all."
"Then tell me what you can remember." she waited patiently while he decided what to say.
"Why were you so scared of that man, he did you no harm."
It was now Raquel's turn to look confused in some way.
"Yes, but, it was a strange feeling." she shook her head in confusion, "I cannot explain it, but he spoke to me. I have heard his voice before, many times, but I heard it recently."
"When?" Legolas asked, not exactly getting what she meant.
"Before we went into Moria, the voice spoke, it said something of us being scared." she said, again looking confused. "Either I said it out loud, or Gandalf heard it because he looked at me."
"Strange." Legolas said, "Where have you heard the voice from before? Other than in your head, where else? Can you pick a person?"
Raquel sat and thought, shivering from the slight breeze. "No, I only know I have heard it before."
"What did the voice say to you this time?" he asked, trying his hardest to understand.
"Nothing, it spoke nothing." she said.
"Then how did it.?" Legolas said, utterly confused.
"I am not sure!" she said, "When did this turn into questioning me?" she asked, "I thought we were talking about you!"
"Never mind me." he said, jumping up and grabbing her. "Let us get back to camp, I would not like to meet this man out here." he dragged her to the camp, where Aragorn was on watch. Gimli lay on the ground, snoring contentedly. Aragorn got up and spoke a few soft words to Raquel. She nodded quickly, and turned to Legolas.
"Aragorn wishes to talk to me. Can you watch camp while we are gone?" she asked.
"Of course, go and talk." he smiled as she turned, happy for the two to work things out, they did not need to destroy what little love they had over such a small thing. He thought this, but was surprised when she stopped. She turned and gave him a little hug.
"Thanks." she said, letting go and following Aragorn.
"No problem." he said watching her and Aragorn disappear.
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Hey everyone! hehe, how was it? Hope you like! more a comin soon! next chapter- The White Rider. Oooooo mysterious! lol! Thanx for the borders Elena and Isabella! I'll use one on the next chpater! ;-p, ok, not much else to say! I guess ill cya latta! by the way, how do u like the border? arent those smilies the best? Ü- awwww! ok, ill ho now, cyas!
*~*~*GaBi*~*~*
Leigha- o that stinks about Zephyr! too bad, give her my regards! Personally, I would kill them, not even bother with working it out, but, Raquel's different. She's not me, or anyone I know, but, I wish I were like her! lol, ill cya latta!
star***- I hope u got to read chapter 12! I checked it, and it was fine, but it could be your computer, so try again if it still doesn't work. have a great day!
Elena- yea, I am kinda glad to miss pe, the only prob is, we're starting volleyball, and I luv v-ball! so, ill have to heal quickly. anyways, Yummy! I luv chocolates, thankies! *gives her a big hug*. ur borders are good, ill use em, if u send em! thankies, cyas latta!
Dani- Yea, it did slow down last chapter, but there was a lot of character setting up stuffs, so it does kinda slow down, but I hope u liked this one too! ill cyas latta!
Isabella- ill keep the chapters comin, I promise! thanx, I hope that everyone enjoys reading it. I REALLY luv writing this and I enjoy hearing everyones comments, u guys really don't know how much I appreciate it! Raquel's awesome, a lot more than she seems to be. What I luv about her is she never gives up, she never settles for anything but the best, she can love, and that she's NOT perfect. I hate those stories with the perfect maidens-in-distress, and Legolas comes and saves the day. anywho, thanx for reviewin, ur great!
Rhea- is my story really that long? I never really pay attention when I write, I try to set a standard of a minimum of 5-6 pages each chapter. That way, I get more done and satisfy all the ppls that read it, for a time at least. Well, I hoped u liked this chappie, cuz it luves u! lol, ill cya, have a peachy day! PS-thanx for the border too, look for it in the next chappie!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü~Ü
"These horses are very quick."
"Yes, they are bred for speed and strength." Raquel said, watching the trail as she went by. Legolas pulled his horse up next to Raquel's. She looked very weak still, often she could be seen slumping in her saddle or closing her eyes wearily.
"Then how can your horse, Thalionfëa keep up?" Gimli asked.
"Please, call her Artemis, she likes it better" the horse gave a soft snort, "But to answer your question, she has some Rohan blood in her, I bred her to be extremely fast and strong, but her dignity makes up for the other missing parts."
"Sounds familiar." Legolas whispered and Gimli chuckled, though Raquel's ears picked it up.
"If you were to say that to any other man, it would mean you were challenging me, so do it properly." she said to Legolas, "Though, I would love to see you fight, it would be amusing." she gave him a sideways look. "But altogether sad, it would hurt me up to know that you died young." he glared at her, but she continued. "Also, for me to teach you to use a sword, I ask you to return the favour."
Legolas looked at her, quite startled, "What is it, O Lady? What dost thy heart desire?"
She gave him a quick glance, looking back to the ground, "Teach me to ride without saddle or rein."
"But, you know how to ride bareback." Legolas said, "The first night I met you, you mounted Artemis and rode bareback."
"Yes, but I was not taught, only save a little, in bareback. And, they never taught me how to give verbal commands. You know how to do that, so, teach me."
"Demanding and eager are we?" Legolas turned to her.
"One can never know to much." she said calmly.
"Yet one can ask politely for the opportunity to learn." he retorted, feeling proud of his own making of lore.
"Yet, when you have a chance to learn, do not pass it up, even if it means taking chances and acting crude."
He stopped and shook his head, "Fine you win, this time, I will remember what you say." he gave her a meaningful glance, "How do you come up with such things?"
"It is a gift." she smiled childishly.
"What are you two saying?" Gimli said, taking a cautious hand and tapping Legolas on the shoulder.
"What did you say Gimli?" Raquel asked, not noticing that she spoke in Elvish.
Gimli glared at her, "Speak in Common, it is very irritating to not be able to understand what you are saying."
She sighed, "Sorry Gimli."
At that, Aragorn stopped and dismounted, looking at the prints below the horse. He walked a ways, off the trail.
"There is little to see." he said, looking very fatigued, "The horsemen's prints are covering and mixing any signs of orcs or hobbits."
"Then let us go further and see if we can find anything there." Raquel said. Aragorn agreed, as did Gimli and Legolas.
"Let us ride slower, we need to be aware of any signs of hobbits. The may have tried to get away." Aragorn rode off, Artemis following close behind. Raquel, despite her anxious mood, was comforted by the return of her old friend. Artemis bore her just like any other day in Rivendell, as though she had never left.
The day was a dreary overcast as they hastened forward. Finally, at afternoon, they came to a smoldering pile of ashes. They dismounted and searched the ground, though Raquel did not search, her energy had been already used up, the sickness was starting to take control. They searched far and wide, turning over every leaf and kicking up every grain of sand, in hope of finding the hobbits.
"There is nothing to find, we have come to the end of our journey. Just as the Fellowship failed, so have we." Gimli sat down on a fallen tree, his head in his hands. He gave up, both his body and spirit drained from his existence.
"The hobbits own bones" he went on, "are in that glowing pile of orc filth, I'm sure."
"Well, I know tonight we may not go on, we need light and I wish to treat Raquel with those leaves." Aragorn said. Raquel sat on the ground, her body leaning against a tree.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Here, take this."
Aragorn handed Raquel a piece of cloth that had been soaked in the water. She took it and placed it on her shoulder, feeling the sting surge through her body.
Aragorn said to the others, "Start a fire if you would like, but cut no living wood! It is said that wood cut from the Fangorn Forest is perilous."
Gimli grunted something and left to find some fuel for a fire. Legolas stood in the open, leaning forward, as though he were listening to some far off voices. Raquel sat and cleaned the wound, wincing as she did so. Gimli came back and lit a little fire, throwing on more kindlings until it grew. The four of them gathered around it and warmed themselves, shrouding their faces in darkness with their hoods.
"Look!" Legolas pointed upwards, "The tree is happy with our fire." They looked, a happiness rising in Raquel as she watched the tree reach its boughs out to their fire. It may have been the night, fatigue, or the dancing of the flames that may have tricked their minds. After that, there was a length of silence.
"Why did Celeborn warn us in not coming here?" Gimli asked.
"There are fables that the wood is alive, somehow. It may be true, since the wood is so old, but what better than a wood Elf to know of this matter? Even you Raquel, surely you know Celeborn's mind." Aragorn looked at each of them.
"You have traveled farther than I. Only in song did I hear of the Onodrim, or what the men call Ents. I know little of their existence." Legolas said, looking back up at the tree.
"And what of you Raquel?"
"You say I know Celeborn's mind, the Lord of the Galadrim, and you speak so lightly of him. Hardly," she scoffed "How do think he got the name Celeborn the Wise?" she lightened her tone, her voice becoming soft, "But I did hear tales of them, long ago. He would tell me, Gandalf would tell me of Treemen." she smiled, looking past everyone around her, "Yes, how silly a tale. Trees that can talk, eat, run, and do normal things like us. I deemed them to be hardly true."
"Yet, did you believe them?" Gimli asked, intrigued in what she was saying.
She gave a little laugh as she thought on her childhood, "Why, of course I believed them! Who would not?" she smiled broadly, "Gandalf told them, he tells the best tales in all the lands! I was a child and had a mind of one." she lowered her eyes, staring at the fire. Her eyes filled with a longing compassion, one the others had rarely seen on her face, "But, before he left each time, he would tell me a story, one of distant lands, of Men, Elves, and Dwarves living in peace and war. Various times at night, I would lye in bed, or be in the gardens dreaming and imagining myself on these adventures. Of me meeting the Ents." she turned her head away, "But my own adventure turned out to be quite different." She was silent after that. Everyone else looked away from her, either lost in thought or scared to talk.
"Well, I think we should get some rest, we all need it." said Aragorn, "We will draw lots to see which of us shall watch tonight, though I humbly ask that you, Raquel, sleep. You are sick and weary, and rest is much needed."
She did not argue, getting up wearily to find her pack. The others drew lots and Gimli ended up being the unfortunate one to stay awake.
Aragorn moved to his pack to get his blanket when Legolas spoke in his thoughtful voice.
"She longs for her home more and more each day." he said, watching Raquel as she slept soundly, not far off.
"Yes, she would do anything to go back to them, I wonder why she stays." Aragorn said, glancing over to Raquel as he shifted through his things.
"Aragorn," Legolas spoke, "this has been plaguing my thought for a long while. How did she get the name Raquel? Gilwen is a beautiful name, as is Menelanna. Why does she go by Raquel?"
Aragorn looked long at Raquel, "Raquel.I gave her that name long ago. I was but a child, though, she and I were inseparable for a long while. One day she came to me and asked me to give her a name from the race of Men. Her reasons she never mentioned, but I was so filled with compassion for her, I gave her the name Raquel." he shook his head, "Though, after that day, she asked many to call her Raquel, and almost instantly, her other name was forgotten. It was then that she told me about her royalty, in exchange that I tell her who I was. Elrond had hidden it from Raquel and Arwen, though I told her in secret. I was not surprised to hear of her lineage, she looks just as the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. She was like the older sister I never had."
"She sounds like she was so happy." Legolas said.
"Yes, she was the gayest (ok guys, grow up if you're giggling!) and most innocent child the world had ever seen. A smile was always found on her fair face. Many pitied her, for the lose of her mother and no father, having to work as a slave. Though, she smiled at life, never sad."
Legolas frowned, "How did she change then? Now she is cold and hard."
"War. War hardened her." the frown on Aragorn's face deepened, "Death, smoke, blood of her people, none of this had she faced until Sauron came. She hated them, she hated the Orcs, goblins, anything that destroyed her life. But still, she stayed sweet. Many during this time looked to her to lighten the dark days. She pleased them with her always-smiling face. It was not until Elrond asked her to take up weaponry that she did it. And even then, she stayed the same, though she showed more amounts of." he went off, "I cannot find the word to describe it, she was stripped of her innocence."
Legolas sat next to him listening anxiously, he was getting more information than he had ever imagined. Raquel, to him, had always been a mystery, hidden deep inside herself she seemed to lock away every feeling except that of hate.
"So.?" Legolas asked, eager to hear more.
"So she went on learning and fighting. As time quickened, she grew more irritated, replacing her smile with her look of kill, seeing bloodshed had robbed her of her innocent thinking. Sooner or later, she erased all traces of happiness, replacing it with cold anger. She locked her old self away within her mind, and even then, that may be lost to grief." Aragorn shook his head, feeling tears close, "She has never been the same."
"She sounds." Legolas hesitated, not finding words, "like, she was a dream."
"She was, men from all over proposed, though she denied them with a bittersweet smile, thanking them and saying she was waiting for a certain someone. Sometimes she said she was not worthy, a humble servant she was." he looked to Legolas, "But you still think her beautiful?"
"More than anything else." he said, "I believe you when you say she was the most beautiful thing found, I would do anything to see her smile once again, to really smile and laugh."
"Maybe someday you will, I pray she does, but we must be getting off to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us." he nodded to Legolas and grabbed his blanket, making his way back to the Dwarf and Elf.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What are you doing?"
"I cannot sleep." Raquel said, sitting up and wrapping her blanket around her shivering body tightly. Really, the pain in her arm had been unbearable until a few minutes ago, but she did not say that. Aragorn lay on one side of her, sleeping soundly, as did Legolas, on her opposite side.
Gimli only nodded, running his finger around his blade thoughtfully, enjoying the Elven eyes watching the wilderness around them. He had felt uncomfortable near these woods. He heard a tree rustle, but thought nothing of it. The Elf beside him stared into the night, her eyes first peering dialated. She reached a trembling hand for Legolas, shaking him out of his sleep.
"What is it?!" he asked in alarm, as he sat up, she shrunk away at his side. Aragorn awoke, startled by the sudden movement.
At the edge of the firelight stood an old man, leaning on a staff, his cloak and hat covered all his features. Raquel hid herself behind Legolas, though she knew not why.
Aragorn called out to the man, "What can we do for you, Father? Come, be warmed by our fire!" Raquel flinched. The man did not move, though Raquel felt his eyes fixed on her. She couldn't move, sweat appeared on her brow. He still did not move, and rAquel cringed even harder, gripping Legolas' shoulder. Aragorn strode forward, but the man disappeared.
They searched the ground, but no traces were found of the man. Raquel did not stray far, she stayed near either of her companions. She heard the sound of retreating horses.
"The horses!" Legolas cried.
Raquel turned, "No, Artemis, where are you going? Come back!"
Raquel ran to the place where the horses were last seen, falling to her knees and weeping.
"She is gone!" she cried, "Why did she leave? We had just come back not even a day." she buried her face in her hands, morning the loss of her friend.
"Stop Raquel, she will be back, stop crying. You are being childish." Aragorn said, no pity in his voice. He was frustrated with their bad luck, though he wished to take back he last comments. Raquel got up and walked to him, staring at him silently. He wanted her to speak, at least that would hint what her next move would be, though no word was uttered from her mouth.
"Raquel." Aragorn said, though she cut him off.
"Do not ever scold me like I am some kind of child." she looked at him angrily, "Just leave me be!" she pushed past him and ran away, though they were not sure which direction she chose.
"We will have to continue on foot." Aragorn said, not looking at either Legolas or Gimli. Legolas stared at him in silent anger.
Gimli only nodded and left the two. Neither of them made a move. Legolas never took his eyes off Aragorn. Aragorn looked toward the ground, somewhat abashed. They sat in that silent state for what seemed like days. Finally, one spoke.
"Good job Aragorn, you helped her smile. I could not have done it any better." was all Legolas said, leaving in the direction Raquel had run. Aragorn turned.
"Legolas, I meant no harm!" he said, close to tears. This whole journey had taken a toll on everyone, even one that was as high-strung as Aragorn.
"Of course you did not, but you did. Does that make it right?" Legolas spoke over his shoulder not turning to Aragorn. "Someday we will all determine her heart, and maybe learn from it." he turned and disappeared as Aragorn watched, his sadness overwhelming him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Raquel?"
He saw nothing, though he could have sworn he heard a rustle near.
"Of course," he thought, "she does not want me to find her." he lightened his step, moving on with as much speed as possible. He looked and listened, though could find no sign of the Elf.
"Raquel where are you?!" he said, worried of what may become of her. He could not forget how she had responded to that old man. Finally, after some few minutes of searching he gave up, leaning against a tree.
"You sit here as though you are not on a dangerous journey." Legolas awoke to felt a cold metal run along his jawbone, "Foolishness leads to folly."
"Raquel, where have you been?!" he asked.
"Right here. You speak with such confidence while I hold sword to you." she said, looking down on him.
"You would not kill me, I told you that long ago." he moved his head and gently touched the sword. "You have been here the whole time? I looked for you everywhere though!"
"You may not find me at will, though when needed I appear." she said. "Something troubles you, pray tell." she sat down across from him and looked on with much severity.
"I am not exactly sure what troubles me." he said, picking up a leaf.
"Was it the man?" Raquel asked.
"Somewhat, yes."
"Then you do know." She raised her brows slightly, "Are you lying to me, or do you just not want to tell me?"
He sighed, laying the leaf back down, "No, it is more than just one thing that troubles me. The old man is one. I cannot remember them all."
"Then tell me what you can remember." she waited patiently while he decided what to say.
"Why were you so scared of that man, he did you no harm."
It was now Raquel's turn to look confused in some way.
"Yes, but, it was a strange feeling." she shook her head in confusion, "I cannot explain it, but he spoke to me. I have heard his voice before, many times, but I heard it recently."
"When?" Legolas asked, not exactly getting what she meant.
"Before we went into Moria, the voice spoke, it said something of us being scared." she said, again looking confused. "Either I said it out loud, or Gandalf heard it because he looked at me."
"Strange." Legolas said, "Where have you heard the voice from before? Other than in your head, where else? Can you pick a person?"
Raquel sat and thought, shivering from the slight breeze. "No, I only know I have heard it before."
"What did the voice say to you this time?" he asked, trying his hardest to understand.
"Nothing, it spoke nothing." she said.
"Then how did it.?" Legolas said, utterly confused.
"I am not sure!" she said, "When did this turn into questioning me?" she asked, "I thought we were talking about you!"
"Never mind me." he said, jumping up and grabbing her. "Let us get back to camp, I would not like to meet this man out here." he dragged her to the camp, where Aragorn was on watch. Gimli lay on the ground, snoring contentedly. Aragorn got up and spoke a few soft words to Raquel. She nodded quickly, and turned to Legolas.
"Aragorn wishes to talk to me. Can you watch camp while we are gone?" she asked.
"Of course, go and talk." he smiled as she turned, happy for the two to work things out, they did not need to destroy what little love they had over such a small thing. He thought this, but was surprised when she stopped. She turned and gave him a little hug.
"Thanks." she said, letting go and following Aragorn.
"No problem." he said watching her and Aragorn disappear.
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Hey everyone! hehe, how was it? Hope you like! more a comin soon! next chapter- The White Rider. Oooooo mysterious! lol! Thanx for the borders Elena and Isabella! I'll use one on the next chpater! ;-p, ok, not much else to say! I guess ill cya latta! by the way, how do u like the border? arent those smilies the best? Ü- awwww! ok, ill ho now, cyas!
*~*~*GaBi*~*~*
Leigha- o that stinks about Zephyr! too bad, give her my regards! Personally, I would kill them, not even bother with working it out, but, Raquel's different. She's not me, or anyone I know, but, I wish I were like her! lol, ill cya latta!
star***- I hope u got to read chapter 12! I checked it, and it was fine, but it could be your computer, so try again if it still doesn't work. have a great day!
Elena- yea, I am kinda glad to miss pe, the only prob is, we're starting volleyball, and I luv v-ball! so, ill have to heal quickly. anyways, Yummy! I luv chocolates, thankies! *gives her a big hug*. ur borders are good, ill use em, if u send em! thankies, cyas latta!
Dani- Yea, it did slow down last chapter, but there was a lot of character setting up stuffs, so it does kinda slow down, but I hope u liked this one too! ill cyas latta!
Isabella- ill keep the chapters comin, I promise! thanx, I hope that everyone enjoys reading it. I REALLY luv writing this and I enjoy hearing everyones comments, u guys really don't know how much I appreciate it! Raquel's awesome, a lot more than she seems to be. What I luv about her is she never gives up, she never settles for anything but the best, she can love, and that she's NOT perfect. I hate those stories with the perfect maidens-in-distress, and Legolas comes and saves the day. anywho, thanx for reviewin, ur great!
Rhea- is my story really that long? I never really pay attention when I write, I try to set a standard of a minimum of 5-6 pages each chapter. That way, I get more done and satisfy all the ppls that read it, for a time at least. Well, I hoped u liked this chappie, cuz it luves u! lol, ill cya, have a peachy day! PS-thanx for the border too, look for it in the next chappie!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*