A sharp wind swept around the small figure of Destini Wulope and she shuddered lightly. Strands of her dark auburn hair brushed over her pale pink cheeks. She was waiting for her mentor. and he was late. Sitting down on a fully moss covered rock, Destini flexed her armored gloves.

"Admiring your nails?"

The girl jumped as Aragorn approached. Her expression changed to a dark glare as she leapt to her feet. "Really, must you sneak up?"

Aragorn smirked while setting a small satchel on the grass. His pale blue eyes observed her. "You're early."

"Humph. and you're late."

Aragorn snorted and pulled out his sword, getting into a fighting stance as did Destini. They both leapt forward and clashed their blades together. The sounds of the swords clanging echoed throughout the woods while they fought. Destini moved back and forth swiftly until Aragorn surprised her by kicking her in the stomach. She let out a grunt and staggered backward, still blocking Aragorn's blade. "Cheap shot."

"No such thing in a war. Fight back!" The Ranger commanded.

With a high kick in the face, Destini gave him a bloody nose. Instinctively, he grabbed his nose and dropped his guard. Destini tackled her opponent to the ground and pinned him firmly. "Fight back!" she mocked.

"You got lucky." Aragorn retorted and pushed the girl off.

For a moment they stared at each other intently before snapping back to reality. Clearing her throat, Destini rose to her feet and sheathed her sword. Aragorn did the same, heaving a sigh. "That's enough for today. You're a lot better than I thought."

Destini did not reply. She slung her sword over her shoulder and started to walk away. Eyes falling to the ground, Aragorn sat on a tree stump. It was then that the admirable elf stood next to him, crossing his arms over his chest. It was Legolas, the young prince of Mirkwood. He seemed quite troubled as he watched Destini disappear down the hill. "She seems afraid. We cannot let the fear control her."

Aragorn grunted.

"You know was possesses as well. Aragorn, she must her to the limit." Legolas glanced at him with a solemn expression.

"I must argue. Destini is too young to go on such a journey." Aragorn answered in a slight whisper.

Legolas growled, "Would you rather our enemies come to Rivendell and kill her?!"

Aragorn was about to protest but fell silent. However, Legolas knew he was not victorious yet. He continued. "It's not just her life that is in danger. Everyone in Middle-Earth may be in jeopardy!"

There was a short pause then Aragorn cursed angrily. "I'll tell her tonight."

"Do you have feelings for her?" inquired Legolas.

"That's absurd! She's my student!"

Legolas shrugged, smiling slightly. "You wouldn't be so defensive. What is the truth?"

Aragorn almost laughed. "You do not to need to know, Legolas."

It was late that evening and Destini was standing on a large balcony outside of the dining area. The stars were shimmering softly and the sky was perfectly clear. All was quiet and serene.

Aragorn came beside her and leaned on the stone guardrail. His attire was a bit more formal and he seemed to look like a different person. He smiled and looked at her, "Are you always anti-social with the elves?"

Tittering, Destini shook her head. "I just wanted to come outside," her left hand gripped the gold charm she wore as a necklace.

Nervousness melted over Aragorn and he searched for his words. "Where did. That necklace. Where did you.?"

"My father."

"I see. What is the charm?" Aragorn asked.

Destini opened her hand and showed him the golden ring that was upon her necklace. A small gasp escaped him and Aragorn backed away slightly. "This. can't be!"

"What's the matter?" Destini's eyes were filled with worry.

Shaking his head, Aragorn looked at the innocent girl. "There is so much you do not know about." and he proceeded to tell Destini everything about the nefarious ring. "One ring. That's all it takes."

Destini was gripping the ring as Aragorn finished his story.

"One Ring to rule them all, one Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all, and then the darkness bind them."

It was so overwhelming for the girl that she felt her legs collapse under herself and she dropped to her knees. Frowning, Aragorn knelt down beside Destini and tried to comfort her. "It's hard to take in. but you must take the Ring to Mount Doom. You are the one who can do it. I believe in you."

"That's surprising coming from you." Destini spoke very quietly.

Aragorn blinked. She was right. He thought about this for a moment and felt remorse build inside of him. To be a teacher is to help your student and he wasn't doing that. "Come on, stand up. Maybe you should just rest."

Very shakily, Destini regained her poise and her cheeks began to redden. "I think you are right."

"Can you walk on your own?"

"Yes."

He watched his apprentice go towards her sleeping quarters, fingering the hilt of his sword. As usual, Legolas showed up and leaned on the guardrail. "She didn't take it well?"

Aragorn huffed and rolled his eyes. "Thanks for your support."

"She understands her fate. I'm sure it won't be a problem." Legolas said.

Removing the necklace and placing it safely in a drawer, Destini sighed. There was no other path to take. She would have to go to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring.

During her thoughts, a close friend entered the bedroom. Elwyn was her name and she came from Mirkwood. The elf girl was around Destini's age in figure, but actually over one thousand years old. She smiled kindly and cleared her throat. "Deep in thought, I see."

Turning around, Destini laughed. "More so than normal, I guess."

Elwyn walked next to her, "Legolas told me of the Ring you carry."

Destini was silent.

"I want you to know. I'll be with you the whole way." Elwyn put her hand on Destini's shoulder for comfort.

Her smile returned and Destini looked at Elwyn. "Maybe this trip won't be as terrible as I may think."