Chapter 7:

A/N: I'm sorry for not updating in so long. I've been busy with so many things (mainly my photography). But I'm updating now, so be happy!

Disclaimer: I own Annawen, if that counts for anything. Everything else belongs to Tolkien.

"So…do we accept her once again or leave her?" Aragorn asked seriously. The fellowship was having a meeting about what to do with Annawen in a secluded area of the Wood. "She has promised to aid us in the fight against Sauron."

"But she has deceived us!" Boromir cried. "We put our trust in her and she lied. How can we be sure she is not lying once again?"

"She did lie...once," Legolas commented. "But she was a slave of Sauron, not opening working for him. She was to be granted what she most desired had she carried out this task; and as you can see, she did not."

"Does this mean you accept her?" Aragorn inquired.

"Yes. If she were going to kill me she would have done so by now; she has had plenty of opportunities. And," he paused, "she owes us her life."

Murmurs broke out amongst the fellowship.

"That means nothing!" said Boromir. "A silly pact; it means little to a criminal."

This time, it was Frodo who spoke up. "If indeed she has changed, and is no longer working for Sauron, I see no reason not to accept her once again. And if she owes her life to us, she has become more of a slave to us."

"I believe we need to come to a conclusion soon; it is beginning to darken," Gimli said.

"Who is in favor of allowing Annawen to join us?" Aragorn asked. Everyone, save one, raised their hand. "Boromir? And why do you not accept her?"

"I cannot trust a liar," he spat and stormed off.

_~~*~~_

"And he jumped in?!" Annawen laughed. She was walking through the wood with Rúmil and Orophin who had turned out to be enjoyable company.

"Yes, yes. Haldir never liked spiders," Rúmil and smiled at the fond memory of his brother. "But I never imagined he would jump into the Auduin over one!"

"He sounds like an entertaining elf indeed," Annawen commented.

"Oh yes. At least he was before-" Orophin started but caught himself.

"Before what?" Annawen questioned.

"Nothing. I have no right to talk about it. Please, do not press on about it; it was difficult for Haldir to go through it."

"Alright," Annawen digressed. "Would you show me the fighting grounds? Long has it been since I have wielded a weapon but, might I wager a small bet?"

Rúmil smile at his brother. "Alright; I'll scrimmage with you. If I win, you will be my slave for a day. And if you win?"

"You tell me what has made Haldir so irritable. Fair enough?"

"I accept."

"One problem though; I do not have any weapons with me," she said.

"Ah, Orophin, would you be so kind as to lend your knives to Lady Annawen here?"

_~~*~~_

30 minutes later the three elves were walking away from the training area and back to the talan.

"I cannot believe a girl has beaten me in a duel," Rúmil said incredulously.

Annawen smiled. "Now, wasn't there something you were going to tell me about a certain March warden?"

Rúmil sighed. "If he ever finds out, I pray the Valor has pity and saves me from his wrath. OK, a few centuries ago Haldir was courting this maiden. He name was Aradia, and she was lovely in most everyway. Well, to put it simply, she turned out to be not so lovely. One day, while on a walk, she told him that she had never loved him and that she had been secretly been seeing another for at least 10 years. He was crushed and has remained this way ever since. Are you happy now?"

"I guess. But why-"

"Are you still here?" a cold voice asked from behind them. "I thought one of your companions would have picked you up by now. But then again, why would they want to?"

Annawen looked at the ground and asked, "Why do you hate me?"

"Why? You are a pitiful excuse for an elf and a woman. You have lied and cannot be trusted. Need I go on? For I have many reasons."

Before Annawen had a chance to retort, Legolas emerged from the trail. "There you are! We have been searching for you for close to an hour now."

Haldir scowled and walked off.

"What has gotten into him?" Legolas asked, looking at Rúmil and Orophin.

"He isn't on the best of terms with Lady Annawen," the former replied. Seeing Legolas's questioning look, he added, "Tis a long story I do not wish to repeat."

Legolas just nodded. "Thank you, Rúmil, Orophin, for keeping Annawen company this afternoon. We should be going though."

As soon as they were out of hearing range, Annawen broke the silence. "So what was the decision?"

"We will discuss it with everyone at camp," he replied. "So. Care to tell me why Haldir was shooting daggers at you back there?"

"Honestly, not even I know. Rúmil told me that he was in a poor relationship centuries ago and has been this way ever since. Whither it is true or not, I know not."

"Centuries? I think there is more to the story than any of them are letting on."

_~~*~~_

Annawen felt Boromir's eyes boring into her back. He stood behind her, leaning against a tree with his arms folded across his chest. "So, am I banished or what?"

Aragorn shook his head. "No, we have decided to give you another chance. We may yet need your help in this war against Sauron."

"Really? You mean you aren't going to kill me?" Annawen had been expecting the worst. "I really don't know what to say. Thank you. And I swear to you, to help you in any way possible to defeat Lord Sauron."

"You should be thanking Legolas that you are still here," Gimli said.

Annawen turned to look at him. "I could have killed him and he stood up for me?"

"We should get some rest," Legolas told them. "It has been a long day."

_~~*~~_

"I know where you are," a deep voice rang in her mind. "You have failed me. So sleep while you still can…"

"No! No, you do not know where I am! And there is nothing you can do to me," she responded.

"Oh, but I do know. And it is not I who would harm you, but rather my followers."

"Stop it! No! You lie!" she screamed.

Legolas was shaking her awake. "Lady Annawen? Wake up, you are dreaming."

She slowly came to her senses and stopped screaming. She was breathing hard still and shaking with fright.

"What happened?" Legolas asked her.

"He knows where I am. He is hunting me," she replied.

"Who? Who is hunting you?"

She pointed a finger in the direction of Mordor. "He."

A/N: Whoa! Creepy! I even freaked myself out on this one! Anyway, sorry it took me so long to update, but I've been busy. Well, I hope this chapter was OK. Don't forget to review or my pet dragon, Bob, will have to hunt you down! (Don't worry, he's friendly)