*** Hey guys here's another chapter. On the dream/vision thing I know the immortality thing has been used so many times so I made mine somewhat unique. All the stories that I read have the OC a half elf and I didn't want it that way. I don't think I've read any with forced immortality or in this case partial immortality. And if you are wonderin' it works very much like Aragorn's Numenorean blood.
Lady Death: Thank you for the review. I am glad you liked that twist. I hope you like!
Saera: Thank you for the review. I hope you like!
kurleyhawk2: I'm glad you liked the idea. Lol I just might right more stories with Shealyn, but I still need to finish this one. Thank you for the compliment. I'm also glad you liked the new draft. I hope you like!
Aislin: Thanks for the review. Yup I'd reckon that would be weird if the two worlds tied together. "Shit happens" that's the truth just wait until the "Shit hits the fan." I know it would be thousands upon thousands but the hundreds thing cam to mind first. About the Mouth of Sauron thing, honestly I didn't know about that so lets just say Shealyn was concentrating on not getting her head cut off. She's just like Aragorn only her blood was tampered with. At the moment I am unsure of how long her life will be but about the same that Aragorn has. I had been thinking about that issue for awhile now and I finally came up with that solution. I hope you like the chapter!
QTpie-pippinsgurl: Thank you for the review. Thanks also for the compliment. I hope you enjoy!
Hana: Thanks for the review. Yup she gets a long life. Maybe longer then Aragorn hope you like!
saiyan-girl-cheetah: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you like. I tried keeping the cryin' to a minimum, but it didn't work out as you saw. I hope you enjoy!
anime princess: Thanks for the review. I know the chapter was rather short but this one is much longer. Enjoy! ***
Last of the dream washed away as I bolted upright from where I lay sleeping on the floor. Cold sweat trickled down my face as my eyes roamed the hall searching for any familiar face. Slowly I brought my hands up to my face gently rubbing my temples.
"Are you in pain young one?" A male voice asked above me.
Bringing my hands away from my face I looked up to find a dark haired blue eyed elf standing there with a concerned look on his fair face. The elf crouched beside me searching my eyes for any tell tale sign of pain.
"I'm ok sir." I whispered smiling so that he would be reassured. "I just had a dream that's all." I added.
"Are you positive?" He questioned with hesitancy clearly in his voice.
Nodding I allowed him to help me to my feet. "Can you tell me where I could find Lord Aragorn?" I asked looking around the elf's body and down the hall.
"Aye young one he is with Lords Elladan and Elrohir, Captain Haldir, and many others in the old throne room." The elf responded.
"Thank you!" I called over my shoulder quickly making my way down the hall.
I hadn't gone twenty steps when someone grabbed my arm effortlessly pulling me along behind him into a room on the right. In the center of the room a gravely wounded elf lay on the bed writhing in pain.
I looked up at the elf that had pulled me into the room. "Where are the healers?" I asked.
The elf helplessly looked to the ground. "The healers are resting and Lords Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir are indisposed at the moment." He finally whispered. "Can you help him? I thought you were a wandering healer." He asked pleadingly.
"Yes I can help." I immediately set to work crushing athelas leaves into a bowl. Obviously this elf was no healer and I guessed he thought since I was close to Aragorn I would know the art of healing.
Pouring hot water over the leaves I searched for the wounds that marked the elf's body. "Where was he wounded?" I asked the elf that stood by the door.
"Turmanarmo was stabbed in the abdomen." The elf responded.
~Great just great~ I thought as I moved to the bed and cut away Turmanarmo's tunic.
As I had feared the wound was deep beyond my band-aid level skills. "Are you sure about me doin' this?" I asked
"I am afraid you are the only that have some skill. All the others are to tired and weak to help" He responded. "By the way my name is Rìnon." He added stepping a little closer.
"Ok then I'll need your help Rìnon." I said. "Grab some linens, I need to make some bandages." I ordered.
Rìnon quickly found all the supplies I needed while I prayed I didn't do anything wrong.
Taking the bowl of athelas laced water off the table I moved to the bedside where I gingerly sat down. The wound was a single puncture wound on the left side of Turmanarmo's finely muscled stomach. Although it had been cleansed I rinsed a clean cloth in the water. Gently I washed the wound inflicting a groan of pain from the wounded elf.
Rìnon gasped but stayed at my side to help. "Rìnon, will you hand me that thread and needle please." I whispered holding out my hand.
Rìnon gently placed the needle and thread into my outstretched hand and took a tentative step back. Carefully now I stitched the now clean wound with small precise stitches with one thought on my mind, ~why wasn't he taken care of by Aragorn or the twins~
Knotting the stitch just like I had seen Dr. McCoy (A.K.A. Beast) do many times to the other members of the team I sat back examining my handy work carefully as I rechecked the elf's vitals.
"You are quite skilled for one so young." Rìnon remarked quietly inspecting the small stitches.
"Thank you." I whispered as I picked up the athelas laced bandages from the side table. "Rìnon lift him up so I can wrap these around the wound." I instructed.
The elf moved to comply to my wishes allowing me to quickly wrap the wound up effectively.
"That's all we can do for him." I whispered gently covering the elf with a blanket.
Standing I turned to face Rìnon who looked quite pale in the dim light of the torch. This was much paler then elves should be. "Rìnon are you alright?" I asked moving quickly to stand by him.
"I……… I………" He stuttered weakly.
"Come on Rìnon I need to get you out of here." I interrupted pulling him quickly out of the room. "Are you hurt?" I inquired searching head to toe for any visible wounds.
Rìnon pulled his sleeve up to show a bloodied bandage wrapped around his forearm. Blood had begun to seep through running down his arm.
"Why didn't you tell someone before now?" I demanded rushing him down the hall.
The elf didn't respond but began to stumble "Sit." I ordered directing Rìnon to a chair placed along the wall in the hallway. "I need help here." I called out to the men resting in the halls.
Men scurried from their places and lifted Rìnon easily carrying him to pallet on the floor in one of the rooms. Couple elves came and pushed everyone out of the way and began to treat the wounded friend.
"Well………" I sighed, backing out of the room. "I'm not needed anymore." I stated to the now barren hallway.
Silently I made my way down corridors staring up at the tapestries that hung on the wall. I searched hours for my friends but they were nowhere to be seen. As I entered yet another hallway I heard sounds coming from the other end.
I was alerted by raised voices in a room to my left. Coming closer I picked out several familiar voices and by the sound of it they were arguing about whether or not it would be wise to follow and terminate the remaining orcs that escaped at the battle.
Silently I leaned against the wall to listen to the argument. It seemed they were deciding on following the orcs. While they decided on that issue I was making my own decision. ~I'm goin' to help who ever goes~ I decided stubbornly for some reason.
"You weren't eavesdropping were you?" an amused voice asked startling me.
"I'm sorry Legolas but you know me I'm always the curious one." I admitted with a smirk as I turned around to face the blonde Sylvan elf.
"I though you would have known better Shealyn." Aragorn's voice said from my right.
I turned my eyes downcast as I faced Aragorn. "I was looking for you Aragorn." I whispered sheepishly.
"I am not angry with you little one." Aragorn answered cupping my chin in his hand and lifting so that I had to look at him.
He studied my face a moment in silence. "Come we have much to discuss." He finally said taking me by the hand and leading me away to find a private place to talk. We walked in silence until we reached a quiet and empty room where Aragorn ushered me inside.
"Tell me what troubles you Shealyn." He said closing the door behind him.
Sighing I ran my hand through my long hair and sat down on the bed bracing my arms on either side of my thighs. "Aragorn I had another dream." I began. "I was in the dungeon."
"What happened in the dream?" Aragorn prodded gently resting his hand on my shoulder.
"There were two men in the room in a heated discussion about and experiment they performed on me. This one they were experimenting with immortality."
"Oh Valar they didn't?" Aragorn whispered squeezing my shoulder.
"Yes they did." I whispered. "Though it wasn't completed successfully, it only worked partially. From what I understood in the dream it works sort of like your blood. I am not immortal but I will live much like how you live." I replied.
"The have done many wrongs against you Shealyn, but you are no longer in their grasp." Aragorn responded gently squeezing my shoulder.
"I have another thing to tell you." I said with a small smile.
"And what pray tell would that be?" Aragorn asked with a mirthful look in his eyes.
"I stitched someone up." I announced to him eagerly.
"Did you now?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "Take me to him." He said.
"Alright........." I agreed and grabbed Aragorn's arm and led him to the room where Turmanarmo lay sleeping.
Stepping aside I allowed Aragorn to enter the room first. The ranger approached the bed and knelt beside it. His hands gently unwrapped the bandages as a smile crossed his lips while he inspected my handy work. "You have done well little one." He admonished rewrapping the elf's bandages.
"Rìnon pulled me in here thinkin' I knew everything about healin'." I replied coming to stand next to Aragorn who had stood up.
"If I hadn't known you Shealyn and I had witnessed your good deed I would have believed as Rìnon had." Aragorn answered taking my hand and leading me from the room.
"It has been a long day." Aragorn stated after a moment of comfortable silence. "Let us meet the others for dinner." He proclaimed.
I nodded at that as we walked down a corridor to a spacious room that held several long wooden tables with benches on either side of them. At the far end of the room near a large set of elaborately carved doors sat the rest of our companions.
"Good evening Aragorn, Shealyn." Haldir greeted as the others were alerted to our presence.
"Where have you been you crazy little elfling?" Elrohir asked playfully pulling me into a headlock.
"Cut it out Elrohir and I ain't no elfling I'm human." I exclaimed pushing at the twin's arm.
Chuckles grew louder around us as the two of us struggled. "Right you are Shealyn I knew that." Elrohir finally said setting me upright before sitting down pulling me with him.
"I have heard a rumor Shealyn." Orophin spoke up leaning forward on his elbows resting his chin in his hands.
"And what rumor would that be brother?" Rumil asked intrigued looking from his brother to me and back to Orophin.
"You have not heard brother of our young friend's good deed?" Orophin asked raising an eyebrow to Rumil.
"Sadly no brother I have not heard." Rumil answered sounding somewhat kept out of the secret.
A smile appeared on Legolas' face where he sat between Aragorn and Gimli both with knowing smiles on their faces.
"Shealyn was playing healer a little while ago." Legolas told Haldir's youngest brother.
Rumil looked at me with astonishment before glancing at Aragorn for confirmation. "It is indeed true Rumil." Aragorn laughed. "I checked over her work and I found it almost as good as my own." He added.
My cheeks grew quite warm as they spoke of my good deed for the day. I was ever thankful when the subject switched to the scouting mission that was being planned. Quietly I listened not showing any interest for I knew that they would forbid me to go.
"Are you not hungry lass?" Gimli asked.
Startled by his voice I looked up to find the whole table staring at me with concern. ~Shit~ I thought. "No I'm not hungry at the moment." I said aloud.
"Are you ill Shealyn?" Aragorn asked rising from the table.
He was quickly by my side resting his hand on my forehead. Sighing in relief he announced to our friends that I was ok.
"When do the scouts leave?" I asked bringing the subject back to orc mission.
Aragorn and the others looked at me with a 'you are not part of this for your own good so stay out of it' looks before actually putting it into words.
"Shealyn as you most likely already know we are sending out a party to find and kill the orcs that fled the battle." Aragorn began to explain. "I see the look in your eyes that you want to participate but this is the one time that I am going to forbid you to fight."
Erasing any visible sign that I wanted to go from my posture and face I shrugged. "No need to forbid me Aragorn I was just curious." I stated matter-of-factly.
"Good I was hoping I did not have to fight you." He replied
"I think I'm goin' to get some sleep." I remarked rising from the table and leaving the dining hall.
"Goodnight!" The men called before I was out of sight.
~The men leave in the morning I'm goin' to need a disguise if I want to go~ I thought searching for someone who could help me.
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Legolas stared after Shealyn with worry. He had seen the intent look in her eyes before she had erased any sign of it.
"Aragorn………" He said leaning towards the future king.
"What is wrong mellon nin?" Aragorn asked seeing worry in his friend's countenance.
"I do not believe what Shealyn told you was true." Legolas stated as he gently rubbed his tired eyes with his fingertips.
Aragorn looked up sharply. "Why do you think that?" He asked.
"Shealyn would not easily give up therefore I believe she will try to go." Legolas exclaimed.
"Should we put a guard on her?" Gimli asked. "At least until the party is a good distance from here." He added.
"No Gimli." Aragorn replied. "If we put a guard on her I fear that she would act out with hostility, but if we carefully watch her then there might not be a problem." He reasoned.
The others nodded in agreement; the twins took the first watch.
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My instincts told me to avoid my friends for I had felt that they knew that I would go one way or the other. Walking around aimless I finally found the room where old armor was discarded.
"Perfect………" I whispered as I began to sift through the piles quickly.
It took me an hour to find decent fitting armor and helm before I left the room and wandered around until I found a deserted room filled with dust. I deposited the armor on the floor quickly leaving to retrieve my weapons. ~Wait a minute~ I thought. ~If I take my weapons they will know I am planning on going~
With that thought I headed back to the armory and found an Elvish sword and a couple of daggers. Quickly and quietly I went back to the secret room and placed the weapons on the floor next to the armor.
"Alright now all I need to do is get some rest." I whispered looking around the room.
I cleared a place in the corner of the room from the debris. I lay down covering myself with my cloak.
***Flashback***
"SHEALYN! Get back here you little sneak." I heard Jubilee screech.
My eyes widened and I began to back up. "I'm in trouble." I stated as I heard her running down the stairs.
Running out the door I almost collided with Jubilee who was red in the face and absolutely drenched from head to toe.
"Ahhh………" I screamed turning on my heels and running for my life.
"GET BACK HERE YOU PRANKSTER!" She screamed taking up the chase.
Darting in and out of rooms I frantically searched for an escape route. Jubilee was gaining ground shooting sparks at me every few seconds.
I dodged into the rec. room diving over the couch and jumped to my feet again to run. I almost tripped over Bobby who lay sprawled on the ground with a bowl of popcorn balanced on his stomach. My instincts kicked in allowing me to jump clear of the obstacle.
"What the………" Bobby cried followed by a loud oomph as Jubilee collided with the older boy.
"YOU ARE SO DEAD!" Bobby called after me helping Jubilee to her feet and joining the chase.
Bobby tried to ice me several times though he never truly realized I could hear his movements behind me. Darting through another doorway I ran down the hall and pushed open the front door. Jumping down the stairs I raced down the driveway and towards the gates.
Easily slipping between the bars I didn't realize I was heading for the middle of the street. "Shealyn STOP!" Bobby screamed.
Paying no mind to his warning I continued on into harms way which today turned out to be a Dodge Ram pickup.
"SHEALYN!" The two screamed in unison.
I stopped finally noticing the silver Ram coming at me. The driver was slamming on the brakes, but he was coming too fast.
The air froze around me as I felt arms wrap around my waist and picked me up out of harms way. The driver pulled over and the passenger and he quickly got out of the truck. I wrapped my legs around Bobby's waist burying my head into his shoulder. I wasn't about to cry but I was really shaken.
"Is she alright?" The man asked coming to stand in front of us.
I lifted my face from Bobby's shoulder and looked at the middle aged man with rusty brown hair and beard with a black Stetson and a middle aged black man that wore a white Stetson.
"Walker………" The black man whispered. "Shealyn Mitchell?" He questioned me.
I stared at the man with confusion as the other man led us to the curb. "What are you talking about mister?" Jubilee asked looking questioningly at the two men.
"I am Texas Ranger Cordell Walker and my partner, Ranger James Trivette." Walker began. "We have been searching for a young girl by the name of Shealyn Lee Mitchell for about five years now. It is just she looks very much like you." He finished looking directly in my eyes.
"We should probably go see the Prof." Bobby said as he turned back towards the mansion holding me tightly.
The two rangers spoke with the professor for awhile but I never found out what they talked about except that they had found out who they had been looking for but the professor convinced them that I was in the right place.
In the end I had been so traumatized by the near fatal accident that I remembered nothing of the day and what the rangers had called me until now and of course that dream I had awhile back.
***End of the Flashback***
At the crack of dawn I woke to the sounds of preparations in the corridor. Yawning I slowly sat up and stretched my tired aching muscles before standing and smoothing my shirt. Bending down I picked up my long tunic and shrugged my shoulders into the sleeves. Next I strapped on the armor and weapons.
"Well here goes nothing." I whispered as I made my way silently to the door to listen.
Creaking the door open I peered around it to find no one coming so I quietly slipped out of the room and down the corridor. At this early hour not many wandered about except those who were journeying out.
"Are you riding out with us boy?" A voice asked from beside me.
From the corner of my eye I found a tall dark haired ranger walking to my right.
"Yes sir." I replied still looking forward.
"Can you ride?" He asked looking at me skeptically before shrugging.
"Yes sir." I replied once more.
As we approached I caught sight of something that let my heart skip a couple beats. Up ahead the twins and Aragorn were speaking with the leader of the company. Quickly I bowed my head, but thought better of that as I grabbed hold of the reins of an offered horse. Elrohir looked up and glanced at me as I passed by. "Elladan." He whispered never taking his eyes of the 'boy'. "Does that boy look familiar to you?" He asked his twin.
Elladan looked up as well and for a moment I thought I had been found. The twin elves shrugged and turned away following after Aragorn looking back every now and then. The cool morning breeze chilled my face as I reached an area some distance from my guardian. With ease and grace of an elf I mounted the horse and joined the other soldiers.
"Are we ready to ride?" Our leader asked inspecting his troops.
Glancing around I recognized several of the elves and men riding with us and I prayed they wouldn't see me especially Rumil and Orophin who were not far away.
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"Legolas?" Elrohir asked as the Sylvan elf approached. "Have you or Gimli found our young friend?"
"Alas Elrohir………" Legolas sighed stopping in front of the twins. "We have had no luck. Though we have found her sword and daggers. Shealyn would never leave them."
"You are right Legolas." Elladan replied rubbing his chin with fingers. "Though the short time that I have known her I found that she was clever. She left her weapons to make us believe she had just wandered off."
Elrohir sighed heavily beside his twin rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. "Then we best inform Aragorn of this." He said reluctantly not looking forward to the confrontation with his younger foster brother.
The three elves sadly went in search of the future king with the ill news. Elladan kicking himself every step of the way for not stopping to check the 'boy's' identity. They searched the entire castle but found no trace of the man until they searched the gardens. There in one corner he sat eyes skyward watching the sunrise in the east.
"Aragorn…….." Legolas called hesitantly.
Startled Aragorn whirled around question in his gray eyes. "Have you found her?" He asked closing the distance between them.
All three looked down at their feet before Elladan had the courage to look up at his younger brother. "Shealyn is gone brother. She was there this morning disguised as a boy. I had a feeling it was her, but I ignored it." Elladan whispered as he saw pure anger flash through the man's eyes. "I am sorry."
Aragorn closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose between his fingers sighing. "I had a feeling that Shealyn would disobey me." He whispered.
"You are not her father Aragorn………" Elrohir began.
"I know this Elrohir." Aragorn hissed as he began to pace. "She is but a child and I promised myself that I would take over as Shealyn's guardian." He added more quietly.
"Aragorn………" Elladan said taking hold of his brother's shoulder stopping him from pacing. "Every child disobeys once and awhile. If I remember correctly you were by far the worst, what with you following us on hunting trips when you were far too young."
"Yes Estel do you not remember father's anger when we escorted you back home?" Elrohir added.
"And don't forget mellon nin the many times we would be together out and about coming home half dead." Legolas put in.
"Aye I remember." Aragorn murmured. "The scary part is, is that I now know how father felt when I disappeared and came back with grave wounds. I fear for her."
The three elves chuckles patting Aragorn's shoulder. "You are not alone with those feelings Estel." Elrohir whispered. "We all fear for her."
"You are right." Aragorn said with a smile.
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We rode to mid afternoon on the second day out before we found the orcs. There were more then I remembered leaving the battle, but I knew we could handle them. The men let out a war cry and we rode towards them swords drawn. Arrows showered on us as we charged. I beheaded an orc moments before gnarled hand grabbed me from my horse.
The orc backhanded me in the face grinning maliciously as he drew a twisted blade from a sheath on his belt. I struggled with the orc for several before I was able to force the blade out his hand. I beat him senseless until I was able to get out from under him engaging into battle.
"Here we go again." I murmured dropping into a fighting crouch.
The orcs grew bold seeing our numbers and attacked. In every battle situation the sky darkened and threatened to rain. Choking back my fears I plunged into the mass of wreaking orc bodies thrusting the sword through the stomachs and chests.
At one point I was thrown hard against some boulders and I lost my helm revealing my identity.
"SHEALYN!" a voice shouted above the noise.
Shaking myself from the dizziness that set in I noticed an orc raise up before me with the intent to stab me through. Elven arrows flew straight striking the orc down before he had a chance to strike.
"Shealyn are you alright?" Rumil asked pulling me to my feet.
"Yes I'm alright." I said putting my back to the elf. "I'm in big trouble aren't I?" I asked dreading Rumil's answer.
"Now is not the time to talk of this, but I am disappointed in you." Rumil responded as we fought the orcs back to back for several minutes before we were separated.
Many of our men were falling and I feared that if something wasn't done there would be no hope. "REGROUP!" I cried hoping to get all the men in one area.
Surprisingly the men and elves left standing quickly gathered the wounded. They backed together to where I stood and looked at me with question.
"Watch my back." I ordered as I stepped forward to the charging orcs.
~I'm goin' to need make this big~ I thought closing my eyes and concentrating solely on my 'gift'.
I felt a very large amount of energy creep into my hands. It felt as it was connected to my life energy. Bringing my hands up palms out feet shoulder width apart. My eyes flashed dangerously as I held my ground
"You guys are so dead." I whispered.
Lightning shot out of my hands striking the first row of orcs. The energy level rose to a dangerous level that I had never reached before. The lightning was encasing me like a security blanket then exploded in the group of orcs.
"Don't pass out, don't pass out." I whispered harshly to myself as I watched the orc bodies writhing with the electrical current that surged through the dead carcasses.
My energy was fading and I sank weakly to my knees. Darkness was creeping into my vision and I began to sway. I sensed someone kneel beside me and I vaguely heard someone speak my name. Before I could answer the darkness claimed me.
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"Shealyn!" Rumil cried as he caught the unconscious girl.
The others gathered around Rumil their eyes roaming over charred bodies of the orcs surrounding them.
"What happened?" A stunned elf asked shaking his head in disbelief.
"The girl is a witch." A blonde haired Rohirrim said surveying the damage.
"Shealyn is not a witch." Rumil retorted as gently cradled the girl in his arms.
"Rumil was that what we witnessed at Helms Deep?" Orophin asked as he knelt down beside his younger brother.
"Orophin I fear Shealyn used too much of her 'gift'." Rumil whispered with concern. "We must get back to Ithilien." He added urgently.
Orophin stood looking around him for the answer. "Get the wounded mounted. We are less then two days ride from Ithilien." He called loud enough for everyone to hear.
The wounded were mounted quickly with a rider behind each. Orophin took the still figure from his brother's arms so that Rumil could mount. "Hand her to me." He said as Orophin lifted the girl into his brother's lap.
The horses were kicked into a gallop heading back to the castle Rumil praying to the Valar that they would spare the child. He looked down at the girl and noticed how pale Shealyn looked and that scared the elf. ~Hold on Shealyn~ He thought urging the horse to go faster.
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Aragorn paced the length of the walkway glancing up every once and while to search the horizon for any sign of the return of the riders. Legolas and Gimli stood against the wall watching their friend pace also watching the horizon as well.
Looking up Gimli caught sight of something in the distance causing him to nudge Legolas who looked up and smiled. "Aragorn they are returning." He stated catching his friend's attention.
"Get supplies ready they will be arriving shortly." Aragorn ordered after studying the oncoming riders.
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I struggled to push away the darkness though it sounded like a better idea not to because of the pain that came with consciousness. Slowly but surely I weakly opened my eyes blinking away the blurriness. I could feel the horse gallop beneath me and two strong arms holding me tightly. My memory was clouded laced with a massive headache as I tried to remember how I got myself into the mess.
"Rumil?" I asked quietly.
"Shh little one we are almost there." Rumil answered spurring the horse faster.
The air seemed to grow cold and the familiar darkness was coming back for me. Snuggling against Rumil's chest I closed my eyes welcoming the peaceful darkness.
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The company was met at the gates by Aragorn, the twins, Legolas, and Gimli who were immediately laden with the wounded. Aragorn directed those who were supporting the wounded to the rooms that had been prepared.
"Rumil what happened?" Aragorn asked over his shoulder as they made their way down the corridor.
Rumil sighed knowing the man was inquiring about my current condition. "She saved us at the end though it was with her 'gift'." Rumil informed the future king.
"There is a bed in there." Aragorn gestured to a room off to the right. "Stay with her until I return."
Nodding Rumil opened the door to the small room and entered quickly. Striding over to the bed Rumil gently set the girl on the bed. With great care the elf began to strip Shealyn of the armor that she had clad herself in. Next he pulled off her boots and tunic before pulling the sheets up around her shoulders and brushed stray pieces of dark hair off her too pale face.
Several hours passed before Aragorn came in sleeves rolled up over his elbows. "Sorry I took so long. I was delayed. I was needed by the other healers." He spoke quickly coming to the bedside.
Resting his hand on her forehead he checked for sign of fever quickly before moving to the bruise on her cheek. "I know you are angry with her Aragorn for disobeying you but without her we would have brought back many more wounded or even dead." Rumil said wanting to break the tense silence.
Aragorn nodded not looking up from his inspection for anymore wounds. "Thank the Valar!" He whispered after a few moments with a sigh of relief.
"Is she unharmed?" Rumil asked stepping back away from the bed to give the ranger room.
"Other then the loss of energy and the bruise on her cheek she is fine." Aragorn replied sitting wearily in the chair by the bed.
"Can I get you anything mellon nin?" Rumil asked edging towards the door.
Aragorn looked up briefly at the blonde elf and smiled. "Go find Legolas and Gimli send them here." He said after a few moments.
"As you wish." Rumil said leaving the room quickly.
Aragorn sighed once more turning his attention back to the prone figure lying on the bed. Slipping his hand underneath the sheets he grasped the small hand that lay by her side and held it firmly in his own hand. With his free hand he lightly touched the large black and blue bruise that had formed on Shealyn's cheek wincing slightly at the thought of how she received it.
"I thought you were finished using great quantities of your 'gift' at Helms Deep Shealyn." He whispered quietly frustration filling his voice.
He was startled out of his thoughts when a knock was heard and the door slowly opened revealing Gimli, Legolas, the twins, and three worried looking hobbits.
"Is she goin' to be ok?" Pippin asked finally speaking for everyone.
The ranger silently nodded as seven visitors came in and made themselves comfortable. "The lass looks awfully pale Aragorn." Gimli stated matter-of-factly from where he stood at the foot of the bed.
Everyone nodded their agreement as they looked on. "What happened Aragorn?" Sam asked anxiously.
"Shealyn disobeyed me and joined the party of men and elves that went in search of the orcs that escaped the battle. According to Rumil she killed most of the orcs protecting the men by blasting the enemy with lightning." Aragorn replied.
"This time it nearly killed her." Legolas spoke in a soft whisper.
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Early morning light spilled into the small crowded room causing me to wake. It took great effort just to open my eyes and when I did so it was far too painful to stand. Quickly I shut my eyes waited a few moments and cracked them open, slowly this time. The room in time came into focus and I glanced around. To my right there was a wash basin and a dresser with a mirror and to my left there was a nightstand.
~Oh headache please go away~ I pleaded in my mind wincing at the pain behind my eyes.
Soft snores alerted me to the others in the room making me stifle a giggle at the sight. Pippin lay curled up at the end of the bed careful of his wounds that I hadn't noticed before now. Gimli had also curled up but had stuck to the wall where he made a pillow out of his beard. The twins were sitting against the wall side by side sleeping in the Elven fashion. Legolas had pulled a chair to the right side of the bed and was sprawled in it. (very unprincely like if I might add)
I looked around the room once more and realized that I had no feeling in my left hand. After inspection I found Aragorn leaning forward in his chair with his arm on the bed with his head resting on them. My problem was he was holding my hand tightly as if he let go I would be lost to him.
"Ara……… Aragorn." I rasped my throat very dry.
The dark haired future king stirred from his sleep. Slowly he lifted his head and with his free hand rubbed his tired eyes before looking at me.
"Shealyn you are awake!" He exclaimed sitting up and shifting into his healer mode.
Aragorn's exclamation woke the three present elves and they too became alert. They smiled stepping closer to the bed careful not to wake Pippin.
I was gently propped up and Aragorn placed a cup to my lips. "Drink." He ordered.
Knowing I had no room to argue I swallowed the concoction slowly grimacing at the taste. "I'm sorry." I whispered softly.
"We are disappointed Shealyn." Aragorn said placing the cup on the table. "I forbid you to go but you go. You could have been killed. But we are proud of you for protecting the men."
Silence filled the room for several minutes. "We were all worried about you." Legolas said taking my other hand in his.
"What's goin' on?" Pippin asked from the end of the bed as he sat up rubbing his eyes.
"Hey Pip." I said weakly smiling when the hobbit's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"You are awake Shealyn." Pippin cried happily as he crawled to me.
I was wrapped in a gentle hug. "I missed you." He whispered in my ear.
"Missed you to." I replied sleepily.
"The lass is awake and no one has the decency to wake me?" Gimli grumbled where he stood up stretching before he approached the bed.
"I believe we should let Shealyn rest." Aragorn said standing from his seat.
Everyone bid me to rest and quickly left the room except for Aragorn. "Are you hungry?" He asked sitting back down in the chair.
I nodded as he revealed a steaming bowl of broth from the fireplace and set it on the table. He then gently propped pillows behind my back and proceeded to feed me. ~God I feel so weak~ I thought between spoonfuls of the rich broth.
Neither of us spoke for we both understood each other.
"Sleep now." Aragorn whispered setting the now empty bowl down.
The future king stood and straightened the sheets around my body leaning down to kiss me on the forehead before picking the bowl back up and left the room.
I weakly turned on my side closing my eyes and fell into a restful sleep.
***Hey guys I hope you enjoyed the chapter. With the site being down I was able to work constantly on the chapter and made it to 16 ½ pages. R&R! ***