Jibade: Wow. Thank you and your welcome! I'm glad you been enjoying the story!
L.T: Thanks! I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the story! Lately, I have been playing with a couple ideas for some of the upcoming chapters that should give the story a nice little twist to it.
Crecy: Here is the next chapter for you.
Note!
Anything * written within these marks * is being spoken in Elvish.Enjoy the chapter! And remember to review! Please!
Chapter 9: The struggle of an exile king.The daylight fled and night approached Rivendell as Aragorn knelt before a grave. He gently removed the dirt and vines that had covered it over the years. Aragorn gazed at the statue of a woman with sad eyes. Lifting, a hand he let it glide slowly down her cheek, tenderly, as he recognized the voice behind.
"*She wanted to protect her
child…*" Stopping a foot away from his foster son, Elrond continued,
"*she thought in Rivendell you would be safe. *" For a moment the
human and elf were silent as both reflected on the events of the past before
the elf-lord continued. "In her heart, your mother knew you'd be hunted
all your life. That you'd never escape your fate." Pausing, Elrond studied
the exiled king. Noticing his solemn stance, he knew Aragorn felt the weight of
his destiny on his shoulders, a fate that he had neither asked for nor wanted.
"The skill of the Elves can reforge the sword of kings…but only you have
the power to wield it."
Aragorn didn't turn around. Instead he
raised his eyes to the statue's face once more, as if he sought from it
strength to face the coming task. It was a strength that he feared he lacked.
"I do not want that power." Opening his eyes, Aragorn lowered his gaze,
"I have never wanted it."
"You are the last of that bloodline.
There is no other," Elrond stated simply.
"I know." They stayed there as
minutes passed, each lost in their own thoughts. But as the time passed,
Aragorn's thoughts shifted to the events of the council. When his identity and
heritage had been revealed to all. He appreciated Legolas defending him, but he
couldn't help wishing for his silence. Now that it was revealed, he had to face
the destiny given him all the sooner.
After all the years he spent preparing for it, he still was unsure if he was ready…
Another matter came to
Aragorn as he knelt upon the ground, the matter of Lady Lillian joining the
Fellowship. He didn't understand his foster father's thinking on this matter.
The journey was going to be dangerous and at many times the members may die. It
was no place for a woman to be. Especially, one like Lillian, who was a person
that was still healing and just beginning to trust.
He had only met her a handful of times,
and each time they had barely spoken, if at all. But it was enough to cultivate
the impression that she had never harmed anything before in her life. And from
what he had observed, did not have the heart to.
The quest was a death sentence for her.
Lillian was a timid child, still too frightened to embrace the light of the
world. One who knew nothing of battle, and would most likely cower at the sight
of an enemy. So, what were Elrond and Gandalf thinking sending her on the
mission? The answer to that question had not really been answered during the
argument at the council.
Looking over his shoulder, Aragorn calmly
studied his father before asking, "Why did you send Lady Lillian on the
quest?"
"I believe it is her fate to aid
you," was the elf-lord's simple answer. Aragorn's brows drew together in
thought as he voiced his question again.
"But why?" Standing up, he faced
his foster father, continuing his argument. "She is not of this world.
This problem is not hers to solve. It's middle-earth…"
"Why was she brought here?"
Elrond interrupted, countering with a question of his own.
Aragorn stared at the elf-lord, and he slowly answered. "To heal. To learn that there is more to life then pain."
Nodding his head in acknowledgment, Elrond
asked, "Why this time?"
A spark of understanding entered Aragorn's gaze, but he was not ready to accept the implications. "Perhaps the time corresponds with the time in her own world."
"Perhaps," agreed the Elvin
lord. After a moment of silence between them, Elrond asked a final question.
"But why after the stab wound?"
His eyes narrowed in thought, as Aragorn
admitted, "I do not know." Looking in his foster son's eyes, Elrond
continued simply.
"I believe these to be signs that
Lillian was meant to go on the journey. Why though…" He paused, reflecting
on his own thoughts before adding, "I am not sure."
And again silence spread between the two.
As the minutes passed, Elrond studied his foster son, deciding that it was time
to bring up his own topic of conversation. "Our time is ending. The time of the elves is over."
Pausing briefly, knowing that he would bring pain to the younger man, but
knowing that it had to be done, he continued. "Arwen's time is ending. Let
her take the ship into the West. Let her bare her love for you to the Undying
Lands. There it will be evergreen."
Aragorn closed his eyes, sadness entering
his soul, like rain bleeds into the ground. Opening his eyes, he looked at the
Elvin lord replying, "But never more than memory."
"I will not leave my daughter here to
die!" Elrond said firmly, a note of anger coloring his voice.
"She stays because she still has
hope," Aragorn countered.
"She stays for you," Elrond
interrupted. "She belongs with her people." Silence followed the
outburst. The elf and human looking into the other's eyes, their wills silently
clashing. Resting one hand on his foster child's shoulder, Elrond said softly
but purposefully, "Let her go Aragorn. Do not be the reason for her death.
You are mortal. She is elf-kind. It cannot work. Let her be with her people to
live the life she was meant to, the immortal life. Let her sail to the Gray
Havens."
And with that the Elven lord let go of
Aragorn's shoulder and left the human to sort out his emotions and thoughts,
alone.
********************
Hours later, Aragorn returned to the house
of Elrond, pausing, when he spotted the figure on the balcony.
"Lady Lillian," He called out,
startling the girl, "what are you doing out this late at night? You should
be resting. We set out in the morning and you will need your strength."
Lillian stared down at her hands unsure how to act around the dark-haired man. Before she had discovered that he was a noble, she had talked more freely with him. And it was nice. Though the conversation had been spars, it was comforting to be able to discuss anything at will. The possible friend she had found in this man, she didn't want to lose. But did the fact that he was truly a noble change things between them? Lillian was uncertain. Keeping her eyes down cast, Lillian answered. "I could not sleep."
Stepping onto the balcony, he asked,
"Something on your mind?" Resting his hands on the railing, Aragorn
looked up at the stars, waiting for her reply.
"Yes." Lillian admitted slowly.
Keeping his eyes on the stars, the exiled king made a venture.
"Would you like to talk about
it?" Lillian bit her lip undecidedly. She did want to talk about it, but …
was it okay to burden a noble so? Back home it wasn't, Lillian knew, but was
that different here? A couple of moments' of silence passed between them,
before Lillian replied.
"You are a man a blood, my lord. I do
not wish to burden you with my problems."
Looking towards her, Aragorn's eyebrows
drew together in thought. His nobility had place a distance between them that
was not there before. Legolas had informed the twins and himself of the event
that occurred in the gardens and the reason behind it. The thought of such of
horrors occurring to anyone angered him and he could see why Lillian was
distrustful. But Aragorn had hoped that she could come to him if needed.
"Lillian," he said softly.
"You can speak to me as you will. You would not burden me." Lillian
shook her head to the side, choosing to remain silent. Sighing, Aragorn stepped
toward her, and with a hand raised her chin up.
"Look at me, Lillian." And he
waited, watching the conflict grow in her eyes. Several moments later her eyes
locked on his chin and he raised hers a little farther so her gaze met his.
"I am a king in exile, Lillian. But even so, my heritage defines my
status, not who I am." Pausing for moment he let her think on his words
before adding, "I am still the same man you knew when you thought me a
simple ranger."
Lillian stared at him in silence for a
moment, shifting through the conflicting thoughts and emotions. She wanted to
believe him… She had started to believe him… But the rules and patterns of her
old world still had a strong grip on her.
"But…" Shaking his head, Aragorn
interrupted, guessing the question that lay on her tongue.
"The only difference that lay between
us now, Lady Lillian is the one of your own making. The knowledge of my
birthright has little importance, for it is something I neither craved nor
asked for. What path our friendship treads is in your hands to decided."
Letting go of her chin, Aragorn returned his gaze to the stars while his hands
resting on the railing of the balcony.
Silence stretched between the two humans,
but unlike the beginning of their meeting it was no longer uncomfortable. Both
of them watched the stars above, lost in their thoughts.
Lillian felt her emotions shift once more.
The fear that she had when she learned of Aragorn's heritage drained away from
her. In a way, Lillian felt she could relate to this quiet man. Both of them
had royal blood running in their veins. Though the beings of this world knew
not of hers. And both of them wanted it not. Why he did not want to claim his,
Lillian could not say. But what she did know was the reason for her silence.
She didn't want to acknowledge to others that she was related to Kalin; a
tyrant who enjoyed tormenting all those weaker than he.
But even if she did claim her own
birthright, it wasn't going to do any good. Her blood father ruled Rolian with
a tight fist. The people had given up hope that any noble would be just and
fare, like her grandparents were. Besides, if even a whispered reached Kalin
that she would claim her heritage, Lillian had no doubt that he would have her
killed or worse to end them.
Her blood father put her in servitude and
that is what she was now. A servant, whether or not her blood said otherwise.
Looking at her silent companion Lillian realized that she wanted his
friendship. Perhaps, such with nobles was possible in this world.
After a slight hesitation, Lillian touched
Aragorn's shoulder, and said, "Thank you, Lord Aragorn," and
receiving a nod in return. Dropping her hand, Lillian left for her room. She
didn't discuss what was troubling her, but one matter was laid to rest. She
would be able to sleep now.
Aragorn watched the woman leave; knowing
that some of the distance had been breached. Most of her past was a mystery,
and probably a very dark one, if her actions were any indication. But the shell
she had in cased herself in was breaking. And it was good to see someone heal
from such a past. It was only a start; she would have many challenges to
overcome. But the chance was now open to her…
Returning his gaze to the stars, Aragorn
sighed as he continued to think about the conversation with Elrond. He knew
what the Elven lord wished him to do… But it hurt his heart at the thought of
it. And so the exile king of Gondor stood there, brooding, until at last he
looked to the stars for a last time and whispered. "Valar forgive
me," and he left to seek the Lady Arwen.
************************
"The Ring-bearer is setting out on
the quest of Mount Doom." The Lord of Imladris said the next day as
sunlight began pierced the morning sky. Slowly the elven lord allowed his gaze
to shift to each of the ten companions of the Fellowship, each member ready for
the journey ahead. "Of you who travel with him, no oath…" Elrond
paused his eyes stopping on Lillian, a small glimpse of sympathy in them,
"nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your
purpose. May the blessings of elves" The elven lord eyes stopped briefly
on the prince of Mirkwood before moving on to Boromir, "and men…" And
slowly Elrond looked to the dwarf and hobbits of the group as he finished he
speech, "and all Free Folk go with you." Returning his gaze to the
whole group, the elven lord gave them a gesture of farewell, which Legolas and
Aragorn returned immediately.
"The Fellowship awaits the
Ring-bearer." Gandalf said firmly. Silently, Frodo gave the elvish city
one last look before he took the lead and walked to the gates of the city.
Briefly unsure, Frodo asked, "Mordor,
Gandalf, is it left or right?"
"Left." The old wizard answered,
patting Frodo on the shoulder.
And one by one the Fellowship left until
Aragorn was the only one left. For one last time, the exiled king glanced at
his love. Meeting Arwen's sad eyes, he
gave her a barley noticeable nod and started after the fellowship. After a few
minutes of traveling, the Fellowship noticed an elf in their path.
As they stopped the elf said, "I had
wished to say good-bye to all of you without a crowd watching." A slight
smile crossed Aragorn's lips as he made his way to the front of group.
"Elrohir, it is good of you to
come."
After a quick hug, he replied. "And not see my brother off? Never." And then with a quick glare and a smack to Aragorn's head, Elrohir continued, "* though I might as well since you were being such an idiot. You know better than to always listen to father, Estel. *" Not bothering to let Aragorn say anything in his defense, Elrohir walked past by him, whispering, "* Father is not the only one with a spy network. *" Leaving Aragorn to brood, Elrohir approached Lillian, hugging her gently and talking softly in her ear. "Do not be afraid to trust the other members of the Fellowship, mellon. They will aid you when they can."
A smile graced Elrohir's face when he felt
her returning the hug timidly. "And remember to trust in yourself and your
heart." Stepping back, breaking the hug, he studied the human female. She
was dressed in a simple tunic and trousers with a gray cloak around her
shoulders. Her clouded eyes spoke of fear, as did her fists clenched tightly
around a staff of elm. Seeing her nod, he added his last piece of advise.
"Do not give up on living, Lillian, for if you do, you will truly be
dead."
And turning to face Legolas, Gandalf, and
Aragorn, he left her to think on his advise while he said in Quenya,
"*Watch over her, she is not ready for a journey such as this. She will
need your protection. *"
"*She will have it. *" Aragorn
assured. Nodding his head in thanks he continued.
"*And please continue teaching her
Sindarin, when you can. I believe it is a powerful aid in her healing. *"
Smiling slightly, Legolas replied.
"*We will, Elrohir. You can stop mothering the girl now. *"
A smile tugging at his lips, the elf
nodded at the three, before making the rest of his good-byes and let the
Fellowship continued on their journey.
______________________________________
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The next chapter should be out around Saturday/Sunday.
Chapter 10: Paths twice failed.