A/N: A big thank you to all of my reviewers! Please keep reviewing.
Myri78- The situation Aliana is in, is explained later in the story.
Thanks to Bloomfan17- for my first review ever!
CrystalMoonPrincess- The story will make more sense, as it continues.
Chapter 2:
She could tell that they were nearing the campsite. She heard sound of little scurrying feet along with clanks and rustlings. Now that they were drawing nearer she was becoming nervous. Would he be angry with her? No, he couldn't, it wasn't fair to her. Over the last ten years Aragorn hadn't been around much; he never stayed in Rivendell for more than five days at a time, and most of those hours were usually spent with Arwen. Of course with her luck, Aragorn's most recent visit had been uncharacteristically lengthy, and she had missed it completely.
She had arrived back in Rivendell merely hours after the Fellowship had left. Upon her arrival she spoke to Lord Elrond and learned of the Fellowship's task. Knowing that she was no more than half a day's walk behind them she decided to set out following them on her own. And where did that take her? Well, almost to Aragorn, and she would be there now, if it hadn't been for this rather stiff elf, she thought. He had been so cold toward her, an unusual trait for an elf to possess. When their gazes had met she had felt as if he were staring right into her soul, judging her to see if she was to be trusted. Her thoughts lingered on him for several more moments. She was being foolish, and shook her head to free her mind of these thoughts as they finally approached the campsite.
She stopped abruptly as they entered the clearing. Her head quickly ticked back and forth searching for Aragorn and a wide smile spread across her face when she saw him.
"Aragorn!" she shouted, not even thinking twice about the deadly arrow at her back. She leapt toward him. Aragorn spun around just in time to catch her in an embrace.
"Aliana," he managed to utter, half in enthusiasm, half in confusion.
"I had missed you too very much and I was terribly disappointed when I found out that I had missed your visit to Rivendell, and only by a few hours." Aliana spat before Aragorn could mutter anything else. Aliana loosened her grip around Aragorn's neck and shoulders, so her small hands were rested comfortably in his, she held them tightly. "Please don't be angry, I do not mean ill."
"Of course you don't Aliana, but the quest I am on is too dangerous for you."
"A matter that will be have to be sorted out very soon, if you ask me," replied a long bearded man.
"Gandalf!" Aliana shouted and ran up to the wizard to hug him, "How are you?"
"I'm just fine, my child, but you have managed to get yourself into quite a mess," he replied wrinkling his bushy eyebrows.
Aliana's heart sunk, she had just come to realization with what she had done. She had basically run away without permission, traveled alone for two days, intruded on a secret quest, and left Aragorn in a tough position. He wouldn't send her back alone for he knew of the evil that lurked in the forest, but allowing her to join their quest would also put her life in danger.
"Aliana, I wish I knew what to do. Perhaps if were could take a walk I could inform you about what you have just placed yourself in the middle of." Aragorn thought that having a chance to explain their situation to Aliana, without the rest of the company would be the best way to go about it; he did not want to embarrass her.
"You have nothing to hide from us Aragorn," spouted Boromir. He had been leaning on a tree, but now walked over to where Aliana was standing. "We should decide together what shall be done." With that he placed his right hand on Aliana's right shoulder, so his arm was resting across her back. With his touch Aliana stiffened. Boromir smiled at Aragorn haughtily.
Aragorn returned a distressed smile to Boromir and nodded. "Then we shall talk about it now, if that suits you Boromir." He motioned to Aliana, and she obediently and swiftly walked over to him and silently thanked him for summoning her away from Boromir with a smile of relief.
After everyone settled themselves a fire was lit in the center of their circle, toward the hobbits, and then an unnerving silence fell over the company.
Aliana sat on the ground next to Aragorn as ladylike as she could, legs together and folded to the side. Across from them sat four hobbits and a dwarf. The two twitchy hobbits and the rounder one sat on a log next to the dwarf, the fourth sat on the ground a few feet away from the others. He didn't look sad but rather, he looked thoughtful, Aliana could tell he was the Ringbearer. Next to the Ringbearer sat Gandalf on the same rock he had as earlier. On the other side of Aragorn sat the elf. His back was to a tree with his right knee bent and right arm laying over it. The elf's right sat Boromir with a pleased look on his face.
The uncomfortable silence was at last broken by one of the twitchy hobbits.
"Well, since we are all sittin here, I suppose we ought to introduce ourselves to the lady. My name's Merry Brandybuck." He said bowing to her, one hand in the air. "and this here's is-"
"I can introduce myself well enough, thank you very much Merry. My name's Pippin, Pippin Took." He said grinning, looking quite pleased with himself, and bowing even lower than the first hobbit.
"I reckon-ere-my-well-I'm Sam, my lady" He glanced at her between each word, wringing his hand, before awkwardly bowing. "This here's my master Mr. Frodo, but I becha he can introduce himself just fine and right no need for me to do it for him." He swallowed the end of his sentence.
"I'm Frodo Baggins, but I don't think I need to tell you that. I met you before, on my way to Bree, you were traveling with a group of elves, weren't you?" His gaze was on hers and he searched her eyes for an answer."
Yes, was all she could manage to get out, but her smile and familiar face was enough for Frodo. Aliana's presence soothed him, though he could not explain why.
When Frodo had mentioned elves, Legolas had drawn his attention away from the sounds of the night and into the conversation. She had been traveling with elves, he thought, but she clearly was not one. She was almost a head shorter than himself, and her skin had not been able to resist the sun, and looked orangish-brown. She also somewhat resembled Aragorn, with dark wavy hair that reached down just past her elbows and her eyes were a deep brown. Her ears, he thought, if he could only see her ears, then he would be able to tell if she was of elven blood. But her ears with covered with her soft hair that flowed over her shoulder. He took his eyes away from her as Gimli stood and cleared his throat.
"Since ya already know master Gandalf and Boromir here, I'll give ye my name lass. I'm Gimil son of Gloin, and happy to be of any service a dwarf can." With that Gimli sat back down and the company turned their eyes to Legolas, being the only unnamed member of the Fellowship left. Legolas realizing this turned to Aragorn and Aliana.
"My name is Legolas, I am of the woodland realm."
Aliana's jaw nearly dropped. Was all he had to say, no apology for being so rough toward her, no explanation for why he questioned her, well come to think of it, she half expected him to say nothing at all. Then she realized it would only be right for her to introduce herself now, but before she could open her mouth Aragorn spoke, "This is Aliana, she is the closest I have to family." He paused turning to Aliana. "Now, Aliana what do you propose we do with you?"
Aliana felt the Fellowship's eyes on her; they were staring, waiting for an answer. She swallowed hard. "I do not mean to be a burden."
"We don't mean for you to be a burden either" replied Gandalf.
Aliana's eyes began to fill with tears; she held them in, she would not show weakness, not yet.
"I suppose we only have two options," Aragorn said heavily "to escort you back to Rivendell- ", but he was cut off by Legolas.
"That would cost us too much time, the peril would be too great, and it would delay is far too much," he said this without even talking his gaze off the fire.
Aragorn was quite taken aback by Legolas's quick response, elves never said more than was absolutely necessary. "Let her come with us," suggested Boromir, "it might be useful to have a women along with us on a long... tiresome...lonely... journey."
His words make both Aragorn and Aliana stiffen; they did not like the sound of his words, and were further made uneasy with a silence awaiting Aragorn's answer.
"Can you cook?"
These words made everyone jump back to reality, and they rung in everyone's ears.
"Can you cook?" Pippin asked genuinely giving his question thought and importance.
"Of course I can," Aliana found herself replying, she was desperate now for any reason to stay, "and I know what plants and berries make good spices and jams."
Pippin grinned broadly and then nodded at the other hobbits, his expression insisting that she come along.
"Well I suppose, there is no question then," Merry said to Pippin, "you and Sam were never much cooks."
"I think I'm a fine cook, just for your information, and I was merely wondering for another reason for her to come along with us." Pippin smiled at his diplomatic answer and turned to Gandalf who then turned to Frodo.
Frodo felt that everyone was again turning to him for an answer; he swallowed hard before turning to Aragorn. "I would like to have her along, but I do not want to put her in peril of which she does not know the strength." Aragorn drew his gaze away from Aliana and met Frodo's eyes, "do you think it fit for Aliana to travel with us?"
That is the question Aragorn had been pondering all night. Would it be safe for Aliana to travel with them? She would be able to cook and wash and her company would brighten the hobbits' spirits. He had taught her how to wield a sword; she had in fact become quite good with it but he would have to give her lessons again. He would also never let her wander in the forest on her own. Yes, she would go with them.
"Aliana," he said turning to face her, "do you promise to never walk in the forest on your own, and allow me to train you with a sword again?"
"I do, I really do. Thank you Aragorn." She nearly reached out to hug him when she realized the emotion on his face. He was worried, worried for her. "I won't get into any trouble and I'll be sure to do the washing and the cooking for everyone here." She smiled at Aragorn and he returned it, but with a look of sadness in his eyes.
Soon the camp was busy with it's usual nighttime preparations; the hobbits laid out their bedrolls, Gandalf sat smoking his pipe and Gimli and Boromir sat discussing tales of old. Aliana was assisting the hobbits in making their beds when Merry realized that she hadn't been carrying anything when she arrived in camp.
"Won't you be cold?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"I'll be fine master Merry, but thank you for your concern."
"Here," he handed her a wool blanket, "I didn't really use it anyway, with my other blanket and my cloak and all."
She smiled warmly at him, "Thank you very much, I wish I could repay you." She paused, biting her lower lip. "I know! What's your favorite meal?"
"I do like Boisenberries, and biscuits."
"Well, I don't know about the biscuits, but I bet I can find a good many berries tomorrow, and make a fine jam out of them if you like."
Merry beamed.
"So, master Merry, where do you suppose I should set up my bed?"
Merry blushed at the question. "Well, us hobbits sleep close to the fire- it gets rather nippy in the forest at night- but not the bigger folk, they stay a few feet away switching watch throughout the night. I think it would suit a lady to sleep near to the warmth also, so you don't get too cold."
"Would this be a good spot?" Aliana said nodding to the space next to him.
"That's a right fine spot for a lady, such as yourself."
With those words Aliana sat down next to Merry and began to make herself a bed. The noise of the camp slowly lessened into a soft murmur and Aliana's her mind was filled with fear and excitement, as sleep gently took her over.
A/N: Please review! And don't worry there will be plenty of excitement in the next chapters.
Chapter 2:
She could tell that they were nearing the campsite. She heard sound of little scurrying feet along with clanks and rustlings. Now that they were drawing nearer she was becoming nervous. Would he be angry with her? No, he couldn't, it wasn't fair to her. Over the last ten years Aragorn hadn't been around much; he never stayed in Rivendell for more than five days at a time, and most of those hours were usually spent with Arwen. Of course with her luck, Aragorn's most recent visit had been uncharacteristically lengthy, and she had missed it completely.
She had arrived back in Rivendell merely hours after the Fellowship had left. Upon her arrival she spoke to Lord Elrond and learned of the Fellowship's task. Knowing that she was no more than half a day's walk behind them she decided to set out following them on her own. And where did that take her? Well, almost to Aragorn, and she would be there now, if it hadn't been for this rather stiff elf, she thought. He had been so cold toward her, an unusual trait for an elf to possess. When their gazes had met she had felt as if he were staring right into her soul, judging her to see if she was to be trusted. Her thoughts lingered on him for several more moments. She was being foolish, and shook her head to free her mind of these thoughts as they finally approached the campsite.
She stopped abruptly as they entered the clearing. Her head quickly ticked back and forth searching for Aragorn and a wide smile spread across her face when she saw him.
"Aragorn!" she shouted, not even thinking twice about the deadly arrow at her back. She leapt toward him. Aragorn spun around just in time to catch her in an embrace.
"Aliana," he managed to utter, half in enthusiasm, half in confusion.
"I had missed you too very much and I was terribly disappointed when I found out that I had missed your visit to Rivendell, and only by a few hours." Aliana spat before Aragorn could mutter anything else. Aliana loosened her grip around Aragorn's neck and shoulders, so her small hands were rested comfortably in his, she held them tightly. "Please don't be angry, I do not mean ill."
"Of course you don't Aliana, but the quest I am on is too dangerous for you."
"A matter that will be have to be sorted out very soon, if you ask me," replied a long bearded man.
"Gandalf!" Aliana shouted and ran up to the wizard to hug him, "How are you?"
"I'm just fine, my child, but you have managed to get yourself into quite a mess," he replied wrinkling his bushy eyebrows.
Aliana's heart sunk, she had just come to realization with what she had done. She had basically run away without permission, traveled alone for two days, intruded on a secret quest, and left Aragorn in a tough position. He wouldn't send her back alone for he knew of the evil that lurked in the forest, but allowing her to join their quest would also put her life in danger.
"Aliana, I wish I knew what to do. Perhaps if were could take a walk I could inform you about what you have just placed yourself in the middle of." Aragorn thought that having a chance to explain their situation to Aliana, without the rest of the company would be the best way to go about it; he did not want to embarrass her.
"You have nothing to hide from us Aragorn," spouted Boromir. He had been leaning on a tree, but now walked over to where Aliana was standing. "We should decide together what shall be done." With that he placed his right hand on Aliana's right shoulder, so his arm was resting across her back. With his touch Aliana stiffened. Boromir smiled at Aragorn haughtily.
Aragorn returned a distressed smile to Boromir and nodded. "Then we shall talk about it now, if that suits you Boromir." He motioned to Aliana, and she obediently and swiftly walked over to him and silently thanked him for summoning her away from Boromir with a smile of relief.
After everyone settled themselves a fire was lit in the center of their circle, toward the hobbits, and then an unnerving silence fell over the company.
Aliana sat on the ground next to Aragorn as ladylike as she could, legs together and folded to the side. Across from them sat four hobbits and a dwarf. The two twitchy hobbits and the rounder one sat on a log next to the dwarf, the fourth sat on the ground a few feet away from the others. He didn't look sad but rather, he looked thoughtful, Aliana could tell he was the Ringbearer. Next to the Ringbearer sat Gandalf on the same rock he had as earlier. On the other side of Aragorn sat the elf. His back was to a tree with his right knee bent and right arm laying over it. The elf's right sat Boromir with a pleased look on his face.
The uncomfortable silence was at last broken by one of the twitchy hobbits.
"Well, since we are all sittin here, I suppose we ought to introduce ourselves to the lady. My name's Merry Brandybuck." He said bowing to her, one hand in the air. "and this here's is-"
"I can introduce myself well enough, thank you very much Merry. My name's Pippin, Pippin Took." He said grinning, looking quite pleased with himself, and bowing even lower than the first hobbit.
"I reckon-ere-my-well-I'm Sam, my lady" He glanced at her between each word, wringing his hand, before awkwardly bowing. "This here's my master Mr. Frodo, but I becha he can introduce himself just fine and right no need for me to do it for him." He swallowed the end of his sentence.
"I'm Frodo Baggins, but I don't think I need to tell you that. I met you before, on my way to Bree, you were traveling with a group of elves, weren't you?" His gaze was on hers and he searched her eyes for an answer."
Yes, was all she could manage to get out, but her smile and familiar face was enough for Frodo. Aliana's presence soothed him, though he could not explain why.
When Frodo had mentioned elves, Legolas had drawn his attention away from the sounds of the night and into the conversation. She had been traveling with elves, he thought, but she clearly was not one. She was almost a head shorter than himself, and her skin had not been able to resist the sun, and looked orangish-brown. She also somewhat resembled Aragorn, with dark wavy hair that reached down just past her elbows and her eyes were a deep brown. Her ears, he thought, if he could only see her ears, then he would be able to tell if she was of elven blood. But her ears with covered with her soft hair that flowed over her shoulder. He took his eyes away from her as Gimli stood and cleared his throat.
"Since ya already know master Gandalf and Boromir here, I'll give ye my name lass. I'm Gimil son of Gloin, and happy to be of any service a dwarf can." With that Gimli sat back down and the company turned their eyes to Legolas, being the only unnamed member of the Fellowship left. Legolas realizing this turned to Aragorn and Aliana.
"My name is Legolas, I am of the woodland realm."
Aliana's jaw nearly dropped. Was all he had to say, no apology for being so rough toward her, no explanation for why he questioned her, well come to think of it, she half expected him to say nothing at all. Then she realized it would only be right for her to introduce herself now, but before she could open her mouth Aragorn spoke, "This is Aliana, she is the closest I have to family." He paused turning to Aliana. "Now, Aliana what do you propose we do with you?"
Aliana felt the Fellowship's eyes on her; they were staring, waiting for an answer. She swallowed hard. "I do not mean to be a burden."
"We don't mean for you to be a burden either" replied Gandalf.
Aliana's eyes began to fill with tears; she held them in, she would not show weakness, not yet.
"I suppose we only have two options," Aragorn said heavily "to escort you back to Rivendell- ", but he was cut off by Legolas.
"That would cost us too much time, the peril would be too great, and it would delay is far too much," he said this without even talking his gaze off the fire.
Aragorn was quite taken aback by Legolas's quick response, elves never said more than was absolutely necessary. "Let her come with us," suggested Boromir, "it might be useful to have a women along with us on a long... tiresome...lonely... journey."
His words make both Aragorn and Aliana stiffen; they did not like the sound of his words, and were further made uneasy with a silence awaiting Aragorn's answer.
"Can you cook?"
These words made everyone jump back to reality, and they rung in everyone's ears.
"Can you cook?" Pippin asked genuinely giving his question thought and importance.
"Of course I can," Aliana found herself replying, she was desperate now for any reason to stay, "and I know what plants and berries make good spices and jams."
Pippin grinned broadly and then nodded at the other hobbits, his expression insisting that she come along.
"Well I suppose, there is no question then," Merry said to Pippin, "you and Sam were never much cooks."
"I think I'm a fine cook, just for your information, and I was merely wondering for another reason for her to come along with us." Pippin smiled at his diplomatic answer and turned to Gandalf who then turned to Frodo.
Frodo felt that everyone was again turning to him for an answer; he swallowed hard before turning to Aragorn. "I would like to have her along, but I do not want to put her in peril of which she does not know the strength." Aragorn drew his gaze away from Aliana and met Frodo's eyes, "do you think it fit for Aliana to travel with us?"
That is the question Aragorn had been pondering all night. Would it be safe for Aliana to travel with them? She would be able to cook and wash and her company would brighten the hobbits' spirits. He had taught her how to wield a sword; she had in fact become quite good with it but he would have to give her lessons again. He would also never let her wander in the forest on her own. Yes, she would go with them.
"Aliana," he said turning to face her, "do you promise to never walk in the forest on your own, and allow me to train you with a sword again?"
"I do, I really do. Thank you Aragorn." She nearly reached out to hug him when she realized the emotion on his face. He was worried, worried for her. "I won't get into any trouble and I'll be sure to do the washing and the cooking for everyone here." She smiled at Aragorn and he returned it, but with a look of sadness in his eyes.
Soon the camp was busy with it's usual nighttime preparations; the hobbits laid out their bedrolls, Gandalf sat smoking his pipe and Gimli and Boromir sat discussing tales of old. Aliana was assisting the hobbits in making their beds when Merry realized that she hadn't been carrying anything when she arrived in camp.
"Won't you be cold?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"I'll be fine master Merry, but thank you for your concern."
"Here," he handed her a wool blanket, "I didn't really use it anyway, with my other blanket and my cloak and all."
She smiled warmly at him, "Thank you very much, I wish I could repay you." She paused, biting her lower lip. "I know! What's your favorite meal?"
"I do like Boisenberries, and biscuits."
"Well, I don't know about the biscuits, but I bet I can find a good many berries tomorrow, and make a fine jam out of them if you like."
Merry beamed.
"So, master Merry, where do you suppose I should set up my bed?"
Merry blushed at the question. "Well, us hobbits sleep close to the fire- it gets rather nippy in the forest at night- but not the bigger folk, they stay a few feet away switching watch throughout the night. I think it would suit a lady to sleep near to the warmth also, so you don't get too cold."
"Would this be a good spot?" Aliana said nodding to the space next to him.
"That's a right fine spot for a lady, such as yourself."
With those words Aliana sat down next to Merry and began to make herself a bed. The noise of the camp slowly lessened into a soft murmur and Aliana's her mind was filled with fear and excitement, as sleep gently took her over.
A/N: Please review! And don't worry there will be plenty of excitement in the next chapters.