I am so sorry that I've taken so long to update. I was finally able to finish this chapter and post it. I hope you enjoy it and PLEASE let me know what you think and thanks for the reviews!

Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings. I only own Aria and her family.

Chapter 5:

Gandalf and Lord Elrond led Aria away from the rest of the group and into his study. Aria suddenly felt she was back in high school and being taken to the principal's office. Lord Elrond motioned for her to sit down and she did as she was told. "Aria, I will not lie to you. I do not think that your decision to join the fellowship was wise. There is much you do not know about this world. You will face many evil and dangerous things on this journey," Lord Elrond said as he sat in his chair.

"Well, that I pretty much understood by the heated discussions everyone seemed to have over a piece of metal," Aria said but then she paused. "A piece of metal that speaks to you." Gandalf frowned and turned to face her.

"The Ring called you?" he asked and Aria looked at him.

"When I was in the balcony watching the meeting, I was watched Frodo closely because he looked like he was in some kind of pain. I noticed he was looking at the pedestal so I looked to see what it was. Then next thing I know I'm hearing this hiss like voice speak words I didn't understand and then someone tells me they can send me home, and all I have to do is bring the ring to them." Aria paused and shook her head as she looked at the wizard. "I'll never touch that thing. Not in a million years. I don't like the feeling I get when I look at it." Gandalf nodded and then looked at Elrond. After a moment of silence Aria spoke. "What is this quest for?" Elrond stood and walked around in front of his desk.

"It is to rid Middle Earth of the One Ring of Power," he said and took a deep breath before he continued. "Many, many years ago, it all began when the Great Rings were given to the beings of Middle Earth. Three to the Elves," he paused as he toyed the ring on his finger and Aria assumed that was one of them. "Seven to the Dwarf lords and nine to the race of men. However, the gifts of these rings were a deception and trickery for another ring was made. The Dark Lord, Sauron, forged the ring. The ring that would rule over all other 19 rings, the power of the Ring began to taken down the free lands and people of Middle Earth, but some us would not stand for it. An alliance was made between men and elves and a great war took place. The Dark Lord fell, however, his ring remained." A pained expression crossed the Elvin lord's face so Aria decided it was best not to ask too many questions. "The Ring is what keeps Sauron alive in this world and the dark forces are gaining strength as the Nazgul are in search of the Ring to bring it to their master so his life once again will be restored."

"What are the Nazgul?" Aria asked slowly taking in everything he just said. Gandalf cleared his throat and she looked at him.

"They were once great kings of men. They were the ones given the nine rings of power and one by one they fell into darkness," Gandalf said. Aria nodded and looked back at Elrond.

"So, on the journey we will be taking the ring where?" she asked. She must have missed something in the meeting because she didn't understand why they just didn't destroy it.

"Frodo is taking the ring to Mordor, the land of the Dark Lord to cast the ring into the fires of Mount Doom," Elrond said. "Only there can it be destroyed," he added at her confused expression. Aria nodded.

"So, where is Mordor?" she asked.

"A great distance away, and it will be a long, long journey full of many dangers and possible battles that we will face along the way," Gandalf said. Aria felt a little overwhelmed but she got herself into it and she wasn't about to back out that wasn't who she was. Aria stood and Gandalf and Elrond looked at her expectantly.

"If you think I'm backing out, you're wrong. I'm still going," she said and Gandalf gave her a sad smile and Elrond just looked at her. "Now if you'll excuse me I have much to learn and only two months to learn it in." Aria turned and left the two men in the room. She quickly made her way down the corridors and into her chamber. She smiled when she saw her jeans, t-shirt and hoddie folded nicely and laying on her bed. Aria quickly changed into her jeans and t-shirt and slid on her tennis shoes. "This is so much better," she said to herself as she took the various pins from her hair destroying the beautiful design Nienna created. She brushed out her hair and found her pony tail holder on the vanity. Aria's smile grew as she threw her auburn locks up into a ponytail before she quickly left the room in search of Legolas, she had something she needed to ask him.

Legolas sat with Aragorn in the library talking over the possible paths Gandalf would lead them on when he heard someone approaching, but he paid no mind until the soft footfalls stopped next to their table. Aragorn was the first to look up and he looked at the new arrival strangely. Aria just gave him a small smile before she turned to Legolas who was looking at her with a smile on his face. "Excuse me for interrupting, but may I speak with you, Legolas, for just a moment?" Aria asked. Legolas nodded and motioned for her to sit with them. Aria hesitated and looked at Aragorn.

"Do not worry, milady, I will leave if you wish," Aragorn said as he went to stand but she stopped him.

"No, you can stay," she said quickly. Aragorn nodded and quickly took in her attire. Aria chuckled and shook her head before she sat down. "Legolas, I was wondering if you would be able to train me a little to defend myself for the journey." Legolas frowned, how could he have forgotten she volunteered to travel as well.

"Aria, are you sure that it is wise for you to journey with us? There will be-" Legolas started but Aria interrupted him, again.

"I am well aware of the dangers. Gandalf and Lord Elrond told me the story of the Ring and the dark past it has. I know that it will be a long journey, and I know that we will probably be forced to battle Sauron's forces. That is why I need your help," she paused and looked at Aragorn who was still staring at her. "And yours if your will to give it." Aragorn looked at Legolas who glanced at him.

"Milady," Aragorn began but Aria cut him off. She realized she like doing that a little too much.

"As I told Legolas, my name is Aria. It isn't 'milady' or 'Lady Aria' just Aria. Alright?" she said. Aragorn raised an eyebrow and she smiled at him and he slowly returned her smile.

"As you wish, Aria," he said with a smile. Legolas smiled sadly at Aria and she looked at him.

"Please Legolas, will you help me?" she asked as she looked into his eyes. Legolas nodded his head and sighed.

"If you must insist on accompanying us on this quest, then I will not let you go without being able to defend yourself if needed," he said. Aria smiled and leaned over to him and embraced him. Surprised Legolas glanced at Aragorn who smiled before he slowly wrapped his arms around her and returned her embrace. She pulled away and stood.

"We'll you show me a little now before dinner?" she asked. Legolas nodded and stood. They excused themselves from Aragorn and made their way out into the training field.

"The bow will take too long for you to learn, however, I do believe the long knives will be easy enough," Legolas said as he pulled two sets of long knives from the training room. Aria watched in awe at his grace of handling the weapons once he unsheathed a pair and held the handles out to her. She tentatively took the smooth wood in her hands and looked up at him. Legolas could read the doubt in her eyes. "Do not doubt yourself when you have not yet tried," he whispered to her. She smiled at him and nodded her head before she took a firmer grip on the handles. He turned and picked up the other pair and then turned to face her. "Now, take your stance." Aria had no clue what he was talking about so she just stood there holding the knives. Legolas sighed and sat his down and walked over to her. "Keep your shoulder's straight," he said as he squared her shoulders. "You are holding them wrong. Keep your grip strong but not too tight." He adjusted her grip. She nodded and did her best to ignore the tingling in her hands. "Now, your feet should be even with your shoulders for balance."

"Okay, like this?" she asked as she shifted her position. Legolas looked her over and nodded. "Alright, now let's get to work." Legolas chuckled and picked up his knives.

Aria swung around and blocked Legolas' attack. He had helped train her for a month but she still wasn't getting everything down. Legolas swung one of his knives and stopped right before he would have pierced her stomach. "You keep yourself too open," he said. Aria pushed off of him and grunted. Thanks to Arwen, she now had some leggings and several tunics and boots that were easier to move in then her tennis shoes. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear that had come free from her braid. Legolas stepped up to her and moved her arms so her right would block a blow from above and the other so the other knife would block the blow that would have killed her. "You have two blades and you must keep your guard up at all times." Aria looked him in the eyes and nodded.

"Okay," she said quietly. Legolas stepped away and they began once more. They went back and forth, and it was obvious to any observer that Legolas was holding back. Aria swung around once more and blocked his attack from above as well as the same one she had missed before. Legolas gave her a small smile and she returned it before she shoved him off and swung at him. He, however, had no problems blocking her attack. The continued their sparing for a little longer before a voice called their practice to a halt.

"Aria, Legolas! Come, Lord Elrond will not be happy if you miss another meal," Aragorn called from the pathway. Legolas looked at Aria who nodded and sheathed the knives to her back. Lord Elrond had given her a pair of her own and for that she was very thankful. Legolas sheathed his knives as well and followed up next to her. The two joined Aragorn on the path and Aria smiled at him. "How is training going?" Aria sighed and looked at Legolas who smiled at her.

"Well enough. Although, I am not certain if she will be completely ready for our journey," Legolas said.

"What I'm weak on we can practice during our journey," Aria offered and Aragorn nodded as did Legolas, although he seemed more distant. Soon they arrived at the dinning hall and Aria sat next to Arwen as always and across from Legolas. However, this night the other man, Boromir Legolas had told her his name was sat to her left.

"Lady Aria, do you still intend on making the journey to Mordor with the rest of us?" Boromir asked after taking a sip of his wine. Aria finished chewing and swallowed before she turned and looked at him. Light green met blue and she nodded.

"Very much so, Lord Boromir," Aria said. She had taken to proper speech in front of others besides Legolas, Aragorn, and Frodo, she had to in order for the weird looks to stop.

"Really, even though your training is lacking." Aria looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

"Lacking in what exactly?" she asked. Now all eyes that were in ear shot were on the pair. Boromir chuckled and took another sip of his wine before he looked at her again.

"Lacking in strength, delivery, and aim." Aria glared at him and turned away from him and met the silver-blue eyes of Legolas. Legolas was angered by Boromir's words, but obviously not as angered as Aria. When her eyes met his Legolas took a sharp breath when he literally saw flames in her eyes.

Aria felt odd, yes she was angry, but she felt like she was on fire. Her hands were hot and she looked down to see her palms glow red. Aria's eyes widened and she quickly stood from the table as she clasped her hands together. "Excuse me," she said before she ran from the dinning hall. Legolas went to go after her when Gandalf stopped him.

"Legolas, I will go after her," Gandalf said as he left the room and soon found her in her room. "Aria," he said as he walked inside her room. The door was left open slightly but he knocked as he stepped in. Aria was in the washroom and had her hands soaking in cool water that was left in the basin. Gandalf walked over to her and pulled her hands from the water. He looked them over and saw that they were still red and warm to the touch. Gandalf looked into her eyes and saw that she had been crying but the flames were slowly dying.

"Gandalf, what is happening to me?" she asked quietly. Gandalf shook his head.

"It is not my place to say for I am not fully certain of the matter myself," he said to her gently. "Just calm yourself and try not to linger on your anger." Aria nodded and closed her eyes and thought of calming things like the times she shared with Frodo, Merry, Pippin and Sam and the stories they told her of the Shire. Their stories always seemed to calm her. Soon, the burning sensation left her hands and she opened her eyes and looked at her palms that finally looked completely normal. She dried her eyes and looked back up at Gandalf who smiled at her. "It is alright, child. We will find out more very soon." Aria frowned.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Lord Elrond will want to speak with you soon because of these new developments." Aria's frowned deepened, she was confused and for the first time in nearly a month she wished she was home again.