With You

by Ydream08


Chapter 7

It was a feeling Aragorn has never experienced. He felt squeezed, worse than how, in his childhood, he used to force himself to fit under the bed while his mother was looking for him. Moreover, his insides shifted like he was jumping down and back up a cliff, as if that was possible! It was nauseating. His ears were clogged and mouth dried… just before he threw up.

As a person who has won battles, clashed swords, spied and trapped, led troops and travelled far lands, Aragorn indeed was surprised to be struck dumb by Lady Parkinson again and again.

Why this young woman has entranced him in this way, Aragorn did not have the slightest clue.

First, in the Prancing Pony, she had blasted him with her magic. In less than five minutes, she had bargained with him and succeeded to make him comply. That very night, she opened up to him. About her heart. What she thought about any mortal wondered about love and life.

Brief as it might have been, that honest moment of intimacy had not prepared Aragorn for what happened when he reached to grab her wrist at her departure. To his surprise, his heart skipped a beat and all thought from his mind vanished. The soft skin underneath his fingers radiated a heat that clawed up his arms and crushed his body in a crescendo. Maybe it had all stemmed from a wicked spell cast by those striking green eyes of Lady Parkinson as the two of them had locked gazes. Aragorn has been at a loss since then. At that moment, he knew there was a spark… just before he let go of her. He had to let go of her.

His heart was meant for Arwen, his vowed love of life.

So, Aragorn reasoned to himself that his reaction to Lady Parkinson was not out of the ordinary. There was no denying Lady Parkinson possessed an objective beauty, and unlike with the Elves, her charm felt real and tangible. There was no magical veil that confused the senses of the mortals. Any man to glance her way would be as attracted as Aragorn, he summarized.

Still, the list of surprises only grew from that night on.

It had surprised him that the Lady tried to march to Rivendell in those shoes. Insane and stubborn she was...until Aragorn witnessed she actually accomplished it more than an hour.

It had further surprised him that she let him aid her when she fell that day. He would have thought her to be prideful and against it.

With her magical trick to fend off unaccommodating weather too, she had surprised Aragorn. However it was not so much of a pleasant surprise when she subsequently made it clear all she wanted was to return home. She would do anything to get back.

Surprises, starting with the last, became less enjoyable.

They had survived the confrontation with the Black Riders, yet the surprise of Lady Parkinson's mysterious disappearance and eventual return were overshadowed because of the dried tears on her face. She had cried that night, for what reason Aragorn did not know even now.

Then, there was the surprise that Lady Parkinson knew nothing of the lands they trekked. She knew nothing about the history of Men. The One Ring. The Last Alliance. Nothing. For Aragorn, it was not a surprise well-received. He understood -the young woman was not from these lands, how could she know anything? (He was indeed at a loss where she was actually from)- however these oddities did pour cold water to his otherwise flaming heart.

Although aloof in nature, the young woman thrived to be a part of this journey and whenever Aragorn felt she was managing it, it surprised him to find that she has cried again. She never divulged the reason of her distress. Aragorn knew naught the answer for her lack of urge to share.

She was… distant—That was wrong. Lady Parkinson put distance.

Spending time in her presence, Aragorn constantly learned new feelings… He had new surprises, both enjoyable and less so.

However, now, feeling her hand between his shoulder blades, gently patting him while he heaved, the surprise of her kindness was more than enjoyable. He could not be more thankful that she was there. It felt heartwarming to be cared for by her.

"Ugh, gross, isn't it?" her velvet voice complained apologetically. "I should have warned you, but I guess sorry won't bring back your lunch, eh?"

Aragorn closed his eyes. His stomach still felt funny. Would he throw up again?

"Here, just…"

Gentle fingers were removing one side of his hair that had some of its strands stuck to his face, in sweat, vomit or spit, Aragon did not know.

"Are you done? Feeling better? Argh, I need to wash my hands after this..."

Aragorn nodded nonsensically while cleaning his mouth. Making sure that he would no longer be emptying the content of his stomach, he managed to stand. Wiping his face, he only caught at the last moment that the corner of his coat was used by Lady Parkinson much like a handkerchief.

She had let go of the fabric when he made eye contact. She looked innocent as a baby who has wet itself.

"I can buy you a pie here? What do you say?" the Lady said. Her proud smile was shark-ish, but Aragorn couldn't understand what in the name of Valar she was talking about until he turned his head where she pointed with her chin.

There, not twenty steps ahead, stood the familiar inn which had people bustling about, the owner Mr Butterbur's voice booming from the open windows, as the sole sign that read 'Prancing Pony' swayed with the light wind.

This surprise, by far, was the biggest one that accomplished to turn Aragorn to a poor man with a cut-tongue.

"Come! If we don't enjoy this, there is no point of me Apparating us kilometers away… After we go back, I have to let my wand rest, too. There would have been no need if I was sleeping in my own bed and took a potion that first day I was cold...but anyway..."

Yet, Aragorn did not follow Lady Parkinson to the inn. He did not think he could make his legs walk. He could not feel his limbs.

Only a few moments ago they were in that Troll cave! No Men, Dwarf or Elf could travel those lands in less than a day. Perhaps on the back of a dragon, or if you were one; but this was beyond comprehension. Even the evil power of the ring could not do magic so impressive… if it had, Sauron would have obtained his One Ring from Frodo long weeks ago.

Magic, his mind answered and his eyes took in the frame of Lady Parkinson. Hers was a different magic than the Grey Wizard's. Aragorn had not known about it but Lady Parkinson knew. She has brought me here on a whim, it occurred to him.

Gradually, his freeze thawed and Aragorn found himself flaring like a firework.

"Is this a game you play, milady? What is it in your mind to make such cruelty?"

The Lady turned and her green eyes wavered, taken aback. Her lovely brows crossed but before she could respond, Aragorn continued.

"It is by your magic we came back here, so you made the trip of eleven days in the blink of an eye. No Men could dream this, yet, you knew of your power. While we walked for hours, for days, with no food, dwindling provisions, a wounded comrade, you never spoke a word. Tell me, milady, how has your heart bore such burden? Has your conscience not awoken you all those nights we spent outside shivering in the dark, scared for our lives with those Riders on our track?"

Aragorn expected shame to colour her temples, her pretty eyes to drop in guilt, her voice to plead him his forgiveness. None came. The Lady simply looked conflicted.

"We could have bought food. Clothes. Medicine." Aragorn persisted to get a proper reaction from Lady Parkinson. "What if Gandalf has dropped by? We could have heard of news." Aragorn searched her eyes to see she understood the gravity of her secrecy yet the more he spoke, it looked Lady Parkinson shut him off more layer by layer.

"Will you not speak?" Aragorn insisted. Her eyes narrowed, to which he decided to plead sternly. "I want an explanation."

To that, Lady Parkinson stepped towards him dangerously. What she was capable of, Aragorn more or less knew. He would be a fool to be caught by surprise. Yet he has always been a fool when it came to Lady Parkinson.

"I learned not to question you." Lady Parkinson said pointedly. "Did you hear me complaining when you said we walked a bit too North? Yeah, I did not open my mouth. So, I believe I deserve the same respect."

"That is not respect—" Aragorn protested.

"It is respect when a person—"

"I told everyone when we were close to the troll countries why it would not be wise to—"

"That was not the explanation why you led us that much North to begin with. You never shared your route to Rivendell. So, what I consider respect is? It is not fucking with someone's decision."

"Your decision affects the welfare of our party as a whole…" Aragorn's voice died down because for some reason he lost faith that Lady Parkinson could be reasoned.

"Your decision of directions affected the party as a whole, too." said Lady Parkinson mockingly.

Aragorn dropped his head, one hand supporting his forehead. Lady Parkinson could not be reasoned when his own reason was flawed.

Through gaining experience and wisdom, Aragorn has become a man whose advice and expert have always been sought. Leader, he generally found himself in the position of. There were those with whom he discussed matters -masters, chiefmans and similar seniors- yet in this journey, Frodo and the hobbits had solely trusted him to get them safely to Rivendell.

They asked how long it was left to get there, not how to get there ever.

With Lady Parkinson, it was different. She has not taken well that Aragorn has planned by himself. So, hiding her ability of travel… Was that a punishment? Aragorn wondered. Was this her vengeance?

Would Lady Parkinson hold back knowledge and power whenever she wished, regardless of its benefit to them? Did it benefit her, as it was?

Aragorn did not want to believe Lady Parkinson to be capable of this level of selfishness, but he has not known her for long, has he?

Then again, mayhaps because she knew little of Aragorn, that she has not asked to be informed about their path and his plans before she silently resented him. Aragorn would have liked to share whatever she required. Even today, when Lady Parkinson asked about Elendil, he had decided to answer her as much as he could considering the lands they passed.

"My magic does not allow me to go anywhere and everywhere," came a voice.

At the huff, Aragorn found it safe to raise his eyes to look at Lady Parkinson. She was docile, almost bored with the conversation.

This seemed like an acquiescence on her part.

She continued, "I can only travel to places I have been and know well. And I can't take five people with me— that is beyond my ability. Better wizards and witches might be able to do that. Anyway… More to the point, I understood our travel is not based on comfort so I focused to get there as soon as we could. You take it lightly, but I really need to get to that wizard Mr Grey. And, Disapparating a few hours or more a day would not help us to arrive at that Rivendell as quickly as possible. Even if we did, it would be ridiculous because everyone is Muggle— non-wizards. I don't want to raise attention to my magic."

"You could not have taken us to Rivendell because you have never been there." Aragorn stated to make it clear.

Lady Parkinson rolled her eyes. "That's what I said."

"Alright," Aragorn immediately replied to not raise the Lady's ire. He already felt drained because of the unfavorable air between them. "Your logic is not unreasonable, however I find that we could make better of your powers, still. We could have bought food from Bree, for example. You are able to travel here, as you've shown me now."

Aragorn's pointed stare finally made the blush of shame colour Lady Parkinson's temples.

He smiled involuntarily at the sight, then continued to offer peace. "Anyhow… Would it be desirable for you to discuss these with me beforehand?"

Lady Parkinson raised her eyebrows.

Aragorn added, "Of course, I will include you to any plan I have for the party."

There was a silence in which Lady Parkinson considered his offer.

"For now," she agreed.

Aragorn filed away the slippery slope he stood with Lady Parkinson, yet it was easing to find that she was able to be reasoned. One small detail remained in his mind...

"Also… Why did you make me promise to take you to Bree that night in the inn if you could come back on your own?"

"Do you have to know everything?" She crossed her arms around her bust in annoyance.

"Yes… especially when it comes to you." He couldn't help his smile. Raising his eyebrows to prompt Lady Parkinson to speak, he found it has caused her to burn red in sweet embarrassment. Endearing, he thought, like when he had seen her in the woods… when she was bathing—

Aragorn had to blink so the image would be repelled from his mind. He did not need this right now. He knew it was wrong. He would never betray Arwen's love like this. Not with his actions, but not even with his thoughts.

Lady Parkinson cleared her throat to dissipate the edge to their mood.

"So… about that pie…" She nearly moaned the name of the dish which did not help the least. Aragorn's eyes popped open as he felt a blush of his own rise to his cheeks. Why was his body betraying him so readily? "Even if you aren't having any, I sure hell will. You coming?"

Aragorn was left speechless for a moment by Lady Parkinson's allure (He had to stop this). It seemed like she would not be waiting to get an answer from him.

"Wait," Aragorn called to her receding back. She stopped.

He had to focus on their mission. It must have been nearing half an hour since they arrived in Bree. What were the others doing back at the camp? The hobbits could be worried, and even in danger… They should not have left them to their devices for so long.

"We must return in haste," Aragorn insisted. "We have been absent for far too long."

"I told you I can't make the travel again till tomorrow, I don't want to splinch either of us."

Although Aragorn did not fully understand the last part, he weighed his options. They could make something work.

"Buy the pie to go. And a few other things to eat. You may also ask Mr Butterburr whether he has heard from Gandalf. I shall visit a vendor to see if I can find anything for Frodo's wound. We will come meet here in half an hour."

Lady Parkinson looked around, then snorted. "Half an hour is too short for all that; at least for you! I can't see any stores, or vendors as you said, close here...what are you going to do, sprint?"

Aragorn only smiled. Nobody knew Bree better than he did.

"Oh, also," Aragorn took out a pouch of coins. When Lady Parkinson did not act to take it, he threw it at her. "You might need this."

She had fast reaction to catch it like that.

"You've got to be kidding me…" Lady Parkinson's eyes popped open at finding the money. She looked flustered as she glanced between the pouch and him. "Fine! Just so you know, I don't need your money. Technically. Arrgh. I will choke you in my vault one day because I can; and you will remember this day, Strider, and you will be sorry—"

"—How ever you like. Now, we should hurry."


Pansy helped Aragorn while he vomited for a second time.

"What happened to the Strider?" cried out Pippin.

Before Pansy could answer, another voice was heard, "Where did the two of you vanish, Lady?"

Sam was quickly backed up by Merry. "Yeah. We thought you'd never show up! It's been more than an hour!"

"It smells funny here... I think I might join Strider," mumbled Frodo.

Pansy has had enough.

"Shut up, all of you! Can't you see he is not fine?" she finally snapped.

Frodo kindly answered her by retching.

"Ugh, just… not you too!"

Pansy let out a frustrated shriek but did not leave Aragorn by himself. The man must have a weak stomach, she thought as she held his hair out of the way and stroked his back while he continued to vomit bile. Back when she applied for Apparition licence twice, sure she has splinched her partner once and missed her destination countless times… but Pansy has never had any stomach problems. She could only imagine Aragorn's distress.

Pansy was aware Hobbits were helping each other while she took care of Aragorn, but she hated that she was left in the middle of a commotion.

"Are you done?"

It must have sounded angrier than she intended as Aragorn immediately said something close to, "I'm fine. Leave me be, milady."

Of course, she did not.

In a few moments, Aragorn seemed to cease so Pansy helped him sit down right away. She casted an Evanesco on the vomit, did the same to get rid of Frodo's vomit as well, and cast Aguamenti on both of the boys to clean them up.

"Better?" Pansy asked Aragorn, holding his hand. She reached to get his hair out of his face.

Aragorn nodded absentmindedly. "I do not enjoy your magic."

Pansy would have felt more cross at hearing something like that from a Muggle, but not today.

"Yeah, well, good thing it is mine then."

Pansy looked him. Face ashen, eyes teared and mouth dried. He looked like a mess. He must be feeling awful at the moment. Vomiting twice? Even once would leave anyone drained. And sad. And their head dizzy.

Aragorn should eat something, Pansy thought and immediately took out a portion of the food she bought from the Prancing Pony.

"What is that?" came Merry's voice. "And how did it fit in your bag?"

Pansy turned to see them quite confused. She looked down at her small clutch bag that would not in normal circumstances fit a pie. It was an expensive bag that came with Expansion Charms. She has spent three months of her salary on it.

"Here help yourselves." Pansy handed over the bag at Pippin. "I got some stuff from Bree. Be careful with the bag, though. I want it back right away unscathed."

"Bree? What do you mean Bree?"

"Valar sees this! It is Mr Butterbur's pie!"

"I don't like this, sir. This is not normal."

"Thank you, Lady Parkinson."

Pansy elected to ignore the Hobbits and helped Aragorn get some food in his stomach. She filled his water skin using Aguamenti, and he drank greedily once his stomach calmed.

Now that they have settled, Pansy struggled to overlook the rush of blood in her ears as close as they were.

"Thank you," Aragorn said, eyes intently on her.

The pounding of her heart hastened at his attention. It didn't help that he did not look away as the seconds passed. What did he think he was doing? She knew it would not be good to be impressed by this man...romantically or sexually. She has known this the past week. Merlin help her to command her body to comply.

Aragorn was not helping.

She needed to help herself. So, she nodded to finish this interaction. Aragorn nodded back but his gaze remained on her. Clearing her throat to divert his attention next, finally did the trick.

He faced away and closed his eyes. Pansy could see the red colour of his temples where his beard did not reach. Squeezing his eyes shut a few more moments before he took a deep breath, "I need to see Frodo," said Aragorn and left her by herself without a second glance.

If it were not for Pippin who came to ask all about their crazy adventure to Bree, Pansy would have fallen into a foul mood much more quicker.


Hello!

Hope everyone's doing splendid! I'm not entirely happy with this chapter because it has been sitting for a long while... and the progress is indeed slow :D Yet it is all because of my tight exam schedule. Have an exam next Thursday, too. Expect more chapters after that!

Hope you liked it :) Take care.

Guest Review Responses:

Amy: I love reading from you every time! And I'm glad you like how the focus is always on our two love-birds-to-be. I am not very well-versed in this fandom yet, so writing about those two is much easier for me with Pansy already being a familiar character compared to the rest. Also building relationships is fun... If their love is becoming more beliable by the chapter, no one is happier than me :D AND YES #JEALOUSY! I laughed so much at that. I will crack Aragorn and Arwen's relationship beforehand but it will be fun either way. That will definitely be an example when Aragorn's rival comes for a reverse jelousy, which will show a healthy relationship dynamic in that situation. I WILL DEFINITELY SURPRISE both you and me with the romantic-interest, because I can't still decide. After the exam, I promise. I get so excited when I write to you about these! Thank you. You are an amazing person and a lovely reader xox.