Ydream08

With You


Chapter 8

In the end, it took them another hour to leave the trolls behind. The bright side was that Frodo was much better for the journey now that Aragorn tended him with medicine he had bought in Bree. It helped that their route down to the Road was easier than most of their days, too.

By evening a chill hung in the air and the cheerful noises of the forest dimmed. Pansy could swear the ominous feeling that followed them was like it foretold that a Dementor was closing in on them. Ever since her third year in Hogwarts, they have become a nightmare for her. It did not help that she has never accomplished to cast a Patronus charm.

Shivering at the thought, Pansy collected her coat tighter around her and unthinkingly stepped closer to Pippin. Pansy looked down at the Hobbit she could call a friend (she could not get to be picky nowadays) and it occurred to her how absurd it would be if Pippin indeed protected her from any kind of foe. With how he only reached her waist he could hardly be a shield to an oncoming attack, and in a case of fleeing Pansy imagined she would only trip over him.

Oh, she was being absurd! If anything happened, Pansy planned on Disapparating. Sad that the only place she knew to escape was Bree. Utterly predictable.

What would become of her companions then? the thought seeped into her mind but Pansy repelled it immediately. Unless the Dark Lord himself held a wand aimed at her chest, Pansy Parkinson would not answer tricky questions like that. Not even in her mind.

Shaking her head off the thoughts, Pansy was not late to catch the noise new to the harrowing woods. Although faint enough to miss it at first, once recognized it was a noise that sucked the air out of their lungs. Hoofs, Pansy identified, and not that of old Bill's.

It was as though Pansy heard the neigh of the Black Rider's horse once again; the horrible encounter in Weathertop was fresh in her mind. For a change, she would not be the idiot to lure any rider to them.

She glanced at her companions to see that she was not alone to hear the noise. Everyone scrambled to nearby bushes where they could not be seen and huddled together with Aragorn situated at the front of the group. Pansy felt safer to be behind him, his towering figure gave her a sense of security walking beside Pippin never could achieve.

"Are they close?" Pansy whispered.

There was no mistaking the sound of a horse galloping towards them.

"They are not far away," Aragorn noted lightly.

Pansy wanted to smack the back of his head, for she bet Aragorn was smirking while his back was to her. "Oh, so it is an appropriate time to joke?" she hissed.

"Wait, Lady Pansy. Listen," Frodo insisted. Any other day Pansy would have shown her irritation for Frodo's butting in, but she decided a day her life was not at risk would be better. So, yes, she shut her mouth and listened: their pursuer was drawing nearer. She heard the rhythm of clippety-clippety-clip, accompanied by what sounded like a bell's chime. What on earth was that?

"Strider, that is different to the horses of the Black Riders, isn't it?" Frodo spoke again.

Pansy agreed it did not sound like blood thirsty cloaked ghosts were after them, but putting their rightful suspicions aside would be foolish with nine riders in their pursuit! Shame that the hobbits seemed to share Frodo's hope, and they were not deterred thanks to Aragorn's rather elated expression.

"Who is it then?" Pansy insisted. She would not stay put to become dinner to some trolls or any other hideous creature. "It's not a bloody traveller, on that I hope we all agree."

Aragorn shushed her. Sensitive-stomach-sword-fighter bloody Muggle shushed her! What right does he see in himself to shush her?

Seconds to Pansy going ballistic, the noise of the oncoming horse slowed to a trot and all too soon a white stallion emerged from the thick trees surrounding the Road.

As majestic as the animal was, one would think the rider would not stand a chance for the slightest of attention. Yet Pansy's mouth dried to see the man holding the reins. His broad chest peeked through the thick light coloured cloak he wore. With the hood down, his voluminous silver-blonde hair -longer than even hers!- fell way down his shoulders like a curtain to his frame. He was a handsome man. Even Lucius Malfoy had a crooked nose compared to him! It wasn't only the proportion of his features though; Pansy had to be mad for seeing a psychedelic shimmer beneath his skin. It was as though he was a light-source on his own.

The shiver that shook Pansy was indeed familiar to her. It wasn't because of fright or disdain; there was something prepossessing about being in the presence of a person so good-looking.

"Merlin's beard!" Pansy exclaimed when Aragorn as good as leaped out of their hiding place towards the traveller.

First thing Pansy realized was the glint of recognition in the blonde man's eyes. His mouth moved but words he spoke were nothing like Pansy has ever heard. That was saying something considering that Pansy has heard even Merpeople.

During their exchange Pansy observed the contrast between the two men. From head to toe, Aragorn wore black unlike the blond man who wore creme and white. Aragorn was shorter, Pansy noted, and for a split second she wondered whether her judgement that he was an irresistible man was because, for weeks, the only comparison she had had were the hobbits.

That explained Pansy's uncontrollable infatuation. Back home, she has had so many suitors to choose from that something childish like a crush has never bloomed in her.

Hobbits stirred and one by one left for the Road where the two men stood. Pansy realised Aragorn was calling for them to come out, so she followed the group with reluctance.

"This is Glorfindel, who dwells in the house of Elrond!" Aragorn introduced the blonde man.

"Hail and well met at last!" Glorfindel greeted Frodo, a content smile lighting his face and making him look much younger. Odd, Pansy thought; it had not occurred to her to estimate his age.

Overhearing their chat as she walked closer, Pansy summarised he was from where they were headed: Rivendell. Unfortunately, the wizard Pansy was seeking had not yet arrived in the city by the time Glorfindel left in search for their small party.

"...and I came to the Bridge of Mitheithel, and left a token there—"

His blue eyes stalled on her. It was such an abrupt shift that everyone in the group turned to look at her. Her mother would have sneered to see the obvious blush that flared on her face but Pansy couldn't help it. She was self-conscious. Of course, it wasn't entirely about Glorfindel. When everyone looked at her that way, it was quick to list all her flaws.

Her hair must be a mess. Not that it was knotted or untidy, the brush she had easily transfigured from a rock helped her immensely, but Aguamenti could not do miracles when she was short of soap. Pansy dared not to imagine the state of her unplucked eyebrows, she could not attend to them as regularly as she used to! During the day, the group traveled nearly without stop (even if they took a five, Pansy would be exhausted to lift a finger) and once night came it was a hussle to maintain three spells all at once (two transfiguations and one Lumos; the latter no one liked since a light-source was a risk on its own with riders on their tow). Worst of all, once luxurious and speckless coat she wore was battered and dirt-covered, so were her breaches and blouse. Their fabric couldn't withstand reappliance of spells even if Pansy has gotten better at sewing and cleaning charms in the few weeks that they have been travelling.

Collecting her arms by her bust, Pansy forced herself to accept that she was better compared to the company. Nontheless, she caught the sight of her nails, too, and cursed the state she was in. Dirt underneath and three of them broken, not to mention the remnants of her last nail paint evident, her hands were ugly. It had been stupid and sentimental to keep the nail polish; but now it was just a hindrance Pansy had no willpower fix.

Pansy Parkinson was at the worst point in her life -unhygienic, ragged and poor- and there was nothing she could do about it (not that it mattered in the Merlin forgotten place!) ; unless she found civilization that is.

Nevertheless, Pansy managed to collect a semblance of confidence and cocked an eyebrow as she asked, "Is there something on my face?"

Glorfindel did not immediately reply, and when he did, her question wasn't addressed.

"So this time you have come, Pansy Paeonia Parkinson," Glorfindel confessed.

Confused, Pansy asked, "What's that supposed to mean? Have we even met?"

"Unfortunately, there is no time for further news." His eyes lingered on her, not long enough for Pansy to press for substantial information. Pansy huffed. Convenient of him to change the subject.

Sam Gamgee jumped to Glorfindel's attention to Frodo.

"We were attacked, sir. Master Frodo is injured, he can hardly stand!"

True to his word, Pansy saw that Frodo's health had declined. Regardless of the medicine from Bree, their walk to the Road since the afternoon must have worn him out. The little hobbit has blanched, droplets of sweat hung by his forehead while his eyes could hardly focus.

"I'm fine, Sam. I don't feel so… so bad…"

Aragorn immediately intervened, of course. "It happened at Weathertop. We found traces of Gandalf. Lady Pansy proved it—"

In panic, Pansy cleared her throat. "Ahem, ahem."

She would definitely kill the imbecile if he was determined to reveal that she was a witch. Why was it so difficult to understand? Her powers were meant to be secret. A secret!

"—Long story short," Aragorn changed his course and for once, Pansy saw in his eyes a true and meaningful apology.

As he continued to relay their adventure without giving her away, Pansy's relief eased the tension between her shoulders. Last thing she wished was a witch hunt after herself.

Yet some unease hung in the air, especially originating from Glorfindel. Pansy was adamant he knew something about her, and Aragorn's little slip has made it more awkward. Pansy could swear under his long hair, just at the back of his head, Glorfindel must have another set of eyes that were fixed on her.

Pansy didn't like him. No matter how handsome he was.

"There are evil things written on this hilt." Glorfindel's musical voice observed. Pansy recognized the hilt Aragorn had handed to Glorfindel. "Though maybe your eyes cannot see them. Keep it, Aragorn, till we reach House of Elrond! But be wary, and handle it as little as you may! Alas! the wounds of this weapon are beyond my skill to heal. I will do what I can—but all the more do I urge you now to go on without rest.

"You shall ride my horse." Glorfindel spoke surprisingly to Pansy. "You and Frodo Baggins must make haste and ride together. He is not in good shape to ride; with you it will be easier."

"What?" Pansy was incredulous. Oh, she would die to ride that magnificent beast! Her legs and feet were killing her since she learned their trip was to be on foot. However, it would be understatement to say it was a shock she was offered the courtesy.

"Do you know how to ride, Lady Pansy?" Aragorn asked, apparently mistaking her silence as hesitation.

"What now, do you think I'm uncivilized?" Pansy spat but didn't make a move to prove them she could ride.

Glorfindel held the reins in a sturdy clutch while he beckoned Pansy to mount the animal.

"My horse will not let any rider fall that I command him to bear. We, Elves, discipline and share such a bond that our companion's trust is unquestionable."

"Elves?" Pansy asked, not sure whether she had heard right. She searched Aragorn's face to determine how much of a fool they were taking her.

"Glorfindel is of the Elven Folk," Aragorn explained, nodding to her.

"Oh, fuck me…" she breathed out. Pansy glanced back at Glorfindel. Shady or not, no way in hell could Glorfindel share an ancestor with any House-elf! They were different species!

Pansy took in the sight of him again from head to toe. Nope. Definitely not.

Looking into his eyes and seeing mirth reflected there, Pansy realised what she had just said.

It's not like— surely they understood what she had meant! Not…. not…. not that.

Aragorn's downward gaze explained enough.

Fuck.

"Merlin's beard! Just—whatever!" she spat in anger. Now desiring the route of escape, she walked to the horse in long strides and mounted him masterfully as she has always done. Her own father was no saint, but it was him who had taught her how to ride. He had the mind to raise his daughter so she could put any pureblooded male in their place.

Glorfindel passed the reins without any comments. Pansy nodded her thanks. She would not say that out loud. Definitely not.

The tense silence was broken when Aragorn spoke, "I'll help Frodo up."

"No, Strider. I shall not ride and leave my friends behind to fend off dangers alone. It is simply not possible!"

"I doubt very much," Glorfindel pointed out, "if your friends would be in danger if you were not with them!"

The two kept their gazes a few moments before Glorfindel glanced at Pansy. "The pursuit would follow you-" He faced Frodo once more. "-and leave us in peace, I think. It is you, Frodo, and that which you bear that brings us all in peril."

The ring, Pansy understood suddenly. Now connecting the dots, she realised Glorfindel was sending her away with Frodo because she, too, had a trinket Aragorn had suggested to be perilous. Two bloody rings.

Fuck me indeed.


Hello!

I know the chapter is rather short, but it was the right place to cut since Pansy won't be passed out like Frodo and we will ride to and walk inside Rivendell together with her! Imagine the drama! Who knows, perhaps Pansy will seduce Aragorn by the time Frodo wakes up in time for the Council of Elrond? I'm excited for that one :D

I also decided to post to let you guys know that I'm alive, and this story hasn't been forgotten.

Hopefully all of you are in good health, doing well, and staying safe. Nevertheless, I hope reading this chapter can lift your spirits!

As always, underlined sentences are from LotR: the Fellowship of the Ring.

I'll return to all reviews in due time, but every one of you make me smile, proud and the most joyous! I'm happy to be able share a glimpse into my restless brain & imagination! Kisses and hugs!

Ydream08

*Excuse any mistake (all mine), I'll edit again later.