Hello! And again it's me! Well, writing this chapter I suddenly realized, that battle scenes are my really, really weak point and that I completely forgot about one of the members of the Fellowship. So, I'm sooooo sooorrrry, Bill the Pony! Promise, I'll improve!

Chapter 9 "Standing Still"

Dinner was…really tasty, thanks to Aurelia and her fresh view on cooking. Usual products found a new taste. After enjoying the meal and basking in the sun, came the time the travelers start packing and thought of a better way to follow.

Della was sitting quietly, while everyone were walking back and forth, trying to find this or that thing, absently drawing lines on the ground with a stick. Something was out of place, something was in the air. Air…She made a deep breath and her heart sank. There was a foreboding of evil in the air. She looked down at her drawing and almost gasped – there was a circle with a rectangle in it – a sign of danger coming.

Legolas jumped to his feet, his face worried. For a minute he was listening and scanning the forest. Then,

"Orcs! They are near! A small detachment!" He cried out.

Now everything came into action. Hobbits and Aurelia with frightened faces doubled their efforts to pack the things quickly, whereas the grown-ups gathered to discuss the further actions.

"We won't have time to make a detour without starting a fight!" Boromir stated.

"But we cannot risk and battle. Who knows if more will come?" Reasoned Gandalf.

"I see what you mean, Boromir, but we don't know how strong is the current and how deep is the river?" Gimli asked not without a reason. Everybody went silent for a moment.

"We have to risk, if we want to escape the fight," Aragorn decided finally. "I and Boromir will take the hobbits."

Not wishing to lose any time Boromir grabbed Merry and Pippin and made his way to the river.

"Gandalf, go with them!" Aragorn exclaimed. Legolas neared Strider, loading his bow.

"Estel, the dwarf wouldn't make across the river and we can't drag him," he said in Elvish. Aragorn looked around – two hobbits, a dwarf, and Aurelia left. Too bad.

"Seeing your difficulties, gentlemen, I feel obligated to offer my help, so you won't lose time," Delawien appeared out of nowhere. Two men looked at her quizzically. Instead of giving any explanations she whistled loudly and several seconds later the stallion's neigh was heard and soon Nox appeared, galloping towards them.

"Nox can take Frodo and Gimli and your things, as the pony will swim," she stated plainly.

"Why should I believe you?" Aragorn asked narrowing his eyes.

"'Cause you have no other choice," she offered. Aragorn looked her in the eyes intently and after a moment's hesitation he nodded.

"I'm mot mounting that creature!" Gimli declared obstinately after he had heard about their plan.

"Don't worry, my stallion had never let the rider down," Delawien told him proudly.

Meantime, orcs were coming closer, their cries could be heard, and everyone understood that little time was left for them, before the opening they occupied would be full of enemy. While Aragorn and Legolas were hoisting the things Della decided it was time she prepared herself to the inevitable conflict. It was time to show real her. She came to Nox, took off the cloak she was wearing all that time and hoisted it to the saddle. Everybody just stared. She was really tall, only a head lower than Aragorn and had a trained, well-developed body. She wore a dark-blue dress – a tight-fitting sleeveless bodice with low v-neckline and a knee-length skirt with irregular-shaped hem and a cut, up to her mid-tight over her right leg; laced brown leathered boots about inches short of her knees, still, covered with the hem of the dress; two brown forearm guards with engraved symbols upon them; and a wide brown leather belt on her hips with two sai, two daggers and four shurikens (throwing stars) in it.

Aurelia gazed at Della wide-eyed, though the others shared the same impressed expression. It was before the first arrow landed into the opening and everyone returned to action. Aragorn helped Frodo and Gimli to mount, while Della was holding the reins.

"I warn you, if something happens with them," Strider threatened, "I will see to your death." She just smirked in response, turned to Nox and whispered in his ear so no one else could hear:

"Irdento cardone il tir dar tegroso, Nox (i)," with these words she released the reins and Nox dashed away, followed by Bill, who obviously wasn't happy by the prospect of having a swim.

Meanwhile, orcs reached the bank of the river and with hideous cries dashed to the rest of the travelers. Not thinking twice, Delawien rushed into the battle. Sai in both her hands, she was swinging them, clubbing orcs at the best of her abilities. Aragorn looked over frightened to death Aurelia and Sam, then to Legolas and unsheathed his sword.

"Legolas, take Aurelia and go, I'll manage myself," he shouts, before chopping an orc's head.

Aurelia blinked. What did he mean take me? Before she could understand what was going on, a pair of man's hands lifted her and flung her over his shoulder, so that her body was flopping limply like a rag doll. She lost the ability to speak when Legolas, as it was he who carried him, stepped onto the surface of the water! Stop. Legolas is carrying me? What familiarity! How did he have the guts to act so with me, she uselessly tried to get angry with him, but the stubborn inner voice told her another things. Yes, Aurelia, you're just ungrateful cow! He's saving your life, and it's after you insulted him. If I were him, I would left you die there!

No one knows how long, would she have speculated on that, if the elf hadn't stopped all of a sudden. Legolas freed Aurelia from his grasped, trying to keep a neutral face. She was stunned, pure amaze was written on her face an all she could force was,

"Wow…um…that was…cool…thanks…I think," then she collected herself, remembering the kind of their relationship, her face became calm. Legolas just bowed and reached for his bow and arrows, turning his attention to the other bank. He tried to concentrate on what was going on over there, but, for unknown to him reasons, the image of Aurelia's flushed face and entangled golden curls stood in his eyes.

Aragorn stood in front of scared Sam, battling with orcs. In the corner of his eye he could see arrows flying and reaching there destination and he knew it was Legolas who was shooting. Della was blocking the blows, making complex combinations of kicks and punches. Anyway, she saw the things were getting worse and worse, as more orcs were coming. They had to cross the river or they would be in trouble. Thinking of the further actions, she found only right decision, but she wasn't a saint benefactor to risk her life here and there for everyone. On the other hand, if she'd gained Aragorn's trust, her mission could be fulfilled without being placed in jeopardy by the members of the Fellowship. So with that she started to fight her way towards Strider.

"Take Sam and go, cross the river," she cried to him. He turned his head to look at her and almost lost it, but blocked the blow in time.

"What of you? We can't leave you here!"

"Oh, yeah?" She laughed out loud. "Since when you started caring about me?" Della cut an orc's throat. "There's no time to argue, just go, I'll cover you." Aragorn looked at the girl attentively: she was so determined, obviously aware of what she was doing, so he nodded. Seizing the opportunities, Delawien jumped aside, push of the ground and, making three back flips landed behind Aragorn in time to stab the orc with the sai, before he could wound Strider.

"Go! Now!" She cried, rushing into the attack with double fierce.

Without further ado, Aragorn grabbed Sam and made a dash for the other bank, struggling with the flow of the river. The two were well-protected: by the true hits of Legolas' arrows and fighting skills of courageous woman.

Della sensed energy running through her veins – it always happened in a battle, she was enjoying risking her life, feeling so free and strong, though never did she lose her mind and common sense in a battle, always being so reasonable, calculating. It all went in one motion to her: striking, blowing, punching, and thrusting a dagger. In the corner of her eye she saw Aragorn and Sam reaching the middle of the river, and that very time a clear voice of reason told her not to risk her life for nothing. As a result, wielding her sai skillfully she made her retreat, never looking away from the battle field. For the first time ever, she was grateful to Legolas, as he was shooting down the orcs out of her way. With a twist of her hands she put sai back in her belt and struggled forward. The others were waiting on the other bank.

"You were battling greatly, though it's a shame we had left you alone," Boromir offered his hand to help her out of water.

"Thanks," after a minute hesitation and struggle with herself, Della took his hand, and together they joined the others: Gandalf again led the way, followed by slightly confused Aurelia, who cast as she hoped secret glances at Legolas, next walked Gimli, then Nox, haunted by four admiring hobbit's and one Pony, soon joined by Boromir. Delawien smirked at the picture and went after the group slowly, wringing out the skirt of her dress.

"Thank you," Aragorn came from behind, "for risking your life for us." Della rolled her eyes, but didn't answer, pretending being very busy drying her clothes. She apparently wasn't kind of girl, who eased tension, instead she always put her opponent into an awkward, disadvantageous position. Aragorn took a deep breath and continued.

"I am aware of that you had no reason helping us…me in particular."

"Oh, haven't I?" Dellawien turned to him. "Well, then, suppose I'm a kind of a good fairy, who always comes to the aid of those who are in peril." She said sarcastically, before turning and walking quickly away.

"Wait!" Aragorn called. She came to a full stop and looked him searchingly in the face. "I owe you an apology, Lady Delawien. It was harsh to accuse you of spying, but now since you proved to be loyal to us, I wanted to…"

"Stop insulting yourself, Aragorn, son of Arathorn," Della interrupted coldly, and started to move away, saying on her way, "Save your apology for some fair lady. As for me, I don't need it." And she made her way to Nox, who seemed angry that he wasn't the first she had spoken to, as he bit her skirt and drew her up to him.

The fire was bright and warm and it cast shadows on faces of those, who tried to get warmer. The day was really full of excitement and most of them soon retreated to sleep. Merry and Pippin didn't even manage to reach their "beds", as they fell asleep in the same spot they had their supper. Aurelia set thoughtfully with a mug of hot tea in her hands, staring into the fire.

"Are you O.K.?" Aragorn sat near her with a friendly smile on his handsome face.

"Yeah," she answered absentmindedly. "Why?"

"You look…disturb, like something is bothering you." She looked into his eyes, so much wisdom was in them, so much life experience. She wondered if he could ever understand her.

"I just…miss my family. I left them without telling a word and I feel so bad because of it…" She sighed, looking around their small camp. "Maybe I shouldn't be here, I mean, you have a purpose to follow, and I have none. I feel so…useless, kind of…" Aragorn put his hand on her shoulder, his voice steady and convincing.

"Aurelia, you shouldn't say so. I don't know your reasons, but you've come here, you're with us and that's where you are meant to be. If Gandalf says you have to go with us, so it be, as he's the wisest of all men. This is your purpose, your road to follow, this is what was destined to you. And by all means you aren't useless, see, what a change you have brought to our daily menu?" Aurelia smiled brightly, looking at Strider gratefully.

"Thank you," she whispered, "for listening to me…"

"It's nothing. Now, better go to bed, tomorrow will be another hard day." With one final smile Aurelia wished him good night and drifted off to sleep.

Frodo had no peace that night. Those dreams, dark dreams, were haunting him, and the Voice, never giving rest, proclaiming something that belonged to Him, and Him only. Sitting near the fire, deep at night, he thought of everything that had happened with him since Bilbo's party. Was it possible that the life of one person could change so fast and so much? What would wait for him? Was he capable of fulfilling this quest? Was he capable of struggling with that darkness that had surrounded him and his friends? Frodo felt so helpless, so tired, he wanted to scream of frustration. Why couldn't everything be the same as it was? Why did he volunteer, in the first place?

"Can't sleep?" Frodo lifted his eyes to see the dark-haired girl.

"Yes," he replied cautiously.

"Then it makes two of us," Delawien gave a half-smile and set near him. "I know what bothers you, Frodo," she began quietly, looking him in the eyes. "I know whom you're struggling with…"

"But…how?" Frodo was stunned beyond speech. Did someone of the Fellowship tell her?

"Listen to me carefully now, Frodo Baggins. But before I tell you anything, swear to me that our talk would stay a secret to everyone, even Aragorn and Gandalf." She peered into his eyes, making him uncomfortable. He was afraid of her, of what she can tell him, but most of all he wanted to know what she had to say.

"O.K., I swear," he said, trying to sound as confident as he could. To his surprise, Della smiled sincerely, but immediately it faded.

"Well, Frodo, dangerous thing you are caring, more insidious that you can ever imagine. And I want to warn you, soon it will get control over you. Struggle as hard as you can, but the longer it stays in your hands, the sooner you'll fall under its spell." Frodo gulped. He was scared not only by her words, but also by how she had said them: like she knew it for real, unemotionally.

"How do you know of the Ring and its powers?" He demanded.

"Don't think you're the one who deals with it Frodo. It's not the Ring I know about, but Sauron," she spited those words like it was a curse.

"Sauron? Do you have something to do with him?" The hobbit put a hand over the chain with the Ring he wore under the tunic.

"Don't be afraid, Frodo, I'm not interested in the Ring, it has no power over me, as I know all about its might. Remember, however, you should fulfill your task, no matter how hard it is for you…Though don't think you have no choice."

"What do you mean?"

"There's always a choice. You can take the Ring for yourself, and left Middle Earth to be destroyed. But mind that Sauron only waits for you to give in. As soon as you stop this struggle, he would have the Ring. He is smart, he would use you like a toy, as his final purpose is to make bring the Ring to him. You can fail your friends, but ask yourself, can you fail yourself, Frodo? Men's ambitions do miracles. There's advice for you. Listen to what your friends tell you, but never let them decide for you, as choice always must be yours. But if Gandalf isn't mistaken, you'll do everything right." She fell silent. Frodo was gazing at her with different emotions. Was she right or not? Could he believe her? Pushing all thoughts out of his head, the hobbit said,

"Thanks," and he meant it.

"Oh, did I frighten you?" Della smiled.

"I little bit," he confessed. To say in the least.

"Well, that's life, dear sir, I only told you the truth, but I won't bear if the nightmares hunt you for the rest of the night. What if Gandalf will kill me for doing you harm?" She asked over-dramatically.

"I doubt he can. Actually, I doubt anyone can," Frodo chuckled. Della laughed out.

"Er…Dellawien…um…Della," he began hesitantly, "your pendant…it's beautiful. Does it mean anything?" He immediately regretted asking, as the smile vanished from her face. Now she wore a severe and expression. She looked down, where on the dark-blue lace was hanging a dark-blue round-shaped pendant, with engraved symbols and calligraphy, and it was hollow in the centre, except for two silver parallel horizontal wavy lines.

"It's very dear to me, Frodo Baggins." She touched it accurately. "And it has more meaning than you think. It always reminds me of who I am and what I'm supposed to do…"

She sat there for a while, fingering the pendant, looking distantly into the fire. Then, as if she had snapped out of a dream, Della started and looked back at Frodo. Only now he noticed how tired and worn-out she was. And though she was a mystery for him, Frodo felt some connection, as if they carried a kind of burden…

i) Take them over the river safely, Nox

Wow, that was pretty long! Hope you enjoyed it. Please don't forget to review, cause it's important to know you opinion about it all.