Hello everybody! Sorry for such an awful delay, but I had some family problems, so I couldn't update. In fact my parents are on the edge of divorce, and as you might guess, it weren't calm times. I also had my examinations in aikido, that's why it kept me pretty busy. But here's a new chapter. It's a bit boring, but it is necessary to make a good background for the next chapter. The next one will be pretty interesting: someone's past will be revealed and relationship will develop, but you'll find out yourselves. And for now…enjoy! And please review, I want to know your opinion about this chapter.

Chapter 10 "Don't let Darkness get over You"

Another stop for the night, another supper by the fire. Days seemed to last forever: nothing but hiking, day by day. For many of them it looked like a never-ending nightmare. Little did they knew, that the real nightmare was lying ahead.

During one of their stops, as everyone except Delawien, who was seen nowhere, was sitting around the fire, Aragorn made his way towards Aurelia. Earlier he and Gandalf had a small talk and the wizard requested Strider should give her some lessons at least of basic self-defense, as how Gandalf had put it "dark times are coming and we never know when they will overtake us". Deep in his heart Aragorn shared the same opinion, but the prospect of teaching a girl who was merely a child and had more that just a vague idea of how to use the weapon – well, he wasn't too excited about that.

Aurelia humbly followed Strider deep into the forest to practice. She was nervous – she'd never ever held a sword in her hands. She was so afraid to make a fool of herself especially in front of him. Come down, Lea. Breath deeper. Oh, I wish he wouldn't laugh at me!, she thought as they stopped in one of the clearings not very far from the camp.

"Well, first of all you should learn how to hold a sword," Aragorn began professionally, handing her the sword he borrowed from one of the hobbits.

Aurelia took it cautiously, her hands shaking slightly. She tried to hold it as she saw her brothers had done for so many times, but instead, she was gripping it as if her very life depended on it, so that her knuckles became white. Aragorn chuckled slightly and, coming from behind, put his arms on hers:

"You shouldn't grip it that tight. Relax, Aurelia, breathe deep. Now, imagine that the sword is just the extension of your arms. Good. Try to attack me, and I'll show you how to make a simple block."

She did as he asked and brought the sword down with all the strength she could muster. Aragorn put a simple block, but as he continued his technique, he twirled, catching Aurelia's arm in joint control. She stepped back, but lost her footing and dropped to the ground. Aragorn hurried to her, extending his hand to help her up.

"Are you alright?" He asked concerned.

"Yes, fine." She muttered.

"That wasn't bad, you know, but if you want to learn to protect yourself, firstly you should learn how to stand your ground," Strider gave her an encouraging smile. "Let's try once again, but now be more concentrated and precise not to let me drop you once again."

So for other several hours of their practice Aurelia inwardly finished her struggles on the ground. Every part of her body ached from such a train, she was one hundred per cent sure next morning she would have terrible bruises, she was breathing hard and felt like she can faint every minute. By now she had cursed stupid Gandalf's idea about teaching her, as Aragorn was a merciless teacher. Strider seemed to notice her terrible state, since after her another fiasco, he came over to her, saying,

"Well, Aurelia, think it's enough for today," he once again held out his hand and she gladly took it. Aragorn had to lift her up, as was unable to o it herself. "You did really good job, but next time try not to fall backwards every time you try to block my blow," he said good-humoredly. Aurelia growled: right now she hated him and wanted to punch, but let's face it, she would have courage to do it.

"Thanks for actually wasting your time with me," she answered sarcastically. After a moment's hesitation she blurted out, "Wanna have a walk?" strider shook his head at her and smiled,

"Why not? If only you won't faint out of exhaustion."

"I'm not that weak!" She protested heatedly, only to make him laugh. Aurelia pouted and stated to move forward, Strider following her still shaking his head.

"Tell me what, Aragorn…" she started after a pause, "how many names do you have? I mean, the hobbits call you Strider, Gandalf – Aragorn, which I suppose is your real name, and…well…the elf…um…Legolas…he calls you…Estel." She was glad he was right behind her and couldn't see her blushing deeply.

"A whole lot," he laughed out, "don't think you want to hear all of them. Let me ask you a question too, you've never walked that much before, have you?"

"Um…no…I just…just," stopped not knowing what to say. She didn't want to lie to him, but she couldn't tell the truth either. "You see, I've never traveled before, but as I turned eighteen, well, I sort of wanted to see the world, soo…I run away from home," at least it was half-truth. The thought of her father and brothers made her homesick. They walked in silence, until Aurelia stopped abruptly, causing Aragorn to bump into her slightly. He was about to ask what the matter was, but Aurelia pointed her finger into something, and he stepped forward to see what it was.

There was yet another clearing there, surrounded by high dense trees, oaks, probably, but not that had caught his attention. There, in the centre, was Delawien, barefoot, hair in a tight knot, face seating, she was making a series of push-ups, breathing soundly. Her weapon belt was lying nearby. After forty or so push-ups she stood up, came to the tree, jumped up, grabbed a thick brunch above her head and started to pull herself up, so that the muscles on her trained biceps were very well seen.

Aurelia watched her wide-eyed. Wasn't the physical load they had every day enough for a young woman? She shifted her gaze to Aragorn who seemed impressed too. Meanwhile Della released the brunch and making a somersault landed on one knee. It seemed like she didn't notice two people watching her. She made three flips towards her weapon and, wiping her sweating forehead with the back of her hand, Delawien fastened the belt on her hips. All of a sudden she grabbed two sai, twisted them in her hands several times and made a lunge towards the unseen enemy. Then, with a sigh she put them back in her belt, took a shuriken and threw it backwards, without aiming. Aurelia cried out when it landed into the tree a few inches away from her face.

"Enjoyed the show, haven't you?" Della asked sarcastically, turning around.

"My God! You could have killed me!" Aurelia exclaimed, suffocating from all the emotions she had at that moment.

"Your luck my aim is always perfect," Aurelia Couldn't tell if Della was serious or not. Not wanting to receiver further comments, Delawien pushed past the curly girl and Strider, their eyes meeting for a moment, before she walked away, leaving the two of them behind.

Della made a deep gulp of air. Her breath was uneven, like someone was constantly cutting out the oxygen access. What the hell is going on with me? Oh, well, I can make a guess. But, no, not now. God, if you exist, do help me! She stopped and leaned against the tree until her breath and giddiness subsided and holding her head high she slowly made her way towards the camp.

After the content supper Merry, Pippin, Aurelia, even Frodo, Sam and Gandalf started a game of charades. Firstly it was Aurelia who initiated the game, but within the time the whole camp was laughing as Gandalf tried to show the others a grass widow. The others tried to guess, almost everyone was laughing. It looked like everything was great and yet it wasn't. Even Aurelia could feel it, the air was thick, it seemed. She shivered without a reason. Then her eyes caught a sight of lonely figure. Delawien. Something was terribly wrong: always so strong and proud, now she looked miserable with her head in her hands her body was shaking. The heart of younger girl was wrung: even if the black-haired always trued to push her away, Aurelia still cared about her, somewhere deep inside, not admitting to herself even. Anyway, her first reaction was to come and embrace the suffering woman (Aurelia was pretty sure she was suffering as it was quiet obvious), but she knew better than that. So she just continued playing, watching the woman in the corner of her eye.

Della was frightened. Logically, she couldn't explain what was wrong, but being brought up in a place, where logics have little power, where feelings and forebodings saved lives of those few who still were struggling for existence, she knew something was lying ahead, and that something wasn't good at all. It all started from slight dizziness, but now it felt like thousand hummers were working in her head. She tried to make a deep breath, only to cause a wave of nausea came over her.

Sitting alone, away from the others she put her head in her hands and made an effort to reason herself. Nothing's wrong. Just a headache. Stop lying to yourself, Della. You know, you feel, it's coming…She couldn't tell for sure if that last thought was hers or not.

Then…a light breeze in the trees…It sent shivers down her spine. It felt so…evil. The wind was speaking! Delawien felt something dark, yet powerful and consuming calling for her. In her veins, in her blood, with every cell of her body she knew she had to give in to that call…

Boromir made his way to the poor woman. He saw she didn't feel well, and somehow he was concerned about her. Strange, he hardly knew her and yet he cared, if not admitting to himself, he did, and Boromir wasn't a caring type of man.

"Are you all right? You don't look quiet well," he asked solicitously. The girl didn't answer, didn't even look at him, still clenching her head in her arms. He was silent for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then he plopped near Delawien and starting saying something about the brilliant game and how even Gandalf took part in it.

Della didn't try to listen to what he was saying nor did she want. The trees around her were chanting, leaves were speaking in their own, unknown to others language. It was than, her heart sunk when she heard it, among the rustling, a whisper, barely audible: "Remember…remember who you are…and where you belong to…" it told her... Delawien bolted up not noticing confused look on Boromir's face. He was asking her something, but she couldn't here him anymore, she was in the other world now, there where no Middle Earth men could reach her.

Boromir was genially surprised when Della stood up abruptly, but as he looked at her face he felt strange anxiety. Her eyes…they became glassy, a mad expression froze in them, her tanned skin now was pale, almost white and it seemed as if she hadn't control over her body, as she started into the forest. Immediately Boromir felt a desire to follow her and find out what was wrong with her, but, for those days they knew each other, he had learned what a privet person she was. More than likely she would be mad if he followed her. So, against his better judgment, he sat down, secretly hoping nothing serious would happen to that woman.

Aurelia had seen the scene too. But unlike Boromir her nerves gave in and she could not stay aside. Never did she saw Della in such a state and it scared her. As kind hearted and naïve as she was, Aurelia, not thinking twice, excused her from the game and followed her so-called friend. It was dark and the light from the fire didn't penetrate through the dense trees. There, forest was a separate kingdom, ruled by moonlight and mist. Fear was filling Aurelia's heard as she went further into the forest. She couldn't subside the shivers. Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder. Aurelia screamed at the top of her lungs and spun around only to have the hand clasped over her mouth. Though it was dark she still could make out Aragorn's tall and emanating strength figure.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked coldly, his voice stern.

"I…saw Della wasn't right and wanted to check on her…only," she answered defensively, still her voice was uneven.

"Alone? In the middle of the night?" His voice became more and more dangerous. "Do you truly wish to be killed or you're so stupid not to realize it's dangerous?" She might have been insulted by such a comment if it wasn't Aragorn who said it.

"I'm just concerned. Look, something's really out of hand. Can't you feel it? Please, let's find her, I'm worried," she looked at him and Ranger could see true worry in her eyes. Moreover, he himself had noticed the girl's strange behavior during the day and was about to find out the reason.

"Fine, but you keep closer to me," he answered briefly, stepping into the darkness of the uninviting forest.

She didn't want to move, but her legs seemed to have their own will, as they carried her deep into the murky forest. Protesting with all her heart, Delawien obediently followed the unknown call. Her sight was blurred and heard was spinning so much that she was staggering and swaying like a drunk. Everything around was consumed by thick fog, so she could see only dimmed shades.

Suddenly…a bright flash of white blinding light…and than - darkness…heavy steps…steps of the intruder…in the silence of the night it felt like He was made of iron…Step by step…until he reached his destination…again bright flash of white light…

Della blinked in shock. No, no, please, don't let the horror of the past return! Her mind cried, but she didn't stop, wishing to reach the unknown, but cherished purpose. No sooner had she made another few steps, than another flash overtook her.

…Woman's scream…Drops of blood…everywhere like drops of tears…blood covering the floor slowly reaching her feet…there in a blood and flesh something sparkled…something silver…again the woman's scream, but now the last…

Della drew a sharp breath, her heart filled with horror and pain. She suddenly felt cold, though she was all sweating. It was inside her heart – a prediction of inevitable. That was when she heard it again. A low whisper… "Della…" she sacked in air as she heard her name. She could have recognized that voice over a million of voice, anywhere, anyhow… "Your deep but darkened soul is tearing you apart…It's whispering to you…" the voice continued. He was laughing at her, at her weakness and feebleness. "It's whispering to you…"

The last flash was the brightest…the most painful…in the darkness…something sparkled...blade of a dagger…silver, incrusted, but now it doesn't matter…the blood was covered in blood…now it's her turn…she backed off instinctively, yet knowing there's no way out…the laughter…cold and malicious…her last breath…the dagger – it was high above her head…ready to strike…with the great strength it came down…into her…cutting flesh…causing unbearable pain…

Della cried out of pain, clenching to her stomach, it was so real, the pain was blinding and she dug her nails deep into the tree's crust not to fall to the ground. Her chest rising and falling trying to catch escaping air even though her lungs were burning. Finally she gave in, she lost the struggle and hundreds of whispering voices invaded her ears.It looked like the trees, leaves, the ground and air themselves were whispering.

Aragorn heard her scream and rushed through the trees, millions of possibilities in his head, Aurelia following him. He than stopped, seeing her, shaking, clenching to her stomach, struggling for breath. Before he could make a step towards her, she turned around, facing him. He started: though it was dark and he couldn't say for sure, but her eyes, they were completely black. Della than started chanting, firstly quiet, then louder, until she was signing, her voice desperate and filled with emotions.

She now didn't have any control over her body or soul. The sounds around merged into one beat and automatically she recognized the tune. Staring with her unseeing eyes right behind her, the words she had remembered came out deliberately:

Kingdom of fear

Deserted land

No road leads home

Can't see the end

Lost my soul, now I am just a stranger inside myself

I fear the voices in my head

Unbeliever!

Saint and sinner

Self-deceiver

Growing grimmer

Your true enemy's inside yourself, a demon,

Your darkened faith

Unbeliever!

Mastered by fear

By pain and hate

I'm bound to see

My looming fate

Through the gates, to my soul, a desert is all I see

There's no way leading back to me

Your deep but darkened soul is tearing you apart
It's whispering to you
In the valley of your heart

You're the enemy inside yourself, your demon

Accept your fate!

Unbeliever!

After she finished everything as silent. She was standing shaking violently, the song must have taken away all her remaining strength. Tough still under the impression of the song, Aragorn made himself to do something, anything.

"Della!" he called over to her, not even realizing he called her by a pet name. She seemed to hear him, but as she made two uncertain steps, her legs bended, and she fell down, sleeping into unconsciousness.