They walked for nearly three days straight before making camp.
We shall rest here tonight. said Aragorn. Everyone sighed, for all were tired.
A fire was started and some began talking amongst themselves. Aurel went to sit next to Frodo. As she sat down, she put her hand on his shoulder.
Lady Aurel. said Frodo smiling. Your presence makes me feel at peace once more.
Aurel smiled. She broke some bread and gave him a piece while eating. Elves did not hunger easily, so she ate little. Gandalf and Aragorn began smoking their pipes, Gimli just sat there with his ax in hand, then Merry, Pippin and Sam seemed to asked Aurel a million questions at once, not realizing she could not speak, she would only smile in response.
You really are the most beautiful elf I have ever seen! cried Merry as he watched her eat. Aurel took his comment by surprise and almost choked, the little hobbits thought it was funny.
Silly little halfling, what would you know? You have not lived with Elves all your life. Thought Aurel.
Aragorn had a smirk on his face. Legolas seemed to be lost in his own world. Slicing through the laughter came a voice.
Boromir sat across from her. What exactly is your purpose here? He eyed her, and examined the way she did not seem to care that he had spoken at all. Aurel did not look up at first but she did stop eating, smirking.
The same as yours Steward of Gondor. She looked up and smiled at him. This seemed to infuriate Boromir.
Why is it that you never answer? asked Boromir temptingly.
That is enough Boromir. said Aragorn looking at Aurel. Her smile had not faltered, perhaps she could see something in him that the others could not.
Answer me she-elf! said Boromir.
The words she elf had brought Legolas to attention, out of his star filled gazed.. He looked at Aurel, she looked as if she was about to unsheathe her sword and kill him.
Aurel stood and dropped her lembas, for she had just been greatly insulted, she was of noble blood, a lady, not even a human male could speak to her that way. Boromir stood as well. Everyone now was staring at them. Aurel's eyes became clouded for a moment. Disrespectful human. I pity you..
There was a struggle in her eyes before Aurel sat back down paying no mind to Boromir still standing there, she picked her Lembas up and dusted the dirt off. She closed her eyes to calm herself and when she opened them, they were bright once more. Legolas had become weary of her temper, she could kill Boromir if he tempted her enough. He had heard everything she had thought, he wondered if she knew that he could read her thoughts as well when they were so close.
Boromir, do not be so disrespectful. said Aragorn still smoking his pipe thinking the situation was under control. Boromir shook Aragorn off and walked closer to Aurel, Legolas now stood slowly as if preparing himself.
Aurel stood to face Boromir and now was very close to his face, too close for her liking. Boromir said nothing. She turned her face from his stare, she could not stand to look in his eyes and she desperately wanted to leave. She made a motion to turn away but Boromir grabbed onto her arm. Aragorn stood and Legolas took a step closer, but both did nothing, although a misfortune indeed, they could not aid for if they did they would make her look weak. His grasp was tight and she attempted to pull her arm away, underestimating his strength, it seemed as if she would fall, only the grip of Boromir's hand on her arm kept her from it. In all her anger she snatched her arm away and pushed Boromir lightly making him stumble backwards
Why do you fear me?
Speak Elf. said Boromir, embarrassed that she had been able to push him backwards, and latched on to her arm once more. She only stared at him defiantly and then she looked away. Her breathing had become irregular, and Boromir kept asking again and again for her to speak. His breath on her skin made her crawl. But tears only appeared in Aurel's eyes, as Boromir's hand dug into her arm, He asked, and then looked at all those around him. How could she ever protect anything? She cannot even protect herself? Look at her, she is crying! Of what possible use could she be? growled Legolas.
Why? Do you not think it odd? A female, and an elf no less, she could be a spy.For whom? asked Aragorn in shock. She is no spy. Release your hold on the Lady, you would not treat one of your noble women in this manner.I would if I thought her suspicious. Why does she not speak??What does that matter? asked Aragorn.
She cannot! yelled Frodo. Do you not understand that?
Gandalf stared at Frodo in surprise.
She cannot? said Boromir looking at her not understanding. The hobbits too looked confused. Gimli was watching Boromir, taking hold of his ax very tightly.
Aurel snatched her arm away again, but this time she did not try to leave him, she raised her hand quickly and slapped Boromir very hard on the face. The tears kept on falling from her, as Boromir put a hand to his face where she had hit him. Without thought Boromir raised his hand to hit her back,
Do not dare to strike her, for then you will have to deal with me Steward of Gondor. said Legolas. He had raised his bow against him. Boromir turned around to find Legolas's arrow aimed at his face.
I do not fear you elf! You would defend her! She is of your kind... He spat out.
Shouted Aragorn, You will put your weapon down at once.If he will so kindly step away from Lady Aurel. He replied coolly.
Aragorn looked exasperated, , But before any more could be said, Aurel had taken hold of one of Boromir's hands and she had effortlessly pulled him away from the camp they had made and into the darkness...she began to unbutton her her coat,the coat had covered her neck, she dropped all her weapons to the ground, the hobbits moved away. She began to unbutton her vest, and then she moved the tunic underneath and folded it over. Her tunic was open enough to reveal some things that were meant to keep hidden. There was a scar right over her heart. Her shoulders were exposed, smooth glowing skin hidden underneath layers of clothes. Boromir was now dumbfounded. She grabbed both of his hands forcefully and placed them right over the scar over her heart then slowly she moved them to the scar across her neck. When she had touched him, he felt all that she felt, saw all that she saw, remembered all that she remembered, believed all that she believed, for a moment. He backed away from her. She was crying no longer, while on the other hand Boromir was shaking and could not help but let tears come to his eyes. Lady Aurel. said Boromir. Forgive me. I will not let my judgment rule me again. He said backing away and finding his way back to the camp with his hands in his face. No one had seen what had happened, they only heard strange sounds. Aragorn could not tell what Aurel was feeling as she began to walk back as well, with her riding coat placed on her arm, she looked weary, full of sorrow. Boromir was still shaken. Legolas sat back down and stared at the fire wondering why he let Boromir get so close to one of his own. Gandalf just smoked his pipe as if nothing had happened, and Gimli snorted. It was a most perplexing mood..
At last something was said. I think we should all try and get some rest. said Aragorn. Aurel, take the first watch.
Slowly she turned her face to look at Aragorn, somewhat angered that he had sent her on first watch only, as she knew, to get her out of the way. She picked her riding coat up off the ground, stood, put it on and quickly climbed the nearest tree, sitting on the tallest branch that would support her for lookout.
She acts as a wood elf would. said Legolas to himself.
Aragorn heard what Legolas had said under his breath. She has always loved the trees. said Legolas still looking at the fire.
Why strange? asked Frodo now curious.
Elves from Rivendell mostly dwell in open fields, where the sun always shines. Responded Legolas.
said Pippin, Perhaps she has an elf waiting for her in the woods. He smiled.
Legolas froze at the comment.
Aragorn huffed, Nay Pippin. Now, we must rest. He began to laugh to himself.
Legolas pondered at Aragorn's jesting tone, stood and decided to join Aurel. He climbed the tree she was in and sat next to her. May I accompany you? This brought memories back for him.
Still keeping watch, Aurel nodded.
Legolas smiled and stared out in the same direction, Aragorn tells me you have always loved the trees.
Aurel smiled and nodded, still looking forward.
Have you listened to a word I have spoken? Thought Legolas.
Of course I have Prince, I always listen. Responded Aurel.
So you can hear my thoughts. stated Legolas simply.
Aurel finally turned to looked to him. No, I only hear what is intended to be heard. That we can speak to one another through thought is an entirely different matter, Prince. Her gaze returned to scanning.
And you knew I could hear you as well? asked Legolas.
No, for only my siblings and I can speak to one another this way. I did not know I could be heard by anyone else. It seems we have a bond, I have felt it since the first day I saw you in Mirkwood.
You remember me. stated Legolas.
How could I forget you? My kindred spirit.I do not understand.
Understand what?
Why our paths have not crossed since that day. I did try and look for you, but to no avail. said Legolas right away.
Perhaps it is the way things were meant to be.
Legolas stared at her for a moment. Her eyes were ever silent, speaking no truth, looking out into the horizon, searching. One hand clung onto the strap of her quiver, the other leaning itself on the branch they were perched on. From the side glance he was getting of her face there was no emotion, but it was there in what could not be seen. You have changed much from what I remember.
Without moving she sharply responded. You knew me for less than a day, what can you remember? It has been a little over 500 years since you last saw me.
I remember much of that day, I remember you.
Aurel seemed to flinch at his statement So it seems..but tell me, what is it you see in me now that is different from then? She looked at him, he seemed to be thinking to himself, his mind was closed to her, to her, he had not changed one bit.
You hide yourself. said Legolas.
She turned her head away and went back to look out to the horizon I hide nothing, there is nothing to hide. Aurel looked hurt. Annoyed that Legolas had caused this inconvenient emotion she became angry. Is that all? Is that why you have come up here Prince. To trouble me? I beg your forgiveness if I am not who you thought I was, but you barely knew me.
Legolas frowned. I meant not to bring you trouble.
And yet you have and distract me from my duties.
Legolas would not allow anyone to speak to him like that, not even her, Your distraction is no one's fault other than your own, I came here to keep you company.
I did not ask for it. Perhaps it was you who needed the company.
He clenched his teeth for a moment and stared at her. Alas! That I am destined to share a bond such as this with you. I am no kindred spirit of yours! I should have never followed you that day! He spat out before climbing down the tree.I fear I will not get much rest on this journey. said Legolas as he went to sit down with the rest of the company.
I am sorry Legolas. It is the only way. thought Aurel softly to herself full of regret. Little did she know that her bond with Legolas had deepened even more so since they had spoken, for he heard what she had thought and pondered upon it.
Aragorn had been awake the whole time, while the others were fast asleep. He found it strange that Legolas has begun talking to himself while up in the tree with Aurel, though he could not make what he was saying, he knew that he had made some type of connection with her.
called Boromir.
Aragorn looked back at Boromir, who seemed to be walking last in line behind the hobbits on their trek. He let everyone pass him by, Legolas and Aurel had been in front with him, both silent, both walking closely behind Gandalf like small children with their father. Once Boromir walked up, they began to walk together. What is it Boromir?Does she even know how to fight?
Aragorn gave a smirk, Why do you not go see for yourself, I am sure she would show you if you asked. She is a tiring topic, especially when coming from you, there are more important things at hand than her.
Boromir glared. Do you not find her distracting?Why would I?She is the only female here, and she is somewhat beautiful...Boromir...are you going to let her distract you? You came here to help Frodo, not to look at my sister in the way you do.
Both Legolas and Aurel turned their heads for a moment to look back, for they had heard Boromir's shocked voice, but it did not hold their attention for too long as they both concentrated on the path ahead of them. Aragorn chuckled.
How can she be your sister, you are mortal..she is elven.Yet she is, whether you understand or not. said Aragorn jogging ahead of him and catching up to Gandalf. After finding out that Aurel was Aragorn's sister, Boromir seemed to stare less, but his curiosity only seemed to deepen. Aurel was well aware of the curiosity brewing in Boromir's mind, until she could bear it no longer, as they made to leave camp early one morning, Boromir was given a strange welcome to the coming day by having a very sharp sword pointed at his neck.
Aragorn sat on a stone nearby, as Boromir stared at him hoping for some help. You were the one in question, now she is answering you.By attacking me while I sleep?! He asked looking at Aurel now. She sheathed her sword and held a hand out to help him up, but he took not her hand and stood on his own, he unsheathed his sword and took one hand to sweep his hair back, which had fallen over his eyes.
Legolas walked over to Aragorn. This is not wise.
Aragorn ignored Legolas's warning, as he usually did. Legolas never thought anything human's did was wise, thinking elves superior above all, though he tried not to let it show, it was not his fault, he had never spent more than a days time with humans. He was disappointed in Aurel for having gone so low as to fight to prove her worth. Boromir's sword hit hard against Aurel's, but she held her ground, she did find it a bit difficult to fight, for his strength was greater than hers. It was mostly her blocking any blows that came her way, she waited for Boromir to lose some strength before giving some blows of her own. The hobbits stood fascinated at the display of swordsmanship, and ate while they watched. At one point, neither did anything. This time Aurel decided she should begin, she thought it clever just to charge at him, as she was bored and thought Boromir was bored as well, their swords actually sparked at the impact, and she was a little shaken. Boromir smirked and in one swift move knocked the sword out of her hand, she had not expected to him to actually do anything. You cannot travel with us any longer, if you cannot fight me, then you cannot fight anything. He still had his sword pointed at her. She looked at him curiously, trying to subside any anger that would rise from his words.
Aragorn now spoke softly to Legolas. He should not have done that. Aurel is a skilled fighter you see. But from her build, a man, like Boromir...would not know it. What chance does he possibly have over her? She has practiced with the sword for a little less than five hundred years...and he, at best...only twenty...he mistakes her gender for weakness. As did most in this fellowship...including yourself.
Aurel could not help but become angry, she quickly stepped away from his pointed sword, so quickly, that Boromir was confused, she had not been that agile before, and then it was when he realized, she had not been really fighting before, she had not really shown what she was capable of. As she stepped away she ran and picked up her sword, walking briskly to a confused Boromir, it was she now that knocked the sword out of his hand with such force, it embedded itself in the ground a few feet away. She know had her sword to his throat. In her mind, she contemplated just pressing a little harder to watch the blood trickle slowly across her blade, but she left it. Dropping her sword down to her side, she lifted Boromir's chin up to see if she had marked him in any way, she had not, thankfully, she sheathed her sword. She pulled out Boromir's long sword from the ground, handing it back to him. She tried to give a smile, but he only took his sword, using his other hand to feel at his neck. She looked toward Aragorn and only shrugged her shoulder's. She had proved her value in the fellowship, and in Boromir's eyes she was now equal. Legolas viewed the situation in the same manner, as foolish and unwise, but it was a rare occasion when someone took heed of his counsel, so he spoke very few words.
Over the next few days Legolas made very few contact with Aurel, and Aurel with him. Others in the fellowship could sense their discomfort, but could not find a way to make the two elves speak to one another.
After much thought Aurel followed her wise ways and decided to speak to Legolas, mend what was broken to make things easier on everyone. It was now Legolas who was on watch, but he was not up in a tree, no, he was just standing watch, too flustered with his own thoughts to notice that Aurel had crept up behind him.
You call that being on guard? asked Aurel. When he did not respond she continued, I have come to apologize for my behaviour before.
His back was still too her, but she continued. I do not wish for us to be this way. I am sorry.
Still he said nothing, and he continued on keeping guard.
I know you can hear me. Do you accept? She thought about touching him as she extended her hand it lightly held on to his arm, but he moved forward and her arm fell. Very well. As you wish. I know I deserve this for how I have treated you. You have my apology, that is all I can offer. So light were her footsteps that he did not even hear her leave. Legolas's heartbeat returned to normal, he was glad that she had left for he felt as if he was about to explode with her so near to him. When he felt her hand on his arm, however light, it struck him as lighting, so much anger, pain and suffering she hid, it was too much for him to bear, and perhaps for the while, it was best if he stayed distant to her.
Aurel felt Legolas's discomfort. No longer was he being distant because of the pain, but because he did not want to acknowledge her. She felt betrayed, but why? She did not even really know him. And yet this bond made him someone who was very close to her. Aurel decided to give him some time, all the while she wanted to learn more about the rest of the fellowship, particularly the dwarf who had said nothing, not even when she had bested Boromir. When they finally reached another resting spot, it was day, and Aurel felt happy, for the sun was shining freely.
"Move your feet," Aragorn commented towards Pippin, as he watched him practice his sword fighting with Boromir, he found it extremely amusing as did Aurel.
"You look good, Pippin!" Merry complimented.
She watched as Boromir and the hobbits practiced how to fight with a sword, it was most entertaining for her.
"Thanks!" Pippin replied, keeping his eyes on Boromir. Watch this lady Aurel! yelled Pippin.
She was delighted to watch the little hobbits use their wooden sticks to try and beat Boromir, and Boromir seemed to be enjoying himself quite well. Aurel noticed what the others were doing and heard Gimli comment to Gandalf, "If anyone was asking my opinion - Which I KNOW they're not - I'd say we were taking the long way around!"
Gandalf only sighed and stood there looking wise with his staff as always, Aurel glanced at him and then at the sky.
"We could pass through the Mines of Moria!" Gimli suggested, "My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome!"
This time Aurel sighed, she disliked places that hid the sun and kept so dark.
"No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice," Gandalf said.
Aurel was relieved that Gandalf had said that for she did not want to go into the darkness of the caves.
She heard Boromir fall, the hobbits had managed to knock him to the ground. Aurel clapped in glee and then she went over to offer him her hand, a little surprised by her kindness Boromir held on to it, and when she helped him up, he continued to stare at her. Their eye contact was broken when she felt an evil presence. She turned to Legolas who was staring at something, she looked at what it was...
"What is that?" Sam said looking westward.
"Nothing! It is a wisp of cloud!" Gimli shouted, trying not to sound to concerned, or perhaps he did not know what it was.
"It's moving fast," Boromir breathed heavily as he said that and stared out into the sky, "Against the wind.." He let go of Aurel's hand and Aurel immediately began to gather the little hobbits.
"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas yelled.
"Hide!" Aragorn shouted.
Aurel pushed the hobbits to the ground and under the large rocks, as she herself managed to hide behind a large shrub. Legolas hid behind the first thing he saw and encountered Aurel there, without thinking a moment of it, he laid on top of her covering her body. He placed his head between the crook of her neck and shoulder. Aurel was most uncomfortable. She could feel him breathing on her. He could hear her heart beat, racing. His arms were wrapped protectively around her head. The Crebrain flew by and inspected, then flew away. Slowly everyone began to come back out. When Legolas felt the evil slowly disappear, and he was sure there was no more danger he removed his head from where he had laid it. He looked forward and then down. She was causing a most well kept reaction in him, his body wanted her warmth, more than that, he was attracted to her, he was pulled by her presence. He propped himself up on his elbows and continued to look at her. She was looking sideways, her head turned.
"Spies of Saruman!" Gandalf said as if frustrated. "The passage South is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras!"
Aurel and Legolas were still behind the large shrub, not paying attention or focusing on what Gandalf had said.
Will you not even speak to me? asked Legolas.
You have been avoiding me Prince. Why should I speak to you now? She looked at him.
Legolas smiled.
Aurel pushed him off. They both just laid there next to one another.
Aragorn cleared his throat, Are you going to lay there all day? We need to move. With that he stepped away and left them alone.
Aurel stood and began to brush off the dirt. Legolas did the same.
Why did you cover me?
I would have done the same with any other. He said without care.
What exactly are trying to do me? asked Aurel.
