Disclaimer: No. And the song is not mine either. It was written by M. Gerrard and M. Vice-Maslin. It can be found on Nick Carter's album "Now or Never".
A/N: To all Boromir fans... heads up. You may not like what happens in this chapter. Please don't be mad at me. And please read the whole chapter. Oh, and stuff written between these ~ are song lyrics. Ex. ~ The road goes ever on and on ~ And if you don't like the song I picked, tough. I thought it went rather well with the feelings and situation.
Tracy: You don't need to apologize. I'm just really not used to people asking if I stopped writing. I'm sure we've all read stories where there were ocassionally very long periods of time between updates. (Although mine admittedly usually takes a while between all updates. Sorry for that.) And it sucks when a story you were reading just got abandoned. A couple of my faves actually got kicked off the site. But I do promise that I will finish this for you guys.
lembas7: Well, if I got someone who usually doen't read this kind of stuff interested, I must be doing something right. And here I thought the summary I put up sucked. Apparently, it got your attention though.
voided: Thank you. I tried to make Valora as realistic as possible. I can't stand it when the original character is all perfect. Or you get the straight out, kick-ass chicks. They work to an extent, but I wanted people to read about Valora and feel that she's the kind of person you could meet in real life and hopefully relate to. You know, not a helpless, wimpy chick, but not exactly Buffy or Xena either.
To everyone else: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It's great to know you like my work.
_________________________________________________________________
*What* was I *thinking!?* was the question that was running through Valora's head right now. It was the same question that had been going through her mind all last night and this morning. Well, she couldn't back out now for a few of reasons. First, her pride wouldn't allow it. She had said she'd do this and she would. Besides, she didn't want everyone else to think she was a coward. Second, they would be leaving in less than an hour. Third, the loyalty she had developed for her friends wouldn't allow her to just abandon them. The odd thing was, she didn't even know where the loyalty had come from. It had crept up on her when she wasn't paying attention.
Last, she had been doing a lot of thinking lately, about how she had gotten here and why that damn wish had been granted. She still didn't have the answer to why her wish had been granted, but it had and now she seemed to be stuck here. Her wish had been to get into the story. Usually, when she really got into a story she was reading, she practically saw everything happen in her mind. Almost as if she was living the story with the characters. That being the case, a theory had formed in her mind.
She had wanted to get into the story. Well, she had. Literally. To get out of the story, it had to end. If that was the case, she had to live the story with it's characters until the story ended. The little problem was that she wasn't sure if that meant the end of the story itself or the end of the first volume, since it was printed in three separate volumes. And the really big problem was that she wasn't sure if she would live through it.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The Fellowship stood before the entrance to Rivendell. They would be leaving in a few minutes. Before them stood Elrond and most of the residents of Rivendell.
"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the quest for Mount Doom," said Elrond. "And you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will."
Aragorn's gaze drifted to Arwen, who stood among the other Elves. She looked very sad and worried. Their eyes locked.
"Farewell," said Elrond. "Hold to your purpose. And may the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you."
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," said Gandalf.
Frodo turned and took a deep breath. As he moved forward, the others parted for him, giving him a clear path. Gandalf followed close behind him as he stepped out of the entrance to the city.
"Mordor, Gandalf," asked Frodo quietly, "is it left or right?"
"Left."
The others followed silently. Valora stuck close to Gandalf, near the front. Legolas was at the rear of the line at the moment, as would Aragorn be. And she was, as she had done yesterday and all this morning, avoiding Legolas at all costs. That was going to get a lot more difficult since they were now officially traveling companions. And she wasn't speaking much to Aragorn right now either.
Aragorn lingered behind. He looked at Arwen a final time. He was well aware that it may be the last time he would ever see his beloved. Nodding slightly to her, he turned and followed the others away from Rivendell.
Arwen's eyes followed Aragorn as he left. Tears welled up in them once more. Would she ever see him again?
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Aragorn had tried to talk to Valora a few times today before they had left Rivendell. Every time, she either pretended not to hear him or just flatly ignored him. After a time, he decided it would be best to leave her be for a while so she could cool off. They had stopped for a short rest and he decided that now was as good a time as any to try to get her to talk to him again. She was sitting a bit apart from everyone else, as she tended to do. He approached her. "Valora."
She looked up at him and feigned ignorance. "I'm sorry, do I know you? Oh, that's right. Strider. Also known as Aragorn, heir to the throne of... wherever it is."
"Still angry that I didn't tell you about that, are you?"
"What gave it away?"
This was ridiculous. She was being completely hypocritical and she knew it. After all, she had neglected to mention a few things about herself. Like where she was really from and the fact that she could sometimes see things that were happening elsewhere. Should she really be angry with him for keeping this from herself and the Hobbits? No. But she felt upset by it nonetheless.
That was ridiculous as well. He wasn't really her friend. So, he really had no reason to tell her about it. But that thought stung as well. Did he regard her as a friend? As much as she hated to admit it, she was beginning to think of him as one.
"I am sorry it upsets you, but I saw no reason to tell you. I did not think it important for you or the others to know."
"How come the Elf knew?" She tipped her head in Legolas' direction.
"He has been my friend for many years. He knows everything about me."
She nodded slowly, letting the information sink in. "So, basically, only your friends and family know."
"Yes." Was that hurt that flashed through her eyes?
"Well, then, since I'm neither your family or your friend, I guess I shouldn't be upset," she said simply. She carefully kept her voice even. It looked like she had her answer as to whether or not he considered her a friend. The answer hurt.
"Does that mean you are no longer ignoring me?"
"Yes."
He nodded and headed towards Legolas.
Valora sighed inwardly. She should have known better than to think Aragorn might consider her a friend. Guys never thought of her as more than a friendly acquaintance. Except Tom. And that hadn't turned out well at all.
Admittedly, she didn't know too much about guys. She wasn't used to being around them at all. So how, in the name of heaven, had she ended up traveling in the company of nine members of the opposite sex? Oh, that's right. She had volunteered. And stupidity rears its ugly head, she thought. Again. But was it really stupidity if her theory turned out to be right?
She snuck a quick glance over at Aragorn and Legolas. She was still trying to avoid contact with Legolas and knew herself well enough to know that she would probably still be avoiding Aragorn as much as possible. It would just be for different reasons now. And she was still humiliated about how she had reacted towards Legolas yesterday. Getting all nervous and shivery like one of those idiot girls at her school did around the popular boys. She had thought she was more mature than that.
Well, she reasoned, it wasn't like it was a totally unnatural reaction. She was sixteen. Hormone problems came with the age. And she wasn't used to being around guys. Let alone such a cute one. So, really, there was no one to blame here. She had reacted the same way any girl would have if a good looking guy had his arms around her.
Yeah. That was it. She had just reacted that way because she was unused to being around guys. And the way he had looked at her in the hall that time had made her really uncomfortable. That had probably heightened her later reaction. It was as simple as that. It wasn't like she had a crush on him or anything. Come on, he wasn't even her species. That didn't mean she couldn't enjoy the view. Heck, she'd been enjoying the view of Aragorn pretty much since she'd realized he meant no harm to her or her friends. And, in her opinion, he was better looking than Legolas. If she should have a crush on anybody here, it should be Aragorn and she didn't have a crush on him. End of story.
Gandalf called for them to keep moving.
Sighing, Valora got up and hefted her pack back onto her shoulders. It wasn't easy, as she now also carried a bow and quiver. They were a gift from Elrond. Apparently, he had happened to see her when she had been learning archery and thought she might find them useful. Besides, he had told her that he found her to be pleasant company. She had gratefully, if somewhat reluctantly, accepted the weapons. At least she had something she could use now. Her skills with the blade were... well, practically nonexistent. And Aragorn had informed Elrond of the fact after the Council.
The break hadn't been very long. She still wasn't quite used to this much exercise. And, according to Gandalf, they had to travel along the Misty Mountains for about forty days. And after that, they had to take something called the gap of Rohan, if it was still open to them that is, and from there, they went East, to Mordor. The one place in all Middle-Earth that one wanted to avoid at all costs.
She wouldn't be in this mess if she had just kept her mouth shut and kept trying to read the book instead of making that stupid wish.
"Me and my big mouth," she grumbled as they set out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When they stopped for the night, Valora felt the familiar feeling of exhaustion kicking in. At least it wasn't as grueling as the trip to Rivendell had been. Not yet, anyway. If there was any sign of real danger, who knew what would happen?
She was making her way over to Aragorn to see if he would help her practice swordplay when she heard Boromir speaking with Gandalf. She stopped and listened. Normally, she would've just tried to mind her own business. Only, he was talking about her. And his words had her temper flaring.
"Do you really think it was wise to bring her with us?" Boromir asked. "This quest is a dangerous one."
"She risks herself of her own will," said Gandalf patiently. "Just as any of us do. At any rate, it is too late now for her to turn back."
"Yes, but does she even know how to use the weapons she carries? Or will we have to defend her in any battle we may enter?"
"Legolas tells me she is skilled enough with the bow. And Aragorn will be teaching her to use the blade."
"All the same, do you truly think it a good idea to bring a young girl with us to Mordor?" persisted Boromir. "After all, she is only a child."
Valora's eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. A child? She may be young, but she was no child.
Gandalf looked at Boromir. "Valora is very loyal to the Hobbits. Frodo and Sam in particular. She also helped them get from the Shire to Bree and then to Rivendell. I would not deny her when she only wishes to help."
"You must admit, she looks a bit fragile," said Boromir.
Valora's eyes widened. *Fragile?!*
Legolas looked up from his place next to the fire, where he had just set down a pile of wood. "Aragorn," he said quietly.
Aragorn looked at his friend.
Legolas gestured slightly at the figure standing several feet away.
Aragorn took one look at Valora and knew that something was wrong. Her eyes were burning with rage. Her fists looked as though they were clenched hard enough to draw blood. As he watched, her gaze moved to the back of Boromir's head. And if looks could kill, he would have been dead in less than an instant. Curious as to what could be making her so angry, Aragorn looked over at Legolas, moved his eyes back to Boromir and to Legolas again.
Needing no further prompting, Legolas began to listen to Boromir speak. He raised a brow. No wonder the girl looked so upset. Quietly, he told Aragorn what was going on.
After another minute or so of eavesdropping, and listening to Boromir's suggestion that one of them should take her back to Rivendell and catch up to the others later, Valora had had enough. Steam practically shooting out of her ears, she marched over to where Boromir sat.
"Uh-oh," mumbled Aragorn. Gesturing for Legolas to follow, he quickly made his way over to where it was now obvious that a confrontation was about to take place.
"If that's the way you feel, you could at least say it to my face," spat Valora loudly, coming up right behind Boromir and Gandalf.
They both turned, startled. Boromir cringed at the sight of Valora standing about a foot away, hands on her hips, giving him a glare that could've wilted flowers.
The Hobbits and Gimli all looked up. Frodo hid a wince. He had never seen his friend look so angry before. And he'd seen her mad plenty of times, though she was usually good at controlling her temper.
"I, er, that is," stuttered Boromir. Slowly, he stood up. Funny, he was quite a bit taller than her, yet he still felt the menace in her glare.
"Or are you too much of a coward to tell a little girl how you feel about something?" She said 'little girl' mockingly, her voice dripping with contempt.
Boromir's own temper flared. Coward? "I was only concerned for your well being, milady," he replied stiffly.
"The hell you were," she shot back. "You don't think I can do it. You think I'm too weak and fragile to make this journey."
How much had she heard? he wondered. And just where had she learned language like that?
"Well, let me tell you something pal," she growled before he could reply. "You don't even know me. You don't know anything about me. I have been through shit that you wouldn't believe if I told you. I have survived being ripped away from everything I have ever known. I survived a trip from the Shire to Bree and from Bree to Rivendell with the Ringwraiths on my ass almost the entire time. I survived watching one of my friends almost die," she threw her arm out in Frodo's direction, "and I did it all in about a month! Not to mention all kinds of other shit that I'm not getting into. So, don't tell me that I'm too fragile to go any further!"
Eyes had widened at her outburst and choice of words. Of course, only Gandalf knew exactly what she was talking about. No one else knew about her visions or where she claimed to be from. And frankly, he was wondering whether or not she might really be telling the truth about being from another world.
"And if you really believe that I am, you can just go fuck yourself!"
Boromir narrowed his eyes once the initial shock had worn off. Maybe she wasn't as fragile as she appeared, but he was still angry about her labeling him a coward. "Fragile or not, you are still just a child," he spat.
Aragorn caught her by the shoulders just as she tried to lunge at Boromir. "Valora, settle down," he said in a gentle, but firm voice.
Valora ignored him and struggled against his hold. "Come closer and I'll show you just how child-like I am," she challenged.
"Valora," said Aragorn loudly. His hold was slipping because she was wriggling around so much. And she was stronger than she looked, he realized.
"I refuse to accept a challenge from someone who had no chance of winning," said Boromir. "And especially not from a little girl." He deliberately used her own words.
At this point, Legolas had to take a hold of one of her arms to help Aragorn hold her back. His eyes widened as she called Boromir every profanity he had ever heard in the common tongue. And even a few new ones.
"Enough!" Silence fell and Gandalf stepped between the two. He sighed in irritation as they continued to glare at each other. "Valora, he is only concerned for your safety and what is best for the Fellowship. We are not sending you back," he assured. Turning around, he said, "Boromir, she has, indeed, been through more than you know. I'm sure your concern would be more appreciated if you had chosen your words more carefully."
If he expects me to kiss and make up, I'm gonna shove that pipe of his where the sun don't shine, thought Valora.
"Now, I don't expect all of you to be friends," continued Gandalf. "But I do expect you to work together and cooperate. We are all here in common purpose. To destroy the One Ring. Am I clear?"
Valora turned her head away. He was right and she knew it. Huffing, she pried herself out of Aragorn and Legolas' grip and walked several yards away. She plopped down on a log, facing away from the others, and sulked silently.
She didn't know what had really happened back there. All the confusion and frustration that had been building up since she had arrived in Middle-Earth had bubbled up to the surface when she had heard Boromir questioning her presence. Add that to the anger the words caused on their own, not to mention years of bottled up anger and frustration from being made fun of behind her back and treated badly in her own world, and it was a deadly combination. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd lost control like that.
She wanted to go home.
Hot tears of anger and frustration burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them out. She hadn't let anyone see her cry since her father had left and she'd be damned if she started now. She wouldn't even let one tear escape because, if she did, the rest would inevitably follow. Impatiently, she rubbed at her eyes, trying to force the tears away. God, somebody please help me, she thought.
After a few moments, she began singing softly to herself, trying to calm herself down. Music almost always made her feel better. If not, she could at least find a few songs that matched her mood perfectly. She never sang in front of anyone except small children, though. Not even her mom. She was too embarrassed to. Besides, her voice wasn't that good. Right now no one was really paying any attention to her and she was far enough away that they couldn't hear her anyway. So, she supposed it was alright.
Oh, yeah, she though sarcastically as she sang. This journey is off to a great start.
~ I wish I could define ~ All the thoughts that cross my mind ~ They seem too big for me to choose ~ I don't know which ones to lose ~ When I've fallen down so far ~ I think I'll never see your light ~ Bouncing off of me ~ Shining down here from your eyes ~
~ Help me ~ Figure out the difference between right and wrong ~ Weak and strong ~ Day and night ~ Where I belong ~ Help me ~ Make the right decisions ~ Know which way to turn ~ Lessons to learn ~ And just what my purpose is here ~
~ Oh, yeah ~ It's like I got the signals crossed ~ With messages I can't decode ~ Half asleep ~ Never wide awake ~ And on complete overload ~ I've got so much information here ~ And nothing I can really grasp ~ I should know the truth ~ But I'm too afraid ~ So I have to ask ~
Don't I know it, she thought wryly as she sang that verse.
~ Help me ~ Figure out the difference between right and wrong ~ Weak and strong ~ Day and night ~ Where I belong ~ Help me ~ Make the right decisions ~ Know which way to turn ~ Lessons to learn ~ And just what my purpose is here ~
She continued singing quietly to herself, unaware that one other member of the Fellowship could hear her perfectly.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The next morning, Valora approached Boromir. She was still livid about what he'd said last night, but also knew that they were stuck together for a while. And Gandalf was right. They were on the same side here.
Boromir eyed her warily. Was she going to yell at him again?
"I think we started off on the wrong foot," she started. "Gandalf has a point. This isn't going to work if we're fighting the whole way. At least until this is over and done with, I see no reason why we can't behave like civilized adults."
He gave her a careful look. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "I suppose not."
"Truce, then?" She held out her hand.
"Truce." He shook her outstretched hand, but let go rather quickly.
"I apologize for calling you a coward," she said, albeit a bit grudgingly. "You wouldn't be here if that was completely true."
He frowned. *Completely* true? Well, he suspected that was as close as he would get to the full apology he wanted. "Accepted. I admit that you are not as fragile as you may look." Two could play this game.
Valora gritted her teeth. "Thank you," she ground out. Somehow, she managed to say it in a level enough tone of voice.
He nodded and walked off.
"Asshole," she murmured.
_________________________________________________________________
(Dives behind Aragorn.) Don't kill me! I like Boromir. Honestly, I do. Valora's just one of those people who keeps things bottled up inside. And when someone comes and pours more into the bottle when it's already full and shakes it up, it erupts. And Boromir just happened to be the one to make the bottle overflow. And come on, you didn't expect her to get along with *everybody* did you?
A/N: To all Boromir fans... heads up. You may not like what happens in this chapter. Please don't be mad at me. And please read the whole chapter. Oh, and stuff written between these ~ are song lyrics. Ex. ~ The road goes ever on and on ~ And if you don't like the song I picked, tough. I thought it went rather well with the feelings and situation.
Tracy: You don't need to apologize. I'm just really not used to people asking if I stopped writing. I'm sure we've all read stories where there were ocassionally very long periods of time between updates. (Although mine admittedly usually takes a while between all updates. Sorry for that.) And it sucks when a story you were reading just got abandoned. A couple of my faves actually got kicked off the site. But I do promise that I will finish this for you guys.
lembas7: Well, if I got someone who usually doen't read this kind of stuff interested, I must be doing something right. And here I thought the summary I put up sucked. Apparently, it got your attention though.
voided: Thank you. I tried to make Valora as realistic as possible. I can't stand it when the original character is all perfect. Or you get the straight out, kick-ass chicks. They work to an extent, but I wanted people to read about Valora and feel that she's the kind of person you could meet in real life and hopefully relate to. You know, not a helpless, wimpy chick, but not exactly Buffy or Xena either.
To everyone else: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It's great to know you like my work.
_________________________________________________________________
*What* was I *thinking!?* was the question that was running through Valora's head right now. It was the same question that had been going through her mind all last night and this morning. Well, she couldn't back out now for a few of reasons. First, her pride wouldn't allow it. She had said she'd do this and she would. Besides, she didn't want everyone else to think she was a coward. Second, they would be leaving in less than an hour. Third, the loyalty she had developed for her friends wouldn't allow her to just abandon them. The odd thing was, she didn't even know where the loyalty had come from. It had crept up on her when she wasn't paying attention.
Last, she had been doing a lot of thinking lately, about how she had gotten here and why that damn wish had been granted. She still didn't have the answer to why her wish had been granted, but it had and now she seemed to be stuck here. Her wish had been to get into the story. Usually, when she really got into a story she was reading, she practically saw everything happen in her mind. Almost as if she was living the story with the characters. That being the case, a theory had formed in her mind.
She had wanted to get into the story. Well, she had. Literally. To get out of the story, it had to end. If that was the case, she had to live the story with it's characters until the story ended. The little problem was that she wasn't sure if that meant the end of the story itself or the end of the first volume, since it was printed in three separate volumes. And the really big problem was that she wasn't sure if she would live through it.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The Fellowship stood before the entrance to Rivendell. They would be leaving in a few minutes. Before them stood Elrond and most of the residents of Rivendell.
"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the quest for Mount Doom," said Elrond. "And you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will."
Aragorn's gaze drifted to Arwen, who stood among the other Elves. She looked very sad and worried. Their eyes locked.
"Farewell," said Elrond. "Hold to your purpose. And may the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you."
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," said Gandalf.
Frodo turned and took a deep breath. As he moved forward, the others parted for him, giving him a clear path. Gandalf followed close behind him as he stepped out of the entrance to the city.
"Mordor, Gandalf," asked Frodo quietly, "is it left or right?"
"Left."
The others followed silently. Valora stuck close to Gandalf, near the front. Legolas was at the rear of the line at the moment, as would Aragorn be. And she was, as she had done yesterday and all this morning, avoiding Legolas at all costs. That was going to get a lot more difficult since they were now officially traveling companions. And she wasn't speaking much to Aragorn right now either.
Aragorn lingered behind. He looked at Arwen a final time. He was well aware that it may be the last time he would ever see his beloved. Nodding slightly to her, he turned and followed the others away from Rivendell.
Arwen's eyes followed Aragorn as he left. Tears welled up in them once more. Would she ever see him again?
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Aragorn had tried to talk to Valora a few times today before they had left Rivendell. Every time, she either pretended not to hear him or just flatly ignored him. After a time, he decided it would be best to leave her be for a while so she could cool off. They had stopped for a short rest and he decided that now was as good a time as any to try to get her to talk to him again. She was sitting a bit apart from everyone else, as she tended to do. He approached her. "Valora."
She looked up at him and feigned ignorance. "I'm sorry, do I know you? Oh, that's right. Strider. Also known as Aragorn, heir to the throne of... wherever it is."
"Still angry that I didn't tell you about that, are you?"
"What gave it away?"
This was ridiculous. She was being completely hypocritical and she knew it. After all, she had neglected to mention a few things about herself. Like where she was really from and the fact that she could sometimes see things that were happening elsewhere. Should she really be angry with him for keeping this from herself and the Hobbits? No. But she felt upset by it nonetheless.
That was ridiculous as well. He wasn't really her friend. So, he really had no reason to tell her about it. But that thought stung as well. Did he regard her as a friend? As much as she hated to admit it, she was beginning to think of him as one.
"I am sorry it upsets you, but I saw no reason to tell you. I did not think it important for you or the others to know."
"How come the Elf knew?" She tipped her head in Legolas' direction.
"He has been my friend for many years. He knows everything about me."
She nodded slowly, letting the information sink in. "So, basically, only your friends and family know."
"Yes." Was that hurt that flashed through her eyes?
"Well, then, since I'm neither your family or your friend, I guess I shouldn't be upset," she said simply. She carefully kept her voice even. It looked like she had her answer as to whether or not he considered her a friend. The answer hurt.
"Does that mean you are no longer ignoring me?"
"Yes."
He nodded and headed towards Legolas.
Valora sighed inwardly. She should have known better than to think Aragorn might consider her a friend. Guys never thought of her as more than a friendly acquaintance. Except Tom. And that hadn't turned out well at all.
Admittedly, she didn't know too much about guys. She wasn't used to being around them at all. So how, in the name of heaven, had she ended up traveling in the company of nine members of the opposite sex? Oh, that's right. She had volunteered. And stupidity rears its ugly head, she thought. Again. But was it really stupidity if her theory turned out to be right?
She snuck a quick glance over at Aragorn and Legolas. She was still trying to avoid contact with Legolas and knew herself well enough to know that she would probably still be avoiding Aragorn as much as possible. It would just be for different reasons now. And she was still humiliated about how she had reacted towards Legolas yesterday. Getting all nervous and shivery like one of those idiot girls at her school did around the popular boys. She had thought she was more mature than that.
Well, she reasoned, it wasn't like it was a totally unnatural reaction. She was sixteen. Hormone problems came with the age. And she wasn't used to being around guys. Let alone such a cute one. So, really, there was no one to blame here. She had reacted the same way any girl would have if a good looking guy had his arms around her.
Yeah. That was it. She had just reacted that way because she was unused to being around guys. And the way he had looked at her in the hall that time had made her really uncomfortable. That had probably heightened her later reaction. It was as simple as that. It wasn't like she had a crush on him or anything. Come on, he wasn't even her species. That didn't mean she couldn't enjoy the view. Heck, she'd been enjoying the view of Aragorn pretty much since she'd realized he meant no harm to her or her friends. And, in her opinion, he was better looking than Legolas. If she should have a crush on anybody here, it should be Aragorn and she didn't have a crush on him. End of story.
Gandalf called for them to keep moving.
Sighing, Valora got up and hefted her pack back onto her shoulders. It wasn't easy, as she now also carried a bow and quiver. They were a gift from Elrond. Apparently, he had happened to see her when she had been learning archery and thought she might find them useful. Besides, he had told her that he found her to be pleasant company. She had gratefully, if somewhat reluctantly, accepted the weapons. At least she had something she could use now. Her skills with the blade were... well, practically nonexistent. And Aragorn had informed Elrond of the fact after the Council.
The break hadn't been very long. She still wasn't quite used to this much exercise. And, according to Gandalf, they had to travel along the Misty Mountains for about forty days. And after that, they had to take something called the gap of Rohan, if it was still open to them that is, and from there, they went East, to Mordor. The one place in all Middle-Earth that one wanted to avoid at all costs.
She wouldn't be in this mess if she had just kept her mouth shut and kept trying to read the book instead of making that stupid wish.
"Me and my big mouth," she grumbled as they set out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When they stopped for the night, Valora felt the familiar feeling of exhaustion kicking in. At least it wasn't as grueling as the trip to Rivendell had been. Not yet, anyway. If there was any sign of real danger, who knew what would happen?
She was making her way over to Aragorn to see if he would help her practice swordplay when she heard Boromir speaking with Gandalf. She stopped and listened. Normally, she would've just tried to mind her own business. Only, he was talking about her. And his words had her temper flaring.
"Do you really think it was wise to bring her with us?" Boromir asked. "This quest is a dangerous one."
"She risks herself of her own will," said Gandalf patiently. "Just as any of us do. At any rate, it is too late now for her to turn back."
"Yes, but does she even know how to use the weapons she carries? Or will we have to defend her in any battle we may enter?"
"Legolas tells me she is skilled enough with the bow. And Aragorn will be teaching her to use the blade."
"All the same, do you truly think it a good idea to bring a young girl with us to Mordor?" persisted Boromir. "After all, she is only a child."
Valora's eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. A child? She may be young, but she was no child.
Gandalf looked at Boromir. "Valora is very loyal to the Hobbits. Frodo and Sam in particular. She also helped them get from the Shire to Bree and then to Rivendell. I would not deny her when she only wishes to help."
"You must admit, she looks a bit fragile," said Boromir.
Valora's eyes widened. *Fragile?!*
Legolas looked up from his place next to the fire, where he had just set down a pile of wood. "Aragorn," he said quietly.
Aragorn looked at his friend.
Legolas gestured slightly at the figure standing several feet away.
Aragorn took one look at Valora and knew that something was wrong. Her eyes were burning with rage. Her fists looked as though they were clenched hard enough to draw blood. As he watched, her gaze moved to the back of Boromir's head. And if looks could kill, he would have been dead in less than an instant. Curious as to what could be making her so angry, Aragorn looked over at Legolas, moved his eyes back to Boromir and to Legolas again.
Needing no further prompting, Legolas began to listen to Boromir speak. He raised a brow. No wonder the girl looked so upset. Quietly, he told Aragorn what was going on.
After another minute or so of eavesdropping, and listening to Boromir's suggestion that one of them should take her back to Rivendell and catch up to the others later, Valora had had enough. Steam practically shooting out of her ears, she marched over to where Boromir sat.
"Uh-oh," mumbled Aragorn. Gesturing for Legolas to follow, he quickly made his way over to where it was now obvious that a confrontation was about to take place.
"If that's the way you feel, you could at least say it to my face," spat Valora loudly, coming up right behind Boromir and Gandalf.
They both turned, startled. Boromir cringed at the sight of Valora standing about a foot away, hands on her hips, giving him a glare that could've wilted flowers.
The Hobbits and Gimli all looked up. Frodo hid a wince. He had never seen his friend look so angry before. And he'd seen her mad plenty of times, though she was usually good at controlling her temper.
"I, er, that is," stuttered Boromir. Slowly, he stood up. Funny, he was quite a bit taller than her, yet he still felt the menace in her glare.
"Or are you too much of a coward to tell a little girl how you feel about something?" She said 'little girl' mockingly, her voice dripping with contempt.
Boromir's own temper flared. Coward? "I was only concerned for your well being, milady," he replied stiffly.
"The hell you were," she shot back. "You don't think I can do it. You think I'm too weak and fragile to make this journey."
How much had she heard? he wondered. And just where had she learned language like that?
"Well, let me tell you something pal," she growled before he could reply. "You don't even know me. You don't know anything about me. I have been through shit that you wouldn't believe if I told you. I have survived being ripped away from everything I have ever known. I survived a trip from the Shire to Bree and from Bree to Rivendell with the Ringwraiths on my ass almost the entire time. I survived watching one of my friends almost die," she threw her arm out in Frodo's direction, "and I did it all in about a month! Not to mention all kinds of other shit that I'm not getting into. So, don't tell me that I'm too fragile to go any further!"
Eyes had widened at her outburst and choice of words. Of course, only Gandalf knew exactly what she was talking about. No one else knew about her visions or where she claimed to be from. And frankly, he was wondering whether or not she might really be telling the truth about being from another world.
"And if you really believe that I am, you can just go fuck yourself!"
Boromir narrowed his eyes once the initial shock had worn off. Maybe she wasn't as fragile as she appeared, but he was still angry about her labeling him a coward. "Fragile or not, you are still just a child," he spat.
Aragorn caught her by the shoulders just as she tried to lunge at Boromir. "Valora, settle down," he said in a gentle, but firm voice.
Valora ignored him and struggled against his hold. "Come closer and I'll show you just how child-like I am," she challenged.
"Valora," said Aragorn loudly. His hold was slipping because she was wriggling around so much. And she was stronger than she looked, he realized.
"I refuse to accept a challenge from someone who had no chance of winning," said Boromir. "And especially not from a little girl." He deliberately used her own words.
At this point, Legolas had to take a hold of one of her arms to help Aragorn hold her back. His eyes widened as she called Boromir every profanity he had ever heard in the common tongue. And even a few new ones.
"Enough!" Silence fell and Gandalf stepped between the two. He sighed in irritation as they continued to glare at each other. "Valora, he is only concerned for your safety and what is best for the Fellowship. We are not sending you back," he assured. Turning around, he said, "Boromir, she has, indeed, been through more than you know. I'm sure your concern would be more appreciated if you had chosen your words more carefully."
If he expects me to kiss and make up, I'm gonna shove that pipe of his where the sun don't shine, thought Valora.
"Now, I don't expect all of you to be friends," continued Gandalf. "But I do expect you to work together and cooperate. We are all here in common purpose. To destroy the One Ring. Am I clear?"
Valora turned her head away. He was right and she knew it. Huffing, she pried herself out of Aragorn and Legolas' grip and walked several yards away. She plopped down on a log, facing away from the others, and sulked silently.
She didn't know what had really happened back there. All the confusion and frustration that had been building up since she had arrived in Middle-Earth had bubbled up to the surface when she had heard Boromir questioning her presence. Add that to the anger the words caused on their own, not to mention years of bottled up anger and frustration from being made fun of behind her back and treated badly in her own world, and it was a deadly combination. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd lost control like that.
She wanted to go home.
Hot tears of anger and frustration burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them out. She hadn't let anyone see her cry since her father had left and she'd be damned if she started now. She wouldn't even let one tear escape because, if she did, the rest would inevitably follow. Impatiently, she rubbed at her eyes, trying to force the tears away. God, somebody please help me, she thought.
After a few moments, she began singing softly to herself, trying to calm herself down. Music almost always made her feel better. If not, she could at least find a few songs that matched her mood perfectly. She never sang in front of anyone except small children, though. Not even her mom. She was too embarrassed to. Besides, her voice wasn't that good. Right now no one was really paying any attention to her and she was far enough away that they couldn't hear her anyway. So, she supposed it was alright.
Oh, yeah, she though sarcastically as she sang. This journey is off to a great start.
~ I wish I could define ~ All the thoughts that cross my mind ~ They seem too big for me to choose ~ I don't know which ones to lose ~ When I've fallen down so far ~ I think I'll never see your light ~ Bouncing off of me ~ Shining down here from your eyes ~
~ Help me ~ Figure out the difference between right and wrong ~ Weak and strong ~ Day and night ~ Where I belong ~ Help me ~ Make the right decisions ~ Know which way to turn ~ Lessons to learn ~ And just what my purpose is here ~
~ Oh, yeah ~ It's like I got the signals crossed ~ With messages I can't decode ~ Half asleep ~ Never wide awake ~ And on complete overload ~ I've got so much information here ~ And nothing I can really grasp ~ I should know the truth ~ But I'm too afraid ~ So I have to ask ~
Don't I know it, she thought wryly as she sang that verse.
~ Help me ~ Figure out the difference between right and wrong ~ Weak and strong ~ Day and night ~ Where I belong ~ Help me ~ Make the right decisions ~ Know which way to turn ~ Lessons to learn ~ And just what my purpose is here ~
She continued singing quietly to herself, unaware that one other member of the Fellowship could hear her perfectly.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The next morning, Valora approached Boromir. She was still livid about what he'd said last night, but also knew that they were stuck together for a while. And Gandalf was right. They were on the same side here.
Boromir eyed her warily. Was she going to yell at him again?
"I think we started off on the wrong foot," she started. "Gandalf has a point. This isn't going to work if we're fighting the whole way. At least until this is over and done with, I see no reason why we can't behave like civilized adults."
He gave her a careful look. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "I suppose not."
"Truce, then?" She held out her hand.
"Truce." He shook her outstretched hand, but let go rather quickly.
"I apologize for calling you a coward," she said, albeit a bit grudgingly. "You wouldn't be here if that was completely true."
He frowned. *Completely* true? Well, he suspected that was as close as he would get to the full apology he wanted. "Accepted. I admit that you are not as fragile as you may look." Two could play this game.
Valora gritted her teeth. "Thank you," she ground out. Somehow, she managed to say it in a level enough tone of voice.
He nodded and walked off.
"Asshole," she murmured.
_________________________________________________________________
(Dives behind Aragorn.) Don't kill me! I like Boromir. Honestly, I do. Valora's just one of those people who keeps things bottled up inside. And when someone comes and pours more into the bottle when it's already full and shakes it up, it erupts. And Boromir just happened to be the one to make the bottle overflow. And come on, you didn't expect her to get along with *everybody* did you?