Alona lay in her bed tossing and turning, she could not sleep. She would have to find Aragorn in the morning and apologize to him before he left with the Fellowship. Aragorn's words kept running through her head, he was right though. Legolas would never return what she felt for him. Legolas would never give up his immortality for her, and honestly if he wanted to, she could not let him do it. But it did not matter, he did not view her in any way but platonic. Alona began to cry, she felt the tears gently rolling down her face. She got out of bed and slipped a light silver robe over her white nightgown. She walked out of her room and shut the door behind her.
The tears started to come faster and she began to sob. Alona ran down the hall and down the stairs. She ran outside and towards a large tree. She stopped and leaned her forehead on it sobbing to herself. Everything was going wrong, she used to be so happy. Through the tears she looked behind the tree, there was a nice little gazebo that was fairly secluded. Alona slowly walked over towards it, she carefully walked up the steps, it was surrounded by many trees. She sat down on the floor and hugged her knees to her chest sobbing into her nightgown.
"Alona?" someone asked.
Alona's head shot up and came face to face with Legolas. She blushed bright red and hid her face in her hands before he could see her crying. She didn't want him to see her like this. He gently took her hands in his and held them.
"Alona I saw you run out and come up here, please tell me," Legolas said. "What's wrong?"
Alona would not answer, she kept her face to the side. Legolas let go of her hands and tucked her hair behind her ear. He made a very silent gasping sound, she was crying. He gently took her chin in his hand and turned her face to him.
"Alona what's wrong, did someone do something to you?" Legolas said looking over her face.
Alona nodded her head causing her hair to fall back into her face. Legolas looked shocked at first, why would anyone do something to make her cry? Legolas moved her hair away from her face once again and at the same time, wiping her tears off her cheeks. As he was about to remove his hand she moved her hand up and placed it on top of his and held it there. She moved her eyes up towards his gaze, he looked so handsome. The full moon accented his face, making it glow with a pale light.
"Why do you keep moving my hair from my view?" Alona asked.
"Alona, a face like yours should never be hidden." Legolas replied. Alona was not sure at first what he meant. "Alona, who hurt you?" Legolas asked.
Alona couldn't tell Legolas that it was about how she was falling in love with him. But what could she say?
"It was Aragorn, but it's not as it seems. He told me something that I needed to hear I just did not want to accept it. I do not wish to believe it..." Alona said. She wanted to tell him, but the only reply she could get would be one of rejection.
"May I ask what he told you?" Legolas asked.
"That I cannot say. I am sorry Legolas." Alona said.
"It's alright I understand. Come Alona, I'll take you back to your room." Legolas said standing up.
Legolas extended his hand out to her and smiled gently at her. She took it and he helped her up. Alona made her way back out of the gazebo with Legolas close behind her.
"Legolas, what were you doing outside this late at night?" Alona asked.
"I couldn't sleep, so much has been on my mind lately. I don't know what to make of it, I just needed to clear my head. I was out for a short walk when I saw you run outside, you looked very upset, so I thought I should check on you." Legolas replied.
"Thank you Legolas, you helped to comfort me. If only I could ease your troubles as well." Alona said.
"It is alright Alona, and you're welcome." Legolas said.
They finally arrived at her room. Alona was about to walk in when Legolas grabbed her arm and turned her around. Alona looked up at him shocked; he pulled her into gentle hug. Alona's head was against his chest, she could hear his heartbeat. She closed her eyes and moved in closer to him, he was so warm. After a moment or two Legolas pulled away from her and placed his hand on her cheek.
"Take care Alona, do not let your heart be troubled." He said and walked away.
Alona was left there quite stunned. She watched as he walked away and then went into her room. Legolas walked down the hall and saw Aragorn looking at him. They must have awoken him while talking in the halls, he must have seen the whole thing. Aragorn was looking at him intently.
"Legolas do not give her false hope." Aragorn said.
"I do not understand?" Legolas questioned.
"Do not play dumb Legolas. You are a dear friend to me, but I will not let you hurt my sister." Aragorn said, and walked away.
Legolas stood there in shock, what did he mean? Surely Aragorn did not think Legolas was falling in love with Alona did he?
...Did he?
The Fellowship had already left a few hours ago. She had said her goodbyes to Aragorn and the others, she missed him already. She had apologized to Aragorn, he had apologized as well. He had said his words were very harsh and that he should have been more thoughtful of her feelings, but also that she needed to be told.
Alona was walking down the long corridors with Arwen, mostly in silence. They finally reached Arwen's room and they sat on her bed, still not speaking a word. Arwen knew something was wrong.
"Alona what's troubling you. Please tell me what it is?" Arwen asked. Alona sighed.
"I wish he could stay. It has been only a few hours and already I feel a great emptiness. I wish to see him again. Only had I just found him." Alona replied sadly.
"Aragorn will return. There is also hope. You must never forget that." Arwen said.
"I know, it is just...how does one find hope in hopelessness?" Alona questioned and went back to her room alone.
Alona was sitting on her balcony painting one of the many beautiful scenes of Rivendell when an idea struck her. If she wanted to see her brother so much, why not just simply go out and find him? Of course she'd never be allowed to go. Lord Elrond would forbid it, and she'd have to leave Arwen alone. She would leave before dawn tomorrow, or else they'd be too far ahead for her. Alona stood there for a moment going over last minute ideas and then began to pack her things.
Alona wanted to see Arwen once more before she left so she went into the library where Arwen usually was found. Alona came up behind her; Arwen was looking at a painting of Isildur.
"Thinking about Aragorn?" Alona asked.
"He left...and sometimes I am unsure of whether he will return." Arwen said.
"He will return, just wait, he has to discover his own destiny. He will come back for you, you gave him the greatest gift he could ever ask for," Alona said.
"So he told you I would give up my immortality for him?" Arwen asked.
"Yes he has told me. What is it like, if I am not too bold to ask?" Alona asked.
"When you really truly love someone...you want to be with them always. No matter the sacrifice. But I am glad you are here with me Alona. Aren't you at all homesick? Perhaps we should go together to the Golden Wood?" Arwen said.
"One cannot be homesick when they had no home to begin with." Alona said bitterly.
"Do not be angry, you must understand why it was done. You may not be here now if not for the decisions made long ago." Arwen said.
"Perhaps. I have much to think about. I think I will go to my room now. I shall speak with you another time." Alona said and hugged Arwen.
"Yes, we should both sleep now. I shall see you tomorrow Alona." Arwen said.
Alona walked away to her room with a heavy heart. She felt terrible for leaving Arwen alone, but she could not stay.
The next morning before dawn Alona began getting ready. She put on her riding gear, not particularly fond of a dress for this occasion. She wore the clothes of the elves from her former home: Lothlorien. Deep greys and browns, with a leather belt around her waist to sheath her sword. She slipped on her boots, the vambrace, her cloak, and finally added her quiver and bow.
Alona snuck out of her room finally prepared. It was still quite early and she was slightly tired. But to leave unnoticed she knew she had to leave now. Alona felt awful for not saying goodbye to Arwen, but knew Arwen would try to stop her. Alona ran out into the stables where her horse was being kept. Glory saw his master and seemed to perk up. Alona quickly mounted her horse. She kicked her legs and Glory took off.
Alona had been riding for a long time now; they were a full day ahead of her by now. She stopped for a moment and looked around, she spotted imprints on the ground. They had been this way, she could also sense they were near. She opened her eyes and sighed, she wanted to find them before nightfall so she continued on her way. She was getting weary, and the sun was setting. She continued on through the night not wanting to sleep in fear of Orcs. She was still riding when the sun came up, and was nearing exhaustion. Her path had taken her up into the mountains, and Glory was not quite as skilled at running full-speed up a steep slope as on level ground. But their efforts were rewarded, for as she reached the top of a crest and looked down, she saw them: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Alona got off Glory and sighed, she would not be able to follow them on horseback anymore. She pet Glory and whispered in her horse's ear, she loved her horse very much. She whispered some Elvish words into Glory's ear, Glory neighed in protest but in the end took off for Rivendell again. Alona knew Glory could find his way back, Arwen would take care of him.
Alona looked over at the Fellowship, now for the hardest part, keeping herself hidden and quiet until she was ready to reveal herself. She knew Aragorn would be less than pleased when she did show herself, he would send her back to Rivendell. But Alona wanted to be with her brother, she would just have to wait for the perfect time. She also knew now that she could not make a sound for Elves could hear better than any man, but she gave a light sigh of relief for the fact that she had found them, and also that the fact of there being many rocks for her to hide behind. She first had some food she had packed and then she made her way hiding behind rock from rock closer to the Fellowship. The group was just eating breakfast.
Alona watched the group, she saw Aragorn speaking with Legolas. Alona's eyes lingered on Legolas; she remembered how he had seen her cry. She was embarrassed at the memory, but was happy that it had taken place. Then she heard Aragorn call out to the others and they packed and set out. Alona wished to rest but did not want to lose them now.
