Guest: Glad you're enjoying it. You'll learn more about Aica's past as she opens up.
Fer: Glad you like it. I was going for something different. Hugs.
MidnightCoffeeAddict: Here you go. Glad you like it.

Chapter 6

During their time in Lothlórien Aica and Legolas were often found together on the archery field. There Aica sometimes taught Legolas how to use her knives or they challenged each other to duels or archery contests.
A week and a half into their stay in Lothlórien Aica and Legolas were sparring on the archery field. Legolas had Aica's arms locked behind her back, his blade at her throat. 'Do you yield?' He demanded.
Aica didn't reply. Instead she hooked a foot around of his legs and pulled, sending them both to the ground with a thump. Aica landed on her back, Legolas above her; arms braced on either side of her shoulders. Time seemed to stand still for the two elves as blue eyes stared into black, their breathing steady. Legolas slowly, deliberately lifted one hand and brushed his knuckles across Aica's cheek. Aica moved quickly, shoving Legolas away from her and placed a blade to his throat. 'I dearly hope you aren't considering doing that again.' She hissed, before bolting from the archery field.

Aica darted through Lothlórien blindly. Finally she stopped and leaned against one of the Mallorn trees and slid to the ground. The look she had seen in Legolas' eyes was one she had never seen before, one that confused her, one that she not know or understand. She tucked her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around on her legs. Resting her chin on her knees she began to regret opening up to Legolas. Why are you so afraid child? Lady Galadriel's voice in her head made her start. Aica lifted her head and saw the lady amongst the trees in front of her. Do you really fear becoming close to another so greatly? Perhaps you should give the young Prince a chance. Slowly Galadriel backed away, before disappearing between the trees.
Aica took a deep breath and rose to her feet. She had to apologise to Legolas, and explain why she ran. Legolas was still on the archery field when she returned there.
'I'm sorry for running.' Legolas turned to face her. 'Please understand that I have never gotten close to anyone before.'
'I understand, and it's not your fault. It's mine.'
'Don't be ridiculous.'
Aica argued. 'I should not have run, I should have just explained it.' Aica sat down on grass, and looked down at her crossed legs.
Legolas sat down next to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder. Aica had to resist shrugging it off. 'I never meant to upset you.'
'You didn't. I, I just have never known anyone like have come to know this Fellowship.'
'Hey, hey, it's okay. I understand. Take as much time as you need, I'll be here whenever you need me.'
Legolas suddenly pulled Aica into his chest, and wrapped his arms around her. They sat there in silence, Legolas just holding Aica.

Three days later the Fellowship was preparing to leave Lothlórien. They stood on the bank of the river as elves fastened elven cloaks around each of the Fellowship. 'Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes.' Celeborn was saying.
Galadriel then walked down the line of the Fellowship, giving each of them a gift. To Aragorn she handed a gleaming sheath for his sword. To Boromir she gave a golden belt. To Merry and Pippin she gave small belts, each bearing a short knife. To Sam she gave a length of elven rope. Frodo received a phial containing the light of Earendil. When Legolas received the bow from Galadriel he looked upon it with awe. Gimli asked for a single hair from the elf lady's head, she gave him three. Finally she reached Aica. 'To you Aica I give you the blades of Erthad. May they help you find your way and place in this world.' Into Aica's palm she placed two blades in sheaths. They were slightly curved with Mallorn leaves carved at the end of the hilt.
As well as their individual gifts and cloaks the Fellowship also received three boats, to carry them down the river, and many days' supplies. Legolas and Aica helped the elves of Lothlórien to pack the boats. As Legolas picked up one of the small packs to place it in the boat he pulled out a thin wafer slice. 'Lembas!' He exclaimed. 'Elvish Way-bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man.' He placed the pack in the boat and re-joined Aica on the shore. 'You look happier.' He commented.
Aica shrugged. 'I feel like I have more to live for since joining this Fellowship.'
'Aica! Legolas! We are preparing to leave!' Aragorn called to them.
The pair made their way back to the boats. Frodo, Sam and Aragorn had taken to one, Boromir, Merry and Pippin had taken a second, leaving the third to the two elves and Gimli, who was grumbling about having to travel with the 'pointy-ears'.

And so began their journey down the Anduin. The wind ruffled their hair as they rowed down the river, caught up in the current. On the river they felt safe, they could not be attacked and they at last had a chance of outrunning the enemy. Their journey would last them three days until they reached the falls of Rauros, once there they would camp on Western shore until nightfall before crossing the river and continuing their quest on foot.
Aica and Legolas stayed up all night on the first night, taking the watch. They sat in a comfortable silence, watching the river and the woods at their back. As the sun rose, the first rays filtered through the trees on the opposite. Aica closed her eyes as the sun hit her face. Legolas looked over to Aica as the sun hit her. In his eyes she seemed to glow, despite her dark appearance. Behind him the rest of the camp began to stir. Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulders. 'I need you and Aica to get the boats ready to travel.'
Legolas nodded and rose. He stayed watching Aica for a moment longer, before crossing to Aica's side and crouching down next to her. 'Come, we must prepare to leave.' He offered Aica a hand, which she took and he helped her up. Together the two elves began to help pack up the boats, before they hit the water again.

Once again that day was uneventful. When they stopped for the night, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli told Aica and Legolas, in no uncertain terms, that they would take the watch that night, rather than the two elves. Aica and Legolas set up their bed rolls next to each other on the opposite side of the fire to the hobbits. 'You were watching me this morning.' Legolas looked up to see Aica watching him.
'Sorry.' He apologised quickly. 'You just looked so…peaceful in the sun.'
Aica cocked her head slightly. 'Peaceful is a word that has never been associated with me.'
'Well it should be. You certainly looked it this morning.'
Legolas replied sincerely.
Aica nodded to him, before she settled down to sleep. Legolas watched Aica for a moment longer as her eyes glazed over as she fell asleep, before he himself settled down.

The next morning Aica awoke slowly. It would be their final day on the river. They quickly packed up the boats and took to river once again. Boromir seemed extremely agitated and on edge. Tall cliffs towered above them as they rowed towards the Falls of Rauros. Around mid-afternoon they rounded a bend in the river. Ahead of them two statues towered high above them; the Argonath. Aica heard Aragorn speak to Frodo. ' Frodo, the Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.'
Past the Argonath the Fellowship sailed. Beyond the statues the Falls of Rauros cascaded down into a deep ravine. The Fellowship headed for the Western shore. They hopped out of the boats and began to set camp. Aica noticed Legolas looking around warily. 'You feel it too?' She asked.
Legolas nodded in response. 'We should not be lingering.'
'We cross the lake at nightfall.' Aragorn was saying. 'Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North.
'Oh, yes!' Gimli butted in. 'It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better! Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see!'
'Are you scared, Master Dwarf, of a little mud?' Aica teased. Legolas gave her small smile; it was nice to see her relax a little.
Aragorn ignored Aica's comment. 'That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf.'

'We should leave now.' Legolas approached Aragorn.
'No.' Aragorn replied. 'Orcs patrol the Eastern shore, we must wait for the cover of darkness.'
'It is not the Eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Aica feels it too. Something draws near, we can feel it.' Aica adjusted the straps of her knives nervously, something wasn't right.
'Where's Frodo?' Merry asked suddenly, having returned from fetching some wood.
Everyone present quickly looked around. Frodo wasn't the only one gone. 'Boromir's gone too.' Aica added.
'We split up.' Aragorn ordered. 'Aica, Legolas, head back up through the woods, up river. Gimli, head downstream. You three hobbits will stay here. I don't want anything to happen to you.'
The four grabbed and strapped on the last of their weapons, before they headed off in the directions Aragorn had told them.

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