I do not own Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's characters. Any characters and plot lines I create are mine.
A/N: I give the excuse of college. Nothing else to say. Also, I am not a swimming instructor... don't follow my advice. I have been told by many people that I can't teach.
Chapter 17: Uncharted Waters
"Are you sure about this?" Azruphel asked for what quiet possibly was the twelfth time. Legolas had coaxed her to a section of the river where the water rose to her hips. Despite her misgivings about elves, there was something encouraging and soothing in Legolas' approach, and without realizing it Azruphel had left her swords and bag on the shore and was in water.
"Yes, I am sure," Legolas said with a smile. "Now, lay back and let the water lift you."
Azruphel leaned back slowly, the way Legolas had showed her, the water creeping up her spine. She felt hands on her back, and knew Legolas was ready to support her, before sinking completely to the water and kicking up her legs. For a split second she panicked when the hands slid away, but the panic subsided when she realized that she could float!
"Try moving with your arms," Legolas said, and when she did, she started to smile. Had she stayed in Mordor, she never would have gone near a river, let alone in one.
She heard many orcs and the other Nazgûl speak of elves, but never in a nice way. She tried to forget all of that. Legolas was kind and helpful, and most importantly, didn't know her history. He treated her like a friend, and didn't ask questions.
"Well done," Legolas said. He taught her how to swim on her back, but then wanted to switch to forwards. Here, Azruphel hesitated. She was in the water, but her fears were still there. She was yet to be completely submerged.
"When I was a child, I almost drowned," she said.
After a moment, Legolas asked, "Do you trust me?" And Azruphel did. She took a deep breath and went under.
The world was different, blurred, distorted. It was, Azruphel thought, like how the world changed when she put on her ring. Except it was just her, free from the Nazgûl, and it was incredible. Azruphel looked around until her lungs began to demand air, and she rose to the surface, and the world returned to normal.
Legolas allowed Azruphel a private moment before saying, "I knew you could do it."
"Thank you," she said.
"You are welcome, Azruphel," he said, and paused for a beat before saying, "Now it is time for real swimming!" Azruphel laughed happily.
Azruphel practiced with Legolas for an hour, before going to start a fire and dry off.
***Azruphel***
Khamûl sat on his horse at the Fords of Isen, nervous as any of the Nazgûl about crossing. He could not remember the last time he had been on the west side of the Misty Mountains. It was Er-Murazor who finally put the pieces together after the Nazgûl scouted Edoras: Azruphel and the Ranger she took with her were heading to Rivendell.
"She must be suspicious of the ring," Er-Murazor said. "If not her, then it is him. Azruphel knows our secrets. She will be dangerous if she reaches the Elves."
Most of the company nodded. Only Adûnaphel and Uvatha remained still, from anger and grief at the situation. Khamûl understood: if Azruphel refused to return she would be killed, or dragged back and forced to become a wraith. Unfortunately, the Morgal blade would change her, destroy her. She would no longer be Azruphel, like she would have been if she continued to wear her ring.
"We will spread out and ride north along the mountains," Er-Murazor commanded, and spurred his horse into the water. Khamûl went next, then the rest followed.
Khamûl believed he could convince Azruphel to return. He still considered her to be a daughter. However, he wouldn't hesitate to do what needed to be done if Azruphel refused.
***Azruphel***
Strider considered his decision as he rode north. Azruphel's uncertainty had left him with no choice, or so he had thought at the moment. But then, he couldn't blame Azruphel. Strider knew what it was like to have multiple loyalties. He had grown up away from his heritage, and left to discover it. The difference, of course, was that Elves and Men were both enemies of Sauron. Disaster would strike if Azruphel entered Rivendell and suddenly decided to switch sides. She would be the worst enemy.
Still, Azruphel had a right to be confused, when years of truth became a lie. There had never been another person in her position.
He knew what he should do. He should return to the spot he left her, just to see. It was only a day and a half. He would see if she was still there, or if there was a trail. If not, he could continue north and hope she was well. If she was there, well, he would decide what to do then.
Strider turned Brehan around, and headed south.
***Azruphel***
The next morning, Azruphel woke at dawn and saw Legolas. It took a second for her to remember meeting the elf and the events of the day before.
"Are you ready to leave?" Legolas asked after they ate. Azruphel nodded, and saddled Nightfall. Legolas leapt on his horse; it seemed he did not use a saddle. They were going back in the same direction she came from, but it didn't matter. Strider was surely gone by now. If he wasn't, well, she wasn't sure how to explain herself to Legolas. She would just have to cross that bridge when if they came to it.
Strider and Legolas had changed her. If she received anything from her journey, it was her new understandings of others. She didn't think she could go against her family, but neither could she go against the Elves and Men.
For now, she would just have to settle with being on nobody's side. She would go east to the mountains, then north to Rivendell. She would not enter Rivendell, instead go to Bree, and then to the sea. Once she reached the sea, she would make her decision: Mordor or Men. Or maybe she would just find a quiet corner of Middle Earth, where no one would bother her. That, Azruphel thought, would be perfect.
A/N: Sorry it is a little short. I honestly couldn't think of anything else to add because, if you couldn't tell, it is a set-up chapter. We are actually getting towards the end of this part. I planned out a certain amount. There are more places I could go (many places I could go), but because of my hectic schedule I am not sure if I want to. I shall keep you guys informed as it gets closer to the "end." As always, reviews are nice.