Chapter 2

Willow was back in the forest watching the two men from the tree top. She knew any normal human would not be smart enough to find her. The funny thing about humans is that when they are hunting they tend to not look up. Willow hoped beyond hope that this would once again be the case. Even so they were not fast enough to stop her, in her eyes they were harmless people who dressed in a strange way.

Striking blue eyes looked up at her from a distance. How does he know where I am hiding? Willow swang onto the lower branch and jumped of onto to forest floor, she whipped around and saw the guys running towards her, but she could run faster. Her guard had been down for less than 30 seconds, just long enough for her enemy, the Ninjas, to strike. One came up behind her grabbing her shoulder and slamming her down on the ground. Twigs and leaves danced around her. Willow felt a pain go down her spine; her endurance was strong so this did not affect the way she would fight. She cleared her mind from everything she was feeling. She rolled out of the way as the leader went in for the kill. Quick knife movements were performed. Until an arrow sored through the air, all fighting came to an end as the Ninjas ran off swiftly and silently. Willow cursed and kept on walking, she knew they were following.

The one with darker hair asked, 'who were those people who tried to kill you?'

Willow kept on walking, then suddenly stopped and turned around blocking the dark ones arm that was about to grab her, both looking at her in shock. She sighed and asked in a commanding voice, 'who are you?' They both looked at each other contemplating weather to tell her or not.

A cry on the wind distracted the three, the blonde man turned to Willow then back to his friend, or so she assumed, 'Orc's,' they both grabbed their weapons, Willow did the same.

Unknown creatures, from Willow point of view, ran towards the group. She had never seen anything like them before; but she did not linger on the thought as she sliced one orc it screamed and dropped to her feet. She flipped in the air avoiding the sword that was about to slice her from behind, and threw her knife which killed the villain. She looked around and saw both men fighting for their lives, they seemed to be very good with a sword and bow and arrows. She watched them for a little longer to make sure they would be ok before running off into the unknown.

Nightfall came, all was dark and quite. Willow needed food and sleep. She took camp after looking around and using all her senses to make sure no one was around her. She fell into a light sleep not wanting to be surprised. Her dark blue eyes flicked open she was welcomed by a sword at her throat. It was the men, how could I have been so stupid to let her guard down even for a second?

The man with the dark hair spoke, 'who are you? This time no running. I will not hesitate to kill you.'

Willow slowly held her hands up. Looking at the two she concluded that if they wanted to kill her they would have already done so. She chose to question them on their question, 'Why should I tell you?'

'Legolas, tie her hands,' the blonde guy who she now knew as Legolas jumped down from the tree, grabbed her hands and tied them together. They pulled her up roughly.

'We cannot take the chance; you might be a spy,' Legolas said with sorrow in his eyes.

'First mistake - showing your emotions. It is weakness; the enemy will use it against you,' she spat out.

Nothing else was said entire night as they hiked their way to some unfamiliar place. She let her mind wander, thinking of those creatures which had attacked all three of them.

After hours of hiking they finally came to a halt and the dark man tied her up to a tree while saying, 'we shall rest here, from here we will head straight to Rivendell and there your fate will be answered.'

Legolas offered Willow food and water which she did not take. 'Come, you must eat something, you will starve.'

She glared at them both and replied, 'then that will be my fate.' The dark man sighed and walked away.

Willow could hear them both talking in a language she had not yet heard of. They both turned in for the night. She laughed to herself shaking her head at their foolishness. Willow had no doubt in her mind that she could escape with both of them now sleeping. She slowly and skilfully reached for her star weapons with her mouth and pulled her tied up hands as high as she could reach them, from there she moved her head around and she spitted out the star, slicing the rope that tied her up. Willow walked away from the camp site swiftly and quietly.

Back at the camp site Legolas sensed her running away. He was surprised that she had managed to escape and to do it so quietly and swiftly. He choose to follow the young woman and bring her back. He found the way she fought was strange, but she seemed like she knew what she was doing.

As an elf he easily caught up with her, but he did have to admit that for a human she was almost as good as Aragorn at hiding her tracks. He saw her figure up ahead, she had paused. He looked around and noticed they were not alone. Willow knew this and from the corner of his eye he saw Willow pull out some string and she was suddenly being attacked not by orc's but by the Ninjas. Legolas watched for a few seconds as she used the rope to defend herself. She had a fighting style; it was flip back flip forward roll to the left then go in for the kill. Or so Legolas thought, he soon joined the fight, only killing one before the rest retreated.

She was slightly panting with a look of disgust on her face said, 'why did you come? I was ready for this fight; I did not ask nor need your help.'

Legolas replied, 'my lady, you were outnumbered. I have seen your skills and have no doubt in my mind that you can protect yourself. Three against one I feared you would not make it out.'

'You doubt my skills?'

'I do not doubt, I thought the extra hand would bring you some comfort, knowing you are not alone.' Her blue eyes pierced into his crystal blue eyes.

For a split second hurt could be seen in her eyes but she covered it well, she held no emotion in her voice, 'Alone! I have been alone for a very long time. I do not ask for comfort or support. Why can you not let me go in peace? Why do you want me to be your hostage?'

'We travel alone, a woman suddenly appears in our group and refuses to answer our questions, she shows skills in way's which I have never seen before, we wished you would come but you ran. Our destination is Rivendell, house of Lord Elrond. I am asking you to join us; it is dangerous travelling alone, especially in these dark times. We do not trust so easily.'

She said nothing for a long time, he almost gave up hope, ' Willow is the name; I know you as Legolas whom do you travel with?'

'Aragorn, Pleasure to meet you Willow. Perhaps we can start again?'

'I have given you my name not my friendship, let us walk back to the camp. I would prefer it if you did not waste your time in tying me up for I will simply escape again.' Legolas sighed and chose to ignore her. Taking the lead back to camp; at least it is a start he thought to himself.