Chapter 5

Willows POV

Bold = Elvish

Control that's the key. Once you had control over yourself nothing can stop you. However it is like trust; once you lose it you can't seem to find it again. Here I was in this new world only just realising how out of control things were getting, once the world around you loses control so do you. I was on the verge of a breakdown, even after a day of trying to get a hold of myself I felt worse. What was happening? Why did I feel so small, so lost, so scared? I would not admit that to anyone not even myself. They were just feelings and nothing more. I needed a plan of escape. I needed to be surviving on my own.

I went to bed hungry that night, not wanting to leave and rejecting all offers of food. My dreams haunted me. Once the invasion started, they came in the dead of night; I could not see their faces. The dream went to my escape. They were not humans, they did not rest and they showed no mercy. I had to get away, what I did I did through fear not bravery, I was a coward. When the chance came I grabbed it with both my hands I ran and ran, until someone found me and carried me to a place of hope. My dream went back to the man in white, a gold ring on his finger, the ground was a blood bath, mangled bodies everywhere.

My eyes snapped opened I was on the ground. I picked myself up and sat in bed with my weapons close by trying to shake of the dream. Morning came and so did a massive headache.

'How are you feeling this morning?' I jumped slightly and found Aragorn standing in the door way.

'What are you doing in my room?' I asked.

He looked at me and said coldly, 'waking you up. Get dressed I will be waiting outside.'

'Fine,' I replied getting up.

Aragorn walked out to give me time to dress. I pulled on my black tank top and black pants. I pushed the door open and found a frowning Aragorn. 'You will go back into the room and change into appropriate clothing.'

I nearly laughed at him. I replied icily, 'You do not command me. Who are you to tell me what I can or cannot wear?'

His eyes became deadly, but I matched his stare as he went on to say, 'you are under the care of Lord Elrond. He has given me permission to as you so kindly pointed out to command you.'

'I am no hostage. Yet you treat me as such.'

'Indeed, but you must tread carefully for Elves do not trust so easily and nor do I. You may not be in the dungeons but you will be commanded and you will listen to those commands. Unless you prefer the dungeons.'

'He does trust you, I do not so much trust you yet. I cannot read minds, I saw it in your eyes what you were worried about. Or more I guessed.' He replied.

'I do not worry and you do not need to read me. I have done nothing to you for you to mistrust me.'

He spent a good deal of time searching my face, I gave nothing away as he spoke, 'I do not hate you but I do not trust you yet. You must earn that trust; you can start by changing into proper attire.'

I replied dryly, 'you must earn my trust also.'

And in a voice that left no room to argue he replied, 'go and change or you will be confined to your room, the choice is yours.'

The idea of staying in my room was tempting enough for me so I stood there holding my ground, 'you think you're so important commanding me to do as you wish. Well I have news for you, I do as I please and I do not listen to the likes of you.'

He sighed, 'so be it, Athae.' A tall Elf walked swiftly towards us, 'see to it that this lady does not leave her rooms, allow her food and water. If she does change her attire inform me.'

I let out a loud sigh, with one last effort I said, 'I don't like dresses ok.'

He raised his eye and walked away as my guard dragged me into the room. I spent the next hour ridding myself of all emotions. I did not like it when he read my mind through my eyes. I heard movement outside and a knock at the door; I did not answer and turned my back to the door. A cool breeze touched my skin as Aragorn walked in; I knew it was him by his smell.

'Here, you may find these more to your tasting, however when there is a special event on you will have no choice but to wear a dress.' I turned around and saw that in one hand he was holding pants and a long sleeved top and in the other he was holding a cup.

He placed the clothing on the bed and handed me the cup. I smelt it and looked at him he gave a small smile and said, 'I have not put anything in the drink, trust me.'

I hesitated before taking a small sip. It tasted like mint, I took another sip, and thought back to my dream I had the other night. I nodded my head in thanks and drowned the tea.

'I uh suppose I'll change now.' Aragorn turned to walk out. 'Aragorn uh, well you know for the tea and the clothing.'

Aragorn put his hand up, 'you're welcome Willow. You are still in control and you are still strong, even the toughest person weeps. This does not make them weak.' He walked out, had he heard my cries? I felt my face redden as I quickly changed into the clothing.

Aragorns POV

I understood why Aella was acting hostile. She wanted us to know that she was not weak and she needed no help. I worried, so much pride could be her downfall. I made it my business to help the girl in any way I could. I had walked past her room and heard her sobbing I knew she was in pain, what I did not know was how much pain.

'I wish to speak to both you and Willow, I trust she is well.'

'Ada, I did not see you.'

'Deep in thought perhaps, bring her to my study we have business to discuss.'I walked back to Willow's room, when I reached it I found her standing outside talking to her guard; she looked a lot more comfortable in her attire than she had the other night in her dress.

'Willow, Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you,' I guided her to his study, I found Ada waiting he smiled at us,

'Lady Willow, please take a seat in my study, I will be with you soon.' He walked away a few minutes later returning with Legolas.

'How are you finding your stay Lady Willow?' She looked up at me and paused, most likely trying to think of a nice response.

She replied in an impertinent tone, ' Fine,'

Ada ignored her tone, 'good, if there is anything you wish let one of us know. I want you to feel at home as much as possible. I also wish to speak to you about a dream you had.'

I straightened at this and watched Willow's movement she barely moved but I noticed her shoulders stiffen and she replied, 'I have many dreams Lord Elrond you may want to specify.'

'I have no doubt you know the dream of which I am speaking about.'

Her eyes grew colder, 'what is it you wish to know and how do you know?'

Ada chuckled at her statement, 'little one, I have many gifts and one of them is visions, I mistakenly but fortunately got caught up in your dream. I wish to confirm that you saw a white wizard and a golden ring placed on a small human.'

It took Willow a while to answer and when she did all she managed was a nod, Ada seemed satisfied, he turned to me and said, 'then it is true, the ring has been found, Aragorn I have had word from Gandalf I did not believe it, I believe Willow has seen the truth, you must travel to Bree a Hobbit is in danger, Willow should go with you. Gain her trust. She will be able to help. She is troubled and hides her true feelings.'I understood what he was saying, the Hobbit was no longer safe.

Willow looked confused I turned to her and said, 'you will ride with me to Bree, I believe you will be of some help.' She saw no way out of this and nodded her head.

'Great,' Ada said. 'You will leave after lunch, can you ride?'

'As in a horse? In that case no, I couldn't even drive,' what did she mean by drive? I would have to ask her one day.

'Aragorn will bear you, it is a six day journey, and I will have one of my elves prepare you both. Lunch should be ready now, Legolas stay behind I have word from your father.'