Chapter 11: Aella's POV

His bright blue eyes bore into my guilty dull blue eyes and I muttered, 'sorry.'

After talking well more like listening to Aragorn I went in search for the Hobbits. But I had ran into Legolas.

Legolas asked, 'are you sorry for running into me? Or are you sorry for running away? You are still yet to answer.'

I felt my- self slightly blush, 'for running into you.' I answered not looking into his bright blue eyes.

'I see,' he mused. 'You are not sorry for running away?'

I sighed not wanting to talk about this right now, 'I need to find Merry and the other Hobbits do you know where I can find them?'

'I do. But do not think you will not answer for your actions of late,' he replied as he led me towards the Hobbits. 'They are through the door, I will wait for you here and take you to your room.'

'I do not need you to take me back to my room,' I snapped feeling annoyed as I pushed the door open and walked in to find all four Hobbit's laughing about something.

All eyes turned my way and soon I was ambushed by three Hobbits while Frodo laughed at the greeting. Merry jumped up and cried out, 'Lady Willow, it is great to see you alive and well, we apologize my lady if we had said or done anything to cause you to leave.' I stared in shock at Merry wondering why he was the one apologizing.

I gave a simple answer, 'you were not the reason why I left, I had my reasons, and I am the one who is sorry, you have nothing to apologize for. Frodo, if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.' Frodo softly smiled at me, not meeting his eyes I could tell he carried a great burden.

The door opened and Aragorn walked in and frowned in my direction, 'Legolas is outside waiting for you, he will escort you to your room where you will wait for me. We have much to discuss.'

I sighed as Aragorn clapped me on the shoulder, I watched him examine Frodo, his eyes only held concern and love. Legolas gently pulled my arm in his direction, 'Willow come, let Aragorn tend to Frodo.'

I let Legolas drag me to my room. I did not go in but I sat outside looking over the valley, lush green grass, and birds flittering about. Legolas stood watching me so I said, 'I won't go anywhere you can leave.'

Ignoring me completely he sat down, 'I know you will not leave, you have nowhere else to go. Why will you not accept our help and protection?' I sat staring transfixed at the scene in front of me, letting the sun melt into my skin and a single tear fell from my eye and down my chin like a petal from a rose slowly falling in a slight breeze. A hand fell onto mine and for a moment I remembered what it felt like to be cared for. We sat in silence for a while until a shadow clouded the sun.

I looked up and saw Aragorn standing there, he looked down on us, 'Legolas I believe you are wanted in the house of healing, there are four eager Hobbits waiting to hear of your adventures.' Legolas smiled at me gently and gracefully he stood up and headed back in the same direction in which Aragorn came from. Once Legolas was out of view Aragorn took Leoglas spot, the sun once again reaching my face.

With a stern voice he said to me, 'It has been decided that you will be my ward. I am here to keep you safe and to have you to come to me with any problems you may be having. You are to do as I say and when I say it, do you understand?'

I looked at him in disbelief no I did not understand I was being treated like a six year old girl. He went on to say, 'I know you are used to looking after yourself, sometimes a person may need looking after there is no shame in having someone make you feel safe, someone who allows you to act your age. I want you to tell me when you are upset or hurt or feel like you need some time alone. I want to see you laugh and let go of the burden you carry, while you have the chance.'

A warm feeling overtook my body and it was not the sun. My heart nearly gave out, I wanted all those things. He was offering me a ticket away from war he was offering me memories, happy memories. But I am stubborn, 'I am no child, I do not ask for help of any kind. Why is it so important to you that I stick around?'

He sighed I could see he was having a battle with himself on what to do next. I made it easy for him, I stood up and went into my room.

Later that week I had been asked to come to some type of meeting. I was not overly keen to be in the public's eye. I did not know my way around Rivendell too well, so I waited for Aragorn to come and guide me to the meeting. When he did come he did not speak to me, a slight spark of disappointment went through me. Legolas was sitting with a group of Elves, as we entered he looked up and smiled at us. As soon as we sat down, Frodo came with Gandalf both smiled warmly at me. I looked over and found people who stood smaller than men but taller than Hobbits, I frowned, 'Dwarfs,' Aragorn whispered in my ear.

Dwarfs, Hobbits and Elves, Oh my! Where was Santa when you needed him? I thought sarcastically. I turned to face Lord Elrond as he waited for the chatter to stop before talking.

'Strangers from distant lands friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. There is another threat has been discovered, Lady Willow would you please explain?' Lord Elrond's grey eye's and demanding voice caught the attention of everyone who was present at the council.

No one uttered a word or drew a breath as he asked Frodo to bring the ring forward. I did not move as I looked to Aragorn for help, none here would believe my story. Aragorn laid a hand on my knee, I wondered if he knew Lord Elrond wanted me to explain this new threat. By the way he gripped my leg I doubted he knew.

Lord Elrond pressed on, 'Lady Willow, please explain.'

I looked back to Aragorn who nodded his head but I could tell he was feeling uneasy about this decision. I stood up I could see the men were tempted to mock me and laugh me out of Rivendell.

'I doubt many of you will believe me, however I will explain. Though I would rather not as it is not your enemy but mine. They call themselves the…' I paused trying to think of another name, something which the people here would understand. 'The Dark Fighters,' I smiled inwardly knowing I could easily describe them as an advanced wraith. 'They dress in black and fight in darkness, they are deadly fast, their skill is unmatched by any. I was trained to kill these fighters, I do not use a bow or a sword. I have been trained in another way, and they have also had the same training. They have more experience, more lead way; however, in the current situation both the fighters and I have are suddenly on an equal play field, so to speak.' I looked around a few had confusion written in their eyes a few had doubt and others held mockery.

'She lies, this is no place for a woman!' A group of men yelled out. I sat down feeling helpless and the ground suddenly became interesting.

Aragorn came to my rescue, 'Lady Willow is here on Lord Elrond's command. She speaks the truth, unless you claim that this Lady has managed to deceive myself, Lord Elrond, Legolas Prince of Mirkwood, and the Hobbits then I suggest you to leave.' Who knew Aragorn was good with speeches?

A man who looked familiar added, 'and why would Lord Elrond take your word for it, who are you to him?' Aragorn's face was stern his eyes narrowed.

Legolas stood up and said, 'he is Aragorn son of Arathorn the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.' I must have looked like a fish out of water as Legolas continued to talk.

All this time I was with a King and a Prince. Feeling overwhelmed I closed my eyes wondering how this had not come up in conversation. I looked over at the man who called himself Boromir who looked straight ahead showing his anger.

Aragorn whispered in my ear, 'We will talk after the meeting.'

Lord Elrond hushed the crowed and continued, 'One of you must take the ring to the land of Mordor, it cannot be used.'

All of a sudden everyone started fighting amongst themselves. I felt something pulling me towards the golden object, however my attention was on the small Hobbit who seemed to not notice that there was a full on fight going on right in front of him. After a while Frodo yelled out, 'I will take the ring, I will destroy the ring. Though I do not know the way.'

Frodo's big blue eyes looked at the man dressed in grey who answered, 'I will help you with this burden.'

Aragorn stood up and knelt in-front of Frodo, 'you have my sword.' Aragorn stood up and walked to me and offered his hand, I took it and we both walked to Frodo. I knew what it was he wanted from me. I guess I had no choice for I was the only one who could protect them if they were to encounter the Dark Fighters.

'I will also help you Frodo,' I said hugging the scared Hobbit, who smiled up at me.A few more joined in, including Legolas.

Soon Sam, Merry and Pippin ran out of the bushes and cried out, 'We're coming to.'

Pippin pointed out, 'You'd have to drag us back home kicking and screaming.' I held in a smile.

'So be it,' Lord Elrond said looking at all of us who had decided to join Frodo. 'You shall be the Fellowship of the ring.'

'Great, so what are we doing? And where are we going?' Pippin asked, so innocent so sweet I bent down and gave him a hug and whispered our mission to him.

Lord Elrond finished by saying, 'You will depart early next month I suggest you all get to know each other and say goodbye to loved ones. I expect you all to come to supper tonight.' I looked around and found Boromir looking very angry as he stormed up to Lord Elrond and started conversing with him about having me join them. I tuned out.

Aragorn came to my side and whispered, 'Come, we have much to talk of.'

Aragorn led me towards a small garden and sat on the bench and sighed, 'How are you feeling?' he asked.

I replied in a bored tone, 'Fine. I knew I would have to go with Frodo, I am the only one who knows how to kill the Ninjas.'

He frowned and went on to say, 'I am glad you are feeling content with the journey ahead, however we will spend the next few days mentally and physically preparing for the journey. How did you feel when Legolas mentioned I was King?'

And in an honest response I replied, 'I felt fine, it is none of my business.'

'You are lying to me. I saw the way you reacted.'

I sighed, 'Ok so I was surprised, nothing more or nothing less.'

Aragorn replied, 'There was more than surprise in your eyes. I hurt you, you gave me your trust and I did not return the trust to you. I did not tell you who I really was.'

I played with the grass avoiding eye contact and feeling extremely un-comfortable. If I were back at home they would call this counselling, something which I did once but after the counsellor tried to hit on me I never went back to him or anyone else.

'What troubles your mind?' He urged.

'I was just thinking, this seems like a counselling session.' At his confused look I went on to explain, 'A counsellor is a person who helps other people with their feelings they are someone who you can talk to about any problems you are having.'

'I see,' he replied slowly. 'And this makes you un-comfortable?'

'I suppose it does, I did not have a good experience, that is why I started to hide my feelings. I know that if… if he had not tried to hurt me I would have never learnt to hide my feelings until later on in life.'

'How did he hurt you?'

'He tried to umm… tried to kiss me and some other things.' This was true, I did before the war have problems with a group of girls in school.

They would bully me and hurt me to the point where I nearly overdosed on mum's pills. So I went to get some help from the school counsellor, he was a rather young man, early 20's. I was 13 and he had tried to rape me. I still remember his touch on my arm that sent shivers down my spine. I screamed and he quickly backed off. I ran out and never went near him again.

Aragorn looked into my eyes making me shiver and said, 'I want you to know how sorry I am to hear someone would try and do that to you. I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to protect you. Before you say anything I know you can protect yourself however I will still be your look out and will help you if you need it. I was not forced to have you as my ward; I asked to have you as my ward. We do not know much of each other but I hope that will change.'

Tears threatened to fall over my eyes, as I answered, 'I felt like you had no choice but to take me in as no one else would want me. I felt hurt when I heard from someone who was not you that you're a King after all I we have been through, did you not trust me to keep this secret?'

He sighed and said, 'I had a choice, and I said I would take you in because that is what I wanted. I am sorry I did intend to tell you of my past and future, I cannot change the way you heard but I truly am sorry I do want you apart of my life,' he pulled me into a hug and held me.

'Thank you,' I said. 'What happens now?' I asked.

'We take it one day at a time.'

I nodded my head agreeing, 'can I go and explore the area on my own?'

'You may, do not be late for supper, try not to get lost.' I smiled and walked away enjoying the sunshine on my face.

'Lady Willow, may I join you?' I sighed wanting to be alone but knew I should be at least half decent since we would be travelling together for a long time.

'You may, I was just exploring the area.'

Legolas slipped next to me and smiled, 'It is beautiful. How do you fare?'

I shrugged and said, 'I'm ok.'

'I am sorry, I did not intend to hurt you, I only assumed Aragorn had mentioned his heritage. I am also sorry I did not inform you of mine.'

'Do not worry yourself, we have talked and I understand it is not something you bring up at breakfast, pass the butter oh by the way I'm a King. And it's fine I am learning to expect the unexpected. Besides I have more to be sorry about.' I laughed lightly at his confused face.

'What is butter?' he asked,

I laughed, 'It is like a spread that goes on bread to give it flavour.'

I could see his eyes light up with understanding, 'You need not be sorry, you have been forgiven. Let us put the past behind us. I know we have just met and have not spent much time together. The time we have spent has been pleasurable.'

I smiled, 'I have enjoyed your company also, even if it was a bit of a rocky start.'

Legolas smiled lightly and said, 'Rocky indeed.'

I looked up to Legolas as he started humming. It reminded me of the time my friend and I ran up a hill and started singing, 'The Hills are alive,' it was spring and the weather was exactly like this, we would then roll down the hill and run back up. She was my best friend, I never got to say goodbye. I would never see her green eyes light up with laughter again or her light brown hair swinging in the wind, her sweet voice singing along to the music.

Legolas startled me out of my memory, 'a shadow has passed through your eyes, would you like to tell me what troubles you?'

'I was just having a flashback, a happy one. My friend and I would run up a hill and roll down it, we would start singing songs. It was a tradition of ours, and every spring we would do the same thing. I sometimes wish I could turn back time to that point.'

Legolas placed a hand on my shoulder and said, 'sometimes our more pleasant memories helps us get through the darker days, it gives us hope.'

Felling more at ease I smiled and started to run, Legolas chased me. And that is how our afternoon was spent, running and laughing under the sunlight. I felt like I was back at home with my friend.

'Come Lady Willow, it is time we prepared ourselves for tonight.'

'This might be a silly question, but what is so special about tonight?' I asked.

'It is not a silly question, tonight we will be spending time with those who are going to travel with us. We will get to know each other better and find out what skills each needs to improve on and have.'

Oh I see, is there a leader?' I asked.

'Aye, there is his name is Gandalf the grey; he is a wizard and well respected. Aragorn is also going to help Gandalf as a leader.' He replied as we walked back to my room.

After washing myself and choosing a simple green dress I was escorted to the main hall with Legolas. As I walked in all the men stood up, I looked to Legolas hoping he would see my confusion he did and whispered, 'It is out of respect that a man stands up for a woman when entering a room.' I blushed hating this whole experience.

I sat down and so did all the men. After an awkward silence I said, 'So where's the food?'

It was a good question too as there was no food on the table. The Hobbits grinned at me as the men stared at me. Aragorn chuckled as the elves came in holding plates of food in their hands. I decided to keep quiet and just listen as Gandalf started talking about the quest.

Half way through the dinner everyone started talking a little about themselves. I learnt that Gimli was a dwarf and that he was good with an axe and hated Legolas because he was an elf, I would have to ask Legolas about that later on. Gandalf was a wizard who apparently made the best fireworks. I already knew the Hobbits and Aragorn and Legolas.

As for Boromir he did not even look at me but I found out he was a future steward. Not that I knew what that was, but it mattered not. When it was my turn to talk I did not know what to say so I stuck with the basics. I told them I was leaning to use a bow and a sword. I told them about the way I fought and more about the Ninjas.

When the Hobbits called it a night I decided to follow their lead. I walked quickly back to my room and opened the door. As soon as I closed the door I ran to my bed and cuddled up in the blankets and I let myself cry. I cried for my family and friends who were either dead or enslaved. I cried for my students who were so young, I cried for myself for being put in a place like this. I cried because I was alone here. I was alone everywhere.