Chapter 15

The days grew longer, and I could feel myself becoming distant. I do not know how many days have gone by and I do not remember the last time I felt like talking to anyone. I remember long ago there was a time where I could have easily made a Tarzan rope and swing myself into a lake. It was the best part of summer. My mates and I could spend hours swinging on the rope and chucking ourselves into the water. But this water which we were currently crossing was far too cold and there were sharp rocks. This environment was far too dangerous for childish play.

I had many times drawn on Harry Potter for inspiration and being here in a world which should not exist gives me hope that maybe just maybe there is a Harry Potter world out there somewhere. I had a lot of trouble reading as a child when I turned six my mum introduced me to the world of JK Rowling. I fell in love with her world and her characters. Like any other little girl and boy I could hardly wait for my eleventh birthday where I was sure to receive a letter to Hogwarts. I was heartbroken when no letter showed up. I still held onto hope. I always wondered what happened to Harry and his friends, I never got the chance to read the last few books. This did frustrate me, but it kept my brain active as I would come up with my own endings.

That night I felt uncomfortable for reasons I cannot say. I hid under my sleeping bag wishing to talk to no one and hoping they would get the message. I could be blunt and tell them to get lost. I wanted to hide, so hide I did. No one come over to talk to me as I fished out my brain trying to figure out why I felt so odd, so light. Was I dead in my world? Or was it time for me to go back? I drifted in and out of sleep. The next morning when Aragorn woke us up, I still felt odd. I once again decided to keep to myself. Lunch soon came. I was absorbed in my thoughts as Gimli handed out the food. Everyone ate happily as the hobbits were entertaining Gimli and Legolas. Gandalf and Boromir were further away talking. That left Aragon and I.

'It does not do well to stay in your own mind for too long. Is there something I could help you with, or shall we eat in silence?'

'You are observant.' I replied sarcastically,

'I do not know much about you only what dangers you have faced.'

I raised my head at that, 'Ask away, I'm an open book. People seem to know things about me even before I know them myself.'

We sat in silence for a moment, 'What is your favourite colour?' he asked.

'Oh well, now you're asking for too much. You should ask an easier question. But if you must know it is yellow, but more of a sunrise yellow. Your turn.'

'Sunrise yellow, it is a sight to be seen. Mine is blue, dark blue.' Soon we were packed and heading off again.

The day grew colder, and so did my mind. Was it the ring playing tricks on me? Why had I not thought of it before? But no it couldn't be. I was not affected by the ring. Snow, when had it started snowing?

A hand fell on my shoulder, 'Wait.' Legolas's blue eyes were fall of concern and worry, 'Gandalf we cannot possibly go up that mountain, we have to wait until tomorrow. The hobbits will freeze to death.'

Legolas always the thinker. We once again set up camp but no fire. Unlike the past few weeks I was forced away from my sleeping bag and to involve myself in small talk. Aragorn became pushier every time I pushed myself away. And tonight he was pushing.

'Willow, why don't you tell us a story of your home when it was peaceful.' Aragorn suggested, I did not argue I had no energy. I told them about the day my class pranked my teacher in year seven.

'It was a cold rainy day, we were all tried. Our uniforms did not keep us warm. One of the guy's decided to cheer us up by playing a prank. We moved all our stuff into the next doors class room and we set ourselves up there. We heard our teacher come in and we sat quietly a while later the head of school came in, we had look outs who kept us informed. When they moved out we quickly moved ourselves back to our classroom and sat there like nothing had happened. It was childish but we were cold and bored and at the time we thought it was funny.'

The hobbits giggled and had many questions about school and teachers. I went on and explained their questions. By the time I was safely in my sleeping bag I felt even more detached but somehow better because I knew Aragorn would back off a little and let me walk in peace. Well as much peace as possible considering the circumstances.