Chapter 19:

AN/ Italics = Elvish

Legolas POV

I watched Willow as she ran back to the tree, shaking my head lightly I went to inform Aragorn that she wound not be too much longer. Time passed by and still Willow had yet to return, I assumed she had gotten herself lost and decided to look for her myself. I walked to her room and nocked, no answer. I walked in and found her bag gone, I closed my eyes and sighed, my mind racing with anger. Retracing her steps to the borders, I quickly ran to Aragorn cursing Willow for leaving.

I found him talking to Frodo, Sam and Pippin, I quickly walked up to them, 'Aragorn, a word if you please.' All eyes turned to me.

Aragorn studied me for a moment and walked over to me, 'What troubles you my friend?' He asked.

I sighed and went on to explain, 'It seems our young friend has left the safety of the elves.'

Aragorn stood for a moment, and slowly said, 'What would you have me do?' I was shocked did he not know I wanted him to help me search for her.

'Help me track her. What else can we do?' He placed a hand on my shoulder in comfort.

Without looking at me said, 'My heart greaves for her and yet I will not place our friends in danger to find her. Frodo needs us. It comforts me to know that Willow can fight. And it should comfort you.'

I was angry, no I was beyond angry, 'No it offers me no comfort. I do not know who you are anymore. To leave a women out there in the wild; you are not who I became a brother to.' I hissed pushing his hand away and walking away.

'Legolas,' I stopped but did not turn around. 'Legolas,' I turned glaring at him.

'I am worried, however she has chosen this path. Frodo is our priority, do not do anything stupid.' Aragorn said sternly, his grey eyes cold and held warning.

'Are you telling me not to follow her?' I growled, my anger now directed to Aragorn.

He tilted his head staring at me, 'Legolas, do not speak in that tone to me. I know you and I understand that you are angry but you will not follow her.' I left in a huff, fearing for our youngest member. I was torn in two, my head told me it was my duty to stay but my heart told me to find Willow.

Night fell and I quickly sneaked away from the feast, having decided to go after the girl. Perhaps it was out of anger that I refused to heed Aragorn's words and search for the girl. I followed her tracks, towards the elven gates.

'Legolas,' I turned quickly, and looked up to see Aragorn sitting in a tree just outside the gates.

I growled, 'Either you are coming or you are staying. But I refuse to stay when I know the dangers which threaten her.' He jumped down from the tree and landed in front of me.

'Do not fight me on this matter. I need you my friend. We leave in the morning.' Placing a hand on my shoulder he leads me back to what was left of our fellowship. I found no rest nor peace that night. I had calmed down enough to see Aragorn's point of view. He was right as per usual, Frodo needed me.

With a defeated voice I decided now was the time to apologise, 'Estel, I am sorry for my behaviour. However I cannot say I am happy with the situation.'

'I understand. For my first reaction was to run after her, I do not like this anymore than you do. But we have to think about what we are doing. And how it would affect Frodo and the others. My heart says find Willow, but my head says I have a duty to stay.' He said running his hand through his hair. I understood then that he too was torn, and felt deeply guilty about his decision to not go after the girl. He did not need my anger, I knew her fate was no longer in our hands. But this did not mean I would not keep my eyes and ears open for any clues as to where she might have gone. All I could do now was hope that she knew what it was she was doing.