Chapter 22

Willows POV

I don't remember much from the ride, only that when we stopped Aragorn made me drink some hot, gross tasting tea. I remember a sweet melody taking over my mind and flushing away all the bad dreams. For that I was very much grateful.

I woke up in a warm soft bed. I stretched out my arms and regretted it for pain erupted though my arms. I put my arms down and muttered, 'I've died and gone to heaven.'

I slowly moved to simply sit up, but again pain erupted throughout my entire body, I sobbed out, no I was very much alive. If I were not I would not have felt so much pain.

'You should not be moving so fast, you have been through a lot since we last saw you.' I looked up and found Legolas walking towards me, he sat down on the bed next to me and pulled me back into his body; my head now resting on his lap, 'Aragorn will come and check your wounds again soon.'

'Ok.' I replied simply, not knowing what else there was to say.

We sat in silence, but it was not comfortable the questions that wanted to be asked hung heavily in the air. I wish he would ask but maybe he did not care to know. I would only answer if he or anyone would ask. In fact if I were honest it would be better if they would just leave me alone and keep their questions to themselves. Aragorn walked into the room.

'I shall take my leave now.' Legolas said gently moving me back onto the pillow.

I did not wish for him to leave. I was not sure why I wished him to stay, but I did. Shyly I looked at him, his piecing blue eyes looking into my darker blue eyes. Could he not tell that I wished him to stay? He gave me a slight smile and turned his back. As he reached the door I had made up my mind that for some reason I really wanted him to stay.

'Wait.' I said.

Legolas turned and smiled, 'I will come back once Aragorn finishes healing you.'

I did not need to say anything else, he seemed to have already known what I wanted. I smiled and watched as he walked out.

Aragon sat down next to me, 'Now you should be lying down.' I did as he instructed.

I tried not to flinch away as he began checking me over. His warm hands expertly prodding at my body to see how things are healing. I had bruises all over my tummy and when he went to gently move me onto my tummy I protested.

'I know you are in pain. I do need to check your back though.' I sighed as he moved me. I couldn't help but give a slight cry of pain. He put some sort of cream on my back and I felt a slight relief. Turning me back over, he did the same thing to my tummy.

'Drink this. It does not taste nice, but it will help you heal.' He said.

I looked at him and with a sigh I quickly drank the vile drink. He replaced it with water which I drowned. He went on to clean the cuts on my arms and legs using a plant. I could feel the effects of the tea taking place and I was starting to feel numb to the pain.

'Thanks, I feel better now.' I said.

'That is what the tea is for. You are healing nicely. Though I would not permit you to start walking for a few more days. Your ankle is still not set yet.'

Aragorn moved a chair towards my bed and sat down facing me. With a grim look upon his face and his grey eyes looking straight at me he started the dreaded talk, 'I know you have not had it easy lately. I must say I am proud of you for not giving up and losing hope. You are a fighter. With this comes a burden that you should not carry alone. I have made this tea with a light sleeping powder, in hopes that you have a dreamless sleep. If you wake up in the night do not be afraid to wake me. I will not think any less of you. I do not think any less of you.' I could not fault him when he was sounding so sincere.

I sighed in relief, he clearly was not ready for the proper talk as of yet, as if reading my mind he did continue, 'We will talk about this later when you are better rested.'

'Thank you, for everything I am so sorry for what I have put you all through.' I said quietly.

'Hush, now is not the time to talk of such matters. We need to see you healed and well again before we bring it up. For now I think a certain Elf is waiting, would you like me to send him in.' I nodded overcome with emotion.

Legolas walked in, 'I have an elvish song I would like to sing to you if you do not mind that is.' I smiled, no I certainly don't mind. I started feeling a little drowsy as I let my head hit the pillow.

'Close your eyes,' he said, and I did feeling calmer then I had in weeks, his hand enclosed my hand and although I do not know what he was saying it was making me feel less scared about sleeping. As he sung the melody was soft, sweet and soon I was drifting into the world of sleep.

When I awake again I felt better than I had. In fact when I moved to sit up again the pain had almost disappeared. The sun was shining through the windows blanketing the room in a golden light of happiness. I slowly moved the covers away from my body and saw that my legs were still covered in bruises. But they were not as noticeable as they were yesterday. Whatever Aragorn used was working fast. I don't think I would even be awake back in my world if this had happened.

'Ah you are awake. I will inform Lord Aragorn.' Startled out my thoughts I saw a young looking girl rush out of my room. I frowned slightly wondering who she was and how long she had been watching me for. Aragorn rushed in and sighed in relief. Again I frowned at this reaction.

Aragorn came over, 'You are healed. You have been asleep for about a week. I thought you were gone from this world.'

'How is that possible I was awake yesterday when you gave me the tea.' I replied feeling very confused and disorientated.

'With Legolas's help you were sent into a healing sleep. It was only meant to last three days. It seems that your subconscious did not wish to feel the meatal or physical pain you were going through. You are awake now and you are mostly healed. I advise you to take it easy and to go for a walk. Being in the healing state for a while you may feel overwhelmed with what has transpired these past few weeks'.

I nodded trying to keep up with what he was saying. Truth be told not much of what he had said made sense. How was it possible to sleep for so long?

'Can I wash up?' I asked wanting some time to process this information and really craving a bath. Aragorn nodded and called back the young girl who was in my room before.

Aragorn then held me tightly as I moved to stand up. I felt very light headed, 'After you have washed up I will have someone bring you some food. Then we shall talk.'

My heart sank and I silently nodded my head refusing to look him in the eye. He helped me to the bathroom where he introduced me to the girl. 'This is Haleth. She will assist you.'

I did not wish for assistance and when Aragorn left I had to reassure her that I would manage just fine and I would call if I needed help. She finally left and I slowly took of the clothing which were not mine and slid into the warm bath. Haleth had left soap and a bottle of creamy liquid. I slowly washed my dark brown oily hair. There was nothing worse than the feeling of unwashed oily hair. I moved onto washing my body with the sweet smelling soap. Once I felt clear I leant back in the bath and closed my eyes. I realised that I did not know where I was and that I would have to ask once I was dressed. When the water cooled down, although not wishing to get out, I got out pulling a towel around my body and drying quickly. I walked out of the room and found my clothes sitting on the bed. They were clean and mended. I sighed as I pulled on my pants and tank top. I also pulled on my jacket and shoes, knowing that tank tops were not appropriate. I moved on to dry my hair as best I could and quickly braided it to one side. Feeling refreshed, but hungry, I walked outside to find that Haleth was waiting for me.

'I will see to food. Lord Aragorn wishes to speak to you in private.' I nodded my thanks and sighed, knowing what was about to come.