A.N: Revised(14) More scenes, more dialogues.

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Growing Pains

Swoosh

My arrow soared through the light breeze to only hit inches away from my target. With a deep irritated sigh; I swiftly snatched another arrow from my quiver. I forcefully nocked it before I pulled back the arrow until the feathers tickled my cheek. Diligently, I aimed again with both eyes… focusing and calculating the distance and when I narrowed my eyes at the center of the target, I released the arrow. It whistled, almost soundlessly into the air and rushed past my target, and marked a distance tree. Groaned angrily as I huffed out a deep breath of annoyance. I came here to practice on my own time and it seemed like the only time I hit the target was when Glorfindel was here. My hands clenched the bow tightly, my knuckles almost whitening. If only I had my muse here…. No, I need to be independent from Glorfindel. Roughly, I raked my fingers through my thick locks and sighed deeply. Without further delay, I snatched my last arrow and tried again…

No prevail…

My last arrow went over and beyond the training grounds. Moaned with irritation, hated my lack of skill. Why can't I just be a skilled archer and be done with it... but no, 'practice makes perfect.' If I ever had the chance, I would strangle whoever started that saying. Sighed deeply, I stomped my way toward the back of the training grounds where there were tall brushes and trees. I neared the direction of the arrow, searched around the bug-filled bushes and tall trees. My arrow had not made it mark. Frowning, I grew rather more short-tempered by the second and it started when Erestor commented on my archery…

"You need more practice." Erestor assessed dryly, his voice naturally deep and his observant eyes took in my every move. After my arrows narrowly missed the target, Erestor finally spoke up when he became unimpressed. My hands clenched the bow tightly as I slowly turned toward the wise elf that was a proficient warrior. He was different from Glorfindel, very different. His dark hair was pulled back tightly with small braids on the ends and his strands reached to his chest. His features were sharp, straight and serious. Despite his young looks, his dark eyes revealed an old soul that had seen to much war. He was intimidating by nature, and his stern expression never helped to understand his train of thoughts.

Erestor bore his dark eyes at me, scanned me from the toe and up. Like Lord Elrond, nothing will past this elf's observant eyes. My hands trembled from his unwavering eyes and with whatever courage I had; I mustered to say meekly, "I know. I have been practicing."

"She has only been on the training grounds for short time, Melon. She has improved." Glorfindel spoke softly, much softer compared to Erestor's deep voice. My heart swelled with pride when he came to my defense and I was not able to suppressed my growing smile.

As Erestor's eyes bounced from mine to Glorfindel, he sighed thoughtfully and his brow knitted together. When looked to me, my back immediately straightened and I forced my head high. Erestor took a step closer, growing curious as he inquired, "How are you without your mentor?"

I blinked surprised. "I… am just fine."

"Fine?" Erestor repeated, his voice tightened as he cocked an eyebrow, which forced me to swallow a large lump in my throat. "Archery will never be just fine. Perfection is your goal. Unless you start staking your goals higher, you'll never be a fine archer."

I huffed to the memory, became more aggravated by the mere thought of it. Erestor had come to observe my progress and after my lessons were finished, he criticized my skills. It's only been a short while ago when I started archery and already I was defined as lousy. By the very essence of Erestor, he was indeed a strict teacher and I was utterly grateful that Lord Elrond chose Glorfindel to be my mentor. So, here I was, trying to proof I could be a fine archer. Already, I was failing at it. It wasn't his criticism that made me angry, it was the fact it was coming to past. I was without a doubt incapable without Glorfindel at my side. Pursed my lips into a tight line as I continued to search for that last arrow. My practicing would me lead to relish in my own self-sufficient skills, which didn't seem to happen anytime soon. In the far back was my arrow, head first into the moist dirt. Relief filled me as I went to forcefully yank it out and return to my practicing. I rounded a large and unorganized bush to be surprised that Aragon came to the courtyard equipped with a bow and quiver.

His scarcely noticed me until I came out from behind a bush. Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, surprised and his eyes dropped to the bow in my hand. I offered a gentle smile, relieved to have someone here. Perhaps Aragorn would give me pointers. With a deep inhale, I exhaled all my frustrations and uttered with a calm voice, "Evening, Aragorn."

Aragorn stopped several feet away and he bowed his head with a short gesture of his hand, "Good Evening, Lady Amelia." I pursed my lips to that title but I easily forgotten it when I followed Aragorn's eyes down to my bow. There was confusion lingered in his orbs and without a doubt, he believed that I hated archery. Despite my constant complaints about the art of archery, I grew to enjoy it… when I actually hit the target. He inquired, incredulous. "Are you practicing?

I followed his eyes yet again, over my shoulder at all my arrows that were sprawled out in every direction and not one blasted arrow hit its mark. When I looked back, I shrugged and said bashfully, "Its not as bad."

The corners of Aragorn's lip tilted up slightly as he nodded his head in comprehension. He turned to stand afar from another target, much further than mine. When he readied his bow, I watched as he aimed for a mere second before he released his arrow and my eyes could scarcely follow it when I heard a soft thud. In the distance, far back behind trees and challenging branches, Aragorn's arrow hit dead center. My lips parted with envy, as I became even more irritated with myself. Frowned at his perfect aim and of course he got it right! And without wasting time on aiming and I couldn't hit mine. My shoulders drooped as I returned to my target.

I took my single arrow and nocked it in place. Slowly pulling back the string felt the feathers graze my cheeks and I squinted my eyes on the narrowed target. Before I could release it, Aragorn came beside me and murmured softly, "Your hand is too high." Frowned with slight embarrassment, I readjusted my hand on the bow and clenched the bow firmly and aimed again. The soft scuffle of Aragorn's feet alerted his closeness. Gently he tapped my leg to move my leg to the side. "Make your mark."

With a nod, I stared at the target, breathed deeply and released the arrow. It flew across the field and barely hit the center. Almost, so close. I sighed in defeat; my shoulders drooped and glanced away toward Aragorn who watched carefully. It was simply not good enough. Erestor was right I needed more practicing. My lips pursed into a thin line as I went to collect all my fallen arrows, swallowed the disappointment. Aragorn waited, watched me gather my weapons before he complimented in a soft tone, "Your skills have improved in a short amount of time."

I hesitantly glanced at him when I bent over to snatch my last arrow from the ground. Shyly I came back to stand in front of him. In his voice, there was a strange subtleness and in his eyes there was a mask. When I placed all my arrows and bow into my quiver, I fidgeted with my fingers and nervously bit my lip. I knew somewhere, deep down Aragorn was dejected by not telling him myself of my dilemma. Over the weeks, we became friends and yet I held back. Even after I learned of his heritage, he trusted me to cradle his secret and I did not return my trust. Since he learned of my dilemma, we rarely saw each other; it was more I than him. I avoided him but now I simply could not longer pretend that it didn't exist. Aragorn was unlike any other person I've met, for I cared about his opinions and I desired to protect him even from myself. I glanced down at the ground, dug the tip of my boot into the dirt and made strange circles and chewed the inside of my cheeks. Solemnly, I inquired "Are you angry with me?"

Truly, I new I was not worthy of his friendship. My eyes adverted away from him for I did not want to see his expression. As I heard him sigh, He answered softly, "No."

Slowly, I brought up my eyes to met his, contemplated on what to say. Despite it all, he held no grudges or mockery. No words brought comfort or no excuse could cover the truth. The guilt swelled until I started to ramble with reasons that would never bring resolution, "I'm sorry. I just couldn't… I wished to share with you but…" I trailed off followed by an inward sigh and raked my fingers through my long locks. Aragorn stared at my uncertain eyes, patient and unwavering. "I was scared."

His eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he shifted uncomfortably and he inquired with bewilderment, "Of me?"

My heart dropped with remorse for he actually thought such things. Hesitantly, I took a step forward, shook my head frantically. "No." My voice broke with uncertainty. "I just…. I consider you a friend, Aragorn. I feared that you wouldn't except me if you new the truth."

My eyes fell from his in defeat. The tension grew between us; it made me almost quiver. Slowly, with little courage I had, I glanced up. He frowned in disbelief, calculating and scanned me. "No, that's not it, Amelia."

My mouth dropped in surprised and my eyes widened. Was I that transparent? All my blood drained from my face followed by a red blush. I didn't know if I wanted to mad or be embarrassed. How can Aragorn be so… intuitive? I shook with fury for Aragorn refused my excuse, "Fine!" I shouted loudly, my anger rose in my voice but Aragorn did not flinch, "I didn't want you to know. To see me weak and helpless! I didn't want to see that look on your face!"

I trembled to the tone of my own voice. It was rare to infuriate me so, but my blood boiled and my muscles were tensed. Confrontation always ended badly due to my short-temper. Immediately, I regretted it and I was filled with shame. I burned a bridge with my sister and I did not want to make that same mistake again. The truth had never been pretty; it was always dressed in lies and deceit. It was easier to live that way. Excuses were my shield from the truth. I pretended thing were fine at home… that my very soul screamed for help was nothing more than helplessness. I was broken, shattered and tainted. Ever since my arrival, my mask slowly broke until I was exposed to reveal my uncleanness…. And I hated it. With a sigh, I murmured shamefully, "I'm sorry."

Aragorn stood there, unmoving and observant. For a moment, he remained guarded and then softened. Slowly he approached me, gently placed a hand on my shoulder and muttered meaningfully, "Amelia, if you don't have faith in others, how could you call them friend?"

I froze to that question while I came to a new realization. One that punched me in the gut with a bucket of cold ice water. It was a brutal question that had me tongue-tied. Maybe, I didn't have any friends… ever. It wasn't until I came to this realm that I developed some kind of friendship. I had no one at home that I could trust, not even my own sister. I pursed my lips into a tight line for I could not answer him. Salty tears slowly formed as a barrier in my eyes, blurred my vision. I am alone… It was as if Aragorn tore down another wall that I spent years building. I was left uncovered and ashamed. My hands quivered and I barely whispered, "Excuse me."

Swiftly, I rounded Aragorn and avoided all eye contact. My feet moved hastily out from the training grounds, past by several elves who casted me a curious glance. I ignored them all determined to find the darkness of my room. Without hesitation, I entered and slammed the door behind me. I pressed my back against the door and slide down. I felt the tears slid down my cheeks. What to do? I always have been alone and it must have been a subconscious choice somewhere down the road. It was safer to be alone then have to rely on anyone. However, Aragorn was different from those back home. In my dreams, I saw them all. Faceless people who at one time, meant something to me. Did they miss me? I wondered. My mind shifted to a darker memory… of a dark shadow that, at one time, I called father. Shuttered to the thought; There was something dark about him. I could not remember what it was, but I was scared of the very thought of my father.

With a deep sigh, I rose from the ground and approached a small table. I placed my bow and quiver of arrows on to the tabletop. My desire to practice had died away. After my emotional struggle, I felt oddly tired. When I looked down, my attire was filled with grime and completely disarray. I stripped myself bare and set to take a bath. The warm water loosened my tensed muscles and the oils invaded my nostrils. I laid my head on the edge, listened to my heat beat in rhythm. Slowly, my eyes drooped and the room turned like a wheel, and I felt myself drifted away. Before I knew it, I was in the void.

On an empty street, surrounded by a barrier of fog and dimmed lights from the lampposts. Before me was my translucent house with black windows from nothingness. My bare feet walked toward the cement sidewalk, slowly fog from the barrier creped along the sides, close to the ground. It was too still. Nothing dared made a sound, no wind nor air. Suddenly, in the distance, I heard a strange echoing voice. It was tormented, twisted with slurred words that were beyond coherent. My heart constricted for I sense another essence, one that had me alert. When I turned, I was confronted with a faceless ghost.

The ghost was dark, malice and pale. Black aura surrounded the ghost with shades of grey. The disfigured sharpened until the transparent image of a person became noticeable. I took a step back when my heart dropped and everything seemed to stop for a split second. I know those eyes, that mouth and… those hands. I gasped for I stood in front of my father. Memories of his abuse came at me in nonstop sequence. The screams, the hopeless, and all the blood I lost from busted skin. Everything. Terrified, I sharply backed up until two hands grasped my shoulders from behind to stable me. Yelped in surprised, but trapped in place. "I warned you to never return."

That voice… it was from the elf. He said in an echoed voice that rippled out in a deep and haunting voice that forced a shiver down my spine. He remained behind me, strengthening me while I faced the dark ghost. Was he Glorfindel? Did he found a way into my dreams? In that moment, everything shifted. The street faded into moist ground and the row of houses dissolved into tall and twisted forest. The forest took my breath away when I heard the trees moaned. Everything was completely still until I noticed his golden hair limped against the faint wind that suddenly swept by. "I must return…"

My heart leaped when his hands slid off my shoulders, his essences faded from me and I was left alone with the ghost of my father, deep in the wake of a forest. The elf's warning left me bewildered to why never return. As if I had a choice. My train of thought was shattered when the fog barrier suddenly darkened with sounds of distance thunder. Wind with no rhythm or reason suddenly swirled and the fog circled the clearing. Distance screams from my childhood blared into my sensitive ears. The storm thrashed the helm of my dressed against my bare legs. The very ground melt into liquid mud, and my feet were swallowed into the quicksand. Frozen in place, I slowly sank deeper into the bog as my father watched with no worry or concerns. With every fiber I had, I struggled free with no prevail. When I sunk to my chest, I hastily attempted to hang onto a root of a tree. Please help me!

Calm yourself, child

The echo sound of a wise voice came to me but I could not heed it. The storm darkened and I struggled wildly when my father came to me. Instead of holding out his head to aid me, he grabbed a fist-full of my hair and shoved my down into the black muck of emptiness.

Everything shattered, reality set back in when I was pulled out from the tub. I inhaled deeply, coughed out all the water that was stuck in my throat. Completely soaked and shaken, I barely cracked open my eyes to find myself in the arms of Elladan. Water flown out from the tub, splashed onto the tile floor. Elladan placed me on the floor before he swiftly went for a dry cloth. My chest rose and fell rapidly with deep breathes. Before I knew it, I glanced down and realized I was completely naked. Swiftly, I covered myself with my hands when Elladan wrapped a blanket over my shoulders.

"Amelia?" He uttered, his voice deep with concerned.

Gently he held me against his chest as I leaned my head on his shoulder. My body quiver violently with no control or hopes of calming down. The dream haunted me in ways that could not be explained. Spiritually, I was connected to the void from my untimely death. Nothing could shelter me not even the comforting arms of Elladan. A suppressed sob slipped through my parted lips as I held onto Elladan's robes with all my strength. "I dreamt again."

I said against his shoulder, muffled and heavy with fear. Gently, he stroke my wet hair and replied gently, if not carefully, " I know… I heard you."

Slowly, I pulled away to look up at his worried face, "You heard?... but I was under water…"

Elladan tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and responded, gently, "You called me. I'll retrieve my father for you."

When he tried to shift from me, I immediately held onto his robes, fear stricken. "No! Elladan… please d-don't leave."

Elladan's eyes softened and with a nodded, he murmured, "Very well. I'll be right here."

I mustered a pitiful smile before I rested my head on his shoulders. That dream was full of broken memories. A realization that I wished I never knew. I was a mistake… in my own father's eyes their was not but resentment and hatred. I pursed my lips together as my eyes swelled with salty tears… Did my father hate me that much?

The follow day came slowly. Lord Elrond excused me from my studies after my bathroom incident. I lingered in my room in the early morning, the sky was darkened but slowly the sun rose over the mountain. Since yesterday, I absolutely avoid others and escaped from reality for a short time. With a sigh, I leaned onto my bed filled with forlorn and confusion. Nothing good came from resting. With a deep sigh, I brushed my hand through my hair and then stood up from the cot. Slightly weary, I readied myself for a full day of studying.

Later in the morning, I rested my cheek into the palm of my hand as I turned the page of an old withered book. It was requested by Lord Elrond that I read the Book of the First Age Volume I. Sighed deeply and my eyes jumped to edge of the desk where the other volumes of this series were stacked. I groaned internally to the fifteen books with more than five hundred pages each that were translated to the common tongue. I barely passed the twentieth page of the first volume. Rolled my eyes and I tried to retain the information. It was heavy reading and Arwen intended to make sure I understood all of it. It was anticipated that these book would aid me with my diplomatic skills. Arwen took it upon herself to be my tutor when the Keeper of the Library wasn't hounding me to read every book.

Arwen glanced at me when I moaned in boredom but she simply smirked and returned to her writing. As I turned the page, my eyes searched the library to find three young elves studying. The Keeper of the Library observed from the desk, kept order and enforced the young elves to study in peace and diligently. Often I caught his watchful eyes that stung with reprimand for not studying. These elves took their studying seriously and I thought teachers back home were bad. Ha!

It was a routine: morning study and afternoon archery. Day after day, I did what Lord Elrond requested or should I say demanded. I had to keep up with the other young elves that were younger, if not the same age. Sighed long and hard as I turned to my studying but my mind wondered to Aragorn. As I bit my lip, I felt slightly guilty and sore from our conversation. The longer I remain around him, the more walls he tore down with simply words. It left me defenseless. How could I have faith in others? Is that was it meant to be friends? To put your faith and trust into another's hands in hopes they'll cradle it with care. In the past, I relied on myself and learned to never trust anyone; it was risky business. My eyes jumped up to Arwen… was she a friend? Over the weeks, we spent much time together… more time than I did with my own sister. What did it mean to be a friend or have a friend? Did she consider me a friend?

I sighed again, my eye dropped back to the book and I turned the page with less enthusiasm. I thought to seek out Aragorn and explain my action, but could I hope to gain? My hands clenched tightly into a fist and I leaned into the chair with my shoulders drooping. If I let to find Aragorn, Mr. Keeper of the Library would report to Lord Elrond about my cutting class… and well… that wouldn't end well. Lord Elrond would surely reprimand me from my thoughtlessness.

Just be patient, I thought to myself.

"Something is heavy on your mind." Arwen broke my train of thought, whispered gently as she titled her head to the side. It wasn't until now I realized she'd been watching me moan and groan over Aragorn. Those blue observant eyes scanned my thoroughly, nothing would surpass her. Arwen leaned away from her writing, silent until she whispered knowingly, "You have not read a single page." Her eyes jumped to the book and then back to me, "Amelia?"

I pursed my lips, swallowed hard as I dropped my eyes to the book. There were more than twenty unread pages, it knowledge was foreign to me. The words were stuck to the pages. With a sigh, I confessed woefully, "I can not focus."

Arwen continued to observe me, never once faltered. With a sigh, she put down the quill and gracefully rose from the desk and approached the Keeper of the Library. The elf was surprised when Arwen leaned in and whispered audible words that did not reach my sensitive ears. Knitting my eyebrows together in confusion as the Keeper of the Library frowned but nodded in comprehension. Arwen returned quietly before she smiled gently and demanded, "Come."

Surprised, I rose from the chair and followed Arwen out from the library. With one glance over my shoulders, all the elves watched as we exited. She led me toward the garden that was evacuated, silent and peacefully. Already the fresh air opened my mind and welcomed me with open arms. We crossed over the bridge toward a small area of benches, a fountain and statues décor. In the distances, my sensitive ears heard the calm sounds of the river and birds chirping.

Arwen sat near the fountain, padded the her hand to the spot next to her, "Come, let us find counsel within each other." I came to her, sat quietly before I fixed the helm of my dress due to the butterflies in my stomach. Arwen waited expectedly and then inquired, "What's on your mind?"

I pursed my lips, thought on how to phrases my twisted thoughts into coherent sentences. There has been much on my mind of late: Between Aragorn, my dreams and this new life. It was a bundle of confusion and disarray into one bottle that would surely explode. When I met Arwen's calm gaze, I murmured softly that was even hard for me to hear, "I'm… I am confused."

Arwen nodded in compression and summarized, "Of your situation, no?"

"Amongst other things, yes." I confessed in a soft voice that faltered at the end. "I've been dreaming of late. Of strange things…. My memoires are returning. It is… too much."

As Arwen tilted her head to the side, her eyes softened. No doubt the confusion lingered in my eyes. "Do not fear, for all things shall come to past as its meant too." She looked to the water that swelled in the fountain. Floated on the surface, was a broken head of a flower that fell from the tree that hovered over us. Arwen scoped her hands into the water, captured the flower into her soft hands as the water drained from her fingers. Frowning at the flower that Arwen held, she brought it closer to me. As she forced my hand out, she placed the flower into my hand. "My mother once told me that we are like flowers. We come with many petal that represents a different story of the past, present and future." She began in an eloquent tone as she pulled back the closed petals, "As time passes, petals will open. Your petals are closed and but you will bloom with into the elleth that the Eru intended you to be."

After Arwen pulled back all the petals, in my hand was a beautiful blue flower with tints of white and black in the middle. Indeed, I needed to grow into this life. My growing pains were just the beginning of a long journey. As my eyes dropped, I fidgeted in thought. The representation led my mind to her mother. Arwen said her mother told her this analogy. Suddenly, her hand covered the flower on top of mine. Swiftly I looked up to meet those blue eyes. Arwen tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and said confidently, "Do not fear, Amelia of Rivendell. In time, you will bloom and shake this world with light and beauty."

My heart swelled as I dropped my eyes again. "We are friends, are we not?"

"Yes, my dear Amelia."

I looked up at her with more confidence and offered a gentle smile, "Thank you, Arwen. You are… a friend. I will try to be worth of it."

"You already are." She smiled as I felt my heart soften dramatically as she retuned the smile.

"If you don't mind me asking…. where is your mother?" I questioned, my voice trembled when Arwen's smile fell and she looked away forlorn.

After what seemed like eternity, Arwen looked back at me with all her emotions at bay. Softly she replied with a despondent voice, "My mother, Lady Celebrain, crossed the sea to the Undying Lands."

My heart dropped and swelled with sorrow for Arwen and the others. They have lost as much as I have. From just the retold analogy of the flower, Lady Celebrain sounded to be a wise elf with a tender heart. I thought on Lord Elrond…. How difficult it must be to overseer Rivendell with three children without the love and support of his wife. I pursed my lips and offered softly, "Oh, I am sorry."

"It has been many moons since I've seen my mother's face." Arwen smiled sadly, turned away to stare non-observantly at the water that calm swirled in the fountain. Her blue orbs grew with longing and yet, a great sadness flooded her eyes. I wondered to why but I did not wish to sadden her further. Suddenly she glanced at me, composed herself followed by a soft smile. "I wonder if she would be proud of the ellith that I came to be?"

Smiling softly at her, I responded gently and carefully, "I wouldn't imagine why not…"

"Would not." She corrected my way of speech, in hopes to replace my slang and short cut sentences into diplomatic and proper dialogue.

I exasperated and repeated with much emphasis, "I would not imagine why not. You are by far the wise and kindness elltih I've met."

Her smile grew wider with a soft chuckle. "You know not many ellith. It is a short list."

"It does not matter… it would never change." I finished diplomatically, smiling as my heart swelled with more affection for Arwen. A dear friend that I will learn to cherish and love.

Lifted her hand, she stroked my cheek and tilted her head to the side, "My dearest Amelia. You are a special person…." She slowly trailed off before she pulled back but smiled. "Let us not delay further. We must study."

With that, I moaned to that wrenched book and I earned myself a smirk from Arwen.

I am late; the sun was too high at this time. With an irritated moan, I dashed faster to my room and avoided colliding to other elves. Bursting through the door, I reached for my quiver and arrows. As I ran to the training courtyard, I struggled to strap the quiver over my shoulder. Time was ticking and Glorfindel would not be pleased. Rounded a pillar, I skipped over the stairs where I saw Glorfindel waited with his arms crossed. He was swathed in the sunlight; his armor shimmered against the bright light. His head flinched ever so slightly to my rushing and scuffled boots. Sighed with patience, Glorfindel reprimanded before I stood in front of him, "You are late."

I stopped beside him as he kept his stern face on the target before him. Swiftly, his eyes glanced at me, with question lingering in those orbs. With any other person, I would hastily defend myself but under those eyes, I melted. With an apologetic expression and breathed heavily which earned me a curious brow, I replied. "The keeper of the Library was… pushy about the Book of the First Age."

Glorfindel's eye cocked to my undiplomatic answer but nodded his head in comprehension and then looked away. "That is indeed a good book. But for the future, Amelia I will not accept excuses."

I bit my lips, paralyzed to respond under those smoldering eyes. Even though he was firm, there was gentleness in his tone. If this were Erestor, the world would shake to his temper. If it had not been for the Keeper of the Library's mood swing, I would be on time. After Arwen and I returned from the garden, the keeper of the Library was determined to make up for lost time…. In the worse sense. It made me last for archery. With a sigh, I nodded my head for it was pointless to argue and I murmured, "I understand."

My fingers jumped to the strap that crossed over my chest, and of course it was undoubtedly tangled. When I started to struggle to fix it, Glorfindel approached me and fixed my strap. I looked up at him with bewilderment to his uncharacteristic movement but could not help but smile. It was the smallest gestures that had me in a bind for they declared louder than words that he cared. Glorfindel looked into my eyes, stared momentarily before he responded, "That is well and tomorrow, do not attend to your archery lessons in your dress." There was a slight jest in his tone as I glanced down at my dress, which was very unfit for training. There was little time for that since Keeper of the Library was bent of me reading two hundred pages before I was released from my studies. I bit my lip to prevent myself from smiling bashfully at Glorfindel.

When I glanced up, he smiled gently. Never had I found any trace of pride, spite or any vanity. He was contend with his life and offered smiles at the right moments. By his demeanor, Glorfindel stood for strength and valor. A rare trait amongst man, but I discovered its common among elves. "For today, we'll practice on your aim….." Deep in my own thoughts, everything faded for he dazzled me with smiles and never before had I realized how blue his eyes were in the sun light. They were strikingly beautiful; they were full of life. For my mind wondered to my dreams. I mentally compared Glorfindel to the mysterious elf. They had the same color hair; that gorgeous golden hair that shimmered against the bright sun. If I'm not mistaken, Glorfindel's hair was longer than my dream guy but…. no less handsome…Without releasing it, Glorfindel had his hand on my shoulder, which gently shook me, "Amelia?

I heard my name being called from his soft lips, his tone full of questioning. I blinked and snapped from my daydreaming to stare up at a confused Glorfindel. "Oh!" I gasped, my cheeks flushed heavily, the heat rose up in embarrassment. Way to go, Amelia, can't humiliate yourself enough! I truly hoped he haven't notice my darkened cheeks… "I'm sorry, I was… thinking."

Glorfindel frown deeper followed by concern, "My lady, what concerns you? You are red as a tomato."

Denial was never a good friend for he definitely noticed my red cheeks. My mouth opened to answer but I was left blank. He took a step closer. Oh dear, curse being white! Everything revealed on my pale skin. I dropped my eyes with hesitation as I fumbled for words, "I'm sorry, I just…. Worried that my archery…eh… isn't sufficient."

Perplexed even more by my statement, Glorfindel stood closer, almost intimately. I swallowed hard by his closeness and couldn't help but blush by thoughts of his lips. Everything in his expression told me that he didn't believe me. His head tilted slightly in curiosity, "…It will be sufficient." He assured slowly, but his voice had no evidence of belief.

I nodded frantically and replied meekly, "I'm reassured, let us continue."

Glorfindel's eyes lingered on me, calculating and his eyebrows knitted together in suspicion. With a nod, he took a step away from me and I exhaled a deep breath that I didn't realized that I held. When he turned away to face the target, he glanced at from the corner o his eyes. "We will practice with your aim…"

After successfully embarrassed myself in front of Glorfindel, I was relieved from further duties. I walked freely, enjoyed the reminder of the evening before supper was called. As I took haven in the garden, I crunched down moved some of the soil from a tree root. It would have more room to grow. Hummed to myself as I removed vines from old statues. Silently, I crossed the bridge toward the fountain where I spotted Aragorn. Alone, he stood in front of a statue of a woman. It was a moment that I did not want to disturb him. As I watched, there was sadness in his eyes that yanked at my heart. Aragorn wiped away the vines from the statue arms and cleared any dirt from it beauty. Curiosity brewed in my chest, for I longed to know why that particular statue meant so much to him. Why he would take the time to clear of its grime? It must have been someone of great importance, at least to him.

I pursed my lips into a thin line as I started to move closer toward him, purposefully shoveled my feet. Surprised, Aragorn turned and found me lingering in the garden. He mustered a slight smile but I knew it was full of sadness and I tired to smile back however it melted into sympathy. I came to stand next to him, stared at the statue before me and asked in a soft voice, "Who is she?"

"Gilraen, a noble woman of Gondor." He stated in a despondent voice, his lips barely moved. After a moment of silence, he looked at me and I felt the need to comfort him. "My mother."

My lips parted momentarily as I looked back at the statue. The statue was designed beautifully almost resembled ancient Greece from my world. She had her arms outstretched, almost as if she welcomed those who gaze upon her. My heart tugged for I knew what it was like to never see your mother again. I didn't know how to comfort Aragorn except by standing next to him and I suppose that was enough for him. We were comfortable in the silence for there was no need for pointless chatter. Then I gathered the courage to say what I came here to say, "I'm sorry…" I began quietly and I down casted my eyes, "For before. You're right. I don't put much faith in others."

Aragorn remained silent, listened intently to my confession before he glanced at me, forlorn. There was something in his eyes that I've not seen, it was sadness… no it was pity. It was indeed pitiful that I never had anyone to call friend. With a sigh, he gestured his hand toward a stone bench beneath a large and hovering tree. I pursed my lips in thoughts and then nodded in comprehension. I followed his lead, sat next to him and enjoyed the soft breeze of the spring wind. My mind wondered to Arwen and her story… I needed to pull back another petal and it would be undoubtedly painful. I looked to Aragorn, shifted toward him and inquired in an unsure tone, "Can I confide in you?"

"Of course." Aragorn nodded his head.

"Would you believe me if I were to tell you that I never learned to rely on others? That I alone was my own confidant." I looked up to his bewildered expression accompanied with knitted eyebrows and non-observant eyes. "I do not trust in others because they never gave me a reason to trust them. There was nothing but broken promises and vandalized truth."

"What of your family?" He inquired softly.

My lips slightly twitched to that question. Swiftly I looked away, scoffed to their memory, which earned myself a confused frown. I had eagerness to reunite with them since I've arrived but my yesterday's dream revealed a dark revelation about my family. It was not perfect; it was shattered with hopelessness. "It's complicated…." I looked to my hands when sorrow swelled in my heart. Deep down, I needed to confess this to someone. The projected perfect family that I used to believe was no longer relevant, especially with Aragorn seeing though every lie that I invented to protect my heart from unwanted disaster. With a deep sigh, I began solemnly and my voice barely reached to my ears. "I've been hiding the truth for too long."

When I looked up at Aragorn, frowned deeper for he was clearly lost. With an apologetic smile, I started again. "I remember my family…" I said hesitantly which he instantly shifted and his eyes opened with realization. "I was a mistake, you see. My father only married my mother because of my sister and me. We were born and we ruined my father's life."

Aragorn shoulders stiffened before he looked away slightly confused. As he shook his head, he inquired. "Your parents were not married before having you and your sister?"

"No." I answered quietly, I looked away shamefully. It was not as if I was a bastard child but it was shameful in Aragorn's eyes despite that fact he had not mention such things. "My father married my mother after my sister was born… Then I was born. Marriage was viewed differently in my world. A lot of people do not marry first."

"Marriage doesn't have value in your world?" Aragorn inquired in disbelief.

I sighed for I knew now I had Aragorn confused. Slowly, I tried to explain in a patient tone. "For a lot, marriage has value but for some, no it doesn't. I guess a lot of people fear of marriage because it's a done deal." I answered truthfully and I thought about explaining divorce but I went against that. That was another topic entirely that would surely end up in some political debate.

"I can not grasp that for marriage has great value." He said thoughtfully before he returned his gaze to me. "What do you believe, Amelia?"

I pursed my lips to that question. No doubt it was to test my beliefs in this world. From what Arwen once told me, the moment you have sex with another you are definitely married. In other words, choose wisely before you bed him. Thank goodness I kept my virginity in tack. "I believe marriage has value. Like to so many, a marriage is the end of life. I don't think that so, especially when you find someone you truly desire to be with… My father only married because he was forced too. My poor mother… she loved the very floor that he walked on. No matter how brutal he was, in the end she still loved him…"

I clenched my hand into a tight fist and grinded my teeth in anger. "He was abusive to us and he made sure we knew we were a mistake… unwanted. When I got older, I promised myself I would get out with a good education and make something of myself. Somehow I would convince my mother to leave." I pursed my lips and wiped away any loose tear that hung on the corners of my eyes. With a sniff, I looked up at him and said, "I couldn't trust anyone. It was easier to be alone…" My voice died off into a whisper.

"You're not alone, Amelia." Aragorn began in a tender voice and I looked up at his soft gaze, "You have a worthy future."

I furrowed my eyebrows and said, "I'm scared of my future. I don't know what I can do here."

"What is that you enjoyed from home?" Aragorn inquired curiously.

I pursed my lips in thought and I remembered what I wanted to be when I graduate high school, "I enjoyed helping others… I wanted to study medical."

"Medical? Then, my lady there might be a chance for you yet."

To be continue...

LinwelR: Well, that's up to me to make sure you know who it is in later chapters... Bwhahaha! Just kidding, but seriously, you'll have to keep reading to find out who it is. I can't ruin it for you!

tadah2: Thank you for your review, your constructive criticism is always welcomed.

Thanks for reading, R&R!