Chapter 9

Winters POV

I could hardly believe my eyes. One moment I was in this so called world and the next I was talking and comforting my brother before he passed away. Father had not noticed me though, this is what made me think that it was not real. But it was real. I had touched my brother's hand, he hugged me. I could still feel the warmth of his hug. I know I sound crazy, but it is all real. It really did happen. Oh who am I trying to convince. Laying in bed my mind was going insane coming up with possibilities of how this is possible. Perhaps it was magic, or perhaps I really had gone insane and everything in the past few months that has happened has not really happened. I wanted to scream, cry and laugh all at the same time. Yep I was crazy. I couldn't relax or sleep. When Legolas entered the room I was in my mind was about to explode with complete and utter fear and confusion. He greeted me and asked if I would like some company. I was a little unsure if I were ready for company but I decided I needed to get out of my own mind before I killed myself. I nodded my head and watched him in silence as he took a seat and brought it over to my bed. I sat up slowly, putting my long wavy red hair back behind my ears. Legolas did not say anything just sat there waiting for me to sort myself out, his blue eyes searching my hazel eyes. I shivered under his glance and decided to say something to break the silence.

'So would you like to tell me what I have missed while I've been passed out?' I asked quietly.

He didn't respond straight away, he continued watching me. Moments later he responded, 'We have lost Gandalf to a demon of the Ancient world. We reached Lothlorien, also known as the Golden Wood, 14 moons ago. Aragorn is now the leader and we are working out what we must do from this point onwards.'

I knew how hard it was to lose someone and my heart went out to everyone in the group who had been close to Gandalf. I did not know what to say for my grief was also very recent and the idea of trying to comfort these people made me feel sick because I knew no amount of comfort would ever make this better. Legolas must have sensed this and quickly changed the topic.

'How are you feeling this morning? Your wound has healed well I believe you are free to explore as long as you have someone to go with you.'

I sighed not really wishing to explore. In fact I had lost interest in everything I wanted nothing more than to hide away and never show my face. Legolas was having none of that.

'I would rather just rest a little more.' I pleaded with him.

'Nonsense, you shall forget how to walk if you stay in bed any longer. I shall give you a small tour of Lothlorien. I believe the Lady of the Golden Wood wishes to speak with you after I have given you a tour.'

I sighed again trying to find a way out of this, but before I could utter a word Legolas had pulled the sheets off the bed and was passing me some fresh clothes to put on. 'I will be waiting outside.'

When he left I quickly got dressed into my clothing which had been washed. I felt silly wearing my school uniform but there was nothing to be done. Once I pulled my dress on, it was too warm for the jumper. I pulled on my socks and shoes. I quickly brushed my hair deciding to leave it down and walked out of the room to find Legolas waiting for me.

He guided me around the elven city and I could not help but be impressed with everything. I had never in all my life ever seen anything so magical looking. There is no words to describe how angelic this place was.

The leaves were golden, the trees were tall, so very tall. The homes were placed upon platforms they called them telain of flets – as Legolas explains. He continued to explain that this place was, for the most part, invisible, thanks to the Lady of the Wood.

'Who is the Lady of the Wood?' I asked wondering what her name was and who she was.

'She is called Galadriel and is the highest ranking Eldar who remains in Middle Earth and she is the wisest of Elves.'

'Oh,' was all I could manage.

I knew it would be hopeless to make my way around this place on my own. I would simply get lost. I was led to a beautiful garden. Looking around I noticed that I did not recognise any of the flowers. A light caught my attention – turning around a being so beautiful, dripping in silver light, approached. Without really knowing why, I stepped closer to Legolas feeling a little scared. I could feel her power surging through the garden. I knew that this was Galadriel, Lady of the Wood. Legolas grasped my hand lightly as if telling me that she was not one to fear.

'Legolas son of a King, would you care to introduce me to your companion.'

Legolas was a son of a King. Meaning he's a Prince. All this time I had not even known. I quickly slipped my hand out of his. If he noticed this action it did not show. Suddenly two pairs of eyes were looking at me.

'Uh hi.'

'Welcome Winter, to my home. I have been eager to meet with you, our first meeting was brief for you were injured. I believe you are well again?'

Not knowing if this was a question or a statement I quickly replied, 'Yes, much better thank you for not leaving me to die.'

A small smile appeared on her lips, 'It was my pleasure. Your companies have enlightened me on your tale. I must say I am intrigued to get to know you better. Though before that happens I believe you have questions which you would like answers too.'

She was right I did have questions, but I was unsure if she could answer the questions I had. I did not wish to be disappointed, but if I did not ask then I shall never know. 'Yes I do. Why am I here?'

Her eyes twinkled and she looked at me for a moment before responding, 'I believe you have been sent to our world by a greater power. You doubt yourself on the realness of this world. This world is real and you are not losing your mind. Why you are here though I cannot say. But here you are nonetheless. Perhaps it is a second chance.'

I just stared at her, 'Well that didn't really answer my question. How about this one, can I go home?'

'Would you wish to go home?'

I pondered over this question. There was nothing left for me at home. I lost my brother, I did not have a family who cared. No one would be looking for me. There were things I did miss, like my books, the internet and the familiarity. When I did not respond Galadriel went on to say. 'Perhaps that is a question you need to think more on. For now perhaps you need to look over something which you have yet to open. You will find all your belongings in the clearing. Before you go I will explain to you more about this world.'

I had not even noticed that Legolas had left, but after talking to Galadriel I knew now what the group's task was and why they were trying to destroy a ring. Something in my mind shivered at the word ring.

'Wait before you go, I just remembered. I had found a golden ring at school and I was going to return it but I felt drawn to it somehow. After school I went to catch the bus home, I fell asleep on the bus and when I woke up I was here'.

'Then it is a sign. You have a part to play in this quest. Never doubt yourself. You are here and though your brother has passed from this world, it is not your fault. I believe this is your second chance. Your dream that you are trying to convince yourself that it is not real, it was real. You did say goodbye to your brother.'

Before I could blink she had left. I sat down on the bench and thought about what she had said. Hardly any of it made any sense, but I now understood why Aragorn had treated me the way he did when he came across me. The fact that this Elf claimed that I really had said goodbye to my brother also came across as a strange sort of comfort. Had I gone back in time? Or did that same day keep playing over and over again. Was time frozen? Or is time still moving forward?

'You look to be deep in thought.' Startled I looked up to see Aragorn standing there.

'How long have you been standing there for?' I asked.

Walking over to me he said, 'not long at all. Long enough to know that your mind is troubled.'

'Then leave me be.' I replied stiffly unsure what he was going to say.

'I cannot do that. The other day when you told me you would have much rather I had left you to die. Do you still feel that way? And do not think about lying. I can see it in your eyes that you are looking for an escape. There is nowhere to run.'

I sighed and could not help but feel a warm feeling erupt inside of me. He really did care. I had this feeling only twice before, one from my brother and one from my teacher Ms Miller. I found Aragorn's stormy coloured eyes staring at me, unmoving and deadly serious.

I tried to form a sentence in my head but my mind had shut down so without thinking I say, 'Yes. I wish you had left me to die. It is the only way I'll ever be with the one person who truly cared for me.'

'Tell me what happened before you came here.' Aragorn prompted gently but firmly.

'Why should I tell you? You never really answered my questions.' I snapped not knowing why. Just seconds ago I was willing to tell him everything but now I felt hurt. He expected me to trust him, when he does not trust me.

'I gave you my word I would tell you everything. That was before we entered the mines. I had planned on telling you once we reached the safety of the Elves, but Lady Galadriel has already told you.'

'Oh that is a likely story.' I muttered.

A voice echoed in my head and as hard as I tried I could not ignore it, He speaks the truth young one. Do not be so quick to pass judgment, Aragorn is a good and trustworthy man.

'I speak the truth Winter.' He said with such earnest.

I looked away feeling ashamed and not wishing to see his reaction, 'I hate everything about myself and my life. My father killed my brother, he spent years abusing us, but my brother always took the brunt of it. I wish I were dead.'

I glanced a look and he just watched me for a while not moving or saying anything. The silence was killing me, my heart was pounding, my hands shook and I felt short of breath. Aragorn walked closer to me and I flinched away. This did not stop Aragorn, he gently pulled my hands into his and held them. I felt my body stiffen and I knew Aragorn noticed for he frowned slightly. I looked away again not wishing to look into his intense stare any longer.

It seemed like hours went by when I looked up again. He smiled gently and spoke, concern edged in his voice, 'I would wish you to never feel such sorrow and helplessness. How you have held onto all this without assistances is remarkable.'

He had been waiting for me to look at him, I sighed as he continued, 'You may not know this but you have gained some close friends. The Hobbits look to you for friendship. As do the rest of us. Legolas especially worries over your welfare. None would wish this feeling upon you.'

Tears started to cloud my vision as he continued to speak, 'Do not hate yourself for the passing of your brother was not done by your deed. Do not hate yourself just because your family dislike you. if you were uncared for and unworthy I would not waste my breath on you little one'.

The tears fell freely down my face hitting the grass beneath my feet. Aragorn paused before pulling me into a hug. This time I did not flinch away, rather I held onto him as if he were my lifeline.