Disclaimer: I do not own or claim any of the characters or the world of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The hobbits and Gimli had fallen asleep quickly, wearisome from the many days of traveling. Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas sat around the fire, conversing about the new addition to the company.
"She seemed quite frightened to me when you brought her out. Are you sure she will not be too much of a burden?" Boromir asked the group in a hushed voice. "I would not like this mission to be slowed for the sake of an incompetent woman," he muttered as an afterthought.
Aragorn sighed, "I do not know, Boromir." He rubbed a hand over his creased forehead in an attempt to smooth his piling levels of stress. "She does carry a bow with her," he said as the group cast a glance at the figure in the distance. "Perhaps she possesses some skill so as not to burden us too much. However, she is a woman, and we cannot simply leave her here. You must say the meal she cooked was quite good as well."
"So it was. It does appear as if she has been traveling for quite a while," Legolas observed while still looking at Rodaìn.
"Indeed. I do not know how she has fared so well. Her anxiousness and panic were hard to miss when we came upon her," Aragorn wondered.
"Why have a reason to fear us? We are clearly not of the enemy," Boromir brazenly asked.
"Did you notice how she flinched and cast her eyes downwards at the mention of her homeland? I do believe it may have something to do with Gondor," Legolas proposed a potential answer.
Aragorn answered, "I did notice. She seemed to shy away from Boromir as well when he spoke. I do not know why she would have a reason to fear Gondor-"
"There is no safer place than Gondor!" Boromir protectively declared. "It must be some other reason. Perhaps she is simply afraid of the upcoming war. Or mayhaps she misses her family and is homesick."
"Perhaps. I still-" Aragorn was cut off by a whimper.
The group stood up and turned towards Rodaìn's squirming figure. Legolas was already on his feet, silently making his way towards her.
Suddenly, Rodaìn sat up with a gasp. Her arms immediately hugged her cloaked body in a protective position.
"Lady Rodaìn?" Rodaìn's head whipped around at Legolas' questioning voice and strayed swiftly over the rest of the party. However, she quickly turned her head downwards, hiding the salty liquid escaping from her eyes. "Milady?" Legolas questioned again.
"I am fine." Rodaìn's voice declared. She could not have them worry. They did not need to think her any weaker than she already appeared. She hoped to prove her skill in archery so they would not think her totally helpless. However, she was stuck here, tears slipping down the slopes of her face and the three members of the fellowship gazing concernedly at her. She hoped they would not see her tears. "It was just a silly dream. I thank you for your concern though," Rodaìn dismissed them coldly, turning her head.
Left standing before a slumped figure and a wall of curled hair, Legolas glanced helplessly at Aragorn and Boromir. None seemed overly experienced in handling an obviously hurt woman denying comfort.
Stepping up, Aragorn said, "Of course, milady. I do hope you find peace in your sleep. Please do not be afraid to seek us if you are in need of anything."
Aragorn's offer was met with the slightest of nods and Boromir turned back to the fire to stand guard, leaving Aragorn and Legolas to rest. Neither found sleep easily, however, as the puzzled over Rodaìn's most recent display.