Yes I know, I'm starting it off with a dream, but this one is somewhat important to the plot. Some very interesting events happen in this chapter, so I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 13

I was running hard; something was chasing me and I had to get away. Throwing myself behind a wall that had suddenly appeared, I crouched low and hoped whatever was coming could not hear the loud beating of my heart. A thick fog surrounded me, and I found I could barely see my hand in front of my face.

An evil laugh echoed ominously, and I felt like I was choking. The sudden darkness was thick with something terrible, something so horrible that I could barely breathe. Voices whispered as the figure walked slowly in my direction, but I could not understand them. The language was dark and grated in my ears. I felt weak, and my limbs were heavy as I stumbled away, searching desperately for another place to hide.

It was closer now, and I was barely able to escape the fingers that tried to grasp my cloak. I tore it off my neck and left it behind. I was crawling, the darkness so thick that it felt like mud, and I could barely move.

A familiar tree suddenly appeared, and I ignored the tattered, bloody clothes I could see on the ground. I used all my strength to pull myself up into the branches, climbing up higher and higher. The branches never seemed to end, and the top of the tree was so far away. I needed to get to the top so I could get a better sense of where I was, but the canopy was thick and reminded me of the trees in Mirkwood. I gasped as I heard something shriek, and I covered my ears but was unable to block out its piercing sound. I felt frozen in terror.

As I went to grasp another branch, the one beneath me broke and I screamed as I fell to the ground. The impact was hard and the pain was unbearable as the shrieking continued ringing in my ears. "Please stop…please!" I begged, writhing in agony. Using all my strength, I dragged myself closer to the trunk and scrabbled to find purchase so I could stand. I had almost succeeded before something swiped my legs out from under me and I crashed to the ground once more.

Whatever had been chasing me had found me at last, and was dragging me across the unforgiving rocky ground by my hair. "Please let me go…I'll do anything…" I begged, feeling ashamed of my weakness.

The cloaked figure stopped, "Anything?" it whispered silkily.

I hesitated, but felt a force compelling me to gasp, "Anything."

It crouched down and pulled me closer, and I finally saw the creature's face. It looked as if it could have been an Elf once, but there were horrible scars across his face which ruined any semblance of being one. His eyes were full of malice, and glowed red in the darkness. "Tell me what you know about the halfling."

I felt drawn into his gaze, and opened my mouth to reveal all I knew, but closed it and clenching my teeth tightly with all my willpower. It was very difficult. I knew my gaze was weak but I refused to look away. His eyes flashed with fire and he grabbed my throat with one black, clawed hand. "You will answer me, or face the consequences."

I scrabbled at my throat fought desperately to get him to release me, but managed to croak, "Never."

He squeezed tighter, and growled, "So be it." Instead of finishing the job of murdering me, he threw me an impossibly far distance and I skidded against the tree, where shackles magically appeared and clamped tightly around wrists and ankles. As I struggled, the elf-like creature morphed into the Uruk who had captured me, and he looked impossibly larger and stronger than I remembered him to be. His teeth were longer and sharper, dripping with saliva, and his claws were covered in poison. Any semblance of logical thought was replaced with overwhelming terror.

He ran a sharp claw down my face, immediately drawing blood. "Let's have some fun, shall we?" he rasped, baring his teeth in a horrible grin. His eyes hardened. "No one disobeys him and gets away with it."

Some part of me knew he spoke of Sauron…but I was distracted by the feel of him tearing my clothes off, his claws ripping into my skin. The poison felt like fire, and I realized I was screaming. I tried to shut my eyes so I wouldn't see his sadistic grin, but it was as if something was forcing them open. I sobbed as the uruk's hands roamed lower and lower.

"Kill me, please just kill me!" I screamed, writhing against the tree and trying to escape. I felt like I was being burned alive.

The cloaked figure suddenly appeared next to me and whispered in my ear, "Tell me what I need to know and I will grant your wish." His voice was so smooth and persuasive.

The desire to tell him everything was overwhelming, but I bit my tongue hard and the coppery taste of blood filled my mouth. "N-No…I…you cannot make me…just let me die!"

He grew even angrier and I felt his hands clamp tightly on my head. I almost passed out at the intensity of the pain in my skull, but it seemed he wouldn't let me escape the terrors of this dream. I tried to think of something that would keep him from the knowledge he so desperately wanted, but the fear and agony was so great that it seemed impossible. An eye of fire filled my vision, and horror filled me as I recognized it. Could the figure be Sauron himself?

Suddenly, a bright light shined and engulfed the air around us. The Uruk was instantly incinerated. The cloaked figure's hands were forced off my head, and he shrieked in anger as another person entered the glade. I couldn't make out who it was, but his voice was commanding, "Begone, creature of darkness!"

"You have no power here!" it bellowed, enraged.

"I have just enough," the other figure replied, determination evident in his voice. "Leave this place!" I still could not see his face, but he held out his hands and a blast of white light shot out of them, slamming into who was likely Sauron and sending him flying backwards. Tethered to the tree as I was, I couldn't look behind me, but I heard him crash to the ground.

"You will regret this," he growled. As soon as I felt the heavy evil in the air recede, I knew he had fled.

The chains dissolved and I stood slowly, rubbing my wrists. The figure moved closer and held out a hand. "Come with me child, let us return to the light." I grasped his hand tightly and knew no more.

I came back to myself with a gasp, and I sat straight up in bed before dizziness and nausea forced me to lie back down. The first thing I saw was the kindly face of Radagast the Brown. He sat next to me and took my hand. "Hello again Gwinthilnel. It has been quite some time since we last spoke."

I nodded slowly, still a little disoriented. "Yes, it has…" I attempted to sit up again, and Radagast took the opportunity to prop up the pillows so I was more comfortable. "What happened? It felt so real, like I was really there…" I looked down at myself, almost expecting to see fresh wounds, but only saw the faint scars of a few days ago. My eyes felt gritty, and I realized I must have been crying while I dreamed, and my throat was raspy.

Radagast's face became grave. "It was real, in a way."

I asked the question I was most afraid of, "Was he actually there? Was it him?"

After thinking for a moment, he replied, "It is possible. I have rarely heard of such a thing happening, but when I encountered him even for the brief time I was with you, I could sense a familiar darkness that is indicative of his presence."

"Who was there? What are you talking about?" a voice burst out. I started and finally took a better look at my surroundings. Saeradan and Candaith were in the room with us, Saeradan looking grim and Candaith white as a sheet. I realized it was Candaith speaking, and he sounded both angry and scared.

Radagast looked from both men to me, silently asking whether or not I wanted them to know the full story. After a moment of indecision, I said, "Can I have a moment alone with Radagast? I…I need to ask him some questions."

At first, I thought Candaith was going to refuse to leave; he looked frustrated, but Saeradan lightly touched his arm and they both slowly left the tent, Candaith giving me one last worried look.

Once we were alone, I felt myself struggling to keep my emotions in check. Everything felt so fresh and I was exhausted. I decided to reign it in for now and focused on formulating the words to ask some questions. "He asked me to tell him what I knew about the hobbits. How does he know about them?"

Radagast sighed. "In my conversations with Gandalf, it became clear to me that knowledge of the hobbits had been discovered by Sauron by some magical means. I believe Gandalf knew more than he was saying, but did not share with me any specifics in regards to what kind of magic it was."

"I see…but how did he know about me?"

At this, Radagast almost looked amused, "Your many deeds have not gone unnoticed, by both the forces of good and of evil. Sauron likely believes you to be quite powerful, and he made the correct assumption that you had valuable information."

"Do you think Sauron has people searching for me?"

"I find it is not out of the realm of possibility that Sauron wants you captured, dead or alive, in order to prevent you from further disrupting his plans. You have done many things in many places, and you dealt a great blow to him when you freed the Red Maid and helped disrupt his forces in Dol Guldur, among other things. You did much in Angmar to hinder his designs; Carn Dum was to be his stronghold in the North, with Mordirith as its leader, but your actions prevented it. He knows you have powerful friends, and likely believes if you are out of the way, his path to victory will be easier." Radagast sighed heavily. "You are in danger."

I clenched my fists, angry and feeling helpless. "What am I to do then? Stop fighting? Go hide somewhere? I have a duty to uphold and I cannot just step aside while Sauron wreaks havoc just because he is threatened by me." I realized I was almost shouting and lowered my voice. "I will not deny I am afraid, because I am. Clearly you must have seen it during my…dream, if that's what you would call it."

"It is understandable. Sauron is evil in its purest form; learning from Morgoth has given him great power. He is cunning, and over the centuries has perfected the art of persuasion." Radagast looked at me with compassion, "I would not have blamed you if you had told him what you knew. The influence of Morgoth prepared him for this."

I shuddered at the name of the fallen Vala; I had heard stories from those who were alive during his reign of terror; my grandmother was one of the few survivors who had fled Gondolin while it was destroyed by Morgoth. If Sauron had even a fraction of his power, it would be more than enough to plunge the land into total darkness should he get the ring back. Radagast continued, "However, we cannot let this fear control us. If we hope to win against him, we must continue to move forward. I ask you to be cautious, but I understand you will do what you believe is best." He straightened up a bit and asked, "I hear you are on your way to Imladris?"

"Yes, we are travelling there to meet up with several other Dunedain".

Radagast nodded, "I see. Lord Elrond may be able to help you with your dreams. There are ways to help clear your mind before reverie, which would allow you to better control what you dream and act as a type of defense against creatures like Sauron who might want to infiltrate them."

I smiled a little, "I would be grateful for such knowledge, and I hope you are right."

Returning my smile, he patted my hand and stood up. "Try and rest, you have a long day tomorrow."

I let out a bitter laugh, "I doubt I will be resting much tonight."

"Fair enough," Radagast said softly. "Would you like to see your companions? I can hear at least one of them pacing outside the tent." He had a secretive smile on his face and I wondered what he was thinking.

I hesitated, unsure if I felt up to seeing them and their worried faces. "Send in Candaith, as he is likely the one pacing," I said with a small smile.

Again, Radagast gave me a strange, knowing look, winked, and left the tent. I heard him telling Saeradan to find some food for me, saying I would need my strength after my "ordeal". A few seconds later Candaith came in slowly, still looking a little pale, and cautiously sat next to me. I sighed and said, "I am not made of glass you know. I will not break easily."

I saw a ghost of a smile on his face before he was serious once more, "Are you well? Can I get you anything?"

Just then, I heard Saeradan knock on one of the wood posts of the tent and say, "I have some food for you, may I come in?"

I had hoped to avoid facing them both at once, but held in a sigh and said, "Of course."

Saeradan ducked his head in and gave me one of his small half smiles, setting a tray on a table next to me. "It is nothing fancy, but tea, bread and cheese was the best I could find in the middle of the night."

Eating was the last thing I wanted to do, but I forced a smile and took a small sip of the tea. It warmed me up nicely and I felt a little calmer. "I do not need anything fancy; this is perfect. Thank you."

I thought Saeradan would sit on the other chair that was near the bed, but instead he simply said, "You are very welcome," inclined his head, and left.

I picked up the bread and took a small bite, but it was tasteless. My thoughts were turning back to the dream and again I felt my emotions threatening to overcome me. Taking a few deep breaths, I swallowed the bread and picked up my tea, my hands shaking.

"Here, let me help," Candaith murmured, and he took the tea from me and helped me drink. "I was afraid you would drop it."

"Are you calling me clumsy?" I asked, and tried to smile. Candaith didn't return it, and looked worriedly into my eyes. I set down the tea and looked away, wringing my hands. "I assume you want to know what I was dreaming about." I stated rather than asked.

"Only if you wish to tell me," he responded softly.

I felt redness creeping up my neck as I considered telling him about the uruk. I was not sure how much he had seen when the real events had occurred, and didn't want to anger him. "I am not sure I have the strength," I said brokenly.

"Then let me lend you some of mine," he replied gently, taking my hands and holding them tightly.

I was embarrassed to discover tears were gathering in my eyes, threatening to fall. "I am afraid," I whispered.

"Gwin, being afraid is not something to be ashamed of," he whispered in reply. "You are one of the strongest people I know, and the bravest."

I closed my eyes and I felt myself beginning to unravel, but again tried to push away my grief and anxiety before opening my eyes again. I was still unable to look at him, knowing I would likely find pity in his eyes, which I couldn't bear to see. "I will try," I said, my voice sounding small.

I began slowly, "Candaith…I have been through many trials and many horrors. I could not possibly describe to you the darkness I have faced; it is beyond words. However, this darkness is something very different."

Candaith stayed silent but gave my hands a small squeeze. I took a few slow, deep breaths, and stared at some of the loose threads of my blanket as I continued. My voice sounded far away and emotionless to my ears, but I knew the only way to finish my tale was to keep going. I had turned my gaze straight ahead at the canvas over Candaith's shoulder, but now I hesitated. I had come to the part of the story where the uruk came into play, and I felt a wave of fear crash over me. My breathing quickened and I started shaking. Distantly I heard Candaith speaking to me but couldn't process the words. Instead I focused on the sound of his voice, and the deep, familiar tone was enough to calm me, but only just.

Finally, I was able to comprehend what he was saying, "If you need to stop, I will not think any less of you."

My jaw was clenched tightly, and I feared if I tried to speak, I would burst into tears. Unbidden, a memory of my father came to me.

It was a warm, summer day, and everyone wanted to spend the day outside. There were many elflings in my village, and I was one of them.

"Gwin, let's go swimming!" my eldest brother Fernden said excitedly.

My stomach dropped. I was just learning to swim, and still felt very wary of the water. "Can we do something else? Maybe climb some trees?"

My brother saw right through me, "Don't be a scardey cat! Everyone else is going!"

"I…I think I'll stay here," I said softly, and my brother made a face before running off to join the others.

I slowly wandered back home and sat in the long grass next to our house, absentmindedly braiding some grass and flowers into a crown. I noticed my father sit next to me but didn't look at him.

He gently took the flower crown out of my hands and pulled me into his lap. I automatically curled up into his chest, listening to his heart beat and sighing. "Hello Ada."

"Hello Iellig," he replied softly. "Why do you sit here alone?"

"Well, I am not alone now," I said softly, looking up at him with a smile.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, breathing in the sweet scent of the wildflowers surrounding us. "Are you afraid to go swimming with the others?"

"Maybe a little," I replied in a small voice. "What if I drown?"

Her father chuckled, "Do you think I would ever let that happen, tithen pen?"

"No, I guess not...but I'm still scared." I was playing with the ends of his long, dark hair, feeling ashamed of my weakness.

He turned me around a little so I could see his face; it was gentle and kind. "If you decide not to go, I will not think any less of you." He snuggled me closer. "But Gwinnie, I know you are brave, and a little stubborn," he winked and I squirmed as he tickled me, "and you can do anything you set your mind to. I promise I will be right by your side."

"Always and forever?" I asked, staring into his wise, green eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, smiled and said, "Always and forever."

I came back to the present, and his words of encouragement, so long ago, helped me continue my tale. In the end my father could not stay by my side, and I felt a flush of anger at the monsters who ended his life. "I'm sure you remember the uruk from a few days ago."

Candaith stiffened, "Of course."

"How much did you see?" I asked, holding my breath.

He didn't answer right away, and I could tell he was struggling with what to say. Finally, he swallowed and said, "None of it should have happened."

This didn't exactly provide me with the information I wanted, and my face flushed with shame over what he must have witnessed. Nevertheless, I decided to continue, "Well, in my dream, it happened again. He looked more monstrous, and I could see poison dripping from his claws. It was strange; Sauron was also there, trying to persuade me to tell him all I knew. He…he told me it would all stop if I just told him what he wanted to know."

"Did you tell him anything?" Candaith asked thickly.

"I did not want to, but he grabbed my head and it was agonizing. I was so close to telling him everything, just so it would all be over, but just before I could, Radagast appeared and drove Sauron away. I am afraid of what would have happened if he had not been there." I could not meet his eyes, as I was too nervous to see what I would find in them.

There was silence for a few moments. "Gwin," Candaith said slowly. "Saeradan and I, we could not wake you. I heard you first, groaning and restlessly moving around. I came in and tried to rouse you, but instead of waking you started thrashing and grabbing at your hair. Saeradan tried tipping some water on your face, and I attempted to gently hold you in place but you threw me off. I told Saeradan to run for help, and he found Radagast. While he was gone, I stayed with you, and you were begging someone to just kill you and let you die." He squeezed my hands a little tighter. "I was afraid for you, and I felt helpless. Nothing I did was working and you were clearly suffering…if I could have taken your place, I would have."

"No Candaith, I would not want that for you; no one should have to endure such dreams, but I am glad you were spared from the actual visions. I am sorry if I scared you." I let go of his hands and tried to use the blanket to wipe the tears off my cheeks, but I was sure I looked a mess. I had never cried so much in my entire life as I had over the past week.

I finally had the courage to look at him, and was struck by the anguish in his eyes, so I asked, "What is it? Is there something else you wished to ask?"

"Did he…did the uruk…" Candaith started to ask, but he struggled to say the words.

"Did he rape me?" I finished for him, whispering brokenly. He looked at me anxiously. "No…but would you think less of me if he did?" I asked quietly, looking away.

He reached out and tipped my chin up towards him so our eyes locked. "Never," he whispered, with such intensity that I was startled. I didn't know what to make of his expression, and I felt a rush of emotion.

"I feel…dirty, like no matter how much I wash myself I cannot get clean. I see the events of that day repeatedly in my mind…and I remember how it felt when his hands were on me. I tried to fight back but he was too strong." The tears were falling faster now, and my voice shook but my eyes remained looking into his, "Once I realized I could not escape, I tried to think of happier times to distract me…it worked a little." I forced a watery smile on my face, "I even started humming that song you were singing at the Prancing Pony. The uruk didn't like that very much, and it made me feel some satisfaction knowing it was annoying him."

Candaith was still looking intently into my eyes, listening without interrupting. His hand had moved away from my face, and was holding mine again, stroking his thumb across my knuckles like he had done not so long ago. I wanted to look away, but was captivated by the way his eyes showed more emotion than his face.

"I prayed to the Valar that you were safe. The uruk had said they had killed you, and I did not know what to believe." I hesitantly put my hand on his cheek. "I didn't know if I would ever see you again."

There was a beat of silence before I found myself crying almost hysterically into his tunic as everything hit me at once. He seemed shocked, and his arms were frozen by his sides until he slowly put them around me. He took one hand and stroked my hair, whispering words of comfort, and held me close. I curled up in his arms, feeling a little safer. I could hear his heart beating, and the reassuring sound of it helped me calm down.

Once my tears started to slow and I caught my breath, I realized what a compromising position we were in and pulled away. "I…I am sorry, I'm not sure what came over me. I generally do not make a habit of falling into someone's arms like a damsel in distress," I said with a hesitant smile.

Candaith's lips quirked up in what was almost a smile but not quite, "It's all right, you have been through much lately. I would not be a good friend if I refused to help you when you needed a shoulder to cry on."

Ah yes. Friends. We were just friends…right?

Thanks for reading! I'm sure Candaith felt both uncomfortable and maybe a little pleased to have her throw herself into his arms. Will each of these small moments bring any sort of realization to them about how they feel? We shall see! Please take a moment to add my story to your alerts so you get an update every time a chapter is written, and drop a quick review! (ps you can still write a review as a guest, even if you're not a member!)