Hello! Alright, So I am planning on rewriting the beginning of this story, as it was painfully obvious that I was not very great at writing this story originally... I wanted to do that before I posted this chapter, but I didn't want to make anyone wait longer, I've had this one written for a while, I just needed to edit it! please give me any feedback! I would like some advice!

I woke with a start. It took me a moment to realize where I was. It wasn't until I heard the pounding hooves and felt the air that I realized I was still riding Arod with Legolas sat in front of me. I didn't even notice I was falling asleep. Becoming more aware, I also realized that not only was I holding rather tightly to the elf in front of me, but also that I had been resting my head on his back. Sitting up abruptly, I noticed that Legolas had a firm grasp on my arms with one hand. Heat rushed to my face.

"I see you are now awake," he said to me, humor tinging his voice.

I smiled to myself. "I did not actually mean to fall asleep.."

It was then I realized that we had come to a bit of a stop, and Gandalf was speaking.

"Rohan.. There is a great evil at work here." His voice held much of an ominous feel to it, almost foreboding.

We then rode forward with greater speed than before, and I had to hold on tight to not fall. I learned that riding bareback is actually a bit better than using a saddle, and I kind of liked it. My side didn't hurt nearly as much as it did that morning, and the smooth gallop of Arod helped to not jar it so often.

I looked up as I saw what had to be Edoras. It looked a lot bigger than I expected it to be. The buildings were spaced, some large, some small, with a centered building raised higher, which I recognized as the Hall of Meduseld. A large wooden gate was in the front, with guards standing erect with large spears.

"Do not expect welcome, for you will receive none." I heard Gandalf say quietly. We came to a slow pace as we approached the gates. The guards let us in unchallenged, which I found to be rather odd. They only looked after us with unreadable expressions. We continued forward at a slow walk through the streets. Everyone seemed to be looking at us with great uncertainty, or wariness. They all looked so tired, so oppressed. I made eye contact with a women whom was probably middle aged, with a small child standing against her legs. When we came nearer she pulled the child closer to her. Her eyes were weary, but also suspicious. I gave her the smallest nod of my head in acknowledgment. I held her gaze until I had to turn. Was that... Hope.. In her eyes?

I whispered to Legolas, "They seem so wary, so afraid."

He turned his head bit towards me. "I believe they have a right to be."

While murmuring in agreement, we approached the Hall of Meduseld, Legolas dismounted first. I swung a leg over and was about to slide to the ground, when I felt a pair of hands take my waist and lead me down. I turned to look up at Legolas with a flash of irritation. I did not want to appear helpless in front of the guards. Gandalf approached the them as five other guards came through the doors. I recognized the man in the middle as Háma, one of the main guards.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame." The man to the left began. He seemed to reluctant as he added, "By order of.." I noticed him grimace. "Grima Wormtongue."

I could see Gimli stiffen at my side, angry with the though of being forced to leave his weapons. None of us moved to remove them until Gandalf turned back and nodded to us to comply. I watched at Aragorn carefully unsheathed his sword and leaned it against the wall.

Legolas stripped his bow and quiver off his back, and set them next to Aragorn's sword and looked threatening at the guard nearest and said, "Keep these well, for they were gifted by the Lady of the Golden Wood." The man held his gaze for a short time and hastily nodded his head, seeming timid. When I removed my own bow and quiver with my sword, I received odd looks from the men in front of the door. I looked back at them defiantly and challengingly, and kept my gaze until the others were done and about to head it. That is, until Háma stopped Gandalf.

"Your staff." He stated, stopping Gandalf from continuing. Gandalf then leaned further on his staff and looked at him with a glint in his eyes. "You would not part an old man from his walking stick?" I felt a wave of appreciation of the old wizard, his attitude never disappointing. Now, Háma not being able to turn him away once again, motioned to the other guards to open the doors and lead us in. Gandalf began to use his staff for 'support' and leaned on Legolas's offered arm. With Aragorn and Legolas and Gimli on either side of Gandalf, and myself close behind, we moved forward.

We enter a grand hall, with intricate designs on the walls of carvings and tapestries. The first thing I saw walking in was King Theoden, looking sickly and old, hunched over in a thrown, with an even more sickly-looking and pale man with oily black hair whom I instantly decided was Gríma. I noticed him look at us with great suspicion as we approached the middle of the hall, and I could overhear him whisper into the king's ear,

"My lord, Gandalf the gray is coming. He is not welcome here."

I tensed as I heard his slimy voice, wishing I could just go and attack him and be done with it. But I knew I could not.

"The courtesy of your hall has lessened as of late Theoden King." Said Gandalf as he stood, watching.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Spoke the frail voice of Theoden.

"A just question my liege. Late is the hour in which this conjuror chooses to appear." Gríma looked at Gandalf with anger and disgust, but I felt as though he may have feared him as well. Suddenly his eyes turned to me. I stiffened as his almost-black eyes seemed to be staring me up and down. Feeling very exposed all of a sudden, I looked down and shuffled my feet a bit, wishing he would look away. Though that wish was not granted, and he soon spoke up once again.

"And why would a maiden such as yourself be traveling with these men?" He almost spat out the words as he began to take another step closer towards our group. In front of me, I noticed Aragorn had stiffened, along with Gimli and Legolas. Feeling out of place suddenly, I felt flush down my neck as I returned Gríma's glare.

"Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crude words with a witless worm." Snapped Gandalf. I felt my admiration for the wizard grow even more.

Gandalf then pulled out his staff from under his cloak and advanced forward, and I watched with satisfaction as Gríma scurried back like a frightened mouse.

"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" cried Grima. Suddenly, the guards jumped into action and one advanced on me, attempting to grab my arms. I pull them out of his grasp before he can tighten it, and delivered a kick to his abdomen. He stumbled backwards and backed away. Turning around and noticing that the others were still involved in their own scuffles, and saw Legolas as he fought with a rather large man. I looked to Gandalf who has now abandoned his gray cloak to reveal the white, shining forward as he held up his staff to Theoden.

"I will draw you from this place Saruman, like poison is drawn from a wound." said Gandalf as he approached Théoden. Out of nowhere, an arm comes and wraps around my neck. Thinking fast, I dropped hard onto the ground, managing to slip away. I turn to find him advancing forward once again, and I swerved to miss one punch and kicked him as I had done before, not holding back one bit. He too, backed away. For a moment I let myself feel confident with the combat I managed to accomplish.

I looked up to see that Gandalf was still attempting to release Theoden. The fighting had soon come to a halt as everyone's attention had been grabbed by the scene before them. Theoden's head slowly turned to me, with only his eyes appearing alive, though a darkness had taken them over. I could not tear my gaze away as a sinister, black look consumed the face of the once noble king, and glared at me with what looked like want and anger. Feeling a cold dread spread through my body, I did not even realize I had taken a step back. That was when a terrible voice came from the sickly man.

"And, what, do we have here?" His head turned in a crude way as Gandalf seemed to send another wave of some kind of force his way. But at once a terrible, evil, crooked smile took the features, and a horrid laugh rang from his throat. "You, you are the one." His grin now showed teeth, and he made to stand, only for Gandalf to lift his staff higher and knocked him back into the thrown. Goosebumps adorned my arms, snaking up my spine. I felt a bit of a twinge of the burn in my hand, panic about to take me.

"Stay back!" Gandalf shouted in my direction. I noticed that Legolas had shifted directly in front of me, where I was blocked from the king's view. I took a few more steps back as fear took hold. It was then I felt a cold hand grab my arm, with another one covering my mouth, and quickly yanked me back through the doors that I did not notice I were so near, and outside under the sun.

I wrenched myself from the grasp of my captor, and whipped around to see none other than Gríma, with his oily, pale face staring at me with a look that ignited a huge fear in me. He quickly grabbed the sides of my arms and pulled me closer, and I could feel his hot, wretched breath on my face.

"You are needed, my dear. Come, you have been summoned." He turned me around roughly and shoved me forward towards the steps. Feeling like I would be able to get out of this situation, I whipped back around and sent a fist to his jaw, though he managed to grab my hand and shove it painfully back down. The next second a fist flew into my own face, and at first I didn't register the solid pain that ran through my cheek. I ducked in an instant, stumbling backwards, away from the man.

"Ah, fiery one aren't you? Stay down, you filthy woman!" He spat as he leaned over, slapping my cheek for a second time. I grabbed my face in pain as I stood back up, fighting against the tears threatening to spill over. "You stupid little-" I began. The words vanished as he grabbed me once more.

This time he grabbed both my wrists behind my back and began to shove me forward once again. Suddenly, I heard the doors open with a great force, along with several footsteps, and a voice bellow, "Gríma Wormtongue, you have abolished your right to this kingdom. Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on the ground like a snake!"

I attempted to turn around to see them, but his grip was stronger than I had expected. He instead pushed me down the rest of the steps, and while I attempted to keep some sort of footing, I managed to trip over the last one and barely kept my balance. I felt his filthy grip strong on my the back of my neck as he forced me around.

"Stray any further, and I will kill her." He reached for his side, and I saw the glint of silver on a point of a dagger. My breath quickened as he held it against my throat, the cool blade threatening the soft skin. I watched as Aragorn held out his sword, who seemed willing to kill the man. I was honestly worried he was going to, because what would happen if Gríma died right now? He still had a role to play as well!

"No! Don't risk more bloodshed!" I croaked out, barely able to breath due to the panic threatening to envelop me.

Anything else I would have said was broken off as I felt his grip around my neck tighten. My breath coming in gasps now, I attempted to move, but thought better of it. Suddenly, his grip slackened and I took it to my advantage and pulled myself from him. I turned to deliver him a blow, only to see him already kneeling to the ground and sliding away. Legolas was standing behind him, ready to deliver a second blow if need be.

He scrambled on the ground, quickly getting to his feet and ran to the stables. Legolas shifted to pursue him, but before he could take a step I clumsily grabbed his wrist. He instantly turned and looked at me, and I was surprised to see such anger in his eyes, they were burning like an uncontrollable flame, but they seemed to soften a bit as he returned my gaze. I shook my head slightly.

"Leave him. He has a fate of his own." The elf then relaxed his position a bit, still looking perplexed and uncertain. He then turned to look at the others, who were watching the scene unfold. "Are you hurt?" He inquired while looking back at me. I shook my head and said, "No, I am fine. I'm capable of taking care of my self." Not intending to be rude, but I was a little annoyed that I was the one pulled away and made look as weak. Legolas nodded stiffly and took a step back. I looked up and saw the door to the stables swing open, a horse barreling through the way with none other than Grima on its back. People had to literally jump out of the way to avoid getting trampled as he rode to the gates, and out of Edoras.

"That filthy snake! Too long have I been under his torment and influence." spat Théoden. Aragorn then spoke, his voice full of meaning.

"It no longer matters what he has done, it instead matters what you shall do now." He clasped a hand on the newly revived king, sharing a look of determination.

Hail Théoden King! Called a man standing in the crowd. Everyone then lowered themselves to one knee, including Aragorn. I did the same, leaving the only one standing to be Gandalf and Legolas standing tall. The ones kneeling did not seem as gracious as one might think... I understood as Théoden asked a dreaded question that had slipped my mind.

"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" He turned abruptly, his body language demanding an answer. Háma stepped out from the crowd of guards.

"My Lord, he, he is dead.." Cold dread painted itself on the kind's face, along with disbelief and anger. It was as if he wanted to blame the one who told him, and anyone else who may have known. His face turned from anguish to determination quicker than I thought possible. He then ordered to be shown his son's body, and that funeral arrangements were to be made at once.

Théoden had disappeared back into the Golden Hall, followed closely by Gandalf, but not before he threw me a significant glance. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn still hadn't moved. The ranger approached me cautiously, shaken as I was. I knew what he was going to ask. "I am fine. Don't worry about me," I muttered. Without another word, I went in search of the stables, praying no one would follow.

They were not very difficult to find, they were in one of the marvelous buildings in Edoras, with a strong scent of horses to show for it. I slowly walked to the doors, pushing them open to find a fairly roomy barn with hey thrown everywhere.

There were rows of stables along both sides, half of them occupied by horses. I made sure no else was around before making my way to the largest, most beautiful white horse I knew to be Shadowfax. He was in one of the further stalls with only two other horses near him Whom I recognized as Hasufel and Arod.

For the next hour or so I had found solace with the horses, grooming and occasionally feeding the three of them. I was rubbing Arod's nose when the door creaked open.

"The funeral is to begin soon." I turned to find Legolas standing just in the entrance of the stable. I turned to Arod and gave him on last rub before turning to the elf. I expected him to turn and start leading the way out, though he had stayed where he was. I walked up to him expectantly, though he did not say anything. Not at first.

"How are you fairing?" He asked. I stared at him dumbly for a moment, not understanding where this was coming from. He motioned to my face. "You took quite a hit." He added. Understanding crept its way in, along with a tinge of anger as I figured out what he was referring to. I still felt odd at this and did not like being looked at as if I could not handle myself. I looked down, avoiding his pressing gaze.

Though he spoke of my face, his hands took my own with no warning and lifted it in examination. He did not say anything as he turned it over and lightly feathered over the burn marks. An odd sensation was left in the wake of his hands on the burns. When I looked up I did not find accusation and surprise as I would have expected, but instead question and concern, as if he did not plan to inquire about it. This made me nervous that he already had known. He released my hand and I let it fall back to my side. I kept my head down.

"We should leave for the ceremony," He said softly. He slowly let his hand fall to his side and continued to stare down at me. I broke my gaze and looked at my feet. "Yes, I guess we should," I mumbled. He abruptly and gracefully took a step back and turned to the door, leaving me to follow. I numbly walked, very confused of what had just happened as the sun made me squint my eyes in order to see.

The people of Rohan were now gathering in the streets, already walking together out towards the gates. The mood was rather solemn, hardly anyone speaking. Legolas stood in front of the steps to the stables, watching as the people walking by. I feel like he still doesn't understand how common death is amongst those who are not immortal. I approached his side, strange emotions fluttering in my stomach, and when he saw I was there we began following the crowd.

Eowyn was singing, her voice cracking and thick with sadness. The song sent a shiver down my back. We were now all gathered around the grave they slowly lowered Theodred into and began sealing it shut with a stone. I felt oddly detached from the whole scene as it continued. The depression felt all around defiantly had an effect on me as I began to feel sorrow for those who held so much faith in the late prince. I couldn't help but feel for those who shed tears to memories and lost hope. When people began breaking up, some remained. I looked around uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like I was intruding. I took a couple steps back until Legolas turned and tapped my arm as he began silently walking away. Grateful, I followed, noticing Gimli had done the same with Aragorn. I was glad to leave the mounds of the fallen.

We returned to the hall which was fairly empty at the moment. Everyone had been at the funeral and had not yet returned. We had just walked in when I saw a blonde young woman approach, remembering it was Eowyn, returning from the burial.

"My lords" She turned and nodded her head to me. "and lady. We have some food to spare for you, and a few guest chambers available for your use. I can show you to them if you like." Aragorn nodded and accepted her offer. We followed her down another hall to the left of the main one, leading to a section with many doors. She led us to one room with a large amount of space with some folded blankets and pillows against the wall. I was about to go and put my stuff down with them when Eowyn motioned me to continue following her.

"There is a spare room you may use. Though I understand you have traveled with men a long way, it would be better suited for you to stay in your own chambers." She said as I followed. I nodded my head, though realizing she couldn't see, and instead said, "Thank you, I really appreciate it."

After I was in a small room with a single bed, I began the process of cleaning up. There was a door that led to a bathroom chamber area, and I almost melted at the sight of a full bath tub. I waisted no time undressing.

When I was dried off, I managed to find spare clothes in my bag in which I was very grateful I brought. They were of the same style, leggings and a long tunic, though this one was a darker shade of green and red. After dressing, and feeling better and cleaner, I left the chambers and found a way back to the main hall where I found Aragorn, Legoas, and Gimli sitting at a table and eating. They turned their heads up at my approach as I took a seat next to Aragorn. I stared at the food, not feeling hungry enough to eat.

"Alanna, you must eat," Started Aragorn as he watched me not touch the plate in front of me.

"Aye, lass. You need more food in you." Added Gimli, motioning to her. "I'm not hungry..." I started in reply, though the look Aragorn gave me suddenly caused me to believe perhaps I could be hungry, the sternness of his gaze surprising me. We sat and ate in silence. I was munching on a bread roll when the door suddenly slammed open.

I turned to see Thoeden and Gandald both enter the hall, both with bundles in their arms. I remembered this part with some difficulty, not striking as very important. Thoeden then set the young, dirty girl he was carrying near my feet as he made off in another direction. Gandalf then handed his bundle to Aragorn and followed the king.

"Find my niece." I heard him command as he strode away. I looked at the small girl, and then to Aragorn who was now trying to gently nudge the young boy to wake. The girl at my feet was crying now, wailing out that she wanted her mother. Not really knowing what to do, I leaned down and stroked her hair, hushing her.

"Trust me, we will find her, don't worry now." Her crying paused as she looked at me before turning to her uncounciouss brother. She made to go to him, but I held her back, trying to give Aragorn distance needed to help the boy. Gandalf had followed Théoden.

"he's going to be fine, he's just tired." I tried to convince her, though he cries wouldn't stop as Eowyn then approached, and quickly assessing the situation, came and relieved me of the young girl. I felt terrible that I was immensely relieved.

It was not long after that when I found myself standing with the men in the hall, Gandaf standing before Theoden. The children were now cared for properly by Eowyn, though now there was a decision to be made.

"They are burning villages, slaying your people, Théoden, unyielding." Said Aragorn in a bit of anger.

"Then what would you have me do?!" Theoden yelled back, the situation obviously taking its toll on him.

"Ride out to war, protect the city, meet them head on." Replied Aragorn, and in that moment he seemed more kingly than I had ever seen him recently. Théoden turned to him with a fire alight in his eyes as he said,

"It would be folly, if these creatures of the White Wizard truly are as terrible as you describe."

"You must ride to war! It is the the only way-" started Aragorm, only to be cut off by the now very angry king. "Théoden, not Aragorn, is king of Rohan." He spat with anger. "Then what is the king's decision?" Retaliated Aragorn. Theoden looked at him with almost venom, but it turned into what looked like worry and resignation as he said,

"Empty the city, gather only what you need. We make for Helm's Deep."

Not long after the king made his decision, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn and I followed Gandalf as he made fore the stables, fairly quickly I might add. He seemed in no mood to answer any questions we may have, obviously having an important task to accomplish. It wasn't until we entered the barn and Gandalf approached Shadowfax when he turned and spoke.

"Helm's Deep. He flees to the mountains when he must stand now and fight. I now have other business to, and much haste is needed. Saruman plans to strike soon and swift. He has ideas that will soon be put into motion." Gandalf then abruptly turned around, his gaze piercing my own with such intensity that I took a tiny step back.

"You are known to him, Alanna. You must do everything in your power to not fall prey to his evil. There is another who wishes for your knowledge." He turned back and mounted the horse. "It is a good thing you did not let Gríma get very far with you in his grasp." He added as an afterthought. I flushed at the memory of being hauled away by the greasy weasel. I also didn't like Gandalf speaking of what I knew with everyone present. It made me feel rather uncomfortable being singled out in any way.

"Do not lose hope." Gandalf said, addressing Aragorn. "On the fifth day, at dawn, look to the East." And with that, he ushered Shadowfax out of the stall with an unspoken command, riding out of the stables, galloping away from the town.

After the sun had already set, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli were nowhere to be seen. I had taken to helping people carry baskets to carts, preparing for the morning. I felt incredibly out of place. The people of Rohan would just stare at me at first, until offering me a smile after my help. They eyed me when they thought I wasn't looking. It could have been my imagination, but is felt their gazes were lingering on my ears, which I tried to cover with my hair.

I had returned to the room given to me to clean up a bit. It was rather small, only a bed and a small vanity with a mirror. Hesitantly, I approached the mirror, feeling rather out of place and nervous to look upon my own reflection. After a moment, I stepped over and looked up at my face returning my gaze.

I hardly recognized myself. I was the same, yet so different. My face seemed harder, sharper maybe, my eyes reflecting back with an amount of exhaustion I have not seen myself wear in all my life, though still shone brown. The skin on my face was hardly darker, which was odd since I would typically tan in such amount of sun, but it was also softer. I couldn't remember a recent time where there was such a small amount of blemishes; save the bruise that now darkened around my jawline, which only brought a feeling of shame and annoyance at my inability to fight back for myself. My hair, which had grown far down my torso, was nearly the same, if not the slightest bit softer from a lack of fuss over it, since I often just tied it into a braid. Slowly, I pushed it back. The tip of my ears were so odd, that I had to touch it to see if it was truly there. It felt different now, more sensitive to the touch almost.

They looked so wrong on me. They tilted back only slightly, not any larger, just shaped differently. This couldn't be real. It just couldn't be. I was human, nothing else, and besides, my knees and feet still ached and I didn't feel any difference physically despite the small muscle tone I gained from all the constant activity. My face was still not striking, in any way, since it still looked slightly round and childish. Surly I could not be an elf. The thought was so preposterous; however there I stood, staring back at myself, rethinking Gandalf's words from before.

I broke away from my thoughts, tired of thinking about such an impossible matter. Instead, I focused on the growling in my stomach and sought out somewhere for food. As I entered the Main hall, I found Gimli seated at a table with sparse food options, eating some kind of meat. He grunted in greeting as I came and chose an apple and some bread from a plate and sat to eat. There was not much for me to say, as the dwarf and I were not the closest, however I still felt comfort, sitting with a familiar face, whom I knew at least cared a bit for myself. We sat in a comfortable silence until I had finished eating and felt rather restless to walk. I said goodbye as I made to leave, which he returned earnestly.

Standing among the people of Rohan was odd to me. I had not been in a place with regular people since my arrival to Middle Earth. It was comforting, although I could not shake the feeling of separation, isolation. How I just longed to be back at home with people I knew and loved. But when those thoughts come around, I also feel a surprising rush of emotion towards the companions I had grown close to, here. The Hobbits then come to mind, and I just feel so joyful at the lone thought of them. I walked around and found myself to my enjoyment, back at the door of the stables, which was wide open. It was much darker, with no sun to shine through the ceiling. I stepped in and relished in the smell of horses, which was so familiar for me. Horses smell the same no matter where they are. I found Hasufel and Arod happily munching on some straw provided in buckets. I stood there for only a moment before glancing up a ladder leading to platform with hay. I had decided to, and just finished, climbing it when I head the door creak open.

To my surprise, it was Legolas who was walking into the stables, and I found myself once again alone with him in the same building, even if he didn't know I was there. As quietly as I could, I sat on the edge and watched as Legolas strode to Arod and replaced gave him fresh hay, patting him in the process. Only minutes pass until he speaks, startling me as my heart skipped a beat.

"Do you believe I haven't noticed you?" I froze for a moment before he turned and looked up at me where I sat, his face as passive as ever. Recovering after that minor shock, I replied, "It's a possibility. You said nothing of my presence, much less acknowledged it." I grinned slightly. I began climbing down the ladder, praying I wouldn't slip. "What are you doing here?" I inquired as I reached the ground. He scoffed. "I should ask you the same thing, as there seems to be no true reason for the either of us to be tending to the horses." his voice was slightly laced with that of teasing, and I smiled, standing a few steps away. His face darkened suddenly, his eyes roaming my face.

"The bruising has grown worse." he said, along with something under his breath that sounded like a curse in elvish. I didn't know what to say in that moment, no words coming to mind, except for anything sarcastic I would have wished to say. "Well, he did have a strong arm..." I mumbled, not even sure what I was saying. I looked back down at my feet for a moment, before seeing Legolas reach slowly with one hand, toward my face. I could not do anything but stand frozen as he brushed stray hairs and with a feather soft touch, brush the swollen skin that started at my cheek to my jaw. I suddenly felt as though he were standing much closer, however neither of us had moved at all. The intensity of his eyes as he observed the bruise was almost disconcerting, and I didn't like it very much, feeling very uncomfortable.

Growing anxious, I turned my cheek to hide the bruise, and Legolas pulled his hand away only a bit, it still hovering near. "I'm fine, it doesn't really hurt." I said indignantly, however the constant throb my face completely contradicted my words. I risked a glance at Legolas to find him still looking at me with an expression I couldn't decipher. Arod nickered in the stall nearby, moving restlessly. He still had not moved his hand completely away, and I nearly felt like taking a step back.

The door creaked open. I jolted with surprise, finding myself extremely started, and my face extremely hot as Aragorn stepped inside. Legolas let his hand drop as he looked back at the ranger, his eyes suddenly hardened, and they held each other's gaze for a moment before Aragorn spoke,

"At last, I have been searching for you two. I have not yet found Gimli." He strode over to where we were standing near Arod.

For perhaps half and hour was stood in the stables, discussing various subjects, my presence only being one of them. I felt so terribly awkward.

"I have wished to ask something of you." he began when the subject was turned toward me. His face was troubled with worry and caution as he looked down at me intensely. "There is much unrest at the moment, many doubt the decision of the king to flee, and we know of what will soon march on the people of Rohan. Is there anything you can tell us? Anything at all that would be necessary, that could... aid us in some way?"

Before the meaning of Aragorn's words had actually sunk in, I noticed how haggard he truly seemed, so stressed and worried, it was not until I realized what he had asked of me that I could react. I retreated a step back away from the two of them, unwilling to say anything. This was what frightened me so much of knowing what was going to happen, now as people are beginning to grow desperate. Aragorn instantly raised his hands in resignation at the sight of my sudden withdraw. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have-" He began.

"No, no, it's...it's fine.. I just.. I can't say anything.. I'm not supposed to.. I'm sorry.." I stutter, hardly able to form a coherent sentence. I felt terrible, I was anxious being the only being without foresight in this world that knew what was going to happen, and also felt awful for not being able to say anything to those whom had grown to trust me. There was nothing I could do to help in any way. What was the point of my presence? I guess my emotions were playing out on my face, because Aragorn's expression soon turned to that of regret and apology, but also disappointment. Legolas stood as still as ever, no emotion betrayed on his face.

"No, It is I who should be sorry. I shouldn't have asked..." He said, sounding as though his suggestion was completely preposterous to begin with. "I am sorry, I understand you cannot... No, I am sorry. Never mind. He looked at Legolas and myself. "We leave at dawn. I must speak with the Théoden." He abruptly turned and exited the stable with no more words.

Legolas and I soon followed suit and left the stable. It had grown dark while we spoke, and now the city was much quieter, hardly anyone in the streets. I mumbled a goodbye to Legolas and started walking down the stairs. I continued on the street toward the main hall when I heard the soft steps of the elf. He stepped up and began walking next to me, eyes straight forward. I stifled a sigh of annoyance.

"You do not have to walk with me." I said bitterly. He didn't look at me.

"You should not wander alone at night. I will escort you to your room." he said simply. I was not sure why, but a sudden, unexplainable knot of anger rose to my throat, our previous conversation with Aragorn still fresh in my mind. "Of course, because I am so useless and weak, why should I be left alone?" I didn't know why I had said it. Instantly wishing I hadn't, I kept her gaze strictly at my feet, praying Legolas wouldn't say a word. However I was not so lucky, and heat filled my entire chest and face, even down to my arms with embarrassment as he began to speak.

"You are not useless, nor weak." His voice was strong and sure, however he still did not look towards me. It took nearly all my will not not look at him, keeping my head down as I walked. A small light of warmth flickered with his words, but I instantly suppressed it. He did not mean it. He couldn't. No one ever thought me as strong. How could I think the elven warrior would? We continued in silence up the steps, and through the large doors at the front of the Golden Hall. Legolas took the lead through the many hallways and turns, as I didn't really know where my own room was from here. I kept my head low, not uttering a word. I couldn't shake the feeling of only being some burden, some pointless, annoying, person that just tagged along. I couldn't help Aragorn. Shame filled me as I remembered his look of disappointment. He was so worn out, and he just wanted some form of reassurance that I couldn't give. What was the point of knowing things if I couldn't tell my companions? I didn't realize my hands were clenched into fists.

Legolas abruptly stopped and turned to me. I was fairly sure this was not the right hallway, and was confused as to what he was playing at, at least until he spoke.

"Why is it you believe so little in yourself?" He asked. His voice was not very loud, instead both deep and almost demanding. I was so caught off guard at his words that I turned on heel to look at him. His face, however, betrayed no emotion, except for a moment I thought I could see a flash of anger behind his eyes. Instant indignation led me to a reply.

"I do not 'believe so little' in myself, however I do not find my presence entirely necessary." I said angrily, and began to walk as I said, "That is all." A hand grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. My anger grew.

"I cannot convince you to think better of yourself, however I can say that you are not unnecessary." I stopped pulling against his grasp. "You are not useless." He repeated. I turned back. His features were dark.

"Are you kidding me?" I spit out, not caring he didn't really understand the phrase. He let his hand drop. "There is nothing here that I can do on my own! I wasn't even able to get away from Grima on my own! I couldn't get away from the filthy orcs at Amon Hen either! How could I even begin the think myself even capable of fighting in a war, which we can all feel coming! It's useless! For me to know things and not be able to tell anybody! Now I'm prey to Sauruman apparently, and it's all because I know things! It's pointless!" Every feeling I had associated with these events returned. The hopelessness. The anger. I turned to walk away again, tired of just being with him, but he took my arm once again.

"No, it is not. You must not think that, or it will be so." He said, his voice suddenly much lower. I stopped pulling. Someone told me something like that very similar. It was nearly a distant memory at this point, the face, the voice. I remembered my dad saying something akin to that very statement not long before I left. I was despairing over the chance of not qualifying for the highest score for a contest of some kind. "only if you believe that you will fail, you will." The memory was so abrupt, so random, but somehow it gave me comfort. I turned back to the Elf.

"Fine. I'll try." was all I said. He looked back at me, and I returned his gaze, realizing it was almost as if he was assessing me. With a curt not of his head and his gaze unreadable, he said, "All right." and guided me to my room once again.

He opened the door and didn't move. He was waiting for me to go inside, but for some reason, I just didn't want to yet. I hesitated before walking forward, to the doorway. "Goodnight." I said quietly, avoiding his gaze. I turned halfway, about to walk away when I he spoke my name. I turned, hardly believing he actually spoke, for he showed no sign of it. After a moment of sheer silence, he opened his mouth, only to close it again. He seemed uncertain. I nearly turned around until he finally spoke.

"Do not believe you are useless. Rest well, Alanna." With that, he turned and left, leaving me standing in uncertainty and frustration.