Fan Fiction ❯ Lord of the Rings: Stargaze ❯ Child of the Stars ( Chapter 6 )

Child of the Stars

"Free from the smothering clouds of war

Upon the torches of the stars

Above the dreams of shadows' breath

Only the dragon remembers death

Let the shades of the Children rise

Beyond the wild, impartial skies."

"I don't know how you can put up with that ungrateful little Elf `princess'."

"For the sake of the Fellowship, I will try to keep us all united. If we quarrel amongst ourselves, nothing will be accomplished."

"She is not part of the Fellowship! She sees herself above all of us. I'd bet she'd leave us to die if she could."

"No Boromir…I do not think it is in her heart to do so. Deep down, I believe that she does not mean what she says. If we give it time and be patient, she will become our friend."

Arora sat upon her rock, staring around at the scenery below her of the hills region. Her keen Elven ears could faintly hear Aragorn and Boromir talking in the grove of trees where the Fellowship slept.

She didn't let them know that she could hear them, but their words made her heart sting inside. She was hurt by what Boromir said about her, without understanding why she cared what he thought. And then she was offended by Aragorn's statements. He made it seem like he knew her better than she did, that he knew exactly how to deal with her.

Well, he didn't know. He had no idea. He didn't know a thing about her, and he never would, because she wouldn't let him find out. Damn humans, they thought they were invincible, that they knew everything and could do anything and that it was justified just because they are who they are. But they didn't know who she was.

Who are you, then?

Arora shifted uncomfortably as a tiny, consistent voice made itself heard inside of her. It was not the first time the voice had asked this question.

Why, I am a warrior, a battle princess, of course.

But the voice was negative. Your brother is a warrior, and you know that you do not compare to him.

Arora frowned. Then I am magi, a magic user with power over the elements.

She actually heard the voice laugh. Do you mean those magical pouches inside your quiver? Those are from your sister. She is the mage.

Arora tried to argue, but she could not…she knew it was true, because she had always tried to match her siblings.

Then who am I?

But the tiny voice was silent.

Disturbed by this new question, Arora looked to the stars for an answer. But they were quiet this night, and had no response for their Elven child. Arora pleaded in her heart for them to help her, but neither blinding flash nor slow realization gave her what she asked for. There was nothing inside…until she had the sense that she should look back to the Fellowship.

She did so, and found her eyes on Legolas. He was not asleep yet, and he was watching the two Men, his narrowed eyes fixed on Boromir. Arora knew that he had heard them as well, and was probably aching to go over and defend her.

A small smile came to her lips. Of course, Legolas was still her friend. He would stay so no matter what the others of the Fellowship thought of her. She had always trusted him in the past, when the world was peaceful and there was no threat stirring in faraway lands, old wars brewing between old enemies. He had always made everything all right, whether she was disappointed over a cloudy night or feeling left out of the matters that her parents and elder siblings seemed so involved in. His imagination and endless ideas for games and adventures had always managed to bring her out of whatever mood she had been dwelling on.

So there was Legolas. And now there was Gandalf as well, the teacher that Arora had come to love like one of her own family members. Gandalf was always patient with her, and he took an interest in her desire to acquire greater magic powers. He was a grandfatherly sort of person, and from the beginning she couldn't bring herself to be disrespectful to him.

Arora held her gaze on Legolas, content to just watch him, feeling her heart grow warm inside. Then, as if sensing her eyes on him, he turned his head and caught her gaze. He gave her a half-smile and winked.

Arora's breath caught in her throat, and she turned quickly away. She felt her pale cheeks turn slightly pink, and she was thankful for the darkness.

An hour or so passed, and Arora heard the grove grow still as Boromir and Aragorn finally bedded down for the night. The stars winked and sparkled from their place in the heavens, but Arora couldn't understand why they hadn't answered her. Finally, she decided that they were trying to let her know that the voice was silly…she was a warrior and magi, and there was nothing for her to worry about.

Right?

She sighed and stood up, sliding nimbly off the rock and padding silently over to Legolas.

He looked up and smiled at her, extending his arm for her to sit beside him. She quietly complied, and he slid his arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him comfortably, and she suddenly felt incredibly safe and warm.

"Are you all right?" he asked her in his soft voice.

Arora didn't answer. Instead, she frowned, and then sat up straight and turned her body to face him. Legolas's smile faded a little curiously. "What is it?"

Arora gazed at him for a moment, silently. When she spoke, her voice was quiet.

"I missed you…"

She settled back against him as he blinked in surprise. He looked down at her, her face hidden, and he frowned slightly as well.

Without knowing why, he closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of her hair…it was an interesting smell, faintly of spring and the cool, clear night air. He would never forget that scent…He gently squeezed her shoulders.

"So did I…"