The Lost Kingdom

Chapter 8: Drawn

As the Fellowship continued their journey through the wilderness, Aria found herself growing closer to Legolas. They spoke little, but their actions spoke volumes.

Legolas always kept a watchful eye on Aria, making sure she was safe and comfortable. Aria, in turn, found herself drawn to Legolas' quiet strength and steady presence.

One evening, as they made camp, Aria found herself sitting next to Legolas by the fire. They were both lost in their thoughts, staring into the flames.

"Aria," Legolas said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Aria turned to him, surprised. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what happened in Moria," Legolas said, his voice soft. "I should have been there to protect you."

Aria shook her head. "It wasn't your fault," she replied. "We were all fighting for our lives. And besides, you saved me in the end."

Legolas nodded, but Aria could see the guilt still etched on his face. She reached out and placed a hand on his arm.

"Legolas, listen to me," she said firmly. "We're in this together. We have to trust each other and rely on each other. And we can't linger on the past. We have to keep moving forward."

Legolas looked at her, his eyes full of admiration. "You're right," he said. "I'm grateful to have you by my side."

Aria smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her body. She knew that Legolas was more than just a friend now. There was a deeper connection between them, something that went beyond words.

As they settled down for the night, Aria found herself thinking about Legolas. She couldn't deny the feelings that were growing inside of her. But she also knew that they had a mission to fulfill, and she couldn't let her emotions get in the way.

The road ahead would be long and treacherous, but Aria felt a newfound sense of strength and determination.

As Aragorn and Gimli headed off in search of food, Legolas turned to Aria. "I must go scout ahead," he said, his voice serious. "We don't know what dangers lie ahead."

Aria nodded. "Be careful," she said, her voice laced with concern. "We need you here with us."

Legolas smiled reassuringly. "I won't be gone long," he said. "Stay here and keep an eye on Boromir."

As Legolas disappeared into the darkness, Aria took a deep breath and looked around the camp. She couldn't shake the memories of her tribe being attacked by Orcs, and the death of her father, King Arrina. It had only been sixteen full moons ago, but it felt like a lifetime. She sworn to take revenge.

Suddenly, she heard a tapping sound to her left. She turned to see Merry rapping two sticks together, but the tapping wasn't coming from him.

"Where's Pippin?" Merry asked, his brow furrowed.

Before Aria could respond, there was a shriek from up ahead. Aria's hand went to her retractable spear as she motioned for Merry to stay close to her.

They walked for what felt like an eternity, the tapping getting louder with each step. Finally, they turned a corner and came face to face with a troll holding Pippin captive, beside a roasted swine with potatoes.

"Pippin, I told you not to follow your stomach," Merry protested.

Aria didn't have time for jokes. She sprang into action, her spear at the ready. The troll swung its massive club, but Aria dodged it with ease. She landed a few quick jabs with her spear, but they seemed to have no effect on the troll's thick hide.

Merry tried to help, but he was quickly knocked aside by the troll's club. Aria gritted her teeth and lunged forward, hoping to distract the troll long enough for Merry to get back on his feet.

But the troll was too quick. It wrapped its massive hand around Aria's spear and yanked it out of her grasp. Aria stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear.

Suddenly, Legolas was there, his bow at the ready. He fired a shot that struck the troll in the eye, causing it to howl in pain. Aria saw her opening and lunged forward, grabbing Pippin and pulling him to safety.

The troll turned its attention to Legolas, swinging its club with wild abandon. Legolas dodged and weaved, firing arrow after arrow at the beast. Finally, it collapsed, defeated.

Aria stood there, her chest heaving with exhaustion. She was used to getting herself out of these situations, but she couldn't deny the feeling of relief that washed over her as Legolas helped her to her feet.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Legolas smiled. "You fought well," he said. "But we must be more careful in the future. There are many dangers ahead, and we must be prepared for anything."

As the night wore on, Aria found herself unable to sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind filled with thoughts of Legolas.

She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them, something that went beyond their friendship. It wasn't just beca he saved her on two accounts. That was his job as part of the fellowship...to save others...right? But she didn't know how to broach the subject with Legolas without risking their mission.

As she lay there, lost in her thoughts, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Legolas sitting beside her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

Aria took a deep breath. "I'm fine," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Just having trouble sleeping."

Legolas nodded. "I understand," he said. "The road ahead is full of dangers, and it's hard to find peace in times like these."

Aria looked at him, feeling a sense of understanding and connection. "Legolas," she said suddenly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Legolas replied, his eyes searching hers.

"Do you ever feel like there's something more between us?" Aria blurted out, her heart pounding in her chest.

Legolas looked surprised, but then a smile spread across his face. "Yes," he said. "I do."

Aria felt a rush of relief and joy flood through her. "I didn't know how to bring it up," she said, feeling a little embarrassed.

Legolas reached out and took her hand. "I know," he said. "But I feel it too. And I think it's time we acknowledge it."

Aria's heart raced as she looked into Legolas' eyes. She knew that they were taking a risk, but she also knew that their feelings for each other were too strong to ignore.

As they sat there, holding hands and watching the stars, Aria felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that they could face it together.