𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟎𝟒 ⸺ the burning village

Several moons have passed as the three spent their time in Rivendell. For them, it is now time to continue their road further in the West direction.
     "We are most grateful for your kind hospitality, Lord Elrond," Iladya speaks, bending into a curtsy. Elrond lays his hand over his chest and bows his head.
     "You will always be welcome in Imladris," Elrond replies. "I bid you good luck on your travels and until we meet again." The three bow their heads before leaving the borders of Rivendell.
     Aragorn walks behind the two Elves, thinking about the change of life they brought with them to him. He is on reliable terms with Legolas as they seem to get along in a fine way. He cannot begin to explain his feelings towards Iladya. He does not have the words to describe how he feels whenever she is around, which is all day long. The closest he gets is the feeling of straying into a dream.
     Iladya glances over her shoulder and meets Aragorn's eyes. She flashes him a smile before averting her gaze. She cannot quite believe how much her life has changed from a perspective of relationships. She has experienced a sibling relationship, a parental relationship, a friend relationship but never a romantic relationship. Whenever her eyes fix on Aragorn, the man in her dreams, she knows something is growing between the two of them.
     I will bind myself to you.

After a day full of traveling, the three decide to settle down for the night. Iladaya offers to take the first watch. Her two other companions agree as Aragorn tells her that he will take the second watch. The two settle down at the roots of the tree while Iladya distances herself from them.
     Her attention is drawn to the sky, to the stars and the moon. The sight of it makes her gasp softly in awe. Aragorn comfortably leans against the tree as he stares at Iladya. Slowly and well, he drifts off to sleep with Iladya on his mind.
     Her ears are alert as her eyes gaze over the horizon. After a while, her gaze ascends to watch the position of the moon before she rises to her feet. She heads to the tree to wake Aragorn before she halts in front of him. Her eyes rest on his sleeping features. She adores him for his personality however, now she sees how handsome he is. She crouches next to him and lays her hand on his shoulder, stirring him awake.
     Aragorn flutters awake, his body tensed and alarmed. He looks Iladya in the eyes and his muscles relax.
     "I'm sorry to wake you," she whispers but Aragorn waves his hand, dismissing her apology.
     "No need to apologize," he speaks, rising to his feet. The man groans for a brief moment. "Where were you stationed?" Iladya guides him to the stone where she is settled.
     "I sat here with sharp ears and eyes to the stars," she says, averting her gaze. Aragorn follows her and he meets the sky full of stars. "Aren't they breathtaking?" she questions. Aragorn doesn't look at the stars and looks at Iladya.
     "It is absolutely breathtaking," he says and averts his eyes before Iladya can catch him staring.
     "You should get some rest, my lady," he continues, averting his gaze from the sky to look at her. Iladya shifts her gaze to the horizon for a brief moment before shifting it to Aragorn.
     "You are right," she whispers, however, she doesn't want to leave him. Their eyes are caught up in each other. Aragorn leans in closer, simply drawn to her. Iladya leans her forehead against his, closing her eyes.
     "You should rest," Aragorn whispers with agony in his voice as if he doesn't want her to go.
     "Yes," she breathes without making an attempt to leave. She opens her eyes and looks through her lashes to gaze into his eyes. "I don't want to go," she whispers. Aragorn lets out a shaky breath, contemplating what to do.
     ''Then don't,'' he answers. ''Stay here with me, sleep in my arms tonight.'' The Elf stares into his eyes, distancing her face from his. Her heart desires nothing more at this exact moment. It cannot hurt, can it?
     ''Okay,'' she smiles. Aragorn flashes her a smile and opens his arms, waiting for her to lie in his arms. He has his back against the rock as Iladya lies in his arms with her head on his chest. He presses his lips on her hair, wishing her a good night. As his eyes roam over the horizon, he listens to Iladya's breathing. Aragorn has his arms wrapped around her body and gently caresses her arms with his fingers.
     He sat back until he noticed a cloud of smoke rising. Aragorn straightens his back, causing Iladya to stir awake.
     "What is amiss?" Iladya questions drowsily, blinking her eyes to wake up. She glances in the direction Aragorn is looking and her eyes narrow. A gasp leaves her lips and she hurries to her feet.
     "Wake my brother and follow me," she commands before she runs in the direction of the smoke. Aragorn does not hesitate for a moment and runs to the tree.
     "Legolas!" Aragorn calls, but the Elven prince is already on his feet. Legolas' eyes find Aragorn's, demanding an explanation.
     "Fire," he breathes, running in the direction Iladya headed to. Legolas and Aragorn run over the hill, joining Iladya who stares down at a burning village.
     "We must do something," she breathes. "I'll go look for survivors." She is about to walk away as Aragorn gets hold of her arm. Iladya looks Aragorn in the eyes with a glare.
     "Let go of me," she demands. Aragorn watches on with despair in his eyes but then he lets go of her arm. He watches her sprint to the village. He casts a glance at Legolas before both pursue her.