Bound (A Lord of the Rings Fanfic)

Chapter 4

Cassie POV

Something is going on between Jessie and Boromir. From the time they came out of the woods he has stopped being so rude. Also, the way he looks at her only when he is sure she isn't paying attention is. . . well . . . he obviously doesn't hate her anymore. That isn't the only thing either; I'm pretty sure she is starting to notice his stares. The thing is, I am very sure she has no idea why he's staring. I don't blame her though. Many (meaning none) of the guys at school weren't exactly lining up to date the girls whose fathers were convicted criminals.

I take a seat on the rock closest to the banana rock. Jessie plops down next to me. I almost forget to ask about her new abilities.

"Now's a chance for you to practice your powers." I look at her.

She stares intently at her hands, suddenly raising her left hand higher, concentrating. At first nothing happens, but then a small flame flickers into existence. I suck a breath in. The flame is completely still, as if frozen in time.

"What about the other elements?" I snatch my water bag open and hold it out for her.

She raises her hand and gently moves it over the bag. When Jess moves her hand over the opening, water flows out. She then lifts her other hand and creates a sphere with the water. The concentration needed to keep it in this form is making it painful for her. Carefully, she channels the water back into the bag.

I point to a small rock on the floor in an expectant manner. Her hands shift in a jerky movement and the rock is lifted and hefted haphazardly away.

"Try airbending." I dare her.

She stands, moving gracefully, like bamboo swaying in the wind. I feel the breeze pick up and as she pushes her hand away, a strong gust of wind blows into us. Jess gives me a very self-satisfied smirk.

"You're the Avatar!" I throw my hands in the air.

"I guess so." She plunks herself down next to me. "I must say, it's going to be difficult for me to learn to bend well enough to be of any help. Unlike Aang and Korra I don't have any mentors to teach me how to do anything. The swords and bows the elves gave us will be of better use to me." She places her head on her knees and stares at Merry and Pippin who are in the middle of a fighting lesson with Boromir. A beaming smile flourishes across our faces as Pippin and Merry gang up on Boromir.

I'm about to ask her what had happened between her and Boromir when we are interrupted. " So your powers have made themselves known have they?" Gandalf stands looking down at us. "As for your helping us, that can be taken care of with practice. I must say, that learning to use your bows and swords is equally important. I shall have Legolas teach you to use the bow. Seeing as Boromir is otherwise occupied; Aragorn will teach you to wield the sword." He calls over Aragorn and Legolas and informs them of their new position as our instructors.

Legolas looks to both of us and smiles. I swear Jess and I are fangirling inside. I feel my cheeks flush. "That is a fine idea, but which of you will accompany me and the other Aragorn?" He looks to me and Jess expectantly.

"I've always had a thing for the sword. I'll go with Aragorn." I look to Jess; I want to go with Legolas but sword fighting with Aragorn is not something I can just pass up.

"Then I'll go with Legolas." Jess saunters off with Legolas and I almost regret my choice.

Aragorn wastes no time. He teaches me how to hold the handle of the sword and basic defense stances. We are in the middle of a break between defense practice when Legolas shouts we need to find cover. Jess starts running toward me but is intercepted by Boromir as he grabs hold of her and whisks them both under a group of rocks. I myself am pulled away by Legolas. "No one would forgive me if you were not taken care of." He pulls us into a small crack between two boulders. At first I didn't think both of us would fit, but thanks to Legolas's thin frame (though I can't deny those muscles) and my petiteness, we manage the squeeze in. It is embarrassing to say, but in this moment its almost like he is hugging me and I can't help the blush that dusts my cheeks.