The Mysterious Fate #wattys2016

Tighten Up

Please read the author's note for disclaimer and explanation of this story.

I make no claim to Tolkien's works. I also give credit to Cormak3032.

The following morning Lana was awakened by the sound of the hobbits' chatter. Rising she slipped on the elven dress once more and joined the boisterous creatures for breakfast.

Food was yet again the main topic for discussion. She had noticed that hobbits had quite an appetite and if they were not eating they were talking about food. She listened to them go on and on about their favorite breakfast items. One of these was bacon. The word made her mouth water. However fruit, bread and butter were on the menu this morning. She savored the flaky goodness of her pastry wondering if it was truly that good or if her starved body made it so.

Aragorn eventually joined her where she sat. "Tomorrow, I wish to begin your training."

He saw her tense at his words. Her jaw locked, as she seemed to be grinding her teeth. He could also see her heels digging in with stubbornness.

"We need to develop your strength and stamina." He continued, ignoring her standoffish mood. "You will join me for a run every morning before or after breakfast; the choice is yours. And when you have become stronger, we will start more rigorous training."

Lana wrinkled her nose and tried to dissuade him. Although she knew it would be a lost cause.

"Can I choose not to do this?"

"I offer this training for your own good. Not training is not an option. You must do this if you wish to survive."

She sighed, and then gave him an ironic smile. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you can't blame a girl for tryin'."

He smiled quietly and patted her on the shoulder. At least she had a sense of humor. Although it was quite dry and sarcastic, he would take it over the brooding she seemed to wallow in.

"Strider, there's someone here to see you," Merry said.

The two humans looked over their shoulders to see the formidable Haldir standing by the hobbit. Aragorn rose and greeted the March Warden warmly.

"Mae govannen, Haldir."

"Aníroch peded?" Haldir inquired. You wish to speak?

Aragorn nodded and put a hand on Haldir's shoulder ready to lead him to a more private location were they could talk. But the elf did not move. He was observing the mortal woman with an interested look.

Aragorn knew that elves were attracted to beautiful things—and though mortal, Lana was not unattractive. There was an exotic look to her for her bone structure and coloring was not like the mortals of the north or west. Fair with richly golden hair she looked to be of Rohan. Yet the shape of her face and eyes were different.

Eyes of deep blue, were cat-like in their shape, and they looked out on the world with intelligence and more than a little distrust. She was slender but more full figured than an elf. Her oval face and dark blue eyes were alluring. It was no wonder that Haldir paused to look at her.

Putting on an enchanting smile, Haldir bowed to her politely and said, "Suilad, hiril nín. Pedich i lam edhellen?" Greetings, my lady. Do you speak Elvish?

Lana blinked.

"Nay she does not speak Elvish, Haldir," Aragorn answered for her.

Haldir dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Forgive me, my lady. As a friend of Aragorn's, I assumed you spoke our tongue. I hope you are feeling as refreshed as you look." He complimented her and perused her with a lingering glance.