Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 10: Truth Beyond Secrecy

Aria awoke from a peaceful slumber, confused as to her whereabouts.

"Good. You're awake." Boromir smiled down at the young princess. "Aragorn has convinced us to keep on moving. 'We mustn't waste the time he gave us', he says."

"Here's somethin' to make ya feel better, Miss Aria." Sam handed her a plate of fried meat. "You passed out right after we got out of the Mines. It seemed you were having another vision, Miss."

"Sam. You have to stop calling me Miss. And thank you for this! You gesture is very appreciated."

"Of course, M-Aria. I cannot take all the credit, though- Merry and Pippin helped."

"Our pleasure, Miss Aria!" Pippin responded cheerfully.

Aragorn cleared his throat, in an effort to regain the group's attention. "We're glad you are back with us, Aria, but once you finish the food, we really do need to get moving."

Aria nodded in understanding, although she did not understand his overall demeanor towards her. He was always stoic and focused on the mission around her, but she knew that he was friendlier and more affable around the others, like the Hobbits. Why was it always with her?

Once the Fellowship was back on the road, Legolas joined her side, watching her heavy footsteps hit the meadow they were crossing. "I know how you must feel about him. But it's not for the reason you think, Aria."

"I know why, Legolas." Aria responded, a little bit annoyed. "I've heard whispers around the castle- the servants are enormous gossips. He loved her, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did. Many loved your mother, you must understand."

"And these people who worshipped my mother were successful in their attempts? You most certainly weren't," She wasn't sure where all of this rage had came from all of the sudden. The Ring was having it's affect on her once again, manipulating her thoughts and actions to turn on the people she cared about. She did know, deep down, what she was doing, but her true self felt powerless to stop it.

Their conversation was no longer in hushed whispers. Aragorn could hear them directly behind him, but he kept his eyes on the road ahead and did not betray his knowledge.

"Everyone loved her. Everyone worshipped her, and everyone assumed they knew her. But did they? She was so quick to shut everyone out, instead of letting them in when they offered help. My father was just in the right place at the right time. That is all." Aria snapped.

"That is what this is about?" Legolas inquired. "I have no intent of letting my past feelings affect this mission, or anything in my present. And I am sure Aragorn will not, either, especially with this grave quest hanging on our shoulders, and ours alone. He is more of a man than you know. Your mother had her reasons to exclude you from matters as well. She was protecting you. Do not be naïve, Aria."

"I am no child, Legolas. Aragorn and Ravonna's relationship is now affecting mine and his, even ours. I do not plan to let it, but it needs to be a mutual effort between us." She pretended not to register his remark on her and Ravonna's recent encounters- in her opinion, she had dwelled on that matter long enough.

"Agreed." He looked ahead, his long blond hair swishing above his pack on his shoulders. "Now, all that is left is for you to talk to him about this, just like we are. You are no child."

"Thank you." Aria looked up at him, a newfound understanding and appreciation for him glistening in her eyes. "I am sorry about what I said. About you and Ravonna."

"I understand." He responded with a smile. "There are three sides to every story- the first, the second, and the truth. They do not always meet hand in hand."