�Who�s is this?� asked Jessica as Ceran came back. She handed him his cloak and he took it with a small smile.
�Haldir.� He pointed to the cloak in her hand guessing her question. �Haldir lent you his cloak as well.�
�Oh.� Jessica blushed realizing it was Haldir�s. �I need to give it back to him.� Ceran smiled at her and handed her a bit of breakfast.
�He is over talking to some wardens. It would be no bother to do it now.�
�He looks busy.� Jessica looked over to where Ceran had motioned and saw Haldir. �I can wait.�
�I will take you,� he said with a smile and put his hand on her lower back guiding her over.
�Really it�s no trouble I can wait and stuff.� Ceran smiled but kept pushing her towards Haldir.
�Haldir can we have a moment of your time.� Haldir turned and looked to them.
�Thanks.� She held out the cloak and he nodded taking it from her.
�It is not a problem. If you are in need please ask, we mostly wear them for protection from prying eyes not the cold.�
�I. . I�ll have to do that. Thank you.�
�The dwarf will have to be blindfolded before we go any further.� Jessica�s heart was still beating much to fast after having gone over that rope they called a bridge to be paying any attention to what Haldir was saying.
�You are back on solid ground, do not be frightened any longer.� Ceran put his hand on her shoulder as he spoke.
�Easy for you to say.� She turned her attention back to the others just in time to hear Gimli explode and sighed. �We�re all about to be blindfolded.� She dug around her pack looking for her bandana.
�It seems as though the dwarf is upset, though that seems like a regular occurrence. What are you doing?� He turned back to her to see her wrapping the bandana around her face as a blindfold.
�Haldir says something like the dwarf can go no further, he must have his eyes covered. Then Gimli breaks out and yells something I don�t remember what but then says only if Legolas goes blindfolded. Well that sets Legolas off �I am kin here.�� She sighed and tied the makeshift blindfold. �Then Aragorn steps up and offers that all go blindfolded to cover the egos and smooth everything over.� She smiled and looked to where she thought Ceran would be. �Good? I can�t see shit.� Ceran smiled and looked to R�mil.
�Do you have a translation for me?� R�mil smiled slightly.
�She says that they will all be blindfolded to be led through these woods. Curious as it would not be the case, only the dwarf.� They both stopped talking as Legolas said something in a tone that was the closest to a yell that any there had heard him speak.
�I should not have to walk blindfolded under these branches. I am kin here!�
�I will not go blindfolded unless the elf does.�
�Please, we are all adults, Haldir would it be acceptable if all were blindfolded. It would be even then and none would be singled out.�
�Very well, if all agree it will be done.� Haldir looked down the line and was surprised to see Jessica already blindfolded.
�Bet Gimli�s pissed.� She remarked with a chuckle. �Of course the fact that he got one over on Legolas with sooth him.�
�She was blindfolded before I announced it, explain.�
�Sir, she did it herself.� Ceran shrugged not being able to offer more than that.
�She knew Haldir.� Rumil glanced to Jessica before speaking again. �She almost had their exact words.� Haldir frowned and looked to the girl who was pulling the blindfold lower and checking it herself to make sure she couldn�t see anything.
�Did any others?� His gaze sought out the other strange human specifically. Majesty seeing that she was holding on to Legolas�s hand as if she was frightened.
�No, only Lady Jessica.� assured Ceran.
�Continue, I will watch her from now on.� Haldir turned to his brother. �R�mil lead them.� Ceran frowned but then nodded walking off.
�Brother you are not going to do something stupid?�
�When have I ever?� he asked. �She poses a threat, as does the ring. I do not like this and I will not let her in. The lady did not say she knew of her foresight.�
�Ceran?� Jessica looked around though not seeing anything. �Are we moving or what?�
�She poses no threat Haldir.� Rumil walked off to lead the others. Haldir watched him go.
�Ceran?� her tone was a little more uncertain.
�Ceran will not be leading you.� Haldir�s sudden nearness caused her to jump slightly.
�Oh,� she sounded slightly disappointed. �Did I scare him off?� a bit of a laugh was in her tone.
�No, come.� He took her hand and put it on his shoulder walking off. They were silent for a few moments.
�You are Haldir right?�
�Yes, I am Haldir.�
�Good, just checking.� She shruged. �So two days blindfolded huh?�
�Yes, how did you know it would be another two days to reach the city.�
�Ceran told me.� She didn�t catch the suspicious undertone in his question. She didn�t ask another though sensing that he didn�t want to talk like she and Ceran had. As Haldir led her further from the group the terrain became slightly rough her and he had to help her a few times as she almost tripped.
�I can not let you go further armed.� He stopped when he was far enough away from the others.
�Okay.� Slowly she reached down unbuckling her sword belt. �I�ll get it back right?� He didn�t answer and took it from her.
�You are to not remove your blindfold. Do you understand?�
�Yes.� Her tone was slightly apprehensive. �Have I done something wrong?�
�Perhaps you should inform me of that.� He pulled the weapon from her sheath and was surprised to find it was mithril.
�If I did something wrong I don�t know what I did so logically I can�t tell you.� He could tell she was getting annoyed.
�Logically.� He had walked behind her and she jumped turning.
�What the fuck!� she hissed now getting scared and angry. �What did I do, you can at least tell me that.�
�Many in your position would not ask what they did before denying that there was any truth to the speculation of their guilt.�
�Well obviously you find me guilty of something or you wouldn�t be doing this.�
�How did you know that your company would have to walk blindfolded?� She stilled and looked to where his voice had been though he already circled behind her.
�If you weren�t told I can�t tell you. I was told not to.�
�Convenient.�
�I find the truth often is.� She said not moving this time.
�I can not allow you any further, you are too high risk as a spy. Why did you not tell any you had foresight.�
�I did tell and I believe that Elrond told your Lord and Lady. If they did not tell you, then it is not my place. Elrond told me not to say anything.� She sighed and started walking.
�Where are you going.� He asked amused watching her stumbling.
�I�m going to sit the fuck down against a tree asshole.� She said pissed. �If I�m not going anywhere, I�m taking a nap.�
�did I say you could.�
�Look you arrogant fu� she cut her self off and took a deep breath. He heard her count to ten and then pause for a moment before continuing to twenty. �I am going to sit down and if we are here long enough take a nap. I have had middle earth up to here!� she raised her hand above her head. �I can�t take it any more. Honestly, I can�t tell you anything. Not only Elrond but Gandalf said that I should tell no one.� Her voice caught at Gandalf�s name.
�You can keep me here, interrogate me, kill me, I really don�t give a rat�s flying ass at this point. I have almost lost my life twice not to mention watched one of my closest friends on this earth die!� she screamed. �and ignored and ridiculed for the better part of six months.� �Forgive me if I am not exactly in a caring mood about what you did or did not say I could do.� With that she sat down against a tree and pulled her knees to her chest.
�I understand your anger, though you must see it from my eyes.�
�I do Haldir, you want to protect your land, your people, your Lord and lady. That is fine with me, it�s your job. I have no problem with that. As well as I understand that you are probably all freaked out about having the ring in your boarders. But I can�t help that. I can�t make the ring disappear, I can�t make the ring leave, I can�t make the ring anything less than it is. And I sure as hell don�t want to do any harm to an elf. Well Legolas sometimes but that probably has more to do with being around him constantly rather than the fact he is an elf.� Haldir smiled.
�If you think keeping me here and separating me from them is the best course of action then it probably is. I mean you have been doing this thing for a lot longer than I have been alive and I�ll trust your judgment. But don�t get your panties in a twist and try and order me around to just be an ass. That I won�t take. I�ll wait here patiently and answer any questions of yours I can until you are satisfied with whatever you want but don�t expect me to ask how high when you say jump.�
Haldir watched the girl closely as she finished talking. She only sighed and relaxed against the tree trying to get comfortable. To be honest with himself he felt no malice from her. If anything just a severe determination and a strong will. He walked over to her and crotched in front of her pulling the blind fold off. She blinked a couple of times adjusting to the light and then looked up to him.
�What are your intentions?�
�Towards?� she asked to clarify.
�These woods.�
�Nothing, I have no plans or goals or anything. I just want to be able to sleep without the fear of waking up with an orc blade shoved up my ass. A bath would be nice, maybe some clean clothes.� He saw the truth in her eyes and relaxed slightly. �Maybe a good meal and some ointment for the various bruises I have acquired while on this camping trip from hell.� She sighed and looked away. �I want a little peace and quiet.� He nodded satisfied.
�I am sorry to have doubted you.�
�don�t be sorry. Better safe than sorry.� She looked back up to him. �Do I still get that nap?� He raised an eyebrow at her and put the blindfold back on her.
�No we must catch up with the others.� He held back his smile until she was blind again at her sigh.
As the hours passed Jessica had needed more and more frequent breaks. He could tell she was trying to keep up with the pace he was trying to set, but he could also tell there was no way she would be able to. If he could have he would have allowed them to camp on their own, however as it was he would feel more comfortable with the protection that numbers could provide.
�We are almost there, I can see the fire.�
�Thank god for small favors.� Her voice was tight and he looked back frowning slightly when he saw the small limp in her step.
�How long have you been limping?�
�What the hell are you talking about? Damn, now I understand why dwarves hate elves so much!� He ignored her and stopped causing her to run into him. �Fucking A Haldir! You�re supposed to guide me incase you haven�t heard of the meaning of that it means not let me run into shit.�
�where are you hurting?�
�The short list would be where I�m not hurting.�
�and where is that?� he asked amused.
�Well my teeth don�t really bother me. . and. . my fingernails. Yeah that�s about it. Well my I can�t really feel my hair either but it�s probably numb more than anything.�
�Enough jesting, where do you hurt? I will.�
�Look,� she cut him off, �Not to be a bitch or anything but can we just get back with the others so I can sit next to the fire and sleep? That�s what I need right now, I�m just sore from walking so long. Usually the hobbits are here to keep the pace down so it�s more of a stroll than a cardiovascular walking marathon.�
�Why did you not say something. I would have slowed our pace.� She shrugged.
�Obviously you want to return to the others. It�s not a big deal, now can we go again?�
�If that is your want.� He took her hand and started leading her again. This time he kept his pace slower than before. They reached the camp only a few hours after sunset. He nodded to the guards he saw as he walked to the fire. When it was bright enough for her to see he pulled the blindfold off of her.
�Thank.� Aragorn cut her off.
�I am sorry for whatever she has done Haldir.� He looked apologetically to the elf before turning a heated glare to Jessica. �Go sit down.�
�But I didn�t.�
�I said go sit down.� He hissed. Haldir watched Jessica sigh then lower her head before going over to the fire and sitting down as far away from any as she could. �I will deal with her accordingly.�
�She did nothing wrong Aragorn.� Haldir frowned at his attitude. �I had some concerns of her but she explained what she could. I have no doubts of her sincerity.�
�Still I am sorry she has caused you trouble.�
�She caused nothing, I was overly cautious.� Aragorn nodded and then left going to sit where he had been. He took a lembas and water skin from his pack before returning his attention to Jessica. �Here, lady, for your dinner.�
�Hmm,� she looked up to him distracted. �Oh, thanks.� He nodded before leaving. As she was going to take a bite of food a shadow fell over her and she looked up.
�Where were you?� Sam�s tone was an accusation.
�I was.�
�I don�t rightly care, Frodo has been shiverin for hours because of you. You know how his wound pains him. The least ya could have done was leave the blanket before running off.�
�I didn�t run off I.�
�Like I said I don�t rightly care. The blanket.� He held out his hand and a surge of bitterness welled in Jessica. She had the urge to tell the hobbit in front of her to go shove a carrot or something else up his ass but she bit her tongue. Instead she reached to her pack and pulled the blanket off of it before handing it to him. He turned and walked off with out another word.
�You are so welcome.� She hissed under her breath. Looking back to the fire she started eating intending to go to sleep immediately afterwards.