A million memories rushed through my head. Only one of those memories I wish I could live over and over. And that's with my father. He was my whole world and the day he went missing I felt lost. I'm not even surprised that I'm with an elven child. It shows how lost and irresponsible I was. 

One brigand man grabbed me by the arm and yanked me to my feet. "We're gonna have so much fun with you." like a mother's instinct my hands covered my stomach. The brigand's eyebrows furrowed as he stared at me then my stomach. He started cackling a laugh. "Look what we got'ere boys! Our little wench is with child." 

"Nah! We can't have that." one of them said. 

"Let's kill the child." another shouted. 

Dread and anger filled my veins. If I had one wish, I would wish that I was a better mother. Better than my own. I wish I protected my child and raised him or her well. Raised her to become brave and hopefully like her father. A tear ran down my face as I sent a silent prayer to up above. 

If you can hear me... please.

Like an answered prayer, an arrow came out from the woods and embedded its way into the chest of the brigand who was still holding my arm. Color drained from my face as I saw the brigand gasping for air and blood seeping out of his mouth. That could've been me. 

"Get your filthy hands off of her." Legolas sneered as he slid gracefully from the bushes and started shooting the brigands. Not long after he was followed by Tauriel and the rest of the guards that came with us. The brigands tried fighting back but the elves were too strong and faster... and not to mention even more graceful. They have more grace in their tiny little pinkie than I ever could possess in my life.

Tauriel then wrapped her hands around me as she pulled me to safety but I can still see what was going on. Most of the brigands retreated but before they could kill one that was trying to crawl away Legolas quickly picked him up by grabbing his tunic. Lifted him up in the air and slammed him against a tree. 

"Tell me how you got your slimy hands on her and I will let you live." he sneered into his face. The brigand was obviously frightened. "I... I..." too terrified to even form words. The brigands eyes then glance behind Legolas and hesitantly his shaking hand pointed to the two guards behind him. Legolas turned his head then threw the brigand away like he was trash. The two guards behind Legolas were drained from color. They look like they've just witnessed a ghost. 

"Please explain." his words were stern. The two guards dropped to their knees and quickly said "Your father told us to get rid of her. Quietly and quickly without your knowledge." I hitched a breath and suddenly it felt heavy to breathe. "I will not punish you for obeying the King's orders. However, from this moment on in the journey you will listen to me. No harm shall come to the human." I couldn't help but notice how he never says my name except for that one moment when he saw me in the throne room back in Mirkwood. 

"Yes." both the guards said as they bowed their heads. Legolas took one look at me then left. "Are you alright?" Tauriel asked me. Then it finally hit me like a tidal wave. I started sobbing. Tauriel then pulled me into a hug as she rubbed my back for comfort. "Have they done anything to you or the baby?" Tauriel asked. I shook my head and I heard Tauriel give out a sigh of relief. 

*** 

The journey continued but this time I shared horses with Tauriel and one of the guards carrying my father's sword. I sat in front of her and even though I barely got any sleep at all and I felt tired still sleep wouldn't claim me. My eyes were closed and everybody thought I was sleeping. 

"It's good to know that we're almost there." Tauriel spoke. "Yes, we will rest for a day. Then by the next sunrise we shall return home." Legolas said and I could tell that he was riding beside us. "Aren't you going to stay with Aria until the baby arrives?" Tauriel asked. 

"Why should I? I am not her husband. I do not care for her or that child." Legolas said. It didn't bother me. 

"You're lying to yourself Legolas. I know you." was all Tauriel said and Legolas was silent. It was almost sundown but we finally arrived to our destination. Caras... something. 

Caras Galadhon.

That voice again.

We had to walk for a while to reach our destination. I do not know how elves do it. Through various trees and they could find their way in and out even if they're blindfolded. Everything I see and every tree looked the same to me. But suddenly my breath was taken away as I saw different kinds of trees. 

They looked as if they were glowing. The trees were very much bigger than any tree I've ever seen. My eyes must be playing tricks on me. 

We climbed the steps that was going up and up and up... it never seem to end. 

Out of breath and tired we finally arrived at a bigger platform. "Welcome Aria of Bree to Caras Galadhon." it was Lady Galadriel again. Looking for magnificent than the last. "My maidens will show you to your talans." as if she sensed my troubles she assured me "Don't fret my child. Your talan will be right beside Tauriel's." 

Even if I knew Legolas' feelings for Tauriel still I long to be Tauriel's friend. Each maiden escorted someone but then I noticed that no maiden has approached me yet. "I shall escort you Aria." Lady Galadriel told me as she started walking beside me. 

"I want you to feel welcomed here my dear child. Although the rules are simple. Don't steal, kill and especially don't leave the borders unless you're permitted to." she told me. I smiled and told her "I am grateful for your kindness my lady. I've never received such kindness before not even from my own mother."

"You're with child. Legolas' child. You're one of us now." she said. "It's because of my child that I'm one of you?" I asked. She smiled and told me "Yes and no. Legolas took you to bed that one night, correct me if I am wrong." ha. I get her joke.

"There's must be something in you... in your spirit. Your soul that must've called Legolas. But otherwise, yes it's because of your child that you're here." she said. "You shall be treated with care during your days with child. When the child is born you're free to leave or stay if you wish. Although I have a feeling you wish to be like someone." 

I smiled and nodded. "I wish to train like Tauriel. Although I'll take good care of my child. I'll be a better mother than a swords woman." 

"Then it's settled. I shall let Tauriel train you once your child is settled." she said.

"What about Legolas?" curiosity got to me.

"That's up to you." she replied. 

What was Legolas to me?