Aljedra winced at the pain that was shooting up and down her arm. She clutched at the staff despite the hurt, however, for she could not walk without it. The bay centaur brushed back her grungy hair and stumbled her way to a clump of tall grass. Not caring about anything except her weariness, Aljedra collapsed in the pile.

The centaur looked back at Mirkwood, where she had come from. It was a mere 1/2 mile or so away. And Aljedra was exhausted. Silently sobbing, Aljedra closed her eyes and drifted off into a half-sleep.

No dreams this time. Just sleep. And Aljedra was able to wake up somewhat painlessly. Her arm still pained, and her head was still a little dizzy, but she was up. Levering herself up to look around, she took in the view from the foot of the mountain. Quite frankly, it was beautiful. There was green grass, blue skies, and a herd of deer grazed in the field below her. The centaur yawned and moved her attention to her arm, which had stopped bleeding. There was a bit of a gash down her forearm, just missing the main artery. Aljed glanced around, trying to find a stream to bathe it.

Nathia walked into the clearing, wondering where she was. She had left the Shire a week ago, heading to Rivendell, but had somehow gotten herself lost. She was at the foot of a mountain, but she didnt know what mountain it was. It towered high above her, scary, almost. Looking around, she saw a centaur. She jumped, startled, wondering why the bay centaur was lying in the feild like that. Nathia stepped closer, wondering if it was dead. "Hello? Are you alive?" she asked, nervously, as stepped cautiously toward it. Now she was close enough to see that the centaur was alive. "Oh, well, I'll leave you alone. Go about your business, I'll just go now." She turned to leave, but she saw the gash on the centaur's arm. Worried, she turned back to the centaur, worried for the creature. "Are you okay?" the hobbit asked, as she took yet another step closer.

Cleaning her gash as best she could, Aljedra was startled by the sudden questions. She looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Are you okay?"

The centaur almost answered the black haired hobbit when her arm stung and she looked back down. "Uh, no, not really." She gasped. "I... had a little... accident. I need help." She glanced back at Nathia, and made the best pathetic-puppy-face she could.

Concerned, yet fighting back the urge to laugh at the face the centaur was making, Nathia kneeled next to her. "Nasty cut you've got there. I saw a stream while I was walking up here; its just a little farther that way." She nodded her head in the direction she had come, then turned back to the centaur, brushed her hair out of her face, and smiled, her sapphire eyes shining. She hoped that by helping the centaur, she would help Nathia find her way back to the Shire... or at least to Rivendell.

Nathia extended her arm, meaning to help the centaur up. However, as she leaned over, she lost her footing and nearly toppeled over. But as she tried to regain her footing, Nathia fell, barely missing the centaur. Laughing, she stood up and leaned aganst the mountain. 'Why did I choose now to start being so clumsy?' she thought, as she laughed harder still.

Giggling nervously, Aljedra allowed the hobbit to help her up. "Thanks. Is there anything I can do to help you?" She hobbled down the hill in the direction Nathia had pointed at.

The centaur fell over. Almost. "Stupid..." she muttered at herself, picking at the scab that was forming on her arm. It really was stinging bad, worse than it had before. "You... I... can you come with me? I... I'm lonely. I haven't had someone to talk to since I met up with an elf a while back. And that was more of an argument..."

"I'd love to. " Nathia replied, smiling, as she hurried to catch up with the centaur. "I havent had company for a while, either. I left my home in the Shire a week ago, heading for Rivendell, and got lost. Ive been wandering around aimlessly and alone since I left." she said. "So, what brings you here... I mean, wherever we are. That reminds me, where are we anyways?" Nathia asked. She held out her arm so Aljedra could lean on her for support while they walked down the hill.

"Frankly, I have no idea. I think we're on the Lonely Mountain, but I've only heard of it. I just came from Mirkwood. I had a few... problems over there. I guess I ended up fainting and doing this..." Aljedra pointed to her many injuries. "Before that, I was just traveling. Like most creatures around here..."

Everything was very quiet, until a loud flapping disturbed the peace. The centaur reared a bit. "ACK!" She screamed. After she realized it was just a pigeon, she hung her head and thought, 'Gods, you half-horse - you're dancing on pins and needles.'

"I-I'm sorry... I've been on edge lately... I'm not quite sure what's wrong..." Aljedra trembled.

Nathia gave the centaur a small smile, trying her hardest to comfort her. She found it difficult, however, as the pidgeon had scared her as well, she just didnt make as much of a show of it as the centaur did. "Oh... its okay..." she said, trying again to reassure Aljedra, but failing. "Oh, look. Heres the stream!" she said as they came to a clear stream that ran through the grass. She was quite relieved at the perfect opportunity to change the subject. Nathia knelt in the soft, sunbathed grass, dipped her hands in the water, and took a drink of the clear, cool water. She then pushed her hair out of her face, reached for the small, brown leather pouch at her side and took out two small, green apples a cloth, and a blue ribbon, as well as many other items. She tossed one of the apples and the cloth to Aljedra, tied her hair back with the ribbon and put the other items back in her pouch. She smiled at the centaur, unable to take her eyes off her. 'Its been so long since Ive had company, I forgot how good it feels' she thought. 'Too bad Aljedra isnt sure where we are, either.'

Aljedra promptly bit into the apple, grateful for food. She hadn't even thought about it - she was busy with the cuts. But she didn't know how long she had been out and before that she hadn't eaten for about a day. Her voice muffled by the overly large bite, she thanked Nathia. Swallowing and wiping her good arm across her face, she continued the conversation, "So where are you aiming for? I had no particular place to go so I'd be happy to go wherever..."

"Well, I was going to Rivendell," Nathia replied. "I dont know anyone there, and I havnt been there before, but thats where I was born." She bit into her apple and chewed slowly, thinking. "I was hoping someone there might know about my mother; she died shortly after I was born. And I heard that Elvish men were the cutest." She grinned at Aljedra, and continued, "I dont know the way, though. Do you? I mean, if it turns out we are on the Lonely Mountain?"

Aljedra bit her lip. Elves? Not quite what she wanted just then. What was that annoying little elf's name that she met in the woods? It had escaped her mind, probably compliments of that fainting spell. She swallowed visibly.

"Well, I know where mirkwood is. But otherwise I have no idea. I wish I had checked a map before I left home..." the centaur grinned, trying to lighten the mood up a bit, "As to the elvish men... if I find them attractive I don't know how it would work out!" She motioned to her 4 legs and giggled.

"But if we end up wandering I think we might follow the stream. I have a horrible sense of direction and if you go with me we will most likely end up going in circles. In two years we will be back here."

Nathia burst into laughter, rolling on the grass. She fell into the stream, which only made her laugh harder. When she had calmed down enough to talk, she replied: "Yeah- I wish I had a map." She shook out her wet, stringy hair and wrung out her soaked blue robe. She continued to take deep breaths, calming herself down. She watched a group of fish swim by, and her stomach growled fiercely. Before she could think about what she was doing, the hobbit thrust her hand into the water and pulled out a fish.She tossed it on the grass, not watching as the poor creature flopped helplessly on the banks of the stream. Grinning at Aljedra, she walked off to find wood to start a fire. She couldnt wait to have fried fish. "So, how do you feel about fish?" she asked. "I was thinking about frying some for dinner."

Aljedra giggled helplessly, trying her best to finish cleaning up her arm. And finally finished, she too splashed into the stream, glad to cool her legs. It was cool and clear. Perfect. Haphazardly collapsing in the middle, she watched the hobbit skillfully pull out a fish. She grinned and chuckled, "Sounds great. You don't know how long it's been since I've had fish. Try catching them from so far off the ground some day."

Wading back to the edge of the small stream, the centaur pulled a flint from her pack and tossed it at Nathia. "Need that?"

Nathia caught the rock, though just barely. "Yeah, thanks. You know, I forgot that you need to start a fire to cook fish. Thanks!" she replied. She turned the rock over in her hands several times, examining it. "This is a nice flint." she said. The hobbit continued to gather wood until she had a nice pile. She struck the flint against a rock until she made a fire. While the fire heated up, she made a rack and handle out of other sticks and grass. She put six sticks in a row, against each other, and tied them together using the long weeds that grew by the stream. She skinned the scales off the fish and chopped off the meat using a small knife that she brought in her pouch. She put the meat on the rack, and held it over the fire. "So, which way d'you think we should go to get to Rivendell?" Nathia asked Aljedra as she cooked their dinner. "I dont know my way around very well. I checked a map before I left, and, if my memory's correct, I walked right by Rivendell. But I dont know which way we should go from here." she said.

"Well, I suppose the back the way you came. I have no better idea..." Aljedra tucked a wet strand of hair behind her left ear. "Wonder what Rivendell's like..." A wind picked up, just cool enough to send a shiver up the centaur's back.

Spotting a blotch of sunlight, she trotted over and stretched out. Aljedra closed her eyes and sighed. 'This is great.' The maiden was careful not to fall asleep, however. She didn't know when she would need to get up fast.

"Yeah. I guess our best bet is the way I came, but I cant remember which way that was." Nathia replied. She looked at the fish she was frying. "Oh, look! Fish is done." she said. She picked up two giant leaves, and divided the fish evenly between the leaf- plates. She carried the plates over to where Aljedra had stretched out in the sun, and she sat beside her. "Its so nice here," she said, handing a plate to the centaur. Before she knew that she'd started eating, her plate was clean. She stretched out on the warm grass. The sun felt so good aganst her face, and the grass was so soft... And she was tired, so tired. 'It wouldnt hurt to take a quick nap' she thought as she drifted off...

Rousing just as Nathia drifted off, Aljedra nodded as she ate. Not really tasting the fish, she thought to herself. Wasn't that annoying elf heading to Rivendell too? Or was it Lothlorien? Or someplace else? The centaur was confused all of a sudden. And all of a sudden she didn't want to go to Rivendell anymore. What if that elf was there? Aljedra didn't quite feel like meeting her again. It would be too awkward. And Aljed felt guilty enough about ow rude she was.

The centaur shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts. Of course she wanted to go to Rivendell. Wasn't that where Nathia was going? And wasn't she the first friend Aljed had had in a long time? She'd be stupid not to go.

The sun was setting. Good or not? Carefully poking Nathia in the ribs, Aljedra giggled, "So are we here for the night? Or traveling?"

(OOC:FYI Nathia's dreaming)
She was walking across a deserted plain- Mordor, most likely. She was walking towards a pair of shadowy figures, one human- sized and the other, a giant shadow of mystery. She walked in their direction, picking up speed as she walked...

So are we here for the night? Or traveling?

The words came with a sharp poke in her ribs. Rolling over, the half- asleep hobbit grumbled "Just a bit farther..." (OOC:LOL)

"Hmm...? Oh.. umm... travel, I guess... at least, until we're about to fall over." she said, yawning, as she laid on the ground looking up at Aljedra.

Aljedra blinked and grinned. "I may have to hold you to that comment. Watch me fall as soon as I get up." She jokingly pitched forward, "regained" her composure, and shouldered her pack. Taking one last leap through the stream, she bowed and said, "Lead the way, milady"

"Thank you." Nathia said, giggling. She picked up a stick, and leaned on it for support. She began to walk away from the mountain, hopefully towards Rivendell. She watched the sun set behind the long stretch of land in front of her. 'Why am I going to Rivendell?' she asked herself. 'I mean, I know Ive always wanted to go there, and I want to find out more about my mother. Or is that just a pathetic excuse for some thing else? Something deeper?' She walked in silence for a while, then suddenly fell. She wasnt sure why, maybe she tripped or something. But the next thing she knew, she was on the ground, shaking uncontrollably.

As Aljedra followed the tiny hobbit, she found she was blissfully unaware of the slow pace. Normally she was always hurrying. It was an odd feeling, just going at someone else's pace instead of your own. In fact, she thought about going around like-

Wait. Something seemed wrong. Suddenly Nathia fell over right in front of the large centaur. That was not the best of situations, as one could imagine. Luckily Aljed was able to pop over the hobbit's trembling body and not step on her. Turning quickly, Aljedra squealed, "Nath? Nath? Whats wrong?!" She bent down and frantically tried to still Nathia while also trying wake her up. Eventually the centaur was able to catch onto the hobbit's head and keep her from getting a concussion.

"Nathia???"

She continued to shake for another few seconds, though to her it was an eternity. Finally she was able to regain control over her body. She continued to shake, though it was more out of fear and shock than a seizure or anything. Nathia's breathing was quick and short, and her eyes wide. "I- I dont know. I mean, one minute Im walking along, and the next..." her voice trailed off, as she tried and failed to stand. "Im sorry I caused you all this trouble. I'll just go now." The hobbit stood up, and she continued to walk toward (she hoped) Rivendell in a not very well balenced position.

Quickly catching up to her little friend, Aljedra caught her by the shoulders and sat her down. "No, Nathia. Remember how you helped me? Tell me what's wrong. I know there's something..."

The centaur layed (OOC: is that right????) down in front of Nathia, barring the way. The way the hobbit's face looked, the unsure-ness, was almost scary. Not almost. Was.

(OOC: I really have no idea.)
"Theres nothing. Im fine." Nathia said, her voice shaky. She walked around Aljedra and continued on her way. 'Stupid, stupid' she thought. 'The first friend I have in a long time, and I have to ditch her. Stupid!' But another voice appeared in the back of her head. 'But she doesnt know. Shell never know. Your better off on your own. You know that. Shell never understand.'

Raising her eyebrows, Aljedra studied Nathia in the eye. Something told her that the hobbit was lying. There was something wrong. And it was probably very traumatic.

"Are you sure?" The centaur caught one of Nathia's hands. It was cold and clammy. Definitely something wrong. Cupping the tiny hand, she tried to warm Nath up. "I know there's something. Just acknowledge that there is something. I won't make you say it." Aljedra could sympathize with anyone who had a horrible secret. There were just some things you couldn't tell people...

"Your right. There is something wrong." Nathia said. "But I cant say. Im sorry. I just cant." She began to cry, silently, to herself. Tears rolled down her face, and splashed onto her robe. She was unable to stop herself. A shiver ran down her spine, and she compleately broke down. She sat on the ground, sobbing. She was unsure what she was crying about; all she knew was that she was upset about... something. No matter what, Aljedra couldnt find out her secret. It was just too painful.

Aljedra sighed and leaned forward to embrace the trembling Nathia. At least Nathia had admitted it. That was a step forward. The centaur murmured words of encouragment as she stared blankly forward, wondering what the problem was. Something... from the past. Obviously. She wouldn't be so worried about it if it was in the future. Wait. She might. What if whe knew something was going to happen to her? Like foresight?

'Stop it, centaur.' Aljedra told herself firmly. 'Stay out of things that don't involve you.' She knew that Nath had said she didn't want to talk about it. Yet Aljed couldn't help it. Curiousity was getting the best of her. Almost opening her mouth to ask what it was again, she changed the sentence, "Are you... okay now?"

'Stupid. don't get involved.'

Wiping her eyes, she looked up at Aljedra. "Yeah. I feel a lot better." She said, smiling a little. "Thanks. That really helped." Though she felt better, she was still unsure, and she knew her face showed it. "So." Nathia stood up, though shakely. "We had better get moving." The hobbit rested her hand on the centaur for a split second, then lifted it and began to walk towards Rivendell. "Well? Arent you coming?" she asked, turning around.

Aljedra smiled grimly and followed the hobbit, probably a little closer than she would have otherwise. She carefully studied the back of Nathia's head while she thought.

'Stupid half-horse, why are you so interested in Nath's past? Or future?'

The small nosy part of Aljed's brain replied back, 'Maybe because she's my friend and in pain?'

'Dim-wit. If she was in that much pain, she would have mentioned something. Wounds need to healed, right?'

'Ri-'

'And Nathia's smart enough to know that.'

'Childhood wasn't a treat for me, either, and I never told anyone. I wish I had.'

'And maybe she doesn't.'

In the centaur's involved thinking, she didn't realize that she had bumped into Nathia several times, each time reaching out to instinctively help the hobbit up.

Nathia walked in front of the centaur, annoyed at how close she was following her. Aljedra bumped into her several times, obviosly not watching where she was going. Each time, the centaur reached out to help her up, though the hobbit kept her balence. 'She knows something. Im sure of it.' Nathia thought. 'Yes, but if she knew something, she'd be really freaked out. Youre acting really calm, compared to what others would do if they knew.' another voice said. 'You know that this will happen. You have the gift of foresight. You have known that for a while. Almost everything you predict comes true.' said the voice. 'Yes.' argued Nathia, 'But not always. Who knows if my prediction is correct?' 'If you thought it wasnt, you wouldnt be this emotional. You know its true.' the voice argued. This debate went on for a while, until Nathia said, aloud, "Shut up. I dont need you anymore. I know Im right. Your wrong. Leave me alone!" She began to run, though she only went a few feet then stopped and turned around to face Aljedra.

At a loss for words, Aljedra froze. She tried to say something, but nothing quite made it past her throat. Finally she was able to choke out, "Did I... do something wrong?"

Nathia was beginning to scare her. Too much was happening all at once. The centaur backed away one step.

"Did- did I say that aloud?" Nathia was scared now. "I-I'm sorry. I really am. I-" She was upset now, really upset. She just HAD to go and lose the one friend she'd ever had. "I- I- You didnt do anything. It's me. I- Stupid alter ego." She forced a small smile on her lips, though it took most of her energy. "I was having a conversation with myself, and I was yelling at my alter ego. Not you. I dont know why I said that aloud." Nathia walked over and put her hand on the centaur's back. "I promise, it won't happen again. Let's just forget this whole mess even happened. I promise, no more emotional breakdowns. I am so sorry." she said, hoping that they could be friends again.

(Hint Cao youre developing youre charry a bit too fast... try not to do Mental Breakdowns with youer first rp charry...

(Sry bout that- i'll try and slow down)

ok lol..... a lot of people start with mental breackdowns cuz its like this.......


Mental Breakdowns More Basic Skill Level

Fair Degree of Slightly boring newbie
Accuracy, who Can tell you are
knows exactly what a beginner but dont
a breakdown is like try to sound advanced
anyway?


Fair Degree of Sounds Pretty
Accuracy, who Good Monthes
knows exactly what a
breakdown is like
Anyway?

Excellent Excellent Years

Thats kind of the best way I can do..... its still hard to understand. Youll understand when you are old small one.

nevermind the format didnt even work.....

Ummm... ok, I'll take your word for it.
Anyways... the mental breakdown was my way of makin it more interesting.

"I-" Aljedra paused. What could she say? That sure, everything will be forgotten and they'd all live happily ever after? That so, she could never forget; she was scared? She felt herself flinch away from the touch, and was instantly guilty. Nathia was trying, and it was hard. The centaur could give her some slack.

"It's all right. It never happened. Just... you scared me." Aljed bit her lip and averted her gaze.