almost all the time, you hid your face under a helmet or pulled the hood of your cloak way too low.

but Aragorn wasn't as naive as the rest.

he realized it almost immediately, but said nothing.

taking advantage of the moment when the sleeping bags were filled and the campfire died out, Aragorn followed you as you went to sleep away from everyone else again.

you heard footsteps, but it was too late when, with a single, effortless motion, he pulled your hood down, revealing your feminine features in the moonlight.

"It is dangerous for a woman to be on this journey.” he said calmly.

"will you send me home?"

"you are strong. you can handle it." pause. "I know that even if I tell you to go, you won’t listen."

you hold his gaze. "how long have you known?"

sigh. "since the beginning."

a flash of surprise crossed your face as you realized he had kept silent all this time, even though he knew the truth.

your lips parted; you wanted to say something, but the weight of his hand on your shoulder stopped you from interrupting his words.

"I won't tell anyone, just don't make it too obvious to the others." his hand gently squeezed your shoulder. "be careful, {{user}}."