Nope, I don't own it.
Please review, they make me happy. (not that I am an unhappy person or anything, hack, hack)
Love ya!
Arwen
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ANGEL OF DEATH
It had been a long hard journey. Sometimes she felt alone, other times she felt as though the wrath of valar was far too harsh on her. She had done what she could to get by in the world, although she wasn't proud of her actions. You can't change what has already been done, which proved to be one of the hardest lessons she ever learned. Elders would say that once she was done living she would be the smartest elf alive, being that she had done everything the hard way. She had tired to laugh when they had told her these things, but it seemed to have only hurt her deeper. The wounds in her heart weren't ones that were easily bandaged, it took years of thought, consideration, and someone else there. Someone giving her support, someone that never came. And now she stood before them, ready to start a new day, a new life. One far away from where she came. She would no longer be what she once was, she could never turn back to that road. The road that lead her straight to Mordor, the road where even the foulest creatures feared to travel. She had struggled hard to get free of it, she was lucky to get out before she reached the end. It was an ending no one would ever want to meet. Now is her time, her time to show the world that she was more then what she appeared. To show them that she is more, then than what they take her for. She wasn't afraid to shine.
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The swift elven maiden made her way quickly down the trail, she stayed hidden from the path. Her forest green cloak covered her body, the hood overpowering her face. Only strands of hazel colored hair could be seen, flying around her face from the wind. Her worn feet ached, and her eyes struggled to stay open, it had been at least two weeks since she last slept, maybe three or four, she had lost count as the days past. She didn't dare close her eyes, there were too many things about. It wasn't safe. Her sea green eyes trained on her pathway, but she could feel herself losing the battle. Her feet began to slow, but she tried to press onwards. She could feel her eyes closing, she could feel her body tumbling. Tumbling down onto the rocky path. Then her world when blank.
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It was the strangest sight to see. That was all he could think to describe it, strange. A young elven women sleeping in the middle of the road. She looked half starved, and showed signs that she had been traveling hard and long for several weeks. A few cuts here and there, worn shoes, clothing starting to wear down with holes at the bottom, and broken hems, things of that nature. But the strangest part about it was that she was sleeping in the middle of the day, in the middle of the street. Legolas shook his head,
"I think we ought to take her with us, she looks terrible," he almost pleaded with this father's finest guards. To them, he looked like a mire child, and had orders to pretty much treat him as one from his father.
"Prince Legolas, you don't know anything about this girl, why do you want to take her with us?" The guard on his left asked, Enhart, being the sympathetic guard he was. Giving him a shot to plead his case, then shoot him down. It made sense after all, they would humor him for awhile, then practically drag him away.
"Look at her," he pointed, "she looks miserable, and plus how many people do you see sleeping in the middle of the path? She has to be in some sort of trouble, can't we at least take her to Rivendell?" The left guard looked at the other and nodded,
"Just to Rivendell," he said coldly, "and only Rivendell. And if your father finds out about this," Legolas stopped listening after he heard the words, 'if your father hears about this'. He had been having the same lecture since he was five. They never stopped treating him like a child, but he understood why. His father didn't want to see him getting himself hurt, or in danger, or whatever, which without them he knew that he would have been in a whole lot of giant messes. Legolas picked up the sleeping maiden, her cloak dropped to reveal a long, sharp, shinny sword attached to her belt around her waist along with an assortment of daggers and knives.
"I have to give this girl some credit, she pretty darn well armed." Legolas laughed, but the guards looked at each other in uncertainty. "Enhart, Zedekiah, you promised, just as far as Rivendell, remember?"
"Were within walking distance, Prince Legolas, we should give the horses a rest and walk them in." Zedekiah hopped off his horse gracefully, the way all elves do. "I shall carry the girl," he grabbed her from Legolas's arms jerking her body. Rainia's eyes shot open, and she reached for her sword. With one swift movement she was out of the arms of a bewildered Zedekiah, and was in a defensive stance only a few feet away.
"Who the hell are you?" She yelled, a coldness taking over her heart. She could feel pain in her lower left side, her last battle scar. It would greatly effect her skills, but she had to keep steady. If anyone knew where her weak point was, she was a goner for sure. Enhart and Zedekiah drew their swords, although they greatly preferred the bow, it wasn't much use in a short-range battle. They could hold their own, but it would be a hard fight, especially against someone who seems to have studied the sword. "Hey I asked you a question! Who the hell are you!" Rainia's voice became irritated and harsh. Enhart stepped in front of Legolas, protecting him from the battle, Legolas rolled his eyes. Of course he couldn't participate, it would be against his fathers wishes. Sometimes it really stunk living forever, because even within his time he would never be able to do anything for himself. Anything by himself. He was destined to be King, and apparently that is all he needed to focus on, being King of Mirkwood. Whoopee.
"We are travelers on our way to Rivendale, we found in the middle of the road and tried to give you some assistance, young maiden." Enhart's words had almost a poetic effect, but the girl just rolled her eyes,
"I don't need your help," was all she said, but still did not lower her guard. She looked over to the elf behind the other two, he had long golden blonde hair and dark brown eyes, his gaze was one of a warrior, not of a bystander.
"Well then, if you don't mind answering one of our questions, who are you? Why were you sleeping in the middle of the road?" Zedekiah's voice tired to calm the girl, but his stance never faltered.
"My name is nothing but my own," Rainia stood still, as if she was a statue. Moving could cause you the battle, for the most important seconds are not the ones at the end, but the ones at the beginning. For those are the ones that can determine if you even have to fight the other, which Rainia was in no condition for. She had to remain cool and confident, show no signs of fear or of pain. That would only cause them to fight her, seeing that it would be an easy battle won.
"Well where are you from? Where are you headed?" Their tones became harsher, as Rainia's refusal to corporate became more evident.
"I am headed to Rivendell, my reasons are my own." Then came the clincher question, the one that these days was on everyone's mind,
"Whom do you serve?" Enhart narrowed his eyes, his words harsh and almost slithered out like a snake. It sounded like a hissing noise, and yet was as clear as day of what he was asking her.
"I serve no one, my loyalties lie within myself and myself alone." Enhart nodded, somehow she had pasted their test. They lowered their weapons,
"Fine then, young maiden, we shall escort you into Rivendell, but let us warn you, we will be watching you."
"I don't need your protection, or your warnings. I can take care of myself, I do not need to drag the rest of Middle Earth into my affairs." Rainia stared rather dully, putting her sword away gently. She turned and walked off, Enhart nodded and they walked up to her.
"You have presented intent of harm to the Prince of Mirkwood and his company, and for that we must escort you, maiden." Zedekiah grabbed her risks and tied them together with some used rope from his pocket. Rainia looked back at the man,
"Stop it Zedekiah! She was only defending herself, I don't think that counts as attempted assault or anything!" He tried to make them stop, but it wasn't working. They were like robots, they didn't bend the rules. Rainia looked confused, she didn't know why the man she hadn't even met bothered to defend her, and of all people he was a prince. By valar, was he defending scum like her! No one had ever done that for her before. She didn't know how to react.
"Legolas, you know your father's wishes, we cannot refuse him. We're sorry," Enhart explained as Zedekiah led the girl down the path towards Rivendale. Enhart grabbed the horses,
"Come now, Legolas, she will be released in a matter of minutes." Legolas nodded,
"I still don't agree with the treatment you giving her, but she is showing no signs of protest, we might as well get this over with."
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He looked sympathetically at the girl, she stared at him in bewilderment, still unable to grasp the fact that he was trying to help her, of all people. Her crimpy hazel brown colored hair was a rare shade for an elf, but then again Arwen Evenstar had dark brown hair, so apparently it was becoming more common having elves with strange shades of hair. She had sea green eyes, full of wisdom, she had the eyes of a warrior. Within their eyes you can see tales of trail, triumph, pain, misery, the fullest tale of human emotion ever told were just within the eyes of warriors. It was a tale that could never be expressed by any words, it was a tale told within one look, each having a slightly different story, and yet have the same ending. Warrior's eyes were coveted by many, the many who could never life such a life as they.
Rainia looked back at the elvish prince, she had heard many stories about his kingdom, about him, about his parents, but within one look of him she destroyed all the bad thoughts she had ever had about their family. She realized that at least one of them had to have a heart of gold, not a heart of cold stone. Not a heart like hers. His face was outlined by a golden halo of hair that was partially pulled back, accented by two woven braids just behind his ears. His milky skin was that of many elves, along with the contrast of eyes and hair. His brown eyes were cunning, full of thought and sorrow.
"What is your name?" Legolas finally broke the silence that had taken over the group, Rainia looked back at him.
"Apparently that doesn't matter to these two," she looked at Zedekiah and Enhart rolling her eyes.
"Will you tell me, then?" She laughed to herself,
"And what would you do with my name? As it seems a name is nothing but a referral to be able to speak to one without speaking to another, it has no real value." She paused and smiled, "and it sure as hell won't get me out of this mess." Legolas smiled, Rainia laughed a little in her head. She hadn't been referring to being tied up and escorted into Rivendale, this was to be expected, but from what she was running.
"Then will you give it to me out of the goodness of your heart, fair maiden?"
"Trying to compliment it out of me, are you Prince Legolas? I would have expected more out of you, being a prince after all."
"If you give us your name, we will untie you." Enhart blurted, they were almost to Rivendell anyways, he wouldn't be braking any rules. They were coming on the large golden gate now, either way she would be untied.
"No need to untie me, sir, I've had that done ever since you bound my hands." She lifted her free hands up to show them, "you really have to work on this, it wasn't even a challenge." Enhart and Zedekiah stood in shock, and Legolas burst out in laughter.
"Does this prove that I am trustworthy yet, I mean if I really wanted to attack you I would have." She smirked, and walked into the city, right into an old wizard dressed in rough gray clothing. He smiled, his eyes shimmering down at her,
"My, my, Rainia, still can't seem to stay out of trouble now can we?" The wizard laughed giving Raina a giant hug. She smiled,
"Gandalf! It's so nice to see you!" She looked over to Legolas and his company, "these lovely gentlemen were so kind as to escort me here. It wasn't in a fashion I would have preferred, but I played along." Gandalf laughed, his wrinkles giving his face depth.
"So your name is Rainia then, what are you doing here in Rivendell anyways?" Legolas asked, trying to make conversation, Gandalf raised an eyebrow.
"I am here for personal reasons, that which are not be to shared with the rest of Middle Earth."
"Rainia, your not?" Rainia shook her head, hushing Gandalf's last few words.
"I've changed Gandalf, you need not worry." The old wizard smiled,
"Then I assume you will be joining us in the council of Lord Elrond?" Rainia nodded,
"It would mean much to me to attend," she paused, "but I believe that Lord Elrond has taken quite an unlinking to me after the last time I visited Rivendell." Legolas looked confused,
"What happened last time you where in Rivendell?" He asked, curiosity getting the best of him, Rainia smiled and Gandalf held back a laugh,
"Just a mishap between me and Lady Arwen," Gandalf tried even harder to hold back his laugher, mouthing the word 'mishap'. Legolas tried to smile, trying to hide his curiosity, but it wasn't working.
"We must hurry if we are to reach the council in time," Gandalf looked to Rainia and then Legolas's company, "all of us." He looked at the guards who didn't even try to hide their dismay at the fact that Rainia would be joining them at the council. Rainia snorted, her attempt to hold back laughter was failing miserably.
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The council was to be held in the heart of the city, but away from the commotion. It was a secret place, known too only those who were to attend. She had forgotten the beauty of Rivendell, it seemed so at peace with nature, most of its designs interwoven with the trees and waterfalls. Its almost golden buildings seemed to glow in the sunlight, reflecting intricate patterns of swirls and branches craved within its structure. The chairs they were to sit in mimicked these designs, almost camouflaging with the near by surroundings. Rainia would have loved to spend more then just five minutes there, instead she was whisked off by two strong and handsome elves into the lovely and oh so welcoming dungeon. Talk about holding a grudge. Here she had come to redeem herself to the world, and just pushed her downwards again. What ever happened to the all knowing, all understanding, and all forgiving Lord Elrond? Oh yea, that only applied to certain people, not her.
She could hear the soft patter of footsteps down the staircase leading to her cell. She rolled her eyes sarcastically,
"You really do know how to hold a grudge, don't you Lord Elrond?" Her voice was dry and emotionless, she was supposed to be without emotion, without a heart.
"Apparently he does, but I'm not here to judge," Legolas's mob of blonde hair popped out from behind the wall. He was smiling ever so slightly, he seemed genuinely happy to see her, which was the complete opposite reaction she had expected. After what had happened before the council. After he twisted her past to make it sound like she was nothing but pure evil. Which was not who she was, or for that matter who she ever would be. "So you're an assassin, it would explain all the weapons you had,"
"I was a bounty hunter, not an assassin. And I carry those weapons only in self-defense, things have changed recently. No one is safe any longer."
"You're not here to" Rainia cut him off with a violent shake of her head in no,
"I came here to seek his council, and to start a new life, but apparently the world has changed more then I thought it had." He shook his head in understanding, and he looked towards the guards,
"Rainia, I believe in giving people second chances, so I am willing to help you," he paused
"Whats the catch?"
"I have two questions for you," She nodded,
"Okay, ask away."
"Why did you become a bounty hunter?" Her eyes became colder, as if something in her heart had changed,
"Every head has a price on it, I was just collecting." Her breath seemed to blow cold air as she spoke her harsh words. They were those of someone with a frozen heart, from someone Rainia had been trying to get away from. From herself. He looked down, he wasn't excepting that answer. Though he thought he had prepared himself for an answer like that, deep down in his heart he still wished that is was something she was forced to do. A life or death decision. But no, it was only for but selfish reasons. "Whats the second question," she said, unable to redeem herself in the elf's eyes. She had lost her chance of ever gaining his full trust, she was nothing but scum. She was lower then scum, even they had tried to do something noble in their life. Her whole life had been about her, and what she wanted and needed. Never about anyone else, no one stayed long enough for her to care about anyways.
"Gandalf was able to make a deal with Lord Elrond," he looked at her, "join us on the quest for middle earth, to destroy the root of all evil."
"Join the fellowship? But why?"
"If you do so, you will earn your freedom in return for your services." He sighed, it was unlikely that any of them would live, the deal seemed unfair to him. But it was the only thing Lord Elrond would agree to, and some ways in his heart he understood. She had killed many people in her life for no good reason other then the pay, one of the attempted ones had been his very own daughter. The reflection of you it leaves is never a good one, but she must not have been thinking that the day she came to Rivendale with intent to kill.
"Why me?" She managed to get out, her breath caught. She didn't understand why they would want a criminal like her to join her on a quest to save the souls of the inhabitants of middle earth. They would never trust her, first impressions never die.
"Its because you're the best." She thought back to her old memories, she was the best money could buy, which was something she wasn't proud of. She had taught herself to become an emotionless killing machine, making her something inhuman.
"If you classify the best as being a cold hearted murder, then I am the best. But if you classify the best like I do, then I am one of the lowest, inhuman, scum that walks this earth." She tried to hide her tears, but it wasn't working. Legolas smiled,
"Your past is nothing more then the steps you took to where you are today. Thought you have fumbled through your way, so have so many others who have gone before you. No one is perfect, Rainia, but everyone can control their own destiny." He bent down close to her and wiped her small tears, "I'm giving you a chance to make things right, but if you choose to stay here then you will have given in to your past and have someone else in control of your life." She nodded in understanding,
"You have no idea how much I have wanted someone to say kind words to me, it seems like today only Gandalf can find it within himself."
"Rainia, will you join us as the tenth member of the fellowship?" She nodded smiling, and leaned forward and gave him a hug, mumbling a thank- you. "Now you must come with me to see Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Gray," he stood up and started towards the door. She sat there, unable to move because of the chains around her ankles and risks connecting her to the wall. He stopped and looked back at the confused Rainia, "aren't you coming?" He asked, forgetting about the chains that held her.
"I would love to, Legolas, but there is a slight problem." Legolas looked down and laughed, "Hey! How would you like being connected to a wall!"
"I'm sorry, Rainia, but it looks like your going to have to stay there for awhile."
"Why?" She blurted, not trying to hide her shock. He smiled,
"I don't know who has the key." Legolas turned and walked away as Rainia frantically called after him cursing everyone from Lord Elrond to Mother Earth herself. Legolas tried to keep his laughter back, but he wasn't trying too hard. Giant laughs escaped his lips, as you heard him stumble up the stairs.
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"People change, Elrond! You should know this out of all people!" Gandalf was pleading with the stubborn elf over the imprisonment of Rainia.
"People like that don't, Gandalf, she will always be heartless." He turned away from his old friend,
"God dammit, Elrond, listen to yourself!" The old wizard shouted like he had at Frodo only a month earlier, "Your going against everything you ever believed it!" Elrond shuttered, Gandalf was right and he knew it, it was just that she had tried to kill his only daughter. He could never forgive someone for such an act, never. Gandalf's eyes became soft and understanding, as he read his friend's mind. "Elrond, you too have seen what she must do in the future, I know that you of all people want to see the ring destroyed, and without her the quest will fail." Lord Elrond sighed,
"The future is never certain, things can change you know."
"Yes minor things can, but this destiny has been in place for this girl ever since she was born. We can only help her reach it, or else things that once were will never be."
"I know, Gandalf, I know."
Gandalf sighed, "Then free her, and guide her on her way, don't torment her about what she has done in the past any more. Her future is bright, don't let the world cloud it again."
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Rainia squirmed uncomfortably in her chair, she sat before Lord Elrond, no doubt for him to yell at her some more. To threaten her that if she dares kill a member of the fellowship she will never see the light of day again. Lord Elrond sighed,
"Rainia, I am deeply sorry for my actions," Raina gasped, this definitely wasn't what she was expecting to hear, especially after all those rotten things he had said to her and had called her.
"No, no, no, I should be the one apologizing to you! I fully deserved my punishment, my life had been nothing but an emotionless rampage against middle earth, I was helping the forces of Mordor more then I was helping myself!" She cried, Lord Elrond looked at her strangely,
"Then you admit to what you have done, and except full responsibility?" Rainia nodded, "Then you're not without emotion. You have honor and valor in your heart, and that is why you must join the fellowship." Rainia sat there stunned, Lord Elrond really wanted her to join. He saw something in her, something that probably wasn't there. "Rainia, what you are searching for right now is there I promise. Only a person with true valor and honor would have done what you did. I can see into your future, and I leave you with this, someday you will have to make a decision, one that will not come easily. It will mean either survival or failure, but either choice will be unclear as to which one is which." Rainia nodded, taking in everything that he had said. "Now, go quickly, the fellowship will be departing, and remember the eye will always be watching." Rainia nodded and jumped out of her chair. She ran out to where the fellowship had planned to set off, near one of the forests that surrounded Rivendale. She saw Legolas standing in the center of the commotion, his face still had a smirk on him.
"I see he finally let you out, Rainia."
"Very funny," She looked around her. There were four of the so called 'hobbits', one, a Frodo Baggins, that had been at the council, the other three who had tried to conceal themselves around it. Two men bearing swords, one with a shield and horn. The other stood near Lady Arwen, who hadn't taken her eyes off Rainia since she had walked in.
"Excuse me, Legolas, I think I have a little explaining to do." She tried to smile, but Legolas had too sense Lady Arwen's stare.
"You'd better, I think Aragorn will kill you if you don't."
"Which one's Aragorn?"
"The man standing next to her, they're in love you know."
"You don't say." Rainia tried to hide her disappointment, she was sure now that the man Aragorn would never trust her. She tired to glide gracefully over to Lady Arwen, but she didn't look too graceful. Her walk reveled her nervousness, which was plain for even a tree to see.
"Lady Arwen," she tried to smile, Arwen stepped back, ready to defend herself if necessary. Rainia shot her hand up, "no, no, I'm not here to hurt you, I promise." Arwen let up a little, but not much. Aragorn had his hand near his sword, but was clever enough to try and conceal his action. "Look really I'm not here to hurt either one of you, if I really wanted to I could have done it already." Aragorn nodded,
"Then why are you here?"
"First I have an apology for Lady Arwen, then I am to set off with the fellowship on request of Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Gray." She looked Lady Arwen directly in the eye, "I am truly sorry for the actions I took in the past, I am here now to commend them and try to make a few of them right, like what I am trying desperately to do right now. I was a bounty hunter, when I tried to kill you an inexperienced one, but I needed the money. This was a way for me to in a way 'get rich quick'. I am sorry for, if any, pain that I caused you and your family."
"What good are the words of a bounty hunter, they are nothing but poison." Rainia sighed, making her life right would be a lot harder then she would have ever imagined.
"But the words of a warrior can be the blunt truth, so here I go again. All those years ago I made the mistake of taking yet another short cut in life. How little did I know then that once you start, it is almost impossible to get out. So please, believe me when I say that I am sorry. If I could somehow go back in time I would have never made any of the same decisions that I made before. I would never want to live like this again, or at all if that was possible." Lady Arwen nodded,
"Lady Rainia, I wish you the best of luck on your journey, but know this, trust is something earned. You are finally taking the correct steps, but I cannot forgive you, not just yet. I wish you the best in everything in your life, but I just cannot bring myself to forgive you." Rainia lowered her head,
"I understand, but I wanted you to hear my apology, many things have happened that I have deeply regretted, this was one thing I could maybe make right." Lady Arwen nodded and lowered her head,
"I wish you the best, Lady Rainia." Rainia nodded, she knew that this would be not be the last time she would ever see Lady Arwen, she might not have been physic, but it was one of those feelings. Where you knew that something was going to happen before it actually happened, one of those rare gut instincts, that are not to be ignored.
"And you as well, Lady Arwen." She looked back to where Legolas was standing. Now the four hobbits, the other man, the dwarf, and of course old Gandalf and his big old gray hat accompanied him. "I'd best be going, again I can never explain how sorry I am with words, but I am. Please find a way to truly forgive me and find it within yourself to see me as I am now, not as I was then." With that she walked back over to Legolas, the only person that she had ever talked to in the group. Two of the hobbits, Pippin and Merry, came up behind her,
"Hello!" One of them said, his voice merry and bright, not at all what she would have expected right before they were to take off on one of the most dangerous quests she had ever seen, but then again her whole time in Rivendale had been full of surprises. She nodded and smiled,
"You must be Rainia, our newest member!" The other one said, smiling even bigger.
"Yes, I am. Who might you two be?" They looked at each other, and Rainia swore that if being happy could shoot you too the moon, they'd be there and back about fifteen times, and still have happiness left in them.
"I'm Merry!"
"I'm Pippin!" Rainia smiled and made a mental note to remember the two hobbits names. "You know its going to be very dangerous out there, and we'd be glad to give you emotional support and protect you in battle, if you'd be interested." Rainia smiled, but held back hysterical rounds of laughter,
"Why thank-you, boys, making an offer like that, you must be pretty brave and extremely good fighters." Merry and Pippin looked at themselves in worry, if they had been flying to the moon, they would have crash-landed just then. They were speechless for once, which came to quite a shock for the rest of the group, before those two hobbits had never shut up.
"Merry, Pippin, are you alright?" Legolas asked through his laughter.
"Fine, just fine." Pippin finally breathed out.
"Thank-you for the offer, but I think I might be able to make do without your help. As hard as it might be to decline, I feel as though I must." Rainia said dramatically, holding back her laughter.
As they finished their introductions, Lord Elrond came out from behind some trees, a crowd of well wishers behind him carrying things likes flowers and food.
"Now is the time for the departure of the Fellowship, our last chance at victory. We wish you well on your journey and hope that you will all return to us safely with your quest completed. Until that time let hope guide you, and your fighting spirits be strong, and always remember the task at hand." His tone was stern and of old age, Rainia nodded and smiled, she was finally going to do something good with her life. Something that people would not frown upon, but to wish her luck and praise her. It brought a feeling to her heart that she had forgotten, the feeling of achievement, of honor, of completion. And yet she was just starting on her journey, and Lord Elrond was right, there were hard times to come.
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The fellowship headed out with their spirits high, and their hopes even higher. Aragorn took the lead, then Boromir, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Gimli, and then Rainia and Legolas heading up the back.
"How far do you think we shall make it tonight, Aragorn?" Boromir whispered to Aragorn,
"I do not know, but I don't think we shall make it very far. Night is falling fast, and Gandalf will agree, it is not safe to travel at night anymore." Boromir nodded and returned to his scouting duties. Merry and Pippin could be heard whispering back and forth, but only Legolas and Rainia could understand what they were saying. Frodo and Gandalf walked in silence, but Gandalf took a noticeably more defensive stride as he walked next to the hobbit, never letting him stop very long, or keep his eyes of the group ahead and behind of them. Gandalf acted almost has his personal protector, never letting him stray far or for very long, and always wanted someone with him at all times. Gimli happily walked along, but he never let his eyes stray far from the elves behind him. It fitted his character, he was brought up to believe that elves were the enemy, like Legolas was brought up to believe dwarfs were the enemy, so they never really saw eye to eye without an argument. Rainia tried to overlook his prejudice against her, in time he would learn better, or at least she hoped he would.
Please review, they make me happy. (not that I am an unhappy person or anything, hack, hack)
Love ya!
Arwen
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ANGEL OF DEATH
It had been a long hard journey. Sometimes she felt alone, other times she felt as though the wrath of valar was far too harsh on her. She had done what she could to get by in the world, although she wasn't proud of her actions. You can't change what has already been done, which proved to be one of the hardest lessons she ever learned. Elders would say that once she was done living she would be the smartest elf alive, being that she had done everything the hard way. She had tired to laugh when they had told her these things, but it seemed to have only hurt her deeper. The wounds in her heart weren't ones that were easily bandaged, it took years of thought, consideration, and someone else there. Someone giving her support, someone that never came. And now she stood before them, ready to start a new day, a new life. One far away from where she came. She would no longer be what she once was, she could never turn back to that road. The road that lead her straight to Mordor, the road where even the foulest creatures feared to travel. She had struggled hard to get free of it, she was lucky to get out before she reached the end. It was an ending no one would ever want to meet. Now is her time, her time to show the world that she was more then what she appeared. To show them that she is more, then than what they take her for. She wasn't afraid to shine.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The swift elven maiden made her way quickly down the trail, she stayed hidden from the path. Her forest green cloak covered her body, the hood overpowering her face. Only strands of hazel colored hair could be seen, flying around her face from the wind. Her worn feet ached, and her eyes struggled to stay open, it had been at least two weeks since she last slept, maybe three or four, she had lost count as the days past. She didn't dare close her eyes, there were too many things about. It wasn't safe. Her sea green eyes trained on her pathway, but she could feel herself losing the battle. Her feet began to slow, but she tried to press onwards. She could feel her eyes closing, she could feel her body tumbling. Tumbling down onto the rocky path. Then her world when blank.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was the strangest sight to see. That was all he could think to describe it, strange. A young elven women sleeping in the middle of the road. She looked half starved, and showed signs that she had been traveling hard and long for several weeks. A few cuts here and there, worn shoes, clothing starting to wear down with holes at the bottom, and broken hems, things of that nature. But the strangest part about it was that she was sleeping in the middle of the day, in the middle of the street. Legolas shook his head,
"I think we ought to take her with us, she looks terrible," he almost pleaded with this father's finest guards. To them, he looked like a mire child, and had orders to pretty much treat him as one from his father.
"Prince Legolas, you don't know anything about this girl, why do you want to take her with us?" The guard on his left asked, Enhart, being the sympathetic guard he was. Giving him a shot to plead his case, then shoot him down. It made sense after all, they would humor him for awhile, then practically drag him away.
"Look at her," he pointed, "she looks miserable, and plus how many people do you see sleeping in the middle of the path? She has to be in some sort of trouble, can't we at least take her to Rivendell?" The left guard looked at the other and nodded,
"Just to Rivendell," he said coldly, "and only Rivendell. And if your father finds out about this," Legolas stopped listening after he heard the words, 'if your father hears about this'. He had been having the same lecture since he was five. They never stopped treating him like a child, but he understood why. His father didn't want to see him getting himself hurt, or in danger, or whatever, which without them he knew that he would have been in a whole lot of giant messes. Legolas picked up the sleeping maiden, her cloak dropped to reveal a long, sharp, shinny sword attached to her belt around her waist along with an assortment of daggers and knives.
"I have to give this girl some credit, she pretty darn well armed." Legolas laughed, but the guards looked at each other in uncertainty. "Enhart, Zedekiah, you promised, just as far as Rivendell, remember?"
"Were within walking distance, Prince Legolas, we should give the horses a rest and walk them in." Zedekiah hopped off his horse gracefully, the way all elves do. "I shall carry the girl," he grabbed her from Legolas's arms jerking her body. Rainia's eyes shot open, and she reached for her sword. With one swift movement she was out of the arms of a bewildered Zedekiah, and was in a defensive stance only a few feet away.
"Who the hell are you?" She yelled, a coldness taking over her heart. She could feel pain in her lower left side, her last battle scar. It would greatly effect her skills, but she had to keep steady. If anyone knew where her weak point was, she was a goner for sure. Enhart and Zedekiah drew their swords, although they greatly preferred the bow, it wasn't much use in a short-range battle. They could hold their own, but it would be a hard fight, especially against someone who seems to have studied the sword. "Hey I asked you a question! Who the hell are you!" Rainia's voice became irritated and harsh. Enhart stepped in front of Legolas, protecting him from the battle, Legolas rolled his eyes. Of course he couldn't participate, it would be against his fathers wishes. Sometimes it really stunk living forever, because even within his time he would never be able to do anything for himself. Anything by himself. He was destined to be King, and apparently that is all he needed to focus on, being King of Mirkwood. Whoopee.
"We are travelers on our way to Rivendale, we found in the middle of the road and tried to give you some assistance, young maiden." Enhart's words had almost a poetic effect, but the girl just rolled her eyes,
"I don't need your help," was all she said, but still did not lower her guard. She looked over to the elf behind the other two, he had long golden blonde hair and dark brown eyes, his gaze was one of a warrior, not of a bystander.
"Well then, if you don't mind answering one of our questions, who are you? Why were you sleeping in the middle of the road?" Zedekiah's voice tired to calm the girl, but his stance never faltered.
"My name is nothing but my own," Rainia stood still, as if she was a statue. Moving could cause you the battle, for the most important seconds are not the ones at the end, but the ones at the beginning. For those are the ones that can determine if you even have to fight the other, which Rainia was in no condition for. She had to remain cool and confident, show no signs of fear or of pain. That would only cause them to fight her, seeing that it would be an easy battle won.
"Well where are you from? Where are you headed?" Their tones became harsher, as Rainia's refusal to corporate became more evident.
"I am headed to Rivendell, my reasons are my own." Then came the clincher question, the one that these days was on everyone's mind,
"Whom do you serve?" Enhart narrowed his eyes, his words harsh and almost slithered out like a snake. It sounded like a hissing noise, and yet was as clear as day of what he was asking her.
"I serve no one, my loyalties lie within myself and myself alone." Enhart nodded, somehow she had pasted their test. They lowered their weapons,
"Fine then, young maiden, we shall escort you into Rivendell, but let us warn you, we will be watching you."
"I don't need your protection, or your warnings. I can take care of myself, I do not need to drag the rest of Middle Earth into my affairs." Rainia stared rather dully, putting her sword away gently. She turned and walked off, Enhart nodded and they walked up to her.
"You have presented intent of harm to the Prince of Mirkwood and his company, and for that we must escort you, maiden." Zedekiah grabbed her risks and tied them together with some used rope from his pocket. Rainia looked back at the man,
"Stop it Zedekiah! She was only defending herself, I don't think that counts as attempted assault or anything!" He tried to make them stop, but it wasn't working. They were like robots, they didn't bend the rules. Rainia looked confused, she didn't know why the man she hadn't even met bothered to defend her, and of all people he was a prince. By valar, was he defending scum like her! No one had ever done that for her before. She didn't know how to react.
"Legolas, you know your father's wishes, we cannot refuse him. We're sorry," Enhart explained as Zedekiah led the girl down the path towards Rivendale. Enhart grabbed the horses,
"Come now, Legolas, she will be released in a matter of minutes." Legolas nodded,
"I still don't agree with the treatment you giving her, but she is showing no signs of protest, we might as well get this over with."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He looked sympathetically at the girl, she stared at him in bewilderment, still unable to grasp the fact that he was trying to help her, of all people. Her crimpy hazel brown colored hair was a rare shade for an elf, but then again Arwen Evenstar had dark brown hair, so apparently it was becoming more common having elves with strange shades of hair. She had sea green eyes, full of wisdom, she had the eyes of a warrior. Within their eyes you can see tales of trail, triumph, pain, misery, the fullest tale of human emotion ever told were just within the eyes of warriors. It was a tale that could never be expressed by any words, it was a tale told within one look, each having a slightly different story, and yet have the same ending. Warrior's eyes were coveted by many, the many who could never life such a life as they.
Rainia looked back at the elvish prince, she had heard many stories about his kingdom, about him, about his parents, but within one look of him she destroyed all the bad thoughts she had ever had about their family. She realized that at least one of them had to have a heart of gold, not a heart of cold stone. Not a heart like hers. His face was outlined by a golden halo of hair that was partially pulled back, accented by two woven braids just behind his ears. His milky skin was that of many elves, along with the contrast of eyes and hair. His brown eyes were cunning, full of thought and sorrow.
"What is your name?" Legolas finally broke the silence that had taken over the group, Rainia looked back at him.
"Apparently that doesn't matter to these two," she looked at Zedekiah and Enhart rolling her eyes.
"Will you tell me, then?" She laughed to herself,
"And what would you do with my name? As it seems a name is nothing but a referral to be able to speak to one without speaking to another, it has no real value." She paused and smiled, "and it sure as hell won't get me out of this mess." Legolas smiled, Rainia laughed a little in her head. She hadn't been referring to being tied up and escorted into Rivendale, this was to be expected, but from what she was running.
"Then will you give it to me out of the goodness of your heart, fair maiden?"
"Trying to compliment it out of me, are you Prince Legolas? I would have expected more out of you, being a prince after all."
"If you give us your name, we will untie you." Enhart blurted, they were almost to Rivendell anyways, he wouldn't be braking any rules. They were coming on the large golden gate now, either way she would be untied.
"No need to untie me, sir, I've had that done ever since you bound my hands." She lifted her free hands up to show them, "you really have to work on this, it wasn't even a challenge." Enhart and Zedekiah stood in shock, and Legolas burst out in laughter.
"Does this prove that I am trustworthy yet, I mean if I really wanted to attack you I would have." She smirked, and walked into the city, right into an old wizard dressed in rough gray clothing. He smiled, his eyes shimmering down at her,
"My, my, Rainia, still can't seem to stay out of trouble now can we?" The wizard laughed giving Raina a giant hug. She smiled,
"Gandalf! It's so nice to see you!" She looked over to Legolas and his company, "these lovely gentlemen were so kind as to escort me here. It wasn't in a fashion I would have preferred, but I played along." Gandalf laughed, his wrinkles giving his face depth.
"So your name is Rainia then, what are you doing here in Rivendell anyways?" Legolas asked, trying to make conversation, Gandalf raised an eyebrow.
"I am here for personal reasons, that which are not be to shared with the rest of Middle Earth."
"Rainia, your not?" Rainia shook her head, hushing Gandalf's last few words.
"I've changed Gandalf, you need not worry." The old wizard smiled,
"Then I assume you will be joining us in the council of Lord Elrond?" Rainia nodded,
"It would mean much to me to attend," she paused, "but I believe that Lord Elrond has taken quite an unlinking to me after the last time I visited Rivendell." Legolas looked confused,
"What happened last time you where in Rivendell?" He asked, curiosity getting the best of him, Rainia smiled and Gandalf held back a laugh,
"Just a mishap between me and Lady Arwen," Gandalf tried even harder to hold back his laugher, mouthing the word 'mishap'. Legolas tried to smile, trying to hide his curiosity, but it wasn't working.
"We must hurry if we are to reach the council in time," Gandalf looked to Rainia and then Legolas's company, "all of us." He looked at the guards who didn't even try to hide their dismay at the fact that Rainia would be joining them at the council. Rainia snorted, her attempt to hold back laughter was failing miserably.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The council was to be held in the heart of the city, but away from the commotion. It was a secret place, known too only those who were to attend. She had forgotten the beauty of Rivendell, it seemed so at peace with nature, most of its designs interwoven with the trees and waterfalls. Its almost golden buildings seemed to glow in the sunlight, reflecting intricate patterns of swirls and branches craved within its structure. The chairs they were to sit in mimicked these designs, almost camouflaging with the near by surroundings. Rainia would have loved to spend more then just five minutes there, instead she was whisked off by two strong and handsome elves into the lovely and oh so welcoming dungeon. Talk about holding a grudge. Here she had come to redeem herself to the world, and just pushed her downwards again. What ever happened to the all knowing, all understanding, and all forgiving Lord Elrond? Oh yea, that only applied to certain people, not her.
She could hear the soft patter of footsteps down the staircase leading to her cell. She rolled her eyes sarcastically,
"You really do know how to hold a grudge, don't you Lord Elrond?" Her voice was dry and emotionless, she was supposed to be without emotion, without a heart.
"Apparently he does, but I'm not here to judge," Legolas's mob of blonde hair popped out from behind the wall. He was smiling ever so slightly, he seemed genuinely happy to see her, which was the complete opposite reaction she had expected. After what had happened before the council. After he twisted her past to make it sound like she was nothing but pure evil. Which was not who she was, or for that matter who she ever would be. "So you're an assassin, it would explain all the weapons you had,"
"I was a bounty hunter, not an assassin. And I carry those weapons only in self-defense, things have changed recently. No one is safe any longer."
"You're not here to" Rainia cut him off with a violent shake of her head in no,
"I came here to seek his council, and to start a new life, but apparently the world has changed more then I thought it had." He shook his head in understanding, and he looked towards the guards,
"Rainia, I believe in giving people second chances, so I am willing to help you," he paused
"Whats the catch?"
"I have two questions for you," She nodded,
"Okay, ask away."
"Why did you become a bounty hunter?" Her eyes became colder, as if something in her heart had changed,
"Every head has a price on it, I was just collecting." Her breath seemed to blow cold air as she spoke her harsh words. They were those of someone with a frozen heart, from someone Rainia had been trying to get away from. From herself. He looked down, he wasn't excepting that answer. Though he thought he had prepared himself for an answer like that, deep down in his heart he still wished that is was something she was forced to do. A life or death decision. But no, it was only for but selfish reasons. "Whats the second question," she said, unable to redeem herself in the elf's eyes. She had lost her chance of ever gaining his full trust, she was nothing but scum. She was lower then scum, even they had tried to do something noble in their life. Her whole life had been about her, and what she wanted and needed. Never about anyone else, no one stayed long enough for her to care about anyways.
"Gandalf was able to make a deal with Lord Elrond," he looked at her, "join us on the quest for middle earth, to destroy the root of all evil."
"Join the fellowship? But why?"
"If you do so, you will earn your freedom in return for your services." He sighed, it was unlikely that any of them would live, the deal seemed unfair to him. But it was the only thing Lord Elrond would agree to, and some ways in his heart he understood. She had killed many people in her life for no good reason other then the pay, one of the attempted ones had been his very own daughter. The reflection of you it leaves is never a good one, but she must not have been thinking that the day she came to Rivendale with intent to kill.
"Why me?" She managed to get out, her breath caught. She didn't understand why they would want a criminal like her to join her on a quest to save the souls of the inhabitants of middle earth. They would never trust her, first impressions never die.
"Its because you're the best." She thought back to her old memories, she was the best money could buy, which was something she wasn't proud of. She had taught herself to become an emotionless killing machine, making her something inhuman.
"If you classify the best as being a cold hearted murder, then I am the best. But if you classify the best like I do, then I am one of the lowest, inhuman, scum that walks this earth." She tried to hide her tears, but it wasn't working. Legolas smiled,
"Your past is nothing more then the steps you took to where you are today. Thought you have fumbled through your way, so have so many others who have gone before you. No one is perfect, Rainia, but everyone can control their own destiny." He bent down close to her and wiped her small tears, "I'm giving you a chance to make things right, but if you choose to stay here then you will have given in to your past and have someone else in control of your life." She nodded in understanding,
"You have no idea how much I have wanted someone to say kind words to me, it seems like today only Gandalf can find it within himself."
"Rainia, will you join us as the tenth member of the fellowship?" She nodded smiling, and leaned forward and gave him a hug, mumbling a thank- you. "Now you must come with me to see Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Gray," he stood up and started towards the door. She sat there, unable to move because of the chains around her ankles and risks connecting her to the wall. He stopped and looked back at the confused Rainia, "aren't you coming?" He asked, forgetting about the chains that held her.
"I would love to, Legolas, but there is a slight problem." Legolas looked down and laughed, "Hey! How would you like being connected to a wall!"
"I'm sorry, Rainia, but it looks like your going to have to stay there for awhile."
"Why?" She blurted, not trying to hide her shock. He smiled,
"I don't know who has the key." Legolas turned and walked away as Rainia frantically called after him cursing everyone from Lord Elrond to Mother Earth herself. Legolas tried to keep his laughter back, but he wasn't trying too hard. Giant laughs escaped his lips, as you heard him stumble up the stairs.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"People change, Elrond! You should know this out of all people!" Gandalf was pleading with the stubborn elf over the imprisonment of Rainia.
"People like that don't, Gandalf, she will always be heartless." He turned away from his old friend,
"God dammit, Elrond, listen to yourself!" The old wizard shouted like he had at Frodo only a month earlier, "Your going against everything you ever believed it!" Elrond shuttered, Gandalf was right and he knew it, it was just that she had tried to kill his only daughter. He could never forgive someone for such an act, never. Gandalf's eyes became soft and understanding, as he read his friend's mind. "Elrond, you too have seen what she must do in the future, I know that you of all people want to see the ring destroyed, and without her the quest will fail." Lord Elrond sighed,
"The future is never certain, things can change you know."
"Yes minor things can, but this destiny has been in place for this girl ever since she was born. We can only help her reach it, or else things that once were will never be."
"I know, Gandalf, I know."
Gandalf sighed, "Then free her, and guide her on her way, don't torment her about what she has done in the past any more. Her future is bright, don't let the world cloud it again."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rainia squirmed uncomfortably in her chair, she sat before Lord Elrond, no doubt for him to yell at her some more. To threaten her that if she dares kill a member of the fellowship she will never see the light of day again. Lord Elrond sighed,
"Rainia, I am deeply sorry for my actions," Raina gasped, this definitely wasn't what she was expecting to hear, especially after all those rotten things he had said to her and had called her.
"No, no, no, I should be the one apologizing to you! I fully deserved my punishment, my life had been nothing but an emotionless rampage against middle earth, I was helping the forces of Mordor more then I was helping myself!" She cried, Lord Elrond looked at her strangely,
"Then you admit to what you have done, and except full responsibility?" Rainia nodded, "Then you're not without emotion. You have honor and valor in your heart, and that is why you must join the fellowship." Rainia sat there stunned, Lord Elrond really wanted her to join. He saw something in her, something that probably wasn't there. "Rainia, what you are searching for right now is there I promise. Only a person with true valor and honor would have done what you did. I can see into your future, and I leave you with this, someday you will have to make a decision, one that will not come easily. It will mean either survival or failure, but either choice will be unclear as to which one is which." Rainia nodded, taking in everything that he had said. "Now, go quickly, the fellowship will be departing, and remember the eye will always be watching." Rainia nodded and jumped out of her chair. She ran out to where the fellowship had planned to set off, near one of the forests that surrounded Rivendale. She saw Legolas standing in the center of the commotion, his face still had a smirk on him.
"I see he finally let you out, Rainia."
"Very funny," She looked around her. There were four of the so called 'hobbits', one, a Frodo Baggins, that had been at the council, the other three who had tried to conceal themselves around it. Two men bearing swords, one with a shield and horn. The other stood near Lady Arwen, who hadn't taken her eyes off Rainia since she had walked in.
"Excuse me, Legolas, I think I have a little explaining to do." She tried to smile, but Legolas had too sense Lady Arwen's stare.
"You'd better, I think Aragorn will kill you if you don't."
"Which one's Aragorn?"
"The man standing next to her, they're in love you know."
"You don't say." Rainia tried to hide her disappointment, she was sure now that the man Aragorn would never trust her. She tired to glide gracefully over to Lady Arwen, but she didn't look too graceful. Her walk reveled her nervousness, which was plain for even a tree to see.
"Lady Arwen," she tried to smile, Arwen stepped back, ready to defend herself if necessary. Rainia shot her hand up, "no, no, I'm not here to hurt you, I promise." Arwen let up a little, but not much. Aragorn had his hand near his sword, but was clever enough to try and conceal his action. "Look really I'm not here to hurt either one of you, if I really wanted to I could have done it already." Aragorn nodded,
"Then why are you here?"
"First I have an apology for Lady Arwen, then I am to set off with the fellowship on request of Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Gray." She looked Lady Arwen directly in the eye, "I am truly sorry for the actions I took in the past, I am here now to commend them and try to make a few of them right, like what I am trying desperately to do right now. I was a bounty hunter, when I tried to kill you an inexperienced one, but I needed the money. This was a way for me to in a way 'get rich quick'. I am sorry for, if any, pain that I caused you and your family."
"What good are the words of a bounty hunter, they are nothing but poison." Rainia sighed, making her life right would be a lot harder then she would have ever imagined.
"But the words of a warrior can be the blunt truth, so here I go again. All those years ago I made the mistake of taking yet another short cut in life. How little did I know then that once you start, it is almost impossible to get out. So please, believe me when I say that I am sorry. If I could somehow go back in time I would have never made any of the same decisions that I made before. I would never want to live like this again, or at all if that was possible." Lady Arwen nodded,
"Lady Rainia, I wish you the best of luck on your journey, but know this, trust is something earned. You are finally taking the correct steps, but I cannot forgive you, not just yet. I wish you the best in everything in your life, but I just cannot bring myself to forgive you." Rainia lowered her head,
"I understand, but I wanted you to hear my apology, many things have happened that I have deeply regretted, this was one thing I could maybe make right." Lady Arwen nodded and lowered her head,
"I wish you the best, Lady Rainia." Rainia nodded, she knew that this would be not be the last time she would ever see Lady Arwen, she might not have been physic, but it was one of those feelings. Where you knew that something was going to happen before it actually happened, one of those rare gut instincts, that are not to be ignored.
"And you as well, Lady Arwen." She looked back to where Legolas was standing. Now the four hobbits, the other man, the dwarf, and of course old Gandalf and his big old gray hat accompanied him. "I'd best be going, again I can never explain how sorry I am with words, but I am. Please find a way to truly forgive me and find it within yourself to see me as I am now, not as I was then." With that she walked back over to Legolas, the only person that she had ever talked to in the group. Two of the hobbits, Pippin and Merry, came up behind her,
"Hello!" One of them said, his voice merry and bright, not at all what she would have expected right before they were to take off on one of the most dangerous quests she had ever seen, but then again her whole time in Rivendale had been full of surprises. She nodded and smiled,
"You must be Rainia, our newest member!" The other one said, smiling even bigger.
"Yes, I am. Who might you two be?" They looked at each other, and Rainia swore that if being happy could shoot you too the moon, they'd be there and back about fifteen times, and still have happiness left in them.
"I'm Merry!"
"I'm Pippin!" Rainia smiled and made a mental note to remember the two hobbits names. "You know its going to be very dangerous out there, and we'd be glad to give you emotional support and protect you in battle, if you'd be interested." Rainia smiled, but held back hysterical rounds of laughter,
"Why thank-you, boys, making an offer like that, you must be pretty brave and extremely good fighters." Merry and Pippin looked at themselves in worry, if they had been flying to the moon, they would have crash-landed just then. They were speechless for once, which came to quite a shock for the rest of the group, before those two hobbits had never shut up.
"Merry, Pippin, are you alright?" Legolas asked through his laughter.
"Fine, just fine." Pippin finally breathed out.
"Thank-you for the offer, but I think I might be able to make do without your help. As hard as it might be to decline, I feel as though I must." Rainia said dramatically, holding back her laughter.
As they finished their introductions, Lord Elrond came out from behind some trees, a crowd of well wishers behind him carrying things likes flowers and food.
"Now is the time for the departure of the Fellowship, our last chance at victory. We wish you well on your journey and hope that you will all return to us safely with your quest completed. Until that time let hope guide you, and your fighting spirits be strong, and always remember the task at hand." His tone was stern and of old age, Rainia nodded and smiled, she was finally going to do something good with her life. Something that people would not frown upon, but to wish her luck and praise her. It brought a feeling to her heart that she had forgotten, the feeling of achievement, of honor, of completion. And yet she was just starting on her journey, and Lord Elrond was right, there were hard times to come.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The fellowship headed out with their spirits high, and their hopes even higher. Aragorn took the lead, then Boromir, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Gimli, and then Rainia and Legolas heading up the back.
"How far do you think we shall make it tonight, Aragorn?" Boromir whispered to Aragorn,
"I do not know, but I don't think we shall make it very far. Night is falling fast, and Gandalf will agree, it is not safe to travel at night anymore." Boromir nodded and returned to his scouting duties. Merry and Pippin could be heard whispering back and forth, but only Legolas and Rainia could understand what they were saying. Frodo and Gandalf walked in silence, but Gandalf took a noticeably more defensive stride as he walked next to the hobbit, never letting him stop very long, or keep his eyes of the group ahead and behind of them. Gandalf acted almost has his personal protector, never letting him stray far or for very long, and always wanted someone with him at all times. Gimli happily walked along, but he never let his eyes stray far from the elves behind him. It fitted his character, he was brought up to believe that elves were the enemy, like Legolas was brought up to believe dwarfs were the enemy, so they never really saw eye to eye without an argument. Rainia tried to overlook his prejudice against her, in time he would learn better, or at least she hoped he would.