Disclaimer;
Not mine. These characters belong to the late Professor J.R.R Tolkien and his estate. This is written for amusement and no money is being made.

Claimer;
Arahael, Tarcil, Dídauar (Kalya)

Notes, Warnings etc;
> I am only going to say this once. I do not mind constructive criticism, i.e. corrections for Elvish, grammar, spelling (I am Scottish so I am using British English) but any flames I receive are deleted from my reviewers page and my email account.

> For those who have read Princess in the Fellowship, the character of Kalya has changed, in some cases drastically. I am going to try and tie this to Second Chance but it is very likely that a few ambiguities will remain since that story was written using the characters and timelines (which were completely out-of-sync with Tolkien) of Princess in the Fellowship as the premise.

> Kalya; I found the name in a Quenya dictionary which I have since been told is untrustworthy, but by that time it was an established name/character so I am not changing it.

> Dídauar; Sindarin meaning 'women of the woods'

> This story is a mixture of movie, book and original. It maybe a Mary-Sue (I am still not sure of the definition so I can't say for sure) but is NOT a tenth walker. Dídauar/Kalya is a Dúnadan and will stay that way.

Chapter One – Gathering Clouds

Aragorn landed very ungracefully on his bed in the Last Homely House. He was exhausted and his body was far from impressed with his decision to fight five of the Nazgûl in rather quick succession. The joints of his right arm were making their disagreement felt most acutely.

Flexing his elbow in the feeble attempt at relieving the pain, Aragorn ran his meeting with Glorfindel over in his mind. The golden warrior had said news had reached Elrond that Frodo was in trouble and he had citied kinsman on the north side of the Brandywine River. The only Elves Aragorn knew that travelled that far were Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond's twin sons, but as of yet Aragorn had not seen them. Admittedly he had only been in the Valley for a few hours but normally, if they were home, the two greeted any guests with their father.

No matter. The important thing was that Elrond had found out and sent out search parties. Such an action had safeguarded the life of the Ringbearer and Aragorn did not wish to entertain the thought of what might have happened had they not been found by Glorfindel.

"Do you want some Caynne ointment?" asked a voice behind Aragorn. The Dúnedain Chieftain spun his head in the direction of the speaker and his face split into a wide grin.

"Kalya," he whispered and sitting up, opened his arms to his sister. The younger child of Arathorn stepped into the embrace before settling on her heels between Aragorn's thighs. Leaning forward Aragorn rested his forehead against his twin's, his cobalt-blue eyes glittering in delight and relief.

'Guren linna gen cani,' he muttered. (My heart sings to see you)

'Lû ann bant,' replied Kalya. "I am so glad you are safe." (it has been too long)

Aragorn smiled and pulled back taking in the appearance of the one before him. Kalya was dressed in a flowing shirt, leaf-green in colour, along with liquorice black leggings and soft tan boots.

"How long have you been here?" asked Aragorn.

"October 9th," replied Kalya, watching Aragorn's eyes widen in astonishment. Kalya cocked her head in question.

"You gave the message," muttered Aragorn. "You're the kinsman north of the Brandywine."

Kalya nodded, which had Aragorn pulling her up and on to his bed.

"Your visions. Are they getting worse?" he asked. Kalya, like Elrond and her maternal grandparents, Ivorwen and Dírhael, before her had been 'gifted' with Sight. However, unlike Elrond, Ivorwen and Dírhael, Kalya saw events on a much smaller scale and thus in a lot more detail causing her more than a few nightmares as a child.

Kalya shrugged. "No more violent than normal."

"But?"

"They are getting more frequent," sighed Kalya. "But we are at war, it is to be expected."

"Have you spoken to Lord Elrond?" asked Aragorn. Kalya nodded.

"But there is little he can do," she said. "Don't worry Estel, this is not something new. Now, do you want the ointment?"

Aragorn gave a weak smile and let the subject drop. Kalya always had been more calm about her gift, though curse was probably a more apt description, than her brother but Aragorn suspected that was because she did not see herself enter a trance, and on the odd occasion completely lose consciousness, which could be rather scary.

"Caynne sounds perfect," he said, rolling up his sleeve.

Over the next few days, Imladris saw an increase in traffic as Elves, Men and Dwarves arrived in answer to summons by Elrond. The young Hobbits that Aragorn had brought to the haven were torn between running rampage, reminiscing with Bilbo and being depressed over Frodo's state of health. Samwise, had he not been so occupied with Frodo (and if he had a little more courage) would probably have given Mithrandir the third degree about leaving his master to carry the Ring when goodness knew what was on his tail. After three days however, Frodo was awake and back on his feet by the feasting ordered by Elrond in his honour.

However, Aragorn and Kalya were not present at the celebration, Elladan and Elrohir having returned unexpectedly from their latest expedition and baring news which could not wait till the morning.

"Orcs are multiplying faster than before, the wolves have migrated south once more and the lesser tribes are becoming restless," reported Elladan.

"There is also talk of a traitor within our ranks," continued Elrohir.

"Who had turned?" asked Aragorn.

"The rumour is that Saruman had dealt with the Enemy but rumour is all it is," said Elladan dismissively. "Radagast the Brown has disappeared, last seen going East."

"Radagast does not fight," answered Kalya, folding her arms. "He is more one with nature than the Elves and will not willingly see it harmed. Nor would he willingly turn."

"None turn willingly, Kalya," said Elladan. "He is called 'The Deceiver' for a reason. Every man has his price."

"What would he offer Radagast?" asked Aragorn. "Land and power mean nothing to him." The Dúnedain twins had met the younger Istari on a couple of occasions while one their extensive travels of Arda. The wizard had been so restless it was almost impossible to envision him settling down anywhere, even in the middle of a forest where he would be surrounded by his beloved nature.

"Saruman on the other hand is a problem," the Chieftain continued.

"It is but a rumour," said Elladan. "He has ever been an ally to our peoples."

"Almost to willing in some cases," muttered Aragorn. While he had yet to see the advise of the White Wizard lead anyone astray, Aragorn did not fully trust a person who was not willing to leave the comforts of home to see how his 'subjects' faired.

"How much damage have the wolves done?" asked Kalya, redirecting their conversation. The last time the wolves of the Forodwaith had come south of Carn Dûm they had managed to kill Aragorn son of Aravir, but little had been seen of them since their retreat. Their packs were still feared, and were the Rangers equivalent of the 'boogie-man' used to scare children who were particularly deviant. To this day, the ranger twins could remember their mother telling them that unless they did as their Elven benefactors requested, the wolves would come and steal them away during the night.

"They are surprisingly keeping to themselves," said Elrohir. "News of the odd sighting has been passed by word of mouth but aside from tracks heading in the direction of Ettenmoors, nothing substantial has been seen. Halbarad has increased the number on patrol just to make sure migrate is all the wolves do."

Aragorn nodded while Kalya released a slow breath of relief. Halbarad was a very competent commander and, with his sons Tarcil and Arahael, he managed to keep peace in the northern territories and safe guarded the lives of the Shire Hobbits while Aragorn and Kalya wandered the length and breadth of Middle Earth. Until recent years, Halbarad had been in complete control of the Dúnedain but with the frequency of Kalya visions increasing both Aragorn and Elrond recommended that she stay in the north. Halbarad had immediately handed over the reigns of control.

The two sets of twins talked long into the evening about the situation in the Wilds until their conversation was halted by two things. First, Elrohir's stomach had growled in hunger and second, a loud strain of music had floated in through the window from the Hall of Fire which was situated directly below and south to the chambers.

"Mayhap we should continue this discussion in the morning?" suggested Kalya when Elrohir's stomach gurgled a second time. Elrohir looked relieved by that idea and enthusiastically nodded his head. The corners of Aragorn's mouth twitched in amusement while Elladan inclined his head to Kalya in agreement.

"Till the morning," he said and the four left the room, Elladan and Elrohir heading to the kitchens and Aragorn and Kalya making for the Halls of Fire.

The following morning saw Elrond, along with Erestor and Glorfindel of his household, Galdor of the Grey-Havens, Bilbo and Frodo of the Shire, Glóin and Gimli of the Lonely Mountain, Legolas of Mirkwood, both sets of twins and Mithrandir secluded away from the rest of the Valley in the porch where Frodo was reunited with his fellows the previous day.

Also present was a man who sat apart from the rest. He was dressed in travel stained clothing and a baldric was slung across his left shoulder, the attached silver tipped horn sitting on his knee. He gazed around the balcony with suspicion heavy in his eyes, which changed to wonder when his gaze settled on Bilbo and Frodo. His name was Boromir, High Warden of the White Tower and Gondor's Captain-General.

Once all were seated, Elrond cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Welcome, welcome. Few have ever come hither on an errand more dangerous or one so urgent…."

There followed talk of numerous rumours that were spreading across the world, Glóin's tale of a Black Rider beseeching an audience with Dáin causing the first ripple of disquiet to move through those gathered.

Elrond told the tale of the formation of the Ring and the first War, which had Frodo gasp in surprise – he had not realised Elrond was old enough to remember the days of Gil-galad. Inevitably this led to discussing Isildur and Gondor. When such as subject was broached, Boromir stood proud and tall.

"Give me leave to speak of Gondor, Master Elrond," he requested. Elrond inclined his head for the Man of the South would undoubtedly know more about the plight of the land than any other gathered.

"Believe not that the blood of Númenor is spent in the South, nor that we have forgotten pride and dignity but we are hard beset against the Enemy which grows ever stronger," began Boromir straightening the baldric so that the horn sat about his hip. "Those who are sheltered behind us give us much praise but little help and only from Rohan will any come when we call, the Nameless One having taken Easterlings and Haradrim under his banner.

"On the eve of the last assault of Osgiliath, a dream came to my brother, Faramir, during a troubled sleep and afterwards to me. While the world around me grew dark, a pale light lingered on in the West. Out of the light sang a voice, distant yet clear;

Seek for the Sword that was broken;
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand.

"Our father, Lord Denethor, is a learned lore-master and he told us that Imladris was a Valley to the West of the Mountains where Elrond the half-Elven dwelt. So I have come to Imladris to seek the meaning of the dream."

"Here your dream will be made clear to you," assured Kalya, her eyes connecting with Elrond's in concern, bordering on worry. Years of understanding what her own visions meant had led to her being capable of resolving riddles with ease that she would not otherwise have. Elrond inclined his head slightly, the blurs and shadows he had seen also beginning to take a form that was recognisable.

"Here is the Sword that was Broken," said Aragorn, withdrawing the hilt and useless blade of Narsil. Boromir's gaze turned dispassionately to Aragorn and he critically examined his travelled and weather-worn clothing. His eyes flicked to the useless weapon, staring at it in wonder.

"And who are you?" he asked. "What have you to do with Minas Tirith?

"He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Beside him sits his twin sister, Dídauar," replied Elrond. "Together they are descended through many fathers from Isildur Elendil."

While Boromir continued to critically evaluate his future King and his sister, Frodo released a strangled yelp and got quickly to his feet.

"Then this belongs to you!" he exclaimed. Kalya shook her head while Aragorn smiled gently at the Hobbit who was suddenly looking fearful.

"It does not belong to any save the Dark Lord. But Fate had decreed you hold it for a little while longer," he said kindly.

"Bring out the Ring, Frodo," commanded Gandalf. "Hold it up and Boromir will understand the remainder of his dream."

Frodo, the Valar bless him, looked as though he would rather be anywhere but the secluded balcony of the Last Homely House as he held up the Ring.

"Behold, Isildur's Bane," said Elrond. All eyes were fixed on Frodo and the young Hobbit was rowing increasingly embarrassed with the attention.

"Is the Doom of Minas Tirith so close?" exclaimed Boromir in what could be labelled fear.

"The words were not the Doom of Minas Tirith but refer instead to the Doom of the world," said Kalya, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table before her. "The Sword before you is the sword which was broken beneath Elendil when he fell and then used to cut the Ring from its master's hand by his son, Isildur."

"I was sent only to seek the answer to a riddle," said Boromir, looking between the Ring and the Sword in both fear and wonder. "Not to seek a boon of the Elves. However, if such shadows of the past have taken form, then the Sword of Elendil would be of great benefit in our plight. Yet, how do we know that the shining band of gold in the hand of a Halfling is Isildur's Bane? He perished before this Age of the world began, Master Elrond has told such at this very counsel, yet the Wise claim it is his and has passed through the years to be brought by some stranger messenger."

Gandalf proceeded to cause an upset amongst the Elves by reciting what was written on the Ring, earning him a stern reprimand from Elrond, the Black Speech of Mordor being little short of a curse to the Elves. Gandalf caused further disgruntlement by refusing to apologise for his actions and continued with the 'evidence' that the Wise had concerning the authenticity of the Ring. This included Bilbo being called upon to tell his part in the Ring's tale and, as his heir and current Ringbearer, Frodo was required to finish the tale. After the two Hobbits had finished their respective stories, Elrond granted the small recess Bilbo had requested before he had begun his tale.

"You have that look in your eye again," muttered Aragorn turning to face his sister. Kalya cocked her head at him.

"Look?" she asked.

"Yes. It appeared when Boromir detailed his dream. What have we missed?" asked Aragorn.

"Things are not as black-and-wide as they have been made out to be," replied Kalya. "This war will not be won by force. In times of greatest need it is always the forgotten who deserve the greatest credit."

Aragorn chuckled. "You speak in as many riddles as your mentor!"

Kalya was saved commenting by Elrond returning to the head of the table and restarting the proceedings.