Shades of Gray

A/N & Disclaimer: Avadiel takes her own journey. Movieverse, action-romance. OFC/Canon elf. I don't own anything you recognize. This will not change at any time during the story. Therefore, this will be the only time I tell you. You may assume that if Avadiel is speaking to an Elf or Aragorn, she is speaking Elvish. If she is speaking to anyone else, she is speaking Westron. She doesn't know any other language.

Constructive criticism is welcome. But if you just don't like it, do me a favor and just stop reading it. I'm not out to write the next great thing, I'm just having fun. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't deliberately try to take that joy away from me by being spiteful just because you can. Special thanks go to NiRi for her excellent work in beta'ing this chapter-

"I will send out riders at first light on the morrow," the Lord of Imladris stated as he strode down the path beside his trusted friend. "They will bear a letter from me requesting a representative to join the Council," Elrond paused a moment, meeting the gaze of his companion. "I would like you to lead the group that I am sending to King Thranduil in Northern Mirkwood."

Glorfindel bowed slightly to Elrond. "Of course. I will be ready"

Elrond halted his steps and Avadiel held her breath as she froze in the trees above them. Glorfindel's paces ceased alongside Elrond's, and he turned to the lord with a slight questioning look.

"Take Avadiel with you," Elrond said, as if an afterthought.

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow, but did not question Elrond. Instead he responded by saying, "As you wish."

"I do," Elrond said, then glanced towards the treetops above him. "It will be a good test for her."

"A test?"

Elrond grinned slightly as he looked back to his friend, but chose not to elaborate.

"I shall be sending Elrohir and Elladan to Gondor. Taurnil and Ethelon shall go to Rohan. I shall send Erestor to the dwarves with Ohtar."

Glorfindel nodded approvingly as the two continued their walk. Avadiel waited until she could no longer hear them, then climbed down the tree until she was close enough to jump to the ground. She ran back down the path towards her home, and once inside, excitedly began packing her things for the journey to Mirkwood. She knew the trip had the potential for danger, but with Glorfindel by her side, knew no harm would come to her. Once the bag was packed, she sat on the floor and began to pull her weapons out from their case under the bed.

Avadiel removed her bow first, then the quiver full of arrows. She ran her finger along the wood and grinned. Having Glorfindel for an uncle did have its benefits. He had been insistent that all his brother's children be able to defend themselves. Her father hated it, and her sister had declined the offer to be taught. But Avadiel attended every practice and even spent some of her free time on the practice fields. She just had never had an interest in sewing or reading or other feminine things that her mother and sister had spent hours and hours doing together. Although Faelasiel had been a patient mother, eventually she threw up her hands in defeat when it came to Avadiel. Nothing she did could force her youngest daughter into acting like a young lady.

No, Avadiel lived up to her name, which meant rebellious and was given to her by Lord Elrond himself around the time Avadiel became an adult. And although Faelasiel had long since left for Valinor, her father still called her by the name given to her at her birth.

"Tadiel," a voice called at the same time as a knock on her door.

Avadiel jumped, startled by the interruption. She put the bow and quiver back in the case, slid it under the bed and got up off the floor.

"Ada!" she said as she opened her door.

Standing with her father was her brother, Ethelon, and Glorfindel. Taurnil gave his daughter a concerned look as he brushed past her and sat at a table. Glorfindel gave Avadiel a grin, patted her on the shoulder and he followed his brother inside her home. Ethelon, however, stopped and embraced his baby sister. Avadiel giggled as she did the same.

"Ethelon," she exclaimed, "It's been too long! How are you? How is Meldís?"

Avadiel held her brother at arms length and looked at him closely. She had always thought that he was handsome, but there was a light about him now that made Avadiel wonder what was going on with her brother.

"She is well," his eyes twinkled as he grinned. "She is with child!"

"Oh Ethelon," Avadiel beamed at her older brother, "that is such glorious news!"

"Children," Taurnil interrupted the siblings, "we have serious business to discuss please."

"Sorry, Adar," Ethelon apologized, then gave his sister a wink before joining their father and uncle at the table.

With a wide grin, Avadiel closed the door and followed her brother to the table. Her brother's wife was with child, and she would finally be an aunt!

"Lord Elrond has received news of the utmost importance," Taurnil said with no other preface.

Avadiel and Ethelon sobered immediately.

"There is to be a council of all free races in Middle-earth. Elrond has asked us to be representatives of Imladris to carry his invitation to leaders in other areas. Ethelon, you will join me as we ride to Rohan with all speed. We will leave at first light."

Taurnil paused and looked at Avadiel, his brow furrowed in concern. "Avadiel," he finally said, "you will join Glorfindel and go to Mirkwood to carry the message to Thranduil."

Avadiel smiled at her father and reached over to take his hand softly into hers.

"Worry not, Father, for my uncle will keep me safe."

Taurnil did not return her smile, "How can I not worry for you, daughter? I would prefer that you stay in Imladris where it is safe. Or better still, to join those leaving for Valinor."

"But Father," she protested, "I'm not ready!"

Taurnil sighed, but before he could reply, Ethelon interrupted, "I am."

The elves in the room all looked to him, as they waited for him to elaborate.

"When we return from Rohan, Meldís and I will join the next group leaving for the Blessed Realm."

Avadiel felt tears in her eyes and blinked them back rapidly. Sadness filled her as she looked at her beloved brother. It was not a parting that she was ready for.

"Perhaps Rauniel and Elhadron will join you," Taurnil said with a grateful sigh. "And Avadiel as well," he said as he looked to his youngest daughter hopefully. Avadiel frowned.

"We should prepare for tomorrow," Glorfindel commented, interrupting Avadiel's bitter retort, and changing the subject before an argument started. However, she knew her uncle well enough to know that this would not be the last she heard about it and she wrinkled her nose at the though of any more discussion on the matter.

When there seemed to be no more to say about the journey, the males all stood from the table and Avadiel did the same to walk them out.

"We'll talk when I return," Ethelon promised his sister.

Avadiel bid them good night and closed the door.

~TBC~