A/N: DISCLAIMER! I do not own any of the LOTR or THE HOBBIT characters. I just own these OCs. I hope you love them as I love them… Here we go~ :3 Please review….PLEASE! :D


CHAPTER ONE | Homecoming

With the one ring destroyed and King Elessar once more ruled among men, peace was somewhat restored in middle earth and the hearts of the ones living in it. Many perished to see this day done and some were given the gift to live the days of peace…but not without scars…

It was then that the two companions began their leisure journey back to their home. They have served well being one of the many Galadhrim that fought for Helm's Deep. It was the will of the Valar that they see this day of peace and live it.

From the House of Elros brother to Lord Elrond of Imladris, Maengwen chattered with her companion, Corumeth from the Woodland Realm. They have both survived the war and were now heading back to Imladris for a promise they both swore with their good friend, Idhreneth who have been worried since they joined the Galadhrim under the leadership of the late Marchwarden, Haldir of Lorien.

Her long wavy dark tresses bounced lightly as their horses trotted by the Anduin River. They have passed by Lorien a day ago and as Corumeth said, will be arriving at the Old Ford where they will be parting – Maengwen, taking the High Pass and finally going home and Corumeth, taking the old forest road back to Mirkwood.

"Truly, my friend." Maengwen turned to the blonde Sindar. "Idhreneth will be disappointed. It has been long since she saw your fair face. A fortnight can surely not disrupt your return home?"

Corumeth smiled softly as she shook her head. In truth, they've just known each other when they both decided to join the ranks a year ago. But now it seems like they're sisters that can never be separated from each other. "Maengwen, my friend. I am expected to report to my lord. It is of heavy heart that I have to decline." She sighed, dreading the outcome of the war. She has yet to discover the result of the orc invasion in her home. She felt her friend's heart saddened even more and when the elleth looked back at her with those haunting gray eyes lined with thick lashes that were said to be from the beauty of Luthein herself, she gave up. "Perhaps three days?" Maengwen's face lighted immediately. "Only three, Maengwen... And please do keep that pleading face to yourself…" She chuckled.

Maengwen knew she once more succeeded into getting what she wants. There was a time when her uncle, Lord Elrond chastised her for using such tactics in persuasion. But it had proved useful especially when the elf needed things done immediately. "Of course, my friend. I have my limits as to use my…gifts."

"Gifts, indeed!" Corumeth playfully swatted her friend. Their laughter filled the forest echoing through the canopy and it was surreal. Never have they imagined a time of peace such as this. "If only Thiadir-" She covered her mouth immediately and turned her sorrowful eyes to her friend. Maengwen's smile faded at the spoken name and she kept silent. After a while, Corumeth looked back to the dirt path and mentally scolded herself for making such a mistake. Thiadir was Maengwen's betrothed. They were supposed to be joined in union after the war and they promised to live. But the Valar willed him death and it did not help that it was to save Maengwen's life in the battle for Helm's Deep. "I am sorry…" She whispered.

Maengwen gave off a heavy sigh. "Twas nothing, my friend." She urged her head up height and smiled ruefully. "He wanted me to live on… It is…difficult…very difficult but… It was what he wanted." She added accepting the grim fate of her love.

"You are strong, Maengwen." Corumeth said. "You will live…but do not hold your grievances, I am here to listen. I am here to be your crying shoulder. And when we reach Imladris, Idreneth will be more than willing to comfort your crying heart."

"You will only stay for three days…" Maengwen rolled her eyes. "Now how can that comfort a friend?" It was clear that she does not want to remember what happened for she has been jesting since they left Gondor.

Corumenth chuckled, playing along and knowing that there is no other better way to forsake grief. "And once more you're trying to persuade me to stay longer… Nay, my friend. I have to go back to Greenwood, the great." Her face turned serious. "I fear for the woods that raised me… I have trust in my lord, Thranduil…but if there be a need to heal the land, I must not tarry."

Maengwen nodded and understood. "You do know I was jesting?" She raised a brow which made Corumeth glare at her. She waved the thoughts and chose another topic. "Your stay will be festive, I promise."

"There is no need, my friend." Corumeth replied.

"For me, I'd gladly accept that. We are weary and in need of better rest than celebration…" Maengwen raised her finger and said, "But…not my cousins."

Corumeth blanched at the mention of Elrond's sons. "I…I thought they're away…?"

"Nay, my sister." Maengwen grinned. "Elladan wrote to me just before we journey from Gondor. They await our arrival and it was written that he expects you to come and stay before heading home."

"You knew of this and you didn't tell me!?" Corumeth accused playfully as she gently pushed her obsidian horse, Talagor against Maengwen's ivory steed, Suldal. They horses neighed but did not stop walking knowing their masters were but having a cheerful conversation. "How could you…you…TRAP me…?!"

Maengwen chortled at her friend's reaction. "There is no harm in meeting Elladan, Corumeth. Have I not told you that he is handsome? You love weapons, don't you?"

"Of course, I do… But it doesn't mean I'd like your cousin." Corumeth answered, narrowing her eyes.

"Ah! But you must! He is a weapon's smith, my friend." Maengwen said, delight evident in her face. "It will be a match to behold! I'm sure uncle will not mind welcoming you into the family."

"MAENGWEN!"

Idhreneth heard from the scouts that two elves approach the High Road a day ago. As she made her way down the pathways heading to the entrance bridge of Rivendell, a smile graced her lips. It must be Maengwen and Corumeth. I'm sure of it… She thought, hastening her steps and picking her gown higher. But as she saw two elven horses, one the color of night and the other as white as snow, appear by the road leading to the bridge, she accidentally tripped. Before she could feel the ground hit her face for it was what she knew would happen, strong arms hold her and stood her upright.

"Best not to make haste, child."

The deep familiar voice made Idhreneth look up to behold one of the sons of Lord Elrond. "Elrohir…" Idhreneth whispered.

Elrohir was surprised to see a cousin of his. "My, my… Fair Idhreneth! I have not seen you in a decade!" He exaggerated.

Idhreneth giggled at that. "My lord, Elrohir… We have greeted each other by the gardens a day ago. You jest." She smiled brightly now forgetting the arrival of two friends.

Elrohir feigned ignorance and took one of his cousin's hands leading her to the gates. "Are you sure, my lady? I have not seen such beauty since…" The playful tapping on his shoulder made him laugh and stop his teasing. "I am sorry, cousin. I am in a happy mood. Scouts spotted Suldal by the rocks. Maengwen is home."

Idhreneth smiled warmly at that. They have been awaiting news from survivors and their home coming. Today, though… Today, her sister comes home. She let Elrohir guide her up the steps and when they reached the gate, her sister was riding across the bridge followed by her good friend, Corumeth. They looked like men atop their steeds from battle. In a sense, they are…for there are but a few elleths who would join such venture.

Idhreneth stood rooted to the ground. It was evident that her sister and friend have gone through pain. Their faces are smiling but speak of the horrors they've undergone. Her sister especially looked in grief. Of course… Corumeth wrote to her of Thiadir's passing. Their uncle welcomed her with both arms, Maengwen sobbing and she knew it was not from the horrors of war but from the heartbreak it caused. Elladan was next… He raised Maengwen and twirled her around with a proud smile…he then looked to Corumeth. Idhreneth knew her cousin fancies the Sindar Elleth. It was a laugh seeing her friend stare down Elladan who merely gave the cold elleth a proper bow for welcome instead of a hug in fear of being maimed by the woman he plans to court.

"Well…?"

Idhreneth looked up at Elrohir's smiling face.

"Go to your sister, child." Elrohir pointed. "She needs you more than ever."

Idhreneth nodded and started to walk but found herself running into the arms of her sister. "Maengwen, my sister!" She cried. "I have missed you! Thank the Valar you are home…"

TBC

A/N: So? How do you guys love this one? ^_^ Please tell me...