A/N: First chapter written by Lily.

DISCLAIMER: Don't own LoTR. You know the deal.



Chapter 1: Familiar

The Fellowship left Rivendell with heavy hearts. Each one knew what this
quest meant, and how dangerous it was.

Correction. Everyone but Pippin knew. He still hadn't figured it out. No
one really had the heart to tell him either.

*singing hobbits are heard from behind*

Okay, so not EVERYONE had a heavy heart. Damnit, you Halflings, thanks for
ruining my perfectly good beginning. *shouts of "your welcome"*

I'm starting over.

~~*~~*~~*~~

The Fellowship left early that morning, hoping to make it to the next town
by nightfall. Gandalf had informed Aragorn of some "business" he needed to
take care of, which had Aragorn picking his brain wondering what business
other than the Ring he had with anyone.

~*~


Meanwhile, in a little town called Brant, two mysterious women were sitting
in a pub with their friends, telling stories, drinking ale and comparing
fights and wounds with several young men. To the unknowing eye, they would
look like regular swordswomen, but to one who dared to look closer, the
mystery would astound them.

The two women at the head of the table appeared to be the leaders. One was
tall and slim with reddish brown hair that fell to her chin and flashing
green eyes. She looked barely over 20, and she wore a necklace of gems
around her neck and an emerald ring on her right hand. Her facial features
were small and angular, almost elven like, but she was rugged and had a
mischevious gleam in her eyes.

The other woman was clearly elven of some sort with long wavy black hair
and intense blue eyes. She was very pale and quiet, but she threw in a
wisecrack every once in a while. Her face was beautiful, and even though
she was dressed like a man, she still showed immense femininity and
knowledge. She wore no jewelry, but a belt around her shirt made of ancient
crystals and black leather.

Anyone could tell that the two women were the best of friends and had been
through hell and high water together.

It was revealed in that conversation that the group were Rangers, a dangerous job in Middle-earth,
especially for women, but these two had high spirits and fond memories. Name of the individuals in that little group were also made available to the
intent listener that night, of course, none of them any more than a friendly
nickname. Raven was the black-haired Elven beauty; Jade-Fawn, ore Jade, was the
other woman's name. Her name had come to her by a family member, early in her
childhood years. Other names included Piper, Arrow, Cutter, Tanner and Ruby.

Just then, the door to the pub opened and 9 stranger walked in, glancing
around. The place became quiet as the leader of the group walked up to the bar.
Jade watched as the man walked up to the bar. He seemed familiar, but he
had on a hood and his face couldn't be seen. Something about the way he
walked…he seemed to stride more than walk…