Author's Note: Thanks for taking the time to read my new fic! This is a PREQUEL to my story Elleth of Light, if you haven't read that story, please feel free to take a read of it. But this story can stand alone as well, so if you are unfamiliar with Elleth of Light, then hopefully you will read this and decide to read it later. I hope fans of Elleth of Light will find their way to this story and enjoy it just as much if not more than the original! This story includes the life of Merenwen before her involvement in the war of the ring which will include her life as a march warden and her travels with Aragorn. All conversations in italics are being spoken in Elvish. I apologize for not knowing elvish well enough to write it as it is said; forgive me for being a mortal haha! Well as always reviews are always welcome and I respond to each individually in the author's note at the end of every update. Please do not flame me initially for the characters ability in battle, keep in mind Merenwen is not the legendary warrior she becomes in Elleth of Light, she is a novice and inexperienced, how would anyone else do under those circumstances haha! Hope you Enjoy!

Emerging Light

Chapter One

Merenwen's POV

I kept my eyes on the ground ahead. I felt the slight tickle of my stray blonde locks dance about my features. I watched as they grass seemed to sway to the rhythm of every breath I drew in and released. The sun struggled to push through the canopy of trees bowing above but I could still feel the warmth of the rays upon my skin. The warmth only fueled the anxiousness swelling within me. I stood, clad in armor I had to fight to be made for my frame; the blacksmith was not too keen on the idea of an elleth on the road to becoming a march warden. And by the feeling of disapproving eyes upon me where I stood, I realized the blacksmith was not the only one with such a mindset.

I feared to even meet their gaze, all manner of confidence I had within me could not be found at the moment. It wasn't the situation at hand that caused me to waver within; in fact I welcomed this sudden and unplanned order for us to stand guard at our borders. We may have only been a few weeks into our training but I found my ability in combat to be quite natural. No, it was these eyes upon me that made me unsteady. These constant, unrelenting eyes of the other elves that seemed to scrutinize my every move was becoming too much for me.

There was only so much pep talks I can give myself before venturing to training every morning. I was told this would be most difficult for me, but I could not help but think that it should not be. Narrow minded elves the lot of them.

I had often kept to myself since my parents passed. I had nothing in common with these elves, nor did I put forth much effort to change that. I was not like them. If it weren't for the points atop my ears, I could very well pass as a mortal. I could not control my emotions, instead they raged like a storm. Tossing my thoughts about wildly to the point I made an outcast of myself. Why would anyone want to associate with an elleth who behaved like an emotional mortal?

It was hard for Lord Celeborn to look upon me at times; he did little to shield his disapproving expression from my eyes. Lady Galadriel at least pretended she valued my individuality. It was what makes us different, that makes us shine the brightest she once said. Well she should at least let everyone else know so they would stop viewing me as some sort of plague that infiltrated their population.

Despite my displeasure in the company of the elves surrounding me there was one thing that made me more like them than they would admit; I loved this place. This was my home, the trees would whisper my name in the gentle spring breeze just as any other elf here and I had to do my part to protect this land with all that I have. Which is why I was standing here, awaiting Haldir's order for us to move beyond the border. Orcs had found interest in all lands of Middle Earth these days, or I should say whoever gave them orders to scout the lands had the interest. I highly doubt these lowly, gangly creatures had any interest solely from within, they were being led. But by who? That was the true question. There were rumors naturally, but I intended to know the truth.

I drew in breath, my arrow still pulled tightly back, ready to fire at the slightest of movements that entered our woods. I glanced around at my well hidden comrades, if you could call them that. They were no friends of mine, they had not even taken time to speak more than what was required to me. I knew I would be facing opposition for being the only elleth here. Actually I was the only elleth to even request approval for such a rank. I suppose that did little to help create a more relatable to other elleths or gain favor in the eyes of my comrades perched atop the branches surrounding me but I felt this was my calling. I pleaded for the opportunity which surprisingly enough, was given to me by Lady Galadriel. She saw something in me she said to me. She went on to say that I was meant for greatness. I'm sure that was her way of being nice to her eccentric subject. Trying to instill hope in a hopeless case, I mean really what else was there to do with me other than stick me under the strictest rule of Haldir?

I took in a deep breath and forced my nervous hands to steady. This was an incredible opportunity, and whether it was given to me by pity or hope, I had to make the best of it. I had to give it my all. And if this would be the first day I would spill enemy blood I would do it with strength, grace and confidence…I hope.

Suddenly I realized I was no longer alone on the branch I was perched upon nearest the very trunk of the aging giant. I tried not to allow my sudden startle to become known but the branch gave a slight jerk from my feet.

"Steady now." He whispered. I watched his eyes meticulously sift through the trees ahead.

"There, do you see? In the distance…" He whispered, pointing his finger towards the left. I forced my elven eyes to narrow and to my surprise I saw them. Nearly a dozen orcs were scurrying about the forest floor. I snarled at the sight of the horrid creatures, I had never seen them in person until this moment but I was hardly impressed. They moved about like creatures unknown to this world. How could anything so hideous be allowed to wander so openly?

"They do not know of our presence." I whispered as I studied their seemingly unaware movements spread out and begin to wander without care to stay together. That would be their second mistake. Their first mistake being their entry to our woods.

"Perhaps." His brow furrowed slightly before he motioned quick gestures to those nearest the orcs to make quick and silent work on our unwelcomed guests. He then turned to me, his expression was gentle and intense and with a constant gaze expressing that he viewed me as any other elf under his command. Haldir made it clear from the first day that I would receive no special treatment from him. You are no more worthy nor less worthy of a warrior than anyone, he said to me. You are here as a warrior and I will view you as such he continued. I had grown to respect him beyond measure, his objective outlook on my presence was something I found myself clinging to when no one else seemed to share his thoughts. He was a fine leader, despite my tendency towards disobeying authority; I found it quite easy to follow his orders.

I had learned a great deal even in such a short span of time under his command. He was a natural born leader and every situation he used to his advantage to bestow his wisdom or some sort of lesson any would be thankful to have learned. He had a compassion for us but his compassion was often hard to see clearly. He had a tendency to reveal his compassion in the most unlikely of ways.

Many ellons would whisper, gossip about his techniques as a captain. Expressing that Haldir was too strict, unfair and even cruel. I'm certain I would soon find myself thinking the same things when it is my time to have the full extent of his command upon me but until then, I simply enjoyed the building admiration I had for the ellon. He was everything an elf should be…and everything I was not. I believe that was the main reason I supported his position to the extent in which I did. He was what I aspired to be.

"Do you trust your gut instincts?" He asked me sternly, breaking my concentration on everything except where my attention should be at the moment.

"Sometimes…" I answered honestly, allowing my mind to return to the situation at hand. His lips tightened from my response before he responded.

"You should always trust your gut instincts. We will now…follow mine. Follow me." He said sternly while motioning for Gaelon to join he and I down below until we felt the firm earth beneath our feet.

"Remain close. Be aware of all directions; leave no opening for an attack. Let us ensure our friends did not have a bit more to their plans than the obvious." He ordered. I glanced over to Gaelon, he gave me an unimpressed scoff before readying his arrow and taking up position in the rear of our small group. Out of all the ellons to have near me during our first mission, it had to Gaelon. I released a dramatic sigh before I too readied my arrow once more and began scanning the land around us as we began to move. Haldir was quick yet silent with his footsteps; something most elves naturally gifted with grace had no trouble in mimicking. Of course I was naturally gifted with a clumsy tendency and a knack for heavy steps when walking. I had thankfully learned to be cognizant of this, and the painful bruises upon my legs where Haldir struck them with his boots every instance of my heavy steps reached his ears, were also good reminders to step lightly.

It became quiet the further we ventured away from the rest of the squad. Too quiet. The air was becoming thick; my senses were beginning to grow achingly vigilant. A feeling I was instructed to pay great attention to. Our senses will never fail us.

"Captain…I-" I started until I witnessed Haldir turning swiftly and lunging towards Gaelon and I, sending us crashing upon the ground. My vision danced about wildly to the canopy of sunlit trees above until focusing on the black arrows cutting through the air where we were once standing. Thankfully Haldir's senses were far more keen than my own.

Suddenly the weight of Haldir was removed from my body and I rolled swiftly onto my belly, studying the direction in which the arrows were traveling.

"What have we learned about black arrows?" Haldir asked as he began searching for a vantage point for our counter attack.

"They're poisoned." I quickly answered.

"Better not get close to them elleth." Gaelon muttered beside me. I shot a glare towards the set of blue eyes and smirk now greeting my gaze.

There was a break in the arrows, Gaelon and I both seized the moment and sprang to our feet, but we were soon made aware of the reason behind the cease in arrows. Within seconds a slow band of orcs were charging towards us. He and I shared a moment of sheer panic…anxiety and absolute fear for our lives before we abandoned our bows and pulled forth our blades.

My heart was racing to speeds I have never before felt. My breathing was reduced to short gasps; I clenched my teeth as my eyes focused on the orc that was sure to be my first opponent…and hopefully not my last.

I forced my heels to plant firmly into the ground; I steadied my body and clenched my blade as tight as possible until the white of my knuckles became visible. I had no time to think, all the lessons and fight patterns had all but abandoned by mind as the orc crashed upon me like water against rock.

The stench of the orc, the very warmth of its putrid breath was enough to cause a slight nauseous sensation to riddle my insides but I swung my blade with all the strength I could conjure. I witnessed my blade creating lines of damage within the very flesh of the beast. Shrieking sounds escaped the orcs lips before he lunged at me, his rusted blade began crashing against my own with strength I did not expect. I was driven back; my firmly planted feet were becoming light, too light.

Regain control. I could hear Haldir's barks echoing within my mind but I could not find control. There was such difference in friendly battle during sparring matches than actual conflict. I had thought I understood this and would transition without hindrance. But here I was feeling panic settling in far too much. I was…scared.

Suddenly the orc before me was struck dead by a single blow from Gaelon's blade. The orcs' corpse jerked slightly before sprawling out into a lifeless mess before my feet.

"I told you this was no place for an elleth. You will get us killed behaving like that!" His words cut deeper than any blade could penetrate.

"It will not happen again. I merely…lost my footing." I lied, a lie that Gaelon had seen right through. He shook his head and took off in the direction of the few remaining orcs now starting to flock towards Haldir. I knew I should follow, but I remained still. I tried to rationalize my actions…my pathetic excuse for fighting; but there was nothing to be said except I allowed fear to get the best of me. I behaved like most elleths would in the situation and that realization infuriated me. I would not be the damsel in distress. Not again.

"Little elleth left all alone…" A raspy voice growled in the distance. I spun around to see an orc, hunched over and approaching in such a gangly manner before he tilted his head slightly to examine his prey.

I swallowed hard. The creature spoke the truth. I was alone. But alone would have to suffice.

I brought my blade up before pointing the steel point towards the orc.

"I do not fear you orc. It is you…who will fear me." My voice traveled to tones lower than I had ever uttered, I wanted to ensure this creature knew my words were true.

"Is that right? When this is over…I will feast upon your delicate flesh." Intimidation; wise tactic. The thought of this creature ripping me to shreds for pure enjoyment was certainly enough to cause my waning confidence to falter further but that was how these beasts worked. I had to remember my lessons, I had to think clearly. I had to contemplate the facts. And the facts were that this orc was not stronger than me. It was not quicker nor did it possess any special abilities that gave it the upper hand in combat against me. All it had was tricks and intimidation tactics. That's it.

I felt my senses starting to calm, my nervous hands no longer showed signs of shaking. I drew in the first deep breath since this battle began and I allowed my lips to curl into a slight smile. I could do this.

I could not recall who made the first move but within the blink of an eye our blades were clashing together creating strikes of lightning all our own. Our movements were learning, mimicking the speed in which strikes were made. Battles were a lot like dancing. A girlish notion I would certainly keep to myself but it was true, two bodies moving about in a style unique to ourselves. Rhythm could be found also, bold steps created swift movements that searched for openings for victory.

Just as I found a sense of comfort in our dance of sorts, a fist connected against my face, splitting my lips instantly. Blood trickled down my chin and upon the darkened flesh of my opponent.

"Delicious." His voice purred. Disgusted with his remark I slammed my boot into his gut and drove him hard into the ground. Not a move fit for an elf I'm sure, but it did the trick nonetheless. I felt him squirming beneath my weight before becoming still as the tip of my sword connected with this throat. Raspy breaths did little to distract from the trembling hands now offering a plea for mercy. An act I found myself unable to believe was coming from such a beast. I hesitated, longer than I should. The beast took hold of my ankle and was sure to force me off balance, giving him the upper hand but before my thoughts could fathom such events coming to pass a single arrow struck the creature's scull. The arrow belonged to Haldir. Great.

"Show no mercy. That is a lesson many elves do not live long enough to learn. Consider yourself lucky but do not make such a fatal mistake again." His words fell upon me like a weight landing upon my shoulders.

Haldir then landed before me from the branch he must have been perched upon when he had fired his arrow. Without warning I felt his grasp upon my chin as he forced my face to either side as he examined my features to see the extent of my features.

"You'll survive." He spat before releasing my face abruptly. I had a feeling he was about to make me wish I hadn't. The disappointed glare in his eyes did little to shake that feeling. What had I gotten myself into?