DISCLAIMER:I do not own nor do I lay claims to anything pertaining to the world of Middle Earth or the characters created by Sir J.R.R. Tolkien, his son, or the Tolkien society. I am not making any money from this. I only write this for myself, to subjugate my own muse, and possibly entertain others in the process. Thank you!

Chapter One: Interruptions

Several clashes of steel on steel echoed through the small, but warm house. A young girl with a plait of ebony whipping around her shoulders, exchanged glances with a young man twice her age. She was dressed in a green riding tunic and black breeches complete with dark, soft-leather boots which reached up to her knee. She wore a wide belt around her waist with her sword's scabbard dangling from it. On first glance, it could be very possible to mistake her for a boy, but her slightly curvaceous figure, and clear swell of breasts made it hard for the illusion to last. By those characteristics alone, she appeared to be fifteen, maybe sixteen years old.

The two continued their sparring match, dancing around each other with grace and precision. The man was obviously highly skilled with a blade, a warrior of many years, and the girl was sure following close in his footsteps. The man appeared to be gaining the ground, when, suddenly, with a few adept and surprising moves she fought the sword from her opponent's hand, leaving him shocked and unarmed.

The girl tipped her sword under the surprised man's chin and grinned broadly. "Hah!" She let out a shout of triumph because this would mark the very first time she had ever disarmed him.

Suddenly, a young blonde boy burst through the front door and ran into the room shouting, "Ellie! Ellie, come quick!" The ebonette instinctively glanced over her shoulder, relaxing her stance and lowering her defenses. The man took the opportunity to seize back the advantage. He grabbed her arm, twisting it behind her back and pinned her in a vise-like arm lock.

He held her own sword to her throat, "You do not win until your enemy is incapacitated or dead, little Ellie! Never forget that!" He released her and she pushed away from him.

"I still disarmed you!" She barbed, and then stuck her tongue out at him, her youth shining through.

He chuckled before continuing his reprimand, "Which counted for absolutely nothing when you let down your defenses!"

"I would not have let down my guard if Théoden-" upon saying his name she eyed the older boy, who toed the ground sheepishly. "-had not distracted me," she finished.

"Distractions happen on the battlefield, Ellie! If you do not keep your head about you in a fight-"

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I know! I know," she cut him off. " 'Losing your head in battle is the surest way to actually lose your head,' " she finished for him in a mocking tone. "I know!" The man chuckled again then handed her sword back to her, which she graciously took from him, re-sheathing it at her hip.

The boy, who had been subtly bouncing from foot to foot in excitement, suddenly burst out, "The traveling market from Harad has finished setting up in the field! They are giving Oliphaunt rides!"

Without another word the raven-haired girl quickly grabbed her cloak and made for the door. She was halfway out of the room when the man shouted, "Eledhwen Víressë!" He used her full name. That was never a good sign. "Would you mind telling me just where exactly you think you are going, young lady?" Ellie froze mid-step and turned, walking back inside with her head lowered and her hands twined behind her.

"I was going to come back," she worried her bottom lip.

The man crossed his arms expectantly, "You have not yet finished your lessons for the day."

"Oh, Thorongil, Please!" she whined. "I have always wanted to see an Oliphaunt and there's one right outside the city!" His stern gaze did not falter. Théoden had begun to feel slightly awkward in the middle of the siblings spat, so he had turned and left the room.

After the young prince was gone, Ellie persisted, "I want to go Estel! I have been shut up in here forever it seems, doing little else but training and studying with you since we came here. Six years, Estel!" She sighed heavily. She had been feeling more and more like a caged ferret these past several months. Every now and then she would even be overwhelmed with a great longing to be outdoors amongst the woods and fields, surrounded by nature and all her glory. It was getting harder to ignore the yearning; as if Rohan, as if Arda itself were calling to her.

"It is for your own protection, Ellie, you know that. I may not always be around, and I need to know that my baby sister will be able to take care of herself. Especially if she has inclinations of becoming a shield maiden someday!" He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder before continuing. "I know it seems difficult sometimes, Ellie. It was the same for me as a boy."

"Because you were a boy, Estel!" She sighed heavily and crossed her arms. "I, as you so often keep reminding me, am not a boy! Yet, I have devoted my entire life to doing what others have said would be best for me. Even before we came here, it was the same in Rivendell. I have always done everything ever asked of me! At times that has meant I have trained with you, or the Gwenyn until every part of me ached; until I couldn't stand on my own feet!" When tears threatened, she blinked them away and the muscles worked in her jaw as she clenched and unclenched her teeth.

She took a deep breath in to calm herself before she went on. "I know I am different, Estel," she continued fighting back any tears. She was stronger than that. "I know not exactly how, but I can feel it. Don't you think I can feel it? I know how dangerous the world can be. I also know why you protect me as you do; you fear that what happened to my mother will happen to me."

Aragorn startled at that little revelation, "How long have you-"

"Since, before we left for Rohan," she answered before he'd finished the question. Ellie sniffled once more and swiped at her eyes. At his questioning look, she want on to elaborate how she knew. "I overheard you speaking with Mithrandir and Lord Elrond in the study when you all thought I had gone to bed."

"Sweet Eru, Ellie, I am so sorry. You should have never had to learn of it that way. I should have told you." Aragorn felt a pang of guilt spread through his heart. "Why have you never mentioned it before?"

Ellie shrugged softly, "How exactly could I have brought it up? 'Oh, Estel. By the way. You know how you found me in the wreckage of a caravan clutched in my dead mother's arms? Well, I know all about it, so you don't have to lie to me anymore.' " She rolled her eyes at the idea of it. "Besides, I would rather live as your little sister than some wayward orphan child with no future outside a wash-house or a brothel."

"Ellie!" Aragorn reprimanded her slightly for even suggesting something so crude. This only made the younger girl giggle.

Aragorn allowed a smile to spread across his lips before he brushed a tear from Ellie's cheek. "Everything will be alright, Ellie, I promise," he whispered, stroking her hair gently before pulling her into a soft embrace.

"How will it be alright, Estel? I don't know who or even what I am." Ellie was crying now, so Aragorn wrapped her up in a tight, comforting hug, hushing her tenderly.

"Then I shall tell you exactly who you are!" He brushed a stray lock of hair that had fallen from her braid behind her ear. "You are my clever, beautiful, and at most times pestering little sister." That made her chuckle softly, despite her tears. "Ever since I first held you in my arms and you looked at me with those big, glistening emerald eyes I knew I would give my life to protect you." Aragorn took a deep breath. "I love you Ellie, and I would never want any harm to come to you. However, I realize now that such a desire has led me to shelter and push you too hard and too often. For that I am truly sorry."

Ellie sniffled before leaning back and wiping her nose on her sleeve. Estel grimaced slightly. Very attractive! "It is alright, Estel. I think it is every older brother's burden to worry and fear for their sister. Even to the point of annoyance," she added as an aside, then grinned brightly. After a moment, her features became serious once more. "I really do appreciate everything you do for me, Estel. I know I am not the easiest little sister to get along with. On the other hand, though, you are far from the easiest brother to get on with either." Estel smiled at her, happy to see her spirits lifting. "I realize how hard it must be for you to be raising me on your own. However... If I promise to work extra hard when I get back, could I maybe, just this once be allowed this small chance for some fun with my friends? Please?"

He wiped the few remaining tears from her cheeks with the backs of his fingers. Oh those big shiny doe eyes. How could he possibly deny her request now? "Very well, little Ellie... Go and see your Oliphaunt!"

"Really?" She practically squealed, making Aragorn flinch slightly. Ellie grinned broadly and hugged Estel tight, "Nnn! Thank you, Estel. I mean Thorongil! Sorry."

He chuckled softly, returning her embrace until, rather unexpectedly he took a firm hold of her shoulders and pushed her back at arms length. He gazed sternly into her eyes, "If you are not back by sundown, though-"

"I know, I know! The whole of Middle-Earth will not be able to save me from your wrath!" she joked, then giggled excitedly as she kissed him on the cheel.

"Just remember to mind yourself, Ellie... Though you may prefer the attire and activities of men, you are still, unfortunately, a lady." A sly smile graced his lips and he shrugged softly, "Some of the time..." He grinned broadly at his joke and they both chuckled. "Take care of yourself, alright?" He cautioned, in true concern for her welfare.

She nodded, "Do not worry, Estel. I will be careful, I promise." She turned, then skipped off after Théoden, whom she found waiting for her just outside in the hall.

Ever since Aragorn and the Gwenyn had discovered Eledhwen as a small babe amongst the wreckage of her family's caravan, he and Ellie had spent very little time apart. In the years he'd known the girl and had taken care of her like his own kin, she had endeared herself greatly to him. He loved her dearly as his sister, even if not by blood. That little secret finally being in the open was actually a heavy burden off his shoulders. He had always felt guilty for keeping up the pretense, but he, along with Lord Elrond and Gandalf, thought it best. At least until more could be discerned of the child's origins.

Truth be told, apart from being discovered cold and waling in the arms of her murdered mother, Ellie's true birthright was still a mystery. They had gleened from the wreckage of the caravan that they had been from Rohan and were set upon by some of the wildmen from Dunland. Gandalf along with Estel had done an extensive amount of research into Ellie and her family. All either of them had ever been able to come up with were some age old folk tales and legends involving Faeries and Wood sprites. Now, Gandalf the Grey would never disregard such tales completely offhand, for one would be surprised how often such stories were based in truth; it was simply discovering the truth behind the fairytale that was the difficult part.

Estel often felt guilty for bringing her with him, thinking it might have been better to leave her behind in Rivendell with Lord Elrond to continue honing her Healer's art. They all knew, however, that she would just pine after following her brother, and more than likely end up sneaking out some time in the night and giving them all a great scare before leading them on a merry hunt. They had lived in Rohan for some years now, and Aragorn was happy he'd brought her along. It seemed, the longer they stayed here in Rohan, Estel could not help but see the changes that had overcome his dear sister. Not only did she show great skill in many things; she had grown quite strong, and wise beyond her years in a short time; but, if one saw her at the exact perfect moment they would see that Ellie seemed to prosper and shine in this land, almost literally. She constantly had an energy and light around her, especially when the sun hit her just right. It was as if Estel had brought her Home.

"Letting her leave her training to be a girl for a few hours, Thorongil?" A tenor voice spoke from behind him, jarring Aragorn from his thoughts. "Are you not afraid of spoiling the girl?" The voice finished.

Estel stopped his attempts at bringing the room back to some semblance of order after their sparring match. He turned to face the newcomer, then spoke, "She will be a fierce and passionate Shield-maiden, my lord. Have no doubts to that!"

The man in kingly colors of green and gold with a crown upon his head, placed his hand on Estel's shoulder, "I was merely jesting with you, Thorongil. To be perfectly honest, I think you are harder upon your sister than most men are with their own sons." Estel looked at the King, blinking. His Majesty had a point. Estel listened as Thengel continued, "For Eru's sake she is a fourteen year old girl, Thorongil! Mischief, merry-making and chasing after boys should be among her primary concerns. Like any normal young lady!"

Estel sighed again, "Yes, my lord. You are, of course correct." Unfortunately, I do not think Ellie is any normal girl. Estel finished in his mind.

Thengel eyed his comrade warily, "Come now, Thorongil. We shall share a drink in the hall, you and I. The raising of a young woman is very tricky business, and sometimes I fear you may be in far over your head, my friend."

Estel chuckled, "I am well aware of that fact, my lord. All I can really say is thank Eru for ladies in waiting!" Both men chuckled.

Thengel then put his arm around Thorongil's shoulders and they walked as friends, and comrades in arms to the Golden Hall to share a few pints of the King's Mead.

(A/N: Well... That's it for Chapter one... This is my very first LotR specific fan fiction... I've had this in my archive for YEARS, so please forgive me if it seems a little... Imperfect, and unglossed... I've been afraid to post it anywhere because I'm not sure many people share my love for the land of Horse Lords. But regardless, I love this story and I will try very hard to continue it for myself, and for any readers who might enjoy it!

Thanks for reading! Feedback is much appreciated! Namarie!

Cheers! =^.^= )