Edited and reposted, with the advice of Certh. Enjoy!
In the Third Age of Middle Earth, the world was in turmoil. The One Ring lay hidden in The Shire, but Sauron was stirring. Orcs, goblins, and trolls wandered freely, terrorizing travelers and stealing goods.
Men call me Rogue- the wandering warrior. Elves call me by my name, for I am always their friend. I do not know what the dwarves call me: I have never met one.
My name is Elenweth, and I am the daughter of Elrohir, son of Elrond. I protected the roads before the events at the end of the Third Age. My story is not a pretty one. It is one of grit and dirt, sweat, blood, and tears. My line of work is one of constant torture, but I would never give it up. Not for one of the Rings of Power.
Most of the time, I wander; seeking new dangers and new thrills. I stick to the roads, helping those I can. But if someone tells me of trouble lurking in the shadows, I leave the well-traveled path and seek it. I also kill those who make this world a dark place.
This is my story.
Rivendell- Just before the Council of Elrond
"Why?"
I looked steadily into my father's eyes. They reflected untold anger and grief at my actions- and rightly so.
"The merchant was cheating good people. He had no reason to, he made plenty of gold without over-charging interest. And trying to marry the blacksmith's daughter- who was already engaged-" I shook my head. "It was too far."
Elrohir sighed. "Have I not told you many times that killing men is wrong?"
"The entire town wanted me to."
"That does not make it right."
I shrugged. "The people are happier now. I thought you would be happy to see me?" I changed my voice from defiant to sweet. "I have been gone three years." I smiled up at my father, trying to embody my aunt Arwen's charm.
He frowned. "Three long, nerve-racking years. It is good to have you back, even if it is under undesirable conditions."
I lowered my gaze, chastened. "I promise the next trip will be shorter. I'll only go to Mirkwood instead of southern Gondor."
"You said that this trip would be short too."
"I said shorter, and it was! Three years instead of five."
"Yes, but when you came back from the five year trip, you were only in Imladris for a few days before you left. It has been more like eight years."
I placed a hand on my hip and looked up at him again. I brushed my other hand through my dark brown hair, pushing it behind my pointed ear. All of my family has the same dark hair. Most of them have grey or blue eyes. But not me. Mine are a tribute to my dead mother. She was killed by Orcs, per tradition in this family. My grandmother was killed by Orcs, albeit in a roundabout way. I can only hope that my aunt Arwen and I do not meet the same fate.
Some I dream of my mother's face, terrified, as Orcs closed in around her. The small dagger she always kept in her belt flashing in the moonlight and covered in blood. I can see her emerald eyes wide and frightened. I can hear her screams.
Elrohir looked into the eyes of his dead wife, looking at me. I knew I brought him pain. Pain that was entwined with strong love.
"I am here now."
"Yes." He said impassively.
"You sound like Elrond." I complained.
"Who sounds like me?" The ancient elf swept into the room. His grey eyes held wells of wisdom, and years past, he had been a warrior. Elrond was one of the few people I greatly respected, the others being my father and Galadriel, who I had met only once. His brown hair was held back with a elegant silver circlet.
"Ah, Elenweth, you have returned from your... wanderings."
"With another kill under her belt."
Elrond glared at me. "Is that true?"
"Yes, it is true." My voice was barely a whisper.
He sighed. "And I assume my son has already discussed this with you?"
"Yes."
"Then we will move on. Elrohir, I need you to go find your brother."
My father nodded and strode quickly away. I watched as Elrond paced about the room, hands behind his back. My left hand rested on my sword- Agarwaen. Bloodstained in the language of mortals. It was a double edged, hand-and-half weapon. Deadly fast in my hands and bloodstained indeed. The hilt was decorated with silver and onyx. Runes up one side of the blade read- En sinlath ran eri nia sereg ultant an en man o ilya. The new moon rises over blood spilled for the good of all.
Suddenly Elrond turned to me. "Are you aware that the One Ring is here?"
"What?" I lowered my voice. "I heard nothing of it in my wanderings- as you call them."
Elrond grimaced. "Of course, you were in the south. Several hobbits, one of them carrying the Ring, along with the Ranger Aragorn arrived a few nights ago. Mithrandir has also arrived."
"My father did not tell me this."
"He had other things on his mind." Elrond said with a grim smile, acknowledging our earlier conversation.
My father returned with his brother Elladan. Both bore the same features. Dark hair, grey-blue eyes, tall, with muscles built by constant training with swords.
"Father?" Elladan asked.
"I want each of you to ride out and escort members of each race into Rivendell. Their purpose varies, but it is fortunate indeed that they have come. Times are dangerous, as you know. Elladan, dwarves are approaching from the north. Elrohir, a man is coming from Gondor along the Loudwater River. Elenweth, a company of elves from Mirkwood approaches by the High Pass. However, they are quite close. It should not take you long to reach them. May the Valar ride with you."
"And with you also." We said before quickly departing.
I ran through the halls of Rivendell to the stables, eager to get going. I reached the stable and swung up onto the back of a bay stallion and took off down the eastern road. It was about half an hour before I heard the characteristic beat of hooves of the road ahead. I reined in my horse and stood to the side of the road, waiting. Another five minutes passed before they came into view. Six horses, each carrying a blonde rider, galloped towards me. I nudged my horse out of the shadows and lifted a hand in greeting. The Woodland elves pulled up.
"Who are you?" The leader asked. He was a young elf with white blonde hair. His face looked strangely familiar...
"Legolas!" I called. "Its Elenweth!"
His guarded expression dropped and changed to one of joy. "Elenweth! It is good to see you again. Have you been surviving well?"
"Very well, my old friend. Has your father finally kicked you out of the palace?" I teased. "I always knew he would get fed up with you and your constant archery."
He chuckled. "Not yet. I am here on much more serious business."
"Oh?"
"I do not think I should tell you- even if you are a good friend."
We dismounted and hugged quickly. "I will be patient." I smiled up at him. His blue eyes twinkled happily. "Elrond sent me to escort you into Imladris. The sooner we get back, the sooner I can find out what secrets you are hiding." I swung back up onto my horse.
"Elenweth, do you remember the last time I came to Imladris?"
"How could I forget?"
"Let us see if things have changed." Legolas leapt onto his stallion and took off down the road.
"Hey!" I called, laughing. "No fair!" My horse jumped into a gallop and we tore down the road, gaining on Legolas with every stride. He glanced behind him, then spurred his white stallion faster.
"Lets go, roch, catch him!" I whispered in the horse's ear. He responded with a burst of speed that put us neck and neck. Legolas and I glanced at each other, grinning like fools. Trees blurred and the road disappeared under hooves. Neither of us could pull ahead. Our horses were giving it their all. We galloped into Rivendell at the same time.
"Another tie!" I cried, dismounting. "You would think that after ten years, one of us would have a faster horse!"
Legolas smiled. "Ten years isn't that long."
"True." I took the reins and led both of our horses to the stables. A groom took them and promised to care for the sweating stallions. I turned back and found Legolas still standing there.
"Will you reveal your secrets to me now, since we are in the safety of Rivendell?"
He shook his head. "I am sorry, but I should not. It is for Lord Elrond's ears." He started towards the center of Rivendell. I followed. When we reached grandfather's study, Legolas knocked, then entered.
"Lord Elrond." Legolas bowed deeply. "My father has sent me to enlighten you on our..." He trailed off. "Elenweth." He said without turning.
"I will be leaving now." Spinning on my heel, I walked out of the room before the men could say a word. Deciding that Legolas's news must be of the political sort- of no interest to me- I smiled as I aimlessly wandered the halls of Rivendell.
It was good to be home.