A/N: I published this yesterday but decided to change some timeline issues I had changed back to what I had originally wrote (with some minor tweaks). As the story progresses, please let me know if you catch anything that doesn't seem to fit with the change. Thanks!
Rahlsma slowed her horse's pace as she entered the woods surrounding Rivendell. The usually calm and peaceful forest, while still quieter than many others, felt strangely tense to the young woman. She carefully scanned the area around her as she rode but did not see any signs of danger. She knew no groups of orcs had dared travel this far into Elvish territory in her lifetime, but she also knew they were becoming bold. The whispers of a growing threat from the east had found her ears, and she wondered if that had anything to do with the way the forest felt around her.
She had not ridden long before two Rivendell elves appeared seemingly out of nowhere. She had been expecting this to happen but was still somewhat startled when it did. She recognized them both, as they each had been guardians of these woods since she first had stepped foot there many years before.
"Welcome, Rahlsma, daughter of the wild and hunter of orc. You are always a welcomed guest of our Lord Elrond here in the haven of Rivendell."
She bowed her head, surprised at how good it felt to hear Elvish again. She answered in kind. "It is always a pleasure to return to the last homely house. I trust that the Lord and his family are well?"
The elves exchanged quick glances before the second one answered. "Fortunately, yes. Though there is a shadow that troubles all those who dwell here."
"I have heard rumors of such a thing." She paused and patted her horse's neck. "Tell me, has there been any word from Lord Aragorn?"
"More than mere words. He arrived here not two fortnights ago, accompanying four hobbits." Rahlsma raised her eyebrows in question, but the elf continued on. "Other guests have come, as well. You have chosen…an interesting time to return from your latest travels."
"So it would seem. Perhaps that will be for the best."
"Perhaps," the other, quieter elf answered. "Come. We will accompany you to the city."
She nodded and swung herself down off of her horse, running her hands over the dark mane as they continued onward through the forest.
Once at the city itself, her two escorts left her to return to their post, and another elf helped her remove any necessities from her saddle bags before leading her horse to the stables. Left alone for a moment, she took a deep breath and looked up at the beautiful ancient trees surrounding her, marveling once again at the white stone that wound around them as if it, too, had simply grown that way naturally. She briefly closed her eyes, then opened them again quickly to check over her shoulder before she remembered doing so here was most likely unnecessary. It would take some getting used to, but then again, she was not certain how long she would be staying.
She heard her name being called out by a voice she knew well and turned to see Aragorn taking large strides in her direction. "I heard word that the great orc hunter had returned to the valley," he said, smiling, as he approached her.
"Elvish words must travel most swiftly," she chuckled as he stopped in front of her and placed two calloused hands on her shoulders.
He turned her slightly one way then the other before declaring, "And all in one piece, too," then puller her close to his body and wrapped his arms around her. She stood with her arms at her sides for a moment before returning the hug, giving him a quick pat on the back before stepping back away.
"I heard word," she smirked at him, "that the rightful king of men travelled here with a small troupe of hobbits."
He made a face when she referred to him as 'the rightful king,' but nodded nonetheless.
"Does this have something to do with Bilbo Baggins?" she asked. Rahlsma noticed for the first time the stress Aragorn was carrying as he sighed and rubbed his beard.
"Yes, but…there is much more."
"Tell me everything."
Much like they used to do when Rahlsma had gotten into trouble when she was younger – which was often – the two escaped to the edge of the city where they were less likely to be interrupted by others. They lounged comfortably on the ground, Aragorn leaning against a large trunk as he told all that he knew regarding the One Ring, gesturing occasionally with his pipe, Rahlsma listening intently while smoking, as well.
"I remember hearing old legends about the elves having rings of power," she said when he had finished. "I suppose they were true, then."
"In part, yes. But I only suspect where they are now. Those who possess them have kept them secret for ages." He paused to blow smoke from his mouth. "There was much debate, but the council finally agreed that the ring must be destroyed, and the only way to do so is to return it to the fires of Mount Doom."
Rahlsma yanked her pipe out of her mouth. "Mount Doom? As in the explosive mountain in Mordor?"
Aragorn stared at her silently, waiting for her surprise to fade. "Tell me you are joking."
"I would not dare joke of such a thing," he said, eyes narrowed.
"And who exactly is going to do that?" she asked, her voice rising slightly.
His face softened. "Frodo offered to carry it."
Rahlsma laughed cruelly. "The hobbit? What's the plan? He will borrow a horse and just ride across all of Middle Earth, sneak through the Black Gates, and toss it in?"
"A fellowship is forming to accompany him…"
"And I would bet my last coin that I know the first person who volunteered," she interrupted him.
Aragorn sighed loudly. "Yes, I will be one of the Fellowship. As will Mithrandir and, hopefully, representatives from the other races, as well. The details are still being debated, but Elrond wants a party of nine to counter the nine ring wraiths that hunt it."
"Elves and their desires for balance," the young woman muttered. "But why you? Is this about proving yourself worthy…"
"It is about my doing what I believe to be right," he interrupted, his voice stern.
"Yes. Well, you were always good at that."
They both contemplated this in silence, Rahlsma discreetly assessing her old friend, noting that he seemed to have aged somewhat since their last meeting. He was more than old enough to be her father, but she had always seen him more as a much older brother, or a mischievous uncle, perhaps. It was easy to see him as young while she came to age as a human surrounded by elves who had been alive for thousands of years. But now she was reminded that she had first come to Rivendell as a child, and had long since grown into a woman. Aragorn, then a younger man, had slowly grown into an older one.
They watched as smoke left their mouths and travelled upwards towards the tops of the trees. Aragorn chuckled. "I was just remembering the first time Elrond caught you smoking," he explained to his friend's curious glance.
"Yes, well, I figured if you could…"
"I wasn't a child."
Rahslma smirked. "I caused nothing but trouble in those days. It is a wonder Elrond let me stay here at all."
"As much trouble as you caused, he was always sad to see you leave," Aragorn said with a small smile. "I think you being here will be well appreciated, especially now as we broach these dark times."
"It does feel good to be here," she said, and then, much softer, "perhaps like coming home." She could see Aragorn's smile grow at this out of the corner of her eye, so she quickly added, "Speaking of mischief, I will have to try to steal some pipeweed from Mithrandir. His is always the best."
At this, Aragorn actually laughed, and the sound filled Rahlsma with quiet joy.
When they had finished with their pipes and conversation, Aragorn led Rahlsma to Lord Elrond, taking her pack and leaving the two of them to talk by themselves. The regal elf greeted the young woman with a wide smile, inviting her to sit with him in his study, despite her worries that her and her clothes were too dirty to touch his elegant furniture. He brushed away her concern, for he was eager to talk with her. He asked her many questions about her recent journey, focusing on the specifics of the orcs' movements she had observed since last leaving Rivendell.
"I trust that Aragorn has informed you of the ring and the fellowship to destroy it," he said, his fingers touching each other in front of his face. She nodded, so he continued, speaking slowly as he carefully chose his next words. "Though you are not part of the council, I feel it prudent to share with you certain…information that may prove helpful to you upon your next departure."
"And when would this departure take place?"
Elrond relaxed somewhat and leaned back in his chair. "You have been fiercely independent, Rahlsma, since Aragorn first brought you here. Somewhere between a child and adult, even then you were resistant to guidance and instruction. So I will not waste time attempting to tell you what to do."
"What, then, shall you tell me?" she asked curiously.
"Only that I believe you have some role to play in all of this." He paused and looked deeply into the dark eyes in front of him. "Aragorn's part in this is only just beginning, and he will be facing untold challenges and dangers on this path. If you care for him as much as I think you do, you will aid and protect him in whatever ways you are able." There was another moment of loud silence in which their eyes never left the others'. "The choices we make in the upcoming days of trial will decide the fate of Middle Earth…and forever alter our personal futures in it. Now is a time for bravery, a time for people like you to do what others cannot or will not do…but it is a terrible time for recklessness, for acting without thinking."
Rahlsma nodded slowly, trying to absorb all of the wise elf's words while simultaneously peeking into the deeper meaning behind and between them. A part of her felt scolded by his warning, like she was her younger self being lectured after one of her pranks or thefts had been discovered. But she was no longer that girl. She was a grown woman who came and went as she pleased, staying away months or even years at a time chasing down the vengeance she so desired, that elusive feat that always seemed one more hunt or one more kill ahead of her.
"I understand," she finally said, her voice firm and confident.
"Good," Elrond responded, then stood and gestured to the door. "The evening meal will be served to all of our guests shortly. There should be a warm bath," he paused, looking over her attire, "and perhaps some fresh clothing waiting for you in your room."
She stood and looked up at him. "My room?"
"Arwen insisted no one else occupy it in your absence."
Rahlsma walked to the door but turned to share one more thought before swiftly making her exit. "If there is nothing but a dress left for me, I swear I will come to dinner wearing nothing at all."
Elrond, Lord of all Rivendell, was left standing alone in his study, laughing quietly and shaking his head.
