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Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R Tolkien.

Chapter 2

Elladan continued to fiddle with the packs; strapping them to the patiently waiting horses and then wrenching them off only to strap them again. His mind was far away even as his fingers continued the familiar ministrations. With a start he came to himself and noticed ruefully that he had been strapping the same pack for quite some time. The mare gave him a disgruntled look. Elladan ducked his head in embarrassment, grateful that no one was around. "Forgive me my friend. My mind was far away." He said, and slipped an apple from his pack as a peace offering. The mare blew out her gratitude and happily chomped on the unexpected treat.

Elladan turned away to realize that all was ready. By the Valar, I need something to do! He thought as he began a restless pacing. He was impatient to be away. Arwen's declaration had knocked out any comfort he could have derived from his home. He had spent the days after his arrival rigorously going through all the dangers that could assail them until exhausted, he would slip into the waking dream of elves. So grim and silent had he been that most elves had taken care not to raise his ire. Elrohir in contrast had accepted their Adar's decision with characteristic calm. He had been constantly at Erestor's side going over the supplies they would need, and thinking of additional items that may give comfort and warmth with Arwen. Arwen, Elladan's brows furrowed at the thought of his sister, would that he could shake some sense into his sister! Her immense delight was visible to all in the days following the council. He had spent his days in the training field or in fierce ruminations content to leave all preparations at their hands. Now, the day of their departure had finally dawned and he was grateful. He wanted this winter to pass as soon as possible. And why wasn't anyone coming? He swung around to face the house, his expression expressing severe disapproval.

…

Elrohir could see Elladan pacing from where he sat. His twin had been a bundle of restrained energy since their arrival. Would that Elladan could take pleasure in her joy as even Adar has been able to do! He looked up as Glorfindel came up. "Are we ready to leave?" He asked. "I fear Elladan might leave without us if we delay any longer".

Glorfindel laughed as Arwen approached with their father. "Ever has your brother been impatient. His torment will soon be over. Let us be off!"

…..

Arwen reveled in the feel of fresh air. Long ago when Arda was safer, she had travelled to the Grey Havens with her brothers. But, it has been many years since her feet had treaded a path that did not lead to Lothlorien or Imladris. She looked with curiosity at the wild forests, the faint overgrown trails as they swiftly made their way to the Angle. The thought that she was observing places where Estel had camped, fought or hid filled her with strange delight. His life seemed a little less remote to her. It is a lonely life indeed, she thought. Their wondrous time in Lothlorien had been filled with tales from Gondor, Rohan and Harad; places she had pored over in books of lore, places that seemed as distant as Valinor. He hadn't needed much persuasion to tell her of his travels, but, she knew there was still much that he hid from her. His life had seemed wonderful to her then, to see the far reaches of Arda without care or bind had seemed like a gift beyond imaginings. Few elves had travelled so far! Now she wondered if it was indeed a gift to have no home no hearth, not even a single name to call your own; to have duty ever drive you. She had been firm that he would defeat the shadow. She wondered now if his hope had sometimes faltered, if he had grieved alone for the fate of his dwindling people; if he had despaired some dark night around a small fire in a wild, desolate place such as this without any hope for comfort. It hurt her to think of him like that. I shall ask him, she promised. I shall ask this time for tales of despair instead of tales of valor.

…..

Elrohir sat with his back to the fire, his eyes on his twin standing guard at the perimeter of their camp.

"Don't you feel it?" he asked. "The presence of evil and malice; it won't be a quiet winter as Glorfindel hopes."

"I feel the pressing of the shadow" Elrohir answered. "But, it is not upon us yet Elladan. Let them come if they will, we will be ready."

"She will not be. She should not have come" Elladan replied agitated.

"Glorfindel trained her even as he trained us. She is capable of defending herself. Even we are not infallible Elladan." Elrohir said.

"I did not say we were. Death can claim us as well. But, it is not of death I speak and well do you know it. There are fates worse than death" Elladan said.

Elrohir was quiet for a while then he said, "Be that it may, she would have followed us if indeed we had consented not to take her with us. Have you not expected it Elladan? I knew one day she would desire to come with us. I would rather she came with our protection. We cannot keep her away until Arda is safe, and then ask her to come forth."

It was Elladan's turn to fall silent. He came and sat beside Elrohir. "I know what you say is true. But, my heart whispers its unease and I wish I could keep her behind the safe borders of our home."

"As do I. But, the time is long past when we could stay her with promises of future endeavors. Calm yourself Elladan! It would not do for you to wear yourself out. Have faith in our strength. Besides, it would do Estel good to have a taste of our sister's stubbornness. He should know what is in store for his future."

Elladan smiled wryly at that and relaxed at his brother's behest.

…

They reached the settlement the next day. The guards at the border had conveyed the approach of the elven company. Someone had been dispatched to call the Chieftan. Such a large elven company had not been seen for some time; usually her brothers rode alone. Arwen looked curiously at the milling people. They all had the dark hair and grey eyes that marked the Dunedain. Before she could muse further, she could hear the sound of approaching horses. It took considerable restraint not to leap on her horse, and go forward and greet him. She waited impatiently for her eyes to see what her ears had already heard. The crowd parted after a few agonizing minutes as a group of men made their way to them.

Estel had arrived.