Well, like I mentioned before, I have tons of time on my hands so here is the next chapter. Its longer, and better hopefully. XD

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the amazing characters and places, just Laitarína and Ramania, my character in The Westfold.

Enjoy chapter 2. XD XD

Previously: Galadriel said she felt this was the best option and for Laitarína, it felt right.

"So my friend, you are finally going to take your own journey?" Haldir asked her as she packed leggings, some tunics, shirts and undergarments.

"Yes Haldir. I need too. I have been feeling the need to go and Rohan; both to Lady Galadriel, and me feel is right. I am not sure what my purpose will be there exactly but I thought that I might seek the place where healers are needed most and help there. Then I will see why else I might be there." She replied, all while she placed things in her pack that she would need.

"I will miss you, you know." He smiled lightly. "Who will dress my wounds now that you are gone?"

"Please, there are other healers here, some far better than I. Besides, this will give me the opportunity to create my own stories and adventures to tell you. I have never had any of my own. I have always been here. I want a purpose, I want to see places, I even…well…"

"Well, what?? You can tell me sister."

"Well, I one day hope to even fall in love." If elves could blush she blushed in front of Haldir. Her manner in stance shifted to hide embarrassment.

"That is an honest hope, do not doubt that you could ever fall in love. Besides you are quite beautiful." He encouraged.

"Thank you." She nodded her head in response. "But now that I will be amongst men, I do not hope to fall in love. I do not wish the fate that Arwen and Aragorn hold."

"That is also a fine answer. There relationship isn't normal either." He laughed lightly. "But for them, it seems to be. They are meant for each other. If I dare say it, the Valar got it wrong when they made one an Elf and the other a Man."

"Haldir! Goodness, keep thoughts like that to yourself." Though she chastised him her eyes danced with laughter.

"You will be traveling alone then?" He asked, all traces of joking and laughter gone from his voice.

"Yes, it makes sense. If I were to pull some sort of guard along with me, we would be depleting your forces along the border. Not that so many would make a difference but with how times are these days, it makes sense to travel fast and alone and keep the soldiers here."

"Of course. I worry for your safety but I have sparred with you before; you can use a sword as well as any elf and can shoot a bow well also. You will be fine. Travel fast though."

Haldir embraced her in a hug and helped her place the riding pack on her mount.

"Ride hard." He nodded and stepped back.

Laitarína mounted her horse and nodded back to Haldir. "Goodbye my brother and friend." she whispered to him. With his great hearing, she knew he heard. He nodded once more and she took off at gallop out of Lorien towards Edoras.

Laitarína had never left Lorien alone before. She made small little travels here and there but nothing alone and nothing this far. Excitement filled her as she began her own journey. She also had a sad feeling to be leaving Haldir's company. He was her dear friend and even a brother. To not see him as frequently would be different but she would cope.

She had served on the guard with Haldir unofficially, to give her battle experience. But at the time she served, there was not much action along the borders. She carried a long silver sword on her, a knife one and a half hands length long, and her bow and quiver full of arrows. She had a small pack for carrying attached to the horse's saddle and the riding packs on the horse that carried other essentials. I will be fine. She thought to herself. I will ride hard, make it to Edoras and find out where they will need me. Galadriel sent word of my arrival to them already so I will head there first.

Compared to other elves, Laitarína was not very bold or forward. She came across as shy even. She didn't care that people placed these traits on her. Some were true; she mostly chose to observe everything that was happening around her instead of taking part in the talk and action.

She had moments of wittiness and humor around those she was familiar with and comfortable. She was accustomed to a few different cultures and people because of their visits to Lorien. Like Gandalf and Aragorn. She was a friend of Arwen from Arwen's time of living in Lothlorien.

--

Her journey was smooth except for the rainstorm that hit her a days away from the Westfold. Other than that it was smooth and surprisingly free of orcs and any other dangers.

When she arrived in the Westfold, her bags were soaked through and her clothes were still soaking wet. I need an Inn or somewhere to dry off. I cannot travel anymore in this condition. She thought to herself.

As she pulled into the Westfold, she was stopped by a Men at Arms.

"What's your business here, miss?" The man asked. He was tall, with shaggy hair and beard. He wore cheap armor and held a spear in his hand.

"I wish to stay at an Inn or some lodging to dry off and rest my mount. Is there any place to do so?" She replied politely.

The man stared in wonder as her voice replied so melodically.

"Would you mind takin' your hood down so we can take a look at ya? We don't want no strange folk in our village."

"Of course." She nodded and pulled her hood back. Though her hair was wet it still looked decent because it was pulled back in braids. To the man she looked gorgeous.

"These must be troubled times indeed, when an elf graces us with her presence. We had word of your coming though. A letter. Asking where to place you as a healer and this is the place." He bowed deeply to her.

"Please don't bow. I do not deserve that kind of courtesy. But thank you. May I see the letters?" she asked dismounting from her horse.

"But of course you may, my lady." He replied. He waved her back towards the small guard building and she followed with her mount along side. "These are they, my lady." He said walking back out of the building as he passed them over. She looked through them. Sure enough, the letter from Galadriel that could not be mistaken was among one from Edoras telling to keep the elf there if she passes through to help as a healer.

"Well, these are the real letters. Not to doubt you, my lord, but surely you understand caution with these dark days." She smiled lightly. "Where will I be lodging? Is there an infirmary here?"

"There is a lady, Ramania, who offered to take you in. She is quite kind, a widow. We do not have an official infirmary. Usually if anyone shows signs of getting terribly ill they are sent on to Edoras if we do not have the medication here. So there is a small barn, outside of Ramania's cottage you can use if you would like. Now follow me I will show you Ramania's." He waved her to follow and she came. Taking in the buildings and area around her.

The Westfold had no real boundaries for borders. It was a village out in the open, quite vulnerable in an attack. The cottages were not very big, but decent enough sizes for some of the families. There were pens attached to some of the homes. The people that were around were dressed well enough. Some of the clothes needed some repairs but overall the village wasn't poverty, filth and disease. They did show some signs of struggling, but who wouldn't in these days, besides wealthy nobility that didn't care for the lower classes.

"Here is your home, my lady." He said.

"Please, you do not have to call me 'my lady.' It isn't necessary."

"I would feel like I was insulting your kin if I didn't, take care, my lady." He smiled and walked off.

She smiled and nodded to the man as he walked off. Well, this is it. Lets go meet Ramania. She thought.

Laitarína walked up to the door of the cottage and knocked. She heard soft footsteps coming to the door and then it opened.

"Hello, I was informed by the man at the guard booth that you opened your home up to me to stay while I am here." Laitarína said bowing lightly with one of her arms crossing her chest.

"Oh no need to bow my dear. What is your name? I am Ramania. There is a stable around the back for your horse and a back door you can come in when you are finished. I will have some tea and warm bread when you come in." She smiled. Ramania was about 5'4". Really short compared to Laitarína's 5'11" frame. She had brown hair with a lot of gray hair growing in. She didn't look as old as Laitarína had expected. Ramania had wrinkles around her mouth and nose from smiling; she had crow's feet around her eyes and some wrinkles in her forehead. Her body looked firm from hard work throughout life and she had a slight slouch as she walked back into the house. She wore a brown dress and tan apron over it, with a knitted dark brown shawl over her shoulders.

Laitarína smiled and walked her horse around the back softly murmuring what a good job she did riding over here in elvish. The horse nickered in response and they found the stable. After taking off the riding tack and saddle and brushing down her horse and making sure there was feed for her, Laitarína made her way to the back door.

The air outside was getting chilly as the evening crept to night. The sky was cloudy and overcast like another rain storm was on its way.

Inside the air was warm and dry. The kitchen, living room and eating area were all connected. There was one fireplace for all three rooms. It was a decent size one, with bricks lining at least 3 feet around it. There was a small table with 3 chairs in the eating area. The kitchen had a counter area, a sink area and cupboards for cooking utensils and food. The living room had two big chairs that had matting and padding on them for warmth and comfort. A small table sat in between them and in front of them. Off the kitchen there was a small hallway with two doors.

"Please, take a seat." Ramania gestured to one of the chairs in the living room.

"Thank you." Laitarína replied. After sitting, Ramania brought over 2 large cups of tea with steam rising out of them and a plate of warm bread.

"So, What brings a lovely elf like you to this old place of the Westfold?" She asked gesturing around her to encompass the Westfold. "Tired of the elven ways and regularity?" she chuckled to herself.

"Well, I did need a change, but I am not tired of my own kin's ways." Laitarína replied politely. "I want to use my skills with healing somewhere that they will get put to more use." Laitarína had practiced this answer until it was firm in her mind, she did not want any slips about finding a purpose and dreams, if there were, larger explanations would be wanted and those explanations, she was did not trust any one to give to, let alone be ready to give.

"Well you came to the right place." Ramania said while biting into a piece of bread. "Please, eat. It might not be what you are used to but it is good."

After taking a bite, Laitarína praised the bread for what it was worth. "This is delicious! It is so moist and tasty. Don't lower your bread to anything! It is great!" She replied through a mouth full of food. After swallowing she said, "I beg your pardon, I need to watch my manners, speaking out loud with food in my mouth. It is delicious though. Very."

"Well thank you, you never did tell me your name."

"Oh my goodness. I have lost all sense of manners. My name is Laitarína. I am sorry."

Where are you manners? She scolded herself. This woman is taking you in. Be kind and have your manners. Sheesh.

"Please relax Laitarína. That is a beautiful name, much like you. Don't worry about insulting me if you forgot manners after a long trip. It is fine." Ramania smiled.

The rest of the evening the women became familiar with one another and talked of home and family and work. Ramania filled Laitarína in on the Westfold, on who all lived there and the goings on. It was a pleasant evening.

The next day it was raining again. Laitarína had to make her way to the barn in the rain to see what she had to work with. She also carried the packs she had wrapped in oilskins so the wet wouldn't tamper with the herbs and medicines to the barn. It wasn't a large barn. The people of the Westfold had already set up 5 cots to one side of the barn for patients. There was one large table in the middle with a hanging oil lamp dangling down on top. She assumed this was for surgeries. There was counter space with cupboards for medicines and herbs. She started unpacking and checking out everything else in the cupboards.

The door of the barn soon opened and in popped two little children.

"Are you the elf everyone is talking about?" The little boy asked.

"Yes, are you? You look like one, and are beautiful!" The little girl called out.

Smiling Laitarína replied, "Yes I am the elf everyone is talking about. Now who might you be?"

"A real elf! Wow!" The girl exclaimed.

"Well I am Éothain and this is my little sister, Freda." The boy bowed and the little girl curtsied.

"And I am Laitarína. Are you ill or hurt? Or did you just come by to visit?" she asked.

"We are quite healthy miss, just wanted to visit. Mum said we shouldn't, that it would be rude to ask you. But we were so curious, and have never seen an elf before!" Freda said.

"Yes we should probably go. Don't want Mum to know we came without asking, do we." He said partly to Laitarína and partly to Freda. "Good day miss." He bowed again and Freda curtsied.

"Good day to you to! Try not to catch a cold in the wet, I don't want your next visit to be when you are sick." Laitarína called after them laughing lightly.

Well that was fun. Those children were certainly precocious and cute. She thought to herself. Now back to work.

From that point forward there was always someone new coming to see the elf. Éothain and Freda came to visit whenever they could and came to be good friends to Laitarína. Of course there was healing and fixing that needed to be done. More than what there was in Lothlorien by far. But she enjoyed doing it. She enjoyed helping and deep down she really enjoyed being needed by people. There were so many elves in Lothlorien and so many healers, she never felt needed or like she could make a difference. Here she could and she did.

Laitarína's dreams continued to pester her. What scared her even more was that in her dreams were people she knew and cared about. Gandalf was one, Aragorn another. The handsome woodland prince, Legolas, that she has never met was there too. Whatever it meant she wanted to help but did not know how, or when, or where or if any of it was happening yet.

She had arrived in the Westfold during the summer, in June. There were those first 2 rainstorms which were really random and weird but other than that, the weather was hot. It was now the middle of October when Laitarína was in the barn, taking inventory of her supplies. She had taken two assistants to help with the work. From September on she had a growing feeling that she would be leaving soon, so she took it into her own hands to make sure she wouldn't leave the people of the Westfold without a healer and medicine. While taking inventory a neighbor to Ramania and Laitarína came running into the barn.

"Laitarína, a letter just arrived for you. Ramania said you should come now." The neighbor said.

"Of course. I will be right there." Turning to her assistants, "You two have everything under control, yes? Well of course you do, sorry to ask." She laughed and nodded to them goodbye and walked home.

"Laitarína a letter is here for you! Please come in!" Ramania shouted from the house.

"I'm coming in!" She called back shaking her head with a smile. She already sent the neighbor but of course she would shout until a response came. Laitarína laughed to herself. But deep down was also worried. She never received letters so either something really good has happened or really bad and she prayed that it didn't have to do with Haldir.

"I am here Ramania, who is it from?" she asked.

"I do not know. It is sealed and I would not open your letter. An elf brought it, but he left. He said it's from Rivendell." Ramania replied handing over the letter.

From Rivendell? Who in Rivendell is sending me a letter? And how did they know I was here? She thought but broke the seal and opened the letter anyway.

--

Dearest Laitarína,

I hope this letter finds you well. I know you must be wondering how we found you here. We, as in, Lord Elrond and myself, have been in contact with the Lady Galadriel about your whereabouts and your dreams. We agree with her that you should keep the content to yourself but we have been informed and need you here.

I apologize for my lack of contact to you over the past few years. Many things have been going on in Middle Earth.

The Dark Lord, Sauron, is rising. His eye is ever watchful. His power are growing, he is gaining more followers.

I am sure you have guessed what has been found, the One Ring. I cannot tell you who has it and what is going on with it incase of this letter being intercepted but I need to speak with you immediately.

As soon as you receive this letter make for Imladris or where I will be waiting for you. Make haste for there is not much time.

Farewell and May your trip be safe and without problem.

-Gandalf

--

Laitarína looked up her face expressionless but her mind was reeling.

She new the world was changing; she felt it, just like all the other elves. But this, the Dark Lord rising, she only guessed it because of her dreams. She already knew who had it then as well.

"I must go now, like Mithrandir, I mean Gandalf said." She mumbled softly to Ramania.

"Why dear? Is it urgent?" Ramania asked, confusion written on her face.

"I cannot tell you why I need to, but it is urgent. I am sorry to leave you so suddenly. I am so grateful for your hospitality. If I can ever repay you in a correct manner I will."

"Nonsense. I understand. You are elf-folk anyway. You are important and others need your help to. Us men of the Westfold cannot be selfish and keep you from others." She said trying more to convince herself than Laitarína.

"Oh Ramania, you are too kind, and a great woman." Laitarína said pulling Ramania into a hug.

"Alright dear. Go get your stuff together. I will put some food in your pack."

"Thank you Ramania."

Laitarína quickly packed her belongings and changed into suitable riding clothes. She strapped on her weapons and reviewed a map for the fastest route to Imladris. After, she gathered her belongings, took it to the stable and found that her saddlebags were already packed with food.

Laitarína then began hitching and tying up everything. Her hands moved quickly and with grace as they performed the familiar task.

"You are fit to leave now." Ramania said.

"Yes, I will miss you." She hugged Ramania. "Thank you for everything and please, would you tell Éothain and Freda I am sorry for not saying goodbye. And the village as well and my assistants. I'm sorry to ask so much."

"It is okay, my dear. I will tell them all." Ramania whispered. "Ride quickly and safe."

Laitarína nodded and road off into the midmorning sun.

--

There it is. Chapter two. Let me know what you think. It was longer than the first one. They will still get longer. Please review!!

-writin4fun15