Chapter 3: Past Always Present

In the fading light Alatar watched the pair drift asleep. While both were of similar age there was never a pair so unlike one another in race or character. Aearon, who was now probably of three or four hundred years, was only six to seven meters in length at best. His growth had clearly been stunted; Alatar could only assume this was due to the circumstance of his birth and heritage, whatever that was. Alatar was altogether unsure about the creature. Certainly it could be referred to as a dragon and from a distance no one could tell the difference. Yet when at a closer proximity one found him to be more lithe and of a lighter build than any dragon. His body proved more agile, being of a less reptilian nature, and capable of a gait not unlike a horses and certainly of similar speed. His wings too were strange, having a birdlike plumage on the upper half that faded into leathery skin on his lower wing, while his tail was also tipped in feathers that splayed out in flight. Aearon's body was covered mostly in a mix of scales and fur other than that. A shaggy mane grew in tufts between long feathered ears and down his neck. Though strangest of all was his head, resembling a wolf's than a dragon's with scales only about the eyes, forehead and in a centre line down his snout. He carried himself with a regal air, his eyes a metallic grey that mirrored the glow of the stars at night.

Yet while Aearon had grown wiser over the years, Kirana remained naive. She had her father's spirit, something the old wizard had been quick to learn. She was light hearted and free in her manner and always determined to see the best in everyone. Yet her seclusion from society, other people and a regular life had rendered her a little ignorant to the expectations, behaviors and mannerisms of others. Not that it seemed to bother her in the least. What she knew, she had learned from books or Alatar's stories, as well as from villagers and the little interaction she'd had with the world. Kirana had clearly inherited her mother's appearance, having the same green eyes, dark hair and tapered ears. Her elvish heritage became more prominent as she grew, yet like Aearon her growth was slow and after the several centuries she merely looked the age of a young woman, perhaps as a human girl of seventeen might have looked. Alatar cared for her as he might have done for a daughter, yet it hadn't always been so.

After King Sidan's death Alatar had fled with the child. Khandish troupes and many more that had allied themselves to the Necromancer had waged war on the kingdom's borders. Now without a leader the kingdom stood little chance, within days the armies would reach the capital. So Alatar had made for the Orocarni to find any remaining Moriquendi that could take in the child seeing as she was of their kin. He was gravely mistaken in thinking that Orocarni would be left unguarded; indeed the armies had taken them for the rich resources they offered. The route was an impossible one. Even more so when traveling with the child. So Alatar had turned south, seeking the counsel of his ally Pallandro, wishing to consult him on what was to be done.

Pallandro's initial reaction to Alatar's intervention in Kirana's fate had been one of disapproval and anxiousness. He made it clear to Alatar that he had no intention of interfering with the child's future also wanting as little to do with her as possible. Her safety was of the utmost importance and so it was decided that Kirana would remain in the care of a trusted friend, one who would raise the girl along with her own children while Alatar would continue his work in Rhûn. The arrangement did not last however, and once again Kirana had to be uprooted from her home.

The two wizards' speculation about the Necromancer's identity proved grievously true, he was indeed Sauron himself. The two wizards found themselves pursued by the enemy at every turn. Alatar's visits to the small village in which Kirana dwelt grew less frequent and eventually stopped in that time. Yet Alatar returned one night and insisted Kirana accompany him away. They had seen the village burning in the distance by morning as they rode. During the greater part of their travels Kirana had been made keep her hair cropped short and had disguised herself as a young boy. Alatar offered no explanation, only said that in time he would explain. From then on she had stayed with him. He reintroduced her to Aearon, who Kirana vaguely recalled from her time in her father's care. The little creature had always remained with Alatar, who had taught him languages and some magic. Kirana hardly cared for the lessons Alatar gave on Sindarin, Quenya, Westron and many other tongues of Middle Earth, nor did she show much interest in spells. She preferred the histories and legends he told, though her greatest desire was to learn the art of combat with a weapon. Alatar had initially refused to train her, though the dangers they encountered soon forced him to reconsider. He was still reluctant however and chose instead to reach a compromise with the headstrong young girl, she would study the subjects he saw fit and he in turn would teach her archery and how to wield a blade.

So the three had spent the years traveling, never remaining in one place for too long, always on the alert for pursuers. Kirana and Aearon quickly became steadfast friends, always teasing one another, and doing everything together from studying to hunting. Alatar trained them both for combat eventually. Even so Kirana hardly saw the use in the archery, except for hunting purposes (in her opinion the use of a bow while flying with Aearon was pointless as it made far more sense for him to swoop down and eat an enemy or for her to use a throwing dagger. A point Alatar would not adhere to). Yet Alatar's own preference for a bow meant that he focused on her archery skills more than on any other weapons. He hardly ever sparred with her and most often merely directed her movements with a blade from a distance, something that annoyed Kirana excessively. As for magic and enchantments it took Alatar an age to drill a basic concealment spell into Kirana's memory. Even when she did manage to perform it she could only manage to use it on either herself or Aearon if they were not together. It involved the use of water, bending it about a body and altering light's path so that it gave the impression of having become invisible. In truth she never did manage to conceal the eyes while using it and resorted to creating a mist or causing clouds to envelope them instead a half measure she was quite proud of having come up with due to Alatar's particular disapproval.

Aearon on the other hand possessed a great affinity for learning languages, magic and almost any subject Alatar cared to teach. Kirana complained of course that as a dragon his ability to breath a strange spell and convert water to ice, was merely an inherited trait and could not be considered magic. While his scholarly aspirations were her favorite topic on which to tease him.

They had come to the sea of Rhûn after a period of quite a few years, there was less trouble so close to the west and the three became rather settled there. Kirana was not so careful about keeping her hair short and grew quite proficient with a bow while hunting. Aearon enjoyed the sea and would lie for hours conversing with Alatar in as many of the ancient tongues as he knew. He often lamented not being born in ages past, during the events of the histories and stories of the early ages. Kirana too wished she had lived in such times, though it was the great battles that captured her imagination.

So little had changed and yet so much had passed, Alatar thought to himself solemnly. Yet as times grew darker he feared that Kirana's hopes for battles would be fulfilled and she would have to face such horrors alone. No not alone, he smiled, she had Aearon and that would make all the difference. In truth he had grown to care for the two far too much already, even Pallandro had warmed to Kirana's joyous spirit. Returning to the caves with a sigh he decided it was about time he took some precautionary measures.

It was almost sunrise when Kirana woke the next morning. Regardless of the several hard punches she delivered to his flank, Aearon would not wake. With a soft laugh Kirana set off for the stream alone grabbing her leather bag and beginning at a brisk walk. She did not stop at the sight of a herd of kine moving into the deeper parts of the forest. They usually preferred areas near the shore but with the Easterlings camped there the kine would not wait about to be hunted. She too had been wary of convoys initially and curious as to the cargo they transported she had once shot an arrow or two at the securing ropes on their carts. She smiled at the memory, the crates had of course toppled to the ground spilling out are armor and weapons. The best part had been the guard's reactions, unsure of the location, numbers or identities of their attackers; they had begun to fire wave after wave of arrows into the undergrowth and trees surrounding them. Kirana had found it hilarious to see the panic two arrows had incurred. It had become a most amusing pastime until convoys grew wary and more heavily guarded when passing through. Then of course Alatar had found out and been furious, lecturing her on the danger she had selfishly put them in. Surprisingly Pallandro took her side, reasoning that it had only been some harmless fun. Alatar was gone by the time she'd risen the morning after the argument and had remained away for over a month. Pallandro dropped by occasionally in the course of that time but she had no other company for the duration of Alatar's disappearance. The only explanation she was given was that Alatar had to ensure she had not done too much damage and she was expected to take care of herself in the meantime. She never made such a mistake again for by the time Alatar had returned she was too upset to do anything but beg his forgiveness.

Kirana mused over the past as she began to jog down the last slope towards the stream. She burst into the clearing where the willow concealed the small cavern into the caves, only to stop short. She stared at a figure hunched over the water's edge with its back to her. It appeared to be a man, most likely tall and washing his face. Rage flared up inside her, more at her own terror stricken reaction than anything else. What if the man was to explore the caverns? What if he discovered her home? No one ever came in so far. No one had ever been so close to discovering the one place she truly regarded as home. Killing him didn't seem like a great option considering the fact that his back was turned and she was unsure if he was armed, not to mention how unforgiving Alatar would be about the matter.

It was Aearon that jerked her from the paralyzed state, his sharp thoughts cutting across her mind. What are you doing! Run! If he sees you he will follow and if he loses you he will inform others and they will search this place! Now move! She didn't need to be told twice, she backed away slowly intending to run once she reached the cover of the trees. A voice with a strange accent and tone called out in one of the more common tongues of Rhûn stopping her in her tracks.

"Do you think I am not aware of your presence?! Your footfalls are light indeed, though not undetectable! State you business here, be quick! Are you friend or foe?!" at this the man rose to his feet his back still to Kirana.

She took another step back in response still frozen, unable to comprehend how a human could have heard her. Kirana desperately tried to gather her thoughts. Aearon's presence was not very close so he must have gone to inform Alatar. Perfect, as if last night had not caused me enough trouble. Now I'll find myself obliged to receive the "be aware at all times" lecture. She remained silent however and decided her best option was simply to run for it instead of waiting around for a friendly talk. So she began to will herself to move.

"Run if you must, though I do not advise it!" the man added in the same tongue. It sounded too harsh and cacophonous for his voice, grating almost and caused Kirana to wince. The man spun about rapidly eyes alert and saw the corner of dark blue fabric disappearing into the foliage.

At first soft footsteps followed her, but these were her woods! No one knew them like she did. Every crack, every root, every branch! She knew them all! After taking a few deceptive routes the sound of her pursuer faded and eventually ceased. Quickly doubling back Kirana doubled back to the clearing she and Aearon had slept in that night. That was far too close, she thought as she staggered over to a tree and doubled over gasping for breath with a triumphant smirk on his face. Of course Aearon would chose to ruin the moment, he roared in her head disorientating her for a moment.

What do you think it is your doing! Did I not say to run!

Kirana had no chance to voice a comment back; within that same instant she found herself twisting through the air and landed heavily on her back. The air left her lungs in a single rush due to the impact. The trees about her seemed to spin for a few seconds and she felt rather ill. Trying to compose herself she propped herself up using her elbows, her eyes refused to focus as something glinted in front of her. Aearon? A little help please? Her thoughts however were answered in a sarcastic tone.

Oh no! I wouldn't want to interfere. You're doing just spectacularly on your own.

Annoyed, Kirana looked up; towering above her a man gazed quizzically down at her sprawled on the forest floor. He was no man from Rhûn, nor indeed was he a man but in fact an elf. Kirana could make little sense of his presence in this part of the world and still slightly confused she made to raise herself up further, so as to get a proper look at him. Ouch! She suddenly found herself aware of a sharp pain that pricked her neck; the shining object was in fact a sword. A sword that was pointed directly at her throat and that she had just moved into.

At this the elf of course withdrew his sword immediately sheathing it, his face still puzzled. "My Lady forgive me, are you injured?" he asked, and not receiving any reply continued, "What does an elf maiden wander unaccompanied in such a place as this with Men of the East camped so close?" he asked this more of himself than her, he'd also phrased the question in Sindarin probably assuming that her not responding earlier had been due to her not understanding him. He seemed to realise she was disorientated and squatted down beside her, extending a hand to help her to her feet.

Kirana's mind seemed sluggish, she was sure she was unscathed except for a few bad bruises. Still she found herself only capable of staring at the elf, completely agape. It was his touch that snapped her back to reality, he begun an attempt to raise her to her feet. She immediately staggered forwards as he tried to steady her. Kirana decided the moment was a good one for making a quick escape and so she made to run from him.

The elf however seemed to appear in front of her, blocking her path. Annoyed she twisted and tried to run again, only to have him sidestep once more and catch a hold of her by the shoulders to stop her. It was not a good idea on his part. Kirana pulled back freeing herself and in the same move, unsheathed her sword and pointed its tip at the persistent elf.

The elf was stunned by the sudden move of such aggression, yet Kirana was certain she saw amusement flick across his face. Shaking his head he moved towards her and made to swat away the sword with a slight laugh. If he thought such an action would discourage her he was terribly mistaken.

Infuriated, Kirana found her voice at last. "Forgive me, my Lord," she hissed, "but I will take my leave." She knew very well she was being impolite, but somehow it hardly mattered considering the elf's prior actions. Unlike the elf, she used a katana, a thinner sharper sword type sometimes used by the Eastern peoples. It required a faster, more accurate fighting style and often was off putting to those wielding broad swords. Not to mention an easier style of fighting for a woman.

The elf no longer made any attempt to hide his amusement. He drew his sword, leaning it against hers. She struck out first, three movements swift and precise. He blocked them all effortlessly, which only served to frustrate Kirana even more. She lashed out her attacks becoming more restrict and less calculated. He was toying with her, they both knew it. Kirana eventually recalled a lesson at the back of her mind; the elf clearly had no intention of harming her; he made little or no attempt at attacks only parrying her blows. So Kirana decided to lunge towards him suddenly and lashed out as she did so, disregarding her own safety. The elf was mildly surprised though he still managed to dodge the girl. Her blade did however nick his upper arm and blood quickly stained his sleeve.

This move clearly took all amusement from the "game". Kirana was sailing across the clearing again before she had a chance to rejoice at her hit. She ended up sprawled on her back once more, her blade more than five feet away. Dismayed she tried to rise only to feel the familiar prick of the sword at her throat. She was hauled to her feet and pressed against a tree for support. She was about to make a dive as a last resort when a voice echoed about them.

"Kirana what do you think you're doing!" Alatar sounded calm, too calm. It was the all too familiar calm before a storm. Kirana winced in pain as the elf pushed her behind him and readied his sword. Alatar's voice then broke into a laugh as he stepped out of the trees, "Dûrion perhaps you would care to stand down? Unless you wish to spar with me too?"

The elf stared at the wizard, a mixture of joy and shock on his face. He quickly lowered his sword and bowed.


Firstly I'd like to thank everyone for support and reviews. A special thanks to Certh for pointing out my terrible elvish (for any wondering the "lit" came from a copy and pasting mistake done far too late at night :) as in I chopped the word literally in two. ) Anyway I hope I fixed it up and will repair layout of Chap 2 later. Thanks again anyway, I don't think I mentioned this is my first fanfic and any critical advice is much appreciated.