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Chapter Four:

Arrivals and Innocence

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Elrond turned and looked at Jaelithe.

"You know them?" Jaelithe smiled sheepishly.

"More of my family, extended family." She said. "My mom's cousins's Daughter."

"Well," Elrond said taken aback. "Welcome to Rivendell. What might your names be?" Jacqueline and Alison glanced at each other before answering.

"Jacqueline Valora Maholand, M'Lord, the cousins daughter." She declared and decided that curtsying was the appropriate thing to do.

"Alison Ebony Turner, Jaelithe's Uncle's daughter." Following Jacqueline's lead, she curtsied. Two guards walked in and addressed Elrond.

"My Lord, there is a Lady insisting on being brought to you." A voice was heard from behind in the hallway.

"King Elrond knows who I am. Use my name." A woman in a emerald green dress with gold vines rimming the low neckline. A gold and sapphire belt hung low on her slim waist, a ebony cloak hung from her shoulders held by a silver and emerald leaf clasp. Legolas and Aragorn shot to their feet, surprise reflected on their faces. Jaelithe and Chloe stared in surprise and Isabel and Kyra came tearing into the room, gasping for breath and gawking.

The woman slowly walked up to the first step, taking off her cloak when a servant reached for it, revealing a indigo blue underskirt with a diamond necklace the size of a small egg. Her crown sparkled with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds as she slowly ascended the stairs, looking around with a small smile. She stoped before Aragorn, who took her hand kissing the back and gently touched her cheek.

"I need to speak to you in privet later, Aragorn. There is something you need to know." She said and he nodded. Jaelithe and Isabel finally found their voices.

"MOTHER?!" Trina smiled at her daughters expressions and opened her arms. All the girls flew into her arms and she hugged and kissed each in turn. Arwen walked into the room and stood beside Elrohir, smiling slightly at Aragorn's sad expression. Trina released them.

"No questions, girls. I'll tell you later." She turned to Arwen and sank to the floor. The room instantly flared with murmurs. Arwen, surprised look down.

"Why do you bow to me?" Trina looked up at her friend and mentor.

"I bow to the true and rightful Queen of Gondor." Arwen smiled and grasped Trina's hands as she rose from the floor. Trina grinned at Arwen's extended friendship.

"Come we have much to catch up on." Arwen said. Jaelithe looked back and forth between Trina and the elven princess.

"Um...mom are we missing something?" Isabel answered dryly.

"Jae, this is our mother. We're always missing something!" Trina smiled ruthfully, how right she was.

"You girls know more than you realize. Remember the stories of Middle Earth? Remember J.R.R Tolkien's books I read?" The girls frowned at one another. Had their mother gone mad?

"Of course, but those were just stories. Granted you're a fantastic story teller, but that's all they were, stories." Jaelithe said trying not to sound patronising. Trina shook her head.

"Look around you, Jae. Your in Rivendell, you've been told that." Jaelithe shook her head in disbelief.

"Yeah but...that's not possible! We, I was in those stories!" Jaelithe was starting to shake. "If those stories were true Isabel would have remembered and told me ages ago!"

"I make her promise not to." Jaelithe turned stricken and accusing eyes to her sister. Isabel looked pleadingly back.

"Jae, I'm sorry! She though that if you knew you'd find a way to come and she said it was dangerous." Jaelithe looked stonily at Isabel, then turned to Trina.

"How much is truth?"

"As far as I know all of it. I never deliberately lied to you." Trina stepped forward and Jaelithe sharply retreated. Trina stopped dead. Jaelithe trued to Aragorn who was watching with confusion.

"Does he know? Does anyone know?"

"Arwen and by his expression, Legolas as well."

"How could you do this? How could rip my life apart?!"

"No! I did not rip your life apart! We are still your family and we still love you, that doesn't change. It never will change. This is just a bump in the road, life's full of them. Get used to it!" Jaelithe stared at her mother with tears running down her face.

"I hate you!" She sobbed and with one last look at a severely shocked Aragorn, she fled.

"Well that went well." Trina said sarcastically

"Mom you should have told her!" Isabel said angerly stalking after her sister, the other three girls followed. Trina sighed in defeat.

"I should have done a lot of things, girls."

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"You said you wanted to talk to me." Trina was standing at the window of what had once been her library, watching Jaelithe and the other girls in the garden. She turned at Aragorn's voice, seeing that Arwen had come as well bringing with her a room full of people.

"I did yes, but I don't think the rest need to know. Not just yet anyway." She watched as Elledan, Elrohir, Celebrian, Legolas, Gandalf and Elrond came into the room. At the sight of Celebrian, Trina lit up, all but flinging herself into Celebrian's arms.

"It's been too long my dear. Mae govannas mar, amin iel." (*Welcome home, my daughter*)

"Hennald, Naneth. In istal gaw indra imuva na ana rooo. Hai maer ana na mar th Imladris." (*Thank-you, Mother. I know not how long I will be [able] to stay. It is good to be home in Rivendell.*) Celebrian smiled.

"Do not worry about that, what will happen, will happen there is nothing we can do about it. Let us enjoy the time you have." Elrond watched the exchange with a small smile. It was good to have his adopted daughter back again with his family.

He remembered when Trina had first arrived in Middle Earth, she had knocked Elrohir out of the tree he had been perched in, breaking his ribs. Elledan had helped Elrohir back while Aragorn had tried to piece together her history. During the way back she had become attached to Aragorn and upon arrival at Rivendell she had boldly announced that whatever family he belonged to so would she. Celebrian and Arwen had taken imitate liking to Trina so she had been adopted into the family. Celebrian and Trina had always been close. He stepped forward once Celebrian released her and embraced her in his arms.

"Mae govannas mar, iel." (*Welcome home, daughter.*)He said and Trina glowed.

"Hennald, Adar." (*Thank-you, Father*) With his hands still on her shoulder, Elrond looked up over her head and his expression changed. Turning to see what caused the change, she nearly collapsed. Luckily Elrond's hands had fallen to her elbows when she had turned and he kept her upright till she regained her composure. Dumbledore, James, Lily, Remus, Alana, Galadriel, Celeborn, Orophin, Rumil and Haldir walked into the room. When he first entered the room Haldir didn't notice her, Orophin had to mutter something to get him to look up. Dark blue eyes flashed surprise a split second before he walked into Celeborn. Aragorn and Rumil choked back a laugh and smiled as Celeborn slowly turned to look at Haldir, who turned a shade of pink and bowed his head. Galadriel smiled and spoke.

"You must be more careful, Haldir." You were not expecting to see her ever again were you, Haldir?

"Of course, My Lady."

"We must discus what we have come to discus. The mission stands on a knife, Frodo will not last, you all know this."

"Still there is hope, Grandmother. Frodo has a strong will and Sam at his side." Arwen stated.

"I agree with Arwen, Frodo is strong and has strong company. Aragorn and Legolas will keep an eye on Frodo, and I need not mention Sam." Trina interjected.

"What about your daughter?" Galadriel asked. "She plays a vital part, being a ring wielder. She can control the ring, but can she control herself?"

"Yes. Jaelithe is imprudent, but stubborn as hell. She knows what's right and she'll do it. She'll be able to control her impulses."

"You answer without hesitation, but do you really know? Yes, your daughter has the inner strength, but she is wild and not at all suited." Galadriel said harshly. Trina turned a dull red with anger.

"We do not have a choice. Therefore nothing to discuss." Elrond sighed then continued. "Our granddaughter will go with the Fellowship, as she is the ring wielder." Galadriel looked closely at Elrond before asking,

"You do not like this decision, Elrond?"

"I do not like sending an innocent to an almost certain death, and less when it is my grandchild." Galadriel nodded.

"What of the rest of them? Some could be assets to the Fellowship." Trina remarked. Aragorn shook his head.

"I do not think it wise to take the rest of the girls..."

"I was thinking more along the lines of Harry, Ron and my son."

"Can they fight?" Legolas asked.

"Yes, Harry, Ron and Max can wield a sword. All are extensively trained in magic as well, under Dumbledore and Mc Gonagal."

"They are young and resourceful and have faced many challenges together. They would be useful." Dumbledore replied quietly. Gandalf nodded.

"It will not hurt us to bring them, but the decision is yours Aragorn." Aragorn was silent a moment, the looked at Trina and spoke,

"Gandalf is right, if they can fight they may be of use, but they must be able to defend them selves. You said your son, Ron and Harry, who is Ron and Harry? And how do they relate to you?" Trina smiled, seeing Lily scowl.

"Max, my son, as well as Ron and Harry are some of the best fighters, you have my word on that, I taught them myself. As for who Harry and Ron are to me, Harry is my nephew, Ron his best friend." Trina gestured to James and Lily on the other side of the room. "Harry, is my brother's son." Aragorn nodded.

"Legolas will make sure they have the skills to defend them selves. I'm not doubting your word, Trina, but we must be sure." Trina nodded.

"What about Jae? Your taking her of course, but she will not go willingly or alone. You'll have to take at least one of her sisters or female cousins with you."

"We cannot risk taking another female with us. It will be dangerous enough taking one."

"You don't have a choice." Trina stated.

"We're taking her brother and cousin. That should be enough." Aragorn said slightly irritated.

"She won't go without another female friend, Aragorn, and I will not forced her." Aragorn started to speak when Legolas interrupted.

"I remember once you said you believed in equality for male and females. You vowed to teach your children the same things."

"Yes, I remember that. I wanted to join in the sword fight with you and Aragorn, but when I suggested it everyone looked at me like I'd lost my mind." Aragorn grinned.

"I recall you getting your way in the end, did you not? Ended up winning too, not that I would admit that anywhere else." Trina smiled and asked,

"Why did you bring that up, Legolas? What relevance does it have?" Haldir spoke for the first time.

"While I admire that Trina taught her daughters to fight, the fact remains that they are not men." Legolas and Aragorn mentally cringed, they could all but see the read haze and steam coming out of her ears. Elrond inwardly laughed and spoke.

"As I said in the council meeting, the ring does not distinguish genders and so nor shall we."

"I meant no offence, just that in hand to hand combat, a man will have a chance in strength. The Uruk-hal have the strength of five men. No Lady would stand a chance." Haldir stated.

"My children know magic and wizardry, Haldir. They can hold their own. If you don't believe me. Go challenge one of my girls. They love the sport, it's one of their favourites." Haldir gave a small smile at the dare.

"I would not want to injure the young Ladies." Aragorn laughed and Haldir replied,

"Perhaps I will do as you suggest." Legolas grinned while Elrond shook his head, and said sternly,

"This is not a duel, this is a meeting. What is your decision Aragorn?"

"If the Lady Jaelithe is as stubborn as Trina says, we may have no choice. For the moment I say we take only Lady Jaelithe." Celebron looked at Aragorn for a moment before addressing him.

"You will let the young Lady Jaelithe have a choice in the matter? What if none of them want to go?" Aragorn turned to Trina for the answer.

"Leave that up to me. I will talk to them." Celebron nodded and rose addressing Elrond.

"I would have Haldir stay representing Lorien, till such time as the Fellowship leaves." Elrond hid a smile at Celeborn's manoeuvring. Celebrian smiled and answered.

"Haldir of Lorien, you are most welcome to stay in Rivendell for as long as you wish." Haldir bowed.

"Hennaid, Hiril nin." (*Thank-you, My Lady.*)

"We will expect you in a fortnight. Namarie." (*Goodbye*) With that Celeborn and Galadriel left. As the room started emptying Trina stoped Aragorn.

"I need to speak to you privately." Aragorn, remembering what she had said earlier, nodded and went over to stand by the window. Trina turned to James and Lily who had also hung behind. "I'll talk to you later James. Should I tell Harry or do you want to?"

"We can do that. Trina is it wise to be telling Aragorn this before they're going to leave?"

"He has to know, James. He has a right to know." James nodded and left along with Lily, who threw a encouraging smile over her shoulder just before the door shut. Aragorn turned looking mildly confused.

"What is it you wish to speak to me about?" Trina sighed and rubbed her temples.

"You had better sit down for this." She said gesturing to the chair apposite her. Aragorn sat down wondering she was working up to say, but knew better than to ask. When she spoke he wished she hadn't.

"Do you remember the day I thought Haldir had died?" He shifted uncomfortably.

"Yes. How is it you remember? You...well....."

" I had a dream about it and asked Dumbledore about it."

"Oh." Aragorn looked at the floor a second before speaking. "I know it was an invasion of privacy, I am..."

"Aragorn." She interrupted, "You saved my life. You have nothing to apologize for."

"We made a promise.."

"That needed breaking. Aragorn, you left me with more than my life that night."

"I...I WHAT?!" It took him a moment to switch gears.

"I became with child that night. The spitfire, Jaelithe, she's yours." Floored Aragorn stared into nothingness. Silence reined the room. It was a long time before he spoke.

"Does she know? How's this going to affect her life? How's this going to affect Arwen?" Trina smiled. How easily he had stepped into the father role.

"Jae knows. The council meeting, the fit? That's how long she's known. As for how it will affect her life that's up to her."

"Who else knows?"

"Arwen and I assume Legolas."

"Legolas doesn't know. He thinks she has a connection to me through our friendship and marriage."

"Joy." Trina said sarcastically. Slowly Aragorn's head came up and he looked Trina in the eyes, emotions wared within him.

"I'm taking my daughter with the fellowship? I am leading my daughter to almost certain death?!"

"No. Both Gandalf and you are leading her in what she's supposed to do, your leading her to her destiny."

" It will be a miracle if wesurvive! Let alone a young accident prone girl!" Aragorn exploded.

"You WILL survived, Aragorn, and you will bring our daughter home with you. Of this I have no doubt." Somewhat calmed down Aragorn glanced at Trina asking,

"How can you be so certain?" Trina knelt down beside him gently resting one hand on his knee and the other on his arm. Before she could say a thing, someone spoke from the door way.

"Mom's always certain. Always right too." Trina turned to look at her daughter.

"Not always, Sweetheart." A single tear ran down Jaelithe's cheek, before she spoke,

"Where do I belong? I'm from neither hear nor there. When this is over, where am I going to go? I don't fit in this realm and I don't belong in the other." As she spoke she had walked into the room, to slump in Trina's vacant chair. Aragorn watched the confusion and frustration along with the fear and doubt fight within her. How very young she still was.

"Jaelithe, our family, Trina's and mine, are different from most. Your Mother and I both come from families who have had to hack out places for themselves, and fight to keep those places. Never have any of us just 'fit in'. Look at your Mother, she's lived in and made homes in three realms. She fought for her place and statice, kept it too. I come from a line of Kings who have constantly fought for their land and peace. You must carve out your own life, daughter." Trina raised a brow. 'Well that was quite the speech.' she thought as Jaelithe got up and paced. Trina watched as Jaelithe paced and almost smiled at the similarity of the gesture.

"I don't want to fight for my place in life! I want to be born into my parents loving arms, with no secrets, no gaps or half truths in my family history. I want people to know me and recognize me in the street. I want to belong." Aragorn rested a hand on top of Trina's where it had fallen on his knee before calmly speaking, showing nothing of the fury he was feeling.

"I do not believe for a moment Trina did not love you or have loving arms. I know her well enough to also know that her hus-"

"Jack. His name's Jack." He nodded in response.

"That Jack would have loved you just as much as your mother does. As for secrets, everyone has them whether you like it or not, that is the way of the world. I believe you owe your Mother an apology." Jaelithe had stoped pacing and was staring at Aragorn with tears slowly streaming down her face.

"I want to belong." Trina was getting angry, while Aragorn was getting a little desperate. 'How does one reason with someone who just repeats themselves?' Then inspiration struck

"You belong where your loved." He stood up, walked over to Jaelithe and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I also know that you're my daughter, and with that comes my love, affection and I will protect you with my very being." With that said he pulled Jaelithe into a hug, surprised but not unwilling she wrapped her arms around him and burred her face in his doublet. Trina stood and watched with a smile, she barely moved when she felt arms slip around her shoulders and a head touch hers.

"He makes a wonderful father doesn't he?" Arwen remarked. Trina reached up to place her hands on Arwen's.

"Mmm, he does. You'll need to give him more." Arwen laughed softly.

"This will be good for him, to get to know his daughter. I'm glad you told him, Trina. Hennaid." (*Thank-you*) Trina turned to face Arwen surprised.

"For what? I didn't do anything. It was his right to know about her and her right to know about him."

"Yes, but you gave them the opportunity. You timed it well too."

"My brother doesn't think so. He thinks that knowing about Jaelithe will cloud his judgement."

"I do not think so, but it is possible. What would he think if you had not told him and something happened to Jaelithe? This way they have a chance to know each other." Aragorn looked up and delight flashed on his face at the sight of Arwen. He gently tugged Jaelithe's hair to get her to look at him.

"There is someone I'd like you to formally meet." Aragorn led Jaelithe over to Arwen, who let go of Trina, to take the hand Aragorn offered. Arwen smiled warmly at Jaelithe, who looked confused at Trina, then back to Aragorn.

"Um....ah...........isn't? Well......um...." Trina started laughing, with a sheepish grin at Arwen and Aragorn, she said,

"Asks questions kinda like I do, huh?" Arwen smile turned into a grin. Arwen held out her hands to Jaelithe.

"Come let me explain."