They rode on, turning slightly to the North to stay on course. They traversed the grassy hills, taking their time under the join pleasant afternoon sun. Mooncharger and Celebel were frisky, and even Frostmane was at ease. The elves were enchanted by the sea breeze, and Dreogan enjoyed the feel of the salty air on his face. They walked along like this for some time and walked over hill after hill.

Slowly, a sense of unease settled over the companions. They day seemed falsely cheery and it was as if it was misleading them. They crested a hill, and were suddenly surrounded by an assortment of goblins and orcs, all jeering and shouting at the trio. There were a great number of them, too many for the three of them to fight off efficiently, yet having no choice, they pulled their weapons in defense.

A particularly large orc bearing the mark of Gundabad stepped forward, wielding a large and twisted blade. "Right lads!" He barked, baring yellowed fangs. "You know what to do, the she-elf has it, get it back at all costs! Kill them all!"

"Rhaich!" Laerorneth shouted. Curses! "Noro! Run!"

They mounted their steeds and charged through the line, bowling over several screaming orcs and goblins. As soon as they were through, they kept on running with the fell folk close behind them.

"Ride hard! Our only hope is to outrun them!" Norfirion cried.

With that he spurred Frostmane into a run and galloped into the blazing sun. The others followed swiftly behind them. The horde of vile creatures pursued, hissing and jeering. Dreogan muttered to himself and his horse as they rode.

"Noro lim, Celebel, noro lim!" Laerorneth cried to her horse, urging it to keep pace with the others.

The three companions pounded across the green turf, passing hills with no thought to the beautiful scenery. As they crested one particularly large hill the gleaming visage of the Grey Havens took their breath away. Their pursuers began to panic causing orcs and goblins to fall over each other. Without warning a barrage of arrows leapt from all round, slaughtering a large amount of orcs.

"Where did those come from?" Dreogan yelped, startled. Laerorneth laughed joyfully.

"I would assume the Elves of the Grey Havens." said Norfirion.

"And you would be right. Look!" Laerorneth cried, pointing towards the Havens where several Elves with bows were awaiting them. The closest gave a low bow.

"Gi suilon! Im Pengon."

"Mae g'ovannen!" Norfirion said jumping down from Frostmane and bowing.

"Guren glassui." Laerorneth said, swinging down from her horse. "Ha na-man galu i cin na ammen."

I need to learn this language someday, Dreogan thought.

"Hi na Dreogan-o Rohan, a Norfirion-o Mirkwood." Laerorneth continued on. "Im Laerorneth-o Lorien."

"Le fael!" said Norfirion with another bow.

"You are very welcome." Pengon said, switching back to the common tongue. "It is not often that we get visitors from any of those lands, unless the latter two come to leave these shores."

"No, we do not come to this great port to leave Middle-Earth, but to save it." Norfirion stated. "We have heard tell that trouble is brewing in Angmar. Do you know anything about such dark tiding?"

"Unfortunate though my answer is, there is great evil breeding in that fell land. Even ancient songs speak of it." The Elf turned to one of his companions, who stepped forward and then opened into a song.

Heard in Thangorodrim of old

A Balrog's roar, fierce and bold

When it fell the Balrogs fled

To hide in Middle-Earth instead

Durin's Bane in Moria hid

To rest for centuries under a lid

Only one other's location is known

Beneath Angmar its fires shone

But asleep it is now until it should wake

And woe be to those for their own sake

As the second Elf finished, the three companions felt a distinct feeling of dread wash over them, especially Laerorneth. She shuddered, the realization of what dwelt in their destination slamming into her: A Balrog of Morgoth.

"Are you saying a Flame of Udûn dwells in the land we are venturing to?" Laerorneth asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Dreogan looked towards Norfirion and mouthed Flame of Udûn? With raised eyebrows. Listen! Norfirion mouthed back.

The second Elf nodded somberly in response to Laerorneth's question. "Yes, it is said that one of the survivors fled to the Northern Kingdom due to its relative safety." He glanced at Dreogan's questioning expression. "Ah, I see that you know not of what evil we speak. The Flame of Udûn is the Balrog, the demon of Morgoth. Ancient, evil beings, wreathed in a mane of fire and shadow."

"Oh dear…" Dreogan gasped with an expression of dread.

"Oh dear, indeed." Norfirion said in response.

"Nae!" Laerorneth cried. Alas! "These are woeful tidings! That is a foe we three alone cannot best."

"Fire is not always a foe, but this is certainly a fell exception." Norfirion nodded with a glance at his bow.

"l agree. Fire has many uses, yet if this demon awakes, we shall be lost…" Dreogan said quietly.

"Yes, this is terrible news indeed," Pengon nodded sagely. "But since you cannot know what the future holds for you, all we can offer to help is lodging in these dark times."

"And we accept that generous offer with many thanks." Laerorneth said with a smile to the other two.

"Yes, many thanks!" said Norfirion with another bow.

"The hospitality of Elves is to be praised!" Dreogan declared with a bow of his own.

Pengon and the other elves laughed and gestured for travellers them to follow them. "Come! To the Grey Havens we go!"

And with that Pengon walked down a road lined with houses on either side. They came to a harbour side and saw the sea out in the distance. They took a left and found themselves in front of a big house with an open door.

"Welcome fair travelers to the house of the Grey Havens." Pengon said, ushering them in the doorway. "Here you can rest and forget your troubles for now."

In the house was provisions and stores of food as well as many beds. They sat down at a table and supped a dinner as such as they hadn't had since the Prancing Pony. When they were done they said goodnight and had dreamless slumber.

They woke to the sound of knocking on the front door. They quickly got dressed and hurried to the door. When they opened it, they found it was Pengon at the door with his elf posse.

"We just wanted to give you gifts to help you on your quest to save Middle-Earth."

With that he had a few of the elves come forward with bundles. To Norfirion they gave a new quiver which was filled with well crafted arrows. They gave him another bow such as the like of his, but new and not worn. It was made of brown wood and furnished with golden handles.

"Thank you kind Elves, but my bow is a special contraption that I hold dear to my heart.""Fear not dear friend we took your bow last night and crafted it the same way that yours is." Pengon assured him."Thank you dear friends!" said Norfirion with a bow. To Dreogan the gave a sheath for his mace-sword and a small elvish dagger. To Laerorneth they gave a satchel to hold the Palantír and they refilled her almost empty quiver.

"Le fael cin an i ann, mellon." She said. Thank you for the gift, friend.

"Stay here for as long as you like." Pengon said. "You are weary, and there is far yet you must go. We must be off, but feel free to explore our lands." The three bowed low, and Pengon and his company disappeared down the streets.

"Where shall we go first?" Dreogan asked his companions.

"Wherever our feet take us, my friend!" Norfirion cried joyfully. They began to wander up the river Lûhn, walking this way and that, giving no cares for now of their plight. Laerorneth stopped suddenly, a smile on her face. She motioned for the other two to be quiet, and a few moments later, two deer stepped out of the woods. The two does made their way to the river bank, oblivious to the three companions that stood nearby, and began to drink from the cool waters. Laerorneth stepped forward slowly, and the deer paused mid sip to look up at her.

"Gar- baw nifred." She said softly, drawing ever closer. "Ennas na- ú- a nad na nifred, glad mellon. Mín tul- baw flae innas." She slowly reached forward, placing her hand upon the doe's neck. She smiled, and gestured for Dreogan to join her. He came forward slowly, and patted the deer on the back while she was distracted by Laerorneth.

"A glad mellon." Norfirion said, approaching the other doe. "Ceri- cin rad- i glad eithel?" He stroked her soft neck, murmuring to her in Elvish.

Dreogan grinned. "Frostmane is going to be jealous." He laughed quietly. The deer started at the sound of his voice, and bolted back into the trees, followed by the sounds of laughter. The three continued on slowly. They had wandered not very far when they met a fork in the river. They decided to split up.

Norfirion and Dreogan taking the one path of the fork, Laerorneth the other. They had no fear of losing each other. They just knew that fate would bring them together in their times of need. Dreogan and Norfirion continued along at ease seeing many a sign of wildlife but no people. They continued up the river finally coming to another branch off of the main one. This one was smaller and was more stream-like than anything the had seen on their trip.

Dreogan stooped and seized a stone, rolling it in his hands. Looking back to the river, he hurled it into the clear water, making a large splash. The Rohirrim grinned at Norfirion and shrugged. Another large splash sounded as a large snake slipped into the cool water, scared by the stone. They kept on walking giving no heed to where they walked, except to the wildlife and trees. They trekked up a steep hill and came to a clearing upon its peak. Gazing out, the two saw above the trees rising in the sunset a chain of mountains.

"I think we should make for those mountains when we meet back up with Laerorneth." Norfirion said, gazing at the mountains as the shadows lengthened.

"We should probably head back to the Grey Havens now." Dreogan said with a glance at the now dark forest around him and a frown. "I trust you know the way?"

"The sea calls to me, Dreogan, I know the way." Norfirion smiled with a gleam in his eyes.

With that the Elf turned around with one last look at the range of mountains and pushed back into the undergrowth and into the forest again. They had not gone far when they came upon the small stream. They followed this until it became one with the River Lune. Soon the were back where they had first left Laerorneth and still they kept on.

Laerorneth had followed her path from the fork like a well trained hunting dog. She wasn't hunting, but walking and stopping to view the wildlife. She went on like this for a long while until the trees thinned out and suddenly in front of her stood a range of hills. She decided to walk up the hills and soon stood on their summit looking down on a lake of pure beauty.

"I know this place!" She cried joyfully. "Lake Evendim!" She strode down the hills and reached the bed of the lake, where she knelt. Upon this action the clear waters turned dark and a blackened voice began to hiss:

The Balrog is the one you fear

But to Angmar you get so near

He is the one who duly waits

The one who plots, the one who hates

He is the one to make you fly

And no-one shall live, they shall die

But before the voice could finish its evil chant a commanding voice silenced it.

"Leave, wraith of Angmar! This is not your domain. Leave my lady alone!" At this the voice became an image of a fair Elven woman clothed in white and wearing a gleaming ring. She started to sing:

Now listen before your fate is sealed

Take up arms and so to yield

The fact that in Angmar thou must traverse

But beware the Balrog's evil curse

His whip and sword are fiery red

But beware if you think you are ahead

He is the one to doom you all

That is if you fail and he does not fall

But do not fear, you are stronger than the night

For always has the darkness been inferior to the light

With the vision Laerorneth woke sprawled on the sandy beach by the lakeside, returned to its normal beauty. But she was not alone. Standing over her was Galadriel herself, her beaming light dimming everything before her. Laerorneth knelt and bowed before the elf queen, lowering her gaze.

"Hiril vuin!" Laerorneth said softly. My Lady!

"Tullen tye-rehtien." She said in Quenya, her voice deep and comforting. I am here to help you. "Rise, child of Ilúvatar." Laerorneth slowly stood.

"You came all this way just to give me aid?" Laerorneth asked. The Lady smiled.

"You know that the task that has been set before you cannot be completed by three alone." Galadriel said gently. "If Angmar does not fall, then Sauron will return, stronger than ever, and he will have dominion over Middle Earth even unto the ending of the world. I need you to succeed, the world needs you to succeed. The time will come when you need this."

Galadriel held a small bundle in her outstretched hands, and she offered it to Laerorneth. Laerorneth accepted it with trembling hands, and the wrappings fell away to reveal a flute, elegantly carved and made out of Malorn heartwood.

"Thank you, my Lady." Laerorneth said in awe.

"This flute will bring aid in the hour of your most desperate need." Galadriel said.

"How will I know when that hour has struck?" Laerorneth asked.

"Only you will know my dearest, only you will know." She said, smiling once more. "Remember Tree Song, you are stronger than the night." Lady Galadriel turned and looked into the distance for a moment before her gaze returned to Laerorneth. "Na lû e-govaned vîn." She said softly. Until next we meet. "Namárië."

Laerorneth bowed her head, and a gentle breeze blew about them. When Laerorneth next looked up, Lady Galadriel was gone.

"N'i lû tôl." She said softly. Until then. Laerorneth put the precious flute safely into a deep pocket, and began to run nimbly to the Grey Havens. She reached the elvish port as the sun had just began to set, only to discover that her companions had not yet returned. She slowly wandered the peaceful town, and eventually found herself at the docks.

Waves lapped peacefully on the shore, creating a rhythmic lullaby on the hulls of the ships tethered there. Laerorneth looked up at the ships in awe, their white sails framed against the darkening sky, the swan carved prows arching their regal necks proudly. Laerorneth reached up and placed a slender hand on the smooth wood.

"Like them, do you?" An old voice said suddenly. Laerorneth turned, and before her stood a mighty elf Lord. He was old and tall, bearded and silvered with age, but his eyes gleamed and were keen as stars.

"Lord Círdan." Laerorneth said in surprise, bowing before the oldest elf of the age. "I did not look for you here." He chuckled.

"And why not?" He asked. "I always come to the sea to gaze Westward in the evening." There was a moment of silence as they both gazed over the sea, towards Valinor. "I met someone who was searching for you this morning." He said at last, his eyes never leaving the waves.

"Did you?" Laerorneth said in surprise. He chuckled again.

"Lady Galadriel was quite determined to find you." He said, turning back to Laerorneth. "I can only hope she did."

"Indeed she did, on the shores of Lake Evendim." Laerorneth replied quietly.

"Good, good." The elf Lord murmured.

"My Lord, you are gifted with foresight, can you tell me if it is my fate to cross the sea to dwell in the Undying Lands?" Laerorneth asked cautiously.

"There are some things even the Wise cannot tell." Círdan said, gazing Westward once more. Laerorneth sighed.

"Dreogan wishes in his heart to gaze upon the White Shores." She said softly. "Just as much as any elf."

"Does he now?" Círdan said in surprise. "If you succeed, perhaps something can be arranged."

"Really?" Laerorneth said in surprise. "Can that be done?"

"It is not often that such a thing is permitted, but these are special circumstances." The elf Lord said. "After all, it is not everyday that we honor the old alliances with Men."

"Indeed it is not." Laerorneth said.

At that moment there was the sound of footsteps coming closer, and they turned to find Norfirion and Dreogan approaching.

"Ah, you are back already." Norfirion said as they came closer.

"Yes, I arrived not long before you did." Laerorneth answered.

"Who is that….?" Dreogan began to whisper to Norfirion, but he was cut off by him with a nudge.

"Lord Círdan." Norfirion with a low bow. Dreogan also bowed, and the elf Lord responded with a cordial nod.

"Now that I have you three together, I have some wisdom to impart on you." Lord Círdan said. "I know that you carry a Palantír, and I know where you must travel to. It is my advice that you find someone trustworthy to hold the Palantír in safekeeping before you reach Angmar."

"And would you keep it for us?" Norfirion asked hopefully. Lord Círdan shook his head slowly.

"It is not for me to guard." He answered. "You must find someone else, but do not be rash in making a decision. You may yet have to bring it to Angmar."

"Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no, and yes." Dreogan said quietly. Lord Círdan turned to him, a slightly amused look on his face.

"So this is the Man of Rohan." He said with a glance towards Laerorneth. "Yes, I shall see what can be arranged, but do not dare to hope. It would be best not to mention what we have discussed."

"Of course, my Lord." Laerorneth said with a bow. "We should be going now, for tomorrow we resume our journey."

"Galu bo cín lend." Lord Círdan said, turning back to the now darkened West. The three hurried back to their lodgings, where the other two quickly began to fire questions at Laerorneth.

"What was Lord Círdan talking about?" Norfirion asked. "'Yes, I shall see what can be arranged.'"

"Did you not listen?" Laerorneth asked. "I was bade not to speak of it in case our plans go awry. Come now, tell me where you went, and I will tell you where I have been."

"We followed the river a good way northwards, until we could see the Blue Mountains. I suggest that we travel that way on our journey… even if we must deal with Dwarves." Norfirion said.

"Yes, I was thinking we should head there too," Laerorneth said. "Seeing as Iarwain Ben-adar told us we might wish to travel by that path."

"So we might meet the Dwarves of the North?" Dreogan asked.

"Indeed we may." Laerorneth answered. "I believe that they have a large settlement there." Norfirion glared silently, and Laerorneth gave a faint smile. "Trust me, friend. I do not wish to deal with dwarves either, but if we must, I shall try to do it without complaint."

"You have a point..." Norfirion grumbled. "But enough talk about Dwarves, where have you been this entire time, Laerorneth?"

"I managed to make it all the way to Lake Evendim." She said, looking grave. She went on and told them about how the clear waters grew dark, and how a fell voice told of impending doom, and how it was banished by a voice much fairer and stronger than it.

"And then I woke up on the lakeside, and she was standing over me." Laerorneth's voice was strangely hushed. "Lady Galadriel herself was there!"

"The Lady of the Golden Wood? Here?" Norfirion asked. Larerorneth nodded.

"How she did it, I do not know. She must hold powers beyond my knowledge." Laerorneth said. "Yet she was there, and it was no vision. We talked for awhile, and she spoke of what would come to pass if we fail. However, she spoke of hope as well, and gave me this." With those words, Laerorneth withdrew the Malorn flute and set in on a table before them.

"An Elven flute?" Dreogan said with interest. "What does it do?"

"My Lady said it would bring aid in our darkest hour."

"And when will that be?" Norfirion asked.

"I do not know." Laerorneth answered. "I do not know."