The men prepared for war in the caves, saying their final goodbyes to their loved ones. Small boys as well as teenagers were putting on armor and grabbing swords.

Elenya watched as she stood by Aragorn. It pained them both to see so many young boys heading into the war.

"This is madness." Elenya whispered.

"This is what must be done." Aragorn replied.

Elenya turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Legolas stood, like a thin tree, and stared into her eyes. "You must join the rest of the men near the throne room."

Her eyes narrowed. "What? No, I want to join you and fight above the gate."

"Let us handle it. The men will need your help."

She admired his persistence and though she desired to argue, she did not. Her hand cradled the side of his face and exhaled deeply.

"I will do as you say, but promise me something."

He raised his eyebrows, curiously.

Elenya hesitated. "Don't go jumping into a battle you know you can't win."

They shared a small smile and he gave her a nod. She parted from the men with a deep bow.

She lifted her head and said, "For Frodo."

The rain poured on them as they stood, waiting for the battle to begin. As Elenya stood, arms folded and eyes forward, she felt a sudden feeling within her.

Something felt wrong. Without another thought, she sought shelter from the rain and entered the throne room.

She closed her eyes as she paced the floor. A voice stopped her.

"You can sense it as well?"

Legolas stepped into the light as he held his bow. Elenya nodded at his previous statement and lowered her eyes.

"I fear for Frodo. I can sense that he is troubled. Something is not right."

"What would you do? Leave?"

His voice was angry.

"If the Ring has found its way into the hands of men, we are doomed." Elenya said.

Legolas grimaced. "Do you not know who you sound like?"

Elenya shot him a glance. "You think I sound like Elrond. I speak with my own words, not anyone else's."

"I see fear in the men's eyes. Now, I can see it in yours."

"I am not afraid. I must seek out Frodo and Sam. They're in trouble."

Legolas grabbed her by the shoulders. "And, how could you know that?"

"You said you could sense it!"

"That doesn't mean it's certain!"

"Think of me as you wish! I am going after Frodo. The Ring cannot fall into the hands of men."

He let her go and stepped away. She walked towards the doors, ready to leave. Before she opened them, she gave him a final glance.

"Though you are angry with me, I leave my heart here with you. Do not forget your promise."

And with that, she left the young Elf alone. He lowered his head and clenched his fists. Quickly, he hurried to the doors and watched as Elenya rode a horse through the city. All the men watched her ride through the gates and away from the fortress.

Haldir, make haste.


Elenya rode through the night. She called for Elrond to help her and guide her path to Frodo.

"Osgiliath. That is where you must ride."

And ride she did. She rode over several hills and valleys. Finally, when the sun had risen she has reached Osgiliath.

Her horse was exhausted but they had to press on. They rode towards the city as the sun was already high in the sky.

She arrived as the Nazgûl were taking over the city. Clutching her sword, she leaped off her horse. Her eyes scanned the city but saw no sign of the hobbits.

"Frodo! Sam!" she cried.

A sharp hiss made her cringe. A Nazgûl flew above her on a winged beast. She held her sword in both hands and gritted her teeth.

"What have you done with them, you blasted creatures?"

The flying beast gave a loud shriek. Suddenly, she was pushed off her feet and fell roughly on her side. Her sword fell from her hands with a clang.

Quickly, she looked at her savior and discovered a familiar face. Or, at least, she thought he looked familiar. His face had a small beard and his hair was long and a warm blonde color.

His eyes were a beautiful shade of blue. They stared at each other for a moment, breathing heavily.

On his chest was a tree, the symbol of Minas Tirith. The White City.

Only one name escaped her lips. "Boromir..?"

He grimaced a bit and shook his head. "No. His brother. I am Faramir."

"Faramir." Elenya repeated.

He gave a quick nod and gave her a scan. "You are an Elf. Far from Rivendell."

Several Gondorian soldiers ran their way, aiming their bows at Elenya. She and Faramir stood up from the ground.

"I am here to find friends of mine." Elenya said, calmly.

Faramir raised an eyebrow. "What friends could a young she-elf have in such a place? Shouldn't you be back in your homeland, journeying with the rest of your people?"

"I seek two hobbits. It is crucial that I find them as soon as possible. Please, have you seen them?"

Faramir paused. "You seek a young Frodo and his companion, yes?"

Elenya's face lit up. "Yes, you've seen them! Where are they?"

"I released them. A few hours ago they were here, carrying the ring of power."

Elenya's smile began to fade. "They're gone? Where and when?"

Faramir opened his mouth to answer but stopped. He stared at Elenya with suspicion in his eyes.

"You seem rather hasty. From where do you ride?" Faramir asked.

"What does it matter? You must tell me-"

Faramir unsheathed his sword and aimed it at her.

"I will not ask you again."

She hesitated but replied, "I ride from Helm's Deep."

Faramir's men whispered amongst themselves. Faramir lowered his sword and raised an eyebrow.

"So far? Quite a journey for simply trying to locate friends. Or are you seeking something else?"

One of the soldiers spoke up.
"Perhaps this could redeem you, sir. Your father would be pleased."

Elenya glanced at the soldier who spoke up, confused. Faramir seemed convinced.

"He would be pleased indeed with this new gift."

Frustrated, Elenya grabbed one of the soldiers' arrows and aimed it at Faramir's neck. His men shouted and drew their swords. Faramir held up one hand to stop them.

"Where did the hobbits go?" Elenya demanded.

"Is it truly the hobbits you seek, young elf? One of them carries the ring..."

His finger slowly traced Elenya's neck. "...it hung around his neck. The most powerful ring of all."

"I have no interest in the ring. I only wish to find them and assist them on their journey." Elenya spat.

"We let them go. They were heading that way." Faramir pointed but before Elenya could look, one of his men slammed the handle of their sword behind her head.

She fell to the ground, unconscious. Faramir felt his neck, where her arrow slightly pierced it. He looked down at her and nodded to his men.

"Bind her hands. Do not harm her. We will stay here and reclaim the city. Notify my father of the gift I have for him."

One of his men bowed. "Yes, sir."

Another soldier asked, "Where shall we put her, sir?"

"She will stay with me." Faramir replied.