Come on, come on don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Something's gone terribly wrong, your all I wanted

Come on, come on don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Can't breathe whenever you're gone

Can't turn back now, I'm haunted

- 'Haunted', Taylor Swift

23 February 3019

I was atop a hill, in the shelter of some out of place stone slabs, trees surrounding me on all sides. Aragorn and Frodo were in front of me. Ignoring me.

The orcs were closing in. I could hear them. Sense them. Feel the tremble in the ground beneath my feet as they thundered towards us. Towards Aragorn, Frodo. Towards the Ring. They had to run, they had to get out of here! Before it was too late!

This wasn't safe, they weren't safe! Why weren't they leaving! I tried to cry out but there was no sound. No!

Aragorn drew his sword, as the first orcs came into view. Why wasn't I helping them? I didn't know... They were here. Too late. Too late...

Legolas!

I span around to see him leap into view, his bow strung, firing at will. No, he had to leave, get out. I tried to call to him again. Legolas!

Legolas!

"Legolas!"

I sat up sharply, suddenly aware of the scream ripping from my throat. My bedcovers were thrown about, I was shaking, panting, sweating as I stared wildly around my room. It was just a dream, I was safe.

But Legolas wasn't. That had been more than a dream, that had felt real. And I could still sense it now. The Fellowship was in danger.

Without another pause, I grabbed a robe from nearby and fled my room. Pulling my robe on over my nightgown as I ran, I headed straight for my parents' chambers. My mother would know. She always knew...

I was not surprised to find my mother awake as I forced myself into their chamber. My mother turned to me slowly as I strode to her.

"Did you see it?" I asked.

Galadriel needed no explanation as to what I referred to. She knew. "Yes, I have seen the attack upon the Fellowship."

"Why didn't you warn me!" I cried.

"Warning you would have made no difference," she replied.

"So it has happened?" I asked in horror. "Or was it a vision of the future?"

"I cannot know," Galadriel said slowly.

"Why didn't you stop them leaving?" I asked, I needed answers, they needed help!

"I saw this after the Fellowship departed Lothlorien, not two days ago," my mother told me.

"The Fellowship is out of our lands now," my father added, appearing from nowhere as he so often did. "Their fate is in their own hands."

"No," I shook my head wildly. "The Fellowship is always a part of us all, whether we choose it or not! We have to send reinforcements! At least to check they are safe!"

"No," Celeborn disagreed. "We cannot spare soldiers now, we must protect our own borders."

I swallowed. "Then I will go alone."

"Ríel, I forbid it!" my father said sharply, striding forwards.

"I will go, whether you forbid it or not," I told him and I registered the shocked surprise and hurt in his eyes. Celebrían had been the healer of us, I the warrior, but I had always been the obediant one. Celebrían had been always less inclined to follow our father's commands. I could see it pained my father for me to disobey him so suddenly, but I could not abandon them. I turned on my heel and strode from their chambers to ready myself. I would waste no time.

I led Alrohar to Caras Galadhon's borders and halted him, to cast a last eye over my light supplies. A small saddle bag held a few pieces of lembas and a water skin, while my bow and arrows were stored at my saddle. I kept my sword at my back. I was travelling light, left behind my navy ranging coat for more appropriate attire; short blue tunic and boots, with an dusky blue cloak and silver breastplate. My hair was loose of its ponytail, tied traditionally; long with braids.

Alrohar pranced excitedly, aware of an underlying adventure.

"Arnuríel?"

I turned to find my parents watching quietly. So different to the last time I left Lorien. The formality as the people watched the Lady ride out, an ambassador and ranger.

Now I left, a warrior, alone and hopeful.

"Lle sinta llye mela lle," my father told me. You know we love you. My gaze softened as I nodded.

"Ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín," my mother bade me and came forward to kiss my forehead. May Elbereth protect you, may her stars shine on the path of your life.

"Hannon le," I replied gently. Thank you. I swung myself up into the saddle and again checked my bow and arrows.

"Quel marth," my father added and I took up my reigns. "Tira ten' rashwe." Good luck. Be careful.

"Namaarie, iel nîn," my mother finished and I smiled. We love you. Farewell, my daughter.

"Namaarie naneth, ada," I replied. Farewell mother, father.

My parents gave a last nod and I nudged Alrohar away. He trotted out of the city, and took up a canter through the woods.

I hoped we would reach them before it was too late...

If anyone is interested in seeing what Arnuriel's outfits look like, you can find my sketches for them on my Deviantart page (link on my profile).

Neia x