Chapter 10: 2 Truths, 1 Lie

Although I had told Elladan sweet dreams, I was the one who ended up having some pretty amazing dreams. Lets just say they involved me, Elladan, whipped cream, and some cheese. I'm actually not quite sure why there was cheese, but it was there.

Regardless of my dreams, I awoke feeling quite rested. I arose even before everyone else and decided to go out for an early morning jog. It would be a bit hard to manage jogging in my boots (the same boots I wore morning, day, and bloody night), but I made do with what I had. For whatever reason I awoke feeling energetic and more positive than the previous days. An incredible sunrise sprang up as I stretched outside my tent. Its rays stretched over the earth and brightened my mood as much as it did the sky. How can I stay upset when viewing the miracle that is the sun rise?

No one else seemed awake yet so, after making sure my dagger was sheathed in my boots, I began jogging. I learned a long time ago that if you want to work out any part of your body, it should be your legs. They come in handy when you are chasing down the Big Bad... Or running away from it.

Arwen had acquired some of the men's clothing, a tunic and rather comfy leggings. All the clothing was the color of soil, which was good if I needed to hunt, but not my favorite color. Wearing something almost the color of your skin is a fashion no-no. My former boyfriend Erik once described me having "creamy caramel skin, delicious chocolate brown eyes, and lips the tint of sweet strawberries". Not that there isn't truth to those words, but I teased him at the time for just being hungry; although flowery words like that were expected since Erik is a poet.

Well... Was a poet.

I shook my head and tried to clear my thoughts of him. If only I could go housewife on my brain and scrub clean all thoughts and memories of him.

Quickly I finished my stretching and began jogging out of the camp. What a feeling! Running opposite of the sun I could feel the fledging rays of light warm up my back. The air had that crisp feeling all late summer mornings have and it was rich with the scent of leaves and grass. My heart started pounding as I let myself fly across a meadow that was covered with tall, dry, and yellowed grass. Wisps of the grass slapped against my legs but I kept pushing myself. Faster and faster. I wanted to lose myself in the beautiful surroundings; to forget everything that was on my mind. Today I promised myself I would start anew. These past few days my life had been spiraling downward and dammit! Today I was going to take control of it. If I had a problem, I would fix it. No more worrying about being stuck here, I would carpe diem and figure out a way.

After running for 30 minutes I decided to make my way back to camp and was running along the creek when I saw Amras stringing up some fish. He waved as I approached and I decided to help him carry his items. Its a bit of a shame that I haven't had a chance to interact with Amras too much. I'm not clear on the details (do Rangers have an organizational chart?) but it seemed Amras was Aragorn's second in command. While Aragorn looked to be in his early 40s, Amras looked to be in his early 30s. Now that he and the other Rangers had an opportunity to bathe laste night in the creek I could see that he was a fairly attractive. Shaggy dark brown hair descended to his wide shoulders and dark stubble covered the lower portion of his face. Startling emerald eyes stood out against his dark features and his thin lips seemed to be permanently smiling. Built like a football player he was at least 6'4 and seemed to flex muscles whenever he moved. Overall, he had that rugged look that many girls prefer; its likely his ever present sword also attributed to that.

"Good morning Sofia. What have you been up to so early?"

Ceasing my run right in front of him I replied, "Just out for a run. Typically at home I go running every morning and I'm afraid being here has thrown me off schedule."

A frown of concern appeared when he stated, "Yes. I imagine being here has been pretty hard for you. How are you faring?"

Taken by surprise at his concern a smile wove its way into my features. "I fare well," came the automatic response. Seeing his raised eyebrow I elaborated. "Well ok, being here is not all hugs and bunnies. But I woke up today with a new attitude; carpe diem, which means 'sieze the day'. I'm not sure how I'm going to get back, but I am going to. Soon. Also, would you like help with the fish?"

Quickly his smile returned. "Oh yes, that would be great." He handed me a string of fish on a line and we began walking back to camp. "I'm glad to hear of your new attitude. Aragorn and I were afraid you might want to run away after that event with Elladan."

Oh my God. They know about the kiss! Or... "What event?"

Chuckling he gestured back to the creek. "Elladan told Elrohir, Aragorn, and I about how you attacked him at the creek last night. Apparently you thought he was an intruder and tried to battle him".

I wrinkled my nose in distaste. "Hmm. Not tried, I did battle him. In fact, he is quite lucky that I held back! He could have gotten seriously injured sneaking up on me like that."

The chuckle turning into a howl of laughter he added, "Oh yes. He told us what you did, we were sorry to have missed it!"

Worry crept into the back of my mind. "Oh, what did he tell you?"

"Just that he was trying to check in on you but you had just dressed and attacked him from the brush. Apparently you kicked him a few times and almost broke his nose. Hilarious!"

Relief flooded my head. Thank God he didn't tell them I was half-naked. That was almost gentlemanly of him."Oh yeah, it was definitely hilarious." Sensing an investigative opportunity I continued. "Have you known Elladan long?"

"Hmm. Well I have been traveling with the Rangers for about 30 years. The Sons of Elrond frequently accompany us in our pursuits."

I contemplated that. Either my math was wrong, or... "Wait. You've been a Ranger for 30 years? But... you look only 30! Either you were some hot-shot baby, or...", I trailed off.

Amras' smile reached his sparkling green eyes when he answered. "Not all of the humans live as long as us. We are the Dunedain and are descended from the kings of Gondor. Long ago our line was forged between an elf and a human whose children and children's children live longer than most. Our line has dwindled in number due to inter-marriages and battles but we are committed to protecting the areas of Mddle-Earth that we swore to protect long ago."

"Wow. That sounds so..."

"Intruiging? Admirable? Desirable?" He looked down at me and wiggled his eyebrows as he said each word and I laughed along.

"Actually, that sounds pretty cool. Long life; thats always enviable. Slayers have pretty short life-spans, although that has been changing."

We had made it back to camp where Amras and I dropped off the fish to the cook to prepare them for breakfast. "A short life span, how so?"

Exhausted, I layed on the grass before I began to speak again. My brusies were mostly gone by now (yay Slayer powers!) but I was still sore and desired rest. "Basically, its a really long story. First it begn when a group of ancient men gave a young girl powers. She was the Chosen One, the one to fight back the darkness that plagued the lands. Hard thing was, only one girl in all the world could be the Slayer. Girls came into age in their teens and rarely survived them. Fighting demons and vampires is no easy task and some girls fell within the first week while others would last a few years. But in the end they all died. No one can fight forever.

But five years ago that changed due to a powerful witch, my friend Willow. Whereas before there were potential slayers, girls who were potential candidates to become slayers when the current Slayer died, she changed it so all potential slayers became slayers. Through an heirloom of our line she transferred the power to all of us. Now there are hundreds of us fighting. Its possible now for a Slayer to retire and cease fighting. But it hasn't happened yet. Even with the increased numbers girls are still dying. Evil creatures don't fight fair and sometimes I can't help but wonder how long I will last. I've been lucky living as a Slayer for five years and hope I'll make it to thirty, but I doubt it."

"Ay, all of the Dunedain must fight and do, regardless of danger. It is hard on our families but we must perform our duty. While I accept my plight, you seem so... So matter of fact about it. So resigned to accepting death at a young age. Why is this?"

My evasive laugh came out; the laugh I do when someone hits too close to home to be comfortable. I gestured to the sky and the sun. "The sky is blue and the sun must set. It is the way of things. There is no way to change it, thus we must accept it as fact."

Amras looked at my face with pity in his face. "It breaks my heart to hear you speak like this. Though we are not well-acquainted I dislike that you have resigned yourself to this. I am sure you are a superior fighter and can outlast all your fellow warriors if desired. I worry that by accepting your death you invite it as well. Please consider that."

I really hated being pitied. However, I did understand his perspective. It is one Vi has given me several times. Looking him dead in the eye I responded, "I like to think of myself as a realist, Amras. It keeps me focused and able to keep going night after night into the darkness. If I wanted to live long I would become a banker; ya know, someone that deals with the money." Amras nodded, as though he accepted what I had to say but his eyes still held that tell-tale concern.

"Anyways, I'm going to wash up! It was good to talk to you Amras."

"You as well, Sofia."

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Only a few hours awaited until twilight set in and dinner was almost prepared. Today's travels went the same as yesterday and Arwen and I had an enjoyable time. I keep forgetting her age because she's so full of life and laughter. Its amusing that I have a difficult time talking to older people my grand-parent's age, but have no problem connecting with someone older than Christianity.

Camp had been drawn up into a circle and guards patrolled outside. This is normal procedure for the Rangers but I heard they were stepping it up since past disturbances occurred in this area. The Rangers slept outside but they provided a tent for Arwen to have privacy as the only female and I had taken to staying with here. Towards the center of camp lay the fire that was busy roasting tasty fish. This is where I sat cross-legged rubbing my tender feet which were still sore from running in those damned boots this morning. The camp was a bustle of activity as everyone was busy preparing for sleep or dinner or security. Arwen was helping Cecilan, the cook, with the fish. She had invited me to join but I assured her that unless she wished harm upon the Rangers she would have me stay away from the food. The last time I cooked it was puerto rican rice and I completely burned the bottom inch and set off the smoke alarm.

Amras stretched out beside me and said teasingly, "What's wrong with your feet, Sofia? Don't tell me you got hurt with all that riding in the wagon you did today?" While we travelled today I had spent some time with Amras at the front of the wagon. Apparently we were on joking terms, which I was ok with. Almost made me feel like I was home.

Smacking him on the stomach he did an exaggerated groan and covered up the spot where I hit him. "Nobody likes a smartass Amras."

"Ah yes, I can see why you are so feared in your world. Is that called your Tummy Slap of Doom?"

I grinned and recollected a 3 Stoges moment. "Eh, so yous a wise guy eh?" I whistled as I pulled his nose and cracked up laughing.

Aragorn stepped over with the twins. All looked befuddled. "What was that?", asked a confused Amras. I proceeded to explain the 3 Stooges but sadly only Amras appreciated it. The others looked at me like I was crazy.

"Once again, may I say that your culture seems oh-so rich", smirked the twin that I could assume was Elladan. I threw a twig at him and told him to be quiet. I was still reluctant to interact with him thanks to that moment last night... The moment that I am sure meant nothing to him.

The call for dinner was made and we set up our dinners and once again Aragorn, Arwen, the twins, Amras, and I sat together. Gandalf had left unexpectantly after lunch on a borrowed horse. I was sad to see him go but he said he had wizards business to attend to. As for the membership of the dinner group, I think this was sort of their leadership meeting. General discussion on the progress to Lothlorien headed up the conversation. It was hoped by them, and me, that Lady Galadirel could assist me. Apparently she had some amazing powers and some mirror that allowed glimpses into the future. Hopefully that would work (Wait, I promised myself I'd be positive- It WILL work). Aragorn estimated we could make it there in 6 days time.

Sitting around observing these six new people in my life I realized the only one I really knew was Arwen and still I only had gotten to know her over the last 2 days. Remembering a fun drinking game from college I thought I would propose it. "Hey guys. This may sound kind of silly, but if I'm traveling with people I like to know them a little bit. I was wondering if you might be interested in a game?"

Laughing, Arwen nodded eagerly. "I am always a fan of games, as our most of my kind. What do you have in mind Sofia?"

Drawing out my first word I said, "Well, its something I learned at school. Often its a drinking game, but it doesn't have to be. Its very simple. Its called 2 Truths and a Lie. Essentially, we take turns telling three things about ourselves. Two of the stories must be true and one must be a lie. Once someone tells their stories the rest of us have to guess and whoever guesses correctly wins that round. Any questions?" I saw none, but the men didn't seem as excited as Arwen and I. Well, guess some things don't change; my guy friends never liked this game at first either. "Great! Now I know you all know each other pretty damn well, so you need to choose stories no one can guess! Who wants to go first?"

Arwen volunteered to go first. " When I was a child I used to spy on Glorfindel and used to pretend we were married. I even wrote his name and mine in the bark of an elm tree. Second, once as a youth I hid my father's favorite book because I thought it was too boring and he read it all the time. And once I jumped off a cliff into a lake 100 feet below me."

"The last one!", offered Elladan. "You're afraid of heights!"

"Hmmph. I hope the first one", added Aragorn.

"Hiding the book!", I shouted eagerly.

Smiling mysteriously, Arwen pointed to me. "You are correct!" Seeing the looks of the others she explained. "Yes, I'm afraid of heights *now*, after jumping off that. As for Gorfindel, I was only 40 Aragorn!" With that she started laughing and I joined in her infectious laughter.

Aragorn winked at the twins. "Looks like I better keep a good eye on Glorfindel. Good thing we're taking you away from Imladris."

"Your turn Sofia!", said Arwen.

"One, I'm an amazing dancer and won a salsa dance contest 2 years ago. Two, to kill a bunch of evil vampires I burned down my school. Three, at a school talent show I performed, and *totally* should have won when I burped my ABCs."

"Oh no, you definitely seem too eager about number 3, thats it", voted Arwen.

"Your body moves beautifully, I believe the first one", murmered Elladan. Either no one noticied or he just said things like that all the time. That look in his eyes though... It was slightly dangerous.

"Yup, I'm going with number 3", chimed in Amras.

"Wow... Is that what you all think?" They nodded and then I laughed gleefully. "Tricked you! Usually longer stories are lies, but I really did burp my ABCs. Its what happens when you have a ton of males in your family." We all laughed and Aragorn scooted away from me in pretend embarrasment. "I am a pretty awesome dancer, I *love* to dance and did win a competition. But I did not burn down a school. My mentor, the Slayer Buffy Summers, did when she first became the Slayer, but not me." They all groaned since they were wrong.

"So what is this form of dance you are accomplished in", questioned Elrohir.

Pondering, I tried to think how to explain it to them. "It comes from the Caribbean, which is south if the country I live in but the home of my ancestors. Sensual and lively is usually how its described and brass instruments accompany it."

Arwen clapped her hands like a kid excited about going on their first rollercoaster. "Please show us Sofia! I've heard you talk about dance a few times and we would love to see something from your homeland."

I mock pretended my contemplation. "Well... Ok!", I said gleefully. "I really do love to dance, but it will be hard to show you without music and by myself. But I love sharing my love for salsa." I proceeded to do the basic steps and explained along the way. "Salsa is a quest of dominance and desire. First the man takes one step forward and the woman goes back on her opposite foot and vice-versa. Side-stepping is another form as well. Of course, there are tons of turns, but its kinda hard to show you by myself." I shrugged and smiled sheepisly. One-person salsa steps are not fun to watch.

"Well thats an easy problem to solve, just teach one of the men and then show us." Arwen beamed, pleased with her problem-solving ability.

Meanwhile I cringed internally at where this could lead. I started to say "Oh no, thats not necessary" when Elladan answered "I would be interested in learning this foreign dance."

My eyes sort of jumped out of their sockets as I struggled to process. Arwen jumped on it by saying "Excellant! Maybe you could show us at tomorrow's dinner a whole dance?"

Trying to retain my inner calm I tipped my head to one side in a show of contemplation while I inwardly counted to three. "Of course," I smiled. "That is, if Elladan can be quicker on the uptake than he was last night getting beat by me." The men guffawed while us girls giggled.

Smiling wryly at me, Elladan counter. "I assure you that I can learn very well if my teacher is up to it." The others laughed a bit more as we looked at each other. Was it just me or was there some innuendo there I was missing. My musings were interruppted by a horn sounding and the cry of a guard. "Orcs! Orcs are attacking!"