Rinien stood at the gates along with many other Elves as their soldiers went to battle at a border skirmish with Thranduil leading them. His eyes found hers as she stood at the front of the crowd and an unspoken promised passed from him to her – a promise to return unharmed. Though, this did little to quell her fear. Her only solace was her knowledge of Thranduil's incredible skill in battle as one of the best warriors in the kingdom if not the best. She also knew, if the battle dragged on longer than any of them hoped, it could very well be weeks before Thranduil returned. As it was, if anything happened to Thranduil it would be days before she heard anything.
Following Thranduil were two other friends of Rinien's: Sarnor and Ninith. It seemed as if half the people whom Rinien held dear were headed to battle while Rinien was forced to stay behind as a Silvan Lady. Next to her, Runathiel was tearing up, probably even more worried about Sarnor than Rinien was about Thranduil. After all, Runathiel had never seen Sarnor in action.
"I'm certain they will all return to us safely," Rinien said, though she faltered a little, revealing her own doubts. "Sarnor is an excellent warrior," she remarked with utter surety. "Otherwise he would not be the captain of the guard. And Ninith, as his right hand elleth is also an excellent warrior."
Runathiel attempted to wipe the tears from her eyes. "At least I know that you, of all people, understand what I endure when Sarnor goes to perform his duties. Though I must say I'm surprised Thranduil has opted to lead our soldiers into battle."
"He is so much more than anyone knows, even himself. I only wish I could be by his side."
"Is there any reason why you cannot? You have proven yourself to be an excellent warrior, Rinien. You're one of the most talented archers in the kingdom. Why shouldn't you join Ninith in the guard?"
Rinien raised her eyebrows with curiosity before her face fell with realization of her position. "You're aware of what my father would have to say about that and he could sway King Oropher to stay my entrance into the guard."
Runathiel's face turned as red as her hair. "I had forgotten your father. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, Runa." Rinien gave her friend a reassuring smile and wrapped her arm around her. "Besides, I have never let my father's opinion dictate my actions before so why should I begin now? I will go to Oropher as soon as the crowd has cleared." Oropher had stayed behind along with reserve troops in case there was another attack while Thranduil and the bulk of the army were gone.
As the crowd dissipated, Rinien turned to Runathiel. "Do I look presentable?"
"Are you afraid a few wild hairs have strayed from their place in your bun?" Runathiel teased. "You look perfectly wonderful, Rinien, especially in that red dress. Definitely fit for the presence of a king."
Rinien nodded nervously before turning in the direction of the palace and walking up to the throne where Oropher sat in worry and contemplation.
"My king," Rinien began. "May I interrupt your thoughts for but a few moments?"
His blue eyes started, not having realized she was there until she spoke. "I confess I am happy to be distracted from my thoughts for a moment," he sighed. "As they are not incredibly comforting. Now, what is it you have to say, Rinien daughter of Carandan and rescuer of my son?"
"I see you have not forgotten that night, sire."
He gave a slight 'humph'. "I am not likely to forget the horrors of that night anytime soon, nor the enormous debt I owe to your family."
"In that case, I ask that you repay that debt to me today." He raised a curious eyebrow in a way that reminded her distinctly of Thranduil. "You see, my lord, I would like nothing more than to join the guard. I have a reputation as an excellent archer and I am not bad with a sword, either." She swallowed hard, anticipating a negative answer from her king.
"I remember the contest between yourself and Thranduil well. I also remember you won the archery contest that day. Unfortunately, allowing you to enter the guard would jeopardize my friendship with your father and that is a friendship that I desperately need as he is likely the only thing standing in the way of all-out Silvan rebellion."
"I am certain my father would not abandon you for simply displeasing him, my king. He has such confidence in you and your ability to lead I doubt that confidence will ever falter."
"I am curious as to why you wish to join the guard in the first place. You are by no means obligated to do so: no one expects it of you."
"I may not be obligated to join the guard but that does not mean I don't feel the call of duty. I have the skills necessary, sire, I'm sure of it. I grow weary of seeing my friends leave for battle when I am forced to stay behind and watch as they leave. Not knowing whether they are alive or dead is killing me, my lord."
He appeared surprised by the passion with which she spoke. "I see this is a matter you have given much thought and, truthfully, I have spoken with your father in the past about you joining the guard. I have always been an Elf of my instincts and I suppose now is not the time to end that. Therefore, I say unto you, Rinien, daughter of Carandan, that as soon as the guard returns, you shall be instated as a member of the guard and will be subject to any and all military duties I see fit to bestow upon you."
"Thank you, my lord," she whispered, though she knew he could hear her. "You know not how much this means to me."
"My debt is now repaid," he insisted. "For I now have to suffer Carandan's wrath and that is not a position I would happily put myself in as your father can have quite the temper."
She nodded and bowed before leaving the throne room, only to run into Runathiel as she exited the palace, causing the redhead's blush to return with a vengeance. "I only wanted to know how it went, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop."
Rinien laughed. "I certainly do not hold it against you and to answer your question: as soon as the soldiers return, I am to be part of the guard." Her grin spread wider as she contemplated how lucky she had been to get Oropher on her side. Though it pained her to stand there and speak to him as if she and Thranduil were not deceiving him, Rinien supposed he would never find out about their relationship.
"I am happy for you," Runathiel answered earnestly. "But I cannot deny it will pain me to see yet another one of my friends risking their life in the guard."
"I will not be participating in any activities I do not already partake in, Runathiel," Rinien reminded her. "After all, I have hunted orcs and spiders for years now."
"I know that but there is something especially foreboding about heading to battle for our borders rather than seeking out a skirmish in the woods. How will you tell your father?" she asked tentatively. "I imagine he'll be furious."
"He most certainly will be but I have Oropher's word and I believe, for now, that is worth something. Ultimately, if Oropher's will dictates that I join the guard, then it will be so."
The two hugged and parted ways, so Rinien began to slowly make her way back to her house, contemplating the future with Thranduil. Although she had no doubts that she currently held his affections, she could not deny the doubts she held over whether or not she could continue to hold those affections. She supposed Thranduil would likely find a Sindar lady he could at least tolerate, maybe even love, and would then bend to Oropher's will, marrying her and producing an heir before going to battle with the Last Alliance. All she could do was enjoy the time she had with Thranduil and endure the heartache she would feel afterwards. Facing such truths was a difficult, but necessary task if she was to come out of this while still retaining her sanity and perhaps even a shred of dignity.
Eventually, she found herself in her house, approaching her family. Everyone was there, including Nimariel. "I have an announcement." Once it was clear she had captured their attention, she raised her head proudly, refusing to show any hint of weakness. "I am to join the guard when the soldiers return from their current battle at the border.
There were varying reactions from her family members. While Carandan looked like he could explode in anger, Fandis looked as if she would faint from the thought of her daughter joining such a group and risking her life with such ease. Meanwhile, Caranhil merely raised a curious eyebrow and Nimariel looked impressed with her sister-in-law. Surprisingly, she was the first to speak which turned the heads of all in the family given her tendency to stay silent during most family affairs and, truthfully, just about any affair.
"I'm happy to see you so pleased, sister," In the morning light her auburn hair glowed and her coppery eyes shone with sincerity. "It is a noble position for any to hold and it must take a great deal of courage for a lady of your position to undertake such a task, though I have no doubts you will perform your duties in the guard admirably."
Those were the most encouraging words Nimariel had ever spoken to Rinien and the most intimate moment to have passed between the two elleths since they first met each other. Make no mistake, no ill will had ever passed between them, but they had never had much opportunity to know each other; that ended here.
"This is a disaster," Carandan growled. "You could be killed! I will be speaking with Oropher."
"I have already spoken with the king and received his word that I would be instated in the guard," Rinien replied confidently. "Father, at one point you must accept the path I have chosen for myself. I am a warrior whether you will it or not."
Carandan's anger then began to ebb away only to be replaced by the most mournful look Rinien had ever seen. "I cannot lose you, Rinien. Why can you not follow the path of every other lady? Find a husband, perhaps… play the role as a wife of a Silvan lord."
The hit a very tender spot for Rinien. "Somehow, father, I don't believe a marriage is in my future and I cannot play the role of a dutiful wife to a Silvan lord is because I want to fight for Greenwood. What do you think I do in the woods besides hunt spiders and orcs? I am not asking for your permission, father, I am begging your understanding that this is what I want to do with my life, for the time being – at least until this horrible war with Sauron is over. I wish to answer the call of duty just as you and Caranhil have answered it by entering politics."
"I doubt I will ever understand you, Rinien. As of late, you have baffled me beyond what I thought you capable of…but that does not mean I cannot strive to accept the path you have chosen," he sighed, looking exhausted as he said this. "I cannot deny your skill with the blade and the bow well exceeds my own skill and the skill of many in the guard."
Rinien couldn't believe her ears. Was her father truly going to let her enter the guard without a fight? She realized her mouth had dropped so she quickly closed it but she had no words for the joy she felt at his acceptance.
Weeks passed without work from Thranduil, driving Rinien insane until one day Runathiel burst into Rinien's home in a very uncharacteristic way. "The troops have returned," she gasped, as if she had sprinted to Rinien's home from her own.
Rinien stood and within minutes they were close enough to the gate to see the very last of the troops filing in but in all the commotion, it was impossible to find Ninith, Sarnor, or Thranduil. Of course, their three friends and romantic interests would have been near the front of the troops due to their position. "Perhaps they will call on us," Rinien suggested hopefully, trying to ignore the fact that any one of them could be dead. "I'm sure Sarnor will at the very least. He is quite fond of you."
"Do you doubt whether Thranduil will call on you?"
"He will be terribly busy after weeks away. And I'm sure he'll want to spend the evening with his family. For the time being, let us meet Ninith at her house. She'll be sure to regale us with tales of her valor in battle."
Ninith was sitting high up in a tree outside her house when Rinien and Runathiel arrived. "So they come to greet the returning hero," she quipped, beginning to climb down as she did so. "What have I missed since being away?"
"Well, soon you will have to endure the sight of my face on a daily basis as I have joined the guard," Rinien told her with an enormous grin.
Ninith returned the gesture. "I see you have it in you, after all. Well, this, as well as our victory against the orcs of Mordor, is cause for celebration. I, personally, intend to drink myself to sleep tonight. I would bet anything they throw a party at the palace tonight." Rinien's ears perked at the suggestion of a party at the palace and she must have showed her interest because Ninith rolled her eyes. "Prince Thranduil is fine, Rinien – not a scratch on him." Rinien felt herself deflate in relief. "And in case you're wondering, Runathiel, Sarnor is fine, too. You will both see them tonight so I suggest we stick together for now as I have yet to share my heroic deeds from the battle," she joked. "Now, both of you come inside."
The three elleths walked together to the party that night and walked into the palace to find one of the many ballrooms full to the brim with Elves. At this rate, Rinien would never find Thranduil in this crowd and steal a moment with him. Runathiel, however, was much luckier. Sarnor was near the entrance to the ballroom, speaking to Carandan of all people.
"Sarnor!" Runathiel ran up to him and grabbed his hand. "You have come back safely."
He nodded lovingly at Runathiel before turning his attention to Rinien. "I have heard you are to be under my command, Rinien. I look forward to working with you and expect you to report, along with the rest of the guard, early tomorrow morning. Our lengthy time spent away from here means that undoubtedly many spider nests have returned."
"I wouldn't be too concerned. One or two have popped up and stayed but most nests were very short-lived," she assured the captain.
"I take that to mean you removed the nests yourself? If so, you are definitely the right elleth to enter the guard."
Rinien smiled proudly at the compliment, eager to begin the first real career she had ever had.
"May I have a moment of your time, Rinien?" Carandan asked. Rinien nodded and the father and daughter stepped away from the others. "I'm well aware I have not been the most supportive of the activities you choose to partake in and I want you to know you have a thousand apologies from me. I'm aware there is no way to make up for the arguments we've had, but I believe I can at least give you a gesture of my current good will." At that, Carandan pulled a sword out from the robes he had been wearing. "The pommel and cross guard have green garnet inlay," he explained quickly. "And that is gold wound through the grip, though I believe it may have been reinforced with other metals. In truth, I know very little about swords, but I had this one commissioned for you when I learned you were to enter the guard. Please accept this sword and my sincerest apologies."
"Father, I…" Carandan had once again rendered his daughter speechless. "It is so beautiful," she gasped. "I love it…truly."
He wrapped his arm around her. "I care for you very much, Rinien and if you are to go into battle, I would have you go into battle with a good sword that will serve you well." He smiled. "Now, please enjoy this party and the victory we have enjoyed against the enemy and I will see you tomorrow morning at breakfast."
Her father walked away, leaving Rinien with her sword. She began looking over her blade when her thoughts were interrupted. "Lady Rinien." It was Aliroth. "Lord Thranduil wishes to see you…in one of the pantries," he added awkwardly.
"Then to the pantry we go," she replied, breathless at the thought of seeing Thranduil again.
Aliroth discreetly let her out of the ballroom in the general direction of the kitchens. "He was very excited to see you again, my lady. I daresay it has been a while."
"Yes it has." They were then standing outside the door to Thranduil's chosen pantry. "Thank you, Aliroth. I hope to see you again, soon."
She opened the pantry and the very second she did so, Thranduil kissed her with a passion she had never experienced from him before. "I am so happy to see you, my wild one."
"It has been far too long," she agreed.
"Now, let us talk awhile. Tell me, what is this I hear about you joining the guard?"
"I begin tomorrow. Thranduil, you must understand that I can no longer stay behind while those I love leave and face danger without me."
"It is not you I'm worried for," he lied. "I fear for the life of any poor orc who crosses your path." Thranduil would never feel comfortable with the idea of Rinien going into battle if she was not directly beside him, but he knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself on the battle field; he simply had to remind himself.
"You're a terrible liar," she laughed. "But I am grateful you at least tried. I don't expect you not to worry, just as I cannot prevent myself from worrying about you but we can both acknowledge the skill of the other and hope that skill carries them through the next battle."
"How did your father react when he learned of your new occupation?"
"At first he was livid but once he calmed down, he seemed to accept it. He even gave me a new sword, much to my surprise," she marveled.
"You'll have to name it before you take it to a real battle," he said with a smile. "I'm happy you and your father are no longer at odds with each other, though I must admit my father and I remain at odds."
"The marriage?" Rinien asked.
"Yes, he is becoming increasingly persistent. Once he learned I was alive and well, the first thing he asked me was whether I intended to speak to any Sindar ladies while I was attending this party. I obviously refused but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold him off." He rubbed his face with his hands in frustration with his father. "I'm sorry. I do not mean to lay these troubles on you."
"I do not mind hearing of your troubles."
"It matters not. For the time being we should both return to the party so as not to arouse suspicion. I'm sure we both have friends and family looking for us."