Hello, here is the next chapter! This chapter is a bit different this time, i have traveled in time haha XD I will most likely be doing this often, going in between different time lines, just to make the progress a little more quicker and also to show the progression in relationships and character development, so yeah, if anyone would like to give feedback, or even tell me what they think of the time travelling thing, please do not hesitate to do so, i would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much for supporting and reading, hope you enjoy! :)

CHAPTER 8

Laer (Summer), T.A 2960

"Can you hear that?"

"Yes, I have since we arrived here. It is closing in; the sky is dark and gloomy. We should keep moving Ladren, we do not want to get caught up in that storm, she is angry."

"Halbarad, you do not have to follow me, if you do not wish to. I have Elrohir and Elladan with me, and Imra." The relief on his face, is hardly discreet, but I do not feel betrayed. I understand, this is not his fight, it is not the twins either, but there is no way I could tell them otherwise. Halbarad belongs on the borders of the shire, that is his duty.

"You and your horse, I do not think I've ever seen you without her. I am sorry, I do wish to stay, bu-"

"It is fine, please do not feel guilt, get back safely, I hope to see you again my friend … and could you possibly tell your Chieftain, that I, that I hope he is doing well."

"Of course, Ladren. I will be sure to, if I see him. I shall leave now; do not do anything I wouldn't do." His eyes lighting up, along with his smile. His moss green hood, flying behind him as he swings himself onto his roch. He gives me one last glance before, riding off to the setting sun, back to his home away from home. A ranger of the North, how have I come this far. Never would I have dreamed, of being friends with one … well four.

"He is leaving?"

"Yes, yes he is Elladan. You can too, please do not feel the need to stay, I can look after myself … to an extent." Turning to see the face of my brother, I cannot help but snort. His hands on his hips like a young child, who did not get their own way. Quite strange to see a hardened warrior acting such a way, especially unintentionally.

"Fair enough, but I must ask. Why is it I humour you? Also, I am not going to respond to your last comment either, in case you're wondering."

"Fair enough it is … no reason. Where is Elrohir?"

"Preparing the horses, are you certain you want to do this? It will be dangerous, we are nearing Angmar, too near in my mind. You know that he will sense your presence, no matter what you do." The newly set lines in his face, becoming clear, above his eyebrows. Similar to his Father.

"I know, but you know there is no other way. If I must face the Witch King myself, then I will, I am not going to leave him, not again. He is still alive, maybe just barely." The thought of him being in pain, brings it to me as well.

"Ladren, that is the most absurd thing I've ever heard you speak aloud, and you have spoken many," His hands reaching for his hips once again, only this time, he is serious, and that is a bad sign.

"You are staying here, I do not trust that you will you do the right thing. You're lucky Arwen didn't find out, you would never have made it to the stables back in Imladris."

"Hey! Arwen should know, that I am capable of making my own decisions, so should you! This isn't just another mission, destroying orc strongholds, and what not, this is my Father!" My voice raising pitch, just as thunder rumbles ferociously in the eerie sky, causing both me and him to look up.

"Why with all the shouting, we do not want to draw unwanted attention, this was to be surreptitious, quiet and quick, not loud and brute like." Elrohirs calming voice swipes in, he is right. I should have known better. Elladan gives me a small apologetic smile, which I return subtly. My anger is not directed at him, only myself, for leaving my Father behind that night.

"Apologies Elrohir … are the horses ready? If so, we should leave, the storm shall help us stay unknown." He nods his head, before giving me a look of guilt, or perhaps worry. Why did I tell them, of this quest of mine? They both look to each other, as if giving a que for me to leave, I suppose they wish to talk about me. Perfect.

I watch closely at my boots as they squish the dying grass beneath me, the smell of ash and smoke filling my nostrils, inducing me to let out a quiet choke. One of them must have had a fire going. I hate that smell.

Our camp comes to sight, as I finish climbing the small hill, leather bags lying around everywhere, it is quite the mess. My hands instantly go to work, cleaning the area, so not to leave a trail, in case anyone happens to come across this isolated hill. I reach out for my dark coat that sits atop a small boulder, wrapping it closely to my body, there is a cool breeze about, coming from the West, from the great sea. The light is dying out, no warmth will be found from the bright star.

The sun seems so dull and tired, in the evening, I hope it gets its much-needed rest, even the sky darkens along with storm clouds, to comfort the lonely star. Lonely? Such a strange word, what does it mean to be lonely? The thought of the word, reminds me of Amon Sul, the watchtower, built by the Dunedain on the highest peak of the Weather hills, strange I never noticed it before, my eyes sight, only just reaches the withering stone.

Another strike of violet Lightning flashes to the North, shivers run up and down my spine, the Witch King, he roams there, waiting for me, maybe even watching from afar, or with much luck, he is further South, in Minas Morgul. However fearful I may be, I need to do this. Part of me knows that my Father may not be alive, but I wish to see him, I have to.

A familiar sight, pierces my attention, the buildings now torn down to the ground, nothing but dust and ash, a fragment of history, my history. My home is no longer mine, I suppose it never was. The grip on my hood, ever so tightens, I am going to take it back, no matter what I have to do, I am going to take it back. Every bone, muscle, organ, in my very body, is ready to take it back. The silhouette of a being on the outskirts of the now, orc ridden settlement, brings me anger, but also pity. Tonight … they are all going to die, along with my grudge.

I push the loose strands of hair from my face, before whistling out to Imra. The sound of her galloping, distracts me from the town, and attracts my attention to her dark mane, that bobs up and down with her every movement. The muscles in her legs stretching, as she walks in my direction. Her large eyes staring deeply into mine as I caress her face. I remember when she was but a small foal, I never got sleep, because of how busy I was caring for her. 18 years old I was. She was a gift from a friend, who I miss dearly. My Estel. My eyes close, trying to halt the tears threatening to leave them, as I cuddle my companion, imagining that it was him. Her whining wakens me, allowing me to let out a chuckle.

"I know, I know. I miss him too, at least we have each other, right? Av-'osto my friend, I will keep you safe, from those mean orcs." I giggle more, when she gives me a nudge, as in to say stop rambling. The saddle is intact, Elrohir certainly knows how to do that. I walk slowly over to where my sheath lays on the dirt covered ground, its leather straps slightly fading, however my sword is still as shiny as ever. I do not use it often, it is too beautiful, and I do not fancy killing, even a servant of Mordor. The air moves to let it speedily swipe around, as I swing it with my arm, using stances I have been taught. Although my arm may not be as strong, I am more of a defence swordsman, than an offence one.

"You have been practising, your balance has become much better … it has only taken you 12 years." Elladan takes it off me, sliding it back into the sheath, and then with a smirk, hands it back to me.

"Please do be careful not to mock me, while I am holding a sharp object, it is not the wisest course of action." I watch as his sly smirk contorts into a foolish smile. He is a different one, I'll give him that, but I would do anything for him. I would go as far as saying I love him, as a brother. They're both like brothers.

"Yes, you might trip and hit some poor soul with it, preferably me of course."

"Yes, definitely you, are you and Elrohir ready, I would like to get this over and done with. It appears, there are guards outside the fencing, maybe we could distract them. You could use your useful archery skills, draw them out, me and Elrohir then will be able to infiltrate the inside, find my Father, or any information on his whereabouts, while you have the horses ready for a swift escape." There is a silence right after I finish speaking of my spontaneously created plan, I admit, it may not be reliable or worthy in any way, but It is a start. I turn to see Elrohir has joined us again, with his eye brows raised and a smile.

"Hmmm, that could work, in theory. You do have a good eye Elladan."

"Le hannon, i do. As much as it is a good strategy, per say. I'd say it needs more depth, where shall the horses wait? Where will I be watching guard?"

"Well, I came up with the first part, I do not want to be rude and come up with all the ideas, either one of you two come up with that." They both suddenly give me a frown, for which I do not how to respond, I was serious when I stated my opinion out loud. I feel like one of those bossy boots, children taunt at each other. The moon could have arrived in the sky, said good bye, leaving only the sun to awaken and greet us, by the time anyone made any notion of speaking, my nerves are getting to me.

"Elladan, the Hoarwell river is visible from here, is it not?"

"Aye, Tor. It is very visible to my keen eyes, what are you thinking of."

"Keep the Horses hidden along with yourself here, me and Ladren, will light a fire close to the river bed, burn some venison perhaps, draw some orcs out to investigate, you eliminate them, while we sneak into the settlement, hopefully with a lot less of those foul creatures, and do what we have come to do. Finding Ladrens Father alive and well." Listening to Elrohir and Elladan converse, brings me a strange yet endearing feeling. A sensation that goes up my stomach, to my chest and stays there. Not physical, but something more profound, my lips form into a small smile, I cannot control. What would I do without my two brothers.

"Thank you, thank you for allowing me to do this, for coming with me, when you needed not to, but I must admit, I'm glad you are both here with me now. I do not think I would have been capable of doing this, even with Halbarad." My smile only grows wider, when they stop conversing instantly to stare at me in maybe shock, but also kindness.

"You are our sister Ladren, we could not let you face this alone. Just … do not tell Arwen or our Father of this."

"I promise, I will not."

"We should head out now, look the storm has arrived, ready to make those monsters suffer with us." Elladan speaks in a calm anger, as if he was attempting to hide it, but I could not judge, after learning of what happened to their mother, to Elronds wife.

"I agree, come Ladren, Elladan you wait for us here, no matter what, be careful, watch out for yourself, I'll take care of her." Elrohirs hand wraps gently around my wrist, before pulling us down the hill slow and carefully. The stars have begun to enter the black abyss above, Elbereth be with us.

"We must stay quiet, you start the fire, I'll find something to burn, that will draw them out. Promise that you will listen to me, and not go off on your own."

"Promise, and I keep my promises." He gives me one last smile before, letting go of my hand and lightly sprinting across the shrubs and grass, for me to follow.

For what seems a lifetime, we run across, long strands of silk, through trees and bushes, my hand drifting closer and closer to my swords hilt, preparing for the worst. All I can focus on is my heart beat and Elrohirs long hair flying behind him. I do not know how they fight with hair that long, I'm glad I shortened mine, I wonder what Father will think? What Aragorn would think?

Soon that familiar sound fills my ears, flowing water. The cool wind, birds signing out to the night, squishy dirt and mud, patches of smooth turf, my favourite place … as a child, and still now, to this day as a young woman. I will forever remember the Hoarwell river. The smells, noises and aura, seem to calm down my nerves, allowing my body to relax, releasing the tension.

"We are here, gather whatever you find, light the fire." His voice silent and reserved, as he stares into the entanglement of trees, perhaps noticing a small animal to use as bait. I use this time to search for any kind of stick, leaf, even rocks to form this fire. The feel of the earth, as I touch the ground, parades memories of me and Father playing in the dirt. I am going to bring him back home.

Laying out all the leaves and rods of bark, I pull out my well used flint and stone, Aragorn gave me. Never know when it can come in handy. After a few failed attempts, it finally creates a spark, causing the leaves to burn, surrendering a gush of smoke into the air. Just in time, I spot Elrohir coming back with a dead rodent, in his hand. Poor creature, none know where his soul will pass, just like men.

My stomach churns to the point where I have to turn away, as Elrohir begins to cut the animals belly open.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes … I think, I just have a weak stomach is all. I will be fine. How're you?"

"Fine as well … I think. We need to keep our eyes open, wait for any sudden sounds or movement, but we have Elladan to cover us, so not too much to worry over." The swoosh of the fire indicates, my que to turn back around. I watch carefully as he glances around the campfire, I would say, looking for somewhere we can both hide and use as a safe passage.

"The leaves were long, the grass was green,

The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,

And in the glade a light was seen

Of stars in shadow shimmering.

Tinuviel was danci-"

"Ladren. You have a lovely voice and all, but we were to be quite remember?"

"Sorry."

"See those vines over there, we can use those to make our presence unknown, I hear something moving to the right. I think it may be them. Quickly!" His whisper heightening in volume, sending a sharp pain in my heart, they have fallen for the trap. My steps along with my breaths are ragged but silent, as I loosely follow Elrohir into the vine covered, cave like rock, similar to a vale of pastel green silk. My hand instantly reaches for my sword, at the sight of them. Their shadows so visible against the bright flames, along with a flash of lightening every so often. The stench of them almost brings bile to my throat.

"Looken like we've company, boys!" One snorts, his armour sturdy yet falling apart, just like his face. They were not blessed with beautiful facial features, that's for certain.

"I smell em! They ain't men but! Wheres our tracker! Come on little guy, we needen some help!" He looks to a smaller orc, with what appears a hunchback, the others stare with disgust at him which tugs my heart, he is obviously the odd one out, the invisible, weaker one. How unfair life is, even to them.

I feel a slight pinch on my arm, from Elrohir, as he gestures to an opening that leads around the vile monsters. I can't help but latch onto his hood, to keep track of where he is, whilst we travel in the open darkness, my empty hand briefly touches the ground, nearby trees and rocks, so I do not fall and draw attention. As we move closer and closer into the clouded vision of trees, whistling can be heard, but it is quick and sharp, doesn't last long. Elladan. Dropping bodies can be heard behind us, indicating they will no longer pose a threat. Thank the Valar. As well as an elf with an acute aim.

The tall fencing soon comes into sight, directly leaving me to relive past events. One of those is the mark that has forever scarred my hand. I can still see and feel the faint, tear of skin, where it was cut.

"We shall climb this, there is a ladder connected to the small watchtower closest to it, see it?" His hand moving to point at the very noticeable tower, maybe about out ten-feet-tall, that holds one orc, watching over the camp. Yelling and swearing can also be heard further into the settlement, causing my stomach to sink. How many of them are there?

"Yes, I see it, I'll go first and take out the guard. Although, it would be much easier, if I used my powers … it would be much more agile as well." I had to suggest it, I could take out all the of them in a flash, then we wouldn't have to worry over how much time we have, but I have come prepared to know that, he will say no, I couldn't even get myself to tell Elladan. But now that we are here, I have at least try.

"Ladren, you know you will draw him here. Please don't."

"How about just this once, it will not make much of a fuss, I promise. He will not even sense a thing, he is too far Elrohir. If I get up there, kill him, have a look around, I can get the information myself, maybe even find my Father and then get back out, possibly under a minute. Hmm, does that not sound more appealing?" He seems to think for a moment, his face expresses his anxiousness and apprehension, I fear he will say no, until he speaks.

"Fine, but if they catch you, you go straight back to Imladris, you hear me Ladren? Me and Elladan, will do the rest. If anything happened to you-"

"Nothing will happen to me, okay. Please do not worry so much over me, it is showing in the creases of your forehead." My small joke relaxing him a little, as he lets out the most silent laugh I have ever heard.

"I will wait here for you." He says with a small smile, which I return graciously.

I reach my hand out and wipe back a strand of loose hair that sits on the tip of his nose, before looking past the fortification and to the top of the open column, where the creature watches over his Kin.

Closing my eyes, I imagine that I am standing there. Standing closely behind it, he will be unknown to my being there. He will never know that he was to leave this world, I will be in the shadows, I will become the shadows. It is always hardest to initiate, my newly found skill, of disappearing and reappearing over vast distances.

Imagine you are next to your Father, your Mother. It will give you strength. Elronds words, fill my mind, forcing that strange sensation through my body, the tingling, my veins grow cold, I can almost feel them watching me, encouraging me to be my best. My eyes open instantly, all I can see is the back of the tall orc, his hands grasping onto the insignificant railing, that keeps him from falling, he is vulnerable, oblivious to everything, I have found his weakness. Silently, I slide my sword out of its sheath, it curves to a sharp point, graced with elvish runes. My feet lie just before the shadowy darkness ends, a line between light and dark.

I watch closely as he takes one step back. Come closer. Then another step allowing me to take a fatal swing. A silent thud, his head makes as it hits the ground. My arms grab his falling body, laying it down lightly on the hardwood floor. One down, who knows how many to go now. Walking over his body, I crouch at the edge of the structure, staring down, at the what looks to be my Fathers old forge, of course. Two more of them walk side by side towards it, one working on the bellows, the other on the hearth. If only they knew.

Before, I know it, I am behind one of them, his head falls, then behind the other as his head falls. Although I didn't use much energy, it feels it. It as if, I have been running for hundreds of miles, my body aching, like I had taken a blow to the stomach. I have to save it for when I leave.

The scent of melting metal, pierces my lungs. I remember that smell, watching Father, working profusely. He would be sweating, along with his long black hair, but he always managed to stay positive, making me laugh, telling me stories. At the memory, I return my sword to its rightful place, my leather sheath. Touching the rusting anvil, my heart begins to warm against the cold environment.

"This place is a shithole! How come they wanted to live here, I couldn't think of anythin' worse! Look, there's even bloody flowers growing, what a bunch of pansies they were!" Another, yell as he kicks at, hilariously a group of pansy flowers. The most vibrant colour of blue, they are, never knew they could grow here. I get down on my knees and crawl to a shrub, it covers me perfectly as I observe, the dimwits doing nothing but complaining. They're going to be complaining a lot more once I get my foot up their arse. If only I could do that. Out of the corner of my eye, what seems to be a building with heavy locks and two massive orcs guarding it, catches my attention. If they are going to keeping anyone hostage, it would be in there. Father.

The centre of the village appears the same, but only this time, surrounded with working orcs, lucky this building is on the far side, with only those orcs, those very giant and frightening orcs. Great. Maybe there is another opening, I could climb through?

Crawling towards the wall, I stay close to it, touching it with my hand to let me know I'm still near it. Crouching, I begin to follow it, the building becoming closer and closer as I go on. The chatter between the guards becoming louder and clearer. Coming to a halt, once I reach another shrub nearing the two giants, I analyse their every move. The wide door seems to rumble from within, making intense sounds, like a lock being shaken, they both move to either side of the door, allowing an orc … no a man to walk out. His face was hidden under many materials, a shawl or scarf, the colour of deep crimson red, his garbs presentation look familiar.

As I try and think back to a sketch or any kind of description I read in a book, a heavy crack of thunder hits, stopping my heart for a moment, my hairs stand up on my skin, at the power and energy.

"Oh shite!" I yell in a whisper when I realise the door is open, with no one there to defend it. Thank you Elbereth!

I instantly run to the opening, looking behind me every once and a while, until I reach the light. No one has noticed me … yet. Closing the doors, as calmly as I can, I stand and take the largest breath I've ever taken. How in Arda did I do that. You know what, I do not think I want to know. My luck has never been this good.

"Who are you? You do not appear to be one of mine." Swallowing a large gulp of saliva, I put my hands up in the air, to show I mean no harm, however I mean much harm. The man's voice is muffled by what sounds like material covering his face, maybe, like the man before. At last, it is not an orc. Then again, why would someone talk to an intruder, as if they weren't intruding, strange?

"Answer me." His voice now closer to me, I can feel the warmth from his body hitting my back, as well as a something pointy and sharp. Perfect. Just magnificent, so much for under a minute Ladren.

"I-I, umm, this does not happen often. In fact, I've never done anything like this before, I was lost-" Before I can finish speaking, his hands take my shoulders and spin me round so fast, I could have fallen.

"Ladren? What in Arda are you doing here?" With his voice still muffled, and face covered with exotic material, I cannot tell who he is or how he knows me. How does he know me? Shite!

"I apologize sir, but I have no idea how you know of me, but it would help, if I could see you and not just two eyes." His hands let go of me instantly, going straight to the material. All I can do is gasp when I see him.

"Aragorn! You are here! You are actually here in front of me! By the Valar, I have missed you!" I shout at the top of my lungs before jumping into his arms. My fingers entwining with his soft hair, I can feel my eyes beginning to sting.

"I thought I would never see you again." The palm of his hand rubbing the small of my back, to calm me.

"I have missed you too, but please do be quiet and try not to speak my name aloud. You still have not answered me. What are you doing here?"

"Sorry, I was just- wait, what are you doing here?" His eyes ever so widening as I let go of him, in a huff. A faint smile also forms on his face.

"I asked you first, so you must in turn, answer first."

"Well, you would not believe it, my Father is alive, and supposedly here. I had a vision Remember, my visions?"

"Yes, my friend, I do, but there is no one here other than us, and those-" At the sound of his words, all my hope fades away, how did I not know this is how it would be. Why would they keep him somewhere, he is familiar with?

"Oh," Is all I can respond with as I walk away from him, and towards a table filled with maps, and written information. Perhaps for passing Nazgul, or higher ranks, I could never imagine any of the orcs, I have seen so far, reading and writing.

"I am deeply sorry. There may, yet be hope, the reason we are here, is for this information. Maybe, there is some on your Father?" His hand comforting mine, that rests on a small map of Eriador.

"Maybe, but what do you mean by we? Are there more of you? Is this what rangers do these days? Infiltrating orc fortresses, like fancy spies?" My voice soft and waning, but still attempting to lighten the mood. I turn to Aragorn, to see his eyes staring deeply into mine, they are still as grey as stormy clouds.

"Yes, there are more, hopefully they have dealt with the rest of these foul creatures, whilst we talk. I suppose so, we are trying to learn more of their strongholds and leaders. We may not be like "Fancy spies" but we are doing our best."

"I know. I could not expect any less from Rangers of the North. I must ask, however, where and how did you attain such clothing?" I can't help but giggle.

"Ah, tis a long story. Quickly, help me go through these papers." His attention moving from me to the table rather focused, his fingers flicking through the thin sheets. For a second, i cannot help but stare at his handsome features. He even has a stubble, oh, i wish i could just tell him how i feel, but there is never a right time. That is beginning to be the story of my life.

My hands reach out for any ink filled parchment, skimming quickly over it, there is much on weaponry, shipments from the South and East, I still cannot believe they would be fighting for Mordor.

"Your hair? Why did you cut it?" His voice startling me, to look up at him, his side of the table was almost empty of papers, he is certainly fast at what he does.

"Umm, well, it got in the way when fighting. Let me tell you, Arwen was not pleased, neither were the twins … shite! The twins!" All the papers fly around as I jump up to my feet.

"Oh no! We must hurry, they are waiting for me!"

"What? Are they here now with you? Why did you not say something?" Before I could answer him, the door behind us springs open, an orc on fire, screaming and shouting black speech, causing me to fall on my back. I watch as Aragorn throws a dagger, instantly knocking it down. Smoke pours into the room, almost blurring my vision completely, until his hand reaches out to me. Grabbing it, he pulls me up, and runs out to the open with me still holding onto him. Roaring explosions and shouting can be heard all around us, my heart pounds against my chest, what happened?

"Did you get all the papers!"

"Yes! Come on! We must find the twins and get you out of here!"

"What of your kin! We can't leave them behind!" I shout louder, as we run through the crowd of fighting orcs and rangers. He does not answer me, as we run to the gates of the fortress, to find Elladan and Elrohir fighting alongside each other, with our horses waiting in fear.

Aragorn lets me go to fight with the twins, leaving me to think for a second. At least my Father was not here, I do not think he would have made it. I look down to see, a piece of scrunched parchment next to my feet, unfolding it, I see a drawing of something I have not seen for many years. My star.

Before I can look to find where Aragorn went to, a sharp pain begins in my head, black dots bouncing around in my line of sight, I fall to the ground. The scent of blood fills my nostrils. As I look up, a tall figure stands over me, his arms high up in the air, with a wooden club, ready to end me. I should be scared, I should be trying to get up, but I feel weak, I am falling unconscious.

I close my eyes ready, to receive my fate, until nothing happens. Nothing. Just a whistle in the air, an echo of a thud, what?

"Ladren! Come on! Please get up!" Aragorns voice, is the last thing I hear, why is it, that I always fall unconscious around him? My mind darkens, leaving me to sleep, in the middle of a battle.