AN: Wow, sorry it's been so long. You're probably going to have to go back and read the previous chapter, if you've read this before.
If anybody out there thinks they can finish this story, PM/Review me and say so. I'll tell you the ideas I had for it. I just can't finish this story. Maybe we can work together, I can edit your chapters, you can edit mine, we can add to the others' chapters... otherwise this story is going to take years to finish. I'm not really interested in it anymore, I'm sorry to say. I don't think I portray Strider (Abrazân) correctly anyway. Please, please help me out here.


After a time, Ariane had persuaded four other off-duty guards to escort her outside of the City. She was now chatting companionably with the last of the four, a shy guard by the name of Berathorn. Every step of hers had a spring to it, she was so excited she could harldly contain herself. He walked stoically ahead, though the corners of his mouth quirked and threatened to curve themselves into a half-moon at her antics.

Finally, they were outside the walls. A small group of people had also come, eager to escape and frolic in the Gondorian grass. A horse pulled up beside Ariane's, but she paid it no mind. That is, until the rider spoke to her.

"I must thank you, Lady, for arranging this outing," The voice of Abrazân startled her out of her dreamy state. She turned her face towards him. He was smiling softly.

"Oh, it's no problem. I was going to go stark raving mad if I was cooped up in there much longer."

He chuckled. "Yes, Gondor does get a bit stifling, even with all the levels."

She agreed. "Especially when you're used to being in a village, able to wonder off and whatnot." He opened his mouth to reply, but a young child ran up next to her.

"My Lady, one of the guard told me you arranged this adventure." He began eagerly.

She bit back a laugh. Yes, it would be an adventure to one so young.

"I am," She answered lightly. He beamed at her.

"Wonderful! I can't tell you how thankful I am, My Lady! It's been so long since I've been out. It took a lot to convince Mother to even let me out," He finished ruefully.

"My name is Ariane. Please, call me by my name, not 'My Lady.' I am only a Lady through unfortunate events." She told him. He grinned.

"As you wish!" And with that, he fell back into step with his mother.


AN: See? I can't even finish writing this. I don't know why it's so hard for me. I'm just not interested any more. I don't even use a lot of detail. I'm not sure if I ever did with this story, but I do with others. I just... can't. This chapter was supposed to be loooooonnnnng, but I'll continue with this on the next chapter... if I ever get around to writing it. Or someone could help/write it for me... *hint hint*