Hey! I'm sorry this chapter is a little late, but as you might have heard there was a huge windstorm here in Nepal that hit my area too, so for the past two days the internet has been on the fritz. But thanks for sticking with me!

I know that in many places of America it's about exam time for students, so I'll wish you all blessings so that you can do well. Study hard, fighting! *-*

So saying, please, read. Review. Enjoy!

Onònë: in case anyone forgot, it means sister.

Hanno: brother.

Valiër: female Valar.

Sigil e-hered: blood knife. The blood knife was used in warrior initiating ceremonies, where a warrior would slit his palm with the knife and smudge his blood on the warrior braids of the new warrior, then give him the three kisses of combat brothers, on the eyes and mouth.

Hehe, I DO so love writing the Valar.

Chapter 10

Eruanna was standing next to a shivering Bilbo at the gates of Imladris where the fellowship were ready to leave. Lord Elrond had given them some last words, and they had said their goodbyes.

She had refused to receive a goodbye from Legolas and Aragorn, insisting that she would see them again. So they were just saying their farewells along with the others.

She had given to the two, in private, a personal token. To Aragorn she gave the coveted kiss and had pressed the sheath of his sword knowingly. He had nodded in reply and she had slipped him a small beryl of blue-green.

To Legolas she had given a small opal and a hug. He had held her for a long moment, burying his face into her hair. "I will keep my promise, onònë." He had murmured.

But now they were leaving, and who knows when they would see each other again? Her heart told her it would not be too long, though under what conditions who could tell?

"Farewell, and may the blessings of elves and men and all free folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!" Lord Elrond declared.

"Good- good luck!" Bilbo was stuttering from chill. "I don't suppose you will be able to keep a diary, Frodo my lad, but I shall expect a full account when you get back. And don't be gone too long! Farewell!" He finished.

Eruanna waved from Glorfindel's arms. The hobbits waved back. Olòrin caught her eyes and gave her a long look. Then he smiled slightly.

*Be safe and well, Eruanna.* He said with a nod as they turned away, and she was left to wonder what the look had meant.

They melted into the night, dark cloaks silently blending into the shadows. Eruanna buried her face into Glorfindel's tunic, fisting her hands in his hair and holding the tears at bay. He bent his head over hers, kissing her hair gently.

"They'll be alright, seler." He murmured. She just shook her head. Ciaran stood nearby, watching her discreetly. Her aura was tightly furled and unreadable, although tears undeniably shimmered in her eyes.

He sighed slightly. They left tomorrow to Lothlòrien, and he left tomorrow as well with Halbarad, to the north. As though picking up his emotions, her gaze turned to him. He visibly turned to look at her as well. Her gaze became grieved, and he gave her an encouraging smile- which obviously didn't work, judging by the way she finally burst into wracking sobs.

Eruanna cried. She felt Glorfindel moving, but she didn't care or see anything. It was overwhelming her. She was of course concerned for her brothers, but that was not the reason she had lost it. No, but rather it had been the glance exchanged with Ciaran.

It had just suddenly hit her that she might never even see Ciaran after tomorrow. She would see Legolas again, even if he died, for one day he would reborn. But Ciaran- he was a human, and she didn't know if she would ever see him again.

Her life was coming down in shambles all over again. Glorfindel was really the only 'safe' person to love, but the rest- nothing was sure or safe any longer. It never really had been, true, but at least it was a little safer.

She didn't know if she could stand losing someone else. If she did, she was much too fragile to stand such a thing. She would most assuredly fade all over again. And on that note, Glorfindel would join her, to the Void with everyone and anything else.

Eruanna felt them lowering, and indeed Glorfindel had sat down. He gently began to dress her for bed and she complied, hiccuping all the while. He also dressed himself and sat down, cradling her in his lap and rocking softly as he hummed.

She calmed slowly, weary and exhausted with the emotional onslaught. Glorfindel stroked her hair gently. "It's alright, seler. It's alright." He said softly, kissing her cheek.

*M'sorry Muindor. Haven't been spending much time with you.* She said weakly, looking up at him with bleary, puffed eyes. He smiled reassuringly.

"I understand, seler. It is good that you spent time with them all." He replied gently, and she smiled back weakly in relief. Glorfindel began to sing softly, lying down and cuddling her to himself.

And it was to Glorfindel's voice that she fell asleep, images dancing in front of her in a cacophony of colors and shapes.

And in her dreams, one honey-blonde, blue-eyed man predominately figured.

LOTRLOTRLOTR

It was time to say goodbye to Ciaran and Halbarad. Eruanna was standing at the gate, alone since Glorfindel was busy preparing for their own journey. The rangers were dressed in their grey cloaks that labeled them as being part of the Grey Company, and their horses were saddled and bags mounted for the journey.

Eruanna smiled at Halbarad, giving him a bow and wave in farewell. He returned both smile and bow. "May the Powers in the West watch over and protect you, my lady." He said politely. She shot him a look that he could not decipher, but otherwise only nodded and gestured in reply as though to say 'you as well.'

She approached Ciaran and held out her hand, giving a polite bow. He reached out and took the object she handed him, returning the bow. He grasped her hand for a moment, and then knelt in front of her as Halbarad turned to his horse, mounting.

*I will pray for your safety, master.* She said softly. He grasped her hands, looking into her eyes gravely.

*For which I thank you, Eruanna.* He replied with a quick smile. Then his mien darkened. She paid heed to him, sensing the need for acute attention. He pulled out of his vest a special knife and pressed it into her hand.

*This is a sigil e-hered, Eruanna.* He studied her to see if she understood. She nodded to show that she did. His lips thinned. *This is a special one, passed down from generation to generation in the guild of the Sereg'wethrin.* He said, grateful that no one could hear them. She blinked.

*It is from the time of Bëor, made for him at his request by Lord Finrod Felagund himself.* He went on, and saw her eyes widen considerably. Recognition sparked, and he shot her a queer look. She nodded for him to continue.

*It has a special power that only precious few know, and has had it since it was made. It has passed down until now I have it, and is supposed to be given to the one most worthy to wield it. None have taken advantage of it- until now. I give it to you. You are the one who can use its power to the utmost advantage.* He stressed, giving her a look that brooked the argument that obviously rose to her tongue. She swallowed and nodded jerkily.

*There is no time to tell you of this power, but I will tell you this now.* He pressed the knife into her palm firmly. *Never, ever part from it. Keep it on your person at all times if at all possible. Do not loose track of it. Look here.* He unsheathed the knife blade, and she saw that it had a few grooves in it that were indiscernible at a cursory look.

*This was also meant to be a key to a special chest. Where this chest is I know not, but whoever actively seeks to use this knife for its powers will find it, of this there is no doubt. It will come to you, be sure of that, and keep watch for it.* He said. She gulped and nodded, taking the knife and tucking it carefully into her tunic. He nodded in approval.

*Do not be afraid. All will be well.* He smiled and patted her hands, kissing her brow gently. She looked up at him, pain in her eyes coated over thinly by hope. He nodded. *Do not loose hope.* He said, and turned away, feeling oddly unstable with a feeling he could not name.

He mounted and trotted after Halbarad, looking back and feeling something old and yet almost foreign rise within his throat at the sight of the forlorn elfling watching him with her hands clutched to her chest as though in mingled hope and pain. He did not turn back again, and after a while realized belatedly that he was still clutching her token in his hand.

He looked down at it, uncurling his fingers, and heard a strange noise escape him involuntarily even as his throat constricted painfully. It was a single sapphire, shimmering in his hand brightly with a strange glow about it. Then as he looked at it more closely, he blinked and realized that a sheen had gathered over his eyes.

The mist cleared as he blinked, and he saw the glow to be golden and faint. He squeezed it tightly, shoving the gem deep into his breast pocket and seeing for the first time the wet drops on his hand and vest. He blinked, surprised, and suddenly came to a realization.

He had been feeling grief. He fought the urge to weep. Never had he really had a family, but now this elfling had wormed her way into his walled heart and had found her niche there. She had been the daughter he had never had, or ever would.

And he realized, he was all the better for it. The stone on his chest vibrated slightly, sending warmth through him and spreading to his toes and fingers. He would keep it with him at all times, to remind himself that there was always hope, and at least one person who cared about him.

LOTRLOTRLOTR

It had been so hard to leave. Eruanna hated it. She hated it with all of her being. She didn't want to leave, not one bit. It wouldn't have been as bad if Elladan and Elrohir or even just Erestor were coming, but no, they weren't, and the only people she knew well enough in Lothlòrien were... Well, Glorfindel.

Even though Galadriel called Glorfindel 'hanno' and Celeborn smiled upon him as a kinsman, they were busy, and Haldir and his brothers didn't count. Haldir still didn't really feel comfortable around the elfling, though it was more from insecurity then disliking her. He couldn't come to full grips that she was older than he.

Besides, they would be busy, as would Glorfindel with the defense of Lothlòrien's borders. If it would have been possible she would have asked to go to Mirkwood, but she knew it was out of the question. Glorfindel would never allow that, because he was now keeping her at his side at all times.

She shivered in the cool wind and snuggled into Glorfindel, patting Asfaloth's mane as they rode on the edges of Lady Celébrian's train. Her senses were stretched out, eagerly searching for any danger, and once in a while her sweep of the area would meet Glorfindel's. He had taught her how to do so, and she had filed it away so that she could tell her master too.

It was a few days journey to Lothlòrien at a fast clip, and at the rate they were going now, she had no doubt that it would take them at least a week to arrive. Messengers had been sent ahead, and the party was moving swiftly and quietly in accordance with lady Celébrian's wishes. She had ordered them to move as though she were not there, not caring for her comfort; for times were dangerous, and it was better to be in discomfort then waylaid by bands of orcs.

And so they traveled on. And on. And on. And on. Until Eruanna was rather tired of it all. She hated to admit it, but her training had unlocked something within her- an itch that she could not scratch. Her mind was begging to be trained, to go out and find something to use her skills on, to put her lessons to use. Something called to her, and she wasn't sure if she liked it at all.

*Its your aggressive side coming out I'm pretty sure. Did you ever stop to think that you might start seeking the need for revenge against those who wronged you when you learned what you now know?* The voice asked rhetorically.

*Of course I knew, you dim-wit!* Eruanna groused. *Remember how I scared my poor master when I first realized that? But it's not as if I'm actually going to seek that out and do it. Besides, I can't help it, it's hereditary.* She sighed.

*Hereditary? Psh. Whatever.* Her conscience snorted.

*Would you hush up? I know what I'm talking about. I really need to shut you up once and for all when we get to Lothlòrien, you are driving me faster to insanity, not keeping me from it.* She retorted sourly, in a general snit from holding herself back and also sheer boredom. And discomfort.

*Posh. And then you'd desperately miss me when I'm gone, don't you know? Once you hear me you'll never forget...* The voice sniggered smugly.

*Do be quiet, a conscience is supposed to convict, not drive one completely insane. And you are giving me a headache.* Eruanna sighed.

*Whatever.* It sniffed.

Eruanna sighed out loud this time, plonking her head onto Glorfindel's shirt. He stroked her hair gently, looking around carefully as they continued their travels. Besides lady Celébrian, there were also quite a few other ellith and ellyn who were also making their way to Lothlòrien in an attempt to be relatively safe during the war.

Battle was most likely inevitable. But the warriors of Imladris were strong. And combined, the Galadhrim and the forces of Imladris were something to be reckoned with. And hopefully, with Rivendell emptied, Sauron would not have cause to attack the mostly-deserted city.

"Are you alright, seler?" Glorfindel asked gently. Eruanna nodded absently, curling up into him tightly and grasping a lock of his hair. He wrapped his cloak around her so that only her head peeped out, hiding behind a veil of hair. Glorfindel looked down at her, gemstone-hard eyes softening to calm pools of blue water and the lines around his mouth smoothing out slightly as they curved to smile.

His hair was warm, Eruanna noted absently. Or was it just him? The golden lock in her hand seemed to pool in her fingers like rivulets of molten amber or pliant strands of golden silk. They shimmered slightly in the light of day, hypnotizing as the sun's beams played on them.

They were warm, like the hour-old ashes of a forge's fire. Not scalding. Not burning. Not uncomfortable. But warm. In fact, he in general was warm. His aura, his smiles, his care, his touch. All like the rays of Laurelin's last Golden Flower. What a fitting name for their house. A reflection of its lord.

To be hugged by Glorfindel was to be likened to crawling into bed on a cold winter's night into sheets warmed by the warming pan. The world may be cold, the sun may fail, but Glorfindel would always remain warm. If not for anyone else, then for her. He would always be warm- for her.

And it was to that comforting thought that she fell asleep, lulled into rest by the hypnotic waving of shimmering gold and the soothing heat that would never cool.

LOTRLOTRLOTR

"Her obsession with Glorfindel is almost amusingly disturbing." Tulkas noted with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh it's just sibling adoration. She doesn't worship him." Varda smiled.

"It's sweet!" Vána squealed.

"Back to the matter at hand- Oromë, is she experiencing-?" Nàmo turned to the hunter, who nodded, frowning.

"I'm afraid that perhaps in infusing our light into her feä we might have given her some of our... Tendencies." Oromë winced slightly. "She is suffering from an extremely mild case of blood lust." He confirmed.

Manwë sighed. "Well, it cannot be helped. It shouldn't hurt anything, since it is so mild. Even she can stave it off. It should be fine." He said.

"Hmm. Well. What I'm wondering is what his family's reaction to seeing her will be." Vairë said contemplatively.

"Findárato will most likely take such a shine to her that Glorfindel will have to fight tooth and nail to keep Amarië and him from adopting her as their own." Irmo dead-panned. The Valar grinned at him.

"Master knows best, eh?" Aulë chuckled, earning a mild glare from Irmo.

"Please." Estë sniffed. "Shy Sador will be stumbling over his feet and trying not to stammer whenever he sees her. Alassiel, on the other hand, will most definitely be taking interest in our little elfling." She noted with professional surety.

"Arafinwë and Eärwen will most certainly accept her." Nienna nodded.

"I wonder what the Maiar will think of her." Nessa sounded intrigued.

*Accept her with great alacrity, of course, my lady.* Eonwë's voice piped up.

"Eonwë! How many times do I have to tell you not to eavesdrop!" Estë scolded, giggling.

*My lady, I do not drop eaves! I merely hear 'Maiar' and cannot help myself!* Eonwë sulked indignantly, causing the Valar to slap each other and themselves as they roared. The Valiër rolled their eyes and smiled slightly.

"Oh, get on with you, Eonwë." But Manwë was clearly chuckling.

*Yes, massa.* Came the obedient drawl, and the Valar received the image of the Maia sauntering away, a smirk on his face.

The Valar were quite indisposed after that one.

Peregrin Took the Falcon: yes, you're right. :'(

Kmartz95: well... I am pretty devious... But that would kill me too... XP

WoodElfJedi: yes, it is so ! DocX is working I guess.. Sorry for making you wait so long for SitCTE but it's coming slow at the moment.

Chasing sunlight: thank you!

Guest: yes sir/ma'am! XD

Gwestiel: thank you! Me too. Yes, she will... And yes, it so totally will. *grins* but don't be too harsh on the poor Valar. They do love her.

Jesus' girl 4ever: really? You're a great guesser! XD