Chapter 14 - Home is Behind.

Black blood soaked the ground, dripping from the razor sharp blades. In the dim light of approaching dawn, my eyes surveyed the hill side where an unsuccessful Orc skirmish had taken place just north of the Greenwood camp. They would probably never know their lives had been threatened. We took care of the vile vermin with little to no sound. Bodies lay scattered across a relatively small area.

My axes vanished from my grasp, I breathed a sigh of relief, rolling my head back and letting a cool breeze sweep over my face.

"We should pile the bodies and burn them here. The wind is blowing north, so the camp won't be flooded with the stench of burnt orc" Kimbela suggested as her spear burst into mini fireworks, the sparkles scattering onto the ground like fairy dust. I nodded in agreement and began dragging the bodies into one big mound. There had been no more than nineteen of them, still, my heart pumped from exertion. It had been far too long since I had used my combat skills, and no matter how much I convinced myself practicing with Thalion or Gil-Galad in Mitelu's training arena was good enough, it was nothing compared to feeling the scalding frenzy rush through my veins and fuel my fighting.

There was no satisfaction in burning the corpses. They smelled abhorrent! Kimbela was right however, the smoke drifted up and caught in the wind blowing North. The camp would not be subjected to that putrid smell, but we had to endure it. We had a thing about waiting until we were sure there would be nothing left of them but ash, proving to ourselves that they couldn't come back to life.

We slipped back into our tent, catching the last few hours of sleep before the camp got moving again. I lay on my back staring at the ceiling of the tent. I was exhausted yet didn't feel like sleeping. The feeling of having old scars ripped open was even more unpleasant than I could have imagined. I didn't want to sleep, for in my sleep my mind conjured up memories I had no desire to revisit, no matter how pleasant…memories shared between Gil-Galad and I, like the hours spent in the library or the living room reading books, playing music or simply talking, his inviting smile and jovial laughter, the feel of his warm embraces, where I felt safe…secure.

I screwed my eyes shut to stop treacherous tears from spilling down my cheek, and the 'four word curse' echoed around my head, and I wondered if there was any truth in them? Was I unlovable? Undesirable? Adam - who taught me about the danger of infatuation - had been rather vague yet oh so precise with his chosen words. I should have let those words stop haunting me a long time ago but such is human nature; we remember and hone in on the negatives in life.

Negatives…my life seemed to be full of those at present.

I was still deeply angry over that agreement, so thinking of tender moments shared with the High-King was torture. What annoyed me also was the fact I knew I couldn't stay mad at either of them, especially Gil-Galad. I would forgive him. Maybe not now but at some point, and that irked me about myself, at times I felt I was too forgiving!

Huffing heavily, I turned onto my side and forced my eyes shut, breathing steadily until I fell asleep.

xXx

I sat in darkness. It was an empty dream. Rarely did my dreams amount to much except when I tried lucid dreaming. I drifted in a seemingly warm nothingness, all too aware of the 'barrier' that separated me from my other half whom, I speculated, lay in a coma. I reclined - resting - when I heard something that caught my attention. A voice.

But not just anyone's voice.

"Mamma?" I asked the void I drifted in as I 'swam' towards the glass like barrier. I saw nothing on the other side, but I heard a distinct voice. The word was drawn out. It sounded like she was speaking Entish and it took her forever to say something as simple as 'hi', but I would recognise that voice anywhere. Without thinking I reached out and the moment my fingertip touched the silken layer that separated us, I felt a pull and was reconnected my other half. I felt the constricting feeling in my throat, the discomfort in the crook of my arm and the infernal beeping was back to its normal speed, but I payed it no attention. I listened intently as the voices around me got clearer.

"Oh my sweet girl…" My mothers voice whimpered, and I felt something brush hair behind my ear.

'I'm here Mamma!' I wanted to say. To know she was alive and well was overwhelming. I felt my soul smiling.

I stayed there, listening to my mothers voice singing lullabies to me. It gave me something else to remember. Winter evenings curled up by the fire reading fairy tales, snowball fights, playing music and dancing in the living room in our tiny summer house by the river. It was by far the most peaceful 'creepy beepy' dream I had ever had. Slowly, I felt a tug in what I believed was my soul, pulling me back to Middle Earth and I was not upset. I felt settled, happy, which I thought was strange seeing as I know I should have felt guilty for leaving my parents there, but Mamma's soothing voice was the last thing I heard as I was brought back to my waking being.

"You're so strong love. Don't fear anything, it will all be fine."

xXx

I only wish that sense of peace had lasted a little longer than it did. Sunlight spilling over the far horizon brought to the surface my confused and conflicting thoughts, souring the calm I had felt for a fleeting moment when I awoke.

Mithlond was a little over a fortnight behind us and as much as I felt it was a relief, I could not ignore the heaviness that had set in my chest like a stone. Mithlond, 'home', was now behind, and the wider world lay ahead. A daunting thought if I was perfectly honest, for who knew what misadventures lay before us. Easterlings, Nazgûl, death or glory, perhaps nothing?

No one noticed the thin veil of smoke still wafting from over the hill, or if they did they didn't mention it. Thalion of course raised a questioning eyebrow at us and we gave him knowing grins. He rolled his eyes and shook his head at us playfully as we set off again. We moved fast, I had been impressed with the Greenwood company's efficiency and wondered if their haste was anything to do with the Easterlings?

I travelled at the back of the company. I had for most of the journey because it was the only place I was least likely to be interrupted while I tried to let my mind figure its confused self out. I kept my gaze ahead of me, letting my eyes soak up my surroundings as we moved away from the Misty Mountains. Woods, rock formations, fields and small rivers scattered the landscape. We followed a little stream, its ever present murmur was a pleasant background noise. It required no brain power to process and I found - funnily enough - it gave my jumbled mind something else to ponder over. I was thoroughly irritated and bored of thinking of Amdír, Gil-Galad, even Oropher and the Easterlings. My worries were going around in circles and slowly driving me insane.

During our travels we had made a few new acquaintances who were quickly becoming friends. Calanon for example. The Silvan elf who had dragged the drunk elf away at Mid-Summer, was a good friend of Thranduil's - and in my opinion, his best friend - and was a pleasure to be around. I could almost describe him as a 'fan'. He had glanced at us shyly yet wide eyed for most of the first day before introducing himself and claiming it was an honour to finally meet the 'Orc slaying trio' he had heard so much about. He had a warm, bubbly personality and had had his fair share of misadventures (following the prince no doubt). Then there was Alva, the elleth Thalion had made himself VERY friendly with. I couldn't recall him laughing so much around an elleth before, but she was a hoot to be around, like when we were riding through a field of corn and she piped up with;

"~I would tell you a joke…but it would be awfully corny!~"

There were also the guards who exchanged polite greetings and joined in our wild dancing and music playing in the evenings. For having looked quite grim on arrival in Mitelu, they were as jolly and boisterous as the Ñoldorin guards, which helped us feel right at home.

Then there was the less nice side of the company, like the drunk elf whom I discovered was the captain of the guard no less. Tathor. An overly pompous ellon who was utterly in love with the idea of himself, and the 'deeds' he had performed.

"~I shall have to show you the spot where I defeated an onslaught of orcs - single handily I might add.~" He had boasted that one time I rode at the front of the company, puffing out his chest in self conceited pride. "~It's a shame you know, being captain takes up so much of my time that I hardly have a moment to consider the other side of my life…I don't meet many ellyth.~"

"~I'm sure…?~" I rolled my eyes, avoiding looking at him as I did.

He had been rather put out by my ignorance of his 'advances'. Upon my making it perfectly clear that I was not interested in any form of 'husband material' he had turned sour towards, not just me, but my sisters too.

"I'm not too bothered by it. He's no great loss." Glenys grinned upon him harrumphing past us one morning. "He's got the face of a slapped arse!" This was half true.

Today was much like the preceding fortnight. Nothing changed apart from the scenery, so it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when Thalion came to me with an unusual request.

"Gee, I was wondering if you would help teach Alva how to defend herself?"

I looked at him with masked curiosity, nodding in answer to his question.

"Of course. Which is your weakest? Hand to hand? Blades?" I inquired, looking ahead of me to where Alva was shyly looking over her shoulder at me. She brought her horse back so she rode level with me, her teeth coming forward to worry at her bottom lip.

"Both, I have no experience in either…but hand to hand first if it's not too much trouble?"

My brows shot up so fast they almost flew off my head altogether.

"You have no training at all?! But your father and brother are soldiers!" I exclaimed. Fate would have it that sweet Calanon was the twin sibling to Alva. Both shared similar features. Dark hair, slightly sun kissed skin and bright eyes.

"I know. My ada feels I have no need to know how to defend myself. With soldiers like ours and leaders like our King and Prince, Greenwood is safe."

"That is no excuse not know how to defend oneself." I huffed. "Regardless, I shall teach you and no doubt my sisters and Thalion shall join me?" I shot Thalion a playfully coquettish look. "So, we can start now. Theory is always a good base. KIMBELA!"

Up ahead, a light brown head turned to look my way calling with an affronted voice;

"What?!"

"Get your arse down here!" I called back. Reluctantly, she did and I explained the situation, referring to Alva as 'Thalion's Lady' for no real reason other than to see Thalion turn red with embarrassment.

"Don't torment the ellon, cant you see his pride is wounded enough having to ask us to help him train this lovely elleth!" Kimbela teased mercilessly.

"Right…" I rolled my eyes. "First things first, if someone comes at you, get them down on the ground as quickly as possible and RUN." I began, smiling as if it was the easiest thing in the world to do. Alvas brow creased uncertainly.

"How do I do that?"

"As easily and as quickly as possible." Kimbela chirped, then quite nonchalantly, "Kick him in the balls."

The stunned silence that followed was comical. Thalion looked as though he was imagining the sensation right then and there - he almost went green - and Alva didn't seem to believe it worked!

"Ah…" Was her short response. Kimbela let out a satisfied chortle, as if it had been her intention to mortify the girl from the beginning.

"You've never kicked a guy between the legs before?"

"Um…I have never had the need to…"

I sighed, for no particular reason I might add. "Put it this way Alva, if you kick a man there really hard, it's like a total system reset. They are stunned for a moment."

Kimbela nodded. "Yup. Technically it is fighting dirty, but in a life or death situation it is the most effective and efficient technique."

We spent the next hour talking of different ways to protect oneself. Alva was a quick learner and was quickly becoming more dear to us. Our chit chat was politely interrupted by non other than Calanon who had been sent by the King, requesting my presence. Without thinking of it, I excused myself, thanked Calanon and spurred Mithril into a gallop, quickly reaching the front where King Oropher and Thranduil rode their strong steeds. Orophers, a sleek white stallion, and Thranduil's a dappled grey horse.

"~You wished to speak with me my Lord.~"

"~Yes, thank you for coming so swiftly.~" The King smiled warmly. His son offered me the same warm greeting. We had not spoken much since our departure from Mithlond, but what contact we had had was civil, bordering on friendly.

"~I could not help but notice the remnants of smoke over the northern hill this morning. Is there something we should know about?~" His tone was not angry, but genuinely curious. I shook my head dismissively.

"~A skirmish of about nineteen orcs. We took care of them with relative ease and burned their bodies.~"

Oropher nodded in understanding and Thranduil's eyes locked onto me, though I did my best to pretend I didn't notice it.

"~Did you raise the alarm?~" The King asked.

"~No, My Lord.~"

"~Why?~"

"~There was no need. We felt we could take care of the situation without rousing the guards.~"

"~And if you had felt you could not have taken care of it on your own?~"

"~Then we would have alerted you without delay. This company's safety is paramount to us My Lord.~"

Oropher chuckled light-heartedly. "~That I do not doubt My Lady. Otherwise you would still reside in Mithlond.~"

I let out a disbelieving snort, causing both royals to give me questioning looks.

"~I highly doubt that my Lord. I would have retreated to our little hide out just north of the city.~"

I spoke of a little croft Kimbela, Glenys and I had found some twenty years prior, and had done up and used as a get away when life got on top of us. Well...it was mainly used as a 'lovers getaway'. Kimbela and Haldir used it quite often, as had Glenys and her Golden Lord.

"~I see.~" Was all Oropher said, letting silence fall over us a moment.

"~That is a beautiful necklace you wear. A gift?~" Thranduil remarked casually, eyeing the shell necklace which still hung around my neck. I had not noticed it had fallen out for everyone to see.

"~Eh, yes.~" I hastily tucked it back inside my shirt collar.

"~From whom?~"

"~The High-King.~" The reply was more dismissive than intended, the words felt bitter on my tongue.

"~It must be said, he has good taste.~" Oropher added passively. I didn't ask if he meant anything by that - other than stating Gil-Galad had a good sense of style. At that moment I didn't care. For a few long moments I continued on beside the royals in silence.

"~If that was all My Lord, I shall return to my place.~"

"~If you would but stay a moment longer My Lady, there is one other thing I wish to discuss with you.~"

I had no reason to deny the King his request. I nodded and kept my pace beside him, waiting for him to speak. Oropher exchanged a look with his son, and a second later Thranduil had turned his horse around to seek the company of his friend who was still hanging around the back with my sisters and Thalion. I tried to mask my curiosity as to why the Prince was not welcome to this part of the meeting, but didn't question it. The King would have his reasons and I no doubt would find out soon enough.

"~I have heard much about you and your sisters from third parties, I am however interested in your side of the story.~" Oropher said with an air of ease about him. I frowned to myself, but his question did not puzzle me. He had not heard our side of the tale yet. So…I began from where we awoke.

King Oropher was genuinely interested in our story, asking questions and adding in variations which had reached his ears. I, in turn, asked him of what had happened in his realm during the past twenty five years. He recounted fleeing Amon Lanc, the trials and tribulations of moving northward and of finally settling down and delving into the mountain side in Northern Greenwood.

"~The likes of Menegroth may return to grace Arda's lands.~" I hummed. It was not a prophecy, and Oropher didn't take it as such. I enjoyed my conversation with him. My eyes almost plopped out my sockets when he told me how old Thranduil was - and inadvertently how old HE was.

"~He's how old!~"

"~Yes…only nineteen junior to young Ereinion.~" Oropher said, not a care in the world for his own grand age. He didn't look it. Like others of his ethereal race, his features where young and the only indication of his 'ancientness' lay in his grey eyes which betrayed the weight kingship brought. Yet, as I thought about it…Gil-Galad's eyes lacked that heaviness, and he had indeed been king longer and crowned at a much younger age.

"~I suppose by my standards I wouldn't consider the High-King 'young'…~"

"~Give it time. You are only starting out in your immortality.~"

I snapped my head to look at him. Immortality. No one had ever phrased it like that before, but now as I beheld the Sinda King with waning shock, it dawned on me that his observation made sense. We had not aged, therefore one could consider it as a form of 'immortality'. This realisation left me stunned momentarily, possible answers to unasked questions giving my sore heart hope. Oropher's concerned voice stirred me from my thoughts.

"~Are you alright My Lady?~"

"~Yes.~" I nodded my head uncertainly. "~Your words gave me something to think about is all.~"

"~You have been doing a lot of thinking as of late, haven't you.~" It wasn't a question, and the concern had yet to leave his lilting voice.

I flicked my brows, deciding not to bother denying my evidently brooding mood. "~I have.~"

"~May I ask about what?~"

A flash of suspicion speared my mind, overly weary since the uncovering of that confounded agreement. I wetted my lips and cast my eyes down to where my hands rested on the saddle, the reins loosened.

"~A lot.~" I paused. "~Why do you wish to know?~"

"~You are under my care, and as a King I will look after your well being.~"

"~I am under no ones care.~" I snapped, my face hardening. "~I can take care of myself.~"

"~I do not doubt that.~" The King did not reprimand me for my harsh tone, which I was swiftly regretting. "~You have proven yourself very capable Lady Gunda, but your mind's health and happiness is just as important as your bodies.~" He regarded me with a soft concern filling his silvery eyes. His head cocking slightly to the side in an almost feline manner.

"~You are my guest. Apart from it being my obligation to look after you as your host, I - and many others - do so of our free will.~"

I furrowed my brows, trying to understand what he was trying to say while not saying it. So…he, and others, cared for us because they wanted to? I suppose it was nice…knowing people genuinely cared for us - and not because they wished for us to return a favor. Somewhere deep inside I knew that we were genuinely loved. Celebrian, her parents, Amroth and Amdír…Gil-Galad…and now, apparently, Oropher.

I must have remained at the front a little too long, for not a moment later my sisters came cantering up to join us. We were about to fall back in line when I suddenly saw what I thought was a familiar wagon come, juddering up the path. Two giant grey goats with massive curling horns pulled the wagon alone the well used grass path. I didn't need to get closer to know who it belonged too, and that this encounter could go two ways. Awkward and tense or a slanging match.

"Is that-"

"Grimber!" Glenys sang in answer to Kimbela's unfinished question, and before I could remind them of the strife between the Sinda and dwarves, they were off. Galloping away to meet our acquaintance.

Grimber was a merchant we had met in Mithlond's markets through Thalion and Gil-Galad, he made some of the most amazing jewellery and weapons. A stout fellow with thick glossy hair to die for -decorated with ornate beads that held it out of his face and kept his beard in check. He noticed Kimbela and Glenys' hollering figures and waved.

"~Will you excuse us for a moment My Lord.~"

I didn't wait for Oropher to acknowledge my request. I set off right after my siblings, cursing and praying things would not go sour.

Glenys and Kimbela had already dismounted and gone to give our friend hugs by the time I got there.

"Ah, Gunda. What a pleasant surprise to see ye three here!" The blond dwarf greeted me with a jovial, rich trill in his voice. I had heard him sing. A beautiful sound and very different from what I heard in elven courts and households.

"Its wonderful to see you here too!" I chimed, sliding out my saddle to greet him with a hug myself. He gave me an extra squeeze before standing back to survey our attire, and our company.

"And what might ye be up to this time?" He was not prejudice towards the elves -unlike other dwarves we had met. He didn't seem phased by our elven host.

"Ah, another adventure my friend." Glenys crooned and Grimber's eyes widened with interest.

"Rather ye than me m'dears." He said, though the sudden wariness in his tone caused me to pause. His eyes flickered up to the awaiting company of elves and he squared his shoulders. "Just be careful. There's talk of strange things stirrin' in the East. Now I dunno what, but just be careful." He warned, offering us a kind, friendly smile.

"Hows Zin?" Kimbela asked, swiftly changing the subject to how his dear wife fared.

"Tamzin is...Tamzin. Need I say more?" He raised a thick brow.

We burst out laughing. Indeed, Tamzin was quite the character. Strong willed and stubborn as an ox -strong as one too. Her fiery hair set her emerald eyes alight and her sideburns were always intricately braided into her hairdo. Mahal knows how she did it, but it looked good! She had also been the one to insist I train 'properly' with my axes, even going so far as to request Gil-Galad send me to her. I had visited her, and left both loving and loathing her, her relentless and rigorous training but I had gained a good recipe for boar stew, and her motherly side more than made up for the brutal sparring matches.

"No, you needn't. Hows yourself?" Kimbela continued through huffs for air.

Grimber laughed. A guttural noise that could vibrate a chair if he sat down. He turned in towards his wagon and began rooting around.

"Ah the same as usual." He shrugged. "Good to see you're all well. I have the weapons the High-King had sent me to be reinforced." He stumbled out, pulling a long package wrapped in light brown suede. "These are for ye. Seems a bit stupid to haul them all the way to Mithlond when yer obviously gonna need them now." He held the package across his chest as he unwrapped the top, revealing the fruits of his labour. And magnificent they were.

Steel glinting like silver in the bright midday sun, we eyed up the gifts Gil-Galad had had commissioned for us from the elven smiths and sent to Grimber to be strengthened through a technique only the dwarves knew. A new spear head for Kimbela, long knives for Glenys and last but not least a sword that looked very much like the sword I had seen (and shown Gil-Galad) in a book. All the weapons had jewelled details inlaid, on the hilts of the knives and sword and on the base of the spear head.

"Oh Grimber! You're amazing!" Glenys gushed, turning her blade over in her hand and smiling with a love for the knife only a huntress would have, a love we all possessed.

"Wow! Thank you!" Kimbela beamed, throwing an arm around Grimber -who was about the same height as her- as he went to give me my blades.

"For you dear, and remember, you stick 'em with de pointy end." He grinned, and I returned it. Gripping the hilt, I drew forth the sword. The sound of metal rasping as I unsheathed it was like fine tuned note drawn from a fiddle. I dropped the blade to my side, admiring the gleam of blue from the heat treated metal down the fuller. I spied writing down the blade and I swished the sword to an upright position and read it.

'Together we stand.'

He...he had done this for me? For us? As a reminder of who we were and of what we stood for. I choked back treacherous tears that threatened to burst forth. Damn him! Why was he so thoughtful!

"It's beautiful Grimber...I'm at a loss for words." I managed to mumble without bursting into tears from all the raw emotions that roiled in my chest.

"Theres something else for ya." Grimber turned back to the wagon as I strapped the new weapon to my hip.

"The High-King had this made for ya, must be for yer birthday or somethin' so no opening it early!"

My brow furrowed as I took the small carven wood box in my hand. It looked like a ring box, only a bit bigger. I turned it over and heard something clatter inside. Out of instinct I righted the box and stowed it carefully in my satchel.

"I promise I wont." I had no interest in opening it in the first place. I didn't want ANOTHER reason to feel sorry or guilty for anyone else. Grimber smiled kindly.

"Thats my gal. Now I'd better get moving. These weapons wont deliver themselves!"

I spied the rest of the weapons that had been sent to the dwarves to be reinforced for the Ñoldor army as Grimber pulled the flap of the wagon cover shut.

"Here, take this." I called, pulling forth my coin pouch and tossing it into his hands.

"Oh no, I can't!" Grimber tried to resist.

"You know as well as we do that the armoury manager will not pay for them unless he has seen them with his own eyes Grimber."

After a little more persuasion, Grimber accepted our payment for the weapons and set his oversized mountain goats into a walk again, heading westward.

We waved to each other before he vanished from sight around a bend, then mounting our horses we rejoined the Greenwood company.

All the elves watched us with a mixture of curiosity and distaste towards the dwarf. It was not a difficult guess that they hated any dwarf, no matter their intention. We took our places in the middle and continued on in silence for a good five minutes, save the whispers of what affiliation we had with a dwarf. We ignored it, focusing on the road ahead, beautifully...green. That was it. Green as far as the eye could see...and a dappled grey horse.

"~What was your business with that dwarf?~" Came a voice that was trying to sound unbothered, but was failing. I raised my eyes lazily to look the prince in the face.

"~That dwarf has a name, and he is one of the best smithies I know. He had weapons the High-King commissioned for us.~" I explained flatly, indicating to the new blade at my hip. Thranduil turned his face ahead and spoke stiffly.

"~You should be careful with their kind. They are deceptive, thieving-~"

"~Don't let your experiences in Menegroth taint your future judgement, Prince.~" He didn't like being interrupted, or reminded of whatever horrors he had faced in Doriath, for his nostrils flared as he whipped around to look down at me. I straightened up and stared right back.

"~Do not paint all dwarves with one brush. True, some are and will be as you say. But some are decent folk. Hard working, kind hearted and deserving of understanding.~"

The princes jaw clenched and he cast his view once again to the distance.

"~You have no idea what-~"

"~They slew your king. Elu-Thingol, over a necklace in which a Silmaril was set. Yes I know. And I can imagine what it felt like to loose your Lord. I feel like it is happening to me right now.~"

"~How so?~"

"~Gil-I...The High-King and I are at odds at the moment.~"

"~You may yet mend your friendship.~" Thranduil stated nonchalantly. I had no answer for him. I didn't want to place all my hope in that our friendship would be repaired, I didn't want to think of how broken I would feel should Gil-Galad and I never speak on as friendly terms as we had shared the previous twenty five years.

"~In any case. I do not ask you befriend every dwarf you meet from now on, but please respect my friends...no matter their race.~"

The prince made no promise, only a slight incline of his white blonde head and he spurred his horse on to join the front of the company.

We arrived at Greenwoods border in the early evening. The sun was still relatively high in the sky and even when it set there would be a few hours of half-light. Despite this, I felt there was an uneasy atmosphere within the forest, an unrest that gave me a singularly sharp shiver down my spine. It would not be a good move to go through it at night or camp within the trees, and luckily it looked like no one was making a move to do so. I began readying myself and Mithril for my dismount when a voice spoke up.

"~We keep moving.~"

I was stunned. The sheer stupidity! "~I do no think that wise.~" I spoke up, moving Mithril to the front of the group next to King Oropher, Prince Thranduil and the arse of a Captain, Tathor. The closer I got to the forest, the more uneasy I felt. The criss cross wasn't tingling, but I could feel it, like it was warming up slowly. The captain flashed me an uninterested look.

"~Did I ask for your opinion human? I said we move forward.~"

I pursed my lips and gave him an indignant glare.

"~And I am telling you that going through this forest, so close to night fall, is NOT a good idea, Captain.~" It took all my effort not to spit out the last word -or call him a nincompoop. "~There is something making the forest uneasy and going through it at night or settling up camp within doesn't feel safe.~"

Tathor raised a disparaging brow and sniggered.

"~I might have expected as much from a city dweller. You have no love for the trees.~"

From the other side, I saw Thranduil roll his eyes and Oropher's narrowed to slits.

"~Enough Captain, let the Lady Gunda explain her reasons.~"

"~Yes, your majesty.~" Tathor replied, sounding bitter. I clenched my jaw in growing vexation at Captain Douche.

"~I feel a deep unease. I cannot really explain it, but my gut instinct has never lead me astray before.~" I began, only for Captain Douche to butt in like the petulant child he resembled.

"~Your majesty, this is absurd! She is going on a hunch!~" Tathor said, almost squawking in his disbelief. My patience with him was running thinner by the second. How the hell had he become the Captain in the first place?

"~Who's got a hunch?~" Came the chirpy voice of an overly curious Kimbela. I turned my head and welcomed both Kimbela and Glenys with a somewhat tired smile. Tathor didn't like any of us, and we knew it.

"~The Captain here wants to continue through the forest.~" I explained, not bothering to hide my vexation. Glenys eyed the captain with a look that practically screamed 'You're a fucking idiot'. Kimbela's eyes almost popped out her head.

"~Are you completely incompetent? We are too close to night fall to travel through a dense forest for one, and there is something uneasy here…~"

I raised my brow at the captain as if to prove my point. It was not just me who felt uneasy.

"~And why should we trust you?~" He shot back at a lack of anything else intelligent to say. That was the wrong thing to say with Glenys around, he got what he deserved as far as I was concerned.

"~Okay listen here buster, are you the King? No, you're not so you should respect his wish that we came along! We came here for a reason, to help you. Now I'm sure my sisters and I will be more than happy to fuck off back to Rivendell if you are going to be a rude little prick to us. What have we done to you?~"

I didn't hear the rest of her rant, or Tathors snide responses. I had dismounted Mithril and was walking up towards the trees. The forest was deep, dense and gloom shrouded its depths. It was not sick yet, but the closer I got, the more uncomfortable the X on my back became. It was like an itch that needed to be scratched.

Entering the forest was like walking into a curtain of nausea. The discomfort became distressing, and it didn't take me long to figure out why. I was in a healthy forest, the leaves a vibrant green and the floor speckled with flora, yet it was dead silent...the trees weren't singing. I wandered up to the neatest tree and placed my hand on the textured bark. Nothing. Just an eerie silence. A predatory silence. I tried to connect with the tree, wondering if I could get an answer out if it. I mean, if I could hear them sing and feel their life pulse through them everywhere else...then talking to them wasn't too far off, right?

I hadn't a clue where to start, so I pushed my thoughts forward, like throwing out a wide net to catch fish. I listened, pushing my thoughts towards the forest. When the answer came, it wasn't a word, but a feeling. A cold clammy sensation that seized my thrumming heart in my chest. Fear.

My eyes shot open with shock and I ripped my hand from the tree trunk. Turning to return I saw Thalion had now joined in the bickering match between the Captain and my sisters. King Oropher and Thranduil were watching on with amusement.

"~The trees are fearful. Something is not right.~"

"~Great, you're a tree whisperer now as well!~" Mocked Tathor.

"~Oh for the love of Iluvatar SHUT UP!~" Kimbela groaned. I glared up at Tathor as Kimbela continuing. "~Not one, but all three of us have sensed something is up, and you have challenged us at every turn. It isn't even your call! That decision lies with the King.~"

"~Your majesty?~" Tathor asked, turning to his king, looking for support. Oropher watched us all, carefully considering his options.

"~We wait an hour. If nothing happens, we continue.~"

My heart sank. 'No! Wait until dawn you muppet!' I wanted to scream, but I gritted my teeth and bowed in respect to his command.

"I don't like this." Glenys huffed. We sat in a line on the small incline facing the forest. "Someone should follow them, what if they are ambushed?"

"Our orders were to stay here. And stay here we shall." I huffed, equally jittery with nerves.

Oropher had sent out a small group of soldiers to scout out the path. The second hour was coming to an end, we had managed to convince the King to prolong the waiting time. Glenys shook her head.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No...it doesn't." I agreed.

Beside me, Kimbela had reclined and was looking at the waning colours in the sky, her eyes conveying that her mind was far off in another realm of her imagining.

"You okay?" I asked. I was genuinely asking about her right there and then, but also about the past few months. She had become withdrawn, unsocial. There were days when she didn't even leave her room. Kimbela looked at me, blinking like a vole coming out of its underground hole.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes Gee. I'm sure."

I didn't want to push it further. What ever it was that was bothering her, she would tell us when the time was right for her. I waited a few more minutes before standing to my feet and stretching my stiff back.

"We can't stall them any longer-"

"Pfuff the king made that clear enough." Glenys huffed. Oropher had put her in her place when she had tried to push for a third hour.

"I know." I sympathised with her. "Lets get ready to move, and we'll just have to deal with things as they happen."

"Besides, we've lead successful Orc hunts in forests before." Kimbela chirped, rubbing Glenys' arm. Glenys huffed again and followed me as I made a beeline for Mithril.

I was tightening Mithril's breast-collar when I felt my back prickle, like hackles raising. I shuddered, trying to dislodge the sensation but it was persistent. It didn't escape my notice that Kimbela and Glenys felt the same sharp sensation as we slid into our saddles. We walked up to Oropher who sat tall and proud upon his stallion, looking out into the forest -looking for his son who had gone with the scouts along with Calanon and Tathor.

"~Once the scouts return we move on.~" He said, voice steady but there was a certain strain there. It was a still evening, no breeze, nothing moved, so it was unusual and surprising when Kimbela visibly shivered and her eyes raised to look at the forest as if she were looking a known convict dead in the eyes. Like a spark, my back exploded in fiery tingles. I opened my mouth to warn the King, when a shrill blaring horn sounded from within the forest. They were distant...but rapidly approaching.

None of us spoke. We acted on instinct when we all three spurred our steeds into a full on gallop towards the line of trees. In the darkening depths I spied green clad figures making for the open. They turned every now and then to cut down a foe. I felt the weight of my axes fall into place in the axe holders that had been incorporated into my leather corset top. I pulled both forth, steering Mithril with my knees as the first of the scouting group broke the line of trees, followed shortly by those sallow skinned, bow legged and hunched creatures.

A spear glided effortlessly through the air and impaled an orc through the chest, narrowly missing the screeching Tathor who came running from the forest -hands flailing. Mighty warrior my ass!

That was the last sane thought to go through my mind as I felt that wave of power, of red, come crashing down over me, energising and fuelling me. I can't remember ending the first orc, or the five after him, they were simply moving targets I had to hit.

I'm sure the Greenwood elves had never seen anything like it -our fighting style that is. We ran in an elaborate figure of eight, our steeds weaving effortlessly through the forms as we cut down the enemy with equal ease.

"Glenys! Knife!" Kimbela shouted over her shoulder, and her hand reached out to catch the flying projectile.

"Axe!" I flung my left axe behind me to Glenys.

"Spear!" I yelped, snatching the wood in my grip and fluidly launching it through some random orcs ribcage, only for Kimbela to ride past and retrieve it in one equally fluid move.

In the chaos that erupted, I tried to keep an eye open for Calanon and Thranduil who still had to emerge from the forest. Ten nerve-wrecking seconds later, two figures burst out from the forest, an orc hot on their tale. I pulled Mithril in their direction, ready to charge to their aid, but in one swift movement, Thranduil had his sword in his hand and had arched the blade and sliced open the Orcs jugular, projectile blood spraying up like a fountain. They fought with such finesse and tenacity, it was commendable. I could well believe Thranduil would, one day, be one of the greatest warriors in Arda.

In my admiration of the Prince and his friend, I had committed the ultimate combat sin. I had turned my back on my enemies and let my guard down. I turned too late to notice the snarling orc charging at me. My axe connected with its shoulder as it leaped through the air, but it still managed to knock me out of my saddle and set Mithril off in a startled run.

Rolling onto my knees I separated the Orcs head from its shoulders in one clean swing before jumping to my feet and continuing.

"Ion!" The kings voice cried out. Like a hound to a whistle, a mother to the cry of her baby, I turned and looked for Thranduil again, worried he might have been injured. He was still among those closest to the forest, sword in hand and fighting back to back with Calanon. Lithe and supple bodies bending and twisting, every angle covered, yet I noticed Thranduil's attack was his weak point, unlike myself.

I returned to killing the spawn of evil around me, but my attention was captured by a pained grunt behind me. My eyes narrowed and the blood in my veins reached boiling point. Somehow, somehow an orc had managed to take the kings feet out from beneath him, I saw how the orc locked Oropher's sword between the long spear head and shorter secondary prong of its weapon and twisted, wrenching the sword from the kings grasp.

His guards were to far away! Spinning my axe in my hand, I threw it, I missed the kill point, the blade scrapping the back of the orcs skull. He whipped his head around, spear poised over Oropher's heart ready for the kill. It didn't have time to strike because I launched myself at him, drawing my sword, relishing the zing it made as I did.

It snarled.

I roared.

We clashed. Metal hitting off metal, sword locking with forked spear. I kept an eye on the King as he found his sword and defended himself from another opponent, he did well considering he was still on his back and very lightly armoured.

The orc brought the spear up in a diagonal swipe for my neck. I blocked his advance, locking my axe with the curve of the spear head, wrenching it anticlockwise to unbalance him.

"~Behind you Gunda!~"

Spinning on the spot I slashed at another orc who had tried to sneak up on me. His chest burst open following the line my sharp sword made as it zinged through him.

I suddenly felt a sting on my right cheek. I stopped. The thud of the orc falling to the ground faded into background noise just like the rest of the battle raging on around me. Slowly, with calculated accusation, I rotated my head to look the spear orc in the eyes. Eyes that widened when it realised it had made a grave mistake.

Time seemed to slow down. I could count my own rapid heartbeats like the seconds that ticked by. The spear came shooting forward for my face. I dodged the blade, leaning to my right and grabbed the shaft, continuing in a full rotation, pulling the spear -and the orc- with me. The shocked orc stumbled forward, tripping over Oropher's leg which he stuck up. I ripped the spear from his grasp, spinning it in my hand with unusual ease and speared the orc through the back of its neck.

Oropher watched, as he got up, with wide eyes as I stood, spear in one hand and sword in the other. I began spinning the spear in an elaborate formation, remembering how I had seen a certain elf wield Aeglos all those years before…

xXx Mithlond, Twenty-three years prior. SA 3317. xXx

"~You may pick it up if you wish.~" The High-King's voice did not startle Gunda as her eyes wandered across the form of the delicate looking weapon that lay on its ornate stand.

Gil-Galad walked soundlessly across the wide expanse of his study, and stood beside the youngest of the children from beyond the stars. Gunda seemed transfixed by the mere sight of Aeglos, and he wondered if, somewhere in her mind, she was remembering that particular weapon and what battles it had fought in, and may yet fight in. Gunda tore her gaze away from Aeglos long enough to look him shyly and sincerely in the eyes before replying;

"~Oh! I couldn't do that. It's…much too precious…besides, I don't know how to wield a lance.~" Her eyes flickered back to the brilliantly made spear. Gil-Galad smiled at her, though she did not see it.

"~Then let me show you.~"

Gunda had no time to react or dispute his offer, as he picked up the legendary weapon and walked to the centre of the large carpeted open space in his office. He held out his free hand, beckoning her to him.

"~Come.~"

Gunda took slow, hesitant steps towards the High-King, coming to a stop just before him. Gil-Galad held out the spear to her, and once her fingers had clasped around the shaft, he moved to stand behind her. He felt the woman in front of him turn slightly rigid, relaxing slightly as he eased his form against hers, as if their bodies were melting into one. His hands rested over hers, his feet guiding hers to the correct stance.

"~You need to be relaxed holding it, but have your feet planted firmly to the ground. Think of it like a tree. A strong bough and supple branches.~"

Gunda nodded, allowing herself to be guided by him as he led her through one of the more basic movements. She remained focussed at the task at hand, not embarrassed by the fact that she had the High-King pressed so close to her back. Her mind was going riot. She was holding Aeglos! The legendary weapon of the High-King…what an honour!

Despite this, she faltered the moment Gil-Galad stepped back from her. She let out a defeated sigh, disappointed in herself.

"~I think I should just stick to axes and forest knives.~" She sighed to herself sadly. Turning and giving Aeglos back to its master. But Gil-Galad would not let her give up so easily.

"~Do you wish to learn to wield a spear?~"

"~Eh..yes.~" She answered, looking down at her toes. "~But I don't think I'd be very good at it.~"

"~I said that about myself.~"

Gunda looked up at the High-King in awe. He had doubted his own skill? How?!

Suddenly, the king held Aeglos in one hand and had drawn his sword in the other, then proceeded to launch into one of the most awe inspiring and complex weapon patterns she had ever seen. Each arm seemed to move of its own accord, but their movement blended seamlessly into each other, and even more impressive, was that Gil-Galad looked unfazed by the complexity of it all. It was all over in 27 seconds or less, and the High-King stood, looking Gunda in the eyes with both spear and sword blade crossed in front of her neck. She had not flinched. She was so captivated by his prowess.

"~And if I can learn to do this in twenty eight years, then so can you.~"

Gunda's eyes widened.

"~Twenty eight years?!~"

Gil-Galad nodded, stowing his sword and returning Aeglos to its stand.

"~I can teach you, if you wish.~"

"~Do you think I can do it?~"

"~Yes.~"

"~Okay…a challenge then.~" Gunda smiled, a cunning gleam in her eyes.

"~Go on.~"

"~Twenty seven years. I have twenty seven years to learn to wield both spear and one other weapon.~"

Gil-Galad tilted his head to the side, smiling in secret victory.

"~Twenty seven years to become a Master.~" He mused. "~An interesting challenge for both of us.~" The pause made Gunda's heart thump heavily in her heart.

"~I accept. We start now.~"

xXx SA 3340 xXx

Valar know how I managed it, but I did. Wielding both rudimentary, unbalanced spear and sword, I took on anything that happened to come my way, or get in my path. Once the movements got going, my body naturally twisted and turned as it needed to.

I crashed to my knees. Chest heaving as my eyes frantically scanned the green and blood stained landscape. The tingling X on my spine had faded, my axes no doubt exploding into dust and fireworks somewhere. Elves pulled the orc corpses away to be burned, and try as I might, I couldn't make myself stand and help.

I remembered what it felt like, to have Gil-Galad tutor me, his voice guide me through the steps. Would he be proud of me? That I had beaten my challenge, and four years early too.

I felt utterly wrecked and was beyond relieved when Oropher said we would camp outside the forest for the night. I staggered to my feet and began to stumble my way towards were my tent would be erected, when a hand rested on my shoulder and my arm was wound around someones neck.

"~Thank you. For saving my fathers life.~"

I looked, bleary eyed up at the prince, feeling my head swim as I did.

"~No problem.~" I answered.

The Prince helped me to a tent and lay me down on a pile of furs.

"~Someone will come and get you for dinner. You should rest.~"

I nodded, unable to muster the strength to answer him verbally. Instead I made an embarrassing groaning sound of approval.

"~I recognised that fighting style by the way…you and Gil-Galad have a lot in common.~"

I didn't answer. I had fallen fast asleep.

~0~

The setting sun glinted off the blue and silver rooftops of Mitelu, creating an uncanny gleam on the horizon.

On a balcony, high up on the palaces royal wing, a lone figure stood gazing longingly to the East.

The High-King felt his breath was sluggish, as if he was having to put effort into something his body had done naturally for thousands of years. His usually bright features and cheery smile were somewhat dimmed by the abrupt and unhappy departure of one he dearly wished to keep safe.

He cared deeply for Kimbela and Glenys too, but with Gunda there had always been that little bit more. Contrary to what most people believed, the King's feelings where not inclined towards a 'fatherly' love, not with Gunda. There had always been a intriguing spark between them which he could not deny, no matter how many times he had tried to.

He sucked in another deep, almost painful breath. Now she was gone, and for how long was anyones guess…would she ever return after such a betrayal? He understood her hurt. He felt it too, made worse by the fact he had kept such a secret away from her, from them. He recounted the utter devastation in her eyes as she asked him if he had turned her advances away because of that agreement.

His jaw clenched. Had he been given but another hour before she left -without so much as a goodbye- he would have explained everything in full. Yet, as he thought that, he wondered if he would have been able to do so. If telling her everything would only cause her more pain? That was the last thing he wanted to do.

Sighing in almost certain defeat, the High-King turned back into his room. Resigning himself to the fact that he would have to trust in her to remain safe. She was capable, he knew she was. But it did little to abate the discomfort he felt in his chest, knowing she was willingly heading into danger.

Lying on his soft mattress, he closed his eyes and sent a prayer to the Valar to keep her safe. To keep them all safe. And he prayed, he prayed she would return.

Sindarin - English

ion - son

A huge Thank you to all who commented/reviewed, and followed the story so far! Hope you enjoyed the update!

Guest:

Here you go!

Dwm.r:

Thank you! and hope you don't fall off your seat!