Its spring break, and guess who's sitting in her basement writing fanfiction? Wooo! I should really get out more. The fact that it's in the basement just makes it sound worse. But it's not! I love it down here man! Just have to make sure there no radon. (Please get on that dad.) Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews. It makes me so very happy. Anyway, I wrote this one super fast, and it's pretty long. I actually waited to post it, cause it was to soon after chapter 24 I wanted to give people a little time. Plus, I like to be able to respond to any guest review that may come up. So, in that spirit, here is my response to Samuel La Flame's review for chapter 24- As always, you're reviews are wonderfully thoughtful, and really make my day (or night, depending:) And not only that, but you actually give me ideas sometimes, so thank you so much for that:) I'm not really sure how long exactly is left on this fic, but it's going to be awhile, so don;t worry:) So thank you for the lovely review, as always:)

So enjoy this chapter everyone!

"Estel, does the name Sauron mean anything to you?"

The relief she felt when she spoke those words was immediate. Like a burning flame inside of her had gone out. It would come back. She knew it would come back. The eye was burned into her head forever. She would never truly escape- she stopped herself, took a deep breath. For now she was free. That was what mattered. Estel's eyes widened in shock. He stood up. Lana was curled back against the wall, holding onto the newly awakened Tuor. Estel looked Ailith in the eye

"Where did you hear that name?"

"From an old woman a long time ago. The flaming eye. The flaming eye, and the king. He wouldn't destroy it. He wouldn't destroy-"

"Ailith, don't speak that name here! Why are you saying this? Why are you mentioning the shadow in the east?"

Ailith said nothing. She was afraid. The flaming eye on Lana's wrist was no mere bandits mark. She couldn't betray her sister. It wasn't to late to go back. But no. She had to tell the truth. It could be the only way she could truly help her sister. She took a deep breath, and pointed to Lana.

"On her wrist. There is an eye of flame."

Estel turned towards Lana slowly. He loomed above her, his eyes like steel. She stood up, meeting his eyes. Tuor whimpered and clung to Lana's hand. Her sister didn't flinch as she looked at Estel. Her eyes were defiant. She didn't try to say anything, just stood with her jaw set.

"What is hidden under that band?" Estel's voice was low and dangerous.

"My wrist ranger. I thought you'd know that."

"Let me see the mark."

"Mama, what's happening? Tell Estel to stop." Tuor fixed him with wide blue eyes. Estel winced.

"Go to your aunt Tuor. I just need to talk to him." Lana wouldn't look at Ailith. She gently pushed Tuor towards her. The boy reluctantly went over to Ailith, and took her hand without hesitation. He looked up at her, and she tried not to cry.

"Take of the band Lana. Let me see the truth behind your sister's words."

"What will you do if I don't?" She glared up at him. He sighed, his eyes sad.

"Then I will take it off Lana. Because the danger in your sisters words is great. And I need to be certain. And then, when I am, you're going to tell me what you know."

"Not such a gentleman now are you ranger?"

"Show me the mark." His voice was a growl. Tuor gripped Ailith's hand and whimpered. Lana's eyes betrayed panic, and fear. She hesitated, tense like a cornered beast. And then she yanked at the band, finally managing to pull it off. She jerked her wrist up, revealing the mark. Ailith felt fear and panic grow in the pit of her stomach. She barely held back the vomit threatening to surface. The huge immensity of the eye was there before her again. She was trapped, lost. Burned clean of flesh, she was-Tuor's small hand in hers pulled her back from the darkness. He gave a small wail.

"There you are ranger. There is your flaming eye. I should imagine Isildur's heir doesn't like it much." Lana's voice shook ever so slightly. Tuor shuddered.

"Make mama put it away auntie. Make her stop. I don't like the mark. Daddy made all my brothers get it. He said I would someday. Make her stop." Tuor's voice was little more than a whisper. Estel took Lana's wrist with surprising gentleness and looked at the mark, his eyes betraying nothing. After a moment he dropped it.

"Well. That's it then. No mere bandits I imagine now. I thought Tuor was a strange name for a bandit's son. I suppose they all wore it then." He turned to Ailith.

"Take Tuor to play. I need to speak to your sister. You and I will speak later about how you came to know of that name you spoke."

"No. No Estel, I need to-"

"Give Tuor the bloody sleep herb I slipped you ranger. Then we can all enjoy ourselves." Lana's eyes were depths unreachable. Estel shook his head.

"No, that-"

"Is the most merciful thing. I'm his mother ranger. I can decide that at least."

"Mama, whats happening?"

"Hush Tuor. Remember when your father was angry with me, and I made you eat the strange plant? We're going to do that again."

"But mama-"

"It will be fine." She jerked away from Estel, who watched her like she would run any minute. When she found the plant she gave it to Tuor.

"Mama, I don't want t-"

"You have to Tuor." She handed him large leaf. The boy reluctantly ate it.

"Now than sweet heart. See, it's alright. Just snuggle down on your bed, and close your eyes. You'll wake up soon." She lifted him onto her cloak and tucked him in. His eyes were already drooping.

"It works fast on him." Lana turned back to Estel. "Now then ranger. What's your mighty judgment?" She grabbed the band back up and fastened it again. Ailith sighed in relief.

"I don't intend to make any judgment. I will simply listen to what you tell me, and then I will decide what to do."

"Fine then. But I don't think I'll sit down. No. I think I'll stand." Lana walked towards Estel until she was only a inch or so away, and glared up at him, here eyes hard, her mouth set. "Deliver your judgment, or lack thereof, now ranger."

"You must first tell me what there is to hear." He didn't even blink Ailith touched her sister's hand.

"Lana..."

"Hush Ailith. Don't try to say anything. Let me speak to your ranger."

"Would you please move back a few inches first?" Estel surveyed Lana coolly

"What? Am I making you uncomfortable ranger?"

"Yes. I think you'll find that most people are uncomfortable when you stand you close to them and give them no room to move. Now, please move back." His voice was calm and measured, and it was dangerous. Ailith could hear the danger in it, below its calm exterior. For a moment he was a king, tall and strict, his eyes boring into Lana's, who looked back at him with a savage sort of pride. Ailith waited with bated breath.

"Have it your way ranger." Lana stepped back, but didn't sit down.

"What do you know of the mark on your wrist?"

"So the interrogation begins."

"Answer my questions and it will go quicker. What do you know of the mark?"

"I know enough to understand your fear of it."

"It will also go better if you don't answer in half-truths. Speak well, and speak honestly. I'm well accustomed to detecting lies. Now, tell me what you know of the mark."

"Sauron. The shadow in the east. That's what it is." Lana gave an involuntary shudder as she spoke the name, and grabbed her wrist. Estel let out a ragged sigh.

"And do the other's of your husbands camp bear the mark?"

"He's not my-"

"Just answer the question."

"Yes, All over the age of twelve wear it on their wrists."

"And they know what it means?"

"Yes."

"Why? Why do they bear his mark?"

"Because they follow him ranger."

"How then, did bandit's, or whatever they are, in the woods come to learn of the dark one?"

"Bandits. Heh. I can see why you thought they were bandits. Maybe your sharp wits were clouded by your pain from their beating. And they did beat you didn't they? Look at you, barely able to stand-"

"Answer my question girl." His voice was a low growl. The tension between he and Lana was almost palpable. Lana was tense and drawn, her fists clenched. Fear. She was afraid. Estel must have seen this. His voice softened slightly.

"It will go easier if you just answer with quick truths."

"Oh don't try to calm me with a soft voice ranger. It only makes it worse, if you wear a false mask."

"How did the bandits who are not bandits learn of the dark lord, and who are they really? And how do you know so much of the history of the kings? And do they know as much as you?" His voice was hard again.

"I don't know how they learned. They already followed him when I joined them. The mark was given to me shortly after."

"Did you know what it was then?"

"...Yes. I knew. I had guessed some. I've always been one for stories. And the stories of this world are often part of the history. So I had guessed. Not fully though. But then I overheard Brandon talking. Heh, he never did put much stock in me. Fool. That's when I learned the name. So yes ranger, I knew what the mark was when I accepted it."

"Then why did you agree?"

"I had no choice."

"I would accept that answer, but I don't believe you. Because you are one of the best lairs I have ever met, and you have successfully deceived me for far longer than I should have been tricked. But you're not sure you want to lie, are you? And it shows. So now I can see the lie that lays in your eyes. So tell me in truth. I will not condemn you Illana. I want to help. Why did you accept the mark?" Estel's eyes bore into Lana's. She was grabbing her wrist tight without seeming to realize it.

"I don't want your help ranger, or your pity." Her voice was low and rough. She continued. "I accepted it because...I saw no reason not to. I had already killed my sister's father, and abandoned my family. I was ruined. I was to far gone. Other things as well ranger, other crimes that are my own to keep. I saw no reason to keep up the pretext of decency. And I...the promise of power, of protection. It's a strong one. They call him the deceiver, but maybe part of me, fool that I am, thought that I could deceive him right back. I deceived everyone else after all. Brandon, his men, all of them. They thought me harmless. But I had Brandon by the balls. His decisions weren't always his. A sweet whisper in his ear, a brush of my lips against his chin. The man was a weakling when it came to skirts, and what's beneath them." She gave a harsh laugh. Estel blinked.

"Does my language offend you ranger?"

"It's not the words you speak, but their meaning, that causes me to shudder. You pledged yourself to evil."

"And why not? You say evil, but I was curious. I've never trusted stories ranger. And I was desperate."

"Desperate?"

"Desperate for something. For anything. Don't ask me to explain damn you. Just get back to the proper questions." Lana hugged herself. Ailith couldn't move or speak. She felt sick. She could only listen

"Alright. If you wish it. Who is Brandon, who are his men? And what exactly is their use to the east?"

"Not so different from you ranger. Not so very different. Not as high in blood maybe, but similar. Not Dunedain though, but they had the blood of your people. What were they called? Ah yes, the black Numenoreans I see that you know of them. Yes, many of them, the highest ranking, they are descended from black Numenorean stock. Long sundered from the main,the blood long sullied, as Brandon said, but still remembering their heritage. Not all in the camp know it, only those who have the blood. Sauron seems to have many followers, doesn't he?" I would say th-"

"Enough! You're telling me that these men are black Numenorians, and that they serve the dark lord. You are no fool, you surely realize the gravity of your words. So answer truthfully when I ask you this. What is their purpose here? And does your loyalty still lie with the east?" His voice was low and urgent.

"How should I know their purposes? And as for my loyalty, it is with Ailith. Is that answer enough for you?""

"You yourself claimed to have Brandon under your control. Surely you know of his plans."

"I don't know nearly as much as I'-"Lana was cut off by Estel, who held his hand up and shook his head. Ailith listened. At first she didn't hear anything, but eventually the sound of footsteps and coarse voices mad itself known to her. She tensed. And as if to make it all worse, Tuor groggily sat up.

"Mama, what-"

"Hush Tuor. Damn it all, the plant doesn't even effect you very well anymore. Well ranger, it looks like my men have followed our trail."

"But they don't know of these ruins?"

"They never mentioned them."

"Auntie, whats happening?" Tuor looked up at her. She tried to smile.

"We're just playing hide and seek. You have to be very quiet."

"We'll continue this talk later." Estel lay his hand on the hilt of his sword. Ailith could hear what the men were saying now.

"Their trail leads here. I'm surprised how long it took us to find it. You'd think a couple of women and a small child, traveling with a wounded ranger, would leave more of a trial."

"Right. But her Ladyship's a craft one. I reckon she knows what she's doing."

"Drugged us all. Brandon still wants to think she was kidnapped, even though he knows it's not the truth."

"Well, I wouldn't be keen to loose her either. And not just because of the obvious benefits she comes along with. He knows, just like we all do, how much she's done. The woman's a smart one. The man lowered his voice. "Brandwyn, I heard her whispering that Lana was the one who was really in charge."

"Don't let Brandon hear you saying that. Anyway, he's no fool. He's led us all these years."

"I know. I'm just saying."

Estel looked at Lana, who glared back at him. The men were still talking.

"So, do you think the ranger's dead? We gave him a good beating."

"I don't know. He looked like a tough one. I'm sure his little whore is fawning over him. Lana's sister. You can see the resemblance I suppose." The men laughed. Ailith clenched her fists, finding her dagger where it hung at her waist. Tuor fidgeted.

"I know them. They're daddies men. Can we talk to them?"

"No. We're playing hide and seek, remember?" Ailith squeezed his hand. She looked at Estel. He stood tense and alert. How he was managing to focus was beyond her. That had indeed been a severe beating. She knew he was worse than he was letting on.

"So, we've lost the trail, what now?"

"Well, I'm not going back. We'll look ridiculous."

"Hmph. What happens when we find them do you think?"

"Who knows. We'll kill the ranger, that's for certainty. Probably kill the girl to."

"Really? She's pregnant though. I wouldn't want to be the one to deliver that blow."

"Nor would I. But Brandon's not pleased at all with that one. She killed his favorite son. Who knows though, he may let her live. She is just a girl."

"Still can't believe they tried that. How desperate are they, trying to force themselves on her?"

"Well, what would you have done, if you found a girl in he woods? Pretty little thing to."

"I would have approached it different. Those idiots should try winning a woman over before trying anything. Some sweet words, and she's yours."

"Heh. Whatever you say. He'll not be pleased with Illana."

"No. But he's not going to kill her. Once he gets her and Tuor back he should be happy. He has to look after his possessions after all."

"If he keeps the girl alive, do you think he'll let someone have her?"

"What? You mean as a wife, or just as a toy?"

"Either. I wouldn't mind that one at all. Theres the issue of her stomach, but really, I'd be able to overlook it. She's young, and I liked her spirit. And there aren't enough bloody women in camp."

"You're a fool if you think he'd let you have her."

"Oh. So who would get her? You I suppose?"

"I never said that. But I have been around longer. And unlike you I would treat her right."

"What would you do with whatever pitiful whelp she had though?'

"Oh, children aren't a problem."

"Heh, I forget, you've already had a few. They just never want to stick around you do they?"

"Shut your mouth and juts keep looking for the trail." The men fell silent as they searched. Ailith clenched her jaw. The way they talked, like she was just a possession. So casual about what their brothers in arms had tried to do. She clutched her dagger tighter.

"Mama..." Tuor was jumping up and down.

"Tuor. Be silent. We're hiding from monsters. We have to be quiet." Lana gave her son a fierce stare. He fell silent.

"So. When do you think they'll find the mark?" The men were speaking again.

"Soon enough. She can't hide it forever. That's why we have to find them.'

Estel tensed suddenly.

"Lana, Ailith. Get to the ruins and climb the walls."

"What , why ranger?!" Lana's voice was a whisper.

"Now! Go!"

"Estel, whats going on?" Ailith was already trying to drag Tuor towards the ruins. She had long learned to listen to Estel's commands.

"I'm afraid your ranger realized a moment to late that you have been listening to the wrong part of the woods. A classic trick I'm afraid." the voice was horribly familiar. Lana went pale. Ailith whipped around. Brandon. He stood between them and the ruins, a large group of his men behind him, and a few flanking them on either side. It was like the men had melted out of the woods. Estel drew his sword at the same moment Lana did. Tuor whimpered.

"I'm glad I found you Illana. It would seem you left me of your own will." There was a look of definite sadness in his eyes. Lana took a shaky breath.

"Leave us be Brandon."

"Oh Illana. It's far to late for that. I'm so very glad to see that the ranger still lives. You're a strong one aren't you ranger?"

"Turn back now and I'll show you mercy." Estel stood tall and straight as steel, his eyes sparking. Suddenly all of his ragged bloody continence fell away, and he was proud and tall and fierce. A king. Ailith saw the men quail briefly.

"Even you know when to surrender ranger. Outnumbered. And in fight, whose to say you're little slut won't be killed?"

"I've killed your men before. I'll do it again. Turn back."

"Now then. Look at yourself. Barley able to stand. Trying to hide it. And slipping to. You missed us ranger. I've long known of this clearing. My family is tied to it's history even. A secret kept by me, but when we found your tracks and they vanished here, I knew. Alas, you can't guess at all the possible things that could happen. You're stretched thin. And I know the secrets of this place. Almost like magic isn't it?" He smiled and turned to Ailith.

"And then there's you. Strange little thing you are. Like a cornered beast. And so fierce. Illana must love you a great deal. No matter. I can be merciful. I can let you live. And I'll even let your whelp live. We could always use a brood mare anyway."

Ailith drew her dagger, trying not to shake. She wanted to gouge his eyes out. He had stolen her sister, he had used her sister. He had been the one who orchestrated her father's death. He had beaten Estel, and he had hurt Lana. She would kill him. But only after he told her why he had wanted her father dead. No-one else could answer that question. Not even Lana. She would make him tell her the truth, and then she would kill him. The rage was boiling inside of her like flames of hate.

"I'd rather die than accept your mercy you pathetic son of a bitch." She tried to keep her voice from shaking.

"Daddy..." Tuor was clinging to Ailith.

"Tuor. Come back here now. It's alright." Brandon smiled. Tuor shook his head.

"I don't wanna. It hurts when you smack me, and I don't want the mark. I'm gonna stay with mama, okay?"

"You'll come back whether you will it or not. Now. We have archers surrounding you. Drop your weapons."

"You'll do no such thing ranger. Brandon's men aren't any good with bows. Those who are, well, they'll be out right now, far from here, scouting."

"Don't listen to her. She doesn't know what she's talking about."

"I know exactly what I'm talking about. For instance. If there were really archers, they would shoot me if I tried to kill you."

"What?"

Lana didn't hesitate. She hurled herself across the dusty ground without pausing, her rusty sword drawn. Ailith heard Estel curse. Suddenly the clearing burst into action. Estel was spinning among the men, separated from her against his will it seemed. Lana was lost to her sight. Her and Tuor were swept into the fray. She reacted without thinking. No other thought was in her head except survival. A man lunged at her, and she stabbed his hand. Tuor was wailing. She threw herself against the wall, kicking out at a man who approached her. His sword slashed at her leg. She gasped in pain. To many men. To many. Without thought she scooped Tuor onto her back.

"Hold on tight." Pressed against the wall, at least her back was guarded. It seemed like it would be a one sided battle in Brandon's' favor. But Estel was worth ten of Brandon's men in Ailith's mind. Brandon must have known this. He had brought so many. They fell around Estel. She couldn't help but be awed by the deadly dance.

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Every movement was agony. But Aragorn had suffered worse. He searched desperately for Ailith. He couldn't take all the men. Not forever. Brandon had brought to many. He treed to take stock of his surroundings, but the constant stream of enemies blinded him to all but the fight. A dagger pressed against his throat. He didn't even stop, just spun out of reach and kicked the man's legs out from under him, stabbing him in the shoulder. He was slowly but surely pushed back. They would corner him. A hulking man pressed him hard, swinging a club. He had no elegance, but brute strength and size made him difficult to beat. Aragorn had rained down blow after blow on him, but it seemed that only a direct stab in the heart would take the man out. He growled in frustration, searching for Ailith and Tuor, and Lana. The huge man had him cornered against a large stone. Even in the heat of battle he had a moment to notice the elaborate carvings. The club was raised. He dodged, barely, stabbing at the man's thick leg. He was distinctly trapped now. Suddenly a spray of blood gushed out from his enemies chest. He fell forward with a thud, barley missing Aragorn. He blinked. Lana was standing before him, a grim smile playing across her lips. There was a cut above her eyebrow, and she was covered in blood and grime. She looked half mad.

"I never liked him. Still doubt where my loyalties lie ranger?"

"No. But your wisdom, I am doubting that." He hurled himself at the man coming up behind Lana.

"Where's Ailith and Tuor?" It was a rhythm now, defending against the men.

"I saw her over there. Against the wall with Tuor. I'm killing everyone between me and her." Lana fought without grace, but she was effective. Still an amateur, but a fairly talented one. She was to wild in her movements, to reckless, and without thought. Wildly slashing and stabbing. But it gave her an air of unpredictability. She left herself unguarded however. Aragorn found himself having to take out the many men who would otherwise have lunged at her. He wondered how she had learned to fight.

"I'm of the same mind. Though perhaps with less blood lust."

"Ranger, I've been holding all my blood lust in for far to long."

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Ailith searched for Estel and Lana. How could it be so hard to see? There were only two of them. Suddenly she found them. They were battling their way towards her. The men were clumsy. Surprised maybe. How on earth could two people cause such a mess? Tuor was wailing. She was tired. But she had an advantage. The men, most of them, seemed reluctant to try to hurt her. At least mortally. Maybe being with child had its advantages. She didn't have any such reservations. She wanted to live, and she intended to. Blood spattered in her hair. She hated it. Lana fell down, tripped by a small man who danced like water when he fought. Before Ailith could react Estel's sword connected with the man, sending him to the ground. Ailith sighed in relief. Suddenly Tuor was yanked from her. She turned around. In her distraction, a man had slunk up on her. He grabbed her and pushed her down, lifting his sword. She rolled without thinking, trying to kick his legs. But he was fast. And far to skilled for her liking. Damn it all. The sword came down again. He had no reservations. Tuor was wailing nearby, thrown aside by the man.

"Get off of me yo-"

The man lifted her by her collar and shook her.

"Shut your filthy mouth! You and your ranger, you're the reason my father, my only family, is dead. What do you have to say to that whore?"

She tried to speak. Estel had caught sight of her, and was desperately making his way forward, Lana just behind. The man lifted a dagger to her throat. Estel wouldn't make it in time. She struggled , thrashing. She wouldn't make it easy for her attacker. There was a sudden thud, and the man fell, taking Ailith with him. She struggled desperately, his body was crushing her, he was gasping for air, the life leaving him, his blood soaking onto her. She pulled herself free. A golden arrow protruded from the man's back. She forced herself to stand. Three more men had fallen in the same way. A clear voice rang out.

"Strange place to find you Lady Ailith. I see you've cut your hair. It suits you well."

She gave a cry of joy. Glorfindel. He was beside her suddenly, his hair shining In the sun.

"Glorfindel, how-"

"No time. Stay by me. I'm afraid Aragorn's been diverted again."

"Wait, Tuor...She reached for the boy, grabbed his hand. His eyes were wide in terror. Her heart hurt for him."

"Ah, yes. I believe you need to get out of the battle Ailith. A woman in your condition certainly shouldn't be fighting. Though it seems you're fully capable." She found herself held up by two strong arms, and set atop a high point in the crumbling walls, followed by Tuor.

"Now, stay there. And I mean it this time. No stealing Asfaloth and running off."

He gave her a brief smile, which transformed into a look of grim concentration as he spun into action. His was a dance like no other, twin swords flashing as he spun among the men. Estel was next to him suddenly

"Mae Govannen Glorfindel."

"I should say so."

"And who are you may I ask?" Lana was limping, so young, so very inexperienced next to the man and elf before her. But she didn't seem to care. She glared at Glorfindel even as he stabbed a man who would have had her life in the shoulder.

"Ah. You must be Ailith's sister. I see it in-" he casually jerked his arm up so the man coming behind him connected with his fist, "the eyes. Same stubbornness. But you don't seem to have the same sweet nature. So it seems you've been found. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance"

"Where's Ailith and Tuor?"

"I put them to high for these little men to reach." Glorfindel braced himself against a boulder and shot off like a bird. Ailith was beginning to feel faint. Tuor just clung to her, shaking. She tried to stroke his hair. The men were thinning. She watched some break and run around a bend in the wall. Surely they couldn't be so weak. Something was missing. Lana caught sight of her, and started to make her way towards her.

"Comfortable up there little sister?" She was yelling.

"As much as can be expected."

The clearing was empty. It was over quicker then it had begun. Estel was searching for something.

"Where did he go? How did Brandon escape?'

"Did you hear him ranger? He's knows this place. Last I saw him was just as Golden Hair arrived. Lana was shaking with adrenaline. Glorfindel was searching the clearing. He ran back.

"All gone. Fled. Some through the main tunnel,but not all. I'll look more later. Something mysterious is afoot." He reached up and easily delivered Ailith and Tuor back to the ground.

"Well then. It looks as if we have some catching up to do Ailith. Asfaloth's nearby. But please don't steal him again."

"Sorry about that.."

"Due to our current situation, I forgive you. Now, how did this little scene come to be?"

"And who are you exactly? You still haven't answered that question Golden hair." Lana glared up at th much taller elf.

"Ah. Apologies. I am Glorfindel of the Golden Flower."

"You hair is longer then mine." Lana tilted her head. Glorfindel smiled slightly.

"You arrived just in time." Estel embraced Glorfindel briefly before turning to Ailith.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes. You?" She was shaking now. There were so many bodies. Tuor wouldn't move. He had just seen men who he had lived his entire short life with trying to hurt his new caretakers. And he had seen his mother killing the men he called uncles. Estel lifted him gently. Lana ran over and hugged Ailith, getting even more blood on her clothes and face. She then turned towards Estel and grabbed Tuor.

"Now. Whats your name My Lady?" Glorfindel smiled.

"Illana daughter of Haleth. This is Tuor." She eyed Glorfindel warily.

"A pleasure. Now, there is much we have to discuss."

"Yes. And swiftly. Brandon's men will regroup. Something is not right about our victory. Somethings strange." Estel sheathed his sword. There was a rush of air, and a thud. Ailith turned at the sound. Lana had fallen to the ground. Tuor was finally crying.

"Lana!" Ailith was at her sister's side before Estel and Glorfindel.

"Whats wrong?' Estel knelt next to her. Lana slowly reached down and pulled her shirt up. There was a bloody wound in her stomach.

"Got me by surprise. If he couldn't have me, then he's off me I suppose. Brandon is the worst bloody husband." Her head hit the ground with a thud

Well, there it is. I hope y'all liked it. Lana and Ailith sure do like to pass out at the end of chapters. It must run in the family. Chapter 25, in which Lana continues to scare everyone, and Glorfindel has a big damn hero moment. Glorfindel and Estel don't like having to kill people, they do it because they have to. And then you have Lana over there just having a grand old time. And these are the people she claims to care about! The men she was killing were people she lived with. Yeah...she's an interesting one. Her attitude and feelings towards Aragorn are interesting. You see, all the important men in Lana's life have hurt or used her. She's accepted it, and it's normal for her. It's how she views the world. But then Estel comes along, and he's so different from the men she's known, and it really throws her off, and actually pisses her off. Ailith has also been used and hurt by the men in her life, but she has this hopeful spirit that can't really be extinguished. Lana isn't like that. She reacts differently, by building up wall after wall. Anyway, sorry for the long character analysis:) I hope this chapter didn't seem clumsy. Don't worry, all will be explained. Eventually. I really gotta tell you guys what Aragorn's damn mission was in the first place. One more thing. Brandon's men aren't all Numenorean stock. But many are. And they aren't all just easily killed redshirts. Aragorn and Glorfindel had an easy time with them, because those guys are just badass. Lana is a capable fighter, and also the men were reluctant to kill her. And Ailith had the definite advantage of being pregnant, and having Tuor with her. Not all the men are complete monsters, and they're morals still win out. So yes, a lot of them are easily killed, but many aren't. And one last thing, the reason they managed to sneak up so easily is going to be explained. But there is a reason. Just saying. Anyway, I love all of you, and thanks for reading