Hi everyone! A million thanks to all who are reading, reviewing, etc. I've been doing some editing, going back through all the previous chapters and fixing spelling, and wording in some cases, as well as making sure I don't have any long poems in there that may cause copywriter issues. So, if you're board, go see what I changed. It's probably not very noticeable. Google searches I've done to help me with this story now include pregnancy signs, and trimester info, and how to treat a stab wound. Mom, dad, I am not going to have a kid any time soon, and I don't plan on getting in knife fights. ... Now, on to guest reviews- Samuel La Flame- Your reviews man! They make me so happy. The fact that you take the time to analysis each chapter so thoroughly is just so...it makes me want to do an embarrassing happy dace...oh dear:) I am so glad that you enjoy the way I write the characters, and I'm impressed with all your Tolkien knowledge:) It's rather wonderful. So anyway, thanks so much for your reviews, and if I had more room, I would write out longer responses! (PS, I will check out the writer you suggested)

Anyway, I love all of you, and I hope y'all are enjoying the story. I sure am.

"Lana!" Ailith grasped her sister's hand desperately. "Estel. Estel, do something!"

"Mama!" Tuor was shaking, his eyes wide. Estel was kneeling next to her leaning over Lana.

"I have some medical plants Aragorn." Glorfindel pulled out a small pouch. Tuor's wailing was getting louder and louder. Ailith hugged him to herself.

"Hush Tuor. She'll be alright." She stroked his hair. He looked up at her.

"Why was she fighting daddy? Why did she kill them? Why were they trying to hurt you? Is mama gonna die?" His questions poured out like a river.

"Oh Tuor. I...it will all fine. It's all okay." She watched Estel open Lana's mouth and peer in. He turned to Glorfindel, who was keeling next to him.

"No blood in her airway. There's that at least.' He lifted Lana's shirt, looking at her wound.

"How bad is it?" Glorfindel ran his hand through his hair, tracking blood and grime through it.

"She's bleeding far to much. I need to get a better look at the wound."

Ailith could only watch, holding Tuor, who buried his small face in her shoulder. Glorfindel and Estel examined Lana's wound, working fast. She watched them clean it as best they could, and Glorfindel pulled linen bandages from his pouch. Estel had lost his back in the camp. When Glorfindel saw her staring he tried to smile.

"I figured since I was coming to find you, I should be prepared for trouble." He turned back to Lana. She couldn't turn away, much as she wanted to. Blood. Why was it that there was always blood? Blood trickling from her mother's mouth, blood when her father hit her hard enough. Her lack of blood had told her of the child. Blood on Estel's hands, blood on hers. Blood seeping from Lana. She closed her eyes, and everything was red. Estel straightened with a sigh.

"It's fine Ailith. It's not nearly as grave as it looks. He didn't get her very deep, and it hit nothing vital. If we keep it clean and she rests, she should be fine. We've stopped the bleeding for now. She'll live."

"You hear Tuor? Lana's going to be fine." She stroked the boy's curly hair. He sniffed loudly, but didn't lift his head.

"Tuor. Now that's a fine name." Glorfindel was kneeling before him. Tuor looked up hesitantly. His eyes widened. He hadn't gotten a clear look at Glorfindel before now.

"Tuor, this is Glorfindel. And elf lord." She tried to smile. Tuor blinked.

"You're an elf?"

"Yes. And you must be the mighty Tuor. Even in the elven halls you're name is known. Bold warrior of the woods, with red hair and freckles like all the stars." Glorfindel's voice was smooth and warm. Tuor sat up a little straighter.

"Here Ailith. Go help Estel with your sister. Let me talk to Tuor." Glorfindel smiled.

"I don't want to leave you to-" She fidgeted.

"Ailith. Among my people children are a blessing, all to rare at times. I would love to get to know this gentleman." Glorfindel patted her arm. Ailith looked at Tuor.

"Is that alright? I think he wants to hear of your brave exploits and battles."

"Alright auntie. But I don't want to talk about battles. I don't like them anymore." his eyes were frightened pools. She hugged him tighter, wanting to make all the things he had seen go way. He squirmed out of he arms and stood before Glorfindel, who knelt down to meet her eyes.

"Tuor. That is a mighty name. The name of a great man."

"I know. Estel told me."

"I knew your namesake. He was a good man. Brave and true."

"How did you know him? He lived a long time ago. At least 20 years." Tuor looked earnest. Ailith smiled. She supposed 20 seemed a long time for one so young. Glorfindel laughed.

"More than that. But I have lived a long long time. Let me tell you a story of Tuor."

"Okay..." Tuor looked up at Glorfindel shyly. Ailith joined Estel.

"You promise she'll be alright?"

"I promise."

"But how can you be sure?"

"I can't."

"Then why are you promising?"

"Because you asked me to Ailith. Here, tear off some of this linen for me."

Ailith quietly did as she was told. Estel looked awful. Half of his face was still swollen from the beating he had received. As soon as Lana was safe she wanted Glorfindel to try to help Estel more.

"What do we do? They'll be back. I'm surprised they're not already. Brandon doesn't seem a fool. He should know that we most likely couldn't survive a second attack." She drew patterns in the dirt as she spoke, tried to keep calm. The fact that this mess was at least partly her fault didn't help.

"Yes. You'd think that he would. Especially with his claim to know so much about this place. Maybe...for all he knows there are more elves. Elves who were just behind Glorfindel.

"That doesn't seem enough to deter him."

"Maybe not. He may just be gathering his men again."

"What if he's just hiding in some secret place here, watching."

"We'll scout around, try to find how he got in. But all we can do for now is gather ourselves and plan Ailith."

She took a deep breath. Lana's hand was clasped in hers. Her sister's face was strangely calm. Much calmer then she had seen it since they had been reunited.

"I can't believe he tried to hurt her."

"I can Ailith. He's a dangerous man. More so even then he seems I think."

"She looks so peaceful."

"She does doesn't she?"

"She doesn't like you much."

"She has her reasons." Estel smoothed Lana's hair away from her face. Ailith heard Tuor squeal. He was being lifted into the air by Glorfindel, who tossed him up, and just as it looked like he's hit the ground, caught him again. Ailith smiled wistfully. Without warning Lana emitted an angry snarl and tried to sit up. Glorfindel was beside them without seeming to move, Tuor clinging to his back. Estel gently held Lana's arm and helped her sit up.

"Here then. Take deep breaths, don't move to much." Estel was holding her gently upright, letting her rest half against the wall and half against his arm.

"What?...how...? You have lovely eyes." Lana looked unfocused and dizzy. She was addressing Estel, who blinked in surprise and pinched the bridge of his nose. Glorfindel tilted his head.

"Is she delirious?"

"She is most definitely delirious." Ailith bit he lip. "She always liked eyes."

"No I didn't. What are you talking about?"

"Lana, try to focus." she squeezed her sister hand.

"I'm perfectly focused. Now why am I bleeding?"

"Brandon stabbed you. You'll be alright though. Estel says so."

"That bastard stabbed me?! Well it isn't the first time."

"What?"

"Oh, he gets angry, looses his temper. Never fatal, but it hurts. But sometimes, you just-" She trailed of, looking bleary again. Estel tilted her face towards his.

"Stay awake Illana."

"It's Lana. Why do all the men I know call me Illana?"

She was still delirious. Ailith didn't know what to do.

"It's a lovely name." Glorfindel was checking her pulse.

"You again. You're hair is prettier than any girl's. Ha. I suppose elf lords are like that. Why are you holding my wrist? Stop it."

"Mama!" Tuor slid forward and tried to hug her. Estel gently held him back.

"Your mother needs rest Tuor. Just wait a moment, alright?"

"Come here Tuor." Ailith reached her hand toward shim. He took it and settled down next to her.

"Watch you don't take the other wrist elf. You're pretty hair would turn white if you saw what was on it. Heh. I'd like to see that."

"I'm sure it would. Now, I don't mean to appear rude my Lady, but you're grabbing my hair." Glorfindel gently untangled Lana's hand from his hair.

"What? Why was I doing that? I'm fairly sure I'm not myself at the moment."

"No worries."

"Here. Drink this." Estel took a small flask from Glorfindel. The golden liquid inside shone in the sun. Miruvor.

"And what is that ranger?"

"Just drink it Lana." Ailith glared at her sister.

"Fine. Hngg, it hurts to move." she took the flask form Estel, and took sip of the liquid. He pulled it away from her before she could down it all. As the Miruvor filled her focus came back into her eyes. She gave a shuddering breath.

"Hnnng. That bloody hurts!"

"I know. But it's not serious. Don't worry."

"Well that's a relief. Ranger, why am a leaning on your arm?"

"Because I want to keep you upright. Here, I'll lean you against the wall."

"Yes. You had better. Ugg. I feel like there's a fog being pulled out of my head. And it hurts! What was that you gave me?"

"Miruvor. A drought of the elves."

"Of course. Don't you have any liquor?"

"...No"

"Pity that. I could drink some of Brandon's men under The table. Awful headache the next day though."

"Mama, you were dead! But Estel and Glorfindel saved you." Tuor slid off of Ailith's lap and took Lana's other hand, his wide eyes brimming with tears. Lana stroked his cheek, smiling for a moment.

"I'm to tough to die Tuor. Like a bear. Rawwr!" She weakly lifted her arm in imitation of a bear's paw. Tuor giggled. His eyes were sad again only a moment later however.

"Mama, Why were you fighting all of them?"

"Don't ask me that Tuor. Not now. It was...it was a silly game. Everything is fine okay?"

"Okay. Mama, I met an elf."

"So did I. He seems to be taking my pulse again."

"And fortunately, it seems to be normal." Glorfindel straightened. "We need to talk. We have matters to discuss ."

"Not around Tuor you don't." Lana glared from her position against the crumbling wall.

"Fair enough I'd ask Ailith to go play with him, but I believe she would like to be part of this discussion. But I do have an idea." Glorfindel turned to Tuor. "Now. How would you feel about drawing me a picture?"

xxxxxxx

Arwen sat reading peacefully on a cushioned bench in a little visited hall of Imladris Suddenly she heard rushed footsteps clattering towards her. She looked up in time to see Elladan and Elrohir round the corner. Elladan looked livid. They both skidded to a stop when they saw her.

"Good afternoon little sister. How are you this fine day?" Elrohir smiled at her. She raised an eyebrow, marking her book and closing it.

"Fine...and what brings the two of you here in such haste."

"Oh nothing. A stroll really." Elrohir smoothed his hair back, something he did when nervous.

"Uh huh...I see. Why are you running then?"

"Just in a hurry to be...ah. Where we're going."

"Elladan. What did he do this time?"

"He stole Erestor's latest document."

"Elrohir!"

"I thought I could trust you Elldan!" Elrohir raised his hands toward the heavens. Whenever things were unhappy or tense in Imladris, Elrohir always tried to act as rambunctious and playful as possible. She knew it was for her benefit. She suspected this entire thing might be an elaborate plan of her brother's to cheer her up. Though of course, her brothers, especially Elrohir, did take solace in smiles and games at times. So different from the grim hunters they were in the wild. She decided to go along with it.

"And I suppose he's chasing after you?"

"Yes actually. A least, he was."

"He tripped though."

"I think he's going to kill us."

"Hopefully the funeral will be beautiful."

"You two will deserve it. Poor Erestor. He doesn't need any more worry." She shook her head.

"Well, without Glorfindel here, someone needs to antagonize him."

"He looked so-"

"Glum-"

"Distressed-"

"Generally down trodden."

" You two still finish each others sentences"

"There you are! Give me back my scrolls!" Erestor rounded the corner, looking livid.

"Afternoon Erestor!" Elrohir smiled brightly.

"I'm in no mood for your games. Where is it?"

"Where's what?"

"My document on our household expenses! You grabbed it from me! Now where is it?"

"I think I dropped it awhile back."

"Oh for pity's sake. Here it is Erestor." Arwen calmly pulled the scroll in question from Elrohir's hand concealed behind his back, and handed it to the belabored records keeper.

"Thank you Arwen." he distractedly tucked his hair behind his ear.

"I'll mind my brothers so you can get some work done." She grabbed her brother's hands and led them out, like she had when she was but a young child. They followed, smiling. The gardens were pleasant. She tried to smile, but nerves gnawed at her stomach. To many things to worry about. Elrohir noticed, and tilted her face so her eyes met his.

"Little sister. Don't worry. Wherever they are, I believe they are fine. Now, lets enjoy the garden."

xxxxxxxxxxx

At the moment Elladan tried to comfort his sister, the group in question was having an impromptu counsel.

"How long do you need to stare at my wrist elf? I should think the symbol is clear enough." Lana glared up at Glorfindel, who was staring at the mark on her wrist.

"This is no light matter. It has deeper repercussions then you know."

"Is that so golden hair? I'm well aware of the mark's meaning. I've already discussed it with the ranger. Now. I hope I proved where my loyalties lay in the little tussle, so may we please move on to discussing more important matters?"

"You proved your loyalty Illana. I don't doubt you're love for your sister, and your loyalty to her. But the fact that Brandon's men carry that mark, the fact that you carry it, that means something much deeper and more ominous is afoot. We simply wish to know all we can." Estel's voice was low, calming. Ailith watched the proceedings silently.

"And I've told you what I know. Remember ranger, there's only so much I could learn in a year of living with them. I may be good at learning secrets, but I'm not magic. Now, isn't working out what to do next more important? Brandon's no fool. He'll surely have another plan. And we're in a place he knows all to well apparently. Another thing I hadn't learned yet. I guess he did keep the secret well."

"Very well. We can discuss this other matter later then. I've searched the ruins over, and I haven't found any other entrance then the one we came in."

"Well, then search again ranger."

"I searched thoroughly. They hid it well. I'll try again later. But I wonder if the way is open to others. Maybe.."

" At the moment, our priority is to discuss what to do next. We need to get back to Imladris And Estel, you have your own matters to attend to." Glorfindel heaved a sigh. Ailith wasn't used to seeing him so serious. Tuor sat a little ways off, contentedly drawing an elaborate picture in the dirt. Glorfindel seemed to have a way with children. Of course he did. Ailith sighed. At leats Tuor was distracted from all the fear and uncertainty.

"Right then. Well, I happen to know more about Brandon and his men then the rest of you, though it seemingly is still missing key parts. But I know of their usual patrol roots, and their methods." Lana set to drawing something in the dirt. Ailith sat next to her. Lana absent mindedly reached out and brushed Ailith's cheek. Estel seemed worried, his eyes constantly on Lana. Ailith guessed that he was worried that she was moving to much. He was in a bad way as well though. Glorfindel had convinced him to stay still for a moment, and managed to treat his wounds. His first comment had simply been;

"You look awful. Dunedain, what will Arwen say?"

At least no one had passed out again. Lana was speaking once more, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

"Right then. So, Brandon's camp is about here, and we lay here. I've drawn out the routes his men take usually."

"Where's the camp Lady Illana? Forgive me, but it appears the talent for art does not run as strong in you as it does in your son." Glorfindel smiled at Lana. She glared at him, but Ailith thought there might have been the edge of a smile for just a moment. "Right here golden hair. And I know that ten of his men are on scouting missions to the east. Those would be the bowmen. I convinced him to send them out you know. The night I planned the escape. Pity for him that he listened. They left swiftly. Now, normally the men would patrol along these paths," she ran her finger through the trail in the dirt, "And these are their usual hunting areas. But since our presence is causing some trouble, it will not be as it normally is."

"Yes. And they know where we are. Even if they thing there are more of my people on the way, they will still return. And they will return with reinforcements."

"It worries me that we've heard no sign of them yet, that means-" Lana doubled over, clenching her jaw. She grabbed at the linen wrapping on her stomach, digging her nails into her hand. Ailith tried to hold her up. Estel was beside her suddenly.

"Here then my lady. Don't strain yourself. Just because it isn't fatal doesn't mean you should disregard it." He lifted Lana and settled her against the wall. "Here. Chew on this. It will help the pain."

She looked at Estel strangely for a moment, before taking a deep breath and continuing.

"Right. What was I saying? It worries me."

"But you say you know how his men work. What techniques do they use in battle then? What methods?" Glorfindel tilted his head. Ailith spoke up.

"Regardless of all of this, and forgive me for interrupting, But shouldn't we worry about where to go? Should we stay here or move? Brandon has secret ways in apparently, and even if we fortified ourselves in whats left of the fortress, he could very well reach us. We don't know what his knowledge of this place is. So shouldn't we move?'

"It's a good point little sister. But Then there's the fact that he very well be expecting us to move. And the woods are likely teeming with his men."

"But if he as clever as you say, then he'll know you know that, and expect us to stay."

"He is clever, so he may then expect us to expect him to expect-"

"The tongue twister is threatening to dissolve this meeting to ruin ladies. We can't torture ourselves over whatever goes on in his mind. We must plan our own best course of action." Glorfindel smiled easily at both of them. Lana seemed exceedingly ill at ease around him. Ailith guessed that this was mostly to do with the fact that he wasn't what she expected in an elf lord. So she didn't know how to react.

"Fine then golden hair. Impart your wisdom on us."

"You know more about the man then I do. No need for me to impart my wisdom. I'm sorry. I know you were hoping I would." Glorfindel threw another easy smile at Lana, who looked increasingly ill at ease She bit her bottom lip.

"Fine then. Well, he favors stealth over open battle. Now, even though he most likely know that it is only the four of us, I don't think he'll risk another open attack. You gentleman seem to not give yourselves much credit, but that battle was a wonderfully sculpted blood bath, and the two of you cut through his men like they were children. And they aren't exactly weak men. Yes he knows you're wounded, and yes, he knows he has many more men, and could overpower you eventually. But he also knows that you are prepared now, and that you won't go down without a fight. He's lost enough men already. He'll try to think of another way I should think. I may enjoy watching the two of you in action, but he certainly doesn't." Lana tucked her hair behind her ears, surveying them challengingly. Glorfindel tilted his head, and Estel looked slightly worried. Ailith had to admit that her sister did sound dangerously blood thirsty. She had claimed to care about many of these men, and yet she lightly talked about enjoying watching the fight.

"Mama! I finished the drawing!" Tuor ran over, his eyes bright.

"Wonderful. Why don't you go make sure you haven't forgotten anything alright?" Lana ruffled Tuor's hair. He smiled and ran off again. She continued. "So easy to distract. Speaking of which, what will we do with the bodies that seem to be laying around camp? Because not only is it increasingly disturbing, it's also bound to start smelling soon. And, shocking as it may be, five-year olds don't enjoy corpses."

"We'll deal with them. Heavens above my lady, you do talk a deal don't you. I'm not complaining mind you, simply noting Even more than your sister."

"That has nothing to do with anything golden hair."

"Golden hair . You know, it's funny you call me that. The meaning of Glorfindel is actually golden hair. Do you know elvish then?" There was an amused look in Glorfindel's eyes. How could he be so causal in the face of all the death around them? Ailith could hardly breathe for fear of it. But she supposed that the years brought a sort of acceptance.

"You're right though Illana. We should set the bodies to proper rest." Estel sounded tired.

"Never said anything about proper rest ranger. I just said to dispose of them."

"Nevertheless, they will have some sort of dignity in burial. We are no worse than orcs if we leave the dead to rot. We must show proper respect to the fallen. Even those we ourselves felled." His eyes were sad.

"Fine then. I don't see how you plan to dig a large pit though."

"No. We can't. But a fire will be fine."

"Ranger, that's a bloody large fire. I think Brandon will notice it." Lana crossed her arms. Ailith sat up.

"Well, he already knows we're here, so a fire won't make a difference. And if we leave, then he'll think we're here, because of the fire. It actually seems a fine idea to me."

"Precisely Ailith." Estel smiled at her before standing up. "Well then, Glorfindel and I will start on moving the bodies."

"And why can't I help ranger? They were my men."

"You have a stomach wound. Pleas stay still. Rest with your son and sister my Lady." Estel nodded to Glorfindel "We'll stay in your sight. Keep alert." Ailith watched them set to their grim business for a moment, before turning to her sister.

"Lana...I..I'm sorry I told Estel about your-"

"Don't mention it. You didn't do anything wrong. So don't talk about it again alright?"

Ailith nodded. She didn't tell Lana how she couldn't stop thinking bout it. The eye was burned into her head. She feared to sleep. Lana called Tuor over.

"Come here then. Lets play a game."

"Mama, what are they doing? To the dead people?"

"We're going to have funeral."

"Oh...what will happen to them? Are they going to haunt us?"

"No one knows Tuor. Don't look at that alright? I'll tell you both a story." She gestured fro Ailith. After moments hesitating she obliged Lana, scooting over and leaning against her shoulder. Tuor settled into Lana's lap. She wanted so badly to talk to her alone.

xxxxxxx

Glorfindel was speaking in a quiet worried voice. "Black Numenoreans and worshipers of the dark one. Seeing that symbol...it chills me. Why is everything so complicated?"

"That seems to be our lot Mellon nin."

"And Ailith's sister is involved. She's a prickly one. Can't get to close or she'll bite."

"Yes. But I have faith in her. She is part of something larger and darker, and she may not have told us her whole truth, but I know that she would never do anything to hurt Ailith. She will fight to her last breath for her sister. I want to give her a chance for a better life. Who knows what kindness and safety will do for her. She hasn't ever had it." Aragorn sighed. He believed his words. Hopefully it wouldn't come back to hurt him. They set quietly to pulling the final few men into the pile. Estel made sure he looked into each of their faces. He owed that to the men he had killed. They had lived, they had breathed, they had loved. Many had people who would grieve them. He never let himself forget this when he killed.

"Elrond's going to be just thrilled when you show up with another one. Not to mention he boy. Who is quiet adorable by the way, he'll melt everyone's hearts."

"This will be much worse than the bob cat."

"Your foster-father has a heart much softer then he lets on."

"I know. But remember Glorfindel, if all goes well, I won't be returning with you. Once we know we're safe, you will return to Imladris with them. I have other things to attend to."

"Yes. Of course. Dark travels. Can't you come back just for a while? You need healing."

"You know I can't. Enough time has been lost as it is. I can find healing on the way. There's a village, with an old wise woman. She can help. I'll be fine."

"Yes, but to venture so clo-"

"I hate to interrupt, but I'd like to help." Lana was standing before them, her face set in grim concentration.

"My lady, you shouldn't be standing up-"

"I'm fine. You've finished anyway. I just want to look at them." She paused. "Tuor's dozed off anyway, and Ailith's watching him."

"Alright then. But just for a while. You need rest."

"I know that ranger!" She shifted uncomfortably. "I was, I think Ailith wants you golden hair."

"She looks like she's fallen asleep actually."

"...I just want to talk to the ranger. Is that to much to ask?"

"Not at all. I take my leave." Glorfindel winked at her as he left. She shook her head and grimaced. Aragorn waited patiently, wondering what she wanted to talk about. Lana knelt down next to the pile, staring at the men.

"Poor bastards."

"We'll give them a proper funeral."

"This one here, he watched Tuor sometimes. Sweet boy. You would never thing he could be so deadly a killer, but he was. His mother will cry tonight." Her voice didn't hold any grief. She was simply noting something. Noting the emotions others would feel. But not her own. She seemed unaffected by the bodies before her. He looked at the boys face. He couldn't be more than 17. To young. He never forgot the faces of any he had killed. Not truly. He looked at Lana. Finally she stood up and turned towards him with a sigh. She usually had a disconcerting habit of staring directly into the eyes of whoever she was speaking to, and not breaking eye contact once. But now she had her eyes fixed on a point slightly above his head.

"Was there something you wanted to talk to me about My Lady?"

"You saw the mark on my wrist, and you didn't kill me."

"I wouldn't-"

"Ranger, this mark represents everything you fight against. You have every reason to fear and hate me. But instead you fought to protect me, and you healed me when I was wounded."

"The mark represents what I hate, you do not. I-"

"You even claim that you have faith in me. You are different. And I don't like it. I've long accepted that I know what people really are. I've adapted myself to fit that world. Why do you think I'm unmoved by this?" she gestured to the bodies,"I've accepted the harshness of the world. And yes, you'll say I'm to young to have seen enough. You'll say that there is beauty as well. Don't try to give me hope ranger, because no matter how many beautiful flowers may bloom, they can always be torn up in moment, and for every good man or woman, there are ten who are rotten. I'm at ease in this world. The harshness suites me. But then there's you, undoing my long-held conviction. All the men I've known have hurt and used me. That's what I've accepted. That's how I expect them to act. And I'm ready for it. But you are far to different, and I don't know what to do. And I hate it more than anything.'

"I'm sorry that I cause you distress."

"See?! Stop right now! You and your ridiculous chivalry! The worst thing is that it isn't an act. You really mean it!"

"I'm not entirely sure what to say to y-"

"Stop it now! You're making this much harder ranger!"

"Making what harder?"

"...Thank you. You cared for Ailith when no-one else would, you helped her find hope. You've seen who I am, you've heard some of what I've done. But you're first thought when you realized Brandon was here was to tell me to get to safety. And you healed me when I was hurt. I keep telling myself that you have some other motive, but I don't think that's the case. You have faith in me, you trust me, and you have no reason to. That hasn't happened before. The only other person whose ever really trusted me is my sister. You have every reason to treat me as a prisoner, but instead you treat me as an ally"

"There is nothing to thank me for. I treat you as anyone deserves to be treated-"

"You're making this so much worse! Just accept the thanks."

"Alright,-"

"Now I have to say it again. You ruined it. Fine." She paused, finally meeting his eyes again, glaring at him. "Thank you, Estel, for what you have done." She bit her lip and turned away sharply. He blinked in surprise. This was the first time she had called him anything but ranger. She was making to storm back towards Ailith. He touched her shoulder lightly, causing her to turn swiftly, looking annoyed.

"Your welcome, Illana daughter of Haleth. You will never be treated as a prisoner. I swear it. What you have done in your past matters not. It is your future that matters."

"Heh. Deep words as always..." She trailed off, turning back towards Ailith. She took a shaky breath. When she turned to face him again she looked almost to be holding back tears. "I don't intend to think about my past. Just the future." She nodded to him curtly and strode back towards her sister.

xxxxxx

Unknown to any in the clearing, they were being watched. Brandon smiled as he turned away. They would trap themselves easily enough, he had only to wait.

So, there it is. I've been fighting writers block again, as well as some family stuff going on, but I'm managing to keep writing. So hurrah! I hope Y'all liked it, and I'll have another chapter soon:)

One more thing. I want to draw a cover for my story, but that is going to take awhile. I'm looking for an image to use in the meantime. Is it okay to just use images of google images, or is that not allowed?