Hey y'all! Happy Legendarium Ladies April! (Check it out on tumblr)A lot of stuff going on, in the story, and in my life! Long intro today, but some of it's important (and some of it is me worrying about being eaten by orcs and or raccoons. So be warned.) Anyway, I have a few options for what Aragorn's mission is, but before I tell y'all I have to make a final decision on the time line, so hold tight. I've been looking at fan art of Little! Estel with various denizens of Imladris, and have been hit with feels. One of these days I swear to god I'm just going to pump out a bunch of ridiculously fluffy one shots with like little Estel and Glorfindel, and Little Estel and the twins and little Estel and Elrond And then I have tiny Arwen playing with Glorfindel So many feels! So much fluff! I'm a sucker for adorableness, and the idea of Glorfindel with kids is my weakness (could you guess?) I've been reading lots of Glorfindel and little Estel fics, and I'm basically useless. And I also really want to write a story about Celebrian and Erestor, because I randomly decided they were friends, and now I can't get the idea out of my head, and I'm just imagining then hanging out in the library drinking tea and trading books and being bros, and ughhhhhh why am I so attached to fictional characters? WHY? If I was a better artist I'd be doing so much fan art about my ideas. I just need to find an artist and be like "Okay listen. I can draw, but not the way I need to. Draw me scenes from my various fanfictions and head cannons okay? And while your at it, draw a cover for my story. I can pay you in red velvet cupcakes and a couple of bucks.", Damn, now I want cupcakes. I am actually working of a drawing of Glorfindel and Estel, and Ailith and Tuor, and Lana, and I'll give a link when I post it. Plus I'm stressed, because I have to make a decision. I applied for this prestigious school in Vermont, where I would go for four months. (I live in Oregon) and I thought I wouldn't get in, so I wasn't worried, but then I got in, which felt great and all, but I was panicked. So then I was like, well, they won't give us the financial aid, so I don't need to worry, and then they gave me an almost full scholar ship. Don't know why they're so keen to have me. I've been home schooled my whole life almost, so I didn't have any grades to show. I guess I'm just good at writing applications. I have to go, I can't let myself freak out and turn it down. But one thing they make you do is camp in the woods for three days. Alone. My initial reaction to this was- "I'm gonna die!" and my mom responded with the comforting "I know!' thanks mom. It's not that I'm bad in nature, I'm not, I spend a bunch of time exploring, and I love the outdoors, I lived in freaking Florida, which is America's Australia (To any Australians who may be reading this, hi! And I want to visit your country so bad) Anyway, I just know that if I camped alone for three days, I would freak myself out, and at night I'd hear a twig snap, and freak out, and be all- "Good god the orcs, the orcs have come for me!" And of course it would be a freaking raccoon (Which honestly, given my experience with racoon's, is probably worse) anyway, so I've been thinking about that, and coping by thinking about fluffy elf fics. Which reminded me of the fact that Estel somehow didn't know Arwen existed till he met her when he was 20. Which strikes me as funny. Somehow no-one mentioned her for his entire childhood? Did they forget? I just imagine this conversation-

Estel-"How the hell did no-one mention he existence of your sister? I've lived hear almost my entire life, and I haven't heard of her once!"

Elrohir- "Really? You haven't? Our bad. Must of slipped our minds. Huh..."

I don't know. Maybe elves just forget these things. They do live forever after all.

regardless, Gethin gets a pov in this chapter, which makes me happy, because I love that boy. He's fun to write. For the record, he looks and acts older then he is, so people often think he's somewhere in the 16-18 realm, when he's actually 15 (probably 15 and ½)And Tuor is fairly newly five. So this starts with a little pov of Haleth, who is 16 in it. I just want y'all to get to know her more.

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"Haleth you come back here right now girl!"

"Not today. Today is far to lovely. Sorry mama!" Haleth ran out into the street, easily evading her mother, who only pursued her a few steps. And now she was free. The sun was out, and the rain had just stopped, so the entire world was fresh and alive. A rainbow shone in the sky. She breathed in the air as she ran, overjoyed to hear the singing of birds. She ran past all of the people, paying them no more mind then she would ants. Actually, that was untrue. She was endlessly fascinated by ants. Jonathan tried to speak to her, but she rushed past him with a laugh. Freedom. The meadow glowed with life. Birds swooped and dived, catching unsuspecting insects . She wished she could fly. The grass and wild flowers swayed in the fresh breeze. She ran until she couldn't any more, and then fell down and lay on her back, looking at the clouds in the blue sky. She took a lock of her brown hair and studied it, endlessly fascinated by every strand. The world was far to interesting to be stuck inside helping her mother make the foul-smelling soap. After awhile she dozed off, dreaming of adventure. She didn't know how long she sept, but suddenly she was awoken by a boot jabbing into he head. She sat up with a yelp, and found herself looking up at a strange man, who she had never seen before, He had the loveliest eyes she had ever seen. Black pools rimmed in ice blue. She stood up in alarm. He was ragged, his copper hair had twigs stuck through it, like he had been running into bushes all day.

"And why did you kick me?!'

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there until it was to late."

"I should say so!"

"My apologies once again."

"Never seen you around here before."

"I wander from place to place. I'm called Turin. What's your name If I may ask?"

"Haleth."

"Haleth. A noble name."

"Is it? I always wished I was called Illana. That was my aunt's name." She was still eying him warily. But she figured she could outrun him if need be. She was exceedingly fast.

"Haleth is lovely, the name of a woman from long ago."

"That's what my mam tells me."

"Well then, what brings you to this field?"

"Far to beautiful today to be stuck inside making soap."

"I couldn't agree more. Well, I'd best be on my way. Well met Haleth, and once again, I'm sorry for kicking you."

"I forgive you. Well met yourself." She watched him go with a smile.

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Aragorn's head felt like it was splitting in two. In fact, his entire body did. He gritted his teeth with a sigh. The girl was still sleeping. Her presence made things even more complicated. She had been half mad with fear when she had arrived. And he had detected no falseness in it. She was curled with her head on Lana's ratted cloak. Ailith had fallen asleep again. Poor girl. She needed more rest than she was getting. If only she had stayed in Rivendell. He gently lifted her head and placed his cloak under it. Tuor was silently playing with his toy horse, occasionally stealing furtive glances at Asfaloth. Lana and Glorfindel were having yet another rematch of cards. It seemed Lana didn't intend to stop until she won. Glorfindel said something to her, and she laughed, but quickly stifled it and arranged her face back into a scowl. Aragorn smiled slightly. She wasn't beating Glorfindel unless he let her. He remembered many hours spent as boy attempting to win against the elf lord. He never had. Well, once, but it had turned out Glorfindel had let him win. Ailith murmured something in her sleep, clenching her fists. He wondered at her dreams, worried they were darker than she was saying. He glanced nervously at Lana's wrist. Still so much they didn't know about her. Glrofindel sensed it to. He knew better than many the meaning of the eye. If Lana knew the power of the being who she sat playing cards with he couldn't imagine her reaction. Glorfindel dealt with the weight of the ages with a smile. A smile that hid so much of his true power. Glorfindel had always been kind to his mother, going out of his way to make her smile. She had been frightened, lonely, heartbroken when she came to Rivendell. He himself had been little more than a babe. She had been grieving for the loss of her husband. The father Aragorn had never known. His earliest memories of Glorfindel were of him trying to lift her spirits. Aragorn smiled when he remembered the name the elf lord had eventually called her by. Gilly. Such a sweet short thing. His mother had been brave and hardy and determined and wise, and she had loved him with all her heart. There had always been sadness in her eyes though. He remembered the stories she had told him, her eyes far off. How difficult it must have been for her to hide his true name from him. She had been his unmoving star. He remembered when the dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield had come to Rivendell. He had been but ten. His mother had to stop him from running out and barraging them with questions. He had seen Bilbo for the first time then. Neither had guessed that in later years they would become friends. He remembered the hobbit's twinkling eyes. Bilbo had winked at him and slipped him a lemon tart. He remembered singing in the trees with Elladan and Elrohir. His childhood had passed in a haze, happy, content. Glorfindel had often secretly helped him escape his lessons, and allowed him to climb unto his shoulders. He would pretend the elf lord was a horse, or a dragon. As he grew older Glorfindel had let him try wine. He had grown up surround by love and wisdom. Each adult in his life giving him something else. From Lindir he learned the songs of old, from Erestor the lore, and the art of trade relations, from Elrond he learned the secrets of the past, from Glorfindel the joys and sorrows of the world, from his mother he had learned how to live, how to go about the world. Elladan and Elrohir had doted on him, letting him lead where he may when he was little, and as he got older, they had taught him how to use a sword, and a bow, how to hunt and how to find his way in the wilds. They often went riding with the Dunedain. They had always told him they were great friends of his father, but never who his father was. He had grown up knowing only that his father was a ranger, and he had died. And then, When he had learned his true name and heritage he had been thrilled at first. But then afraid. He had grown up among the elves. How could he lead a people he didn't even know? Rangers had occasionally come through Rivendell throughout his child hood. Smiled at him, treated him in strange reverence. He had never understood why. They were his people now. Each one precious to him. He closed his eyes as he remembered Gilrin's pale form, and Halabarad's retching sobs as he held her still hand. So much loss. His mother had died so recently, by his years at least, and still he couldn't bear to think on it. He had wanted her to see the days of the king renewed.

His thoughts were interrupted by the girl. She stirred and moaned slightly before sitting up. She was so small, more like a bird then a girl, her eyes wide and frightened. She immediately panicked and started sobbing again. He had a feeling she wouldn't be so hardy as Ailith.

"Please don't kill me!"

"Adlyn, they're not going to bloody kill you. Why would you even think that?" Lana sounded distinctly annoyed. Aragorn tried to help the girl up, but she let out a whimper of fear and shrunk away from him. Ailith had woken up, and immediately crouched down next to her. The difference between the two girls was a marked one. Not just in appearance, but in something deeper. Ailith lifted her gently and patted her arm.

"Shh, it's alright. No-ones going to hurt you alright? Now, we need you to calm down okay? Estel is a good man, and so is Glorfindel. Would Lana trust them otherwise? Here, you look thirsty. Take a sip of water." Ailith's voice was soft and soothing. Estel couldn't help but smile in pride. She knew the art of kindness better than many. No small feat for one who had grown up with so little. The girl took a shuttering breath, but reluctantly accepted the water from Ailith and drank, her eyes darting around fearfully.

"See now Adlyn? Everything is fine. Now, take a deep breath. That's it."

"Why is Lady Illana here? Whats going on?" Her voice was soft. She spoke with her eyes downcast.

"Because she had to flee. Brandon is a cruel man. She fled, and Estel helped. We're going to safety."

"How did you find us Adlyn?" Lana's voice was not as kind as her sister's. She sounded like she way trying, but couldn't force it to come out soft. She looked almost frustrated at this fact. He had heard her voice soft and kind though. With Ailith, and with Tuor.

"I...I followed Lord Brandon's men when they left. But I got lost. I surely would have died in the woods, but I heard fighting. So I made my way here, and I saw them fleeing. I had to get my strength up, and then I came here, the same way I had seen them leaving."

"Leaving. Ah! Where were they leaving from?" Lana looked exited. Aragorn leaned forward. Maybe the girl could shed light on the secret entrance. However, she just pointed to the main entrance. It seemed she had only see the men who left by that way.

"Please My Lady, don't let the ranger and the man with the lovely hair kill me!"

"Pfff, lovely hai-I mean, in heavens name Adlyn, why do you keep thinking they're going to kill you?! If they were planning on doing that you'd be dead by now!" Lana tugged at her braid in annoyance.

"On my honor, I don't intend to kill you . I'm flattered you think my hair is lovely though." Glorfindel tried to smile reassuringly at her, but the girl just once again emitted a high-pitched squeaking noise. Lana threw her hands into the air.

"Adlyn, snap out of it! Now! We have no time for this. You chose to follow us, so you have to overcome your ridiculous fear and learn to talk again. You are not a mouse, girl! You were betrothed to Becket, and I happen to know that required at least some fortitude. So find it right now or so help me-" she trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words. The girl shrank against the wall. Aragorn made to say something, but the girl cut him off, her eyes still downcast.

"Forgive me. I...I am just frightened. I'll do whatever you ask of me."

"Don't do that either. You're far to submissive for your own good Adlyn, you ne-"

"Alright Lana. Let me speak to her alright? I think that's enough." Aragorn pinched his nose. The girl looked at him briefly before averting her eyes again. He crouched down in front of her.

"Now. Maid. I know you are frightened. But please know I mean you no harm. We are all tense and some of us are injured. We need to get to safety, so we can be free of Brandon and his men. And if you know anything that can help us, we need you to say." He eyed the band on her wrist. So she bore the mark as well.

"It's alright Adlyn. Don't cry." Tuor, who had been watching silently up until this point, walked over to the girl and presented her with a crushed bouquet of wildflowers and weeds clutched in his chubby hand. She tried to smile, and took it from him gently.

"Thank you Tuor."

"You're welcome. Don't be scared of Estel and Glorfindel. They're nice. Estel fixed my horse, and Glorfindel lets me sit on his shoulders. And they made mama better." His eyes were wide, and he patted Adlyn's arm, smiling.

"Alright. Thank you Tuor." She turned back to Aragorn, still refusing to meet his eyes. "What do you want to know?"

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"Father, we don't know that she left!" Gethin stood tense and alert, ready to spring away from his father's wrath.

"Yes we do boy! Surely you are not so stupid as you seem? Where else do you think Adlyn would have gone? She adored Lana, nearly as much as you did. I'm surprised you didn't go with her to find your little wet-nurse!"

"You can insult me as much as you want father, but the issue at hand remains."

"Mind your tongue boy, lest I be tempted to cut it out! You think yourself so high above me don't you? You were always the least though. The least of my sons. Tainted, dark, weak. Keep your mouth shut. I am your father, and your lord!"

"Yet you couldn't even mind your own woman and son! And even little Adlyn is brave enough to leave you. You're no lord, you just fancy yourself one!"

His father was fast. He was upon him before Gethin could even react. He lifted him by his collar and threw him to ground, viciously kicking at him. Gethin submitted weakly. He had long learned that his father soon lost interest. He was lifted once more, and his father's fist slammed into his nose before he was hurled to the ground again. He could see his father's men, as well as the women, watching. Good. That meant they'd heard the whole thing. One more vicious kick to the head and his father was finished.

"Get out of my sight you useless wretch. Go cry to the women and let them tend your wounds. You're more one of them then a man. Leave the men to plan our actions against your wet-nurse. Go!"

"I take my leave then." He stood up weakly, his head ringing in pain. One of the women made towards him, but he shook his head.

"Stay and tend to my father's ego. I'm fine." He tried to walk away with his back straight, but the pain caused him to stumble and fall. She knelt to help him up, and walked him to his tent. He could hear a few of the men laughing. His face reddened.

"Are you alright Gethin?"

"Fine. Thank you. I just need to be alone." He tried to smile at her. She briefly touched his cheek before leaving. He eased himself weakly down onto his ratted bedroll. He half wished he had left with Lana. But he couldn't leave his father. He hated him with a passion , but he felt bound to him. No matter how he tried, the part of him that was still a small boy longed to please his father, to prove himself. Brandon had never made a secret of the fact that he favored Becket. But now Becket was dead. Gethin hated himself for it, but he was relieved. Becket had tortured him since he could remember. He felt guilt now for being so cruel to the girl, Lana's sister. He believed that Becket had tried to rape her, and he blamed her not for killing him. That was why he had been so cruel to her. He had been enraged at himself for his indifference, relief even, at Becket's death, and he had taken it out on the girl. She hadn't been so easily cowed though. He could certainly see the resemblance between her and Lana. Lana, who had seemed to submit to Brandon' will, and yet Gethin, had seen that she never really did. And he had seen how she influenced his father, and whispered her ideas into his ear so that he thought they were his own. And she had treated him so well. Less mother, more an older sister, watching out for him, calming his father's rages against him. And Tuor had adored her, rarely parted from her. Even Becket had liked her, and respected her even. A rare occurrence for him. And now she was gone. Gethin weakly lifted his bed roll and pulled a small figure from the stuffing. A tiny man on a horse. His mother, long dead now, had whittled it for him. He held it in his hand and closed his eyes.

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Arwen paced her room, unable to sleep, not wanting to wander. Trapped. She walked out onto her balcony and breathed in the crisp air, listening to the music of the valley. She had often had trouble sleeping when she was little. Her mother had always helped her. Sang to her, brushed her hair, told her stories. She remembered her trips to Lorien with her mother, and the beauty and wisdom of her grandmother. She smiled at the though of the glades of Lorien, and her grandfathers smile he seemed to always wear in her presence. She had played in the golden glades with her mother, laughing as her small legs carried her through the flowers. Her father had held her mother like he would never let her go the day she departed forever. And her mother had held her father in the same way, their tears mingling. One final kiss, one last embrace, before the boat bore her away from Arda forever. She had loved Middle Earth, she had loved her family with every ounce of her being. But her soul had fled, and so had she. Arwen would never forget their goodbyes. Elladan and Elrohir's eyes still filled with darkness when they spoke of the day they found her dying in the den of the orcs. Arwen could only imagine. The horror of seeing her as they brought her back had been awful enough. All light fled from their eyes when they spoke of the rescue. It had been many years since they had even tried. But she knew they relived it every night. Arwen remembered her mother's broken form laying in bed. Elladan and Elrohir racked with guilt for not arriving in time, her father so utterly helpless, and she had felt as if her entire life was torn from underneath her. Her mother had flitted in and out of consciousness. And her eyes...the fear hadn't left them. Her beautiful smiling mother's eyes had been near dead. But never had the light fully gone out. Arwen let out a small sob. Her mother had been the force that balanced them all. She missed her so much, the pain of it filled her, choking the air from her and leaving her empty. She had become the lady of Imladris. She wished it wasn't so with all her heart. She couldn't stay in her room anymore. With a sigh she quickly made her way out into the hall. Glorfindel wasn't here to comfort her in her night wanderings. She wandered without knowing where, until she stopped before the tapestry Islildur facing Sauron. She sat down on the bench and looked at it, feeling lost in its threads. Aragorn. She was an elf, time was nothing to her. Yet every moment parted from him was agony. Arwen let the cool song of the nigh wash over her, and tried to lose herself in happy memories, instead of the painful ones.

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Ailith watched Adlyn as she hungrily ate the dried meat. Poor girl. She seemed so young, so helpless. The last thing they needed at the moment. Ailith chided herself for her cold thoughts. What was she becoming? Adlyn had no more information than Lana, less. So now she sat curled up and miserable. Ailith pinched her nose. She seem to have picked that habit up from Estel. Lana was sitting a few feet away, watching the sun rise. Ailith went to join her.

"Hi."

"Hi little sister."

"...She cries a lot doesn't she?"

"You don't know the half of it. Poor little wretch. Becket was so rough with her. I'm honestly surprised she's not pregnant. He never was a patient one. And she was so delicate. It was like watching a bear batting at a bird. I did my best to make him treat her better. He always acted far older than he was. I suppose that was Brandon's doing."

"So, what do you think we'll do now?"

"I don't know...ask Estel, he's the one who you trust."

"I trust you as well Lana."

"I know." Lana's voice choked up. She turned away, her shoulders hunched. Ailith could see that she was crying.

"Lana, whats wrong?"

"Oh Ailith. Nothing and everything. To many things to count. Don't worry Little sister. Hnnng. I don't deserve the love and trust you give me."

"But you're going to get it. Now stop crying or I'll kick you."

"Heh. You always had a strong kick." Lana turned back towards Ailith, her eyes red. She wrapped her arms around her and gave a long ragged breath. Ailith clung to her sister, burying her face in Lana's shoulder and closing her eyes tight. Everything was going to be alright. They would reach safety. Everything would be fine. The elves could remove the evil of the mark. The elves would heal Lana. Everything would be alright. Lana would help her raise her child, and they would go on grand adventures. She wanted to say this, but couldn't. So she said something else instead

"You smell awful Lana."

"Ha! You should take a look at yourself girl."

"Lana?" it was Estel. Lana turned to face him, fiercely wiping he eyes.

"What is it?"

"Can I take another look at your wound? I want to clean it again."

"It's fine. I don't need it."

"Yes you do. Now please, let me look at it."

"Fine."

Estel set to cleaning Lana's wound. Lana for her part looked rather uncomfortable. Ailith raised an eyebrow. Lana winced.

"Ow! That hurts!"

"Yes. I'm treating your wound. It's gong to hurt."

"Well, hurry then."

"I don't think you want him to hurry My Lady. Unless you want it to hurt worse." Glorfindel smiled at her from where he was sitting on the ground playing with Tuor. Lana mumbled something incoherent and then fell silent. Adlyn watched the proceedings with wide eyes. Ailith settled down next to her.

"It was very brave of you to leave like that Adlyn. And to find us." She tried to smile reassuringly at the girl.

"Thank you my lady."

"It's alright to call me Ailith. I'm sorry for everything you've had to go through. And I'm truly sorry about eh, Becket. I did not mean to cause you pain."

"It's alright. He wasn't kind to me anyway."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

Ailith looked at Adlyn. She had never met someone so submissive. She looked unhealthy as well. Pale and bruised, dark circles under her eyes. She couldn't imagine her fighting.

"So, did you grow up in Brandon's camp?"

"Yes." My father is his second in command. That's why I was set to marry Becket."

"Do you have any siblings?"

"No. Just my father and I. Mama left. She didn't like Brandon. He liked her far to much. "

"Oh."

"You're pregnant. Where's the father of your child?"

"Gone. He wasn't interested in staying with me."

"Were you married?"

"No. And therein lay the problem."

"Oh. I was scared Becket would leave me with child before our marriage, but I don't think he has. He was supposed to wait, but no-one made him."

"You're safe now" Ailith didn't know what else to say. She could only stare at the broken girl sitting before her. Maybe she had been broken long ago. She seemed so utterly drained of life and will. Maybe that was why she was so pale, all the light was sucked from, her. Ailith wondered if she had ever smiled. She didn't know what to say. She felt dizzy and bloated, and filled with a near constant sense of nausea, which she couldn't escape. She simply squeezed Adlyn's hand

"Well, you're safe now." She left Adlyn's side to go see how Lana was. Estel smiled at her briefly when he saw her.

"You are very kind to Adlyn. She's lucky to have you."

"I'm only doing what anyone should. Just like you said about your kindness to me. How's Lana?"

"I'm fine little sister. And sitting right here. You can ask me."

"She's fine." Estel finished reapplying the bandages.

"What are we going to do? We can't stay here."

"I know. We're in a very precarious situation. But we have to just do what we can. We are not so very far from Rivendell. "

"Don't forgot Brandon is brutal, and far more intelligent than he looks." Lana stood up and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Ah, but you have the finest swordsman in Arda, and you have me. So you'll be fine."

"You sound rather smug Golden Hair. What makes you think you can fight all of Brandon's men?"

"Oh, I've faced much much worse. I'm not over worried about his men."

"Really? What have you faced pray tell?"

"Many things. No need to bore you with the details."

"No, please do go on Golden Hair. I really must know."

"Fine then. If you command My Lady. Did Ar-Estel tell you the story of the fall of Gondolin? Yes, well as I've said I was there. Dragons, Balrogs, orcs, the lot. And I took a rather nasty tumble with a Balrog. Killed it, but it grabbed my hair. In hindsight it's almost amusing." He paused and smile sadly "Gondolin was beautiful. So yes My lady, I don't fear Brandon's men."

Lana blinked. She seemed to be coming to terms with what she had just heard. Tuor was staring at Glorfindel in awe.

"You're the Glorfindel from the story Estel told!' His wide blue eyes were filled with joy. Glorfindel smiled at him.

"Yes."

"But...You died Golden hair." Lana was holding her head.

"Yes. But that is not so permanent a thing for my kind. We can return. Our blessing, but also our curse."

"How is immortality a curse?"

"Ages pass and you watch countless people pass you by, and see your many homes fall. Even if you long for release you can never truly have it. The gift of men is the gift of death." His voice was sad, his eyes far off. Ailith had never seen him like this. As suddenly as it had appeared his mood left, and he smiled again. "Regardless, I came back to bother everyone."

Lana opened and then closed her mouth, and attempted to say something, but couldn't seem to get it out.

"No need to look so shocked."

"Shocked? I'm just...no wonder you were so good at cards!"

"Tried to warn you."

Lana's eyes were far off. Ailith blinked as well. She hadn't heard Glorfindel's full story before. The shock of his true age and power was a great one. She guessed that there was so much more power and light just below his smiling surface.

"You killed a Balrog! You're in songs!" Tuor seemed to be vibrating with energy. He jumped onto Glrofindel and started trying to climb him. Ailith blinked. The boy was fast. Glorfindel for his part reacted well, easily lifting Tuor up and tossing him onto his shoulders with a laugh.

"Well, how would you like to ride on the Balrog slayers shoulder?

"Yay! I'm the king!" Tuor giggled happily. Ailith smiled in relief. It was well that he seemed to have forgotten the terror of yesterday, at least for a while. Estel smiled. He really did look worse for ware. However he seemed to be completely ignoring it. Which resulted in him wincing in pain whenever he went to pinch his nose.

"Well, it is time we make a decision. We cannot find the secret entrance into the clearing it seems, and staying here any longer trying to would be foolish. The longer we stay here the worse it is, so I say we just take our chance in the forest. Lana has shown me what she knows of their patrol and hunting routes, and I can certainly avoid those.

"Well, they won't be using those in all likelihood Estel. They'll be searching for us, or setting an ambush." Lana crossed her arms.

"That being as it may, it's the best I can do. I do know many hidden ways through these woods."

"Well, it would seem that my hu-Brandon does as well."

"We don't have another choice. Now, we have to be alert for attack. You are in no fighting condition, so-"

"You're not either!"

"I've had worse."

"So have I."

"Please let me finish. You are in no condition to fight, but you have to be prepared anyway. I will go in the front and lead the way, and Glorfindel will walk behind to guard our backs. Everyone else will be in the middle. We all must stay alert, understand? And have your weapons, whatever they may be at the ready."

"I...I have no weapons..." Adlyn managed to speak up, just barely.

"Do you know how to use a dagger?" Estel tilted his head.

"No. I'm sorry."

"Alright. That is fine. You can take my other dagger, like Ailith's, and use it as best you can if you must. Hopefully you won't be called upon to use it."

"Thank you..." She gingerly accepted the dagger, her hands uncertain. Ailith reached over.

"Here. Hold it like this. And you can keep it tucked in your belt okay? Just remember, you're small, so they'll underestimate you. Be prepared to use that to your advantage, surprise them." Ailith squeezed Adlyn's hand. She nodded fearfully. Estel smiled at Ailith again. She thought he looked proud. A little pocket of warmth erupted inside of her. She would protect Adlyn.

"Can I have a sword?" Tuor was still settled on Glorfindel's shoulders, quietly tying wild flowers into the elf lord's hair.

"We have none in your size Tuor."

"But Estel I want a sword!"

"Why Tuor?" Lana looked at her son.

"Because I don't want anyone to hurt me, or you, or anyone. I'm scared that daddy will come again to hurt us. So I have to have a sword, because then maybe they'll be scared. " His voice got quiet. Ailith hurt for him. Poor little thing.

"Tuor, no-one is going to hurt you, or me, or anyone okay? Estel and golden-Glorfindel will keep you safe, and I'll be right here to, and no-one hurts you when I'm here."

"Promise?"

"Promise. And don't forget your aunt Ailith. We're all going to be safe, and we're going to go to an elf castle, and it's all going to be okay." Lana tried to smile. Ailith could see that she didn't believe her own words. Not really.

So there it is. Gethin and Ailith have a really similar past in a way. I hope that doesn't seem lazy. It is on purpose. More of a filler once again, but as I said, it's working towards something. Plus, it's nice to have some time to develop characters. Oh Adlyn, you annoy me, but I love you like the annoying unfavorite child. I get so attached to my characters. And they just keep coming to! I keep accidentally making new oc's. I'm looking at you Gethin. Adorable little jerk. Also, apparently my grammar in this series isn't very good. Did you know an ellipsis had three dots? I didn't! Not my strong suit anyway. But I want to go back through and fix the grammar. Unfortunately, I don't know what to fix. Because grammar is not my strong suite! Problems arise. Also, I'm trying to think of a better way to transfer between pov and scenes etc. Right now it's a little rough I think. Any suggestions? Anyway, hope y'all liked it, and more to come soon. Don't worry, not many more fillers.