December 29th, Year 3016

It has been almost ten years since I arrived in Middle Earth. And I just know something big is about to happen. It's time that I started writing things down because now, I'm beginning to feel, things are really getting serious, and one never knows when the Fates will take away everything…

• • •

I was eventually forced to tell Lord Elrond the truth about everything, which was also told to Gandalf due to him being present at the time. All of which ended with Aragorn being told just enough for him to take me into his family as his fostered daughter.

He had initially suggested Lord Elrond take me in as he once did Aragorn. At the suggestion, Elrond declined and told Aragorn that it was very likely that he would be leaving for the Grey Heavens before too long, along with many other elves, and it would not be right to leave me unprotected on this world if it could be prevented. Especially while I was still of an age to be adopted into a powerful household.

They argued over it and who else I should go into the care of during such uncertain times. Irritated that I had not once been asked my opinion, I left in a huff and went to my favorite spot in the gardens. Of course, it was also one of Bilbo's favorites as well. He had already been there when I arrived.

I tried to hide the rejection and frustration that I felt at Aragorn's refusal to make me part of his family. I had come to care for him greatly and being able to call myself his daughter would have been a great dream come true. Bilbo of course saw right through the façade of being fine. Eventually he played his cards just right and I found myself telling him all that had happened between Aragorn and Lord Elrond.

Bilbo chuckled and patted my knee. He reassured me that Aragon's reluctance had to do with him and not me. Aragorn was The Dunedain, a man with a powerful destiny and many insecurities that he rarely showed. "It is most likely, my dear, that our dear Aragorn does not feel as if he could adequately care for your wellbeing in many ways. And that would weigh heavy on his heart."

Bilbo sighed and let that sink in for a moment. I had grown to love Bilbo, and his wise advise, in the short time that we had known each other. He always found time to just sit with me and talk about anything.

"Aragorn also lives a very dangerous lifestyle, the foolish boy. Always another adventure for him to go on. Adventures, nasty things those. And never a good thing when one has someone that relies on them completely."

Bilbo lit his pipe while I considered what he was telling me. Suddenly an idea came to me. One that would be a solution for all involved. It would also leave Aragorn responsible for me for only a short time, few more years at most, and then he wouldn't have to worry about me anymore if he chose not to.

"Bilbo," I asked slowly, making sure to get his attention. He had been going on about adventures and how foolish it was for one to willing go on one. "Are there women rangers?"

Bilbo puffed his pipe thoughtfully before answering. "I have heard Aragorn and the elves mention the accessional female ranger, so it's not unheard of. But it takes years of training. Why would a sweet girl like you want to get involved with some silly nonsense like that?"

"Not nonsense." I insisted. "It's genius! And all thanks to you! You wonderful hobbit!''

Not letting him talk me out of it, I kissed his cheek and ran off to find either of Elrond's sons.

Aragorn had come to me the next day, apologized and asked if I would still accept it if he were to adopt me. Of course I accepted.

By the next day, Lord Elrond had made it official. And of course, Aragorn found out about my newfound desire to be a ranger. I never did get Elrohir back for blabbing to him about it…Which led to him trying to use his new father role to forbid it. Which in turn led to me bringing my case to Elrond.

I don't know how he restrained himself at the sight of me arguing with Aragorn about my future before the ink was even dry on the scroll, we had just signed that morning.

For the record, Elrond sided with me on becoming a ranger. He even brought up the fact that there were already female rangers and even shieldmaidens in Rohan. Both of which proved that women could hold their own. He also informed Aragorn that if he chose not to support me, there was always the possibility of me finding someone else to train me who was less qualified.

Aragorn looked ready to take on one of the most powerful elves in Middle Earth in order to argue his case on me not training as a ranger, but the elf who had been like a father to him. Elrond had learned how to manage Aragorn over the years. Wait... did I just gain Lord Elrond as a sort of grandfather by fostering? Well hell... this could get interesting really quick.

Eventually, Aragorn reluctantly gave in to my desire to train. And after nearly causing a civil war in Imladris, I spent the next five years in a hell of my own creation.

• • •

Aragorn insisted on training me, with the assistance of both Elrohir and Elledan. From sunup to midday I was trained physically in everything and anything. There wasn't a weapon in the armory that I couldn't wield. Not that I mastered them all, but they made sure that I knew how to wield them in an emergency.

I didn't have a horse of my own, so I often borrowed Roheryn and Faradrim for my riding lessons. It always seemed to irritate Elledan a bit that I had won over the onery horse. At my urging, Faradrim eventually began to calm down his attitude and accepted Elledan as he rider.

There also wasn't a course in the arenas that I could not ride. I was not a fan of the horseback archery and no where near as good as if I were standing on my own two feet, but they insisted I practice. Eventually I managed to hit the targets at a canter, but I had every intention of avoiding that if at all possible.

Don't get me wrong, even though I was trained in all these skills and mastered a few, I very clearly have nowhere near the skill or experience that any of my trainers. I also never been able to defeat Aragorn, much less the twins, in a sparring match. In fact, there wasn't a single person in Imladris that didn't have the skills and experience to wipe the floor with me in seconds should I challenge them, with the exception of Bilbo of course.

It was also discovered during this time that I have an extreme affinity with animals, when I focus my attention directly on them.

Yeah, that one seemed to exasperate even Lord Elrond. Oh, he never turned away an animal in need, but he always seemed anxious about me leaving the main grounds on my free time.

I swear, it was one wolf pup. Just one! His mother abandoned him, and he was dying. What was I supposed to do? Yeah... never got an answer from the family either, just barely restrained laughter. It was in no way my fault that the pup relieved himself on the Master of the House either. As soon as he was recovered and able to care for himself, Elrond insisted on him being returned to the wild to find a pack.

Oh! I mentioned my morning schedule but not my afternoon one. That was spent locked up in a room doing nothing but studying, with a break for tea halfway through. Trust me, I learned quick that even Elvish has its own bad language. Don't ask how I know...

I studied everything. Elvish (all versions), history, geography, strategy, etc. You name it, we probably covered it. I learned to learn fast and study hard.

• • •

It wasn't all bad. Elrond declared that one morning a week I helped in a designated area of the house. Learning things such as cooking, cleaning, hospitality, gardening, etc. Every week was something different and always under the direction of the head elf of that occupation.

Aragorn and Elrond both insisted I know how to care for myself completely, including mundane housework. After midday meal was over, my day was completely free as long as I didn't have studies to make up...

• • •

My last two years of training were a bit different. Weapons training became a daily routine that was done in the early morning. I was no longer required to help around the House. My studies were reduced to assignments given to me weekly. There was always a test on the learned materials afterwards.

Mostly my training shifted to focusing on survival, tracking and healing. Ironically, it was the lessons in healing that I had the most trouble with. Unlike Aragorn and the elves, I just did not have an affinity to it. I had to work hard to achieve basic healing skills. Enough to keep someone alive at least.

• • •

Finally, after a full five years of training, Aragorn summoned me to Elrond's study. There he declared me a full-fledge ranger in front of our elven family. My family showered me with gifts, all practical of course…

Arwen presented me with an outfit worthy of a new ranges. A tunic and leggings made with soft leather and cloth designed to blend into the forest and shadows. New boots designed for carrying a knife comfortably on the inside of each boot, lined with wool to protect against the cold. And finally, a cloak that seemed to be made of multiple dark colors to blend into one's surroundings, even more so than the tunic did. The end result allowing for one to practically disappear in plain sight.

I hugged her, tears in my eyes as I croaked out a thank you. She smiled and allowed her brothers to approach.

Elledan gifted me an elegant bow, suited to my skills he assured me, and an equally beautiful quiver that was decorated with a large tree and an image that represented every animal species I had brought home over the years. About a dozen or so. In the very center was a wolf. I couldn't help but laugh. Elledan had been so kind as to fill the quiver with arrows sporting the colors of House Elrond on the feathers.

Elrohir presented me with a pair of short swords, beautiful but deadly he had said in my ear. I wasn't sure if he meant me, the swords or both. There was also an assortment of smaller weapons. A pair of boot knives to match Arwen's gift, and a belt full of throwing daggers made with a silvery-blue tone.

Lord Elrond presented me with a satchel. It was full of dried tea leaves in small canisters, dried herbs, and vials with labels and pre-measured powders in them. It also included a small book with recipes and notes all written in small, neat handwriting. It was their version of a first-aid kit. I tucked the kit to my chest as I gave a slow, deep bow. He had taken my biggest weakness and gave me tools to make me stronger.

I must have been slow because Aragorn set my cloak on me, turned me around, and attacked a broach to it. The broach matched the emblem on his family ring. The one that looks like two serpents devouring each other...

I thanked them for the gifts and the twins grinned. "Come." Elrohir said, "We have a final gift for you." They took my gifts and set them on Elrond's desk, except the cloak and the brooch.

They led me to the stables. I stopped next to Faradrim's stall and gave the horse's nose a quick pat. Did he look smug about something?

Elledan grabbed my shoulders and directed me towards the stable directly across from Faradrim's.

Inside was a palomino mare and next to her, trying to get its nose over the stable door, was a red foal with a pure white mane and tail. The foal had a white star on its forehead, white socks on three of its legs (only reaching a few inches up from its hooves), and a black sock that reached the knee of its left foreleg.

"He's only a month old, but he's yours if you want him." Elrohir whispered in my ear. "He's Faradim's first offspring. We have high hopes for him."

Ah so that's why the horse had seemed so smug…

"Belegurion." I said quietly as an answer. "That's what I'll call him."

"Son of a Great Heart." Aragorn muttered a translation. "Very fitting."

Faradrim neighed his approval. With the mare's acceptance, I entered the stall and got to know my new friend. He was just as eager to make friends with someone. I hadn't even noticed that everyone had left.

• • •

After that day, Aragorn started taking me whenever he left Imladris, unless it was to be considered too dangerous for me to join him. In those instances, he would leave me with our fellow rangers, or I would join one of our elven kin in simple missions or patrolling the borders. It only happened a few times before I caught on. Still, I was determined to prove my worth to Aragorn and accepted the placement willingly.

It was a good thing too. I had no idea what the Fates had in store for me next...

Jacira: Hi Everyone! I was originally just going to jump into the part where Arianna had completed her training and was a full fledge ranger but apparently, she had other ideas and wanted to share her journal with us. This chapter is mostly there to fill in the blanks between her rescue and the beginning of her adventure as the daughter of Aragorn.

Just as a side note, I purposefully made it so that Arianna had a little knowledge of the War of the Ring but gradually has forgotten all she knew about it. It allowed her to fully integrate into the world of Middle Earth without having serious effects on the timeline. The knowledge will come into play starting in the next chapter but only in small amounts.

Farewell my friends, until next time!