All night Acacia rode on, spurring her beast until it hung its head in exhaustion and slowed to a weary trot. They had been galloping for hours, and as Acacia would feel compassion for a friend or brother, she pitied her horse. It had served her well, and would continue to do so. Was it not born of the Mark? Was it not of the stables of Rohan? This remained a comfort to her, though she remembered little of the land from which it came, save the great King Théoden and his tall Riders with their proud steeds and magnificent golden hair that flew behind them like victory banners in the wind.

It was nearing dawn when Acacia dismounted her horse and fell, drained and aching, onto the forest floor. She had reached a clearing in the woods; and though her head was filled with thoughts of the Black Riders she had been following since they left Mordor, and the dangers that surfaced if she dared even turn her back for a moment, a part of her had stopped caring. It was the part of her that wanted to go back to Rivendell, or to Lorien, and live out her days amongst the Elves and their magic, never to be hungry or hurt or hurried again. But the part of her that remained was too strong to contain such defeatism in her heart, and she drew herself up slowly.

''Be strong, my friend.''she murmured to the waiting horse.''We ride with the dawn.''

*******

''What news from Mirkwood?''asked Lord Elrond Halfelven of his messenger, as he sat dining at the breakfast table with his daughter.
''His Highness, my King Thranduil, sends you his regards, Lord.''the young Elf replied.''He also asked after the young lady.''
Elrond nodded.''Tell him the Lady Arwen is quite well.''
The messenger frowned suddenly.''Forgive me, Lord, but he spoke not of the Lady Arwen. King Thranduil asked of a Half-elf, a...a child. She came to you not ten days ago before riding to Mordor.''
''Mordor!''Arwen said suddenly.''None may enter Mordor of their own accord with ease, a child least of all. Know you of this folly, my father?''
Elrond looked grave.''I remember the girl well. Brave, yet foolish. She rode a horse of Rohan.''He paused.''I knew not that Mordor was her quest; or I would have restrained her from attempting it. These are dark times, that we know.''
Arwen's beautiful face was deeply saddened.''I remember none such visitor, Father, for many come and go without my knowing, but I grieve for her. For she may perish under an evil blade, or worse, in the fires of that terrible Mountain, if she has not.''
''Tell your King that I have heard no word from Acacia since she left Rivendell. My fears I will not speak before the Lady, though do not trouble Thranduil with speculations. Only ensure that he knows I received the girl.''

Elrond stared out of the window, at the horizons beyond his land of peace and beauty.''And may the powers of my people keep the child and spare her from an untold fate.''