Torn-Part 2
As I entered the main hall, both my father and the black-cloaked figure beside him, turned to greet me.
"Arwen" my father said with a smile. "This is Ranger Silverblade. Ranger, this is my daughter, Arwen"
"Ranger" I said without thinking. "Is that your real name?" Father glared at me, but the stranger threw his head back and laughed.
"No, fair elf" he said when he had finally stopped laughing. "But it is the only name I will answer to"
"Fair enough" I walked near to them, studying him closely. He was a half-elf, as my father had told me, so I was not shocked. Half-elves are still rather rare, my father being one of the few on Middle Earth and I longed to ask him where he had come from, but I knew that it would not be polite. He was, however, a fine mixture of both elf and human. He was slightly larger built than an elf, with dark hair, which came down to his neck. His skin was incredibly pale; he almost looked like one of the undead. He had the fine facial features and pointy ears of an elf and when he walked towards me, his booted feet barely made a sound.
"Greetings, Princess Arwen" he said softly, taking my hand and kissing it softly. "I hear you are having trouble. I hope I will be able to help"
"We are very grateful for your assistance," my father said from behind him. "Have you done any jobs like this before?"
"A few times" Ranger said immediately, turning to face father. "I have been working as a hired mercenary for almost six years and in that time I have been hired twice by high people in Gondor. I have also done a range of other work, including fighting against armed soldiers, giant spiders and trolls. Rest assure Lord Elrond, your daughter is in safe hands"
"I have heard as much myself," my father said with a small smile. Even I relaxed a bit. Ranger sounded a bit too sure of himself, but that wasn't necessary a bad thing. His manner was confident and his voice commanded respect, but I knew that there were worse men out there. Although I still wasn't keen on the idea of having anyone to protect me, I found myself thinking that maybe Ranger would be okay…
"Arwen?" Fathers voice jolted me from my thoughts. "What do you think? Shall we take Ranger on?"
"It is your choice, Princess Arwen" Ranger said slowly. "If you decide that I am not what you are looking for…"
"No, of course not" I said quickly. "You sound very skilled. I am sure I shall feel safe with you"
"Quite" Ranger gave a small smile and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, what exactly is it that you want me to do, Lord Elrond?"
"I want you to protect my daughter" father said firmly. "There have been several attempts made on her life over the past few weeks. I and my advisors are taking steps to find out to who is behind them, but in the meantime I need you to guard Arwen with your life"
"Understood. Leave it to me" After addressing my father, Ranger turned to me. "Now, princess" he said firmly. "It would be rather helpful if we were able to be friends, but first I have to lay down some rules. For your safely, you do not go out of the palace unless I am with you. When you are in the palace, although I respect your privacy, I need to know exactly where you are at all times. That seems fair enough to me. Does that seems reasonable to you, princess?"
I could not answer. I was so shocked at being told what I could and could not do, that all I could do was nod my head. My father smiled, obviously pleased that I had not objected.
"Arwen" he said pleasantly. "Maybe you and Ranger should go for a ride and get to know each other. Show him around Rivendell"
"Yes father" As I followed Ranger out of the room my father whispered in my ear, "Give him a chance, Arwen. Do not be too hasty in your judgement of him. He is only concerned for your safety"
"I will try," I promised. But as we walked to the stables, I wondered privately if this was going to work out okay. I had my doubts.