Wow. I got really bored in class today so… yay! Two more chapters! Possibly even another one if I can write fast enough (my hand hurts!). But here they are. Please read and review! I love opinions.

To lys: I've got the orc hunt written – it's in the next chapter

To Vision: I hope you approve of the length of these two! They seem longer to me but hey. I didn't mean for the last one to be so short, but my train of thought left my dry –twitch- don't you hate it when that happens?

-A

Surprises

            Though their pace had been quick and steady, more so than human feet could have managed. The three that had started now rode amongst the Dúnadain. Aragorn rode at their front more often than not, he was seen as their chief after all. Elladan and Elrohir rode where they pleased, though they preferred towards the center and front. Their way of riding and their appearance gave their race away, both brothers were aware of the deep hatred that ran between orcs and Elves and they did not wish to become targets so soon. Most of their journey, though, was spent in conversation with Eymen, Aragorn, and each other.

            They were not quite sure when it was that they reached the Northern Hills, but it was obvious when they did. A few small villages were all that lay between the Rangers and Fornost, but with the first one they happened upon their resolve became set. It couldn't have been too long ago that the orcs had passed through, leaving a ruined wake in their path; dead Men, livestock, and even some younger boys and women were being mourned and removed, fences being rebuilt, crops were trying to be saved.

            Elladan felt a great sympathy for those who mourned, he saw identical expressions on his brothers' faces. Both knew what it was like to lose family to darkness. The riders, though all wished to stop and help, pressed on – the orcs were still on the move and they passed many more morbid scenes as they drew closer to Fornost.

            The hills they rode over grew larger, they were growing close to Arnor. Elrohir drifted in and out of awareness, resting himself for the battle he knew would come. His brother watched him carefully, knowing that though Elrohir's eyes were open, he slept. It was their way of remaining aware when in dangerous situations. Only when they were home in Imladris or in Lórien did the twins feel safe enough to sleep with their eyes closed.

            Suddenly Elrohir's mount snorted and reared back. The Elf would have tumbled off if he'd not wrapped his fingers in the mane and reins before he drifted off. Elrohir let out a yelp as he was jolted out of sleep and looked down to see what had spooked the horse. A good natured glare quickly came over his face.

            "Haeranan!  Are you trying to send me to an early grave?!"

            The Ranger that had been hidden in the dense brush stood up, brushing leaves out of his hair and away from his cloak. "Hardly an early one if you are who I believe you to be, Elrohir." The Man grinned and looked up, fairly sure he had the right twin.

            Elladan smirked, then heaved a sigh and shook his head. "I am over here, Haeranan, that is Elladan." Elrohir glanced back at him and shook his head as well, playing along. Both caught Aragorn's amused smile at their antics. Poor Haeranan looked thoroughly confused.

            "But I was sure that it was.." The Ranger looked from one twin to the other. Finally, Elrohir broke into a grin.

            "You were correct the first time, forgive us but we could not pass up the chance." Elladan spoke the apology and Haeranan was quick to forgive, moving off to report to Aragorn in hushed tones. Elladan's gaze drifted over the hills, then movement caught his eyes. Before a word was spoken, the Elf drew his bow, nocked an arrow and fired. It was not aimed to kill but whomever it was now had their cloak pinned to the ground.

            Elrohir looked ahead, having seen his brother fire before anyone realized anything was done. Aragorn broke off his conversation, confused, he could not see what Elladan had hit.

            "Elladan? Please enlighten us as to the purpose of that." Aragorn gave his foster brother a questioning look.

            "Someone was sneaking around." Elladan shrugged and rode off, returning moments later with a traveler of sorts walking in front of him.

            "Jephima?" Eymen questioned the hooded figure with a slight smirk.

            The Man threw back his hood with a scowl, glaring at the chestnut haired man. "I had not expected to be a target until we'd spotted the orcs." He was just barely an adult and looked very unhappy at the blade that was pressed to the back of his neck. He hadn't expected to join their group like this. Jephima looked to Haeranan for help.

            "He is a friend, relax your blade young lord." Elladan did as he was told, sheathing the sword carefully.

            Jephima looked up at his discoverer and was shocked to see one who looked exactly the same as the first ride over. He'd never seen twins before, not identical at least. Then something else caught his eyes; their ears were pointed.

"Elves? We ride with Elves?!"

Haeranan shook his head, smiling at the amused looks on the twins' faces. "Forgive him, he is still young and unworldly. He's never met or seen Elves, even though you two are so common in our company."

Elladan and Elrohir glanced over to Aragorn, who looked as amused as they did.

"Mae govannen, Jephima." Elrohir spoke gently and only received a confused look from the boy. He looked back at Haeranan. "Not versed in Sindarin?"

"He is, but I think he's a bit tongue-tied. I doubt he'd ever expected to be using it."

Elladan smiled. "Perhaps my brothers and I should only speak in our tongue. The young one may find his tongue loosened if he wishes to keep up." Jephima looked a bit overwhelmed with the idea, then he managed a question.

"Brothers?" The boy looked around, he saw no other Elves in the company.

"Aragorn is our foster brother." Elrohir clarified.

Haeranan cleared his throat to get the attention of the riders and his young charge. "There will be plenty of time for talk later, but the orcs do not wait for us to finish pleasantries. We are five miles behind them and Fornost is only fifteen miles off. We have distance to gain, my friends."

Two more horses were produced and soon the band of eight was off again, riding in high spirits.

Mae govannen – well met