Another chapter.. I love you reviewers!
-A
Note to lys: Tried to get in some of that Ranger on Ranger interaction – the Elves will be back I promise.
Inn of the SnowhillsThe inn was buzzing with activity and reminded most of the Dúnadain of the Prancing Pony in Bree, minus the hobbits that lived there. Aragorn found the innkeeper with Haeranan's help. Though Rangers were very common this far north, some were still skittish about them. The innkeeper, however, knew everyone in their band well enough to find rooms, though he couldn't promise there would be one for everyone. The men quickly agreed to take what they could get. Soon enough they were led to the rooms they would occupy, though the arrangements were not to be worked out yet – Jephima needed tending. As soon as the closest room was opened, Haeranan helped Jephima in, the twins close behind him. The rest of their small company retreated to clean off some.
"Hey lad, see? We've found somewhere safe to work on that shoulder of yours." Haeranan spoke to Jephima, his voice worried. The boy was blood related, a cousin that he held as a brother.
Elrohir pulled Aragorn aside as the Man reentered the room after cleaning off. "Aragorn, try and see if you can entice Haeranan out of here. Elladan and I learned well from our father but we can do very little if we must work around a distraught Dúnadan."
"Is it worse than it looks, then?"
"Possibly. Elladan retrieved the bolt to study it, something had been soaked into the tip. Nothing too serious – if we are free to treat it now."
Aragorn nodded and called to Haeranan. "Come my friend and let Elladan and Elrohir work. I assure that Jephima is in capable hands." As soon as the other Man was closer, Aragorn slung an arm around his shoulder. 'Besides, you look like you could use a drink, among other things."
Haeranan sighed, then conceded to Aragorn's offer, knowing that he would only be in the way if he stayed. "Thank you, Aragorn." Haeranan managed a tentative smile as he was led downstairs. "I still fear for Jephima.. he is as a younger brother to me."
"They are Lord Elrond's sons, Haeranan, and I trust no one else so much with my life. You should trust them."
"It seems that I have little choice but to do so, doesn't it?"
Aragorn sighed, it seemed as if there would be no reassuring Haeranan, but he could imagine the other man's feelings. He wasn't sure how he would react should anything have happened to Elladan or Elrohir, if they were harmed somehow. And he didn't really want to find out. Aragorn looked around the bustling tavern and found that Eymen and Farren had already settled at a table in the corner. He noticed that Farren had rewrapped his wrist and both looked to have a nice, if not quick, bath. Aragorn sighed wistfully, he'd only managed to wash away the blood and clean off his clothes as best he could. He made a note to soak for as long as he could as soon as he could manage. His train of thought was broken as Eymen voiced a greeting.
"Aragorn, Haeranan, sit down!" The chestnut haired man smiled, trying to lighten the mood as best he could.
"I never got the chance to greet you properly Aragorn, it's good to see you in the north again. I feared I would have to spend more time with these two." Farren grinned, the only blond amongst their small group. It was then they all noticed one of their company was missing. 'Where's Maron?"
Eymen and Aragorn exchanged a look before the darker of the two spoke; "If I know him as well as I claim to, I wager he's found a serving maid to bed down with for the evening." This comment brought a grin to everyone's faces. Maron was almost notorious amongst the Dúnadain for his 'involvement' with at least one maid in every town he passed through.
"Let us hope he does not drift east to come to see the Elves." Haeranan smirked, beginning to relax some in the friendly atmosphere.
"Indeed, he's already making a bad name for us in the west, we need not have immortals think of us so lowly." Farren smiled, they all knew this last thought was hardly true. The Elves of Middle Earth had always been on good terms with the Numenorian lines from which all the Dúnadain were descended – Aragorn with the most direct line of all.
"Elladan and Elrohir certainly don't seem to think so -"
"We've most likely all ready corrupted their fair minds." Farren shot back at Eymen and both men broke into laughter.
"Aye, but you're right, the last thing we need is for Maron to become smitten with one who would never have him. Not even for a night." Eymen chimed in again.
"Unless the Wood Elves are as promiscuous as rumors claim…" Haeranan trailed off and they all looked to Aragorn whom only adopted an innocent expression.
"What?"
"Out of us present, you are the only one who has gone so far east to wander Mirkwood, surely you've run into Thranduil's folk."
"Perhaps I have.."
"Well tell us, dear Aragorn, are the rumors true?" Farren continued with a devious grin.
"I'll speak no ill of the Woodland Elves lest I find myself in Thranduil's dungeons for doing so." Aragorn shook his head with a smirk. "It is for your own safety that I speak naught of it, Farren."
The red head sighed sullenly. "You ruin our fun, Aragorn."
"Perhaps, but at least now you cannot fault me when you are caught." Aragorn laughed softly as Farren rolled his eyes. It was good to be amongst friends again.
