A/N: Now I hope none of you stopped reading, because that would be a real shame. This chapter will be extremely short, but I think you will all be pleased with it.

Chapter 42: Deception

Erestor pulled Iceriver to a stop. They were just within the woods of Ithilien, and not a sound could be heard. Erestor looked down at the still form in his arms, and a slow smile spread across his face. He slipped from Iceriver's back and picked up Elwing. She didn't move. Erestor's grin grew. He looked up as Draug and his pack materialized from the surrounding woods.
Draug glanced at Elwing's limp form. "I see it worked," he said, looking back to Erestor.
"Perfectly," Erestor said with a sly grin.
"So what do we do with her?" Draug asked.
A mischevious smile crept across Erestor's face. "Something that should have been done a long time ago." Bending his head, Erestor kissed Elwing full on the lips.
"You're right, that should have been done a long time ago," Elwing smiled after Erestor had drawn back.
"I'm glad you agree," Erestor grinned, kissing her again.
A minute later, Draug cleared his throat noisely. "Can we get on with it?"
Elwing and Erestor drew apart sheepishly. "You're no fun," Elwing teased, slipping from Erestor's arms. "Did you bring him?"
In answer, Spruce bounded out and ran up to Erestor, a huge grin on his face. "Spruce! I thought you were dead!" Erestor cried, bending and hugging the wolf.
"He's about as dead as the Sunstar," Draug said with a wry grin.
"Right," Elwing said with a smirk. "Did you bring my stuff?" Two wolves stepped forward and dropped a pack at her feet. "Thanks," she smiled, picking up the pack. "Now to use the rest of this. Be right back."
Elwing disappeared into the woods, and the others sat down to wait for her. "Draug, does this mean she escaped her Fate?" Erestor asked.
"Good question," Draug mused. "She did agree to serve him, and she did 'die'... I don't know."
Erestor grinned. "I know one thing, Sauron will regret the day he met her for as long as he lives... which won't be long."
"You can say that again," Elwing said grimly.
Erestor and the wolves stared at her in shock. She was dressed in black and silver, a long black cloak hanging from her shoulders. Her sword was strapped to her back, and her eyes were a deep green. She looked like an Elven queen who had walked out of the past.
"What's everyone looking at?" she laughed, shattering the illusion.
"Uh, nothing," Erestor said, scrambling to his feet. Suddenly he paused. "Elwing, have you grown?"
The others looked, and sure enough Elwing now stood almost even with Erestor, whereas before she had been six inches below him.
"Well, it's about time!" she laughed.
Erestor stepped closer, looking at her carefully. "Your height isn't the only thing that changed," he said, pointing at her ears.
Frowning, Elwing ran her hand over her ear. Her eyes grew wide. "They're pointed!"
"I guess you are officially an Elf," Erestor smiled.
"I guess so," Elwing smiled back. She let out a sharp whistle, and Alagos appeared. "Ready to kick some Orc butt?" she grinned.
Erestor matched her grin. "But of course, milady!"
Leaping on their horses, they galloped from Ithilien, the StarWolves close behind them.

End Chapter 42

You will note that I never said she was dead. **sly grin** Now aren't you glad you kept up with this story? **puts out plate of cookies** Don't forget to review! And I know this chapter was short, but the next will make up for it, trust me. =o) Thank you for reading!