*Please note that Ethrin and Arlena are characters that I made up. Laphaela was thought up by a friend, and she has given me permission to use it, as the story I am writing has something to do with hers. Please do not use these names in any fan fiction or story you are writing. You will be notified about other characters made up by me in later chapters. Thank you.

Chapter 6

Arlena found Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, and Laphaela, telling them each of their plan. Gimli agreed right away, finding that Legolas and Laphaela were going. Aragorn asked, "is it really safe to just leave off without telling Elrond? How do you know that this girl, Lortil, is to be trusted?" At the sound of Lortil, Legolas and Laphaela started to speak up, but saw a warning glance directed to them from Arlena's direction. They nodded, understanding.

"I know that you are cautious for a reason, Aragorn. But I assure you that Lortil is a harmless girl that will help us, for I can sense that she has a great power, though I don't know what it is. But she won't harm us. The reason she wants to leave is the for the safety of Rivendell," explained Arlena.

"I think that your judgement overrules mine, for you know elves much better than I do. Very well, I will go along with you, but I will keep an eye on her." With that, all conversation ceased, and they each went to their rooms to pack up very light packs. All was ready by nightfall.

"We all ride horseback. Then we can get away from here faster, and can get enough of a head start to keep some distance from the demons, but be able to be close enough for the evils to leave Rivendell without fear of a wild chase," Ethrin told them. They had their packs with them, and were mounted on horses. They each brought a small supply of food, but had mostly weapons and blankets. Nobody was awake in Rivendell, save them. Ethrin then turned her horse and headed South. Everybody followed without a word.

They rode for hours, never stopping. Ethrin didn't know exactly where she was going, but the land seemed so familiar. Thoughts were racing through her mind, and fear seemed to consume her at some points. But then it would fade away as she thought about how she would probably be saving Middle-Earth, or at least giving Rivendell enough time to collect an army.

Finally, she stopped, and asked Aragorn, "what is the name of these mountains to the East?"

"They are the Misty Mountains. Feared throughout the land, mysterious and dangerous. Not many dare to cross it, and the ones who dare do not dare to cross it again. But I have been through the Misty Mountains many times," Aragorn replied, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Can we cross it?"

"If you know where to go and what passes to take."

"We shall cross it. I want to see the other side. I saw them when I was nearing Mirkwood Forest. Maybe if we cross them we have a good chance of keeping these demons busy searching for us, since they obviously want me. We need to give as much time to Rivendell as possible."

"We could visit Lothlorien, where the Lady Galadriel, I believe, still lives."

"She may be of some help to us?"

"Yes, Lortil. She may."

Ethrin thought about it. Galadriel…she had heard of her when she was still at the city. They said that a witch lived in Lorien. And many that went there never came back. But Aragorn could be trusted. If Arlena, Legolas and Laphaela trusted him, then she should too.

"We will go to Lothlorien," She stated, "Aragorn, I need you to help guide us there."

"I will," Aragorn replied. His horse went into the lead and everybody followed.

They traveled along the Misty Mountains, and the horses began to tire. They hadn't eaten for almost the whole day, so they decided to stop and rest. The horses were tied and the packs were set down. Aragorn and Gimli sat down. Ethrin watched as Gimli groaned, saying, "I will never get used to horses. Never will they be the perfect way of transportation. I prefer to walk and swing my axe." Ethrin grinned from under her hood and took out a slice of bread.

Suddenly, her mind grew intense. She fell into a trance, and her concentration spread to her surroundings. Then her focus locked into a spot in the trees. Her concentration broke, and then she felt herself fall. She didn't faint, but she felt dizzy and closed her eyes. Legolas saw her fall and ran to catch her. She pointed to the spot in the trees and gasped for breath. A shadow bound towards her and sharp fangs glittered in the sun, as the thing leaped at her throat.

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