I rode along remembering from Hennar's directions which way to go to her parent's home.

And if I was especially lucky, I was also going to run across Loran, the weasel.

Carenloth and I traveled for hours and though I felt very positive because I was doing something practical, in the long stretches of time along the trail, I wanted to be back in Rivendell.

I'll admit this because, it is all very well to boldly declare I was leaving and then to actually do it, well, it was kind of scary. What DID I know of the rest of Middle Earth?

I hunkered down in my saddle.

I missed the warm library and the fireplace. Now of course elves don't get cold like us humans, but a fireplace is such a wonderful comforting thing, especially in the depths of winter. Even in Rivendell after dark, a fireplace is welcome.

I kept riding.

Before sunset, I found a little clump of boulders and setting up my camp, I got a fire going (I was expert at tinder and flint these days.)

I sat hunched around my small fire holding a mug (which of course I had gotten out of the kitchen) filled with tea, which I had also taken.

Okay, okay, I was going to stop feeling guilty.

I promise.

I had to stop thinking about Rivendell!

I stared into the fire. I really did want to stop thinking of it. Especially the elf lord. Tears sprang to my eyes.

I needed to focus on the parents and Loran and how I was going to help Hennar and all.

I wrapped myself in my cloak and blanket and lay close to the fire staring sightless into the lowering flames.

Curling up, I closed my eyes and tried very hard to avoid thinking of elves. And the elf lord.

I didn't sleep very well that night.

Rising early that morning, making tea and having some fruit and a roll, my hands were numb with the winter cold.

It didn't take me long to clean up and be on my way.

Carenloth, refreshed, was frisky and enjoyed being out on the open trail. She kicked up her heels and we made good speed this day.

The day grew cloudy, but at least there was no rain or snow.

And so it went for a couple days.

Using my slight sense of direction, I headed southeast hoping soon to reach the East Road.

On the evening of the fourth day-I was once again around my fire huddled in my cloak. I was getting the sniffles and beginning to feel a bit foolish, I put my head on my knees.

What if I DIDN'T run across Loran? What if I got lost? I was basing my travels on the memories of a sick woman.

I shook my head and yawned. Rolling up in my cloak and blanket, I once again fell asleep fitfully by the fire.

I was rapidly discovering I was not much of a bare bones camper. (Camping with Lord Elrond does not count. I was with the elf lord. Come on, not the same thing at all!)

Next day, sniffling, I got up on Carenloth, stiff and creaky and took off.

And at last I met up with the East Road. It was wide enough for four horsemen abreast and was a clear straight road. Going up into the foothills.

I tried to figure how far Hennar's husband would get. Spurring Carenloth into a canter, we headed East.

Paying attention to the Road, I looked for signs of recent travelers. And you know, even though I am no Ranger (duhhh!) I was able to determine with little or no training that someone had passed this way recently.

Taking a deep breath I spurred Carenloth up the Road. Of course Loran was not expecting to be followed.

As I was riding, my thoughts went to Loran. Just what HAD he expected Hennar to do? Why had he not come after her? Was he really so indifferent he felt-well out of sight, out of mind? Perhaps he had thought she gone back to her parents.

Shaking my head I grew more confused. Exactly what had happened with the two?

Hm. Maybe he had gone looking for her? Why had I not crossed paths with him then? Well, of course he had no idea where she had gone exactly.

The more I thought about it, the more confusing it got in my mind.

Sighing, I decided, never mind. Loran needed to know what had happened to Hennar.

Late in the evening, I decided to go off the Road and camp. There was a little copse of trees and boulders and I tiredly dismounted and inelegantly wiped my nose. Pulling off the horse's tack, I groomed Carenloth and started a fire. I was tired and a headache was beginning behind my eyes.

Waiting for the tea to steep, I heard a sound at the edge of my firelight. My heart stopped and I pulled out my dagger. Oh it better not be anything large and nasty!

I stood quickly, my blade glittering in the firelight.

Lo and behold, a man came into view leading a tired horse.

Okay. I backed up and Carenloth raised her head and snorted

"Who are you?" I asked in what I hoped was passable Westron.

"I might ask the same of you, mistress," the man said sizing me up with a slight frown. "Why does a woman travel this road alone? Do you not know it is dangerous to be out unaccompanied?"

All right. This could only be the feminist-challenged Loran.

I stood straighter and looked him over. He was tall and thin with raggedly cut brown hair. He wore a much-washed tunic over brown pants and worn serviceable boots. His face was normal looking, dark brown eyes, thin mouth, very tanned face.

Sigh. He did not look like an evil bastard.

"My business is my own. What do you need?"

"I would be grateful to share your fire mistress."

"What if I do not wish for company?" I could not help the snarky remark. I hate men who assume because I am female, I need them.

"Surely you do not wish to be out here alone. You probably have no idea of what might be roaming these mountains. It is not safe for you." He looked over at Carenloth and smiled. Dropping his horse's reins, he moved over to her and petted her flank.

"She's a fine mare."

Ignoring his compliment, I said testily, "I have been traveling for days on my own thank you." I gave him a look as I was tiring of him already. "Just who are you and where are you traveling to?"

"My name is Loran of Falcon Hill Farm. I am for Laketown."

"I am Marie of-of.Rivendell." Now that was very weird to say!! Marie of Rivendell.kind of well, cocky of me.but it was the first thing that came to mind.

"And you are headed where, Marie of Rivendell?"

"Actually I am headed East myself." I decided I did not want to tell him any more at the moment. I did not want to have an argument now.

"Well then, perhaps we can travel together some."

Silence being best, I nodded and indicated the fire.

The morning would make things more clear, I hoped.
Ahh. Morning. I actually am a morning person (except of course when I am sick). I enjoy the fresh air and the rising light.

This morning would be a little different. I got to find out right away what kind of nasty soul Loran was.

I found myself tied to a nearby tree, a lump on the back of my head and Carenloth, and all my belongings, gone.

I yanked at my bonds, which hurt my head and just got me rope burns.

The weasel hadn't even left me any water or food, much less my cloak.

I stared at my wrists in dismay. What a rube I'd been! I knew he was a nasty creep, and I blithely said come on in, in a fly-to-spider kind of way. What an idiot!!

What was I going to do now? No food, no water, no horse. And I was not completely sure HOW far from anywhere I was.

I shivered suddenly and coughed. And what could be out there that might find me a wonderful addition to the food chain?

I tried to undo the knot with my teeth and just succeeded in rubbing my gums raw. I yanked the rope again in frustration.

He had not wanted me to get free. At all.

And then to help things along, it started to softly snow.

Fruitlessly I pulled again and the rough rope just rubbed my wrists raw more.

Swallowing dryly, my head aching from the rock, I curled up in the leaves.

And on top of ALL this, the bastard was going to get away. And I did not know where I was and no one else did either.

Boy, had I been useful!!
Thirst is an awful thing. Worse than hunger. Your mouth gets so dry! It did help that there was some snow to lick up, but there wasn't much because I was under a tree.

I lay on the ground, staring at the dried leaves and small pebbles within sight. I tried to keep warm, but once I started shivering, I could not stop.

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

The next day was a continuation of the last. Exhausted from trying to undo the rope (making the rope burns worse of course), I would sleep some and then thirst would wake me. I would cough some and then settle down in the leaves shivering and trying to sleep.

A very pleasant way to spend the day, as you can imagine.

Something was snuffling in my hair. I sat up with a jerk and heart pounding I found myself staring at a wolf!! And there were others circling nearby!!

It was twilight and the temperature had dropped a great deal. Kicking in terror at the animal, it snarled and jumped away, causing the rest of the pack to move off some too.

I scrambled around trying to find rocks and I threw them at the pacing beasts.

But of course rocks were not going to scare them off for long. Damn! And I didn't even have my dagger!! What would the pack leader do? Go for my throat I guess?

I hunkered down and moved up against the tree trying to make myself as small as possible. Growling surrounded me and then with a rush, the alpha male attacked! I brought up my arms and screamed as loud as I could, which wasn't as loud as it might have been had my throat not been so dry.

The wolf's teeth sank into my left fore arm and I screamed again and tried to yank it free . Oh no!

I was going to be wolf chow. I guess it was only fair because of the wolf I had killed up at the sheep station months ago.

The wolf worried at my arm, which really hurt and I kicked at the animal hard and finally he let go but I could see the other wolves coming closer and the leader made ready for another pounce. I covered my face again, my left arm bleeding all over me.

I expected ripping teeth and was consumed by terror.

Thwipp! I heard a wolf howl and then a thud. Another thwipp! And a thud and then the pack began to yip and fade off.

I kept my head covered and I am ashamed to admit I was shaking with fear, tears running down my face. And I was so cold.

Cowering by the tree, I grew confused by the silence. And then, I felt someone near me. Afraid it was Loran come to finish me off, I slowly raised my head and was ready to kick out, when by the last of the fading day, I saw someone with long dark hair bending near me who swiftly slit the rope tying my wrists.

Sobbing, I flung myself at my favorite elf lord and cried and bled all over his nice maroon riding leathers.

He held me a moment, letting me cry. I felt so relieved and then I felt so stupid.here he was back to rescuing the idiot human female.

This made me cry harder.

He adjusted me in his arms, so he could look into my face. The twilight caught in his eyes, even under the shadow of the tree and I could faintly see his smile. "Shh, Marie. You have led me on a merry chase and into another scrape I see. And with a wolf again."

Shivering and coughing, I tried to sit up, and he let me, pulling his cloak off and wrapping me in its soft warm folds.

"I-I am so-so sorry! I wanted to find Loran and bring him back to Rivendell to face Hennar and her loss." I said hoarsely. "He-he did this..He-he is a real monster my lord."

Exhausted, I buried my face in his chest again, so, so glad it was he that had found me.

He leaned me against the tree and went to his stallion Rhean whose ears were back at being so close to the dead wolves. Elrond quieted him and brought over a rucksack and a water bottle. He let me drink just a little and then turned and got a fire going quickly. I lay there in a half-stupor my arm and wrists throbbing with pain and though the cloak helped a lot, I still shivered.

He got water boiling and I watched his efficient movements as he lay out supplies to take care of my injuries. I turned my face into the soft wool that smelt slightly spicy and tears came again. What an idiot I was. Seeing all those things just made me feel helpless and stupid.

And I hadn't even succeeded in running away. I had just run into trouble instead.

Gently lifting me, Lord Elrond adjusted me so he could work on my mangled arm. He stared at me a moment before he started and then bent and kissed me on the forehead. "Sleep now Marie. All will be well."
Late afternoon sun winked through the thick branches of the tree above my face.

I was very tired and thought of sleeping some more, when my eyes went wide: Wait! Elrond! Was I just imagining..?"

No, obviously not. My arm was thickly bandaged as were my wrists. I was still wrapped in his cloak, and another blanket. I ached some, but the sharp nagging pains had gone numb. The fire was still burning nearby and my eyes latched onto a teapot in the shape of a round gourd. Sunlight sparkled on its silver edges. And even squat as a pumpkin, the pot was elegantly designed, and steaming slightly.

My fear dissipated and I relaxed.

Rhean stood near the tree, one back hoof cocked, his head down and eyes half closed. I smiled and felt my eyes slide shut copying the stallion. I yawned and sank back into sleep.
Night enveloped the little camp Elrond had made, and this time when I awoke, he was sitting opposite the fire, sharpening a small dagger.

"Was that for dinner?" I said groggily. I wanted to sit up, but realized I was much more comfortable lying down.

"No, skinning the wolves. They are two nice pelts and will be useful as either a rug or cloak lining. Dinner for you will be some broth and lembas." (He had even been prepared to feed an invalid. What a lowering thought). I blinked tiredly, my spirit sinking some. He knew me so well.

His deep grey eyes glittered at me across the fire, his dark hair throwing off blue black highlights.

Sighing, I mentally adjusted myself and just enjoyed staring at him. It was so nice to see him, no matter what! And it had only been about a week. I think.

Just a week or so away from the elf lord and I was a miserable wreck. Why? I snuck a glance at him, yawning, his fair face serious as he worked steadily on his blade. I would need to think more on this when I had a little less to occupy my mind.

As the whetstone skirled along the blade rhythmically I asked, my voice still dry. "How did you find me?"

"The twins met me on my way out from Rivendell and told me they had met you already traveling to the East Road determined to seek Loran. I just followed the trail of the two horses and found you quite by accident because Rhean grew nervous about the wolves."

I swallowed dryly, my stomach tensed up. He found me "quite by accident?" Oh my lord. I could have indeed been wolf chow, save by whim.

Tears pooled in my eyes and I turned to stare at the branches lit slightly orange by the fire.

All of this by chance: if I had not found Hennar, if the twins had not told Elrond, if Loran had not found my camp, if Lord Elrond had not found me.

I tried to stifle it, but a sob escaped me and I brought my uninjured hand to my face.

In moments, I found myself lifted and settled against his chest. "Marie, do not worry. All has happened as it should. We are not here to question constantly the what ifs or the might-have-beens. That way leads to needless anxiety and pain. All has worked out as it should, as it was meant to be. Shh Marie." He brushed my hair out of my face.

"But-but I have drawn you out of your House and set you on the Road looking for me. And I did not mean for this to happen."

"I was looking for you, and the twins, whom I found first. I had sent outriders first, but decided I needed to discover what was occurring beyond the boundaries of Rivendell. I needed the twins help with an avalanche up in the higher reaches of the mountains, close to where you and I met up with all that snow. A caravan has gotten trapped and I have sent many elves to help clear the road and tend to any injuries. I did not know you had left Rivendell until I came upon my sons."

I leaned against his chest, my tears slowing down. I rubbed my eyes tiredly and sighed.

Feeling as I was going to drift off again I asked tiredly, "And what of Loran? He must come back to Rivendell."

The elf lord's arms tightened about me slightly. "He will. Now that I have found you, we will track down Loran. He has not gotten too far I imagine as Carenloth will fight him the whole way and slow his travels." He smiled down at me. "And there will be snow this night to slow him even further."

I nodded and sighed.

Weak and childish, all I wanted was to be back in my bed in Rivendell and sleep and wake up and find this had all been a particularly vivid nightmare brought on by too much mead perhaps.

Elrond shifted my weight and lay me down again making sure the blanket was wrapped around me. Coughing, I settled into soft wool and got as comfortable as I could.

Morning there would be snow...and a new direction.