Back again! This story's being written faster than most people can read it!

I say this on every entry, but: R&R, please! Constructive criticism welcome; especially if it's on some thing like the proper use of certain weapons (that comes in later).

Enjoy

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'I will not hear of it!' Aragorn shouted. Some birds burst up from the undergrowth and flew away noisily. 'I made a promise to your father, Mithmír, that I would keep you safe and out of danger! I will not let you come with us!' The two humans faced off with each other, each holding their ground, unwilling to back down.

'Why must you always treat me as a child!' screamed Mithmír, flinging her bow to the ground. 'When will I be free to be myself and make my own decisions?'

'Your parents love you, girl!' Aragorn retorted. 'All they wish is for you to be safe. This is not a woman's work, what we must do!' He regretted saying it as soon as he saw her face. She was no longer strong and rebellious, but deeply hurt and crushed.

'I was never good enough as an elf, or a human,' she whispered sadly. 'And now I am not good enough as a woman. I am not good enough to be independent.' Her eyes beseeched him. 'When shall I be good enough to be anything, Aragorn?' She turned and walked away.

'Wait, my friend-daughter,' he cried after her, but she was gone, silently. He shook his head, wishing it could be another way.

He met Legolas on his way back to camp. Surprised, he stopped.

'What are you doing here?' He asked.

Legolas frowned. 'She is deeply hurt, Elessar. I talked with that maiden last eve, and she upset for she feels inadequate.'

'I gathered,' replied Aragorn, but his voice was remorseful. 'I would not have spoken so harshly had I known how much she would care. I cannot let her come, however. Surely you know this, Legolas?'

The elf bowed his head. 'Yes, I know it.'

'Elrond foresaw that she had a part to play,' said Aragorn thoughtfully. 'Maybe she shall do so yet.'

'Maybe you care for her too much,' reminded Legolas. 'Allow her to stretch her wings and fly a little.' He frowned again. 'I fear that she shall do something rash, as humans are wont, now that she has been snubbed.' He shook his head thoughtfully. 'It cannot be helped. But mostly, lord, I came to tell you that Pippin wishes to acquire more lembas for the journey, and he wishes to talk to you about how much we can carry…'

'Hobbits and their food!' Chortled Aragorn. 'Some things never change.'

She went and found Tirathnavir immediately. 'Tirathnavir, my friend, aid me now!'

He dropped the long knives he was cleaning and grabbed her hand in brotherly love. 'What is it, grey-stone, what upsets you so?' He was worried for her, he had never seen her look so vulnerable.

She sobbed, her eyes wet, but no tears fell. She pushed him away. 'Find me Brialvastor, Tirathnavir! Please,' she beseeched him with hands upturned. 'May you just do this one thing for me in regards of our long friendship, alike to kinship it was so close!'

He perceived her purpose, and should have declined, but with heavy heart he nodded. Maybe he was wiser than the others, maybe not, but he would be the one to open this maiden's cage and set her free. Whether she flew or fell was her own chance, but one she had to take. 'You get lembas and water for yourself, lady,' he said sadly. 'I will meet you by the banks of the Anduin.' He cried silently, tears not marring his elven beauty but making it more touching. Sorrow was somehow befitting to Elves. 'Take care of yourself, Mithmír. I could not bear to lose you.'

She hugged him in expression of the immense gratitude she felt. 'I owe you a great debt, Tirathnavir, ever faithful friend,' she whispered. 'I shall not forget this, and you shall be repaid.'

With a nod they parted, each heart breaking.

She stood still as the willows around her on the banks of the great river. Tirathnavir had gone, left her with only Brialvastor, whose breath steamed in the air. She wasn't crying anymore. Her choice had been made, and by herself this time. She breathed deeply. She felt better than she had for a long time. She stifled the fear that writhed in her belly. She would follow her chosen path to the end, the bitter end if need be. She was a ranger, and now she would do as she had often before: follow weary travellers, unseen, and protect them as she could.

They were given boats by the Lady Galadriel. So they were to head to Nen Hithoel. She had a boat there. She could ride with great speed to the lake, and if need be take the boat from there. But her bet was they would head to Mordor, and so she needed only to stay on the West side of the water and they would meet, when it was too late for Aragorn to send her back. She could face his wrath.

She could face anything, as long as it was her free will that made her do it.