Elladan, Elrohir, Eldarion, and Legolas sat before Melamin. They all had questioning looks in their eyes, yet they said nothing, waiting for her to give them her explanation.

"I want to go on a quest to retrieve the Lifegiver Jewel," the young girl said finally, wringing her hands in her lap. She didn't look up at them, for she was afraid of what she might see on their faces.

"Melamin, child," Elrohir said gently after a moment's hesitation, "such a quest would be foolish for one of your age."

"She knows how to fight as well as any grown man," Eldarion argued, his eyes flashing. "You know it, too."

"Still," Elrohir protested. "She is much too young to be fighting demons." His dark hair that fell slightly past his shoulders flowed softly in the wind.

"She's the best hunter out of all her father's- Eldarion's- lands, save Eldarion himself. You said so yourself, brother," Elrohir's twin said, his dark eyes twinkling.

Finally Legolas spoke. "I think it would be best if she goes," he said, his eyes void of any emotion. Elrohir stared at him like he was insane. "But, it would be in her best interest to go as a man. A man traveling with a sword would not attract as much attention as a woman with a sword would." Elladan and Eldarion nodded at this.

With a sigh, Elrohir nodded. "Fine."

Melamin sat, looking into the mirror, watching as the first lock of her dusty blond hair fell to the floor. Eldarion had agreed to do it, since Runya would've been suspicious of her little sister cutting her hair like a man's.

"Listen, sister," Eldarion said quietly as another lock fell. "You have a knack with fighting, more than any man I've ever seen. You remind me of Father in that aspect. You also have a knack for teaching things and raising hope in others. Gods know why I couldn't have gotten those talents; perhaps you were born lucky. You were born under a Hunter's Moon.

"Use your talents along the way. Make allies, friends, and enemies." Another lock fell to the ground. Melamin watched her hair grow shorter in the mirror. "Keep your enemies near, because you can keep an eye on what they're doing and keep yourself from becoming arrogant. Keep your friends and allies near, as well, in case you ever need them. And last, never give up on your quest. If you do, all will fail."

Listening to her brother, Melamin noticed how...well, kingly he sounded. His rich voice was noble and proud, yet gentle and kind at the same time.

The last lock fell to the ground, and Melamin looked at herself. Her hair was cropped short, like a boy's. The difference was amazing; she could pass for a rather feminine looking boy. She just had to work on deepening her voice a bit...

"We've decided on your male name," Legolas announced, walking in with the grace and silence of a cat. "Elladan, Elrohir and I decided it should be something similar to your own name now. Your new name is Meltinir."

"Meltinir," Melamin said, sounding it out, liking how it rolled off the tongue easily. "I like it."

"Good," Legolas said, his lips in a smile and his eyes shining. "We spent forever deciding on a name, so I'm pleased you like it."

*~*~*

Melamin picked up the mail chest plate, putting it on. It was of dazzling creation; gold washed mail that looked black with a tinge of gold, made to fit her almost as well as clothing and made for going underneath her normal clothing without ever being detected. She put on the rest of her armor, all of the same creation. She put her belt around her slender waist. Attached to it was her sword, her father's sword. She put her hand over the hilt of the beautifully crafted blade, feeling its warmth.

She snapped back to reality, pulling on her loose shirt, breeches, and leather thigh boots. The supple color of her boots made her smile; she had been in many adventures with the worn pair. But none so perilous as the one she was about to begin.

She stepped out of her room into the hall, and watched as Legolas and Eldarion looked up. She saw slight surprise on both their faces.

"What?" She asked, blinking. Was there something on her face?

"You look like a boy," Eldarion croaked out after a few moments.

"That's the plan," she replied, grinning, with a wink. "Glad it works out so well." Legolas laughed, and Eldarion joined.

*~*~*

Melamin picked up the leather saddle designed with roses and set it on the large gelding's back. The gelding, Moonwind, had been her steed since she had been old enough to walk. A memory came rushing back, and brought tears to her eyes.

The three-year-old Melamin stood on tiptoe, looking at the large horse in front of her. He was a beauty, silky black, with feathery hocks and narrow shoulders, with deep hindquarters. His mane was long and glossy, flowing to his knees. His tail was even longer, and just as glossy. He had deep golden eyes, a rare color of eyes for horses. His hooves were polished until the shone.

The gelding took a step forward and butted her chest with his head, gently, as if he understood he had to be careful with the child. She threw her arms around his thick neck, though she couldn't quite reach all the way around. She buried her face in his sweet smelling mane, tears shimmering on her face.

Aragorn smiled, his arm around Arwen's waist. Arwen was smiling too, her head on her husband's shoulder. Melamin looked up, cheeks shimmering, and cried out, "Oh thank you thank you thank you!"

"What will you name him?" Aragorn asked with a smile at his eager daughter. Melamin looked over the horse, her horse, and smiled.

"Moonwind," she said, grinning from ear to ear.

She wiped her eyes before the tears could fall, shaking her head. The gelding, as if sensing his mistress' sorrow, nudged her shoulder gently with his nose. His ears were forward, pointed towards her. She smiled, and brought an apple out of her pocket. Holding her hand out, she offered the gelding her token with a small laugh. He picked it up with his teeth and munched it, contented.

This is it, she thought, her cheeks pink with excitement. I'm going in my father's footsteps.