I do not own lord of the rings,etc.,etc. Please, remember plots take time to develop, so if this story is taking longer than you are expecting, please bear that in mind. Also, please read and review everything so far. If you have any suggestions, let me know. This Chapter rated 'G'.

Once inside, Kalen saw many others who wore clothing similar to her own. As warriors of the woods, they had learned that the greens and browns, although sometimes drab, would provide them the protection of camouflage. Looking ahead, she could see that the table of elders had already been seated and her eyes fell on the head Elder. Niphredia had been a fierce warrior in her younger years with features that mirrored those of Calanagariel, save for her eyes of gray. It had been rumored that before starting this colony of women, men of all races wished to love and be loved by her. For reasons that only she knew, she had turned her back on the idea of sharing eternity with a man

"Are all present'? Niphredia's voice boomed. Voices of agreement echoed and she raised her hand to silence them. "You have all been called here for two important reasons. Today, we welcome our sister and captain of guard into the council of elders."

Calanagariel bowed and looked at Kalen as the others cheered loudly.

"I have reached the age when I become eligible to sit on the council of elders. To do so, I must relinquish my position as captain of guard. I must also choose a successor. I knew this day would come, so many years ago, I began training the one that I would choose as my replacement. I saw in her everything I once was, and also, the potential of what she could become. I chose to train her in the art of wielding elven swords". Calanagariel turned to the head elder, and Niphredia handed her a golden box decorated with colored gems. There was a silence as the box was opened, revealing two shining silver swords trimmed with elvish writing. Calanagariel turned toward Kalen, swords crossed against her chest, and a look of honor fell on Kalen's face. She was to become the next captain of guards.

Calanagariel whispered "I had these made especially for you", then spoke again, but now aloud. "In accepting these, you also accept the responsibility of defending our people and our way of life, even if it means the loss of your own".

Kalen bowed, taking the two swords into her hands. Her old swords were removed from the sheaths on her back. Taking the new swords, she crossed them in the air, and then bent her arms back to place them into her sheaths.

"I am honored, and vow that I will devote myself to defending my land and my people. If in doing so, I should lose my life, so be it, but I will die defending all that I love". Kalen's words were spoken whole-heartedly.

Niphredia frowned, knowing the next order of business would test the new captain further than she could ever have imagined at that moment. "Yes, and that may come sooner than you think. Our second order of business is not as pleasant as the first. I have received word that the cup of elements has been taken forcefully from the guardians that protected it. Those men are all dead, so the duty falls to the women who should have guarded it all along". Niphredia made no attempt to hide her true feeling by sugar coating her words.

"Yes, it will take five days journey to catch up to. The council has decided to send Nevaria, our best scout to bring back details so that we may prepare our army for battle. Kalen will go with her for protection and also because she is now in charge of our army" Calanagariel added with her new authority.

The thought of travelling with Nevaria made Kalen cringe. They competed in all that they did, and this mission would prove no different. Still, she knew she would do what she had to for her people, even if it meant suffering Nevaria's foul company.

The council began telling the history of the 'cup of elements'. Forged by the hand of an evil wizard, the cup could control the elements, and its creator used these elements against anyone who opposed his will. When Gandalf, the wizard, learned of this cup, he knew something had to be done to prevent its use for further evil. It was decided that it should be sent to the guardians of Terrion. There, they would protect it until the end of times or, as was the present case, until the end of their lives.

"Whoever drinks from this cup has the power to control all the elements of Middle Earth. Misuse could bring disaster to us all". There was a small tremble in Niphredia's voice and Kalen now understood the importance of this mission.

With a knowing tone, Kalen kneeled before the council of elders and promised "We will return with the information you seek. We will not fail you, I promise you that. We should set out as quickly as possible, no later than nightfall".

"Nightfall", Nevaria gasped, "My scouting is much easier accomplished when I can actually see. We should leave at first light".

"If that is the case, maybe your skills are not adequate enough. We should reach the river on the outskirts of our land by morning. Then, you shall be able to scout all you like" Kalen said with a tone of obvious annoyance.

Niphredia looked at the two young elves. They were behaving like children engaged in some sort of silly competition, and her patience had been worn thin with the worry and urgency of this mission.

"Enough! Time is of the essence. Kalen is right, you must set out quickly. Scouting should be of no concern until tomorrow. It is when you reach the edge of our forest that you will need those scouting skills, Nevaria. It would also be wise, to take the orders of your superior without question". When she had finished speaking, Niphredia sat down and waved her hand to dismiss everyone.

With that, the scout and her captain took their leave and begin gathering the supplies that they would need for their journey. Before their departure, Calanagariel made a visit to Kalen's room. She was filled with much worry as she stared at the elf with raven hair.

Resting a hand upon her shoulder, Calanagariel spoke silent words of love for Kalen and then gave voice to her feelings.

" Dear one, you have always been a warrior, so it would be useless to tell you to begin thinking like one. No, you must now think like a survivor, like a captain of guards".