604--I actually made it, talk about an ego trip!!! Many thanks to you all!!
Chapter 63--The Rangers
Aragorn returned to the meeting place at dawn. Much to his surprise and pleasure he found not just Stalker, but ten others waiting for him. "Well-met," he said.
"The decision has been made. When confronted King Rian admitted what he had done. I suspect he did not know what we would do or he would not have," Stalker said. "We would offer our services to the Elven King if we may."
Aragorn nodded. "I will take you to him. I am sure he will be grateful for your help," he said. He led them back to the army.
The Elves eyed the rangers warily as they were led into the camp, but no one tried to stop them. They were stopped only when they reached the tent where Thranduil was.
"I am sorry, Aragorn, but they all may not enter. One only if you will," one guard said.
"Understandable, I am in charge of this group. I will go," Stalker said.
Aragorn led him inside. "King Thranduil, I must speak to you," he said.
Thranduil looked up from the papers he was perusing. "What is it and who is he?" he asked.
Stalker answered before Aragorn. "I am Stalker, sire. I would like to offer the services of myself and my fellow rangers to the Elves," he said.
"You were with the invaders. Why should I trust you?" Thranduil said.
"We were, but Rian lied to us and when we found out about his dishonorable conduct we could serve hi no longer. As for trusting us I give you my oath of loyalty on behalf of myself and my troops," Stalker said.
Thranduil studied him then nodded. "Accepted, you may join the army. Go now, I have much to do," he said.
Stalker bowed respectfully and followed Aragorn out of the tent where they sent each ranger to posts where they'd be most useful. Finally only one was left. It was then that Aragorn realized she was a woman.
"Teiya here is trained as a healer, perhaps she could join them?" Stalker asked.
"I am sure the other healers will be grateful for all the help they can get. Some of them have not had a chance to rest for hours," Aragorn said. He told her where they were stationed.
"I will go to them immediately," Teiya said and hurried off.
Aragorn and Stalker headed off in another direction as they discussed strategies for the next attack.
When Teiya reached the healers the first person she saw was a dark haired Elf tending another Elf's leg that was obviously deeply cut. "Can I help?" she asked.
The Elf didn't even look up. "Yes, hold his leg still while I sew up this cut," he said.
Teiya did and the Elf quickly and skillfully sewed the cut shut before applying herbs and a bandage. He finally looked up. "Who are you?" he asked sharply.
"Teiya, I and the other rangers have just joined forces with the Elves against Rian," she said. "Now who are you?"
"Elrond," the Elf said. He washed the blood from his hands.
They drew Teiya's attention briefly before she looked up at him again. "So what else can I do?" she asked.
"Plenty, come with me," Elrond said. They walked off to tend other patients.
Hours passed as Teiya and Elrond worked until finally they were able to take a rest and they sat down to eat.
"You are not a full-blooded Elf, are you?" Teiya asked.
"No, I am half-elven," Elrond said.
"Sorry, we do not have to discuss it if it offends you," Teiya said.
"It does not offend me, lady. I am not ashamed of my mixed blood," Elrond said.
"Good because you should not be. You share blood with an admirable race and you should be proud of that," Teiya said. She returned her attention to her food.
Elrond did too though he gave her a thoughtful look….
Heh, maybe I'll sneak an Elrond romance or at least flirtation in here too! That might be fun! What do you think? R/R please!!!!