The teen, the horse, and the halfling made their way through the forest. It wasn't that bad, walking through a forest at night. Tre knew that most teens back in Angel Groove would've freaked out, if not gotten themselves killed, by now. Tre, being a Power Ranger, knew the weirder side of things.

Then it started to rain. Trenara let out a string of curses in three languages. It had been cloudless the last time she looked.

We're near friggin' mountains, she muttered to herself. It's like narfin'' Kaneohe. Sun rain sun rain........Indecisive weather gods.

The teen looked to the horse, who had stopped besides her. She examined his saddle. Leather, with some kind of fabric padding under it. The halfling had a cloak, which she could use to cover herself and him.

Well, let's lighten your load, she sighed to the horse. We have to keep moving, and all that crap is no good wet.

She began to adjust her hold on the little person, so she could drape the cloak over them and undo the saddle.
Trenara suddenly spun around, the grip on her stick tightened.

We mean you no harm, the male before her raised his hands. Come, we will take you to shelter.

The teen looked around, and frowned. About six of them. They matched their surroundings too well. It was as if they were meant to live here. Because of that, she saw no evil in them. They held both caution and kindness in their eyes. That didn't mean could trust them.

In a knot of trees, they found a roof and dry parts. They began to unsaddle and brush him down. Trenara kissed his forehead.

Thank you. You're a wonderful horse. It was nice ta meet ya.

She had always taught to thank animals. Kindness done must be repaid. Animals were before people, as she had learned. They were the elders of the planet.
She turned and followed her guide up a tree. There was a rope ladder, and she was forced to give up her charge. He was passed up to the platform above. She followed with one hand, as she still held her stick. Once there, a cup was put into her hands.

You got wet, drink.

There was no trickery in his eyes, so she did as she was told. It was a little bitter, but she began to feel warmer almost immediately. She smiled her thanks as she handed back the cup. Then she looked for the halfling. He was being examined by another person, who was muttering to another in another language.

Do not worry, the first person she had seen put a hand on her shoulder. Elladan will make sure Frodo gets help. I am Elrohir.
I'm Trenara. Can I see im for a moment?

She was too focused on her charge to notice a slight ripple of curiosity go through the people around her. The teen placed a hand on the halfling. He seemed warmer and his blood pulse had slowed to a more normal rate. Elladan, who was holding him, looked up at her.

You have kept Frodo alive for this long, he said, and we are grateful. We can take him on to Rivendell. We will be quick and arrive before dawn.

She had only met them. She didn't trust them completely. They must have seen the sudden doubt and distrust in her eyes. Elladan looked her in the eye.

I'm going with Trenara cut off his words before they began.
You are exhuasted, we can tell. Rest.
I trusted the horse because animals no lie, her anger messed up her speech. I won' give Frodo up ta yous just cause you've helped us. Her grip once again tightened around her walking stick.
I promise you Frodo will be safe. He will find help and healing in Rivendell. You can see him tomorrow. You do him no good by arguing with me.

Trust was never one of Trenara's strong points. Her time as the Green Ranger nearly rid her of any trust. However, when she looked at these people, she knew they wouldn't harm Frodo. A hand went to her shoulder and she looked to see Elrohir.

If we meant to hurt him or you, we would've done so by now.
That was true. Then again, she was surrounded by guys. That was probably her being paranoid. She sighed, then eyed Elladan.
One hair out of place, and you'll curse your mother for givin' ya life.
Elladan nodded. Then he was gone, taking a path among the trees only he could see. She relaxed the hold on her stick.

Trenara's heart suddenly quickened. Something was trying to take over. It was a drug meant to knock her out. Her vision wavered, and the swirl of colors made her dizzy. Her staff clattered to the floor. She fell back, and Elrohir caught her. The teen glared up at him, but it was losing it's effect as sleep took over. Before she passed out, she saw a tinge of regret flow through him.
As he lowered her onto something soft, he sighed. I'm sorry.

Elrohir stood up once Trenara was covered with a blanket. Her loyalty to a stranger surprised him. Somehow, he knew it wasn't because of The Ring. The air about her spoke of a great force of good. There was also an air of sorrow.

You should rest as well, mellon nin. my friend
Elrohir sighed and turned to face Ramar. I will, when I know my brother has reached Imladris.
You know he will, and you've been up since this time last night, waiting for word from the river. Besides, you will need your strength.
What do you mean? the elf eyed his grinning friend.
Ramar nodded to the sleeping girl. She will attempt to kill you when she wakes.

The elves around laughed a little. Elrohir knew Ramar was right. Never trick females. They find the best of ways to retaliate. He had learned that from Arwen.
Once he knew his brother and charge were safe, Elrohir took a seat near Trenara. Elves didn't need to sleep often, but anxiety, stress, and the weather had worn him out. Within moments, he was as passed out as the teen.