Dimrost trotted quietly through the Golden Woods. Anarrima sat atop alert and ready. The sun was low in the sky and she knew the woods became a dangerous place in the darkness. But she was in the realm of the Lord and Lady, surely they have guards out at night, but would those elves recognize her?

Darkness fell and her provisions were running low, so she took refuge for the night in one of the tall trees. Unmounting Dimrost she climbed up the tree onto one of the higher branches. As she sat there Dimrost wandered off to graze in a nearby field. The tree seemed to welcome Anarrima, its leaves rustled all around her. She could feel it protecting her from unfriendly eyes as the branches cradled her. "Thank you, my friend," she whispered and placed a hand against the cool, rough bark.

Anarrima fingered the chain around her neck with Legolas' friendship ring on it. Since the battle at Osgiliath she always kept it near her heart. As the moon came out the ring seemed to glow brightly and illuminate her resting spot. With the soft flow of the Nimrodel in her ears she fell into a peaceful sleep.

On their way to Mordor, the Fellowship stopped to rest by a rocky clef near the Misty Mountains. Gandalf sat in thought smoking his pipe, Boromir was with Merry and Pippin teaching them combat skills, and Legolas stood off as the lookout.

"Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria," Gimli said, "my cousin Balin will give us a royal welcome."

"No, Gimli," Gandalf replied instantly, "I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice."

Suddenly Legolas spotted something on the horizon. It seemed to be a flock of birds. "But they seem so, unnatural," he thought.

"What is that?" Sam asked as he noticed them also.

"Nothing, just a wisp of cloud," Gimli said confidently.

"It's moving fast, and against the wind," Boromir said as the flock came closer.

"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas yelled to the others. "Hide!"

Sam quickly put out the small fire as the others gathered everything up. The hobbits, humans, and the dwarf all hid beneath the clef as Legolas and Gandalf took refuge in the thick brush. The birds flew above them, circling and screeching. Finally as the birds disappeared the company emerged from their hiding places.

"Spies of Saruman," Gandalf said as he looked back as the birds disappeared, "the path itself is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhas." All turned and stared at the ominous snow-capped mountains.

Anarrima awoke just as the sun began to turn the sky a rich golden hue. The sight was unbelievable. "How could anything be so beautiful?" She asked the sky above her. But just as her mind began to stray off again she heard voices below her. She could tell by the tree that the voices were not those of enemies, but of elves.

"This horse is not one of evil," one spoke holding Dimrost by her reins. He had golden hair and wore a grey cloak. His quiver was full and he held a bow in his hand.

"But where is the rider?" The other asked. He too had a bow in hand.

Anarrima was still for the longest moment. She couldn't decide whether to confront them or wait until they pass. "They could help me get to the city," she thought, "but what if they don't believe me?" She knew there was only one way to find out. Crawling quietly across the branch until she was above the two she called out, "I am her rider."

She jumped down from the tree, facing the two surprised elves. Anarrima stood before them, tattered and dirty, not at all looking like one of the Eldar. Her dark hair was matted and but her silver eyes still shined as they always did. "What is your name?" The first one asked.

"I am Anarrima of the Dunedain and have come to aid Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel."

"Well," he said as he motioned for the other one to go back to the city, "then I am inclined to give you mine. I am Haldir of the elven guards."