"What should I be expecting Estel?" Glorfindel asked, a few minutes into their ride.

            "What do you mean Glor?"

            "I have heard about your adventures and what you are capable of getting yourself into. I wish to be prepared."

            "I have no idea what you are talking about Glorfindel," Aragorn said as he urged his horse into a slow trot.

            "Do not think me a mindless orc, Estel. The sons of Elrond and prince of Mirkwood always find trouble or trouble finds them. It is inevitable as your father would say."

            "Well, as you can observe. There is only one son of Elrond and no Mirkwood prince around. I think you will be safe from harm Glorfindel," Aragorn said without looking back at the elf.

            "Just as long as you have enough weapons and healing herbs to last an elfish lifetime."

            The two travelers stopped as the shadowy figure stepped out from the thicket. The dark green dragon sat on his haunches and dipped his head in respect. The dragons had been offered refuge in Rivendell by Elrond after the events at Tharbad and they had readily accepted. Some still slept in different regions but Rivendell was a safe haven where dragons could avoid persecuting and be accepted. Kore enjoyed the forests of Rivendell so he lived and stayed in Rivendell.

            "Kore, it is a pleasure as always," Aragorn greeted with a smile.

            "Master Human, Master Elf; going on a journey?"

            "We make for Hill of the Eye."

            "I hope you are ready for whatever trouble will follow this young human," Kore said to Glorfindel as Aragorn rolled his eyes.

            "As ready as I ever can be," Glorfindel replied as Kore chuckled.

            "Can we go now? You have embarrassed me enough for today," Aragorn moaned.

            The two said farewell to Kore and rode away towards the forest's outskirts. The day was warm and the sky was clear with only a few clouds to mar the beautiful blue sky. The Misty Mountains loomed above them as the path led them towards the pass over the mountains. Glorfindel started to imagine what all could possibly happen to Estel and him on their journey. For a normally stoic elf, Glorfindel could be very creative, Aragorn thought to himself as the elf voiced his imaginations. He cast a worried look at the elf when he said something about a lake monster hunting him down to badly mutilate. Then somehow Legolas would appear to save him and somehow get more injured than anyone thought possible. Aragorn rolled his eyes at his friend and shook his head. It wasn't his fault if trouble always found his friends and him; it wasn't as if he wanted to be hurt or attacked countless times. He doubted if Legolas wanted that either. Both would get that 'I-can-not-believe-how-much-trouble-you-two-are-in' lecture and then the 'Just-wait-till-you-are-healed' look. Then they would stay around their respective homes for a week and drive the entire household staff crazy before finally being kicked out to bother some other family and cause havoc. Aragorn started to notice that some of the household staff would start to acquire a twitch that seemed to get worse whenever he neared. He saw his father have that same twitch occasionally when all of his sons came home injured after some unbelievable adventure. The Mirkwood healers had the same twitch every time he saw them which were when the prince and he needed healing.

            He glanced back at Glorfindel when he heard the elf curse none too quietly.

            "Is something wrong Glor?"

            "I forget something that I really should not have forgotten," he muttered and mumbled something to himself.

            "What did you forget?" Aragorn questioned and brushed aside a tree branch.

            "My good luck charm," Glorfindel muttered and bowed his head as Aragorn smiled.

            "A good luck charm? Are you telling me that the fearless Balrog slayer, brave warrior, Lord Glorfindel has a good luck charm?" the human asked shocked before starting to laugh uncontrollably atop his horse.

            He dropped his reins to his horse's neck and wrapped his arms around his waist as he laughed. Tears started to leak from his eyes as he continued to laugh and Glorfindel glared at him. Glorfindel urged his horse faster and rode past the laughing human to move in front. Pushing aside a tree branch, he slowly started to smile before glancing back to Aragorn. Continuing to ride forward, he held on tightly to the tree branch and stretched it back to its limit. With an evil smirk, he released his grip and heard the sound of the branch snapping back and heard the yelp from the human. His acute ears heard the distinct sound of him falling off the horse and the following curses when he hit the ground. As he rounded the corner he looked back to the human that had tree bits all over his front and glaring at the elf.

            "It is not polite to laugh at your elders Estel."

            Glorfindel started to laugh and rode along as he listened to Aragorn brush himself off and mount his horse again. Glorfindel may have been a proper elf lord but he had picked up several things from the twin sons of Elrond before Estel had even been born. He could pull pranks with the best of them when and if he tried. When the sons of Elrond were gone on scouting missions or visiting other towns it had been known for Elrond and Glorfindel to pull pranks on each other. Valar forbid if Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas and Estel ever found out what the should be respectable elf-lords did when they were not at home. They would be shocked at the kind of pranks the elf-lords could think of. Glorfindel started to think that the twins should start getting a taste of their own medicine; see how well they stand up to two elf lords combining forces against them. With an undignified, un-elf like snort, he turned to look at Aragorn as he rode up beside him.

            "That was most unkind."

            "You deserved it young one," Glorfindel replied and glanced over at the human.

            Small bits of twigs, leaves, and dirt clung to the human's disheveled hair. Glorfindel's good humor faded slightly upon seeing a scratch left by the tree branch. It was about two inches long and a corner bled slightly while the rest was a bright red cut.

            "You know this means war," Aragorn joked, not noticing the elf's expression.

            Glorfindel reached over and stopped Aragorn's horse while he stopped his own. Aragorn looked at him surprised for the sudden stop as Glorfindel gently touched the cut. The human flinched slightly before ruefully grinning.

            "So trees do fight back."

            "I apologize young one. I did not think the branch hit you that hard."

            "It is nothing Glor. I will tend to it when we camp tonight which should be soon. The sun is soon to start setting," Aragorn commented and glanced around the darkening forest.

            "Let us ride for a bit more until setting up camp. I wish to find a more open area to camp in."

            Aragorn agreed and they rode farther along the path as they looked for a good place to camp. When they reached a good place, Aragorn took care of the horses while Glorfindel started the fire and made a small meal. The bed rolls were laid out around the warm fire as the two weary travelers rested against their packs. Aragorn pulled out this pipe once they ate the small dinner and lighted the pipe weed. Taking a deep breath and holding it for a few seconds, he slowly breathed out the smoke into the night air. He smiled at the elf as Glorfindel scooted away from the smoke. The human knew that the pipe weed smoke was offensive to the sensitive noses of elves so he only smoked when he traveled. Elrond forbid him to smoke in his house and Aragorn had to comply with his request, well it was more like a demand. He was just more inclining to think of it as a request.

            "What was this I heard of you being impaled by a sword?" Glorfindel asked suddenly as he cleaned his twin blades.

            "You have been talking to my father," Aragorn commented.

            "Talking, yes; but not about that. I have only heard very short accounts of it but never the full story. Wish to tell a camp side story?"

            Aragorn chuckled before taking his pipe and dumping out the ashes. Stuffing it into his pack, he looked to the fire before speaking.

            "It really started off harmlessly enough," he started but stopped when Glorfindel snorted. "Do you mind?"

            "Sorry, there was something in the air."

            "I am sure."

            Aragorn blinked as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he looked around. Something had awakened him from a sound sleep and he had a feeling it wasn't something normal. Slowly sitting up, he looked around and found Glorfindel sitting on a low tree branch keeping watch. Getting to his feet slowly and walking over to the elf, he looked around for whatever woke him before looking back to Glorfindel.

            "Anything amiss Glor?" he asked and stretched his back.

            Instead of answering, Glorfindel continued to look around as if he hadn't heard the human. Aragorn looked closer at Glorfindel to confirm that the elf was actually awake before trying again.

            "Glorfindel? Am I so annoying that you have to ignore me?" he joked and moved to push against the elf's knee.

            Instead of touching solid flesh, his hand went right through the flesh and tree as his body weight fell. His breathe left in a whoosh when he hit the ground almost as dead weight. Shaking his head to clear the shock, he pushed himself up quickly to look at Glorfindel. The elf still sat there like nothing happened! Standing up quickly, he looked at his hand and at the elf again. Slowly this time, he reached out and watched amazed as his hand passed straight through the elf's leg.

            "This is very strange," he murmured and looked towards the camp.

            He jerked back in shock when he looked at his bed roll. He was there asleep yet he was standing over here awake.

            "Extremely strange."

            "Aragorn."

            He spun and looked around to see who spoke his name. The dark forest did not reveal the speaker as he started to move where he heard the voice. Reaching to his lower back, he patted and felt for the small dagger he usually hid there. Dismayed that he didn't have any kind of weapon, he hoped he would be able to defend himself if needed.

            "Follow the sound of my voice."

            Aragorn glanced back towards the camp where Glorfindel and his body remained. Looking forward again, he walked further into the forest. The ground was covered by fog that shimmered under the moon light as he slowly moved through it.

            "I am glad you are coming."

            Aragorn looked around him to pinpoint the voice. It seemed to come from all around him as he stopped in a small glade.

            "Where are you?" he called out loudly.

            "I am trapped and you must release us."

            "Show yourself!"

            "I can not. He might find me."

            "Who?"

            Aragorn was starting to get angry at the lack of answers. He couldn't tell if the voice was male or female. At some times it sounded like a female and other times it sounded like a male's voice.

            "Please help us Aragorn. You are the only one who can."

            "I need more information."

            Just as he said it the air suddenly changed and became more volatile. It almost seemed electric as he tensed slightly in readiness.

            "He is coming."

            Before he could ask who, an unseen force slammed into him and sent him flying. For a few seconds he was in mid-air before slamming into the ground. Something kicked him in the gut and sent him rolling. Painful claws tore down his back, slicing through his tunic to draw blood. He didn't even have the time to speak as another forceful kick sent him flying into a massive tree. He gasped as his back and head slammed into the thick trunk. His muddled brain noticed that he could now touch trees unlike before. Falling, he caught a branch across his chest before falling to the hard ground. Darkness claimed him just as he hit the ground.

            Glorfindel jumped down from the tree and walked over to the sleeping human to wake him. The sun rose just an hour before and it was time to start off again. To his amazement, the human hadn't moved the entire night or woken for a moment.

            "Estel, time to awaken," he said and gently poked the human with his bowl.

            He groaned softly as Glorfindel stirred up the fire to start a small breakfast. The elf glanced over at the human just as he pushed up to his hands and knees. Aragorn's blanket fell aside and Glorfindel gasped in shock. The back of his tunic was stained with blood and blood trickled from the human's nose.

            "Estel!" he gasped and hurried over to kneel next to him.

            Aragorn wrapped an arm around his ribs and groaned painfully as Glorfindel helped him up. He didn't know if what happened the night before was a dream, nightmare, or out of body experience. The pain was telling him it was none of the above.

            "Where did you attain these?" he asked and carefully helped Estel out of the bloody tunic.

            "Last night," he ground out painfully as Glorfindel gently dabbed at the blood with a wet clothe.

            "You did not move last night, Estel. I kept watch and nothing came into camp that could have done this."

            "I know."

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I am so sorry about taking so long to get this chapter out. I took it home to work on it during Thanksgiving but I found that I can not write well when I have someone sitting close to me. I feel like they are reading over my shoulder, judging me and I can not stand it. So, the majority of this was written when I get back to college and I started writing at about seven I would say and it is now…one thirty in the morning. I told you that I write better at night and here is the proof. So I am going to hurry and put up the responses to the reviews and then I am going to bed. And thank you all so much that reviewed the first chapter. I was just so giddy when I read all the reviews! And Poppy the plot bunny thanks all of you too!

Oh, I also just got the extended version of TTT and all I have to say is that I liked it much better than the original movie. I really did; much more funny moments. I loved the part between Aragorn and Eowyn (sp?) when she learned how old he was and I just have to say that damn, if all guys looked that good at 87! And then the part between Legolas and Gimli with their totals; I was just laughing my ass off. And then the part with Merry and Pippin! Eh gads, it was just beautiful.

Dha-Gal- *cheekily grinning* Yes, I just could not help myself putting in ranger pain in the first chapter. It was just calling to me to do it and I had to listen to it and answer. Every time I see skittles at a store I think of you and my story; just so you know. Poppy's inbox is filled with pancakes so he is stored up on pancakes. And in answer to your question: you are not intended to know who it was that fell of the balcony. I wrote it like that. Heehee, I am evil I know this and I enjoy it.

Frodo16424- Thank you so much! I tried very hard to catch the reader's attention because I know how quickly my attention can drift if I am not immediately caught up in the chapter. I do have a good plot idea *pats Poppy's head* thank to my little Poppy. Now let us see if I can actually get it written.

Snow-Glory- Well…I will not answer if that will happen but our Mirkwood elf will come into the story next chapter…hopefully…if I write it correctly. It is in my head, I just need to get it down on paper.

Ringmarciel- Thank you so much! *giddily dancing around* I hope it is going to be a good story too.

Grumpy- Well thank you so much! I am going to have so much fun with Glorfindel traveling with Estel. Heehee, *Glorfindel starts to look worried* everyone say a prayer for a poor Balrog slayer.

NaughtyNat- *bowing* Thank you, thank you. Legolas will hopefully arrive in the next chapter if I write it just correctly and do not forget about the scene; which is sometimes a bad habit of mine.

Elvendancer- Did you read the author's note up there *points upwards*, I am posting this at…well now it is one forty-five in the bloody morning. I am such a night owl writer it is so not even funny. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as you did the first.

Astievia- Very nice quote. Here is another one that I thought was really good: Be not far from me, for trouble is near; there is none to help. And if anyone can tell me where that is from then they get a huge huggle from me and Poppy and a cookie.

Wolfete- I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I kept your review in mind and I tried to put in more content. Please tell me if you want more and I will try my hardest to put it in there. Thank you so much for the compliment though.

Star-Stallion- YEAH! She loves it, she really loves it! Heehee, oh I need my sleep. Nightmares are bad, very bad.

Camille- I always have to remember to get the people that went directly to my inbox with reviews. I love you people just as my normal reviewers *huggle*. Thank you, thank you so much for the compliment. I am going to have so much fun with Aragorn and Glorfindel, Heehee. Eh gads, I can not wait till I actually get it written.

Lauren- It is my lurker! Heehee, sorry I just had to throw that in there. Legolas will be coming up very soon; the next chapter hopefully if I get it written the way that I want it. Rock climbing is the best but that dream would seriously make me second think going up the wall. Eh gads, I would be paranoid like crap.