A/N: Thurin Tirith roughly translates, in Sindarin, to "Secret Guard."
Thoughts will always be in single parenthesis - unless I forget. 'Thoughts'
Chapter 5
Thurin Tirith
The legendary courtesy of the elves - sometimes it almost made her yawn even thinking about it. If the choice had been hers to make, Anayah would have chosen to just say 'hi, how are you,' getting it over and done with then moving right along to greener pastures, metaphorically speaking of course. But no, she had to be stuck greeting Elves like she had never met them before in her life and who, although she loved them dearly, had changed her elfling diapers. The only person she did not mind greeting, and only because she had such a good time teasing him, was the 'oh so serious looking' Captain of her Grandparents' escort - Haldir.
Now if proper etiquette had been observed, there would have been no greetings exchanged between herself and the escort, but since she was not known for strictly adhering to tradition, and seeing Haldir standing there, so very proper, she just could not resist.
"Captain Haldir - how nice it is to see you again!" She strode across the room to where her friend and mentor was standing, and threw her arms around his neck which in turn, caused the stoic Captain's face to turn a very interesting shade of pink.
"You never miss a chance, do you?" He whispered in her ear as he returned her hug.
"Never." She whispered back.
Lady Galadriel turned her head and tried to hide, with her hand, the small laugh that had escaped her mouth. The Lady was well aware that it took something spectacular to embarrass her Captain, and it was Anayah who usually had the best chance of achieving the most spectacular results. Her husband's face, to his credit, did not change expression - unless you were someone who knew him well then if you looked closely, you could well see the laughter in his eyes.
When Lord Elrond cleared his throat, his own eyes twinkling. Anayah turned back to Legolas and, taking his arm, she began to introduce him to those in the room.
"Grandmother, Grandfather, I am sure you know Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, son of King Thranduil."
Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn both smiled at the young Prince. They had both been keeping and interested eye on Aragorn as well as the Mirkwood Prince, and both had become quite fond of him.
"Prince Legolas, we are happy to see you." Both Lord and Lady greeted the Prince.
Finally, after going on for some minutes, the required and proper courtesies had been met and dutifully tended to and everybody started to relax.
Legolas bowed to those in the room.
"My Lady, my Lords. I must beg your leave now for I have other matters that require my attention."
Unspoken permission was given for him to leave and as Legolas headed toward the door, Galadriel spoke to him again, her eyes twinkling as she did so.
"Prince Legolas, please give these 'other matters' the message that we send our love and will speak with them later."
Legolas nodded his consent then turned and quietly left the room.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Lord Elrond motioned for Anayah to take a seat next to her grandmother, and as she was about to comply, another vibration could be felt running through the room, and the walls again creaked in protest of some outside influence. When the creaking finally stopped, Galadriel noticed that her granddaughter was sitting silently with her eyes closed, her brow furrowed in concentration. Gently, Galadriel put a hand over Anayah's.
"Granddaughter? What is it that you sense?"
"I do not know, for whatever has caused this thing to happen is either too vague or too far away for me to be able to see it clearly. I can tell you though that I believe it is the same presence I felt earlier today just before the unfortunate incident where my horse fell."
Galadriel nodded, for she had already been informed of the prank that had gone wrong and knew that there were no injuries suffered that could not be mended in time - including the injury to the young ones' relationship.
"I also have felt a dark presence, Anayah, and that is one of the reasons for our visit, for those of us here must make what plans we can to prepare to meet this new enemy."
Anayah looked at Lady Galadriel quickly, relieved for the moment that she was not the only one who had felt this evil, even though she felt that her Grandmother knew more about this 'presence' than she was willing to talk about. But then 'mystery' was what Lady Galadriel was all about.
"Please, Grandmother, tell me what you can of this thing."
"There is a dark power abroad and many of its evil influences are affecting the workings of this world at this moment. There have been significant increases in the number of Orcs, wargs, and slavers both east and west of the Misty Mountains. Oddities such as mists and fogs in the middle of the day, rain without rain, the sound of rushing waters where there is no river or stream, the sounds of great battles where none have fought or died, snow, when the temperature is warm enough to make a human sweat - all these have occurred since the dark power was first felt. Many of these oddities defy all attempts at explanation and often elves, traveling between the three kingdoms, are blamed for what cannot be rationalized or explained away. Humans are even saying that the magic of the elves is out of control."
Elurin knocked quietly on the door before he entered carrying more wine and an assortment of small sandwiches and fruit for those within. After he left and those still in the room had resettled themselves, Lord Celeborn took up the conversation.
"It is our fear that what is happening at this time may be an effort on the part of Sauron to create a breach of mistrust and enmity among the different races. If his efforts are successful and the Edain can be made to feel they can no longer trust the wisdom of the elves then it will be harder or even impossible for us to help them slow the dark one's rise to power." For a moment, the Lord and Lady touched hands in a gesture of love and support for both knew what was at stake and what needed to be done. After a moment, Lord Celeborn again spoke.
"A diplomatic presence as well as a strong arm is needed in the areas where these disturbances are taking place, not only to patrol for the true enemy but to occasionally intervene in domestic matters as well. It has been decided that the rangers will patrol the area east of the Misty Mountains and south to the Gap of Rohan. King Thranduil of Mirkwood has agreed to watch the land north and east of Mirkwood and, Anayah, we would like you to patrol west of the Misty Mountains to the Gap of Rohan, from Imladris as far west as Bree."
She had started to tell her Grandfather that she already did this but Lord Celeborn held up his hand to indicate she should not interrupt at this moment.
Lord Elrond, who had remained silent to this point continued.
"Since the area that will be in your charge seems to be the most active region of the disturbances, Aragorn and Legolas will lend their support by also patrolling this area and maintaining a presence, and when their duties permit, Elladan and Elrohir will accompany them."
Galadriel laid a soft hand on her granddaughter's shoulder when she sensed the young one's inner turmoil.
"We wish to make a bridge between both elf and human, a bridge that would be beneficial to all races when the war against Sauron finally begins in earnest and we feel you would be well suited for this task for your nature is truly part of both worlds. Perhaps, dear one, it is time for your Black Rider to evolve and become something more." She smiled at the young she-elf, hoping that she would understand what was being asked of her.
"I understand what you and Grandfather are asking of me, Grandmother, but what I do not understand is how I am to accomplish such a thing, for I am but one elf and do not possess great powers or great wisdom by which these things can be accomplished. All I know how to do is work hard and continuously until a task is done and I do not believe there is anything spectacular or diplomatic about those skills. I know nothing of how to be a diplomat. Besides, all it would take is one angry human or a lucky Orc or Warg to bring me down. I am unsure if the task you ask me to accomplish is even possible."
It was the moment Lord Celeborn had been waiting for, the perfect moment to "introduce" the next part of the plan. He nodded at Lord Elrond who left the room. "Not to worry, Anayah. We have taken your vulnerability into consideration and we wish you to know and understand, with all your heart, that we would not intentionally put you in harms way."
Anayah nodded in acknowledgment of this, for besides her foster family, Legolas and Haldir she trusted her Grandparents without reservation. However, when the door opened and Lord Elrond again walked into the room, she began to wonder if she should not reassess just how much she trusted her Grandparents.
She had been a warrior for many years and had spent a lot of time covertly observing other warriors, studying both the warriors as well as their techniques and styles of fighting. However, nothing she had seen or experienced to that moment could have adequately prepared her for the experience of meeting the four elves that followed her Foster-Father into the room. Grandparents as well as Foster-Father waited in silence for her first reaction.
They were four of the biggest elves she had ever seen and where most elves were tall, these four were tall even by Elven standards and were broad as well, their bearing speaking of their physical power as well as their lethal nature. To her credit, her mouth did not physically drop open when they first entered the room - but it was close. She jumped slightly when Lord Celeborn laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"These four are Thurin Tirith warriors. Not much is known about the Thurin Tirith or what they do, as it is their general practice to maintain as low a profile as possible, a fact that contributes much to their overall effectiveness. It is not uncommon to see the Thurin Tirith in the company of royalty. In fact, Gil-Galad had four of them assigned to his personal guard."
"He's dead."
"Oropherin, father of King Thranduil, had them."
"He's dead, too."
"Thranduil had four of them assigned to his family but unfortunately all four died in the attack on his dear wife."
Anayah glared at her Grandfather.
"Need I say more?"
"Please, Anayah. At least come and meet them?"
Rolling her eyes and sighing heavily, she walked forward to meet who might end up being her new best friends, her new escorts. The four elves looked even larger the closer she got to them.
"This is Captain Rahan."
She nodded in acknowledgment of the introduction then placed herself directly in front of him, noticing as she did, that he was tall enough to look down at the top of her head.
"You are very large. How tall are you?"
The big elf's eyes twinkled.
"I am 6'6", my Lady."
"Uh, hm. Like I said. Very large."
"And this is Semoro, second-in-command and brother to Captain Rahan."
She stopped in front of him and opened her mouth to speak.
"6'4", my Lady."
"This is Saeros."
"6'2."
"And finally, this is Súrion."
"6'3".
Lord Celeborn then stepped back and watched closely as she looked at each elf one more time then stepped back to give him her assessment.
"Three Noldor Elves and a Silvan Elf. I know something of the Thurin Tirith although it is just from some of Lord Elrond's books of history. Captain Rahan, you have the look of age in your eyes although not overly much, so I would guess that you are more than 3,000 years of age, a fact that might also indicate that you are wise as well as old." She winked at him to indicate that she was teasing him. "You are the Captain so I would assume that you are a good leader, one that inspires loyalty in those who serve under him, especially if your brother follows you. All of you are Thurin Tirith so I am assuming that you all are weapons specialists and taking into account your size and the 'oh-so-serious' looks on your faces that you can be quite lethal in any combat situation. Súrion, have you met our Prince Legolas?"
"I have not had the opportunity my Lady."
"I will have to remember to introduce the two of you, both being Silvan Elves."
"How did you guess that one, my dear?" Celeborn was truly intrigued.
"The vibration of his feä is similar to that of Legolas and to other wood elves that I know."
Everyone laughed. Then Celeborn asked the question that had been on the mind of every elf in the room.
"Well, will you do this thing for us?"
"You know I will my Lord although it troubles me that you would ask it of me in front of other beings and also because you have already gone through the trouble of arranging all this beforehand as if you expected me to feel it was my duty to accept because you did! How could I, in good conscience say no?"
The two elf Lords looked at each other as if they had expected this reaction.
"You always have a choice." Lord Celeborn's expression was honest and open.
"Like I had a choice to be part of the Elves' plan to become the right hand of the future King of Men?" Anayah frowned and sighed, still unsure of the sanity of either scheme.
"I feel like you have just given me four babysitters." She shook her head then with her hands on her hips she turned to face Lord Celeborn, and was about to speak, when the realization hit her like a dwarf hammer at which time she scowled at the Lórien Lord. "You think I am losing my edge! Now I know what this is all about! Just because I got a little boo-boo fighting the Shadow Wraith you do not think I can do this on my own."
Then it was Galadriel's turn to intervene. She motioned for her husband and son-in-law to step away then patted the seat next to her, indicating that she wished to speak. After Anayah had seated herself beside her Grandmother, Galadriel, always having been known as being a powerful and persuasive speaker, began to try and explain things that would, hopefully, put her Granddaughter's mind at ease.
"Anayah, the Thurin Tirith are the elvish equivalent of the Dúnadain Rangers and we Elves are very proud of them. There are not many of them left as most have taken the gray ships over the sea. Yes, the time of the elves is ending, but the time we do have left is going to be quite memorable and the Thurin Tirith who have stayed have pledged to do everything in their power to protect the lives of the elves they are assigned to, for they know that there are many important and dangerous tasks left for us to complete before we may finally give in to our sea longing. True, we must make way for the world of men, but only after we have fulfilled our responsibilities to them. The Thurin Tirith have pledged to help us in our endeavors."
"But Grandmother, perhaps you have too much faith in me. I am no diplomat and I am no Ranger." She looked at Lady Galadriel with almost a tinge of sorrow in her eyes. "I do not know if I have the power or the courage to do this."
"For all intents and purposes, Granddaughter, you are the female equivalent of a Dúnadan Ranger for though you may not see it, you already follow the instincts of your father's people. You spend long periods of time in the wilderness; you have all the survival skills and knowledge to keep you and anyone you choose to champion, safe; and your warring skills are exceptional. It is in your blood." Gathering her thoughts, the Lady of the Golden Wood sighed. "It is unfortunate and regrettable that this task we have set before you will make you well-known to those who may wish to hinder our efforts, and yours as well. There is a dark force abroad, at this moment and we wish for you to be safe from harm. Look at it this way, Anayah. Aragorn has what you call backup, and he has not passed into the Halls of Mandos because of it."
Galadriel placed a hand beneath Anayah's chin and gently raised it so the young she-elf had to look directly into her eyes.
"We cannot and will not force this task on you. It is your decision. Will you do it?"
Anayah sat for several moments, thinking about what her Grandmother had said to her, then, without speaking, took one of Galadriel's hands and laid it tenderly against her own cheek. She sighed deeply then rose and crossed the room to where the four elves stood and looked up into the grey eyes of the Captain of the Thurin Tirith.
"Please follow me. I am going to teach all of you the fine art of sandwich making. I do not know about you, but I am starving." She turned and bowed to her Grandparents and Foster-Father, winked at Haldir then, followed by her escort, left the room.
TBC
COMING NEXT SATURDAY: Chapter 6, Animals Of The Heavens - Attack of the giant bats.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Arwen721: Thank you! I hope you will enjoy this story as much as the last one! 8-)
DesolateAznVamp: Thank you for the review. It makes me happier than you can imagine that you like my story so much.
Thoughts will always be in single parenthesis - unless I forget. 'Thoughts'
Chapter 5
Thurin Tirith
The legendary courtesy of the elves - sometimes it almost made her yawn even thinking about it. If the choice had been hers to make, Anayah would have chosen to just say 'hi, how are you,' getting it over and done with then moving right along to greener pastures, metaphorically speaking of course. But no, she had to be stuck greeting Elves like she had never met them before in her life and who, although she loved them dearly, had changed her elfling diapers. The only person she did not mind greeting, and only because she had such a good time teasing him, was the 'oh so serious looking' Captain of her Grandparents' escort - Haldir.
Now if proper etiquette had been observed, there would have been no greetings exchanged between herself and the escort, but since she was not known for strictly adhering to tradition, and seeing Haldir standing there, so very proper, she just could not resist.
"Captain Haldir - how nice it is to see you again!" She strode across the room to where her friend and mentor was standing, and threw her arms around his neck which in turn, caused the stoic Captain's face to turn a very interesting shade of pink.
"You never miss a chance, do you?" He whispered in her ear as he returned her hug.
"Never." She whispered back.
Lady Galadriel turned her head and tried to hide, with her hand, the small laugh that had escaped her mouth. The Lady was well aware that it took something spectacular to embarrass her Captain, and it was Anayah who usually had the best chance of achieving the most spectacular results. Her husband's face, to his credit, did not change expression - unless you were someone who knew him well then if you looked closely, you could well see the laughter in his eyes.
When Lord Elrond cleared his throat, his own eyes twinkling. Anayah turned back to Legolas and, taking his arm, she began to introduce him to those in the room.
"Grandmother, Grandfather, I am sure you know Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, son of King Thranduil."
Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn both smiled at the young Prince. They had both been keeping and interested eye on Aragorn as well as the Mirkwood Prince, and both had become quite fond of him.
"Prince Legolas, we are happy to see you." Both Lord and Lady greeted the Prince.
Finally, after going on for some minutes, the required and proper courtesies had been met and dutifully tended to and everybody started to relax.
Legolas bowed to those in the room.
"My Lady, my Lords. I must beg your leave now for I have other matters that require my attention."
Unspoken permission was given for him to leave and as Legolas headed toward the door, Galadriel spoke to him again, her eyes twinkling as she did so.
"Prince Legolas, please give these 'other matters' the message that we send our love and will speak with them later."
Legolas nodded his consent then turned and quietly left the room.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Lord Elrond motioned for Anayah to take a seat next to her grandmother, and as she was about to comply, another vibration could be felt running through the room, and the walls again creaked in protest of some outside influence. When the creaking finally stopped, Galadriel noticed that her granddaughter was sitting silently with her eyes closed, her brow furrowed in concentration. Gently, Galadriel put a hand over Anayah's.
"Granddaughter? What is it that you sense?"
"I do not know, for whatever has caused this thing to happen is either too vague or too far away for me to be able to see it clearly. I can tell you though that I believe it is the same presence I felt earlier today just before the unfortunate incident where my horse fell."
Galadriel nodded, for she had already been informed of the prank that had gone wrong and knew that there were no injuries suffered that could not be mended in time - including the injury to the young ones' relationship.
"I also have felt a dark presence, Anayah, and that is one of the reasons for our visit, for those of us here must make what plans we can to prepare to meet this new enemy."
Anayah looked at Lady Galadriel quickly, relieved for the moment that she was not the only one who had felt this evil, even though she felt that her Grandmother knew more about this 'presence' than she was willing to talk about. But then 'mystery' was what Lady Galadriel was all about.
"Please, Grandmother, tell me what you can of this thing."
"There is a dark power abroad and many of its evil influences are affecting the workings of this world at this moment. There have been significant increases in the number of Orcs, wargs, and slavers both east and west of the Misty Mountains. Oddities such as mists and fogs in the middle of the day, rain without rain, the sound of rushing waters where there is no river or stream, the sounds of great battles where none have fought or died, snow, when the temperature is warm enough to make a human sweat - all these have occurred since the dark power was first felt. Many of these oddities defy all attempts at explanation and often elves, traveling between the three kingdoms, are blamed for what cannot be rationalized or explained away. Humans are even saying that the magic of the elves is out of control."
Elurin knocked quietly on the door before he entered carrying more wine and an assortment of small sandwiches and fruit for those within. After he left and those still in the room had resettled themselves, Lord Celeborn took up the conversation.
"It is our fear that what is happening at this time may be an effort on the part of Sauron to create a breach of mistrust and enmity among the different races. If his efforts are successful and the Edain can be made to feel they can no longer trust the wisdom of the elves then it will be harder or even impossible for us to help them slow the dark one's rise to power." For a moment, the Lord and Lady touched hands in a gesture of love and support for both knew what was at stake and what needed to be done. After a moment, Lord Celeborn again spoke.
"A diplomatic presence as well as a strong arm is needed in the areas where these disturbances are taking place, not only to patrol for the true enemy but to occasionally intervene in domestic matters as well. It has been decided that the rangers will patrol the area east of the Misty Mountains and south to the Gap of Rohan. King Thranduil of Mirkwood has agreed to watch the land north and east of Mirkwood and, Anayah, we would like you to patrol west of the Misty Mountains to the Gap of Rohan, from Imladris as far west as Bree."
She had started to tell her Grandfather that she already did this but Lord Celeborn held up his hand to indicate she should not interrupt at this moment.
Lord Elrond, who had remained silent to this point continued.
"Since the area that will be in your charge seems to be the most active region of the disturbances, Aragorn and Legolas will lend their support by also patrolling this area and maintaining a presence, and when their duties permit, Elladan and Elrohir will accompany them."
Galadriel laid a soft hand on her granddaughter's shoulder when she sensed the young one's inner turmoil.
"We wish to make a bridge between both elf and human, a bridge that would be beneficial to all races when the war against Sauron finally begins in earnest and we feel you would be well suited for this task for your nature is truly part of both worlds. Perhaps, dear one, it is time for your Black Rider to evolve and become something more." She smiled at the young she-elf, hoping that she would understand what was being asked of her.
"I understand what you and Grandfather are asking of me, Grandmother, but what I do not understand is how I am to accomplish such a thing, for I am but one elf and do not possess great powers or great wisdom by which these things can be accomplished. All I know how to do is work hard and continuously until a task is done and I do not believe there is anything spectacular or diplomatic about those skills. I know nothing of how to be a diplomat. Besides, all it would take is one angry human or a lucky Orc or Warg to bring me down. I am unsure if the task you ask me to accomplish is even possible."
It was the moment Lord Celeborn had been waiting for, the perfect moment to "introduce" the next part of the plan. He nodded at Lord Elrond who left the room. "Not to worry, Anayah. We have taken your vulnerability into consideration and we wish you to know and understand, with all your heart, that we would not intentionally put you in harms way."
Anayah nodded in acknowledgment of this, for besides her foster family, Legolas and Haldir she trusted her Grandparents without reservation. However, when the door opened and Lord Elrond again walked into the room, she began to wonder if she should not reassess just how much she trusted her Grandparents.
She had been a warrior for many years and had spent a lot of time covertly observing other warriors, studying both the warriors as well as their techniques and styles of fighting. However, nothing she had seen or experienced to that moment could have adequately prepared her for the experience of meeting the four elves that followed her Foster-Father into the room. Grandparents as well as Foster-Father waited in silence for her first reaction.
They were four of the biggest elves she had ever seen and where most elves were tall, these four were tall even by Elven standards and were broad as well, their bearing speaking of their physical power as well as their lethal nature. To her credit, her mouth did not physically drop open when they first entered the room - but it was close. She jumped slightly when Lord Celeborn laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"These four are Thurin Tirith warriors. Not much is known about the Thurin Tirith or what they do, as it is their general practice to maintain as low a profile as possible, a fact that contributes much to their overall effectiveness. It is not uncommon to see the Thurin Tirith in the company of royalty. In fact, Gil-Galad had four of them assigned to his personal guard."
"He's dead."
"Oropherin, father of King Thranduil, had them."
"He's dead, too."
"Thranduil had four of them assigned to his family but unfortunately all four died in the attack on his dear wife."
Anayah glared at her Grandfather.
"Need I say more?"
"Please, Anayah. At least come and meet them?"
Rolling her eyes and sighing heavily, she walked forward to meet who might end up being her new best friends, her new escorts. The four elves looked even larger the closer she got to them.
"This is Captain Rahan."
She nodded in acknowledgment of the introduction then placed herself directly in front of him, noticing as she did, that he was tall enough to look down at the top of her head.
"You are very large. How tall are you?"
The big elf's eyes twinkled.
"I am 6'6", my Lady."
"Uh, hm. Like I said. Very large."
"And this is Semoro, second-in-command and brother to Captain Rahan."
She stopped in front of him and opened her mouth to speak.
"6'4", my Lady."
"This is Saeros."
"6'2."
"And finally, this is Súrion."
"6'3".
Lord Celeborn then stepped back and watched closely as she looked at each elf one more time then stepped back to give him her assessment.
"Three Noldor Elves and a Silvan Elf. I know something of the Thurin Tirith although it is just from some of Lord Elrond's books of history. Captain Rahan, you have the look of age in your eyes although not overly much, so I would guess that you are more than 3,000 years of age, a fact that might also indicate that you are wise as well as old." She winked at him to indicate that she was teasing him. "You are the Captain so I would assume that you are a good leader, one that inspires loyalty in those who serve under him, especially if your brother follows you. All of you are Thurin Tirith so I am assuming that you all are weapons specialists and taking into account your size and the 'oh-so-serious' looks on your faces that you can be quite lethal in any combat situation. Súrion, have you met our Prince Legolas?"
"I have not had the opportunity my Lady."
"I will have to remember to introduce the two of you, both being Silvan Elves."
"How did you guess that one, my dear?" Celeborn was truly intrigued.
"The vibration of his feä is similar to that of Legolas and to other wood elves that I know."
Everyone laughed. Then Celeborn asked the question that had been on the mind of every elf in the room.
"Well, will you do this thing for us?"
"You know I will my Lord although it troubles me that you would ask it of me in front of other beings and also because you have already gone through the trouble of arranging all this beforehand as if you expected me to feel it was my duty to accept because you did! How could I, in good conscience say no?"
The two elf Lords looked at each other as if they had expected this reaction.
"You always have a choice." Lord Celeborn's expression was honest and open.
"Like I had a choice to be part of the Elves' plan to become the right hand of the future King of Men?" Anayah frowned and sighed, still unsure of the sanity of either scheme.
"I feel like you have just given me four babysitters." She shook her head then with her hands on her hips she turned to face Lord Celeborn, and was about to speak, when the realization hit her like a dwarf hammer at which time she scowled at the Lórien Lord. "You think I am losing my edge! Now I know what this is all about! Just because I got a little boo-boo fighting the Shadow Wraith you do not think I can do this on my own."
Then it was Galadriel's turn to intervene. She motioned for her husband and son-in-law to step away then patted the seat next to her, indicating that she wished to speak. After Anayah had seated herself beside her Grandmother, Galadriel, always having been known as being a powerful and persuasive speaker, began to try and explain things that would, hopefully, put her Granddaughter's mind at ease.
"Anayah, the Thurin Tirith are the elvish equivalent of the Dúnadain Rangers and we Elves are very proud of them. There are not many of them left as most have taken the gray ships over the sea. Yes, the time of the elves is ending, but the time we do have left is going to be quite memorable and the Thurin Tirith who have stayed have pledged to do everything in their power to protect the lives of the elves they are assigned to, for they know that there are many important and dangerous tasks left for us to complete before we may finally give in to our sea longing. True, we must make way for the world of men, but only after we have fulfilled our responsibilities to them. The Thurin Tirith have pledged to help us in our endeavors."
"But Grandmother, perhaps you have too much faith in me. I am no diplomat and I am no Ranger." She looked at Lady Galadriel with almost a tinge of sorrow in her eyes. "I do not know if I have the power or the courage to do this."
"For all intents and purposes, Granddaughter, you are the female equivalent of a Dúnadan Ranger for though you may not see it, you already follow the instincts of your father's people. You spend long periods of time in the wilderness; you have all the survival skills and knowledge to keep you and anyone you choose to champion, safe; and your warring skills are exceptional. It is in your blood." Gathering her thoughts, the Lady of the Golden Wood sighed. "It is unfortunate and regrettable that this task we have set before you will make you well-known to those who may wish to hinder our efforts, and yours as well. There is a dark force abroad, at this moment and we wish for you to be safe from harm. Look at it this way, Anayah. Aragorn has what you call backup, and he has not passed into the Halls of Mandos because of it."
Galadriel placed a hand beneath Anayah's chin and gently raised it so the young she-elf had to look directly into her eyes.
"We cannot and will not force this task on you. It is your decision. Will you do it?"
Anayah sat for several moments, thinking about what her Grandmother had said to her, then, without speaking, took one of Galadriel's hands and laid it tenderly against her own cheek. She sighed deeply then rose and crossed the room to where the four elves stood and looked up into the grey eyes of the Captain of the Thurin Tirith.
"Please follow me. I am going to teach all of you the fine art of sandwich making. I do not know about you, but I am starving." She turned and bowed to her Grandparents and Foster-Father, winked at Haldir then, followed by her escort, left the room.
TBC
COMING NEXT SATURDAY: Chapter 6, Animals Of The Heavens - Attack of the giant bats.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Arwen721: Thank you! I hope you will enjoy this story as much as the last one! 8-)
DesolateAznVamp: Thank you for the review. It makes me happier than you can imagine that you like my story so much.