A/N: I haven't gone around the bend (entirely, that is). Remember that Ninniach had once warned that to speak of the evil outright would draw it to the speaker and so all conversations concerning that evil would have to be "cryptic." In case I am being too cryptic, the meaning of the conversation will be in parentheses (conversation) following the actual conversation.
A/N: The pressure point used in the Elven "warring technique" is based on one of the many pressure points used in the Dim Mak form of the martial arts.
Chapter 8
Wisdom, Advice And Going Fishing
Everything that would be needed on their journey had been packed and loaded onto the horses which now stood quietly and patiently in the courtyard, waiting for their riders. But before Anayah could take her leave of Lord and home, she had one last important detail to attend to.
She found Ninniach and Amrûn walking in the garden admiring each petal and bloom as they passed them by, closing their eyes as they inhaled the delicate perfumes that each flower and bush offered for their enjoyment. Lord Elrond's gardens offered peace of mind and spirit to all who walked their long pathways. The old woman looked up as Anayah approached and smiled at the young she-elf, her eyes lighting up as she did so.
"Lady Ninniach, it is so good to see you. I trust you are enjoying your stay here in Imladris?"
"Ah, yes young Anayah. This place is good for me, for long has it been since I have had the opportunity to walk around for as long as I like doing nothing more than smelling the flowers. I sense, though, that you wish to talk to me about something before you begin your journey?"
"Unfortunately, as much as I, too, would like to walk in this garden of peace, my responsibilities lead me in another direction. I would, however, have a word with you before I depart."
The old woman nodded her head, encouraging the she-elf to continue.
"I have a story I wish to share with you and your counsel to seek after the telling is finished. A very long time ago, in my younger days, I was restless and after seeking something to occupy both restless spirit and mind, came to the conclusion that fishing was the entertainment most suited to my mood. Long it was that I sought the perfect place to fish, one that provided both fish and comfort. I found the perfect place with a large shade tree for me to sit under and water in the pool that was both cool and clear and full of fish of all sizes. After I had sat myself beneath the tree, something of import came to my mind."
"And what might that have been, my dear?"
"Though I had gone to that place to fish, and knew that many fish were swimming close by, I had nothing to catch the fish with! Imagine - a fisherelf with no fishing pole." (How am I going to catch the demon if I do find him?)
"Oh my! That would have been quite a conundrum. So tell me, young elf, did no being happen along to give you a pole to use?" (I have something to give you that will help.)
Anayah looked down to see that the old woman's hand held a crescent moon pendant on a mithril chain.
"Yes, Grandmother, they did." She bowed her head in thanks. (That will work! Now how do I use it?)
"I used to go fishing, myself, when I was younger often spending hours searching different fishing holes for the perfect fish, the one that would please me the most if I were lucky enough to catch him. After I found the perfect fishing hole, I would find the biggest, fattest fish in that hole by pushing all the other fish to the side with a soft stick until only the biggest fish was left. I got so caught up in my game that I would oftentimes forget that I had come to fish. It always turned out that what I really wanted to do was just touch the biggest fish, to prove that I was stealthy enough to out think him. I knew that the stick must come in contact with the big one before the game would be over." (First find evidence that he has been in a place and if he is there, use the pendant to capture him. The pendant must come in contact with him before this thing will work.)
She winked at Anayah before continuing.
"When I finally managed to touch the fish that I had selected as my prey, I would run all the way home, to where my Grandmother awaited me, then tell her what I had done. One time, I remember, I played my game late into the evening and did not notice that the moon had come up while I played. I had completely lost track of time, and when I finally looked to the heavens, I noticed that it was completely dark, for there had been an eclipse. I was fascinated, especially when the moon, which had turned completely black, began to turn yellow once more. Ah, to be young again." (If you do manage to capture him, come back here quickly and I will do the rest. Also, when he is near or is approaching, the moon of the pendant will turn from black to yellow.)
"The two of us should go fishing together, Grandmother. It would be fun."
"That it would, my dear, that it would."
Anayah leaned over and kissed the old woman on the forehead and as she did so, felt her slip a folded up piece of parchment into her pocket. When she again looked into the ancient Maia's eyes, Ninniach placed a finger on her closed lips to signal for silence on the matter, then Anayah nodded in understanding then turned and left the gardens.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Anayah had taken her leave of Lord Elrond, had talked with Lady Ninniach, and with nothing more to do was on her way out the door when she heard her name being called. Turning, she saw Aragorn running up to her while behind him, Legolas stood in the kitchen doorway, arms folded, watching.
"Anayah, wait."
In a voice that only her Captain, standing at her side could hear, she muttered. "This is not going to be pretty."
"No, Lady Anayah, this is not going to be pretty."
"Anayah, let me go with you."
"No."
"Let me go with you. I know the area and can help."
"Aragorn I am trying to sneak into the area without every person in Middle Earth knowing about it. It is bad enough that I have to take these four elflings with me. I do not need your help, but thank you for offering, anyway."
"Anayah ..." He began.
"Aragorn, I said no and I do not wish to, and will not, repeat myself again. Besides, I have a feeling that your path will lead in another direction before much time has passed. Now, I must take my leave, so goodbye and I will see you when my job is finished and I return home." Having just finished rejecting her brother's offer of assistance and feeling terrible at having done so, Anayah turned on her heel and exited the house.
Aragorn watched as she left, having been both stunned and stung by the abruptness of her rejection. Legolas came to stand beside him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
As he passed the two on his way out the door, Súrion paused for a moment. Having felt that she had been a little harsh on her brother, but also understanding her motivations for being so, he nonchalantly leaned towards him and put an understanding hand on the young ranger's shoulder saying quietly as he did so, "Your sister does not want you to become a target - she wants you to be safe." He then took his leave of both Ranger and Prince and hurried to catch up with the others.
As the five elves were getting ready to mount their horses and leave, making one last inspection of both horses and tack, Anayah walked to where Súrion stood checking his saddle's cinch. She ran her hand over the saddle as if inspecting it with him knowing that they were being watched from the house and wanting to be as discreet as possible.
"Thank you, Súrion, for telling him what I could not."
He, in turn, nodded his head in acknowledgment of her thanks.
After everyone had mounted their horses and were awaiting the order to move out, Anayah turned in her saddle to check everyone and their horses over one last time. Saeros and Súrion had hidden their hair under the hoods of their cloaks and she could see no sign of metal or anything else, on horse or elf, that the moonlight could glint off and possibly give away their position. She nodded her head, for she was satisfied.
Seeing that Rahan was watching her, she felt the need to explain herself.
"Rahan, I am your backup. I know you are professional and have much more experience with these kinds of missions than I do, so do not ever think that if I double check what you have already done that it is because I doubt your ability to command your own men. I have been going on missions like these, alone, for most of my life and have my own habits, some of which are hard to break. I hope that you will be able to forgive me my faults."
Rahan nodded his head before replying. "Lady Anayah, you can believe me when I say that it is the nature of command to check and recheck elf as well as horse before going on a mission, for such attention to detail may oftentimes mean the success of the mission and the difference between living and dying. It is not the sign of a bad commander to see that all is well. It is the sign of a smart commander."
She smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgment of his comments, then, after the final three elves had flipped their hoods up to cover their heads, they wheeled their horses, almost as a unit, and galloped out of the courtyard.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Aragorn, Legolas and the twins stood at the windows, watching the five elves leave.
"So, young Estel, she left without you, did she?"
All four jumped, for none had heard Lady Ninniach approaching.
"I am afraid so Lady Ninniach."
"I think that is well, for I have need to speak to the four of you. Please. Come with me."
They followed her into the Sitting Room where, after she was comfortably seated in the most comfortable chair, they gathered their own chairs, then sat in them.
"As I understand things, you and your sister have not known each other for long. Am I correct?"
"Yes, you are. We have only been acquainted for about a year."
She looked directly into Aragorn's eyes and he felt himself almost mesmerized by the experience.
"The two of you have known great sorrow in your young lives and I think it was a good thing that Ilúvatar finally saw fit to bring the two of you together. There is much that each of you can learn from the other, but only, I might add, if you both exercise a great deal of patience."
She leaned toward him and patted his hand.
"Before all of this is over, young Ranger, your sister will have need of both your great heart as well as your strength. It will be in her darkest hour that she will realize this and come to you of her own free will. You must understand, Estel, that until now, she has had no elf or human to rely on when she is in need and so it is very difficult for her to ask for help in any form from anyone. But the time approaches when things will be different and she will realize that she needs you."
"The relationship between my sister and me has not been as close as I would have liked."
"That is not what I have observed."
"What do you mean, my Lady?"
"The night of the attack by those vicious winged creatures I witnessed something that would prove your words false." Seeing the look of puzzlement on the young human's face, it dawned on her that nobody had ever told him what his sister had done, for perhaps they had either not seen the need to, or had thought that such knowledge would have shown his weakness and therefore would have embarrassed him.
"Do you remember the night that Lord Elrond's home was attacked by those hideous flying creatures, and you had become incapable of protecting yourself?"
"You mean when I passed out?" He could feel his face become hot as he blushed.
"Some might call it that, perhaps, but yes, when you passed out from shock. Well, just before that, your sister had run across the room and had vaulted over one of the low tables to kill the creature that was crawling toward you. When a second bat attacked, she curled her entire body around yours to protect you from it and suffered her injury after she did so. When it was all over, though she was unconscious herself, the combined energies of your father, the twins and Captain Rahan could not force her to relinquish the hold she had on you. It was your friend, Legolas who finally came up with a way to get her to let go."
Aragorn looked at his friend and Legolas, in turn, smiled.
"I used the warring technique."
"No!"
"Yes, I did."
"And she has said nothing to you about it?"
"She does not know."
"Oh." Aragorn replied simply, for he could only imagine what his hot-tempered sister would have to say to the Mirkwood Prince if she ever found out what he had done.
"Tell me, young sir, when you and the young Mirkwood Prince first met, was your relationship smooth and even, without conflict or trial? No, I think that it was not, and although it had a difficult beginning, you never gave up trying to make your friendship work. Now look where your efforts have brought the two of you - to a place where only death could break the bond that each of you has with the other."
Aragorn and Legolas smiled at each other.
"Have patience, young king. All will be well before the end."
Aragorn's head shot up, for he was unaware that the old woman had known of his lineage.
Seeing the surprised look on his face, Ninniach leaned toward him and said, in a conspiratorial whisper, "I know many things about you, young Aragorn."
She straightened herself in her chair to ease a back that was telling her that it was, indeed, as old as she thought it was.
"All of you who have been touched by this dark evil," she gestured to all of them with one of her wizened hands, "will be called upon before this is over to face trials that will truly test both your spirits and hearts. And so, young ones, my advice is to be there and be strong for each other."
She looked at all of them fondly though her gaze stopped when it got to Legolas and remained on him for more moments than it had with the others. Then, leaning forward in her chair and placing one of her hands along the side of his face, she looked deeply into the Prince's sapphire eyes.
"You know the true meaning of loyalty and brotherhood, young prince, and there is strength in your heart that will serve you well when you need it. I must caution you, however, on one thing - beware of matters of the heart and do not ask for what cannot be given. I have faith that you will use the wisdom I know you have to consider these things wisely."
Legolas dropped his eyes, for he knew well of what she had spoken.
Then Ninniach looked at the twins, from one identical face to the other.
"Yes, twins - this is a very important thing for there is always a great power and bond between twins as I am sure the two of you well know. You will both have an important part to play in what is to come."
Each twin took one of her hands and each kissed it lightly.
"My Lady," Aragorn began. "If I may be so bold - what exactly is happening and what evil is coming that you speak of?"
"Young Aragorn, I will give you the same caution as I did your father. To know too much or to speak too freely of this evil will only serve to draw it near. Rest assured that you will be told what you need to know when it is necessary for you to have that information."
She patted the twins' hands then tapped her cane, once, on the floor.
"All of you, pay heed to what I tell you now. I am but an old woman whose mind often wanders unseen paths that only she can see, paths full of memories of her youth and days gone by. If, perchance, you find me talking to you of what you might consider to be unnecessary things, or if I seem to prattle on about things of no import, humor me and listen very closely to my rambles, for they may have a hidden meaning, unseen and unheard." (I can only speak to all or any of you about the present situation in a cryptic fashion. I can get away with sounding like a senile old woman. Nobody will know the difference.)
"Lady Ninniach, I hope you understand that Imladris is a protected realm."
"Lord Elladan, as I told your father, even Vilya cannot protect this realm or anyone in it from this evil power. But, if all of you do as I request, you will remain quite safe until things can be put right."
The three elves and the young human nodded their heads, for they had understood her meaning and knew that if she spoke openly of this evil that it would be drawn to them as would a moth to an open flame, where not it, but the flame itself, would be consumed.
TBC
DesolateAznVamp: Have them kick butt? Your wish is my command - in the next chapter, to be exact.
MerryMagic26: Welcome and thank you for your reviews. 1. In your review for chapter 2, you mentioned the "Arwen thing." I haven't written Arwen out, its just that there is no need for her to be in the story at this point and time. 2. There will be more for our boys to do in this story so don't worry in that regards. 3. Romance - well we'll just have to wait and see but for right now there is a deep friendship and understanding between the two. Originally I planned for this to be a Mystery/Adventure story and so will try to keep the focus pointing in that direction. 4. I'm glad you liked the little "dagger" thing I had going on in Chapter 7. To understand where I am coming from with the character, her attitude, and her fighting skills, just think of it this way. She is a female with a sarcastic sense of humor who has no illusions about herself and what she is capable of although self-confidence and self-esteem are sometimes an issue. Putting all steroid related issues aside, she knows that she is not bigger or stronger than a lot of those she has to fight though, being female, she is oftentimes faster. The point is, she has had to adapt her fighting skills to suit the need of the moment and that includes doing whatever it takes to survive (aka dirty fighting). And, she is not afraid to put the males in their place, especially when gender becomes an issue during fighting! 5.You said you were reading the Silmarillion ... its a great read, especially if you want to understand what really makes elves tick. 6. I'm glad that you enjoy some of the lighter and more humorous scenes like the one you mentioned (Introduction of the Thurin Tirith where they automatically give their heights.) I'm trying to add some, what I would call "natural" humor. I refuse to believe that for all their natural grace, beauty and intelligence, that the elves did not have a sense of humor or the ability to recognize a humorous situation. 6. When I was doing the research on bats for the chapter about the attack of the giant bats, I got the shivers. Can you imagine a bat with a five foot wingspan? Eeeeew describes it well!
A/N: The pressure point used in the Elven "warring technique" is based on one of the many pressure points used in the Dim Mak form of the martial arts.
Chapter 8
Wisdom, Advice And Going Fishing
Everything that would be needed on their journey had been packed and loaded onto the horses which now stood quietly and patiently in the courtyard, waiting for their riders. But before Anayah could take her leave of Lord and home, she had one last important detail to attend to.
She found Ninniach and Amrûn walking in the garden admiring each petal and bloom as they passed them by, closing their eyes as they inhaled the delicate perfumes that each flower and bush offered for their enjoyment. Lord Elrond's gardens offered peace of mind and spirit to all who walked their long pathways. The old woman looked up as Anayah approached and smiled at the young she-elf, her eyes lighting up as she did so.
"Lady Ninniach, it is so good to see you. I trust you are enjoying your stay here in Imladris?"
"Ah, yes young Anayah. This place is good for me, for long has it been since I have had the opportunity to walk around for as long as I like doing nothing more than smelling the flowers. I sense, though, that you wish to talk to me about something before you begin your journey?"
"Unfortunately, as much as I, too, would like to walk in this garden of peace, my responsibilities lead me in another direction. I would, however, have a word with you before I depart."
The old woman nodded her head, encouraging the she-elf to continue.
"I have a story I wish to share with you and your counsel to seek after the telling is finished. A very long time ago, in my younger days, I was restless and after seeking something to occupy both restless spirit and mind, came to the conclusion that fishing was the entertainment most suited to my mood. Long it was that I sought the perfect place to fish, one that provided both fish and comfort. I found the perfect place with a large shade tree for me to sit under and water in the pool that was both cool and clear and full of fish of all sizes. After I had sat myself beneath the tree, something of import came to my mind."
"And what might that have been, my dear?"
"Though I had gone to that place to fish, and knew that many fish were swimming close by, I had nothing to catch the fish with! Imagine - a fisherelf with no fishing pole." (How am I going to catch the demon if I do find him?)
"Oh my! That would have been quite a conundrum. So tell me, young elf, did no being happen along to give you a pole to use?" (I have something to give you that will help.)
Anayah looked down to see that the old woman's hand held a crescent moon pendant on a mithril chain.
"Yes, Grandmother, they did." She bowed her head in thanks. (That will work! Now how do I use it?)
"I used to go fishing, myself, when I was younger often spending hours searching different fishing holes for the perfect fish, the one that would please me the most if I were lucky enough to catch him. After I found the perfect fishing hole, I would find the biggest, fattest fish in that hole by pushing all the other fish to the side with a soft stick until only the biggest fish was left. I got so caught up in my game that I would oftentimes forget that I had come to fish. It always turned out that what I really wanted to do was just touch the biggest fish, to prove that I was stealthy enough to out think him. I knew that the stick must come in contact with the big one before the game would be over." (First find evidence that he has been in a place and if he is there, use the pendant to capture him. The pendant must come in contact with him before this thing will work.)
She winked at Anayah before continuing.
"When I finally managed to touch the fish that I had selected as my prey, I would run all the way home, to where my Grandmother awaited me, then tell her what I had done. One time, I remember, I played my game late into the evening and did not notice that the moon had come up while I played. I had completely lost track of time, and when I finally looked to the heavens, I noticed that it was completely dark, for there had been an eclipse. I was fascinated, especially when the moon, which had turned completely black, began to turn yellow once more. Ah, to be young again." (If you do manage to capture him, come back here quickly and I will do the rest. Also, when he is near or is approaching, the moon of the pendant will turn from black to yellow.)
"The two of us should go fishing together, Grandmother. It would be fun."
"That it would, my dear, that it would."
Anayah leaned over and kissed the old woman on the forehead and as she did so, felt her slip a folded up piece of parchment into her pocket. When she again looked into the ancient Maia's eyes, Ninniach placed a finger on her closed lips to signal for silence on the matter, then Anayah nodded in understanding then turned and left the gardens.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Anayah had taken her leave of Lord Elrond, had talked with Lady Ninniach, and with nothing more to do was on her way out the door when she heard her name being called. Turning, she saw Aragorn running up to her while behind him, Legolas stood in the kitchen doorway, arms folded, watching.
"Anayah, wait."
In a voice that only her Captain, standing at her side could hear, she muttered. "This is not going to be pretty."
"No, Lady Anayah, this is not going to be pretty."
"Anayah, let me go with you."
"No."
"Let me go with you. I know the area and can help."
"Aragorn I am trying to sneak into the area without every person in Middle Earth knowing about it. It is bad enough that I have to take these four elflings with me. I do not need your help, but thank you for offering, anyway."
"Anayah ..." He began.
"Aragorn, I said no and I do not wish to, and will not, repeat myself again. Besides, I have a feeling that your path will lead in another direction before much time has passed. Now, I must take my leave, so goodbye and I will see you when my job is finished and I return home." Having just finished rejecting her brother's offer of assistance and feeling terrible at having done so, Anayah turned on her heel and exited the house.
Aragorn watched as she left, having been both stunned and stung by the abruptness of her rejection. Legolas came to stand beside him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
As he passed the two on his way out the door, Súrion paused for a moment. Having felt that she had been a little harsh on her brother, but also understanding her motivations for being so, he nonchalantly leaned towards him and put an understanding hand on the young ranger's shoulder saying quietly as he did so, "Your sister does not want you to become a target - she wants you to be safe." He then took his leave of both Ranger and Prince and hurried to catch up with the others.
As the five elves were getting ready to mount their horses and leave, making one last inspection of both horses and tack, Anayah walked to where Súrion stood checking his saddle's cinch. She ran her hand over the saddle as if inspecting it with him knowing that they were being watched from the house and wanting to be as discreet as possible.
"Thank you, Súrion, for telling him what I could not."
He, in turn, nodded his head in acknowledgment of her thanks.
After everyone had mounted their horses and were awaiting the order to move out, Anayah turned in her saddle to check everyone and their horses over one last time. Saeros and Súrion had hidden their hair under the hoods of their cloaks and she could see no sign of metal or anything else, on horse or elf, that the moonlight could glint off and possibly give away their position. She nodded her head, for she was satisfied.
Seeing that Rahan was watching her, she felt the need to explain herself.
"Rahan, I am your backup. I know you are professional and have much more experience with these kinds of missions than I do, so do not ever think that if I double check what you have already done that it is because I doubt your ability to command your own men. I have been going on missions like these, alone, for most of my life and have my own habits, some of which are hard to break. I hope that you will be able to forgive me my faults."
Rahan nodded his head before replying. "Lady Anayah, you can believe me when I say that it is the nature of command to check and recheck elf as well as horse before going on a mission, for such attention to detail may oftentimes mean the success of the mission and the difference between living and dying. It is not the sign of a bad commander to see that all is well. It is the sign of a smart commander."
She smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgment of his comments, then, after the final three elves had flipped their hoods up to cover their heads, they wheeled their horses, almost as a unit, and galloped out of the courtyard.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Aragorn, Legolas and the twins stood at the windows, watching the five elves leave.
"So, young Estel, she left without you, did she?"
All four jumped, for none had heard Lady Ninniach approaching.
"I am afraid so Lady Ninniach."
"I think that is well, for I have need to speak to the four of you. Please. Come with me."
They followed her into the Sitting Room where, after she was comfortably seated in the most comfortable chair, they gathered their own chairs, then sat in them.
"As I understand things, you and your sister have not known each other for long. Am I correct?"
"Yes, you are. We have only been acquainted for about a year."
She looked directly into Aragorn's eyes and he felt himself almost mesmerized by the experience.
"The two of you have known great sorrow in your young lives and I think it was a good thing that Ilúvatar finally saw fit to bring the two of you together. There is much that each of you can learn from the other, but only, I might add, if you both exercise a great deal of patience."
She leaned toward him and patted his hand.
"Before all of this is over, young Ranger, your sister will have need of both your great heart as well as your strength. It will be in her darkest hour that she will realize this and come to you of her own free will. You must understand, Estel, that until now, she has had no elf or human to rely on when she is in need and so it is very difficult for her to ask for help in any form from anyone. But the time approaches when things will be different and she will realize that she needs you."
"The relationship between my sister and me has not been as close as I would have liked."
"That is not what I have observed."
"What do you mean, my Lady?"
"The night of the attack by those vicious winged creatures I witnessed something that would prove your words false." Seeing the look of puzzlement on the young human's face, it dawned on her that nobody had ever told him what his sister had done, for perhaps they had either not seen the need to, or had thought that such knowledge would have shown his weakness and therefore would have embarrassed him.
"Do you remember the night that Lord Elrond's home was attacked by those hideous flying creatures, and you had become incapable of protecting yourself?"
"You mean when I passed out?" He could feel his face become hot as he blushed.
"Some might call it that, perhaps, but yes, when you passed out from shock. Well, just before that, your sister had run across the room and had vaulted over one of the low tables to kill the creature that was crawling toward you. When a second bat attacked, she curled her entire body around yours to protect you from it and suffered her injury after she did so. When it was all over, though she was unconscious herself, the combined energies of your father, the twins and Captain Rahan could not force her to relinquish the hold she had on you. It was your friend, Legolas who finally came up with a way to get her to let go."
Aragorn looked at his friend and Legolas, in turn, smiled.
"I used the warring technique."
"No!"
"Yes, I did."
"And she has said nothing to you about it?"
"She does not know."
"Oh." Aragorn replied simply, for he could only imagine what his hot-tempered sister would have to say to the Mirkwood Prince if she ever found out what he had done.
"Tell me, young sir, when you and the young Mirkwood Prince first met, was your relationship smooth and even, without conflict or trial? No, I think that it was not, and although it had a difficult beginning, you never gave up trying to make your friendship work. Now look where your efforts have brought the two of you - to a place where only death could break the bond that each of you has with the other."
Aragorn and Legolas smiled at each other.
"Have patience, young king. All will be well before the end."
Aragorn's head shot up, for he was unaware that the old woman had known of his lineage.
Seeing the surprised look on his face, Ninniach leaned toward him and said, in a conspiratorial whisper, "I know many things about you, young Aragorn."
She straightened herself in her chair to ease a back that was telling her that it was, indeed, as old as she thought it was.
"All of you who have been touched by this dark evil," she gestured to all of them with one of her wizened hands, "will be called upon before this is over to face trials that will truly test both your spirits and hearts. And so, young ones, my advice is to be there and be strong for each other."
She looked at all of them fondly though her gaze stopped when it got to Legolas and remained on him for more moments than it had with the others. Then, leaning forward in her chair and placing one of her hands along the side of his face, she looked deeply into the Prince's sapphire eyes.
"You know the true meaning of loyalty and brotherhood, young prince, and there is strength in your heart that will serve you well when you need it. I must caution you, however, on one thing - beware of matters of the heart and do not ask for what cannot be given. I have faith that you will use the wisdom I know you have to consider these things wisely."
Legolas dropped his eyes, for he knew well of what she had spoken.
Then Ninniach looked at the twins, from one identical face to the other.
"Yes, twins - this is a very important thing for there is always a great power and bond between twins as I am sure the two of you well know. You will both have an important part to play in what is to come."
Each twin took one of her hands and each kissed it lightly.
"My Lady," Aragorn began. "If I may be so bold - what exactly is happening and what evil is coming that you speak of?"
"Young Aragorn, I will give you the same caution as I did your father. To know too much or to speak too freely of this evil will only serve to draw it near. Rest assured that you will be told what you need to know when it is necessary for you to have that information."
She patted the twins' hands then tapped her cane, once, on the floor.
"All of you, pay heed to what I tell you now. I am but an old woman whose mind often wanders unseen paths that only she can see, paths full of memories of her youth and days gone by. If, perchance, you find me talking to you of what you might consider to be unnecessary things, or if I seem to prattle on about things of no import, humor me and listen very closely to my rambles, for they may have a hidden meaning, unseen and unheard." (I can only speak to all or any of you about the present situation in a cryptic fashion. I can get away with sounding like a senile old woman. Nobody will know the difference.)
"Lady Ninniach, I hope you understand that Imladris is a protected realm."
"Lord Elladan, as I told your father, even Vilya cannot protect this realm or anyone in it from this evil power. But, if all of you do as I request, you will remain quite safe until things can be put right."
The three elves and the young human nodded their heads, for they had understood her meaning and knew that if she spoke openly of this evil that it would be drawn to them as would a moth to an open flame, where not it, but the flame itself, would be consumed.
TBC
DesolateAznVamp: Have them kick butt? Your wish is my command - in the next chapter, to be exact.
MerryMagic26: Welcome and thank you for your reviews. 1. In your review for chapter 2, you mentioned the "Arwen thing." I haven't written Arwen out, its just that there is no need for her to be in the story at this point and time. 2. There will be more for our boys to do in this story so don't worry in that regards. 3. Romance - well we'll just have to wait and see but for right now there is a deep friendship and understanding between the two. Originally I planned for this to be a Mystery/Adventure story and so will try to keep the focus pointing in that direction. 4. I'm glad you liked the little "dagger" thing I had going on in Chapter 7. To understand where I am coming from with the character, her attitude, and her fighting skills, just think of it this way. She is a female with a sarcastic sense of humor who has no illusions about herself and what she is capable of although self-confidence and self-esteem are sometimes an issue. Putting all steroid related issues aside, she knows that she is not bigger or stronger than a lot of those she has to fight though, being female, she is oftentimes faster. The point is, she has had to adapt her fighting skills to suit the need of the moment and that includes doing whatever it takes to survive (aka dirty fighting). And, she is not afraid to put the males in their place, especially when gender becomes an issue during fighting! 5.You said you were reading the Silmarillion ... its a great read, especially if you want to understand what really makes elves tick. 6. I'm glad that you enjoy some of the lighter and more humorous scenes like the one you mentioned (Introduction of the Thurin Tirith where they automatically give their heights.) I'm trying to add some, what I would call "natural" humor. I refuse to believe that for all their natural grace, beauty and intelligence, that the elves did not have a sense of humor or the ability to recognize a humorous situation. 6. When I was doing the research on bats for the chapter about the attack of the giant bats, I got the shivers. Can you imagine a bat with a five foot wingspan? Eeeeew describes it well!