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Chapter Twenty – Recuperation in Rivendell

The girls soon figured out that the route to Mirkwood was not going to be an easy one. They had to travel quite a distance, and they were becoming gladder and gladder that they had Meg and Thorne. As the less well travelled girls became weary, their tempers frayed, and the resulting tension was so thick you could cut it with an axe: sarcasm, petty disputes and irritation reigned. The men became sharper and rather nervous of disposition, and watched every word they spoke, especially to their companions.

So as the beautiful view of Imladris, home of Elrond, the Last Homely House, came into sight, just about every one (including Gollum) gave a huge sign of relief. Elven voices called in Elvish to Aragorn, who called back, laughing smiling and joking. The girls were amazed at the change wrought in him by the return to his home- he was younger, easier of manner and calmer. Darayne however, looked mildly uneasy, as the elves were friends of Aragorn and knew all about their past.

The girls looked about them in amazement at the 'art nouveau' –ness of it all. Everything was natural, white, green, fresh (with the on coming winter- it was late autumn already) and curved, with beautiful lines. Estriel could not help thinking of swans, and Jenna thought about how beautiful it must be in early autumn, her favourite time of the year.

As they neared the entrance, a cry of delight was heard from within, and out came the graceful form of a beautiful female elf, who ran over towards Aragorn. He leapt off his horse, and ran to meet her. They embraced.

"Of course," said Estriel to Jenna. "Arwen!"

Jenna nodded in realisation, and the girls turned to look at the couple who were now looking into each other's eyes lovingly. However, their attention was turned to two dark-haired male elves who had appeared at the door, and were now walking down the pathway.

Jenna did not understand why a small smile was creeping onto Estriel's face as she watched them, until they came closer and she saw that they were twins.

"Elladan and Elrohir!" she exclaimed.

Estriel nodded, but did not take her eyes of the pair. They were indeed, very handsome.

They stood next to Arwen and Aragorn, but had to cough quietly to make their presence known.

Aragorn turned and grinned as he saw them.

"My brothers!" he said, embracing them.

"It has been too long!" said Twin 1.

Aragorn turned and gestured to the girls.

"These are my friends, Jenna and Estriel," he explained.

Twin 1 went over and stood between the two horses.

"Greetings. Friends of Aragorn are friends of ours, and we welcome you to our home. I am Elrohir, son of Elrond. This is my brother, Elladan." At this point he moved slightly closer to Estriel. "Are you Lady Jenna or Lady Estriel?" he asked, politely.

"Lady Estriel," she replied, slightly quieter than usual.

He helped her off her horse, at which point Elladan moved forward.

"Lady Jenna, greetings. May I help you down?"

"Thank you," she said, blushing slightly, and let him assist her.

Darayne swiftly jumped off Thorne, and stood next to her.

"I don't suppose I get any assistance?" he said sarcastically, staring defiantly at Elladan in a way which reminded Jenna of the phrase 'if looks could kill...'

"And who are you?" asked the elf, looking towards Aragorn for an explanation.

"This is Darayne," said Aragorn.

"Darayne, son of Darath?" asked Elrohir, looking shocked. "But Aragorn..."

"I know who he is," said the Ranger. "Yet I gave my word to let him travel with us, and I will not break it. I would be very grateful if he could also reside here for a short while, and I will take responsibility for his actions."

The elves still looked taken aback by this – clearly a lot had changed since their last meeting.

"Of course," said Elrohir. "He, too, is welcomed." He offered a smile and a nod to Darayne, who reciprocated nervously.

"Well please, come inside," said Arwen from Aragorn's arm. "For it is beginning to get cold and the four of you look in need of food and rest."

So the three elves escorted the four tired travellers into the palace.

It was just as grand on the inside as it was on the outside, and the beauty of it awed the girls. Estriel felt immediately at home with the splendour of it all, and the elegance and poise of the elves around her. Jenna, on the other hand, felt almost intimidated by the sheer size and grandeur of the place and the dignity of the elves. She was, however, intrigued by their way of life, their history, and, of course, their healing powers.

As the party neared the end of the great hall, a booming voice could be heard speaking in Elvish.

"I believe that that is our father, Elrond," said Elladan, and turned around to see him descend the steps.

"Greetings, travellers," he said, his eyes scanning the group. "I trust that you are all well."

"Indeed, yet I believe that the two girls are weary from travel and in need of nourishment and respite," said Elrohir.

"Of course," said Elrond, regally. "We shall meet properly later on, in the meantime you must rest, and I must talk to Aragorn."

With this, he smiled warmly at Estriel and Jenna, eyed Darayne suspiciously, and walked over to Aragorn.

"The elves will take good care of you," said Aragorn, before leaving with Elrond. "I will see you tomorrow morning. Sleep well."

"Sleep well, Aragorn," said Estriel, and Jenna and Darayne nodded.

"I will show you to your rooms, and have some food sent up to you," said Arwen kindly. She ushered Jenna, Estriel and Darayne up the steps.

"We will see you tomorrow, Lady Estriel, Lady Jenna," called Elrohir. Estriel did not take her eyes off him until she turned at the top of the stairs, and could see him no longer.

Jenna rolled her eyes.

The next few days were spent happily in Rivendell. The girls, and the two Rangers for that matter, got some much needed rest, and were now feeling much happier. Aragorn had seemed more contented than the girls had seen him so far, and even Darayne was beginning to look at ease.

Estriel and Jenna's days were spent talking with Arwen (when she wasn't with Aragorn), sleeping, eating and discussing what was to come.

On the fourth day, Jenna was returning from talking to Elrond about Elvish medicine, when she discovered Estriel and Elrohir sitting on one of the benches in the great hall. She walked over quietly and listened to what they were saying.

"Lady Estriel, it would be an honour, as well as a pleasure, for me to accompany you."

"But, Elrohir, you cannot leave your father, or your brother. Surely you are too important to the palace for you to journey away."

"My family would understand. Aragorn and Darayne are strong Rangers, but evil can lurk on the journey to Mirkwood, and you would be safer with one more person to protect you. I mean both of you, of course..."

At this point, Jenna made her presence known.

"Hi guys!" she said loudly. "So, what are you up to then, I mean, both of you, of course..."

Estriel shot her a death stare, but Jenna kept smiling, a little too sweetly, at them.

"I was just trying to convince your friend to let me travel with you on your journey to Mirkwood," said Elrohir, either not noticing, or plainly avoiding, Jenna's sarcasm.

"Oh!" said Jenna, faking surprise. "And why would Estriel object to an Elven escort? I think that it is a fantastic idea!"

Elrohir positively beamed. Estriel did not look so disappointed herself.

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