Part 6

Strider and Pharra rode side by side down a dirt trail. They were nearing the town of Avonlea after four days of travel. Pharra wore a set of dark traveling clothes with her hair pulled away from her face. She was riding a red mare which she called Nebula or Nebbe for short. Halabrad had given Strider a black stallion which was named Guar. Halabrad was riding several yards in front of the two young people giving them room to talk.

The young man had been curious for some time about Pharra's family history. He had not really had time to get into the subject while she was in Rivendell. He readjusted himself in the saddle and asked, "Pharra where were you from?"

The girl beside him rubbed her horse's neck with her right hand and replied, "I was originally from Geris, but the earthquake destroyed it. It was about five days away from Rivendell."

"Did you spend a lot of time with your Uncle growing up?"

Pharra looked out across the landscape and seemed to be taking a trip down memory lane. "I spent nearly every summer with Uncle Hal and Aunt Aquila. I still remember how Aunt Aquila would tell me bedtime stories and how Uncle Hal used to take me for horseback rides when I was little." She paused for a moment considering. "What about your childhood Strider? Did you spend much time with your Uncle?"

Strider shifted uncomfortably in the saddle, "Everyday, actually." He thought about what he wanted to say. "Uncle El used to play healers with me. I learned all I know about healing from him. And my cousins Dan and Ro used to take me hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, camping, anything outdoors."

Pharra raised an eyebrow asking, "So what happened?"

Strider cleared his throat and another bout of silence followed. Pharra was beginning to think he wasn't going to answer when he began, "Well it all started about seven months ago. The twins and everyone at the house started treating me differently. I don't know how to explain it. I remember one day in particular. Dan and Ro were going on a hunting trip. I asked to go along and for some reason Dan snapped at me. To this day I still don't know why he was so upset. And even Ro wasn't as affectionate as he used to be. All the elves seemed to be ignoring me or trying to limit their contact with me to as little as they possibly could." He took a deep breath, "They just changed. Next thing I know my Uncle turns my world entirely upside down. I got upset, and yelled at him. Then I left."

Pharra nodded in understanding, "It just didn't feel like home."

Strider merely nodded and turned his head to look at the trees that lined the road. He didn't want to talk about this anymore.

But Pharra did not leave the subject. Instead she continued, "Strider, I know this is going to sound strange. I went through the same thing. There was a time when my parents and I weren't exactly getting along. I ran away thinking I could escape it all. But the truth is, I didn't escape it. In fact things only got worse. I'm not going to talk about all the places I've been or the things that I did. All I'm going to say is I'm not proud of them."

Here the young woman paused and her face took on a new light. It grew dark and there were lines of pain streaking it. She continued after a moment speaking softly, "The thing is my parents and I never got the chance to make peace. I didn't figure out where I belonged until it was too late. I don't want you to end up the way I did."

A voice cut through the air, "Pharra!"

Pharra smiled slowly and replied, "Think about it." Strider watched as she lightly tapped Nebbe on the side and rode up next to her Uncle not far ahead.

Strider considered what she had just confessed. So she had never really gotten to make peace with her family? Did he want the last thing he ever told Elrond to be that he was worse than a kin slayer? But the young man was frightened out of his mind about going home. The fact that he didn't know what to expect made him queasy. He tapped his horse's side lightly and Guar made his way up to ride alongside Halabrad and Pharra.

The ride continued in silence for several hours. It was finally broken by Halabrad when he announced, "Well there she is, the port of Avonlea."

Strider straightened up in the saddle and looked down the slope to the port just below. It was full of activity. There were boats docked at the harbor and there were some out on the ocean. The young man had heard stories about the sea, but had never been given the opportunity to see it.

The waves rolled into shore and gulls called out across the air. The scent of the air was unlike anything he had ever smelled before. As their horses rode into the city and hit the stone streets, Strider had a feeling of pure excitement.

The three companions made their way down several winding streets stopping at a stone home with a lovely garden in the front. Sitting beneath a tree with a smile on her face was Gilraen. Strider immediately stopped his horse and dismounted. He ran over to his mother and flung his arms around her.

Gilraen jumped at the sudden physical contact she felt against her body. She opened her sightless eyes and looked straight ahead. She lifted her right arm and felt familiar black hair and facial features. She smiled uttering on a wisp of air, "Strider."

The young man buried his head further into his Mother's shoulder not caring if he looked like a small child. He felt her hand on his back making small soothing circular motions. He sighed contently letting out a single word, "Mom."

Gilraen took her left hand and wiped away the tears that stained her eyes. She had been so worried about her son. To finally have him in her arms again brought peace back to her heart. She had silently cursed herself everyday since she had received that note from Elrond for not being there when her son learned of his heritage. She could hear three horses neighing near the gate. She felt footsteps coming up the stone walkway and recognized the heavy booted ones. "Halabrad it's so good to see you again. I had a feeling you might show up."

"Hello Gil, Aquila told me to give you her well wishes. And I brought Pharra with me too."

Gilraen smiled, "Pharra, bless my heart. I've not seen you in two years."

Pharra smiled and sat down next to Gilraen on her right side. She wrapped her arms around the older woman and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "It's good to see you again too."

The older woman laughed, "If you two don't mind, I need to get up off this grass before I go back to sleep. And I might as well feed you Hal before you go off to that meeting. Valar knows you are going to be grumpy enough due to those rangers' constant bickering. Last thing you need is to add grumpiness due to an empty stomach."

Strider got up off the ground and helped his Mother to her feet. Together the four humans entered Gilraen's home. It was very nice inside and she seemed to know exactly where she was going. Of course no doubt, she had everything organized to her liking. While Strider and Pharra toured the house and found a bedroom, Gilraen started making some stew. "So Hal, where did you find him?"

Halabrad smirked, "Do you really wanna know?"

Gilraen stirred the pot of stew asking, "Is it really that bad?"

Halabrad chuckled, "Nay, my friend. I found him near my campsite about two days away from Rivendell."

Gilraen smiled, "Well that's good. So I see you made it here in one piece my friend."

Halabrad couldn't help but tease, "So Gil, does that mean you won't kill me for associating with your cub?"

Gilraen tasted a spoonful of her stew and grimaced. She quickly added a handful of spices before replying, "I suppose I'll let you live, this time. Just don't you dare bring my son here dying, or I'll come after you. Remember Hal, I know where you live."

Halabrad laughed and looked up to see his niece and Strider coming into the living room. They each took seats at the table and it wasn't long before Gilraen served them some supper. Everyone was quite hungry and dove into the soup greedily. "I'm afraid I must apologize. I haven't gone to market this week, and am plum out of bread."

"Don't worry about it Gil. As long as the soup is edible I'm a happy man." Halabrad's eyes twinkled, "I've always wondered how a blind woman cooks."

Gilraen slapped the ranger on the shoulder and replied casually, "Don't be teaching these young people bad manners. And you know quite well that my food is edible. I'm not helpless you know. And as far as how I do it," she smirked and scooped out a spoonful adding, "well, that's my little secret."

TBC...

A/N: Well there's Chapter six up a lot faster than five. I hope everyone enjoyed it and chapter seven should be up soon. I'm afraid to say that there won't be too many more chapters to this story. But don't worry, I have a sequel in the works right now. I still need to work out the kinks and everything. Now on to Reveiwer Responses.

Grumpy: Hello again. I'm so glad you are enjoying this story. You are one faithful reviewer and I appreciate it.

Lindahoyland: Mellon-nin you are another faithful reviewer and I appreciate it. You also inspire me with your wonderful stories. Things are really getting rough for poor Aragorn in your story aren't they?

Fading-Lights: Oh you are so sweet. Jealous? Wow, I must admit I'm very flattered by your comments. And yes I can tell you enjoyed the last chapter. I hope you enjoy this one too. Thanks again for reviewing every chapter, I enjoy hearing from you.

Until next update.