The Misty Mountains towered overhead, as Idrial and Berethor raced through the plains of Eregion. Ruins of ancient castles and strongholds passed in a blink as both horses galloped swiftly along the ground, hooves barely touching the ground. Time could not be wasted. The air had a chill feeling, things were different and were about to change.

"Noro Lim Esgorath!" Idrial cried.

Arrows swept overhead, missing their heads by inches.

"It's a trap!" Berethor yelled. "Orcs from Dunland!"

"Ride fast" Idrial bent over as the horses sped up to full speed.

Berethor swung round as three orcs leapt out of the bushes behind then, arrows zipping past them.

On the far horizon was the mountain of Cahadras was rearing its white snowy head. If they continued at this speed they could reach the edges of Eregion, close to the gap of Rohan. He yelped. The horses were now travelled down a steep valley at the foot of Cahadras, and he was struggling to hold on.

Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his side. He dismissed this as he clung onto the reins as the horses feet stumbled and slipped. The danger passed as they continued along the plains until Idrial slowed her horse down near a small river and finally stopped.

"That was too close, they are getting closer to Rivendell." She faced Berethor. " Gondorian! You are hurt!!" she cried.

Berethor looked down at where the pain was coming from, as he remebered. Implanted in his side was a goblin arrow, not deep, but painful.

"Lie down," Idrial whispered, and as she did she knelt beside him. Carefully she removed the arrow.

Berethor clenched his teeth as he took a deep breath.

"Shh… Idrial purred. She lifted up his leather jerkin and rested her hands on his wound, her eyes closed.

Nai tiruvantel…ar varyuvantel I Valar tielyanna nu vilya," she said as Berethors pain eased.

As she stood back up he looked at the wound, still visible but painless. He lifted himself up next to her.

"Thank you, the power of elves still surprise me to this day," he said as she stood nearer to him.

"I will, if I can protect you all I can." She looked down, nearing herself to him. She looked up hesistantly and gently kissed him, and blushing, moved away back to Esgorath. Berethor could have sang but knew not to feel strong for this Elf. He had to stop himself from this, it could never work.

That night they rode silently and swiftly through the darkness, as bushes and trees swayed and cruched beside them. The night was eerie – the moon had gone and the land had a soft mist covering it from one's eye. Underfoot the ground was losing the grassiness, and was becoming harder and all stone. Suddenly the huge stonework of Moria loomed ahead. It was a large grey pillar leading out from the mountain and ahead the doors of Moria could be seen.

"Hoy!" A voice called from the lake. It was four lorien archer elves. Idrial's heart leapt – it was her kin!

"Who goes?" they called as they neared the two horses.

"It is I Idrial!" she cried as they met face to face with the four elves. She leapt off Esgorath.

"Idrial?" a familiar voice spoke. It was Haldir, her heart sank. "Come with us, we must hurry back to Lorien, these areas are not safe. And who is this?"

"I am Berethor, of Gondor. I must find my Captain, Bormir," Berethor growled. He felt uneasy with these elves, unlike those of Rivendell.

"Very well, come with us." Haldir said. "We head for Lothlorien through the East Emnet Gullies. "Come my Idrial," he said his hand on Idrials waist as she blushed. Berethor stared watching Haldir lead Idrial and the elves away. This proved there was no chance.