Hey all! Sorry for the long absence. It was a combo of getting very lost in the lazy days of summer and preparing for the local Renaissance Festival, of which I am a street actor. Sorry also for the brevity of this chapter. I promise the next two will make up for it. Both chapters 7 and 8 are in the revision process and will be up soon. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

And So a Quest Begins

The sun had not yet breached the horizon, and the stars still shone dimly in the sky, but Auranor had been awake for some time. Two weeks after Auranor has recovered from her incident with the orcs, the last of the scouts had returned with news that the Enemy was getting stronger and it would be wise for the Fellowship to set out immediately. That very night was to be the last night in Rivendell. The Fellowship was to set out early the next morning by cover of the remaining darkness.

Auranor stood beside her bed rummaging through her pack, checking that nothing had been forgotten. The small bag didn't have much in it, but what was there, Auranor knew she could not go without. She grasped each item in turn a final time before storing it away in the pack. First Auranor picked up a leather cloth that she had prepared earlier. Inside were some basic, yet vital healing herbs and plants that she thought may come in handy. Then, she grabbed a bundle of lembas, the Elven journey bread. With it, she stowed two leathern flasks, one containing water, the other containing miruvor, the cordial of Imaldris. Last, she picked up a delicate mithril chain, crafted from tiny circlets of the fine metal. Upon the chain hung a simple mithril charm depicting the sun. It had been a gift from her parents. She held it in her hand, fiddling with the chain, then placed it over her head and around her neck. She tucked the pendent beneath her shirt where it lay close to her heart. She hooked the pack to her belt, then fastened the belt around her waist.

A quiet knock came upon the door. Auranor bid the visitor to enter, and was met by an alert, well rested looking Aragorn. "Auranor, it is time. Lord Elrond waits in the Great Hall." Auranor nodded silently. She grabbed her sword off the bed, and her cloak from the chair, and followed Aragorn to the Great Hall.

Assembled in the Great Hall, nine of the ten of the Fellowship stood in silence, waiting for Lord Elrond to appear. All looked well rested and ready to begin the long journey. All, that is, except the two mischievous Hobbits, Merry and Pippin. Both sat beside Frodo and Sam, yawning. Auranor watched curiously as Merry's head began to droop. Just as his chin rested on his chest, his eyes shot back open, and his head jerked up to its normal position. Pippin, however, was not as reluctant to resume his slumber. His head rested on Merry's shoulder with his mouth wide open. Auranor's keen elf eyes could see a small stream of drool at the corner of his lips. A quiet giggle escaped her, only audible to herself and Legolas, who glanced at her in wonder. His inquiring stare did not escape Auranor, and their eyes locked. For a split second, she felt short of breath, as if she had been pulled deep into a mysterious pool with in his glowing blue orbs. Regaining her senses, an amused smile formed across her face as she turned her gaze to the tired Hobbits, then back to Legolas. He followed her gaze to the sleeping Pippin and half-awake Merry, equally as amused as Auranor. He looked back at her with a smile, shaking his head at the Hobbits. Their eyes met again briefly before their attention was drawn to Lord Elrond, who had just taken his place before the assembly.

The Lord of Rivendell stood on a platform overlooking the gathered company. With him stood Nestellon, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, and Gandalf, who was descending to accompany the rest of the Fellowship. All watched him with anticipation, as he looked at them with wise, weary eyes.

"This is my last word," Elrond began in a low voice. "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On him alone is any charge laid: neither to cast away the Ring, nor to deliver it to any servant of the Enemy nor indeed to let any handle it, save the members of the Company and the Council, and only then in greatest need. The others go with him as free companions, to help him on his way. You may tarry, or come back, or turn aside into other paths, as chance allows. The further you go, the less easy it will be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road." Elrond paused, looking each of the ten in the eye, then continued with the last of his remarks. "Look not too far ahead! But go now with good hearts! Farewell, and may the blessing of the Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!" With that, Elrond left the room, his sons following him.

"And so we shall go into danger and peril with hope of reviving what good is left in this world," Gandalf said as he turned to leave the room. The Company followed the old wizard; all except Aragorn, who had ascended the stairs of the platform to bid a final farewell to Arwen. This would, indeed, be the last time the two lovers would be together, for Arwen was to voyage to the undying lands, never to return to Middle Earth.

As Auranor was about to pass through the door of the Great Hall, Nestellon caught her arm, pulling her back. "It is not too late to stay. As you know, not I or any other will try to stop you, for you go of your own account, but I fear greatly for your safety."

"Nestellon, I need to do this. I know not what, but something in my heart keeps telling me that this is the right decision, and that good shall prevail and grow stronger out of the ashes of evil. Fear not, all shall be well. We shall meet again soon."

Nestellon gazed at Auranor with sad, understanding eyes. He lovingly wrapped his arms around her, and with a sigh, whispered, "Please return to us. Do not let evil overcome you. Take care and return with haste."

"Le annon veleth nin Nestellon," she whispered, and so he returned the affection. Auranor made her way to the door, looking back at Nestellon a final time before leaving the room. The rest of the Fellowship had already reached the Gates of Rivendell, but Auranor seated herself on a bench outside, waiting for Aragorn. Her sharp elf ears picked up the final moments of the conversation within the Great Hall, the sweet Elvish flowing through the air like a song.

"If your heart can bear it, do not forget me once you have left Middle Earth."

"Meleth nin, you are the one who I have given my heart to. I will never forget you, no matter how many lonely ages pass."

"You will always live on in my heart. Every orc I slay, I slay for you, in hope that one day we shall be together again in a peaceful world." There was a brief silence, then the sound of footsteps nearing the door. Auranor stood up as Aragorn approached, clutching Arwen's Evenstar necklace to his heart. Auranor could see the tears in his eyes as he stared at the ground.

"Fear not my brother," Auranor said sincerely, placing a hand on his shoulder. "For my heart tells me that you and your love shall meet again soon." Aragorn looked at her with a sad smile of gratitude, and the two continued on silently to the Gates of Rivendell.

Response to Reviews (sorry for such short responses today)

Crecy – Thanks, I will fix it next time I update. A little preview, Lothlorien should get a bit more interesting. 

Seyyada – I'm so sorry I haven't reviewed anything lately. As I said, I got lost in the lazy days of summer and have had a lot to do concerning the local Renaissance Festival. I will get back to that though ASAP. Don't worry, no hurties! I am fine, and it is not a problem to review. Keep reading and writing!

Iloveorlando08 – Thanks so much! Reviews are always welcomed! Thanks for reading! Chapter 7 to come soon…

Anonomyss – Thanks for reading! Sorry for such a long delay. I am going to get back on the ball with this though and update more often.

Jj – Thanks! I thought there was a little too much testosterone in Middle Earth, so I added some estrogen, lol. Keep reading!

Princess of Rain – Awesome! My e-mail is Sorry I haven't updated in so long. Keep reading. Chapter 7 coming soon…

Megan – Oh jeez, calm down! Thanks for reading, even though you had read it before I posted it, I still appreciate the support! Talk soon!

Dreamer888 – Well you better get reading then! I think the tea towel and strawberries shall remain absent from this version, but maybe I shall include them in another, lol. Trampoline party sounds good. Can we invite Orlando? Please! 

Nienna surion – Thanks! Keep reading. Chapter 7 coming soon…

Alatariel Silimaure – I updated! Sorry to leave everyone hanging for so long. Chapter 7 in revision process and will be posted soon. Keep reading!