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Chapter 20

Mother's Heart, Warrior's Resolve

Tari ran all the way back to her room. For all they knew, she was still out cold from when they subdued her.

She threw open her wardrobe, dressing herself in black breeches and boots, and a baggy white cotton tunic under a tight black leather vest. Throwing on a Ranger's dark cloak, completed with their star broach, and fastening her quiver to her back, she turned to find her leather belt and sword. They were exactly where she'd left them; under her bed. Hadhafhang glittered just as it always had, the elven script in gold engraving shining as brightly as the steel. She sheathed it, going to her desk and writing a hasty letter...

Dear Legolas,

I'm sorry for my behavior before, but I was worried for our daughter. I've gone out hunting to clear my mind. Don't worry, I have my weapons. I should be back in about two weeks. If I should be delayed, I shall send you another letter.

All my love,

Tari

I wonder if he'll believe this, she thought as she pinned the letter to her pillow. The only thing she'd be hunting for the next two weeks were orcs on her way to Durthang. There was no way in Hell she was going to leave her only daughter in the hands of orcs and Arya.

She strode quickly over to her balcony, and looked down. There was no one below, and it was not a far drop. For elves, that is. She alighted over the balustrade, landing gracefully on her feet upon the stone ground below, before taking off at a sprint to the stables.

Glorfindel's horse nickered at her as she crouched past the stalls. He was one of the swiftest steeds in the entire barn, and endurance is what she needed. He was one of the descendants of Asfaloth. He even carried the name of his great sire. "Shh, Asfaloth... Be silent, mellon nin..." (my friend) she whispered, grabbing his bridle, making sure to undo the bells attached to it. Within five minutes, the light dapple-gray stallion was saddled and ready. Tari mounted the loyal horse, knowing he would carry her through any battle.

"Noro lim, mellon nin..." (ride fast, my friend) she whispered to her steed. Like an arrow from the most powerful bow, Asfaloth sped off at a gallop out of the barn, and down the path that would begin her journey to Minas Tirith...

It was very late when Legolas decided to go and see if Tari had yet woken. Gandalf had left early in the afternoon.

Upon entering the room, he could tell that Tari had long since left it. The candles were merely little flames in big pools of wax now. A note was attached to the pillow of her bed, and he hastened over to it, ripping the parchment from it's pin.

His eyes roamed over the lines, one by one before he reached the end, his eyes wide. "Oh, I don't believe this for a second!" he growled, crumpling up the letter and running to the door. "ELROND!"

Hehe. Yeah, I know it's short, but guess what? I'm baaaaaack! And I have never been so happy to be home! Two words for you - air conditioning. Thank God for it.

The next one will be out today if I get at least 5 reviews before tonight. It shouldn't be that hard. I don't mean to be a killjoy, but when you review, please tell me about what you really liked, didn't like, or want me to change for further chapters. It helps immensely, because I want people to read a story that they like.

REVIEW! And tell others about my story! I always like getting reviews from new people!