This is a collaborative effort of a whole bunch of us - me, Elanor, Finrod, Gilrean, Holly, Lana, Nimbrethil, Witch King and Wizard. Other than the respective characters ie. me (Laurendil); Elanor (Elanor, Haldarin), Gilrean (Gilrean), Holly (Holly), Lana (Lena), Nimbrethil (Nimbrethil), Witch King (Beomir) and Wizard (Wizard), we do not own any of the other great Tolkien works. This was originally an RPG we played and have put together as a story. Hope you enjoy it.

Later that night, Legolas decided to take a walk. After all, the moon was bright, and the air was warm. He strode down to the stables to look in on his horse. As he walked in, he saw a cloaked figure, hurriedly packing up a saddle. Though the face was hidden, Legolas knew it was Nimbrethil, as he recognized the bow slung across her back.

"What are you doing out so late?" asked Legolas as she spun around to face him, having heard him enter, "You look like you are packing for a journey?"

She continued saddling her horse, and was preparing to mount as she explained, "I can not stay here, Legolas. Something calls me from the shadows. I must go."

Legolas grabbed her arm, and she was slightly startled at the speed he got to her. She didn't turn to face him as he persisted, "I know you Nimbrethil, and I know that nothing I can say will change your mind. But must you go now? Why don't you set out at first light? You must take some rest."

It was more the concern in his voice at the last statement than anything else that made her turn to face him. She could tell the worry in his eyes, but she had other things on her mind at the moment, "I will find no rest. My dreams have been dark of late."

Legolas saw the determined look on her face, yet he tried again, asking softly, his eyes pleading, "Is there nothing I can say to make you change your mind?"

"No, Legolas," said Nimbrethil firmly, taking his hand off hers, "I am going."

He looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Then I have no choice but to go with you."

Nimbrethil was startled at this, and was about to open her mouth to protest. One look at Legolas's face, however, made her shut it again. She, too, knew Legolas. Once he made up his mind, no one could sway it either. The only difference was, she was not going to try and change his mind. She was silent as he quickly saddled his horse and mounted. Silently, they rode out, thinking that no one saw them leave – but someone did. Gilrean. Her eyes followed their movements and without hesitation, she ran to the store house to gather her things, knowing that she had to follow them.

Quickly making her way to the stables, she just about reached it when Elrohir appeared, "Where are you going, my Lady?"

Gilrean turned around to face him, saying resolutely (as she thought he would protest), "I am following Nimbrethil and Legolas. I saw them ride out. I will not be left behind."

Worry creased his forehead as he said, "You cannot go alone. It is dark, and there are fell things about at this hour of night."

Gilrean almost snorted in disdain, "I do not fear any beast! Now, I must be going." She continued on, but Elrohir was still beside her, following her movements.

"I am coming with you, Gilrean. I will not let you ride out alone."

Though exasperated, Gilrean had no time to argue, "Very well. But hurry!"

It was not long after that two more figures rode out into the night. "Naralim, Mirloth!" Gilrean whispered to her horse as they rode out of the gate, fast on the trail left by Nimbrethil and Legolas.

Their hurried departure wasn't unseen either – Laurendil was on her balcony, peering into the darkness. She had just placed Elanor into her own bedroom thinking that it was the best place right now – and as Elanor was going about in her room looking at everything, Laurendil had walked out into the night, needing some air.

At first, nothing was out of place. Laurendil could hear that the celebrations were winding down, despite the very loud singing voices of Merry and Pippin. Probably drunk, she thought with a smile. Or pretending to be so that they don't have to go back to bed yet! Still, despite the rather off-key singing and revelry, Laurendil's eyes narrowed as her sharp ears caught the sounds of hoof-beats leaving Rivendell. And thus, she rushed to her balcony. Peering through the darkness, she only managed to see the last rider's horse as it exited. But it was enough. She recognized it to be Elrohir's horse.

What in the world is that elf up to?

Shaking her head, Laurendil decided to go and see what was left of the celebrations. Not many people were left - in fact ... Laurendil felt something was wrong. Other than Merry and Pippin, none of the other Fellowship members were around. Where was Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli? And that strange boy earlier?

With that, she began her search. It was not long before she caught some voices floating over from somewhere. Laurendil could make out Aragorn's voice, and another female voice, but even her sharp ears could not make out what they were saying. Quickening her pace, she followed the sound of the voices.

Gilrean and Elrohir rode hard, trying to catch up with Nimbrethil and Legolas. They were in luck – it was not long before they did, for the other two had stopped and were now facing them. Legolas had heard them following them, and so did Nimbrethil, thus they decided to wait for the other two – somehow, it seemed prudent that they were not heard as they traveled in the night. Though exasperated, Nimbrethil knew that Gilrean would have eventually followed her. She was surprised at Elrohir, though.

Soon, Gilrean and Elrohir reached them and sprang form their horses. Gilrean almost ran to Nimbrethil, while Elrohir took the reins of the horses, "Nimbrehtil, why did you leave so suddenly?" she demanded as she reached Nimbrethil.

"I will explain all," replied Nimbrethil as she gave her a look that Gilrean knew all too well. Girlean was silent for a while before she nodded and they waited for Elrohir to join them before Nimbrethil began telling them about her strange dreams and growing fear.

"But what made you come this way? You don't even know what you are looking for!" Gilrean nearly shouted at Nimbrethil, her frustration evident.

"I don't know, Gilrean," said Nimbrethil, looking into the distance. She saw that Legolas had wandered up to the top of a nearby hill when she started talking, "Something just told me to come this way. All will be revealed in time."

Legolas studied the view from atop the hill. As he looked out, he could see smoke rising in the distance. His keen eyes could just make out the far off figures. There was a group of men, heavily cloaked. But there were others, of a strange form. He had not seen one in so long … he narrowed his eyes … it could not be! He ran back to the others.

"Nimbrethil. Your instincts have led you in the right direction. There is a band of Orcs, about a hundred leagues off," announced Legolas.

At this, everyone was surprised. They quickly followed Legolas to the hilltop. It was true. There were a great number of Orcs.

"We must get a closer look," muttered Elrohir. The elves agreed and set out into the forest toward the gathering.

As they drew near, they quietly got off their horses and crept towards the scene. A single voice could now be heard though the source of the voice could not be seen, "Too long have you suffered under King Elessar, exiled to your caves in the mountains!! It is time to rise again!! We attack Rivendell!!"

The Orcs cheered in reply. The Elves looked at each other, worried. "They know Aragorn is in Imladris, and that he is without strength." Nimbrethil whispered.

"They mean to fence us in!" said Gilrean.

"That is a large army. We must bring word to the King. We haven't much time," Legolas sounded extremely worried, though his features didn't betray it. Without any further words, they crept back to their horses and made their way to Rivendell with all speed.