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, Mas); Elanor (Elanor, HAldaron), 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.

After eating, Finrod had wanted to get some rest but couldn't fall asleep. He thumped his pillow and settled down, but it was to no avail. One thought seemed to nag at him, and eat at him: Why is Laurendil so angry? It puzzled him to no end. All he did – in fact, is doing, is to protect them all in the best way he could, putting his life at risk. And all she ever went on about was how reckless he was. Him? RECKLESS!

He punched his pillow again. How could she even think that of him? They share the same past, and she had seen the same things...how could she not understand? Finally giving up on any attempts to sleep, he hopped out of bed and was determined to find her. Somehow, that thought gave him a slight uncomfortable feeling, but he brushed it aside. It was not really her that he wanted to see. She was simply one of the reasons. He had to find Aragorn and ask about their plan of action, anyway. After all, Aragorn, being the king, was their leader, so he had to decide their next moves. It would also be wise to check this wizard... Feeling better about getting up and going off, he walked out the door – and was surprised to find that dawn was just breaking into the horizon.

At that moment, Laurendil had just finished braiding her hair and had twisted it around her head. She studied herself in the mirror, studying her face intently. At least her eyes didn't look like she had been crying last night. They were all going to meet this morning, and she knew that the inevitable outcome was a journey. So, in preparation, she had done her packing last night. On her bed lay a small bag filled with her essentials, and right next to it were her weapons. Taking one last look around the room, she took a deep breath and walked out.

And the first person she saw was Finrod, walking towards her room. Memories of last night came back, and steeling her resolve, she resisted her first instinct to turn around and walk the other way, and instead, headed straight to him. He saw her coming, and continued on, meeting her halfway. Before he could say anything, though, she gave a curtsey and stated evenly, "I just wanted to apologize, my Lord. My behavior to you the past few days have been uncalled for, and unwarranted. It will not happen again."

Finrod blinked a few times, feeling this rather formal Laurendil was quite unlike her. Laurendil, on the other hand, felt it easier to be so formal with him. And although she knew that Finrod probably found it rather strange (after all, he was looking at her like she had grown two horns or something), she could not help herself. He always had this effect on her and she was determined to be polite and nice to him.

Finrod was silent for a few moments at this 'new' Laurendil – he had been hoping to hear something like that from her, but not in such a formal tone. He replied in his best manner, equally formal, "I would never hold that against you. I understand everything and would be glad if we worked together."

He stopped for a moment, his voice carrying more conviction as he continued, his eyes flashing as his mind flashed on old memories, "I am only trying to have my revenge for all of the Elves who ever suffered during Dark Times, so we are on the same side." Seeing Laurendil look up at him this time, he ventured a smile, tilting his head slightly as he asked, "Maybe we would go to the hall together and find out what have they decided?"

Laurendil seemed to hesitate for a while, but then she nodded. This was a side to Finrod that she had not anticipated. True, she had always regarded him as a bloodthirsty elf who enjoyed nothing but blood and gore; but she realized at this moment that his reaction to his past made him want to fight whereas her past made her want to heal. But ultimately, both had the same ends: the 'correct' the wrongs of the past. Still … and at this, Laurendil grimaced to herself, as she walked beside him to the hall, she still could not help but be annoyed by him.

Upon arriving, they discovered that everyone was already gathered there. Settling themselves next to Lena and Elanor, they waited as Aragorn stood up and addressed them, "As everyone knows, we are faced with a new threat, from an old enemy. That we are to journey to stop this goes without question. I've been considering several ways of traveling when Lena came to me last night with her proposal. Lena?"

Lena was startled at this unexpected 'handing over', but she took it in her stride. Facing everyone, she explained, "We should move as traveling merchants, in a caravan filled with food – which would not only be our rations, but we would also carry more as food to sell to any towns we pass by. We will take turns riding in the wagons and scouting ahead, plus having some guard our back. It would look a bit odd if we had a caravan with so many guards, so we must travel light."

With that, Lena leaned back, to see the reaction of the others to her plan. Everyone looked at each other and there was a general murmur going around. Before anyone else could say anything, Aldaron stepped forward and commented, "I see you haven't said where we are going, King Elessar." Looking upon Aragorn pointedly, holding his staff erect, he continued, "I do believe Gondor may need its King. And it is up to me to bring Eol to Mt. Doom."

Aragorn looked back upon him steadily, answering, "We are going to Isenguard. And as to Gondor needing its King, I believe Gondor needs its king to protect it. And I can only do that by embarking on this journey. I have a capable army to defend Gondor, but it is my duty to ensure that this thread of Saruman is eradicated." Aldaron acknowledge this, and nodded, about to sit down when Aragorn continued, "And we will need you to also make this work. Only you have the magic and the knowledge of your family to guide us through."

Aragorn didn't say anything after that, but Aldaron knew what was on Aragorn's mind. Nodding, Aldaron negated the need for Aragorn to ask him to join them and satisfied, Aragorn turned to face the others.

"After listening to Lena's suggestion, I had decided during the night that it would be the best way of traveling at this time. Those who are following must dress for the road," began Aragorn, "Be sure not to take anything valuable or elvish like jewelry. Smear your horses with mud, or do whatever it takes to hide its obvious breed. We are to look worn and poor, so one can hardly explain why such a troupe would own such valuable horses. The wagons will be here soon, we'll meet at the gates in an hour and a half."

After his announcement, Nimbrethil hissed angrily at Legolas and Gildrean, "A caravan? A caravan? Why should we take a caravan? It would be easily noticed! What are we to do, march into Isengard with women and children and a caravan? Cover them in mud to hide them?"

Legolas agreed, thinking that this was unlike Aragorn to even consider such a plan, "Has Aragorn gone mad? Why not send a select few scouts? Stealth would be the best way."

Gilrean was looking at them in puzzlement, "But I thought Isengard was destroyed? Besides, wasn't it well protected? How could Saruman just take it over?" said Gilrean

Aldaron had heard this entire exchange, despite the talk with Aragorn, and he said confidently, "King Elessar is a wise King. Perhaps he has a reason that is yet to be revealed."

Nimbrethil looked at Aldaron, and calmed down a little, "Yes, you are right. I suppose we must trust him. He is our King."

At that moment, Laurendil stepped forward, and said, "Forgive me, my Lord, but with all due respect, you are only heading towards one of the problems: the host body. There is still the problem of how Saruman had kept his spirit in this world. Sauron did it through the One Ring. Saruman must have some item which he had done so while the War of Ring was raging - he foresaw this to happen, and he took precautions. We need to do both - and I do not think Saruman would keep the item with him in Isenguard. It is too risky to have both him and the item in one place."

Aragorn nodded, seeing the wisdom in this, "And what do you propose? Because I see that you already have your mind set on what must be done, Laurendil."

"We need to go on two journeys. One to Isenguard where Eol is at, and one is to Lothlórien," Laurendil began.

At this, everyone looked at her in surprise. "Lothlórien? Why?" queried Finrod, before Aragorn could.

She turned to face him, explaining, "We need Galadriel's Mirror. We have no idea what sort of item Saruman used, and I believe Galadriel's Mirror would show us. I was thinking that perhaps you would be able to use it as well, to find out what Saruman used. And destroy it."

Finrod's eyebrow raised up at this, curious at this turn of events. "That is well," Aragorn agreed, standing up, "So it decided. Two journeys. Time is of the essence and we cannot afford to do each separately. The journey to Isenguard will be led by me and Aldaron while the journey to Lothlórien will be led by Laurendil and Finrod. May our journeys end well."

With that, he turned once again to leave, pausing a moment to put a hand on Aldaron's shoulder, saying, "Forgive me for being so abrupt earlier. It was not my intention. I am merely feeling frustrated at this rise in evil again. I thank you for your help and know how hard this will be."

Aldaron nodded, putting his hand on Aragorn's hand, saying, "And I was trying to make sure that there were less injuries and deaths, if I took him to Mt. Doom. I understand King Elessar." He sighed, his eyes looking at the horizon at something only he could see, "It will not be easy. I believe there is nothing to be gained at Isengard; the Ents and trees will not welcome Orcs nor a Saruman – even if his spirit is in an item, or in the body of my own brother."

Aragorn nodded, but said, "But we have to make sure." Aldaron agreed with this and turning to the group, Aragorn asked, "And who will be joining us on our journeys?"

Nimbrethil stood up. "I will go to Lothlórien."

"And I," echoed Gilrean said.

Legolas took but a moment to respond, "I also will go to Lothlórien."

Barely were the words out of his mouth when Gimli responded, "I will go too, If Legolas is going."

A few more voices were heard, indicating either going to Lothlórien or Isenguard. When the final count was given, Aragorn sighed inwardly. None of the original Fellowship would be joining him and though that saddened him a little, he conceded that they would know best. "Very well," he said, "We shall meet here in an hour to start our journey."

Just then, a young elf ran up to the council. "Sorry to interrupt, but my Lady Laurendil, one of the wounded asks for you." The elf's eyes darted sideways as he received rude looks from some of the others because of the interruption.

Nodded, Laurendil hurried on after thanking the young elf. Rushing over to Elanor (for who else would ask specifically for her?) Laurendil found her crying softly into her pillow. "My Lady? What happened? What's wrong?" asked Laurendil gently, sitting by the bedside and stroking her hair.

Elanor sniffed, then quickly and quietly (between sobs) recounted the story of what had happened since they had last spoken. "… and my mother and the lady Eowyn came … and told my father … and so scared … sent home … and then HE came! My father came just before... he.. he.. "

Elanor looked completely distraught, wringing her hands, "My father … the King … I've never seen him like this before! He was worried of course, but so angry! He said that I could have gotten myself killed, worried my mother to death, and to run away with my brothers was a foolish, girlish notion – my brothers of course did not get punished..." she finished off with an angry face of her own.

Laurendil tried to comfort the girl. "I'm sure some of it is only because he nearly lost his sister. They did think she was dead at first you know."

"Yes.. but.. the worst – I have to go back to Edoras! On the 15th! … and … marry the son of Gamling! He may be a marshall, but he means nothing to me! What should I do?"

For once, Laurendil was at a loss for ideas. The affairs of Man are still as confusing to her now as they were hundred of years ago. "Just be still close your eyes. Everything will turn out fine."

As Elanor fell asleep, whimpering and tossing, Laurendil held her hand, her thoughts racing. The 15th of March was the same day that they would set out on their quests to Lothlórien and Isengard. What could she do to help Elanor then?

Meanwhile, back at the Hall, Holly was thinking of what she must do next. She had listened to Aragorn's announcement about the journey. She didn't know what to do. Was she to go with him? She didn't see why she should, she had no skill that was needed. But she certainly couldn't travel back to Gondor completely alone. Making up her mind, she walked confidently to Aragorn and waited patiently until he wasn't busy as he was talking to Aldaron.

Aldaron was saying, "Aragorn, I don't think me going to Isengard would be a good idea. On the way to Lothlórien I might be able to find some information about Eol and my father. Isengard is practically safe! You do want information about Eol and my father, right?"

Aragorn nodded, saying, "Alright, you shall go to Lothlórien too, but just be careful about being tracked."

Aldaron nodded, assuring Aragorn, "I have many ways of not being seen by my brother or Saurman or any of their spies."

Satisfied, Aragorn replied, "Very well then, you will go to Lothlórien with Nimbrehtil, Gilrean, Legolas and Gimli."Aldaron nodded again, saying, "If anyone needs me, you may find me in my quarters." He then walked off towards his room to pack.

Holly took this moment to ask Aragorn, "What should I do?"

She listened intently as he told her that it would probably be best if she came with him. "Besides," Aragorn added, "We may have use for your skills. You have shown yourself to be a useful healer, and I know you're good at archery. I've watched you practice when you think no one's looking."

At that moment, Laurendil walked back to the meeting place quietly, slipping in unnoticed and sat beside Finrod, leaning towards him and whispering, "What did I miss?"

He leaned closer, answering, "Tis a debate now, as to which journey is more feasible. It appears that most would like to follow us to Lothlórien to try and discover what the Mirror might reveal."

"Do you think you can use it?"

"I might, but there is no guarantee. Galadriel may be my sister, but she was also the holder of Nenya. The ring might have been the key, and not her blood."

Laurendil nodded, "So who will be joining us in Lothlórien?"

"So far, Nimbrethil, Gilrean, Legolas, Gimli and Aldaron."

"Aldaron? I thought he was joining Aragorn?" Laurendil asked in amazement.

"Apparenly not," replied Finrod with a smile, "He argues well that he would be of better use with us at Lothlórien, to discover what needs to be discovered."

"That makes sense," answered Laurendil, her mind now wandering as she began thinking of ways on how she would approach Faramir about Elanor. It seemed everything was settling down when suddenly Lena shouted out, "My Lord!"

Aragorn turned around to face Lena, who came over and shuffled her feet a bit as she began, "The caravan thing was just a suggestion, not an order. You've never listened to me before and I didn't expect you to this time."

Aragorn nodded, taking this as Lena's ackward way of saying 'thank you' to him taking her seriously, "Where will you go?"

Lena paused to think. "I dunno," she said finally, "I feel out of place with normal elves, since I never knew any of my history and grew up a bit … differently. But I'm not sure I really want to go scouting into Isenguard alone either."

"But you wouldn't be alone," began Aragorn in puzzlement.

Lena looked down, not able to look at Aragorn in the eye as she explained, "I mean without anyone I know, like … as in have a history with."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, "You want to bring along another thief?"

She grinned, "Thanks. He should be here soon. I knew you wouldn't mind."

At this, Aragorn had to smile. When did he actually agree was beyond him, but he knew he could trust Lena's judgement. But one thing did puzzle him, "So how fast can he ride that he'll be here 'soon'?"

Lena shifted her weight under his intense gaze as she mumbled, "He's been... erm... watching Rivendell."

"Oh, has he?"

"Has he what?"

Both Lena and Aragorn turned around at the newcomer's voice. Before them stood a man with short, brown hair and green eyes. He was wearing a traveling cloak, sword, and carried a bed roll. He also carried an innocent expression as he declared, "Lena and I … well at least I, would be glad to go where ever need be."

In the meantime, Finrod looked at everyone. He was relieved to finally hear a decision. One thing that surprised him was that all the best fighters (in his opinion) were going to Lothlórien. Humans were to travel with Aragorn. But then...he is their king, and it is the Age of Men.

He gave thoughts about using the mirror. Galadriel had told him about the Fellowship and about the Ringbearer's quest. She mentioned something about two hobbits using it. So the mirror was probably easy to handle. The different thing would be interpreting what he had seen...

He noticed something about Laurendil and asked, "What worries you? Trust hope, it has never failed us. This quest is going to be a success, I know it."

"It's not the quest that makes my heart heavy. A young Rohirrim girl is in trouble. Her father sends her back home, and I don't know how to persuade him not to," Laurendil answered.

"The girl who fought so bravely protecting her cousin and the King? She deserves to come along. From my behalf, I can also talk to Eomer. I am sure he trusts his daughter to a journey with King Aragorn."

Laurendil smiled. "Sometimes, I even tend to forget how annoying you are," she said out loud. But only sometimes, she thought, remembering Finrod's horse. "But it's not a journey with King Elessar that I was thinking about. What do you feel about her joining us to Lothlórien? After all, the best fighters will be with us, so she should be even safer," said Laurendil.

Finrod smiled to himself upon hearing this. So Laurendil also thought the best fighters were with them. He wondered if she was even aware of making that statement, since it would also include him. "Perhaps, since you feel so strongly about it, you should join me in persuading Eomer?"

Laurendil smiled brightly, her first smile in many days, "Sure? Why not? Maybe Eowyn will join us in our persuasive 'debate', too. You think Eomer would be able to resist all of us?"

Finrod laughed softly, "He has no chance, poor soul." Smiling together for the first time, Finrod and Laurendil (with the Lady Eowyn) went off to persuade the King Eomer (who was accompanied by the Queen Lothiriel) to allow his daughter to travel with them.