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, 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.

The date: 15 March, Fourth Age.

Laurendil couldn't but think what a coincidence that was. This was the day that the Battle of the Pelennor Fields was over. A sign, perhaps, that a greater battle was to come? She sighed, shaking her head. What will be, will be. It was time to move. Everyone was ready and heading off.

Laurendil and Finrod went to meet with Aragorn for their final good-byes. They shook hands, and Aragorn said, "Till we meet again. We have Nimbrethil's hawk, Menel, to keep is in touch with each other. We will keep each other posted."

Laurendil spontaneously hugged Aragorn, something she had not done for years since he left Rivendell to become a Ranger. He was surprised at first, then returned the hug, saying, "It's been a long time, Laurendil. You should keep in touch more often. Take care." They released the hug, and Aragorn looked at Finrod, saying, "And you, Finrod. Don't aggravate her so much."

Finrod grinned, and clasped a hand on Aragorn's shoulder, "What? Miss my everyday entertainment?" Tension was broken a bit, with laughter as they continued talking. Béomir came at that moment, and pulled Laurendil aside. He needed to talk to her, before they started on their journey, and he was not sure whether he would have an opportunity once they were on their way.

"Laurendil, I seek your advice on the matter I told you last night," he began as they walked to their horses.

Laurendil looked at him, and replied, "Béomir, I cannot tell you what would be the best way and it is, in the end, your choice. That you have decided to tell Elanor is a huge step but whether it is really necessary is only something you would know. As to how you can tell …" Laurendil shrugged and went on her horse, "I suggest one simply be blunt and honest about it."

Béomir nodded, getting on his own horse. He looked at Elanor and Haldarin, who were talking and she laughed at something he had said. Should I tell her? Do I even need to tell her? And everyone else? He looked around at the familiar and non-familiar faces, before he waved to his parents standing there. He turned his horse and started galloping off, thinking, And how does one even begin to tell something that had always been taken for granted? That I am not Elanor's cousin by blood. That I had been abandoned by my family outside of Minas Tirith as an infant, and by pure luck, was seen by a soldier. And when I was brought before the King, Faramir and Eowyn decided to take me in as their own. He shook his head. All this time, he had not known. They had only told him the day before.

Elanor rode behind Béomir, with Haldarin riding next to her to keep up the pretense. The meeting with Eomer had gone ... better than expected ... and as they rode off, Eomer could be seen glaring at Haldarin and Elanor quite often. Eomer was not fond of Haldarin, but if his daughter was happy, he would allow it. He did not think much of him, but he must really love his daughter to ask such a great thing from him. And he had made that promise to Béomir. If only he had not … things would be different then.

Aragorn and the others watched as the first team left Rivendell. Holly was behind him, waving frantically at those who had turned to look back. Aragorn turned towards Lena and Liam, saying, "We had better be going soon. Let's go and converse with the others."

With that Aragorn walked off, with Holly close behind. Liam was about to follow when Lena held him back. "Listen," she said, "I want you to keep your fingers in your own things. If anything goes missing, I will personally hang you from your toenails from a tree."

Liam looked amused, and replied, "What, you don't trust me, my lady?"

"Not at all," Lena replied, equally amused and cautious.

I know this is short – the next one will be much longer. A prelude of the long journey that is ahead of them :D