(Yes I know, chapters are short, but the reason for that is that sometimes chapters get long and readers start to lose interest, so I'm trying to keep it short. My updating is coming along very quickly, I'm trying to crank out at least one chapter a night.)

As Saiven and Menel plotted, they were unaware that others had heard of their plans, and a certain kingdom in the forest wasn't going to sit back and let those plans be carried out...

Two figures, both cloaked and hooded in black approached the city of Minas Tirith. Their trip, for the most part, had been silent, and neither wanted to break that silence. However painful it was, one of them, a male Elf finally spoke up.

"...This is probably it, Raen..." He spoke softly and solemnly, knowing that this could indeed be their last battle.

"...At least we'll go down defending something real, not just the reputation of our 'beloved' king." Raen, a female, said with a hint of bitterness in her voice. The man laughed, but Raen did not. It soon became clear that she was deadly serious. "I mean it Shift. I know you're sick of fighting for the king's image too. Shift pulled back his hood, shaking his head a bit to toss his long braid of dark brown hair behind his shoulders and clearing his bangs from his cold, ice blue eyes.

"Look, if she is here-"

"If, Shift, if." She said coldly. "We may just be on a wild goose chase...it wouldn't be the first time." Shift said nothing in return, and just continued to ride, as the city got closer and closer. Soon they were at the gates, and then inside the city. Not long after, they had left their horses in the stables of 'Siro's Pub & Inn', and were making their way inside. They made their way to the bar, and Raen spoke up.

"Excuse me, barkeep. We need a room."

"We ain't got no rooms available.," the barkeep said. Rapping on the bar with his knuckles to get the barkeep's attention, Shift pulled something from his cloak. He revealed it only for a second, a small silver medallion with a leaf carved in it. In the center of the leaf was the crest of King Thranduil of Greenwood the Great, called Mirkwood in many parts. The barkeep's eyes went wide. It became clear to him after a moment that these two were agents of Thranduil himself, and would not take no for an answer.

"Eh right...erm...oh wait, we have one room open," He produced a key with the numbers 217 on it and handed it to Shift.

"Thank you very much." Shift said, with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. Shift began to move away, but before he took a step he whirled back to face the barkeep with a cold stare.

#And you would do well not to tell anyone who we are. Or perhaps you won't wake up. Or perhaps your wife won't. Or maybe your daughter. Nod if you understand. And you had better.# The terrified barkeep nodded at the voice in his head, trying not to show on the outside that he was shaken by this voice in his head. Shift and Raen stalked away up to their rooms.

Back in the pub, a Half-Elf male and an Elvish Female sat at the end of the bar, speaking quietly.

"M'lady, you acted like you knew those two when they walked in..." Saiven said, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Ah...yes...I have had several run-ins with them. They are agents of Thranduil. Filthy, cowardly assassins. But the question is...why are they here?" Menel replied.

#Perhaps they have heard of our plan...# Saiven spoke into Menel's mind.

#I doubt it, but to be safe, I will postpone the invasion until we have...taken care of them.#

#Yes m'lady...#

#We will strike tonight. No one will interfere with our plans.#