Disclaimer: Star Wars is not mine. Lord of the Rings is not mine. :)

Chapter Three

Days passed, and Obi-Wan often found himself alone. He took to wandering around in the libraries. Sometimes Strider would join him, and be able to help him find something in what he referred to as the Common Tongue. Often, he would also find the same thing in other languages, and in this way, Obi-Wan, who was quick to pick up on such things, learned a good deal of Elvish.

One day, while he was reading a random book he'd happened to pick, he heard a voice speaking in the Elven tongue. He came closer, was careful not to be seen. The voice was Elrond's. He switched over to the Common Tongue. "In her heart, your mother knew you'd be hunted all your life, that you'd never escape your fate. The skill of the Elves can reforge the Sword of Kings, but only you have the power to wield it."

"I do not want that power," Strider replied, and it sounded as if they'd had this conversation before. "I have never wanted it."

"You are the last of that bloodline; there is no other."

Obi-Wan could hear Strider sigh as Elrond left. The Jedi watched quietly. Fate. Destiny. It was something that haunted his apprentice, but did not often bother Obi-Wan directly. Whatever happened happened, and more or less what happened was the will of the Force. It had been that way since Obi-Wan had dedicated himself to the Jedi Order.

But for Strider, he could tell it was different. He hadn't asked for whatever was troubling him. He didn't want it. And he was trying to run from it.

"I know you're there, Obi-Wan," Strider said at last.

Startled, Obi-Wan turned to go. "No, please stay." Strider turned. He glanced down at the book Obi-Wan had been reading. "The Lay of Luthien Tinuviel. A good choice." Obi-Wan came closer. "I can find it for you in the Common Tongue," Strider offered.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Elvish is more . . . flowing, I guess is the word. It sounds better for this poem."

Strider smiled. "That it does."

Obi-Wan could feel Strider's grey eyes studying him. "I . . . I heard you and Lord Elrond talking," he admitted.

Strider nodded. "I thought you might have."

"May I ask what he meant?"

Strider looked the Jedi over for the millionth time. Normally, he wouldn't tell anyone what they had spoken of. But this man was different. Something deep inside told Strider he could be trusted. "Come with me."

Obi-Wan followed the Ranger quietly. Strider led him back to the library, to a large mural. Obi-Wan recognized it from Elrond's story at the Council: the Last Alliance of Men and Elves.

Nearby was a statue, holding the broken shards of a sword. Something clicked in Obi-Wan's mind. "The skill of the Elves can reforge the Sword of Kings."

"Yes," Strider nodded. "The sword of Elendil, used by Isildur to cut the Ring of Power from Sauron's hand. It has been kept her, waiting for the day when it will be reforged, and again wielded in battle."

"Then you are . . ."

"Yes. Isildur's heir."

"Do the others know?"

"Some. Gandalf and Legolas. Frodo may have guessed." He looked around. "Tell no one of this, Obi-Wan. Especially, do not tell Boromir. I do not know how he would respond."

"With suspicion, at first, I would expect, but sooner or later, he would accept you. But I will do as you ask."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan." He paused. "Did they tell you we depart tomorrow?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No. But that is wise. We shouldn't wait long. But this place is wonderful; I can see why none of them wish to leave."

Strider nodded slowly. "Obi-Wan, I know I don't have to warn you of the danger. It's more than obvious that you're an experienced warrior. But Lord Elrond told me that if you go with us . . ."

"What?"

"Obi-Wan, Lord Elrond has the gift of foresight, stronger even than most Elves. If you go with us, you will probably never return to Geonosha."

Obi-Wan nodded. He'd had the same feeling himself. "I have no way of getting back, whether I go with you or not, Strider."

"That's not the only reason you're coming -- because you have nothing else to do."

Obi-Wan smiled. "No. I want to help you. A Jedi's duty is to bring peace and justice, whether it be someplace he is familiar with or not." He smiled. "That, and a little bit of my own curiosity. I've heard and read about many different places here. I'd like to see what this world is like."

Strider smiled. "You're an honest man, Obi-Wan Kenobi. But not all places in Middle-Earth are this beautiful."

"I don't doubt it. Come. If we depart tomorrow, I should like to have a good dinner and then a good night's sleep. Nothing worse than facing unknown danger hungry and tired."

Strider smiled. "Very well. But first, I'd like to find you a sword, so we're not rushed to find you one tomorrow."

Obi-Wan nodded. He'd forgotten he'd lost his lightsaber. "Lead the way."

Strider led Obi-Wan down a hall. Suddenly, though, the Jedi had a feeling they weren't alone. He turned around.

There behind him was an Elf, he face white in the setting sun against the darkness of her hair. Strider turned, and the Elf smiled. "Good to see you, Ara--"

"Strider," he corrected.

"Strider, then. And good evening to you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. My father has told me of you." She turned back to Strider. "It's true, then, that you are leaving tomorrow?"

Strider nodded. "Yes, it's true. Obi-Wan and I were on our way to find him a sword when you found us. He lost his in battle before he came here."

Obi-Wan decided not to correct him; they'd actually taken his lightsaber after he'd been captured.

"Oh, don't let me delay you," the Elf apologized.

"No delay," Strider assured her. "Come with us. Obi-Wan, this is Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter."

"I can see the resemblance."

Arwen smiled warmly. "Thank you." She noticed the book Obi-Wan was carrying. "You can read Elvish?"

"Not much. It's really just a hobby I picked up since I got here."

"Instead of finding yourself a sword," Arwen laughed.

"Let's just say I'm not in a big hurry to be fighting things again," Obi-Wan shrugged.

Strider nodded. "I know what you mean. But come. We are not going far."

He and Arwen led Obi-Wan into a huge room. The Jedi was immediately surprised. Swords lined the walls, along with bows, spears, shields, and even daggers.

Arwen smiled. "This is why he didn't want to wait until tomorrow. It's going to take you a long time to find exactly what you want."

Surprisingly, it didn't take long at all. He quickly selected a sword, strong, light, easy to use, obviously of Elven design. At Strider's recommendation, he also chose a dagger. He slipped it into the clothes Elrond had given him, which were similar to Strider's. In fact, once or twice when he'd had his hood up, people had mistaken him for his friend.

Arwen nodded approvingly. "A good sword, Obi-Wan."

Strider nodded his agreement. "It has been long since it has seen use, however."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Is that an offer?"

"If you feel strong enough. But not here. Follow me."

Obi-Wan followed, smiling. Not because he felt the need to prove himself to his friend. Rather, because he was glad to have found an opponent who didn't need to prove themself to him. It would be practice, not a contest.

Strider led him out into the evening light. Arwen made an excuse to go to bed, so they were alone. The both drew their swords. Obi-Wan let Strider make the first move.

Strider decided not to go easy on him. At fist, Obi-Wan struggled a little. The sword was noticeably heavier than the lightsaber he was used to. But he adjusted quickly, letting go, allowing the Force to guide him.

He'd thought the lighting might give him an advantage. After all, using the Force, he didn't need his eyes to see. But Strider seemed to welcome the growing shadows, as the sky grew darker and darker.

It wasn't completely dark, of course. The stars and moon provided enough light to see by, but none to spare.

After only a short time, they developed a rhythm. It almost felt to Obi-Wan like a dance, not requiring all his thought. He began to relax.

But that was what Strider had been waiting for. As soon as Obi-Wan stopped paying attention, he broke the rhythm, attacking furiously, but expertly. Obi-Wan was startled, and had to move quickly to defend himself.

Obi-Wan scolded himself. He should have known better than that. But Strider didn't say anything. Better that Obi-Wan relearn the lesson now than when he was fighting Orcs. He wouldn't forget it again.

At last, they were both exhausted, and it was clear that no one was going to win. Strider smiled as he sheathed his sword. "Well done."

Obi-Wan wiped the sweat from his forehead. "You did well yourself." He hesitated. "Elrond was right."

"About what?"

"The Sword of Elendil. Only you have the power to wield it."

Strider lowered his eyes to the ground. "You can't possibly know how hard it is to have someone place all their trust, all their hopes, in you. It's . . . overwhelming, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan nodded. "My apprentice feels the same way. He's very skilled. Everyone expects a lot of him, especially the Council. I often wonder if it is wise for them to place all their hopes in someone so young, so . . . I don't know how to explain it. His skills are both a gift and a burden. He doesn't always want the responsibility that comes with them.

"And because of that responsibility, he expects too much of himself. He doesn't accept that he'll still have fears, anger, doubts, that it's a part of life, no matter who you are. He doesn't want to have to deal with them."

Strider nodded. He didn't have to tell Obi-Wan that he knew exactly what he meant. The Jedi knew. That was why he had said it. "Your apprentice, what's his name?" he asked instead.

"Anakin. Anakin Skywalker." Just saying the name, Obi-Wan realized how much he missed his apprentice. What would Anakin do, if he never came back? Would he assume he was dead? Would he be able to sense that he was not?

"Come," Strider offered, interrupting the Jedi's thoughts. "We'd best get some food, and then some rest. Dawn will come soon."

Master of the Sith – Oops, I'll try to update sooner next time. :)Haven't really decided yet whether to take it through all three books.That would give me more time to figure out how he's going to get back. :)

Booklover Fanatic – :) Glad you like it. :)

Daylight – Yeah, I figured Obi-Wan would fit in better than, say, Anakin. :)

rkccs – Hmmm, we'll have to see about that lightsaber. In the meantime, at least he has a sword now.

Master Kaym – :) Thanks. :)

xWhitexStaRx – Yeah! It makes sense! I'm happy. :)

Jedi Keliam Kenobi – You didn't really think I was just going to leave him in Rivendell, did you:)

lil-kenobi-greenleaf – Yes, he's in! Now the hard part will be getting them out of Rivendell. :)