Meetings in Rivendell

A/N: Is that a semi-long chapter I see? *gasp* Huge HUGE thanks to Jo for their awesome, insightful, helpful comments, and to everyone else who's read, reviewed, bookmarked, followed, and/or commented. You guys are awesome. Also, hi Achromos! :D Here, we continue following Talion and Eltariel as they make their way towards Rivendell. Also, I suck at characterization, so expect our canon characters to be a bit (or a lot) OOC; apologies in advance. This chapter gave me a hard time at first, but I've decided to save most of the earlier excerpts of it for later. Hopefully the finished product isn't too bad. Also, thanks for breaking lore when you made the game, Monolith! You just wanted to make my job harder, didn't you? *sigh*

Talion was infinitely grateful that he and Eltariel were beginning to be able to have civil conversations. Sure they still had their disagreements (many of them) and there were still biting and sarcastic comments meant to rile up the other (from both of them), but conversation was almost… Not exactly pleasant, but getting there. Perhaps they realized that constantly being at each other's throats would only make the days feel longer, the journey feel tedious, or perhaps they were simply tired of always arguing. Not that they didn't still have their moments, of course. One argument in particular earlier in the week sent Talion sprawling off his dire caragor, burned by a beam of light Eltariel had shot at him, but after shadow pulling her off her caragor, quite forcefully, the two had agreed that their volatile arguments had to stop. Now, conversation usually started with Talion, tired of hours of unending silence, saying, "So…" and Eltariel looking to him with a raised eyebrow before he asked a question or made a statement. Today was different. Today it was, "Have you always worked alone?" She scoffed, but couldn't help the self-assured smile tugging at her lips.

"Not all of us can have wraiths to keep us company. Some of us are more efficient on our own."

"And some of us work better with a team."

"Sometimes teammates are a weakness," she told him, an eyebrow raised in a challenge.

"And sometimes they are your greatest strength." Talion had to keep from reaching up for the New Ring as Eltariel gave him an incredulous look, genuine surprise and curiosity, and something else he couldn't quite place, in her eyes.

"How can you still say that after everything that has happened to you?" His mind flashed back to the other night, when he'd embraced Celebrimbor for the first time since that day. When he was in his arms, he felt safe, whole even. He couldn't help the warm, fluttering feeling in his chest at the thought.

"You wouldn't understand," Talion told her after a moment, looking away. Eltariel knew there was more to that statement than he was willing to reveal, but she didn't pry further. The statement sounded oddly personal to her, though she couldn't say why. Conversation seemed to go nowhere after that, an awkward silence settling between them until Eltariel spoke again sometime later.

"When I was a child, the Lady Galadriel took me in, gave me a home, a purpose. She made me who I am… And I owe her everything. This life, it's all I've known. Making friends was never a priority," she answered. Talion looked to her curiously, surprised that she would divulge a part of her past to him, not expecting such an honest answer, or any answer at all. She looked so vulnerable, insecure, he dared to think, in that moment. "Besides," she continued, now a bit bitter, the moment gone, "Look where having "teammates" has gotten me. I lost a Ring of Power, became a prisoner of Sauron, and now I'm traveling with you." She stared at her hand with two missing fingers. "Surely nothing could go wrong this time."

"Of course something will go wrong," he told her. "But for now, the only thing we need to worry about is what to do once we arrive in Rivendell."

"Which I still think is a foolish idea. No matter what this Shelob's vision says the Lord Elrond will sense your dark magic and label you a threat. And if that isn't indication enough, your Ring will be. You'll be putting the both of us in danger."

"We've faced much more dangerous foes, but I don't think it will come to that. He will count you as an ally," Talion pointed out to her. "And seeing as we're travelling together—

"And how do you know I won't betray you once we arrive?" she questioned. "For someone who knows the sour taste of betrayal better than anyone you still trust too easily."

"Because you need me just as much as I need you," he responded automatically, unphased. She narrowed her eyes at him at that. "You cannot defeat the Nazgul on your own in your current state, nor can you locate them all now that they've scattered outside of Mordor. I am leading you right to them. And while I am powerful in my own right, I cannot defeat them on my own either, nor can I safely travel throughout Middle-Earth with my current appearance." Willing herself not to snap at him, she sighed, resigned. As much as she'd love to prove him wrong, what he said was true. She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly before responding.

"He may not take me at my word," she warned him. Talion just smiled, relieved that they'd finally reached a decision semi-peacefully.

"Then we'll pull the Galadriel card," he told her simply, to which she looked appalled.

"You would dare use the Lady's name to—

"Say that you were sent by her to hunt the Nazgul and that we just happened to pass through Rivendell? Yes, I would. He respects her, does he not? Wouldn't he trust her judgement?" She said nothing in response, and Talion counted this conversation as a victory. "Besides, the Lord Elrond is wise. I doubt he would dismiss your words without consideration."

"I still don't like it," she told him after a moment. Talion smiled grimly.

"I'm not exactly thrilled by the idea either, but I'd rather meet him now instead of when the Nazgul attack. I would like to not be mistaken for the enemy."

XxX

After another sleepless night for Talion, they were a little closer to reaching Rivendell. Though the caragors tired more often than either of them liked, they'd covered a decent amount of distance since their departure from Nurnen. They were veering more and more towards the River Anduin, now that they were well past Gondor and the Falls of Rauros, and soon Rohan, giving them a clear path towards the Misty Mountains and into Rivendell. The terrain looked to be treacherous and difficult to navigate, but the caragors had almost no trouble climbing and leaping their way through, even if they took a few turns into dead end trails on occasion.

The rest of the week passed before the two could see Rivendell fast approaching. Talion looked like the picture of confidence while Eltariel was wary and concerned, still believing in her earlier statements about Elrond. She noticed the lack of sentinels near the entrance to Rivendell and stopped her caragor. Talion stopped a few paces ahead of her, looking back. "What is it?"

"It's too quiet. There's no one guarding the entrance to Rivendell. Doesn't that seem strange?" Before Talion could answer, he winced, gaze snapping down to the Ring on his finger, which faintly glowed though he hadn't used its power lately. Eltariel looked to him in worry before her eyes fell on something behind him, prompting her to leap down from her caragor in a hurry. Talion tore his gaze away from the almost pulsing Ring to see a dark haired regal elven figure approaching. In his eyes was curiosity with a side of caution, dressed in robes of deep scarlet, stopping a fair distance from the two.

"I wanted to meet you personally," he told them before nodding politely to Eltariel. "Eltariel. I see Lady Galadriel is keeping you busy." She bows her her head briefly as they both look to Talion. "And who might you be, Ring bearer?"

"Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. I am Talion, wielder of Isildur's Ring and enemy of Sauron." It was not often that Elrond was at a loss concerning new information, but Talion's words made no sense to him.

"Isildur's… Ring? That…" His eyes fell to the glowing ring on Talion's finger with unease. "Is what many would claim impossible. The tale is known all throughout Middle-Earth, and yet it seems we may have all been deceived." He met Talion's eyes, seeming to search for something. Talion observed the elf lord, who seemed to be much more than he looked. His wisdom was evident in his speech and his approach, and there seemed to be a great strength within that wasn't initially apparent from a first look. In Talion's eyes Elrond could see great conflict, a constant struggle within, and great loss. But also present was an ever-burning flame of hope and a light that fought against the quite visible darkness that seemed intent on consuming him. Talion was unpredictable, dangerous, but… He was no enemy, and Elrond felt he had a greater purpose to fulfill, something much bigger than himself. Eltariel held her breath, looking between the two with uncertainty. "You are free to stay in Rivendell. I'm sure your journey has been quite exhausting."

Talion and Eltariel startled at his response. "My Lord?" Eltariel questioned, not sure she had heard him correctly. She was sure Elrond wouldn't react well to Talion, and yet here they were as guests of the city. Talion, despite knowing they would be allowed into Rivendell, didn't expect Elrond to admit them so easily without at least some suspicion or distrust, yet Talion couldn't sense any from the elf lord at all. Elrond picked up on these trains of thoughts, the corner of his lips quirked up the slightest bit.

"I am not without my questions and doubts, I assure you, but I know you are not enemies. I welcome you to my home, and it seems that you've been expected."

"Expected?" Talion asked. Elrond nodded.

"Yes, and I'm not surprised. Mithrandir knows many things, often much sooner than others; today is no different." He beckoned for them to follow him. "Come. There is a place for your mounts to rest, and for you as well." The three made their way into Rivendell, the caragors trailing tiredly behind them. Heads turned and the occasional whisper was carried along the breeze as they passed, news of strange outsiders visiting quickly spreading throughout the city.

XxX

Rivendell was absolutely beautiful, from the rushing waters and falls to the elegant buildings surrounded by nature under a clear and open sky. Talion gazed in wonder, spirits lifted and steps lighter even with exhaustion setting in. Eltariel glanced fondly around the city after several decades of absence from it. It was still as wonderful as she remembered, though not nearly as lovely as Lothlorien. Elrond led them to a secluded part of what he told them was called the Last Homely House, and as Eltariel and Elrond briefly explained its and the city's history Talion felt more and more out of place. He didn't have much time to dwell on those thoughts, however, as the three sat and made themselves comfortable.

"What is it you would like to know, my lord?" Eltariel asked.

"Whatever you are willing to share," he told them. "I'm sure many of my questions will be answered if you start from the beginning of your journey." Talion and Eltariel exchanged looks as Talion took a deep breath and began the tale. He started with the day the Black Hand of Sauron slaughtered his family and destroyed his home, of his death, or what should have been his death. The appearance of Celebrimbor as a wraith startled Elrond, but he motioned for Talion to continue. Talion told his story of revenge, of how he hunted the black captains, overthrew orc overlords, dominated orcs in an attempt to raise an army against the rest of those who stood in his way. He told of the fall of the Black Gate, the defeat of the Black Hand of Sauron, and the creation of the New Ring, of his rescue of Celebrimbor and their quest to bring all of Mordor under their control against Sauron.

Explaining his meeting of Shelob gave Eltariel pause, as she questioned Talion putting trust in her after kidnapping Celebrimbor with a narrow-eyed look. When he revealed that he'd given her the New Ring in exchange for Celebrimbor's safe return, Elrond gave Talion a strange calculating look, eyes seemingly drawn to the chain hidden under his armor, though Talion didn't notice. A retelling of the fall of Minas Ithil and everything that led up to it followed, and it was then that Eltariel spoke, starting with how she killed Talion after driving away the Nazgul that had taken over the city. From there their paths crossed many more times all across Mordor as they tracked the Nazgul and drew closer and closer to Barad-dur. Bickering ensued, of course, as one or the other exaggerated or twisted words and meanings to make the other seem like a fool, but when it died down Talion explained his and Celebrimbor's conquering of the strongholds in each part of Mordor, and the various orcs he encountered. He briefly touched on the necromancer who raised a balrog that went on a rampage before his and the spirit Carnan's combined efforts buried it deep underwater where it would hopefully rest for good, as well as the attempted orc revolt by the Olog Bruz, who had recently gained back Talion's trust after a second chance.

From there, he and Eltariel continued discussing hunting the Nazgul, their battle with Isildur and their attack on Barad-dur, stopping where they had the previously Ringwraith Isildur at their mercy. Talion fell quiet then, and Eltariel refused to meet his eye; Elrond clearly saw the discomfort and bad memories retelling this part of their story brought forth, so he waited patiently for one of them to speak again, understanding and sympathy in his eyes. Talion slowly, shakily, told of Isildur's memories, of how the One Ring led him to his death before a new Ring turned him into a Nazgul, and as that very Ring slid from his finger Talion granted him a true death. This, in turn, led to Celebrimbor's revelation of wanting to control Sauron, to make Mordor and then Middle-Earth his, and his offer of the New Ring to Eltariel. When Talion fell silent again, Eltariel continued.

She recounted her and Celebrimbor's battle with Sauron, how they had won, how they had Sauron right where they had wanted him… But his will was too strong. Reveling in their victory too soon, Sauron cut the Ring from her, merging with Celebrimbor, the blast from their fusion knocking her unconscious. When next she woke she found herself in chains. She held up the hand with three fingers, shivering as she remembered the look in Sauron's eyes as he broke Celebrimbor's control.

It was then that Talion told them of how he had seen their defeat through the Palantir back in Minas Morgul. Having made contact with Shelob as he was once more on death's doorstep, who told him that he'd prevented a future far worse than what had transpired, he took Isildur's Ring as his own and left Barad-dur, reclaiming Minas Morgul in an attempt to keep Sauron's influence from spreading any further west. He strengthened his fortresses and fought any Nazgul that dared approach him, until news of the One Ring's reappearance reached him, which prompted him to go after Eltariel. He found her and they escaped back to his fortress in Nurnen, but not before he came face to face with Sauron and Celebrimbor. Talion said not of what they spoke of, but continued by telling how he and Eltariel had set off from Nurnen with the intention of meeting the Ring bearer on their way to Rivendell.

Silence fell with the sun, which had begun setting as their tale concluded. Elrond sat deep in thought, eyes shining with an unanswered question, one in particular that remained from before the tale was told. "And what of the New Ring that was forged?" he finally asked.

"It was lost at Barad-dur," Eltariel replied with a hint of shame. "It wasn't recovered before our departure, and there is no telling where it is now." Elrond regarded her curiously before his gaze shifted to Talion, expectant. Eltariel followed his eyes, watching Talion sigh before reaching up to reveal the chain around his neck, and the New Ring securely hanging from it. Her eyes widened, and some indescribable emotion flickered within them along with anger.

"It was not lost," Talion told her, eyes fixed upon it with sadness. "I took it as we left."

"And you have hid it from me all this time? What gives you the right?!"

"You weren't one of the ones that forged it," he told her, tearing his eyes away from the New Ring. Eltariel recoiled at the sheer anguish she could see in them, not the fury she was expecting, not the mad possessiveness that she thought would take over. "You didn't wear it every night and day, see how it changed the one person who had always been there when you needed them. You didn't feel the sickening rush of power every time it was used to serve less than good intentions, nor did you feel your throat slice open, collapsing and choking on your own blood as you watched everything you'd fought for for decades fall into darkness before your very eyes. I watched the elf who gave me a second chance, the friend I cared about, the one person I thought would always be by my side, fall under its influence and turn into a completely different person, the very Ring he forged to defeat Sauron turning him into a being no better than him. You didn't feel… When…" When I thought I'd lost him for good, he finished in his head, voice that was once determined and strong trailing off as he felt old wound reopen. "It is a reminder of who he once was," he finished softly, and Eltariel felt a pain in her heart that she couldn't explain.

"If it reminds you of that… Why do you keep it?" Talion once again looked to the Ring.

"When it was first forged Celebrimbor was himself, and the same is true for the early days of when we wore it. It reminds me that we were once fighting for the same thing: an end to the darkness, an end to Sauron and his evil, and peace for Middle-Earth. And… It reminds me of what I once was, before Isildur's Ring, before I began to change." He clutched it tighter as he felt it warm and glow under his touch, a faint feeling of arms encircling him and a soft whisper making him close his eyes for a brief moment. The anger in Eltariel's eyes slowly dissipated, replaced with genuine concern. She saw when he struggled with the Ring, saw how he fought to retain what little of himself remained. No matter how much they didn't see eye to eye, she would never wish him to fall into darkness.

"And does it call to you as Isildur's Ring does?" Talion shook his head, eyes now open and shining with gratitude for the one he held dear in his heart.

"No… He calls me back from the darkness."

XxX

The Hall of Fire was a bright and warm change from the cold, hard earth and cool colored landscapes they had traveled since leaving Mordor. Talion and Eltariel attended dinner in the Last Homely House as Elrond's guests, sitting on his end of the long table. They met several members of his council, faithful servants of many centuries, and normal folk from within the city, who warmly, if cautiously at times, welcomed them to Rivendell, striking up small conversation when the chance arose. Talion and Eltariel sat across from one another, not exchanging any words or glances. Eltariel happily ate her first actual meal since leaving Nurnen, and as Talion's gaze swept through the hall at the merriment of the people eagerly dining he was struck once again at how changed he was. When was the last time he had willingly settled down for a meal? When had he last enjoyed good food or a bit of drink? When was the last time he was actually hungry, or parched? He had no answers for these questions. He stared at all of the wonderful smelling dishes along the table. Would food still taste the same after all this time? After another minute of deliberation he decided to fill his plate. Why not?

Elrond observed Talion's odd behavior, his longing stare at the food around him, as if food were a privilege he could no longer have, something he could no longer enjoy. Shortly after Talion slowly and hesitantly filled his plate with a bit of everything. He saw Talion began eating shortly after, heart lifting when he saw a smile grace the man's lips, a light that had not been noticed to be missing returned to his eyes. His gaze then fell on Eltariel, who looked more at ease than he'd ever seen her before, reunited with her kin, at least for a short while, enjoying the pleasures of a simple meal under a warm roof. He returned to his own food and conversations, but kept an eye on Talion for the rest of dinner who, despite the food, still seemed to be bothered by something. As the hall emptied and servants began clearing the table, Elrond approached Talion, who was the last to begin to leave save himself.

"Talion, may I have a word?" Talion turned around at the question with a nod. He fell to Elrond's side as they walked throughout the city, going nowhere in particular. Talion looked up at the night sky, a far off look in his eyes as he took in the stars shining brightly above. How many nights had they spent side by side, admiring the stars and their beauty together? How long had it been since the last time they had done so? Elrond's voice startled him out of a memory drifting closer and closer to the surface, one that would make his heart ache. "Forgive me for inquiring about the New Ring. Had I known what it would cause I would have asked you in private." Talion shook his head.

"It's alright, though I know not how you knew I still had it."

"When I sensed your approach, it was not Isildur's Ring that alerted me of your presence, though as you grew closer to Rivendell I felt it. There was a power unlike anything I'd ever felt, constantly shifting between light and dark, so bright and strong that I could not ignore it. That was what prompted me to meet the two of you myself. When you spoke of the New Ring earlier, you said that it reminded you of who you and Celebrimbor used to be." Talion nodded, unsure where the conversation was going. "But when you answered Eltariel's question, you said that he calls you back from the darkness." Talion froze and Elrond stopped beside him, expression gentle. Had he really said such a thing? Had he truly revealed something that important with one wrong word? Talion looked away, cheeks the slightest bit of red.

"I… I don't…"

"You need not tell me unless you wish to. Not all of the Rings are evil. There are those that are used to heal, to protect." Elrond's and Talion's eyes fell to the ring on his finger, its sapphire gleaming faintly in the moonlight. "Vilya has helped me to protect this place for millennia." He dropped his hand and looked back to a stunned Talion. After another few moments of hesitation, he spoke.

"When the New Ring was forged, it was imbued with much more than just magic. A part of Celebrimbor's soul lies within the Ring… As does part of mine." He took in Elrond's surprised look before continuing. "The Ring… It is a way to keep him close; it connects us, and… It reminds me that I will always have a light in the darkness." Elrond smiled sadly, his heart breaking a little at Talion's situation.

"You love him," he whispered. Talion's eyes widened at the statement, despite knowing it was true. "You speak fondly of him, and I can see the longing in your eyes, hear the heartbreak in your words… Does he know?"

"I… I don't know. I haven't yet gathered the courage to tell him."

"He is quite lucky to have stolen a heart such as yours. You are a good man, Talion, whether or not you think so." Talion didn't know how to respond, so he opted for a nod as the two returned to the Last Homely House to retire for the night.

XxX

The next day was an ominous one. There was a strange sense of dread and unease in the air, so much so that even Elrond seemed to feel its effects. Breakfast was uncomfortably quiet. Eltariel tried to catch Talion's eye, to see if he thought the same things she did, but he was busy pushing food around on his plate, concentrating, lost in thought. It wasn't until the voice of a small figure broke the silence that Talion looked up from his food, which had become cold quite some time ago.

"When I was told that a man had arrived yesterday I didn't dare believe it. I had to meet you for myself." Talion looked to his right to find a small man sitting next to him, smiling. He was shorter than a dwarf and seemed strangely familiar. The bearer of the One Ring was of the same race, he realized. "Welcome to Rivendell, friend." Talion found his heart lightened to see someone in such a bright mood on such a dark day.

"We didn't have the pleasure of meeting yesterday. My name is Talion."

"Oh! Where are my manners? Bilbo Baggins at your service." He held out a hand and eagerly shook Talion's when he took it. "It's been quite sometime since I've met someone of the race of Men, and…" His eyes fell on Isildur's Ring, smile slowly falling from his face, expression now serious and contemplative. "It's been quite some time since I've seen someone with a Ring of Power."

"What would you know of them?" Talion asked, carefully gauging Bilbo's answer.

"I know that they hold great power, that they can do things one can only dream of. But… I also know that they whisper in your ear, poison your mind, make it seem as if you cannot live without them, that you must do whatever it takes to keep them safe from a thief's hands… And there is a darkness that you can never seem to escape when you put them on…" Bilbo sighed, wondering just how safe it was to leave the One Ring with Frodo. He didn't wish anything like what he endured on his nephew. Talion looked at Bilbo in understanding, glad he was not the only person who knew how much of a burden the Rings could truly be.

"If I may ask, how did you come by a Ring of Power before?" Bilbo's expression brightened at the question, the smile returning to his face.

"It's actually part of the reason I missed dinner last night. Come to think of it, I don't quite remember when I was last in the company of others. Has it been a week yet? But you didn't ask me to ramble on about that! I'm writing a book, you see, about my adventures from many years ago. It started back in the Shire, where I come from…" Breakfast passed quickly into lunch as Talion heard Bilbo's story. He was a hobbit, as he'd learned their race was called, who had become a part of a company of dwarves in their quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. Talion could have sworn he'd heard a similar, though much less detailed, tale years ago, a story one of the other rangers like to recount when spirits were low and a smile was hard to come by. Bilbo told of how he came into position of the One Ring part of the way through his journey, and ended the tale with his return to the Shire, the goodbye to his home, and his stay in Rivendell. Talion found he quite enjoyed Bilbo's company. When Bilbo had finished his tale, Talion felt compelled to share part of his own, and Bilbo listened intently as Talion told him how he obtained Isildur's Ring, as well as about some of his companions from Mordor and how their stories intertwined with his, however briefly or long.

"And now I am here," he told him. Bilbo regarded him with respect and a bit of sadness.

"I cannot imagine living such a life full of sorrow and pain like yours. But all that you have suffered through has made you who you are, and I am glad to have met a person like yourself." Talion smiled at him gratefully. Something over Talion's shoulder caught Bilbo's eye, and he watched the hobbit grin and exclaim, "He may beat even you in that department, Gandalf!"

"I'm sure that he already does, old friend." Talion turned to see an old man with grey hair, plain robes, and a pointed hat approaching the table. The man smiled warmly at him. "Well met, Talion. Lord Elrond has had nothing but good things to say about you. I trust you and Bilbo are getting along?"

"Of course. I've never met another like him," he replied with a small smile.

"I'm sure you haven't," Gandalf said with the strangest gleam in his eye. "May I?" he asked, gesturing to the seat across from him.

"By all means," Talion told him politely just as another person joined them, Gandalf taking his seat.

"Good morning," an approaching voice called. Talion looked up to see Eltariel making her way over to them. She nodded to Talion, who nodded back before she addressed the other two. "It has been years, Master Baggins. I hope you've been quite well?"

"Eltariel! How long has it been? Since the battle of the five armies I believe. I've been quite well, and it seems as have you." His eyes briefly landed on one of her hands. "Though it also seems you have quite the stories to tell." She then turned to Gandalf, taking the seat next to him.

"Mithrandir," she addressed him respectfully. "Always a pleasure."

"And to you as well, Eltariel. I suspect you've had quite the adventure since last we spoke."

"That is… One way to put it, I suppose. Much has happened."

"If you wouldn't mind, might I hear a bit of that tale?"

"Of course." She and Talion gave him an abbreviated version of their stories as the four of them enjoyed lunch together. Gandalf didn't at all seem surprised at anything he told them, almost as if he already knew and was simply waiting for someone to confirm it. And that gleam in his eyes!

"Quite the adventure indeed! The two of you have been quite busy in Mordor, and now your journey brings you here, seemingly on the same quest as our young friends from the Shire." Talion was astounded.

"You know of that as well?" he questioned, not daring to believe anyone could be this well informed.

"Gandalf quite often knows everything, Talion," Bilbo told him.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Gandalf told him, conversations turning to small talk for awhile, until, with a soft, caring look in his eyes he asked Eltariel, "How does the Lady Galadriel fare these days? It has been some time since we've seen each other." Eltariel and Talion shared knowing glances at his tone of voice, both holding back smiles they were sure would tip the wizard off.

"She was well when last we spoke. I haven't been back to Lorien since I started my quest. She did, however, ask for me to pass on her well wishes and greetings to you should our paths ever cross."

"Wonderful! I think a trip to Lothlorien is long overdue, though I suppose it will have to wait until—" Gandalf suddenly cut himself off as he felt a shift in the air, a great evil approaching them. Elrond soon joined them in the hall, having felt the same thing. Eltariel looked to Talion, and a silent conversation passed between them. They were close. Without warning an earsplitting, shrill shriek echoed through the air, putting fear in the hearts of many and causing Talion to cry out in pain. Clutching his hand with Isildur's Ring, a cold, determined glare settled in his eyes, and he quickly made his way out of the Last Homely House. Eltariel rushed after him, watching him dive off the nearest cliff with a powerful leap. She skidded to a halt, perplexed, until a dark blur soared upwards from where Talion had jumped. The drake. She smiled wickedly as they swooped back around for her, and she got a running start before leaping onto the drake's back, securing herself behind Talion as they flew towards the Ford of Bruinen. Talion didn't seem to notice that the wind had blown his hood up, the dark material now covering his head so that Eltariel couldn't see his face. She would not have liked the sight that would meet her.

It wasn't long before the Nazgul were in their sights, being kept at bay by a company of three hobbits and one man wielding something on fire as an elf and another hobbit escaped on horseback towards Rivendell. Talion, enraged at the sight of the Nazgul and encouraged by the company's efforts, gave a furious battlecry as the drake shot a great fireball in between the Nazgul and the company, leaping down with vengeance in mind. Eltariel soon followed, landing gracefully beside Talion. The two draw their weapons, and as the steam from the fireball disappeared the company was astounded to find the two standing between them and the Nazgul. Eltariel found herself shielded by the Light of Galadriel while Talion was cloaked in a swirl of black and green energy. This gave the Nazgul pause before they charged, Talion and Eltariel gladly meeting them. The small company watched as the Nazgul struggled to defeat them, always driven further and further back by blasts of light, the thrust of a sword, or the flashing back and forth attacks.

Eltariel and Talion worked surprisingly well together, covering the other's back and coordinating attacks to not give the Nazgul any time to recover. With one last shadow strike and retreat Talion, Eltariel, and the company watched as the Ford rose up in a powerful flood, whispers of magic in the air as it swept the Nazgul away, the dying cry of one of their black steeds the last sound they heard before the waters calmed, returning to normal. Sheathing their weapons, Talion and Eltariel stood side by side, facing the apprehensive and mostly terrified company. Eltariel glowed still with the Light of Galadriel, but all that could be seen under Talion's hood was a pair of flaming red eyes.

Closing A/N: So… This is all one big mess where I tried to throw in some character development and probably too much plot? A lot happened. Also, I still can't write canon characters in character! BUT, I did manage to actually type up everything I wrote in my outline this time, so small victories.