For Disclaimer, view chapter 1.

The aching now had become almost unbearable, she would not be able to continue walking if she remained in this state. Aurel scolded herself for letting herself get this way. You are stronger than this, you must go on, you cannot let your emotions control you in this way. She willed herself to walk towards the training fields, this place is where she felt most at ease, where she could take our her aggression and frustration, her revenge. Outside of killing orcs and patrolling, this was the next best thing. She needed no emotion to wield a weapon, here she could be heartless. She picked up a bow and some arrows and put herself into a ready stance. She concentrated on her target and let go...straight and hit. She took another arrow...chose her target and then straight and hit, splitting her first arrow. She chose another target, readied herself and she hit it...straight on. This was not helping her as much as she thought it would. She let of of the last arrow and hit her target. No, this was doing nothing at all.

That was impressive. said Arwen.

Aurel nodded her head once, not daring to look at Arwen, for tears had formed in her eyes. She looked at her targets and at the arrows she had let free.

There will never be enough orcs for you to kill. Even if you kill them all, the pain will remain. said Arwen closing the distance between herself and Aurel. Nothing you do will bring her back dear sister, or repair the damage that was done to her soul. Arwen went to put her hand on her shoulder, but Aurel stepped back. She looked at Arwen, her eyes clouded once more, tears on the brim of falling.

Arwen noticed her backing away, Why do my words hurt you so? You are wise little one, you know what I speak is the truth. Arwen tried once more to touch her, to step towards her, to comfort her, but Aurel backed away.

Why do you refuse my touch? Aurel..I want to help you.

No one can help me.

Your pain...you are fading. You know you are fading, do not let your sorrow consume you.

Arwen's words were angering Aurel. How dare she speak to me like that! She knows not of what I go through day after day, reliving everything every time I close my eyes, the screams, the sounds, the deadly silence....

Arwen's voice became softer, Please little one. Let me comfort you.

Aurel put her hand up to stop her and shook her head no, the tears streaming down her face. Arwen frowned as Aurel turned and walked away into the shadows of the trees. She stood there watching her, then she turned to look at the arrows that Aurel had been practicing with. She hadn't missed her target once and she had split her own arrows.

Days after spending all her time with her brothers, there was commotion in Imladris. Gandalf the Grey or Mithandrir had arrived for some reason, an unexpected but welcome visit, although Aurel could feel that a great weight had been placed upon him. She calmly walked to where he was, but as soon as he saw her a great smile shone from him and she mirrored the same. She embraced him and kissed him on the cheek. Dear child! How good it is to see you again!! She was dressed in her patrolling outfit ready to go out, he had hardly recognized her. You look like your brothers in that apparel. I almost mistook you for Elladan.

She let go of the embrace and looked at him seriously, then smiled. She had all her weaponry with her and just put her hand to her heart to signify goodbye. Gandalf did the same and she went off running towards the stables to get her horse and join the patrol.

Her eyes light up only for you. And when she goes out on patrols, but that is a different type of light. said Elrond walking out of the shadows it seemed.

No light can hide the pain she carries. Those eyes do not light up for me, they light up for the memories that I bring with me. said Gandalf, Her voice has not returned?

It will not return. The blade cut too deep. said Elrond.

Gandalf remained silent, then broke it, We have something very important to discuss.

Yes. I know of the news you bring with you Mithandrir. said Elrond.

Meanwhile, Aurel and the patrol guard all rode hard to the northern borders, there had been reports of orc raids there. Aurel was fully prepared. Bow in hand as they left their horses well behind. They ran swiftly towards the trees and quickly caught up with the band of orcs. Aurel held her breath once more and steadied her stance, she readied her bow and let go...straight for the heart. And she did not miss her target. The orcs were well aware that they had been ambushed and fought furiously. As did the warrior elves. Aurel had run out of arrows and she proceeded to her sword, so light and yet so deadly. She wielded it as if it was a part of her. This was no mere skill of weaponry learned, she had been born with this talent. Her hatred for these orcs ran deep and she was going to kill every last one of them and watch their blood spill. An orc came running swiftly towards her and she took her blade without moments thought and sliced right through his grotesque body. The blood spilling on her clothes...

Aurel. Behind you!!! yelled another elf.

She had not been quick enough to sense the second orc attack, she turned around in time for his blade to come in contact with hers, barely missing her head. She pushed him back and the orc was surprised at her brutal strength. I will have great pleasure in dismembering you, she-elf! he snarled, once again lancing an attack on her. She flinched not once and looked the orc straight on, continuing on with the deadly display of talents...at one point the orc pushed her against the tree, knocking her blade out of her hand. The orc took his blade and she shifted, not enough to miss her arm being sliced through, not deep, but enough to cause pain. This angered her even further. She rolled on the ground and picked her blade up once more, in one swift move she pierced his body. She pushed the blade in and pulled it out slowly as the orc's body slumped to the ground still snarling. Then she took her sword and cut off his head. She stood there looking at the orc for quite some time...

Aurel? Aurel? said a voice, but it was all distant to her. My lady, Are you hurt? asked one of the guards looking at her bleeding arm.

She said nothing, still staring at the headless orc, the battle was over, they had been triumphant, and for a while her heart was at peace.

You are bleeding Aurel. Mentioned another elf guard who approached her, but she stepped away and ran back to her horse. She was ready to head back home.

They returned early the next day, it was not wise to move at night as orcs did. Aurel was tired then, all the strength she had was given to killing those orcs. She was glad to see her home so early in the day, it was magical and uncomparable to any other place she had been. She smiled. As all the elven guards and the Lady entered Rivendell, she noticed other riders had also just arrived. They were dressed in garments resembling those of wood elves. Aurel was a little confused, she had not been told a party of wood elves would be arriving this day. She noticed one of the elves had long blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes. It reminded her of the sea. His presence disturbed her..he felt it as well, for he too was beginning to feel a strange presence amongst him, when he turned to look for what it was he noticed an elven guard staring at him. How strange He thought to himself. Glorfindel was assisting them when Legolas spoke, Is it custom for your elven guards to stare so intently at visitors.

Glorfindel smiled, No it is not custom for our guards to do so. But that is no elven guard who stares at you your majesty. That is Lady Aurel, youngest daughter of the Lord Elrond.

Legolas looked like he had just been told some horrible news.. Aurel?, that elleth? He spat out looking at Glorfindel.

I beg you to mind your words young prince, for she is nobility.

I apologize Lord Glorfindel, It is not custom for Mirkwood elves to say such things, ever rarely does it come to our attention that a lady of nobility goes out riding in company of the patrol guards. said Legolas, lowering his gaze. When he looked back up to find the lady she had disappeared.

Not to worry prince, I am sure you two will have time to get reacquainted. Now if you will follow me please. Motioned Glorfindel to Legolas and the rest of his party and they followed.

While they walked along to meet Lord Elrond, Legolas was still intrigued at what he had seen. She is young to be out patrolling in dangerous times such as these.

Still intrigued I see Prince Legolas. She is quite younger than you, if I remember correctly, but she is one of the best warriors we have here, she has earned her place. said Glorfindel.

Does not Lord Elrond disapprove of her conduct?

Glorfindel gave out a chuckle. Of course.

Legolas could not truly understand how Lord Elrond could let his daughter out to fight orcs and other such beasts. But he had not more time to discuss such things and they had already walked into the presence of Lord Elrond.

My Lord. I am here at my father's request. These are troubled times in Mirkwood, and he could not leave his kingdom, he has sent me in his stead. Legolas bowed.

It is good to see you again young one. said Lord Elrond as they continued their walk.