I'm back!

As a warning, the next chapter might need another month. But as compensation this chapter is extra long. ;)

Chapter Nine

Andreth flipped some bread crumbs from her plat onto Bregor's lap. She had to hide a giggle, when she saw the indignant look he threw in her direction. That's what he got from calling her stingy grouch! Only because she didn't want to go out chasing cats in the courtyard like a little child.

Before Bregor could take revenge for her grievous attack, Haldor's amused grunt pulled his attention back to the other side of the table to his friend.

They all sat in the great hall of the main building. Andreth, Bregor and Haldor were taking their supper together, a habit that had started nearly a year ago.

'Hey, I've heard some interesting rumour from the other guys last night', Haldor's conspiratorial tone immediately caught Andreth's interest.

She leaned closer, placing her elbows on the table. It was no doubt a new rumour over the visiting elves. Since the announcement two weeks ago the entire keep had been in an uproar. Today, a day before their arrival, you could practically taste the excitement in the air.

'I've heard that the elves finally plan on driving the enemy out of their stinking holes. They want to go into battle!'

Bregor let out an amused snort.

'Yeah, sure. And while they're at it they might as well go off, kill all the siders and go hunting all sea serpents and mountain trolls!'

Even though Andreth knew her brother was right to point out how ridiculous it was to think the Eldar could single handedly drive out the dark foe, she felt a pang of sympathy for Haldor.

No matter how gullible, she could understand the need to know what was going on. Despite her proximity to the source of all these rumors, due to her work with her father, she did not know what the eldar planned to discuss during their visit.

The only thing she had learned was that Nom sent one of his brothers from their keep in North Dorthonion to discuss the continued friendship and cooperation between the Edain and Eldar… whatever that was supposed to entail.

'Hey! Instead of going about spewing all that crap why don't you ask Andreth? She at the very least got to read the elf king's message!'

After this final dig against his friend, Bregor grabbed Andreth's shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze bringing her attention back to the scene on the table. She gave her father a small smile before looking at Haldor, who turned to her expectantly.

'If you think that the message spoke of anything other than the visit, then I have to disappoint you… I'm afraid being long winded is an unfortunate consequence of longevity.'

Haldor cracked a wide grin.

'Ha! Of course those elves would send a whole library just to say that they invited themselves over for a fuc-'

'Shut up, Haldor!'

Bregor roughly kicked him under the table, stopping him from swearing. Haldor did of course the exact opposite and immediately began to complain with a plethora of colorful swear words. This was one of many subtle changes Andreth had been able to observe in her brother.

In the last few months he since assumed more and more responsibility he increasingly became more serious and reserved. At the same time, he began to encourage his friends and fellow warriors to reduce their swearing as well ...albeit in a fairly violent manner.

She expected that he would probably need another month or so to realize that his method wasn't working.

Andreth let her eyes drift away from the two bickering men, eying Gordon and Elmir, who were sitting a few paces away at a different table. They sat in complete silence, both shared the same empty look in their eyes.

A shiver ran down her back. Whatever evil had crept up through the mountains of Ered Gorgoroth had seemingly sucked the life out of them. Unwanted thoughts of Amlath squeezed back into her mind.

'Bregor!'

Andreth immediately looked over at her brother. Beril had come up behind them and thrown her arms around their brother. With a loud laugh he turned around and grabbed the slight girl tickling her. A shrill shriek left Beril's throat, as she immediately tried to get away from his vicious attack.

Forcing a light smile Andreth watched silently as both her siblings settled down, Beril squeezing in the tight space between Andreth and Bregor. As she met eyes with her sister, the mirth seeped out of the younger girl's face. Without even a word of greeting Beril hastily looked back up at Bregor.

'I beat Heldir! Threw him right on his back!'

Her voice was filled with pride.

'Ha!', Haldor laughed,'What did my brother do to deserve that?'

'He was running his mouth, saying once he was old enough to join you guys he would be the greatest warrior. And I told him that to do that he would have to beat me first.'

Judging from her smug tone and her dramatic pause, Beril quite enjoyed the attention she was getting from both Bregor and Haldor.

Andreth wasn't quite sure what bothered her about this scene. But, seeing Beril telling her wild tales and Bregor encouraging her ate at her stomach.

'I used the moves you taught me! I used my hips and when he ran at me he literally threw himself in the mud!'

Taught her?

Andreth couldn't take her eyes off Bregor, who proudly ruffled Beril's hair. She never knew that he taught Beril to fight. When he hadn't been off on patrol or with the other young men he normally would spend the days with her. And why hadn't he asked her to learn?

Bregor looked up from their sister, meeting Andreth's eyes. His eyes narrowed, piercing her with his stare. She had to hide her flinch. She thought she was over it. But like so many times previously she found herself doubting her family's love.

Her father's and brother's at least…

Beril, she knew without a doubt felt no love for her.

'Hey, Beril, why don't you go back out in the court and I can show you this new trick with the knife I promised you last time?'

'Oh! Yes!'

Beril's face widened into a smile. She sprang off the bench and immediately made for the exit.

'I go fetch my knife!'

'Wait for me by the barn!'

With a loud thud the door fell close behind her. Andreth was not sure Beril had heard Bregor's final instruction.

A sudden quiet filled the wide hall, most of the tables had emptied. It unsettled her. She felt Bregor's eyes on her, refusing to meet his gaze again she busied herself with her cup. She stared deep into the clear water, slightly swirling it.

Hoping Bregor would not say it. He had never addressed it so far, but she knew he could see it.

Everybody probably could.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Bregor and Haldor exchange a glance, before her brother's friend emptied his cup and stood.

'I better go check upon Heldir. He is probably hiding, somewhere licking his wounds.'

As soon as he stepped away from the table. Bregor looked back at her.

Andreth felt her chest tighten.

This was it. Now he would tell how bad she…

'Don't you think that after three years you should maybe talk to Beril?'

Andreth looked up at her brother. His brows were furrowed, his grey eyes borrowing into her. Every time when he looked angry he reminded her of their father.

'You're mad.'

What was supposed to be more of a question came out like a statement.

Bregor sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

'No.'

His voice was calm, he sounded deflated.

'I'm just frustrated. You are both my sisters! You know that, right? But you barely talk with each other. I don't know what issues you have but you are literally splitting our family into two!'

Now anger welled up inside of Andreth.

Splitting our family into two!

'If you want to blame somebody for that then maybe you should go speak with father!'

Bregor's voice grew truly angry now.

'Beril has nothing to do with that! So stop treating her like she doesn't matter!'

'She doesn't speak with me either! If she wants nothing to do wit me why should I-'

'Andreth!'

She stopped herself mid sentence.

Bregor had stood up, staring down at her in disbelief.

Slowly a sense of shame began to rise up, as she thought about what she had just said. Beril had wanted to spent time with her, but Andreth had been the one to avoid her. And after repeatedly being ignored, Beril had started to avoid Andreth in turn…

'Beril turned sixteen a month ago. She is still mostly a child. What is your excuse? You always seem so damn proud of being oh so mature and adult so maybe act like for chance!'

Without another word Bregor turned and marched away.

Andreth felt a numb feeling creep up her back. The shame had fully settled into her chest. Staring back down again into the swirling liquid of her drink, she didn't dare look up again. She knew there were still some people left in the hall. Now it probably would be long before everybody knew about this.

It was her fault… She just didn't know how to fix it.

After the disastrous altercation with Bregor at supper, Andreth had found herself in Elwen's company, helping the housekeeper dust off the many heavy curtains of the main hall in preparation for their elvish guests. The work had helped keep her mind empty and done much to calm her down after her fight with Bregor.

However, much as she had feared, it seemed Elwen already knew about what had happened.

'Family is precious, Andreth. You don't want to throw away a sister, without ever having known her.'

Andreth shrunk under Elwen's stern gaze. The housekeeper's judgment made her feel ashamed. Elwen stayed silent after that and Andreth was grateful to be able to stew in her own thoughts without an interruption.

She knew that it was her own fault that Beril hated her. She knew that. She had been ignoring Beril since their first meeting nearly three years ago.

It had taken Andreth a while to fully realize the full extent to which she must have hurt Beril. However no matter how much the guilt ate at her, she couldn't bring herself to speak it out loud.

It didn't matter anyway. The last thing Beril would want was her pathetic apology.

After they finished dusting of the drapes, Andreth went back to the study to retrieve her book of the harvest accounts. She still had to finish some of her calculations…

You don't want to throw away a sister, without ever having known her.

Elwen's words continued to run over and over through her mind.

She remembered Adanel telling her something very similar once.

Don't forget your siblings.

Her aunt had wanted her to go back home. And Andreth had gone.

I have kept you long enough. You have a right to

know them.

She had always missed her family. When she came back, it had been to be with them. To have her father's love, Bregor's companionship...

Beril had been so young when Andreth left. She barely remembered a small giggling child, playing with her in the courtyard and annoying the servants together.

She knew that she had been blaming her unhappiness on her sister. And even now, no matter how unfair she knew she still did.

Please, do not let this keep you separate from them.

Her chest felt tight. Haltingly she stopped in her tracks.

What was wrong with her? She felt the shame fill her up again.

Unsure where to go at first she turned around and walked back down the hall. As she arrived back at the washroom, a noise caught her attention.

Becoming surer in her steps she marched out into the open yard, her eyes locked onto Beril.

Her sister was clambering after one of the many barn cats. Baffled by this display of childishness, Andreth stood still in the doorway. She would not scold Beril. She had no right to criticize anything she did.

She was here to… make peace and…

She had to admit to herself that she wasn't quite sure yet what she should say.

Becoming frustrated by the lack of success in her hunt, Beril returned to the house. Taken in a deep breath, Andreth stepped forward. Her sister immediately stood stock still, her face turning red.

'I wanted to talk to you.'

Andreth nearly cringed at her own stiff tone.

Beril threw a hasty look behind herself before stepping closer with a simple nod.

'I wanted to…', interrupting herself Andreth tried to clear her thoughts. She wanted to apologize and try to bridge the gap in their relationship.

'I hoped to talk with you about how we… we…'

Again her voice trailed off. Beril's face betrayed nothing. How unsettling that a girl, who normally was so expressive could become so cold as soon as Andreth was near.

'I'm sorry!'

Beril blinked. Surprise breaking the monotony of her expression.

You are both my sisters.

Thinking back at Bregor's words, a sense of clarity filled her.

Beril had never really been told to do anything. Andreth had always been jealous of that.

But, now she thought back to the days when she first came back home. She wanted to feel useful.

'I need your help! I have to check all of the storage counts to make sure we have all we need when the guest arrive.'

Beril lowered her gaze, fidgeting with her skirts.

'I'm not sure… I don't really…'

Seeing how unsure Beril felt, Andreth couldn't help but think back at her own unease whenever Adanel revealed a gap in her knowledge.

However, outside the very basic knowledge Elwen had time to teach her Andreth's sister never learned these things.

Turning her voice as warm and friendly as she could Andreth found herself offering:

'That's alright! I can show you.'

Beril looked up abruptly, staring at Andreth, her eyes seemed wide with surprise.

'I… I can try, but if you want somebody else, then…'

'No! Unless you don't want to I would love for you to help me.'

Looking down again at her hands, Beril began to rub her fingers on the cloth of skirts. Hastily cleaning off the dirt of her previous unsuccessful chase, before shyly nodding.

Andreth was surprised how much Beril's education had been neglected. She had known that Elwen had taught her her letters.

However as she watched Beril copy the numbers of the report of the last harvest, Andreth realized that Bregor really had been right. Despite Beril's scraggly lines and many mistakes, the young girl's initial timidity had quickly made room for her boundless enthusiasm.

Andreth watched her sister finish the last messy lines, before meeting her eyes. It surprised her again to see the coldness that usually veiled Beril's expression completely gone from her face.

'Was this all you needed?'

'Yes...I… thank you'

Andreth began to clean up the quill and ink, quietly resigning herself to redo most of the work later that night.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Beril began wiping her fingers on her skirts again, trying to rid herself of the ink stains. With a quite sign she put the writing utensils away and grabbed Beril's hands stopping her from further ruining her dress.

'You need warm water to wash the ink off.'

Andreth pulled Beril up from her seat and led her to the kitchens. Leading Beril by the hand through the hall stirred a strange feeling inside of her chest. It dawned on her that this was the first time since her return that they had deliberately touched.

As they stepped into the kitchens Andreth found herself glad to discover the wide room nearly completely empty.

With quick steps she marched to the kettle hanging over the fire and was pleasantly surprised to find some of the water for Elwen's tea had been left to cool over the glowing coal. Grabbing a wooden cup she scooped up some of the warm water and turned back to Beril.

Her sister hesitantly stepped closer and held out her dirty hands. Dunking one of the many rags lying on the stool next to the oven into the cup, Andreth began to rub the stains away.

After Beril's hands proved to be clean and Andreth had put both rag and cup away, they found themself mutely standing alone in the kitchen.

Now devoid of any purpose Andreth found herself unable to meet her sister's eyes. She might have not apologized very well but they had gotten along reasonably well… Maybe she should just go now?

'I wanted to go riding this afternoon. Do you want to come with me?'

Andreth's head jerked up. She stared at Beril.

The younger girl stood calmly before her, her previous shyness seemingly evaporated. Beril offered Andreth a small smile.

'I...eh...I'm not really that good of a rider.'

Andreth cringed at her own awkward stammer.

'That's alright. I can show you!'

Beril offered her a wide grin. Before reaching out and grabbing Andreth's hand to pull her along.

'I'm no sure it is safe… I mean I shouldn't we ask someone to accompa-'

'Come on!', seemingly unperturbed by any of Andreth's meager objections, Beril pulled her sister onward to the stables.

'I have to show you Mithiel! She is gorgeous! And you have to show me your brown… He is really cute, you know?'

Helplessly Andreth let herself be pulled along. Beril continued to prattle on about her favorite horses, the best riding spots, her new sattle and many other inconsequential things Andreth was unable to follow.

As they stepped into the stable, every last trace of the quiet timid girl had completely vanished. They were met by Heldir, who by the dirty looks he threw in Beril's direction was still bitter about his loss this morning.

With some sympathy Andreth watched as Beril ordered the young stable hand around. The boy still sported a bruise from his previous fight with Beril. Heldir quickly readied Boron and Mithiell, saddling them and putting on their bridle.

The brown gelding greeted her with soft snort. Reluctantly Andreth swung herself into the saddle, as she adjusted her skirts, she found herself almost excited to go for a ride.

Deep inside she knew how reckless this actually was, but somehow Beril's sudden shift into infectious excitement, made her reluctant to put a stop to it.

Before she could reconsider any longer, they were off.

Beril guided Mithiel into a powerful gallop, nearly exploding out into the courtyard. Her joyous laughter ringing out into the wide grass field behind the gate. Andreth found herself following and before she could stop herself she felt a wide smile pulling on her mouth.

The wind blew through her hair and pulled on her clothes. In front of her, Beril and Mithiel looked almost like a grey arrow, flying over the landscape in a straight line.

It had been so long since Andreth had ever felt so free.

'Here! Andreth!'

A few paces, to her right Andreth saw Beril waiting next to the tree line. Her sister stood up up in her stirrups, waving her arms widely.

Kicking Boron into a light trott, Andreth guided him in Beril's direction.

The other girl flashed her another excited smile before she ducked under a few low hanging branches and guided her gray mare through the undergrowth. Conscious of the uneven ground, Andreth carefully stired Boron through.

As soon as Boron stepped out of the shadows of the treeline again, Andreth gwaked at the scene before her.

It was beautiful!

A wide lake, glittering a clear crystal blue in the warm afternoon sun, stretched out before them. High green grass, sprinkled with wildflowers filled the entire bank.

Widely gapping at the view, Andreth slid out of the saddle. Boron immediately dropped his head and began to munch on the juicy grass.

Slowly, she stepped closer to the water.

The lake was so clear she could see the bottom of the lake. Looking up she took in more of the landscape. A big rocky wall lined the far side of the lake. Combined with the encircling trees, this gave the whole place a secretive and safe feeling.

It almost gave the impression that it was hidden from the entire outside world.

Turning slowly, breathing in the fresh autumn air, Andreth felt her body completely relaxing.

'Hey!'

Startled out of her daze, Andreth turned back around and looked at Beril. Her sister stood right next to the water. She had already ditched her boots and was currently hiking up her skirts and tieing them up.

As soon as she had finished this task, she waded into the lake, before turning to Andreth and waving her arms enthusiastically.

'Come in! It's still warm!'

Andreth could feel the smile pulling at her mouth. She had to suppress the laughter at the image. Beril looked ridiculous with all that fabric bunched up around her hips. Like a swaddled babe!

'Come on! Don't just stand there!'

Quickly, Andreth kicked off her boots and stockings, before stepping up to the water. Delicately holding up her skirts, she dipped in her foot. Beril had been right. While maybe not warm, the water was far from freezing.

Andreth took a tentative step into the lake, enjoying the fresh water splashing at her calves.

She lifted her head, wanting to tell Beril that…

Splash!

Andreth let out a loud shriek as a wave of cool liquid swept over her. Loud delighted laughter rang out. Beril stood before her barely able to contain her mirth.

Before the younger girl could react, Andreth splashed a big wave back into Beril's face. With a shocked yell Beril slid on the slippery ground. Spewing out water, she sat up, now completely emerged in the water up to her chin.

Both girls looked at each other, both completely soaked. Andreth couldn't stop a big grin from rising to the surface, mirroring the amusement visible on Beril's face.

'You are going to regret that!', Beril announced with mock severity.

'Am I?'

Andreth could barely hide the laughter in her voice.

Beril's wide grin was answer enough, before she shot back up splashing a new wave in Andreth's direction.

Their loud laughter, and even louder shrieks filled the air. It had been ages since Andreth had felt so unapologetically free. Free from worry, from the strain of holding up an image.

When they finally decided on a ceasefire in their water fight, they stretched out on the grass next to the lake in the hope of drying their soaked clothes a little in the afternoon sun before they inevitably had to return home.

Andreth soaked in the heat of the sun.

The peaceful voices of the birds surrounded them. Opening her eyes slightly, she turned her head and peaked over at Beril.

Her sister lay next to her in the green grass, her eyes closed, she looked as if she were lost in a far away world. Taken in her wet hair sticking to her skin and the soaked cloth of her skirts, Andreth grew even more conscious of her own wet clothes.

An hour in the warm autumn sun had barely started to dry them.

Despite the incredible stupidity of their water fight, Andreth couldn't find it in her to chide herself nor her sister. Maybe lying down in the warm sun, had made her mind sluggish.

Turning her face back into the sun, she closed her eyes and let her mind drift off again.

'I think you should sit with me, Heldir and Olwen tomorrow.'

Surprised Andreth wiped her head back to Beril. Her sister had turned her entire body to face Andreth, while cradling her head in the crook of her arm.

'You should sit with us. Tomorrow at the feast, I mean.', Beril repeated.

Why would Beril want her there?

Andreth couldn't help to feel lost. She knew that her sister probably wanted to include her. It was a kind gesture…

Beril let out a soft sigh, before slowly sitting up. She didn't say anything. Not knowing what answer Beril expected from her Andreth kept quiet.

Taking in the sunlight reflecting off of Beril's dark hair, the way she stared far away over the wide expanse of the lake, Andreth found herself not envious of her sister for the time she got to spent here, while Andreth was away, but envying those who got to see her sister grow up.

'Were you ever lonely? Living away from home with our aunt and uncle?'

Andreth stared up at Beril. She carefully sat up as well, rubbing the grass from her hands.

What was she to say? Yes, She had been miserable? She wanted to come home? She had dreamed that father would have sent Beril in her stead?

'I was lonely, you know. After you were gone.'

Beril began ripping out long strands of grass, obviously uneasy to confess these feelings.

The shame washed over Andreth in a great flood.

No. It was not right to blame Beril. To treat her as if she hadn't been an innocent child as well…

'No… No! ', Andreth said,'I was angry and confused when father decided to send me away, but I found people that I love and that love me. Adanel is like a mother to me. She taught me everything I know… Because of her I am able to help father with his duties as chieftain.'

Andreth paused, thinking about what she was saying. With some measure of relief she started to realize that she was speaking the truth.

Adanel had raised her as her own daughter, even for the short year she spent with him little Beren had been like her baby brother and she still missed Geldir dearly.

Beril nodded simply. A small smile appeared on her face, lightening up her face. With a loud thump, she fell back into the grass, closing her eyes.

Andreth took in her sister.

Her dark wild hair spread out over the green grass, the warm sheen of her skin and abundance of freckles sprinkled over her nose and cheeks.

Remembering how cold and dismissive she had treated her, she swore to herself to never again mistreat her so.

Beril cracked eyes open, blinking a little against the bright sunlight, with an expectant clap on the grass next to her, she commanded Andreth to lie back down.

Andreth quickly obliged and laid back to bask in the sun.

She had almost drifted back to sleep, when she heard Beril's whisper next her.

'Nearly each summer father used to bring Bregor and me here.

We would play here in the Aeluin and Father taught me to make flower crowns. Bregor tried to dunk me in the father once… The year before you came back he stopped bringing us. Bregor was so busy with his duties.

I really missed it.'

Andreth stared up into the bright sky.

She didn't try to look at Beril, too afraid to reveal the tears she desperately tried to blink away. With trembling breath she only managed to whisper back a simple, 'Thank you'.

This is the longest chapter yet! I'm actually really proud of it, so I hope you guys liked it.

I apologize if anybody got too excited because a certain elf is supposed to visit but don't worry you're going to meet him next chapter. I just really had to have Andreth go through some much needed character development as well as resolve some of that nasty feud she had with her sister.

There are only a couple new Oc's introduced this time:

Haldor - Bregor's friend

Heldir - 14y/o, Haldor's younger brother and Beril's friend/sparring partner

As far as vocabulary goes:

Aeluin - lake west of Ladros in Dorthonion

Thanks for reading!