reviews always welcome!

~oOo~

Aegnor reclined against his pack and watched as his brother fletched another arrow. The steady methodical rhythm of Angrod's hands as they moved about their task had lulled him into a relaxed medative state. Time and surroundings had little meaning on him when like this. He would retreat within, blending living night and deep dream, as was their way when it came to rest. Eyes wide open as his mind wandered. Perhaps it was due to the open starlit sky, or the repetitive motion of his brother's work, Aegnor did not know. What he did know was that it had been some time since he found respite this way. Not since his youth. Not since before the ice.

Aegnor blinked, suddenly aware. He sighed. Leave it to him to ruin a much needed peaceful moment. He extended long arms as he arched his back with a stretch. It was still dark but the day was not far off. It was probably for the best that he began to prepare to leave anyway. He stood up and ran his fingers through thick hair in a vain attempt to tame it but to no avail. He sighed again. It would just have to do.

Angrod did not pause in his work as Aegnor began to move about the small camp. Once the small amount of belongings had been gathered Aegnor gave a low whistle that carried through the night. After a moment he was answered with a soft whinny and nicker as the three mounts materialized from the dark. Aegnor smiled as the lady Andreth's horse nuzzled his hand in search for a treat. His mount, Arveldir was far too proud to seek out treats but still he watched Aegnor closely to see if anything would be given. Erthor crossed over to Angrod and nudged him with his head.

"Yes, Yes," soothed Angrod as he scratched Erthor beneath his chin, "it is early but you know how he is."

Erthor gave Aegnor a curious look.

"I am going to check the traps and see if there is anything to prepare before we go," Aegnor said with a shake of his head. He glanced back at the small tent that had been raised for their charge. "There is still time before the first light begins to break, it will not hurt to let her sleep."

"She is not sleeping," Angrod said as he continued to wrap a line around the end of the bolt.

Aegnor turned to look at his brother.

"What?"

"She is not sleeping," Angrod repeated.

"What do you mean," Aegnor asked slowly.

"I mean she is not sleeping," Angrod replied, "as in she is awake, as in she is not in her tent."

"Not in her tent?" Aegnor said confused. "Where is she?"

"She got up some time ago," Angrod answered unconcerned. He held up the arrow and stared down the shaft, examining his work. "She wanted to walk down to the water."

"The water!" Aegnor exclaimed, looking at his brother in disbelief. "And you let her go?"

Angrod set the freshly fletched arrow down on his lap and gave his brother a quizzical look.

"It is hallowed ground Aegnor, she is perfectly safe."

"Perfectly safe," Aegnor spat as he grabbed up his sword and fastened it around his waist. "There is nowhere in this land that is perfectly safe. You should not have let her go alone Angrod. I do not know what in this world would have possessed you not to alert me to her leaving." Aegnor snatched up his cloak.

"You were resting," Angrod answered as he watched Aegnor wrap his cloak around his shoulders and march off towards the lake. "And it seems as if you could use some more!" he called after his brother's retreating back.

~oOo~

Six hours in a car when on a trip can seem like long time.

Six hours in a car when on a trip, when angry, can seem like an eternity.

Not much was said on the ride up to the cabin. Not that much could have been said anyway. The jeep was quite efficient when it came to going from point A to point B, off road or on. But sound of the engine and the noise from the chasee when on the road was deafening. In order to talk over the roar of noise from the jeep one would have to talk loud. And Andrea did not feel like shouting. And so she stuffed her earbuds into her ears and turned on her music and simmered in silently.

Agner on the other hand seemed quite content to sit in silence. She thought she would get some satisfaction out of seeing him fold in half in order to fit in the jeep but now he just sat there, fingers laced together across his chest and head back, as if he were day dreaming. This only seemed to irritate Andrea even more.

They stopped twice for gas. Each time Agner offered to drive and each time Andrea told him no with a silent shake of her head.

It was petty of course, the way she was acting. But she could not seem to help it. She was so angry. Angry at him for ignoring her. Angry at him for making her care. Angry at him for his nonchalant attitude towards her anger.

She was angry at herself too. She was angry that she did care. Angry that she wanted to see him again. Flat out furious at her relief that he chose to come.

And so, for Andrea, a trip that was already long was made even longer due to her petulant silence.

They arrived in Bloomingdale around three in the afternoon but would not make for the cabin just yet. Bloomingdale was a small hamlet on the Saranac river. Once a busy logging town, now the camping/hiking trade is what kept it alive. Andrea spent much of her childhood coming here with her father and siblings. The memories from her youth seemed to lift her mood and she found herself smiling as they pulled up to the gate of a small ranch house. Andrea climbed out of the jeep and went to the speaker box by the gate and pushed the button. After a moment the box crackled to life as a voice came through.

"Yes?"

"Ms. Carolyn? It's me, Andrea …"

"Andrea?" the voice crackled back. "You're here already? You must've flew! Come in, come in!"

Andrea climbed back in the jeep as the gate slowly opened. Agner looked around curiously.

"Is this the cabin?" he asked.

"No," she said with a smile as she drove forward, "not yet. We have to pick up some friends first."

They continued up the gravel drive to the house. It was a simple one story surrounded by horse pastures and the Adirondacks. As they drove up, an older woman who looked to be in her late sixties came outside with a wide smile. Andrea had barely parked the jeep before the woman had come down from the porch and embraced her.

"Ah Andrea! My sweet, sweet girl, how are you? So good to see you!"

"I'm fine," Andrea replied, "it's good to see you too."

"Oh my, you brought a friend! You've never brought a friend before," Ms. Carolyn observed, peeking over Andrea's shoulder. "Some one special?"

Andrea looked behind her to Agner who was just exiting the jeep. Her smile became tight.

"Maybe," she answered, sounding a little cryptic. Ms. Carolyn raised an eyebrow.

"Well feel free to leave him here," the older woman said with a mischievous smile.

"And what would your husband say?" Andrea laughed.

"Jim? What he don't know – my," she exclaimed as Agner walked up, "you're a tall one."

Agner smiled and extended his hand. "It's a pleasure Ms. …"

"Gadsden," she said finishing his sentence and taking his hand, "Carolyn Gadsden." She shook Agner's hand and gave him an appreciative look before turning back to Andrea. "Well go ahead and bring the jeep around, Jim's getting the trailer ready for you."

She headed around to the back of the house as Andrea and Agner went back to the jeep.

"Where are we going?" Agner asked as Andrea cranked up the engine.

"Around back to the barns," she replied as she watched the side of the house. After a moment an ATV cart came around to the front driven by Carolyn. She waved them on to follow.

"She seems quite tenacious," he said as Andrea pulled around. Andrea just laughed.

"Yeah, you could say that. She and her husband work for my uncle. He owns all this and the cabin. They're kind of caretakers of the property for them. They've been here since I was little."

"You're uncle," Agner said softly.

"Yeah, I spent a lot of time at my uncle's when I was little, especially after my mom died."

Agner said nothing as they continued down the gravel road, eventually arriving at the barn. They sat in the jeep for a moment and watched as a man lead a horse out from the stable over to where a second horse was already tied off. Andrea looked over at Agner with a wide smile.

"I hope you can ride English saddle," she said and hopped out of the jeep.

Aegnor had remained quiet throughout the majority of the journey. It did not take entering one's mind to tell that she had no desire to speak to him. And he could not blame her. He would have to make amends and it was not going to be easy. So he sat back and let his mind wander, admiring the mountains that rose up around them as they traveled. The scenery was beautiful and with her so close he found himself drifting back to memories in time that were long lost.

He became lost in his own thoughts. Not wanting to dwell on what was right or wrong, on what was proper and moral. It had been a long time since he had come to the mountains or returned to nature. There had been an age when he would have made a trip like this on foot and more than likely would have made better time. But such a thing would have been looked on as strange today and Aegnor made it a point not to stand out. Something that was becoming more and more difficult.

He had made the decision to tell her everything. Who he is, where he is from, how her past is his. It terrified him in a way that he had never experienced in all of his long years. She would think him mad of course. She would send him away. The time of his people had ended ages ago and if things were as they should be he would not even be here. He did not belong here.

But here he was, with the only being he had ever been in love with returned to him.

He had been mentally preparing himself for the inevitable rejection.

They had arrived at their destination rather quickly in his mind. Or at least what he thought was their destination. It turned out to be just a stop to retrieve something of value before continuing on. He stood back as she greeted the older woman at the door warmly. He took his time coming from the jeep, not wanting to interrupt their reunion. His feeling of elation at hearing he was the first person she had ever brought here was quickly squashed at Andrea's doubt as to whether he was someone special. He supposed he had that coming.

Aegnor walked over to the fence where the first horse was tied off. It was a tall dark bay that looked at him with large eyes as his ears flicked to attention. His chest was deep and wide and the croup long and level and he stood on legs that were clean and heavily muscled. He was beautiful. As if in acknowledgement to the thought, the bay lowered his head and pressed it against Aegnor's chest and Aegnor could not help but smile. He suddenly felt as if he were in the presence of an old friend and it seemed that when he looked into those large brown eyes, there was some sort of recognition there.

"Estaman mellyn?" he whispered softly.

"Victor," a voice called from behind him and he turned to see Andrea walk up, leading the second horse. Aegnor smiled.

"What?" he replied back as he scratched the tall bay under the chin.

"You asked him his name, its Victor. He's a Percheron. He was for my brother originally but Brandon never rides so I kind of adopted him. This," she said, turning to the smaller, lither gray behind her, "is Evy. She is Andalusian. A little smaller and more compact than Vic but just as strong. Aren't you girl? Yes you are," she cooed as she scratched the gray's ears before glancing over at Aegnor with a grin. "He likes you."

"I like him," he said softly.

"Good," Andrea chirped as she tied off the rope.

Aegnor stood frozen in place as he watched her cross over to the trailer to continue her greetings and assist the older gentleman, who Aegnor assumed was Jim, with the hitch. But he could barely register them at the moment.

She had understood him. He had spoken in Sindarin and she had understood him.

She did not realize she did. It was an unconscious reaction to hearing the words. She is wrapped up in the moment, she is happy here, at peace, distracted and yet focused. Aegnor's heart pounded within his chest.

They stayed at the little ranch for a short time more. Just long enough to sit and have a cup of coffee and allow the three to reminisce. Aegnor sat quietly most of the time and allowed them their moment. He listened as they talked of Andrea's childhood with her family and told stories of mischievous children who enjoyed hiding horse droppings in an unsuspecting victim's boots. Aegnor enjoyed this, watching Andrea as she laughed freely with the occasional cry of protest only to be followed by more bouts of laughter. For the first time in ages, Aegnor felt an almost overwhelming need for family.

Eventually, much to Aegnor's dismay, the conversation began to wrap and they loaded the trailer with their precious cargo and set out on the road once more. They did not travel long before arriving at the cabin. Aegnor was surprised at the size. He had assumed it was nothing more than a small one room with a bath but this was much more. It was a three bedroom, one bath two story with a shelter in the back for the horses.

They set the horses in the back and began to unload their supplies for the weekend from the jeep. After the majority of supplies where put away, Aegnor stepped out onto the porch and sat down on the top step. Framed by mountains, the setting sun's reflection on the water was quite stunning. Footsteps from behind alerted him to Andrea's presence as she crossed the porch and took a seat. He turned and looked over to see her curl her legs up beneath her as she made herself comfortable in the hanging chair at the end of the porch. He leaned back against the post and braced himself for the oncoming storm.

"I love it here," she said as she stared out towards the mountains.

Not exactly what he expected.

"I can tell," he responded cautiously. Andrea sighed and relaxed back in the chair even more.

"Tell me about your home."

Aegnor blinked. "My home?"

"Yes. Where you are from? Where did you grow up? Who were your friends when you were a kid?"

"Its been so long," Aegnor said looking down at his hands, "I am not sure what there is I can tell …"

"But you have to remember something. A story from when you were a kid? Did you get in any trouble I should know about?"

"Nothing I can think of at the moment. My brothers and I were not the type to seek out trouble, well, except perhaps once … although I did have some cousins who excelled at it."

"Oh?" Andrea looked over at him, "They sound interesting."

"That would be an understatement," Aegnor muttered.

"Were you close?"

"Who?"

"You and the trouble cousins. Were you close?"

"Ah no," Aegnor chuckled, "well, perhaps with two of them."

"What happened?"

"The … choices we made in life drove us apart."

"Oh," Andrea frowned apologetically, "sorry."

"No, no, it is alright," Aegnor waved off her concern with a smile. "They were known for keeping to their own. I was far closer to others."

They were silent for a while as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Aegnor leaned back against the post once more and listened to the sound of the horses in the back ground.

"What about your parents?"

"Hmm?" he said distractedly.

"Your parents?" Andrea asked again. "Where are they?"

"Ah, yes. They are … home …" he said looking out on the water. "They never left," he added softly.

"So they're still around?"

"Around?" he gave Andrea a questioning look.

"Alive."

"Oh yes, yes," he said thoughtfully, "I would think they are."

"You would think?" Andrea laughed. "You don't know?"

"No, unfortunately I do not."

Andrea stopped laughing and gave Aegnor a bewildered look. "You don't talk to them? You don't see them at all?"

"No."

"Oh. I'm sorry I brought it up," she apologized.

"It's all right. As I said earlier, the choices we made …" he gave Andrea a reassuring look. "I came to peace with it some time ago."

Andrea shook her head and look back out at the mountains. "I would give anything to see my mother again."

"How did she …" Aegnor stopped, suddenly uncertain as to how to finish the question.

"Die?" Andrea finished for him. "Its okay you can ask. It happened while she was pregnant with my sister. They went to the hospital for some sort of placental tearing I believe. While she was there, she said she had a headache so they gave her some pain medicine. A few minutes after that she stopped breathing. They had to deliver my sister by emergency c-section. It was a massive stroke my father said."

"Andrea," Aegnor said with a low gasp, "I am so sorry. I had no idea."

"Relax," she soothed with an amused smile. "I hardly remember much. I was only four years old. I was sent to stay with my aunt and uncle around that time too. They went above and beyond to keep me distracted." Andrea climbed out of the chair and stretched. "Come on, it's getting dark. I'm going to get some things packed. Tomorrow we'll take the horses out to the camp site but we have to check in with the trail register first. Feel free to take a shower, I'll get the stuff together."

Aegnor stood up as she spoke.

"I could help you," he offered.

"Oh no. I got this. Besides," she said with a little half smile, "I'm still pissed at you. Don't even think that I'm not."

Aegnor winced and gave her an apologetic look. "I understand."

"Good! You can pick any room you want to stay in," she called over her shoulder as she walked into the cabin. "Just make sure it's not the one I'm sleeping in."

Aegnor watched Andrea as she made her way to the kitchen. He looked back once more towards the water. What had happened to Andrea's mother hit home once more just how fragile the second born still are. Even in this day and age, with all of their accomplishments in medicine and healing, they could still be brought down so easily. He felt the familiar inner turmoil inside him. Is this right? What is right? There was only one thing he knew what right with absolute certainty.

He did seem to enjoy making himself miserable.

~oOo~

Aegnor made his way down the small path through the trees. His brother was right of course, she would be safe here, the Black Foe would not dare to challenge Queen Melian for risk of failure. Still, to allow her to roam the banks alone was foolish. They were charged with her care and if anything should happen to her it would lay upon their hearts. Angrod was far too lackadaisical at times.

He came through the trees to find the Tarn Aeluin before him. Even he had to give pause to marvel at its beauty. It was a mirror to the sky and made seem as if the stars were all around. He could see why the Lord Thingol would tarry here. He could see why the Lady Melian would remain.

He glanced around the shore to see a small silhouette perched upon a rock over the water. Aegnor felt himself smile in spite of his annoyance. Between the sky and the water she was surround by the brilliance of Varda. He could not fault her for this. It was only natural to seek out such beauty. He made his way to where she sat, allowing for his cloak to make soft brushing noise so as not to startle her. If she noticed she gave no sign as she continued to look down upon the water.

"My lady," he called softly, "my lady Andreth, you should not be out here."

"Beautiful isn't it?" she whispered back, still looking upon the water. "I had been told stories of this place, in my youth. Fanciful stories of unimaginable beauty and magic … and love."

"Yes my lady, but," Aegnor smiled and took another step towards her, "we really should return."

"I can see why they stayed here," she continued, "here together. Why they fell in love. I think it would be almost impossible not to fall in love with someone here."

Aegnor chuckled. "I would think it completely impossible not to."

"Do you," she spoke in hushed tones, "do you truly believe that to be impossible?"

Something in the lady's voice pulled Aegnor's attention away from the sky above. He looked down only to find her attention fixed upon the Aeluin and so he turned his gaze and sought her reflection in the water.

"Yes," he whispered back. "Yes, truly I do."

Estaman mellyn - sindarin for "your name friend"