Part, the Second

Things that Begin

Third Age 1300

Endor (Middle-Earth), Arda

"She looks like a small Elf," a voice stated, bringing Kagome out of her stupor.

"I've stated that- looks or not-she is no Elf," an irritated voice answered.

It took a moment for her to figure out what they were saying. Despite Midoriko's language lessons, the younger miko felt like she was really hearing one of the other languages for the first time. Realizing they were talking about her, Kagome pried her eyes open and turned her head to focus on the speakers. One was tall with long brown hair while the other was older in appearance with a long grey beard. Clicking through the memories and descriptions Midoriko's lessons had given her, she put a name to them. Elrond of Rivendell. Gandalf the Grey.

"I'm not an Elf," she agreed, moving into a sitting position. Absently, she noticed that her armor and weapons had been removed and that Kirara was curled up on the foot of the bed.

Immediately, the two males moved to look at her.

"What are you, then?" Gandalf asked, curiously. "You're not a hobbit."

Elrond frowned at the wizard and turned back to her. "You simply appeared in my garden out of thin air."

Kagome smiled apologetically. "Heh, yeah, sorry about that and passing out on you. I'm not from here and when I arrived, I was a little overwhelmed. Your world is old and its memory is long. There have been too many wounds allowed to fester."

Gandalf looked intrigued. "Why don't you start at the beginning, child?"

Kagome nodded. "Well, I'm from Earth…"she said as she began the tale of her life and the hunt for the Shikon no Tama.

"…and then I woke up here," she finished, long after the sun had descended from the sky.

"And it is here you must stay?" Elrond asked almost in disbelief.

"Yes. Midoriko is dormant now. Most all of her power was used in binding the jewel to my soul and sending me here. She said that there is a sleeping evil here. Since I know something about powerful, all consuming objects and have hunted the evil it attracts, I guess I'm supposed to help you out." She smiled and looked around. "May I have my things back?"

Elrond stood with Gandalf. "I'll have someone bring them to you, as well as some food."

Accepting that, she watched as the two left the room.

Elrond glanced to a group of children running through the halls before directing his attention to Gandalf. "She is an immortal, powerful human. Her entire being hums with a purity I've not felt since the First Age. There was no deceit in her."

Gandalf smiled. "Indeed. If she was sent here then the time is growing closer, Master Elrond."

The Elf frowned. "That time is not yet upon us, Gandalf. The time of the Elves has not yet passed. There is still much preparation that must be done."

"Where will she go," Gandalf asked curiously, "if not with you?"

"She must be watched and tested against the perils of this land before she will be ready for anything else. If she is indeed now the embodiment of this Shikon, no one save us must ever know."

Sighing, the wizard accepted the drink Elrond poured for him after they'd entered his study. "You wish her to accompany me."

One corner of the Elf's lips turned up. "You've had worse traveling companions."

Gandalf grumbled and downed his drink. "Women are different and you know it. That's why you're hoisting her off on me."

A small knock on the door interrupted their discussion.

"Enter," Elrond called.

Kagome poked her head in and smiled, though it was obvious she had shed tears. "I was just coming to thank you, Master Elrond, for your hospitality. I think that I should be leaving soon, though."

Standing, Gandalf leaned against his staff and looked at her. "I am leaving soon, myself, Kagome. Perhaps you'd like some company on your travels?"

She fidgeted and bit her lip before nodding. "I think that would be nice, Gandalf. Midoriko taught me everything she could, but there is still so much I need to learn."

Kirara mewed in agreement.

And so another chapter of Kagome's life opened as she and Gandalf journeyed forth. They traveled for many years together over much of Middle-earth. Gandalf taught her the languages of the land-the ones Midoriko had neglected-and she taught him about the world she'd left. During their time, they saw the festering of a Dark taint spreading, as Elrond had worried. Through it all, they unceasingly fought to preserve the Light.

…

Third Age 1409

109 years since Kagome's arrival

Kagome pointed to three spots on the map spread over Elrond's desk. "These are the weakest areas, now. Angmar is hammering Cardolan in increasingly devastating attacks. With Rhudaur completely evacuated of all but those aligned with the Witch-King, it is only a matter of time before Cardolan falls." She met the Elf's eyes seriously. "When it does, Arthedain will be next. Already, it has suffered heavy losses."

Moving to study the places she'd indicated, Elrond furrowed his brows. "Doubtless Amon Sûl will again be a target. Arveleg will not easily release it or the palantír."

Nodding, the miko watched as he folded his hands in thought.

"How many strong?" he asked. "I cannot think that paltry attempt at an assault on Imladris was their full strength."

Rubbing the back of her neck uncomfortably, Kagome exchanged a glance with Kirara. "At a moment, at least seven legions of Wild Men, Orcs, Trolls, Wolf Riders-all manner of nasties. The Black Númenóreans would see all kingdoms between Carn Dûmand Mordor fall."

Walking to stand before his window, Elrond, deeply troubled, processed the news. "The envoy I sent to Lindon returned shortly before you today. Círdan's assistance will be necessary to turn back the Witch-King; the Dúnedain are scattered and waning. I fear that, even should Arthedain survive, the northern kingdoms will long be a shadow of what they were."

Giving a short bow at what she assumed was a dismissal, Kagome motioned to Kirara. "I'll take my leave of you. Cardolan is in desperate need of healers."

Holding up a hand, the Elf halted her. "I would have you stay to hear what news Glorfindel brings. When we move against Angmar, we will require your bow and healing ability as well."

Blue eyes widened in awe. "Lord Glorfindel of Gondolin? Ilúvatar, Elrond! What the heck do you need me for, then? He killed a freaking Balrog by himself."

Chuckling, he pulled a chord that would alert the returned envoy that he was ready to receive them. "You have your own talents. Glorfindel couldn't move unseen in a crowd of Eldar, much less through enemy territory."

A voice as smooth as melting chocolate and as heady as brandy filled the air as the door to the office opened.

"I leave for less than two moon cycles and you already besmirch my name."

Turning, Kagome was met with the most divine being she'd ever encountered. He was a tall Elf, standing head and shoulders above her; with spectacular golden hair flowing passed his collarbones. Flawless, pale skin heightened his otherworldly mien and vivid green eyes sparkled with intelligence and joy. Light seemed to pour from him while ancient power curled around his form like a leashed entity.

Her own reiki rushed through her in a tidal wave in response to the Elf's power brushing against her. Pink fire blazed to life around her eyes while unfamiliar images erupted in her mind.

Elrond faced her completely in surprise as her power seemed to burst from her. She was transformed in a moment from the petite, friendly woman he had come to value into a warrior radiating a strength nearly unrivaled in these dark days. For the first time, he understood what Gandalf meant when he said that Kagome would prove to be one of their greatest allies. As her hair drifted up with her power, she was a vision of times long passed.

"First of the Golden Flower, who threw down shadow and flame-I see who you were, who you are, who you will become! The strength in your hand is needed once more. The great Darkness spreading across Endor sows seeds of strife from without and thorns of mistrust from within. Isildur's Bane lays dormant, waiting for the Eye. The Nine ride, Glorfindel of Gondolin, and you will defy them to save one who bears much evil. Save him, and you will save Endor," she intoned in a voice laced through with Truth and Prophecy.

As quickly as it began, the episode was over, the pink fire extinguished as Kagome collapsed. Glorfindel caught her in a flash, confusion and interest lighting across his fair features.

"My lord?" he asked as he carefully settled the small female in a nearby chair.

She was very lovely, with a small scar running from just above her eyebrow to below her right eye. It gave her a fierce appearance, even in rest; and though her ears were familiarly pointed, he was sure she was not of his people.

Elrond moved to her side and checked her over; satisfied that she was unharmed. "Gandalf told me she sometimes Saw, but I did not realize the extent of her abilities. This is Kagome, Glorfindel, someone I think you'll find quite remarkable."

The blonde arched a brow and studied the girl. "I do not know her race, Elrond. I can't recall the last time that happened."

Smiling, Elrond nodded. "Yes, well, Kagome belongs in a group unto herself. She is the only one of her kind that has ever been or will ever be. She has been scouting the enemy as a favor to me and was just reporting her find."

Groaning, the female put a hand to her head as a two tailed cat jumped into her lap and began purring contentedly. "Wow, did anyone see what hit me?"

Opening eyes a shocking blue, she blinked at the two males and realization slammed into her. They watched in amusement as a deep red color began creeping across her cheeks.

"Er, that was weird," she stated, shifting in her seat. "I've never seen an individual's history like that before."

Suddenly, her face went slack with awe and she turned to Glorfindel with amazement. "You saw the Two Trees."

Lips twitching, he inclined his head in answer. "I did."

"I saw them through your life," she stated as sorrow filled her eyes and she turned to Elrond. "I get you guys now. But, geez, you could have told me how freaking bright his True Self is."

Elrond smiled and moved behind his desk, motioning for Glorfindel to take the other seat beside Kagome. "I forget that you can see both realms, my dear."

The blonde Elf laughed when he understood what she meant. "You've seen more of me in minutes than any other over my life," he teased. "Should I be concerned at the rate of our intimacy?"

He was pleased to see the red hue once more flood her cheeks as she sputtered. Elrond rolled his eyes, but called them back to the task at hand.

"What did you mean, Vanwaien?"

Grateful for the change of topic, even if she still wasn't sure about the name he'd given her years ago, she ran her hand through Kirara's fur as she thought. "A lot of it is far off yet. However, I know I saw the Úlairi riding and that the One Ring is not destroyed-merely…um…'misplaced', so to speak."

Releasing a heavy breath, the Elf dropped his eyes to the map. "I felt such relief in Saruman's assurance that the Ring was lost that I neglected the matter. This is grave news, indeed. Did you see where it is now?"

Biting her lip, she shook her head. "No, sorry. It has a type of consciousness, you know. Right now, it doesn't want to be found. The only good thing, I guess, is that no one else knows where it is, either."

"Then we must focus for the moment on the threat of Angmar. What news from Lindon?"

Glorfindel smiled, though the motion was touched with sadness. "Círdan is sending troops to our aid. They should be here within a fortnight. As this Age advances, more of our people are leaving and the strength of Lindon is not as it once was."

Elrond nodded, the waning populace of the Elves well known to him. "Good. Angmar's seat of power at the moment is the fortress at Carn Dûm, and it there that we must strike. I doubt it will stop the kingdom, but it will set them back rather decisively."

"That would depend on their ultimate agenda, Elrond," the other Elf challenged. "If they want to conquer what was once Arnor, then the leveling of Carn Dûm will be damaging. However, if all they seek is the destruction of the Northern Kingdom, they've very nearly achieved that end."

Kagome caught the thread. "No one really knows anything about the Witch-King. I ventured as far into Angmar as I dared, but I couldn't find anything about the guy except that he is a sorcerer of terrible power. The whole land feels wrong now, but his fortress…"

She trailed off as she tried to find the words to describe what she'd felt.

Her friend sat forward and raised his brows. "You got within sight of his fortress?!" Rubbing a hand over his face, Elrond pushed the thought to the back of his mind to deal with later. "Never mind, I don't want to know. The fortress felt different from the rest of the darkness?"

Sighing, she shrugged. "Yeah. It's hard to articulate it. It felt…oily, like a corpse left in the elements. It was foul."

Both Elves shared a glance, their minds rapidly shifting through the possibilities.

"Crushing Carn Dûm could lead to more answers," Glorfindel put forth. "Without drawing the Witch-King out, it is our best chance at it."

"Then, we will lay siege. Kagome will ride with you-" he was cut off when a frantic pounding came on the door.

"Enter," he barked sharply.

An Elf messenger shot into the room and dropped to a knee before his leader. "My Lord, Amon Sûl has been destroyed," he spat quickly. "The Dúnedain managed to save the palantír, but the fortifications are devastated and now under Angmar's control."

Dismissing him brusquely, Elrond rose with the other two. "The survivors will flee to Arthedain. Cardolan is lost to us with this blow." Face a mask of anger, he glanced to them. "Make ready for the assault."

Bowing respectfully, they exited the office.

…

Third Age 1410

110 years since Kagome's arrival

Kagome sat on Kirara, waiting for the sun to rise. Glorfindel was beside her, his own white horse standing with an air of a seasoned warrior. Behind them was a brigade of Elves and before them was Carn Dûm.

Glorfindel's face was normally lit with an inner joy and wisdom. Today, it was set with an intensity and power he usually kept in check. The miko clenched her fist that was resting on her thigh. She shouldn't be thinking about how hot he looked when she was about to be neck deep in Orc blood.

"Stay close, Meril-Nín," the blonde Elf leaned toward her to say softly. "I would be most displeased should you come to harm."

Narrowing her eyes at him, she fingered the hilt of her katana. "I'm not your anything, you old coot," she hissed.

Laughter took his features at her impertinent retort. "Perhaps not, but you get so put out when I call you 'Vanwaien'."

Grumbling, she shot him a rude gesture and turned back to face forward. A moment later, she felt gloved fingers caress her cheek. A glance back showed Glorfindel watching her seriously.

"Your light is much needed, Kagome."

Softening, she caught his hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll be careful."

Assured, he smiled and drew away, becoming once more the fierce Elven commander. Kagome steadied herself as the first rays of dawn began breaking over the mountains. Quenya was the only Elven language that had a word for 'lost', which was what 'Kagome' meant. Using that, Elrond had named her 'Vanwaien', meaning 'lost maiden'. She didn't know why they couldn't just use 'Kagome' and be done with it and Glorfindel was fond of teasing her about the matter. In the year since she'd met the blonde Elf, they'd become very good friends; such that she didn't get truly mad when he called her 'my rose'.

Her thoughts were broken when Glorfindel gave the signal to launch the assault.

…

"The entirety of the fortress was leveled," Glorfindel finished his tale to Elrond.

The dark haired Elf thanked his wife as she passed him a goblet. "And Kagome?"

At this, the commander grinned. "Unharmed. She is tending to the few wounded. I've not seen her manner of fighting; her arrows laid low entire lines of Orcs."

"She says that they purify evil. I haven't been privy to the sight, myself," Elrond stated.

Accepting the goblet Celebrían gave him, Glorfindel nodded his thanks as well. "I would be honored to fight with her again. The Dúnedain that aided us were visibly heartened by her. It was only by swift action that I was able to prevent them giving chase to the Witch-King."

Frowning, the shorter Elf glanced to him in question. "Why stay their hand?"

At this, Glorfindel's mien hardened. "With Kagome's intelligence, we were able to launch our attack at a time when the Witch-King was in residence. When first I saw him, I knew that no man would kill him. He is not a Black Númenórean, but the Lord of the Nine who fled when he met me."

Elrond's face paled and his wife dropped to her seat harshly. "Then you were correct in questioning Angmar's motives. The Northern Kingdom is in tatters."

"There is hope that Arthedain will rebuild stronger."

Setting aside his drink, Elrond looked away. "Perhaps, but the kingdom will be vulnerable for a long while yet. The Witch-King may be gone, but the evil he cultivated still lingers in Rhudaur and the mountains. It will be a threat that refuses to dissipate."

The door opened and Kagome's dark head popped in to grin at them. "I'm going to sleep for about three days if you don't need me for anything," she told them.

Waving her in, Elrond was reassured when she showed no sign of injury, only weariness. "Glorfindel tells me you were quite the asset in battle."

Blushing, she shrugged and shifted Kirara into her left arm. "We got the job done."

"Yes, and I've thought more on your revelation from last year. If the evil stirring is Sauron, then we must begin preparations. Whispers of the darkness reach us from all corners, but there is one that disturbs me greatly."

Having their undivided attention, Elrond gestured at the map his wife unrolled. "Thranduil's kingdom is being pushed ever north by some unnamed threat. No other Elven kingdom has so come under attack."

Glorfindel's brows furrowed in concern. "Yes, I've heard that the forest is now called Mirkwood. Has he asked for aid?"

"No, but then he knows the kind of pressures facing all of us. Thranduil will retreat to the mountains if necessary and isolate his people completely to save them. He will not go to open war against a foe he knows will decimate his people."

"Which means that he is frightened of what has inhabited the southern portion of his forest," Kagome finished. "Thranduil's not a coward. If it frightens him, its power must be vast."

"Precisely. Gandalf is occupied in Gondor for a time, so I would like the two of you to go to Mirkwood and meet with Thranduil. Find out the extent and details of what's been happening and report back to me."

Kagome agreed and rubbed her eyes as weariness once more made itself known in her body. A strong hand caught her arm, steadying her.

"We shall leave as soon as Kagome and Kirara have rested," Glorfindel said. "Come, Meril-Nín, I'll make sure you don't collapse on the way to your bed."

Huffing tiredly, she scowled at him. "It is so not fair that you don't need sleep."

Chuckling, he gently guided her from the room. "I would not be averse to warming your bed while you do," he teased as the door closed behind them.

Elrond's brows were in his hairline at the exchange. Looking to his wife, he saw the same shock on her face, though amusement was fast replacing it.

"Oh, dear," she sputtered with a grin. "I haven't seen Glorfindel that light in ages. I was beginning to fear he would soon leave us."

Her husband canted his head and mulled that over. "Let us hope they survive each other."

That overcame their restraint and their amusement filled the room.

…

King Thranduil was surprised at their unexpected visit, but quite hospitable. He was every inch the lord Glorfindel was, but where her friend was warm and open, the Elvenking was aloof and wary. He watched her keenly, subtly questioning her presence into an Elven affair. Glorfindel, however, could be uncannily sly with political maneuverings and managed to assure the other Elf without actually giving away anything she would object to being known.

"Elrond has troubles of his own in Imladris," Thranduil acknowledged to them, "and Celeborn as well. The darkness growing in Amon Lanc is the same as in every part of Endor now."

He went on to detail the creatures beginning to infest the southern portion of the forest and the casualties his people had incurred. Kagome was visibly horrified by the giant spiders. Thranduil tuned questioning eyes on her at her reaction.

"They can't shape-shift, or anything like that, right?" she asked hoarsely.

Brows furrowed, the king shook his head. "No; though they do have communicative skills that are unnerving to hear."

"Decedents of Ungoliant?" the elder Elf asked, his body tense.

The king blinked as a shadow passed over his face. "Perhaps. The great spiders did exist before the Gloomweaver came to Endor," he stated with a faint strain to his lilting voice. "In either case, the spiders have ever allied with the Dark."

Kagome felt her heart ache for the two Elves. After seeing the Two Trees through Glorfindel's life, she could understand the magnitude of the injury Ungoliant had dealt the Firstborn. Shifting, she pressed her arm against Glorfindel's in support. He relaxed slightly and motioned for the king to continue.

The hours dragged on until Thranduil offered them lodging for the evening.

"Our thanks," Glorfindel said with a short bow. "With your permission, we would like to investigate Amon Lanc tomorrow."

Thranduil hesitated, "Amon Lanc is shrouded in a darkness even I dare not penetrate."

The admission seemed to sting at the regal Elf's pride, and Kagome respected him more for it. "We just want to scout the area, sir. As I told Lord Elrond, if this threat has made even you wary, it is a threat that we cannot ignore."

The king held her gaze for a long moment, as if weighing what he saw. "You are not what you seem, child," he finally stated, his demeanor softening a fraction at her forthright words. "If Imladris can spare the aid, I would be foolish to refuse it. My Elves will take you passed the Old Forest Road. From there, you must guard yourselves. The evil invading these lands is more treacherous than I can say. Should anyone save you, Glorfindel, have requested the passage alone, I would be forced to deny them. Leaving the path is near certain death for those not born of these woods."

Glorfindel bowed in acknowledgement. "We will be discreet and as thorough as we're allowed, Lord Thranduil. I hope that what we discover might provide some assistance to you and your people."

A faint smile touched the distant ruler's face. "As do I. Come, lodging has been made ready for you and refreshment provided."

Kagome was pleasantly shocked when the king offered to escort her. Beaming, she placed her hand on the back of his in the Elven way, and was unaware of the calculating look that crossed the Elf's face when her skin first touched his. Glorfindel caught it, however, and smirked at the other Elf when grey eyes flicked to meet his. Thranduil was older than Elrond and was perhaps one of only a handful of Elves left in Endor that would recognize the feel of that level of purity. The lord of Imladris was not yet born when his great great grandmother abandoned Endor in her grief.

Glorfindel was therefore not surprised when the king met him alone the next morning. Thranduil stood in the courtyard, watching the stars fade as dawn began to break.

"I dwelt in Doriath until it fell," Thranduil began, his words tinted with memory. "I knew Lord Thingol and Lady Melian very well."

"Alas, I did not have the honor of meeting them."

The king turned, his grey eyes piercing and steady. "Yet, you walked with the Maia and Valar in Aman."

Glorfindel inclined his head. Thranduil stepped closer to him, watching his expressions intently.

"I know the feel of one of the Maia, Lord Glorfindel. Though it is altered, that is the nearest comparison I can draw to your companion."

"She isn't from Aman," Glorfindel admitted, "though her power is spiritual in nature. It is as pure as the light from Telperion and can destroy Dark creatures in a way I've never seen. Lord Elrond tells me she is the only one of her kind. I believe he and perhaps Gandalf are the only ones that know her story."

Thranduil tilted his head in thought. "If she is a vassal for the Valar, then it is prudent of Elrond to keep her origins secret. Her power dances with life under her skin and her aura blazes with righteousness. Whatever her purpose, her light is sorely needed in this dark age."

Glorfindel smiled and gave a short bow. "Yes, and she's quite loyal to those she considers friends. I wager the Nine themselves could not stand against her, should her wrath be wholly provoked."

Soft footsteps, nearly as quiet as an Elf's, drew their attention. Kagome and Kirara emerged from the main hall. The petite female smiled when she saw them, making her way to where they were.

"Good morning," she greeted happily. "Lord Thranduil, your people are so lovely! I had a hard time leaving the breakfast table, they made me so welcome. All of you shine with such determination and joy, I bet even the Galadhrim would be sorely pressed to so imitate the stars."

Sincere pleasure filled the king's face. "You pay us a great compliment, Lady Vanwaien. Know that you shall always be welcome in my kingdom. When your business for Elrond is done, I implore you to return and hear our songs."

Taken aback by the offer, Kagome couldn't contain her delight, making both Elves chuckle at her enthusiasm.

When the two guests finally departed, it was with great reluctance on the miko's part. Glancing back as the party crested the hill, she saw the king silently watching them still. There was such an aura of loneliness and steady perseverance about him that her heart clenched. In response, her reiki pulsed, sending out a wave of protective purity to rush into Thranduil and his halls. The king tensed visibly a moment before recognizing what she'd done. Kagome wasn't prepared for his own red power to reach her in reply. Surging from the roots on which she stood, it sank into her skin like an invisible tattoo. Swallowing sharply at the feel of his fiery, indomitable power Marking her an ally, she nevertheless bowed respectfully to the ruler.

The Elves escorting them all drew in a sharp breath at the action of their lord. Whoever this girl was, their king had just made her worth more than their lives. And if they understood what she'd done, she'd given them a layer of protection even Galadriel would be sorely pressed to outstrip.

"My lady," one asked, motioning her onward.

She smiled and forced herself to turn away from the enigmatic Elvenking.

…

"Wow, he was a lot nicer than I thought he'd be," Kagome noted after their escort left.

Glorfindel smirked and shook his head. "Thranduil has lived a very long life and been a good ruler to his people. He didn't get to where he is by being unobservant. His father, Oropher, died in the War of the Last Alliance and he's been ruling since."

"Did he fight, too?"

Pausing, Glorfindel cast his mind back. "I believe he was there, but he came with the Elves from Lindon. I know he was there for the War of Wrath. His contingent fought off a fair few lesser dragons during it and had the grave misfortune of seeing Ancalagon's wings blot out the sun before Eärendil slew the serpent. He has no love for the beasts even now."

Swallowing at the thought of the massive dragon, Kagome clutched the hilt of her katana. "I should say not. Poor guy, it's no wonder he won't risk his people without knowing for sure what they're facing."

"Ah, don't underestimate his subjects, Meril-Nín. They are a fierce opposition to the Dark. Rumors claim his son, Legolas, is as good an archer as Beleg was. They will not flee further, with the fortress Thranduil has crafted from the forest and mountains."

Biting her lip, Kagome thought about the shining, pleasant people that had treated her with such kindness. The thought of them having to fight filled her with indignation, though they had all probably obtained much more combat experience than she had. Her eyes were drawn to Glorfindel, who wore his light armor like an extension of himself. He was old friends with warfare, but she'd heard him sing in the Hall of Fire. Nothing made his eyes gleam like a well sung verse, or a particularly riveting tale. Even the tapestries garnered his appreciation and a finely crafted bit of jewelry would always pull a compliment from him.

"They shouldn't have to fight," she finally gritted out, hopping down from a ledge.

Glorfindel raised a brow at the comment, turning his head to look at her. Wrinkling her nose, Kagome shrugged.

"You Elves, you weren't meant for warfare. You woke up singing, right?"

Some unnamed emotion flickered in his eyes when he understood what she was saying. Moving his attention back to the path they were taking, the Elf searched for a way to answer.

"Sometimes, protecting what we love is more important than doing what we love," he settled on saying.

As she came to stand beside him, his green eyes met hers seriously. "And the light that shines through the dark is worth enduring the dark to obtain."

The red infusing her cheeks had his face softening. Placing a hand on her back, he guided her forward.

"Come."

Times like these made her wonder if she'd ever stop feeling like the lost little girl who fell down a well.

…

Elrond leveled a look at them as he digested what they reported. "Are you certain?"

Kagome crossed her arms and brought up her chin defiantly. "Yes, Elrond. I could see through the spells and there was a massive amount of dark creatures crawling all over Dol Guldur. Glorfindel felt out the spells themselves."

He eyed her silently a moment, wondering at the distinct feel of Thranduil's alliance Mark on her. He hadn't seen one of those since he was a child. Deciding he could delve into that later, Elrond turned to Glorfindel.

The blonde recounted his side of the event. "As discreetly as I could, I tested the spells. Kagome is right-the spells are extremely strong-strong enough to hide an army from even my sight. We dared not venture further into the ruins or provoke whatever power grows there. The spells were beyond anything a mortal or an Orc could cast."

Clasping his hands behind his back, the Lord of Rivendell frowned heavily. "What did Thranduil say of this?"

"He suspected something of the sort, but appreciated the validation and the details Glorfindel could give him of the spells used," the miko answered. "He won't be able to rid the dark creatures from his forest without wiping out whatever is dwelling in Dol Guldur. I doubt he'll move against it without knowing who set the spells."

Glorfindel agreed. "It would take a legion to assault the ruins. Even then, we would need to break the spells on it first. Whatever is leading the rabble there is not prepared for their ultimate goal, yet. If we lay siege, I suggest leveling the entirety of Dol Guldur to prevent anything like this happening again. Thranduil's people will not be able to reclaim the southern portion of Mirkwood otherwise."

Giving a weary sigh, Elrond tried not to let his shoulders slump at the news. "Then I will send word to Celeborn and Thranduil. This will need to be orchestrated perfectly to succeed."

None of them knew it, but when they launched their assault on the seemingly abandoned fortress and drove the Darkness from it for good, they were landing a crucial blow to Sauron. Because they attacked several hundred years earlier than what they would have, and they decimated the fortress such that it could not be used again, they saved many lives and tweaked the fate of quite a few people.

Mirkwood became Greenwood the Great once more and slowly, Thranduil led his people to reclaim the entirety of their forest.