Hello again! my apologises for not updating for awhile but i haven't had internet access for weeks! so to make up for it i'm posting two longish chapter for your enjoyment! Thanks again to everyone who reviewed! i love you guys!
In the corridor outside Elronds library, the ranger and the wizard stood. They waited for the rooms occupants to finish talking. Only moments had passed before they heard raised voices. Elanors tone came through the door along with the scraping of chairs being pushed back. Suddenly the door swung open and Elanor stormed out of the room, sword clutch in her hand. She ran past the two men, baring them no mind. The men looked at each other before Aragorn began to follow, calling after her. He followed her retreating back as she turned the corner just ahead of him. As he came round the bend, he stopped. The corridor extended before him but there was no sign of Elanor. Aragorn moved to go forward but a hand on his chest stopped him. He looked up to its owner,
"Talin, have you seen Elanor pass this way?" he asked.
"I have," Talin replied, "but she asked that I stop you from following her. Whatever you have said, I suggest you leave her be."
Aragorn looked at the younger ranger and shook his head, "I cannot. Her hurt is partly my fault."
Talin looked at him curiously, "How is that?"
Aragorn sighed and stepped back, letting Talins hand fall from him. After a moments hesitation he began to tell Talin everything.
Elanor sat on the cold stone bench, under an archway of stone, covered in twining ivy. The air was cold around her as the sun had long since set. Above her the stars shone, and the waxing moon lit the sky casting her shadow across the ground. She sat looking down at the sword that lay across her lap, still sheath. She ran her hands over the dark leather cover and sighed deeply. A rustle of movement caught her eye and she looked up to find Talin standing opposite her,
"Aragorn has told me everything." He said, moving slowly towards her. Elanor looked back down and said nothing.
"Did you know?" she asked him quietly after a moment. Talin shook his head,
"I knew only what you had told me."
"Edain knew." She said, "That's what he meant by his parting words. He knew I would find out."
Talin moved to sit beside her and Elanor leant her head on his shoulder,
"They want me to stay here," she said, her voice breaking.
"I know." Talin whispered in reply.
"I cannot stay here Talin. Everything I thought I knew has been turned around. The only things I have left are the others. I want to go home."
"Then we shall leave tomorrow." Talin said. Elanor looked up at the seriousness in his voice, "The wraiths will follow the ring east and we shall head west." Elanor gave him a watery smile and blinked as a single tear fell rolled down her cheek. Talin lent back surprised, as more tears fell from her face,
"He lied to me," she sobbed, "he knew from the beginning but said nothing." Talin drew her to him, not needing to ask who she spoke of. He reached up, stroking her hair,
"Aragorn did what he thought was best." Talin said, not totally sure why he was defending him, "He did not mean to hurt you."
"But he did." She said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Elanor pulled back and wiped her eyes, "I cannot figure out how he knew."
Talin was silent for a while, as if deep in thought, "Some years ago my father spoke to me of a time, before I was born when my father was young himself, of elves who would visit with Aragorn and the dunedain. They were twins, 'with hair like night and eyes of grey' he said. I have never seen them but perhaps they are the children of Elrond."
"Why did he not speak sooner? Why did he leave it until now?"
"I had intended to tell you much earlier."
Elanor stood suddenly at the sound of Aragorns voice, Talin joining her,
"Will you listen to me Elanor, and let me explain my ill fated decision?"
Elanor looked to Talin who nodded. She looked back at Aragorn and sat back down,
"What Talin has told you is true. The elves that would visit were the sons of Elrond and one of them was your father. I had known that Elrohir had taken a mortal as a lover, as he often spoke of her to me. He would often use his travels west to visit her and as time went on his visit became more frequent. But then some years later their visits stopped.
When we found you I saw the elven blood in you, your hair and your eyes. They are those of your father. When you told me your mothers name it encouraged my belief that you were the child of Elrohir."
Aragorn spoke slowly and gently so as not to upset her further. Elanor sat silently staring at the ground,
"If you had known all that time, why did you not say so?" she asked,
"I could not tell you until I was sure. Although if I am honest, I was afraid of how you would react to such news. Although now I see that the mistake was to keep it from you and for that I am sorry."
Elanor remained silent for a moment before standing to face Aragorn,
"I think I understand your actions but that does not mean I can excuse what you have done."
She turned away from the two rangers and left the room only to pause out of sight when her heard Talins voice,
"If she asks it, I will take her back," he said seriously to Aragorn,
"I know you would," the chieftain replied, "but she belongs here. She is a child of the elder. If Sauron were to find out this, she would make a valuable prize. Elanor would be in danger with you."
"I would protect her!" Talin said heatedly,
"I do not deny that Talin, but worse things than orcs will come for her and should they come, they will be merciless. Can you place the others in such danger?"
From her place behind the pillar Elanor gave a startled gasp. She had given no thought to the danger she may cause the others. What if Aragorn was right? Perhaps she should stay here… but could she? Could she really forgive Elrond for what he had done? Elanor shook her head as if trying to clear her thoughts but her mind was so clouded she couldn't think straight. Slowly she picked up the hem of her dress and walked out into the dark.
ooo the drama! the next chapters a bit more light hearted! R&R!