Hello again! A faster update than usual, probably because I've got too much free time! But that's good becauseI get more writting done! The couple of chapters are more story based, but the good old action will be back soon! (even thought this story is first and foremost a romance!)
Anyway.. on with the story, hope you enjoy!)
oh and Hi to Animebishilover who always reviews! thankyou!
Elanor walked shakily through the forest, her burdened feet pressed hard into the littered floor. In her hand she held Elrohirs sword-her fathers' sword. She let out a trembling breath as her nerves calmed but her heart still beat rapidly in her chest. It was done. She had met her father. He was no longer some imaginary figure who could bare her blame. He was real, a fixture in her life, a permanent one.
It scared her. Was this what she wanted? She barely knew him, had no idea as to what he was really like. But, when he spoke of her mother, he seemed so honest. It struck her that she was not the only one affected by her mothers' death; it was possible that Elrohir was hurting just as she was.
Elanor shook her head, clearing all confusing and conflicting thought from her mind. She really didn't want to be thinking about this now. Voices just ahead caught her attention and a wide smile broke on her face as she remembered. Hurrying her pace, Elanor made her way to the great white trees, where a group of ten men stood waiting alongside the elves of Lothlorien. She saw the familiar faces of her fellow rangers and along sidethem stood rangers from other areas of middle-earth.
Suddenly one particular face caught her eye and she ran forward, launching herself into the arms of one of the unsuspecting men who let out a small 'ouff' as Elanor wrapped her arms around him, laughing happily. Talin staggered back slightly in surprise but hugged her back tightly, lifting her a little from the ground. The men around her chuckled at her overly affectionate display as Elanor pushed herself away smiling happily. Talins youthful face smiled back at her and he kissed her brow warmly.
"It is good to see you again." He said one hand still clasped around hers.
"As it is you." She smiled in reply.
Elanor looked past Talin and smiled as she saw the faces of her friends but there was one face she did not see.
"Where's Edain?"
"Father and the other leaders are speaking with the elven lords and lady." Talin said, "He said he would meet you soon."
"Is this all that have come?" she asked, slightly disappointed.
Talin shook his head, "That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste. The few who rode with us dwelled the nearest, the rest await the leaders decision."
Elanor nodded in understanding and moved past Talin. She was warmly greeted by those she knew and Mannen introduced her to those she didn't. She was deep in conversation with Raef when the group hushed suddenly. Elanor turned as Lady Galadriel began to descend the steps from the tallest tree accompanied by Lord Celeborn. Behind them Edain followed with Elrond and another man Elanor did not know. Elanor smiled as she saw him but her face faltered as she saw the serious look drawn on Edains face. She pushed her way through the group and the frown on Edains face melted when he saw her.
"Elanor." He said softly, holding his arms out to embrace her. Elanor hugged the older man tightly. "Of all the joys, seeing you is the greatest." He said warmly. Elanor laughed gently and pulled back.
"It is good to see you well." She smiled at him. He smiled back but Elanor could tell his smile hid something.
"What have you decided?" She asked. Edain gave a small sigh and lifted his hand, waving the others to him. The band of rangers gathered around Edain at the foot of the steps.
"Men of the north," he called, speaking loud for the group to hear, "Lord Elrond has news from the west." As he spoke the elven lord stepped down beside him.
"The armies of Mordor have gained greatly in number. It will not be long before their attack on Gondor is made." Elrond spoke with a serious tone and murmurs broke out amongst the group. They turned as the man nest to Edain, standing tall and dark, spoke, his voice ringing clear.
"Now is the time for the Dunedain. We now must make the decision to go to war."
"What decision is there to be made, Halbarad?" Raef called out, "If Aragorn is in need of us then we will go to him."
Other men called out in agreement and Elanor smiled. The man called Halbarad looked to Edain and they both laughed loudly and nodded.
"Aye lads, we thought you'd say that." Edain said with a smile, "Rest well, tomorrow we ride to Rohan."
A cheer went through the group and the men began to move away, splitting into groups and talking amongst themselves. Elanor, Talin and Raef stepped up to where Edain and Halbarad stood with the elven lords.
"Have you heard from Aragorn?" Raef asked. Edain shook his head.
"We have received word that Aragorn intends to persuade the King Theoden of Rohan to ride to Gondor." Lord Celeborn said
"From whom did you hear this?" Elanor asked. Elrond turned to her and smiled,
"From the grey rider himself, he rides now to Gondor to speak to the Steward."
Elanor nodded and smiled, "Should have known he would come back to interfere."
The other laughed softly and Halbarad spoke,
"I shall go to the others, inform them of our decision."
"How many have come?" Talin asked.
"Another twenty await our word at the edge of the woods." The ranger answered.
Halbarad nodded to Elanor and bowed to the elven lords, before clasping hands with Edain. "We will meet you at morning." He said.
"In the morning." Edain replied.
Elanor watched as the man strode away out of site, few men from the group following him, till only Edains small band of rangers remained. A silence befell the group as the sudden weight of the situation fell upon them.
"Come." Lord Celeborns silvery voice called out, "You and your men must be tired. We have food and beds prepared."
"What about the others?" Elanor asked, looking back to where Halbarad had left. "They will be taken cared of." He reassured her.
"You have our thanks, my lord." Edain said, bowing to the elven lord as he gestured them to follow him.
The evening drew on and as night drew down, the small group of rangers huddled around a low burning fire. The few left awake talked softly, while Talin, Adan and Isil slept soundly across from them. Elanor sat between Mannen and Edain, telling them and Raef of her past few months with the elves.
"I am pleased to see you doing so well." Edain said. Elanor smiled but dropped her head, looking down into the fire.
"Why did you not say something? You sent me there knowing I would meet him."
"Elanor, I…" Edain began. Elanor held up her hand and sighed, "I expect you will tell me the same as Aragorn did."
"I am sorry."
"I know." Elanor said, smiling softly to show she understood.
"How do you feel now that you have met him?" Raef asked her.
"I do not know. I want to blame him." she answered truthfully, "I want to hate him., but I just cannot seem to."
"That is not the person you are." The older man said, "You do not have it in you."
Elanor frowned at him, unsure as how to accept his words.
"Elanor, there is something you should know." Edain said, his words hesitant, "Lords Elrohir and Elladan have requested to accompany us and I have agreed." The pair watched as Elanors face grimaced.
"Will that be a problem?" Mannen asked tentatively.
"No." Elanor said sternly, "What we go to do, we do for more important reasons than my own. It is just that…" She sighed sadly, "I have carried this hatred for him for so long. I do not know how to think any other way of him."
"You should not judge him so harshly, Elanor." Edain said, "Your mothers' death nearly destroyed him. He mourned her for many years. It was the news of his child that pulled him from certain death. It was you that saved him."
Elanor fell silent and just stared into the fire, the light flickering off her face as her thoughts jumbled in her head. Somewhere across from them, a sudden snort was heard, making her jump. The rangers looked up as Talin mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over. Elanor laughed gently and flicked a small pebble over at him, hitting him on the cheek. Talin grunted and sleepily waved a hand, batting away an imaginary foe. Edain chuckled,
"Could sleep through one of Gandalfs fireworks, that one." He said with a proud look on his face. He turned to Elanor and smiled.
"What I said to you before is just as true now; you will always have a home with us."
"Thank you."
The group sat in silence for a moment before Elanor spoke, "So, you're not going to ask me to stay here?"
"Would you stay if I did?" Edain asked her.
Elanor merely smiled at him and Edain chuckled,
"I thought not."
Well another chapter done.. I have a feeling this is going to be a loooong story! Please keep up with me! The next chapter I post will be extra long as it's my birthday next week and I'm feeling generous!
As always thanks to everyone who reviews and keeps reviewing! Your reviews are like cookies!