Chapter two: Fain

----

The air in Rivendell was crisp, and smelled lightly of rain. It wasn't a scent that Fain was fond of, but she delt with it none the less. She stayed by the side of the grieving lady Arwen, who , in a matter of hours, would be off to board a boat to the undying lands. She found it difficult to comfort her.

"Lady Arwen..If I may offer my oppinion..I believe that there is hope for your Lord Aragorn. If it were my decission, you would be silently awaiting his return." Fain said. She sat down next to Arwen and put a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"Thank you Fain. There is still hope...but it lingers deep in the darkness where many cannot see it." Arwen repleid. Fain stood up.

"I will make sure others see it as much as you. For now rest. Even now I see that your strength waynes."

Leaving Arwen to rest, Fain wandered through the almost empty Rivendell. When she came to the entrance of the city, she saw a hazel colored horse in the distance.

"Finally she has come."

Fain greeted her sister with a smile, and a light hug.

"How have you been sister?" Falin asked.

"We discuss our well beings later. Lord Elrond is waiting for us."

The two walked up the stairs, to the plaza where the fellowship of the rign was formed not but months ago. Sure enough Elrond was waiting for thme.

"My lord. It is good to see you again." Falin said bowing her head. Elrond exchanged the greeting but then stole a glance to Fain, who looked eager for news.

"Any word from Rohan?" She asked.

"Their lord Theodan has just been released form a spell. The land of Rohan will most likely come to ruin in a matter of days." Elrond said. He turned his back to the twin like sisters .

"What duty would you have us do?" Falin asked.

Elrond turned back to face them.

"Ride for Edoras as fast as you can. They will need you in escorting their women and children to safety."

-

While the two prepared their horses, they barely talked. Falin felt odd, loving someone like her sister ,even if they hardly spoke to each other.

"Why do you think Lord Elrond sent for us? Is it not odd to send two women to battle?" She asked. Fain continued to secure her light pack to her thin saddle.

"I know not. But I will dutifully obey them. Besides, it has been long since we've seen our good friend Aragorn." Fain replied. "He most likely chose you because of your unsecret lust for battle." Falin thought. Fain was the first onto her horse's back.

"We cannot delay sister. Should they leave Edoras soon, they will be in constant danger." Fain said. Falin nodded in agreement, and the two darted from the limits of Rivendell.

After a day and a half of strait riding, the two sisters took a small break , in the plains of Rohan. They still had another days riding until they reached Edoras, but they knew not if the city had been emtied.

"So tell me Falin, how have the folk of Lothlorien been?" Fain asked. By the tone of her voice and her sly smile, Falin know that she meant to ask of Haldir's well being.

"Everyone fairs well. Lady Galadriel sends her regards to you. As for my lord Haldir...well he's been off to patrol every day. Sometimes for two ."

"Lorien's borders don't defend themeselves Sister." Fain said. Falin brushed her blond hair behind her neck.

"I know. "

"Can you even look at the man Falin?"

Falin looked at the gorund in shame. Her sister's sturn tone of voice somewhat firghtened her.

"I'm afraid not dear sister. I have not been able to conquer that fear yet." She admitted.

"Why not? What makes someone like him hard to look at ?"

"He's just-to beautiful. When he looks at me, I get nervous. "

"Well I understand that."

Fain took one last swig of water from her canteen, then mounted up once more.

"Let us hurry."

As Edoras appeard in the distance, the two sisters saw that not even a banner was flowing in the wind. They both exchanged trouble glances. The only inhabitants of the city, were the animals that were left in their pens and stables.

"We're too late." Fain cursed. She turned her horse onto the road leading out of the empty city.

"What do we do now?" Falin asked. She followed her sister from behind.

"We must ride for Helm's deep. If Theodan's people fled, they have fled there. "

Once again they darted off. Both of them feared for the worst in the future.

--