Well, at long last another chapter. Writing's been delayed by studying for the GRE among other things. A little more action in this, but it's going to be a slow build. Somehow I got the idea in my head I need to write five stories (this is number 2), and I am working on creating a plot that will last through those stories. So please, bear with me on this; things will begin to happen and when they do, I don't know if they'll stop.

So, please relax, read, and review. Thanks. Oh and I don't own LOTR.

Familiar Strangers

They arrived in Caugha just as Glynn estimated they would. Not once on their ride did Strider slow, thus by the time they arrived their horses were spent. Gaining entrance to the small village was not easy- they were wary of strangers. Fortunately, Glynn was able to convince them they would cause no trouble and would only remain a short while.

Currently, they walked on the village's main street, leading their horses to the inn where they hoped to find news of the rangers. The man they spoke to at the gate said two strangers had arrived yesterday, seeking a place to stay for the night while they took care of business. In such as small village, there fortunately was only one inn. If their luck held, the keeper would know where they went to and Strider and Glynn would not have to search much.

As for Strider, the drug had run its course and he was now his normal self, though Caladwen still kept her distance. He'd hoped the drug would remain with Strider until they met with the rangers; there would be less risk to his plans then. Giving another does was also out of the question unless Strider asked for it. Trying to force it would only make him suspicious. Thus far, he'd been lucky and he didn't want to ruin that luck.

'We are here,' Strider announced, stopping in front of weathered wood building. Glynn watched briefly as Strider spoke gently to Caladwen. When he couldn't make out the words, he turned to tie his horse. They could have stabled their horses, Glynn realized, but there was no sense to it, given the brevity of their business. Before he finished, Strider asked if he was ready.

'Yes,' he turned, tying off the last knot. Strider had not tied Caladwen. 'Are you not worried she will run or be taken?'

'She will be safe. She knows not to run or let anyone steal her. Though she is wary of me now, in her heart she knows not many will treat her as nice as I,' Strider explained. 'Let us go inquire about the strangers.'

Strider walked in and Glynn followed, slightly confused. How did Strider know his horse was safe? As he found himself caught up in thought, Strider found the innkeeper and began questioning him. The man was old. Glynn guessed that he was easily nearing 50 with his gray hair and wrinkled face. His raspy voice and an occasional cough also told Glynn the man was ill. Before Glynn could join Strider and the old man, their conversation was over and Strider was walking to meet him.

'He said the strangers wore green cloaks, fastened by a five pointed star in a circle.'

'They must be the rangers then,' Glynn said as they left the inn.

'They stayed the night, paid and left.'

'Any word on where they went?'

'He said they asked where they might re-supply their herb stores, but I doubt they are still there. They left the inn mid-morning. He also mentioned they stabled two horses and that one was limping badly.'

'She probably needed shoeing if they brought her here and that would easily take half a day. If we are lucky, they are still there,' Glynn deduced. 'We must leave at once.' He untied his horse while Strider took the reins of Caladwen. They moved as quickly through the bustling town as possible. The innkeeper had told Strider the shoer was on the other side of the village. Fortunately, their luck held as they caught the rangers just as they were leaving.

'Folant,' Strider exclaimed as he caught sight of the old man. While, he dodged people to meet him, Glynn followed, trying to place him. To him, he appeared to be a random old man leading away a beautiful brown horse. As they neared, Glynn saw the old man didn't recognize them either, at first. Then his face lit up with surprise and recognition.

'Strider,' he exclaimed as the young man came upon him. 'Is that really you? We thought you were dead.' As he spoke, another man came out of the store.

'Who did you find this time,' he asked, annoyed. The old man was a wonderful traveling companion, but he seemed to find someone to talk everywhere they went.

'Don't talk to your elder that way, Penrose,' Folant warned in a semi-mock. 'It's Strider.'

'Strider,' Penrose turned to face the young man, 'well this is a surprise. We thought you were dead.'

'So I've heard,' Strider said, annoyed.

'I'm afraid we can't stay. Bari expects us back today and it's at least an hour's ride, if not more,' Penrose spoke.

'That matters not for we have come seeking you anyway. We wish to speak with the captain about resuming our positions.'

'We,' Folant questioned.

'Aye, Glynn had come with me as well,' Strider gestured to the healer, who had remained quiet and out of the way.

'This is truly a happy meeting,' Folant exclaimed. 'We thought we'd never see you either old friend,' Folant held his hand out to Glynn, who took it. As Folant pulled him in an embrace, the old man stopped for a second as an uneasy feeling spread through his body. He'd always had a strange ability to sense when something wasn't right and it was telling him something wasn't right.

'It is good to see you as well,' Glynn returned, appearing not to notice the brief hesitation.

'We must return to camp,' Penrose interrupted the greetings again. As if to emphasize his statement, he took the reins of his horse and began to walk to the main gate.

'Yes, yes,' Strider answered, an edge of annoyance in his voice. They followed suit, talking their horses' reins and began to follow Penrose. Folant moved forward to walk with him, while Strider and Glynn walked behind. As they walked to the edge of town, they continued to talk.

'How do the men fare?' Strider asked, recounting mentally the ambush they suffered.

'There are not many of us left. We lost nearly half in the ambush. Some right away, others from their injuries. Tudor took it very hard, but he persevered. He's quite a healer now,' Folant explained. 'The countryside is full of hatred. This is the first village that has welcomed us in several leagues and then they would only permit a couple of us to enter.'

'We encountered the same distrust,' Glynn agreed.

'Bari has tried to keep morale up, but it has been difficult with everything. And now with winter coming,' Penrose trailed off.

'What happened to Yestin,' Glynn asked.

'He was killed in the ambush,' Strider spoke suddenly and solemnly. Glynn started slightly; he hadn't expected Strider to answer. He didn't know Strider had seen his death.

'Aye,' Penrose spoke somberly. 'We lost him and Romney. There was so much confusion. Out of the chaos, Bari emerged as leader. He was a natural; everyone looked to him.'

For a moment no one spoke.

'And what of you Strider,' Folant broke the silence. 'We looked for you after the ambush, but found little evidence.

'They took me and I was tortured by a strange man who seemed to know me. He left me for dead. Fortunately, my brothers found me and took me to my father who tended to my wounds. I remained there until I was healed and then set out to rejoin our group.'

'And I am sure Bari would welcome you back as would everyone,' Penrose looked over his shoulder at Strider.

'What of you Glynn,' Folant asked. 'Where did you go? Are you well now?'

'I am,' he answered. 'After I left, I returned home.'

'Is that all,' Penrose asked.

'There is not much to tell,' Glynn explained.

'Well I am sure both of you will be welcomed back,' Penrose spoke after a short, awkward silence. When they at last reached the edge of the town, they mounted their horses and set off for the campsite. None spoke during the couple of hours it took to get there. As they came upon the edges of camp, a man stopped them. Though he recognized Folant and Penrose, he questioned the two that came with them.

'They are safe, Rhydwyn,' Penrose assured him as they trotted on. After passing the sentry post, they dismounted and walked the remaining distance to the camp. It was smaller and more compact than Strider remembered. All were seated in the haphazard circle around the fire eating their supper. On their right side, Strider saw Bari conferring with two men. As they walked closer, Strider recognized one of the men as Tudor, the young healer who had taken over when Glynn left. The other man he saw was Trystan, likely Bari's new second.

'Captain,' Folant spoke excitedly. As they walked through camp, Strider noticed the men looking up at them. Most seemed to recognize them and reminded those that didn't, who they were. 'We've returned with the supplies,' Folant spoke once they were a few feet from the captain.

'As well as some old friends I see,' Bari smiled as he rose to meet them. 'It is good to see you both again. You have been sorely missed. Please sit with us.'

'We don't want to interrupt,' Strider said.

'Nonsense,' Bari waved his hand in the air. 'We're finished. Sit,' he commanded as he took his seat again. 'Tell us of your adventures.'

As Strider and Glynn sat and told their respective tales, Folant and Penrose retrieved their bowls and sat with the rest of the men to eat.

'What do you plan to do now,' Bari asked once they had related their adventures.

'We had hoped to rejoin. That was our purpose in Caugha- to seek you out,' Strider explained.

'Of course you may Strider,' Bari paused, a look of unease spreading on his face.

'I know,' Glynn replied to his unspoken statement.

'What,' Strider looked at both of them, trying to understand what he had missed.

'I ran off Strider. There is doubt to whether I am capable of continuing as a ranger. He feels and I cannot fault him, that the stress may simply be too great for me. He doesn't want to risk another break down. And I do not either,' Glynn explained to his young friend. 'I will prepare my horse to leave tonight,' he told Bari and began to rise.

'No,' Bari stopped him. 'There is no sense in your leaving tonight. It's nearly dusk and too dangerous to travel alone around here. Stay the night and let us talk of old times.'

'Thank you.' Glynn happily sat back down.

'You three may talk of old times, but I must go rest for the night,' Strider informed them.

'Are you all right,' Bari asked. When he last saw Strider, the man never turned in early.

'It's just the beginnings of a headache. I hope rest will keep it from becoming my usual.'

'Usual,' Tudor queried.

'My father was unable to heal all of my injuries I sustained. Headaches are a lingering side effect of the head injury I suffered,' Strider explained.

'Would you like some of the medicine,' Glynn offered. For the briefest of seconds, Strider hesitated, a part of him desiring to have another taste of it, but something told him to refuse. 'Hopefully sleep will ease it.'

'Perhaps Tudor has something to help. He has become quite the healer,' Bari though aloud.

'No, thank you,' Strider allowed himself a small smile at their offers. 'Maybe if it does not permit me to sleep.'

'As you with,' Bari nodded. 'Tomorrow we ride to meet the elves. Sleep well Strider.'

'I shall. And I shall be ready tomorrow morning to return to my duties,' he said before turning to walk away. He stopped by Caladwen to retrieve his bedroll. She was still a little wary of him, but he soothed her in the elvish tongue she had grown up hearing. Strider laid his bedroll near the men, but kept enough distance so their talking would not keep him awake.

As he settled down, he though back to Bari's decision on Glynn. He now understood why Glynn was a risk, but didn't quite understand why they could not deal with that risk. Had it not been a risk to take him on last year? What else would Glynn do? Would he go home? Though Strider was sure he would be glad to, he knew Glynn was not welcome there. At least Bari had let him stay the night. It was no surprise to him that Bari was captain; he'd always showed the sort of qualities needed. He was glad to be back and to serve Bari.

Before Strider realized it, he was drifting back to consciousness. On his legs he felt the warm, inviting sun; on his face hot breath and in his head a dull ache reminiscent of the headache he had last night.

'Strider, you must wake,' a familiar voice commanded him. When his still sleepy mind realized he'd woken late, his eyes shot open and he made to rise, but stopped, shutting his eyes quickly as a low groan escaped from his lips. The light that a moment ago was so warm and inviting now penetrated his eyes, searing his mind and increasing the pounding in his head.

'Strider, up,' Glynn, who Strider had deduced the voice belonged to, commanded again. Forcing himself to move beyond the pain, he finally answered.

'Aye, give me a moment,' he spoke, knowing he needed to get up. He was a ranger again and had duties to fulfill. Forcing himself to relax, he prepared himself for pain and opened his eyes once again. This time it added only a minor ache to the pounding. As he rose, he tried to keep his head still. Unfortunately, he thought, he'd become good at doing this.

'I will be leaving when you do," Glynn told him as he stood.

'Where will you go,' Strider asked, trying to hide the ache. Though he would never ask, he wished Glynn would leave him some of the potion, in case his headaches worsened. He hoped Tudor would have something of equal caliber.

'Back to Caugha I suppose. I need to re-supply before I head out again. From there I may go to Rohan or Gondor. Perhaps a village there or on the way will have need of a healer.'

Strider nodded, but immediately regretted it as his headache flared. He struggled to hide the pain.

'I must get my gear packed and see to my duties,' Strider said, hoping to end the conversation quickly and be able to work in silence with his head. Fortunately, Glynn agreed and left him. Moving carefully, Strider went about his duties. A short while later when everything was done, Strider met the rest of the rangers to set out. However, as he tried to mount Caladwen, the ache that had been a dull roar exploded causing his vision to dim and lose grip of Caladwen's reins. For a brief second he felt himself falling and everything turned to black.

Pain met him as he return to consciousness. Voices were the culprit he realized after a moment of slowed thinking. They were arguing about something. He couldn't quite make out what they were saying and he really didn't care. All that mattered to him was that it hurt his head.

Strider tried to open his mouth to speak, but found he could do little more than groan. It got their attention, however. The voices stopped and their owners knelt beside him as he finally opened his eyes. He as given only a few moments reprieve before being bombarded with questions.

'How are you feeling,' was the first one his mind was able to process. This time he was able to open his mouth enough to answer that he was fine. The three merely laughed.

'How is your head,' Glynn asked.

'It'd be better if you didn't talk,' Strider snapped. Seeing the looks on their faces, he immediately apologized.

'I've got some medicine in my pouch that will help ease the ache. I'll retrieve it for you,' Tudor rose.

'I thought we'd settled this,' Glynn grabbed his arm. 'I've been treating him for this. His headaches are not normal. They are severe and very painful. I have a potion that he has been taking for them. It is the only medicine that has worked.'

'Is it safe for him to continue to take? Painkillers like that can be extremely addictive.'

'Thus far he's experienced none of its ill effects.

'Will he be able to travel?'

'Aye.'

'Give it to him,' Tudor sighed. 'We can't be caught here any longer. The elves are expecting us and it will take a few hours to get there.'

Glynn reached into his pack and withdrew the familiar vial, placing a drop in Strider's mouth. Once he returned the vial to his pack, he turned to Bari.

'I ask to ride along. Simply to monitor his condition.'

'I thought you said there were no ill effects,' Tudor exclaimed, turning to face the older healer.

'I said, he's yet to experience any, but he still could,' Glynn hiss at Tudor. 'While his body had become quite accustomed to it, it may still pose some risk to him.' Turning to Bari, he spoke calmly, 'I won't come near the talks.' Bari thought for a moment before acquiescing.

'Do you feel ready to go,' Bari asked Strider. Surprised at finally being spoken to, Strider hesitated a moment before answering.

'Yes, the ache has begun to fade.'

'Good. Help him onto his horse,' Bari commanded Glynn and Tudor. 'Glynn ride beside him.'

In a manner of minutes, Strider was up on Caladwen, his head protesting slightly at the movement and they were off to meet the elves. Tudor remained near Strider and Glynn for a while, leaving only when he was convinced Strider's pain was completely gone and he was fully alert. Glynn was grateful when Tudor left as then he could finally speak to Strider alone. Before he could say anything, however Strider spoke.

'I'm much better. The pain is gone. Thank you.'

'You are welcome,' he gave a slight pause. 'Curious meeting today.'

'Aye,' Strider agreed. 'But we need it. There is no way we could hope to survive the winter without their help. None of the villages are willing.'

'I suppose it is necessary,' Glynn shrugged his shoulders. 'Have you ever met a wood elf?'

'From Mirkwood? No, but I came close. One came to my home just a few weeks after I left. Have you?'

'Yes and if I may say, they are not the friendliest of creatures.'

'What happened?'

'It was sometime ago. I was following Mirkwood forest to a meeting with the rangers. It began to storm heavily. I decided to duck into Mirkwood to seek shelter. I was low on rations, so I caught a rabbit for supper. No sooner had I picked up the rabbit than did an elf drop out of the tree. His bow was armed and aimed at my chest. He shouted something in elvish and then turned to the common. He said I was trespassing and must leave immediately or he would take me to King Thranduil for punishment. I explained my situation, but he still told me I had to leave. Seeing he wouldn't budge, I packed as quickly as I could. Apparently,' Glynn paused, taking a deep breath, 'it was not quick enough and he fired an arrow over my head into the tree. I then hurried to tie everything onto my horse and leave. When I arrived at the meeting point, I was terribly cold and had become ill. It nearly killed me.'

'That doesn't sound like the elves,' Strider said after a moment. 'Maybe you were on sacred ground or misunderstood.'

'No, I understood that princeling clearly,' he replied firmly.

'He was a prince?'

'Aye. King Thranduil's only son: Legolas.'

'Well, I hope I should never have to meet him. I imagine he's quite a curmudgeon.'

'Oh, yes,' Glynn stated as the conversation trailed off. As they rode on, Glynn watched carefully to make sure Strider didn't yet enter the second stage. It had to wait until the meeting began, any sooner and everything would be spoiled. He hoped Strider's body was already becoming accustomed to it.

A few hours later, they arrived at the meeting site on the plains next to the southern edge of Mirkwood. As he dismounted, Strider saw the elves. For an instant, his anger flared for what that princeling had done to Glynn, but he managed to quell the unusual rise of anger. He couldn't allow his anger to ruin this.

'Mae gevonnen,' Strider heard a tall blond haired one say. He was flanked by elves in clothing similar to his own. Surrounding them were guards wielding the most beautiful bows Strider had ever seen. Elladan and Elrohir had told him of the legendary archery skills of the Mirkwood elves. Their friend, who Strider had missed seeing last year, they said, shot a deer fifty yards away in the dark forest during a heavy rainstorm. Though Strider was aware of the amazing skills of elves, something told him that story was a tad exaggerated.

'Mae gevonnen,' Bari returned, walking up to meet the elf who'd greeted them. Bari's second went up with him while the rest spread out, keeping watch over their captain as the elven guards were. The two spoke for a moment while Strider glanced around. He suddenly felt very nervous and anxious. Everything was clear and he felt like he could wrestle a wild boar and win. He was lost in his thoughts when Bari called him. Looking to his captain, he saw a gesture for him to join them.

'Yes sir,' he spoke, a slight question in his voice, one he met them.

'He asked to see you,' Bari nodded towards the elf. 'He says he recognizes you. Do you know him,' Strider studied the elf, but couldn't place him.

'No.'

'I met you last year, I believe,' the elf spoke to him. 'You were ill, I tried to help, but you fought me. I decided to go get help from the elves.'

'I don't remember,' Strider stated again. 'Who are you? Perhaps a name might jog my memory.'

'Forgive me, my manners have escaped me. I am Legolas, son of King Thranduil and prince of Mirkwood.'

Before Strider could prepare himself for it, something clicked in his mind causing fury to spread like wildfire through his body. He saw himself lash out at the prince, grasping him firmly by his throat. It happened so quickly. Legolas' elven reflexes failed him nor did his elvish strength aid him, as the man's grip was too strong to pry loose. He faintly heard the man shouting something about him being a cruel, evil elf. In the next instant, Legolas' guards grasped the man, pulling him off their prince. As soon as the hands left his throat, he rubbed his neck, still feeling where the fingers were. He was surprised by the strength of the grip. It was far greater than a normal man's and yet this man appeared no different. Legolas took a step forward, a look of determination and confusion on his face.

'Why,' he asked, his voice a little raspy.

'You are despicable and deserve to die,' Strider spat back, fury in his eyes.

'You have tried to assassinate the prince,' one of Legolas' advisor's spoke. 'The meeting is over. You will be taken to the king who will give you your punishment,' the elf paused, 'death.'