As always, here is the language key for this chapter. Rather long chapter today.

"Scarlet's normal English speak."

"Westron/Common tongue"

Chapter 8: Forming Family

Winter passed in a very uneventful manner. The cold of the season dwindled down the stream of travellers such that there was much less to do at the inn. Collette, Butterbur, Hob and Nob spent most of their time trying to improve Scarlet's grasp of the common tongue and knowledge of local edible flora. Curling up on a couch with Collette next to the main room's fireplace or learning from Nob while helping out in the kitchen soon became a common sight.

The only highlight was probably the winter solstice bonfire held at the village centre. It really reminded Scarlet of the little campfires she used to share with her family back home. The great feasting and music that lasted through the night was very pleasant.

However, winter was now drawing to a close and the icicles on the windows were starting to melt away faster.

Scarlet felt the weather was warmer than before and deemed it suitable for exercise. She had been neglecting her skills for far too long.

After stretching her muscles, Scarlet took a deep breath and started going through her forms, keeping her transitions fluid and graceful. Relying on years of training, Scarlet let her muscle memory take charge and cleared her mind. So focused was she that she did not notice her silent spectator until said spectator took a step and crunched gravel under his boot.

Warrior instincts kicking in, Scarlet was swift to turn and jab her staff at the intruder's face.

"Urgh!"

Said intruder fell back, hand clutching his face.

"Oh my word! I am so sorry!"

Scarlet was quick to drop her staff and rush over to the poor man who was hunched over and dripping blood on the floor. She was quickly joined by another man and together they supported her victim to a bench on the side and set him down.

Finally her victim looked up.

It was Theoraan, with his hand over his nose trying to stem the blood flow and face still scrunched up from the pain

"Theoraan!" Scarlet exclaimed.

Touching his nose gently and applying pressure to reduce the blood flow, Theoraan winced. 'Oh! I think she broke my nose. I forgot about her reflexes.'

Theoraan looked up to his former charge, blinking rapidly to try and focus his vision. 'Ow! Well. That was most certainly not the welcome I expected when I made the decision to come visit her two moon cycles ago.'

~~~~~~~ flashback, two moon cycles ago at the Ranger Camp~~~~~~

"Father! I must speak with you!"

The urgency in his son's voice was alarming.

"Yes my son?"

"Father, I have heard unsettling reports about a girl."

"A girl?"

Theoraan was confused.

"Yes. They say you keep a girl at an inn."

"What? How did you-"

"- so you do not deny it? That you have a girl upon whom you bestow great favour-"

Theorein's voice escalated.

"-Theorein. Listen to me-"

"What's going on? Boys?"

Theoraan refrained from placing his hands in defeat. Now was really not the time for his wife to walk through the door.

"Mother! Father has a girl!"

Theoraan sighed silently.

"My dear husband?"

His wife's look of caution was both frustrating and heart-breaking.

"He has parted with his Star of the Dunedain. And look! That pin upon his chest. Father, is it hers? Who is she?"

His wife's eyes darted to the pin but remained silent.

"Father?" His son's tone was even but accusatory.

"Are you done?"

Theoraan's stern tone took Theorein out of his aggressive stance. Stepping away from his perch at the window sill, he addressed the room.

"Yes there is a girl" He held up his hand to halt his son's interruption.

Looking into his wife's eyes and taking her hands in his, he continued.

"Her name is Scarlet. She was but a young girl, lost in the forest, alone with nothing on her but the clothes on her back and a staff of her own crafting. She knew neither of where she was nor nothing of our words. I knew not whence she came but she needed help; this I could see. I could not leave her; my honour would not have allowed it. I escorted her to Bree and obtained a position for her at the inn for her to support herself. She was thankful and gave me this pin. I could not refuse. No. Rather she would not let me refuse."

"But to give her the Star of the Dunedain in return?" As a junior Ranger Theorein knew the prestige of the pin and could not fathom the thought of giving his away so easily. It was something that was earned. Something he had worked so hard for so long and only just. Only just. Recently earned.

Seeing the calm and understanding in his wife's eyes, Theoraan squeezed her hand gently and allowed himself a small smile. "I suppose, somewhere on our journey, I simply became very fond of her."

Theorein was still ill at ease. How could his father just be so cavalier about this? How could his mother be so accepting? Did they not care about the rumours that were sure to tarnish their family name once Gaston and Roneil's words got around?

"Good evening Father, Mother, Brother"

All three greeted parties looked to the door.

"Did something happen?"

Theoraan's wife was the first to respond.

"No Aubriene darling. Come in, we were just about to have dinner."

Aubriene, daughter and first born child of Theoraan and Dariene, could feel the slight tension in the room emanating from her younger brother but chose not to comment. Instead she was thankful that her own baby daughter, Audelia, provided a welcome distraction.

After dinner when she had put Audelia aside to rest, Aubriene returned to her family.

"Theorein, what happened?"

She was not one to mince words. Theorein's furrowed brow though out the entirety of what was otherwise a peaceful family meal was a cause for concern.

"Father has a girl."

Theoraan had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes. His son often took great pleasure in speaking with innuendo. Deciding to intervene before his son made things worse, Theoraan took it upon himself to inform Aubriene about Scarlet.

After hearing the same summary Theoraan had given his wife and son earlier, Aubriene was intrigued and wanted to know more. And so, the family spent their post dinner time together listening to Theoraan tell stories of his travels with Scarlet. The women tsked, gasped and laughted at all the right moments but Theorein was still hesitant to accept this stranger into his family so easily.

~~~~~~ flashback end~~~~~~~

His conversation with his family that night reminded Theoraan that he had not seen Scarlet for a long time. He decided that he needed to check up on her, hence his presence in Bree on that fine morning.

'Oh. Ow. Yes, she is doing fine.' Theoraan winced as he used Scarlet's handkerchief to gently wipe the blood off his nose and chin. 'Judging by that blow and still present reflexes, more than fine in fact.'

Scarlet returned with an icicle broken off a window. Wrapping the icicle in a small cloth she took her bloodied handkerchief out of Theoraan's hands and passed him the ice, all the while giving him a sheepish smile.

The pair then sat in silence, mostly because Theoraan was in no condition to talk and Scarlet did not know what to say, until Collette came to fetch Scarlet for her morning duties. Reluctant but responsible, Scarlet turned to Theoraan for reassurance before she left with Collette.

"I you talk later yes?"

Theoraan was stunned to hear her speak, albeit broken, common tongue. Pleased with her progress, he gave her the best smile he could under the circumstances and nodded his head.

'Ow. I need more ice.'

The Next Morning

Theoraan sighed as his packed his travel gear. It was time to leave Bree again.

Seeing Scarlet again yesterday was a good thing. Yes, he now had a slightly crooked nose, but seeing Scarlet's development and friendship with the girl, Collette, warmed his heart.

Yesterday evening after Scarlet was done with her duties for the day and Theoraan was done replenishing his supplies, the two of them and Collette sat in the corner of the inn lounge by the fire and conversed… or rather, attempted to.

Scarlet's grasp of the common tongue was still shaky but she had the basics down enough to introduce Collette and thank him for taking care of her. Other than telling him that she was well, Scarlet was content in letting Collette take charge of the conversation.

Collete was a good friend for Scarlet. Collette filled the night with tales of her escapades with Scarlet. She was particularly animated when speaking about Scarlet's numerous 'trysts' with the tailor's nephew. Seeing Scarlet's eyes widen at the words 'Sam Nettles' and her struggles to cover Collette's mouth as Collette skilfully dodged was particularly entertaining. Scarlet's pose of defeat with her head in her hands was also very amusing. Scarlet was always so serious when they travelled. He was pleased to see her behave like the youth she was.

The best moment was when Collette, with stars in her eyes, began to speak dreamily of their grand plans to get married, raise their children at the inn together, have their children grow up together and then marry each other and become one big happy family. Scarlet's stare of disbelief was great but it was her soft smile of affection at Collette's enthusiasm that was beautiful.

Their friendship told Theorran that he did right in having Scarlet stay.

'She is happy.' He thought.

Yet Scarlet's eyes were not for Collette alone. Throughout the night Scarlet had also granted him the same smile of affection and he knew that even now Scarlet was attached to him. Her affection made him feel guilty for leaving her again but he was hesitant to uproot her now that she has begun to settle down. The wild was no place for a young lady.

Then again, Halbarad's words came to him.

~~~~~ Flashback ~~~~~

Back when Halbarad and the boys first returned to camp many months ago, after the boys had scampered off looking for Theorein, Halbarad took him aside and asked him about Scarlet. At first he was stunned. How had Halbarad known of Scarlet? Halbarad then explained his encounter with her petite protector and her own gallantry at the inn. Suffice to say he was displeased with Gaston's conduct; something Gaston paid for later during a 'friendly' spar. Theoraan in turn explained how he came to know Scarlet and told tales of how they travelled together.

Surprisingly, Halbarad was very interested in Scarlet's fighting ability and wanted to know more. He did not realise it at the time, but he acted like a proud father when he described her skills and admitted her potential as a warrior.

Halbarad's next words were the ones that stuck.

"She sounds wonderful. Why I would love to see her up against some of our younger boys in training."

Theoraan couldn't help but voice his concerns. "You do not care that she is a girl? And so young."

Halbarad only smiled a secret smile and replied "My late wife was a formidable Ranger before her passing. This Scarlet of yours may be young, but she can grow and she can learn. If she is amenable, bring her here. I shall like to meet her under friendlier circumstances."

Suffice to say, Theoraan was astonished at Halbarad's easy acceptance and willingness to bring a stranger into their camp.

~~~~ End Flashback ~~~~

Halbarad's easy acceptance reminded him of his family. Following his tales of Scarlet over dinner, his family had also indicated a desire to meet Scarlet. At the time he was unsure whether it should be his family who should move to meet her or whether it should be Scarlet who should travel to meet his family.

Having met Scarlet again and coming face to face, literally, with her unwavering skills, he knew that it was best for Scarlet to be the one travelling. Besides, whilst his son was perfectly capable of coming to find Scarlet at Bree, his wife was not a great traveller, her health did not permit it, and his daughter had a young babe to care for and could not afford to traipse across the wilderness.

Theoraan made his decision then. 'I will pick her up on the way back from Rivendell.'

Meanwhile, Scarlet was in the kitchen packing Theoraan's food rations and debating with herself again.

'He's leaving again'

'Well yes, but what did you expect?'

'I don't know.'

'Oh, really?' Mental Scarlet's sarcasm was dripping all over the mindspace.

'Oh fine. I guess. I just. I just wish he could stay a little longer. We barely spent time together.'

'Well, maybe because you played mute last night and let Collette take over?'

'Well, what could I have said? My common tongue is terrible. You know it is.'

'Yes well. Look, he's obviously a very busy and important man. You know we can't expect more from him. We should be thankful he even came back to check up on us. On you.'

'Yes I know. It's just. I thought I got over it all these months but I still kinda miss it you know? The travelling and camping. It's so much more familiar to me than this…domestic lifestyle.'

'You're kidding right? Back in Panem you never wanted to do these things. Father had to force you the first few years remember?'

'Yeah but then I got used to it and if I don't think about Father trying to attack and ambush me all the time, camping was pretty fun. The stars out here are gorgeous. It's just that compared to this, I feel more comfortable out there. I mean I'm not saying I'm not thankful. I am and Collette's great. Barliman's great. Hob and Nob are great too and easy access to toiletries is wonderful but I. We. Can you just imagine it for a moment? Staying here the rest of our days washing dishes, getting married, having kids…'

'No. I can't. Not at all. You're right. But what do you plan to do then? If Theoraan doesn't take you with him. You can't possibly be planning to leave and explore on your own?'

'Well… now that you mentioned it..'

'No! You're crazy! That's suicide. I forbid it.'

'Hm…'

Scarlet couldn't help smirking to herself that the image of Mental Scarlet freaking out.

Nob inched away from the crazy person in his kitchen and watched her with wary eyes. It was best not to ask.

Theoraan did a mental check to make sure he had everything. Looking round the inn lobby he suddenly realised what he was missing. Scarlet was not there to bid him goodbye. Doubts began to grow and the thought that maybe Scarlet did not wish to be associated with him any longer crossed his mind.

Barliman watched the Ranger look around the room searching for something before sighing and slumping down in a defeated manner before turning to walk out his inn. Feeling that he knew what the Ranger was searching for he found himself speaking up.

"Why don't you take her with you?"

"Beg your pardon?" Theoraan did not expect Buttterbur to say something to him. They had never spoken beyond business matters.

"Scarlet, I mean. Saw you guys last night. The dear lass couldn't help but be near you. She still practices you know. With the stick of hers. And those knives. Why she even took over the stables. Once Hob nearly got his ear cut off he learnt not to enter the area until much later than before. Always ready she is. Always edgy. I don't tell her but sometimes her scares my customers. Grabs their hand pretty hard when they just tap her to ask a question."

Theoraan listened carefully. This was another side of Scarlet's stay that he did not know about. Last night while watching her with Collette he had thought she had adapted, adjusted to the provincial life. However, from what Barliman had said, despite the time that had passed she was just the same as before.

"Is she? That is to say, how bad is it? Her edginess?"

"It's alright most times yeah? Just turns around quicker than others. But sometimes when its noisy and she can't hear them come up, she forgets that she's a strong girl, she is. And customers don't like having bruises. Bad for business, you know? Look, she don't belong here my friend. I let her stay 'cause you asked and she is a good worker, she is. I know she's got no one else but why don't you take her with you? I've seen that son of yours about these parts sometimes. You got a family that can take care of her. No? She belongs with those types you know. Your type. The Ranger type, out in the wild and all that.'

Theoraan thought about all that Barliman had said. Finally, he had to admit it.

"You're right."

"That's good then. You wait here a minute and I'll got get her then."

"Wait!-"

However, Barliman was out of ear range before Theoraan could explain that he did plan on taking her with him but only on his return trip.

"There you are! Pack up your stuff lass!"

Scarlet gave Barliman a confused face.

"He's waiting for you."

Even though Barliman did not specify who, Scarlet knew immediately who.

"He is?" Scarlet was still cautious.

Seeing her apprehension, Barliman stepped into the room and sat down with her on the bed. With a gentle voice, he said, "Go lass. I've seen all kinds of people from all over walk through these doors. You belong with his kind. I can tell."

Scarlet got the gist of what he was saying and internally agreed but she was still unsettled.

"But you? Collette? The Inn? The dishes?"

Barliman was pleased at her considerate and responsible nature but was quick to reassure her. "It's fine lass. We've managed before and we can do so again. Go on lass. Don't keep him waiting."

With his blessing, Scarlet couldn't help but give Barliman a hug before rushing around the room picking up her stuff. Barliman chuckled at her enthusiasm and left to tell Theoraan that she was getting ready.

Just then, Collette came through the door and stopped to watch the spectacle of Scarlet's mad packing.

"What's going on Scarlet?" asked Collette. Then, she put two and two together.

"You're leaving? With Him? Scarlet you can't! He's too old for you!"

Collette clearly had some misconceptions about Scarlet's relationship with Theoraan.

Done with her packing, Scarlet pulled on her new trusty old Hunger Games quality boots and turned to Collette.

"Darling. I don't know what you're talking about but I love you and take care. I'll write okay? Bye!"

Scarlet gave Collette a quick tight hug and tried to leave but she found that Collette had refused to let go.

"No! You can't leave! You can't! We were supposed to get married!"

Scarlet was a little freaked out at Collette's hysterics and so was really grateful when Barliman popped his head back in to see what was taking her so long. Getting out of Collette's hold with Barliman's help she waved them goodbye and rushed off to bid Hob and Nob farewell before she left.

She ignored the cries of "We were going to have babies!" that echoed down the corridor.

Her farewells with Hob and Nob were short and sweet and Nob was kind enough to provide her with a food package of her own.

Knowing that she had dallied for a long time and fearing that Theoraan had changed his mind, she raced down the halls and into the lobby. So strong was her fear and so focus she was on catching up with him, that she failed to realise she had ran past Theoraan in her haste.

"Scarlet!"

The sound of her name spoken by Theoraan's voice made her stop, turn and smile.

He'd waited.

AWWWWWWW. They're so cute I can't take it.

Did anyone spot the reversal in the last scene? The last time Theoraan left the inn, it was Scarlet who called him back. Now he is the one to call her back. But yes, Theoraan's back! YAY! Though he now has a crooked nose thanks to Scarlet… I guess that's Karma for leaving her behind. Her subconscious resentment must have acted out against him. But they're together again! Huzzah!

Also, Theoraan's family! Oh my god. Creating new characters is like giving birth to kids I swear. I trawled though so many baby name websites to find appropriate names for my characters. Anyway, for those of you who are curious, Aubriene is adapted from Aubrie, which means 'to rule with elf-wisdom' which I thought was fitting. Dariene was adapted from Daria which means 'maintains possessions well' which suits her since she's a mother. Audelia means nobility/strength. As always, the names of the parent has influenced the name of the child in some form.

Also, yay for Barliman's great insight and ability to convince Theoraan to take Scarlet back. And oh Collette. You are too cute. We were gonna have babiesssssss! Sound so wrong.

No omake today. Though I was sorely tempted to do a Frozen inspired scene.

'Scarlet! Wake up! Do you wanna build a snowman?'

'Unnnn. I'm sleeping Collette.'

'Come on let's go and PLAYYYY. Don't just sleep in here and snore, come out the door, so much to do todayyyyy. Aren't we the best of buddies, are we not? Come on let us go outsideeeee. Do you wanna build a snowman? It doesn't have to be a snowman.'

'unnnn. Go away Collette.'

'Okay bye.'

Please review! Thanks!