Welp, I'm back! Again. I hope everyone reading this is enjoying it cause I know I'm having fun writing it! Even though I took forever to get back to it! Here's the next chapter!

The next day, I was strolling down the hallway once more, pondering about everything I had learned the night before. I had woken up to ecstatic shouting and was now coming to discover what was going on. I reached the throne room to find everyone was there. Uncle Elrohir, Faramir, Glorfindel, Erestor, Eowyn, Aarya, Arathorn, Estel, Thranduin, Thranduil, Legolas, Ada, Nana, and so forth. Estel turned when he heard me enter, his expression radiating with joy and immense relief.

"Aranyth, Elrudyn! He's alive!" I looked to find Elrudyn and Elladan in the center of the crowd, both relaxed and happy to be beside each other once again. Elladan did look ill but everyone could tell he was getting better now that Elrudyn was alive.

"Aranyth knows." Elrudyn said and everyone turned to look at me.

"How?" Elladan asked.

"She was the one to bring me back." Elrudyn answered and this time, I joined in with the confusion.

"How did I-Oh." I thought back to when I had dropped the Blessed Water. Several drops had leaked and Elrudyn must have woken because of it.

"She and Glorfindel both discovered the truth."

It was a while before everyone calmed down, but even then, no one actually did get over the fact that Elrudyn was not dead. Minas Tirith was celebrating. Their Princess was alive and Elrudyn, Elf Prince of Rivendell, was as well. I suppose that would be something to celebrate. That night, we settled together to have a large family dinner. Elrudan, Thalion, and Arathorn were very pleased with the amount of food set out. We sat and enjoyed the meal altogether.

Later that night, as I went to retire to my room, I decided to get one last glimpse at the journal beneath my pillow. Turning to the page with writing, I looked to find that it had recited everything I had done from this morning to this moment. I sighed and closed it, wondering why I had this journal and why it kept doing this. Hopefully, I would get answers soon.

-Nescit Cedere-

I opened my eyes to find myself hovering in the air once again.

"Oh, no…" I murmured before I was unceremoniously dropped into a fountain of water, the sound of laughter echoing in my mind before it died away.

"Aranyth?" A familiar voice spoke and I dropped my head back to see Elrond standing a few feet away.

"Daeradar!" I greeted with a smile before picking myself up out of the water. I wrapped my arms around myself when I felt the cold wind blow past. "Valar, it is cold tonight."

"Indeed." Elrond agreed, unclasping his robe and placing it around me.

"Hannon le." I thanked him.

"Come, you cannot be seen here." Elrond gestured for me to follow and I did, through another maze of corridors.

"Today was eventful." I told him as we entered his office. Elrond indicated to a seat nearby as he went to stand behind his desk. "Elrudyn is alive. Uncle Elladan is healing." I watched as Elrond seemed to slump into his seat in great relief, closing his eyes.

"Thank the Valar." He whispered.

"I am sorry." I whispered lowly but he heard it and raised his head.

"For what, child?" I shifted uncomfortably.

"Glorfindel would kill me if he heard me apologizing once again, but I know it was my fault all this happened. I insisted on going to that place." Elrond shook his head.

"Nothing happens by accident." He stood. "Aranyth, before you leave, I must warn you." I quirked an eyebrow in question, wondering what Elrond had to warn me of. "I have sensed something coming and your family is in the center of it all. You will have a large role to play in what is to come." I perked up, nervous.

"Something is coming?" He curtly nodded, frowning deeply as he continued.

"I have sensed an ancient and dark magic at work. Something has been awakened and is growing stronger. As to what led this magic to awaken, I do not know." I paled, having a strong feeling that I knew what had. Elrond, sensing this, gave me a stern look. "But you do." I swallowed thickly.

"In Mordor, when we entered the throne room of the Tower of Baradûr, Arathorn, my brother, found a journal."

"A journal?" Lord Elrond repeated, intrigued.

"Yes. I did not think much of it until later." I paused for a moment. Elrond narrowed his eyes, knowing I was thinking whether or not I should tell him everything.

"You saw something." I whipped my head up. "What did you see?" I could feel my stomach twisting with the nervousness that I felt. How would he take it?

"I…I not only saw something, I was there."

"Where?"

"In Valinor, from thousands of years ago, when Morgoth still reigned."

"Aranyth,"

"I met Morgoth and Sauron." The words were out of my mouth without a second thought and I watched as Elrond started in surprise, taking a moment to digest what I had said.

"You met Morgoth and Sauron?"

"Yes." I shuddered as I recalled the intense feeling of power and evil emanating from the two beings. "The Journal, it has the ability to…recite everything I have done during the day and when I turn to a blank page, it throws me back in time to when they were alive."

"Do you know what point in time?" Elrond inquired and I shook my head.

"I panicked and left as soon as I could." I replied.

"That was probably for the best. This Journal, describe it to me." I tilted my head, wondering why he needed to know but did as he asked. I described it in detail, from the designs to the edges to the words on the cover. He listened, his expression darkening when I finished.

"Lord Elrond?" I quietly called out and the Elf turned to face me.

"Aranyth, if possible, get rid of the journal. Destroy it." His voice was serious and his brown eyes hardened making me wonder a little more about the Journal.

"What is it, Lord Elrond? I do not understand." I admitted, quite lost. Elrond sighed, leaning against the window sill.

"I do not either. That Journal…Was created centuries ago. I had hoped it was lost, but it appears that I was wrong."

"You know what the Journal is?" Elrond reluctantly nodded.

"I do. That is why it must be destroyed. You must find a way to rid the world of the Journal. If you do not…" The heaviness of the situation struck me and I nodded at once. If Lord Elrond was concerned about the Journal, I did not want to find out what it was capable of. Other than throwing me into the past.

"I will destroy it."

"I know you will." Elrond gave a small smile. "I believe it is time for you to leave." I glanced outside and nodded.

"It is. Any moment now, Elrudan will be trying to wake me." At that moment, I could feel my brother trying to wake me, closed my eyes, and faded into nothingness. Elrond waited a moment before gazing out the window to Anor.

"Elros, what have we done?" He whispered mostly to himself.

-Nescit Cedere-

The day seemed to sail pass as I ran about the city performing errands for Ada and spent time with my siblings, playing whatever games they wished to play. Later that evening, once dinner was over, I waited for everyone to retire to their rooms before sneaking out the window and heading to the Lower Levels of the city. I hid in the shadows of an alleyway when a flank of soldiers marched up to the third level then quickened my pace to reach the first level. I clutched the Journal close to me so that I would not lose it and glanced back when I felt I was being watched. Slowing to a stop, I narrowed my eyes, searching for whoever was watching me. Seeing that no one was around, and that I could not sense anyone near, I continued.

"Woah!" A voice called and I snapped my eyes forward to see a horse pulling a cart in front of me. The horse reared up, kicking its front hooves in surprise. I threw myself back and tripped, the Journal slipping from my hands and onto the ground.

"Rhiach!" I hissed and rolled over to grab it when the horse decided now was the perfect time to plant its hooves down to the ground.

"Move out of the way, wench!" The rider growled and I watched as the hooves descended. I rolled aside and watched as he passed by, throwing an irritated glance back at me. I huffed and stood, brushing myself off and turned to find a group of men standing there.

Drunk men.

"Of all the things…" I mumbled beneath my breath as one stumbled forward.

"What 'ave we 'ere?" He slurred, reaching out to grab me. I took a step to the side and he tumbled to the ground in a heap. "You little wench!" I sighed and shook my head, hoping to walk pass without a problem, but it appeared they had other plans.

"You ain't goin' nowhere, kid." One said.

"I am afraid that I must." I said as kindly as I could and moved to walk around them when one reached out and grasped my arm, flinging me back into the ground. I fell with a pained grunt, propping myself on my elbows to see them advancing. I tried to move away but the man on the ground caught hold of my ankle. "Let go!" I ordered, trying to shake him off, but he kept his hold. Another leaned over and plucked the Journal from the ground. "No! I need that!"

"Not anymore." The man laughed, waving it in the air as he and the others moved closer. I was about to move when a firm hand snatched the collar of my shirt and yanked me back against them.

"That is not the way to treat a young woman, now is it, boys?" A voice I recognized rhetorically asked, leaping over and snatching the Journal from the man then grabbing my wrist and running. I ran with them, glancing back to see the enraged men trailing after us, stumbling here and there or falling to the ground and failing to lift themselves up. I could not help but smirk at their helplessness. No wonder Ada did not like to drink. Not too long afterwards, I found myself being led near the end of the First Level when we stopped.

"You should watch your step, little Ranger." The cloaked man said and I looked to find a familiar, dark clad, man standing there, the Journal in hand.

"Aradorn?" The Dunedain stepped forward into the moonlight. "It is you!"

"Indeed."

"Why are you here?" I asked, not distrustfully. I took the Journal from his hand and held it to me once again. He was silent. "You are here because of my Father."

"I am here because of him and your family." He confessed. "What has your Father said to you?"

"Enough." I replied and Aradorn seemed to accept the answer.

"Then you know."

"That my Aunt was the woman you spoke of? The woman I was named after?" He bowed his head. "That she was the one who took you in and raised you?"

"Then he told you of the battle?' Understanding dawned over me.

"My Father does not blame you for what happened on that day." He clenched his fists together.

"I distracted him."

"No." I shook my head. "It was a battle. Anything that happens in battle is unexpected. My Father most certainly did not know what was to transpire on that day. He does not blame you." The man looked away. I sighed. "When I mentioned your name to him," There was a flicker of horror in his eyes but it quickly faded. I recalled the moment I had told my Ada of Aradorn. His eyes. They gave away what he felt. "He appeared very relieved to hear of you." That was when it hit me. When I was young, Ada was constantly on the lookout. I would catch him every now and then gazing out the window or from the balcony, looking or searching for something. As if he expected any day that something would come from the direction of Pelennor Fields. He would also leave to go 'Camping' or 'Hunting' but when he came back, he was normally empty-handed. "He's been searching for you." I murmured.

"What?" Aradorn whispered.

"My Father. He has been looking for you. All these years, he was waiting for something. He was waiting for you to return. To come home."

"I cannot." Aradorn appeared mournful for a moment.

"Why not? Because you feel that you failed him? You feel it is your fault that my Aunt died? Did you know that my Aunt was injured far before the Battle that took place in Mordor?" That caught his attention.

"She was injured?" I nodded.

"She had been wounded saving Halbarad. She hid it from everyone and left it untreated, fearing she would impede the mission to defeat Sauron." I could tell Aradorn was paying apt attention to every word I was saying. "It was only when the Troll struck her that Ada discovered the wound. It was too late by that time. When Lord Elrond came, she had bled out and died before he could save her. She sacrificed herself for the journey."

"She never said a word…" Aradorn murmured, his eyes shutting before reopening. "That would explain…"

"Explain what?" I wanted to know. He did not want to say anything, but relented.

"Since you have told me this, it is only fair I do the same. Your Aunt, my Mother, a few days before we stood before the Black Gate, had asked me to watch over and protect the family. To guard them from harm as best I could. I swore to her that I would, seeing as it was the most important thing to her at the time. I remained near Minas Tirith ever since, traveling every so often when Aragorn or anyone left the city."

"It was you!" I clasped a hand over my mouth when I shouted then continued to whisper, "You were the one who has been rescuing my siblings and I! The mysterious stranger Ada spoke of when he was ambushed by thieves and assassins! You were the one who foiled the assassination attempts on Ada and Nana! I…I never knew who you were at the time…I would catch a glimpse of you there, but then you would disappear." The memories became clearer now. I could recall every moment Aradorn would save our lives. He would appear for just a moment then vanish without a trace. Everyone had been trying to discover who this mysterious savior was but could never find anything about him. No one knew a thing.

"That would be me." Aradorn admitted. Another thought crossed my mind and I brightened.

"That would also make you my cousin! Our cousin!" Even though I barely knew him except from the time on the border of Mordor, this revelation pleased me greatly. Aradorn chuckled a bit.

"I suppose it would." I took his hands, bouncing on the balls of my feet.

"Why have we never heard of you? Why will you not come home?" He cracked a smile at my excitement.

"I cannot answer the first one but…I dare not return home." My smile faded into a frown as Aradorn walked away. I jogged to catch up to him.

"What is it?" I grabbed his sleeve. "If it is because of your past regrets…"

"No." Aradorn shook his head, turning to grasp both my hands. "Aranyth, your Father had every reason to keep you from knowing of me. I dare not speak of it…Your Father can choose to tell you himself, but I will not. For me, it is too painful." His eyes became pleading. "Please, say nothing of my being here. Nothing at all." I felt lost and did not want to keep this a secret from Ada, but Aradorn was persistent and afraid.

"Very well." I promised, though I was most certainly not pleased to do so.

"Thank-you, little Ranger." He said, about to pull away.

"Wait," He paused and I gave him an embrace. "You will visit, right?" I asked as he returned the hug. Ruffling my hair, Aradorn nodded.

"I will be back. Remember, I am never far away." He took a few steps back before turning and leaving. I stood there for a while, watching as he faded into the darkness. After he left, I remember about the Journal and rushed away. I ran until I caught sight of a red light then slowed to a stop.

"Who goes there?" A voice called out.

"It is me, Aranyth." I answered and the Blacksmith, Tyrelin, stepped out of his workshop, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he wiped away some perspiration from his forehead.

"Little Ryn, what brings you here?" He asked, brushing some of his brown hair from his blue eyes that were specked with brown.

"I have a favor to ask of you if you do not mind." I said and the blacksmith ushered me inside when it started to rain.

"And what can I do for you, Ryn?" He asked, heading to the far corner of his shop where he was working on a blade. Tyrelin, who's true name was Halderyth, was a half-elf. His Father was an Elf and his mother was of Gondor origin. He took after his mother's side greatly, his features sharper than Elves yet smooth and he moved with grace impossible for humans to achieve. He had dark brown hair that was pulled back into a small ponytail, his eyes were blue but turned brown every now and then, and he was built as a Man of the Human race but he could move as silently as an Elf for he was light. Only Ada, Estel, Arathorn, Nana, Faramir, and I knew of his lineage but never spoke of it.

"I have this Journal I need to burn…" I pulled out the wrapped up book and Tyrelin raised an eyebrow.

"You want to burn this?" He asked, taking it in his hands.

"Yes." I nodded. "It…" He could sense there was something I was not telling him but did not press.

"I understand, little one." He went over to the furnace that was blazing. "I will throw it in here and you will not have to worry about it anymore."

"Thank-you, Tyrelin!" I relaxed and watched as he tossed it in. We stood together, watching as the flames engulfed the Journal, burning it. I felt as though a large burden had been lifted from my shoulders. 'I did it, Lord Elrond. I burned it.' I thought to myself.

"I suppose you should leave now before your Naneth comes to check in on you." Tyrelin gave me a knowing smile and I returned it.

"Thank-you again, Tyrelin!"

"Anytime, Ryn. Tell that Father of yours to send your Brother down to my shop tomorrow, would you?" he asked as he led me to the door and opened it.

"Of course! Good night!" I was out the door in a flash, hoping to hurry home in time to dry myself off before Naneth came to my room.

Tyrelin frowned as he leaned against the doorway, watching Aranyth fade from view, concern marring his features. "The Valar have something large planned for her." He murmured, closing the door and setting to work on his blade.

"Indeed." A hooded and cloaked figure emerged from the shadows and wandered over to sit beside him. "A great burden has been placed over her and her family."

"I only hope it is not too great." Tyrelin commented, pausing for a moment before continuing with his work, exhaling deeply. "Or fatal."

"I will ensure her safety." the hooded being assured him. "Though I cannot say the same for the others." Tyrelin gave a nod of understanding.

"It is for her and her alone. Whatever she does…"

"It will affect everything. Whether for better or for worse, that is for her to decide when the time comes."

-Nescit Cedere-

Once I reached the Citadel and climbed through the balcony to my room, I hastily dressed into my nightgown and plopped down into the bed, covering myself and curling to my side. The Journal was no longer a problem to worry over. For some reason, I felt oddly relieved that it was gone. My eyes fluttered close and I was soon sound asleep.

A few hours later, I awoke feeling something was amiss. But what, I did not know, nor could I tell. Sitting up, I started when I saw someone standing at my bedside.

"It is only I, Iell-nin." Ada's voice sounded and I slumped against the pillows.

"Ada! That was not very kind." I told him and Ada chuckled, perching on the edge of my bed. Noting the expression he wore, I became more aware. "Ada, is everything well?"

"I do not know." Ada said in reply, running a hand through my hair. "Iell-nin, if there was something troubling you or there was something that greatly concerned you…Do you trust me enough to come to me?" I blinked, having not expected such a question.

"Of course, Ada."

"Even if you felt it would change my views of you or made you believe I would love you less than before? Or if you felt I would not believe you. Would you approach me then?" I was silent for a moment. He had just struck one of my deepest fears. I hated disappointing Ada. I could never bear the embarrassment or the pain I would bring him should I do something that made me believe he would not love me anymore. But why he was asking this of me now, I did not understand. Had something happened? Had I done something without realizing it? "Iell-nin?" His voice brought me back to reality and I gazed at my Ada, opening my mouth to answer but found that I could not. Ada seemed disheartened and I felt a pang of guilt flash through me.

"I am sorry, Ada, but I do not know. I do not wish to disappoint you-"

"Iell, you are no disappointment to me and never could you be." Ada immediately reassured me, shaking his head. "I love you more than anything in the world, my child. You are my one and only daughter and are very dear to me. Nothing could make me love you any less than I do now."

"Even if I became a criminal or a murderer?" I teasingly asked, uncomfortable with the tense atmosphere. Ada cracked a smile, tugging my hair.

"Even then." He declared. I raised myself up and threw my arms around him, feeling more at ease than ever before.

"I love you, Ada."

"And I love you, Iell-nin." Ada said before pulling away. "Your hair has gotten much longer since…" He did not finish the sentence and I knew he was thinking of the camping trip. Before I could apologize for what I had put him through during that time, he shook his head. "And you have grown." He leaned forward and pulled me into another hug. "I missed you greatly, Aranyth. Now that you have returned, I can see that you are becoming a young adult. Soon, you will grow into a strong young lady." I glared at Ada.

"I will never become a 'Lady.'" I made a face as I shuddered from the thought. Ada rolled his eyes and laughed.

"Good night, Iell-nin. Tomorrow, we will go hunting." I brightened at once.

"Truly?"

"Yes."

"Where will we go?" I asked, now fully awake.

"I am not sure. I will ask Legolas."

"Uncle Legolas too?"

"Legolas will come whether he is invited or not, so he may as well." Ada pointed out and I had to agree. "Now sleep, Iell, or you will be too tired to go."

"Never too tired for hunting." I covered my mouth as I yawned and happened to look over at my desk. I rubbed my eyes and looked again. There was something on my desk… I was certain I had cleaned it off this morning. Standing, I walked over to the desk, curious as to what this object could be. Ada remained by the door, hand on the handle.

"Iell-nin?" I did not answer, reaching my desk and lifting whatever it was off and into the moonlight. Horror and disbelief rocked through me as I dropped the object with a startled exclamation. "Iell?!" I stared down at the floor where the object lay.

It was the Journal.

The very same Journal I had had Tyrelin burn only hours before.

Well, there you go! Another Chapter down, several more to go! I know this one wasn't much, but I promise it will get better! I sort of had writer's block and couldn't decide what to do. Tune in for the next chapter, coming up soon!

-Juliette Morbu.