Note: I can see only one disadvantage to my new engagement. It is much harder to write Athrana when I am deliriously happy. I hope it doesn't show too much in my writing.

PT

Athrana (Wandering Shadow)

Chapter 33- What Friends Are For

TA3019, February

Athriel weighed the blade in her hand. It had been a long time since she had held a sword. She had always preferred knives but once upon a time she could wield any blade with deadly accuracy and lethal speed. Her twin blades had been lost in the battle all those years ago. She had lost so much then. Until she got new ones made she would have to use her old sword.

"Athriel? Are you ready" Glorfindel had dismissed his recruits so that they could spar without her getting embarrassed. "I'm a bit out of practice Findel" She hadn't used a weapon, any weapon in decades. Ever since she had escaped it had felt easier to use her hands, to rip them apart and feel their deaths. But that wasn't how things were done and for good reason. "You'll pick it up quickly enough" Glorfindel replied swinging his sword. Athriel sighed heavily before taking her stance. "Alright, come on then"

Elladan and Elrohir could hear clashing as they approached. Peering around the corner they grinned seeing Athriel and their captain sparing. It was almost like old times seeing her like this. They watched as finally the pair packed up to leave. Well Glorfindel made to leave but Athriel stayed behind. As the blonde walked away Athriel continued to practice her sword form.

TA 176

As the rest of the recruits packed up Athriel moved off to one side. She wasn't ready to stop yet. Finally she had found her calling. Finally she could be who she wanted to be. And she was going to be the best. The twins didn't go very far after they left the training ground. Instead they stayed just out of sight and watched as she moved gracefully across the field.

"We have to do something."

"We have to make up for the way we acted."

While Athriel was still on the training field two figures crept to her door and slipped a note underneath it. They would make it up to her. They would be the friends they should have been. She was home and no matter what had happened to her and what she may become, she was their Athriel.

Athriel walked exhausted towards her rooms. Today had been a good day. Horrible revelations aside she had felt more alive than she had in years. She should have done this a long time ago. It was as if she was finally back where she belonged. Even if only for a short time she had felt as if she was herself again.

Opening the door she stopped. Lying there on the floor was a note. She stared at it for a long time. Before she knelt down to pick it up. She turned it over a couple of times looking at her name written in the familiar writing. Finally she unfolded the small piece of parchment.

Athriel,

Wine and Pipe weed in our rooms tonight.

Elladan & Elrohir