Ok so this is the third chapter i said we would be posting today :)

If you came straight to chapter thirteen, you should probably go back two chapters.

Thanks guys :)

Chapter 13

Aragorn watched in quiet admiration as the elves smoothly moved into place. He had seen this many a time growing up in Rivendell and it never ceased to impress him. Only elves had this degree of finesse and grace to perform like this. Legolas joined his kinfolk and oddly Gimli went with him, creating a small beardy stain against the indistinct wash of elves. Aragorn smiled to himself. Finally a small ray of hope and good fortune in what had been looking like the bleakest day of his life and the life of the Rohirric people. Now maybe, just maybe, they could make it through the night.

As he stood and marvelled one Elven warrior slipped out of rank and hurried over to Haldir.

"My lord, Captain Arbellason is missing"

Haldir's face changed "He asked me for temporary leave. Has he not yet returned?"

"No my lord, his company are without a leader"

"Ind Bee's missin too" Celandine piped up from her place beside Aragorn. She looked frightened

Haldir looked pained and the Elven soldier seemed confused. Aragorn took charge.

"Haldir continue on with the charge of your warriors. I will find your missing captain and our missing charge also"

"Thank you my friend but my warriors are trained and know their duties. The elvish captain is my responsibility though your charge is not therefore I will accompany you in your search until he is found"

"Very well"

The elf and man set off to search the keep. Aragorn was not to worried about the safety of his new companion knowing she could take care of her self but hearing there were two people who were unaccounted for worried the man. Celandine stayed where she was watching as the two disappeared; she clung onto her dagger tightly still a bit put off that she had not been allowed to wield a sword.

The two walked through the passageways of the keep briskly, keeping an eye out for any sign of their missing people. They walked in a comfortable silence not needing to say anything but both still grateful for the others company. All that could be heard was the echo of human feet on cold stone as the elf made no noise, so light were his footfalls. But the peaceful patter of feet did not remain uncontested for long. Abruptly the sounds of arguing flooded their corridor. The words "My consideration for others!" rang almost painfully in Haldir's sensitive ears.

"What was that?" Haldir asked, turning to the direction of the sound.

"What?" Aragorn asked.

He was interrupted by yet more words of anger. "I was there!"

Even Aragorn heard it this time. "Who was that?"

"That was the voice of Arbellason, my missing captain!" Haldir replied in confusion

Both of them hurried towards the sound as it was evident that an argument was occurring. Aragorn quickly recognised Bee's voice and hastened even more. The pair soon was able to see the forms of two elves, engaged in a passionate disagreement, both gesturing emphatically. Even from a distance Aragorn could see Bee's temper was fraying quickly. Sensing something very bad was about to happen, he began to run. The disagreement swiftly escalated. They drew close just as Arbellason was saying "I will have you bound to the horse's reins if I have to, but you WILL be returned to Mirkwood!"

Something inside Bee snapped. Quick as a flash her blade was unsheathed, in hand and raised, ready to strike Arbellason into his grave. Just as she was about to bring down her sword both man and elf stepped in-between them. Aragorn caught her sword just in time, trying to hold it still as Bee continued to try and bring it down further in hope of hitting the other elf.

The two fought each other for control of the sword for a few moments before Aragorn managed to get the upper hand briefly ripping the sword from the angry she-elf's grasp, in the process knocking her hood from her head.

"Beriadanwen you must calm yourself"

However his words fell upon deaf ears as the she-elf seemed to of lost all restraint in her goal of mortally harming the other elf, and continued to struggle against Aragorn. Finally having enough Aragorn dropped the sword and pulled her against him holding the struggling elf against him tightly.

Meanwhile just a few paces away the two other elves stood side by side watching the display take place, Arbellason was trying to control his boiling anger not wanting to lose his cool. He had not expected Bee to react in the way that she had and felt angry at himself not seeing the attack coming. Haldir stood in shock never before had he seen a elf let alone a she-elf act in such a manner.

The she-elf continued to struggle and squirm trying with all her might to get free from Aragorn,

"Release me!"

"Not until you have got hold of your senses" Aragorn told her trying desperately to reason with her, trying desperately to hold onto Bee. It seemed she had no interest in calming down anytime soon.

Knowing she was not going to be freed she refocused the fire of her blazing anger on the other elf "rhachon le (I curse you) Nai Ungoliant meditha le (May Ungoliant (giant spider) devour you)" she screamed and screamed until she was almost in danger of passing out. But she was more than just angry. Hot acrid tears surged from her eyes. She had been cut deep by her friend's betrayal.

"Bee" Aragorn was careful to speak slowly as she was bordering on hysterical. "I don't know what has happened here, but we are on the precipice of battle. You need to save your energy and ire for the enemy. We can not afford to be fighting amongst ourselves"

The bitter fire began to grow dull, leaving behind the aching throb of sadness. Bee ceased to struggle and planted her feet, suddenly limp and weary. Aragorn released her and she straightened, refusing though to lift her head.

"I hope you will taste the sourness of a slow death tonight, or I swear on my brother's grave I will ensure your passing"

Pulling away from Aragorn she picked up her sword, sheathed it carefully and moved to walk away from the others, desperate to put this behind her.

"One moment" Haldir interrupted, calling her back. She made the mistake of lifting her head and looking him in the eye. At that moment his suspicions were confirmed, no doubt left in his mind.

"Arquenniel Perianaya, daughter of Eöl of the forest realm of Mirkwood" he said formally, looking over the barely recognisable former heir. Her hair was cut to shoulder length, short for an elf and was held back in a tight but messy plait.

Bee ground her teeth and clenched her fists once more, she swore if she heard one more person say that name she would kill them and this time succeed. Noticing her anger Aragorn turned and spoke calmly.

"Bee, go and find Celandine and take your place on the wall. We have little time left"

Without another word Bee spun on her heel gracefully and headed back towards the main keep, thankful to Aragorn for sending her away so she would not have to deal with yet another problem.

"She does not belong in battle Aragorn. She is the princess of Mirkwood. An escort must be arranged to take her home" Haldir has insisted

"I have not the time to be dealing with the domestic occurrences between elves. Right now she is a soldier and she belongs at the front lines"

"If she dies…" Arbellason interjected

Aragorn shot the Elven whelp a silencing glare "right now she is not under your charge, she is under mine so what happens with her is not of your concern. Even so she will not die. A warrior like her is not destined to die in a battle such as this"

"She is no warrior…" Arbellason tried again.

"Dina! (Be silent!)" Aragorn thundered. "You speak of one who has not seen her in battle and contest your case from a place of ignorance. You would do well to be quiet."

"With respect Haldir, you and your young captain should be taking your places on the wall also" Aragorn added, ignoring Arbellason and focusing on Haldir. With that he took his leave of them and resumed his own place at the wall.

R&R