Unexpected Happenings

Eruraviel sat alone in her little clearing pondering over her map wondering where to travel next. She had been across middle-earth multiple times traveling constantly since the loss of her home in Gondolin. She closed her eyes as the memory swam before her once more. She had been eating an early breakfast with her brother when terror had struck.

~Flashback~

"Aithlin, when is your training supposed start?" she asked. Her brother was 420 years younger than her and wished to follow his father's legacy and join his older sister in the guards. It was going to be hard work and he was going to be starting his training today. He looked similar to her and their father with the families' trademark fiery red hair and emerald eyes. Eruraviel stood at 5'6" which was a reasonable height, with long legs that were hard and lithe. She was a runner, an acrobatic fighter. More often than not, she looked like she was dancing around her opponents. Her favorite weapons were the slim dual blades she carried at all times. They were 4' long with the hilts being 6". The blades were a shining mithril and at the base were 2 ½" wide, they tapered down to a barbed end. The base of the blade was encased in gold briar's crawling up the first 6" of the blade.

The hilts were ebony black with mithril veins running through them, ending in the mithril end cap on the pommel. They were the family heirlooms that were passed on to the first born be they male or female. Her skill in wielding them is what had been the final push to try and join the guards. Today she wore her hair in a braid that ended at her waist, with a spike strip buried in the fiery tail. She wore black leggings and cream cotton under shirt with deep green tunic. She also had on bracer's on her forearms and shins. They were iron mixed with mithril to give both strength and keep the mithril from reflecting too much. She also wore simple deer skin boots.

Aithlin had his hair tied back in a simple tail that just brushed his shoulders. He had had an accident 2 years ago and managed to burn his hair while attempting to cook. They had to cut it to just a few inches and let it grow back on its own. He had forgone an undershirt due to the workout he would get today and wore a simple gray tunic and black leggings. He did not carry a weapon as it wasn't allowed until he had passed training. He was 2" shorter than her with a slim build. He would probably follow in her footsteps as an acrobatic fighter.

"An hour past dawn, according to Captain Anfalen he doesn't want us new recruits sobbing in ten minutes and said to get as much rest as possible." He grumbled a scowl on his face. She had no doubt it was from feeling underestimated but she knew he would be glad for the extra sleep later. She laughed, which caused him to glare at her in irritation, before she stood to gather the plates. She hadn't even made it to the sink before she heard the alarm bells blare though the mountain peaks. Aithlin jumped to his feet a worried look on his face.

"Eruraviel what's happening?!" he said the panic in his voice clear. She stood in front of him and put her hands on his shoulders.

"Listen to me Aithlin! The only reason all the bells would sound is if an army were attacking. I need you to run to the shelters-" Aithlin cut her off angrily.

"WHAT! But I can help-"

"NO! Listen to me! For them to rings the bells means there is little hope. The entire city will be evacuated, your help would be better served protecting those who are trying to escape rather than a direct confrontation." She hugged him to her wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

Before she could say anything else screams could be heard wailing in agony. Letting Aithlin go she rushed to a window and stared in horror. The gates of the beautiful mountain city were engulfed in flames. She could see several balrog's pushing through the shattered walls, roaring as they crushed all in their path and an army of orcs and vampires behind them. She could even see the horrifying figure of Thuringwethil, a vampire general of Melkor. Spinning she grabbed her brothers hand and pulled him towards the door.

"Come on we need to get to the stables, we can get you on a horse and away from here." She held no illusions she knew there was no way her beloved home would survive this new onslaught of terror from Melkor. If their location had indeed been revealed, which it obviously had been, then the only hope for the citizens would be the hidden pathways only a select few knew of. Eruraviel held little hope or expectation for her own survival, but if she could save her brother she would carry a smile till the end.

"Wait, what about you? I'm not going to leave you here!" Aithlin shouted in continued protest as they continued to race through the streets. They ducked around corners, sliding down the stairs and walls. Around them, smoke began to fill the air as the stone homes began to burn due to the heat from the Balrog's flames. The sickening scent of burnt hair and a sulfuric tinge was nearly overwhelming as Eruraviel did her best to shield Aithlin from the blood and broken forms laying still on the stone. She knew there was no helping them now, and stopping to try would only add them to the casualty list.

She ignored Aithlin's protest and continued to run only stopping when the building in front of her collapsed sending debris everywhere in a shower of metal and stone. She was flung to the ground stunned and felt her brothers hand wrenched from her grasp. She forced herself to her feet ignoring the cuts and bruises along her form searching desperately through the dust for her brother. She tripped and fell to the ground and stared in horror; her brother lay unmoving on the ground with his head at an odd angle. She knew he was dead and the large piece of stone covered in blood a few feet away gave her the cause. She sobbed and pulled him close to her rocking back and forth.

"May Mandos welcome you swiftly into his halls and may you rest in peace away from this war torn land." She whispered closing his eyes. She'd failed in the most important task left to her, she'd never be able to look her parents in the eyes and her eyes grew cold as resolution set in. She would destroy every last one of them she could until she herself was destroyed – no matter what it took. She was done having to bury family and friends. Seeing as how the last of her family was now gone and her friends were likely dead or dying she truly had nothing left to lose.

"Well, well, well what have we here an elleth crying on the ground, so sad. Shall I put you out of your misery and kill you now?" a mocking voice said from behind her. Slowly she turned and the blood turned to ice in her veins. Thuringwethil the Vampire stood before her blood dripping from her mouth and hands. She stood and drew her blades. By the Valar, if she was going to die she would take this abomination with her! Thuringwethil chuckled before surging forwards, obviously expecting a quick end. She leaped to the side, spun and just managed to graze her side with the sword in her left hand, blood spraying through the air in a flash of blackish red blood. She quickly faced her again and spread her feet shoulder width apart, her right foot forward her left blade parallel to her right sword both horizontal to the ground with the left blade underneath the right.

There was a growl of anger from Thuringwethil before she leaped at her rage in her eyes her fist slipped past her guard and caught her ribs as she was flung into the building behind her.

Eruraviel was willing to bet few had managed to wound the fell creature and took a savage pride in doing so. Now she just needed to do it again and again. Eruraviel grunted, pushing a large chunk of carved stone off of her, her blade scraping on the dusty ground as she climbed back to her feet and worked her way back out of the collapsed building that had only a short time ago been someone's home.

She crawled from the rubble, still clenching her swords, before she took a deep breath and winced at feeling her now broken ribs.

Thuringwethil, clearly having heard her freeing herself, was staring at her in curiosity as she came to a stop a short distance away and watched the vampire warily. Behind her, just above the city skyline she could see the flash of a flaming whip and could feel the flare of defiance in a faër she recognized immediately as Lord Glorfindel. That gave her heart, she wasn't the last remaining defense of their people and she couldn't give in now.

"Not many come back for more once I've attacked. You are interesting, tell me, would you like to taste the power of freedom from the shackles imposed upon you by those cowardly gods you serve? Why honor them when they do nothing to protect you, help you when your very people cry out in desperation and agony?" Thuringwethil offered, curiosity plain on the ash white face and blackish red eyes the color of dried blood.

Eruraviel sneered, contempt flashing soul deep within her.

"You are more despicable then I took you for if you think you can sway me with such weak words and incorrect assumptions. The Valar are not responsible for our safety and protection. They do not owe us anything. We of Gondolin stand tall on our own feet. If we are to die, then we will do so with honor knowing that we have done our best to serve those around us. It does not take grand gestures and overt rewards to make a blessing known. We live, we breathe, we have family, friends and lives we've built with our own hands. If the Valar had to step in to protect it for us, then our worth would be nothing." Eruraviel snarled back, her own gold tinted aura starting to manifest around her with a hazy glow.

Thuringwethil sighed, rolling her eyes dismissively as she waved a hand carelessly.

"You elves, so devoted to ones who've done nothing to earn it."

Eruraviel laughed coldly.

"As opposed to the one you're enslaved to? The one so weak and inept the only soldiers of his army are ones he's had to corrupt and taint as he's unable to create his own? That God? Don't make me laugh. Melkor will be broken in time, he's weak and unable to contend with the will of those who stand against him. Something you creatures of shadow and darkness don't seem to understand is that death is neither something to fear or be ashamed of. If our deaths will help even one person, be they Elf, Human or Dwarf, then we have nothing to be ashamed about. If I die at your hands, then so be it. I will do so with my head raised high and surety in my heart and soul." Eruraviel stated coldly, denouncing the fallen Vala they served without hesitation.

Fury boiled in the eyes of her enemy, and Eruraviel readied herself.

"I am done talking with you. Fight or die." Eruraviel finished, lunging at the vampire. Her blades took on the same golden aura, as Eruraviel leaned back to avoid the strike to the head and buried one of her blades into Thuringwethil's stomach and yanking it out viciously. Thuringwethil growled, clutching her stomach as blood poured down her fingers eventually slowing as the wound healed over. Eruraviel expected that, and knew she'd need to exhaust the vampires reserves before she'd be able to kill her.

Fine by her.

The fight continued for another four hours both giving and receiving wounds. Eruraviel was exhausted but continued, hearing the yells of the enemy as they were slowly cut down and killed leaving only the strongest enemies and the stragglers.

Eruraviel watched her enemy closely, knowing she needed to time it right. As soon as she saw Thuringwethil waver, the dark eyes long since having become glazed from the continual healing Eruraviel forced her to use. Seizing her chance, Eruraviel launched herself right at Thuringwethil with a near feral scream.

Eruraviel slammed her right blade though Thuringwethil's chest, the force behind the blow causing them to crash into the stone and slide ending with her kneeling over Thuringwethil's chest, her hands still clenched around the hilt of her blade buried deep within it. She sputtered and coughed before giving her a small look of respect and her eyes closed. Eruraviel didn't care about Thuringwethil's opinion of her and she slid out her blade before cutting off Thuringwethil's head. Eruraviel wasn't willing to risk it being a trap. She dragged herself to her feet as she continued to stand there panting before she heard a scream from the balrog above and turned just in time to see the flames extinguish and it turn to ash it's whip flashing defiantly one last time before an eerie silence fell over Gondolin.

After the last several hours of screams and roars, the panicked cries of her people, the silence was deafening and more terrifying to her than the cacophonous noise circling through the air.

She stood there, feeling numb and dazed for several minutes before she heard a soft sobbing coming from around the corner. She slowly climbed out of the ruined courtyard their fight had been in before making her way towards the source of the sound. She saw a small form huddled underneath a slab of stone that had once been a market stall for the smithy, obviously terrified. Slowly kneeling to avoid aggravating her injuries, she gently called out, hoping the little one would come to her.

"Penneth? The fight is over won't you come out? I would like to leave if you wish to come as well. The battlefield is no place for a child such as yourself." She said softly. The little form slowly crawled out from under the rock and she smiled. The little elleth was about 3' tall with a blue tunic and dark gray leggings her undershirt was a white color but was now gray from the dirt and dust. She had blond hair with wet silver eyes and was adorable. She felt a pang of sadness at the loss of her brother before pushing forwards.

"What is your name, little Elleth?" she asked kindly not wanting to scare the little one any more than she had been. If she'd been here the entire time then she'd been forced to witness things no one her age should have. Eruraviel could only hope it wasn't enough to make her fade.

"Mireth…" she said. Eruraviel held out her hand and Mireth grabbed tightly still somewhat scared.

~Flashback End

She had managed to find her horse or rather her horse found her. She was very glad she had done so since Gondolin horses were rare in that they lived as long as their riders did, bound to the faër of their rider. Her mare was about 16 hands at the withers she was ebony black except for her mane and tail which was a snowy white, a rare coloring.

Eruraviel had gathered her brother's body, wrapping him in some clean cloth before laying him over Arvellas saddle while she carried Mireth on her hip as they set out in search for the refugees in hopes of finding Mireth's Naneth.

She had later found some refugees who were amazed at her having killed Thuringwethil and gave a small cheer at one more evil being gone from the world. She had also confirmed that Lord Glorfindel was the one to slay the last balrog, losing his life in the process to the final flash of the whip. That had been the fight she had seen on the mountain. Gothmog, the Lord of the Balrog's, had been defeated by Lord Ecthelion rather cleverly even if it had cost him his life. The Lord of the Silver Fountain had lost his blade in the fight and used his helm spike to stab Gothmog in the heart and force it into the water of the fountain drowning it with him. There was a sad but amusing irony in that, Eruraviel thought. However, part of her also acknowledged that it was best the pair had died together in this battle rather than one having to live on without their blood brother. The close bond between the two was well known to all. This way, they would be able to be with each other in Mandos Halls.

She had handed over Mireth to her grateful Naneth, finally found near the end of the line of elves, who had sobbed holding her daughter close, having thought her elfling killed after being separated in the chaos of the evacuation.

That had been over two ages ago and little had changed. She now rode around middle-earth on Arvellas. She was truly glad to have a lifelong companion to keep her company. Today she wore black leggings with the same bracer's on her arms and legs, with a deep green tunic and a black cotton undershirt. Her swords were at her back crossed underneath her quiver which was still fully stocked along with a Gondolin bow. One of the surviving solders had given it to her upon hearing her plans to travel as thanks for killing Thuringwethil. She wished they didn't have such hero worship towards her but was glad that at least Lord Glorfindel would have it worse than her when he was released from Mandos halls. But he would still be in Valinor so he would only have to deal with that crowd. She also had picked up a set of daggers from a dwarven settlement when she had helped them against a small army of orcs in the second age, though the cold drakes in that as well as her battle with the Witch King during it were what she remembered the most.

Thoughts of that battle led to her memory of what followed and Eruraviel jerked her head, slapping her cheeks with force to snap her mind out of memories she had no desire to dwell on. Remember the loss of her brother was enough heart ache for this day.

Eruraviel sighed, stretching as she stepped away from her map and looked at the blades she'd been gifted. They were made of mithril to match her swords with deep green hilt with ruby veins. The Dwarrow had joked about how now nobody could say that they didn't belong to her, because of the coloring. The daggers were attached with one on each thigh. Sighing Eruraviel decided to just ride and see where she went, letting her gut guide her.

She had just finished packing her stuff when she heard shouting coming from her left, though it was still a considerable distance. She quickly threw the packs onto Arvellas unsheathed her swords, turning towards the source of the disturbance.

"Hide but stay close Mellon-nin." Eruraviel whispered to her mare. With a small wicker Arvellas trotted silently into the trees, somehow being well disguised even with her coloring. Eruraviel jumped up into the boughs of the trees and quickly made her way towards to party of orcs making the noise. Their sickening sounds were easily recognizable.

The trail led her out of the tree line and into the mountains, and Eruraviel moved swiftly across the stone. As she crept up a ledge, she peeked over the lip and saw a band of 50 surrounding a captive form on the ground, bound in ropes with patches of blood staining what had been fine traveling gear.

For a moment, Eruraviel wondered if a noble had fallen afoul of an ambush before the form rolled and the long dirt and blood stained locks shifted to reveal the pointed ear. Her eyes widened when she realized it was an elleth with shining silver hair.

Eruraviel swallowed back a furious hiss, her grip on her blades turning her knuckles white. She'd never been good with restraining her temper. The orcs dragged the elleth across the ground carelessly, setting Eruraviel's teeth on edge as she began mapping out the encampment. She was going to free that elleth, even if getting her out took priority. However, as she looked over the area, her eyes narrowed as she grudgingly accepted that they'd chosen a difficult spot.

In between two intersecting cliff faces, they had solid walls on two side, with sentries posted on either end. The elleth had been tied to a post in the center of the encampment, up against the stone on one side. Eruraviel tilted her head, considering her options. 32 strong was a bad number when she'd be the only one fighting. However, she'd faced worse odds, her biggest concern was protecting the elleth. Her injuries seemed relatively minor thankfully. Eruraviel took a slow breath, nodding wordlessly to herself. It seemed she'd be fighting anyway. She looked over the higher parts of the cliff looking about to find the best pathway around the gap. This way she'd be able to come down on the same side the elleth was on.

As the sun began to fall, Eruraviel worked her way around the orc party, keeping her movements cautious to avoid giving away any sign of her presence. Isil was just lighting the skies as she got into position. Eruraviel steadied herself, getting her mindset changed from stealth to assault as the last of the orc fell asleep leaving only the sentries. She pulled out her bow, one blade held in her teeth the other under her knee as she took aim. She dropped the first sentry while he was out of sight of the second before killing it only a moment later. Their bodies hardly made a sound as they fell, Eruraviel tucking her bow away and dropping silently in front of the elleth.

Eruraviel moved swiftly, cutting her free and ignoring how the eyes were eerily similar to Mireth, the memory of that little elleth still far too close to the surface. Eruraviel handed one of her blades to her, nodding and beginning to kill the orcs laying closest to them. Eruraviel noted the strange mark on the poorly forged armor, it seemed like a makers mark, but more… ominous that a mere smithy mark. It had seven star like points with a broken crown in the middle. It was crude, but she could at least make out that much. Eruraviel filed it away for later consideration and continued her killings.

The elleth stayed near to her, copying her exactly. It was relieving to know that she at least had experience with the blade. When they are about halfway through, one orc managed to let out a shriek and the rest immediately came up howling. Eruraviel moved in an instant, grabbing the elleth's arm and yanking her behind Eruraviel protectively.

"Another she elf come to die!" One hooted out, making Eruraviel sneer.

"Let's see if you fail just as miserable as the everyone else that's attempted such mongrel." Eruraviel taunted back, her blade cutting the head off one who attempted to race by her and attack the elleth Eruraviel was protecting.

Big mistake.

As the rest of the orcs charged, Eruraviel was a near blur of motion as she used her remaining blade and a dagger with lethal efficiency. Bodies dropped rapidly, Eruraviel not caring about making their deaths painless or quick. Not once did they make it past her. For what had felt so long, the bloodshed only went on a short time, Isil still low in the sky when the last orc fell silent at her feet. Eruraviel stayed poised, alert in case one was faking death for several minutes before easing out of her stance and turning to the elleth behind her.

"Are you alright?" she asked quietly. The Elleth nodded.

"Yes, thank you for the aid my name is Celebrian of Imladris. May I ask yours?" the elleth now reviled as Celebrian asked.

"Ahh nice to meet you Celebrian, although the circumstances could be better." Celebrian smiled back. "My name in Eruraviel of Gondolin." Eruraviel saw shock on Celebrian's face.

"What's wrong?" Eruraviel asked, curious about the shock. Celebrian had a slightly embarrassed look on her face while replying. Eruraviel was pleased that while she seemed tired, other than assorted cuts and some bruising she was unharmed.

"Nothing, it's just other than Glorfindel I had thought all other survivors had sailed. From my lessons I believe you're the one who killed Thuringwethil correct?" Celebrian asked. Eruraviel paused briefly in confusion, not at her own deeds but Celebrian's words about Lord Glorfindel.

"Well yes I'm the one who killed Thuringwethil, as for leaving well I felt I still had a purpose here so I stayed. As to the other comment, what do you mean? Lord Glorfindel was killed." Eruraviel really was puzzled by that comment.

Celebrian smiled handing back Eruraviel's other blade which was then sheathed with its twin on her back.

"Ahh Glorfindel was returned to middle-earth in the middle of the second age he now lives in Imladris. He actually captain of the guards there and seen as a brother to both my mate and Chief Councilor Erestor." She stated.

Eruraviel stood in shock for a moment before shaking it off.

Lord Glorfindel had been sent back to Arda? Why? Never had the Valar returned someone to Arda after their passing or they sailed. The closest was Lord Cirdan the Shipwright who ferried elves to Valinor when they wished to sail. If Lord Glorfindel had been returned, she wasn't fully surprised he'd settled into Imladris as from what she knew the last few elves from Gondolin who remained alongside her also dwelled there. Gondolin elves were more comfortable in the mountains and heights than forest and streams.

Either way, they needed to leave here. Eruraviel didn't want to risk remaining and being attacked once more.

"Are there any other survivors aside from yourself?" Eruraviel questioned softly, somehow already knowing the answer. Grief flashed across the blue eyes as Celebrian wordless shook her head. Eruraviel sighed, taking one last look over the ruined encampment.

"Well we better get you to safety before other orcs come looking. Lothloríen is closer than Imladris and it would be best to have a better escort than myself to make a journey across these mountains. They grow more dangerous by the day unfortunately. Is that alright with you?" Eruraviel asked. Celebrian nodded and Eruraviel pulsed her faër, leading Celebrian up the cliff to follow Eruraviel's trail back out of the mountains in into the dense woodlands below. A few minutes after they'd done so Arvellas appeared from the trees just up ahead.

"She's beautiful, she's a true Gondolin steed correct?" Celebrian inquired as Arvellas trotted up to them.

Eruraviel nimbly climbed into the saddle before reaching down a hand to help Celebrian climb up behind her.

"Indeed. She's been my faithful companion for many years and battles." Eruraviel answered calmly.

With a nudge of her feet Arvellas leaped forward and set a fast pace towards Lothloríen. At this pace they should reach the borders of Lothloríen in about 8 hours if they didn't stop and would arrive just after Anar's rise. There was a comfortable silence between the two elleth's as they raced towards safety. Neither finding a need to fill the air with chatter. Eruraviel was focused on their surroundings, feeling Celebrian sleeping lightly against her back. As exhausted as she was, Eruraviel didn't begrudge her sleeping. Eruraviel was long since accustomed to little sleep anyway.

As Anar rose above the mountains Arvellas crossed over the Anduin river by a narrow ford and into the towering mallorn trees of Lothloríen. It was thirty minutes later that they heard elves running above them in the trees, the slender forms only visible for short flashes through the greenery..

"Tis' alright Haldir, she saved me from the orcs, we wish for protection in these woods." Celebrian called out. Eruraviel turned in surprise, both at the elleth being awake and her words.

"Your familiar with these woods then I take it?" Eruraviel asked in curiosity. Celebrian laughed softly, nodding against her shoulder.

"Ai, I grew up here. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are my parents." Eruraviel whistled in shock. Grimacing a bit at how much pressure she'd undoubtedly dealt with. Eruraviel may have been a noble, but her constant traveling meant she didn't often have to deal with the intricacies of High Court and Royalty – well unless she was visiting King Durin.

"Aiya, that's quite the legacy to live up to. My sympathies." Eruraviel said jokingly, but still honest. Behind her Celebrian giggled and in the trees lighter laughter could be heard. Another few minutes later and they reached the inner city, the large gates open for their obviously expected arrival. Arvellas slowed to a slow trot and paused just passed the gates to let Eruraviel and Celebrian dismount. The running of feet could be heard and Eruraviel saw two elves come running down the spiraling staircase towards them.

Eruraviel needed no introduction to understand who they were; Lord Celeborn the Prince of Doriath and Lady Galadriel Daughter of Lord Finarfin. A powerful couple to be sure, though their daughter was much the same with her marriage to Lord Elrond. Eruraviel was not one to disparage the Lord for his mixed heritage. In fact, she believed that it made him far stronger than another and she respected him for his drive and perseverance.

Eruraviel watched as Celebrian was swept into an embrace, the small family could be heard sobbing as Celebrian was held between them. Eruraviel smiled as she turned and swiftly mounted. Her job here was done, she had no need to trouble them with her presence any further now that Celebrian had been returned to safety. She had just turned Arvellas towards the trees when she felt a hand grasp her forearm and pulling her to a stop. Turning she saw Lord Celeborn holding her arm, looking up at her with a deep gratitude and concern in his eyes. A concern, she was puzzled to note, that grew as he looked at her. Why would he be worried for her Eruraviel wondered silently in her mind.

"Please wait, at least stay tonight so that we may thank you for returning out daughter to us and her family." Lord Celeborn requested, his voice a soft baritone she knew could turn loud and commanding in but a moment. Eruraviel paused for a minute unsure if she should bring that amount of danger to the elvish haven. Her presence could be very risky to a settlement, the enemy hunting her had long since been a constant in her life.

"Your presence here poses no greater danger to Lothlorien than Myself or My Lord Husband. Please, rest for tonight at least." A lighter voice stated, making Eruraviel turn tired green eyes to Lady Galadriel. Mental prowess, Eruraviel remembered. It didn't make her uncomfortable, it was just something she needed to remember. Eruraviel sighed still uncomfortable with the idea but she nodded and dismounted once more, taking Arvellas reins in her right hand. Turning she bowed to Lord Celeborn, her manners and upbringing making her well aware that his station was far higher than her own.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay the night. It is much appreciated, I will do my best to avoid causing you and yours any trouble." She said quietly. She felt hands grasp her shoulders pulling her up from her bow. Her eyes locking with the gentle eyes of Lord Celeborn.

"Please don't bow to me, it is us who should be bowing to you." Celeborn stated earnestly. "May I ask what your name is?" he asked.

Eruraviel smiled, hiding her unease at the thought of Lord Celeborn bowing to her, it sent a shudder down her spine.

"Ah, my name is Eruraviel of Gondolin." She stated. She saw his eyes go wide for a second and several gasps could be heard from the gathered elves. Lord Celeborn laughed brightly and wrapped his arm around her shoulders before grabbing Celebrian's hand in his right. Eruraviel saw Galadriel holding her daughters other hand.

"Haldir would you guide her steed to the stables for rest please?" Lord Celeborn requested as a pale blond stepped away from the crowd and took Arvellas reins. Eruraviel willingly acceded and let the warrior guide her content mare deeper into the sprawling dwelling as they themselves ventured back up the stairs and into the many branch lined pathways of Lothlorien.

"Tis been many years since a Gondolin elf has been seen, well besides Glorfindel of course. Where have you been these many years?" Galadriel asked. Eruraviel smiled sadly, somewhat happy to have gotten a confirmation of Lord Glorfindel's return. She was happy for him, truly.

"I have been roaming middle-earth since my homes fall. As far as I was aware I was actually the few remaining Gondolin elves on this side of the seas. I was not aware Lord Glorfindel had been reborn and returned. I have not actually been to any of the elven settlements. Oh I know where they are naturally but that is the extent of my knowledge." She stated. She saw curiosity flash in Celeborn's eyes as they reached what Eruraviel assumed was their private home.

"Why do you not settle down in one of the settlements?" Celeborn asked quietly, obviously wary of prying into a wound. There was a pause before Eruraviel decided it didn't matter if they knew, not like it would change anything. She had chosen this path for a reason after all.

"Well, you see…I should have been able to do more, save more…" she paused as her gwador's lifeless body appeared in her mind before pushing the image aside and continuing. "To me wandering and saving who I can is my way to repay those I failed to protect as I should have so long ago." She saw sadness in their eyes as they listened to her.

"You saved many lives with your defeat of Thuringwethil Eruraviel. No one elf could have stopped Gondolin's fall, even Enowe himself." Lord Celeborn told her firmly, his own eyes dark with a regret she knew mirrored her own. Doriath had faced a similar fate after all.

Eruraviel frowned, but she still knew she'd failed. She hadn't even been able to protect her brother. What good was a warrior who only got other's killed?

A large talan appeared as they came around a bend on the trail, Lady Galadriel opening the door for them to make their way into the main room. It was large, branches woven through the walls with large curtains and sheer fabrics lining the central rooms which contained the kitchen, a sitting area recessed into the floor and a table for eating. It was colored in creams, silvers and blues the color of the brightest skies – it was beautiful. Celeborn led her to the farthest door on the right before opening it to reveal a bedroom decorated in greens and silvers.

"You can sleep here tonight if you wish," he stated before bowing once more to her and guiding his wife and daughter to another room. Smiling softly she closed the door and collapsed on the bed her mind running wildly. Why had she endangered them by coming this deep into their wood? Didn't they understand how risky that was? How many people would pay for her lazing about here while creatures prowled and hunted the innocent? She rolled onto her stomach, rolling her eyes when her arrows slid out of her quiver and one poked her in the eye. Valar, thank heavens no one had seen that Eruraviel grumbled to herself before sitting up and removing many of her weapons. She kept her daggers on but set the others right next to her on the bed before laying on her back and folding her hands behind her head.

Lord Glorfindel having returned was another concept she needed to think about. Technically speaking, he was her commander – and, unknowingly, she had been shirking her duties by not reporting into him. However, the dangers she brought to others made that concept a risky one. There was a reason she avoided other elvish havens. Her thoughts continued to spiral, jumping from one bleak concept to another with her sleeping fitfully in between.

She slept through the day and the rest of the night before finally awakening in the pale beams of sunlight slipping through the window. She had stayed the requested time, it was best she leave before anything happened. Eruraviel quickly and silently pulled her weapons back on before she opened the door and saw Celeborn reclining on the couch with Celebrian's curled into him. He glanced up as she entered and smiled.

"I hope you slept well, you must have been extremely tired." He said quietly to avoid waking Celebrian. "Celebrian was hoping to leave later today to return home, her husband and children are quite worried and anxious to see her. We intend to send our best guard along with her. Would you be willing to accompany her home?" he asked his eyes pleading. Eruraviel thought deeply, she didn't mind helping truly she didn't but well she tended to avoid the elves for fear of becoming too attached. Finally she sighed and nodded her acceptance to Celeborn who beamed at her in thanks. She couldn't refuse an order form him.

"However," Eruraviel stated warningly, "should the guard pester me with ceaseless questions like elfling's I will not hesitate to throw them in the river." She said clearly. She truly would, she hated it when elves acted like elfling's and would not leave her alone, and it drove her up a wall. Celeborn didn't seem to find this at all offensive. As a matter of fact judging from the laughter coming from him he found it more humorous than anything. She had no idea that he was only laughing because of the many times he had heard Glorfindel complain of the exact same thing.

The remaining part of the morning passed quickly and by early afternoon everyone was in their saddles waiting for whoever would ride on the last two horses. Eruraviel was curious as to whom the last guard was. She could see Haldir and several other guards adding up to twenty not counting whoever the last one was. At the sound of approaching feet everyone looked over and was surprised to see Lord Celeborn arrive with his daughter both in riding gear and armed. Many of the guard seemed ready to protest before Eruraviel spoke up.

"My my, the lord of the golden wood graces us with his aid on the ride, shall we put padding on your saddle my Lord?" she said jokingly. Everyone was absolutely silent in shock before everyone including Celebrian broke out in laughter and giggles. Celeborn gave her a mock glare for the comment before helping his daughter mount before doing the same on his horse. He made a show of shifting uncomfortably in the saddle, which made everyone laugh again before they set out to Imladris. As they left, Eruraviel gave the gates one final long look before turning her focus back onto the road.