A Christmas present, wrapped and all. Enjoy and see you in the new year!
Thanks Mystery Beta, for letting fanfiction being part of your festive days, your comments are pushing me up and onwards.
Chapter 24 - Beneath a swift sunrise, Rin sat up straight…
Beneath a swift sunrise, Rin sat up straight, her hands meeting rimed grass underneath her fingers. The crusty coldness made her shiver and her breath escaped the warmth of her mouth like a white ghost. Small game had pulled dark-lined tracks over the whiteness of the rime, cutting it visually into shard-like shapes. The interval of prints within the tracks pointed to rabbits maybe, or birds.
A few meters away, Elladan stood watching the sunrise. His dark cloak fell heavily around him, the hem reaching his boots and his hand resting loosely on the pommel of his sword. His posture was alert and proud, like a ronin samurai out of a Kurosawa movie. She had to smile at the comparison.
Her attention drifted towards the elf lying next to her. With a start, she noticed that his face was mere inches from hers. And he was fast asleep. She studied him with fascination, his delicate features, small silvery scars on his cheek, dark lashes underneath straight elegant eyebrows, his mouth slightly ajar, the thin lips slightly chapped. His breath came out wispy and white as well. Reluctant to avert her eyes from the mesmerizing details of his face, she marvelled at the normality of him. It was not often she saw the elves sleep. They didn't need it as much as humans and more often pursued some kind of meditation to rest. By watching them unguarded, their mysterious supernatural aura seemed less extraordinary when lying so vulnerable. It must have been the battle wearing them out so much.
While her eyes were feasting on Elrohir's silent face, her gaze was pulled reluctantly towards movement in the corner of her eye. Elladan turned his head to look at her, his dark hair being lit from the back, giving him a dark halo of molten gold. "Good morning Rin." It was barely a whisper and a smile shone through it. But it was enough to startle her and rip her eyes from Elrohir's sleepy features.
She returned his smile. "Good morning."
Elrohir stirred in silence for a moment, then he sat up swiftly, suddenly towering over her. Determined to not stare at him any longer, Rin surveyed the vicinity, asking Elladan: "Where is Raithon?"
"Filling the waterskins."
Standing up, she nodded in understanding, fighting a sudden longing for a warm cup of coffee. Cold un-disinfected water from an old waterskin was hardly a good alternative. But it would do, the view upon the rising sun made up for it. She felt Elrohir standing behind her, folding up his bedroll and striding towards the horses. His morning ritual she knew by now. Suldal whinnied softly at his approach, as if mindful of the silence around him.
The peaceful silence did not last long and soon all were awake and ready to leave. She rubbed her arms, fighting a shiver. The cold was severe and she wondered about the seasons, it felt like winter was coming. She decided on doing some exercise to chase the cold from her bones and fell into an easy yoga morning flow, her breathing slowly falling in sync with her movements. Only when she faced the horses in side-plank pose, her limbs stretched with all the grace she could muster this early in the morning, she noticed Elrohir's dark eyes watching her over Suldal's saddle, but as soon as she made eye contact, he looked away.
Finishing her exercise she felt warm and supple and eagerly accepted a waterskin from Raithon. The coldness of the water was refreshing after her efforts.
Elladan finished saddling Mithroch and jumped easily in the saddle, taking off North at thundering speed, with nary a glance at the others. Elrohir stood talking in soft Elvish with Raithon and Aien. Then he grasped Aien's forearm, aligning it to his own, in a strange farewell gesture and followed his brother without looking back at them.
Her own farewell to Aien that morning was hard. She found herself embracing the witty and kind-hearted elf with all the strength she could muster, surprising him. It brought a fond smile to his sharp features and he murmured words of reassurance for his well being. When he jumped into his saddle, he blew her a kiss and winked. She laughed at his antics, which always lightened her mood considerably.
While she stared at his figure, disappearing in the landscape, Raithon placed his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it softly. "His abilities to travel undetected will keep him safe. Do not worry."
"I cannot help it." She stated with an acrimonious smile.
He turned her around, searching her eyes and said sincerely: "Neither can I."
And somehow this honesty made her feel better. There was no comforting lie. He simply stated how he felt. Helping her gallantly into her saddle, they turned North, chasing after two restless Elf Lords who went on scouting ahead already.
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It took them a full week to reach the farthest borders of the Dunedain territories in the North. Elrohir, who came crashing through the trees at high speed on Suldal, had informed them breathlessly that they were entering a different realm. Rin watched the exhausted Suldal with worry and confusion; he was glistening with sweat, foam dripping from his mouth. Staring at her surroundings, she could not detect anything that could have triggered his conclusion, but for the change in the landscape. Bare wastelands enclosed in the East by snow-tipped mountain ranges, made way for smooth hills covered with large oak and ash forests.
When the mountains disappeared from view, she still felt their presence looming. Somehow, she had felt ill at ease watching their majestic but menacing sharpness during their journey. Higher than any mountains from her country, they seemed intimidating and dangerous, their white peaks ragged like teeth. The past week, bad weather often surprised them, descending from their slopes, dark cloud formations, thunder so loud it shook the ground beneath them and strange deep irregular resonating sounds that Raithon attributed to stone-giants hurling rocks at each other.
But, here, facing Elrohir at this woodland edge, she noticed that this landscape felt more friendly; a seemingly more fertile land for humans to live in, were it not for the lingering evil at its borders in the North.
The travelling had proved to be uneventful. Excitement was modest, coming in the shape of large deer migrating in a vast herd, a dangerous looking bear - a shapeshifter Raithon claimed, and many birds she did not recognize. One time they saw an eagle in the far distance and being used to eagles, she paid it no heed, until Raithon explained how large it actually was and could well grasp her horse with her on top if it felt hungry.
But apart from encountering these interesting creatures, the relative boring cadence of travelling was her daily companion. The flashbacks lessened under the soothing impact of nature around her, or maybe it was the influence of Elladan and Elrohir. Like when she first met them, nightmares became rare. She had enough time to consider the brothers and their subtle change in behaviour. It was uncanny how easy they fell into step with each other, comfortable routines seemed to silently take their designated place.
But it was far from the same co-existence as before. Unspoken wants and hurts lingered on both sides and there was no physical contact and no words were spoken. The twins were licking their wounds, noticed most profoundly in the uncharacteristic silence of Elladan. Elrohir remained his brooding self, scouting far ahead, his thoughts unreadable but for his brother. Elladan, although close in body, riding with her and Raithon occasionally, had closed himself off mentally. In silence he rode and in silence he watched her, his tongue guarding his thoughts.
There seemed little time for her to contemplate a conversation starter. The brothers would scout for long periods of time, and at the end of the week disappeared for three days in a row. Even Raithon left to scout, and at such moments she found herself in a welcoming silence to hide and heal in. The trust they indirectly conveyed by leaving her on her own was flattering, but the looming mountains and strange creatures put her on edge as well, making her feel free but acutely aware of her lack of knowledge in a hostile environment. She often unsheathed her dagger, but the cold metal never glowed.
It was the continued lack of tracks of either warg or orcs that put the elves on edge and forced them to scout so far ahead. Rin agreed that to at least have knowledge about their enemies movement through the landscape was better than this astute lack of it. It made her feel blind.
Aien was on her mind, and the Dunédain settlements where Aragorn would be born. Steering blind made Gorchak's looming presence, waiting for them in the north, a dark weight in her mind. He was there. Waiting. And they would walk right into his traps. He would not waste his breath by spying or charging them on their journey. The businesslike logic behind his tactics unnerved her, Gorchak's gruesome interest in the brothers fresh in her mind.
Will we survive his sadistic traps and games? She wondered while she looked at Elrohir who expertly kept the restless prancing Suldal steady before them. She had not seen him in three days, only Raithon's calm had kept her fear for them at bay. Then behind him, she noticed a dark rider approach through the trees. Her growing unease and unfamiliarity with her surroundings had made her check her dagger for any signs of orcs. But then she recognized Mithroch and Elladan and cursed herself for her paranoia. Get a grip!
Elladan said with a voice rough from disuse: "Let us make camp and let the horses rest." No words were needed to agree upon that.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Tasks were shared after making camp beneath a large solitary oak-like tree; Raithon and Elrohir left again to scout, leaving Rin alone with Elladan to hunt and prepare a meal.
Elladan had returned swiftly with small game, two rabbits and two fowl and now sat leisurely next to the fire, plucking its feathers. Rin sat with her knees pulled up, hands and chin resting on top of them, watching his patient hands. She felt strange, being on her own with him, she was unsure how to break the awkwardness. "Please, let me help?"
The question lingered for only a moment. A bird was held out to her silently and she grasped it, awkwardly bending around the searing heat of the flames. Watching how it was done she started plucking. The bird was limp and warm in her hands, wings flopping about, and suddenly the memory of Elladan's limp body enforced itself on her, submerging her into the horror of that moment. She closed her eyes, paralyzed, reliving every clear detail of the fight for his life.
"Rin!" his voice soft but pressing, rang clear and pure over the fire, waking her from her traumatic memory. "Forgive me, I did not think the bird would…." He didn't finish his sentence.
His warm hand on her shoulder startled her into opening her eyes. How did he move so fast towards her? She stared at him wide-eyed. His understanding was uncanny, like mind reading, just as she remembered it. He knew what was haunting her thoughts and she wondered how it did not haunt his.
Was this the bond growing once again? She thought back to Tessarion, when his spirit left his body, the emptiness she felt only after he was gone. How could she know if something was growing once more? Since she could not even feel Tessarion connect with her until it was too late? Such a complicated world, interwoven with magic that she could not understand, see or touch. She shook her head. No. It doesn't matter. Even if there is a bond growing, they betrayed me.
"It is not your fault. The memory caught me off guard, that is all."
He smiled without joy. "Maybe not directly. Still, I am the catalyst of these cause and effect patterns."
He still knelt before her, facing her, his breath hot on her face. It seemed as if everything around her was holding its breath.
"Are you alright now, Rin?"
Uncomfortable, she nodded silently, holding the plucked bird up to him, to create distance. "How should I clean this?"
He saw through her design, but nodded nevertheless, conjuring up two knives from underneath his clothes. He showed her how the entrails needed to be removed and the meat cut in such a way that it would be easy to roast above the fire. They worked closely together, their shoulders touching from time to time. Then his movements ceased and his silent voice bounced off the darkness around them. "Rin… I think we should talk…."
She felt his warm hand on her shoulder, slowly turning her around. His silver-grey eyes stared at her and to her surprise, she saw vulnerability there and a question.
But the bitterness gained territory in her mind and standing up, harsher than she meant it the words came out. "No. You should talk. I have nothing to say and you…." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "Especially you...have made it clear what I am to you both."
The hurt was still there, its rawness, surprising her. It was Elladan's behaviour in Rivendell that had devastated her. Elrohir's directness she could handle. He used few words, and the ones he used were straight and clear, they either hurt or not. But Elladan's sudden change towards her when Elrohir was being healed by their father, his passive aggression and refusal to trust her with their truth, hurt her even more than Elrohir's rejection.
Elladan, standing up in like, towered over her. Unperturbed by her sharpness, he looked at her with a wistful smile. "Hitting the mark straight on, as ever. I have missed you, Rin." He raised his hand, caressing her cheek.
It caught her off guard completely and for a small moment, she closed her eyes. Then she looked up at him, fighting his height, pulling her face away from his grasp violently.
It was at that moment, Elrohir walked into the clearing, leading Suldal, Raithon following in his wake. He stopped when he noticed the tension between them.
Rin ignored his presence, still looking up at Elladan. They were standing so close that she could feel his body warmth, his power, his scent. His sudden gentleness pissed her off, because it meant, again, a total disrespect of her feelings. But her planned retort met nothing but air, because he had already turned and walked towards his brother without another word, his power, like a dark caress, following in his wake.
Elrohir watched him approach. But Elladan strode past him, and the dark that danced around him restlessly, seemed eager to melt into the shadows. At his brother's departure, Elrohir cast his silver eyes onto her, a slight frown marring his features. And then he disappeared after his sibling.
Rin sighed. He always followed his brother.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Elladan kept walking away from the warmth of the camp and its fire and into the cold darkness. It felt like plunging into the waters of the Bruinen in winter. But even the dark of night was not enough to cool off the simmering rage he felt. In need to release his tension he started running at high speed and he felt Elrohir chasing him, his power raw and bare, unfocussed, waning and waxing, almost reaching him but not quite.
He ran until his thoughts were nullified and his breath burned in his lungs. Then he stopped abruptly, leaning one hand against an old tree, waiting for his brother's fëa latching onto his own, longing for its soothing comfort. It was sobering when he felt only his brother's arm pinning him against the rough bark of a tree with his arm. Only then, like water bursting from a broken flask, Elrohir's power washed over him, biting and burning him. He sighed within his brother's iron hold. There was no comfort to be had, only strife.
"Pray, tell me. What was that about?" Elrohir said through clenched teeth.
Elladan averted his eyes from the burning gaze of his brother. "What is your concern, Elrohir?"
Elrohir leaned towards him, still holding him, his grip still strong on his brother, knowing full well Elladan matched him in strength. "That depends. You are behaving like my rival. Secrecy does not suit you, brother."
Elladan faltered, but then bit out at him: "I told her we need to talk."
"Without me?"
Elrohir did not hide his emotions, hurt and concern plainly on his features, and beneath that; uncertainty. He let his arm slip away, hanging limp from his body and with it, Elladan felt his rage diminish.
They stood there only inches apart from each other in the darkness not touching each other. Starlight caught their eyes enhancing the silver in them.
Elrohir pressed again, his voice emotional and raw: "Are you my rival?"
Elladan blinked at the words, his mind slow to process their meaning. Were they rivals? Was there a possibility that only one of them would be chosen, leaving the other to sail or die in battle? Elladan knew it was possible and for a moment despair rose in his throat like bile. He felt his brother's distressed fëa, whirling restlessly around him, reaching out to him.
No. That would be unbearable. He reached his hand up towards Elrohir, caressing for a moment his clenched jaw. He smiled as he spoke the words he knew to be true.
"Never."
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The next morning passed awkwardly. Elrohir and Elladan clearly had a fight and did not speak nor look at each other, nor to her and Raithon. The weather was not helping; damp and cold fog covered their surroundings and the sun seemed far gone. The lack of sunlight dampened her spirits just as much as the twins' simmering feud did.
She decided that she had best ignore their tantrum and sought out Raithon's company, which was pleasant as always. He avoided last night's scene with diplomacy and skill and she was grateful for it. They talked softly about all things related to weaponry, especially her knowledge of sword making in her own world. She would have ascertained him to be a typical nerd in her culture. He was only interested in technical details and she felt insufficient in providing them. She was no sword forger, her knowledge went only as deep as she was taught by her father and Hideo. Still, their conversation was lively and animated.
The brothers seemed to regain their good spirits at the end of the day. She could pinpoint the end of their fight easily, a feeling of calm and relief flooding her as if she stood in direct contact with them.
But her irritation remained in place. Here they were, on a quest to safeguard the future, barely escaped death and still, they were being difficult. It strengthened her resolve to ignore their connection altogether. Arming herself against it. As soon as this business was done. She would find her own way, leaving them to their suffocating little mental circles.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
The oak and ash forest grew more open, the trees larger and taller. The horses' hooves made little sound on the thick layer of moulted leaves and earth underneath the yellow and reddish canopy. The autumnal colours were slowly gaining ground on the forest floor. Elrohir and Elladan were guiding them with sure direction on a seemingly invisible path until they could smell woodfire in the distance and hear the sound of a hammer on metal.
Soon the invisible path seemed more clear and straight, the yellow and red leaves making way to fresh, green grass. A well-trodden path or well kept. The sounds of a village grew stronger and more familiar. Not unlike a village in her homeland; the silence disrupted now and then by a barking dog, laughing children, a baby crying.
Elladan gazed upwards from time to time, or towards the side, indicating with a move of his head the presence of guards. She never saw them.
The village itself lay nestled on the edge of the forest, green pastures bordering it on the far side. It reminded her strongly of Shirakawa, a village she travelled through on one of her solitary bike journeys in Japan. Kind of a tourist trap, because of its large amount of traditional houses and it was that type of wooden longhouse that she saw here now. Strong wooden structures, both warehouse, workplace and living quarters, built on poles, roofs made of reed. There were no paved roads, only dirt ones and each house had a small garden where vegetables and animals had their place.
The villagers were tall and broad-shouldered, hair predominantly raven black and brown. The females seemed less tall, their tread sure and elegant. She saw honest and sober faces and none stood idle, making the place buzzing with activity. Rin decided that it looked absolutely lovely, the familiarity putting her at ease immediately. Looking sideways to her companions, she realised they stood out like sore thumbs, armed to the teeth, the ethereal beauty of the elven warriors extrinsic.
While passing the first few houses, a small militia approached them. Fifteen men strong, they were all dressed in dark colours, leather under heavy cuirasses, carrying dented swords and chipped shields. They did not look like the rangers of the books to her, more like a reluctant army of peasants. A solemn man dressed in black leather and a mantle set with white fur was leading them. He bowed deeply before the twin brothers and to Rin's surprise said in broken Sindarin, "Mae Govannen!" He continued in Westron, "My Lord Elladan, Lord Elrohir. It has been too long since you graced us with your presence here."
Elladan and Elrohir slid out of their saddles in unison, laughing, their chagrin disappearing like snow before the sun. They each grabbed the man in a bear hug. "Bahnan! What jest is this? To greet us with such formality!"
The one called Bahnan laughed sheepishly, touching his hair in a nervous gesture. Then he eyed Rin and Raithon. "Well, I was not sure of the Lady and the Lord in your company. It does not hurt to be polite."
Elladan ruffled his hair with a familiar closeness that made her gape, ignoring the man's concerns about decorum. "Do not fret youngling. Tell us how your teachings go? Do you still practice according to our schedules?"
The man nodded, visibly embarrassed by being addressed as if he were a boy, Rin mused in surprise. It was clear that the twins had neglected to share the number and depth of friendships they forged in the north. They had intervened with mortal lives far more than any of their kind. Amazed at this realisation, she wondered why they kept this information from their father. These were valuable allies for Rivendell in the battle against their enemies. Could they have found comfort with these human villagers? Their bloodlust made them chase short term satisfaction, clenching revenge day after day, seeking out danger, acting in anger and rage, all to cope with their grief. They did not follow any design, nor plan. Could this human community be more suited to condone or accept their lifestyle? Could elves ever understand them like humans did?
She decided to save the man from his humiliation by two ancient beings that did not understand fully that he was grown up already. She cleared her throat. The three looked up at her.
"Will you not introduce us?"
Elladan's joy diminished somewhat. He gave a curt nod. "Forgive me. Bahnan, this is Rin and that is Raithon, two warriors from the Guard of Imladris. We are here on urgent business."
Bahnan bowed deeply, surprise showing on his face when he seemed to notice that she was not of elven kind, but he did not push the matter. Another surprise, for the twins to present her as one of their kind. What was up with them? What happened to their arrogant comments on the difference in class, race, skill and experience?
"Urgent business?" Bahnan's question lingered for a moment in their midst, unanswered. But the solemn faces of the brothers spoke plainly. Still he asked, "Might this be related to the superior wargs and orcs that are roaming our lands as of late? We have lost many men already." His features turned troubled.
Elladan's eyes narrowed. "It seems we have shared experiences then. We have a lot to discuss. Can you gather the elders?"
Bahnan's face turned grim. He nodded. "Let me find you accommodation for the night so you can freshen up from your journey. We will speak tonight." He turned and yelled orders to his men and the militia dispatched in small groups, for each soldier a task to be executed.
Bahnan led them to the south side of the village. Curious children appeared along the way, with bright eyes, rosy cheeks, tangled hair, some on bare feet, eying them with curiosity and excitement. And soon a string of them ran behind them singing. Their joy over the arrival of these elf warriors, stood in sharp contrast to the vigilance of the adults. Some showed recognition and respect, but others were suspicious. But the suspicion was directed at Raithon and herself, the brothers received nothing but respect.
Soon they arrived at a large house with a magnificent view over the fields. Upon dismounting, Raithon addressed him softly. "Forgive me, Master Bahnan, before I rest, is there a blacksmith in the village? I have a few items that need mending."
Bahnan nodded politely. "Of course, Master Raithon. Just take the road to the far north end, there you will find the smithy of Master Celebrim."
Raithon stared at him for a moment in bafflement. "Celebrim?" Then he said, musing: "An echo of a famous name and fitting to his trade."
Bahnan frowned. "I do not understand your meaning, Master Raithon, but Celebrim is the best in this trade for many miles around. He will mend any weapon or tool you might need fixing."
When Raithon took off north, she was prevented from entering the house by Bahnan. "Please Lady Rin, this is no fitting accommodation for you. I will settle you elsewhere."
Not this again! She stared wistfully at the twins being led away from her. She noticed to her chagrin, Elrohir picking up on her irritation. He gave her a quick serious wink. When the twins disappeared in the house, she, in turn, was brought to another one where a blushing brown-haired woman, her own age, let her into a simple room. The wooden furniture was sparse but clean and neat, the coverings on the bed white linen and sheepskins.
She put her weapons in a corner of the room, draped her mantle on the bed and looked out of the window to the peaceful village. The children had given up the pursuit, now more interested in the male warriors and their lodgings than her. The silence in the room felt suffocating and she sighed deeply, just when the woman returned with two wooden buckets of hot water.
To her dismay, she noticed next to a washing bowl with steaming water, a simple dress. No doubt for her to wear and be presentable to the males in charge. Well. They had to find somebody else to wear that then.
"Thank you for aiding me. What is your name? My name is Rin."
The woman smiled at her polite question. "My name is Maeva. It is nice to meet you, Lady Rin."
"I am no Lady, you can just call me Rin."
Maeva looked confused. "But you are travelling in the company of the Lords of Rivendell? Are you not of elven blood? You look so different from us." Shocked by her own words it seemed, she clasped her hands over her mouth.
Rin smiled at that. "Don't worry about it. And yes, you are right, I am not from here. But I am mortal, even if I may not look like it."
Maeva lowered her hands hesitantly, she looked surprised but did not pursue the matter, focussing on filling the washing bowl with warm water.
Rin stared at the dress. "Please Maeva". She held the garment up. "It is not my custom to wear dresses. Can you help me wash my own clothes?"
Maeva exclaimed with a frown: "No dresses? You are far from home indeed if that is your custom Rin. I have never heard of such a people!" Then she smiled warmly. 'But you are a guest here and I will help you comfortable if I can. Do you need help to undress?"
"No, I can do it myself." Rin peeled her clothes from her body, grimacing at the smell and dirt that caked to her body and clothes. Weeks at a time on horseback would do this to you, she understood all too well why guests were given fresh clothes.
When stripped naked, Maeva gathered her clothing and wanted to leave the room, when Rin called her. "Maeva, will you make haste with the washing?"
"Yes, I will. But I fear you will have to wear your clothes wet though. I cannot dry them before the gathering tonight." She hesitated for a moment on the doorstep. "Lady Gilraen will be vexed with me for giving our esteemed guest wet clothes….."
Rin understood the unspoken question. "Maeva, this was my own wish, and I will speak up when she has concerns."
Maeva smiled in relief. "Thank you, Rin. Enjoy your bath."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
When dusk fell, Maeva led her towards another large house, seemingly located in the middle of the village. Rin felt reluctant as always to meet with a large crowd of strangers, but Maeva's presence gave her courage. She was led inside a stuffy hall, with a fire ablaze and pipe smoke clouding her vision. It made her eyes swim and sting. At the head of a lengthy wooden table, a dark-haired man sat, clad in a simple brown tunic. A woman with auburn hair sat on his left side, an elderly man with grey hair and beard on his right.
Rin refused Maeva's directions towards the lower end of the table carefully and steered herself towards her companions, sitting down between Raithon and Elrohir, determined. The man at the head of the table regarded her with interest, slightly confused about her status and relationship with the elves.
Elladan introduced her without looking at her. "Lord Arathorn, please let me introduce our companion, Shimizu Rin, or Rin. She is a warrior in our Guard and has accompanied us on the journey north."
Arathorn inclined his head. "I am honoured to meet you Shimizu Rin. This is Lord Benran, our village Elder and this is my wife, Lady Gilraen."
Their names hit her almost physically. She knew these names as if they were engraved in her mind. But how had she not remembered in advance? And what were the odds of her finding Aragorn's parents just spot on in the first village they encountered? On top of that she arrived just in time, Gilraen seemed to be in the last stages of her pregnancy, her face tired but glowing.
She never believed in higher powers, in a god or gods, but since her arrival in Middle Earth, her convictions shook and crumbled. There seemed to be more here, more than met her eye. Intuition, a quality that she always attributed to keen senses and attention to detail, was becoming just as trustworthy as sight or smell. The feeling increased when the twins were close. And this sense of a higher purpose, of forces that worked behind her visual world, seemed to peak towards this very moment and it appeared to her that she was meant to arrive right here at this very point in time. She staggered inwardly at the enormity of that idea, wondering if she was slowly going nuts.
Scrambling to find a reply she said hastily: "Thank you for your kind welcome, Lord Arathorn, Lady Gilraen, Lord Benran. And may I congratulate you with the coming of your son?"
She felt the three elves around her stiffen at her words, growing eerily silent. Arathorn eyed her strangely. Benran stared at her in amazement. She realised her mistake and cursed herself. Opening her mouth to lessen the awkwardness, nothing came out. The silence stretched.
Then Arathorn shared a quick look with his wife and Gilraen watched her with a glowing satisfied expression. "Do not fret, dear guest. I have known all along that I carry a boy under my heart." she smiled, her hand involuntarily caressing her belly.
Her calm eyes assessed Rin with interest. "Tell me." she continued. "Do you possess elven blood? Is that why you have foresight and travel with the Lords of Rivendell?"
Rin gaped at her. How to counter this one? She smiled uneasily. "No, I am just a human, Lady Gilraen. I was lost in the wild with no memory of how I came to be there. They found me and gave me a place among them."
The calm intelligence in the woman's eyes peaked. "I see, still, I feel there is something special about you, Rin Shimizu. I can feel it, just as I can feel my son's heart beating steady inside of me. It is fortunate our paths crossed."
Rin stared at her, feeling the hairs on her neck rise, goosebumps on her arms. You should be glad indeed. You and your son are in great danger. But she kept these ominous thoughts to herself. It would not do to venture these notions out loud and barge into a diplomatic meeting like an elephant.
The conversation seemed to end there and they resumed their quiet talking with the twins. Nothing about the imminent threat was discussed, she noticed, they talked of the hunt, the migration of animals, the lives of children, the seasons and the harvest. Small everyday subjects and problems that any village encountered; who died, who gave birth, who married. It was soothing to listen to such normality. She was not surprised they saved the serious conversations for later. It was no different from the stages in diplomatic meetings in her own world.
Somebody provided her with a wooden bowl of stew and a large pull of beer and for a moment she forgot to listen to the ongoing discussions of their hosts and the twins, their words swallowed by the merry racket around her. Raithon on her left was, like her, not partaking in the discussions.
She softly whispered to him. "How was the smith?"
"Quite accomplished for a mortal. I have instructed him how to repair my dagger. Tomorrow I will aid him in the smithy as payment. His mind is quick and his character modest. He will benefit greatly.""
She laughed at him softly. 'Really? That will be his lucky day! Way too much payment for repairing a mere dagger."
He smiled at her. "It will be an interesting experience for both of us. It is not often I cross paths with mortals. Their short lifespan throws me off balance. I find it hard to align with their rash life decisions, often focussed on short term solutions."
She blinked at him. "Is that what you think of me?"
He smiled warmly at her. "Well, there is something special about you, dear friend. I think it is not mere chance that the sons of Elrond happened upon you in the wild. Just as it is not mere chance that made you decide to travel here, a place where Lord Elladan and Elrohir have forged strong bonds during their lost years, or so it would seem."
"Well, that makes me feel nervous Raithon as if I am expected to do something brilliant soon. But I can assure you. I am just a girl, lost in a strange new world that is not my home."
"Just a girl?" he laughed at that. "You are no mere girl…. If you keep saying that, I must insist on denying it. First of all, you are a woman. Second, you are an exceptional swordsman and also intelligent, kind and remarkable in the way you engage with life around you. And somehow you have managed to reach through my Lord's son's headstrong mental defences, within a matter of days. We had given up hope many centuries ago, Rin."
She stared ahead of her, chewing on a piece of carrot. "I did not penetrate their defences, Raithon. We are at odds with each other still."
His laugh turned serious when he cast a glance towards the twins caught up in conversation. He said softly in her ear. "I think you are underestimating yourself. Their walls have crumbled and their issues are clear for all to see, but none is willing to speak his mind. Maybe our bravest companion should breach this status quo?"
She sobered up. "No. They should start to gain my trust first. They have betrayed me. I cannot feel past the anger and pain of that!" And to emphasize her words, she pricked ferociously into another carrot in her stew.
Raithon sighed. "I fear they are lost, Rin and they have been lost for many centuries. Their demise has been felt and mourned for so long now in Imladris, that many of us cannot unsee this truth about them and lost hope of their return to the light. It pains us to see our Lord being forced to mourn them every day. Their death might have been easier to bear. But their path has been set in stone since the day they brought back their mother. They lost something within the roots of those mountains, some part of themselves and they have turned into a dark force that hungers for blood and revenge without ever being satisfied. Their enemies cower before their dark light. I believe it is time that somebody gives them another direction to consider, to give up on short term goals, to embrace their nature and birth right once more."
"You give me too much credit Raithon. How can I make them give up their short term revenge when I am only mortal?"
"I believe you underestimate your influence on them." He stared at her with his wise brown eyes, the lines around his eyes emphasizing his gentle encouragement.
"I am scared," she confessed.
Raithon grasped her hand underneath the table. "Aren't we all?" Squeezing her hand one last time, he excused himself and walked towards a young man at the end of the table, the blacksmith no doubt. His approach caused great apprehension among the man and his companions and once again she noticed the unearthly appearance of the elves compared to the humans here.
She mulled over his words, drinking the bitter but weak beer in her mug. Fear. Together with rage, they were her constant companions for many years. Fear to feel something. Fear to lose more than she already had. Fear of connecting with somebody. Fear of being betrayed. Fear of love. But what was she afraid of exactly with the twins?
If being asked mere weeks ago, she would have known the answer to that without thinking. The fear of losing them. But now, weeks later, all had seemingly shifted and she felt determined to let them go. But doubt was there and her strong feelings of attraction were difficult to ignore, but not impossible.
Tessarion had shown her that she was still capable of love, broken as she was. Could she reach beyond the anger and pain of their betrayal? She felt unsure. To admit to her feelings, to admit the need to be with them made her fear of their rejection all the greater. To be cast out from their togetherness all over again. To lose again the right to claim them for her own. So Rin told her herself she did not care. That she did not need them. That she would find her own way in life. But in a small part of her mind, after Elladan's ordeal, she knew one thing for certain. There was only one path towards love for her, if she chose it. And that path led to them. And once again, she wondered exasperated why they pushed her away in the first place. And why they would not speak of it to her.
Sometime after she finished her stew and beer, Maeva had joined her in conversation. The woman was pleasant company and to her own surprise she opened up to her without any hesitation. It felt good to talk of mundane subjects instead of conversing with high elf lords about the end of Middle Earth. And before she knew it, Maeva had changed her beer pull again for a full one and they were giggling, whispering in each other's ear.
"So, what is his name again, Maeva?"
"Darian. It is the dark-haired one at the end of the table."
Rin giggled. "They all have dark hair!"
"The one with the light-coloured eyes! He is seated next to Master Celebrim. Do you see him now?"
She saw a young blushing man with dark brown hair and light eyes. His attention was focused on Raithon, following all he said with an intense look, sparing none for his female admirer.
"He is very handsome, Maeva!"
Maeva blushed like a rose, unable to utter another word. Rin laughed at her.
"Well. Why are you shy now all of a sudden? Did his eye catch yours yet?"
"I am not sure…. I hope so. But it is hard to seek each other out. We both have our duties."
"Maybe you should elope! One night underneath furs on a hilltop can make all the difference in the world!" Maeva's shriek reached the beams of the ceiling but vanished in the general noise in the great hall. The women both laughed out loud. Until Maeva decided they needed more ale and disappeared in between the people.
Rin tried to regain her composure. It was amazing! She had not felt so carefree for years. Could it be that she too, like the twins, was subtly changing? And while the smile was still plastered on her face, her eyes connected with Elladan.
He stared at her, his gaze undecipherable and intense as always. She stared back, inclining her head in recognition. Then, Elladan looked to his host, something he said catching his attention.
When fatigue took hold of her and Maeva had excused herself already to go to bed, their hosts ushered the folk out of the hall, until only Arathorn, Gilraen, Bahnan and Benran remained. The sound of the fire seemed loud all of a sudden. Sobered, Arathorn leaned forward in his chair, staring at the twins. "Now tell me, friends, what are the ill tidings that brought you to the north this time."
Elladan spoke, his soft voice carrying over the table. "It seems we have shared experiences with a special breed of orcs, if I understand Bahnan correctly. It is the reason we ventured North. We wish to issue our warning and give counsel if wanted."
Arathorn turned grave. "Speak your mind then, Lord Elladan. Your advice has never led us astray before. I will gladly hear it."
"Very well, but be warned then, Lord Arathorn, for I am not gifted with foresight like my father. But I will give you counsel if you wish it."
Arathorn nodded in understanding.
"These wargs and orcs are steered by a collected evil mastermind and seem highly advanced, both in intelligence as in force. A physically inferior orc is leading them. He is called Gorchack by the others. He leads expertly in a manner unusual for their kind."
Bahnan sighed. "It is as we feared, we do share these experiences, although his name is new to me. This is grave news indeed. A dark force is rising in the North once more. These lands will no longer be safe."
Elladan continued. "The Imladris Guard battled them, led by Captain Tessarion. It cost the life of many warriors, for they were ill prepared for such a force. Lord Glorfindel came to their aid, but we could not prevent Captain's Tessarion's death."
A shocked silence fell. Arathorn spoke hesitantly. "The Guard of Imladris almost lost this battle?"
Raithon added softly. "It is true my Lord. I served under Captain Tessarion. We knew the whereabouts of several smaller groups. Their roaming of our lands is not unusual. We scouted far ahead and dealt with them as we saw fit. But we were ignorant of their communication system through the wargs. It was how they could unite into a fearsome force in such a short time, without our knowledge and strike when we were vulnerable. It was Lord Elrond's foresight that saved us for he sent out the second Guard in search of us. But still our Captain fell." The grief was etched on his face and he fell silent.
Arathorn spoke gently. "I am sorry for these losses, Master Raithon. His enemies were strong. It was an honorable death to fall for the safety of the realm. But this news is graver than I thought. It is a miracle we only encountered smaller groups. We have yet to meet such a force."
Elladan stared at him pointedly. "I fear we have more ill tidings."
All three watched him warily.
"They have targeted your line of descent."
A deep silence fell.
It was there in the open. She stared at Elladan in confusion, so he knew as well? He led her here, because they already knew? So many questions popped into her mind simultaneously that she just felt static.
Elrohir looked at Gilraen. "Tell me, Lady Gilraen. Have you chosen a name yet for your son?"
All ill tidings forgotten instantly, she could not help but glow, her hand on her belly. "Aragorn. We will name him Aragorn."
Even with all her knowledge and expectations, suspicions, it felt like a shock. The name clicked in her brain and for a second time she felt goosebumps rise. The twins shared a meaningful look with her, but kept silent, watching her expectantly. She felt what they wanted from her.
After a moment of hesitation, she cleared her throat. "Lady Gilraen, I believe Gorchak targeted your son. We are here to offer our aid in protecting him. Rivendell is the safest place for your family to be. We mean to take you there."
Where she expected strife, she saw apprehension but also resignation. It seemed that the advice of the Lords of Imladris was held in high esteem here. Good. It would make this easier.
Arathorn, twirling his glass of beer in his strong hands, was staring towards the fire for a moment. The worry was plain to see on his strong face. "We need to send out scouts to the other settlements. All must prepare for battle."
Elrohir nodded. "We wish to offer our aid."
Arathorn looked up to him. "Forgive me my Lords. This is a lot to take in. One does not leave his home easily, no matter what the reason."
Elladan nodded, face still grave. "Will you heed our counsel, my Lords?"
Arathorn stared at Gilraen for a moment. A long searching look that was met with loving warmth. His hand searched hers and when they clasped together they seemed to come to an understanding. Then he shared a look with Benran and Bahnan. Both men looked grimly at their Lord, squaring their shoulders in full understanding of the meaning of such a turn of events.
Arathorn turned towards Elladan. "We will heed your advice and see our son safe to Rivendell. But I must help my people first."
Rin let out a shaky breath. Previously unnoticed tension seemed to be released instantly and she felt relieved.
Lord Benran spoke at long last, his deep voice rolling over the table. "Very well. Let us speak tactics then my Lords. We need to reach our kin and speed is of utmost importance if we wish to outrun these creatures. Let us summon our fastest men."
All happened fast after that. Scouts were dispatched, young men, each one of them. Rin grew worried. Despite the resolve in their eyes and voices, she recognized apprehension and inexperience. Raithon's hand rested upon her shoulder and his voice sounded in her ear. "Do not worry yourself. Only speed is important now." She nodded in understanding.
It was agreed upon that Elladan, Elrohir and Raithon would ride out as well that night. To her relief she was asked to stay and safeguard Gilraen if need would arise. A task that suited her better since their surroundings were foreign to her. And secretly she longed for the soft bed with sheepskins that was waiting for her. She could not fathom how the elves were coping.
In the light of many torches, she stood watching them readying their horses. Shivering she wrapped her mantle more closely around her, her breath a white wispy cloud. The darkness around them felt close and suffocating. The sounds of the forest nearby, did not comfort her. Would they be safe? Where were the orcs now? Would they loom within the darkness of the trees, waiting for their prey?
To her relief, the Dunedain scouts would travel in pairs for safety. The twins would both go their separate ways, travelling towards the more Northern settlements. Raithon would accompany one pair of Dunedain since he was unfamiliar with the terrain. A pair of seasoned Dunedain had already left the village.
The last pair of scouts seemed incredibly young to her, raven black hair, dark eyes. They were maybe five years her juniors. But they seemed determined and eager to leave. She approached them while grabbing her dagger. "Please… take this dagger with you. It will glow when orcs are close by." The eldest of the pair took the weapon in awe. "Thank you, My Lady. That will be a true aid on our journey."
"Good. Just bring it back to me, will you?" The boy nodded and tucked the knife underneath his tunic.
The calling of her name distracted her. Turning, she was faced with Elladan and Elrohir.
"That is a wise gift to grant them, even though I would have liked you to have it with you." Elladan nodded approvingly.
"They need it more, they do not have my sword skills. I worry for them."
Elrohir cut in. "You do not worry for us, then?"
The question was so outrageously unexpected and…. funny…. that she could not help but grin at them.
Elrohir's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"More worried for your enemies I think. Try not to play with them too much."
He raised an eyebrow. "Well. That hurts I guess."
Elladan grasped her shoulder, squeezing it one last time. "Be safe, Rin. You need your skill and wit more than ever to shoulder this threat. Make sure to keep watchful?"
"I will." She bit her lower lip, getting lost in the silver grey of their eyes. A myriad of thoughts and feelings forced themselves upon her, but she only said. "Come back to me."
Determination shone in their eyes and features.
"We will." And with those parting words they mounted. The horses started to move even before they hit the saddle and she could feel how they gathered their power like a cloak around them. The heaviness and strength seemed to enhance their presence and all men felt compelled to stare at them, unable to look away from the Elf Lords in their power. And then their horses picked up speed, thundering towards the looming darkness that swallowed them whole.
She stood for a long time, listening to the horses' hooves dying away. Then Lady Gilraen herself led her towards her lodging and there she fell into a dark velvet sleep underneath warm sheepskins.