Undertow

A/N: I know it's been a while since the last chapter, but life goes on and so shall I. I know with stories that have such sporadic updates can cause worry that you'll be left with a cliffhanger for days, weeks, months and even years. One assurance I can give is that should a chapter end on such a note, I will ALWAYS post another chapter within a week or so. That I can promise.

"I know we weren't expecting this so soon, but what about it worries you so?" Glorfindel asked gently, his eyes glowing with love as he pulled her onto his lap and let her tuck her head under his chin.

Eruraviel clung to him, her mind slipping quickly into the losses of her family and her failure in being able to even protect her brother.

"Glorfindel, I've never been able to save those I care for when it really mattered. I know nothing of raising a child, let alone in such a perilous time when our people need all the fighters we can get. Our child will doubtlessly be targeted, and I worry I will fail in protecting them as well." Eruraviel whispered brokenly, her heart clenching in fear for their child.

Glorfindel started carding a hand through her unbound hair, holding her just a little tighter at her words.

"I understand such fears Meleth-nin, but you mustn't let them overwhelm you for taking a chance. You will not stand alone in protecting our child, nor are you burdened with the same inexperience you faced before. Evil will always be present in one form or another, my jewel, but giving into such fears only lets it claim another victory. Having a child is more than a blessing and responsibility, it's a physical form of hope that shines ever brighter against the dark." Glorfindel assured her in his deep, velvet baritone. Eruraviel remained silent for a few minutes thinking over the words of her mate. She knew he was right, but the pragmatic side of her was warring with the emotional side. There was such uncertainty right now; between the human civil wars, the Litch King, Balrog and Goblin incursion into their territory, made the pragmatic side of her rear back yelling about how a child would not be a smart thing to bring into such chaos.

"I know you're right in this Glorfindel. But what are we to do with the upcoming war with the Litch King? We are both going to be in high demand, I know that much for sure. However, I am also due to leave soon to track down the Iron Hill Company to pass on our warnings and information." Eruraviel reminded him, solemnly. Glorfindel hissed, Eruraviel missed seeing his eyes turn flinty at the reminder of what she had accepted to do during the council, his displeasure at her traveling alone in such a condition setting off all his instincts.

"You could always let someone else take the message for you. You don't need to go yourself." Glorfindel offered, a slight hope in his tone. Eruraviel shook her head.

"I cannot do that. The Iron Hill Dwarrow are far more wary of outsiders due to their continuing war in the Sea of Rhûn and the Orc armies of the Ash Mountains. I must go, for they wouldn't trust the word of anyone else." Eruraviel stated firmly. She knew that no other elves would be permitted entrance to the Iron Hills as there would be far too much risk to allow untested outsiders into the Mountain Kingdom.

"I don't agree with this at all, Eruraviel. Going out in your condition is extremely risky and dangerous not only to you, but the babe as well." Glorfindel growled, setting her to the side so that he could pace in front of the crackling fire. She could see the tension along his shoulders, the stiffness of his back and knew he hated every part of the idea of her leaving.

"I know Glorfindel, but this must be done and I'm the only one able to do it. The Iron Hills must be warned, we cannot wait any longer." Eruraviel finally said, knowing there was no way for her to make this any easier on him. There truly wasn't another path, she had to be the one to carry the message as anyone else would not only turned away at the gates, but most probably mocked as well. Even should Erestor or the twins go, their status as Blood-Kin to the Line of Durin wouldn't be enough to grant them an audience with Grór, though they would be permitted entrance – if they could find it.

Glorfindel seemed to sense this as he threw her a puzzled look. Honestly, she wasn't surprised by his lack of knowledge in this area, there was a very good reason the Stone Born were known to be secretive after all. Eruraviel sighed, forcing herself to her feet.

"We'd best gather the others love; I don't want to have to repeat this multiple times. It would be good knowledge for the others as well. I don't know how familiar you are with the troubles of the North." Eruraviel stated, grabbing her mate's hand, and pulling him from their rooms. She led the way to the private dining hall where the others were most probably gathering to break their fast as it was just past dawn now. She blessed the Valar for the empty halls, having no desire to field questions from any curious passersby. Glorfindel quickly moved to walk beside her, placing his arm over her shoulders and pulling her into his side as they walked. She ducked her chin slightly, hiding the pleased smile that arose as he did so. Sometimes it was nice to feel… delicate. Then her eyes landed on the doors to the private dining hall, and she grimaced. Okay maybe not delicate, she grumbled inwardly. Glorfindel pushed to doors open, letting Eruraviel enter before closing and locking the door.

The occupants: Elrond, Celebrian, Celeborn, Erestor, the Twins and Arwen sat with raised brows, curious over Glorfindel's unusual actions.

"Glorfindel?" Elrond questioned, rising slightly from his seat. Worry had clearly sparked in his steel toned eyes, seeing the tension in his seneschal's body. Something the others quickly picked up on. Glorfindel looked at her, wondering why Elrond didn't already know about her pregnancy. Eruraviel resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"He was still abed when I visited the healer love. Of course he doesn't know yet." Eruraviel stated with longsuffering coloring her voice. Glorfindel flushed but nodded, ushering her into a seat.

"Healer?" Oh, now it was alarm in Elrond's voice, the other's not far behind him. Elrond had leaned forwards, crossing his fingers in front of himself on the table as he focused his sharp gaze on her.

"I'm pregnant." Eruraviel announced, feeling somewhat awkwardly dramatic. Delight spread on every face; Celebrian and Arwen letting out twin squeals of excitement. Celebrian rushed from her seat, crouching beside Eruraviel's a grin glowing on her face.

"This is wonderful news! What could be worrying you both so?" The silver maiden questioned. Eruraviel threw a look at her mate, who grimaced in displeasure.

"Her planned trip to the Iron Hills." Absolute silence.

Eruraviel blinked seeing the near dumbfounded looks on the faces around her.

Elrond shook himself from his stupor, giving her the firm look of a healer.

"You cannot expect to make such a trek in your condition. The danger alone is high, even without the added risk of pregnancy. Also, even if you did go, should you be forced to linger even slightly due to protocols you'd risk being forced into birth on the trail." Elrond near ranted out. Eruraviel let him finish, knowing his arguments were not only running through the mind of her mate, but everyone else as well.

"And yet, none of you know how to find the Iron Hills Kingdom. Erestor or the twins would be allowed in as Blood-Kin to Durin's folk, but not enough to bargain for a meeting with Lord Grór. Entering without knowing the past of the Iron Hills would cause an incident the Firstborn wouldn't recover from and remove any hope of aid from them." Eruraviel returned clearly, knowing she was right. A frown pulled on Elrond's face, as the mithril hues of his eyes darkened in thought and displeasure.

"I don't like it." Elrond murmured. Glorfindel immediately nodded in agreement, and Eruraviel could no longer fight the urge to roll her eyes.

Males. Always so dramatic.

"Even if you do go, which none of us like, nothing says you have to go now." Erestor offered, and Eruraviel resisted the urge to let her head meet the table.

"I would be perfectly safe giving birth in one of the dwarven realms, but I don't expect to be gone that long. I don't plan on staying for the season after all." Eruraviel argued. Having a company travel with her would not only slow her down, but she didn't need people fussing over her like she'd break at the slightest wind.

Celeborn threw her a dry look.

"Aye and you're so good at having things not only going according to plan but remaining unharmed as well." The silver elda remarked drily. Eruraviel threw him a dirty look at the remark.

"I will obviously be far more cautious. I am aware of the fact that my life is no longer solely my own. However, there. Is. No. Other. Way." Eruraviel finished, finally feeling truly frustrated with those in the room. A sudden comment from her mate, had her spinning to pin him with a stunned look.

"Maybe there is. Maybe – maybe you don't need to make this journey alone." Glorfindel said, his azure eyes lighting up. Her jaw dropped as the others suddenly looked relieved.

"Wai-" Eruraviel couldn't even get one word out before Erestor, of all elves, interrupted her.

"That's a wonderful solution! Glorfindel can come with you, just take a healer as part of the company just in case." The advisor remarked. Eruraviel, filled with disbelief, barely opened her mouth when Elrond decided that now was the perfect time to speak up.

"Which is why I will be coming along." The Lord of Imladris announced. Eruraviel gave in and slammed her head against the table. Ai Valar, why her?

Without even lifting her head, resolutely ignoring the amusement radiating from her mate, Eruraviel tossed a nugget into the conversation.

"With you gone, who exactly is supposed to remain in charge here?" Eruraviel groused. Celeborn, with all his irritating glory, was the one to reply.

"Erestor, Celebrian and I can certainly take care of things here. It wouldn't be the first time a journey pulled both Elrond and Glorfindel from the Valley." Celeborn finished. That, Eruraviel had to admit, was valid. But Valar, she wouldn't have a moments peace with both of them tagging along! She was also aware that, while she didn't regret the years she'd spent fighting alongside the Dwarrow, those tales would not be well received by the present company.

"How many do you think should accompany us?" Glorfindel mused from beside her.

"No less than 12." Eruraviel immediately replied, unable to keep from commenting.

"Why 12?" Elladan asked puzzled. Sighing, Eruraviel lifted her head.

"The number 13 is considered unlucky to the Stone Born. Even they themselves would never travel in such a number, showing up in any Dwarven stronghold in such a number would just be…problematic." Eruraviel explained. She just knew she was going to be fielding so many questions about the Dwarrow that her jaw ached. While the others nodded, she could see they themselves didn't believe in such a fact. She didn't care if they did honestly, but she wouldn't allow it regardless of if they'd tried otherwise.

"So, we'll form a company to travel to the Iron Hills. What information should we know before hand?" Elrond asked, pulling a piece of parchment from a nearby table in front of him. Eyeing him in resignation, Eruraviel started with a question.

"How much do you know about the Iron Hills?" She asked, grabbing an orange to eat as she waited.

Surprisingly, it was Glorfindel who answered. She'd expected Erestor to do so honestly, as he was the 'diplomat'.

"Not much, we know they are kin to Durin and those in Hadhodrond, and protect the Eastern border, but we know little else." Glorfindel stated. Well, not much then. Then again, she mused, she hadn't really expected them to.

"The settlement in the Iron Hills is not the original settlement. They were forced father south around a hundred years ago after the Cold-Drakes in the fields of Forochel seized their original Gray Mountain stronghold, seeking the wealth in the mountains. They lost King Dain I, during the attack. Thrór, Dain's eldest, led many of their people south to Erebor, where he leads them to this day. Grór, his younger son, formed a secondary settlement southwest in the Iron Hills. The entrance of which is hidden, and incredibly difficult to find if you don't already know the route. Lord Grór, unlike King Thrór, is faced with a much closer threat from Mordor and from across the Sea of Rhûn. King Thrór has attacks from Angmar, but they are more infrequent now than when they first settled in Erebor. Lord Grór however, faces heavy battle very frequently. Once, every great while, Angmar goes north of the Gray Mountains, before attacking the Iron Hills from the north in an effort to route them out." Eruraviel paused, giving her companions time to take in what she was telling them. Hopefully, she wouldn't be forced to reveal the last battle that Angmar initiated…when they brought a cold-drake with them, a battle in which she led as a commander.

"Mordor is so active even now?" Celebrian asked, discontent with such grave news. Eruraviel was slightly surprised that they hadn't realized it before.

"I thought Mordor was mostly quiet after the Battle of Dargolad?" Elrohir asked, fear flickering in his eyes as they darted to his father. It took a moment, before she realized that the boy was worried about the danger his father may be in, should Mordor learn of him being in the east. A worry Celebrian shared, from the grip she had on the Lord's hand.

"While the Herald of the High King is most definitely remembered, he is not the only high priority target. Being in the north is a risk, yes. But I can name over a dozen the enemy would like to see dead just as much. They will not have the needed knowledge of our coming to launch an attack powerful enough to warrant Lord Grór, or any other realm, to seek battle aid from Lord Elrond. Even if we remain in the north for any length of time, it will take too long for any force large enough to present such a threat, to make the journey. It wouldn't be feasible for the enemy right now, as it is still too soon after their last big push on the Eastern Front." Eruraviel reassured the group.

Elrond nodded in agreement.

"Not only that, but a messenger would also have to return to Mordor, or Angmar, with such a message. We would be long gone by then, something the enemy would be well aware of." Elrond affirmed, squeezing Celebrian's hand in comfort.

"Even if they did, your ada is no slouch with a sword." Eruraviel reminded them in amusement. Smirks shot across his sons faces, and Arwen's eased slightly at her words. Elrond tossed her a dry look she just smirked at.

"How will we go about contacting the company you're looking for?" Elrond asked, making notes on the parchment. Humming, Eruraviel thought over where the group might travel to.

"I'm not sure. I know they would have passed through Khazad-dûm, but they could have remained there after the hearing of the battle, or they could have moved on to the North and to the Iron Hills. I know they don't stop at any human or elvish settlements, however." Eruraviel sighed. Contacting a wandering band could be an exercise in frustration, she knew. They'd gotten lucky that Lady Galadriel had contracted Gildor mentally, as tracking him down would have been an exercise in frustration.

"Then we would be best served to make our crossing of the Misty Mountains through Khazad-dûm and see if we can glean any information about where they may have headed." Glorfindel mused, a spark of worry running through him. She glanced at him in concern, and he just shook his head.

"I just worry about us returning there after the events of the last visit. I doubt anything was foolish enough to make its home near the Balrog, but…" Here, Glorfindel just shrugged but Eruraviel understood, and smiled at him in reassurance.

"King Durin will have pushed heavily to ensure the continued protection of his people after the Balrog's attack. When we left, they were working diligently to collapse as many of the goblin tunnels as they could. Also, this visit will allow us to better confer with King Durin about the Litch King. He would have doubtlessly sent out scouts of his own since our visit. We can also see if he would be willing to give us a letter of recommendation for our meeting with Lord Grór. If we have one our visit will be taken far more seriously and action would occur much faster." Eruraviel explained. She did understand his worries, and even felt them herself to some extent. However, logic and experience were… helping in pushing some of her misgivings away. Even still, she wasn't really looking forwards to returning to the mountain this quickly.

"Anything we need to know before meeting with the King?" Elrond questioned as he leaned back in his seat, pulling Celebrian's hand against his chest. Eruraviel sighed inwardly, wondering just how much she should share right now. She shifted in her seat, pulling her right ankle up to rest on her knee. It would probably be best to avoid mentioning her actions in the east until later, as everyone was already anxious enough.

"Dwarrow value strength of body and spirit. As such, when addressing you they will use your highest position and rank inline with those same values." Eruraviel stated, pausing as she saw the confusion on several faces. Erestor blinked, sudden understanding in his dark eyes.

"Which is why they referred to Elrond as Herald, rather than Lord." The advisor realized, Eruraviel nodding.

"Yes, his status as Herald is considered the highest position one can receive other than King. Not referring to him as Herald would be taken as saying he hadn't earned the position of that he was too weak to deserve it." Eruraviel explained, smiling as the twins straightened with the pride they felt for their father. Elrond let out a slight laugh, amusement dancing in mercury eyes.

"It has been an age since I've been referred to as Herald." Elrond mused. Celeborn smirked.

"Not since the last days of the war." The silver lord added on, Elrond nodding a moment later.

"When will you leave?" Erestor asked, leaning forward in his seat. Eyes flickered towards Elrond, whose own silver eyes went hazy, the elf lord casting his sight forwards. Everyone started quiet, and after a few long minutes the haze cleared from silver eyes.

"We should depart in two days; the weather will clear and threats sparse." Elrond said calmly.

Eruraviel nodded, looking over at Glorfindel as the other stood from his seat pulling her up by the hand as he did so.

"We can continue planning later, right now I think we need to eat." Glorfindel started, Elrond nodding and standing as well.

"We'll swing by the healing wing, there's a tea I want you to drink once a day, best to start now." Elrond said, walking out from behind his desk. Eruraviel groaned, her shoulders slumping. A stern look was thrown her way by both Glorfindel and Elrond. Glorfindel pulled her along behind him as Elrond led the way back the healing wing. Why, why did she have to drink another tea?! She'd only just gotten off the tea she'd been drinking for her breathing!

"The tea actually doesn't taste bad." A soft voice said from beside her. Turning her head, Eruraviel threw a hopeful look at Celebrian.

"Truly?" She pleaded, and Celebrian nodded.

"Yes, Elrond had me drink it as well. It's actually somewhat sweet and tastes similar to roasted sugar." The silver haired elleth answered. Eruraviel let out a silent sigh of relief, before her eyes narrowed as she saw the shaking shoulders of her mate. Elrond was no better, though his spine was almost ramrod straight. Eruraviel traded knowing looks with Celebrian, who nodded her own eyes sharply fixed on her mate. In complete synchronization, both elleth reached up and firmly slapped the back of their heads.

Both ellon yelped, looking back in irritation that vanished at the dark look the other two held.

"I'm sorry, did you want to add something to the conversation?" Eruraviel asked sweetly, death a silent promise in her tone. Both males paled, shaking their head. Seeing that the problem had been quelled for the moment, the quartet was quiet as they entered the healing halls.

"On the bed please." Elrond requested as he went over to the cabinet wall that held the herbs used in the healing halls. Eruraviel tilted her head, somewhat confused. Glorfindel shook his head, a grin tugging his lips and pulled her over to a bed nearby to where Elrond stood.

"Why?" Eruraviel finally asked, realizing that Elrond wouldn't be able to see her unspoken question when he wasn't even looking at her. Elrond paused, turning around to raise a brow at her.

"It is best I know how far along you are, as well as how your body is coping with the pregnancy before we depart on our trek." Elrond answered. Eruraviel blinked, but nodded after a moment, admitting silently to herself that he had a point. She was just sick of constantly being in the healing halls. Elrond turned towards her, several sachets in his hands that he set on the table next to the bed she sat on.

"Lay back please." Elrond requested, pushing lightly on her shoulder as Eruraviel swung her legs up onto the bed and laid back. Glorfindel came to stand beside her opposite of Elrond, holding her hand gently, stroking his thumb along the back of her hand. Eruraviel remained silent as Elrond lifted her tunic and undershirt after silently asking for permission. There wasn't much of any visible difference in her abdomen just yet. However, Elrond gently rested a palm over where the babe rested, and she felt the lightest brush of his faë against her own and the developing child.

An echo seemed to ripple, like a smooth and still pond that someone just barely touched causing just the faintest of ripples along the surface. Eruraviel couldn't have stopped the glow in her eyes as she felt her child. Acting on impulse, she moved Glorfindel's palm to rest beside Elrond's, a silent plea in her eyes. Elrond nodded and moved his hand to rest over Glorfindel's own. Glorfindel was slightly confused but followed Elrond's silent guidance. As her mate's faë brushed her own, his jaw dropped as his azure eyes blew wide as he felt his child growing within her.

Glorfindel swayed but steadied himself even as Eruraviel worried that he would pass out.

"Meleth-nin this is amazing…" Glorfindel whispered, spinning to pull her into a deep kiss that seemed to continue for an eternity before a cough jerked their attention back to the present. Glorfindel pulled back, completely unabashed at his actions while a dark red hue spread across her cheeks.

"The babe is almost two months old. So we have ten months until we need to start reading for delivery. I hope we will have returned to Imladris before the end of your 11th month, to allow you time to rest for the last month prior to delivery." Elrond explained, gently palpitating her abdomen. Eruraviel nodded, understanding, and memorizing the timeline laid out before them. Elves carried for a full year, unlike the human women who carried for nine months, or dwarrowdams who carried for 18 months. Eruraviel shuddered at the thought of carrying for so long. She'd go insane.

"What do we need to watch for?" Glorfindel asked, his hand moving to rest on the side of her face as he gently stroked the side of her ear. Which was distractingly soothing Eruraviel grumbled to herself.

Elrond answered, even as he set to mixing the large batch of herbs he'd selected. Eruraviel was worried for a moment at the sheer amount, before realizing that he was probably making a batch large enough to last the trip.

"Any sudden sharp pains, or bleeding of any kind. I know we may come under attack at some point during our travels, Eruraviel, but you must do your best to avoid participating. High amounts of strain and pain may cause problems for the child. Any kind of hard blow may cause you to lose the child." Elrond stated firmly, making Eruraviel grimace. She knew what he meant. She could draw her sword, even her bow, but close quarters combat would put the babe at high risk. Seeing the flint in Glorfindel's eyes made her relax back into him. She knew without even having to entertain the idea otherwise that Glorfindel wouldn't allow anything near her if he had any say in it.

"The tea is to help with the illness in the mornings as we travel and to help strengthen your body and systems. The stronger you are during the pregnancy, the stronger and healthier the child will be." Elrond explained, before a wry smile crossed his face.

"A warning as well to you both, Eruraviel your emotions are going to swing wildly from one extreme to another. Both of you need to remember that, as sometimes things are said that aren't meant, and can lead to another swing of emotions. When you start to feel unusually sad, angry, even frustrated, just take a deep breath, and try to center yourself. Glorfindel when she has these mood changes, just be quiet and calm. Give her a chance to recenter herself." Elrond explained, Celebrian laughing as he did and linking her arm through her husbands.

"Yes, I'm afraid I had Elrond shaking in his boots while I was pregnant with the twins." The silverette remembered. Glorfindel shuddered, and Lord and Lady both threw smirks at him. Eruraviel was somewhat confused until she remembered that Glorfindel would have been right beside Elrond during Celebrian's pregnancies. Though she imagined the suffering he endured was different then it would be now as he wasn't just a friend, but the target.

"Riding won't be an issue?" Eruraviel tentatively asked.

"For the beginning no, it may not be comfortable at times, but it wouldn't be a problem until the latter half of the pregnancy. After your seventh month, you'll need to limit riding time. We can do this and keep a steady pace by having you ride sidesaddle with Glorfindel. It won't be easy, and will feel limiting, but it is necessary. Too much riding could cause you to delivery prematurely." Elrond warned, a firm look in his eyes when Eruraviel groaned.

"I am never letting this child live this down." Eruraviel growled. Glorfindel laughed loudly, leaning down to kiss her lightly, mindful this time of their audience.

"They are the child of two rambunctious and active children of Gondolin. Did you honestly expect anything else?" Glorfindel teasingly reminded her. Eruraviel stared silently at him, before hissing swears under her breath as she dropped her head back down onto the bed.

"Just think, they aren't even here yet, and already are causing chaos." Glorfindel cheerily continued, Eruraviel growing stiller as he continued.

"One can only wonder what trouble our child will get into, especially with Elladan and Elrohir to encourage mischief."

Eruraviel wondered if the snap on her patience was audible to everyone or if it was just her.

"Glorfindel."

"Yes Meleth-nin?"

"Shut. Up."

"Yes, dear."

For once, even with the mayhem of packing for their journey, Eruraviel wasn't one of the ones running around to get everything prepared. Neither Glorfindel nor Elrond would allow her to do anything more than readying her own gear. She was somewhat sad that Arvellas wouldn't be accompanying her, however, leaving her foals again so soon just wasn't the best idea. They'd pushed things last time by separating Arvellas and the foals, as they were past the weaning stage. But they needed to remain close with her to understand the instincts they carried that any other horse wouldn't possess. As such, Eruraviel would be riding a lovely palomino mare called Amara for the journey.

Eruraviel lifted her pack, already clad in her gear, and headed for the stables. Glorfindel had left earlier to see to the reports from the scouts sent out just before dawn. Trading waves with passing elves, she went mercifully unnoticed as she entered the stables. Elrond was in another stall next to Arbellason who stood fully saddled, bags expertly tied down. Beside the elven lord stood both Celeborn and Celebrian.

Stepping into Amara's stall, Eruraviel set her pack to the side, letting the mare approach her. Amara stood just over 16 hands; her cream-colored mane gently plaited for the trip by one of the stable hands. As Amara nudged her chest with her head, Eruraviel leaned down to gently blow in the mare's nose, before scratching just under the chin strap. Amara snorted, bobbing her head making Eruraviel laugh softly. She rubbed Amara's forelock, before stepping along side her while running a hand down the left side of her neck as she did so.

Grabbing her packs, she efficiently tied them onto the ties woven onto the saddle pad. She checked the cinch strap, making sure that it was fitted properly. She'd met more than one equine who sucked in a large breath just as they were being saddled, making the cinch strap loose. It was humorous to watch a rider flail as they were dumped from the saddle, but after a while it was tiring, and just made her shake her heads at the antics of horses and their kin.

Once her gear was secured, covered in a light oil skin to protect it in case it rained unexpectedly, she took hold of the reins and led Amara from the stall and out into the courtyard where their company was gathering. She led Amara over to one of the fountains, letting the mare drink while she watched the elves milling about their slowly assembling group.

"I hope your trip is far more uneventful then our last." Erestor stated beside her. Turning Eruraviel smirked but nodded in wholehearted agreement.

"Aye, I have no wish to face such a fight again. Hopefully this is a calm and quick trip, with no complications. I don't think Glorfindel would take it well." Eruraviel remarked drily. Erestor laughed.

"He'd be more likely to remove the head of anything that tries to pose a problem, and Elrond would probably be right beside him helping." Erestor returned, a look of remembered suffering on his face, making her chuckle.

"I hope Imladris remains untroubled in our absence, I still don't like the idea of so many high influence figures leaving." Eruraviel sighed, leaning against the fountain, and rubbing the side of Amara's head as the mare nudged her.

"As Celeborn said, it won't be the first-time duty has called them away. Don't forget Celeborn will remain until this coming spring, and Celebrian is here as well. She alone will have everyone staying in line lest they face her wrath." Erestor reassured her.

"They know better than to test me by now." A somewhat smug voice said from behind them making the duo jump slightly. Turning, Eruraviel saw Celebrian standing just being them.

"I would imagine so; you are a force of nature much like your husband after all." Eruraviel teased making Celebrian laugh.

"Well don't let my force of nature husband overrule you. He can get a tad overprotective, and with Glorfindel there to encourage him, don't be afraid to smack him if you need to." Celebrian said, and Eruraviel groaned. Glorfindel was already highly protective of her, and they hadn't even left the valley yet.

"I know, I dread to think of how bad they will be towards the end of the pregnancy." Eruraviel moaned as Erestor laughed softly beside her.

"Well you'll have time to think about such a lovely image as I do believe they're finally ready to depart." Erestor stated, gesturing to the mounting figure of Elrond. Sighing, Eruraviel went over to Amara's left side and easily swung herself up into the saddle, adjusting a tad as the saddle was different than Arvellas.

"Hopefully we shall return with good news, and a plan for the danger ahead." Eruraviel stated to the two beside her.

"Have faith, the Valar have put us on this path for a reason." Celebrian offered as the duo stepped over to the wall as Eruraviel nudged Amara over to where Elrond sat, fully at ease in the saddle.

"Looking forward to getting out of the valley?" Eruraviel asked quietly as they watched the rest of the group assemble around them. Elrond chuckled quietly and nodded.

"Yes, it has been many years since I made such a journey. It will be interesting to travel amongst the Dwarrow once more, and to see the lands of the east and how they fare." Elrond said, his silver eyes serious. Eruraviel knew what he meant. It was hard to understand how the east could still be locked in constant war with the dark, as they shielded the west from many of the dangers they hadn't faced since Sauron wielded the one. Amara shifted and Eruraviel noted that all of their company were finally ready.

"Come, we head east." Elrond called, turning Arbellason's head and nudging the stallion into a canter, Eruraviel and Amara right behind him. The sound of hooves made it so that Eruraviel didn't even have to look to know the others had fallen into formation behind her. They would meet up with Glorfindel at the way point just on the other side of Imladris before they crossed into Eregion. Staring at Elrond's back, Eruraviel couldn't help but wonder how he would handle this trip. He hadn't made such a trek since he'd led Gil-Galad's armies, and she hoped Glorfindel would help keep the past from troubling the Elvin Lord.

She appreciated the sacrifice he was making in accompanying her, as she knew he hated to part from Celebrian, who had said her farewells with Erestor in the stables, where they'd had more privacy. Were it not vital to get word to Lord Grór, Eruraviel wouldn't be stepping foot out of the valley until her child was born. Their group moved swiftly, as all were highly experienced warriors, all of them having fought beside Elrond and Glorfindel during the high days of the war. As they rode under the red and gold leaves of the oaks and aspens that filled the mountains that surrounded the valley. Fall was setting in quickly, which was a worrying sign that winter would be no different.

Eruraviel looked back briefly, taking in the sight of Imladris as their party crested the trail and vanished into the dense woodland that surrounded the elven haven. As they were experienced riders, none present felt the need to fill the air with mindless chatter, leaving only the soothing sound of the horses and nature to fill the air.

Hearing the jingle of bells, Eruraviel's gaze snapped over to where the trail widened slightly and saw Glorfindel nudge Asfaloth seamlessly into the formation just to Elrond's right, with Eruraviel on his left.

"Any signs of the enemy?" Elrond asked Glorfindel, their company moving swiftly.

"Nothing aside from the usual wolves and infected Huorns, we should be relatively safe in the Hollin Hills." Glorfindel replied. Eruraviel grimaced at the reminder of the maddened trees that had become infected without the Ent Shepherds there to protect them. Fangorn was now the only refuge safe for Huorns.

"We will need to be watchful when we enter the mountains." Eruraviel mentioned, her eyes serious. "With the Goblins having been at least partially routed by the Dwarrow, they may be more active on the paths." Eruraviel explained. Glorfindel and Elrond both nodded, and she knew that with them having spoken in a normal tone, the entire company would have heard them.

Eruraviel loved travelling with Glorfindel and hated it in the same moment.

Having his company during the day, and through the long nights was a blessing. However, the ellon's protective nature was close to making her want to strangle the ellon in his sleep, or awake, she wasn't terribly picky.

They'd been on the trail for a solid nine days before their first encounter with a small party of warg riders that had come down from the mountains.

Eruraviel rode quietly, something was just not right about their surroundings, and it was driving her nuts trying to understand what was setting off her instincts. Her eyes scanned the hills around them constantly.

"Eruraviel? What's wrong?" Glorfindel asked seriously, knowing something had her hackles raised even without the bond between them.

"Something's not right." She replied shortly, moving her hand to the hilt of her sword. Her words and actions made every elf slip into that state of loose-limbed relaxation of a predator about to tear into an enemy. Hands grasped blade and bow, eyes and ears alert for the enemy. None present doubted her skill and experience.

Minutes that felt like years later, and a shadow crested a hill just to the right of the company, followed by the howl of a warg. The first to leap from the hill, met a swift end via an arrow through the eye. A blade removed the riders head moments later as the rest of the warg pack followed their scout. Eruraviel ripped her blade from its sheath, Amara lunging forwards and she cut a riders arm off as he raised his club before removing his head. Amara lurched to the side to avoid the wargs dripping fangs, surging alongside the beast allowing Eruraviel to stab it through the side just behind a foreleg, right into the heart. A head shot would have been faster but ran the risk of trapping her blade in the bone.

She heard the screams from the enemy around her, but easily tuned out the cacophony of sound. After so many battles, it became disturbingly easy to not even actively hear it any longer. Eruraviel nudged Amara into a gallop, and they pulled alongside another warg, this one missing the rider who'd already been killed judging by the blood stain in the saddle. Eruraviel pulled her bow, resting her sword in her off hand and sinking a bolt into the eye of the warg and dropping it mid run. Amara turned, and Eruraviel fired off another shot, killing a rider before the mount was killed by another of their company. Elrond was calmly beheading another orc, and she barely refrained from cackling as the warg screamed as Arbellason launched forwards and bit the warg on the ear before tearing it clean off.

She wondered how many creatures foolishly underestimated a horse, especially a war stallion. Returning her full focus to the fight, she brought down another warg rider, swearing mentally as the warg continued barreling towards her. Before she had time to bring her sword back to bare, a large white stallion lunged between her and the warg that soon found its head liberated from its body by Glorfindel's blade. Trusting her mate to guard her back, Eruraviel returned to her bow, putting a bolt through a wargs eye as its rider had its blade locked with another elf, who used the wargs thrashing to kill both warg and rider.

Eruraviel hadn't even gotten a scratch, yet Glorfindel had ridden beside her, literally right beside her, for the next two days without fail. Elrond had them ride hard for several hours to clear the area before they stopped for the night, at which point he'd examined her carefully to make sure no harm had been done to her or the child. It made her very wary over how the group would take the tale of her fights in the east, which she expected to occur as they entered the mountains.

Sadly her prediction proved correct. Three days into their journey to the Doors of Durin, she found herself telling of her battles against Angmar.

"Eruraviel, I find myself wondering, you stated that Erestor and the others would be allowed entry into the Iron Hills due to being name Blood Kin, but how did you gain that title?" Elrond asked as they sat in front of the evening fire, dusk turning the stone pink. Eruraviel blinked and swore inwardly seeing herself become the sole focus of attention aside from the sentry who were listening but still warily watching the area around them. Glorfindel, feeling the negative emotions surge within her, still a wary tension taking hold of him beside her.

Eruraviel took a deep breath setting her empty bowl to the side, pulling her knees up to her chest as she stared into the dancing flames.

"During the time just after King Dain I death, the Dwarrow were still wandering trying to find a safe place from the legions of orcs that surged amongst the east almost immediately. It is believed the Witch King forced the first Cold-Drake south on Sauron's command, which is why the orc armies were waiting for them. I was in the area, having followed the travelling band east. I ended up joining the first skirmish that they fought, though the band was small in the opening days of the fighting. It was nearly four months before Thrór decided to reclaim Erebor, but Grór refused to abandon the peoples of the east to Angmar and Sauron's armies." Eruraviel paused, seeing Elrond come to sit on her other side to better hear her. Every elf was still, captivated by her tale. As warriors of the Great War, they were easily able to understand her comparisons. Glorfindel moved and pulled her into his embrace so that her back rested against his chest, his arms wrapped around her abdomen.

"They found a spot for their people hide; a fissure that opened up deep into the earth. With their best workers, they carved into the bedrock, safeguarding the dwarrowdams and other weaker members such as the children and elderly. Only months after work was started, word came from a scout that Angmar was making a push to the East, hoping to crush the dwarrow between their own forces and Sauron's. Grór had to split his forces in twain, it was the only way to prevent the slaughter of his people. Thrór was too far to send aid. In the end, he asked me to lead the force headed to the west against Angmar while he led the other half east against Sauron." Eruraviel had to stop for a moment, her eyes dark from the memory of blood and screams she still vividly had embedded in her mind and soul even years later. Glorfindel was tense as a bow string, and Elrond's eyes were like ice. Willing the screams in her memories to quiet down for a moment, Eruraviel forced herself to continue.

"I led them west, meeting Angmar's army on the Withered Heath, led by the Witch King himself. He'd spared no effort to bring about the demise of Grór's people, having pulled two Cold-Drakes into his forces."

Glorfindel snarled, even as Elrond hissed at the same moment, rage echoing from the elves around her at her words.

"The first onslaught was chaos as the drakes led the charge, killing dozens with each pass. I rode under one, Arvellas pushing hard to match the drake's speed and managed to grab hold of the spikes on its tail, climbing until I was right on its neck near the joints in the wings. As it climbed to make another dive in an attempt to fling me off, I slid down and stabbed right into its heart. The luck of the Valar was with me, for as it fell it crashed into the other Cold drake bringing it to the ground were Frain, one of the other commanders slew it. I was able to leap from its leg and roll clear of the crash. Arvellas raced by seconds later and after jumping back into the saddle, we headed right for the Witch King." Eruraviel titled her head back to look at the stars filling the black velvet sky above, Anar having long since fallen as Isil rose in its place. Her battle against the Witch King wasn't something she ever wanted to do again or relive. It was also part of why the vision Melian had shown her of Glorfindel falling to the Witch King had frightened her so badly.

"I honestly don't know remember how long we battled. It seems to all blur together in a haze of adrenaline, desperation, determination, and exhaustion. However, I've been told we fought for nine hours before our forces were able to decimate the enemy enough that the Witch King called for retreat. When our forces returned, we learned that Grór and his men had yet to return or send word. I was worried over how his own battle was faring and left to try and meet up with him. Several of the dwarrow who'd accompanied me against the Witch King learned of my intentions and followed. We arrived and found Grór outnumbered three to one. With the addition of those I brought, we were able to route Sauron's forces. When we finally returned to what would become the Iron Hills, I was awarded the Title of Blood Kin and the titles of Champion of Light and Fire Soul." Eruraviel finished, coughing lightly as her throat was incredibly dry from the story telling.

Glorfindel was silent, taking deep breaths and she could feel his muscles were tight and trembling. He was not taking her past well, but then she hadn't expected him to. Elrond stood, moving to a bag and she saw him empty one of her tea servings into a cup before filling it with hot water from the fire. Silence remained for several minutes before he handed her the cup, his eyes dark.

"Have you been in such a fight since then?" Elrond asked seriously. Eruraviel shook her head.

"No, only the Balrog. While I've leant aid several times since then, Angmar has yet to make such a push once again. As such, it has been small bands and companies. Grór has yet to ask me to lead any forces east." Eruraviel replied truthfully. Glorfindel growled from deep within his chest, rumbling against her back.

"He better not." Came the furious snarl of her dominant mate. Eruraviel turned so that she could wrap her arms around him and tuck her head under his chin.

"He won't ask. Unless I volunteer, he sees the east as his responsibility. He wouldn't ask another to take arms in his place." Eruraviel reassured her mate, understanding the fear that drove his anger. He wasn't overreacting or controlling her, he was scared of the danger she'd been in, and refused to let her do so again without him by her side. Something she understood as she felt the same way, so she didn't hold it against him in the slightest. A King protected his Queen as much as the Queen would protect her King.

Elrond pushed her cup back into her hand, making her smile before returning to sipping it, the hot tea doing wonders for her throat.

"Is that also when they made the daggers you carry?" Elrond questioned curiously, and she could see he was trying to distract himself. He worried over the fact that such a battle had gone unnoted by any of the elven realms, and the news that the Ulari and Sauron were more active than any would wish.

"Aye, I was presented with them at the naming ceremony held by Durin himself who traveled after receiving word from his nephew of the battles." Eruraviel confirmed.

"How could Annatar be so active without the one?" Another in their party asked from the other side of the fire. Eruraviel sighed, sinking into Glorfindel's form, knowing what she was about to say would not be happily received by any present.

"Eruraviel?" Elrond pressed, worry sparking in his eyes. She locked her gaze with his own, a desolate understanding darkening her eyes.

"When the ring was cut from his hand, his physical form was disincorporated. However, he has had enough time to build up some measure of strength, enough to reembody himself. He can't go far, but he possesses physical form once again. He is very weak, especially when compared to his prior strength, without his ring he cannot rebuild his full strength. He poured too much of his strength and power into it during the creation of it." Eruraviel said softly. Horror sparked across all present, and she saw the grief that arose in Elrond's eyes.

She knew why.

It made every death during the Battle of the Last Alliance suddenly feel worthless.

"He is weak. Weak enough that if anyone could feasibly kill him and buy us more time; time to find and destroy the ring but getting to him means cutting through the legions of orcs filling the plains of Gorgoroth. I believe it is part of the reason Harad is easily slipping into his trap, they see him returning to physical form as a sign of imminent victory. They do not know it is a weakened form." Eruraviel stated, and Glorfindel suddenly pulled her tightly up against him. His faë rose, fury suddenly raging within him.

"Just how did you come by such detailed knowledge of his strength and weakness?!" Glorfindel pressed, and sudden panic surged through the entire group.

"When I went east to support Grór? The forces were led by Sauron." Was her short reply.

"Never. Again."

"We will discuss this once more when we return to Imladris, the other realms need to be informed. It is good that we will be visiting Lord Grór, I want to know anything about the enemy his is willing to tell me." Elrond's icy voice cut through the air, unyielding will backing every word. Eruraviel nodded but stayed silent, knowing that Glorfindel would need quite some time to come to terms with what she'd shared.

That night, in their bedroll's, Glorfindel maneuvered them so that she lay almost completely under his muscular form, as protected as she could be in their current situation.

Seeing the Doors of Durin once more sent a shiver down her spine. Elrond and Glorfindel both took in the amazing sight of the moon runes glowing in Isil's light. Celebrimbor's work with Nuri was a feat unlike anything she'd seen. It was beautiful, strong, and secure. Elrond spoke, the Elvish word for friend rolling easily off his tongue. The doors spilt down the middle, swinging open to reveal a set a dwarven guards awaiting them on the other side.

Cheers erupted from them upon seeing her behind Elrond.

"Fire Soul! It is wonderful to have you return once more to our halls!" The lead dwarf called, a fist thudding into place over his heart as he bowed. Eruraviel dismounted and returned the greeting with a smile.

"I have indeed returned to your wonderous halls once more, with mate and family to introduce." Eruraviel called back, stepping up beside Elrond but not in front. Glorfindel stood to Elrond's right, the picture of dignified calm to any looking. Eruraviel could easily tell he was scanning every inch of the inside of the mountain for any threat.

The guards stepped to the side, letting the elves guide their mounts inside before sealing the doors behind their party.

"Please leave your mounts here." The guard requested. Eruraviel nodded and quickly pulled Amara over to the hitching post where fresh hay and water sat. She pulled the saddle and pad from the mare, setting both onto a nearby rack and retrieving her pack. The others of the company seamlessly copied her before they reassembled behind Elrond.

"This way please, I will guide you to the guest chambers while King Durin is informed of your arrival." The guard asked.

"Of course, may I know your name?" Elrond enquired as they moved through the halls.

"My name is Nadin son of Tadin. It is an honor to have you within our halls Herald Elrond, Defender Glorfindel. Durin's folk welcome you to Khazad-dum." Nadin stated, and Eruraviel smiled, feeling the slight confusion in Glorfindel at his title.

[The title of Defender is one seldom given. It is an acknowledgement to one who stood to protect another and would not be moved, no matter the danger before them.] Eruraviel informed him over their bond. His emotions went still for a moment, and she could see the rapid-fire memories flying behind his eyes.

There was no time for more, as they'd arrived at their rooms.

"Thank you for the escort, please inform us when King Durin wishes to meet with us." Elrond said, thanking Nadin for his escort. Nadin nodded, saluting once more to them before leaving and closing the door behind him. One of the elves, Amdiren, let out a breath of air.

"This is somehow incredibly more intense than I'd expected it to be." Amdiren mused, making Eruraviel chuckle.

"Yes, the dwarrow are very good at being dramatic, and intense. Part of their draw I suppose." Eruraviel tossed back, moving over to a door that marked the same room she'd used on her last visit. Glorfindel followed, as did Elrond. There were two beds to a room after all. She set her pack to the side, pulling out a fresh change of clothes.

The males copied her actions, and they all changed quickly, turning as needed to give another privacy. Not that they felt much need for it. After the first thousand years, shyness kind of became forgotten, for a warrior, it was obsolete. Once more comfortable, Eruraviel sat on the bed, letting the other two finish their preparations.

Glorfindel sat beside her, thoughtlessly grasping her hand as he sat down.

"How long should we expect to wait before King Durin is free to meet with us?" The blond asked. Eruraviel hummed, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"An hour or so. He's usually pretty good about shaking off his council, and with the rank of the Elves here he won't want to make us wait any longer than it takes to shuffle off the bureaucrats." Eruraviel answered, Glorfindel chuckling at her dig at the diplomats, Elrond rolling his eyes.

"It has been many a year since I've been hosted by the Dwarrow." Elrond stated, his gray eyes hazy from memories. Eruraviel nodded in understanding.

"Belegost?" Eruraviel asked softly to which Elrond nodded. Belegost, she knew, was the once great dwarf kingdom of the Blue Mountains. They were the one's the Nogrod tried to enlist the aid of after the insane attack on Doriath but were soundly refused. After all, Belegost were the finest of smiths and jewelers, had been the ones to carve the stone chambers of Menegroth, in the heart of Doriath for the Elves. The city had fallen to ruin during the War of Wrath but had supplied Belerind with unmatchable weapons and armor until their fall.

Belerind was the land of Elrond's birth, his and his twin brother Elros, as well as Erestor. She knew while ancient, the memories of the once mighty strong hold were still vivid within his mind. Before she could say more, a knock echoed on their door. Glorfindel stood, and swiftly answered it. Amdiren stood on the other side, also having changed.

"Master Nadin has returned. King Durin is ready to meet with Lord Elrond, yourself and the Lady Eruraviel." Glorfindel nodded, Eruraviel and Elrond standing to make their way to the door.

"Then let us not make him wait any longer." Elrond announced and stepped through the door.

A/N: It's been a while, sorry to say. I've missed writing on this but have been fighting some nasty illnesses this last year. Although my sister is pregnant with my nephew, so the year hasn't been totally bad. This is to explain some word choices in the story:

Anar is the name given to the sun by the Vanyar, meaning The Fire-Golden. As she is from Gondolin, I figured this would be her name for it.

Likewise, Isil is the Vanyar name for the moon, meaning The Sheen.

I'd love to hear from every one and want to reassure you that I will continue to plug along, one word at a time, if that's what it takes.