Disclaimer: I don't own LoTR.

Rain Shall Pass.

Chapter S.I.X.

_"Submit"_

"Every reign must submit to a greater reign." -Seneca the Younger

"Do you have to go?" I asked, watching with teary eyes as he packed. He was methodical, placing his uniforms and work gloves and the socks he always used when he wore his boots in an orderly fashion. One bag was already zipped and ready to go by the bedroom door, an empty one open and waiting by his feet and the half-filled one sitting by me on the bed.

He paused in his packing long enough to reach out and pat my head. He smiled sadly. "Yes, I have to go. I've been called out, I have to respond."

I grabbed his hand before it could retreat, feeling the callouses lacing his fingers and the warmth of his skin as I pressed my cheek to it. "I thought we'd have more time," I whimpered. "You only just got back." It'd only been a few months, he'd promised us that he wouldn't be sent back out for another year or two. That's what he and Mom had told us.

But the phone had rung this morning, Dad's face had paled, and he'd begun packing again. It felt like a betrayal.

Abandoning what he was doing, Dad wrapped his arms around me, easily lifting me onto his lap as he sat in my previous spot and began running a gentle hand through my hair. "How old are you, Asherah?" He asked.

I sniffed, muttering, "Twelve."

"And how old is Emmalee?"

"Ten," I answered, confused where he was going with this line of questioning.

"As the oldest child," He began, "you are subjected to my absence far more than your sister. You have to stand there, watch me pack my life into bags, and watch me walk out our front door with no guarantee that you'll see me again." He squeezed tighter when I shoved my face into his chest, muffling a whine. "Your mother and I have never sugar-coated my position in the military. We won't lie and say there aren't any risks whenever I'm deployed."

"I don't like this," I cried weakly. "Why are you making it sound like you won't come back? You always do!"

"Because you need to understand," He said firmly. He tilted my face up, hazel meeting watery hazel. "It's not easy, I know. I hate leaving just as much as you hate seeing me leave and I know your mother and Emmalee feel the same way." He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "But you need to be strong. I need you to be a pillar for your sister and mother. Support them when they feel like falling. Keep them going until I return. I'm counting on you to do that for me."

Frodo's gaze never wavered from mine. Not during the dead silence after his request. Not when everyone began shouting as loud as they could. Not even when Boromir's arm waved dangerously close to his face in his fit of anger. He refused to look away. He was trying to tell me something with his eyes, trying to get me to understand with no words, but while I had never looked away from him, I found that I couldn't quite process what he was hoping to convey.

My mind was blank. White. Nothing. I was completely and utterly stupefied. Go with the Fellowship? He wants me to go with them? Why? How? Why? Something snapped back into place and my mind began to furiously work out what Frodo was doing, trying to understand what he could possibly be thinking, but frustratingly, I came up with no logical conclusion.

An obligation? He owed me nothing and I'd done nothing to help him. This was the first time he was consciously meeting me, after all, and I doubted he remembered much during his fever-ridden days. Maybe he heard about my desire to leave? No, the only people who really knew about that were Elladan and Elrohir. I had yet to approach Lord Elrond, but I figured the all-knowing elf probably already knew about it. I doubted the twins were going around shouting my plans to whomsoever would listen. Well, maybe Aragorn, but my fingers were crossed they'd kept quiet like they promised.

I wasn't sure what it was like with Hobbits, but I assumed it was the same as all of Arda. Women were the caretakers, the baby-makers. They took care of children, looked after the home and hearth. They didn't go off on random ass adventures for the hell of it. We were seen as liabilities here, weaklings with no battle experience. Ah, but wait, women were also medics here. Maybe he thought I could keep everybody patched up?

Yeah, right. I'd sooner break all of their noses before I bothered learning how to set it correctly.

After what seemed like an eternity, but was in actuality only a few minutes, the steadily growing noise finally processed and I narrowed my eyes at the Hobbit. Impressively, he didn't flinch, but I did notice the tension in his shoulders increase. Sam, who had never taken his eyes off of him, noticed immediately and gave me an impressive glare as he placed himself in front of Frodo protectively.

As if he thought I would actually attack him?

I could never hurt someone with eyes like his.

"—cannot go!" Boromir was saying furiously, the loudest protestor in the group. "What has she to offer to this journey other than a dirty lineage and a foul mouth?" He waved a hand angrily. "She will be a hindrance and a liability. A mission of this magnitude is no place for a woman and Gondor will not tolerate it!"

"Aye!"

"I concur!"

It didn't escape my notice that none of the other eight Fellowship members were voicing their opinions, though Gimli looked to be of Boromir's opinion if the downturn of his barely visible lips was an indicator. Legolas and Aragorn remained silent, arms crossed casually, watching and waiting. Gandalf, to my horrification, seemed to be thinking very deeply, leaning against his staff with a hand curled against his mouth. Merry and Pippin looked positively ecstatic, nodding vigorously and gesturing me to come closer. I pointedly ignored them.

"She must come," Frodo insisted, turning to look at Boromir. "I insist that she be allowed to join us, Captain of Gondor. It will not be a decision we regret." Boromir snorted, shaking his head.

Just where did he get off promising something like that? That was a heavy promise to make and not something to be taken lightly. Whatever Frodo was trying to do, he truly believed it would work and that it had to come about.

Elrond seemed to be withholding a great sigh, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before saying, "Let us take this to a more private setting." With a graceful spin, he promptly walked away to the astonishment of the other delegates. "Considering this is about you, Asherah, you will join us."

I hissed between my teeth, muttering, "Yes, Lord Elrond," and hustled through the foliage to catch up with him, the footsteps of the others trailing behind us. Thus, not even ten minutes later, the eleven of us stood in the elven Lord's private library, said Lord sitting gracefully in a chair. His hands folded in his lap, he trained an inquiring look at Frodo, who presented himself before Lord Elrond as proudly as he could.

"Perhaps an explanation would be best, Frodo Baggins," He said. "Making such a specific request for Asherah means you must have reasoning for wanting her to go with you."

"She will be valuable," He said convincingly. "She must come."

"That is not an explanation, Frodo," Gandalf chided. "I believe Lord Elrond wants a more clearer answer as to why Lady Asherah be chosen for this quest."

"This task is a dire one, Frodo," Lord Elrond explained. "While I would not begrudge anyone the opportunity to help destroy the One Ring and end Sauron's rule, the journey is arduous. It would be prudent to say that experience is favored above inexperience." That was a nice way of him to basically say that I sucked. Really helped my self-confidence.

"If experience is what is being sought, then it would make sense to leave my fellow Hobbits behind," Frodo pointed out. Said Hobbits immediately protested his words, eyes wide in disbelief that he even suggest they stay behind while he leaves to go on a dangerous quest. He shook his curly head. "No, I am right. None of us have the experience Strider or the others have, but Lord Elrond has graciously allowed you all to join the Fellowship." He met Elrond's eyes steadily. "I do not know Lady Asherah's experience, but I know she will be of help."

Elrond arched a fine brow. "Yet you have not given an adequate reason as to why you have singled her out compared to those who were present at the meeting."

Frodo hesitated and I unflinchingly added my own two cents. "I would like to know your thoughts for this as well," I said. He turned to face me, eyebrows scrunching. "I won't give you an answer about whether or not I'll go until you share what it is you're trying to do here." Not that I had any intention of traveling with this merry band of races, but I was more curious as to what his answer would be.

"As if you are going whether or not he explains his reasonings or not," Boromir said from his spot across the room. Feet shoulder width apart and arms crossed, he looked every bit a Captain with his chin tilted up and gaze piercing. He commanded a fierce presence in Gondor, but he would not command me.

"I don't recall asking for your opinion, Gondorian," I said shortly. "I was talking to Frodo, not you. I'll be sure to actually address you if I ever have anything to say to you."

"You would not last on this quest, Haradrim," He retorted sharply. "You would only get in our way and slow everyone down." Pippin leaned in to whisper something to Merry, who shrugged and shook his head, clearly lost and confused.

"Haradrim?" Legolas queried, confused.

"Again with the Haradrim accusation, will you ever get tired of throwing that one in my face?" I asked rhetorically, ignoring the elf. "If I've told you once, I've told you a million times. I am not a Haradrim. I've told you where I come from and you continue to ignore the facts."

"All of which are baseless with no proof," Boromir said pointedly.

"And how would you know that?" I snapped back. "You met me barely a week ago and you're once again making assumptions you know nothing about. How many times have we done this same song and dance since you've arrived? When will you accept that I am not a liar?"

"Boromir," Lord Elrond sharply interrupted before the man could open his mouth, dark brows pulled down in clear disapproval and mouth pinched at the corners. "As I'm sure you've been told by my sons, Asherah is a Ward of Imladris. She is under my protection. So long as you are in my presence, you will refrain from making such accusations." Boromir's lips tightened and he gave a short nod to Lord Elrond, silently acknowledging his command.

A hand carefully picked up a chunk of my hair, Legolas staring at it intently. "I've only heard tales of the Southern people from my father," Legolas began, "but I am confident her features were not mentioned in the descriptions." He held up my hair. "My father would remember hair this color. He always told me they were dark of skin and had hair as black as the night sky, a common characteristic for their people."

"At least someone believes me," I grumbled under my breath, shuffling in place uncomfortably.

"I don't know about the elf's eyes," Gimli grunted, waving a hand, "but my eyes do not fool me when they tell me that hair is not as dark as night." Legolas graced the Dwarf with a withering stare before thankfully releasing my hair and returning to his original spot. "We dwarves have very little dealings with the South, but the elfling speaks truth for once. It is impossible for her to be Haradrim and it's not just because her hair is wrong."

Astounded, I felt something flutter in my chest as their words seemed to stun Boromir into silence. Here were these two strangers, both of whom had never met me before now, basically defending me and debunking Boromir back into place despite not knowing the full backstory. I guiltily wondered if my earlier thoughts of racism were totally wrong if an elf and a dwarf could agree on something like this. Maybe it was just Boromir. Or maybe neither elf or dwarf tolerated bold and obviously incorrect accusations.

I caught the obvious dislike between them as they glared at one another and sweatdropped. Or I could be totally wrong, too. I doubt either would tell me their real reasons until they were on friendlier terms.

"As I've also told you," Aragorn inputted, frowning reproachfully at Boromir, "Asherah is not from the South, nor does she have these Haradrim characteristics you are forcing yourself to see. You are outnumbered, Captain of Gondor. Accept our words and move past whatever grudge you may possess against the Lady." Boromir looked as if he had swallowed something particularly sour, face scrunched up in disgust and scowling thunderously. He shook his head and turned his back to us, still as stone and back tense.

Captain of Gondor and he's acting like a child. How cute.

"Continue, Frodo," Elrond urged, beckoning the Hobbit forward and successfully diffusing the tension that had started to build in the room. "Speak your mind so we may hear your thoughts."

"It's difficult to explain," The Hobbit said carefully. "I can only vaguely recall it, but before I awakened here in Rivendell, I had a dream. The details are blurry and it is slipping away even now as I force myself to recall it, but I remember Asherah being in it." I blinked, surprised. "There were voices, saying words I could not quite hear or understand, images of a river and a forest, and there she stood along the bank." He shook his head. "At the time, I hadn't realized it was you. Just a human woman with fire for hair whom I had never met before, her back turned to me, and foreign voices almost urging me to find her even though I did not speak their tongue. Then I saw you at the Council meeting and I knew."

His voice was breathy, as if he could not believe it himself, his steps confident as he stopped before me and placed a small hand on my arm. Unconsciously tensing, I remained still as he looked at me beseechingly. "I do not know the meaning of this dream, but I know it means you are meant to join us. You are vital to this Fellowship." His hand slid down, carefully grasping my fingers. His hand was smooth, callous-free, like a child's. "I must plead with you to come with us."

The situation was slipping further and further out of my hands and it was a feeling I definitely didn't like. By no means was I a control freak, but I was too used to making my own choices. Too used to being independent with no one behind me to influence my thoughts. I'd already acknowledged in my heart that I could never deny Frodo for some unfathomable reason, but I'd also accepted in my mind that what he was proposing was a very bad idea.

I couldn't go on this quest. I knew I couldn't for fear of royally screwing the plot over. This world wasn't mine and what happened in it was of no concern of mine, but I would never be able to sleep well again knowing that I condemned innocent people to death because I decided to meddle in a predetermined fate.

I was lying so hard to myself right now. I gave a huge damn what happened to this world, but I had to maintain distance. I had to keep myself from getting too attached. It would only hurt more when I had to leave or when I had to watch these people die.

"When did Hobbits become so brave as to request something like that from a total stranger?" I blurted out, unable to stop from vocalizing my racing thoughts. I needed a diversion, needed time to wrap my mind around this as the creature before me behaved exactly like he had in the movie. This couldn't be happening. "I've read so much about Hobbits from this very library and heard many stories from Bilbo," I only just stopped myself from spitting out how I watched them on TV, "but the facts always say that Hobbits avoid the other races, preferring the company of their own and the peace and quiet that comes with that association. Why the hell would you ask something like that from me, a human?"

Aragorn chuckled. "You have it confused, Lady Asherah." I arched a questioning brow, silently asking him to explain. "It's not that Hobbits avoid the other races. It's more the other races view Hobbits as a myth, a story they tell their children at night. Not many have reasons to travel so far North, but those that do have encountered the Shire and its inhabitants and have chosen to remain silent to preserve the peace that dwells there."

"The Big Folk don't come so far North much often anymore, Miss," Sam added warily, attention glued to Frodo's hand still clasping mine. "We have grown comfortable in our solitude. Naturally, we Hobbits are wary when the Big Folk do come around, but we have caused no grievances to them or the other races, so they leave us well alone."

"It can be boring sometimes, though," Pippin chirped. Merry nudged him sharply, shaking his head. Bilbo's adventure to the Lonely Mountains sprang to mind and wondered if part of his reasoning for actually leaving the Shire to begin with was partly because of boredom.

"Hobbits, I've found, are prone to more acts of courage than we give credit for," Gandalf intoned wisely. "You can learn everything about them within a short period of time, but they will continue to surprise you."

"That's fine and dandy, but I don't appreciate this surprise at all," I said shortly. I shrugged off Frodo's hand and stepped away from him. "Putting stock into some random dream is foolhardy," I insisted, meeting all of their gazes except for Boromir's. "I've made my stance clear to some of you. Unless you are a master at interpreting dreams and their meanings, I refuse to believe that is your only reasoning for requesting me to join you."

"For once, we are in agreement," I heard Boromir mutter and I resisted the urge to shoot him a very nasty gesture.

Frodo's downcast expression tore at me. I couldn't tell if he was acting to sway me or if he was genuinely upset. "Please understand," I pleaded with him. He looked up hopefully. "Going on this journey with you will only get in the way of my own goals. There's things I have to do, places to search through. I cannot do that if I'm stuck on a strict schedule and specific paths."

"You are going on a journey yourself?" Legolas questioned, surprised. I tried not to be too irritated with his incredulous tone.

"Yes, I am," I confirmed. Aragorn closed his eyes, reluctant acceptance obvious on his face. He had no choice but to face the truth now. Elrond's face was like stone when I faced him. Now was a good a time as any to reveal my plans to him. Anything to divert Frodo from making any counter-arguments. "I wasn't going to come to you for another month or two, at least until I was more confident in what your sons have been training me in, but I ask for your blessing to leave Rivendell to begin the search for my sister. I've stayed here for too long and I fear I will never get the courage to leave if I do not give myself a deadline."

I sent a silent apology to Elladan and Elrohir for ratting them out, hoping their father would go easy on them when he no doubt called them after this meeting was over.

"And that is your wish?" He asked after a moment of silence. I nodded as surely as I could. He released a near silent breath and shook his head. "Very well." He raised a finger as a wide smile began to form on my face. "However, while I would never hold you here against your will, I would like to send you off with no doubts that you are well-prepared for this. Therefore, I will have Glorfindel oversee your training with my sons and be given regular updates to your progress. Until he has deemed you competent, you will stay and train until that opinion has changed."

I very nearly groaned aloud. Damn it all. Glorfindel will never let me leave. Uptight bastard will want complete perfection and that's not something I can promise!

"You won't let Arwen judge?" I asked, unable to hide the whine in my voice. "No offense to Glorfindel, but he's not very fair when it comes to training."

"That is the point," Elrond said firmly. "My daughter is close to you. I worry she will not be as thorough as I need her to be. Glorfindel will make sure you are ready, able to travel safely, and protect yourself."

How completely and utterly unfair. If I didn't know any better, it was like Lord Elrond was actively trying to keep me in Rivendell.

"If you were to join us," Gandalf suddenly said, "you would be able to leave much sooner than what I'm sure Lord Glorfindel will allow." I didn't like that obnoxious twinkle in his eyes, nor the tilt to his lips. He was like the resident Dumbledore, secretly plotting and maneuvering the chess pieces into positions that would benefit him. "The road to Mordor is long and if the path I have in mind is the one we shall take, we will pass through a great many leagues of Arda. That will reduce your search by a good portion compared to if you go alone with no clear destination in mind."

Conniving old wizard. He was playing on my urgency to find my sister. He'd not vocalized his own opinion for my induction into the Fellowship, but his words now showed that he was for it. For a second, anger clouded my vision before I forced it away with a deep breath.

"That's if the lass can keep up," Gimli added grimly, tapping his axe against the floor. "That kind of distance is not for the faint-hearted nor is it typically kind to a woman. If time is of the essence, she will need to have the will to march with us and match our stamina."

"Exactly as I've been saying," Boromir seethed, spinning around. "We do not know if she can do as the Master Dwarf says. She will slow us down and hinder how far we may travel in a day. That does not include her ability to contribute to the Fellowship when the time comes." He pointed a damning finger at me. "Every second we lose is a second the enemy continues to beat against Gondor's gates. I will not watch my home fall because of one woman."

"Kind of you to place the fall of an entire kingdom on my shoulders, Captain," I snapped angrily. "Especially when I've yet to do a damn thing to have you throw that one in my face."

"Now that's not fair at all," Merry interjected, glaring at Boromir. "Pip and I have watched Asherah do battle with Strider's brothers ever since we arrived and she holds her own very well against them from what we've seen. And I'm sure they'd also say the same thing!"

"I agree," Pippin nodded, crossing his arms. "She is out there when the sun rises and when it begins to fall. She is doing her share of the work already."

Boromir's exasperated growl made something in me snap. A cord that had been gathering tension since I was first subjected to his horrible words and suspicious glances, pulled more and more taut over the past week as I forced myself to attempt a hint of control over my 21st century temper. It frayed and frayed until the tension in my gut seemed to seize and an audible snap rung damningly in my ears.

I'd had enough.

Fuck this. Fuck the plot and fuck all of my reasons for not wanting to go. I will not stand here and let this keep happening.

"I'll go," I snarled. Boromir's head snapped towards me, gunmetal eyes narrowing. I spoke to Lord Elrond, but I never looked away from him. I tilted my head in a clear challenge, daring him to rebuke me. "You think I'll slow you down? Fine. I'll prove it to you. I'll take the road to Mordor with the Fellowship and prove to you that I can do anything you think you can do as well, Gondorian."

Aragorn's groan and the sound of a hand meeting skin was loud in the open space of the library.

Four Hobbits, two men, a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, and a woman going on a long ass walk to a mountain of doom that spews boiling hot lava on a consistent schedule.

It was like the start of a God awful joke. Almost something my grandpa would say in his weak attempts to be funny in front of his grandchildren. Emmalee and I had never genuinely laughed at his jokes because they were that bad.

True to her all-knowing nature, Tobrien had been waiting impatiently for me outside the library, shifting on the balls on her feet and pouncing the second she saw me leaving. She wasted no time whisking me away to the training grounds, explaining in short words that Elladan was waiting for me there and that it was time to go a little harder with my training. I made no move to protest her half-hearted plan and went along with it.

A contact with the back of my knee had my feet flying out from under me and I landed solidly on my back, the air whooshing from my lungs and the clanging of the sword the twins had loaned me during our first lesson falling a few feet away. I heaved a gasp, groaning when my body protested the action. Merry and Pippin could tell Boromir all they want about how well I could hold my own against the twins, but I had yet to win a single fight against either one of them.

"You're distracted," Tobrien called from the sidelines. She was kneeling on the grass, hands folded demurely in her lap and back ramrod straight as she surveyed the battle I had just lost. "Do it again."

"Slave driver," I gasped, waving away Elladan's hand and climbing back to my feet.

Tobrien's lips quirked. "I've heard you mutter that phrase often enough to know that it's an insult by now, Lady Asherah. There is much for you to learn and so little time to do it."

"The fair elleth is right," Elladan agreed, circling me. Razor sharp eyes tracked every tense muscle, every slight movement I made. I made a conscious effort to keep Elladan within my line of sight. He was not above pulling cheap shots if it meant I'd learn something from it. "The Fellowship has been given a month to make preparations and to have the guard oversee the valley and ravine to make sure there are no evil creatures lying in wait for you to leave the safety of Imladris. That is not a long time for you to be prepared."

"Is that why Elrohir isn't here to tag team me into the dirt?" I asked sarcastically. "He's out with the guard? And how do you even know that? Your father had just given the orders a few short hours ago!"

Elladan gave a shark-like grin as he methodically twirled his sword in a graceful arc by his side. I enviously hoped to be able to mimic that fluidity soon. "Brother will be back within the week. You will get your wish in a few days, Gwathren." He pointedly ignored my last question, continuing his circling.

"I wouldn't exactly call eating dirt a wish, Elladan," I deadpanned, shifting my body around as he began to drift too far from my peripherals. My eyes darted to my weapon that was laying just out of comfortable reach. "It's just weird fighting only one of you when I've gotten used to two."

Elladan trilled a laugh, halting his steps suddenly. "A feat to be praised as you've only been training with us for barely a week!"

"She is a quick learner," Tobrien said simply, though her eyes shone with pride. "I have no doubt that she will one day best you and Elrohir, Elladan."

"We shall see." Between one blink and the next, Elladan was suddenly invading my space, leg sweeping low for a no doubt punishing kick. I gracelessly twisted out of the way, feeling the tip of his boot skimming my calf as I barely dodged him. Rolling, I made a grab for my sword, fumbling with the too large hilt and raising it just in time to block Elladan's swing. My arms shrieked at the strain Elladan was forcing on them, quivering and fighting to keep him at bay. Grunting, I shoved upwards, pushing him back enough for me to jump to my feet.

Being an elf, Elladan had a huge advantage over me, a mere human. He was faster, more agile, had sharper senses, and a better understanding for strategy. It wasn't impossible to beat him, but I didn't have his long experience with swinging swords around, hadn't fought in as many battles as he had, and certainly hadn't trained for as long. His moves were like an intricate dance, one that I wasn't privy to as I fumbled my way through this exercise. It was frustrating being unable to keep up with him even after a week of doing the same exercise over and over again.

His dark hair twirling in the air distracted me, breaking my concentration and Elladan took no shame in exploiting it, the age old feeling of my back hitting the dirt registering a split second later. I froze at the deadly sharp tip just grazing the skin of my throat.

"Enemies will not hesitate to cut you down when an opening like that presents itself," Elladan said strictly. "Focus, Gwathren. If you master this exercise, everything else will come easier." He removed his blade and this time, I took the hand he offered me.

"What am I doing wrong?" I demanded, exasperated. "You'd think after a week, I'd get it, but it feels like I'm becoming fast friends with the ground more than usual."

"Don't tell her, Elladan," Tobrien commanded as he opened his mouth. He snapped it shut and we both watched her rise, brushing off her skirts before approaching us. She held out her hand and he wordlessly transferred his sword to her. I gaped at her in disbelief as she took her own stance before me, feet spread apart, knees bent, shoulders loose, and her free hand relaxed at her side. "Come at me," She challenged, eyes glimmering. "Maybe fighting against me will help."

"Help how?" I asked in disbelief, but mirrored her stance nonetheless. There was a simultaneous intake of breath and then I lunged towards her.

I only had Elladan and Elrohir to compare and I wasn't sure if it was a gender thing or if Lothlorien elves were trained differently, but Tobrien's movements were more...fluid than Elladan's. Where he was sharp footwork and quick advances, Tobrien relied heavily on feints and spinning around my strikes than outright blocking like Elladan. Belatedly, I realized that it was easier to read the pattern of her strikes, countering accordingly and lasting much longer with her than I ever had with Elladan. She was no less fast and experienced, though, moving through the movements so smoothly that I once again was distracted by her fancy movements and the way her skirts sailed around her legs in a way all girls loved, therefore missing how she suddenly switched hands and her technique changed.

All of a sudden, it was hard for me to keep up with her. She was merciless, her blade whistling in a sharp arc and a strangled yelp escaped my mouth as I threw myself backwards to avoid it. Seconds later, I found myself in the same position I was in before, on the ground with the sharp end of a sword at my throat.

"What did you do?" I panted as she pulled me up. "What was that? You just suddenly changed your attack mid-swing and it was like fighting Elladan again!"

Tobrien hummed, pleased with the comparison. "I was fighting you with my non-dominant hand," She said, sounding almost smug though her face remained kind and passive. "I find it is easier to conserve energy and wait for an opening to present itself, creating a false sense of security by presenting myself as a more reserved fighter, and then catch my opponent off-guard by switching to my other hand for a faster and more aggressive approach." She grimaced. "However, it typically only works well against one or two enemies at a time. It is easy to see through and can be countered if given enough time to watch."

"Regardless, it is an ingenious tactic," Elladan praised, grinning. "Our brethren in Lothlorien have such different training methods, it never fails to impress me to see them in action." He held a hand to his chest, shaking his head. "I myself could never do such a thing. While I see the advantages of such a strategy, I fear I cannot alter my own fighting style to that degree. Though, I must ask, that style doesn't seem like something Haldir himself would use?"

Tobrien shook her head, laughing softly. "It's my own personal style, if I may be honest," She said. "I learned the same style as everyone else, however Haldir always encouraged us to find a way that would benefit ourselves. I took it to heart and I found what suits me best after much thought and experimenting."

"So you accidentally discovered you're ambidextrous," I commented dryly. "Why doesn't that surprise me."

Tobrien cocked her head. "Ambidextrous?" I cringed as she butchered the word completely. Her cheeks flushed and Elladan laughed at my expression. "What does that word mean? That doesn't sound like anything you've said before."

"Ambidextrous?" I struggled to think of a word similar enough in Common that would translate it. "It...uh, well it's, umm..." Elladan gave me a cheeky grin as I tried to explain the word and I huffed, crossing my arms and giving up. "It basically means that you can use your right and left hand equally. You don't rely on one more than the other."

Tobrien nodded in understanding. "Yes, that's true," She confirmed. "It took some practice, but it has benefitted me greatly." She smiled. "I think it would be in your best interest to learn it. Not that you should stop your mock battles with Elladan and Elrohir as they are great partners to test yourself against, but I believe you'll pick my style up much faster and it will be easier on your smaller build."

I gave her a blank stare. "You want me to learn how to fight with my right hand? You do realize I only have a month before I leave, right?"

Elladan gave my shoulder a friendly pat. "Best to get started, yes?" He teased before clapping his hands dismissively. "For now, it is late and we all must rest. It has been a trying day and we must take some time to relax from the events of this morning. We will resume this tomorrow, Gwathren. Bright and early as usual."

I sighed, handing my sword over to his waiting hand. "I'll see you in the morning, Elladan," I said, Tobrien and I waving him goodnight as we left the training grounds. Instead of heading back to my room, Tobrien urged me in the opposite direction, leading me towards the center of the home. Quickly realizing she was leading me towards the kitchens, I protested, "I'm not hungry right now, Tobrien."

She gave me a stern look, voice giving me no room to argue with her. "You haven't eaten since this morning at breakfast. I know you didn't eat anything this afternoon because you were in the library with Lord Elrond and have spent the rest of the day at the training grounds with myself and Elladan. It does not have to be something big, but you will eat something."

Not having the energy to argue with the no-nonsense tone she had, I nodded and followed her into the Hall of Fire where, to my irritation, the whole entirety of the Fellowship was there. I glared at her. "What are you trying to pull here?"

"I'm not pulling anything," She denied. She pointed a finger towards the tables, all of which were occupied by one or two of the Fellowship. "You will sit down, relax, try to be civil, and I will return with something for you to eat."

Gods above, she's being extra bossy today. Deciding the table with Merry and Pippin was the lesser of two evils, I made my way towards them as Tobrien disappeared into the kitchens. The Hobbits, having spotted me reluctantly making my way towards them, eagerly moved their food-loaded plates around until there was a space cleared across from them.

"It's exciting, isn't it?" Pippin asked as I sat down.

Resting my chin in my hand, I asked, "What is?"

"Going on a quest!" He exclaimed excitedly. "This is the furthest I've ever been from the Shire and we get to go even further with Frodo and Sam and Strider and Gandalf!"

"You're not terrified?"

Pippin tore into a piece of chicken, cocking his head. "Why would I be terrified?" He asked around a mouthful of food. My hand raised as if to grab his cheeks, to impress on him how disgusting it was to talk with food in your mouth, but I quickly hid the action when Merry rolled his eyes, swallowed his own mouthful, before whacking his cousin on the back. Pippin coughed, thumping his chest repeatedly.

"Oblivious Took," He rolled his eyes. Pippin squawked in protest. "I don't think that's what she meant."

I was terrified. I was scared and worried out of my mind about what could potentially happen, what could change, what those changes could mean for the fate of this world. I didn't want to be the one responsible for the beautiful future that lay in wait less than two short years from now going up in flames.

"I don't understand," Pippin said cluelessly. "Strider will be there and Gandalf, too. Nothing will happen with those two around."

Those two are not infallible as you will learn. I shook away my pessimistic thoughts, sighing and waving away their concerned looks. "Nothing, don't worry about it," I assured without much feeling. "It's been a long day. I'm just tired."

"You cannot stay out of your head for long, can you?" Tobrien placed a plate of fruit filled with all kinds of berries and red apples in front of me, laughing when my face scrunched up. "This wasn't what I meant when I recommended you relax for once."

"My idea of relaxing involves me being in my comfortable bed, which I am sure I will take for granted once I'm actually out there in the wilderness."

In a surprising display of immaturity, Tobrien rolled her eyes heavenward. "Your sass is not needed, Lady Asherah," She admonished. She nudged my plate closer when I failed to grab anything. "Eat. The faster you finish this plate, the faster you may retire." Her eyes slid to something over my shoulders and she raised a hand to cover her mouth, unable to completely hide the smile that was beginning to show.

I jumped when an arm slipped around my shoulders, whipping around to meet Lindir's teasing grin. "You cannot stay out of trouble, can you?" He wagged a finger when I scowled and turned away from him. "I heard all about it from Elladan and Elrohir before he left. What's this I hear about you giving the Captain of Gondor your special brand of grief again?"

Nosy. Elves have got to be the nosiest race in this whole entire world. "I did no such thing."

"So you let him rile you up into going on this journey?"

"I didn't exactly plan this, you know. I wasn't expecting to be singled out like that by a Hobbit of all people and lose my composure in front of them all."

"You let yourself be baited," Tobrien pointed out.

"It's not my fault I lost my temper," I muttered in disagreement. "Certain people just rub me the wrong way. I hear their voice and it's a feeling of instant dislike." Not that I had always disliked Boromir. I disliked him now, but he was a worthy character in the movie and had an intriguing story that had been cut short prematurely.

Lindir pressed a hand against my bicep, silently urging me to scoot over, Tobrien shuffling down a little to make room for us. "Regarding your preparations," He began, stealing a blueberry from my plate, "what all are you doing?"

"Sword training with Tobrien and Elladan." He gave me an expectant look and when I didn't continue, his eyes widened. "What's that look for?" I asked defensively. "What else am I supposed to be doing?"

"Much," He stressed. "You must travel light to not be burdened by heavy baggage, but you must find clothing that is meant for long distance travelling, food, footwear, so much that must be done and a month is not a long enough time to adequately get it all done."

"I have already made plans to have her fitted with the esteemed Seamstress later this week," Tobrien assured the stressing out elf, reaching across me to place her hand on his. "If need be, I realize there are some things you need to explain to her, so if you can inform me of times and days that would be good for you, Elladan and I can make time inbetween her training to hand her off to you."

Lindir relaxed, nodding. "That would be perfect, Tobrien, thank you." He motioned towards the two men in the room, Aragorn sitting on a window ledge talking to Legolas, and Boromir standing with his back to us, nursing a mug of what I would bet was some of Lord Elrond's finest wine. "My next question: will you be with the Hobbits as Estel and Gondor's Captain train them?"

"Why would I do that?" I asked somewhat testily, already knowing where he was going with that question. "I have Elladan and Tobrien to help me. I don't need Estel or that Gondorian to train me when I have fine teachers as is."

"I think you would benefit from what they have to show."

"No thank you," I refused. "I do not want their help, nor do I need their help. His esteemed highness will only pick fights with me and Estel needs to focus his attention on those who have no experience with swords." I pointed at the Hobbits, who took no offense to being called out. "Besides, if I wish to keep my sanity, it would be best for me to stay out of the Gondorian's way. He was not pleased with how today's meetings went and he will get a nasty surprise if he thinks I'll sit by passively anymore with his name-calling."

"You will have to get along with him eventually, Lady Asherah," Lindir warned. "The Fellowship cannot afford to have in-fighting between its own members when the Fate of this world rests in your hands."

"Not if I have my way. I refuse to cater to the man if he can't respect me for what I can bring to the table." Pippin looked confusedly at the table, while Tobrien and Lindir, too used to my weird phrases, remained fixated on me. "Besides, the feeling is mutual. He hates me for what he believes me to be and I hate him equally for how he thinks he can get away with disrespecting a complete stranger."

"I think that will change," Merry said absently, staring at me. Elaborating at the confused expression on my face, he said, "It's obvious you dislike him, but I think that will change on this journey." He shrugged. "We'll be together for a long while in the wilderness. I'm sure tempers will fly, but ultimately, I think you two will come to a compromise if push comes to shove." Pippin agreed readily, saying something or another about how it would be great if we all could get along.

Wizards are tricksters. Elves are a nosy bunch. Dwarves have bigger tempers than a hormonal woman. Men are just as daft here as back home. And Hobbits can be known to sound very wise at the most inopportune moments.

I hoped Merry was right. Otherwise I might kill the Son of Gondor by my own hand before Death could come for the man himself.

A/N: Ya'll, work ain't shit. I'm sorry, but why did I ever think maintaining three jobs was a good idea. They're all totally kicking my ass right now.

I understand this nasty habit of posting every two months leaves nothing to be desired and it is a trial in and of itself to find any spare time I may have to sit down and write new chapters, but I promise that I've been slowly chipping away at them with what little time I do manage to get to myself. I appreciate all of your patience, truly. *Hearts*

I had so much fun with this chapter, honestly, and I hope it doesn't disappoint you kind readers. Also, I am aware that I haven't gone back to the previous chapter to fix the errors I had accidentally made after a kind reviewer pointed them out to me! I will be updating that chapter after work tonight. Until next time! Thank you for reading!