Elrond stopped before the guard who was standing rigid, lance pointing to the stars, at the entrance to his tent. "That will be all, Keine."

"My lord, I'm on duty until two," Keine protested.

"I will guard my wife. You may stand in front of my children's tent and have your relief positioned thus."

Keine bowed his head and stepped the short distance to another tent, longing for the hours to pass and he could lie down in his assigned tent and out of the dropping temperatures. By the time he turned with his back to his assigned tent, Elrond was already inside his own.

Elrond pulled the ties together against the night chill. There was a lamp on a low table by the bed giving off just enough light for him to walk across the tent to a pile of furs in the center of the area. "I almost feel guilty for not allowing Arwen to sleep in comfort with us."

Celebrían lifted a fur and Elrond's eyes popped open in surprise. "She is old enough to rough it with her brothers. I've longed for the day we could once again make love while traveling."

Elrond fumbled with his frozen buckles, mentally cursing them slowing his efforts to disrobe. Finally he slid in between sheets and noticed she positioned the heavy bear skin on top.

As he reached for her, she squeaked and then laughed softly. "It's been far too long since I felt your body as cold as spring melt in the Bruinen." Her hands stroked over his chest and push lightly until he was on his back and she straddled him.

I, Erestor, was not present, but Elrond sadistically told me for the story when I asked why he had Arwen sleeping with her brothers when we left Fornost. Actually he stopped with Celebrían settling on him and wouldn't divulge another detail no matter how much Glorfindel threatened and I pleaded he couldn't leave that section missing the most important part. Anyway, back to the story.

I was sitting by a dying fire the next morning and Glorfindel was saddling our horses and receiving reports from the night watches. I made a cup of tea for him when I saw him hurry in my direction with our horses. Taking the cup he looked at two tents not disturbed. The others were already broken down and placed on pack horses.

"Keine told me an interesting snippet of news." Glorfindel stopped to drink his tea. He pointed to the twin's tent. "Arwen has been banished to that tent."

Before I could accuse Keine of fibbing, the flap opened and Arwen stepped out. Seeing us, she smiled and hurried over.

"Did your adar ban you from your naneth?" Glorfindel cheerfully asked while I made her tea.

"I think they wanted time alone after being away from each other all week," Arwen truthfully answered.

Glorfindel winked at me and asked, "Did you stay up with your brother's playing word games and they are still slumbering?"

"The part about us being awake was correct. When Keine went to wake his replacement, the El's slipped out and went on the prowl. They are not meant to be kept inside for so long. They heard a wolf howl in the distance and I'm sure they will return with a pelt."

Glorfindel's smile dropped and I knew that wasn't a good sign. "Why didn't you come to our tent, pen neth?"

"Because at my age, I am very capable of tenting alone. Besides, nobody here will attack us."

"I wish Elrond insisted your maid accompany you this trip," I inserted. "That way, you could tent with an elleth."

"I swear you two are suffocating me as much as Adar and Naneth. My brothers know that sometimes I need my freedom. I have decided to start patrolling with them just to spread my wings."

I could see that even Glorfindel was stunned. He recovered first. "Not as long as I am alive. Should you wish freedom, I will take you and teach you as I did them."

"I accept," Arwen stately ended the conversation when she reached for warm Lembas the servants were handing out from a fur lined bag to keep them thus.

I didn't bother to hide my grin at Glorfindel for being so easily out maneuvered.

The last tent still erected was quiet and I wondered if they didn't steal off with their sons in the night. Glorfindel rose and patted Arwen's shoulder as he ambled to their tent. We heard him raise his voice. "If I come in, will Celebrían do to me what she did to you?"

There was general laughter around the camp at his words and the flap was parted revealing a fully armored Elrond that stepped into the morning sun, looking around in surprise. "I must have been tired. I didn't wake until I heard Arwen's voice." He strode to our fire and grabbed the mug of tea I had waiting. "What is this I hear about your brother's abandoning you?"

"Adar, I slept just fine alone. You know they aren't housetrained. That goes double for their tent. They had weapons position all around and told me not to move anything. It was a relief when they gathered everything up and left."

Celebrían joined us with a smile that lifted our spirits. I quickly poured her tea with her Lembas. "I have confidence in you, Arwen. You will do just fine on your own."

"Thank you, Naneth," Arwen basked in her mother's support. "I am serious about exploring like my brother's do."

"And you should," Celebrían encouraged. "Why I explored all of Lórien and had adventures with your daernaneth and some without." She glanced at Elrond, who was grinding his teeth.

"We're packed," Elrond announced and stalked to gather his horse and those for the elleth just as Elladan and Elrohir joined us. Sure enough each had a wolf hide rolled and draped over their saddle horns.

"What beautiful colors," Celebrían exclaimed as we gathered around.

Elladan unrolled his first and we saw a silver pelt.

Elrohir followed and his was black with silver mixed throughout. "We need new rugs by our beds."

Elrond, on his horse, joined us and we took the hint and mounted. I tossed Lembas to the twins and mounted.

"Are you two done thinking of yourselves only?" Elrond snapped.

"Adar, we wouldn't have left should foe be about," Elladan protested.

"I'll ride you hard enough today that tonight you will sleep like elflings," Elrond promised and set a grueling pace through the snow, daring any to fall behind.

We were in the gentle hill country of fertile soil just west of Bree two days later. Elrond didn't stop in the quaint town of men, but several kids stood on the hill above the town and watched us plow through snow. Twenty miles west of Bree we topped a hill and Elrond pulled his mount to a stop with a raised hand.

Before us lay dead soldiers of men. It was a battle so recent; blood was still spreading in the snow. We all made ready and were surprised at Glorfindel's revelation.

"Those are Galadhrim arrows. Elves are fighting men."

We looked closer and they were of Lothlórien design and color.

Elrond kicked his mount in the sides and we picked through the bodies to the next hill where tracks plainly led. Before we crested the rise, we could hear sounds of battle. Drawing weapons, we hurried to see how the battle went for our elven friends.

Elrond shouted, "All elleth remain hidden. Erestor sound for battle and let….," we paused on top of the hill and watched the battle rage and saw that men outnumbered elves. "let Celeborn know we are here."

We lined our horses abreast and drew weapons. I noticed as I placed my horn to my lips, those with bows were already picking their targets. Sounding the call to battle, I let Celeborn know he had reinforcements. I was happy Elrond traveled with a hundred of his best warriors this trip.

A volley of arrows filled the air and each found a mark. The men turned to face us and I looked for the lord and lady of the Galadhrim. Galadriel was on the next hill watching, but not helping. I later asked her why she didn't use her powers and she said, it would harm all equally.

Elrond should have known his wife couldn't be controlled. Celebrían spotted her mother and looked at the only elleth to make this winter trip, Arwen and Lindis. "Let's circle the battle and join my naneth." As soon as they left the covering of trees they were spotted and men cried in delight that they had females to abuse.

Celeborn heard the horn and figured Elrond caught up with them. The snows slowed them down and traveling through areas heavy with the feel of war and death dampened fëas to the point the men were upon them before they sorted spirit from flesh. Hundreds of men surrounded them; some on mounts and most on foot. They spotted Galadriel and Celeborn saw one lick thick lips in anticipation of a turn between her legs. His head rolled off broad shoulders and without dialogue Celeborn attacked. His goal was to fight through this bunch and flee before the others reached them through the knee deep snow. He broke through easily and topped the hill into the main army. Yelling at Galadriel and Azthêla to get to safety, he ordered his Galadhrim to show no mercy. It was like slaughtering slow cattle, but they kept attacking, even standing upon their dead to gain height. He welcomed the sound of approaching elves.

The twins expended their arrows and jumped off their mounts to face their foe who were on foot as did the rest of Elrond's army for none wanted an injured mount. Elrohir grabbed a young, frightened kid of about twenty and raised his sword. The youth knew he was dying this day and blackness sent him to oblivion. "Don't kill the young ones, El," he shouted. "They haven't had time amass enough regrets for fond memories in their old age." A seasoned warrior saw the elf take the butt of his sword to his son and with a cry of rage attacked. He managed one swing and lay in the snow beside his unconscious son; only he was bleeding from a stab through his heart.

Fighting died down and a man was yelling for his men to lay down their weapons. He cautiously approached Celeborn, who now had the leader of the other band of elves at his side. "Why did you attack us?" He asked.

"I didn't like the way your men were looking at my wife," Celeborn tersely replied.

"Our army was ordered to stay in this area in case talks failed and we had to fight some more," the man who appeared to be leader spoke.

"Who are you?" Elrond asked and mentally shouted for his healers to assist with injured. He saw Celeborn was giving no such order to his healers and snapped in Celeborn's mind, 'It won't hurt us to give aid.'

Celeborn motioned with a hand, while keeping his gaze fixed upon the man.

"I am Lord Angus, father-in-law to King Avenlan and General of his army. We haven't been home in months and Bree is off limits per our king. Our men meant no disrespect."

"I don't believe you," Celeborn immediately replied. "I have eyes."

Elrond looked around and saw me standing just behind him, "Give me the contract and go see to my lady. She was knocked off her horse by these men who were showing respect. She was forced to kill several, as did Arwen and Lindis." He turned back to Angus. "If my wife or daughter suffers so much as a broken nail, I am going to kill you."

Celeborn raised his sword that was still dripping blood, "I'll kill him for his men attacking my daughter." He didn't swing when Elrond placed a hand on his arm. "Celebrían told me she and Arwen are fine, just shaken. That alone might make me go to war against Cardolan." He saw a question in Celeborn's eyes and mentally added, 'I'll tell you tonight.'

As I hurried to do my lord's bidding, I spotted Glorfindel on Asfaloth sitting on a hill surveying the battle. The twins were back on their horses and beside him. He was pointing things out and explaining. Warriors were pulling arrows from dead and injured men so we wouldn't be defenseless for the remainder of the trip.

I found Celebrían with her mother and greeted the lady before turning my attention to the daughter. "Elrond needs to know if he should kill King Avenlan's father-in-law for his soldiers daring to attack you, Lindis and Arwen?"

"This is not the first time I've been in a scrape and Elrond and my adar don't need to be making more enemies. There is one thing you can do for us." She handed a bloody Hadhafang2 to me. "It needs to be cleaned thoroughly. You know, Erestor, I never intended to do more with it than please Elrond by wearing it when we travel."

Taking the sword, I reached for Lindis' and Arwen's and hurried off to find our elves in charge of cleaning weapons and arrows. A short distance from the men, our elves had a fire going and pot melting snow. Rags were tossed in and one by one, elves showed up and cleaned their swords and arrows. I cleaned both my lady's sword and mine and then did the other two.

The twins and Glorfindel joined me and I watched them meticulously work on their weapons and arrows. Elladan glanced in my direction and saw me holding his mother's sword. All work ceased from the three when he asked, "Why do you have Naneth's and Arwen's swords?"

"It had to be cleaned," I calmly answered and had the satisfaction of seeing them cringe.

"Did any of our elleth get hurt?" Glorfindel asked quietly and I noticed any hint of teasing was gone. The twins stood ridged, waiting for my answer. I'm not sure what they would have done, should I say yes.

"Just scared and roughed up a bit when the ruffians dragged them off their horses."

"Do you know which men?" Elladan asked.

"It is my understanding that group lying over there." I pointed to a patch of bloody snow where about two dozen men were sprawled where they died.

Glorfindel led the way to the bodies. We checked to see what kind of wounds killed them; both to brag on them and see if they needed instruction. The last person was still alive; although barely.

"Why did you attack our mother and sister?" Elrohir screamed down into his face as he grabbed two fistfuls of tunic.

We gathered around to hear his answer.

"The…y were bea..u…tiful. We just wa…nt to touch so…ft skin and kiss tho…se pre...fect lips. So long…," he trailed off and his eyes became sightless. Elrohir released him and stood up.

Elrond and Celeborn warned Angus against waylaying anyone or we would be back and Avenlan wouldn't have an army anymore. Elrond let him read the contract and told him his king would be along within a day or two and he could explain how startling elves was never a good idea.

We made haste to put more miles between us and what men were capable of covering. It was almost dark when Celeborn called halt. Tents were formed in a circle with ours in the center. I had no doubt the twins wouldn't be taking a midnight hunt and wondered where Arwen was bedding down after our scare.

We ate warm Lembas and talked with Celeborn and Galadriel a bit, but everyone was weary and we broke apart to our tents. I watched to see which one Arwen went to and when she headed to her brothers' tent, I spoke up. "Arwen, come sleep with Glorfindel and me."

Celeborn and Galadriel spun from where they were about to enter their tent and marched back to us. "What?" Celeborn roared.

"Arwen has been kicked out of the nest," Elrond firmly stated and placed his arm around Celebrían's shoulders.

Galadriel looked into all our minds and tugged on Celeborn's arm. "Let Elrond take care of this."

Celeborn glared at her. "It is our duty to step in when the child of our child may be in danger."

"Meleth-nín, the only danger Arwen faces is tripping over one of her brother's weapons. She will be fine with them."

Glorfindel silently stepped around the twin's tent. Seeing Arwen near the door, he opened the flap and kissed her cheek, bidding her a goodnight. He joined us. "I added extra guards, now that I have Celeborn's to use and abuse. All will be well tonight."

Elrond tugged Celebrían in the direction of their tent which was next to their children's. "Come, I need to examine you. If I find so much as one bruise, I'll break the contract and go to war against my own kin."

"You will do no such thing," Celebrían reasoned and grabbed his hand, leading the way.

Galadriel looked amused. "If you wish to stand guard at the door of your daerhin's tent, I will give a detailed account of how soft and warm our bed is in the morning." With a wave to us she treaded lightly on top of the snow and into her tent.

Celeborn pulled a flask of wine from his cape and took a swig. Seeing Glorfindel looking forlornly at it, he relented and handed it over. "What is behind making Arwen sleep with her brother's?" He asked in a quiet tone. The camp was settling down for the night after the battle and no songs were heard, indicating just how tired the elves were.

"Arwen is making noises that she needs more independence. Elrond is testing her. If she makes the trip to the Havens and back home in the spring with no complaints, he will send her abroad to learn the lands and how to scout." Glorfindel took one more swig and handed the flask to me.

"Has he told her this?" Celeborn was already planning of a summer in Imladris.

"Nooo," Glorfindel drawled. "It will be a surprise. I of course will oversee her training."

"As daeradar, I outrank you. I will take her under my wing as I did her brother's."

"I suggest we both take the opportunity to be shed of Elrond for a summer and take his children for an extended trip…..under the guise of training of course." Glorfindel's eyes lit with mischief at the thought of playing all summer.

"We can do that," Celeborn agreed. "I just got a reminder the bed is now warm. You two should marry so you can appreciate a summer without voices in your head." Taking his flask, he left us by the dying fire.

Glorfindel looked up. "I see stars."

I looked with him and we saw the light of the Silmaril on the bow of Vingilótë to the southeast of us, slowly making its nightly voyage.

Snow covered ground yielded to soggy, muddy traveling. We were a band of weary travelers when the iron gates of Mithlond beckoned like a jewel fashioned for a diadem. As predicted, a mile from the gate, a mighty horn sounded with the cadence elves were at the gate. At the swift pace of the horses, we were at the gate just as it swung out. Our staffs flying banners gave who was visiting away and the keeper of the gate bowed as we halted the horses before him.

"My lords and ladies, Lord Círdan is at his residence. Do you need assistance?"

Celeborn spoke for us. "We know the way." He moved his horse and the guard hurried from the way. Elves were gathering to see who was paying them a visit as we rode down the main street and veered to the channel and Círdan's palace. The warriors continued on to barracks near where the guards of the Havens lived. They knew where to go and that they were most likely not needed for the rest of winter and could take their leisure in the many taverns. Those of us expected to stay with Lord Círdan, rode past the guard and to his front door.

We were informed later; Círdan was in his office when the horn sounded of arriving elves. He sent his personal servant, Taíban to the door should the visitors require his services. Taíban rushed back to the office. "My lord, Celeborn and Elrond and theirs are dismounting as I speak."

Círdan rushed down the hall to the door just as Celeborn pushed it open and entered first. "My dear friends, this is quite the surprise. He went from elf to elf, greeting in order of importance. To my dismay, I was greeted before Elrond's children. I turned apologetically to them, only to see them laughing at my plight.

Elrohir leaned close after Círdan greeted him and spoke in my mind, 'You are the son of a lord of Gondolin and therefore outrank us.'

'Not so. You could be princes and heirs of the High King.'

'Maybe he was going according to age,' Arwen joined in. 'You notice he addressed me last.'

'I will study on this,' I ended our interchange lest we be noticed.

We gathered in Círdan's large sitting room after our baths and servants poured us wine. I wasn't sure which I enjoyed more, the body numbing spirits or clean clothes. Servants carted our garments away and I saw blood still on Glorfindel's and the twin's tunics. Elrond and Celeborn filled Círdan in on our adventures and Elrond handed him the contract to read and make a copy.

"I think explaining they couldn't afford war on two fronts against elves swayed negotiations in my favor," Elrond told him. He was seated comfortably on a plush sofa with Celebrían snuggled against his side. On an identical sofa, likewise, were Celeborn and Galadriel.

"We planned on arriving a week before Elrond, but the snows and encounters with men delayed us until they caught up," Galadriel added. She looked at Elrond. "Did you know that little skirmish was our third crossing the old Anor kingdom?"

"I heard the warriors talking and figured you would tell us in time," Elrond sleepily replied.

"We encountered the first group at Weathertop," Celeborn started the story. "They weren't expecting elves this late in the year. It was a band from Rhudaur and they claim lands clear to Imladris."

Elrond snorted, "Valandur, the youngest, and one I might have to remove from my brother's progeny and said as much to him. I told him he would have to patrol without our help and Imladris was off limits should they need assistance. He started whining about it being a Homely House and I wasn't being charitable for all they were offering us and reminded me his father's borders were the same. I explained that I liked his father and he better not bring orcs to my door or I'll close my valley to all men. It was a trying week and I was challenged on everything."

Celebrían patted his thigh. "We will get through these trying times, meleth-nín. In a thousand years, the offspring won't even remember the contract."

"It won't be there in a millennia," Galadriel announced.

"Do you know how it dies?" I asked.

"Oh, the way men usually kill things; endless wars."

Thráin jerked his head and realized he was falling asleep in his chair. Dimming the light, he padded barefoot to his bed and called it a night.