Thranduil, upon his elk, led the way over the ridge and the elves disappeared from the duel communities of Erebor and Dale. Leaving the wagons to catch up, those on horseback set a grueling pace and the downhill journey had them dismounting exhausted mounts two hours after the setting of Anar left them riding in darkness on trails the lead mounts knew well. The elves were used to long hours in the saddle, but left humans stiff and exhausted, with Sigrid and Bain bearing sores from the chafing of the saddle. Even Elessar was pleased when they entered a paddock on the mountain ringed with torches. He was pulled gently off his horse by Erestor and steadied until finding his land legs.

He smiled up at the tall elf. "That's the longest I've ever ridden at once."

"We will stay here for a few days and then depart at a slower pace for home."

"I'm starved," the boy stated, drawing a small smile from Erestor.

"Word of our arrival has preceded us and a feast awaits in the dining hall under the mountain." Erestor led Elessar down a wide path and through a stone door that stood open with lights from torches lining the way into the deep.

Lord Melcótte silently issued an order for Figwit to bring the human children and follow him. He sensed both would benefit with healing from saddle sores. Once past roots that dwarfed them and down a brightly lit side path leading directly to the healing halls, where the bustle of talking and dismounting didn't draw noise from the returning army. Melcótte explained, "You will find dining more comfortable with your sores treated." He got no argument from either Bain or Sigrid and they noticed Figwit waited with them while healing hands glowed over the insides of their thighs and pain subsided. The healers gave them each balm made from nettles with instructions to apply when they retired for the night.

Melcótte and Figwit then escorted them to a large dining hall where elves were spread about roots carved in the shape of tables. The cavern was so massive it had a series of tunnels converging from hidden chambers, where servants hurried with covered platters and pitchers of wine. Their elven guides led them upwards until crossing a wide root above the diners to where the leading Lords were seated with Thranduil at a long table that easily seated fifty elves. Seeing Elessar sitting down the table with only Erak nearby, the young humans joined him.

"You didn't need healing?" Bain asked him.

Elessar shook his head. "I ride daily and am toughened up. You will be like me by the time we reach Rivendell."

"Have you ever been here?" Sigrid asked from her place on the other side of Elessar.

He shook his head. "We were with the dwarves and stayed on the track that came out south of here."

"The healer said we are staying here tomorrow. Do you think we can get a tour?" Bain asked. He wanted to explore among roots that grew larger than any he could ever imagine.

Elessar looked around and saw Figwit as one of those tasked with insuring the needs of their lords were met. He was standing behind Elrond. Elessar wondered how he could get his attention as the lords were well down the table and engrossed in conversation. His mother and Erak were likewise listening to the conversation, leaving the youngsters to talk quietly among themselves with a slight space in the seating.

"I wish I could communicate like elves do," Elessar grumbled. He made a decision and stood. All he wanted was to catch Figwit's attention, but suddenly all at the table ceased talking and was looking at him.

"Do you require something, Elessar?" Elrond asked. He didn't sense a problem.

"Ummm, I had a question for Figwit," he mumbled.

"I'll handle it, Figwit," Erestor responded and rose from his place between Glorfindel and Melcótte."

Elessar sank back into his chair, conscious that everyone was still looking at him, waiting for his problem to be aired. Erestor loomed over him and he cranked his head up. Trying to keep his voice down, he spoke softly, but was aware that elves had exceptional hearing. "Are we staying here tomorrow?"

"We are, but that is hardly a question to interrupt our dining," Erestor gently chastised.

"We were wondering if we could get a tour of this place," Elessar pressed.

"I will arrange it. Is that all?"

Elessar quickly glanced to his left and right. Not hearing from his companions, he nodded.

Erestor rejoined the lords. Mentally, he took Elrond to task. 'You should have told the boy of our plans to give them a tour and let them rest before the long ride over the Misty Mountains. He is smart enough to figure that we won't press on after one night.'

Elrond focused narrowly on Erestor, hoping his daughter couldn't hear, but didn't take any chances so kept his reply cryptic. 'Celeborn and his group are departing in the morning. We will stay for a couple days to give space between us.'

The older elves easily eavesdropped and Arwen did hear and replied in kind, wondering why they had to speak without words. 'Adar, I was under the impression we also would take a break here and go on as a large group.'

Seeing the days of blocking his mature daughter from reading minds over, he addressed her silently. 'Plans were made before we left.' He slightly lied and saw Thranduil smirk.

Arwen looked at her grandmother. 'On the way here you told me you were looking forward to relaxing in the pool of the private chambers King Thranduil always gives you and Daeradar.'

'And I shall tonight,' she replied. 'However, your adar is correct and we must depart in the morning. You've seen these halls and spent an entire winter here when Legolas was born.'

'I was looking forward to spending more time with Sigrid and getting to know the boys better,' Arwen admitted her real reason for staying. 'Maybe I could stay and you leave a group of guards and I'll follow.'

'That won't happen.' Glorfindel made his eavesdropping known and ended with a sip of wine Thranduil carted from Erebor, eyes drilling Arwen.

'You would never tell my brother's that,' she challenged and glared right back and was suspecting another motive and looked around the table. The elves not of her immediate family avoided looking at her and Melcótte purposely asked Gilraen a question as to her health after riding hard all day to break the uncomfortable silence that permeated the table. Taking a cue, another lord from Thranduil's realm started talking aloud to his dining companion.

With conversation picking up, Elessar, Sigrid and Bain quietly started talking while Figwit moved closer to not have a repeat where the boy had to stand.

Glorfindel set his crystal flute down. 'I have many times vetoed their schemes. You will accompany your daerodhrons in the morning and return to the Mallorns. Your only other choice is to sail.'

Arwen gasped aloud. Forgetting the conversation was to be kept from the humans, she snapped angrily, "I will not be ordered from these shores."

Even the elves trying to cover from the silent conversation stopped talking and all now looked at her.

Elessar realized something was going on at the other end of the table whispered, "Sshhh, I need to listen in on the elven conversation. I'll tell you what they are saying."

Galadriel knew it was time for her to take control before Elrond or Glorfindel let it slip in their anguish her doom. "You will not sail, daeriell-nín. Glorfindel and your adar are worried something fell would come to you if left with too small a group of protectors with Ungoliant spiders on the prowl. Besides," she smiled at her husband and back to Arwen, "your daeradar would fret himself sick to know you were on the trail behind us."

"Then stay," Arwen implored.

"We will leave as the sun rises," Celeborn stated with finality.

Arwen looked down the table at the young humans and let her gaze drift to the distant cousin. He was cute, as were all his kin. She felt drawn to him, but didn't understand why. "Then I will spend time with them tonight."

"No, you will spend time with me," Elrond objected. "I don't know when we will see each other again now that Erebor is at full strength."

Gilraen followed the conversation now that they were speaking aloud. She knew the conversation started mentally. "My lady," she braved addressing Arwen directly and once again the table fell silent. Seeing the elleth smile at her, she continued. "I hate to be forward, but would like to visit with you before parting. I understand if your adar wishes to monopolize your time, but had some questions."

Arwen glanced at her father. Seeing his nod, she replied. "Of course, join me in my quarters and we will imbibe in this fine wine and visit. I will also spend time with Adar before leaving in the morning."

Gilraen looked relieved that she also wasn't rejected and knew it wasn't uncommon for elves to forgo sleep for days on end if necessary. She did want to know Elrond's daughter better and had a secret desire to ask about her mother; a taboo topic among the males of Imladris.

Galadriel easily read Gilraen's mind and spoke to Celeborn, hand on his arm. 'We don't have to push on tonight to keep them separated before the time. Gilraen will keep her up until midnight and we will rouse her early and be gone.'

In response, Celeborn addressed Thranduil. "I know you are an exceptional host, but after supper my lady and I will indulge in the pool until we leave."

"I will see you off in the morning," Elrond chimed in.

Talking resumed, with the elder elves trying to exhibit a cheerful persona. Finally, Thranduil rose indicating dining was done.

Gilraen bade Elessar goodnight and was escorted personally by Elrond through a maze of tunnels until he rapped on a thick wooden door.

Bethíel answered and dropped into a curtsey. "Please come in," she invited and stepped back.

Arwen appeared from another room. "Bethíel, please bring a pitcher of King Thranduil's best wine."

As the servant hurried away, Elrond bid the ladies a goodnight and left. As he shut the door, he almost stepped into Glorfindel. 'Are you placing guards on them?' He ask the warrior.

'Nay, I will personally wait and escort Lady Gilraen to her rooms. What are you doing with Elessar tonight?'

'Erestor volunteered to watch over him. The human children could barely keep their eyes open, so have been escorted to rooms. Elessar is still up and about. I have put him in with Erak tonight, but may have him room with Bain from now on.'

'How much time do we have before Arwen and Elessar meet again?' Glorfindel asked so he could prepare.

'In the vision, Elessar is grown, but barely. I say no more than a maximum of ten years, maybe sooner.'

Sadness entered the wizened elf's eyes. 'A mere breath away.'

Elrond patted his shoulder and left to track Thranduil down, for he knew no sleep would visit either of them this night.

Gilraen sat at Arwen's behest on a plush sofa with intricate wooden designs along the front. "May I ask why you prefer Lothlórien to live, or is that a forbidden topic?"

Arwen let a small smile slip, hoping to put the woman at ease, for she felt a nervous aura about her. "I find solace in the trees and they are one place I've only known happiness and love."

"Your grandmother's influence?" Gilraen hazard a guess.

Arwen gave a slight nod. "I've led a sheltered life, not unlike my ancestor, Lúthien. Like her, as I age, I long for the companion of a man more and more. I watch the love between my beloved daerodhrons and long for the void in my life to be filled and also my bed."

"Is there no elf in Middle Earth worthy of your love?" Gilraen braved another personal question.

"There are two of proper status that I may choose from. My heart and fëa is stone cold around both of them. Adar should be High King and will only give approval to the son of a king."

"I've read many books on your lineage," Gilraen admitted. "There isn't a lot for me to do in Rivendell, so I read. Besides, I want to know all about the man I married and the man my son will become."

"Your son will become king."

The women stared at each other in shock and Arwen frowned, wondering why that slipped out. "I also have glimpses of the future; not like my daernaneth, but sporadic images, like when I named your son Elessar. It just felt right, as stating he will be a king is also right."

"He will be a king," Gilraen murmured softly. "I always felt he was different and read volumes trying to understand my feelings regarding my son."

"It's been hundreds of years since a Dúnedain chieftain used the nomenclature of king, but all the lineage of Elros are technically kings."

Gilraen subtly changed the subject to Arwen's mother. "I am curious of your mother. Elrond gets so choked up when her name is mentioned he clams up and your brothers get a darkened expression and snarl curses at anything fell. Even Glorfindel and Erestor won't speak of her in more than hushed, adulatory tones and only decry her beauty and warmth. Are you able to speak of her?"

Arwen nodded and let her mind wander back to that horrible time. "I take it you wish to know her fate?" She wisely deduced.

"Yes," Gilraen bluntly replied.

Relieved at the refreshing directness, Arwen was willing to divulge details and bare her burden, even if it was to one whose lifespan was only a flicker of flame. For too long everyone shied from the awful truth, including her. "I was in Lothlórien and had been for several years. My brothers when young would rotate a year at Imladris and year in Lothlórien. I only got infrequent visits and one day I told my parents I was going south even if I had to go alone." She smiled at the memory and recited the conversation.

"It was spring and I was restless. Naneth and Adar were planning the summer for all of us that week and my brothers were ordered sentry duty on our borders, which they reveled in. We were at breakfast in the family unit with dear Erestor and Glorfindel present, as usual. I started the conversation when we all were seated and servants passing out dishes. 'I am moving south for several years.'

"Adar's hand missed taking toasted bread from a basket and hit the side causing slices to scatter across the table. My brother's and Glorfindel started laughing and were on the receiving end of his glare, which then moved to me. 'I hoped you would stay and assist your naneth in running the house.'

"'She ran it just fine before I was born,' I reminded him. 'I don't wish to upset your plans, Adar, so will travel alone with a handful of your finest warriors.'"

Arwen's countenance darkened, as Gilraen had witnessed many times on the other elves and waited patiently for her to continue.

"If I knew my actions was the catalyst that ended my naneth's time in Middle Earth and caused the horrible things done to her, I would happily stay forever in Imladris with never a complaint."

"Does your father know your guilt?" Gilraen asked and sipped the wine Bethíel quietly poured for them before quitting the room.

Arwen shook her head. "To be honest, you're the first person I've ever told. Maybe because your life is so short, I feel it safe to confide in your confidence."

"Your secret is safe with me," the human woman assured her.

Arwen issued a slight smile and sipped her own wine. "Naneth came to my rescue. She said, 'Elrond, I can manage without our iell, although will miss her dearly.'"

"Adar looked at her and I knew they communed silently. He turned back to me. 'Take your brothers and Glorfindel and whoever he chooses for the trip. I can use the vacation from them.'"

"My brothers were overjoyed at the prospect of a trip and Glorfindel uttered, 'Yes, a vacation from your tedious house seneschal will be most welcome.'"

"Erestor, true to his nature replied, 'I shall easily add your tasks along with mine, since you have so few.'" We listened to them trade barbs for the remainder of our meal and I felt my parents fëas lighten, as was their intent."

"We left the following week and that was the last time I saw my naneth hale and whole. I stayed with my daerodhrons for thirty years, with semi-yearly visits from my northern family. I loved living in Lothlórien and basked in undivided attention from my beloved daerodhrons. I always felt a little left out when my brothers would take a year with them and I left behind. Adar contacted Daernaneth that spring saying my brothers and mother were traveling south to spend summer solstice and stay until he joined us in the fall with the intent of wintering at Lothlórien."

Arwen's next words unveiled her tortured fëa. "Daernaneth's mirror suddenly came to life one beautiful morning. I accompanied her while Daeradar readied his mount for a morning ride. Rarely do stories tell of Daernaneth making any sound when gazing into her waters. I was witness to such an exhibition of terror that to this day I sometimes have nightmares. Her animalistic howl of despair ripped cruelly from her throat and immediately sent my fëa into shock. That she was crying out to Daeradar was evident when she then cried, 'Celeborn take the army and ride to Caradhras Pass. Our daeriôns are fighting for their lives. Of Celebrían there is no sign, but her horse has been slaughtered.'

"A horn sounded the call to battle and I for the first time got to witness the community of Lothlórien mustering to arms. Daernaneth was so shaken, I helped her to the stables where Daeradar was shouting orders. Within minutes, a thousand horses were saddled and armored ellens rushing to grab bags of lembas and steal a kiss before mounting. Daeradar rushed to us and took Daernaneth's hands in his. His touch was so gentle, I almost cried that he capable of such tenderness and public display.

"He looked into her mind, seeing the slaughter for himself, and even I felt his tender moment morph into the warrior prince he really was when the mantel of leader returned in force. 'I will retrieve them and slaughter every last foul creature in that pass.' He took her head in his large hands and gave her a savage kiss that was short, leaving smashed lips he mounted, leading the army at a gallop through the gate and in moments they were gone, leaving dust to settle and wives gazing at dust particles in the morning sun. For once he ignored me in his haste to depart. He left three quarters of the army as guards and they were along the walls and ordered a rare daytime closing of the gate. The lords left behind and several elleth gathered in front of us for an explanation of why their loved ones had to move so quickly.

"I took Daernaneth's hand. 'What did you see?'"

"She replied and her gaze wasn't on any of us, but lost in her mirror. 'Not enough. I must return to my mirror. I need you to take over the community and give answers. You heard my cry and know as many details as me.'"

"I nodded and while she retreated to her mirror, I circulated and imparted what knowledge I had and told the community to come to me with concerns and problems. It was my first time in charge of any community, but I couldn't enjoy the challenge of leadership knowing my family was in danger. After many hours, I braved the stone steps down to the stream and her mirror. She hadn't sent an update; although many asked repeatedly throughout the day. Two agonizing days passed and her mirror remained dark. I pleaded with her to rest, but she kept saying like a mantra, 'I feel in my fëa your naneth is beyond anyone's help. Whether she lives, I know not.'"

"I stayed by her side and on the fifth day a horn sounded that riders were at the gate. Although exhausted, we raced from the dark mirror to the paddock. We felt the anguished fëas of my brothers before spotting them among the returning army. Nobody would meet our eyes, but opened a path to Elladan and Elrohir, who were still on horseback. As soon as they spotted us, they flew off mounts and were before us and gripping tightly in crushing hugs.

"'Daernaneth, Arwen,' Elladan greeted in the strangest tone I'd ever heard.

"' Celebrían?' was all Daernaneth asked.

"Elrohir took her hands in his. 'We searched and fought orcs nonstop for days, holding them off until Daeradar arrived and we finally routed them. El watched a few survivors scale the cliffs and we followed. In a cave, we found Naneth.' He paused, tears making tracks down his face. 'She was tortured and worse.'

"'My mirror was silent after my only glimpse that you were in trouble. Where is she?'

"Elladan was holding me in his arms and I heard his voice over my head. 'Daeradar took her directly to Adar.' He pulled away from me so I could see his tear streaked face. 'When El and I saw the condition they had our naneth subjected to, we slaughtered mindlessly until we were alone with her. We weren't sure she breathed, but when I placed a hand on her shoulder and shook, her eyes opened. They were unfocused and glazed. She had open wounds that covered her entire body in blood. I tried to get her to speak and focus to no avail. Her mind wasn't here, which was good for the trauma we had to inflict getting her out of the cave.'

"Elrohir continued the update. 'Elladan picked her up after we…,' he paused and looked around. 'Leave us,' he ordered and those lingering to listen hastened from our presence and we were given space in the paddock. He continued silently into our minds. 'We wrapped her gown around her body for she was naked and her hair either cut or pulled out. She was so withdrawn that she never let out one sound when El picked her up and carried her to the entrance. I led the way and looked over the edge of the cliff searching for a way down. I could see Daeradar below and mentally called to him so not to bring more orcs down upon us while we had our precious bundle. He looked up and we could see how bad she was by the look on his face. It didn't last long, but we knew she was critical without his expression confirming. Daeradar looked around and the foot and handholds carved into the face wouldn't allow us to cart her down. He made a decision and ordered a blanket stretched tight with many warriors gripping the edges. When ready, he ordered El to drop her.'

"'It was the hardest thing I've ever done,' Elladan picked up the story aloud. 'I saw the blanket and hoped my aim was perfect. Daeradar stood back and watched her fall. She bounced a few times, but was limp and never shifted position when they got her on the ground. He rushed and pushed his warriors out of the way, hands glowing to revive her, but it wasn't enough. We climbed down the way we went up and looked around at the carnage. The army fought an overwhelming number of orcs and several elves lay dead.' He paused and Elrohir clearly read his thoughts.

"Elrohir murmured softly aloud. 'We lost Verthenwë.'

"I remember gasping and asking how he died.

"'I don't know that he is dead,' Elrohir continued. 'The fighting stretched over a large part of the pass and when roll was checked, he wasn't among the injured, dead or healthy. He was gone. Daeradar assumed he was killed and because of his stature among our people, the orcs took his body to desecrate it.'

"All throughout the reporting, Daernaneth said nothing and her emotions were shut down so we couldn't judge her mental state. Elladan continued. 'Daeradar carried Naneth to his horse and relinquished Naneth to me. He effortlessly mounted by jumping into the saddle and reached for her. He took off at a gallop in this direction. It appeared he was coming to Caras Galadhon, but he stopped at the pool. He mentally called for a healer to disengage from attending our injured and Lord Maiawë joined us. Together they carried Naneth into the pool, where she was once again stripped from the torn gown we managed to force onto her butchered body. Lord Vellon joined them in the water, while Elrohir and I sank beside the edge and rested. We hadn't sleep or rest since the attack and were exhausted. A soldier pressed a skin of Miruvor into my hand. I greedily gulped and handed it to El.

"While Daeradar held her out, resting on his hands, the healer washed her body and the water around them turned red. Two more healers joined them and stemmed the flow of blood. Finally she was clean and a warrior was instructed to remove his under tunic. Daeradar walked from the water and laid her beside us on a blanket and her most grievous gashes were quickly sutured with much alacrity by Maiawë.

"'Keep her unconscious,' Daeradar ordered when she started to stir. Elrohir without missing a beat started talking while Elladan stopped talking and trembled from rage and fatigue.

"'Daeradar dressed her in the tunic and wrapped the blanket around her. He rose and addressed Lord Maiawë. 'Can you heal her?'

"Maiawë shook his head. 'In time the body will heal, but the fëa needs Elrond. Only he has the experience and power to maybe restore her, but she must be taken right now.'

"Daeradar then turned to us. 'I'm charging you with safely bringing your daernaneth and sister to Imladris.'

"'How can you trust us?' Elladan raged and rose to his full height. 'You see how incompetent we are.'

"Daeradar laid his hands on Elladan's shoulders and lightly shook him. 'You departed Imladris with fifty warriors and ran into an army of five hundred. That you both survived is testament to your skills and savvy. I ride with your naneth non-stop, for I feel her fëa fading. I will kill her myself before I condemn her soul to walking forever in these lands.' With that Daeradar mounted and Lord Maiawë handed him up and rode at his side and in moments half the surviving army was gone. Those wounded and remaining warriors made ready for the trip to Caras Galadhon. It took us two days and several warriors succumbed to their injuries.

"My brothers finally stopped talking and waited for a response. Tears were in Daernaneth's eyes and her only reply was, 'Bathe and rest for two days while we ready to ride.' With that she left us and we didn't see her until mounting for the ride. She was wearing her armor and with the power of Nenya on full display we left the city."

"I wonder if I will see those fabled lands before I die?" Gilraen interjected.

Arwen, with foresight, shook her head. "No, your journey's will consist of here and to the sea. Your son will travel the south lands…," she broke off as a vision flashed and a striking good looking young man staring intently at her by a Mallorn tree."

There was a knock on the door and Arwen rose, glided silently across the stone floor and opened to Glorfindel. "It is late, pen neth. I will see Lady Gilraen to her quarters."

"Why do I feel you are smothering me?" She wisely deduced, while looking into his bright blue eyes.

"Your presence away from Imladris makes me cling to you," he flippantly retorted with his smile in place. "Remember how I was your constant companion while you escorted Legolas about the city?"

With Glorfindel in tow, she returned to Gilraen. "You have a curfew it seems. Somehow he knew the story was winding down."

Gilraen rose. "Thank you for imparting with what is a horrible time for you."

"I was going to tell you of the dreadful year that followed and our sojourn to the Havens, but I'm sure it is written in one of Erestor's many tomes. Ask him for the book of the official accounting, if you haven't already read it."

Gilraen shook her head. "I've scoured all the books in the library, but never saw one that contained any story of that time."

"It's in Erestor's quarters," Glorfindel admitted. "We wouldn't want young eyes to accidently stumble across it." He was quite serious all the sudden and his eyes manifested a horror usually kept well hidden. He eavesdropped on the story and relived those awful days and finding out what happened to one so fair. He saw Gilraen's questioning look and softened his stern features into a boyish mien she was familiar with. "If you keep it from Elessar, we will let you read the accounting, but would prefer it done in Erestor's office."

"I promise," she vowed.