Vienna

Stupid.

Stupid, stupid, Vienna lectured as she couched in a nearby tree. The Company was exploring the Troll's cave for trinkets and gold. Stupid, stupid stupid. She wasn't sure who the lecture was for exactly. For the Dwarves, who should know better than to rummage through a dirty Troll cave. Any goods would smell like shite and rotting flesh until the dawn of the next age. Maybe it was for Gandalf, who should know better than to let the Dwarves rummage through a random Troll cave. Who could even tell how long it had been there. There was no telling what items were cursed or evil. Maybe he wanted to press his luck. She knew with her's, the Dwarf King would end up cursed. Vienna could almost see the smug look on Gandalf's face as he asked her to cure him. So sorry Wizard, I'm all out of gifts for you to exploit.

No matter her frustration at the others, Vienna knew the lecture was truly for herself. She never should have let herself get so close. Listening into the tale end of the Dwarf King and his Warrior, she knew she'd messed up. Of course, they'd heard ridiculous tales about her. She wouldn't deny the truth of them, but they weren't inspiring moments of bravery. It was her punishment for failing so miserably so many times. So many times, she sighed to herself. Of course, they'd recognized her. Thankfully, her attire gave away little details of her person. The black pants and long sleeved tunic were plain enough. She wore a steel line, leather vest with bronze accents that covered most of her figure and the copious, brown leather belt and pockets gave the illusion of a straight set of hips. It was always slightly laughable when people automatically assumed she was a man, but there was very little she could do about that if she wanted to remain unknown.

She sat back against the tree's trunk, a few branches up and out of sight. Her breath steadied and she looked down at the gash on her leg. She wasn't sure when it'd happened, but at some point with the Trolls, she'd been cut. Reaching into her small pack, she pulled out a small jar and spread some water based poultice on the gash. It stung for a moment before setting. She watched closely as the skin slowly stitched itself back together. Vienna chuckled and she slid a finger over the fresh skin. That never gets old.

A warg's cry broke through Vienna's thoughts. Cursing under her breath, she tossed the salve back in her pack, slung it over her back, and jumped down from her perch. The Dwarves were now standing outside the cave, the body of a warg laying a few feet away as Vienna crept closer. Gandalf started yelling at the Dwarf King about the secrecy of their quest, who replied in turn that no one beyond the party was told. That doesn't matter, she thought to herself. They were sighted in Bree to gather supplies. They made themselves obvious.

Vienna crouched behind a rock, she used her superior hearing to scan the area. The Orcs were closer than the party knew and she knew it would be moments before the small cave entrance was surrounded.

"I'll draw them off," Radagast's voice sounded. Vienna peeked over the boulder to see the Brown Wizard, equipped with his slay and rabbits. She stifled a scoff. This is going to be interesting.

Casting a quick glance over the Company, she could spot new weapons scattered amongst them. She rolled her eyes, they are going to get themselves killed. A large part of her wanted to check their pockets, just to see how much gold would weighing them down for the rest of the journey. Who knew where it had all been before the Trolls stole it. Or who's it had been. Or worse, cursed.

As another howl rang out, Radagast tore off with his slay and rabbits. Gandalf led the Company off in another direction. Vienna was almost tempted to follow after them, but she knew where they were headed. Recalling the brief argument between the Wizard and the Dwarf King about the Elves and what assistance they would or wouldn't offer the Company of Dwarves, there was only one place Gandalf would take them, only one place where they could go and find refuge with a pack of Orcs on their trail.

Half of her was also tempted to snatch one of the Orcs up and interrogate them, but she knew it would be a flimsy attempt to confirm a rumor she already knew in her bones to be true. He was hunting them down. Bile rose in her throat, but she forced it down.

Not now, Vienna internally yelled at the slow growing panic in her chest. She had to get to the secret pass without being spotted. She wouldn't be caught by them, any of them.

Remaining as close to the forest as she could, she watched as the Company tore off into the main channel of the Great East Road. They were exposed and vulnerable, but Radagast led the majority of Orcs south of the Hidden Passage. She snuck her way closer to the passage, hiding behind boulders and rocks as she went, always straining her ears to hear the Company as they moved closer and closer. Just a few more yards, she whispered to herself, hopeful. She sat with her back to a rock, chest heaving, as she listened.

The sound of the Orcs was closing in and Vienna ran over any plan after plan that would get the Company down the passage before they were felled by the on coming enemy. None of them ended with them safe and her remaining hidden and she raged against the fact as it registered. That would be the consequence she would have to pay. Not today, she said spitefully and peeked over the rock she was hiding behind.

The Orcs had descended. The Company was surrounded. Many of them once again had their weapons out, poised for the fight.

"We're surrounded," Fili shouted. Vienna was slowly piecing together names and faces. And he's the King's eldest son? Nephew?

"Where is Gandalf?" Kili, Fili's younger brother, she knew that for certain, called next. Vienna's eyes scanned the Company to find that yes, the Wizard had vanished. She could almost laugh. Gandalf had snuck into the Hidden Passage none of them saw. Oh, he isn't going to be happy, she thought looking at the Dwarf King.

"Had he abandoned us?" the Warrior shouted next. Dwalin, she was sure his name was. He double wielded dual axes, large, iron weapons that were clearly of Dwarven make. She wondered if he'd made them.

"Hold your ground!" The Dwarf King yelled, right as the Wizard's head popped up out of the large rock out cropping behind where the Company was circling up. He called to them and as a precise unit, they all turned to find him, nestled safely in the passage. The Dwarves started running over, one by one they slid down the entrance.

"Over here!" An Orc cried out behind her and she turned to find one, blade raised above its head, ready to fall in a strike. Before she could blink, her hand deftly slid a small dagger out from a hidden sheath in her bodice and slit the Orc's throat. It opened its mouth to speak before the blood began to pour from the wound and it's last words came up a gurgled mess of black liquid. When dropped to its knees in front of her, she kicked it over and turned to check her surroundings. It's only a few, she reassured herself, her ear catching the slow moving steps of the Ors who had heard their companions call.

Vienna glanced once more over the rock to find the Dwarf King turning back to the passage and sliding in. She would never need to ask, she knew he'd heard the Orc's call. It's not like he isn't already paranoid, she laughed to herself, why not make him believe he's being followed by someone other than the Orcs. And here she was, desperately hoping to hide her presence in the fact that were being followed. They certainly knew that now.

In a matter of moments, three Orcs appeared and died. It certainly wasn't a battle to her, easy kills were easy kills after all. The call of the Elven horn gave her a reprieve from the fighting. Let them handle the shites, she thought as she watched them drive the Orc away from the passage. Taking what would be her only chance without being seen by the Elves, she snuck forward and listened. Finding the entrance and caves empty, she slid down. The growing feeling of magic skittered across her skin, raising the small hairs up to the nape of her neck. It thrilled and scared her. She hadn't been back to the valley in years, what if I'm no longer welcome? She tried to calm her racing heart with a few deep breaths but it was useless. As talented as she was at hiding, she'd never been able to hide here. Lord Elrond saw to that.

Sneaking through the cavernous passage, she could no longer hear the Company. Peeking around a corner, she nearly skidded to a stop. Standing at the mouth of the cave, facing the valley was the Company. The silence settled upon them was eerie, but Vienna knew this was the first time many of them had ever been in a place so powerful. For which she was grateful, as the illuminating power emanating from Rivendell would cover any power signature she herself gave off. She took a soft step back, Vienna hid behind the stone entrance. A few quiet moments passed before the sound of heavy boots on gravel drifted through the air and met Vienna's ears. The Dwarves descended faster than she expected and soon she found herself sneaking a look around to find they'd made their way to the formal entrance of the Elven stronghold. She took a spot in the shade, leaning against the cool stone as she watched as Gandalf took the lead, speaking quickly to Lindir. She wasn't close enough to hear what they were saying, her powers dwindling from her continuous use of them. She didn't make a habit of using them and so much straining on abilities she rarely considered using drained her.

The Elven horn called out again, announcing the return of the small garrison that went to handle the skirmish of elves. Shouts from the Dwarves rang out and Vienna let herself laugh out loud. They closed ranks, weapons drawn, and all she could do was shake her head. Didn't the Dwarf King know no harm would come to them with Gandalf present? She'd caught one or two of the King's more unfavorable opinions of the other species of Middle-Earth. Vienna almost caught herself wondering what he would think of her, neither Elf nor Man, but something… in between. She shook the thought away. No use in thinking of things that would never happen. Just keep running, hiding.

Soon, the Dwarves were welcomed into Elrond's hall and Elrond himself showed them off to a late lunch. Vienna began her descent before the last Dwarf was safely welcomed into the valley. She was nearly tempted to let herself join them as she arrived in the courtyard, the cool mist of the waterfall glittering rainbows in the sun beams that illuminated the bridge. It had been far too long since she'd seen the wondrous beauty to the place she used to call home. It was only a few hundred years, how could you forget? She chastised herself with a small chuckle.

"Will you be joining them?" The voice made her smile under her mask. She turned to see Lindir at his normal post, a thin brow raised in hesitant skepticism. She could feel his reluctant hospitality as it sucked the air out of the space between them. She shook her head.

"No, that won't be necessary." She said, her voice gruff from misuse. How many days had it been since she spoke out loud? He stared at her, assessing and Vienna tried to escape the memory of the last time she'd seen him. The evening gown, torn and tattered at the bottom. His voice, pleading with her to not leave the way she was. Her assurance that she wouldn't be gone long. Now, here they stood, nearly a millennium and a half later. Nerves racing, she didn't know what to do with her hands.

"They don't know?"

"Why should they? I wasn't hired by them," she choked out. He squinted. She rolled her eyes and understanding spread across his face.

"Mithrandir?" Her only response was a single nod. This couldn't be more uncomfortable, she dreaded reunions. They stood in a stony silence for a moment before she decided she was done placating him. She turned towards the side stairs, a rock formation of steps that led down to the lower levels of the main keep.

"Your room is still here," he called after she'd taken the first step down. She glanced up at him over the mask and nodded. Ignoring the shivers that crept up her arms, Vienna continued down the stairs. She had no intention of ever stepping foot in that room again. This wasn't her home anymore.

The days passed quietly for Vienna. The Dwarves were quickly wearing out their welcome in the valley, which was plenty of entertainment for her. Breaking furniture, complaining loudly, and bathing in the public fountain were merely a few of the "atrocities" the Dwarves had committed; she had overheard Lindir report to Elrond. The fact that she'd lived there for so long and that they'd never changed anything made it all too easy for her to remain hidden. But she wasn't naive. She knew the moment he wanted too, Elrond could find her. She'd never truly been able to hide from him. That was why she'd left all those years ago.

Vienna's eyes drifted over the starry night sky as the memories floated through her mind. She was perched on a thick stone rail, one leg bent on the stone, the other swinging lightly below. Her gloved hands calmly folded on her lap. Every few moments, she observed the world around her, checking for signs of anyone approaching, listening in to the party of Dwarves on the veranda above her. They were still gathered around a small campfire, one constructed out of small chairs that had unfortunately met its end underneath Bombur. The Dwarves were eating food they'd managed to steal from the kitchen and Bofur was telling a story about the time he won a bet against a barmaid and had gotten a free ale out of it. Something about being able to bounce a gold coin off a wooden table and into the maid's cleavage, Vienna wasn't sure. She's only tuned in at the end of the story.

Stifling a laugh, Vienna rocked her head back and forth on the stone pillar she leaned against. A tap behind her and her ears perked up. The softest tap, actually, and she knew she wasn't alone anymore. Sitting up slightly, she knew didn't need to turn to recognize the sound of wood on stone.

"They are a very merry band," The Wizard whispered, "When they aren't being stone headed or arguing."

"Very merry indeed," she commented, laughing softly. Turns out she wasn't the only one who heard Bofur's scandalous story. They were silent for a moment as a chorus of cheers rang out from above.

"They will be taking the northern pass through the mountains in the morning. Be sure to follow them; I will distract Lord Elrond as long as I can," he whispered after a moment. Vienna nodded in response. The Elven Lord was weary about letting the Dwarf King continue on his journey. He'd done a great deal to try and convince the King that his greed would be his folly. Vienna could almost laugh at that, but some small part of her almost agreed. It was a creeping feeling, watching her from the corner of her eye. What if she couldn't do this?

She shook the thought away. There was no way she would consider failure, not again.

"He asked about you this morning," Gandalf said, breaking her train of thought after a pregnant pause. Her brows drooped low in a frown and she glanced at the Wizard. He was leaning on his staff, his eyes full of nonchalant hope. She shook her head.

"I have been in his presence plenty. If he wanted to speak to me, he very well could have. I can not make myself hidden from him," Vienna tried to keep her voice light, considering. "Not in here at least."

"I have thoroughly explained your position in all of this. I doubt he would jeopardize your mission just to speak with you."

"Then," she started, "It's settled." She leaned her head back against the pillar, letting its cold seep into the fabric of her hood.

"He did, however, despite everything, ask me to implore you to stay."

Vienna shook her head, dispelling any hope of her remaining in the Valley. She couldn't stay here. Not again. Not after so long. He may welcome her back, but she would never be home here again.

A second set of steps approached and Vienna closed her eyes. She was suddenly too tired to deal with this.

Opening them again, she'd found Gandalf had moved further, facing her now. Her leg stopped swinging as he gave a small apologetic smile before turning. He walked quickly away and Vienna stifled a sigh. The steps came to a soft stop beside her.

"Maa ie' amin, him." (Look at me, child) His voice was soft with an indescribable emotion. Grief? Vienna squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to let the sound of his voice draw tears from her.

"Amin naa il- lle hin." (I am not your child). She stiffed as a hand gently resented itself on her shoulder. She swallowed, listening to him take a few more steps before he was directly next to her. She turned her head away, facing the expansive gardens that rested beneath the veranda. How can he be so calm? Her thoughts screamed in her head. She'd left. She'd fucking left and never said a word. In all the time since then, she'd never stepped foot in his realm. Not out of coincidence or anger, but intention. It had been too long. Her time in Rivendell was precious to her. Vienna had grown slowly under his tutelage, learning with time about her powers and coming to fear them so singularly. She was there when he met his wife, and was in their binding ceremony. Flaming Mahal's forge! She'd practically introduced them.

But then, like everything that followed, she slowly stuck out. Elrond and Celebrian were a love like none other she'd witness. Their children, the twins and princess, as she'd dubbed them so long ago, completed their puzzle. There was no room for the jangliness of her presence. They hadn't talked about it. About how, ever so slowly, she represented a period of Elrond's life that was over. The final aftermath of the Last Alliance. There was no more room for the ward, the fostered child. Vienna's brain almost wondered how her Mother had felt about her disappearance. But the Lady wasn't here and Vienna didn't have to contend with her disappointment alongside Elrond's.

"Ile thel-ui nín hîn." (You will always be my child). The softness in his tone caught her attention and she looked up at him. He still had his hand on her shoulder, his other lost the folds on his robes. He looked older, but his eyes looked at her like they always had. His hair had grown longer, flowing down his back and shoulders. There were the slightest crinkles by the corners of his eyes, but they held no anger, no resentment, for her disappearance, for everything she'd missed since she left.

With a sigh, Vienna placed a hand on his, squeezing slightly.

"Amin mela lle vee' eithel." (I love you as well) She gave a small smile and though she knew he couldn't see it, she let it spread to her eyes. It was obvious from the tilt of his head that he had questions for her, but they would have to save that for another time.

"Uma il- kela amin au'," (Do not leave me again) He whispered, voice straining slightly.

"Amin boe. Amin caela um- sina, il- ere' ten' sen, nan' ten' amin. " (I must, I have to do this; not only for them, but for myself) She pleaded with him, hoping he would understand. Vienna was neither dumb nor blind when it came to seeing through Gandald's intentions and knew he had brought her along in hope of her having some grand, life-altering epiphany. Though she severely doubted it would happen, she couldn't fault him for trying. Of course, he would be right in any assertion that she had begun to care for the Company. How could she not? It was impossible to not laugh at their jokes or enjoy their banter. They were a family, one whose survival was in her hands.

"Lle malia ten' sen?" (You care for them?) Elrond questioned. She could see the sadness return to his eyes. He understood that loyalty meant more than the world to her and she'd chosen to protect not only their King, but all of them. She knew that the minute she'd decided to take down three cave trolls. Vienna had to remain with them, no matter how much it hurt him to see her go.

"Uma." (Yes) was all she muttered in reply. He gave her a smile, but it did not reach his eyes. He sighed and placed his hands on her head.

"San' lema eithel ar' entula a' amin." (Then journey well, and return to me). He placed a kiss on her head and took his leave of her. A tight constricted feeling tensed in her chest and she tried to breath through it. The soft sound of his steps dissipated into the night. It is impossible to not miss him, she reminded herself, blaming the emotions plaguing her on the fact that he was the closest thing she had ever had to a father.

The crinkle of leaves below her perked in her ears and she listened in. Heavy breathing that she could recognize anywhere was the only evidence of his presence that she found. The Dwarf King had spotted them? She held her body impossibly still. The dark color of her attire typically did wonders for her ability to remain invisible at night and from the direction of the breathing, she had a feeling that the Dwarf King couldn't see her entirely. Slowly, she scootched herself to the edge of the thick railing and slid off, her feet landing on the stone with barely a whisper. Slipping behind the large pillar she'd been leaning against, she used it to hide as she snuck a small look around and down into the gardens.

Sure enough, the Dwarf King was standing in silence below. His eyes, squinting to an impressive degree, tried to find her in the darkness. Vienna decided to believe he'd only seen Elrond and was searching for his conversation partner after the Elven Lord had taken his leave. She had no way to be sure or not, but it was the only comfort she could offer herself. She stayed behind the pillar, deciding to not move until the Dwarf King took his leave. When he finally gave up, he trudged back to the stairs that led from the floor above her where all the Dwarves had begun to settle down for the night.

That was entirely too close, she thought to herself.

The following day arrived too soon and left shortly after. Vienna sighed, wishing she'd gotten more rest while they were in the Valley. The Company had been traveling through the mountains for days before the rain started. Rain? She thought to herself, that's the understatement of the millennium… And I would know. Her thoughts were the only thing keeping her sane. Well, that and her ability to keep herself dry. With the Dwarves incessant complaining and the Dwarf King's impossibly sour mood, Vienna was too close for comfort from ripping out their vocal chords and beating some sense into them. And the rain was doing little to help the situation.

Not only did it using small amounts of her power to at least keep herself dry wear her thin, it made tracking the Dwarves all the more difficult. She knew they were a few yards ahead of her on the mountain side, but she wasn't close enough to know if they were entirely safe or not. She couldn't hear pass the wind and she wouldn't dare use more magic than she trusted herself too. The rain was so loud that it wasn't until the mountains began to move beneath her that she realized where, or more like who, they were standing on. She gripped the wall in a panic and listened to the Dwarves begin to scream as the ground shifted beneath them. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. Vienna didn't typically curse. Elrond had cut her of the habit, but she'd like to believe that somewhere inside him, Elrond would also be cursing if he discovered himself stuck between two Stone Giants in a fight, in the pouring rain.

Fuck this, fuck you for having to fight right now, of all times, she thought at the Stone Giant she was standing upon as it lifted a large boulder and chucked it. She looked around the stone wall to see if she could spot any sign of the Dwarves, but she, like normal, had very little luck. She'd only ever pass through the mountains once before while the Giants were moving so she knew navigating would be pointless. It was useless trying to move, so she held on and waited for the battle to slow.

After a particularly nasty blow to the head by a large rock, the other Stone Giant didn't get back up. Vienna let out a long breath and crept around the mountain wall until she spotted the Dwarves. They were gathered around the edge of the cliff, calling out to the Hobbit who had fallen. With the rain dying down slowly, she could tell she was entirely too close to the party. If any of them lifted their gaze, they would find her plainly looking around the corner of the stone.

Vienna watched on as the Dwarf King was hoisted over the side of the cliff, having leapt down to rescue the Hobbit. He regained his footing and the Dwarves all stared at him as he said something, his face full of an anger Vienna hadn't seen in centuries. Her stomach flipped as she suppressed the memories.

She decided to not dwell on the fact that her mission had almost been made redundant, Vienna sighed. They're safe. She leaned back against the side of the mountain again, letting the steadyrain pelt her clothes and cool her.

Fortunately, the Dwarves soon found a cave and took shelter. Despite the string of bad luck the Company seemed to be having, Vienna felt hopeful. They'd just survived something that she'd only ever seen happen twice. Nearly survived, she thought to herself. She also would not dwell on the slow growing feeling in her chest. A warm, almost gooey feeling. It wasn't that she didn't know what it was. She was all too well acquainted with feelings of trust and friendship and bonding. Vienna wouldn't allow herself to get attached to them. She couldn't. They didn't even know she existed.

Quickly finding a small alcove within hearing range of the Dwarves, she sat out of the rain and let her mind rest. The constant pull on her powers gave her a splitting headache. It was as if a scorching hot spire was digging into her temple. Slowly and with steady fingers, Vienna reached up and unclipped the bronze overlay from her mask and pulled down the slip of fabric. The rain chilled air swept over her face, the sensation cooling her to the bone and mildly relieving her aching skull. She sucked in a long breath and let herself settle, listening to the rain spatter as it hit the hard stone.

As a Ranger primarily, she was used to long journeys on the road and sleepless nights, but this trip was something different. She'd never followed anyone with the intent of keeping them alive. Her requests were typically ones of vengeance or greed. Normally, she found it easy. The hiding, the fighting, the long days, but she felt thin, worn out. She knew any moment restless sleep would visit her. It would be pointless though. Nothing but nightmares would greet her if she dozed off. She stretched her neck before pulling her mask back up and fastened the bronze overlay in place. Vienna let herself watch the rain as it trickled off the rocks above the mouth of her hiding spot and she felt herself slowly slipping. A final yawn escaped her lips before she descended.

The Dwarf King's voice was what woke her from her slumber sometime later. The shouts rang out, echoing off the walls of the cave she'd known they'd taken refuge in. Vienna jumped to her feet, refusing to take a moment to gather her wits. She could hear them clamoring over each other, gathering their limited supplies and packs when a silence fell over the mountains. She halted in place, listening harder, straining her powers to hear something, anything. Oh, fuck.

Nearly stumbling her way around the side of the mountain to their cave, she found it empty, even the dirt on the floor undisturbed.

Where is that Wizard when I need him? She thought as she looked around the cave. There was nothing. Not a Dwarf or Hobbit in sight. "Hello?" she called softly, knowing it was useless. The room was empty. The dirt gave no sign of footprint or track, just a long, thin crack down the center of it.

Vienna's head rolled back as she remembered where they were. Fucking Goblins, she thought and looked around for a way to make the floor open beneath her. When she came up empty handed, she reached for the rope slung on her pack. She would have to trigger it herself. Quickly tying the rope to a thick rock, lets hope you can handle this, buddy, she thought looking at the rock.

With a deep breath in, Vienna stomped on the floor with her right foot. She wasn't sure how stable the trap was after all. She gave another stomp, harder this time. Nothing happened. She was sure the Dwarves could handle themselves against the Goblins, but she wasn't sure if they'd make it out of the cave without her assistance. She only knew that the longer they were in there, the worse their chances of making it out whole became. "Fucking fuck," she muttered and gave a final huff of breath before jumping as hard as she could.

She didn't scream when the floor opened up and swallowed her whole.