Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 8

Once we were safely within the West Gate, we dismounted and I tied up my horse at the small stable. "What is your name?" I asked softly.

"Rose…Rose Thornley. And you are?" Her voice was shaking, and she was still clearly frightened.

"My name is Gwinthilnel, and I was traveling north with some companions when we saw you at the farm. We could not just leave you to your plight. My friends volunteered to cause a distraction which would drive the brigands away from the farm, and I stayed behind to help you escape." I put a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry you had to leave your home, but it was no longer safe for you. Do you live there alone?"

Suddenly Rose burst into tears. "My husband Robb, he is missing! I am afraid he was taken by some of those men, but I was unable to leave to search for him!"

I frowned, thinking quickly. "How long has he been missing? Could he have made his way here?"

She shook her head, "It has only been a couple of days, but he would not have left me alone at the farm unless he was forced to stay away!"

I sighed, "I am sorry this has happened to you, and I will see what I can do to help. Let us get you to the Prancing Pony where we can sit and discuss what is next." However, before we could go any further, I could see two horses galloping hard in our direction. It was Candaith and Saeradan…and another man riding with him.

"Rose, my friends will be here any minute, I can see them riding towards us." I decided not to mention the third man; I was hopeful it was Robb Thornley, but did not want to get Rose's hopes up only to have them dashed.

Elbereth must have been watching over us, because sure enough, Robb Thornley was the man they had found. While Rose and Robb had a tearful reunion, Saeradan explained that Robb was being held at the same camp where they had found the campfire on the north side of the hill. "We sent Robb away towards the horses while we set the distraction. They beat him up a little but besides some bruises and some bad memories, he seems fine." He smiled as he observed the couple. "Now, we should sit and discuss why you two were looking for me."

We chose a secluded spot on the edge of town but still within the safety of the walls. "Aragorn is mustering the Dunedain in Eriador to be a part of the Grey Company. He waits for you in Rohan at the moment, but I find it likely he will leave for Gondor soon."

Saeradan nodded but frowned. "Why Gondor? I sense you know more of his mission than you are saying."

I hesitated. "I cannot give many details, but what I can tell you is that war is coming to Gondor, and he will need you at his side when it happens. I assume he wants to gather everyone together so you can all move as one group."

"Will you journey with us?" Saeradan asked curiously.

"I will go at least as far as Imladris, as that is where everyone will gather before going South, but after that I do not know. I go where I am needed most, as is my duty." I had given it some thought, but had not yet decided if the mission of the Dunedain was mine also.

Candaith looked puzzled, "Your duty? I was unaware you were under orders."

I shrugged, "They are not 'official' orders, but I listen for word of where trouble is occurring and if I think I can be of use, that is where I go. I see it as my purpose." I grimaced slightly. "Lord Elrond of Imladris has given me many…suggestions…of where to help, and his wisdom is sound, most of the time."

Saeradan nodded thoughtfully, "I understand you are from Mirkwood?"

I barely prevented myself from cringing. I hated how far Greenwood had fallen into darkness, and when people referred to it as Mirkwood, it pained me. "Yes, I am one of the Woodelves. I grew up there, and at one time was a soldier in the Guard under King Thranduil, and his son Prince Legolas was my captain." I internally shuddered at the horrors I had recently faced in Dol Guldur. "There is much darkness there. My people have been forced to fight."

Candaith looked concerned for me, so I shook myself to try and push away the melancholy turn of my thoughts, "However, we must focus on our current objective. Saeradan, do you need to return to your cabin to gather your belongings? We will be heading east towards the Trollshaws, and it is a long journey."

Saeradan nodded, "I left in haste to help you, and did not have time to gather my things. I will carefully make my way back home and meet you here in as soon as I can."

Candaith nodded, "Agreed. Safe travels my friend. We will see you soon."

The two of us decided to avoid the Prancing Pony and went back to the market for a quick meal. "The produce here is very fresh," Candaith remarked. "I generally do not have such luxuries in the Lonelands"

I chuckled, "Not much in the way of farmland there. Even Ost Guruth is bereft of such things." I considered this for a moment. "What exactly do you eat out there in the middle of nowhere?"

Ignoring the slight jab at his campsite, he said, "I hunt game when it is safe to do so, and there are occasionally traveling tradesman with dried meat and other foodstuffs that I can purchase." He smirked. "I'm a true ranger."

I considered this for a moment. Aragorn came from a unique background, but when I met him, he had recently been spending time in the wilds, up until he came across some hobbits that is. "So, living in the wilderness is what makes a true ranger?" I said, using my hands to put quotations around 'true ranger'.

He laid back on the grass, and I followed suit. "Sure. It is tough going, and I have to be resourceful and smart to survive out there. The Dunedain have long been a nomadic people, although we do have settlements scattered around, mostly in the North and West. I grew up in one that is near the Shire; my father is part of a small group who patrol the outskirts." He smiled slightly, "If the halflings knew how much we did to protect them, they would be shocked. I am glad we can keep them safe; they are an innocent, joyful people."

I nodded in agreement, smiling as I recalled my experiences. "I spent a short time in the Shire helping them with some problems. They may seem trivial in comparison to what the other places in Middle Earth are dealing with, but they were important to the hobbits all the same." I chuckled, "I am also very fond of Bilbo, a hobbit who is currently residing in Imladris. I'll have to introduce you to him. He is quite the storyteller!"

Candaith turned his head and grinned at me, "I always love a good story." He paused, suddenly looking a little hesitant. "Despite the time we have spent together, I have heard so few stories from you. There must be so many to tell, considering the places you have been and the things you have done. I have heard rumors of the brave adventurer who is the bane of all evil." He smirked, but I could tell he was nervous of how I would react.

I sat up, breaking eye contact and trying to figure how what to say. "It is true I have been many places and righted many wrongs. I have slain many creatures of evil, and I have no sympathy for them…but I have also killed many men. Evil men, it is true, but men all the same. It only brings me grief to see how twisted they became." I sighed heavily. "I know they would have killed me in an instant if I had not killed them, but…I feel like with each life I ended a little piece of me died with them."

Candaith went to speak but I stopped him. "Please, let me finish. There are unspeakable horrors in this world. There are no words for some of the things I have seen. Moria…Dol Guldur…Angmar," my voice broke slightly, "I cannot unsee such atrocities." I ran a hand through my hair distractedly, wincing as they snagged my braids, "I have lived almost two millennia, and have experienced many tragedies which have shaped who I am today, but these past months have truly changed me, and I am not sure if it is for the better." I looked down between my knees. "I would like to tell you of these things, truly. I am not ready to speak of them just yet…I hope you will have patience with me."

After I was finished, I took a deep breath and reluctantly looked at his face. Where I expected to see pity or even impatience, I saw compassion and understanding. He reached out and grasped my hand tightly. "Of course, Gwin; I would never ask more of you than you are willing to give." I distantly realized he had never called me by my nickname, but dismissed it. He likely was simply trying to be comforting.

Suddenly I could hear someone approaching and I let go of Candaith's hand. I could still feel its warmth.

Oooh, looks like we have a little chemistry here! The question is, do they know it yet? Thanks for reading, and please take the time to review and follow!

As a side note: for those of you unfamiliar with Lord of the Rings Online, you might be confused about why she has been all the places she speaks of. In the game, your character goes all around Eriador and Rhovanion helping the peoples with their troubles. The travel times in between regions are not a factor, as you can take a horse anywhere and you get where you need to go in a short time.

I wish I had time to explain all the things Gwin has accomplished and all the horrors she has seen, but suffice to say, she has every right to struggle with her past deeds. Even if she did open up to explain some things to Candaith, he would not be able to fully understand what she's going through. If you have any questions about the game, please let me know!