Chapter 1. The Beginning

In writing my first fanfiction, I hope you will forgive the canon-ical errors. Let's hope you enjoy my attempts at AU… or feel free to let me know if you notice things I could change/fix. Sorry…. and heads up. This is NOT a happy 'chapter'. However, the point it conveys is important. so…. please bear with me.***

In the east a power sleeps.

A mysterious and magical ring of stone.

The stars as seen, the veil shall fall.

And from the stone, the stars shall come.

Kin to some, yet known to none.

Memories old amid lives untold.

The fate of all, sisters attend.

Lothlórien

Deep in the heart of Lothlórien stands the oldest tree in Arda. It is said that it's roots stretch to touch the deepest veins of Mithril, and its branches brush the stars. The ancient tree is the only one of it's kind with bark that shines like stars and leaves the color or the sun. Deep within the tree there sleeps the last of the Valar. Looking to the future she saw heartbreak for her children and fell into a magical sleep. It has been said that she will awaken to heed the final cry of her children. Millennia have passed, and yet even in her slumber she can feel the chill of darkness. The cold dark that creeps closer, stronger, seeking to cover the world in its evil. Knowing she cannot sleep forever, yet also know she will not survive the evil that is waking, she bides her time and waits. Waits for the heir, the sisters and the bearer. . .

The Shire

The last dregs of moonlight mingled seamlessly with the first rays of dawn when the silence was broken by a strangled scream. Rushing from his bed to the room across the hall, a tired looking young hobbit reached for the hand of his twin to wake her. Sensing his presence the young hobbit girl began to wake as the safety her twin represented began to chase the nightmare away. Slowly her eyes opened and scared silver eyes met his worried filled blue. Tears began to flow as her brother wrapped her in a warm embrace. Then, he gently began to pull her from her bed towards the kitchen. Once she was seated in a chair near the fire, a heavy silence fell over the room. Waiting for his sister to speak, and giving himself something to do, he set about making tea. Only once a warm mug was placed in her hands did the shaking from her dream finally stop and the silence break. . .

"Gandalf will arrive for uncle's party by weeks end. I am sure he will have an answer. . ."

"I find I cannot trust to hope Frodo. For if he cannot help me, I know I will have to seek answers elsewhere."

Noticing the worried and inquiring look on her twin's face she gave a slight nod. Reaching out for her brother's hand she began to tell of her dream. With shuddering breath, she spoke of a vast field covered in bodies and the cold green mist that seemed to move against the wind there. Of a silver and gold tree in the middle of a wood where an elf maiden she did not know lay . . . possibly dead. Of three cloaked figures and the creature they hunted. Of two strangely garbed big folk she felt in her heart she knew but could not place. Her voice began to fade to a whisper as she spoke of the fire surrounding her brother and their friend Sam. Of a pale and sickly Pippin and the withered grass surrounding a dying Merry. When a strangled sob came from her, Frodo stood to embrace her as silent tears fell down her cheeks.

Un-seen by either of the hobbits, a figure from the hall slowly and silently retreated to a room a short way from them. Quietly closing the door of the study, he continued the last of his preparations. Knowing now more than ever that his trip was needed and that he would not be going alone.

Rivendell

The first rays of dawn were beginning to touch the tops of the the mountains surrounding Imladris when two cloaked figures shared embraces with the three elves gathered to see them off. Knowing the journey they were undertaking was perilous and long, a stray tear fell from the slighter of the two. She had not wanted to be taken notice of, but a strong hand reached out to grasp hers nonetheless. A look of understanding passed between the two as they turned and walked from their home. For one this was not new, as he has left Imladris many times. For the other however, the journey was a first. Not in leaving but in hunting. A time to use the skills that had become a part of her very soul. As they reached the top of the hidden stairs to the mountain, she slowed to look back changing her mind. Knowing that if she looked back now, she would never be able to follow through with her quest. Forging ahead, the two figures were soon out of sight, even from the elves that watched them leave. Had she stopped however, she would have seen the stars over the tops of the mountain and the three that fell ~ one streaking through the sky straight towards her.

Aillte an Mhothair (Cliffs of Moher). Ireland. Earth.

"What a solemn picture we must make girls." The comment came from dark haired girl. Pausing in her march, she looked back at her younger sisters and asked: "Do you think the locals will be too put out by our mission?"

"Mission? Geez' Sor, you make it sound like we are going to scale the cliffs. All we are doing is spreading ashes." The out of breath reply came from the red haired middle sister.

"All we are doing? What about you Mae? Did the wind blow all your emotions away? It's mom and dad's ashes!" She youngest was near tears when she made her comment.

Silence fell over the sisters, and they stopped as she looked out to the sea. Exchanging a look, the eldest two walked towards her. Before the tears she had been holding back began to fall her sisters were surrounding her with a warm hug.

Mae, the middle sister looked stricken.

"Oh Dy. You know I didn't mean it that way." Her whispered words were scarcely heard over the howling wind.

Nodding her head in agreement, Dyana gave her sister a slight smile. Looking around and seeing they had arrived at their destination, Sorcha stepped away from her sisters and placed her bag on the ground. Pulling one of the two metal urns from her bag, she looked to her sisters. With a soft sigh, she began to speak as she poured ashes from the urn into the air. The wind quickly snatching them and her words away;

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there...I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you waken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush.

Of gentle birds in circling flight,

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry -

I am not there. I did not die. [1]

With a sob she finished and handed the urn to Maeve, who also began to speak. Her soft voice told the tale of a young man who set out to see the world, and of the wild Irish beauty who stole his heart. Of the love their parents shared and the wonderful life they lived. With shaky hands she too poured some of the ashes out, then she handed the urn to Dyana. Nodding to her sister Dy poured the last of the ashes and tears fell as she began to sing a song her parents loved. Her voice joined by those of her sisters as they sang:

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary.
When troubles come and my heart burdened be.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be. [2]

As the last echoes of their song rang out along the cliffs, the sisters picked up their bags and made their way down towards the town and the next leg of their journey.

Notes:

[1] is an Irish poem I found. Not credit can/do I take. :)

[2] I listened to the Celtic Woman version of this song. Again. Not mine.

Chapter 2 - The Journey Begins Part 1.

Notes: Just a quick note before this chapter starts. Bilbo is referred to by Frodo & Ana as uncle in spite of the fact that he is not their uncle but their cousin…. Just a little thing from the books that i wanted to carry over.

The Shire

"Frodo! Someone at the door! Frodo, the door! Sticklebacks. Where is that boy?! Frodo!

A smile graced the face of Frodo's twin as she walked to the study with her uncle's tea.

"He went to the woods for a respite uncle. Beside, I posted a note on the door. 'No admittance. Except on party business'. Perhaps that will keep the nosy rabble away. At least for awhile."

Bilbo laughed and nodded his head at his niece. Taking the cup of tea she offered he pulled out a stool so she could join him. Her eyes poured over the maps on his desk and her smile faded.

"You really intend to go don't you uncle?" her quiet voice asked.

"Yes my dear, I do." After a short pause Bilbo continued. "There is something I would speak to you about regarding my journey however. I have decided that I will visit the elves first and have made arrangements to bring you with me."

"Uncle!" the shocked cry filled the quiet room.

"Do allow me to finish Ana"

At the nod from the young hobbit, Bilbo continued.

"Your dreams have become more frequent, and more trying. You are aware that Gandalf and I have discussed them over the past year?"

Another nod from Ana.

"We believe that the best help can be found in Rivendell. As such I have decided to bring you with me."

Silence filled the room as the young hobbit contemplated her uncles words.

"Does Frodo know?" Ana finally asked.

"Not that you are to join me. And I believe it best if we do not tell him. Your dreams worry the boy and were he to learn of our journey, he would insist on accompanying us."

Again, Ana nodded at her uncle.

"Frodo loves the Shire so. . . I agree uncle. I would like however to leave him a letter of explanation, for unlike you I do intend to return home." She added with a smirk.

Bilbo sighed and said "I never could keep things hidden from you dear Ana. You are correct. I have made all of the arrangements for my estate to be left to Frodo and yourself. My intention is for us to leave directly from the party, so I suggest you set about packing a few of your things."

Bilbo handed his now empty tea cup to Ana and turned back to his desk. Knowing she had been dismissed, Ana stood, gathered the tea dishes and quietly left the room. The shock of the conversation, and the implications did not fully register with Ana until she found herself standing in the kitchen with a broken tea cup at her feet. The crash brought the head of Samwise Gamgee to the kitchen window.

"Everything alright Miss Ana?"

Startled by the voice from the previously unseen hobbit, Ana started and offered a too quick "Yes."

A slightly troubled look crossed the face of the faithful friend but he let it be. With a nod he went back to his work, trimming the hedge outside the window. Once the broken cup had been cleaned up, Ana decided to clear her head by going for a walk. Outside, she found herself walking down the hill towards 'the water'. Many hobbits thought it odd the peace she found sitting near water considering the manner of her parents death. . . Ana didn't wish to tarry long on those thoughts and soon found herself thinking about her parents.

Sitting on the edge of 'the water' as it was called Ana found herself swirling her mother's strange ring [1] around her finger. Most days the memories of her mother were fuzzy at best, however she found the memories became clearer[2] when she was near water. Today she found herself wondering what her mother would think of this adventure she was about to undertake. A shout echoed over the hill disturbing Ana's reverie. Standing and looking to the peek of the hill she saw her two favorite cousins running towards her. With a grin Ana started towards them.

The crashing embrace that followed threatened to toss the three hobbits down the hill, as joyful chatter and laughter followed the three back up the hill towards Bag End.

"I should have known you two rascals would arrive just now. Dinner should be ready and it is well known throughout the Shire that Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck can eat, and eat well." Ana teased.

The eyes of the two hobbits widened with the thought of the wonderful meal Ana would have prepared, and they began to all but drag her back towards Bag End. Meeting Frodo at the gate, the four noisy hobbits made their way to the kitchen.

"Well boys!" Frodo addressed Merry and Pippin as he placed tea cups and plates in front of them. "The trip here went alright? No dwarves, or dragons, or farmers in the way?" he added with a wink.

Pippin laughed and cried "No! We avoided our favorite farmer this trip."

Ever the 'diplomat' Merry said with a teasing smile. "You must let us thank your uncle for the party invite. We're quite humbled to have been personally invited."

"And well you should be!" The reply from Bilbo ~ who none had seen enter the kitchen ~ started the young hobbits to silence.

Ana and Frodo were the first to react, each doing their part to make room for their teasing uncle. Once seated Bilbo smiled at the guests, gave Ana a wink and continued. "After all. Half the Shire's been invited."

"And the other half is showing up regardless." Ana quipped.

Laughter resumed as Ana set platters heaping with food on the table. Salted pork, roast potatoes, turnips in truffle gravy, fried green tomatoes and her (famous) rosemary cheese biscuits.

Merry looking thoughtful, paused mid-bite and set his fork down. Looking at Bilbo and said. "Seeing as half the shire's been invited, we really are honored, especially as we will be staying here at Bag End."

Frodo laughed and clapped Merry on the shoulder. "Nonsense. I'd not have you and Pip be anywhere else. After all it is Ana and mine's birthday as well!"

"Indeed!" Cheered Ana with a smile. "After all, what other celebration would give me cause to make lemon cake?"

Before long the food and cake was gone, and the four young hobbits decided they'd like to chase their meal with a drink, and left for the green dragon. Glad for the respite Bilbo waved them off as he sat in his smoking chair just outside the door.

The green dragon was filled to the rafters when the five (they stopped off for Sam along the way) hobbits arrived. Squeezing into the last table, flagons of ale soon found empty hands. At one point in the late evening, or early morning, Ana offered to aid her best friend Rosie, behind the bar. Merry and Pippin, who were deep into their cups at this point, found it wonderful. And to celebrate, serenaded the pub with their song of the green dragon. Jumping up onto the table nearest the bar, they sang:

Oh! you can search far and wide,
You can drink the whole town dry.
But you'll never find a beer so brown,
Oh you'll never find a beer so brown.

As the one we drink in our hometown,
As the one we drink in our hometown.

You can drink your fancy ales,
You can drink them by the flagon,
But the only brew for the brave and true . . .

Comes from the Green Dragon!

Cheers filled the pub at the end of the song, as all the hobbits present shared in the moment of joy. The merriment of the evening slowly began to wane after their song, and the hobbits joyfully headed back towards bag end. The boisterous group was shushed by Ana at the gate, as they clamored towards the house. After informing her of their intention to enjoy a late night smoke, Ana smiled, kissed the cheeks of her brother and cousins, and went to her bed.

The dream swept over Ana as soon as her head hit her pillow. . . at least, it must have been a dream. No light. No sound. A feeling of floating in nothingness. As suddenly as the dream started, it began to change. . . the nothingness transforming into a hazy shapes. Soon Ana found herself standing under a stone archway in a courtyard. A beautiful blooming birch [3] tree stood in the center, surrounded by benches. Walking around the courtyard Ana found two archways identical to the one she had entered through, but no way to leave. Sitting at on of the benches close to the tree, she found herself staring up at the tree. Hearing a sound, she looked around the tree to see two familiar faces appear in the other archways. Jumping to her feet with a cry, she ran towards her sisters.

"Sorcha! Maeve! Where have you been?"

Hugging her sisters the three made their way to the nearest bench. Looking around Maeve added: "The better question is. . . where are we?"

Sorcha looked around as she said. "Agreed. Strange thing is, I feel like I know this place. It's foggy. Like I can't quite remember."Shaking her head she looked at her sisters and asked

"What's the last thing you guys remember?"

Confusion came to the faces of all three girls as they scoured their memories.

"It's fuzzy." Said Maeve, "But I remember…. New Zealand. Hiking in the woods. . ."

Her sisters nodded.

"Spreading Da's ashes." whispered Dyana. "That strange stone ring. Like Stonehenge or the Callanish Stones we saw in Scotland."

"Right!" Cried Sorcha. The memory now clear in her mind. "I remember wondering, what went through Claire's mind when she touched the stones and went back in time."

Maeve smiled and laughed. "Of course you'd think of a fictional character." Looking at Sorcha she added; "But you're right. They felt. . . powerful somehow."

All three girls nodded, and found themselves looking around the courtyard.

"What now?" whispered Dyana.

Concerned, Sorcha and Maeve looked at their youngest sister following her query. With no answers between them, she stood and began to pace.

"Well! I for one don't want to stay here forever. No matter how peaceful it is."

Maeve nodded and stood to hug her younger sister.

With her arm around her younger sister she said, "I agree. I think. . ."

Maeve never finished her thought for as soon as the words left her mouth, a haunting song [4] filled the courtyard. Looking to the archway she had first appeared in, Maeve found her feet moving of their own accord, as she stepped towards it. The song was coming from the other side. . . looking back to her sisters she reached out to touch the archway, and vanished.

Jumping to her feet Sorcha was stepping towards it, when she heard her name. Looking towards her youngest sister, she saw fear in her eyes before she two vanished. Looking around, Sorcha found the courtyard was fading. In the blink of an eye it was gone and she was falling. Falling through stars, then sky, then trees. The collision with the ground jarred her awake as she cried out;

- Muinthel! [5]

Notes:

[1] This is an image I found on google of the ring Ana has. Or at least a piece of the ring she has. Further explanation to come. ;)

[2] In my mind when I picture Primula Brandybuck (Frodo & Ana's mom) I see Carey Mulligan. Imagine her with curly-er hair the same color as her role in 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.

[3] Also, the dream tree:

[4] The song that echoes throughout the courtyard: 'Fallen Through Time' by Bear McCreary ~ from the Outlander soundtrack.

[5] The word in Sindarin I found to mean sister(s)

Chapter 3. Unrequited

Mirkwood

"I had hoped that being away from the marshes would cause her nightmares to cease. However, from how you say she reacted this morn, that has not proven to be the case."

Looking up from his inner reflecting, Aragorn found his friend distraught and pacing the hall as they waited outside the healing room.

"Peace, Legolas. Gandalf will have answers."

"You are very sure of the wizard's abilities." The statement more of a sneer than the prince knew, as he continued his pacing.

Aragorn signed, shook his head and looked down to hide his smirk. Only now was he starting to realize the depth of feeling his friend held for his sister. Without looking up he said:

"He must know something. If not, then I have indeed failed my sister."

Legolas' reply was barely above a whisper, yet Aragorn still heard, "We have failed her."

At that moment the door to Elwen's chamber opened and Gandalf exited. Quietly closing the door, he turned to the two men waiting in the hall. Nodding to them he turned and began to walk away. Quickly glancing at each other, Legolas and Aragorn moved to follow the wizard. Turning the corner, the three walked out onto a balcony high in the trees. With a weary sigh Gandalf leaned upon the rail and stared out into the trees. Tense silence fell for a moment before Gandalf began to speak.

"You may rest easy Estel, knowing that the fall into the Dead Marshes did not cause Elwen's dreams."

"If not the waters, then what is the cause? Mithrandir. . . can you help her?" Legolas made no attempt to hide the panic that crept into his voice as he asked his questions.

"Peace, Thranduilion. She will be well." stated the wizard.

Turning to look at Aragorn, Gandalf walked over and sat beside him on the nearby bench. Looking the ranger in the eye, he told him "It would be best if Elwen was sent home to Rivendell. However, . . . "

His next statement was interrupted by a clear voice coming from the shadows of the doorway.

"Am I to have no say in my own future Mithrandir?

The tree men turned sharply to look at the woman who was walking from the shadows towards them. Legolas took a step towards her, so she held up her hand to stop him.

"Wait." her voice hard. "I insist you hear me out. Firstly, I say this out of my overwhelming love for you." Looking towards, and catching the eyes of both her brother and the elven prince she continued. "We all know that you see the child in me. Yes Legolas, I am aware I am one compared to you. That is not my point. I am eighty-four years old not a babe. As both of you are fully aware, I am more than capable of taking care of myself.. True, the nightmares plaguing me are getting worse. However, we do not believe Rivendell to be the answer. For it is also true that the only one to thus far chase them away is you brother."

Looking at Aragorn she added. "Mithrandir and I are in agreement that as such we should stay together."

Legolas felt concern creep into him at the words from the young ranger, which only continued to grow the more she spoke. Turning to stare at the wizard he argued "Mithrandir?! Surely this is not true. Should not the little one go home where the Lord Elrond can help her? Wondering about in the woods in her condition is not safe!"

Gandalf turned sharply to glare at the elvish prince. Before he could reply Elwen spoke up. "Condition?! I am not with child Thranduilion. I am as capable now as I was before. Why do. . ." Her brothers hand on her arm stopped her tirade.

The look Gandalf gave after a moment of tense silence caused Legolas to look away defeated. Turning back towards the young woman, Gandalf stood and walked over to her.

"You'd best told them of our talk this morn." With a slight smile he added. "Find me in the library when you are done."

Silence fell again over the group as they watched the wizard walk away. Slowly Elwen walked over to the bench, her brother following at her elbow. Looking at Legolas she motioned for him to join them as well.

Looking at the prince she asked. "I trust Mithrandir informed you the cause of my dreams is not my fall into the marshes?!"

When Legolas nodded, she looked down at her hands and continued. "Firstly I must apologize for the inconvenience I have been these past weeks. I must also thank you, Legolas for the role you played in removing me from the waters of the marsh. I know I would be dead were it not for you. And for that I owe you a debt. One I intend to repay."

"Elwen. . . " Legolas intended to interrupt

"No, Legolas . You must let me finish, else I will never be able to."

When she looked up and saw the prince give a slight nod, she took a deep breath and stared out into the dark of the trees. Taking a deep shaky breath she began to tell of her dreams.

"They have been strange. Yes, "they", for there have been many. They started with my fall into the waters of the Dead Marshes. I felt the waters rush over my head and I began to sink. Then I saw a great green light come towards me. The light changed and shaped took form. The things I saw, were as clear to me as the two of you. A great battle stretched out as far as the eye could see. The bodies of the dead. . . men, dwarves, elves, creatures of old. Then I was pulled from the water, and the vision was gone. I remember gasping for breath at this point. . . "

Looking to her brother he nodded and quickly interjected. "When Legolas pulled you from the water you were not breathing. I rolled you to your side and pounded on your back, then you coughed and spat up the water." His voice faded and when silence stretched for a moment, Elwen continued her tale.

"The same vision came to me as I slept the next two nights. Then nothing for nigh a week. I assumed it was because of the marshes and strove to not think on it again. Then came the strange dream, for which the wizard has no insight . I was standing in a valley I have never seen before. The air seemed to hum with power, and I saw what I know to be my own hand reach out and touch a tall stone marker. . . as if I was going to trace the markings I saw there. And then I would awaken. The dream was repeated two more times then ceased. Again a span of days with no dreams. Then came the nightmares. Each night, a different vision. First there was a great dark chasm surrounded by flame that seemed to swallow Mithrandir. Then I saw Arwen, laying still and pale surrounded by blowing leaves."

Here she paused to squeeze her brother's hand, as he had gone stiff at her words. Still holding her brother's hand she turned her head to look at Legolas. Holding his gaze she whispered. "You, dead on the steps of a great stone stairway."

Looking away she felt silent tears begin to fall as she continued. "And you Estel. I dreamed of you, in a great stone room. You were being pulled into a great darkness and screaming in pain." Sobbing now she tried to speak and breathe at the same time. "I saw. . . I saw. . . him! Standing in victory with the ring on his hand and the world destroyed!"

Unable to continue she clung to her brother, as Legolas ran his hand in soothing circles on her back. After a few moments her tears began to subside and she sat up. With a deep breath she continued. "I have also seen hope. I saw a beautiful child dancing with Arwen, a great sea of green mist, and a great light shining into the darkness."

With a sigh Elwen moved to kneel in front of her brother. Staring into his eyes she smiled and told him, "Hope always came when you are near. Even in the midst of the terror, I could feel your presence." Looking up at Legolas also, she sighed and nodded. "All will be well. We have to believe that. Now, I am off to see Mithrandir. I will see you two at supper."

With that she stood, turned and strode away leaving the elf and ranger speechless.

Many hours later Elwen found herself wandering away from the jovial dining hall. The music and laughter were too much for her heavy heart and she found she wanted silence to ponder her strange conversation with the wizard before his departure. The instructions her brother had been given were cryptic at best and yet she also yearned to read the letter she had been entrusted with. The combination of the cool night air and faintly shining stars through the canopy of trees helped to calm the myriad of emotions running through the young ranger. With a sigh she found a lone bench on a balcony down from the hall. The faint sounds fading into the background as she sat. Her reflecting was halted by a slight sound from behind her. Knowing the sound was given for her benefit she smiled and slid over to the edge of the bench as Legolas joined her.

Elwen elbowed him in the arm when he sat and teased. "The hall not to your liking my prince?"

When he did not respond as she expected, Elwen turned to look at the elf. Finding a look she did not know on his face she quietly asked;

"Legolas?"

Concern etched her face as she reached for his arm. "Talk to me. What troubles you?"

The feel of her hand on his arm jolted the prince from his state and he stood. Reaching for the rail of the balcony he spoke very softly.

"* Nin emel na-blung na nifred an cin dilthen er. Im rad-nin anír-na-na n-na cin. Na cheb-cin dolen. Ui-im ist-ha og-al-n."{My heart is heavy with fear for you little one. I find my desire is to be with you, to keep you safe. Yet I know this cannot be.}

Elwen felt a tear slid down her cheek at the emotional words from her friend. Looking at the man standing at the railing she stood, and wrapped her arms around his side in a warm embrace. Standing at his side, looking up at his face, Elwen was saddened when he refused to look at her. With a sad smile she pulled away and said. "It is within your rights to worry."

This reply shocked Legolas and he haltingly turned to look down at the young woman who stood near him, her hand now on his arm. Looking out to the woods Elwen continued;

"You and Estel both, have always looked out for me. Most days it feels as if I have two brothers instead of one."

With a smile she gave his arm a light squeeze;

"*Gosta-al gwanûr.* {Worry not brother.} "We must trust in our hearts that all will be well.

Reaching up on her toes Elwen kissed the elf princes cheek and turned away.

Her call of *Ir mín govannon-ad-* {Till we meet again.} echoed out over the balcony as she walked away.

In her rush to part without tears Elwen did not see how still the prince had gone. Nor did she see the look of sadness fill his eyes at her words. One word in particular was like a knife to his heart. Brother. A wave of despair washed over the elf as Elwen left. Her absence keenly felt as his heart began to understand the depth of feeling emotion he held for the Dúnedain princess.

Notes:

Thanks for reading. I think this is my longest chapter yet. As usual none of the characters are mine….except for mine. ;) Please read and review!

Chapter 4. Journey Begins Part 2

The Shire

Ana woke with a start. The dream already a hazy memory as she sat up and looked around her room. Seeing that dawns first rays were not yet shining she lay back down and closed her eyes, only to be jolted by a crash and hushed voices from down the hall. Sighing Ana climbed from her bed, and reached for her dressing gown. She smiled to herself at the memory of the gift as she pulled it on.

"Ana! Look at this one." Rosie laughed.

"Oh, Rosie! Tis' awful!"

Ana laughed at the algae green gown in her friends hands. Putting it back, a cream color caught Rosie's' eye. [1] Pulling the dressing gown out, she knew in an instant it was the perfect gift for her friend. The beautifully embroidered, and bright flowers were just what Ana would love. Walking over to the merchant Rosie handed her the money for the gown and asked for it to be wrapped. Just as the lady finished, Ana joined her.

"What did you find Rosie?" she asked.

With a smile Rosie replied. "Your birthday gift."

Ana smiled and the two, arm in arm wandered away from the market. Back at Bag End, Ana pulled a blanket from a shelf in the kitchen, and set out their picnic in the garden. Before they ate, Rosie insisted Ana open her gift.

Smiling Ana remarked to her friend, "You know, you needn't get me a gift. Spending the day with my best friend is all the gift I need."

Rosie laughed and nodded. Her smile grew even bigger at the look of joy on Ana's face when she saw the dressing gown.

Once she had her new dressing gown on, Ana reached for her bedroom door. Opening it, she jumped slightly, seeing Merry on the other side. He sheepishly lowered his hand from where he'd been about to knock. Smiling he offered her his arm and pulled her down the hall towards the kitchen. Arriving at the door to the kitchen, Ana saw something that made her cringe and then begin to laugh. Both Frodo and Pippin stood sheepishly, covered head to toe in flour. . . As well as every surface near them. Merry let go of Ana's hand and pulled out a chair (the only clean one she noted) and asked her to sit. As soon as she was seated a heaping plate of what Ana assumed to be oatcakes and bacon was placed in front of her, and a steaming mug of tea placed into her hands. Taking a tentative sip, she found the tea what just the way she like it, and looking up towards her brother noticed the boys were not eating.

"What's all this" Ana asked.

Pippin mumbled, "It's your birthday breakfast."

"You didn't think we'd let your birthday go by, and not do anything for you would we?" This came from Frodo.

Merry smiled and nodded, a look Ana didn't recognize crossing his face. Before she could process it however Bibo joined them.

"After all," He winked at Ana. "My one-hundred and eleventh birthday should not o'r shadow your and Frodo's thirty-third. In fact I believe your coming of age should be more celebrated. Now, sign this please my dear."

Ana looked in confusion between her uncle and brother who just shrugged.

"I signed it already." he noted as he brushed flour from the table and chairs.

Looking down to where her uncle was pointing, Ana saw Frodo's signature on the document in front of her. With a sigh, she took the quill from her uncles hand, and signed the paper.

Pulling a small velvet pouch from his vest pocket Bilbo handed it to Ana.

"I had this made up for you my dear. Tis' to remind you always of family."

Smiling Bilbo patted her shoulder, kissed her forehead and told her "Happy Birthday my dear", and left the kitchen.

Ana watched her uncle leave the kitchen and looked back to her brother. Always able to read each other Frodo pulled a small gold pocket watch from his pocket. Holding it out for Ana to see he quietly said, "He told me it was time for me to have it. It belonged to Father."

Looking down to the pouch in her hand, Ana slowly opened it and spilled the contents out into her hand. A tear fell down her cheek when she saw the beautiful locket. The etched brass a perfect imitation of the door to Bag End. Opening the locket tears flowed freely at the beautiful watercolor impressions she found there. On the left, Frodo and Bilbo looked up at her. On the right, her parents seemed to gaze at each other. Slipping the chain over her head, Ana gazed at the pictures trying to stop her tears.

An awkward sort of silence passed over the group after Ana opened Bilbo's gift, for none of the males knew how to respond to Ana's tears. So Frodo and Pippin quietly set out to finish cleaning up their mess. Ana smiled at Merry when he handed her a handkerchief. Finding the silence tiring, Ana pulled her chair closer to the table. The noise causing the Pippin to jump.

"Enough with the cleaning, and the silence. Frodo! Pippin! Merry! Come. Sit. Eat." Ana cried.

Smiling the three joined Ana at the table, and the group was laughing once more. All too quickly the food was gone, and Ana jumped to her feet. Telling her brother and friends to stay, she ran down the hall. Coming back, she place a wrapped package on the table in front of her brother.

"Happy Birthday Frodo."

Smiling up at his sister, Frodo set aside his plate and pulled the package closer. Tugging the ribbon loose, his eyes widened at the beautiful leather-bound books he found inside.

"Myths & Lore. The Complete works of Middle Earth"

"Both volumes! Ana! Where did. . . when did. . . . I love them!" Frodo cried.

Jumping to his feet Frodo hauled Ana into in a tight embrace, and spun her around. Laughing, Ana begged her brother to put her down. Once her feet were again on solid ground Ana noticed the small packages in Merry and Pippin's hands. Smiling Frodo sheepishly said, "I opened mine already. A new smoking pipe from Pip and a great pouch of longbottom leaf form Merry."

Ana laughed and glanced over at her friends. "So, it seems you have coordinated gifts this year. Does that mean mine is smoke-able as well?"

Ana winked and sat down in the chair Frodo had vacated. Looking over to Pippin, who now sat to her left, she asked for his gift first. Here eyes went wide at the beautiful box she found underneath the wrapping. A marvelous wooden box with intricate scroll designs along the top and edges. . . Three tiers unfolded to show off the layers inside. With a smile she reached over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Pip! I love it." she murmured.

Blushing, Pippin muttered, "I. . . I thought of you the moment I saw it. Thought you could use it for your recipes, or anything else you want to use it for. . ." His blush deepened and he looked away.

Setting the box on the table Ana looked up to her right where Merry was standing. Seeing a troubled look on his face she asked, "Merry, is everything alright?"

Looking up to catch Ana's eye, the hobbit in question blushed and whispered, "It's a little thing really. Nothing near so fancy as Pippin's gift, nor the beautiful locket from Master Bilbo. . . "

His voice faded out and he again looked down, his eye catching the box from Pippin that sat on the table. Smiling Ana's soft voice broke through this mulling, "Will you let me see this "little thing", do decide for myself?"

Nodding slightly, Merry haltingly handed over the simple cloth pouch. Opening it as carefully as she had the other gifts, Ana gasped at the necklace that tumbled out and into her hand. The intricate knots of silver attached to a simple chain would encircle her neck just to sit along her collar bone. Smiling, she quickly stood and gave Merry an embrace. Catching his eye she whispered, "Simple it may be, yet you seem to have captured my taste perfectly. I love it Merry. Thank you."

Kissing his cheek, she handed the necklace back to him and asked him to help her put it on.

Frodo let out a slight laugh and moved to take the necklace from a dumbfounded Merry. Ana thanked her brother and found herself watching Merry from the corner of her eye, not sure why he was acting so strange. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she turned to Frodo and Pippin and said, "I expect this place will be put back to rights when I come back?"

After the two nodded, Ana picked up her gifts and moved to leave the kitchen. She noted that Merry jumped slightly when she brushed by him. Filing this away to ponder later Ana headed to her room. Once the door was firmly closed she set about packing for her trip to Rivendell. Ana found that packing did not take as long as she had anticipated. However, knowing it would be best to give the boys more time to clean, she sat at her desk to write a note to Frodo.

Frodo,

Know that I love you always brother. You have been my most steadfast rock these past years, and I wish with all my heart that you could come with uncle and I on this journey. Yet we both knew that our path would one day diverge, and it seems that day has come.

Uncle has made arrangements for me to see the elves. His hope (like ours) is that they will be able to help solve the mystery of the dreams that have been plaguing me. I hope this is true. Either way I feel that this journey will mark a change in my life. Something is coming brother, and I intend to meet it head on. . . what er' it be.

Be safe, and do not let Merry and Pippin drag you into too much trouble.

May the sun ever shine till next we meet.

Ana

Folding and sealing the letter, Ana set it aside. Looking around her room she took in the home she loved. Not knowing why, Ana felt she would not see her home again for a longtime. Shaking herself from her reverie, she headed out to check on the party preparations.

Ana soon found herself swept up in the last minute things needing to be done for the party and did not see her brother or friends until much later in the evening. The party was just starting when Frodo appeared and pulled Ana towards the stage. Passing their uncle, the twins smiled and Ana laughed as Frodo helped her up to the stage. A hush fell over the gathered hobbits as Ana began to speak.

- As many who know me can attest,I am not one to give long speeches, so my brother and I thank You for joining us in celebrating my uncles one-hundred and eleventh birthday. Now if you will indulge me, I have a special gift for my uncle.

Nodding to a hobbit nearby who held a fiddle in his hands. Ana smiled and began to sing. [4]

I hear your voice on the wind.

And I hear you call out my name.

"Listen my child," you say to me.

"I am the voice of your history,

Be not afraid, come follow me.

Answer my call and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain.

I am the voice of your hunger and pain.

I am the voice that always is calling you.

I am the voice, I will remain.

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone

The dance of the leaves, when the autumn winds blow.

Ne'er do I sleep throughout all the cold winter long.

I am the force that in springtime will grow.

Ana laughed and smiled at the fiddler as he played, and continued to sing;

I am the voice of the past that will always be,

Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields.

I am the voice of the future.

Bring me your peace.

Bring me your peace and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain.

I am the voice of your hunger and pain.

I am the voice that always is calling you.

I am the voice.

Cheers broke out over the crowd as the song ended, and Ana found herself swept up in the joy. Food and ale flowed freely and soon all in attendance were swept along in the revelry. As the evening passed Ana found herself laughing along with Rosie as she danced. Looking around, Ana saw Merry and Pippin sneaking towards one of the tents. Wandering over,she found that they hadn't seen or heard her approach. Jumping out at them,she laughed at their expressions and begged for a birthday dance. Merry froze and looked stricken, so Pippin smiled and pulled Ana towards the dancers. Seeing his cousin dance, and the smile on Ana's face; Merry felt a wave of something he didn't quite know run through him, and he wandered over to is beside a despondent Sam. Once their dance was over, Ana noticed her uncle waving her over. Thanking Pippin for the dance she joined her uncle.

"You looked to have been enjoying yourself my dear." he smiled.

"Always uncle. As well you know, dancing is my favorite, and Pippin is a wonderful dancer." the words tumbled from Ana's mouth as quickly as the dance music now playing.

"Indeed?!" Bilbo questioned.

Shaking her head at he uncle she asked, "Was there something you needed of me uncle?"

"Thank you for the reminder. I seem to have left my speech up at Bag End. Would be a dear and fetch it for me? It should be sitting on my desk."

Smiling, Ana said "Of course."

Kissing her uncles cheek, she headed up the hill with a smile on her face and a heart full of joy. Her smile fell however, when she arrived at Bag End and found not her uncle's speech, but a note he'd left for her.

I apologize for the ruse my dear Ana. However, I needed to keep our departure from the party as secret as possible. Please prepare your things. I will join you shortly and we will head out for Rivendell.

Slipping the note into her pocket, Ana headed to the kitchen, and quickly packed what she hoped would be enough food to last their trip. Leaving the food on the table she headed down the hall to grab her bags. Setting them in the hall she slipped into Frodo's room and left her note on his pillow. She was just turning to leave when she heard raised voices coming from the entryway.

"Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you."

Running towards the voices allowed Ana to hear the rest of Gandalf's tyraid. "I'm trying to help you."

Not wanting to interrupt, Ana crept back down the hall to gather her things. Stopping in the kitchen last, Ana left by way of the back door. After she tacked a instructional note for Sam, regarding her herbs, to the garden shed door, Ana headed for the front walk to meet her uncle. Rounding the corner she watched Bilbo stride from the house only to stop suddenly. Speaking he said, "I've thought up an ending for my book."

Turning back to adress Gandalf, he continued. "And he lived happily ever after. Till the end of his days."

Smiling Ana walked over to stand behind Gandalf while they said their goodbyes. Ana watched her uncle as he turned and started to walk away. His voice echoed back to them as he sang, "The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. . ."

"I do believe he's forgotten you my dear. You'd best hurry before he gets too far ahead." Gandalf's voice broke through Ana's pondering.

Turning to face her, Ana gave the wizard a fast embrace and murmured in his ear, "Do watch over Frodo for me."

Not waiting for a reply, Ana shouldered her pack and ran off after her uncle.

Notes: I take no credit for any of the tags (which can be found on my Pinterest board (Prophecy and Stars):

[1] Ana's birthday gift from Rosie.

[2] The family locket from Bilbo. It would be very long.

[3] This the the box from Pippin.

[3] The pouch and necklace from Merry:

[4] The song is 'The Voice' by Celtic Woman.

Thank you for reading. Please leave a review.

Chapter 5. Journey Begins Part 3

Maeve

From one moment to the next, Maeve found herself watching her sisters disappear, to standing in a sea of stars. Everywhere she looked, the stars shone brightly back at her. Looking down, she found the 'ground' to be water, a mirror; unsure she bent down to brush her hand over it. The surface felt hard to the touch, yet it moved and rippled like water, reflecting back the light of the stars.

"Beautiful is it not?"

The ethereal voice pulled Maeve from her inquiry. Standing and looking around she found the source of the voice and gasped slightly at the sight of the woman standing beside her. The light from the stars was nothing compared to the warmth, hope, and joy she could see radiating from the woman.

"I am Nêlêl of the Valar. You are in my realm, and your sisters are safe. In fact, they are far safer than you are about to be."

Staring in awe, Maeve found she had no words, yet it seemed that every question she wanted to voice had been answered.

"I have brought you here to show you the fate I have foreseen, as well as the hope you and your sisters bring."

Maeve found her voice, and wanted to laugh. "But, this is impossible. I must be dreaming. You cannot be real. The Valar are fiction."

Nêlêl smiled and spoke, "Oh, that that were true dear girl. You see, my people gave that man a great gift, a glimpse of another world. A chance to walk our shores and see a world other than his own, and he shared it with your people. However, what we could not foresee was the darkness that would see him as well. A darkness that if not stopped will spread across the stars, even unto your world."

"Okay, I'm confused. Didn't the stuff that Tolkien wrote about already happen? What darkness has you so worried?" Maeve finally asked.

"In your world, there is a tale of a woman named Pandora, is there not?"

Looking at Nêlêl, Maeve nodded, and said. "She represents hope. . ."

"Indeed, just as you and your sisters will. Now, come. We must hurry, I haven't the strength left to keep you here for long, and I have much to show you."

Taking Maeve's hand, she waived her other hand and a mist appeared around them. From the mist, a million images seemed to take shape. Like a film running on fast-forward she saw the story she knew unfold, only events were very different. Arwen sailed for the undying lands, and Aragorn never went to the ghost king. Merry and Eowyn didn't ride for Gondor, and Pippin wasn't able to save Faramir. She saw death and destruction, and then Frodo put the ring on and was slain by Sauron. The darkness crept over all of Middle Earth, and then began to seep into the waters, spreading outwards like tendrils. She saw it spread and cause the stars to wink out; then, Earth was consumed, covered in flame and darkness. Tears flowed down her face as she tried to absorbed all she was seeing.

"S-s-stop. P-p-please. I, I can't. No more." Maeve gasped and pulled her hand free. Falling to her knees, she continued to sob.

Kneeling down beside her, Nêlêl tipped Maeve's chin up to look into her eyes. "You see how powerful hope is. Even a fool's hope is better than none. Without you and your sisters, this is the fate that will fall. Now, look once more. This is important, you have to see. . ."

Only then did Maeve see how pale Nêlêl was. Concern filled her face and she started to speak, but Nêlêl held up her hand. "I am fading. As I must for you to survive. Now, look." Taking Maeve's hand once more, the mist returned and more images appeared.

This time the images were slow, like she was there watching, instead of a film running on fast-forward.

The girls jumped from their boat and tied it to the pier. Then they pulled their bags from the small boat, the headed up the hill towards the Moturau Hut.[1] Passing it the three walked, and their laughter filled the air. The mist shifted, and Maeve saw the three of them standing at the edge of a cliff. Arm in arm, they were crying as the last of their parents ashes floated away in the wind. Their voices broke through the air, sounding like a haunting ghost as they sang. [2]

My, my Lagan love

My Lagan love

Where Lagan stream sing lullaby

There blows a lily fair

The twilight gleam is in her eyes

The night is on her hair

And like a lovesick lenanshee

She hath my heart in thrall

No life I own, no liberty

For love is lord of all

My Lagan love

And sometimes when the beetle horn

Hath lulled the eve to sleep

I steal unto her shieling low

And through the dooreen peep

There on the cricket's singing stone

She stirs the bogwood fire

And hums in soft sweet undertones

The song of heart's desire

Again, the mist shifted and she watched as they stumbled into the hidden vale. Bright yellow flowers covered every inch of ground surrounding the stones in the vale. As they approached, the girls did not see the wind pick up or hear the haunting sound that filled the air. [3]

Maeve watched, as the three of them were enveloped in a great light and began to shine like stars in the night sky. Then they fell, like stars shooting across the sky, down, over mountains and trees, until they vanished. She saw two young hobbits playing in the rain, then the girl lay feverish and pale, whiled the boy slept, holding her hand. Maeve felt a tear fall down her cheek, as she watched the girl take a breath, and then stop breathing. An instant later the light that had been her sister Dyana fell from the sky and into the girl, causing her to breathe again.

The image changed again and she watched three figures as the walked through a marshland. Suddenly the woman fell, and was sucked under the water. Her elven companion reached and tried to pull her free, but Maeve knew it was too late. She watched as the woman was pulled from the marshes, but saw she wasn't breathing. Again Maeve felt a tear fall, at the look of despair on the other mans face. Then the light that was her sister Sorcha fell from the sky and into the woman. At the same time, she was turned on her side and her companion pounded his fist to her back; her eyes flew open, and she spat up the muck from the marsh.

When the mist started to fade, Maeve felt confusion fill her. "What about me?" she asked in a small voice.

Turning to look at Nêlêl, she realized the valar had released her hand, and collapsed beside her. Reaching out, Nêlêl grabbed Maeve's hand and spoke.

"I am fading." Her voice got softer the more she spoke. "You will a-awaken in Lothlórien. Trust Galadriel; she can help you remember. Find your sisters. Save. . ." Her voice faded away, and Maeve realized all the stars around them had gone dark. Looking down to where

Nêlêl lay in her arms, she watched as the valar started to disintegrate. Little bits of light, like embers floated away. Yet the ones that landed on her were absorbed into her skin, until Maeve was glowing slightly. She closed her eyes and let the feeling of warmth, and hope consume her. As quickly as the process began, it ended, and Maeve too was falling.

Lothlórien

The lady Galadriel stared out into the wood of her home as moonlight filtered down through the trees. From the highest flet in Caras Galadhon the lady could see the whole of her realm. It was there, standing in the moonlight where she watched the sister stars as they burned in the sky. With a gasp, she watched as they sparked with color and fell, streaking across the sky, one heading straight for her home. Turning to watch it, she knew in her heart where it was going and found her feet running before her head had acknowledged where it was she was running to. For all her speed, she made not a sound as she all but flew into the clearing of the heart tree. In her grief, the lady found her knees gave out, and she would have crumpled to the earth were it not for the strong arms of her husband, who appeared at her side. Tears fells down her cheeks and a mournful song filled the air[4]. The clearing filled with her people as they watched the tree glow, then start to burn.

As suddenly as the fire started, it ended in a brilliant flash of white light. Carefully the lord and lady made their way towards the charred remains of the heart tree. With a cry, Galadriel ran towards the prone figure. With the aid of her husband they carried the eleth from the crumbling remains of the tree, to the soft grass of the clearing.

"Mela-nín, gar nesta-el?" [5] Celeborn's strong voice broke through Galadriel's shock.

Looking into her husband's eyes, she nodded. Her clear voice echoed over the now silent clearing. "Tog-car-el."[6] At a nod from Celeborn, Galadriel took off at a run for the healers. Upon arriving, she found the young Eilia the only healer present. Without saying a word, the young eleth handed Galadriel a basket filled with healing supplies and waited. A smile filled Galadriel's face, for young Eilia it seemed, always knew before her skills were needed.

"Tol." [7] She said to the young healer and turned away.

Arriving at her home, Galadriel and Eilia found Celeborn standing by the window, and the eleth that was the valar Nêlêl lying peacefully on the bed. Seeing his presence was no longer needed, Celeborn silently left to wait outside.

Notes:

So…. this has been the hardest chapter to write so far. I have written and r-written it… and am still not completely happy with it… I am my own worst critic and all…. So. Please review. Let me know if you love it. Or hate it…

[1] This is a stop along a hiking trail in New Zealand. If you are curious check out: The Kepler Track, New Zealand.

[2] I suggest you listen to, 'My Lagan Love' by Celtic Thunder

[3] I suggest you listen to, 'Dance of the Druids' from the Outlander season 1 soundtrack.

[4] I suggest you listen to 'Lascia Ch'io Pianga' by Celtic Women.

[5] My love. Can you heal her?

[6] Bring her home.

[7] Come.

Chapter 6. Journey Begins Part 4

Bree

The Prancing Pony. The very name seemed to convey a certain amount of joy, and the patrons currently filling the pub seemed determined to prove this with the amount of noise they were making. Smiling slightly beneath her damp hood, Elwen made her way in from the rain and into the warmth of the inn. Nodding at Butterbur as she passed the front desk, his nod and harsh murmur of "Thorn" were almost lost in the noise of the place. Quickly making her way towards the corner table, she leaned up against the wall beside her brother and inclined her head. After a moment's pause she leaned down and whispered at him; "Strider, they will be here soon. Four hobbits. Just as my dream showed."

Glancing towards the door of the establishment, he grimaced and nodded slightly.

"I'll keep an eye out. Go get some sleep."

Not needing any further encouragement, she headed for their room. A dying fire greeted Elwen when she slipped inside. Feeling the cold creeping from the window, she draped her cloak over the end of the bed and bent to stoke the fire. Once it was roaring, she grabbed the chair and pulled it into the corner nearest the window. Sitting down she stared out into the rain and waited.

The door banging against the wall jolted Elwen from her sleep. Reaching for her dagger, she paused at the sight in front of her, when her brother all but threw a bundle at her. Quickly realizing the bundle was person, she scowled at her brother and helped the hobbit to his feel.

"Strider! What is the meaning of this?" Elwen hissed.

"What do you want?" the hobbit asked once he was standing and had pulled away from Elwen.

Ignoring her outburst, Strider remarked; "A little more caution from you, that is no trinket you carry."

"I carry nothing." Came the hobbit's reply.

"Indeed." This comment coming from both Elwen and her brother. Sharing a look, Strider motioned to the candles burning by the window, and Elwen reached over to pinch them dark. Crossing the room to stand beside her, he spoke again.

"We can avoid being seen if we wish. But to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift."

"Who are you?" the hobbit asked.

"Are you frightened?" Strider's question caused Elwen to look in confusion at her brother.

Looking from one ranger to the other, he hesitated slightly and replied; 'Yes."

"Not nearly frightened enough. We know what hunts you."

Not willing to stand by and watch her brother frighten the hobbit any further, Elwen grabbed for her brothers arm. At that moment the door sprang open and three more hobbits ran into the now crowded room.

"Let him go! Or I'll have you, Longshanks!" Cried the hobbit in the middle.

Smiling Elwen lowered her dagger and watched as her brother lowered his sword and put it away. Looking over at her brother, Elwen caught Striders' eye and spoke; "You have a stout heart little hobbit."

"But that will not save you." Strider continued as he looked at Frodo. "You can no longer wait for the Wizard Frodo. They're coming."

Elwen pulled the other hobbits into the room and nodded to her brother as he approached the door. "I will do what I can to keep us hidden from them. Wait here."

The door closed silently behind Strider as he left the room. Turning to look at the four hobbits, Elwen smiled.

"Well. It would seem introductions are in order. Around these parts I am know as Thorn, and the burly man who just left is my brother Strider. We are rangers sent by Gandalf to meet you." Reaching into her breast pocket Elwen pulled the letter Gandalf had given her, and handed it to Frodo. "Master Baggins, we are your humble servants. Perhaps this letter will clarify the confusion and worry."

Shock covered Frodo's features as he took the letter. Silence fell as he walked towards the fire to read it. Less than a heartbeat passed before the auburn haired hobbit spoke up.

"Well, this is fun. Pleased to meet you lady ranger. Peregrin Took's my name. These here chaps," he pointed at his friends, "are Meriadoc Brandybuck and Samwise Gamgee."

Rolling his eyes, the hobbit standing beside him jabbed his elbow into his companions side. "This is Pippin. I'm Merry and that's Sam." he simplified.

Elwen smiled and nodded. "Pleased to meet you." Turning to look at Frodo, she quietly spoke. "Does the letter give an explanation for Gandalf's absence Frodo?"

He turned towards the ranger and handed the letter over. "Read for yourself."

Glancing down Elwen began to read:

MIRKWOOD. PALACE OF THE KING.
Shire Year, 1418.

Dear Frodo,
Bad news has reached me and I must go off at once. By now you will have left Bag End, and got out of the Shire. Leave a message for me if you pass through Bree, and do not find me there. You can trust the landlord at the Prancing Pony (Butterbur). You may meet some friends of mine on the Road: a Man and a Woman. Both lean, dark, tall, by some called Strider and Thorn. Rangers of the north, they know our business and will help you. Make for Rivendell. There I hope we may meet again. If I do not come, Elrond will advise you.

Yours in haste
GANDALF.

PS. Do NOT use It again, not for any reason whatever! Do not travel by night!

PPS. Make sure that it is the real Strider and Thorn. There are many strange men on the roads. Their true names are Aragorn & Elwen.
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

In the east a power sleeps.

A mysterious and magical ring of stone.

The stars as seen, the veil shall fall.

And from the stone, the stars shall come.

Kin to some, yet known to none.

Memories old amid lives untold.

The fate of all, sisters attend.

Fare Well!

Elwen felt her fingers begin to go numb, and room slipped into a hazy light as it began to fade away. Reaching behind her, she grasped for the chair and fell into it as a new dream overtook her. When she opened her eyes moments later she found herself surrounded by four concerned looking hobbits, and a confused brother standing in the open doorway.

"Are you alright ranger Thorn?" Pippin asked.

Nodding she caught her brothers eye, and answered Pippin. "Yes master Took. I am quite alright."

"She has the gift of foresight?" The soft question came from Frodo, who looked between the two rangers as they stared at each other; a silent conversation seeming to take place.

Turning to look at the hobbit, Strider nodded briefly and spoke. "Foresight, yes. Gift however…"

The rest of his rant was interrupted by his sister's sharp cry of "Strider." followed by a harsh glare. Looking away from her brother she saw the fear and exhaustion on the faces of the hobbits and remarked; "Come my friends, we have a long journey ahead of us on the morrow. You need to sleep."

Looking to her brother, they all realized he had been to the hobbits room, and now held their belongings. Setting them down by the door, Strider crossed the room to stare out the window. Looking from her brother to the hobbits, Elwen spoke. "You are safe for now. Sleep."

Once the hobbits were laying in the oversized bed and the silence of sleep filled the room, she quietly walked over to join her brother at the window. Speaking in hushed tones, they spoke of her dream and began to plan their journey.

"I cannot tell you all I saw brother, only that there is much danger on this path, and that you must face this leg of our journey alone."

"Thorn, no. We must not be apart. It is not safe."

With a grimace she locked eyes with her brother and replied; "None are safe in these dark times. I must go to warn our friends of what I have seen. And you must lead them," she looked over her shoulder at the sleeping hobbits, "through the wilds. We will meet again brother. I have seen it."

Any reply from Strider was silenced when Frodo jolted awake and rose. Leaning against the bed he too looked out into the darkness. A moment later the air around them seemed to freeze and the darkness deepen, suddenly shrill cries filled the air and the other hobbits were jolted awake. Watching from their spot at the window, Elwen sucked in a sharp breath as she watched the black riders fill the courtyard. Speaking in a hushed voice, Frodo looked at Strider, and asked; "What are they?"

Exchanging a glance and sighing, Elwen and Strider turned to look at the hobbit.

"They were once men." Elwen began. "Great Kings of Men."

Looking at Frodo, Strider had pity in his voice when he continued;

"Then Sauron The Deceiver, gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one, falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will."

"They are the Nazgul. Ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead." Fear and awe filled her voice as Elwen interrupted.

Looking from Frodo to his sister, Strider sighed and looked out the window before he spoke again.

"At all times they feel the presence of the ring. Drawn to the power of The One. They will never stop hunting you."

Silence filled the room. Looking into the faces of the now terrified hobbits, Elwen sighed. "Come Frodo. Back to bed with you."

With a frown, Pippin mumbled "She expects us to sleep after that?"

Smiling, Elwen sat at the foot of the bed and looked at the hobbits. "You will sleep in peace this night Pippin. For I will sing to you a song of our people."

Once the four were again laying in the big bed, Elenwen's soft clear voice filled the silence:

Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you.

Away, you rollin' river.

Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.

Away, I am bound away.

Across the wide, Gwathló.

Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter.

Away, you rollin' river.

For her I'd cross the stormy waters.

Away, we are bound away.

Across the wide, Gwathló.

Oh, Shenandoah, I am bound to leave you.

Away, you rollin' river.

Oh, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you.

Away, I am bound away.

Across the wide, Gwathló.

Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you.

Away, you rollin' river.

Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.

Away, I am bound away.

Across the wide, Gwathló.

Across the wide, Gwathló. [1]

Thin rays of moonlight slipped through the remnants of the storm clouds as Elwen glanced up at the window where her brother stood looking down at her. Nodding quickly at him, she slipped away into the darkness still filling the courtyard. Silently she strode through the shadows of the town and out into the country surrounding Bree. Walking towards the road, she stopped just shy of the road in the bush. With a glace back towards the town, she shouldered her pack and began her march alongside the road. When the first rays of dawn began to color the sky and birds began to sing, she slowed her walking and looked towards a nearby hill. Letting out a loud, clear whistle that seemed to reverberate throughout the area she waited. In a matter of moments a white and black speckled horse[2] appeared at the crest of a nearby hill. Running towards her, the mare slowed to a stop and nuzzled her shoulder.

Bowing her head slightly, Elwen ran her hand along the horses neck and softly spoke; "Brennil, my dear friend. We have had many adventures together, and I find myself in need of your aid once again. For if my dream comes true, there are very dark days ahead and we will need assistance."

Tossing her head, Brennil seemed to convey her impatience and began to stamp her feet. Laughing at the antics, she gently reached up and grabbed a handful of the mare's mane. In one fluid motion Elwen swung herself up and onto the mare's back and without a word the two were flying down the road toward Rivendell.

Notes:

Check out my Pintrest board ( .ca/whiterosefletch/the-stars/) for some of the following:

[1] I changed some of the lyrics to suit. But listen to the Celtic Women version of Shenandoah.

[2] The Mearas that joins Elwen - Brennil meaning 'Lady'.

Chapter 6. The Arrival

Rivendell

Moonlight filtered through the open air of Elrond's study, falling across the concerned faces of Arwen and Bilbo. Elrond it seemed was able to keep his face clear of emotion as the hobbit sitting beside him spoke;

"They started back home a few weeks after I was ill, and I am finding that my memories from before that time are becoming hazy." Looking up at Elrond, Ana continued at his nod of encouragement. "The dreams all begin the same. I am standing surrounded by a ring of stone in a glade filled with yellow flowers. There are two women with me, and the air is humming around us. I reach out to touch the stone, and suddenly the air around me shifts to hold me up and I am suspended in the night sky. Then I start to fall, crashing through the roof of Bag End into my body. When the dreams first began, that was where I woke up."

Silence fell over the group as Elrond stood and walked to the railing.

"This does not sound like a dream Ada." Arwen's soft voice broke the silence.

Looking back towards the young hobbit, he spoke; "What else have you dreamed of young one?"

With a glance at her uncle Ana took a shaky breath and continued her tale. "I see a man in white robes atop a tower surrounded by darkness with echoing screams filling the air. He is shouting at Gandalf, who is his prisoner. Then I see a city shining silver in the moonlight fall into shadow. Then there are the cloaked figures; they seem to emit evil as they ride across the land. I see them in the Shire, where they seem to be searching for something."

A shark inhale from Arwen causes Ana to glance over at her new friend. Looking to her father, fear crosses her face for a heartbeat before her hand reaches out to take Ana's hand.

"It would seem that you are correct daughter." Elrond's voice filled the room as he knelt in front of the hobbit. Looking into her eyes, he continued; "Memories mingle with glimpses of the future. I will consult with Galadriel for an answer."

Standing, he walked to a table nearby and pulled a few vials from the shelves around him. Turning back to the hobbit, he handed her a small cloth pouch and said;

"Brew yourself a tea from this. It will help you sleep."

Thanking Elrond and Arwen, Ana hoped down from the giant chair she'd been sitting in and helped her uncle out of his chair. Silence fell over the room as the elves watched the hobbits leave.

"Ada?" Arwen's soft voice startled her father. Turning to look at his daughter, he found a worry filled face looking at him. Opening his arms, Arwen stepped into his embrace.

"I don't know what this means my daughter. I hope that the messenger Galadriel sent will prove insightful."

At that moment there was a soft but firm knock on the door. Calling his admittance, and releasing his daughter from his embrace, the two looked towards the door. The head of Arden[1] appeared as he looked around the door, and stepped into the study. The scout captain nodded his head in a slight bow and began to speak.

"Our scouts have sighted a rider my lord. It would seem young Elwen is in quite a hurry for she and Brennil are thundering towards the west courtyard as we speak."

"I will prepare a place in the healing hall Ada." Arwen murmured softly before she left the study. Hurrying from the room, the two other elves stopped short to see the figure in question nearly tumble from her horse as the mare slid to a stop at the base of the courtyard steps.

Seeing her teacher she locked eyes with Elrond and whispered "*Golodh…"{Teacher}* [2] before tumbling from Brennil's back into the arms of the observant scout captain.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of the room and woke Elwen. Slowly opening her eyes she turned to find Arwen sitting beside her. Holding out a cup, Arwen helped her friend to drink the contents and then sit. Before the healing effects of the drink started to take effect, Elwen spoke.

"How long?"

Concern filled her friends face before she responded. Gently setting the now empty cup on a nearby table, she looked back at her friend.

"*Neldë hui, nésa {Three nights, sister.}*" Arwen's soft voice was filled with worry.

Startled, Elwen started to rise from the bed and was stopped by her friend.

By this point the drink was taking effect and Elwen was starting to fall asleep again. "*Hanno, Perian.{Brother. Hobbits}*" The soft words were not missed by her friend who looked to her father as he appeared at the door.

"You were right Ada. Estel is in need of our aid."

"I have sent new riders out searching for them. Now that you are rested from your previous search, you should join them."

Nodding Arwen rose, and quickly left the room nearly nocking Ana over in her haste.

"Forgive me, Lady Ana."

Smiling and apologizing herself, Ana stepped aside and Arwen continued down the hall. Continuing her walk, Ana was stopped short when she heard Elrond call out her name. Turning to look into the room she was passing, she entered at his motion to do so.

"Restless young one?" Elrond seemed to know exactly what was troubling the young hobbit.

Nodding, Ana walked closer to stare at the sleeping form beside the elf lord.

"Who is she?"
"A ward or my house. Elwen is her name." Looking at Ana, Elrond watched as a myriad of emotions passed over her face before she softly murmured;

"She seems familiar to me. Which is not possible as I've never before seen her face. And yet…."

Understanding began to dawn on Elrond as he looked from the Ana to Elwen, and remembered Ana's description of her strange dreams. Catching Ana's eye, Elrond spoke;

"I have other patients that are needing my attentions, would you be willing to sit with Elwen?"

Ana smiled and nodded. Rising from his chair, Elrond headed to the door. Turning back for a second, he found Ana had taken his seat and pulled a small pencil and paper from her sleeve and was sketching Elenwen's sleeping form.

A commotion stirred Ana from her dreamless sleep hours later. Walking towards the open doorway she watched as Arwen placed a limp form on the bed in the room opposite her. With a start, she realized the form was that of her brother and made a dash across the hall. Her attempt to reach her brother was stopped by Elrond's hand on her arm.

"Ana wait. Allow me to help your brother. Go with Arwen. There are others you will wish to see who will need your assistance."

Striding into the room, and closing the door Elrond left no room for argument. Looking around, Ana saw Arwen waiting for her. Hurrying over the two headed down the hall. A few turns later and Ana was completely lost. Following Arwen as quickly as possible, she found herself stumbling into the she elf, not realizing she had stopped at the hallway exit. Taking a step back, Ana peered around Arwen and gasped. In the courtyard before her stood an exhausted looking group of figures. Recognizing three of them, she called out their names and took off running. A moment later, Ana found herself the recipient of three, smelly, but joyous hugs. Hearing Arwen's voice Ana shushed 'her boys'. Introducing them (officially) to Arwen, Ana was likewise introduced to Strider. Once the introductions were done, Arwen showed the hobbits to a set of rooms. With a smile Ana informed the boys that her room was just down the hall. Leaving no room for debate she told them to clean up and rest, promising she'd be back with shortly food.

A few hours later a cleaned and fed Sam stepped out into the hall. Walking down to Ana's door, he knocked. Opening the door, Ana found Sam with a concerned look on his face. With a nod of her head, she said;

"Come, I'll take you to the healing halls. Frodo is there. Perhaps there will be news."

The two hobbits set off and found Strider sitting on a bench outside Frodo's room. Before they could ask anything, the doors on both sides of the hall opened. Elrond stepped out of one and Elwen the other. A heartbeat later four overlapping voices filled the hall. Holding up his hand for silence, Elrond began to speak.

"Frodo will be well. For now he is resting." Sending a pointed look at Sam, he added "As should you Samwise." Turning his gaze to Elwen, he nodded when he noted the siblings standing off to the side. Catching Strider's gaze, he said "Tolo. Boe-m pedo.{Come. We must speak.}*" Turning again to the hobbits, found they were gone. Looking around, he found Ana sitting in a chair beside the bed where Frodo slept. Sam had pulled a cushion from the window and was laying down by the wall. Smiling, Elrond closed the door and lead the way to his study, Strider and Elwen following close behind.

"*Im-nara pân. {Tell me everything}*"

Elrond's tone left no room for hesitation or debate. Firmly closing the door to Elrond's study, Aragorn caught his sister's eye as she sat in a chair opposite the elf lord. Turning to face the two, he stood with his back to the door and nodded his head. With a grimace, Elwen began to speak;

"Our quest lead us along the mountains to the edge of Mirkwood, where we met with Thranduilion. Tracking the creature, we crossed the brown lands and navigated Emyn Muil. Finally catching up with the creature in the Dead Marshes. We managed to capture it and transport it to the dungeons of Mirkwood. From there we set out on a quest for Mithrandir, with the intention of meeting him in Bree. He did not meet us, however we were able to complete our quest for we met with the hobbits and my brother here escorted them here. The rest you know."

"*Nyárë-gen est pen muinthel. {Your account is lacking sister.}*" Aragorn's voice came sharply from the doorway, causing Elwen to swivel her head to glare at her brother.

"*Sîdh Estel. {Peace, Estel}*" The gentle admonishment from Elrond was not missed by the occupants of the study. Looking away from her brother and back toward Elrond, Elwen found all the emotions of the past weeks catch up with her. Keeping eye contact with the man she looked up to as a father; she felt her shoulder slump and tears well up in here eyes. Her voice was filled with emotion and cracked as she tried to continue; "*Im . . . aw-nc trasta. {I . . . we had trouble}* "

Seeing the emotional state of his sister, Aragorn crossed the room to crouch beside her. Taking her hands in his, he continued the tale.

"There was an incident at the marshes. Legolas and I were distracted with the creature, and when we looked back for Elwen, we found her to be gone. Looking around, Legolas saw her in the water. He reacted far quicker than I could, and pulled her out. However, she was not breathing. I remembered a technique for expelling water from lungs, and pounded her on the back. Thank the valar it worked." Emotion now clouding his voice, Aragorn couldn't continue. Gently squeezing her brothers hand, Elwen continued;

"I feel different *golodh{teacher}*. As if a part of me is gone or changed, I have also been plagued by strange dreams. I dreamed of a great green light coming towards me, and of a great battle stretching out as far as the eye could see; where the bodies of the dead lay. Of myself, standing in a valley I have never seen before, where the air hums with power. In this dream, I reach out and touch a tall stone marker, as if I was going to trace the markings. I also dreamed of a great dark chasm surrounded by flame that swallowed Mithrandir, of Arwen, laying still and pale surrounded by blowing leaves, of Legolas lying dead on the steps of a great stone stairway and of Estel in a great stone room being pulled into darkness. My nights have been haunted by the image of our enemy standing in victory with the ring on his hand and the world destroyed." Releasing her brothers hand and rising, Elwen began to pace the small room. "I have also dreamed of hope. Of a beautiful child dancing with Arwen, a great sea of green mist, and a great light shining into the darkness." Stopping in her pacing, Elwen turned to look at Elrond. Seeing a look of shock and confusion on her adopted fathers face, she collapsed defeated into the nearest chair.

The silence that fell was broken by a soft knock on the door.

"*Ada? Elin i trevad-sí o naneth nana. {Father? The elves grandmother sent have arrived.}*" Arwen's voice carried through the wood door.

Rising, both Aragorn and Elwen bowed to Elrond and excused themselves from the room. With a sigh, Elrond rose from his desk to join his daughter in welcoming their kin.

Notes:

[1] The only "non-essential" original character. I thought it would be fun to create a new one rather than go searching for a Tolkien character.

[2] **I stressed over what I was going to have Elwen call Elrond here. I just couldn't bring myself to have her call him 'Ada' in light of the relationship between Aragorn and Elrond…. *sigh* Opinions?

Please note that the translations I have come up with may not be 100% accurate, so any errors are my own. In case anyone needed a reminder, Brennil is a horse; One of the Mearas, like Shadowfax.

I hope the ending didn't seem to abrupt. I had a few ideas for how this story was going to go, and it has morphed into a monster. As always, please read and review!

Chapter 7. Arrivals

Rivendell

Moonlight filtered through the open air of Elrond's study, falling across the concerned faces of Arwen and Bilbo. Elrond it seemed was able to keep his face clear of emotion as the hobbit sitting beside him spoke;

"They started back home a few weeks after I was ill, and I am finding that my memories from before that time are becoming hazy." Looking up at Elrond, Ana continued at his nod of encouragement. "The dreams all begin the same. I am standing surrounded by a ring of stone in a glade filled with yellow flowers. There are two women with me, and the air is humming around us. I reach out to touch the stone, and suddenly the air around me shifts to hold me up and I am suspended in the night sky. Then I start to fall, crashing through the roof of Bag End into my body. When the dreams first began, that was where I woke up."

Silence fell over the group as Elrond stood and walked to the railing.

"This does not sound like a dream Ada." Arwen's soft voice broke the silence.

Looking back towards the young hobbit, he spoke; "What else have you dreamed of young one?"

With a glance at her uncle Ana took a shaky breath and continued her tale. "I see a man in white robes atop a tower surrounded by darkness with echoing screams filling the air. He is shouting at Gandalf, who is his prisoner. Then I see a city shining silver in the moonlight fall into shadow. Then there are the cloaked figures; they seem to emit evil as they ride across the land. I see them in the Shire, where they seem to be searching for something."

A shark inhale from Arwen causes Ana to glance over at her new friend. Looking to her father, fear crosses her face for a heartbeat before her hand reaches out to take Ana's hand.

"It would seem that you are correct daughter." Elrond's voice filled the room as he knelt in front of the hobbit. Looking into her eyes, he continued; "Memories mingle with glimpses of the future. I will consult with Galadriel for an answer."

Standing, he walked to a table nearby and pulled a few vials from the shelves around him. Turning back to the hobbit, he handed her a small cloth pouch and said;

"Brew yourself a tea from this. It will help you sleep."

Thanking Elrond and Arwen, Ana hoped down from the giant chair she'd been sitting in and helped her uncle out of his chair. Silence fell over the room as the elves watched the hobbits leave.

"Ada?" Arwen's soft voice startled her father. Turning to look at his daughter, he found a worry filled face looking at him. Opening his arms, Arwen stepped into his embrace.

"I don't know what this means my daughter. I hope that the messenger Galadriel sent will prove insightful."

At that moment there was a soft but firm knock on the door. Calling his admittance, and releasing his daughter from his embrace, the two looked towards the door. The head of Arden[1] appeared as he looked around the door, and stepped into the study. The scout captain nodded his head in a slight bow and began to speak.

"Our scouts have sighted a rider my lord. It would seem young Elwen is in quite a hurry for she and Brennil are thundering towards the west courtyard as we speak."

"I will prepare a place in the healing hall Ada." Arwen murmured softly before she left the study. Hurrying from the room, the two other elves stopped short to see the figure in question nearly tumble from her horse as the mare slid to a stop at the base of the courtyard steps.

Seeing her teacher she locked eyes with Elrond and whispered "*Golodh…" {Teacher}* [2] before tumbling from Brennil's back into the arms of the observant scout captain.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of the room and woke Elwen. Slowly opening her eyes she turned to find Arwen sitting beside her. Holding out a cup, Arwen helped her friend to drink the contents and then sit. Before the healing effects of the drink started to take effect, Elwen spoke.

"How long?"

Concern filled her friends face before she responded. Gently setting the now empty cup on a nearby table, she looked back at her friend.

"*Neldë hui, nésa {Three nights, sister.} *" Arwen's soft voice was filled with worry.

Startled, Elwen started to rise from the bed and was stopped by her friend.

By this point the drink was taking effect and Elwen was starting to fall asleep again. "*Hanno, Perian. {Brother. Hobbits} *" The soft words were not missed by her friend who looked to her father as he appeared at the door.

"You were right Ada. Estel is in need of our aid."

"I have sent new riders out searching for them. Now that you are rested from your previous search, you should join them."

Nodding Arwen rose, and quickly left the room nearly knocking Ana over in her haste.

"Forgive me, Lady Ana."

Smiling and apologizing herself, Ana stepped aside and Arwen continued down the hall. Continuing her walk, Ana was stopped short when she heard Elrond call out her name. Turning to look into the room she was passing, she entered at his motion to do so.

"Restless young one?" Elrond seemed to know exactly what was troubling the young hobbit.

Nodding, Ana walked closer to stare at the sleeping form beside the elf lord.

"Who is she?"

"A ward or my house. Elwen is her name." Looking at Ana, Elrond watched as a myriad of emotions passed over her face before she softly murmured;

"She seems familiar to me. Which is not possible as I've never before seen her face. And yet…."

Understanding began to dawn on Elrond as he looked from the Ana to Elwen, and remembered Ana's description of her strange dreams. Catching Ana's eye, Elrond spoke;

"I have other patients that are needing my attentions, would you be willing to sit with Elwen?"

Ana smiled and nodded. Rising from his chair, Elrond headed to the door. Turning back for a second, he found Ana had taken his seat and pulled a small pencil and paper from her sleeve and was sketching Elenwen's sleeping form.

A commotion stirred Ana from her dreamless sleep hours later. Walking towards the open doorway she watched as Arwen placed a limp form on the bed in the room opposite her. With a start, she realized the form was that of her brother and made a dash across the hall. Her attempt to reach her brother was stopped by Elrond's hand on her arm.

"Ana wait. Allow me to help your brother. Go with Arwen. There are others you will wish to see who will need your assistance."

Striding into the room, and closing the door Elrond left no room for argument. Looking around, Ana saw Arwen waiting for her. Hurrying over the two headed down the hall. A few turns later and Ana was completely lost. Following Arwen as quickly as possible, she found herself stumbling into the she elf, not realizing she had stopped at the hallway exit. Taking a step back, Ana peered around Arwen and gasped. In the courtyard before her stood an exhausted looking group of figures. Recognizing three of them, she called out their names and took off running. A moment later, Ana found herself the recipient of three, smelly, but joyous hugs. Hearing Arwen's voice Ana shushed 'her boys'. Introducing them (officially) to Arwen, Ana was likewise introduced to Strider. Once the introductions were done, Arwen showed the hobbits to a set of rooms. With a smile Ana informed the boys that her room was just down the hall. Leaving no room for debate she told them to clean up and rest, promising she'd be back with shortly food.

A few hours later a cleaned and fed Sam stepped out into the hall. Walking down to Ana's door, he knocked. Opening the door, Ana found Sam with a concerned look on his face. With a nod of her head, she said;

"Come, I'll take you to the healing halls. Frodo is there. Perhaps there will be news."

The two hobbits set off and found Strider sitting on a bench outside Frodo's room. Before they could ask anything, the doors on both sides of the hall opened. Elrond stepped out of one and Elwen the other. A heartbeat later four overlapping voices filled the hall. Holding up his hand for silence, Elrond began to speak.

"Frodo will be well. For now he is resting." Sending a pointed look at Sam, he added "As should you Samwise." Turning his gaze to Elwen, he nodded when he noted the siblings standing off to the side. Catching Strider's gaze, he said "Tolo. Boe-m pedo. {Come. We must speak.}* " Turning again to the hobbits, found they were gone. Looking around, he found Ana sitting in a chair beside the bed where Frodo slept. Sam had pulled a cushion from the window and was laying down by the wall. Smiling, Elrond closed the door and lead the way to his study, Strider and Elwen following close behind.

"*Im-nara pân. {Tell me everything} *"

Elrond's tone left no room for hesitation or debate. Firmly closing the door to Elrond's study, Aragorn caught his sister's eye as she sat in a chair opposite the elf lord. Turning to face the two, he stood with his back to the door and nodded his head. With a grimace, Elwen began to speak;

"Our quest lead us along the mountains to the edge of Mirkwood, where we met with Thranduilson. Tracking the creature, we crossed the brown lands and navigated Emyn Muil. Finally catching up with the creature in the Dead Marshes. We managed to capture it and transport it to the dungeons of Mirkwood. From there we set out on a quest for Mithrandir, with the intention of meeting him in Bree. He did not meet us, however we were able to complete our quest for we met with the hobbits and my brother here escorted them here. The rest you know."

"*Nyárë-gen est pen muinthel. {Your account is lacking sister.} *" Aragorn's voice came sharply from the doorway, causing Elwen to swivel her head to glare at her brother.

"*Sîdh Estel. {Peace, Estel}* " The gentle admonishment from Elrond was not missed by the occupants of the study. Looking away from her brother and back toward Elrond, Elwen found all the emotions of the past weeks catch up with her. Keeping eye contact with the man she looked up to as a father; she felt her shoulder slump and tears well up in here eyes. Her voice was filled with emotion and cracked as she tried to continue; "*Im . . . aw-nc trasta. {I . . . we had trouble}* "

Seeing the emotional state of his sister, Aragorn crossed the room to crouch beside her. Taking her hands in his, he continued the tale.

"There was an incident at the marshes. Legolas and I were distracted with the creature, and when we looked back for Elwen, we found her to be gone. Looking around, Legolas saw her in the water. He reacted far quicker than I could, and pulled her out. However, she was not breathing. I remembered a technique for expelling water from lungs, and pounded her on the back. Thank the valar it worked." Emotion now clouding his voice, Aragorn couldn't continue. Gently squeezing her brothers hand, Elwen continued;

"I feel different *golodh {teacher} *. As if a part of me is gone or changed, I have also been plagued by strange dreams. I dreamed of a great green light coming towards me, and of a great battle stretching out as far as the eye could see; where the bodies of the dead lay. Of myself, standing in a valley I have never seen before, where the air hums with power. In this dream, I reach out and touch a tall stone marker, as if I was going to trace the markings. I also dreamed of a great dark chasm surrounded by flame that swallowed Mithrandir, of Arwen, laying still and pale surrounded by blowing leaves, of Legolas lying dead on the steps of a great stone stairway and of Estel in a great stone room being pulled into darkness. My nights have been haunted by the image of our enemy standing in victory with the ring on his hand and the world destroyed." Releasing her brothers hand and rising, Elwen began to pace the small room. "I have also dreamed of hope. Of a beautiful child dancing with Arwen, a great sea of green mist, and a great light shining into the darkness." Stopping in her pacing, Elwen turned to look at Elrond. Seeing a look of shock and confusion on her adopted fathers face, she collapsed defeated into the nearest chair.

The silence that fell was broken by a soft knock on the door.

"*Ada? Elin i trevad-sí o naneth nana. {Father? The elves grandmother sent have arrived.} *" Arwen's voice carried through the wood door.

Rising, both Aragorn and Elwen bowed to Elrond and excused themselves from the room. With a sigh, Elrond rose from his desk to join his daughter in welcoming their kin.

Notes:

[1] The only "non-essential" original character. I thought it would be fun to create a new one rather than go searching for a Tolkien character.

[2] **I stressed over what I was going to have Elwen call Elrond here. I just couldn't bring myself to have her call him 'Ada' in light of the relationship between Aragorn and Elrond…. *sigh* Opinions?

Please note that the translations I have come up with may not be 100% accurate, so any errors are my own. In case anyone needed a reminder, Brennil is a horse; One of the Mearas, like Shadowfax.

I hope the ending didn't seem to abrupt. I had a few ideas for how this story was going to go, and it has morphed into a monster. As always, please read and review!

Chapter 8. Reunions. Part 1

"Rivendell will appear in the valley below us when we round the next turn Lady Elentaid." The boisterous voice of Elladan Elrondson startled the elleth in question from her reverie. Nodding her head to show she'd heard him, she slowly ran her hand down the mane of he suddenly skittish horse she was riding. Knowing it sensed home was near she whispered quietly hoping to calm both herself and the horse. "Voronwië elencala. Lelya-tang-lmë. *{Patience starlight. We're almost there}*" Straightening in the saddle, Elentaid (as she had been called by the elves of Lothlórien) stared out into the woods remembering her last hours in the magical city.

Moonlight filtered down through the trees to fall across the roof of the armory. Quietly walking inside, Elentaid found the twin sons of Elrond preparing to leave.

Calling out to them; "Elladan. Elrohir. Mae govannen." Turning with a start, the twins nearly dropped the items they were holding. With a sigh, she watched as they dropped to one knee in a deep bow, both calling out 'Valar' followed by the name she'd been issued a few weeks previously; Elentaid. Shaking her head, she strode forward and helped the twins to their feet.

"*Fasta-lá {Please don't.}*" Realizing she'd started speaking quenya, she stepped back and began again in Westron; "I am not deserving of the reverence you show me. To compound matters, I have come to ask your aid. I must travel to Rivendell, and am hoping you would not object to my joining you."

Looking in confusion at each other, Elladan spoke.

"You are one of the valar. We owe all that we are to you and as such will always show you the reverence you are owed."

Sighing in frustration, she nodded. "Agree to disagree." she mumbled. Before she could ask them their answer regarding traveling, they both bowed and left the armory. Turning around she found a very upset lady Galadriel.

"Can-ldë kenweta-ala. {You cannot leave*}" Galadriel's voice was more desperate sounding than she realized. This was the latest command from the elf queen in the days since Elentaid had made her wished known.

"Putta! Lenga-hína ier-ldë! {Stop! You're acting like a child*}" The accompanying glarethe stopped Galadriel mid rant.

"Lesta-n boe. Harya-ldë-a. Cesta-n ldë Galdriel. Boe-ldë n-kenweta-ala n-boe. Nya nésa maurë me. {You have seen that I must go. Galadriel, I beg of you, you must understand, I would not go should there not be a need. However, my sisters need me.}"

Galadriel smiled a slight and sad smile before nodding her head. The two eleth were jolted from their silence by a strong clear voice.

"You will have need of this atta {second}." Celeborn's unwavering voice spoke out.

Turning slightly, Elentaid looked in confusion as a large chest was set on the bench beside her. Standing beside his wife, the elf Lord motioned for the chest to be opened. Shock filled her face as Elentaid slowly lifted the lid revealing the items she'd described. Gauntlets the color of gold but made from what looked like wood lay at the top. Gently setting them aside, revealed a pair of tall, dark and soft leather boots. Pants the same color and a top fitted to look like a skirt.

"I've had the rest of the items specially crafted. You should find them to be to your exact specifications."

Celeborn's voice washed over her and Elentaid felt tears come to here eyes. Turning to look at the Lord and Lady of the wood, she bowed slightly and as soon as she straightened found herself enveloped in a warm embrace.

"Na varna.{Be safe.}" Galadriel whispered before stepping away and leaving the armory.

"Eilia is waiting for you." Celeborn spoke as he picked up the now empty chest. "She would help you prepare for your journey."

"You will be safe my lady?" The soft voice of Eilia the healer washed over Elentaid as she stepped out from behind the screen in her flet.

"If it is within my power Eilia."

The eleth in question nodded and held out the last three items for Elentaid to put on.

Quickly buckling on a double belt, she then reached for the thin metal snake which was slipped up her arm to wrap around tightly above her elbow. Lastly Eilia shook out a rich green cloak, the sleeves cut to look like giant leaves. Once clasped in place, Elentaid wrapped the thin eleth in a strong embrace.

"You will be missed Envinyata {healer]." Stepping apart the new friends paused for a moment before Elentaid turned to head for the door. Pausing once the door was opened, she looked back at Eilia. Whipping around she crossed the room to give her one last embrace and whisper in her ear before quickly vanishing from the flet. Walking out to the walkway, Eilia watched as her friend disappeared from view.

"Till next we meet Maeve." Her soft farewell whisked away by the breeze.

"Lady Elentaid. We've arrived." Breaking from her reverie, she looked around to see looks of shock and awe on the faces of the elves gathered to welcome the returning brothers. Quickly dismounting, Elentaid walked over to stand before Elrond and bowed low. With the official introductions spoken around her, Elentaid found that her words were lost as a haunting sound filled the air. So focused was she on listening to it, she was jolted and nearly fell over when Elladan put his hand to her elbow asking if she was alright. Nodding, and rising, she looked over her shoulder and towards a shadowed path before turning and following her host.

Jolting upwards in her chair, Ana looked around the room to find her brother still sleeping, and Sam standing by the window. Turning to her, Sam's soft voice filled the silent room. "You alright Miss Ana?"

Nodding, she turned to look at her friend, and smiled seeing the concern on his face. "We're not at Bag End Sam, you can call me just Ana you know." Pausing, she looked back at her brother before continuing; "I'm as well as can be expected."

Feeling a gentle hand on her arm, she looked at Sam again. "Perhaps a walk would help. They always did when you were mulling something back home." Smiling in earnest, she nodded. "You are always looking after us Baggins so well Sam. You're right, perhaps a walk will help."

Slipping from her chair, she quickly walked to the door, and slipped out into the hall. Glancing back before the door closed, she saw Sam had taken her place in the chair and was sitting vigil beside her brother. Turning down the hall, she heard the faint echo of music and began to search it out.

Walking side by side away from Elrond's study, Elwen and Aragorn both seemed to struggle with the thoughts running rampant through their minds. So engrossed were they in their own thoughts that neither noticed they had left each others company. Turning to ask her brother a question, Elwen stopped in her tracks and looked around to find her brother gone. A heartbeat later, she felt the soft brush of air over her body followed by a familiar echo on the wind. Turning back the way she'd been walking she slowly took one step then another, each step making the music that haunted her dreams clearer. As the music became clearer, she found that the strange dreams she'd forgotten began to return, until standing underneath an archway she found herself standing in a familiar meeting place. Movement from the corner of her eye caused her to glance over at one of the other openings to the courtyard. Watching in silence, a small figure slowly walked over to the tree in the middle of the courtyard and reached out her hand to touch it. The moment her hand made contact with the tree, a warm wave of light seemed to explode from it in all directions washing over the courtyard. With a gasp the two women fell to their knees as memories in waves washed over them.

Following silently behind Elrond and his sons, Elentaid didn't realize she had left their company. Her only thought was the music that filled the air, haunting her as she walked. Without realizing it, she found herself heeding the call and hurrying along an unknown path until she stood staring into a familiar courtyard. Seeing the two figures already there, she took the last step past the archway and was brought to her knees by an explosion of light from the tree.

The feeling of expectation or desire for a certain thing to happen; Hope. A simple word, yet it is the most complicated emotion to explain. It can enable growth, life and joy. It can be missed, cause destruction and despair. Whether by its abundance or absence, hope is felt by all. Like the wind in the trees, it flows over and around the lives of all it touches. Both life and death are marked with the brush of hope, whether for the good or ill of those whom hope effects. In the whole of the universe, there is naught' to be found more powerful than hope… after all, *when you have lost hope, you have lost everything; and when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.*

Notes:

Sorry for so short a chapter, but I got the idea for the way this chapter was going to go, and couldn't get it out of my head once it was there. I promise the next chapter will be longer.

*Pittacus Lore - I am Number Four quote.*

PS - Please forgive my elvish. If you are reading this, and know for a fact that I've butchered the translation, PLEASE let me know, so I can correct it!

Chapter 9. Explanations

"Come now my dear, it is time, you are needed."

Gandalf's strong voice pulled Ana from the haze of unconsciousness. Slowly opening her eyes and blinking, she looked around to find herself on the stone floor of the courtyard. Slowly sitting up and looking around, she realized Gandalf was nowhere to be found. Movement from the corner of her eye caused her to turn and watch as her sister Sorcha slowly rose to her feet. At the same moment, she heard a voice call her name from the other direction, turning she watched Maeve as she slowly walked to her side. Silence fell over the sisters for a heartbeat before they broke down in sobs and collapsed into each others arms.

"A passerby would think us insane." Hiccup-ing laughter came from Ana after her comment, as she smiled at her sisters with tear stained cheeks.

Sorcha and Maeve smiled and hugged their youngest sister before the three pulled themselves from the ground and onto the nearest bench. Looking around in awe, Sorcha was the first to break the silence; "This is so strange. Being here. How is this possible?"

"Do your heads feel like they are splitting in two as well?" Ana's voice came in a pained whisper.

Looking at her sisters, Maeve sighed and stood. Turning from her sisters, she looked back at the tree and spoke; "I can answer your question Sor, it's just a long story."

"It would be best then for you to start at the beginning." Elrond's clear voice caused the girls to whirl around to look at the elf lord. Smiling slightly, his expression changed in a second when her noticed the pained look on Ana's face.

"Come. I have something in my study that will help with your heads."

Slowly the group made their way along the paths and halls of Rivendell until they girls found themselves seated in Elrond's study with steaming cups in their hands. Carefully drinking the contents, the pain and haze faded to nothing leaving them clear headed. Sitting behind his desk, he caught Maeve's eye and motioned for her to begin.

"Where to begin? Let's see, in a land far from here there were three sisters. After the deaths of their parents, they went on a journey to the lands of both their mother and father. In both places they followed an ancient custom of spreading the ashes of their parents bodies. When they were finished with their task they became caught in the will of a being from another world. Pulled from everything they knew and brought to a place that should not have existed. At least, not as far as they were concerned or could understand."

Here Sorcha interrupted; "Where we are from, all of this is a work of fiction. A story told by a great man and spread far and wide across our world. There are no elves, dwarves, hobbits, no magic, it is a place of metal and, and man."

Sighing Maeve continued; "Using the last of her power, the being; Nêlêl of the Valar, merged two of the sisters with beings from this world. One the sister of a king. The other the twin of one responsible for shaping the fortunes of all. Then, with her last breath, she herself merged with the remaining sister. Nêlêl of the Valar brought us here for the hope we represent. She showed me a world without us, and it is not the one we know. We are here to help middle earth."

Standing, Maeve walked over to the shelf by Elrond's desk and pulled a heavy tome from it. Setting it on the desk in front of him, she opened it and stepped away quoting as he read:

In the east a power sleeps.

A mysterious and magical ring of stone.

The stars as seen, the veil shall fall.

And from the stone, the stars shall come.

Kin to some, yet known to none.

Memories old amid lives untold.

The fate of all, sisters attend.

Silence filled the room as the group processed what was said. Finally, Ana broke the silence.

"We died didn't we. I remember being really sick, and Frodo said I almost died. But I actually did didn't I?. And that was when me, Dyana from Earth was merged with Ana Baggins of Middle Earth." Looking up from her hands, she caught Maeve's eye.

Maeve opened her mouth to respond when she was interrupted.

"The Marshes." Glancing between her sisters then Elrond, a sad look filled Sorcha's face. "I was born Sor'sha of the Dúndain, Heir of Isildur, renamed Elwen by the elves of Imladris. But that day in the marshes, I drowned. I remember now." A tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke and Ana gently grasped her hand.

"But you didn't. Nêlêl saved you. She merged Sorcha with Elwen." Elrond spoke.

Nodding Maeve again continued. "I am Maeve and Nêlêl. She used the last of her power to merge with me and to share her power between us."

"How are we going to explain this to the others?" Three pairs of eyes turned to look at Ana after her soft question. "We have family here, Sorcha and I. How do we explain to them that we died, but not really. It sounds insane."

"It would be best if you did not reveal too much of yourselves. At least at first, for the enemy will surely seek you out should he learn of you. If not for your power, then for the knowledge you possess. As for how to proceed with your family, I will leave that to you. Talk amongst yourselves, decide together what to do." Elrond's voice washed over the room as he spoke.

"They should also join the council." Four startled expressions whirled to stare at a battered looking Gandalf.

Jumping to her feet and running to help the wizard, Sorcha gently helped him into a chair as Elrond rose from his desk. Handing the wizard a cup, silence fell as the group watched him drink the contents. Seeing the exhaustion on Gandalf's face, Elrond spoke.

"I have many questions Mithrandir. They can wait however;" looking to Sorcha, he caught her eye. "Will you show Mithrandir to the room beside Frodo?"

Nodding her agreement, the girls all stood to help Gandalf down the hall. Silence fell once the door to his room closed. Ana moved first, looking at her sisters; "I'm going to sit with Frodo for a bit, meet in the dining hall later?" Without really waiting for a reply she headed into the room where Frodo slept. Seeing Sam asleep in the chair beside him, she silently covered him with a light blanket and pulled herself up into the sill by the window.

Looking at each other Maeve and Sorcha turned and walked down the hall. Wandering aimlessly, the soon found themselves in the hall of history[1]. Silently walking around, they stopped standing in front of the shards of Narsil.

"It's strange," Maeve's voice filled the silent space. "Strange that this world should suffer so much from the strength and weakness of one man."

"The Dúnedain speak of him with caution. A warning to the weakness that flows through our veins." Sorcha's voice was barely above a whisper. "The strangeness for me, is in having two sets of memories. Remembering things from our childhood in London, and from here in Rivendell." Sitting at a nearby bench she continued. "I think I am going to miss Christmas the most. Christmas and chocolate."

"We could still get back home you know." the words sounded like an empty promise even to her own ears. Smiling slightly and joining her on the bench, Maeve took Sorcha's hand and laughed a little; " Coffee. I have a feeling the hobbits can help with a proper cup of tea, but coffee…"

"What about our musical instruments?" Sorcha gave a heavy sigh. "I'd give just about anything for a violin right about now."

"And my harp. Maybe Lord Elrond can help us with that."

"Help? Are you in some danger that only the Lord of Rivendell can rectify?"

Turning sharply, the girls found Aragorn standing in the shadows a few feet away from them.

"How long have you been hiding in the shadows brother?" A thousand emotions came through with her sharp question. It wasn't until Aragorn took a step towards her and Maeve let go of her hand that Sorcha realized how she sounded. With a heavy sigh, the emotion of the day washed over her and she burst into sobs. A heartbeat later, Aragorn was at her side pulling her to him. Standing, Maeve nodded to the man and silently left.

Running his hand up and down Sorcha's back, Aragorn began to softly sing[2]:

Down by the Sally gardens,

My love and I did meet.

She passed the Sally gardens,

With little snow-white feet.

She bid me take life easy,

As the leaves grow on the tree.

But I being young and foolish,

With her did not agree.

In a field down by the river,

My love and I did stand.

And on my leaning shoulder

She laid her snow-white hand.

She bid me take life easy,

As the grass grows on the weirs.

But I was young and foolish,

And now am full of tears.

When he was done singing, Sorcha straightened and looked at her brother. In the space of a heartbeat, she knew she'd have to tell him everything.

"I never could keep secrets from you hanno {brother}. Walk with me?" Standing Aragorn offered his sister his arm and the two left the hall.

Walking from the hall of history, Maeve found her mind was filled with a million different thoughts. So busy was she in her introspection, that she didn't realize where she had wandered. It wasn't until she heard the clash of swords, and looked around that she realized she was in the training grounds. Stopping in her walk, Maeve starred in awe at the scene in front of her. Elladan and Elrohir were locked in a sword fight with a tall imposing blonde elf. Seeing her watching the elf in question took a slight step away from the twins and a heartbeat later had them both disarmed. Helping them to their feet, he gave a slight bow and approached her.

Bowing slightly he began to speak. "It is an honor to meet you Lady Maeve."

Maeve laughed slightly and smiled. "Lord Glorfindel. Likewise. If I may, I have a few questions I would ask you."

"Come. We should find your sisters. I can see the explanation you gave Lord Elrond regarding your situation in your eyes. We have much to discuss."

Stridding quickly from the training grounds, Glorfindel lead Maeve back the way she'd come, stopping only long enough to knock on a door and get Ana. As they walked, she explained what she had told Elrond. Silence followed the group as the left the hall of healing and headed down a stone path stopping at the entrance to a wooded glade.

Silence fell as Sorcha and Aragorn walked. With no destination in mind they found themselves in a wooded glade. Smiling, Sorcha remembered the times they had hidden there as children. Sitting at the base of their favorite tree, Aragorn waited patiently for an explanation. After a few moments Sorcha began to softly speak.

"Can you promise me that no matter what I tell you, it won't change anything? I couldn't bare it if you hated me."

Worry filled Aragorn's face. Slowly, he reached over and grasped his sisters hand.

"Ui nésa {never sister}. Tell me Elwen; what troubles you?"

"Don't tell him anything. Allow me to explain."

Whipping around to stare at the owner of the intruding voice, Sorcha and Aragorn found themselves looking at Glorfindel. He was followed closely by Maeve and Dyana. Looking back at his sister, Aragorn's eyes lit up with understanding.

"You look the same." his soft murmur was full of awe and sadness.

"Maeve has explained to me what she told you, however I hope to add some clarity and ease your pain." Glorfindel started.

Sitting he waited for Maeve and Dyana to join the group on the ground before speaking again. Waving his hand slightly, the air around the group began to shimmer. With a collective gasp, all present realized that their fëa were now visible.

"As you can see Estel, your fëa is very dark red. This is representative of who you are. While mine, is a myriad of colors."

"Showing who you were and who you are." Maeve's soft murmur filled the area.

Nodding, Glorfindel continued; "Indeed. And by extension yours is the same."

"Ours match. Sort of. They are mostly purple and yellow." Dyana commented.

"But we are also different. I have blue in mine, but you and Mae have green." Sorcha finally spoke.

"This makes no sense. It would mean that both my sister and sorry, what was your name?" Aragorn stopped his rant to look at Dyana.

"Right. We haven't officially been introduced. I am Dyana. Ana Baggins." she replied.

"Frodo's sister?" At her nod of affirmation, Aragorn looked once more at Glorfindel. "As I was saying, that would mean that they have both been re-incarnated."

"It would." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You see, from what young Maeve has told me, Nêlêl of the Valar brought the three of them here. They were transported from their world to ours, and she merged the fëa of each with the fëa of three beings from our world. It is easiest to do this if one fëa is nearing death. So, no." He looked at the girls; "You didn't die here. Your weakened fëa was merged with your strong fëa and the two become one. It is why you possess the memories and knowledge of both."

When he was done speaking, Aragorn stood suddenly and began to pace. After a moment, he looked like we was going to speak, but simply nodded to Glorfindel and left.

Glorfindel's strong voice filled the silence left by Aragorn's departure. "Worry not Sorcha. He merely needs time."

"It's not him I'm worried about." her soft reply was followed by a small laugh. "It's the upside of having memories from Earth and Arda. This situation is going to leave a certain elf prince distraught."

Her sisters looked in confusion between each other. "You mean…" asked Ana.

Nodding, Sorcha grinned. "Yep."

Confusion marred Glorfindel's face now. "Perhaps you should speak more of this between yourselves. I will leave you."

He rose and turned to walk away but was stopped by Maeve calling his name.

"What's going to happen to us?" the tone of her question killed the joy that had been in the air a moment prior.

"I see." Sitting again, he replied; "You refer to your mortality."

When Maeve nodded, he looked from one face to the next; seeming to stare into their very souls. After a moment of silence, he nodded and began to speak.

"Maeve, you are not mortal here. You possess the hröa of one of the eternal beings. The valar. However, due to the circumstances of your merging with a mortal fëa, it would seem you are simply an elf. Your sisters are another matter." He turned to look at Sorcha and Ana before he continued; "Because of the connection the three of you share, you are not mere mortals either. You posses the hröa of a half-ling and a Dúnedain. As such, you will live longer lives, yet you are still mortal."

"If we share this special link in our fëa, does that mean that we can chose to give up our ability to live longer?" Ana asked.

"From what I can glean of your fëa, I would say that you share the power and energy between the three of you. I would presume that should one of you choose mortality, the power would transfer to the other two. However, I do not know this as fact." Glorfindel answered.

"Why do you ask Ana?" Maeve looked at her little sister as she asked.

Seeing the conflicting emotions on Ana's face, Glorfindel silently stood and left the sisters alone. After a moment, Ana looked from Maeve to Sorcha, reaching for the laters hand before she spoke;

"It would seem that we are in the same boat. Having the knowledge we do from our world, we can see certain relationships for what they really are."

"What are you two talking about?" asked Maeve.

Looking at each other, Ana and Sorcha smiled then looked back at Maeve. In sync they responded; "Pippin." "Legolas."

Laughter filled the wood as the sisters let the emotion of the day was over them. They would have stayed in the glade for hours more, but were interrupted by the sound of growling stomachs. Standing, the girls walked hand in hand from the glade.

Notes:

[1] As I could find no official record as to the name of the hall where the Narsil shards are, I gave it a name myself. *Always open to being corrected. So, if you know of the official name for this location...please let me know.*

[2] Peter Hollens - Down By The Salley Gardens

*I took MASSIVE liberties with Glorfindel and his addition, I know NOTHING about auras and their meanings. Just what I learned by reading online. So, please don't be offended by my lack of knowledge.*

Chapter 10. Reunions. Part 2

The smell of food drew the girls to a hall filled with people. Walking through the doorway, they noted there were men, elves and even a few dwarves present. Ana skidded to a halt when she heard her name called. Looking over to where the sound came from she saw Pippin, Merry, Sam and her brother sitting at a large table. Letting out a gasp, she took off running towards them. From their place near the doorway, Sorcha and Maeve watched with smiles on their faces as Ana threw her arms around Frodo. Looking at each other, Maeve and Sorcha slowly wandered over to her.

"Ranger Thorn!" Pippin's voice called out. Sorcha smiled and looked down at Pippin.

"Master Peregrin. You are looking well." Sorcha said.

"We are! The elves are amazing! Oh! And this is Ana. Frodo's sister." the ramble of words flew from Pippin

"It would appear she already knows Ranger Thorn." Merry noted.

"Indeed I do." Sorcha smiled and nodded to the empty spaces at the table. "May we join you?"

When all the hobbits nodded, Sorcha and Maeve sat. The hobbits looked confused for a moment when Sorcha greeted an elf at a nearby table and he called her Elwen. Seeing the confused looks on their faces she clarified;

"Before I get pulled away, you should know I go by many names. When away from friendly ears, both my brother and I use our Ranger names; Strider and Thorn. However, when home in Imladris, you will hear the names given us by the elves; Estel and Elwen."

"Not your birth name?" Frodo asked .

Looking around, Sorcha paused for a moment before smiling and reaching her hand out towards Frodo. "Hello, I'm Sorcha. Daughter of the Dúnadan."

"Uuummm Sor…" Ana's voice broke the awkward silence of the group staring at Sorcha's outstretched hand.

"Oh, right. Earth custom. Sorry." Sorcha pulled her hand back and folded them in front of her.

Silence fell over the table for a moment before Ana began to speak.

"Introductions are in order I think. Fellas, you already know Sorcha. This" she pointed to Maeve. "Is Maeve. She's from, well, that's complicated." she caught Maeve's attention, and pointed to each of the faces at the table as she spoke, "Maeve; this is Sam, Merry, Pippin and my brother Frodo."

"Please to meet you lady Maeve." Sam said.

"Please. Just Maeve. Perhaps if you call me that, the elves will take the hint." Maeve replied.

"Elves?" Frodo asked. "Are you not one one yourself, Maeve?" Frodo's voice was full of questions.

The girls looked at each other for a moment before the silence was broken by the sound of Ana's stomach growling.

"That's a long story brother. One we will be glad to tell you once I've eaten."

Laughter quickly filled the air as food and alcohol were passed around. Part way through their meal, an elf on the other side of the hall stood up and moved to the center of the room. A moment later a haunting song filled the air and all the noise of the room died.

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Anois ar theacht an tsamhraidh

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Oro, se do bheatha 'bhaile!

Anois ar theacht an tsamhraidh

Se do bheatha a bhean ba leanmhar!

B'e ar gcreach tu bheith i ngeibhinn

Do dhuiche bhrea i seilbh meirleach

'S tu diolta leis na Ghallaibh [1]

Confusion filled the girls faces. "This is the second time I've heard a song from home here." Maeve whispered.

Anna and Sorcha nodded in agreement but were stopped from answering by Elrond standing at the front of the hall once the song ended.

"Welcome. The halls of Imladris are graced this night with faces both familiar and new. I invite you to share in the revelry. Weather with a tale or a song. All are welcome."

Silence filled the hall for a moment while everyone present watched Elrond sit. A heartbeat later Arwen approached their table and caught Sorcha's attention.

"Long has it been since our halls were graced with your talent nésa. Will you not be persuaded to tell us of your travels?"

Seeing the look on Arwen's face, Sorcha found she could not say no. Standing, she swiped two objects from the table and approached the empty space in the center of the room. Bowing slightly to Elrond, she pulled a stood from a nearby table and sat.

"I have no grand tales prepare my Lord, but I would share a song I heard on my travels."

As she spoke, Ana and Maeve noticed she was tying two wooden spoons together. "However, I do have need of a musician to assist me." Looking across the hall, she caught Maeve's eye.

"Lady Maeve. Will you not join me?"

Ana laughed and then yelped as Maeve grabbed her hand and pulled her up to the spot where their sister sat smirking at them. Her eyes travelled over the elven musicians seated against the wall and approached two of them. A soft conversation was held and when she turned back she had to instruments in her hands. Handing a flute like instrument to Ana, Maeve played an experimental note on the violin like instrument she held. Hearing it gave the note she wanted, she nodded her head at Sorcha who began to click the spoons together on her knee.

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S an bhean atá aige bheith caillte

Rachainn go Gallaí' go Gallaí'

Is rachainn go Gallaí' le Pháidín

Rachainn go Gallaí' go Gallaí'

Is thiocfainn abhaile sa mbád leis

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S an bhean atá aige bheith caillte

Oh I got to go, got to go, got to go away with Páidín

Oh we get to go, we're together

And say the way home in the Páidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S an bhean atá aige bheith caillte

I look throw the window, the window

I look through the window for Páidín

His wife is just sitting there knitting

While I'm stuck outside in the garden

I wish I was wedded

Was wed, I wish I was wedded

He's chosen to marry another

And that is the cause of my raging

Rachainn go haonach an Chlocháin

Is siar go Béal Á' na Báighe

Bhreathnóinn isteach tríd an bhfuinneog

A' súil is go bhfeicfinn bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S an bhean atá aige bheith caillte

I wish he were taken, were taken

The beautiful wife of my Páidín

He'd not be forsaken, forsaken

I'd still take my place there beside him

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise bean Pháidín

'S é'n trua ghéar nach mise, nach mise

'S an bhean atá aige bheith caillte[2]

Silence filled the hall for a heartbeat as the song ended before cheers filled the air. Smiles filled their faces as the three bowed. Quickly returning the instruments to the elves by the wall, Maeve and Ana rushed to catch up with Sorcha as they crossed the room to rejoin the hobbits at the table. Arriving, they found Aragorn sitting nearest to the wall on the other side of the table from Frodo. The girls stopped short at the looks on the faces of those present. With a sigh, Sorcha caught Aragorn's eye and spoke; "We should explain I suppose. Come to the garden."

Without waiting for a reply the girls turned and slipped from the hall. Aragorn stood and made to follow, stopping when he noted the hobbits were not coming.

"Come along you four. We have much to discuss, and most of it concerns you."

Scrambling to their feet, the group left the hall as Elrond and Gandalf watched from their seats at the head table.

"Wow." Merry stood from his spot beside Pippin and began to pace the small area of the garden they were in. From their spots on the bench he'd just vacated; Pippin, Frodo and Sam watched him. Across from them, Sorcha and Maeve had their arms around a crying Ana. Aragon stood off to the side, not saying a word, leaning against a tree. After a few moments of tense silence, Ana looked up. Seeing the expression on her brother's face, she burst into a new round of tears and took off running. Everyone moved at once; the hobbits yelling and making a move to follow, Maeve and Sorcha standing in their way. Kneeling down to their level, Maeve softly spoke;

"Let her be for a while. You have to remember that she is struggling with two different sets of memories. She's going to need some time." She paused and looked at each of the hobbits before glancing up to catch Aragorn's eye also. "You all need time. But I beg you don't allow to much to pass. Wounds such as these can only be healed by the balm of family."

Staring at Sorcha, Aragorn took one last look at the group before he too turned sharply and headed down the path. Sorcha quickly squeezed Maeve's hand and took off after him. Calling after him, she let out a frustrated sigh when he disappeared. With heavy feet she began to wander, not caring where her feet took her. After a while of wandering, she found herself in the training area. Smiling slightly, she walked over to a rack of wooden training weapons and picked up a long staff. Slowly walking into the center of the grassy area, she began to thrust and waive the staff around, every move precise. Once a sufficient amount of time passed, she leaned the staff back against the rack and picked up a sight sword. Pulling a scarf from a nearby bench, she tied it around her eyes and began a series of movements with the sword. She was interrupted halfway through a set by the sound to clashing steal and the feel of her sword crashing into another. Quickly stepping away and removing the scarf from her eyes, she smiled slightly when she realized Aragorn had joined her. Without saying a word, he took a defensive stance and beckoned Sorcha to attack. Grinning wickedly, she tilted her head slightly and swung wide, knowing she'd miss. Clash after clash, the sound of their fight echoed across the training grounds. Realizing she'd never win if she continued to fight fair, Sorcha feigned a twist and stuck her hip out slightly as Aragorn was forced to move past to where she'd been standing. With a slight flick of her wrist, she twisted her sword up and around, wrenching it from his grip as the full weight of her body crashed into him from her hip. Silence filled the air for a moment as he looked up from the ground, until he suddenly began to laugh. Jumping to his feet, Aragorn smiled and held out his hand for his sword.

"Well done sister. Well done indeed."

Sheathing his sword, he pulled Sorcha into a strong embrace. With a heavy sigh, Sorcha returned it. Releasing her, Aragorn stepped back slightly and looked down.

"Nothing changes melda {dearest}." He whispered.

"I am glad. I was worried that all of this new information would change things. I'm still your sister after all, even if I now have all of these new memories and knowledge."

Aragorn laughed. "Indeed. This new part of you is very visible. From the way to act to the way you speak." He paused a moment and threw his arm around Sorcha's shoulders. "Now come, we have a full day ahead of us. I will walk you to your rooms."

Laughing, the two left the training area, the sound of their laughter filled with hope as it echoed around them.

"It is as though a fairy tale is unfolding in our lives uncle. I find I am unsure of how to act. I feel as though I know nothing about this girl who wears my sisters face. She's not my sister anymore, not the same person who shared in our childhood adventures. Who mourned our parents deaths with me. Who sang at your birthday….." Frodo paced as he spoke. Silence filled the room as Bilbo pondered everything Frodo had told him about his journey and injury to the news about Ana.

"It would seem that you are in error nephew. Nothing has changed, she is still your sister. She simply has knowledge now of things we know nothing of." Bilbo stated in a matter of fact voice.

Looking at his uncle, Frodo saw the truth in his eyes. Letting out a heavy sigh, he nodded and his expression saddened as he spoke;

"What a fool I've been uncle."

"Indeed my boy. There is time still to rectify the situation. Go. Find your sister. I am back to bed."

Rising from his chair, Bilbo patted Frodo's shoulder as he slowly walked by him to open a door to a small sleeping room. Frodo watched as he softly closing the door behind him before turning and leaving the room in search of his sister.

"I should have known we'd find you near water."

Pippin's voice jolted Ana from her thoughts. Turning to look at her friend, she smiled slightly then turned back to look out at the river.

"It always seems to put things into perspective. If you were to ask Maeve or Sorcha, they'd tell you I was the same in my other life."

Silence fell as Pippin slowly walked over and sat down beside her on the grass.

"It is all so unfamiliar." He said after a few moments of silence.

Turning to look at him, Ana said;

"Strange, I think is the word you are looking for." She smiled and looked back at the water. "And yes, it is."

"You've not changed you know. You are still our Ana." Pippin's voice was soft as he spoke.

Ana was prevented from answering by Merry, who upon rounding the corner of the path and seeing them hollered;

"Found them!"

A moment later, Sam and Frodo appeared. Gently squeezing her hand, Pippin smiled and stood. Without saying a word, Pippin, Merry and Sam left the siblings alone.

"I am so sorry Ana." Frodo's voice was filled with emotion as he spoke.

Looking up at her brother, Ana watched as a single tear slid down his cheek before standing to approach him.

"I am too. I hope you can forgive me for adding to the stress of your life. I mean, you already have enough to worry about with uncle and that thing around your neck."

"I'll have less to fear in a few days. Lord Elrond tells me he called a council to determine what to do with it. Once it is over, we can return home. The rest we will leave for another day to fret about."

Smiling, Frodo pulled Ana into a strong embrace. Had he not, he would have seen the pained look on his sister's face. Releasing her, the two headed off down the path to find their friends and their beds.

Notes:

As usual all of this can be found on my Pintrest board:

.ca/whiterosefletch/the-stars/

[1] Óró sédobheatha 'bhaile by Celtic Women.

[2] Bean Pháidín by Celtic Women.

Chapter 11. Days in the Sun

Sunlight filtered across the tops of the mountains surrounding Rivendell the next day as Maeve went in search of Elrond. Finding him on a dais above the gardens with Arwen and Glorfindel, she hesitated to approach.

"Mae govannen Maeve." Arwen called when she saw her. "Please join us."

Quickly walking the stairs, she quickly found himself pulled down onto a bench beside Arwen.

"I have been telling your tale to Lord Elrond this morn Lady Maeve." Glorfindel stated once she was seated.

"It is wondrous," Arwen murmured.

"Indeed." Elrond's voice was suddenly full of amusement.

"Having spoken to my sisters this morn, we are most anxious to learn all we can about this power we now possess." Maeve looked at Elrond as she spoke. "Ana has also asked me to inquire on her behalf if she could have access to the library my Lord. She wished to learn more about the healing properties of the plants of this world. Apparently she learned all she could from the hobbit healers in the Shire. She was also a trained healer in our world, so it seems fitting to me that she'd be one here also."

"She is most welcome to use the library." Looking at his daughter, he continued. "Arwen I am sure would love to aid her in her research, and I am more than willing to aid with any further inquiries she may have."

"Mithrandir and I spoke early into the morn in the hopes that you would desire to learn more about your power. We have both decided to aid you." Glorfindel added.

"What about you and Elwen, forgive me. Sorcha?" Arwen softly asked.

"She and I have decided to spend any free time we have at the training grounds. We both were training in various weapons in our world, and would like to continue." Maeve paused for a moment before continuing. "In fact, I have a few weapon designs I would like to show the smiths, if I may?"

Elrond nodded and smiled. "Our smiths would be most honored to aid you in the creation of any weapons you have in mind. Now if you will pardon me, I have a young hobbit to check in on."

Maeve smiled as he left, followed by Arwen. Without saying a word, Maeve and Glorfindel left in search of Gandalf.

The next days passed both quickly and slowly for the sisters. Mornings were spent with Gandalf and Glorfindel learning how to use their magic. Afternoons were spent in various locations; Maeve and Sorcha in the training grounds, while Ana spent her time with Arwen and Elrond learning elvish healing. Their evenings were spent in the food hall both entertaining and being entertained, getting to know the hobbits better and convincing the Smith's of the practical application of their weapon designs.

On a sunny afternoon nearly a fortnight later, Sorcha and Aragorn were interrupted in their sparring match by a messenger from Elrond. Stepping away from an archery target, Maeve joined them as the messenger left.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"The elves of Mirkwood have arrived and the counsel will be tomorrow." Sorcha replied softly.

Aragorn didn't say anything, he simply watched his sister and placed a comforting hand on her arm.

"He will come searching for us, if he is not already. Have you made a decision?"

Looking her brother in the eye, Sorcha let out a heavy sigh and shook her head. Not saying anything, she silently walked over to the weapon rack and replaced the sword she'd been sparring with. With a sad look on her face she quickly walked away, leaving Aragorn and Maeve staring at her retreating form.

"She'll be fine." Maeve's voice was sure and confident as she broke the silence.

Looking at her, Aragorn nodded and moved to return his sword to the weapon rack.

"Before you do that Lord Aragorn, would you mind sparring with me for a bit?"

A slight smile appeared on his face. "It would be my pleasure Lady Maeve."

The light banter between the two carried over into their sparring match. A short time later, Glorfindel arrived, and the three quickly became engrossed in a team up match.

"Had I known there was another in Imladris to rival the skill of my people, I would have come better prepared."

Stepping apart, the group turned to find a tall blonde elf watching their match. A full smile filled Aragorn's face and he quickly walked over, embracing the elf in question. With one hand on his friend's arm, he pulled him over towards Maeve and Glorfindel.

"Lady Maeve, may I introduce…" he started.

"Thranduilion. Legolas Thranduilion." Maeve interrupted. "Your reputation precedes you." she explained.

Glorfindel and Aragorn laughed at the confused look on the elf's face.

"Elwen had been telling tales." Glorfindel explained as he returned their weapons to the rack.

Understanding filled Legolas' face, and he smiled.

Looking at Aragorn, he asked;

"And where is our brethil {princess}?"

"Looking for you." Maeve replied. "Lord Elrond sent word to us of your arrival, and she left immediately after receiving the news."

"É{truly}?" Legolas asked.

Aragorn nodded and the group left the training grounds.

A short while later, the group went their various ways, upon hearing the bells signaling the serving of food in the dining hall. Glorfindel left first, leaving Maeve alone with her sister's brother and friend.

"It has been a pleasure to meet you prince Legolas. I look forward to a further acquaintance." She looked at Aragorn and gave him a short nod, before quickly walking away from the men.

"She is not what I expected Estel." Legolas whispered. His voice full of awe as he watched Maeve walk away.

"Not at all." Pausing for a moment, Aragorn looked to the path and began to slowly walk. "Come my friend. We have much to discuss while we search out my sister."

Legolas took a few large steps to catch up and quickly the two were disappeared down the path. After a few moments of silence, Aragorn began to speak; "It would seem the will of the Valar is not what we thought it to be. Having met Maeve, I would not have known she possessed the power of Nêlêl."

"Agreed. How is it she has the power of the valar, yet walks the paths of men?" Legolas' voice was full of confusion as he spoke.

"She does not possess the power alone. When Nêlêl looked to the future, she saw hopelessness. Deciding it was not what she wanted for her world, she pulled three beings from another world to aid us in our time of need. Now that the time has come, the three have been reunited and they have been given a difficult path to follow."

Pausing in his walk, Legolas looked out into the hills around Rivendell and began to recite a poem;

In the east a power sleeps.

A mysterious and magical ring of stone.

The stars as seen, the veil shall fall.

And from the stone, the stars shall come.

Kin to some, yet known to none.

Memories old amid lives untold.

The fate of all, sisters attend.

Aragorn stopped to look at his friend and nodded. Continuing their walk, Legolas again spoke; "Fate it would seem makes fools of us all."

"Perhaps we need to be fools. After all, fools hope more than the rest of us." Aragorn's voice was stiff as he answered.

"Why do you tell me this Estel?" Legolas asked.

"To prepare you for my tale." Sorcha's voice broke the sudden silence. Standing near the edge of an open dais, a tortured look crossed her face.

Smiling, Legolas approached her but was stopped by Aragorn's hand on his arm. Without saying a word, Sorcha lifted a hand and murmured a soft phrase. The air around the group rippled for a moment, like an immense heat was passing around them. With a gasp, Legolas watched as their auras were revealed. A single tear fell down Sorcha's cheek, as she watched the emotions cross Legolas' face.

"She is still the same. Still my sister and your friend. She simply is now, a bearer of great power." Aragorn's voice broke the spell and the night air returned.

"And yet she is greatly changed." Legolas insisted.

"I am and yet I am the same as I was." came a sad reply.

Letting out a laughing huff of breath, Aragorn smiled and walked away. Silence fell as Legolas took in Sorcha's features. After a few moments, he slowly approached her and Sorcha began to speak. Before long the entire story was laid out and Legolas knew in his heart that while much was the same, some things were forever changed, the greatest was that the hold of mortality no longer held Sorcha in its grasp.

"Shall we join the feasting?" Legolas finally asked. He smiled, though it did not quite reach his eyes.

A smile filled Sorcha's face. "Race you there princeling." she said before she took off running.

Skidding to a halt, Sorcha nearly lost her balance and fell into a scowling Ana. At the last second, Legolas appeared behind her and steadied her balance with a hand at her elbow.

"There you are! Where have you been? Lord Elrond has requested we sing tonight, and we've been looking for you everywhere."

"Forgive our tardiness lady hobbit. The fault is mine." Legolas stated with a flourish and a bow.

"I might have known." Maeve's voice came from the stairs above them.

"Legolas, my sisters. Ana and Maeve." Sorcha pointed to each as she said their names.

"I have heard much of you. It is an honor." he replied.

"Ya', ya'. Can we go in now? I'm starving and the guys are waiting." Ana said impatiently.

Quickly, the three moved up the stairs and joined Maeve by the doorway. Slipping into the hall was easy as there was much noise and movement. It all silenced however, the moment Elrond stood from his place at the head table.

"Esteemed guests. The halls of Rivendell are filled with many a friend and much company. In the midst of these dark times, you are most welcome." Sitting as quickly as he'd stood, Elrond re-took his chair. Silence remained in the hall and Legolas looked in confusion as the girls one by one headed towards the elf lord. Bowing low, they turned to face a room full with people of many races and one by one began to sing.

Your hills and dales and flowery vales, that lie near the Moorlough Shore.

Your vines that blow by Broden's grove, may I never see you more.

Where the primrose blows and the violet grows.

Where the trout and salmon play.

With my line and hook, delight I took.

To spend my youthful days.

Last night I went to see my love, to hear what she might say.

To see if she'd take pity on me, lest I might go away.

She said, I loved an Irish lad and he was my only joy.

And ever since I saw his face, I have loved that soldier boy.

Well perhaps your soldier lad is lost, sailing over sea of Maine.

Or perhaps he is gone with some other one, may I never see him again.

Well, if my Irish lad is lost, he's the one I do adore.

And seven long years, I'll wait for him.

By the banks of the Moorlough Shore.

And seven long years, I'll wait for him.

By the banks of the Moorlough Shore. [1]

The rest of the evening passed quickly. Many stood to tell tales or sing songs and before those present knew, dawn began to peer over the mountain tops.

Notes:

Brethil - princess in sindarin (legolas' nickname for Sorcha)

[1] Moorlough Shore - Celtic Women

Chapter 12. The Council of Elrond

A gentle knocking brought Maeve from her sleep. Slipping from her bed, she cracked open her door to peer out into the hall. Seeing Arwen waiting, she opened the door wider and let Arwen walk into the room.

"Ada sent me. He has called for the council." her soft voice filled the room. "However, you cannot attend as you are. Come, I will help you prepare."

Finding herself pulled and pushed back into her room, Maeve was soon washed and dressed in a long flowing gown. Sitting on a small chair, Arwen deftly pleated her hair.[1] What seemed like a moment later, the two were quickly walking down the hall. Stopping near the kitchens, Arwen slipped in and returned with a small pouch. Handing it to Maeve, she instructed her to eat as they walked. Following the instructions, Maeve quickly inhaled the soft cheese and warm bread while following Arwen through a maze of halls. A few moments later, Arwen stepped out of the hallway into a wide area. The sight of a large circle of chairs in the middle of an open dias met them. Hearing her name called; Maeve turned to see Ana, Frodo and Bilbo approach from a hallway to the side. Letting Arwen lead the way, the four were soon seated at chairs in the center of the space. Very quickly the chairs were filled; Dwarves, Men and Elves joining the group. The last to arrive were Aragorn, Sorcha, Legolas and Elrond. Grinning slightly, Maeve noted that Sorcha was looking very uncomfortable in her dress. Quickly sitting in the last empty chairs, silence slowly fell over the large group before Elrond stood and began to speak.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old . . . you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Raising his arm, he used his hand to point to Frodo. "Here friends, is the hobbit, Frodo son of Drogo. Few have ever come through greater peril or on an errand more urgent."

Standing, Frodo began to tell his tale. A heavy silence fell as he finished and Elrond motioned to a Dwarf a few chairs over. He too told a tale of the hardships endured by his people regarding the forces of darkness. One by one each member of the council stood, told their stories and sat. An air of hopelessness fell as the last man, Aragorn, finished speaking and Elrond stood.

"Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Yet there is one tale not yet been told." Turning sharply, Elrond caught Maeve's attention.

"Nêlêl of the Valar, the first of my people, here called Maeve. Stand and give your account."

His voice echoed over the air, and Maeve let out a heavy breath and slowly stood. Looking across the circle, she caught Ana's eye then Sorcha's. After an encouraging nod from each of them she began to speak.

"Eons ago, at the start of the ages, Nêlêl of the Valar looked to the future of the world and saw death. Things were already in motion that could not be stopped, yet she was not content to let this sad fate be. Putting herself into a deep trance, she set about scouring all of time and space for someone to aid in the darkness of our present age. After many millennia, she found three sisters. Belonging to a world not our own, they are of stout heart, sound mind and wise character. Pulling them from their world, she used the last of her power to merge the sisters with beings from our world. Sharing both the knowledge of their world and the power of the Valar, we have come." Nodding, Sorcha and Ana stood also. As one, their voices echoed over the council, and they recited the poem they had all memorized.

Letting their words settle over the group, they sat. Once seated, Elrond again stood and called out; "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."

All present watched in awe as the small hobbit slipped from his chair and approach the pedestal in the center of the circle. Slowly reaching out his hand, he set an object on it and slowly returned to his chair. Murmurs and whispers filled the air as the power of the ring reached out. The man who had been introduced as Boromir, son of Denethor leaned in his chair and whispered; "So it is true." Watching him cautiously, Sorcha stiffened as he stood.

"In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it a loud voice cried; Your doom is near at hand.

Isildur's bane is found."

His voice faded away and a far away look filled his eyes. Slowly raising his arm, he began to reach for the ring. Standing quickly, Gandalf began to speak as many around him reached to pull Boromir away. At the same moment; Maeve, Sorcha and Ana deftly reached their power out to send a barricade around the pedestal.

"Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg

thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul."

The shadows around them darkened and the whispering of the ring grew louder until with a snap all was silent and the sun again appeared. Seeing the danger the stewards son possessed had passed, the sisters released their silent hold and Elrond spoke.

"Never before has any voice dared to utter the words of that tongue her in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey."

"I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond. For the black speech of Mordor may soon be heard in every corner of the West. The ring is altogether evil."

A soft voice came from one of the men present and asked what the wizard had said. No one of understanding answered for a moment. Until Ana raised her head and in a clear voice called out;

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them." After a slight pause she added. "Gandalf speaks true. The ring is altogether evil."

"It is a gift." Boromir's voice called out. "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe."

At this comment, the mutterings from the rangers became louder, until Aragorn held up a hand for silence. Unseeing, Boromir continued; "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

With an angry cry, Sorcha stood. "No! You cannot wield it."

Sitting beside her, Aragorn reached for his sister's arm and called out; "None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone!"

"It has no other master." Sorcha added, her voice overlapping with her brothers..

A sneer filled Boromir's face as he turned to stare at the two rangers. His voice was harsh and angry as he spoke; "And what would Rangers know of this matter?"

Standing to their defense, Legolas' voice was heavy as he spoke, causing Boromir to turn and look at him.

"These are no mere rangers. They are Sorcha, daughter of Gilraen and Aragorn, son of Arathorn. To him you owe your allegiance."

Everyone who did not know this truth, turned to look across the circle at the man sitting with an unreadable expression on his face. Ana's voice again reached out to flow over those present;

"All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken. A light from the shadows shall spring. Renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king."

Glaring at her, Boromir scowled. "This is Isildur's heir?"

Sorcha's voice called out; "And heir to the throne of Gondor."

Grasping his sisters arm, Aragorn pulled her gently back to her chair. Calling out "Havo dad. Sorcha, Legolas, Havo dad." [2]

With a glare that could have frozen a lesser man, Boromir's voice was filled with loathing as he stared at the elf who slowly sat.

"Gondor has no King." Slowly returning to his seat, he sent the same look towards Sorcha and Aragorn. "Gondor needs no King."

Sorcha's entire body went stiff and she would have lunged at the warrior had her brother's hand on her arm stilled her.

A heavy silence fell over the group for half a moment before Gandalf began to speak.

"Sorcha and Aragorn speak truth. We cannot wield it."

Standing Elrond looked every person present in the eye before he spoke. His voice sent a wave of finality over the group.

"We have but one choice. The ring must be destroyed."

Many present let out heavy sighs. Some of relief and some of disappointment. The silence was interrupted again by a voice. One that had yet to utter a word. Jumping to his feet, Gimli son of Gloin moved smoothly as he spoke and swung his axe. "Then what are we waiting for?" The thundering crash and explosion of power threw the dwarf to the ground and pushed everyone back into their chairs.

With a heavy sigh Elrond's voice again echoed over the group; "The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft we here possess."

"Indeed not." Maeve's voice called out. "For it was forged in the fires of Mount Doom."

Nodding, Elrond let a last piece of information lay over those gathered; "Only there can it be unmade." A new heaviness fell. One of despair and grief. Allowing this information to settle, Elrond spoke again; "One of you must do this."

Boromir's voice was full of pain and disbelief as he spoke; "One does not simply walk into Mordor." The men around him nodded and murmured their agreement as he continued. "It's black gates are guarded by more than just Orks. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."

Jumping again to his feet, Legolas stared down the Steward's son and all but yelled at him; "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!"

An angry voice called out in response; "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?"

Legolas looked in anger at Gimli. He was prevented from answering however, when Boromir stood and spoke; "And if we fail? What then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

Gimli stood then and pointed at the elves, including Legolas and added; "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!"

Angry voices erupted and many of the group stood. Loud voices and flailing arms were seen and felt. Only Sorcha, Ana, Maeve, Gandalf and Frodo remained seated. The sisters felt the power of the ring wash over the argument encouraging it and locked eyes with each other. Not saying anything, they reached out with their power and tried to cool the tensions as Gandalf stood and joined the fray. They were no match for the power of the ring, and a dark voice softly called out and flowed over the company. A pained look crossed Frodo's face as the voice echoed to him. With a determined look, he stood and called out;

"I will take it."

Only Lord Elrond and the girls who were seated heard him at first. Looking at her brother, Ana nodded in encouragement when he looked to her. Calling out again; louder. "I will take it!" Frodo's voice was heard by a few. Gandalf stopped his rant and a pained look crossed his face. Turning to look at the hobbit, silence fell as the yelling stopped. Frodo's voice was loud and clear as he declared his intentions.

"I will take the ring to Mordor!"

Silence fell as those present stared in shock at the hobbit. How was it that so small and seemingly inconsequential a being was volunteering to take the ring of power on so treacherous a journey. Many expressions crossed the faces present. Shock, awe, disbelief, pride; yet no one spoke until Frodo took a small breath and added; "Though, I do not know the way."

Walking over to stand beside the hobbit, Gandalf's voice echoed; "I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear."

Standing at the same moment; Sorcha, Maeve and Ana all took a step towards the hobbit.

"If by our life or death, we can protect you, we will." Their voices called out in unison as they moved from their various places to stand near Frodo. Aragorn stood and strode over to kneel before Frodo. Grasping his hand he said; "You have my sword."

Legolas' voice echoed out over the company, "And you have my bow." as he moved to stand beside Gandalf.

"And my axe!" Gimli declared. Crossing to stand near the elf.

Slowly stalking over, Boromir too began to speak; "You carry the fate of us all little one." After a slight pause in which his eyes scanned the group formed around Frodo, he added; "If this is indeed the will of the council, Gondor will see it done."

A heartbeat later a cry from an unseen being called out. "Here! 's not going anywhere without me!" Before the words were completely finished being spoken, Samwise was standing resolutely beside a grinning Frodo.

Elrond's voice was full of amusement as he stared the hobbit down. "No indeed. For it is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."

Ana smirked and looked over towards the archway behind Elrond. Seeing Merry and Pippin's heads peek out a wide grin broke out on her face.

"Oi! We're coming too!" Merry hollered as he and Pippin made a mad dash past the shocked elf Lord. Skidding to a halt beside Frodo, Merry's voice was joyful as he added; "Besides. You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest, thing." Pippin said as his brain caught up with his words.

Gandalf and Elrond exchanged and incredulous look at his statement before Merry quipped; "Well that rules you out Pip!"

"Twelve companions." Elrond's voice was soft and contemplative as he spoke. "So be it! You shall be the fellowship of the ring." he declared with a voice of finality.

A sense of pride and hope filled the air, followed by laughter as Pippin's voice echoed out; "Great! Where are we going?"

Notes:

[1] check my pintrest board for this:

.ca/whiterosefletch/the-stars/

[2] "Sit down". Did I really need to explain that one? ;)

Chapter 13. Waiting Games

Three days after the council ended, Ana found herself in the library studying a large book filled with descriptions of local flora. The silence of the library was broken suddenly by a young eleth running in and sliding to a stop at the table where Ana was reading.

"Forgive me miss Ana for disturbing you. Lord Elrond sent me, you are needed at the training grounds. I understand there has been some blood shed."

With a sigh, Ana stood and followed the eleth from the library. Arriving at the grassy area, the eleth, pointed to a small group on the far side of the field. Dashing over, Ana paused when she got close enough to see what was going on and noted that Elrond was nowhere to be found.

Sorcha was flanked by Aragorn and Legolas, being held back by her arms, while Boromir stood across from them with a cloth pressed to his bleeding nose. Seeing her approach, Maeve let out a sigh and her voice filled the space despite the softness of it. "Now you've done it." she whispered.

Turning to watch Ana approach, Aragorn opened his mouth to explain when Ana held up her hand silencing him.

"Let me guess. Boromir made a comment about the three of us being apart of the quest, and Sorcha overheard it. When he refused to back down or apologize, she hit him."

Looking at her sister she asked; "How close am I?"

"Spot on actually." This came from Pippin, who was sitting with Frodo, Sam and Merry watching the spectacle.

Nodding, Ana approached Boromir and had him crouch down to her level. After examining his nose and determining it was badly broken she gave him a sad look and softly said; "Sorry about this." before reaching up and giving his nose a harsh tug. A loud crack echoed over the grounds and he let out a pained grunt. She then murmured softly "Nahta asië {injury heal}." and the pain on Boromir's face vanished. Stepping away, she looked around to see they had gathered a small crowd; including Elrond, Gandalf, Arwen and Glorfindel. Shaking her head as anger began to build in her heart, Ana sent her sister a harsh glare.

"Lord Boromir, may I ask you a question." her voice was cold as she turned back to look at the now standing warrior, who warily nodded.

"What precisely about my sisters and I being members of the fellowship do you object to? Do you think that we will slow the fellowship down more than them?" She pointed to the hobbits off to the side. "Perhaps you think that we will not be able to contribute the same as the rest of you? Maeve is an excellent fighter, as you know from watching her spar. I have healing skills and Sorcha is one of the best trackers in Middle Earth."

"She is the best." Aragorn and Legolas called out.

When he made no response, Ana continued. "Ah, then you must think we will be a distraction." Frodo and Aragorn each let out a slight choking sound at that but she was not dissuaded in her rant. "For surely you do not think that we cannot defend ourselves."

Here Boromir had the sense to look sheepish and she felt a grim sense of satisfaction for reading him so well. Taking a deep breath, she began to speak loudly;

"Very well. As anyone present can attest, this is the first time I have come to the training grounds. Correct?"

A chorus of voices called out that it was true.

"Well then Lord Boromir, I challenge you to a sparring match. If I win, you will apologize to my sister and we will not speak of this again. If you win, the three of us will withdraw from the fellowship."

A collective gasp went out and both Sorcha and Maeve began to call out:

"Ana! No! We must go, you can't -" Maeve called out..

"What?! I'll not stay here like some -" Sorcha's voice was angry as she sputtered.

Holding up her hand, she glared at her sisters and let out a hiss of "Tost! Le do thoil. {Silence! Please.}"

Turning back to Boromir, she asked; "Do you agree my lord"

"I do." His reply echoed over the area and those on the outskirts moved to make a circle around the two of them.

Ana bobbed her head once and turned to her sisters. Quickly untying her cloak and handing it to Maeve, Ana held out her hand for a sword. With a grim expression, Sorcha handed it over.

Letting the weight of the sword drag her arm down, Ana let out a soft huff as the tip of the sword thunked into the grass. Turning to find Boromir waiting behind her, she drug the sword over to take a ready stance. Nodding her head, she waited for him to move. A heartbeat later, she saw him tense and swing his sword. In a move that should have been too quick for her to make, Ana pushed her sword along the ground between Boromir's legs. Throwing her weight forward immediately after, she rolled into a tumble and sprang to her feet behind him, picking up her sword as she went. With a cry, she used the sword like a staff, pushing the tip into the ground and jumped up using both feet to kick Boromir in the backside. The move came as a surprise and he went sprawling. Catching his balance at the last second, he whirled around on his knees to face Ana. Swinging his sword around a second time, it was blocked and jarred from his grasp when she used the hilt of her own sword to wrap the back of his hand. With another flick, the tip of her sword was pointed at his throat.

Silence fell over the shocked onlookers for a heartbeat before they all started to cheer. It was Gandalf and Elrond's laughter that finally silenced the cheers.

"It would seem there is more to this hobbit than meets the eye. Well done Ana." Elrond had a large smile on his face as he spoke.

"How?" Boromir's voice was full of confusion.

Silence fell again and Ana grinned. "Just because I have not been down to the training grounds, does not mean I don't know how to use a weapon."

"Our father insisted we all learn." Maeve explained.

"Ana picked it up fastest, and moved on to other things. Hence her healing." Sorcha added.

Standing, Boromir walked over to Sorcha and his shoulders slumped.

"I am truly appalled at my actions Lady Sorcha. I beg your forgiveness."

"Forgiven. Besides, I think the bruise on your face will serve as a great reminder for a while." Sorcha smiled and held her hand out to him. With a smile, Boromir grasped her outstretched arm. Giving a slight bow, Ana returned the training sword to its place and went over the inspect the injuries she'd noticed on 'her boys'.

Later that day, a group of riders including Gandalf, Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir left Rivendell. Watching them leave from a dais above the courtyard, Sorcha heard the sounds of footsteps and turned to see Legolas approach.

"Mithrandir is leaving?" His voice was full of confusion as he watched the last of the riders leave.

"They are searching for the nine. If we are to succeed, it is best if our fellowship is not having to worry about them tracking us." Sorcha explained.

"Wise." Legolas's reply was soft.

Glancing over at him, Sorcha watched as a myriad of emotions crossed his face.

"Legolas? Are you - ?" concern filled her voice as she spoke.

The elf said nothing, he simply looked sadly at her for a heartbeat then nodded.

"All is well Sorcha." he smiled then. "In fact I am most glad to finally be able to call you by your birth name."

Sorcha grinned then also. "No more hiding who I am. Life has changed a lot in a short amount of time."

The conversation turned to pleasant things and the friends began a slow walk along the paths of Rivendell. After a while, they walked in silence and found themselves on a path that neither recognized. Rounding a bend in the path, they both stopped walking suddenly. Standing on a bridge a short ways away, Aragorn and Arwen stood. Neither wanted to intrude the intimate moment they were witnessing, so they silently turned and walked back the way they'd come.

"They are fortunate to have found joy in these dark times." Sorcha said after they were out of earshot from her brother and Arwen.

Legolas stopped and looked at her. "Fortunate? The lady Arwen will die. That is not fortunate."

The silence between them began to feel strained to Sorcha and she searched for something to say.

"Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."[1] she said after a moment. Legolas looked at her with confusion and sadness on his face before turning and continuing to walk down the path. Watching him go, she gave a slight wave of her hand and glimpsed her friend's aura. A sad look filled her face. Not saying anything, she simply stood and watched the elf's retreating form finding that the lyrics to 'somewhere only we know'[2] started to go through her mind. Letting out a sad sigh, she turned to go a different way and nearly ran into Boromir.

"Forgive me Lady Sorcha. I'd not meant to disturb you."

"It's alright. I was lost in my own thoughts. How are you finding Rivendell Lord Boromir?"

A slight grimace appeared on Boromir's face, but was quickly gone.

"As we are to be companions on this journey, perhaps it would be best to forgo this 'lord and lady' business."

Sorcha laughed in spite of herself and nodded.

"That sounds lovely, Boromir." she paused. "Now, you didn't answer my question. How are you finding Rivendell?"

"It is wonderful. I find myself enjoying the peace of this place and wishing there was no need to leave." He replied.

"Such is it with the lands of the elves."

Without realizing they'd begun, the two were walking down the path; telling each other as they went of the lands they'd traveled, of the places they'd been born, and stories from their childhoods. Sorcha found that Boromir was easy to talk to and very likable despite their first meetings. Which made it very difficult to remember that she'd decided to not get too attached. 'He's probably going to die.' she reminded herself as they talked. The sobering thought was interrupted by the sound of the bells. Turning from their path, the two headed for the hall and food. Upon arriving, they were quickly pulled over to a table near the outdoor balcony by Pippin. All laughter and smiles, Sorcha quickly found all traces of sadness chased away.

The plates of food were cleared and a soft lull filled the hall when Sam caught Sorcha's attention. "Miss Sorcha?"

Turning to look at the hobbit she responded; "Yes Sam?"

"Ana mentioned earlier today that we haven't learned much about your world. I was hoping I could convince you to tell us a bit about it tonight."

Looking across the table at her sister, who was deep in conversation with Pippin, Sorcha smiled.

"What would you like to know master Samwise?"

"What's it like?" Merry's voice caused her to look across and realize that everyone at their table had stopped their conversations and was waiting for her reply.

"Human." her short description earned confused looks and she smiled.

"Life moves very quickly because of the shortness of it. Because of that much of the joy life brings is missed by most people."

"That's not to say that everyone lives that way." Ana piped up.

"Hopeful." Maeve added softly. "I'd say it is a world of hope, despite the hardships."

"Hardships?" Boromir's question seemed doubtful.

"Famine, tyrants, war." Ana explained.

"And yet through it all, hope remains." Maeve reiterated.

Pippin's voice was fearful and quiet as he asked; "How?"

"Love." Sorcha glanced from the corner of her eye at Legolas, who was sitting at the far end of the table. Without saying anything else, she stood and wandered over to the musicians table. A moment later, she was back with a stringed instrument in her hand. Sitting on the edge of the table, she began to play a melancholy melody and soon her haunting voice echoed throughout the hall.

Let's say goodbye dear, with a smile dear.

Just for a while dear, we must part.

Don't let this parting upset you,

I'll not forget you, sweetheart.

We'll meet again, don't where, don't know when.

But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.

Keep smiling through, just like you always do,

Till' the blue skies chase those dark clouds far away.

And I will just say hello, to the folks that you know.

Tell them you won't be long.

They'll be happy to know, that as I saw you go,

You were singing this song.

We'll meet again, don't where, don't know when.

But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.

Keep smiling through, just like you always do,

Till' the blue skies chase those dark clouds far away.

And I will just say hello, to the folks that you know.

Tell them you won't be long.

They'll be happy to know, that as I saw you go,

You were singing this song.

We'll meet again, don't where, don't know when.

But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day. [3]

Returning the instrument to the musicians, she quickly slipped from the hall. Watching her go, Ana turned to Maeve and the sisters stood to follow.

"We'll be right back." Ana explained to the group as the left.

The sound of sobbing caught Maeve's attention as the girls left the hall. Following the sound, she lead the way with Ana following. Rounding the corner, they found Sorcha leaning against a wall. Not saying a word the girls slowly approached.

"Sor?" Ana called out softly.

"I - I just, need…" her words were almost lost in her sobs.

"A minute, we know. But we're not going anywhere." Maeve said as she walked over and helped Sorcha to sit.

Joining her on the ground, silence fell as Maeve and Ana let Sorcha calm down. After a few moments, Sorcha looked up and gave her sisters a small smile.

"I'm ok. I just had a wave of emotion hit me. It was like I could feel all of the fear and pain in the room all at once. It washed over me and I thought about mom and dad, then about this journey we are undertaking." she paused. "And I just lost it."

The girls were interrupted form responding by the sound of feet on the path. Turning, they watched as Aragorn approached. Seeing them, he stopped a few feet away. Ana suddenly stood and pulled Maeve up with her.

"We are going back to the hall." she said quickly, before pulling Maeve along with her.

Silently, Aragorn watched them go then slowly walked over to crouch down beside Sorcha.

"Maildë? {Are you well?}" his strong voice pulled Sorcha from her thoughts.

Seeing the look of worry on her brother's face sent a new wave of emotion through Sorcha and she burst into more sobs. Reaching out, Aragorn pulled her into his arms, rubbing a soothing pattern over her back. Soft words fell from his lips and her cries quieted. After a few moments, he pulled away slightly and realized that Sorcha had fallen asleep.

In one fluid motion he stood with Sorcha in his arms and began to swiftly walk towards her room. A moment later, he softly slipped the door open and laid her on her bed. Pressing a soft kiss to her head and murmuring "Murmë. {sleep well.}", he slipped silently from the room.

Time passed slowly to the members of the fellowship as they waited for news of the nine. Nearly a month after they'd left, Glorfindel and Elladan returned. The news they brought was hopeful. They had travelled north and east, with no sign of the nine. A fortnight later, Gandalf and Elrohir returned bearing similar news. Three days after Gandalf returned, the members of the fellowship were one by one told to be prepared to leave at a moments notice.

With Arwen's help, Ana carefully packed a leather bag full with healing herbs, salves and clean cloths. Excusing herself for a moment, Arwen returned and presented Ana with a small hip pouch.

"Maeve and Sorcha described some of the tools you used in your world, and I commissioned them for you. A gift to be used in good faith." Arwen explained as she handed the simple bag over.

Slowly opening it, Ana gasped slightly at the beautiful instruments inside. Two wickedly sharp scalpels, a small saw and clamps of various sizes, as well as a small curved needle and a spool of thin thread.

"Thank you Arwen. I pray I'll have no need for these."

Smiling at the young hobbit, Arwen nodded and turned back to the packing. Very quickly, Ana's belongings were stacking in a neat pile near the door. The sight of her healing bags, a bed roll, sturdy boots and warm cloak, two wicked looking daggers and her traveling garb stilled Ana for a moment. The gravity of the quest settled on her all at once and she felt the first tendrils of worry curl around her heart. The moment was interrupted by a knock on her door, and Frodo pearing his head into the room.

"Uncle has sent for us. Can you come Ana?" he asked.

Nodding to her brother, she said; "I'll be just a moment." Turning to look at Arwen once more, she took a step closer to the elf, catching her attention as she did so.

"Lady Arwen, your kind spirit has been a balm in this troubled time. Thank you for everything." pausing, Ana looked between Frodo and Arwen before adding; "If I may, there is a tradition from earth I'd like to share, when one leaves the company of a friend. Here in Arda, it is reserved for family and I am finding that I miss giving people hugs…" her voice faded away, and Arwen smiled softly before crouching down to Ana's level and pulling the hobbit into a warm embrace. "It has been my honor to know you Ana. May your journey be blessed." Arwen whispered.

After a few seconds, Ana was released and she followed Frodo from the room. "Nice sword brother." Ana commented as they walked.

Blushing, Frodo stopped walking to look at his sister. "Don't be angry. Uncle said you already had a weapon, so it was only fitting that I . . ."

Holding up her hand to stop her brother, Ana smiled. "It is fitting for you to carry Sting. I have a feeling you will do great things together."

A strange look passed over Frodo's face for a moment before he too smiled and the siblings continued walking.

Arriving in Bilbo's room a few moments later, they found a small chest sitting at the foot of Bilbo's bed. Rising with a smile as they entered, Bilbo motioned for the siblings to stand near the bed. Reaching into the chest, Bilbo pulled out two wrapped packages. Unfolding the soft leather of the first revealed a beautiful pair of gold vambraces covered is small glinting gems. Handing them to Ana he spoke; "These have already seen combat my dear, and I hope that they will serve you as well as their former owner."

Ana let out a soft gasp as she picked up one of the gauntlets. Confusion filled her face as she looked back at her uncle.

"How? They are radiating power." Her voice was soft as she spoke.

Smiling, Bilbo explained; "The gems are shards from the Arkenstone. When the dwarves formed the stone for King Thrór, these were taken and added to these gauntlets. Thrór gave these to Queen Thàra as a wedding gift. She was the last of the Dwarven seers, and stored magic in the shards. After my adventure with the dragon, I was gifted these as well as this pretty thing." he paused and opened the other package. Pulling out a shirt that jingled, Ana let out a small gasp as she stared at the beautiful armor.

"Mithril." Bilbo explained as he held it out to his nephew.

"As light as a feather, and as hard as dragon scales." Ana whispered.

"Indeed my dear." Bilbo smiled and nodded to Frodo as he held out the shirt. "Let me see you put it on."

Taking a step backwards, Frodo began to unbutton his shirt, and a whisper filled the room. Glancing over, Ana caught sight of the ring hanging around her brother's neck. At the same moment, her uncle to saw the ring, and it began to call out to them. Bilbo's reaction, Ana did not hear, for the power of the ring wrapped itself around her.

"Dyana, daughter of Siobhan. You need me. You know the weakness in the hobbit. He will fail! Take me from him. You will succeed." Reaching out, with her power, Ana could see everything the ring promised. In her mind's eye, she saw Frodo standing in front of her offering her the ring. Slowly, her hand reached out for it, only to feel a jolt of power and her hand re-coil. Squaring her shoulders, she stood tall and called out; "NO!"

As suddenly as the voice had filled Ana's mind, it was gone the same. Exhaustion filled her and she fell, grasping for the bed.

Looking up, she found a worried Frodo crouching beside her and hear Bilbo's sad voice; "I'm sorry I brought this upon you my dears. I'm sorry that you must carry this burden." Slowly rising to her feet, Ana patted her brother's hand before going over to their uncle and enveloping him in an embrace just as he broke down sobbing; "I'm sorry for everything."

Elsewhere, Sorcha and Maeve were thanking the smiths for their wonderful craftsmanship. Maeve wore her sharpened whip sword around her waist. Sorcha already prepared, was wearing her new ranger garb and had a strange looking metal and wood circle tied to her waist.. Leaving the smiths, they headed to their rooms and double checked their belongings. Once done, the sisters met in the courtyard they'd first re-gained their memories in. Using their strengthening abilities, they threw up a wall of power around them to talk in private.

Silence fell for a moment as the sister mulled over the details they needed to discuss.

"How do we do this?." Maeve asked finally.

Sorcha and Ana looked at each other before Ana spoke; "I think we just play it by ear?"

Sorcha nodded. "We don't know how events are going to transpire, but I think that as long as we do what we can to influence events the way we know them to happen, that should change things. Right?"

Silence fell for a moment as the girls pondered.

"Boromir." Ana's voice was soft. "He's going to die isn't he?"

Sorcha and Maeve nodded sadly. "I think that his death is a…" Maeve paused, thinking.

"Fixed point in time?" Ana finished.

Neither of them saw the look of sadness and panic that passed over Sorcha's face at their words. "I suppose we will have to see what happens." she said softly before smiling at her sisters reference. They spoke for almost an hour of the things they knew, and how they thought it best to either prevent or cause them to happen. In the end, it was decided that they would simply see how events unfolded and do what they could in the moment.

Standing from the bench, they dropped the wall of power around the courtyard and found Gandalf waiting for them. "It is time." he said before turning a quickly walking away.

Without saying a word, the girls headed back to their sleeping quarters to collect their things. Meeting in the hallway junction between their rooms, they headed towards the southern courtyard where the rest of the fellowship was meeting.

Notes:

[1] Alfred Lord Tennyson quote

[2] Somewhere Only We Know - Keane

[3] We'll Meet Again - Katherine Jenkins

Ps - anyone catch my Doctor Who reference?

Chapter 14. Southbound

To move or go from one place or point to another. Travel. It seemed like such an innocuous word. However, as the fellowship spent their thirtieth day walking, the girls began to understand just how dangerous the word was. Passing through a large section of forest, Sorcha stopped in her march and looked around. Letting out a soft whistle, the fellowship all stopped and looked at her. Taking a step closer to his sister, Aragorn spoke in hushed tones. Suddenly, Maeve turned to look out into the trees behind them, at the exact moment Sorcha pointed. With a quick nod, Aragorn and Sorcha disappeared into the trees. Once they were out of sight, the rest of the group subtly formed a loose circle around Frodo.

Walking silently through the trees, Sorcha led Aragorn to a clearing a few yards away from the group. She'd been feeling a heavy presence as they walked getting heavier the closer they got to the clearing. Separating, Sorcha and Aragorn traced the clearing from opposite sides, once they were confident there was no present danger, they stepping out from the trees. The moment she stepped out into the clearing, Sorcha fell to her knees as a vision overtook her. Running over, Aragorn crouched down and caught her as she fell over the moment it ended.

"Man cenich? {what do you see?}" Aragorn whispered as Sorcha came back to herself.

"N-fara-m. {We are being hunted.}" Sorcha seemed far away as she spoke. Turning sharply to look at her brother, she slowly stood. "Not a fortnight ago, this clearing was filled with wargs and their riders. They are circling us, I fear we will soon be trapped."

Seeing the fear in her face, the two quickly returned to the fellowship. By the time they got back to the group, Sorcha was feeling more herself. After quietly explaining what had happened, and what Sorcha had seen, it was decided that Legolas would scout ahead of them, and Sorcha volunteered to go with him.

"Sorcha, are you sure that is best? That vision incapacitated you." Aragorn whispered as he grabbed his sister arm; preventing her from joining the elf.

"I'm fine. I wasn't prepared before, I am now." Her voice dripped with assurance as she spoke. "Besides, he needs someone to keep him out of trouble." she pointed at Legolas.

"Trouble?" his voice was indignant as he spoke.

Not offering a moment to argue, Sorcha slipped from her brother's grasp.

"Don't do anything stupid till we catch up." Ana said as Sorcha walked by.

Walking quickly past the rest of the fellowship, Sorcha grabbed Legolas by the arm and pulled him along with her. "How can I? You're keeping all the stupid with you." she called out before they disappeared from sight.

"She'll be fine. We can sense each other you know. Ana and I will know if she is in trouble." Maeve told Aragorn.

Silence fell over the group and they continued walking. A few hours later, they came upon a small cave hidden by trees. After checking to ensure they were alone, they made camp for the night.

Dawn seemed to come early for the fellowship, as they were joined by Sorcha and Legolas. In hushed tones, Legolas and Gandalf began to speak. Quickly pulling her sisters aside, Sorcha explained to them in hushed Gaelic, the events of the night.

"Fuaireamar an namhaiel. Idir an bheirt againn d'éirigh linn aid a chaitheamh amach as do rian.Tá imní orm go gcuirfidh Legolas ina luí ar Gandalf dul ar bhóthar Rohan. {We found the wargs. Between the two of us, we managed to throw them off our trail. But I have a feeling that Legolas is encouraging Gandalf to travel the gap of Rohan.}"

"Ní féidir linn dul ar an mbealach sin. {We can't go that way}" Ana insisted.

"Aontaithe. {agreed.}" Maeve nodded as she spoke.

"Conas a spreagfaimid iad le dul ar bhealach difriúil? {How do we encourage them to go a different way?}" Ana's voice was soft as she spoke.

"Chonaic mé an ghoirmiú carraige. Ba mhaith liom a rá go bhfuil sé ach leath lá siuúl amach. {I saw the rock formation just before we headed back to you. I'd say it's a half day's walk away.}" Sorcha explained.

"An mbeidh orainn rud éigin a bhréagnú? {Are we going to have to fake something?}" Ana asked.

Looking at her sisters, Sorcha smiled. "Ana, tá tú dáiríre! Tiocfaidh mé go dtí na carraigeacha agus déanaim rud éigin chun díobháil a dhéanamh dom féin. Ansin is féidir leat beirt a éileamh go bhfaighidh tú mé.{Ana, you're a genius! I'll head to the rocks, and do something to injure myself. Then you two can insist you find me.} "

"Má fhanann muid go dtí beagnach aon cheann, bheimis in am ann do na héin. {If we wait till almost noon, we'd be near the rocks in time for the birds.} " Ana's eyes lit up with the idea.

"Sorcha, pada boe-m. {Sorcha, we must go.}" Legolas' voice interrupted the girls. Standing, she winked at her sisters and left with the elf.

"Pardon me miss Maeve, but what was that language you were speaking just now?" Sam's questions startled Maeve. She looked over at Ana with a slight panic, before turning to look at Sam.

"Sorry Sam. We didn't know you were awake. Nor did we mean to disturb you." Maeve spoke softly.

"And yet, you've not answered the hobbits question." Boromir's voice was laced with distrust as he spoke.

In that moment, Maeve and Ana looked around to see that the other members of the fellowship were awake and staring at them.

"Irish. We were speaking Irish. It is the language of our mother's people." Ana quickly explained.

"And why would you have need to speak in a tongue not known to those present? Are we not friendly ears?" Boromir's voice grew sharper the more he spoke.

Glancing at each other, the girls paused for a heartbeat before looking back to answer. They were interrupted when Gandalf stood and placed a hand on Boromir's shoulder.

"Peace Boromir. We must remember that Sorcha, Maeve and Ana have knowledge of the future and this is dangerous for us. They were simply discussing what they know."

Silence settled over the group for a moment, before one by one they started to gather their things. Nodding their thanks to the wizard, the girls quickly packed and waited for the others.

"What was it you spoke of with Maeve and Ana?" Legolas asked once they were out of earshot from the camp.

The question caught Sorcha off guard and her steps stuttered for a second. Catching herself she glanced at her companion. "You heard us?" she asked quietly.

"Indeed." He answered.

Pausing for a moment, Sorcha considered her words carefully before she spoke. "We were speaking of the future. Things we know from our world, and how they will affect our journey."

Legolas stopped walking and turned to look at Sorcha, he considered her words before he spoke; "We need to go another way. The gap is not safe."

Confusion filled Sorcha's face. "How did? I thought you didn't understand what we were saying! You can't-"

"Your voice." Legolas interrupted.

Starring in obvious confusion, Sorcha waited for Legolas to explain. "We've known each other for many years brethil {princess.} Your voice sounded pained as you spoke. I also recognized one word you said, Rohan. I simply deduced the fear in your voice was because of what waits there."

With a sigh, Sorcha took a few steps away and leaned against a nearby tree.

"Forgive me. It is strange how easy that is to forget." Sorcha whispered.

Walking over, Legolas reached out his hand, but stopped. A sad look crossing his face for a heartbeat before it was hidden by a look of neutrality.

"Come. There was a large rock formation I saw. Gandalf is leading the fellowship there. We are to meet them for our mid day meal."

Not waiting for a reply, the elf quickly strode away, and was lost from view. Sorcha meanwhile stared at his disappearing form in shock before hurrying after him.

Arriving at a large rock formation, the fellowship spread out, Sam and Ana preparing a hot meal. Legolas headed to the tallest rock as stood watch. Knowing what was coming, Maeve and Sorcha silently moved a few belongings to be nearer bushes. Once Sam announced the food ready, they quickly ate, and sat waiting. Watching Boromir training with Merry and Pippin, Maeve wandered over and whispered something to Merry. With a laugh, he nodded and changed his stance slightly, gaining more control over his sword.

Ana looked up with a start as Aragorn's voice echoed out; "Move your feet." as he watched Pippin spar with Boromir. Catching her sister's eye, Maeve gave a slight nod. A moment later, Gimli's voice drew Ana's attention;

"If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I know that they're not. I'd say we were taking the long way 'round. Gandalf, we could pass through the mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome!"

Whipping around, she stared at Gandalf carefully watching his expression.

"No Gimli, I would not take the road to Moria, unless I had no other choice." Gandalf said in a soft firm voice.

A heartbeat later, Legolas jumped from one rock to another, coming to stand beside Sorcha as she gazed out at the sky. With a cry, Pippin dropped his sword and Boromir could be heard apologizing. A moment later, both he and Aragorn, who tried to help were on the ground being 'attacked' by Merry and Pippin. Ana and Maeve, quickly picked up the belongings nearest them and began to move towards the large bushes.

"What is that?" Sam's question spread out like a wave stilling everyone.

"Nothing. Just a wisp of cloud." Gimli responded.

Ana and Maeve exchanged a worry filled look before glancing up at Sorcha. It wasn't until Boromir spoke that the worry they'd felt blossomed to full blown panic.

"It's moving fast, and against the wind…"

"Crebain from Dunland!"

"Hide!"

The almost overlapping cries were lost in the wind as Ana pulled herself under a bush with Aragorn, Sam and Frodo following behind her.

Maeve grabbed Merry and Pippin from where they stood in shock and threw them under a rock outcropping. Whirling around, she pulled a large bush up from its roots and laid it over herself and them. In a heartbeat, Sorcha exchanged a glance with Legolas before his hand grasped hers and he pulled her over the edge of the rock. A short fall later, she landed heavily on top of him and let out a heavy breath. Without a word, he pulled her to her knees the the two crawled under a nearby bush.

Screeching cries filled the air and the sun faded as the birds flew overhead, then around the rock formation before flying away towards Rohan. No one moved until the cries were gone and silence filled the air. Slowly crawling from their hiding spaces, Gandalf let out a disgusted huff before he spoke; "Spies of Saruman." He was interrupted by Maeve's soft voice; "The passage south is being watched."

Sparing a quick glance her way, Gandalf nodded before turning to look up at the mountain behind him. "We must take the path of Caradhras."

They were all given a quick once over by Ana after she tended to the cut on Pippin's hand, before the fellowship quickly headed towards the base of the mountain.

After two days of walking, the ground began to slowly slope upwards. Stopping in their march at the back of the group, the sisters paused and watched the rest of the fellowship for a moment.

"Seo an chuid a bhfuilim ag súil leis ar a laghad. {This is the part I'm looking forward to the least.}" Ana said with a shiver.

"Cad mar gheall ar an scéal a mbeidh muid ag siúl isteach leis na mianaigh {What about the situation we're going to walk into with the mines?}" Maeve asked as her thoughts turned to the orcs and Balrog.

When Sorcha made no comment, they turned to look at her and found her scooping snow up in her hands. Shooting a wink her sister's way, she calmly walked over towards the rest of the fellowship. With a quick fling of her arm, the snowball went flying as she jumped over to walk behind the hobbits. The snowball expertly crashed into the back of Legolas' head. At the moment it hit her mark, she cried out; "Pippin!"

As she spoke, she scooped up more snow and threw it over the hobbits. Not willing to be left out, they four began to scoop snow up as well. While they were distracted, snowballs crashed into the backs of Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli. Laughing, Maeve and Ana took off running up the hill away from their targets. Soon laughter and shouts echoed over the snowy pass. Gandalf meanwhile, hauled himself up onto a large rock and pulled out his pipe. Smiling and smoking, he laughed as he watched. The happiness and distraction of the moment was shattered in a heartbeat when Frodo, after throwing a large snowball at Boromir, lost his balance and tumbled head over heels down the slope, crashing into Aragorn.

The girls held their breath as they waited for the moment to pass, they know was coming. They watched with tension filled bodies, as Aragorn helped Frodo to his feet and brushed the snow from his cloak. A heavy feeling fell over the fellowship a heartbeat later, as Frodo scrambled around the front of his shirt to reveal the ring no longer around his neck. From the corner of her eye, Sorcha watched as Boromir bent and scooped up a small silver chain. Holding it aloft, it glinted in the sunlight.

"Boromir?" Maeve's soft voice seemed to fall on deaf ears as he stared at the ring now dangling from his hand.

"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing." As if in a trance Boromir, spoke while he stared at the ring.

Without speaking, Sorcha sent a small wave of power towards him, encouraging him to release the ring. The second her power touched him, Sorcha felt it bounce back at her filling her mind and calling out to her. At the same moment, Aragorn's voice called out across the now silent slope; "Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo."

With a jolt, the power of the ring over Boromir cracked and he came back to himself. The girls let out a sigh, and watched warily as Boromir looked up and then down the slope towards Aragorn and Frodo. Breathing heavily, he slowly began to walk down the mountain towards the pair, extending his hand, with the ring hanging from it towards them.

"As you wish." He said. His voice revealing how shaken he was by the situation. With a quick move, Frodo reached out and wrenched the ring from Boromir's hand.

A large smile appeared on Boromir's face as he looked down at Frodo and spoke; "I care not." Reaching out, he ruffled the hobbits hair, then turned and trudged back up the mountain slope. Slowly, Aragorn released his grip on his sword hilt, and Legolas let his arm drop from here he'd been reaching for an arrow. Emotion ran heavy though the group as they resumed their trek, silent but for the blowing wind.

Less than an hour later, the wind picked up and began to blow snow heavily around the group. Grabbing the attention of Merry, Pippin, Sam and Frodo, Ana pulled two small squares of silver from her bag. Handing one to Sorcha, she flicked her wrist and the small silver square unfolded to reveal a large blanket.

"We only had enough time to make two, but they should be large enough if you share." As she spoke, she handed the blanket to Maeve who wrapped it around Merry and Pippin. Sorcha then did the same thing with the other blanket, wrapping it around Frodo and Sam.

"What kind of blanket is it?" Merry asked rubbing the silver cloth between his fingers.

"It is something we tried to recreate from our world. It's called a thermal blanket. It's made to take any warmth your body gives off and turn it back to you." Ana explained.

"The smiths and seamstresses of Rivendell helped us make them." Sorcha added.

Continuing their trek, Sorcha and Maeve huddled closer to Ana as she shivered in the cold wind. After what seemed like hours, the girls slowed their walking.

"That's almost funny." Ana's teeth chattered as she spoke and nodded her head at Legolas who past them, walking on top of the snow drift.

"There's a foul voice on the air." Legolas suddenly called back, from his place in front of Gandalf.

Looking up sharply, the wizard let out a loud cry; "It's Saruman!"

A loud crack was heard from above them, as rocks fell, nearly hitting the pass. The members of the fellowship threw themselves towards the wall of the mountain. Exchanging a quick look, Maeve, Sorcha and Ana huddled together in a small triangle. Grasping each other's hands, they began to softly murmur.

Meanwhile, Aragorn called out to Gandalf; "He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf we must turn back."

Shaking his head at the ranger, Gandalf called back; "No!" before pulling himself up onto the snowdrift near Legolas. Reaching out, he began to call out into the air.

Power radiated in the air for a moment while Gandalf tried to hold Saruman's magic at bay. A heartbeat later, a bolt of lightning lit the snow filled sky and cracked into the mountain above them. With a cry, the sisters sent out a wave of power over the fellowship, just as the mountain above them gave way and snow fell in an avalanche over them. Not knowing if their spell held or not, the girls scrambled and pushed the snow from above their heads until they broke through. Turning to where the others had been, they started to crawl over and dig. Before they could get very far, Legolas pushed through the snow, followed quickly by a hobbit sized arm. Reaching out for it, Ana grasped the hand and pulled. Realizing it was Frodo, they dug the snow away also revealing Aragorn and a gasping Sam. A heartbeat later, Gimli appeared, shaking his head and letting out a growling sound. Next came Merry and Pippin, held aloft by Boromir. Lastly, Gandalf was revealed. Turning to yell at the wizard, Boromir called out; "We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan, and take the west road to my city!"

Unable to stop themselves; Maeve, Sorcha and a still shivering Ana called out; "NO!"

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard." Both Sorcha and Aragorn called out.

"If we canna' pass over the mountain, let us go under it! Let us go through the mines of Moria." Gimli's voice called out over the whistling snow and wind.

Looking between the sisters, a flicker of fear crossed Gandalf's face while Sorcha, Maeve and Ana stared back at him, each giving a barely perceptible nod. Looking away from the girls, his eyes travelled over the other members of the fellowship. With a look of resolution, he turned his head to stare at Frodo. A heavy silence filled the air for a second before his voice echoed out; "Let the ring bearer decide."

A visible shiver ran through Frodo as he looked up at the wizard, then slowly looked at the others. Visibly shaken, he didn't say a word.

Boromir called out; "This will be the death of the hobbits!"

"Not helping." Maeve muttered, just loud enough to be heard.

Ignoring them, Gandalf looked to Frodo, and called out his name. Looking up to the wizard, Frodo took a breath and called out; "We will go through the mines."

Sorcha, Maeve and Ana each let out a slightly sad sigh as they watched Gandalf. A look of resolution settled over his face and he softly replied; "So be it."

Notes:

As you can tell, most of this is the same as the film. However, I do have some more significant changes planned for the next chapter...Moria.

The blankets the girls had made were inspired by thermal blankets.

Chapter 15. Moria

Four full days of walking later, the fellowship began to again climb a rocky path. Rounding a corner in the mist, Gandalf called out for Frodo to come and 'help an old man'. Stumbling slightly, Ana felt her arm grasped firmly and she glanced over smiling in thanks at Pippin. Leaning in towards him slightly, Ana whispered; "Old man my foot. Uncle Bilbo said he made comments like that when he was adventuring with Gandalf."

Pippin laughed slightly in response and repeated the comment to Merry when he asked what the amusement was. Laughing and whispering, the three continued trudging along.

Sorcha and Maeve stopped and watched sadly as Gandalf pulled Frodo to the side of the path and spoke in a low voice to him.

"Is dócha go bhfuil sé ag déanamh imní dó gan ghá faoi chontúirtí an fháinne. {He's probably worrying him needlessly about the dangers of the ring.}" Maeve whispered to her sister. Nodding in agreement, Sorcha whispered back; "Labhróidh mé le Frodo. Beidh an t-iarratas seo os a chionn sula dtosaíonn an t-iompróir fáinne gach dóchas {I'll speak with Frodo. This quest will be over before it begins if the ring bearer loses all hope.}"

Maeve nodded her agreement and went to walk with Gandalf.

Slipping ahead to talk with Frodo, Sorcha was stopped by a small gasping sound from Gimli. Turning to look at the dwarf she followed his gave seeing the reverent look on his face as he spoke; "The walls. . . of Moria."

Carefully picking their way down the steep slope, the fellowship found themselves on the edge of a murky lake. Single file, the group slowly followed Gandalf around the edge sticking close to the wall, and making sure no one went into the water. After a few moments of silence, Gimli started to tap the tip of his axe to the wall. Pride in his voice as he explained; "Dwarf walls are invisible when closed."

Laughing slightly, Sorcha responded; "Yes Gimli." Looking at Pippin and Merry, she winked before she continued; "In fact, I remember hearing that sometimes, their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten."

Grins broke out on all the faces of the fellowship except for Legolas, who looked at the walls with a look of disdain and murmured; "Why doesn't that surprise me?". As well as Gimli, who upon hearing his comment let out a heavy sigh and continued to walk.

A second later, Frodo lost his footing and was stopped from falling completely into the water by Ana, who was suddenly at his side and grabbing his arm. With a gasp, he stepped back and removed a now wet foot from the slimy lake. Glancing out at the water, as a nervous energy began to fall, he nodded his thanks to his sister and continued walking.

A moment later, Gandalf stopped walking and began to run his hand up and down one section of the wall. Walking over to him, Maeve stared at one spot in the wall, and reached out to touch it, a slight feeling of power, like an electric shock, jolted through her hand. Motioning to the spot, Gandalf reached out and traced the design. Awe filled his voice as he softly murmured; "Ithildin."

"It mirrors only starlight." Maeve said softly, looking at the wizard.

"And moonlight." Gandalf added. As he turned to look up at the sky.

Seeing the dark clouds that filled the sky, Maeve held a hand up and summoned a wave of power to blow the clouds away. A ripple of air blew out in all directions and running across the top of the lake. A moment later, the wind picked up and the clouds were blown away. A soft gasp caused Maeve to look back at the wall, where the intricately designed doorway was now visible. Taking a step back, Gandalf moved to better see the inscription at the top. Holding out his staff, he began to trace the Dwarvish runes inscribed in the stone, reading as he went; "It reads, The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria."

"Speak friend and enter." Maeve interrupted.

"What do you suppose that means?" Merry's voice called out.

Exchanging a glance and a smile, Maeve and Gandalf looked at each other before turning to the hobbit.

"Oh, it's quite simple." Gandalf explained. "If you are a friend, you speak the passwords, and the doors will open." He stepped up to the door, and placed the top of his staff on the glowing Ithildin, calling out a phrase of Dwarvish.

Merry, Pippin and Ana smiled at each other before silence fell. Everyone looked at the still closed door in silence. Turning in disappointment, Pippin and Merry sat down near the water and started to throw rocks. They were stopped by Aragorn who hissed; "Do not disturb the water."

Looking out, Sorcha saw a slight ripple disturb the otherwise still water. When the ripple turned into a small wave that moved towards them, she called out to her sisters;

"Di? Mae? Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé níos luaithe ná mar ba chóir dó a bheith ann, ach tá sé ag teacht. B'fhéidir gur chóir dúinn na doirse sin a oscailt. . . {I know it's sooner than it should be, but it's coming. Maybe we should open those doors…}"

Glancing out at the water, Maeve and Ana saw the wave that was worrying Sorcha and whirled back to look at the door.

Grabbing Frodo's shoulder, Ana pointed to the words. "Speak friend and enter."

Looking up at his sister, then to the glowing wall, Frodo jumped to his feet. "It's a riddle. What's the elvish word for friend?"

Gandalf, Sorcha, Maeve, Aragorn and Legolas all called out; "Mellon." A heartbeat later, the doors creaked and swung open.

Rising to their feet, everyone started for the entrance. Letting the others go first, Sorcha grabbed the hilt of her sword and took a stance near the water's edge waiting for the creature to emerge. Boromir's voice was the first she heard as it echoed out of the mines; Now get out of here. Get out!" A second later a large tentacle slid out of the water and wrapped itself around Frodo. Even though she'd been expecting it, the creature moved before Sorcha realized, and Frodo was being drug towards the water. With a quick move, she pulled the metal circle from her belt and threw it at the tentacle. At the same moment, Sam called out; "Strider!" With a sickening sound, the creatures limb was severed and Frodo was pulled back from the water by the other hobbits. Knowing what was coming, Sorcha threw herself over to the other side of the hobbits and scooped up her weapon just as more tentacles bust from the water. Maeve and Ana sent a wave of power out grabbing Sam, Merry and Pippin and the creature knocked them away as it grabbed Frodo again. Sorcha gave a cry as she cut another limb from the creature as it hoist Frodo upside down in the air. A second later, an arrow whizzed by Sorcha's ear as she battle with the creature. Over the screams from Frodo, Sorcha heard the sound of Aragorn and Boromir as they too entered the fray. Slicing into another tentacle, Sorcha heard the creature cry out and watched as Aragorn sliced one of the last tentacles, which caused the creature to release Frodo, who fell into Boromir. Trudging back through the water away from the creature, Boromir called out; "Legolas!"

Letting another arrow fly, the creature was slowed but not delayed. Watching in terror, Sorcha was rooted in place as the creature began to crawl from the water after the group. She vaguely heard a voice call out something about the mines before there was suddenly a tug on her arm and she was being pulled down the corridor just ahead of the creature. With the steady pressure of a hand in hers, she skidded to a halt when she saw her sisters holding the hobbits between them, looking back the way she'd come. Slowly turning, Sorcha let out a sad sigh as the last of the rock from the cave entrance crashed down on the creature and all the light went out. Silence fell along with the dust from the cave-in and the company stood for a moment in the dark, until Gandalf's voice filled the air.

"We have but one choice." He called out, before the sound of a match striking was heard and a soft glow filled the hall. Once the light shone, Maeve Sorcha realized her hand was still grasped. Turning slightly, she gave the elf a smile and gently pulled her hand free.

"We must face the long dark of Moria." Maeve added, as the wizard took a step towards her.

With a grimace, Gandalf took another step and spoke again; "Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the world."

Reaching out, Gandalf fixed Maeve with a stare as his hand grasped her arm. Searching her face, gave a quick nod and released her.

Ana meanwhile was pulling a strip of cloth from her bag and a small black jar. Crouching beside her brother, she gently ran the contents of the jar around his ankle and wrapped it with the cloth. Standing quickly, she returned the jar to her bag and went to stand with the others, scanning them for injuries as she went.

One by one the fellowship fell in behind Gandalf as he walked by, leading them up a small flight of stairs. Slipping in between Legolas and Gimli, Sorcha gave the dwarf her most encouraging smile before the three of them headed up the stairs, followed by the hobbits. Grabbing torches from the walls as they passed, Maeve sent a flick of power to them and handed one to Aragorn as they took the last place in the group, following behind Boromir.

"Quietly now." Maeve whispered loud enough to be heard by the entire fellowship. "It's a four day journey to the other side."

"Indeed. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed." Gandalf's reply echoed over the group before silence fell like a heavy wet blanket.

One by one they walked, hour upon hour, with the eerie silence of the mine grating on each member of the fellowship. Walking together, the fellowship fell into three groups; Gandalf leading, followed by Legolas, Maeve and Gimli. Frodo, Sam, Maeve and Boromir kept the the center. Merry, Pippin, Ana and Aragorn came last, ever watchful for enemies. The only thing keeping the grating silence of the mines at bay was the companionship and the stories and songs the girls softly shared. On what Sorcha calculated to be their second day of walking, Gandalf led the group along a narrow walkway overlooking a deep chasm. Wind filled the air in the cavern, and buckets hanging from large chains rattled in the air. Running her hand along the wall, Sorcha watched as Gandalf did the same.

Catching Legolas' attention, Gandalf called out; "The wealth of Moria was not in gold."

"Or jewels." Maeve added.

Confusion filled Legolas's face, and he looked from Gandalf to Maeve for an explanation. Laying her hand gently on his arm, Sorcha pointed to the chasm. As she did, Gandalf reached to top of his staff out over the chasm and the light from the top exploded. Suddenly the entire cavern was filled with light as she explained "Mithril."

Slowly, the members of the fellowship peered over the edge to stare down at the glowing walls. Awe filled their faces and Pippin and Ana had to pull Merry back from the edge when he peered too far. As suddenly as it began, the light went out when Gandalf pulled his staff back. Continuing in their walk, silence fell for a moment before Sorcha spoke.

"In our world, Thorin gave a shirt of Mithril rings. . ."

"To Bilbo." Gandalf nodded as he spoke. "He did so here also."

Gimli let out an awe filled gasp and spoke up for the first time in days; "That was a kingly gift."

Smirking, Gandalf got a faraway look on his face before he replied; "Indeed. I never told him, but it's worth was greater than the value of the Shire."

Looking down at the awestruck hobbit, Maeve watched Frodo tried to cool his features. When he glanced around, and noticed her watching him, she winked and kept walking.

A short time later, the fellowship came to a very steep set of stairs. Climbing them like a ladder, they arrived at the top to find Gandalf staring at three doorways. Quickly hurrying to his side, Maeve helped the exhausted Gandalf around the bend to sit at a large rock. Once he was seated, she turned to help the others when his hand shot out and grabbed hers.

"I have no memory of this place." He whispered to her.

Slowly reaching over and placing her hand on top of his, where it grasped her arm, Maeve crouched down and looked over to meet the wizards gaze.

"I know what it is you would ask of me. . . ask of us. We cannot tell you Mithrandir. All we can do, is our part to help."

His grasp of her arm went slack, and Maeve patted his hand once more before standing and walking back to the others.

"Gandalf says we will rest here. He is exhausted, as we all are." Maeve explained.

Letting out exhausted sighs, the hobbits collapsed. Smiling as she watched, the men found comfortable spots to keep watch. A few moments later, a meal of hard cheese, stale bread and dried meat was passed around. Pulling Maeve aside and away from the others, Sorcha nodded at Gandalf.

"Níl a fhios aige cén bealach le dul, an bhfuil sé? {He doesn't know which way to go does he?}" Sorcha asked.

"An raibh súil againn leis? {Did we expect him to?}" Maeve asked.

"Is dócha nach bhfuil. {I suppose not.}" Sorcha paused and looked back at the rest of the fellowship. She watched as Ana stood and wandered over to Gandalf, offering him his portion of the food. With a sigh, she looked back at Maeve and asked; "Ar chuir sé ceist ort faoi cad atá ag teacht? {Did he ask you about what's coming?}"

A sad look crossed Maeve's face and she nodded. A sad silence fell over the girls as they sat watching the various members of their group. The silence was broken suddenly by Frodo, running over to where Gandalf and Ana were seated.

"There's something down there!" His loud whisper carried over the group, causing everyone to look down into the cavern.

Letting out a sigh, Ana looked up at Gandalf and said; "It's Gollum."

"He's been following us for three days." Gandalf added.

Hearing the lack of concern in his voice, paired with the encouragement from Maeve and Sorcha, the other members of the fellowship retook their seats around the fire. Looking in shock at each other, Legolas and Aragorn turned to ask Sorcha and Maeve for clarification. With a hand held up for silence, Sorcha nodded to Maeve, who raised a hand and made a strange pulling motion with her hands, a blue energy rippling in the air as she did. The next moment the conversation between Frodo, Gandalf and Ana could be heard as clearly as if they'd been sitting near them.

"He escaped the dungeons of Barad dûr?" Frodo asked.

Looking up at her brother Ana interrupted Gandalf, sarcasm dripping from her voice; "Escaped? Or was set loose?"

Shooting her a look, Ana snapped her mouth shut. Looking back at the doorways in front of them, Gandalf continued his explanation; "Now the ring has drawn him here."

"He will never be rid of his need for it." Ana murmured, a sad tone filling her voice.

"He hates and loves the ring, as he hates and loves himself." Gandalf continued. "Smégol's life is a sad story." Feeling a nudge at his knee, Gandalf looked at Ana, to see her nod towards Frodo. Looking over he saw a shock filled face. Sighing sadly, he nodded and said; "Yes. Smégol he was once called. Before the ring found him. Before it drove him mad."

Venom dripped from Frodo's voice as he replied; "It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance!"

"Pity?!" Ana said harshly. "It was pity that stayed uncle's hand!"

"Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them Frodo?" Gandalf's question fell over the entire fellowship in the silence that followed.

"We cannot be so eager to deal out death and judgement brother." Ana said from her place on the floor. "Even the very wise cannot see all ends." Standing, she reached for Gandalf's hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"No indeed my dear." Gandalf said, nodding his thanks to Ana. "My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many."

Understanding passed over Frodo's face and he turned to sit beside the wizard. With a sad sigh, he said; "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."

Walking over to him, Ana put an arm around her brother's shoulder and leaned into him. "So do all who live to see such times." she said softly.

A look of understanding passed between Gandalf and Ana before he spoke again; "So do all who live to see such times. But it is not for them to decide."

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Ana said softly.

Smiling slightly, Gandalf added; "There are other forces at work in this world, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the ring. In which case, you also were meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought."

The mood shifted in that second and Ana felt Frodo relax slightly into her as he returned her embrace. A heartbeat later, Gandalf looked away from the siblings and glanced at one of the doorways.

"Ah!" He exclaimed. "It's that way!" Pointing with his staff, to the dark archway on the left. After helping the wizard to his feet, Ana turned to go back and grab her bag, only to find Pippin standing a few steps away holding it.

"He's remembered?" Pippin asked, his voice echoing in the dark.

"No master Peregrin. But the air doesn't smell so foul down here." Gandalf explained before he and Frodo disappeared down the dark corridor. Seeing the confusion on Pippin's face, Ana smiled reached for his arm. Walking arm in arm after the wizard, she leaned in a whispered. "When in doubt, follow your nose."

The darkness of the corridor deepened and dropped away as the fellowship found a winding set of stairs. Hurrying after Gandalf, they came out into a huge cavern. The air of it felt old, hallowed. Looking to see that everyone was accounted for, Gandalf took the last few steps down into the flat ground and whispered; "Let me risk a little more light." A second later, his staff let out a burst of light and the members of the fellowship all gasped at the grandeur before them.

"Behold. The great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf." Gandalf's voice echoed out. Looking in awe, silence fell again as the fellowship slowly moved through the great hall of stone pillars. A short while later, there appeared a stream of light from the darkness above them. Following the beam of light, they group found it streaming through a space in the rock wall and into a chamber beyond. With a cry, Gimli took off running for the chamber. Calling after him, the other members soon realized their words were falling on deaf ears and followed him. Lagging behind as they went, the girls began to prepare for the battle they know was coming. Using their power, they quickly took the swords and axes from the skeletal Dwarfs and stuck them into the ground, point up. With a wave of their hands, the weapons disappeared. Turning back to the chamber, they slipped inside to join the others. Maeve and Sorcha remained by the doorway with Legolas, Boromir and Aragorn but Ana slipped passed to stand with the other hobbits. As they did so, they heard Gandalf speaking;

"The ground shakes. Drums. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out. The shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming."

For a heartbeat after his voice faded, nothing happened. Until Ana looked towards Pippin. She watched as he reached out and touched the skeleton sitting on the edge of an air shaft. When she noticed that his curiosity did nothing to the skeleton, she sent a small wave of power towards him. His hand was propelled forward and a second later the skeleton crashed down into the darkness. The sounding crash filled the air and echoed back to them from all directions. Whirling around, a flustered Pippin met the exacting glare of the wizard. Once the silence of the mines filled the air once again, everyone let out a sigh of relief and Gandalf slammed the book he was holding closed. With a toss, he threw the book back down where he'd picked it up from and scowled at Pippin. "Fool of a Took!" He cried anger and fear in his voice. "Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity."

Waiting anxiously, Sorcha and Maeve still jumped slightly at the sound of the first boom. Seeing the look of pain on their faces, Gandalf turned back to look at Pippin. Suddenly the sound of drums and shrieks filled the air. Turning slowly to face the doorway, Sorcha and Maeve set their packs near a large pillar and threw back their cloaks. At the same moment, Ana and Sam called out to Frodo, who pulled Sting from its sheath. Seeing it glowing blue, Legolas spit out the word 'orcs' with a scowl. Running towards the door, Boromir peered his head out into the cavern. Movement caught his eye too late as he saw an arrow streaking towards him. Suddenly, he was pulled back from the door and the arrow embedded itself in the wood where his head had been a heartbeat before. Whirling, he found Sorcha stepping back from when she'd been standing as she pulled him from the door. Looking to the others, he said; "They have a cave troll."

With a grimace, Legolas and Sorcha threw axes to Aragorn and Boromir and slammed the door closed and jammed it with axes. Returning to the room, they found the rest of the company prepared for battle. Turning to face the door once more, Gimli's voice called out from where he stood on Balin's sarcophagus. "Let them come! There's one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!"

Standing beside Pippin, Ana pulled her daggers out and stood with one in each hand. Maeve jumped up to stand behind Gimli and nocked an arrow in her bow, as did Sorcha from her place between Aragorn and Legolas. The sound of wood splintering filled the chamber and door shook as the orcs hacked at it from the other side. Seeing an opening, Maeve loosed her arrow and it flew through the hole in the door. Hearing a squeal, she grinned wickedly knowing she'd hit an orc. A heartbeat later, Legolas, Sorcha and Aragorn did the same. Another heartbeat later and the door shattered inward, followed by a wave of orcs. Using their bows as long as they could, the fellowship was soon overwhelmed and swords were being used. The skirmish that ensued saw Ana defending Merry and Pippin, while Sam stuck to Frodo, bashing orcs with his frying pan before stabbing them with his sword.. Just when the number of orcs dwindled, the cave troll crashed into the room.

Maeve and Gimli circled around each other, his axe a formidable weapon. It was hers that caught the dwarfs attention though. Standing atop the sarcophagus, one hand held a broken arrow in one hand and a long thin metal whip in the other. A high pitch crack filled the air for a second before the closest orc was suddenly without a head. Gimli watched in awe as the whip solidified as it flew through the air, slicing the enemy as it went. As suddenly as it began, the fight ended when Legolas and Maeve loosed two arrows into the trolls head. Silence fell for a moment and everyone took a step towards Aragorn, where he was pulling a large spear away from Frodo's body. Looking to each other; Sorcha, Maeve and Ana smiled and quickly picked up the various belonging strewn about the room. Laughing as they heard Aragorn's shocked voice say; "The spear would have skewered a wild boar." followed by Gandalf saying "I think there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye." The soft tinkling sound was heard and the sisters knew Frodo had revealed his shirt of Mithril rings.

"You are full of surprises master Baggins." Gimli said.

"Yes, we know. Baggins are full of surprises." Ana's voice has a slight sneer to it as she spoke.

Smacking her shoulder, Sorcha scowled at her "Ouch. Cad a bhí ann? {What was that for?}"

Ignoring her, Sorcha called out; "Time to go boys."

Looking over, the rest of the fellowship saw the fear in their faces and jumped to their feet. Gandalf's voice was hurried as he spoke. "To the bridge of Khazad-dûm!"

A moment later they were running from the room, the echoing shrieks of the orcs all around them. Running for their lives, the fellowship watched disheartened as orcs seemed to appear from the shadows all around them. Sliding to a halt, they found themselves surrounded. Just as their shrieks of excitement filled the air, a loud boom was heard and a wave of heat filled the cavern. Suddenly the orcs started to sound panicked and began to back away, until the fellowship was left alone. It was then that they head another boom and turned to look in the direction of the sound. Another wave of heat hit them and a harsh red glow appeared. Leaning into Gandalf, Boromir quietly asked; "What is this new devilry?"

Seeing his hunched form, Maeve spoke up, her voice clear in eerie silence. "Shadow and Flame."

Whirling to stare at her, Legolas looked from Maeve, to Gandalf to Sorcha, hoping that the words she spoke were false. Seeing no lie, he felt fear begin to overcome him. Seeing the look on his face, Sorcha took a half step towards him and reached out her hand. Grasping his, gave as encouraging a look as she could. It was then that Gandalf's voice echoed out through the air.

"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!"

Flying through the last of the cavern, Gandalf grasped the stone of a dark passageway. Pushing the others past him into the darkness, Maeve and Sorcha led the way down a flight of steep steps. As they burst out of the darkness onto a ledge, they stepped apart. Boromir was close behind them and nearly fell from the edge, but the combination of Legolas and Sorcha grabbing his shoulders stopped his momentum.

Leading the way, Maeve flew down the stairs and the others watched as she disappeared for a moment. Suddenly she was seen again on the other side of a huge gap in the stone steps. Without a break in her speed, Sorcha and Ana quickly followed suit. Seeing the hesitation from the others, Maeve called out; "Come on boys! Jump!"

Glancing at each other, Legolas went first. Stepping back to the top near Maeve, he motioned to the others. Gandalf jumped and was caught by the elves. It was then that an arrow whistled through the air and cracked against the stone. Turning in the direction it had come from Maeve, Legolas and Sorcha began firing back as the others jumped across. Despite the danger, Sorcha laughed when she heard Gimli's cry of 'Not the beard!'. Shortly after, a loud crack, the stairs crumbled, leaving the gap between Frodo and Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship too large to jump. Turning to Maeve, Boromir asked; "Your powers. Can you reach them and pull them across?"

Looking at her sisters, the three of them reached out. Just as their power reached the other side, the Balrog burst through at the top of the stairs, sending huge chunks of rock falling towards them. Changing the direction of their power, they threw a shield up and over both groups. A second later the section of stone Aragorn and Frodo stood on began to teeter. Changing the direction of their power again, the sisters steadied the stone, just as Aragorn and Frodo leaned forward. With a cry the giant stone tipped towards the group and Frodo and Aragorn were flung forward. Keeping their shield of power up as they ran, the sisters began to feel the draining effects of it. Running as Gandalf had instructed, they dropped the shield on the other side of the bridge. Arrows began to crash into the stone around them as the last of the fellowship crossed the bridge. Knowing what was coming, Ana tried to push and pull the others up the stairs and out of the mines, but a cry from Frodo of 'Gandalf', had the entire fellowship looking back.

Gandalf's declaration of "You shall not pass!" filled the air. The rest of his words chilled the sisters to the bone. Looking at each other, they saw silent tears streaking down each other's faces.

"I can't watch!" Ana cried as she turned away.

Turning back to the wizard, Maeve let out a gasp. Looking to her, Sorcha saw her sister grimace, then point to Gandalf. "Teastaíonn cabhair uaidh! Ní choinneoidh a sciath in aghaidh stailc eile! {He needs help! His shield will not hold against another strike!}" she cried out.

Without another word, Sorcha and Maeve sent out a wave of power towards the wizard at the same moment as the Balrog cracked its whip and the bridge collapsed. Stumbling as they turned, they each grabbed one of the hobbits and headed for the stairway as Gandalf's last command of "Fly you fools!" echoed out.

Notes:

Well. That chapter is done. To be honest, I didn't know where I was going to end this story, but this seemed to fit.

Chapter 16. The Golden Wood

Sunlight blinded the fellowship as the stumbled one by one from the mines, collapsing in various places. With a pained gasp, Maeve fell to her knees and her sisters ran over to her.

"Maeve? An bhfuil tú ceart go leor? {Are you all right?}" Sorcha asked.

Nodding, she replied; "Táim ceart go leor. Bhí úsáid ár gcumhachtaí tuirseach dom níos mó ná mar a shíl mé go mbeadh sé. {I'm fine. Using our powers tired me more than I thought it would.}"

Giving her a quick once over, Ana nodded and turned back to the other members of the fellowship, to pull a sobbing Sam into an embrace. A moment later, Aragorn's voice echoed over them. "Legolas! Get them up!"

Pulling away from Gimli, Boromir scowled as the elf moved to pull the hobbits up. "Give them a moment for pity's sake!" he cried.

From her place a few feet away, Sorcha walked the last few steps towards her companion and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs." she said in a gentle voice.

"We must reach the woods of Lothlórien." Aragorn called out.

An understanding look crossed Boromir's face as he turned away and he found himself face to face with Sorcha. A pained look crossed her face, and as she turned to walk away, he caught her elbow. Turning back, confusion filled her face until Boromir spoke; "Thank you Sorcha. For what you did in the mines. Pulling me back from the door, you saved my life."

A small smirk appeared on Sorcha's face and she nodded. "It was the least I could do for a friend. Besides, I'm not sure I'd survive explaining to your father and brother how I'd let you die with an arrow to the head."

A slight smile filled Boromir's face at the attempted lightheartedness from his companion.

"Indeed."

After helping Gimli to his feet the three of them headed down the rocky hill.

Across the small area, Ana stood and offered Sam her hand. "On your feet, Samwise." she said before pulling him up. Looking over, she watched as Legolas hefted Merry and Pippin to their feet and Aragorn called out for Frodo. Turning, she watched as her brother turned back to face the fellowship and a single tear slid down his dirt stained face. Following the sound of running water, Aragorn lead the fellowship down the side of the mountain and along a brook. Moving at a quick pace, the fellowship escaped the hot sun into the shade of trees only an hour after their exit from Moria.

Walking slowly through the trees, Gimli waved at Frodo and Sam, slowing his pace to keep them close. "Keep close, young hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch, of terrible power."

Letting out a coughing laugh, Maeve shook her head at the dwarf. "Yes Gimli!" she called out sarcastically. "And all who look upon her, fall under her spell." Laughing again, she quickly coughed into the bark of the tree she'd stopped to lean against. Pushing away from the tree, she noticed a splatter of blood on its bark. Quickly whipping her hand against her mouth, she pulled it away to reveal a red smear.

Sounding slightly dejected, Gimli kept talking; "Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I've the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"

Just then the sound of bow strings being drawn filled the woods and the fellowship stopped walking as arrows appeared all around them. Stepping out from his hiding place, the marchwarden Haldir spoke; "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot it in the dark."

Taking a half step towards the elf, Maeve called out; "Haldir! Alla. {hail.}" Turning to look toward the familiar voice, Haldir's motioned for his archers to lower their weapons. Nodding his head, he said; "Mae govannen, Lady Elentaid."

"Haldir, our fellowship is in your debt. Please . . ." As she spoke, Maeve took another step towards Haldir, and all the color in her face vanished. In a heartbeat, Maeve crumpled to the forest floor.

Rushing to her sister's side, Ana let out a gasp when she saw the wound Maeve had kept hidden. "Sorcha, cabhair liom! {Sorcha, help me!}" Placing their hands on the wound, the sisters tried to use their powers to heal it, but found no change. Looking up at the marchwarden, Ana spoke; "Please, you must help us. She's been stabbed, and I'd suspect it was an orc weapon. This injury is beyond my skill to heal."

Awe filled Haldir's face for a moment before he spoke; "She found you. . . " his voice faded away and he turned suddenly to another elf standing near him. Letting out a sting of rushed elvish, the elf scooped Maeve up and disappeared into the trees with her. After the elf had disappeared from sight, Haldir spoke; "Follow me.". A few moments later, the fellowship was helped up into a large tree and Haldir told them they'd wait out the night there.

Spreading out on the flet, Legolas and Aragorn spoke in hushed tones to Haldir. The rest of the fellowship looked so dejected and hopeless that Sorcha and Ana were not sure what to do. Hearing the end of Boromir's conversation, and his advice to 'not carry the weight of the dead', Ana wandered over to sit with her brother. Not speaking, she simply sat and held his hand. A short time later, she felt his body shift and she turned to glance at her brother. His head had fallen over and he was sound asleep leaning against her shoulder. Smiling, she sat as still as stone and let him sleep, every time he twitched in his sleep, she sent a warm wave of power to him and he'd relax again.

Sorcha meanwhile sat beside a hunched Gimli.

"I am sorry Gimli. Losing family is something no one should have to endure." she softly said.

"Life is a harsh master." Gimli muttered.

"Indeed." she paused and looked out at the darkness of the forest. "The ache in my heart for my parents is as steady as the beating of the sun, or the shining of the moon. And now it is joined by the loss of Gandalf, and worry for my sister."

Gimli nodded, his voice failing him. After a moment, he slowly reached out and patted Sorcha's hand.

"I am sorry also lass." pausing slightly, he added; "It is good our company is able to help each other to bear our burdens. You and the other lasses have been a balm of hope and joy."

Smiling, Sorcha quickly wrapped the dwarf in a warm embrace, completely embarrassing him. "Thank you Gimli."

A moment later, the harsh sound of Boromir's voice floated on the wind over to Sorcha. Turning to look across the flet, she found Boromir towering over Ana with a feral look on his face. Jumping to her feet, she moved to get closer when a hand on her arm stopped her. Looking over she found Legolas holding her in place.

"Wait." he said softly, nodding his head at the interaction.

A moment later Ana's voice echoed in the air; "Did your lesson in the sparing fields of Rivendell teach you nothing son of Denethor?"

"I am not calling into question your fighting ability halfling, but your intentions. Did you or did you not know that Gandalf was going to die in the mines?" Boromir's question hung heavy in the air.

Without breaking eye contact, Ana stood up as straight as she could and spoke. The slight tremble of her voice, and tears in her eyes betrayed her emotions as she spoke."Knowing something is going to happen and having the ability to change it are two very different things. Something you'd be wise to remember."

Turning away from the man, she strode across the flet to sit beside Merry and Pippin, silence falling in her wake.

In the morning, Haldir led them through the woods to the top of a ridge. Stopping at the top, Legolas and Sorcha peered over his shoulder as he spoke; "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth."

"It's pretty I'll give them that, but it's certainly not the pyramids of Giza." Sorcha said.

Laughing, Ana replied; "Or the white cliffs of Dover."

Smiling the sisters followed the fellowship, laughing at their confused faces and promising Pippin they explain later.

Following Haldir once more, the fellowship found themselves being led up a winding stair around a huge tree to a floating balcony at its top. A moment after they'd stopped, a warm light enveloped them and Galadriel and Celeborn appeared.

"The enemy knows you have entered here." Celeborn's voice called out as he looked over the weary fellowship. "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." Pausing for a moment, he spoke again. "Ten there are here, yet twelve there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."

Galadriel's soft voice flowed over the fellowship like a cool water. "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow."

Pained expressions filled the faces of the fellowship as Galadriel looked them over, searching for an answer.

"He was taken by both Shadow and flame." Sorcha answered softly.

"A Balrog of Morgoth." Legolas continued angrily. "For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Galadriel replied gently. Pausing again, she looked over the fellowship and her eyes stopped at Gimli. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands love is now mingled with grief."

"What now becomes of this fellowship?" Celeborn asked. "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."

"No!" Sorcha called out. "Hope remains while our company is true."

Galadriel nodded and spoke; "The fellowship stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and you will fail, to the ruin of all."

"Pardon me for saying this Lady Galadriel, but that's a great big ball of flaming crap and you know it!" Ana called out, taking a step forward as she did.

Staring the lady down, she opened her mouth to continue only to have Galadriel hold her hand up for silence, a smile on her face.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil."

Turning away, Haldir began to lead the fellowship back the way they'd come. Arriving at the base of the tree, they discovered that neither Sorcha, nor Ana were with them.

Taking a step to follow their companions, Sorcha and Ana were stopped when Galadriel called out to them.

"Please come. I would take you to your sister."

Turning back to face Galadriel, Ana and Sorcha felt a wave of fear roll over them for their sister.

"How is she my lady?" Sorcha asked.

Galadriel took a step towards the girls and smiled. "Sleeping. Now come."

Turning, Galadriel led the girls along a different path than the one they'd travelled before. Soon they came to a flet in a different tree. Following Galadriel inside, they found another eleth inside, sitting near their sister where she slept.

"Eilia, she found her sisters." Galadriel's voice drew the eleth's attention and she rose from her seat.

"It is an honor to meet you." She replied. "I hoped the valar would be gracious to Maeve in the reunion of her family. While she was with us, she spoke of you often."

Confusion filled Sorcha and Ana's faces, and they looked from their unconscious sister, to the eleth, to Galadriel.

"I'm confused. . ." Ana started to say.

"There is time. Eilia will take you to the bathing pools. I will sit with Elentaid until you return." Galadriel left no room for argument as she spoke.

"Maeve, My Lady." Eilia's soft voice filled the room.

A smile filled Galadriel's face and she nodded. "Forgive me, Maeve." she turned and motioned to Sorcha and Ana. "Go, she'll not awaken until you return."

Quickly following Eilia, Sorcha and Ana found the eleth's company easy and light. Arriving at a large tent, the sound of running water could be heard. Leading them inside, the sisters were shocked to find it occupied by female elves in various states of undress.

"Uumm, Eilia?" Ana asked.

Turning to the visitors, Eilia started when she saw the embarrassed looks on their faces.

"Forgive me!" she cried. "I forget that not all races are as open as we are." Turning to the other eleth's she spoke a quick word, and they dressed and left.

"You will be alone now. You can use the screen over there." she pointed to a wall of fabric on the other side of the tent. "If you will undress, I can take you garments to be cleaned and mended while you wash." Walking over to a tall shelf, she pulled some fabric from it. Setting the fabric on two chairs, she then pulled a few objects from lower parts of the shelf. "This is everything you should need to clean yourselves. Take as long as you need, I will wait for you to finish." she said quickly.

Seeing the look on the eleth's face, Sorcha and Ana quickly disappeared behind the curtain and removed their filthy clothing. Peering around the end of the curtain, Sorcha found the tent empty and made a quick dash for the items Eilia had left out. Holding the fabric carefully, she led the way out the back of the tent and down the smooth steps to the pools. Smiling, Eilia re-entered the tent the moment she heard movement in the water and quickly gathered their armor and travelling clothes. Frowning at the condition of them, she quickly left the sisters to themselves.

After scrubbing themselves raw, and then soaking in the warm water for nearly an hour, Sorcha heard Ana's stomach growl.

"Time to find some food Ana?" She laughed as she spoke.

"Oh, shut up! You're probably just as hungry as I am, you just haven't realized it yet!" Ana quipped back.

"You're right." Sorcha smiled and flicked water at her sister.

Laughing, they stood from the water and reached for the folded fabric Eilia had pulled out for them. Wrapping themselves in the large 'towels', they headed up the path to the tent. Slipping inside, they found two white dresses[1] hanging in the center of the tent.

"Do you think we're supposed to wear those?" Ana asked

"Indeed." Eilia's voice replied.

Peering around the dresses, they found Eilia standing just inside the tent entrance. Smiling, she walked over to a pair of chairs at the opposite side of the tent. Setting two bundles down, she walked past the sisters for the doorway again.

"I've placed underclothes for you on the chairs. I'll allow you time to dress before I return." She turned to leave, but Ana called out; "Wait!"

Turning to look at the hobbit, Eilia paused.

"You don't have to leave Eilia. Sorcha and I can get dressed while you are here. Besides, I was going to ask you for a hair brush. . . ." She grabbed a bundle from one of the chairs and disappeared behind the curtain as she spoke. Coming out a moment later wearing the soft shift, and running the 'towel' through her hair. Following her example, Sorcha too disappeared behind the curtain.

"Of course my lady." Eilia replied.

"Ana, please. Just Ana." Pointing behind the curtain, Ana continued. "And she's Sorcha. None of this 'my lady' business."

Stepping out from behind the curtain, the 'towel' wrapped around her hair, Sorcha spoke up; "Maeve warned us."

With a laugh, Eilia walked over to the smaller of the dressed and pulled it down, handing it to Ana. Once the girls were dressed, Eilia pulled a brush from a deep pocket of her dress. Setting it on a nearby table, she poured a small amount of liquid into the bristles and asked Ana if she could brush her hair.

Smiling, Ana hopped up into the chair and nodded her consent. The sweet smell of whatever Eilia poured onto the brush filled the tent as the eleth ran it through her hair.

"You've very good at that." Sorcha noted as she watched.

"I have had much practice." Eilia explained. "My sister is still very young and does not like to be still. She is very much like a wind spirit. Blown this way and that, her hair is always in tangles." Stepping back, she nodded and said; "Done."

Jumping down, Ana pushed Sorcha into the chair and insisted she let Eilia do her hair also. Smiling in defeat, Sorcha nodded her consent and Eilia poured more of the sweet smelling liquid to the brush. A few deft strokes later and she was braiding as she went. Smiling, she patted Sorcha's shoulder a few moments later and informed her she was finished. Leading the way, Eilia headed back to the flet where Maeve was. As they walked, the girls shared with their new friend about their journey, and the reunion they'd had with their sister. The moment they walked into the flet, they found Maeve sitting up waiting for them.

"Well, well, don't you two look pretty," Maeve teased when she saw her sisters.

Scowling, Ana marched over to her sister and smacked her arm before loudly asking; "What in the seven hells were you thinking Maeve! Not telling us you'd been stabbed by an orc?"

"I wasn't stabbed. I was shot." Maeve replied as she swung her feet out of the bed and slowly stood.

"Oh, well, excuse us. Being shot by an orc arrow is so much better than being stabbed." Sorcha replied.

"You could have died! Did Galadriel tell you that?" Ana was crying now. "That orc arrow was coated with orc blood, which it turns out is poison to elves!"

"How did you know that?" Maeve asked softly.

"Eilia told us." Sorcha answered.

"I am sorry Maeve, but they are your sisters, and really did need to know." Eilia spoke from her place near the door.

"Indeed, as your actions also endangered your sisters." Galadriel's voice fell like a heavy stone over the room.

Silence fell for a moment before Maeve pulled her sisters into an embrace and spoke; "Tá brón orm. Ní raibh sé i gceist agat a bheith buartha duit, ach bhí a fhios agam nach raibh moill orm. Agus tá a fhios agat go mbeadh ár mbuachaillí ag éileamh go ndéanfaimis stopadh agus go gcloífidís le mo fhoirceannadh.{I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you, but I knew we couldn't delay. And you know that our boys would have insisted we stop and tend to my wound.}" Maeve whispered, tears falling.

"I have much I would speak to the three of you about.' Galadriel spoke after a moment of silence. "However, food is called for first. Also, I am sure your companions would like to know you are well."

"I can take them to the other members of their company my Lady." Eilia spoke up.

Smiling, Galadriel nodded her agreement and promised to send for the girls at a later time to speak with them. Before leaving she also told them that the flet was for their use, as long as they were her guests.

Helping a still weak Maeve into a new dress, the sisters followed Eilia down to the ground and along a winding path. The smell of sausages cooking, and hobbit laughter drew smiles to their faces. Hurrying around the last corner, they thanked Eilia for her assistance and took the last few steps down to where the rest of the fellowship was. Standing still at the base of the stairs, it took a moment for anyone to see them.

Pippin of course saw them first and jumped to his feet. Running over, he crashed into Ana and enveloped her in a crushing embrace. Laughter filled the small glade as the girls were pulled over by their companions and sat near the warm fire.

"We were mighty worried about you lass." Gimli chided Maeve after she sat down.

Blushing, Maeve looked around the circle at her friends. "I am sorry. If it makes you feel better, my sisters have already given me heck for not telling anyone about my injury." she said.

Handing a plate loaded with sausages, bread and fruit, Sam nodded. "I think we can find it in our hearts to forgive you miss Maeve." a smile on his face as he spoke. Soon the conversation turned to other things and the food was quickly consumed. Letting out a contented sigh, Gimli leaned his back against the large tree and both he and Aragorn lit their pipes. The silence of the company was broken by the sad lament from the elves that filled the air. After Sam stood and gave his ode to Gandalf's fireworks, Ana started to sing. A moment into her song, Sorcha and Maeve joined her.

Alas my love you do me wrong

To cast me off discourteously;

And I have loved you oh so long,

Delighting in your company.

Graysleeves was all my joy

Graysleeves was my delight,

Graysleeves my heart of gold

And who but my lord Graysleeves.

I have been ready at your hand,

To grant whatever thou would'st crave;

Oh I have waged both life and land

Your love and goodwill for to share.

Graysleeves was all my joy

Graysleeves was my delight,

Graysleeves my heart of gold

And who but my lord Graysleeves.

Well, I will pray to God on high,

That thou my constant sea may see.

And that yet once before I die,

Thou wilt, thou save to love me.

Graysleeves now farewell not to,

To God I pray to prosper thee.

For I am still thy pupil true

Come once again and guide me.

Graysleeves was my heart of joy

Graysleeves was my delight,

Graysleeves my heart of gold

And who but my lord Graysleeves. [2]

Tears were streaming down their faces at the end of their song, and Sorcha slowly stood. Without looking at the other members of her company, she walked away into the trees. Sorcha walked until her knees gave out, the melancholy echo of the elves singing all around her. Sobbing, she pulled herself up against the closest tree and simply sat there. Feeling the air near her shift, she looked up to find Legolas sitting down. Tears still streaming down her face, she hiccuped and looked away from her companion.

"Did you draw the short straw?" she asked

"Ú. Aphad-nin {No. I simply followed.}" he replied.

Silently, Legolas sat and simply offered Sorcha his company. After a while, she leaned away from the tree and cleaned the tears from her face on the edge of the sleeve. Sliding over, she sighed as she looked over at the elf.

"This place is so beautiful. It makes me wish we didn't have to leave." She said softly.

"The sorrow in my heart is lessened here." Legolas replied. "How do mortals live with pain like this?"

Looking over, Sorcha saw the pain on his face and nodded. "Pain, and sorrow are hard. They try to take everything, and sometimes they succeed. Sometimes, they hit you when you least expect, leaving you breathless. The best balm is time and friendship." Looking out at the trees, Sorcha heard for the first time the ripple of water and stood.

"Come, I want to show you something. It will help." She added when Legolas looked at her incredulously.

Pulling him to his feet, she didn't let go of his hand until they arrived at the water's edge. Sitting, she pointed to the water and asked; "What do you see?"

Confusion filled the elf's face for a moment before he looked out at the river running by.

"Water, grass, trees, moonlight." he replied.

Shaking her head, Sorcha let out a little laugh. "Always so literal." Reaching out, she dipped her hand into the water. "Mortal lives are a lot like this river. Always moving, sometimes fast, others slow. But there is nothing one can do to stop it from flowing." She pulled her hand from the water. "I mean, sure, we can damn it up. Or change the direction it takes, but in the end, the water always flows. All we can do is decide if we will struggle and fight against it, or if we will let it carry us where it wills."

Legolas let out a small sigh and reached his hand out to touch the water. "The lives of elves are lived as though we are standing in the river. We can feel every moment that passes. It is a difficult way to live." he said softly.

"You mean lonely." Sorcha whispered back. "Most other races would give anything to live the lives of elves. But the hard thing about living forever is you loose everyone in the end. I suppose it makes your father make sense."

"It does. He loved my mother with everything he was, and when he lost her, he lost himself also."

"Is that why you refuse to let anyone in? Because you saw what it did to your father?"

"Not only him." Legolas replied. "And yet, the members of our fellowship have become dear to me."

Sorcha let out a soft huff of air and pulled her knees up under her chin. Looking out at the water in silence, she pondered everything that had happened since her arrival in Middle Earth. Smiling, she turned her head to look at Legolas.

"You know, I think Pippin has a crush on Ana." She waited and watched for a reaction. "He's very good at hiding it, but it's there. Funny how something that can be so obvious to some is so hidden from others."

Legolas was spared from answering by the sound of a twig snapping in the distance. Jumping to their feet, they both reached for weapons they did not carry.

"Apologies, Prince Legolas, Lady Sorcha." a voice called out. "Your company is searching for you."

Finally recognizing the voice, Sorcha called out; "Thank you Haldir." Turning from the river, the two silently headed back towards their companions.

When they arrived, they found Ana and Maeve waiting by the pathway. Bowing, Legolas left Sorcha with her sisters and the three of them headed back towards Maeve's flet.

"You were gone for a long time. Everything ok?" Ana asked.

"It is now. We had an interesting talk." Sorcha answered absentmindedly.

Smirking at each other, Maeve and Ana exchanged a silent look.

"Ana and I told the guys a story tonight." Maeve said after a short silence.

"Yes! Gimli asked for a tale from our world." Ana piped up. "We told them about Tarzan."

Stopping to stare at her sisters, Sorcha laughed. "It's appropriate I suppose, in light of where we are."

As soon as they arrived back at the flet, the pull of sleep became overwhelming and they were all asleep the moment their heads hit their pillows.

Notes:

[1 & 2] Pinterest.

[3] This is a lyric changed version of the song 'Greensleeves'. I recommend listening to Peter Hollens version.

Chapter 17. Dreams and Mirrors

A heavy cold fell over the girls as they slept, an unseen tendril wrapping around and over them. With a jolt, Maeve sat up and looked around, trying to find the source of the evil she felt. Confused, she realized she was no longer in her bed in Lothlórien, but sat on the hard gravel of a stone ditch. Looking around, she slowly stood and walked a few paces from the rock formation she'd woken beside, to a crumbling stone path. Seeing the green mist floating in the air, and the stone statues guarding the path, she reached out a hand towards one.

"I know this place . . ." her soft words were quickly snatched away by the wind.

A heartbeat later, the ground dropped out from beneath her feet and she screamed. The fall was short and dark. Landing with a heavy thud, she slowly opened her eyes. Letting out a heavy sigh, she found herself in a great throne room. The stone walls around her seemed to glow with a grey green light. Slowly standing to her feet, she took a tentative step from the shadows into the light ahead of her. The moment she did, an echoing voice filled the air.

"Nêlêl." The power that filled the air and flowed over Maeve, caused her to stumble in the step.

"Your coming is as the footsteps of doom. You have already failed little star." The cackle that followed the words revealed a cloaked figure sprawled on a huge throne.

"Angmar." Maeve whispered.

Suddenly the light in the room began to grow and revealed her sisters chained to nearby pillars. Fear flowed into every fiber of her being as Maeve looked from her sisters to the witch king.

"We have come to bring hope. You fear this. You fear that which you do not understand, that which you cannot control." Standing resolute, she pulled with her powers and the chains holding her sisters snapped.

"You have failed Angmar. In bringing us here, you have revealed your hand. We do not fear you, or your master. Go back to you master, tell him we are coming."

As she spoke, Maeve pulled her sisters towards her, and sent a wave of power out in all directions. The moment the wave touched Angmar, the dream shattered and the girls all sat up in their beds gasping for air.

Looking over at her sisters, Ana let out a heavy sigh. "How? Aren't we protected here?"

Throwing the blanket off, Maeve stood on shaky knees and pulled a silver shawl from the chair near her bed. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she took a deep breath and turned to look at her sisters.

"Try to get some sleep. I will find Galadriel and see if she can shed some light on what has happened." Without waiting for her sisters to reply, she quickly slipped from the room.

"How does she expect us to sleep after that?" Ana asked softly. Slipping from her bed also, she pulled a shawl identical to the one Maeve wore over her shoulders. "I need some air. I'll be back." she said.

Sorcha watcher her go with a sad smile. Seeing a small instrument on a nearby shelf, she too stood from her bed and pulled a soft shawl around her shoulders. Grasping the instrument in her hand, she stepped out onto the balcony and leaned against the tree the flet sat upon. Pulling the small bow across the strings, a haunting sound filled the air. A moment later, she was playing, with tears streaming down her face, as the song echoed out over the trees. [1]

The haunting sound of Sorcha's music followed Ana as she wandered down to the ground. The moment her feet touched the soft moss of the forest floor, she started to walk. A few moments later, she heard the sound of water and headed towards it. Stopping at the bank of the river, she sat and stared out into the night.

The crack of a twig breaking, caused Ana to turn and look towards the sound. A small smile filled her face when she saw Pippin sneaking through the forest towards her.

"Sorry Ana, I didn't mean to disturb you." he said softly when he realized she was watching him approach.

"It's alright Merry. I'm just trying to chase a dream away."

"You've always seemed the most at peace near water." he said as he sat down beside her.

Silence fell between the two for a few moments before Ana sighed.

"Merry, how angry is the rest of the fellowship at us?" she softly asked after a while.

Confusion filled his face and he turned to look at Ana. "Angry? Why would anyone be angry. We all understand why Maeve hid her wound."

"Over the mines. Gandalf. . ." her voice faded away. "I know you all heard what I said to Boromir, but . . ."

"If you had spoken up, or acted differently, would the outcome have changed?" Merry interrupted.

Shaking her head sadly, Ana said; "No."

Without replying, he reached over and grasped Ana's hand. "I am sorry. It must have been very hard for you to know what was going to happen, yet be unable to do anything about it."

"Thanks Merry." Looking over at her friend Ana smiled; "I know you get teased about the choices you make, but that was rather wise."

Merry blushed and looked away. "I have my moments. Just wish I'd been wiser about other things though."

"Such as?" Ana asked.

"My life in the Shire was rather reckless. I wish I'd done things with more care. Said things instead of leaving them unsaid."

Ana sighed softly and looked out at the river again. Letting silence fall for a moment, she turned back to Merry suddenly and caught his eye. Looking straight at him, she took a deep breath and asked; "Are there any things unsaid between us that you regret?"

An uncomfortable look crossed Merry's face and he looked away.

"Leaving things unsaid is a regret I do not wish to have." Ana continued. "Merry, I hope you know how much I value your friendship. Both versions of me. I find the more I get to know you, the more I see how much you have changed. You are brave and encouraging and funny and - "

"Please stop." he whispered. "I'm not. Not really. It's all just a mask, trying to hide how afraid I am. Of never seeing the Shire again, of losing all the people I - love. . ." his voice faded away, and Ana reached a hand out to grasp his again. Leaning closer she whispered; "I love you too Merry.", then pulled him into a strong embrace.

Releasing him, she made to move away, but was stopped by Merry's hand on her arm.

"Do you really mean that Ana? Or do you simply say it?"

Hearing the distraught tone in his voice, Ana turned back to look at him.

"If you'd asked me that question back home, I would have told you, I simply said it. I'd have meant it of course, but the meaning has changed for me." Taking a deep breath she looked away for a heartbeat. "There is a story I've read, where the hero tells the woman he loves 'If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more[2].'" Her voice faded away. Looking away she softly asked; "What of you? Has the meaning changed for you also?"

A forlorn look crossed Merry's face before he slowly reached out his hand and gently grasped Ana's chin. Turning her face back to look at him, he smiled softly as he leaned towards her. Their foreheads touching, Pippin whispered; "I was in the middle before I knew I had begun[2]."

Silence fell over the two hobbits as they sat leaning into each other. Time passed and the sound of chirping birds stirred them. Looking to the east, they found the glow of the sun filling the wood. Hesitantly, Merry moved away from Ana and rose, holding out his hand to help her to her feet. Smiling, she held his hand as they slowly walked back towards the place where the rest of the fellowship was. A soft song came to mind, and Ana started to softly hum as they walked.

"That's a pretty tune." Merry said after a minute. "Are there words?"

Ana nodded and started to sing as she walked;

I'd pluck a fair rose for my love.

I'd pluck a red rose blowin'.

Love's in my heart, I'm trying so to prove;

What your heart's knowin'.

I'd pluck a finger on a thorn.

I'd pluck a finger bleedin'.

Red is my heart, wounded and forlorn;

And your heart needin'.

I'd hold a finger to my tongue.

I'd hold a finger waitin'.

My heart is sore, until it joins in song;

With your heart matin'.

My heart is sore, until it joins in song;

With your heart matin'. [3]

When she was done singing, Merry stopped walking and turned to look at Ana.

"What shall we tell the others? We are in the midst of a perilous journey, and these dark times do not seem the best for declarations of love." his voice was filled with sadness when he stopped talking.

Gently squeezing his hand, Ana sighed. "Lady Galadriel told Gimli that in all lands, love is now mingled with grief. You're right Merry, we live in dark times, yet we don't know what the future holds. Life can be broken down into four questions. What is sacred? What is the spirit made of? What is worth living for? And what is worth dying for? The only answer I can come up with, is love.[2] "

Merry smiled and pulled her along the path back towards the rest of the fellowship.

Fear and confusion exuded from Maeve as she marched through the tree paths of Lothlórien. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't realize she'd wandered into an open outlook. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she turned to walk back the way she'd come and was met by a voice coming from above her.

"Have you been gone so long from our fair woods, that you have lost your way so easily Mel-eleni {friend-star*variation}?"

Looking up, Maeve laughed. "You insist on not addressing me by my name Lord Haldir. Why?"

The elf in question gracefully slipped from the tree branch to stand nearby. Bowing slightly he straightened and addressed her; "Forgive me, lady Maeve."

Laughing, she asked; "Eilia shared my news."

"My brother's wife was eager to inform us of your renewed health. Beyond that, she said nothing."

"Then how did you know?" Maeve asked, confused.

Haldir smiled slightly and said simply; "My Lady."

Laughing, Maeve started when she heard the echoes of music through the trees.

"A melancholy song." Haldir stated.

"Yes. My sister plays. Sorcha has always been drawn to music when sleep eludes her, as it does all of us this night."

"I am surprised." Haldir said, a confused expression on his face. "Caras Galadhon is a place of safety and peace, as you well know. All who are welcomed into her borders find rest. How is it that rest eludes you?"

Looking at the marchwarden, Maeve sighed. "We are not fated to find rest here. For even in our dreams are my sisters and haunted by the enemy."

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she looked back towards the trees. Taking a slow step towards her, Haldir slowly reached a hand out and placed it on her arm.

"If I can be of service, I will be my lady."

A new tear fell from Maeve and she let out a heavy sigh, leaning into Haldir. Soon tears were streaming down her face and the marchwarden murmured soft words of encouragement over her. After a few minutes, Maeve pulled away and wiped her tears from her face. Sitting down on the edge of the path, she let her feet dangle down into the air as Haldir joined her.

"Tears are naught to be ashamed of Mel-eleni. They simply reveal the depth of your heart." Haldir spoke softly interrupting Maeve's attempt at an apology. "Let us speak of happier things. Tell me of your sisters?"

"Finding them here, whole, has filled a cavern in my heart I was not aware of. They are wise and foolhardy in the same moment. And yet we share the burden of our knowledge, knowing that at any moment we could bring about a fate we did not prepare for. It is a strange thing to know the fate of others and not do anything about it."

"Fate can be a fickle master. I hope the remainder of your journey will not be filled with as much peril as it has been thus far."

Any further conversation was interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps. Turning, Maeve found Eilia and Rúmil walking around the bend. Seeing them, she quickly stood and walked over to embrace Rúmil.

"Thank you my friend. I understand you were the one who carried my unconscious body back to Lady Galadriel after I passed out in the woods."

He smiled and blushed.

"It was nothing Elen-" Eilia elbowed him and he changed his words "Maeve."

She smiled and nodded her head in thanks at Rúmil's acknowledgement of her name. Haldir joined them, and slowly the four walked through the tree top path towards the ground. As they walked, Maeve told her of her dream. The moment they arrived on the forest floor, Eilia and Rúmil left Maeve and Haldir alone.

"Come Maeve. I will take you to Lady Galadriel. She will have answers for you."

Arriving in a hollow, nestled in the roots of the trees, Haldir pointed through a small archway.

"If it please you lady Maeve, I will wait."

Maeve nodded her consent and taking a deep breath, walked through the archway to see a small courtyard. In the center stood a stone pillar with Galadriel's mirror and a small fountain behind it. Slowly, she took a step towards the mirror, only to be stopped by Galadriel's voice.

"Have you come to look into the mirror?"

Looking up, Maeve watched as Galadriel slowly moved down the stone steps towards her.

"I have come seeking counsel. If looking into the mirror answers my questions, then yes, I will look. Though, I fear in my heart I already know what I will see."

Galadriel looked at her sadly as she picked up the silver pitcher from its place near the fountain. "And what is it your heart tells you, you will see?"

"The past, the present and the future. Events set in stone that no matter how hard I rally against, I will be unable to affect or change."

Galadriel slowly dipped the silver pitcher into the fountain and turned to face Maeve with it in her hands. Taking a slow step away from the fountain, she stepped up beside the pedestal and poured the clear water into the basin, speaking as she did; "Not all that is seen will come to pass. Free will rules above all else, it is up to you how it shall affect you."

Taking a step away, she motioned for Maeve to step up and look into the water. Taking a deep breath, she stepped up and placed her hands on the stone on either side of the basin. Glancing once more at the Lady of the wood, she looked down into the water. For a moment the only thing she saw was the stars above her and her own reflection. One Maeve realized with a start, she'd not seen clearly in nearly a year. A heartbeat later, the water rippled and the image changed. The images moved so quickly, were she not an elf, she would have not comprehended what she saw. She saw the valar working over a great fire, then pulling a simple ring from its depth. The ring sang with power before it was handed to Nêlêl, who slipped it onto her middle finger. There was a great wedding in the Shire, where Merry and Ana stood smiling beside Sam and Rosie. She watched as Sorcha, Legolas and Gimli travelled the breadth of Middle Earth, a small band glinting on Sorcha's hand. She saw herself standing at the edge of Lóthlorien, side by side with Haldir. The watcher rippled again and Maeve found herself staring at the falls of Rauros watching Boromir's body sail over the edge in a boat. Next the image changed to reveal Merry, Pippin tied to the backs of orks as they were carried through the wilderness. The water shimmered again, to reveal Ana in a stone tower with a man in grey robes standing over her. She then saw the city of Minas Tirith in flames as the darkness of Sauron's army overtook it. She watched as the men of Helm's deep failed to hold the Uruk Hai at bay and were destroyed, including her friends and sister. She saw herself a prisoner in the castle of Minas Morgul, tortured both physically and magically by the Witch King.

With a cry, she pulled away from the despair the mirror revealed to her. With tears streaming down her face, she took a shuddering breath and looked at Galadriel.

"The fellowship is breaking. Please, there must be a way to stop these things from happening."

Galadriel looked at Maeve with a tortured expression. "Nêlêl looked into our future and saw death. If you do not find a way, no one will." Looking towards the archway, she made a motion with her hand, and Maeve heard soft footsteps. Looking back at her, Galadriel spoke again; "Do not forsake that which gives you power Maeve. As a bearer of a ring of power you should be alone, yet you share your burden with your sisters. Remember, you are stronger than you know." Smiling, Galadriel nodded her head slightly and departed.

Watching her leave, Maeve felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over her and would have collapsed were it not for Haldir catching her arm as her knees gave out. Carefully slipping her arm over his shoulder, Haldir effortlessly lifted her up into his arms. Striding quickly from the hollow, Haldir made for a bench he knew was close by. Kneeling, he helped Maeve to sit on the bench, before catching her eye.

Blushing she softly murmured; "Well, that's embarrassing."

Haldir laughed, the sound warming the air until Maeve found the strength to smile.

"Since the day you first came to the golden wood, you seem to court danger Maeve. First the Mighty Mallorn tree in which Nêlêl resided was burned to the ground. Then you did not awake fully for a month, and when you did, we were filled with so much knowledge, your mind was split in two, and we almost lost you to the madness." Haldir's strong voice filled the dawn air.

Maeve let out a soft breath of air as she remembered. "Yes. You found me wandering the woods, I was very lost. I thought I'd strayed into a dream."

"Do you remember what you said to me that day?" Haldir asked softly. His words were lost on Maeve for a moment as a wave of memory washed over her and became lost in it.

Sunlight filtered down through the golden leaves and silver branches as Maeve walked. Her right arm wrapped in a soft bandage, and a slight twinge in her knee the only reminder of the incident. Walking without knowing where she was going, she soon found herself in a clearing that smelled faintly of smoke. Walking carefully into the center of the clearing, she sat in the very center where the imprint of a body was clearly seen despite the char of the earth.

"Arë maildë Elentaid {are you well}?"

Maeve turned to face the voice and found herself looking up at an elf. The sunlight lit his hair ablaze like a golden crown, and she let out a soft gasp. His noble face held her in place with an intelligent gaze.

"I've strayed into a dream. For there is no other explanation for the perfection standing before me."

"Maeve?" Haldir asked again, this time reaching out to gently touch her arm. Jolted from her revere, she blushed and looked at the ground.

"Don't remind me. I am so ashamed of what I said that day.[2]"

"I remember that day fondly Mel-eleni." Haldir's voice was so soft, she almost missed his comment.

Confusion filled her face for a heartbeat before, she smiled and looked up at her companion.

"Thank you for keeping me company. I've had much on my mind of late, and I fear I have not been the best companion."

Haldir smiled and stood, holding out his hand. Grasping it firmly, Maeve slowly stood.

"Come, Maeve. Dawn is upon us. Your fellowship will be looking for you."

Nodding, the two left and quickly walked towards the rising sun.

Notes:
[1] Lindsey Stirling - My Immortal

[2] Anyone catch my references? Jane Austen and Lord Byron for the win and Doctor Who… I take no credit for my references. They belong to their various owners...etc….

[3] I'd Pluck a Fair Rose by Anne Dudley (from the TV show Poldark)

Chapter 18. Gifts of the Galadhrim

The infinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole. Time. The members of the fellowship found that time progressed at a different rate in Lothlórien than it did in the rest of the world. What seemed to be only a few days of rest and recovery was to the rest of the world a full turn of the moon. The sisters found themselves spending a fair amount of time with Galadriel, learning more about the ring they shared. They learned it would allow them to stay in contact with each other should they be separated, and that it gave them additional strength in their powers. When they weren't with Galadriel, Maeve spent her time with Eilia, Rúmil and their family. Including Eilia's sister Aida, who loved spending time with the hobbits. Pippin, Merry and Ana disappeared for hours at a time exploring. While Sorcha spent all of her free time at the archery range.

Dawn of the thirtieth day of their stay, dawned bright and warm as it chased the last of winter's cold away. Aragorn informed the fellowship that they'd be leaving, the next day. That evening a great feast was held in their honor, and the revelry warmed the hearts of everyone in Lothlórien. Partway through the evening, Gimli caught Maeve's arm as she walked by.

"Maeve lass, Sorcha tells me that your people have songs and tales about mine. Is this true?"

Maeve smiled and nodded. We have told the tales of the Dwarves for many years. In fact, there was a song written about the burning of laketown."

Sadness passed over Gimli's face, and Maeve crouched down to catch his eye. "When our quest is done, I'll sing it for you." Gimli smiled then, and let her pass.

"Will you be persuaded to sing us a song from your world, Lady Maeve?" Galadriel's question cut through the conversation of the feast, and everyone present turned to look at her.

Smiling, Maeve bowed and motioned for her sisters to join her. "As it is you who has asked, My lady, we would be honored." She turned to look at the fellowship and caught Frodo's attention.

"Fast or slow? Which do you think would be better, master Baggins?"

"Both." Frodo answered with a grin.

Laughter filled the hall for a moment as the sisters spoke to each other in soft voices. Smiling, Maeve picked up an instrument that looked vaguely like a guitar and began to play a soft melody. Her voice joining in a moment later.

How does a moment last forever?

How can a story never die?

It is love we must hold onto.

Never easy, but we try.

Sometimes our happiness is captured.

Somehow, our time and place stand still.

Love lives on inside our hearts and always will.

Minutes turn to hours, days to years and gone.

But when all else has been forgotten,

Still our song lives on.

Smiling, Ana and Sorcha joined her, the voices melding into a beautiful harmony.

Maybe some moments weren't so perfect

Maybe some memories not so sweet.

But we have to know some bad times,

Or are lives are incomplete.

Then when the shadows overtake us.

Just when we feel all hope is gone.

We'll hear our song and know once more,

Our love lives on.

How does a moment last forever?

How does our happiness endure?

Through the darkest of our troubles,

Love is beauty, love is pure,

Love pays no mind to desolation.

It flows like a river through the soul.

Protects, persists, and perseveres,

And makes us whole.

Minutes turn to hours, days to years then gone.

But when all else has been forgotten.

Still our song lives on.

That's how a moment lasts forever:

When our song lives on. [1]

Silence fell over those gathered as the girls stopped singing. Before loud cheers broke out. A moment later, Sorcha began to play a lively tune, to be quickly joined by her sisters.

Chuaigh mé isteach i dteach aréir

is d'iarr mé cairde ar mhnaoi an leanna.

Is é dúirt sí liom "Ní bhfaighidh tú deor.

Buail an bóthar is gabh abhaile

I came by a house last night

And told the woman I am staying

I said to her:

"The moon is bright and my fiddles tuned for playing"

Tell me that the night is long

Tell me that the moon is glowing

Fill my glass I'll sing a song

And will start the music flowing

Never mind the rising light

There's no sign of day or dawning

In my heart it's still the night

And we'll stay here till the morning

[Chorus:]

Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,

níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,

níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,

solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.

It's not day nor yet awhile

I can see the starlight shining

Níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,

solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.

Fill the glasses one more time

And never heed the empty bottle

Turn the water into wine

And turn the party up full throttle

Don't go out into the cold

Where the wind and rain are blowing

For the fire is flaming gold

And in here the music's flowing

[Chorus]

Tell me that the night is long

Tell me that the moon is gleaming

Fill my glass, I'll sing a song

And we'll keep the music streaming

Until all the songs are sung [2]

The next day, just as dawn's first light was warming the air, the members of the fellowship gathered their things and met on the banks of the Anduin river. Once gathered, Galadriel and Celeborn met them and presented them with gifts to aid in their quest. The sisters watched with smiles on their faces as Galadriel moved slowly down the line the fellowship had formed.

Arriving lastly at the three of them, she smiled. "It has been my pleasure to know the three of you." Turning to Eilia, she was handed a small wooden rectangular object and a soft pouch. Handing them to Sorcha, she smiled; "Maeve drew the design for this when she was first among my people. A bow many members of the Galadhrim are eager to add to their collections."

Sorcha took the items in confusion, for it did not look like a regular bow. Maeve laughed at her sisters confused face and tapped a small button on the wooden frame. A second later it expanded to reveal a sturdy yet elegant crossbow.

"Remember the bow from Relic Hunter. That is what I was drawing that day." Maeve explained.

Sorcha and Ana laughed at the explanation and Sorcha looked back at Galadriel.

"Thank you my lady. I will treasure it always."

Galadriel smiled in return and looked down at Ana. A far away expression crossed her face for a heartbeat. Before she reached for a small bluish green vial Eilia held. Crouching down to Ana's eye level, Galadriel held the small object out to her. "Limpë is a closely guarded secret among my people. It is said that one sip is enough to turn a man into an elf. This however has been diluted with water from my mirror and the leaves of the Niphredil flower have been added. It will heal all but the most grievous of wounds. The vial is made of mithril, so it will never break."

Ana smiled and gave Galadriel a quick embrace in thanks before stepping back looking embarrassed.

"Thank you lady Galadriel. I will use this wisely." she murmured.

"Eilia suggest you may have an idea for what to call it, as it is no longer simply Limpë." she said in Ana's mind.

Looking to the elleth, Ana smiled and looked back to Galadriel. "Galipë" she said in her mind.

The sweet sound of Galadriel's laugh filled the air as she stood and looked to Maeve. Reaching out, she grasped her hand and placed into it a long, thin silver wand.

"This is Galyāhan. The light bringer. She has been in my care for many years, in the hope that one day, she would be needed to help in removing the presence of evil from this world. You will know when she is needed most."

Maeve stared in awe at the wand in her hand, as it hummed softly. Sliding it into her tall boot, she felt the power the wand possessed, and found it comforting.

Taking a step away, Galadriel addressed the company one last time; "Remember that the future belongs to those who still believe in the beauty of dreams. And hope is the most powerful weapon you will wield. Your company carries all the hopes of the free world. Bear it well. "

Silence fell as the girls watched their companions climb into the waiting boats. One by one, the girls each gave Eilia a quick hug as they walked by. Reaching the edge of the bank, Sorcha helped Ana into the middle of the last boat and carefully sat in front of her, before holding the boat steady as Maeve joined them in the back. As one by one the fellowship pushed off from the banks and slipped into the pull of the river. Suddenly the air filled with a haunting sound as the elves gathered sang a song of farewell. [3]

Notes:

Limpë - Drink of the Elves which was very fragrant and not unlike Miruvor in its healing drink is said to have been able to change a man into an Elf with one sip. Eriol is the only one known in history to do so.

Niphredil - A pale Winter flower, whose name means 'snowdrop' in Sindarin. It first bloomed in the forest of Neldoreth in Doriath at the birth of Lúthien. Together with elanor, it also grew in Lothlórien upon Cerin Amroth.

[1] How does a moment last forever from Beauty and the Beast

[2] Níl Sé'n Lá by Celtic Women

[3] The Soft Goodbye - Celtic Woman

Chapter 19. Riverboat Cruise

Leaving the safety of Lothlórien, the fellowship found the only thing that kept them sane on the silent path of the river was their own company. After overhearing Merry, Sam and Gimli remark on the silence, and how bored they were, an idea began to form in Ana's mind. Rounding a bend a short while later, she caught Gimli's attention.

"Gimli, do dwarves like riddles?"

He smiled and nodded."So do hobbits." Sam and Merry said at the same time. Ana grinned wickedly and looked across the water at her companions.

"Excellent. Then riddle me this, if you can. As I was travelling to the town if St. Ives, I met a man with seven wives. Each wife had seven sacks, each sack seven cats, each cat seven kits; Wives, sacks, cats, kits. How many were going to St. Ives? [1]

Silence fell over the company as they all processed her words. Looking at their faces, Ana smiled when Legolas grinned and nodded his head. Grinning back, Ana called out;

"Any answers? Legolas I think has it figured out."

Heads swiveled to look at the elf, who cooled his expression. Gimli growled, and stared back at the water, mumbling to himself as he did.

"I've got it!" Sam called out. "The answer is one. Only the man was going to St. Ives."

Ana laughed and nodded; "That's right Sam! Well done."

Voices softly filled the air as the remaining members of the company realized the answer.

"The rule is that the winner gives the next riddle. Do you know a difficult one Sam?" Sorcha asked.

Sam looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking; "What always runs but never walks. Often murmurs, never talks. Has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?"

This time it was Boromir who laughed, his face lighting up with a smile.

"A valiant effort Master Gamgee. The answer would be a river."

Sam smiled and nodded, enjoyment plain on his face.

Silence fell as the boats sailed smoothly down the river. After a few moments, Gimli called out; "Well get on with it lad." as he stared at Boromir.

Smiles lit up the faces of the company and Boromir sat up a bit straighter in his boat before speaking. "I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all, To live and breath on this terrestrial ball. What am I?"

Sorcha, leaned around to look behind her at Ana and Maeve, a sad expression on her face. Seeing expressions that mirrored her own, she quickly blinked away the tears she found were coming and looked back forward. Letting out a soft sigh, she glanced at Boromir in his boat and tried her best to put a smile on her face. Ignorant of the duress the sisters found themselves in, Gimli let out a cry and said; "I have it! Tomorrow!"

Cheers went up from the hobbits and Gimli grinned, a proud look on his face. "I drive men mad for love of me. Easily beaten, Never free." He said softly.

Legolas shook his head and gave Gimli a disappointed look. "An apt riddle from a dwarf. The answer is gold." he stated in a matter of fact voice.

The company all laughed at the interaction between the elf and dwarf.

"One more?" Frodo asked.

Legolas nodded his head and looked at the trees as they passed. Suddenly, he looked over and caught Sorcha's gaze. Without looking away he asked; "When you call out my name, I am no longer with you. What am I?"

Silence fell over the company as they processed the elf's riddle, until Frodo smiled.

"That which we have been avoiding. Silence."

Laughter filled the air again, and the company continued to paddle down the river. After a time spent in comfortable silence, Ana started to softly hum.

"Tis' a pretty tune lass." Gimli said, his voice calling out across the water. "Are there words?"

Looking over at the dwarf, she smiled and started to softly sing. The sound of the paddles breaking the water as they kept beat with her voice, set a steady pace.

Memories like voices that call in the wind,

Medhel an gwyns,

Medhel an gwyns.

Whispered and tossed on the tide coming in,

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

Voices like songs that are heard in the dawn,

Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns.

Singing the secrets of children unborn,

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

Dreams like the memories once born on the wind,

Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns.

Lovers and children and copper and tin,

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

Dreams like the castles that sleep in the sand,

Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns.

Slip through the fingers or held in the hand,

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

Songs like the dreams that the bow maiden spins,

Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns.

Weaving the song of the cry of the tin,

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

Medhel and gwyns, medhel an gwyns.

Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns. [2]

"What does it mean? Methel aan gwens?" Boromir's asked, his voice stuttering around the strange words..

"Soft is the wind." Sorcha answered.

The wind picked up at that moment, and silence again fell over the fellowship as they continued to paddle down the river.

Hours later, they came to a small outcropping that marked a small island of sorts. Large rocks and lush bushes provided adequate cover.. Aragorn instructed them to land, and camp was quickly set up. Lighting a small fire, the hobbits gathered around it for warmth as Sorcha handed out food. Once darkness fell, blankets were laid out and a watch was set up. Boromir and Aragorn took first. Watching them walk away, Ana sighed and wandered over to sit by Merry and Pippin. After watching sleep evade them while they tossed and turned, she began to softly sing;

Over in Killarney many years ago.

Me mother sang a song to me, In tones so sweet and low.

Just a simple little her good 'ould Irish way

And I'd give the world if she could sing that song to me this day.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby.

Oft in dreams I wander, to that cot again.

I feel her softly a-huggin' me, as when she held me then.

And I hear her voice a hummin', to me as in days of yore.

When she used to rock me fast asleep,outside the cabin door.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry.

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li

Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby. [3]

By the end of her song, Merry, Pippin, Gimli and Maeve were fast asleep. Curling up on her blanket, she'd just closed her eyes when Sam and Frodo's soft voices drifted through the air towards her.

"I'm all right." Frodo said, sounding very far away.

"But you're not." Sam replied. "I'm here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would."

Smiling, Ana sat up and watched as Sam walked away dejected after Frodo informed him; "You can't help me, Sam. Not this time."

The smile fell from her face, and she slowly walked over to join him by the fire. Reaching out, she gently laid her hand on Sam's arm. Looking at her, she watched the sad expression on his face for a moment before she softly spoke. "He carries the weight of the world. Remember Sam, we cannot fail while we remain true to each other. Whether the steadfastness is wanted or not." Looking at her brother, she said "He'll need you before the end."

Sam nodded and pulled his blanket around himself, curling up by the fire to sleep. With a sigh, she returned to her blanket and was asleep the moment her eyes closed.

On the other side of the little island, Sorcha sat watching the eastern shore with Legolas.

"A shadow has been growing in my mind." Legolas' soft voice broke the silence.

"Celeborn warned Aragorn. We are being hunted. It is a strange thing, to know what is coming, yet do nothing to prepare for it."

Silence followed and Sorcha soon found it difficult to keep her eyes open. After nearly falling into her companion, he smiled and helped her to her feet.

"Go, you need rest more than I."

Nodding her agreement, she quickly strode back to camp, arriving just in time to hear the end of a heated argument between Boromir and her brother.

"But there is courage also and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that. You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are, of what you are."

"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!"

With a heavy sigh, she silently approached Boromir after her brother walked away. "You're right. He is afraid. But not for the reasons you think. He bears the burden of this quest, and fears he will let us all down. That we will fail and our enemy destroy everything we hold dear. Do not take his words to heart. We will see the world of men restored."

Without waiting for a reply, she walked over to the fire and lay down beside it, asleep before she'd closed her eyes.

Dawn came and brought a heavy silence with it. The darkness that was the day before just brushing their minds, now sat heavy on the heart of every member of the fellowship. After a day on the water, they came to the great stone statues of The Argonath. Staring in awe, they swiftly floated past as the current of the river quickened and flowed into a great lake before billowing down the falls of Rauros. Steering their boats to the western shore, they pushed them out of the lake and climbed from them. After spreading out in the shade of the trees, they lit a small fire and sat. Aragorn's voice filled the air.

"We'll cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North."

Gimli scoffed from his place on the ground beside Pippin and Ana.

"Oh, yes? Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that, it gets even better. Festering, stinking marshland as far as the eye can see."

"That is our road." Aragorn replied firmly.

"Sadly." Sorcha quipped.

Her brother shot her a look, and she scowled. Picking up her bow and walking over to stand watch beside Legolas.

"I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, master Dwarf." Aragorn added as he watched Sorcha walk away.

"We can't stay here." Legolas said softly when Sorcha joined him.

She cringed and looked out at the forest as well. The darkness creeping closer with every second that passed. Silence fell between the two of them for a heartbeat before Legolas, scowled and spun around, stalking over to Aragorn.

"We should leave now."

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me."

Turning around and joining them, Sorcha added, her voice overlapping with Legolas; "I agree. They are coming. Soon."

"A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind." Legolas paused and looked at Sorcha. "Who is coming?"

Looking at him, Sorcha cringed. "You're telling me, you can't feel them coming?"

The sound of wood falling and Merry's voice filled the camp. Dread filled Sorcha, and she looked around the camp to find Frodo, Boromir and Maeve were gone.

Notes:

[1] This is a slightly deviated version of the riddle from 'Die Hard with a Vengeance'.

*All the other riddles, I found online*

[2] Medhyl andGwyns

[3] An Irish Lullaby

As normal all of my additions (such as songs and armor designs) can be found on my pintrest board:

.ca/whiterosefletch/the-stars/

Chapter 20. Breaking of the Fellowship

Maeve

After setting her bag and quiver on the ground, Maeve took a deep breath. The air seemed to radiate with sorrow, and a soft voice tugged at her heart. Without looking where she was going, she started to walk towards the ruins at the top of the hill. Partway up, she heard a noise and glanced behind her to see Frodo trudging up the same hill, a few yards behind her. Slowing her pace, he soon caught up with her and the two wandered around the ruins. A short time later, the separated, him going down the hill near a fallen statue, and her to the top of a crumbling tower.

Sitting on the edge of the rock, Maeve basked in the silence of the forest and stared out into the trees. Her revere was broken by the sound and a sharp pain in her head, followed by the voice of the Ring on the air. Jumping down from the tower and running a short ways away, she found Boromir sobbing on the ground, calling out apologies to Frodo. With a sad sigh, she took a step towards him, only to hear a huge crash from up the hill. Looking up, Boromir's face was filled with sorrow and his pained voice filled the air as he stared at Maeve; "I have failed you all. I tried to take-"

"Hush now. Things are now as they were meant to be." Hearing the sound of heavy footsteps drawing closer, she offered Boromir her hand. "On your feet soldier[1], there is still time to recover your honor." Pulling him to his feet, she reached for her arrows, only to remember that she'd left her bow at the camp. Reaching instead for her belt, she pulled her whip sword from its place as the first of the monstrous Uruk-hai appeared through the trees.

"What is this new devilry?" Boromir asked.

"Saruman. They're here for the hobbits." The only explanation Maeve had time to give before the wave of creatures washed over them.

Her words were proved true by the grating voice calling out; "Find the Halfling!"

With a cry they threw themselves into the fray. A moment later, they heard the voices of Merry and Pippin calling out; "Hey! Hey you! Over here!"

Confusion filled Boromir's face, and he glanced at Maeve.

"Now is the time my friend. Go! Merry and Pippin need you. I'll be right behind you."

Without waiting further, he took off down the path. A loud cry a moment later alerted her to the fact that Boromir had gotten to the hobbits in time.

Grinning, she continued to fight her way through the trees, only to be stopped by the sound of a horn.

"No." With her dagger in one hand, and her whip in the other, she took off running towards the sound, slashing, kicking and hitting any Urks she came across. Tumbling through the trees, she found herself face to face with a cloaked figure.

"My master sent his creatures to find the halfling. I however have been tasked with bringing you."

Without warning, a blast of energy washed over Maeve and she fell to the ground unconscious.

Ana

Ana and Pippin exchanged a worried look at Merry's question. After looking around the camp and discovering both he and Boromir were missing, the remaining members of the fellowship took off up the hill. Partway up the hill, a splitting pain in her head brought Ana to her knees with a gasp. Wave after wave of pain pounded in her head and a bleary Ana stumbled back down the hill towards the camp. Only a few steps later, she slipped and fell down a narrow hollow beside a large tree. Hitting her head on a large rock partway down caused white spots to dance across her vision. Sitting up slowly, she blinked and called out for her companions, only to snap her mouth shut at the sound of swords clashing. Trying to stand, Ana found her knees would not hold her. Grasping at the tree, she managed to slowly pull herself from the crack in the ground.

Once free, an icy wave passed over her and she felt like she was being pulled in two. As suddenly as it started, the icy feeling went away, leaving a soft hum that resonated from her ring. Glancing down, she found it was glowing. Taking a deep breath, Ana leaned back against the tree and tried to focus her power on the ring. A moment later, she was watching a cloaked figure as he tied Maeve up and hauled her up onto the back of a large black horse.[2] Blinking her eyes, the vision disappeared and Ana was left exhausted. Determined, she slowly began to pull herself down the hill, using trees and rocks. What felt like hours later, she tripped and stumbled into the camp in time to see Sam standing in the water.

"Mister Frodo!" A smile filled her face as she watched Sam start to trudge out towards her brother in his boat.

"Turn around Frodo." she whispered.

As if he'd heard her, he spun around in the boat and called out; "Go back Sam. I'm going to Mordor alone."

"Of course you are. And I'm coming with you." Sam yelled back.

"You can't swim." Frodo cried as Sam got farther from the shore.

Suddenly he disappeared beneath the water, and Ana knew she had to do something.

"Sam! Sam!" Frodo cried as he turned the boat back towards the shore.

Drawing on the last of her strength, she sent a wave of power towards Sam and her brother. A heartbeat later, the boat was moving towards where Sam had gone under, and Frodo was reaching into the water. At the same time, the wave of power reached Sam and the air in his lungs lasted long enough for Frodo to reach him. He was pulled out of the water and onto the boat where the two embraced. The world around her began to darken and the last thing Ana heard before the darkness overwhelmed her was Sam's declaration.

"I made a promise mister Frodo. 'Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee.' And I don't mean to."

Sorcha

"Where's Frodo?"

The simple question sent a jolt of fear through Sorcha, and she whirled around to look for Boromir. When her eyes settled on his shield and bedding, panic began to churn inside of her.

"Boromir's gone also." panic flowing from her voice along with her statement.

"Mar sin tá Maeve. {So is Maeve.}" Ana said.

"I'm going to find them. {Táim chun iad a aimsiú.}" Sorcha called out. Without looking at her companions, she ran for the top of the hill.

"Sorcha! Slow down. All will be well. We'll find them."

Skidding to a stop, Sorcha whirled on her brother, who'd stuck close behind her.

"It won't! You don't know- Ah!" With a pained cry, she grabbed for her head and fell into her brother.

"Sorcha, what's-"

"No time. He put the ring on! You must go! Frodo will be at the ruins at the top of the hill." When he hesitated, she shoved her brother away. "Go! This is your path to walk. I will be fine. Go!"

Without a word, he took off running to the top of the hill. A moment after he disappeared from her sight, Sorcha's knees gave out. She'd have collapsed in a heap on the forest floor were it not for Legolas and Gimli, who appeared at that moment.

"Careful lass." Gimli said, catching her arm as her knees gave out.

"Thanks Gimli." she said before straightening and looking past him back up the hill. A second later the sound of Aragorn's voice filled the air followed by metal on metal. Glancing at Legolas from the corner of her eye, Sorcha took one step after another until she was sprinting towards the sound of the fight. She rounded a large tree just a gravely voice called out "Find the halfling!". A heartbeat later a wall of Uruk-hai descended through the trees. Pulling her new crossbow out as she dodged the monsters. She shot three Uruks before reaching the top of the hill in time to see her brother jump from the ruins. Shooting as she went, she grabbed Aragorn's arm and pulled him to his feet as Legolas and Gimli rounded the corner of the ruins and joined the fray.

"Aragorn, go!" Legolas' voice filled the air as he shot his bow.

Glancing at her brother, they two of them took off down the hill, hacking, dodging and shooting as they went. A moment later, Sorcha found herself trapped with her back to a wall of ruins, surrounded by three Uruks. After dispatching two of them, she whirled around to face the third only to find it keeling over with an arrow in its head. Looking to the left, she found Legolas jabbing an Uruk with an arrow, before slashing another with his long dagger. Grinning, she quickly clipped her bow to her belt and grabbed her Chakram. With one blade in each hand, she jumped over the bodies and flung herself at the nearest Uruk, ending up back to back with the elf.

A heartbeat later a blasting sound filled the forest and Legolas looked down the hill towards the sound. "The horn of Gondor!"

"Boromir." Aragorn cried as he tightened his grasp in his sword, before taking off running.

"Stupid bloody troglodyte. Why'd he have to blow that horn." Sorcha swore as they took off after her brother. Sorcha lost track of the battle details after that, the only things that registered on her brain were the locations of Legolas and Gimli in relation to her, as well as the number of bodies they felled. What seemed like hours later, they reached the bottom of the hill in time to see Aragorn crouching down near Boromir. Slowly walking over, she knelt and felt tears falling as she heard his gasping words.

"It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness. And my city to ruin."

With a pained gasp he tried to sit up and Sorcha reached for him, gently pushing him back against the earth.

"Brúigh Boromir. Rinne tú go maith. {Hush, Boromir. You have done well.}" she whispered.

Aragorn grasped his arm and stared at his dying friend; "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall, nor our people fail."

With a sob, Sorcha watched as pride filled Boromir's face. "Our people." He reached for his fallen sword, and Aragorn helped him to grasp it. As he clutched it to his chest, Sorcha slowly reached her hand out and touched his head, murmuring as she did; "Níl sé i bhfad, ach - {It's not much but -}"

Boromir's words to Aragorn faded as she focused on the image she wanted to impart. Drawing on the power in her ring, she saw in her mind, Minas Tirith as it would be on the day of Aragorn's coronation. Carefully she pushed that image along with Aragorn being crowned king into her friends mind. Withdrawing, she watched as a smile filled his face, as he took his last breath. With tears freely flowing down her face, Sorcha slowly stood and turned towards Legolas and Gimli. Taking a step towards them, she felt nothing but numbness as her brother's voice filled the air.

"The will look for his coming from the white tower, but he will not return."

After a moment of silence, Sorcha took a steadying breath and said; "Ní féidir linn é a fhágáil do chréatúir na fiáine. {We cannot leave him for the creatures of the wild.}"

When no reply came, she turned to look at her companions, finding confused looks on their faces. "We can't just leave him here." she whispered.

Understanding dawned on Aragorn's face and he nodded. Speaking quickly to Legolas, the two of them moved towards Boromir's body.

"Wait." Sorcha cried. Stepping back, they allowed her to quickly break the arrow shafts before she stepped away again.

Gimli took a step towards her and she felt a soft hand on her arm. Looking down, they exchanged a sad look, before solemnly watching as Legolas and Aragorn carried their friends body towards the shore. Following quickly behind, Sorcha ran to the closest boat and pulled all of the remaining items from it. Following her example, they gently laid Boromir into the boat before stepping away.

Standing, Sorcha looked to her companions. "I will do this. You must find your weapons. Go."

Without a word, Aragorn and Legolas disappeared back into the trees. Looking up from her place near the boat, Sorcha watched as Gimli hefted Boromir's sword and brought it over, placing it in the boat near his head, before stepping away to stand near the shore. Looking down at the face of her friend, a new wave of tears rolled down Sorcha's face.

"Sorcha? Cad a tharla?{Sorcha? What's happened?}"

With a gasp, Sorcha jumped to her feet and whirled around to see Ana leaning against a tree, with a large bloody gash on her head.

"Ana!" she scrambled to her sister and pulled her into an embrace. "Conas? I cé gur tógadh thú. Cá bhfuil Maeve?{How? I thought you were taken. Where is Maeve?}"

"Sorcha, lig dom dul. Ní féidir liom análú.{Sorcha, let me go. I can't breathe.}" Ana gasped.

With a jolt, Sorcha released her sister and leaned away.

"Tá sé mar a bhí eagla orainn.Ní raibh mé in ann a bhás a chosc, agus thóg na huruks Merry agus Pippin. {It's as we feared. I couldn't prevent his death, and the Uruks took Merry and Pippin.}" she whispered as tears flowed down her face.

Slowly nodding, Ana took a deep breath and pulled Sorcha to her feet, before walking towards the boat where Boromir lay. Without speaking, the two of them set about preparing their friend for his watery burial. After smoothing out his clothing and cleaning the dirt from his face, they stood and stared for a moment. Whirling at the sound of footfalls behind them, they found Aragorn and Legolas walking out of the trees. Without speaking, they joined the girls at the water's edge. Watching from their place near the water as Legolas and Aragorn pushed the boat into the lake, the girls grasped each others hand and began to haltingly sing a sad song;

I'm moving on now, no more to say.

Time I was gone now, why would I stay?

Don't rake the ashes.

I'll take the lashes.

You go now, I'll walk away.

No cause to wonder.

No one's immune.

I kissed you under the hunter's moon.

You wander free now, don't look for me now.

You go now, before you find your dreams are strewn.

Beneath that icy hunter's moon.

Dying all too soon beneath the hunter's savage moon.

Time I was gone now, Anchors aweigh.

I'm moving on now, just one more day.

I'll let you go now, how do we know though?

Who hunted? Who was the prey?

You and I flew too high, now we're falling free.

Through the night, burning bright and colder than the sea.

Now our dreams are strewn, Beneath that icy hunter's moon.

Dying all too soon, beneath the hunter's savage moon.

Souls are out of tune, that kiss beneath that hunter's moon.

Harsh and out of tune and cursed to wander here and there forever,

Like the lonely moon. [3]

Notes:
[1] Another nod to 'Outlander'. I take no credit, it all goes to the lovely Diana Gabaldon and the writers of the show.

[2] Black Shire Horse

[3] The Hunter's Moon - Celtic Thunder